VANCOUVER, Wash. – In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Washington State University Vancouver invites the community to a special celebration honoring the rich cultural traditions and enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. The event, Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration: Honoring the Land and Our Ancestors, will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 14 in the Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110 on campus. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.

The celebration will feature a powerful performance by PDX Walptaiksha Drum, a revered collective of singers and drummers from the local Indigenous community. Their songs—ranging from traditional ceremonial pieces to modern powwow styles—serve as a tribute to the deep connection between the people, the land and their ancestors.

“The drum is the heartbeat of our people,” said Dominique Arthur, PDX Walptaiksha Drum member. “It calls us together, tells our stories and reminds us of our strength in community. We are honored to share our songs and invite everyone to experience the power and feeling that comes from the drum.”

Program Highlights:

• Land Acknowledgment and Opening Prayer by Julian Ankney, campus director of Native American Programs
• Traditional Drum and Song Performance by PDX Walptaiksha Drum, featuring traditional songs and explanations about their significance
• Indigenous Poetry read by students and community members
• Traditional round dance guided by performers, join in if you choose
• Intertribal Discussion and Reflection on heritage, resilience and the importance of honoring Indigenous traditions

Attendees are encouraged to be present and respectful of the ceremonial nature of the performances.

About Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed on the second Monday of October, recognizes the diverse cultures, histories and contributions of Native peoples. It serves as an opportunity to honor Indigenous communities and raise awareness of both historic and contemporary issues faced by Native peoples.

About WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134^th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-TRAN bus service. Find a campus map at vancouver.wsu.edu/map. Parking is available in the Blue Daily Pay lot for $4 a day. Download the AMP Park app or go to aimsmobilepay.com to pay for parking.

As one of six campuses of the WSU system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools, area tribes and nonprofit organizations. 

WSU Vancouver is located on the homelands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Peoples of the Lower Columbia Valley. We acknowledge their presence here. WSU Vancouver expresses its respect towards these original and current caretakers of the region. We pledge that these relationships will be built on mutual trust and respect.

# # #

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted the danger advisory at Vancouver Lake. The harmful algal blooms at the lake have dissipated, and water samples collected from the lake show toxin levels are no longer elevated.

The danger signs posted at the lake are being removed. However, harmful algal blooms may return if lake conditions change. Public Health encourages people recreating in local lakes to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas.

Public Health issued the danger advisory at Vancouver Lake on July 23 due to widespread harmful algal blooms producing elevated levels of cyanotoxins. Public Health will continue to monitor Vancouver Lake and will collect water samples for testing if an algal bloom is present.

The latest information about advisories is available on the Public Health website.

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the ODF office, 415 Patterson Bridge Rd., John Day. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Division and field updates
• Operator of the Year decision
• Forest Practices Technical Guidance update
• Forest practices rulemaking: Post-disturbance rules, tethered logging
• Habitat Conservation Plan status
• Forest Resources Division Training Team summary
• Forest Practices Compliance Monitoring Program update

The public may attend in-person or online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law – that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry and may assist the Board of Forestry in developing appropriate forest practice rules. The committees are comprised of citizens qualified by education or experience in natural resource management. In 1971, the legislature enacted Oregon’s Forest Practices Act which includes three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Eastern, Northwest, and Southwest regions of the state. Under Oregon law, a majority of the committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

Oregon’s forests are among the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic, and social benefits. View more information on the RFPC webpage.

4 WEEKS CASCADIA READY

Emergencies can happen anytime. Sometimes help may not arrive for days or even weeks, especially after big disasters like earthquakes or wildfires. In Lincoln County, we recommend being ready to take care of yourself and your family for at least 4 weeks. This is called being “4 Weeks Cascadia Ready.”

What does this mean?

• Have enough food, water, and supplies for everyone in your home for four weeks. This includes pets.
• You may need things like medicine, first aid supplies, flashlights, and extra batteries.
• Plan for how you will stay clean, cook food, and stay warm if the power is out.

How to Get Ready

Be Informed

• Learn about the dangers where you live, like earthquakes, storms, and floods.
• Know your local evacuation routes.
• Sign up for emergency alerts with Lincoln Alerts.

Make a Family Plan

• Talk with your family about what to do if you are not together during an emergency.
• Practice your plan at different times and places, like home, school, or work.
• Plan to check on neighbors and people who may need extra help.

Build an Emergency Kit

• Pack at least 4 weeks of food and water for every person and pet.
• Include a battery-powered or hand crank radio, flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, whistle, dust mask, face coverings, plastic sheeting, duct tape, moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties, wrench or pliers, manual can opener, local maps, and a cell phone with chargers and power banks.

Find more information and resources at:

• Lincoln County Emergency Management – Plan and Prepare Resources
• Lincoln County Emergency Management – Hazards: Earthquake
• Be Ready – Make a Plan
• Be Ready – Build a Kit
• CDC – Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Red Cross – How to Prepare for Emergencies
• Oregon Emergency Management – 2 Weeks Ready

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

To view the Board's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Meeting Minutes

Approve the July 24, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Fire Policy Committee

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – Chris Heppel, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Andrew Lawrie, DPSST No. 42329; Cannon Beach RFPD – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 27, 2025.

B. Shawn Mullen, DPSST No. 21394; Clackamas County Fire District #1 – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 27, 2025.

C. Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-009-0005, OAR 259-009-0062, and OAR 259-009-0065

Minimum Standard on Professional Qualifications for NFPA Apparatus Driver/Operator

D. Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-009-0005, OAR 259-009-0062, and OAR 259-009-0065

Housekeeping Removal of Certifications That Are No Longer Issued

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Jennifer Cameron, Vice-Chair

d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Michael Kendoll, DPSST No. 53144; Oregon State Police – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 21, 2025.

B. Samuel McKenzie, DPSST No. 63038; Prineville Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the TPC on August 6, 2025.

C. Katherine Mood, DPSST No. 61760; Marion County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

D. Chance Oxnam, DPSST No. 54580; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

E. Herlet Padilla, DPSST No. 63118; Clatsop County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

F. Jared Paul, DPSST No. 57056; Oregon State Police – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 21, 2025.

G. Brian Scharbach, DPSST No. 61981; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

H. Matthew Smart, DPSST No. 38451; Reedsport Police Department – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 21, 2025.

I. Kyle Stott, DPSST No. 58027; Deschutes County Adult Parole & Probation – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

J. Timothy Trabosh, DPSST No. 49653; Marion County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Eleven (11) to one (1) recusal vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

K. Dustin Wann, DPSST No. 45182; Salem police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 21, 2025.

L. Justin White, DPSST No. 53769; DOC/Two Rivers Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

M. Jordan Williams, DPSST No. 58995; Ontario Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 21, 2025.

N. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-006-0010

Criminal Justice Applicant Review Committee Membership.

O. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085

Codifying Board Approval of the Revisions to the Basic Parole and Probation Academy Curriculum

P. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085 (20)

Absences and Remediation of Missed Training.

Q. Approval of Changes to the Basic Parole and Probation Curriculum

R. Committee Appointments

Corrections Policy Committee

• • Matthew Phillips – Oregon State Sheriffs' Association. Appointment to the CPC, 1st term effective January 22, 2025.

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Dan Lenzen, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote).

A. Thorston Hartmann, PSID No. 055208 – Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 19, 2025.

B. Melinda Norush, PSID No. 109757 – Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 19, 2025.

C. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-059-0010, 259-059-0020, 259-060-0010, 259-060-0201, and 259-060-0450

Related to SB 300 Changes to the Definition of Private Security Entity

7. Agency Updates – Agency Director, Phil Castle

9. Next Meeting Date: January 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Board members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

SEASIDE, Ore. – Oct. 2, 2025 – The City of Seaside Visitors Bureau and Tourism Advisory Committee announce the launch of a brand-new Community Arts and Vitality Grant opportunity, created to support public art, placemaking, and wayfinding projects that enhance Seaside’s visual landscape and enrich the experience of Seaside as a year-round destination.

Up to $25,000 in grant funding is available for the 2025-2026 inaugural cycle. Applications are due Dec. 5, 2025.

“This new grant is a chance for tourism to invest in the vibrant creative and civic spirit of Seaside,” said Joshua Heineman, Seaside’s tourism marketing director. “We’re looking for ideas - big and small - that’ll bring more beauty, historical context, and other inspiration to the streets of this unique beach town for the benefit of residents and our visitors alike.”

Public art installations, murals, and shovel-ready placemaking projects that contribute to Seaside’s long-term cultural vitality and appeal as a tourism destination are all eligible for consideration under this grant. For more details, please review the guidelines posted at SeasideOR.com/Tourism-Grant-Program.

In addition to the newly-launched arts grant, another tourism grant opportunity focused on supporting offseason events remains open through Dec. 5, 2025. Since opening for applications on a rolling basis in May 2025, the events grant has awarded $15,250 to five different organizations.

The Seaside Visitors Bureau is a department of the City of Seaside and the official destination marketing/management organization. The Seaside Welcome Center, located at the intersection of Highway 101 and Broadway, also serves as an official State Welcome Center in collaboration with Travel Oregon.

end of release

Regional districts show strong gains in early reading as focus on science-based instruction grows

HILLSBORO – The numbers are out, and the data paints a mixed picture. Northwest Regional Education Service District’s region, which includes 20 school districts in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties, saw some districts with notable gains in early literacy and others with lower scores than hoped.

Across this region, 44.2% of third graders are proficient in English Language Arts, meaning they read well enough to identify a story’s central idea and answer questions about that story and write an essay. Statewide, 40.3% of third-graders are proficient.   

That’s a -0.1 percentage point change from last year for the region and still about 5 percentage points below pre-pandemic levels.

As districts adopt research-backed instructional strategies and focus on closing long-standing gaps in student achievement that are often predicated by a child’s socioeconomic status, several have made notable gains. 

Nestucca Valley, Tillamook, Seaside, Rainier, Gaston and Vernonia showed strong growth in third-grade reading outcomes compared to last year. Additionally, Seaside, Knappa, Sherwood and St. Helens posted strong and steady growth over four years. 

Northwest Regional Education Service District’s early literacy experts offer a suite of opportunities for schools to engage in improvement, no matter where they’re starting from. Schools and districts are accessing a variety of tailored supports, including:

• Teaching educators brain science and how children learn to read

• Helping teachers adopt research-backed practices for teaching reading

• Creating school-wide systems so everyone is working together

“The ability to read and write is a fundamental right,” says Laurel Fischer, an early literacy professional learning coach at Northwest Regional Education Service District who has worked in the field for nearly two decades.

“Getting more kids reading proficiently is not going to be a quick fix. Not all educators in our region have historically had access to the science of reading research. So when we work with them, we start from the beginning and then help them build systems and change teaching practices. This is not easy or fast work, but we can see incremental gains starting to take hold.”

Recommended Contacts for Interviews and Commentary:

• Laurel Fischer (lfischer@nwresd.k12.or.us), Early Literacy Professional Learning Coach at Northwest Regional Education Service District

  • Focus areas: science of reading instruction, data-based decision-making, high-quality teaching strategies

• Ryan Blasquez (blasquez@nwresd.k12.or.us" style="text-decoration-line: none;">rblasquez@nwresd.k12.or.us), Director of Instructional Services at Northwest Regional Education Service District

  • Focus areas: literacy systems, statewide improvement goals

• Stephanie Sparks (ks@astoria.k12.or.us" style="text-decoration-line: none;">ssparks@astoria.k12.or.us), Director of Instructional Support, Astoria School District 

  • District adopted new English Language Arts curriculum in 2024-25, implemented professional development for teachers, saw 10 percentage point gain for K-5th graders on the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) benchmark assessment

• Heidi Schultz (heidis@nestucca.k12.or.us), K-8 Associate Principal, Nestucca Valley School District

  • District received early literacy professional development including training in Language Essentials For Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), saw a 17.9 percentage point increase in Oregon Statewide Assessment System (OSAS) scores (32.6% proficient in 2024-25 compared to 14.7% proficient in 2023-24)

• Kendra Schlegel (kschlegel@vernoniak12.org), Elementary Director of Title I and Title III, Vernonia School District

  • Works with Oregon Response to Instruction and Intervention, heavy emphasis on core reading instruction, steady increases over four years from 24.3% proficient in 2021-22 to 34.9% in 2024-25. The Oregon Department of Education recently featured the work Vernonia School District is doing to improve early reading instruction.

To learn more about how schools in our region are improving literacy, read: Far Too Many Students Lag in Reading: Here’s What We’re Doing About It. Learn more about our Early Literacy supports. 

About Northwest Regional Education Service District

Northwest Regional ESD is Oregon’s largest education service district, serving students, educators, child care providers and families in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties. Our region includes both large, urban school districts in Washington County and smaller, rural districts along the Columbia River, the Coast Range and the North Oregon coast.

Headquartered in Hillsboro, with service centers in St. Helens, Astoria and Tillamook, we support 20 school districts and more than 98,000 students. Our agency partners with schools to deliver cost-effective services in special education, technology, professional development and school improvement, as well as operational support in business services and human resources.

Bend Fire & Rescue is pleased to announce that Melissa Steele has been named Deputy Fire Marshal of Wildfire Preparedness, a new position with the Department that is dedicated to increasing community preparedness and resilience in the face of wildfire.

Steele has been in the fire service for 24 years, first as a wildland firefighter and emergency medical technician with the United States Forest Service and then with CalFire in Paradise, California. She was hired as a fire inspector with Bend Fire in 2022.

Steele stood out as an ideal candidate because of her expertise in wildfire prevention, stemming from her experience in the field and vast professional development over the years.

“We have been so impressed by all Melissa has accomplished in her time with Bend Fire. Her passion for this work and the respect she has earned across Central Oregon will help her be successful in this role,” said Deputy Chief of Prevention Jason Bolen.   

Her work as an inspector included investigating fire causes, ensuring safety and compliance with fire codes, educating the public on how to prevent fires and performing home assessments for community members who want to mitigate their wildfire risk. Steele also developed the Own Your Zone: First Five Feet program, which teaches residents simple actions that can be taken to protect their homes and properties from wildfire. She has attended preparedness fairs and events on behalf of the Department, sits on many regional committees that address wildfire preparedness and emergency planning, and supports Firewise USA® neighborhoods by attending and speaking at education events. Steele was awarded the Bend Fire & Rescue Appreciation Award for exceptional service in fire safety and community outreach after only a year of working with the Department.

“I’ve lived and worked in communities that were lost to wildfire,” said Steele. “My lifelong goal is to see that Bend is a success story, so I’m looking for every opportunity to work with the community and local partners on laying a strong foundation of prevention before we are threatened by disaster.”

In 2023, Steele earned the title of National Fire Academy Instructor, teaching a Fire Adapted Communities Course at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters in Emmitsburg, Maryland, sharing her work with local neighborhoods and partners to create wildfire-ready communities on a national stage.

The Bend City Council is prioritizing the Bend community’s readiness for large-scale emergencies like wildfire this biennium, with several of the 2025-2027 Council Goals directed towards improving wildfire resiliency. Specific actions within these goals include expanding community outreach and education.

“It’s no longer unusual to hear of entire communities being destroyed by wildfire, and Bend is no exception to this possibility. Council has heard from the community that there is a need for more resources devoted to educating and empowering residents to act ahead of an incident,” said Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler. “Having someone as capable as Melissa to help us carry out our goals for wildfire resiliency will greatly impact our collective risk as a community.”

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland woman made her first appearance in federal court yesterday after assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Katherine Meagan Vogel, 39, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on the evening of September 30, 2025, federal officers detained Vogel after she applied red paint to the driveway of the ICE facility. Federal officers escorted Vogel to the ICE facility to interview her for conduct related to depredation of government property. While federal officers processed her, Vogel struck one of the federal officers in the jaw with a closed fist. Officers then arrested her for the additional charge of assaulting a federal officer.

“Violence and property damage at the ICE building or any other federal building will not be tolerated. If you assault a federal law enforcement officer or damage federal property, you will be arrested and federally prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 28 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

Vogel made her first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.

Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 1, 2025): As the 2025-26 school year gets underway, kindergarten classrooms are filled with children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. With early-life exposure to common germs limited during lockdowns, these “pandemic babies” may be more susceptible to viruses this season, including cold, flu, COVID and RSV.

“Children’s immune systems need exposure to common germs to build resilience, but that doesn’t mean parents should keep their kids in a bubble,” said Dr. Denike. “We’re seeing many kindergartners experiencing more frequent colds and viruses, simply because they missed those early exposures during the pandemic years. This is normal and expected -- the immune system is learning."

“The key is to manage illness responsibly. If your child has a fever or is clearly unwell, keeping them home not only speeds their recovery but also limits the spread of flu, RSV, and other viruses in classrooms. Good handwashing, healthy sleep, and staying up to date on recommended vaccines are other important tools to keep families healthier this season.

Interviews available: 
Dr. Lisa Denike, Pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews today, Thursday, Oct. 2 from 1:30-3 p.m. en.a.vitt@kp.org">Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Denike is prepared to discuss:

• Recognizing early signs of illness and when to keep kids home from school
• Healthy habits to support immune function, including handwashing and nutrition
• Recommended vaccinations for children, including routine childhood vaccines

Kaiser Permanente Northwest offers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to members 6 months and older, along with seasonal flu vaccinations.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org.

Oct. 1, 2025

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA seeks input on Oregon beaches to monitor in 2026, 2027

Public comment on proposed beach locations welcome through Oct. 31

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) at Oregon Health Authority invites public comment on a list of proposed beaches to monitor for health risks in 2026 and 2027.

The list was created based on established criteria, such as high recreational use, history of nearby pollution hazards, previously measured high bacteria levels and public input.

OBMP is a multi-agency effort between OHA and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to monitor the marine waters along Oregon's coastline for the presence of fecal bacteria, and to report elevated levels to the public. Through this program, DEQ regularly samples marine water and freshwater at 24 beaches along Oregon’s 360 miles of coastline between May and September. To protect public health, OHA issues advisories at beaches where bacteria levels in marine waters are high.

In the last round of site selection, DEQ used the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) environmental justice screening tool (a nationally consistent dataset and approach for combining environmental and demographic indicators) to assess the potential for the OBMP efforts to benefit vulnerable and underserved populations. However, EPA’s screening tool is no longer available. Therefore, OBMP is also asking for the public to comment on the extent to which information generated from the proposed beach monitoring would serve vulnerable and underserved communities.

OHA and DEQ routinely reevaluate beach use and sampling locations to expend available resources most effectively toward public health protection. The proposed list includes some of the most frequently visited beaches in Oregon, beaches where the program has previously found bacteria, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns. Based on OBMP’s evaluation criteria, OHA and DEQ propose sampling the following beaches for the 2026/2027 monitoring season:

Clatsop County

• SEASIDE BEACH – Seaside
• CANNON BEACH  – Cannon Beach
• TOLOVANA SP BEACH – Cannon Beach

Coos County

• BASTENDORFF BEACH  –  Coos Bay
• SUNSET BAY SP BEACH  –  Coos Bay

Curry County

• HUBBARD CREEK BEACH – Port Orford
• HARRIS BEACH SP – Brookings
• MILL BEACH – Brookings
• CRISSEY FIELD STATE RECREATION SITE – Brookings

Lane County

• HECETA BEACH  – Florence

Lincoln County

• D RIVER SP BEACH – Lincoln City
• BEVERLY BEACH – Newport
• AGATE SP BEACH – Newport
• NYE BEACH – Newport
• SEAL ROCK SP BEACH – Seal Rock
• SILETZ BAY – Lincoln City 
• ONA BEACH – Beaver Creek State Natural Area, Brian Booth State Park

Tillamook County

• SHORT SAND BEACH – Arch Cape
• MANZANITA BEACH – Manzanita
• ROCKAWAY BEACH – Rockaway
• TWIN ROCKS BEACH – Twin Rocks
• OCEANSIDE – Oceanside
• CAPE KIWANDA – Pacific City
• NESKOWIN BEACH STATE RECREATION SITE – Neskowin

Note: Beaches marked with an asterisk refer to those within potential environmental justice communities that may be likely to recreate at the beach and therefore have more exposure to high bacterial levels.

To add beaches to the list and continue to operate within available OBMP resources, DEQ would need to reduce sampling locations at other beaches. If locations are removed from the list, it would be only locations where historical data show low risk.

OBMP will accept public comments and suggestions on the proposed 2026/2027 selection of beaches and sampling locations through Oct. 31. Contact OBMP by submitting comments at https://forms.office.com/g/GLxXuvsgVu.

For more information about OBMP, visit the program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

DALLAS (OR) – Stephanny Shabri Johnson, 37, has been sentenced to serve 66 months (5 ½ years) in prison for her role in a scheme to create and distribute counterfeit currency in the Salem-Dallas area as well as being in possession of multiple stolen documents containing personal identifying information.

Johnson, of Dallas, was sentenced by Polk County Circuit Judge Rafael A. Caso, after a jury found her guilty of Aggravated Identity Theft, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the First Degree, two counts of Forgery in the First Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Forgery Device. Johnson will also be required to serve a two year term of Post-Prison Supervision upon her release.

The case was investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Secret Service, and prosecuted by Polk County Deputy District Attorney Garrett Lewellen.

Oct. 1, 2025

Contacts: Franny White, 971-349-3539, anny.l.White@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">Franny.l.White@oha.oregon.gov (media inquiries)

Tara Chetock, 971-304-9917, a.A.Chetock@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">Tara.A.Chetock@oha.oregon.gov (meeting information or accommodation)

Oregon Health Policy Board meets in-person and virtually Oct. 7

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB)

When: October 7, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: In-person and virtual meeting

Attend in-person:

Portland State Office Building

Room #177

800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, OR

Join virtually via ZoomGov

​Meeting ID: 161 088 3159

Passcode: 371696

Phone: (669) 254-5252

The agenda and meeting materials will be available on the OHPB’s website prior to the meeting. 

Proposed Agenda:

• Welcome & introductions
• Group activity for members
• Supporting the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) with emerging work
• OHPB 2025 priorities
• Public Comment – register here to provide written or oral comments
• Primary Care
• Affordability
• Retreat synthesis & closure
• Adjourn

For more information and meeting materials, please visit the OHPB meeting webpage.

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• CART (live captions)
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Tara Chetock at 971-304-9917, 711 TTY, a.A.Chetock@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">Tara.A.Chetock@oha.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

SALEM, Ore. – Thirty-one Oregon arts organizations will receive $10,000 grants to strengthen K-12 arts education during the 2026 fiscal year. The awards are part of a $310,000 investment from the Oregon Arts Commission’s Arts Learning grant program. Every funded project is a collaboration with local schools and communities across Oregon.

“Through this grant program, thousands of students will have an opportunity to engage with creative practices that enhance cognitive skills, problem-solving and self-empowerment through the arts,” said Tiff Harker, Arts Education Coordinator. “We congratulate these awarded arts organizations that partner with educators to make these new learning projects possible for Oregon students.”

Arts Learning grants support projects that provide K-12 students with responsive learning opportunities in and through the arts. These projects also foster the exchange of knowledge between artists and educators and positively impact the achievement, skills and attitudes of learners.

Applications were evaluated by a community review panel, based on project quality and responsiveness, project support and project impact. Priority for funding is given to projects that primarily impact schools in one or more of the following categories: Title 1 participation, location within a county with more than 16.9 percent of the population experiencing poverty, or location in a rural community.

FY2026 Arts Learning Grants Awardees:

Architectural Foundation of Oregon, Portland
To expand the outreach of the Architectural Foundation of Oregon’s Architects in Schools (AiS) program into more low income, underinvested urban and rural schools around the state, including a free design residency that integrates what children are learning in school and connects to the community and world around them.
 

Art Center East, La Grande
To support offering six residency weeks of the Artists in Rural Schools improv program to the three Title 1 elementary schools in the La Grande School District to blend sequential arts and social and emotional learning for underserved rural youth.

Astoria Arts and Movement Center, Astoria        
To support providing dance instruction twice a week during Physical Education classes to students at Hilda Lahti Elementary (grades K-8) and Knappa High School (grades 9-12) in partnership with the Knappa School District and the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology for the entire academic year.
 

Beaverton Symphony Orchestra, Beaverton       
To provide a month-long music appreciation curriculum to Title 1 schools in Washington County that corresponds to the timing and programming of the Beaverton Symphony Winter 2026 Family Concert. The culmination of the program provides free tickets to all participants and their families.
 

Crossroads Creative and Performing Arts Center Inc., Baker City       
To support a new teen pottery program and offer a high school summer residency at Crossroads for outstanding Baker High School seniors. Students will work with Pottery Studio Manager, Ryan Kitson, for six weeks and conclude with a gallery show.

Dalles Art Association, The Dalles
To support a two-week watercolor artist residency at Colonel Wright Elementary, providing hands-on instruction for K-5 students and professional development in visual arts for classroom teachers.

Echo Theater Company, Portland 
To support Cesar Chavez School’s 3rd - 5th graders through a personalized 10-week residency to empower students to collaborate, tell their own story, explore new skills and build confidence as they learn common core adapted curriculum through circus theater creation and performance.

Empowered Movement Aerial, Hood River          
To support 120 hours of aerial arts education to the after-school programs at four Hood River County schools.

Ethos Inc., Portland 
To support more than 200 youth in the Music Corps program that provides after-school and summer music education to schools and neighborhoods where Ethos reaches low-income and historically underserved youth, at a low cost to school sites and at no cost to students.

Fishtrap Inc., Enterprise     
To support the continuum of Arts Learning opportunities that Fishtrap offers to youth across Eastern Oregon. In 2025-2026, Fishtrap hopes to reach 700 young rural writers ages 5-18 through its youth writing programs.
 

Illinois Valley Community Development Organization, Cave Junction
To support RiverStar’s sequential education in dance and theatre for youth ages 5-18 in the rural Illinois Valley of Josephine County.
 

Lane Arts Council, Eugene
To support Creative Link Arts Integration in the Bethel School District, pairing artists with educators to serve an estimated 60 students across four schools, including serving low-income, migrant and other vulnerable students, while providing training to approximately 16 educators.

Literary Arts, Inc., Portland
To support bringing 20-25 professional writers to classrooms at 13 public high schools to provide dynamic creative writing instruction during the school day in 30-40 semester-long writing residencies to increase student engagement with writing, build writing/editing skills and serve 1,050+ students.

Maxtivity, Philomath
To support a yearlong artist residency exploring three visual art forms at Blodgett Elementary, uniquely designed to celebrate and amplify the cultural assets of the Blodgett-Summit community while dynamically responding to the specific needs of the small rural school.

MetroEast Community Media, Gresham   
To serve 200 K-12 students at East Multnomah County schools, and another 100 at community events and summer workshops, with hands-on digital media and filmmaking education, encouraging youth to integrate arts and technology to create their own unique work.

Miracle Theatre Group, Portland
To support the UNIDAD arts-integrated residencies for schools, which includes the creation and presentation of a bilingual puppet performance and classroom instruction highlighting the contributions and importance of puppetry as an innovative pedagogical tool in educational work within schools.

Montavilla Jazz Festival, Portland
To support an 8-week Latin Jazz residency led by Carmelo Torres and local artists at Vestal Elementary, a Title 1 Portland school, where all K-5 students engage in 60+ hours of music, cultural learning and performance, culminating in a student-led Social Justice Night.

Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland
To support OBT’s Learn About Ballet (OBT LAB), a program bringing the educational, social and emotional benefits of dance to under-resourced schools in the Portland area.

Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival Association, Newport           
To support the organization’s efforts to give Toledo High School and Waldport High School students real-world internship experiences in arts administration and management in these underserved coastal and rural communities.

Oregon Symphony Association in Salem, Portland        
To support the second year of a Side-by-Side concert series in partnership with the Salem-Keizer School District, encouraging artistic growth and strengthening retention in music programs for 600+ Willamette Valley K-12 students.
 

Play It Forward, Beaverton 
To support free, weekly 45-minute group lessons in piano, keyboard, guitar and ukulele at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary in Portland, serving up to 130 K-5 students in 2025-26 who perform in a year-end recital.

Portland Playhouse, Portland        
To support the planning, implementation and evaluation of the 2025-26 Social Justice Theatre Program and bring the power of creating live performance to 425 students at 8-10 elementary, middle and high schools in the Portland metro area.
 

Rainbow Dance Theatre, Monmouth         
To support up to 12 hours of dance and coding integration residencies at eight middle schools in Polk, Lincoln, Curry, Coos, Linn, Malheur, Marion and Tillamook counties.

Rex Putnam Music Boosters, Milwaukie  
To support basic program needs for the Rex Putnam Indoor Percussion program, such as uniforms, equipment, competition and clinician fees and transportation costs to Northwest Association for Performing Arts and WGI Sport of the Arts winter percussion competitions in the Pacific Northwest.

Riverbend Live!, Winston   
To support a free, six-week Summer Youth Theater Camp serving 48 children ages 8-17 in rural Douglas County, integrating acting, singing, choreography and set design, culminating in two public performances of “Seussical the Musical” at Riverbend Park.

Rogue Valley Art Association, Medford   
To support the Elementary Arts Outreach program that provides visual art instruction to up to 900 5th grade students attending underserved schools in Jackson County, through either a comprehensive arts programming option or a one-time field trip option.

Ross Ragland Theater, Klamath Falls       
To support 102 youths in Klamath County public schools to attend summer camp programs, including younger students (ages 6-10), who will explore the basics of acting, music and movement, and older youths (ages 10-18), who will learn the different aspects of theater life.

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy, Hillsboro    
To support 172 hours of theater arts education after-school residencies and “no-school day” workshops, serving up to 250 students at Hillsboro School District elementary and middle schools in Washington County, including three Title I schools and two schools outside the urban growth boundary.

The High Desert Museum, Bend    
To support the High Desert Museum’s Kids Curate program, which will partner with La Pine Elementary to provide 50 hours of engaging learning experiences in and through the arts to more than 50 underserved 4th grade students over the course of the school year.

Willamette University - Pacific Northwest College of Art, Salem          
To support free art and design workshops and an after-school creative professional development cohort, serving approximately 200 Roosevelt High School students in grades 9-12.

Wordcrafters in Eugene, Eugene  
To support 77 creative writing residency sessions (with the proven ability to improve academic skills, creativity and school engagement) for five Lane County schools educating underserved urban and rural, low-income and at-risk students.

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at artscommission.oregon.gov.

PORTLAND, Ore.— Today the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon and the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice filed a petition to enforce administrative subpoenas issued to four Oregon counties, including Clackamas, Washington, Multnomah, and Marion, seeking information to locate 10 violent felons who are likely subject to removal from the United States.

Following lengthy prison sentences, Oregon correction officials released 10 violent felons, who are likely subject to removal from the United States, into Oregon communities. Before their release, federal immigration authorities sent immigration detainers to Oregon officials seeking notification before Oregon officials released these criminal aliens into the community. State officials did not honor those detainers, like many others since 2021, and released the following 10 violent criminals into Oregon communities:

Criminal Alien 1 was first convicted in 2004 of Assault in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, and Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree and sentenced to over 60 months in prison. In 2008, Criminal Alien 1 was convicted of Manslaughter in the First Degree and sentenced to over 150 months in prison and post-prison supervision. He was released into the community in 2023.

Criminal Alien 2 was convicted in 2013 of three counts of Rape in the Third Degree and three counts of Sodomy in the Third Degree involving a minor child under the age of 16. Criminal Alien 2 was sentenced to over 90 months in prison, post-prison supervision, and required to register as a sex offender. He was subsequently convicted of nine counts of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree and sentenced to several years in prison to run concurrent to the sentence in the prior case. He was released into the community in 2022.

Criminal Alien 3 was convicted in 2011 of Kidnapping in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Robbery in the Second Degree, and Assault in the Fourth Degree. He was sentenced to over 150 months in prison and post-prison supervision. He was released into the community in 2025.

Criminal Alien 4 was convicted in 2018 of Assault in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, Attempt to Commit a Class B Felony, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. He was sentenced to over 60 months in prison and post-prison supervision. He released into the community in 2023.

Criminal Alien 5 was convicted in 2010 of two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree involving two separate victims who were under the age of 14. He was sentenced to over 60 months in prison, post-prison supervision, and required to register as a sex offender. He was released into the community in 2022.

Criminal Alien 6 was convicted in 2015 of Rape in the First Degree. In his plea petition, he admitted an aggravating fact alleged in the indictment – that during this offense, he used or threatened to use a weapon. He was sentenced to over 90 months in prison, post-prison supervision, and required to register as a sex offender. He was released into the community in 2023.

Criminal Alien 7 was convicted in 2015 of Rape in the First Degree. He was sentenced to over 120 months in prison with a lengthy term of post-prison supervision and required to register as a sex offender. He was released into the community in 2023.

Criminal Alien 8 was convicted of three counts of Rape in the First Degree involving a child under the age of 12 and two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree involving a child under the age of 14. He was sentenced to over 150 months in prison, post-prison supervision, and required to register as a sex offender. He was released into the community in 2022.

Criminal Alien 9 was convicted in 2008 of Rape in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and sentenced to over 90 months in prison, post-prison supervision, and required to register as a sex offender. Shortly after completing that sentence, Criminal Alien 9 was convicted in 2016 of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. He was sentenced to over 70 months in prison, post-prison supervision, and the continued requirement to register as a sex offender. He was released into the community in 2022.

Criminal Alien 10 was convicted in federal court of possessing and using a fake Border Crossing Card to enter the United States in October 2012. In early January 2013, upon release from federal prison, he was transferred to Oregon for an outstanding warrant, where he was subsequently convicted of Robbery and Kidnapping in the First Degree. He was sentenced to over 100 months in prison. He was released into the community in 2023.

The information sought by federal authorities will assist with apprehending these violent criminal aliens in order to remove them from the United States. Since 2021, Oregon public officials have disregarded immigration detainers and have released violent felons, who are likely subject to removal from the United States, into Oregon communities.

“Removing violent criminal aliens from our local communities and country is a matter of public safety and a top priority for federal law enforcement,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. 

# # #

Columbia County project praised for vision, craftsmanship, and public benefit

ST. HELENS, Ore. [Oct. 10, 2025] — Columbia County is proud to announce that the recently restored John Gumm Building in downtown St. Helens has received the prestigious DeMuro Award from Restore Oregon, recognizing outstanding achievement in public stewardship, adaptive reuse, and creative problem solving.

Built in 1919 to replace a school lost to fire, the John Gumm Building served generations of students as St. Helens Elementary School and was listed in 1984 as a contributing structure to the St. Helens Downtown Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. After closing in 1999, the building sat largely vacant until Columbia County acquired it in 2021 for $1.5 million, laying the groundwork for the $14.6 million rehabilitation project.

Construction ran from mid-2023 to September 2024. Over 16 months, the 28,400-square-foot structure was transformed into a civic hub featuring modern office space, a 2,800-square-foot auditorium for public meetings, and a 1,400-square-foot climate-controlled museum.

Today, the John Gumm Building houses the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, Human Resources, the Finance Department, and County Counsel. It also provides space for the Columbia Economic Team, the Small Business Resource Center, Keep It Local, and is the new home of the Columbia County Museum – thoughtfully designed with exhibit spaces to showcase the county’s history and culture.

The project is part of a broader effort to expand Columbia County’s facilities. By adding this modernized space, the County can reconfigure departments for safer, more efficient operations—improving workflow for employees and strengthening services for the public. The Columbia County Museum will also offer cultural events and educational exhibits for the community.

Crews overcame major challenges, including stabilizing a foundation built on uneven bedrock, integrating modern systems into historic finishes, and restoring original wood windows, fir floors, and the historic auditorium—all while improving energy efficiency and preserving the building’s historic character through thoughtful craftsmanship.

“Seeing this historic building come back to life is exciting for our whole community,” said Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder. “Restoring the John Gumm Building not only preserves an important part of our local history, it also creates a welcoming space where people can attend public meetings, meet with County Commissioners, learn about our shared heritage, and come together as a community. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this vision possible.”

The County extends its thanks to the many partners who helped bring this project to life, including Ameresco, Inc., Bremik Construction, Chosen Wood Window Maintenance, City of St. Helens, Continuum Preservation Consulting, District Painting Co., Duke Construction and Excavation, Emerick Architects, Lower Columbia Engineering, NW Masonry Restoration, Portland Millwork, Shutte Consulting Engineers, and System Design Consultant.

This recognition reflects Columbia County’s dedication to preserving its historic landmarks while creating vibrant spaces that serve the community for generations to come.

# # #

Oct. 1, 2025

Contact: Erica Heartquist, phd.communications@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon State Radiation Advisory Committee meets Oct. 15

What: A public meeting of the Oregon State Radiation Advisory Committee.

Agenda:  Program updates; exemptions/rules update; emergency preparedness/response/incident overviews.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Where: Members of the public may join remotely by phone.

Call in: 971-277-2343; Passcode: 538 044 241#

Background: Per Oregon Revised Statute, the Radiation Advisory Committee (RAC) is comprised of eight members representative of Radiation Protection Services (RPS) registrants and licensees who use radiation devices/sources. RAC members advise RPS staff on radiation use and safety, including budgetary and administrative rule matters.

###

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Patty Thompson at

503-509-2622, or at icia.A.Thompson@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);" target="_blank">Patricia.A.Thompson@oha.oregon.gov at least 48 hours before the meeting.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Oct. 1. 2025

Contact: 

communications@employ.oregon.gov 

Oregon Employment Department ready to help employees and businesses impacted by the federal shutdown

Impacted employees may file for Unemployment Insurance as early as today

Salem, Ore. —  The Oregon Employment Department (OED) stands ready to help employees impacted by the federal shutdown apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and make sure they have the necessary documents and information to file a claim.  

With the federal government shutdown, many federal government employees have either been furloughed or deemed essential and required to work without pay. The federal government shutdown may also affect people or contractors who are not federal employees if they work in industries that receive federal funding from the affected agencies. These non-federal employees may have their hours reduced or could be laid off during the shutdown. 

“Our mission is to support any workers, employers, and contractors affected by this shutdown,” said OED Director Andrew R. Stolfi. “Unemployment Insurance is a complex program, and applying for benefits can create lots of questions. Different rules apply to some federal workers, so we have specific guidance available on our website and our customer service staff are specially trained for situations just like this.”

OED data shows there were roughly 30,000 jobs on federal government payrolls in Oregon around this time last year. OED estimates that there are about 10,000 federal government jobs that could be affected by a lapse in appropriations. While this is about a third of the federal employees who live and work in Oregon, it is a small percentage of the state’s overall workforce, so the increase in claims from federal employees will not cause a significant, long-term impact on the OED workload.

Guidance for Impacted Employees

Furloughed federal workers and federal contractors who are not working during the shutdown may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Specific guidance is available at unemployment.oregon.gov/federal-shutdown.

The fastest way to apply is to file a claim is through Frances Online. Unemployed workers who don’t already have an account, should start by creating a Frances Online account.

People can also apply for benefits over the phone by calling 877-File-4-UI (877-345-3484). Both options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

More information on how federal employees can apply for unemployment insurance benefits, including the documents needed, is available at unemployment.oregon.gov/federal-workers.

Additional information about the Unemployment Insurance program and employment services is available on our website at https://unemployment.oregon.gov/. 

Backpay and Overpayments

Under the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, federal employees may receive back pay once funding resumes after a shutdown. However, Congress would have to approve any back pay as part of the federal appropriation, and it is not guaranteed. If they receive back pay, federal employees may be required to repay the state for any UI benefits they receive during the furlough period. In that case, unemployment benefits would serve as a loan to help federal workers meet basic needs while out of work. 

Support for Impacted Businesses

“We want to acknowledge that some Oregon businesses may also be impacted by the federal shutdown,” Director Stolfi said. “We have a great program called WorkShare to help them retain their skilled employees during work slowdowns and shortages.”

The WorkShare program provides an alternative for employers and workers who may be facing a layoff situation through partial unemployment insurance benefits that supplement workers' reduced wages. Once enrolled, an employer can quickly use the program if needed, but there is no obligation. Weekly webinars are offered to help businesses apply for and navigate the program. To learn more, visit oregonworkshare.org or call 503-947-1800.

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

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SALEM, Ore. – With the mobilization of 200 federalized Oregon National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Force Protection Mission in Portland, Oregon, media inquiries and other questions regarding the status of forces, scope, and length of the mission will be conducted through the Office of the Secretary of War. Under Title 10 orders, these Oregon National Guardsmen will be on Federal orders to conduct this mission and function under a separate chain of command.

“Members of the Oregon National Guard are reporting for duty, conducting training, and preparing to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other U.S. Government personnel who are performing federal functions, including the enforcement of federal law, and to protect federal property in Oregon,” communicated Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell.

The Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Department will still function as the point of contact for Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen who fall under the status of Title 32, the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program, State Active Duty, and Drill Status Guard members. This includes Soldiers and Airmen who could be called up to conduct Wildland Fire Fighting, natural disaster response, and other state-specific missions under Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s authority.

All press inquiries regarding the Portland Force Protection mission should be directed to the U.S. Department of War’s Pentagon Press Operations office. Media queries during their normal business hours — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday (Eastern Time Zone) — should call 703-697-5131 or email osd.pa.dutyofficer@mail.mil.

-30-

Bend Fire and Rescue responded to house on Imbler Dr on Bend’s west side Tuesday evening. The occupants noticed smoke in the hallway leading to the garage, evacuating and calling 911. The first arriving fire crews found smoke coming from under the house and throughout the interior. The fire was found in the hallway where the furnace is located and had spread under kitchen area. The fire was extinguished but there is significant damage was done to the floor of the home. Damage is estimated at $250,000 to the structure and contents. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, two ambulances, two chief officers and one investigator responded to the fire with a total of 23 personnel.
 

The fire appears to have started due to a failure or malfunction of the furnace. The ducting for the furnace travels under the house to the room vents. The fire spread under the house through the floor opening at the base of the furnace. The homeowners are working with their insurance company to begin the clean up and repairs.
 

This is a good time of year to get your heat source serviced before we get into winter. Whether its brand new or decades old, annual service is recommended on all types of heating appliances. Ensure flues for woodstoves are cleaned professionally at least annually. Having furnaces, pellet stoves, wall heaters, heat pumps, etc serviced annually can ensure their safe use. This also allows for preventative maintenance and cleaning to make them more efficient and last longer. Ensure proper clearance around all heat sources before using them. 36 inches is recommended space around heat sources clear of combustibles and access by children. As always, ensure you smoke alarms are working as we head into winter. Carbon Monoxide detectors are a great addition to any home using wood or gas to heat to ensure you and your family know if CO is present.

Canby, Ore. –October 15-17, the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP), Oregon Heritage Commission (OHC), Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC), and Historic Assessment Review Committee (HARC) will meet in Canby for tours and individual and joint business meetings. The meetings will be in-person and online. The meetings are open to the public.
 

Anyone may listen to the meeting and instructions on how to attend are on the commissions/committees web page. Registration is required to speak at the meeting and is available online. For specific hearing times and online registration information, refer to the website at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/Pages/Commissions.aspx
 

Schedule of meeting activities:

• Oct. 15: open house tours around the region starting at 3:30pm.
• Oct. 16: Individual commission/committee business meetings, guided site visits, and presentations. Individual business meetings will start as early as 8:00 a.m. and conclude by 11:30 a.m. For details regarding locations and start times for each commission/committee’s business items please see the full agenda here. There will be a joint working lunch and guided site visits will begin at 2:15 p.m. departing from 222 NE 2nd Ave, Canby.
• Oct. 17: Joint business meeting will start at 8am at , 225 NE 2^nd Avenue, Canby. Joint business meeting agenda includes a review of a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places for the Arthur Devers House in Portland, Multnomah County, input session for the statewide Oregon Heritage Plan, a presentation from a representative of the American Association for State and Local History, information on the Special Assessment Property Tax Program, and more. See the full agenda here.
   

About the Commissions/Committees:
 

State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) - The SACHP is a nine-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields. Nominations recommended by the SACHP go to the National Park Service, which maintains the Register under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

Oregon Heritage Commission (OHC) – The OHC is a nine-member governor-appointed citizen commission representing a diversity of cultural, geographic, and institutional interests. The Commission is the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in the state. This includes carrying out the Oregon Heritage Plan, increasing efficiency and avoiding duplication among interest groups, developing plans for coordination among agencies and organizations, encouraging tourism related to heritage resources, and coordinating heritage designations.

Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) - The OCHC is a seven-member Commission that maintains a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promotes public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and helps obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances.
 

Historic Assessment Review Committee (HARC) - The HARC is a five-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields. The HARC is the review body for appeals from property owners participating in the Special Assessment Property Tax Program for Historic Properties.
 

All of these Commissions/Committees work to support the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan and the Oregon Heritage Plan by increasing access to and supporting the goals of Oregon’s heritage.
 

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by contacting Kim Spivey at (503) 986-0690 or erly.spivey@oprd.oregon.gov">Kimberly.spivey@oprd.oregon.gov at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.
 

For in person and online meeting details and the agenda or more information about the commissions and committees, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

Astoria, Ore.—More than 400 students received hands-on experience and got a firsthand look at possible career opportunities in natural resources as they rotated through 10 outdoor stations at the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Astoria office and demonstration forest Sept. 24–25 at the annual Clatsop County Sixth-Grade Forestry Days.

“Our goal is to get the students interested in possible careers in natural resources,” said Will Lawrence, reforestation forester with ODF’s Astoria District. “We want students to really connect with the outdoors.”

Sixth graders from Warrenton, Seaside, Anchor Christian Academy, Knappa, Jewell, Astoria, and Steadfast Homeschool Co-op, rotated through stations that included: tree planting, plant identification, wildland fire fighting, wood products, fisheries, recreation, wildlife rescue, restoration, fungi in the forest and tree measurements.

“Many of the stations tie in with our current lessons on watersheds,” said Martha Stephens a fifth and sixth grade teacher at the Jewell School District. “It also challenges them and exposes them to terms and concepts they haven’t heard before. For example, the wood products station was unique, we never really talked about or thought about all the everyday products that come from the forest. It was eye-opening for the students.”

The teachers also said it helped bring together many critical skills needed to succeed in school and future careers.

“Listening skills, observation skills, math skills, following directions are all important and needed to be used at the stations today,” said Kate Manship, special education teacher with the Seaside School District. “It’s difficult to bring all these important skills together in the classroom, but with these hands-on activities it does, and it is super beneficial.”

The all-volunteer group that organizes the event does so out of their passion for the outdoors and the careers it afforded them. Forestry Days has been a tradition since 1960 and even though the organizations sponsoring and organizing the event hope to someday recruit motivated and eager employees spurred on by this event, the focus remains on the student’s educational experience.

“It is so fun to see them get excited about learning and engage with the outdoors,” said Dan Stark, Oregon State University Forestry and Natural Resource Extension Forester. “They take what they learn here about watersheds, wood products, reforestation and the many different facets of working in a forest, and tell their parents and siblings about it.  To me that is fantastic; we are not just reaching them but they in turn are making an impact on their family and community.”

The organizations working together on this event include: OSU Extension, Oregon Department of Forestry, Lewis & Clark National Historic Park, Oregon Women in Timber, North Coast Watershed Association, Wildlife Center of the North Coast, Clatsop County Fisheries, Oregon Parks and Recreation, Hampton Lumber and Lewis and Clark Timberland. Visit any of their websites for additional information on natural resources.

Although this event is just two days, the ODF Astoria Demonstration Forest is open year-round, and more information can be found in the Clatsop State Forest Guide.

For more information on many forestry related programs from recreation to timber harvesting to wildland firefighting visit the Oregon Department of Forestry’s main website.

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to a plane crash in Battle Ground on Sept. 26, 2025.

This individual died on 09/26/2025 in Battle Ground, WA.

The name of the decedent: Shaffer, Kenneth H.   Age: 76 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Trout Lake, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Pending

Manner of death:  Pending

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Media release issue date: 10/01/2025

County planners host open office hours to answer questions, Thursdays, Oct. 16-Nov. 20

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County and the cities of Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Washougal, Woodland and the Town of Yacolt are proposing to revise their Comprehensive Growth Management Plans to comply with the Growth Management Act 10-year periodic review requirements. The county has prepared a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) in compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), issued on Oct. 1, 2025.  The environmental review process will inform the public of the potential environmental impacts of proposed growth alternatives.  Agencies, affected tribes, and members of the public are invited to comment on the DEIS. Written comments on the DEIS may be submitted beginning at 8 am Oct. 1, and must be received by 5 pm on Nov. 30, 2025.

DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY:

The DEIS can be found on the Clark County website at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2025-update-eis.

Printed copies of the DEIS are available to review at the following locations:

• Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., third floor
• Battle Ground City Hall, 109 SW First St.
• Camas City Hall, 616 NE Fourth Ave.
• La Center City Hall, 210 E Fourth St.
• Ridgefield City Hall, 230 Pioneer St.
• Washougal City Hall, 1701 C St.
• Woodland City Hall, 230 Davidson Ave.
• Yacolt Town Hall, 202 W. Cushman St.
• Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 SE Eighth Way
• Camas Public Library, 625 NE Fourth Ave.
• Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136^th Ave., Vancouver
• La Center Community Library, 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Road
• Ridgefield Community Library, 210 N. Main Ave.
• Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Road, Vancouver
• Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St.
• Vancouver Mall Library, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive, Suite 285
• Washougal Community Library, 1661 C St.
• Woodland Community Library, 411 Lakeshore Drive
• Yacolt Library Express, 105 E Yacolt Road

Copies of the DEIS are available for purchase from Clark County for the cost of production. The cost of a printed copy is $26.74, and a digital copy on a USB drive costs $1.59. These prices are inclusive of applicable taxes. Purchases may be made at the county Permit Center during open hours, Monday through Friday 8 am to 2 pm, at 1300 Franklin St., third-floor reception.

HOW TO COMMENT:

Written comments must be received by 5 pm Nov. 30, 2025. Comments on the DEIS may be submitted in any of the following ways:

• Online comment form: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/comp-plan-comments
• Email: comp.plan@clark.wa.gov
• Postal mail:

Comprehensive Plan EIS

Community Planning

PO Box 9810

Vancouver, WA 98666

QUESTIONS:

County planners will host open office hours at the Public Service Center, third-floor lobby, 1300 Franklin St., on Thursdays, 4-6 pm Oct. 16, through Nov. 20. Community members are invited to come by and ask questions about the DEIS.

Otherwise, please direct questions to the Responsible Official: Oliver Orjiako, Director Community Planning, at .orjiako@clark.wa.gov">oliver.orjiako@clark.wa.gov or (564) 397-4112.

For other formats, contact the Clark County ADA Office at (564) 397-2282 / 711 or (800) 833-6388 or ADA@clark.wa.gov.

Salem, OR -- Enterprise Information Services (EIS) and the state of Oregon are excited to announce their participation in Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, supporting the global initiative led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) to promote safer online practices for individuals, organizations and communities.

Now in its 22nd year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a call to action for everyone to take responsibility for their online safety. This year’s theme, “Stay Safe Online,” emphasizes the importance of empathy, accessibility and shared responsibility in creating a safer digital world.

“This October let’s turn awareness into action, because every click, password and decision shapes our digital future,” said State Chief Information Security Officer Ben Gherezgiher, “Stay smart. Stay Cyber Strong.”

Throughout October, the state of Oregon government will spotlight the Core 4 cybersecurity practices to reduce cyber risks:

1. Use strong passwords and a password manager to secure accounts.
2. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for an extra layer of protection.
3. Keep software updated to patch vulnerabilities.
4. Recognize and report phishing and scams to stay vigilant against threats.

By focusing on simple, effective steps and creating a culture of shared responsibility, the state of Oregon is proud to contribute to the broader mission of building a more secure digital future.

For more information on Cybersecurity Awareness Month, visit https://staysafeonline.org or CISA’s website: https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month.

Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed October 20–24, 2025 as Community Bank Week in Oregon, recognizing the vital role community banks play in supporting families, small businesses, and communities across the state.
 

“For well over a century, community banks doing business in Oregon have provided local financial services and have supported the prosperity and growth of our communities,” said Governor Kotek in the proclamation. “Community banks are an integral part of Oregon’s overall economy through their community giving, dedication as good neighbors, and above all, their critical role in providing reliable financial services to Oregonians.”
 

Community banks serve Oregon through more than 325 branches and loan offices, employing 4,700 Oregonians in family-wage jobs. They also make more than half of all bank loans to small businesses, fueling entrepreneurship and job creation in every corner of the state.

Community banks are central to Oregon’s economic vitality, contributing to schools, infrastructure, and public services through taxes and serving the credit needs of all communities—including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods—under the federal Community Reinvestment Act. In many rural areas, they are the only local financial institution, making this commitment especially important.

“Community banks are unique because their success is directly tied to the strength of the communities they serve,” said Scott Bruun, president and CEO of the Community Banks of Oregon. “They create jobs, provide access to capital, support local nonprofits, and contribute to Oregon’s tax base. Governor Kotek’s proclamation recognizes just how essential community banks are to Oregon’s economy and quality of life.”

During Community Bank Week, banks across Oregon will celebrate with customer appreciation events, community service projects, food drives, free community shred events where residents can securely dispose of confidential documents, and other outreach efforts that highlight the positive impact of local banking. Discover more about community banks and connect with one in your area at www.oregonbankers.com/local.

About the Community Banks of Oregon

Community Banks of Oregon (CBO) serves banks headquartered in Oregon. The principal mission of CBO is to support and promote community banking in Oregon. CBO advocates for community banks, provides a forum to address issues unique to community banks and promotes community banks through initiatives like Oregon Community Bank Week. More information is available at www.oregonbankers.com/local.

OnPoint’s eBook helps educate consumers about an ever-evolving cybercrime landscape

PORTLAND, Ore. — In 2024, U.S. consumers lost a record $12.5 billion to fraud, with 1 in 4 adults falling victim. Tech support scams, investments scams and impostor scams ranked among the key threats, and young adults and the elderly remain tops targets of scammers.

In response, OnPoint Community Credit Union released its 2025 “The OnPoint Guide to Personal Cybersecurity” eBook to help consumers protect themselves and stay informed about the latest online threats. OnPoint updates the free eBook every October in observance of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

"Technology makes so many things easier for consumers, but unfortunately that also extends to cybercriminals," said Damian Laviolette, chief information officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "The red flags are not quite as red these days, so it’s critical to stay up to date on the latest trends and be vigilant about your online safety. We are committed to providing members and non-members with the tools and knowledge they need.”

The latest trends in online fraud include:

• Cybercriminals continue to improve techniques with AI and automation. One common technique used by cybercriminals is called deepfake phishing, where they recreate a loved one’s voice or even a local official to add weight to these manipulative communications. In Q1 of 2025, $200 million in losses was reported nationwide from deepfake cyberattacks. AI also helps scammers generate these messages even faster, to target more potential victims.
• Youth and seniors are the most at-risk populations. Young people, especially children, have clean credit histories, making them valuable to identity thieves. Chat features in online games also give cybercriminals a platform to convince young people to reveal personal information, transfer money or click on malicious links. Cybercriminals also target people aged 60 and older because they believe they have considerable assets and are less familiar with cybersecurity best practices and online scams, especially AI techniques. Grandparent scams, tech support scams, government impersonation scams romance scams were among the top most common types of elder scams reported in 2025.
• Your smart devices have become targets. According to IoT Analytics, there will be approximately 19.8 billion connected devices by the end of 2025. The growing number of “smart” household appliances, cars and systems create potential access points for cyberattacks that might be easily overlooked. Cybercriminals can attempt to access your passwords or bank accounts through the information shared with a digital assistant or get into your Wi-Fi network to launch a ransomware attack.

 Top Four Tips for Cybersecurity:

• Always verify the sender. Messages from cybercriminals come in many forms: emails, texts, phone calls, or even videos. They want you to hand over personal information, money, or click on a link containing hidden malware. Never trust a request for your password—a legitimate source like a bank or government office will not need your password, a PIN or card number. When in doubt, find another way to contact the sender to confirm that the message is legitimate.
• Watch out for too-good-to-be-true offers. Cybercriminals often send messages promising unexpected money in exchange for a fee or tax. You should always be suspicious if an individual, bank or company contacts you offering any sum of money. Do not send money or attempt to deposit unverified funds—especially if you’ve never met the sender. Search for the person or organization online and seek the advice of your financial institution if you’re suspicious.
• Talk to your children and elderly family members about cybersecurity. Your children and elderly family members should be aware of the threats they are likely to encounter online. Play an active role in your children’s online interactions and set up child-safety controls on their devices to restrict their access, block offensive content and limit screen time. Help educate your elderly family members about common scams, monitor their financial accounts for fraud and block spam calls on their devices.
• Protect your devices. Change your router name and password from the default settings, use a guest network for smart devices and add multi-factor authentication (MFA) requirements to access administrative control of your primary network. Use strong passwords—or even better, passphrases—that contain spaces between words, and symbols and numbers in place of some letters.

As online fraud continues to evolve, staying informed and alert is more important than ever. You can protect yourself and your family by downloading The OnPoint Guide to Cybersecurity eBook or consulting with a staff member at your nearest OnPoint branch.

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 618,000 members and with assets of $9.56 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Clark and Skamania) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077; 800-527-3932.

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, Umpqua Bank, and St. Mary's Academy invite you to join us on Wednesday, October 1st, at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Academy for an inspiring evening of film and conversation that explores the power, potential, and perseverance of women in the technology industry.

ICONS is the debut documentary from Women in Cloud, spotlighting the journeys of 19 trailblazing women, founders, technologists, and policymakers, who are shaping the future of the cloud and AI-driven economy. Through raw, personal stories and bold insights, the film uncovers the realities of the gender gap in tech and calls for actionable change, both personal and systemic. After the screening, there will be a panel discussion with:

•Moderator, Heather Seppa, Market Region Manager - Umpqua Bank

•Margueritte Kim, CEO - IT Revolution

•Debbie Marr, Co-Founder - Ahead Computing

•Jayathi Murthy, President - Oregon State University

Prior to the screening, OSU President Murthy will be meeting with the St. Mary’s Academy Robotics team at 4 p.m. The ‘Beta Blues’ are the largest all-female robotics team and a key part of the St. Mary’s Academy Science Department. This visit is especially meaningful as it provides the women on the team with an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with strong female tech leaders.

As part of this meeting, President Murthy will be available for media until 5 p.m.

If interested in attending either the film screening or robotics team visit, please reach out to Caroline Campana, caroline.campana@smapdx.org

SOUTHEAST PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College’s Ready Bags Project is inviting the community for an author talk event with Emma Pattee at 9 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Southeast Campus Library, 2305 SE 82nd and Division. 

The free event will celebrate Pattee’s acclaimed debut novel, “Tilt,” while promoting earthquake awareness and preparedness as part of International Great ShakeOut Day.

The morning begins at 9 a.m. with light refreshments and an opportunity for guests to gather and connect. At 9:30 a.m., Pattee will discuss the book and engage in a lively conversation with PCC educators, students and the public about the novel’s themes with a book signing to follow. Attendees can also access valuable preparedness information and enter a raffle for giveaways, with PCC students receiving an additional entry if they register via GivePulse.

Pattee is a celebrated climate journalist and fiction writer whose work has appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Her novel “Tilt”—a national bestseller and New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice—was named one of the year’s most anticipated books by NPR, Vogue, and Time Magazine.

Back in 2008 as a PCC student, the Ashland native earned top regional honors for her one-act "Waiting for Baby James," winning major playwriting awards and a Kennedy Center festival invitation—all before turning 18.

Event Details:

• What: Author Talk with Emma Pattee – “Tilt”

• When: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

• 9 a.m. – Doors open, light refreshments

• 9:30 a.m. – Author talk, book signing, raffle

• Where: PCC Southeast Library, 2305 SE 82nd and Division

• Cost: Free and open to the public

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

Moore Park Wildfire Risk Reduction Project

About the Project:

The Moore Park Wildfire Risk Reduction Project is made possible through a grant from the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM), which was awarded to Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) in coordination with Klamath Falls Parks & Recreation (KFP&R), and community partners.

This funding was made available through OSFM to mitigate the impact of wildfire and provide fire risk prevention in Moore Park surrounding areas such as Lynnwood Sub-division and Lakeshore Drive.

Vegetation management will take place within a 121-acre project area in Moore Park by Lost River Fire Management administered by KCFD1 and KFP&R. The project focuses work on portions of Moore Park near neighborhoods in the Lynnwood area and the interior of Moore Park. Work will include invasive species removal, ladder fuel reduction, and selective pruning to reduce fire risk.

Additionally, KCFD1 and KFP&R will continue to be reaching out to residents in the neighborhoods adjacent to Moore Park and visitors within the park as needed. KCFD1 provides expert guidance on what people can do to reduce fire risk on their own property thru the Community Risk Reduction Program (https://kcfd1.com/community-risk-reduction).

SALEM, Ore. — On Sept. 3, 2025, the Board of Forestry directed the Oregon Department of Forestry to file a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to modify the deadline for the publication of maps related to perennial flow of streams.

The rule proposed for modification directs a shift to a modeled approach, after a flow duration model sufficient for regulatory purposes is available and before July 1, 2025. However, a sufficient model was not available by July 1, 2025. A sufficient model is still being identified. The proposed rule would change this deadline to July 1, 2026.

Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31 at 5 p.m., and a virtual rulemaking hearing will be held on Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking includes important details about the proposed rule text and instructions for submitting comments and participating in the rulemaking hearing.

More information on this rulemaking effort and ongoing updates can be found on the department’s Rulemaking activity web page.

ASTORIA, OR-- Clatsop County is seeking applicants to fill four open positions on the Clatsop Country Fair Board.

The Fair Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month and is responsible for the management of the Clatsop County Fair & Expo and organizes the annual fair. 

The positions are for terms ending Dec. 31, 2028.

Applications are available online or at the County Manager’s Office, at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria OR 97103.

The deadline for applying is 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025. The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will make the appointments at a future meeting.

For more information go to clatsopcounty.gov.

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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Fire Marshal Donna Goddard announced today she has lifted the ban on outdoor debris burning as well as recreational fires in unincorporated Clark County effective immediately. 

To have predictable and consistent burn bans, Clark County implements a policy to ban outdoor burning from July through September each year. Designating this period was based on years of information about fuel conditions. However, under certain conditions, a ban can begin sooner or end later.

“Due to recent rains and cooler weather, we anticipate a reduced risk of wildfires in Clark County,” said Goddard. However, Goddard urges that everyone remain cautious and responsible when burning outdoors. “We are still experiencing drier than average conditions. Use extreme caution when burning and never leave a fire of any size unattended.” 

Permits are required for burning yard debris and land clearing. Residents should ensure that they have the proper permits and follow permit conditions to prevent accidental fires. 

For more information on permit requirements, visit the county’s website at https://clark.wa.gov/community-development/outdoor-burning.

October is Fire Prevention Month, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal and Oregon Fire Marshals Association invite all Oregonians to Take Charge of Fire Safety by buying, using, and recycling rechargeable batteries safely.

Rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, power many of our everyday devices, such as smartphones, laptops, wearable technology, e-scooters, power tools, electric vehicles, and much more. While they are convenient and powerful, they can create serious fire risks if not used correctly.

“Rechargeable batteries, especially lithium-ion types, are incredibly useful but can be dangerous if they’re not used or stored the right way,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Since more families are using them at home, it’s important to know how to use them safely.”

“Oregon’s fire service personnel see firsthand the impact fire can have on families and communities,” said Lora Ratcliff, president of the Oregon Fire Marshals Association. “Fire Prevention Month is about taking simple steps that make a big difference, whether that’s charging batteries safely, checking smoke alarms, or creating a home escape plan. By working together, we can reduce fire risks and help keep Oregonians safe.”

Safety Tips for Rechargeable Batteries

• Buy Only Listed Products. When buying devices that use rechargeable batteries, make sure they are tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to meet established safety standards.
• Charge Devices Safely. Always use the charger that comes with the device or one approved by the manufacturer. Charge devices on a hard, flat surface and avoid charging them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Unplug devices once they are fully charged.
• Dispose of Batteries Responsibly. Do not put rechargeable batteries or devices in the trash or regular recycling bins. They can start fires. Instead, take them to a designated battery recycling location. Visit www.call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

While rechargeable batteries are a growing risk, the top causes of home fires in Oregon remain the same year after year:

• Cooking is the number one cause of home fires. Never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items away from stovetops.
• Heating equipment, such as space heaters, should be kept at least three feet from anything that can burn.
• Electrical issues, including overloaded outlets and faulty wiring, are major contributors to home fires.

Fire Prevention Month is a great time to check your smoke alarms, review your home escape plan, and talk with your family about fire safety. A few minutes of prevention can save lives.

Learn More

For more information on home fire safety, including downloadable resources, safety checklists, and educational materials, visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website at www.oregon.gov/osfm.

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal

The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.

About the Oregon Fire Marshals Association

The Oregon Fire Marshals Association is a nonprofit organization made up of fire code officials, industry leaders, and individuals dedicated to protecting of life and property against fire. The OFMA provides education and discussion on current fire and life safety issues to understand and improve fire codes and standards. Learn more at ofma.net. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Due to cooler and rainier conditions, the Vancouver Fire Department has lifted its recreational burn ban effective today, Wednesday, Oct. 1.

All outdoor burning of things like brush/vegetation and garbage is still prohibited within city limits and violators may be subject to a citation/fine.

The burn ban originally took effect on June 13 due to dry conditions.

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Today, Portland Street Response is announcing several changes – including a new number and new hours – to improve the program’s ability to assist people experiencing mental health and behavioral health crises.

Effective October 1, you can reach Portland Street Response by calling 911 or 503-823-7773 from 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Both lines will be answered by trained 911 call takers. Please continue to call 911 when reporting instances involving an immediate threat to life or property.  

“We are thrilled! The Portland Street Response specific phone number illustrates what can be accomplished when the Portland Public Safety Service Area works together to meet community needs,” said April Roa, Interim Program Manager for Portland Street Response. “We thank our partners at the Portland Bureau of Emergency Communications for helping make this possible.”

Portland Street Response is available to respond to individuals who are: 

• Down and not checked;
• In active crisis-yelling, crying, agitated, disorganized (odd or repetitive) behavior, talking to unseen others, etc.;
• Inappropriately dressed for the weather and at risk of exposure-related injury or illness;
• Seeking support with resources and do not have access to a phone; or 
• Wanting to reconnect with Portland Street Response services after prior contact with Portland Street Response.  

Portland Street Response is NOT available to respond to individuals who are:  

• Actively suicidal;
• Brandishing weapons or behaving violently;
• Third party callers for homeless encampments without any indicators of crisis; or
• Third party callers requesting supplies, resources, referrals, or shuttling without any indicators of crisis.

Questions about Portland Street Response?

Visit https://www.portland.gov/streetresponse for more information.

Salem, OR -- The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) is issuing a correction to the previously published information regarding the 2026 rent stabilization percentages.

The lower maximum rental increase established by HB3054 (6%) is only applicable to manufactured home parks and floating home marinas containing more than 30 spaces.

September 30, 2025

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Oswego Lake

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Oswego Lake. The lake is in Clackamas County.

The Lake Oswego Corp. observed a possible bloom and used a test strip that indicated microcystin values may be near recreational use values. Water samples are being collected for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence or absence of toxins, with results anticipated next week.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Oswego Lake and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 1-877-290-6767, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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Vancouver, Wash. – As colorful leaves begin to fall from trees, Clark County and city of Vancouver encourage community members to properly dispose of leaves to keep them out of streets and the landfill.

Leaves should not be raked or blown into streets. Fallen leaves can clog storm drains and create areas of standing water on roadways, making roads unsafe for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Instead, residents can take advantage of local disposal options that use leaves to create compost.

Leaves are a nutrient-rich, biodegradable material. But each year, millions of pounds of leaves end up in landfills. When organic waste, like leaves, is left to rot in landfills it creates methane, a toxic greenhouse gas.

Rather than sending leaves to the landfill, residents can place leaves in their curbside yard debris or organics cart, or in their own backyard compost. Fallen leaves can also be mulched and spread on lawns or distributed in landscaped areas, where they will suppress weeds and support pollinators with winter cover.

Residents can also dispose of their leaves for free through the Fall Leaf Coupon program provided by Clark County Public Works and the city of Vancouver Public Works. With a Fall Leaf Coupon, residents can drop off up to five cubic yards of leaves at one of five designated sites at no charge from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31.

Residents can get their coupon by:

• Printing a coupon from www.cityofvancouver.us/leafcoupon, www.clarkgreenneighbors.org/leafcoupon, or www.wcnorthwest.com/leaves.
• Clipping a coupon from Waste Connections’ annual recycling newsletter, which will be mailed to all Clark County residences in October.
• Calling Vancouver Solid Waste at 360.487.7160 or emailing solidwaste@cityofvancouver.us to have a coupon mailed.
• Picking up a coupon from:
  • Vancouver City Hall, 415 W Sixth St.
  • Vancouver Utility Services, 2323 General Anderson Ave.
  • Vancouver Marine Park Engineering office, 4500 SE Columbia Way
  • Waste Connections Customer Service Office, 9411 NE 94th Ave., Vancouver
  • Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver

The five sites for leaf disposal are H&H Wood Recyclers, McFarlane’s Bark, City Bark and West Van Materials Recovery Center in Vancouver, and Triangle Resources in Camas. Addresses, business hours and more information can be found on the coupon. Coupons in Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese are also available.

The coupons are for residential use only and cannot be redeemed by businesses. Branches and other yard debris are not eligible for free disposal. Loads should be covered during transport, and all bags of leaves will need to be emptied at the disposal site by the resident.

To learn more about backyard composting and for a schedule of free community workshops, visit the Clark County Composter Recycler website.

To report clogged drains and street flooding on roads in unincorporated Clark County, visit the Clark County Public Works website.

To report clogged drains and street flooding on streets within Vancouver city limits, visit the city of Vancouver Public Works service request website.

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Marion County, Ore. (Sept. 30, 2025) - On Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 6:48 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 270, in Marion County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Nissan Sentra, operated by Antonio Del-Valle Pegueros (49) of Albany, left the roadway for unknown reasons and rolled several times on the southbound shoulder of the interstate.

The operator of the Nissan (Del-Valle Pegueros) was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Woodburn Fire District and ODOT.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Clackamas County, Ore. (Sept. 30, 2025) - On Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 2:27 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 212, at the intersection with SE Wally Road, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Dodge Caliber, operated by Austin Gaberiel Roberts (21) of Kelso (WA), left the roadway for unknown reasons and struck a brick building. The vehicle briefly caught fire prior to being extinguished by a responding fire department. 

The operator of the Dodge (Roberts) and passenger, Taylor Renee Wonderly (19)(F) of Portland, were declared deceased at the scene.

Two employees of ¡Candylashco., Tiana Marie Owen (22) of Gresham and Gabriela Lorene Shirley (24) of Gresham, suffered serious injuries during the crash and were transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. Speed is considered a primary cause of the crash and the investigation is on-going.

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Clackamas County Fire Department, and ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

September 30, 2025

Video files from ODHS staff are available for download on Vimeo.

English: Dana Hittle, Co-leader, ODHS Federal Response Team

Spanish: Adriana Taylor, Member, ODHS Federal Response Team

Oregon Department of Human Services announces federal changes to SNAP so that thousands of Oregonians who may be impacted can prepare

(Salem, Ore.) The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is announcing federally required changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Oregon. These changes are required under House Resolution (H.R. 1), a federal law passed on July 4, 2025. More than 740,000 people in Oregon currently receive SNAP benefits, and ODHS expects more than 313,000 people enrolled in SNAP may be impacted by the H.R. 1 changes.

“We are announcing these changes today so that families can prepare for the impact we expect many Oregonians who depend on this resource will feel,” said Dana Hittle, who is co-leading ODHS’ federal response team. “Oregon families enrolled in SNAP receive an average of $300 a month, and any reduction makes it harder for families to put food on the table. Oregon has no choice but to follow federal law that will result in increased hardship across our communities, but we remain committed to helping families adjust and prepare.”

ODHS will begin notifying affected households in mid-October. The people who will be most affected by the new federal law include older adults, immigrants and people living in rural communities with limited access to transportation.

The changes won’t happen to everyone at once — they will roll out over the next year.

• For people who already get SNAP: The changes will affect those who applied or recertified between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025. Notices will be sent around Oct. 15, 2025 to this first group of people who are impacted. The first group will have SNAP benefit reductions or closures on Nov. 1, 2025. For people approved for SNAP before July 4, 2025, the changes will happen over time throughout the next year and a notice will be sent.
• For people who apply or reapply for SNAP after Oct. 1, 2025: The new rules will apply right away.

Key changes affecting people in Oregon

These changes will affect three main groups of SNAP recipients: households receiving utility assistance, able-bodied adults ages 18 through 64 with no child under age 14 in their SNAP group, and certain lawfully present immigrants.

Utility assistance and SNAP benefits

• Households previously eligible for the Heating and Cooling Full Utility Allowance (FUA) through energy assistance programs like Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or “Heat and Eat” will see changes.
• Only households with at least one member who is age 60 or older or a member with a disability will automatically qualify for FUA.
• Approximately 29,000 households will lose this allowance, reducing their SNAP benefits by an average of $58 per month.
• About 9,600 households who applied or renewed between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025 will get notices around Oct. 15, 2025. Their SNAP will be reduced Nov. 1, 2025.
• Another 20,000 households will see benefits go down when their SNAP is reviewed.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)

• Beginning Oct 1, 2025, people with ABAWD status in 6 counties (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Benton, and Hood River) will be reviewed at application or renewal for required work rules.
• People who don’t meet work rules may lose SNAP benefits after 3 months.
• The work rules will apply to adults ages 18–64 without a disability or without children under age 14 in their SNAP household. Previously the work rules applied to adults ages 18 to 54 without a child under 18 in their SNAP household.
• People with ABAWD status must work or participate in a qualifying activity for at least 80 hours per month.
• Veterans, people experiencing homelessness and young adults aging out of foster care are no longer exempt from the work rules.
• Tribal Members and people who meet the federal definition of “Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian” are newly exempt from the work rules.
• In January 2026 these ABAWD requirements will be implemented statewide.
• It’s estimated that 310,000 adults will have to be newly evaluated to see if they have to meet the work rules.

Refugees, Asylees and certain other lawfully present immigrants

• Refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors and other conditionally allowed non-citizens who were eligible for SNAP as of July 3, 2025, will lose eligibility under H.R. 1.
• In Oregon, it’s estimated that at least 3,000 individuals will no longer qualify for benefits.
• About 1,000 people who applied or renewed their SNAP between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025 will get notices around Oct. 15, 2025. Their SNAP will end on Oct. 31, 2025.
• Another 2,000 people will lose SNAP when their SNAP is reviewed.

Notifications to households

   Around Oct. 15, 2025, ODHS will mail notices to:

• Roughly 9,600 households receiving energy assistance to notify them that their SNAP benefits will be reduced starting November 1, 2025.
• Approximately 1,000 refugees, asylees and other lawfully present immigrants whose SNAP cases will close on Oct. 31, 2025.
• Affected households do not need to take any action. ODHS will adjust benefits automatically.

Preparing for changes

• If you think you may be in one of the impacted groups, go to www.oregon.gov/odhs to learn more.
• Watch your mail for notices from ODHS and open them right away. The first wave of notices will be sent on Oct. 15, 2025.
• If you think the ABAWD work requirements may apply to you, don’t wait to start planning how to meet them. Call the ODHS ABAWD team directly at 833-947-1694 or AWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov" target="_blank" title="mailto:snap.abawdteam@odhsoha.oregon.gov">SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
• Know what other food resources are in your community.
  • The ODHS Food Resources website can help.
• Older adults and people with disabilities can connect with Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon to learn about government programs and community resources at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.

• Reach out to 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211 or visiting www.211info.org

Contact ODHS

If you have questions or need help understanding these changes, contact ODHS:

• By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome
• In person: Visit a local office (find one online)
• By Mail: (Requests must be received by the deadline)
  ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• By email: Send requests to egon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov">Oregon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Online: Submit requests through a ONE Online account

About SNAP in Oregon:

SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year. But even with SNAP benefits, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs, especially amid the rising cost of food and housing. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to making sure people in Oregon receive the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.

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In early 2025, the Sheriff's Office partnered with Axon, bringing technological improvements to body-worn cameras (BWC), digital evidence storage, improved Taser support weapons, and enhanced drone capabilities for public safety.

As the Sheriff’s Office entered its partnership with Axon, it began evaluating Draft One as a report-writing tool.  Draft One aids deputies by transcribing audio captured through the BWC. The transcription is rendered using a proprietary form of AI as a concise first draft into the report-writing system for the deputy to review. Draft One has built-in safeguards, such as integrated error checkpoints that the deputy must fix, to ensure accuracy. Also, before report submission, deputies will carefully review and edit the draft report to ensure that it accurately reflects the facts of the incident.  All reports generated with the assistance of Draft One will include language documenting its use.

Starting October 1, 2025, select deputies will pilot Draft One for 60 days in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office for certain approved offenses. Deputies piloting the program can transcribe select offenses, including DUII, theft, trespassing, criminal driving while suspended, warrant arrest reports, and user-level possession of a controlled substance reports. Deputies may currently transcribe non-criminal offenses, including crash reports, mental health calls, and information-only reports.

Integrating the Draft One report writing software is intended to assist deputies in accurately documenting police reports and saving valuable time. At the end of the 60-day pilot program, senior oversight from the District Attorney's and Sheriff's Office will evaluate the viability of sustained use. Draft One is currently used by various police departments throughout the United States.

Click here for additional information regarding Draft One.

Outdoor debris burning will open at sunrise tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 1 in Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2 (Rural District#2).

Central Oregon fire agencies work collaboratively to determine the best time to open burning based on weather and fire safety factors. Currently the region is in Moderate fire danger and with cooler, wetter weather on the way, burning has been determined safe to conduct.

As a reminder, debris burning within Bend city limits remains permanently banned by City ordinance. Open fires are also prohibited on public land owned by City of Bend, Deschutes County or the Oregon Department of Transportation. Campfires, recreational fires, warming fires and cooking fires are permitted within the city of Bend and Rural District #2 if the proper safety precautions are followed. 

If you choose to burn, Bend Fire & Rescue wants you to remember:

• Know if burning is allowed at your location. Debris burning regulations may vary between governmental jurisdictions within the Central Oregon area. Please contact your local fire agency for specific requirements and closures.
• Call before you burn. Weather conditions can change quickly and burning can be closed as needed. If you are within Rural District #2, please call 541-322-6335 before lighting a fire to ensure burning is open for the day. 
• Obtain any permits needed for your outdoor fire. Large fires (greater than 6 feet in diameter), agricultural fires and special fires like bonfires or pit fires may need a permit.
• Follow all local burn regulations and have a copy on hand. Failure to comply with burning regulations may result in a citation and/or being reported to Department of Environmental Quality. 
• Prep the area before you burn and have water and tools nearby. Maintain a 10-foot clearance around the fire and ensure water and tools are close in case of the fire escaping.
• Fully extinguish your fire when you are done and leaving the area. The ground needs to be cold to the touch to prevent unwanted rekindling of the fire.

Learn more about burn permits and regulations at bendoregon.gov/burninginfo.

Salem, OR -- Today, Sept. 30, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) published the maximum rent increases allowed by law for 2026.

• For rental facilities that are 15 years or older and have 30 or fewer spaces, the maximum rent increase is 9.5%.
• For rental facilities that are 15 years or older with more than 30 spaces, the maximum increase is 6.0%.

Per statute, the Office of Economic Analysis calculates the maximum rent increase by adding 7% to the average change in the cost of living over the past year. Only one rent increase is allowed every 12 months, and the maximum increase is capped at 10%. The cost-of-living change is measured using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region (All Items), published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

House Bill 3054, passed in 2025, changed how rent increases are calculated. Now, the size of the rental property affects the allowed increase.

Rent increase limits are designed to protect tenants from large, unexpected rent hikes.

Oregon law requires the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to publish the maximum rent increase allowed each year by September 30 online. DAS will post the 2027 rent increase limits by September 30, 2026.

ASTORIA, Oregon— The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved Local Government Grants and rules for procurement, ATVs and historic properties at its September meeting in Astoria.

The commission adopted the recommended grants for the 2025 Local Government Grant Program (LGGP). The LGGP is a voter approved, Oregon Lottery funded grant program administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. 

The 2025 awards totaled about $17.3 million and include:            

• Large Grants totaling $15,707,853  
• Small Grants totaling $1,101,673  
• Planning Grants totaling $450,000  

The commission also adopted rules for procurement, ATVs and historic properties based on Oregon legislation passed in 2025. 

• Adopted ATV sound and equipment rules. This is a result of HB 2232, which transferred rulemaking responsibility from ODOT and DEQ to OPRD. Recording of presentation on adopted rules.
• Adopted Public Contract and Procurement Rules to outline OPRD’s new requirements. This is a result of SB 838, which exempts OPRD from the Public Contracting Code except for surplus property and information technology related procurement.  Recording of presentation.
• Adopted rules about Special Assessment for Historic Property in response to House Bill 3190, which reauthorizes the program as a 10-year benefit for commercial, income-producing historic properties.  Recording of presentation.

Staff also presented a budget update to the commission that showed an even lower-than-forecasted lottery revenue outlook and an increase in cost-of-living adjustments, which creates a $14 million budget shortfall this biennium. The agency will closely monitor the budget forecast, its visitor fees and cost-saving measures to close the gap. 

The full agenda with supporting documents is available online, and a recording of the meeting is available on the OPRD Director’s Office YouTube channel. The commission’s next meeting is November 17-18 and will be virtual. 

September 30, 2025

Media contact: Jonathan Modie PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Ochoco Lake

Continue to keep pets away as levels detected remain above educational guideline values for animals

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Ochoco Lake in Crook County.

OHA issued the advisory Aug 27.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Ochoco Lake are below recreational guideline values for people.

However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water.

If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom.

Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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September 30, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459 PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov   

Newborn screening program saves lives of Oregon infants

Blood tests taken from a newborn’s foot can prevent serious complications later in life 

PORTLAND, Ore.— It started a few days after birth with a few drops of blood taken from a newborn’s foot. And for the family of young Maisie, on her fifth day of life, it portended a potentially life-saving discovery. 

Called “newborn bloodspot screening,” or NBS, these samples are tested for more than 45 congenital disorders. 

Laboratory scientists test for serious but treatable conditions that would otherwise not be detected, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, severe immunity disorders, metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCAD deficiency), and more.  

In Maisie’s case, the test results indicated she was at high risk for MCAD deficiency. Patients with MCAD deficiency cannot properly break down fatty acids for energy and are at risk of sudden infant death. 

“Our newborn screening saved us the trauma of one day walking into her room and her not waking up, or her having a medical crisis,” said her mother, Leslie.  

“It may seem like a one-in-a-million shot, but there is only one Maisie and we’re so grateful for the important work that is being done.” 

State law requires all babies born in Oregon have access to newborn bloodspot screening. 

The first sample is collected within one to two days of life and is sent to the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL) in Hillsboro. 

A second sample is collected from every newborn at 10 to 14 days of life to screen for later-onset conditions. On a typical day, more than 300 samples are tested at the lab. 

Results are generally available within 24 hours.

Early detection of a congenital disease through screening leads to an evaluation by a health care provider, additional confirmatory testing, and life-saving treatment within days after birth.

“Through this program and the extraordinary cooperation of our partners at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), we are able to prevent serious complications that otherwise would not be discovered possibly until it was too late,” said Patrice Held, Ph.D., Newborn Screening Program manager at OSPHL. The lab is based at Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division.

Established in 1963, Oregon’s NBS program is one of the first of its kind in the nation, universally testing more than 99% of the state’s newborns from samples taken by doctors, nurses, midwives or other health care professionals. 

Early detection and timely interventions significantly improved health outcomes for Maisie.

Today Maisie is a thriving 2-year-old, romping with her older sister, Ruby, 5 and big brother Theo, 7.

To raise awareness about Oregon’s Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program, as September’s Newborn Screening Awareness Month winds down, OHA has produced this comprehensive and informative video, underscoring the impact of newborn screening.

“By increasing awareness, we hope to ensure that every newborn in Oregon receives this essential screening,” Held said.

Learn more here about how bloodspot screening works, and the collaborative effort to ensure healthy babies in Oregon.  

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Bend Fire & Rescue is opening their doors to the community this Saturday, Oct. 4 to celebrate the kick-off of National Fire Prevention Week. The family-friendly event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bend Fire’s North Fire Station (63377 NE Jamison Street, Bend).

This year’s open house will feature fun activities and demonstrations for everyone! Don’t miss an opportunity to:

• Climb aboard a fire engine and police SWAT vehicle,
• See an AirLink Critical Care helicopter land,
• Watch your Bend firefighters cut open vehicles using the “Jaws of Life,”
• Paint a City of Bend snowplow and make fun crafts,
• Enjoy delicious ice cream and other giveaways!

Learn more about the open house, including the schedule of events, at bendoregon.gov/fire-prevention-week.

Fire Prevention Week 2025 takes place October 5-11. This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety.” Bend Fire & Rescue would like you to remember that lithium-ion batteries like those that operate some e-bikes, power equipment and even your cell phones can be dangerous when not used properly. It’s important to buy only listed products, charge devices safely and dispose of, or recycle, batteries responsibly to prevent fires.

Learn more about lithium-ion battery safety by attending the open house on Saturday, or at the National Fire Protection Agency website.  

El Departamento de Bend Fire & Rescue abrirá sus puertas a la comunidad este sábado, 4 de octubre, para celebrar el inicio de la Semana Nacional de Prevención de Incendios. El evento que será para toda la familia, se celebrará de 10:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m., en la Estación Norte de bomberos de Bend (63377 NE Jamison Street, Bend).

¡La jornada de puertas abiertas de este año contará con divertidas actividades y demostraciones para todos! No se pierda la oportunidad de:

• Subirse a un camión de bomberos y a un vehículo SWAT de la policía.
• Ver aterrizar un helicóptero de cuidados intensivos de AirLink.
• Observar cómo los bomberos de Bend estabilizan y abren un vehículo utilizando las "mandíbulas de la vida".
• Pintar una quitanieves de la municipalidad de Bend y hacer divertidas manualidades.
• Disfrute de helados y otros regalos.

Para obtener más información sobre la jornada de puertas abiertas, incluido el programa, visite  bendoregon.gov/fire-prevention-week.

La Semana de Prevención de Incendios 2025 se celebra del 5 al 11 de octubre. El tema de este año es "Impulsa la  seguridad contra incendios". El Departamento de de Bend Fire & Rescue les recuerda que las baterías de iones de litio, como las que utilizan algunas bicicletas eléctricas, equipos eléctricos e incluso sus teléfonos móviles, pueden ser peligrosas si no se usan correctamente. Es importante comprar solo productos homologados, cargar los dispositivos de forma segura y desechar o reciclar las baterías de manera responsable para evitar incendios.

Para obtener más información sobre la seguridad de las baterías de iones de litio, asista a la jornada de puertas abiertas del sábado o visiteel sitio web de la Agencia Nacional de Protección contra Incendios.

New partnership to provide PSU business students with career path resources, guest speakers, and financial industry insight

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union announced today a new partnership with The School of Business at Portland State University, to help prepare students for a successful career. OnPoint will be folded into several School of Business events throughout the 2025-2026 school year, while also providing guest speakers and panelists for business classes and gatherings. Oregon’s largest credit union will also cover the cost of new headshots for students, giving them a professional start to their business careers.

"Any successful career begins with a solid educational foundation, and The School of Business at PSU has provided its students with an exceptional experience for more than 50 years,” said Bob Harding, chief commercial officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Education is OnPoint’s foundation, so the partnership makes perfect sense. We look forward to supporting the next generation of business leaders, and we are excited to enrich their PSU experience and encourage their ambition.”

Event Sponsorship

Through the new partnership, OnPoint will sponsor several university events providing advice and information to students in the School of Business:

• Financial Wellness Day on October 23, 2025. Students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from local organizations in the financial wellness space, including OnPoint.
• A finance career panel discussion during the Winter 2026 term, featuring professionals from the local finance community. An OnPoint branch manager will be one of the panel experts.
• The Portland State Winter All Majors & Business Fair, which will be held on February 9, 2026, will bring representatives from more than 100 employers to campus for students to meet, network, and explore potential careers.

"We are incredibly grateful to OnPoint Community Credit Union for their generous donation to the Portland State University School of Business Career Center. This gift directly strengthens our ability to provide business students with the critical resources and career coaching they need to succeed,” said Shannon Aniciete, director of Business Career Services, Portland State University School of Business. “OnPoint’s investment is an investment in the future of Portland's community, as our graduates go on to become the innovators who drive our regional economy."

Free Headshots

To further support business students as they begin applying for job opportunities, OnPoint will cover the cost of new headshots for all interested School of Business students.

Financial Expert Guest Speakers

Through the partnership with PSU, a local OnPoint team member will serve as a guest speaker to students in the Personal Finance class and speak about their experiences with a career in finance.

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 618,000 members and with assets of $9.56 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

About The School of Business at Portland State University

Located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities, The School of Business at Portland State University is shaping the future of business through transformative learning and meaningful research. With world-class faculty and deep connections with regional industry partners, our campus brings together today’s innovators and tomorrow’s leaders.

Vancouver, Wash. – Applications for Clark County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds will be available beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1. In 2026, Clark County expects to award approximately $2,874,000 to community development and housing activities.

Applications will be completed and submitted through Neighborly Software. Applicants are encouraged to participate in a pre-submittal workshop to review application questions and program requirements:

Application Workshop Info

Thursday, Oct. 9, Public Services Center, sixth-floor Training Room 679, 1300 Franklin St. or via WebEx.

• 9-10 am: asset and economic development
  • Single-family housing, business assistance programs
  • https://clarkwa.webex.com/clarkwa/j.php?MTID=md27cbb7c71d3370e9b43a79fdf57b4c7

• 10-11 am: public services (NEW)
  • Staff and operating costs for priority service areas: physical health, mental health, dental assistance, transportation, childcare, food assistance or housing counseling
  • https://clarkwa.webex.com/clarkwa/j.php?MTID=m8c46b86316aa9f940fb06c6b3c1a5818
• 11-noon: affordable housing and homelessness
  • Multi-family housing acquisition, construction or rehabilitation; tenant-based rental assistance
  • https://clarkwa.webex.com/clarkwa/j.php?MTID=mcaa59178c4239527636de184b76f7155
• 1-2 pm: public facilities and neighborhood improvements
  • Streets and sidewalks, water/sewer, parks, community center, nonprofit facility construction or rehab
  • https://clarkwa.webex.com/clarkwa/j.php?MTID=m2bb341e8956145639178d8f55a92eaf4

The Applicant Information and Preliminary Eligibility Review sections of the online application must be completed by Friday, Oct. 31. Fully completed applications are due by Friday, Dec. 5. More information and a link to the applications are available at: https://www.clark.wa.gov/community-services/cdbg-and-home-applications.

All funding awarded must benefit Clark County neighborhoods and households with low- to moderate-income. Housing developers, nonprofit organizations and local government agencies are eligible to 

apply. Proposed activities must with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s funding requirements.

To be added to the stakeholders list, or if you need assistance or program information, please contact Nooreen Ebrahim at een.ebrahim@clark.wa.gov">nooreen.ebrahim@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.7834.

The City of Vancouver receives its own allocation of CDBG and HOME funds for projects inside the city limits. City of Vancouver staff can be reached at 360.487.7952 for more information.

Portland, Ore., September 30, 2025 – From September 20 through September 28, families, community organizations, and individuals across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together for the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union. The statewide effort, and centerpiece of Fall with SOLVE, aligned with three significant environmental dates: International Coastal Cleanup Day (September 20), National Public Lands Day (September 27), and World Rivers Day (September 28).

This year, approximately 822 volunteers across 14 counties participated in 77 events, from the Oregon Coast to inland rivers and urban neighborhoods. Together, they collected an estimated 9,784 pounds of litter and marine debris (equivalent to the weight of three school buses) while restoring habitats and preparing green spaces for the months ahead. Volunteers cleared approximately 743,420 square feet of invasive plants (covering an area the size of 13 basketball courts), mulched and maintained plants and trees, ensuring green spaces are prepared for the months ahead.

“This year’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup showed the strength of community partnerships: From expanding established programs like Pick It Up, Bend! to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with community groups like Loco por la Aventura,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “For nearly four decades, this cleanup has been at the heart of our work, uniting thousands of volunteers to protect the places we love. It remains one of the most important opportunities we have each year to care for our rivers, beaches, and neighborhoods, and to ensure they remain healthy for generations to come.”

A Season of Highlights
The Beach & Riverside Cleanup showcased the variety of projects and partnerships that fuel SOLVE’s mission across the region. Examples included:

Inaugural Pick It Up, Bend!, September 20, Downtown Bend

As part of this year’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup, SOLVE expanded its Pick It Up! series with the inaugural Pick It Up, Bend! The community-powered cleanup brought together residents, local businesses, and volunteers for a hands-on morning of removing litter and beautifying public spaces against the backdrop of the scenic Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater with the support of Old Mill District, Lithia Motors Green Cars, and Jackstraw (managed by Killian Pacific). SOLVE is already looking forward to bringing back this community-powered cleanup next September and expanding the Pick It Up! series further.

New partnership with Loco por la Aventura, Southeast Portland

On September 25, volunteers came together in Southeast Portland for Cleaner SE Together, a community cleanup hosted by SOLVE and Loco por la Aventura. Volunteers helped to tidy streets and shared spaces while strengthening community connections. The event honored Hispanic Heritage Month and highlighted the contributions of the Latino community in the Pacific Northwest. Loco por la Aventura is a nonprofit organization that promotes educational equity and outdoor engagement for the Latino community across the region. Through their new Basecamp Mountaineering Center, the organization provides gear sales and rentals, with all proceeds directly funding free outdoor programs, clinics, and adventures designed by and for the Latino community.

World Rivers Day Cleanup at Bonneville Lock and Dam, September 28, Cascade Locks
Volunteers joined U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers to celebrate World Rivers Day and National Public Lands Day with a shoreline cleanup at Bonneville Lock and Dam. Together, they removed litter and fishing line from the Columbia River shoreline and invasive weeds from nearby areas, helping protect wildlife and water quality. Afterward, participants got rewarded with a ranger-led tour and underwater fish viewing, underscoring the connection between hands-on volunteer work and the health of our shared waterways.

From Source to Sea, Part of a Global Movement
The Beach & Riverside Cleanup connects local efforts to global initiatives. September 20 marked the 40th anniversary of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect our oceans from harmful debris. Along the Oregon Coast, organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation, Friends of Netarts Bay, and watershed councils joined forces with local volunteers to advance these shared goals. At Siltcoos Beach, participants honored International Coastal Cleanup Day by removing marine debris near protected western snowy plover nesting sites, a critical habitat for these vulnerable birds.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Volunteers
SOLVE expresses gratitude to the thousands of volunteers, community leaders, and partner organizations who made this year’s event possible. The 2025 Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, was proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Knife River, KOIN, Malibu Rum, Metro, National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Oregon Parks and Recreation, Tillamook, and Wells Fargo.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program closing to new applications on Dec. 31

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is encouraging survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds to start applying for the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP) as soon as possible before it closes to new applications on Dec. 31, 2025.

HARP is part of a suite of wildfire recovery programs called ReOregon, which is funded by a $422 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HARP, which opened in March 2024, helps survivor homeowners of the 2020 disasters rebuild, repair, replace, or buy a new home, as well as be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred during their recovery. OHCS expanded eligibility criteria for these recovery pathways to help more survivors apply before the deadline.

Applying for HARP is a two-part process. First, the survivor fills out an Eligibility Questionnaire, which will help ReOregon determine whether a homeowner is qualified to apply. If found to be eligible, they then will receive an email invitation to begin the full application process. OHCS encourages survivors to start the HARP application process now, as it may take some time to gather their documentation for the application. Regional HARP Intake Centers are available to assist survivors.

During the past several months, HARP has helped more than 60 survivors buy a new home, and 11 other homeowners have received reimbursement funds. Some survivors have started or are close to completing reconstruction, while many more are making their way through the application process. To learn more about the application process and expanded eligibility, visit the HARP website.

“It took longer than any of us had hoped, but thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of local communities, HARP is providing much-needed relief for survivors of the 2020 wildfires,” said Shannon Marheine, director of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at OHCS. “While the program is still open, we need everyone’s help to reach those who may not have heard of the program or who are still unsure of the program’s benefits.”  

Jeannine Sills is one of the survivors benefiting from HARP’s services. She was at work when she got a call that the Almeda Fire was moving toward her neighborhood. She rushed home and managed to save her dog and a few photos before the sheriff came to evacuate everyone. 

Through the HARP Home Purchase pathway, which helps survivors buy move-in-ready homes, Sills worked with a realtor to find a three-bedroom, two-bath mobile home that she’s owned since April. For her, having a yard again feels like a dream come true. 

“I cannot express my thanks (for HARP) enough,” Sills said. “I’m actually content and happy and at peace with everything. It’s a beautiful end to a tragic beginning.”  

HARP and other OHCS wildfire programs are helping thousands of survivors and their communities recover by working with partners to provide over 2,600 homes to own or rent, as well as supportive services.

Acknowledging there are those who have not yet recovered, OHCS and its resilient community partners have continued to work tirelessly since 2021 to make sure that every survivor who still needs it has a permanent housing solution.   

“OHCS has helped rebuild 62% of the homes lost in the 2020 Labor Day Disasters. The progress we see today is made possible by local and state partnerships working hand in hand to provide real housing solutions,” Marheine said.

The following is how other OHCS wildfire recovery programs have helped survivors and their communities so far:

• Wildfire Recovery and Resilience Account (WRRA): In 2021, the Oregon Legislature provided over $150 million to support housing recovery for people impacted by the 2020 wildfires. Of that amount, about $36 million was allocated to provide shelter, clothing, and essential services to wildfire survivors, as well as housing and housing support for households that became homeless due to the disaster. WRRA, which ended in October 2023, supported 450 households with temporary housing assistance and 867 households with a full recovery from the wildfires. To view the full WRRA report, visit https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/disaster-recovery/Pages/Wildfire-Resilience.aspx.
• Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization (PIER): PIER has allocated $64 million of funding following local selection committee recommendations for community redevelopment and revitalization projects, which include 16 active projects and 14 under review.
• Affordable Housing Development (AHD): AHD has allocated $104 million in funding to counties that can support development of rental housing, homeownership opportunities, and infrastructure projects that lead to affordable housing. These projects will be led locally by the counties.

To learn more about all of ReOregon’s programs, visit re.oregon.gov.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs. 

Since 2017, the Portland Water Bureau has detected low levels of Cryptosporidium from routine monitoring from the Bull Run watershed, Portland’s primary source of drinking water. Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism, has not been detected in Portland’s drinking water since April 21, 2025. The Portland Water Bureau does not currently treat for Cryptosporidium but is required to do so under drinking water regulations.

The Portland Water Bureau is constructing a new treatment plant to remove Cryptosporidium from Bull Run drinking water. Until the filtration plant is online, the Portland Water Bureau will continue monitoring the Bull Run drinking water source and a range of actions to maintain public health protections. This includes informing the public of both the potential risks of Cryptosporidium in drinking water and Portland’s plan for filtration by sharing the following information with the public on a quarterly basis. 

Portland is working to install filtration by September 30, 2027 under a compliance schedule with the Oregon Health Authority. In the meantime, Portland Water Bureau is implementing interim measures such as watershed protection and additional monitoring to protect public health. Consultation with public health officials has concluded that at this time, customers do not need to take any additional precautions.

Exposure to Cryptosporidium can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain. People with healthy immune systems recover without medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead to serious life-threatening illness. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS, those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system, and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.

The Environmental Protection Agency advises that customers who are immunocompromised and receive their drinking water from the Bull Run Watershed consult with their health care professional about the safety of drinking the tap water. The Portland Water Bureau Burlington, City of Gresham, City of Sandy, City of Tualatin, Green Valley, GNR, Hideaway Hills, Lake Grove, Lorna Domestic Water, Lusted, Palatine Hill, Pleasant Home, Raleigh, Rockwood, Skyview Acres, Tualatin Valley, Two Rivers, Valley View and West Slope Water Districts receive all or part of their drinking water supply from the Bull Run. To learn if your drinking water comes from Bull Run, please contact your local water provider.

The public and the media are encouraged to view all sampling results posted to the City’s website at portlandoregon.gov/water/cryptoresults. The bureau will notify the media and public immediately should further test results indicate a risk to public health and if precautions are necessary.

Customers with questions regarding water quality can call the Water Quality Line at

503-823-7525.

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. 

About the Public Works Service Area

The Public Works Service Area keeps Portland running by managing the city’s water, sewer, stormwater, parks and transportation systems. It includes the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Parks & Recreation, and the Portland Water Bureau. Public Works ensures reliable infrastructure, invests in sustainability, and supports essential services that enhance daily life for Portlanders.

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact 503-823-4000 (311), Relay Service & TTY: 711, or 503-823-8064. Visit Portland Water Bureau’s Disability and Language Access page for more information.

503-823-4000 Translation and Interpretation 

Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या

口笔译服务 |  Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad

Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College, in partnership with Blue Sky Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, will host a two-day photography symposium titled, “Agency and the Image,” on Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11. The event will take place at the college’s Southeast Campus (2305 SE 82nd and Division) on day one from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Cascade Campus (705 N. Killingsworth St.) on day two from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrating Blue Sky’s 50 years of advancing contemporary photography, the symposium brings together artists, scholars and community members to explore photography’s histories, practices and futures. Participants can attend workshops on portfolio development, artist statements, digital tools and tintype making, alongside panel discussions on photography’s role in community, identity and experimental practices.

“Photography is a powerful tool for storytelling and understanding our world,” said co-organizer and art faculty David Torres. “This event creates a space to experiment, challenge conventions, and explore how images shape identity and community. I’m thrilled to join this symposium and share ideas with fellow artists, educators, and students who are pushing the boundaries of the medium.”

The program features a keynote by Blue Sky co-founder Chris Rauschenberg and Executive Director Kristin Solomon, as well as an interactive Camera Obscura installation. Speakers include PCC photography educators Kim Manchester, who emphasizes collaborative, experiential learning; Torres, a new media artist exploring storytelling and visual culture through multimedia practices; and more artists within the photographic practice of seeing and making.

Registration is $25 per person with free Blue Sky student membership for student registrants. Financial assistance is available at luesky@blueskygallery.org" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">bluesky@blueskygallery.org. The first event in the program each day is free and open to the public.

For more information and registration: https://www.blueskygallery.org/

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

Oregon joins in the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces and recognize businesses that support employees with disabilities.

This year’s theme of “celebrating value and talent” is reflected in Oregon throughout the year in the countless ways people with disabilities bring value to their jobs and communities.

In 2023, 47% of Oregon residents with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed, compared with 79.7% of people without disabilities — about a 33% gap (source). Several state employment programs work to help people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce.

“Our communities and economy are stronger when people with disabilities are included,” said Allison Enriquez, Oregon’s Employment First Coordinator. “For too long, people with disabilities did not have equal access to good jobs with fair wages in their communities. Oregon is committed to building employment-related supports and connections so all have access to reach their potential and fully participate in their communities.”

NDEAM webinar series

Partners who deliver employment services invite everyone to join a series of webinars in October to celebrate workplace successes and educate the community about resources and services available for job seekers with disabilities.

Webinars are scheduled noon to 1:15 p.m. Oct. 7, 14 and 28 on Zoom. For details on each session and accessibility information, go to Oregon’s NDEAM event web page.

• Oct. 7 – Beyond the classroom: Celebrating work-based learning
• Oct. 14 – Building financial futures: work and save with Oregon ABLE and EPD
• Oct. 28 – Technology, artificial intelligence and employment

These events are hosted by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation program, Oregon Commission for the Blind and the Oregon Department of Education.

Employment resources for people with disabilities

Several state programs offer resources to support Oregon residents with disabilities in achieving, maintaining and advancing in employment.

• Office of Developmental Disabilities Services has employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with all kinds of disabilities find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
• Oregon Commission for the Blind helps people with vision loss find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
• Ticket to Work is a free federal program for people who are blind or have a disability and receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. People who are 18 to 64 years old and want to work may access this program to prepare for work and find a job.
• Employed Persons with Disabilities is a Medicaid program that helps people with disabilities go to work while keeping their Medicaid coverage.
• Oregon ABLE Savings Plan is a way people with disabilities can save for the future without the fear of losing needed government benefits.
• Free benefits counseling is available to answer job seekers’ questions about how working may affect their benefits.

Information on these programs is available on the ODHS web page “Get Help Finding a Job.”

The suspect in Saturday’s shooting is facing several charges, and detectives believe he’s responsible for three gun-related calls in Tigard in the last week.

The suspect, Victor Gonzalez-Osegura, age 56, remains in the Washington County Jail on charges linked to all three cases.

Timeline:

On September 23 at 1:37pm, officers responded to the Tigard Plaza Shopping Center on SW 99W & Hall Blvd. for reports of shots being fired. Witnesses told officers a man fired several rounds into the air and drove off. Fortunately, nobody was hurt. Officers collected witness statements and surveillance video at the scene. Detectives identified the suspect as Gonzalez-Osegura.

On September 26 at 1:08pm, officers responded to the shopping center on the south side of SW 99W at Hall Blvd, which is just across the street from the first incident. In that case, officers learned a man matching Gonzalez-Osegura’s description got into an argument with two employees at a cell phone store, then pointed a gun at them as he left the store.

On September 27, Gonzalez-Osegura was safely arrested after he shot a man at a restaurant, causing serious injury. (See original news release below). The victim has been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Gonzalez-Osegura is currently facing 10 charges, including assault I and assault II, which are both Measure 11 crimes. As a convicted felon, he is also facing charges for felon in possession of a weapon. The gun believed to be used in all three cases has been recovered. Additional charges could be pending after Grand Jury.

“We understand that many people were affected by what they saw and heard at these three scenes,” said Police Chief Jamey McDonald. “This is certainly unusual in Tigard, and I’m grateful to the witnesses who provided information and to our patrol officers and detectives for responding quickly and thoroughly to identify this suspect. I’m also thankful that the man who was shot is back home with his family and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

(ORIGINAL RELEASE: 9/27/25)

Tigard Police officers responded to a shooting just after noon today, and the suspect has been safely arrested.

Officers were called to the Sanchez Taqueria (13050 SW Pacific Highway) at 12:07pm, where witnesses said a customer shot another customer. The victim was taken to the hospital with injuries that are serious, but not believed to be life threatening.

The suspect drove away from the scene, but was stopped by officers nearby at SW Gaarde and SW Pacific Highway (99W) where he was safely arrested. His name and charges will be coming later.

Officers are speaking with witnesses and gathering evidence at the scene. Updates will be provided as they become available.

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BURN BAN LIFTED IN THE CITY OF PORTLAND

The burn ban that was issued in early July in the City of Portland has been lifted by the Fire Marshal effective 10/01/25. Although the burn ban is being lifted, Portland Fire & Rescue would like to remind members of the community to only burn dried cordwood in a controlled setting by using a fire ring or elevated fire pit with an active hose line stretched to the location of your fire. Keep all flame lengths less than 24” and to be certain to be a safe distance away from any structure and significant vegetation.

In addition to the safety concerns with recreational fire pits, PF&R would like you to remain vigilant in your outdoor cooking activities as well. Residents are reminded to use extreme caution when using an outdoor cooking set up with open flame. When using charcoal briquettes, please properly dispose of the ashes in a covered metal container away from combustibles, and keep the ashes wet for a few days before properly disposing of them. Maintain at least ten feet between outdoor cooking locations and anything combustible such as siding, fences, shrubbery, etc.

Ensure all cigarettes/cigars are extinguished prior to disposal.

Those living in rural areas are asked to continue to maintain their defensible space by monitoring growth surrounding homes and structures as there is still a wildfire risk posed in our region, and to maintain adequate access for firefighting equipment in the event there is a response need.

Contact Portland Fire & Rescue 503-823-3700 for additional information.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Tomas Plancarte-Benson, 37, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on the evening of September 27, 2025, federal officers attempted to clear the driveway at the ICE facility. Plancarte-Benson was among a group of agitators blocking the driveway. Federal officials gave repeated verbal commands to “move” or “clear the driveway.” Rather than move when directed, Plancarte-Benson shoved a federal officer and retreated into the crowd. Federal officers subsequently found Plancarte-Benson near the ICE facility and arrested him for assaulting a federal officer.

“Violence at the ICE building or any other federal building will not be tolerated. If you assault a federal law enforcement officer, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon has charged 27 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

Plancarte-Benson made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.

Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison. 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

Please be advised that the Bulletin does not include all calls for service to which officers respond.  Many calls do not require that a report be written; such as:

•Traffic Stops

•Advising/Referring a Person to the Proper Agency to handle their request

•Restoring the Peace

•Premise Checks

•Welfare Checks

•Flagged Down by Citizen

Just after 2:15 p.m. today, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received reports of an armed person at Fruitland Elementary School in NE Salem. The school immediately went into lockdown, and within minutes deputies arrived on scene.

Deputies located a 53-year-old female matching the description across the street from the school. She was identified as Janet Ogren of Salem and taken into custody. Deputies also located a handgun nearby.

Ogren was lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:

• Disorderly Conduct
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Resisting Arrest

We want to thank the Salem-Keizer School District staff for their quick actions in calling 911, as well as all of the deputies who swiftly responded to ensure the safety of the students and staff.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Jordan Cushing, age 15, a child in foster care who went missing from Portland on Sept. 26. She is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Jordan and to contact the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) if they believe they see her.

Jordan is suspected to be in Portland and may be spending time around Evergreen Inn & Suites Portland Airport on 3828 NE 82nd Ave.

Name: Jordan Cushing
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Sept. 14, 2010
Height: 5-foot-3
Weight: 115 pounds
Hair: Black and purple
Eye color: Hazel

Other identifying characteristics: Jordan has scars on her arms and legs and sometimes writes the name “Spencer” in marker on her arms and legs.
Portland Police Bureau Case #25-266090
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2062826

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

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This morning, agents from the FBI Portland Division, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, and Federal Protective Service, searched a residence associated with a subject who is alleged to have aimed a laser at a Customs and Border Protection agency helicopter conducting law enforcement activity in the skies over Portland, as well as another aircraft in the area on the evening of September 27, 2025. Agents made contact with the subject, as well as three other inhabitants who were at the residence. All four suspects are in the U.S. illegally, and were placed into the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) personnel. The laser that was used was acquired during the course of the investigation. The federal government will not tolerate violence against federal officers, nor will we tolerate assaults on personal, commercial, or government aircraft. We cannot comment further on this matter at this time. 

PORTLAND, Ore. 29 Sept. 2025 – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help identifying the person or people responsible for dumping and wasting 16 salmon in Portland last month.

The salmon were dumped at Cathedral Park, located at the corner of North Crawford Street and North Pittsburgh Avenue. The fish had net marks and were likely dumped in the early morning hours of August 27, 2025.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 800-452-7888, OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number SP25-383919.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining a hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining an Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information, visit the Oregon State Police Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) web page.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts post-mortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces laws related to fish, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

The City of Tigard will host El Tigre Fest this Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook Family Park. Now in its fourth year, this free cultural celebration honors Hispanic Heritage Month by uplifting Latino heritage, food, music, and community spirit. 

Observed annually from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month highlights the profound contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. With nearly 15% of Tigard’s population identifying as Hispanic or Latino, this festival reflects the city’s values of equity, inclusion, and community celebration. 

The El Tigre Fest logo and 2025 flyer were both created by artist Alex Villalobos and pay tribute to the Pericos de Puebla, one of Mexico’s original professional baseball teams. 

Youth Fútbol Tournament

For the first time, El Tigre will host a youth fútbol (soccer) tournament led by Club Venados, a local nonprofit team serving Latino youth. Fútbol is a foundational part of many Latin American cultures and offers young players an opportunity to connect with heritage, teamwork, and community pride. The tournament will feature boys and girls ages 9 to 15. 

Live Music and Entertainment

This year’s lineup features nationally recognized and local Latin artists. Performances include: 

• Trish Toledo – Retro soul with Latin influence 

• Tropa Magica – Psychedelic cumbia-rock fusion 

• Pura Vida Orquesta – Live Latin big band 

• Flaco El Jandro – Latin rap and hip-hop 

• 3LH – Surf rock and garage punk 

• Baile Folklórico & Las Flamenquitas – Traditional dance from Mexico and Spain 

Food and Vendors

The festival will feature 70 local vendors offering: 

• A wide selection of food including pupusas, tacos, BBQ, aguas frescas, tamales, and Latin American pastries 

• Handcrafted goods and specialty items from local Latino-owned businesses 

Family Activities and Kids’ Zone 

Families and children will enjoy: 

• Arts and crafts, prizes, games and carnival-style activities hosted by Tigard Parks & Recreation 

• Free book giveaways from the Tigard Public Library 

• Appearances by characters from Encanto and Coco 

• Spanish-language resources and community outreach 

• Activities hosted by Tigard Turns the Tide and Students Against Underage Drinking and Drugs 

Community Partners and Event Production 

El Tigre Fest is produced in collaboration with: 

• Cielo Talent Agency, a Latin-owned concert production and talent management firm founded by John Lares 

• El Rey Radio, one of the region’s leading Spanish-language radio stations 

• Club Venados USA, a local youth soccer organization helping expand El Tigre’s reach 

Accessibility & Parking 

Expanded ADA parking will be available near the main event zone. Attendees are encouraged to use transit, walk, or bike when possible. Parking options are detailed on the event website. 

What to Bring 

Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs, picnic blankets, and sun protection to enjoy the full day of performances and activities. 

Learn More 

For schedule, parking, and vendor information, visit www.tigard-or.gov/eltigre.

(Newsrooms: a highlight reel from the 2024 El Tigre Fest is available on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2bcSW4LfRY.)

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PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management recently began prescribed burning operations throughout Oregon and Washington as conditions became optimal in many areas. Operations will continue throughout the fall and winter. These burns are carefully planned to reduce hazardous fuels, protect nearby communities, and restore native ecosystems. To view active burns, visit our prescribed fire webpage.

“Prescribed fire is one of our most effective tools for reducing wildfire risk and improving habitat,” said Jona Ensley, assistant fire management officer at the Prineville District. “By carefully planning and executing these burns, we’re helping protect communities and strengthen the health of our public lands.”

Techniques range from broadcast burning, which is the application of fire to an entire area, to hand and machine pile ignitions. These burns focus on increasing safety in the Wildland Urban Interface and restoring ecological function to the landscape. Targeting built-up fuels and residual materials from previous forest (?)thinning operations decreases the load of dead trees, branches, and underbrush that pose significant wildfire risks.

What does this mean??

• During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
• Residents are encouraged to close windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
• When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down and turn on headlights.
• People with heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, should ask their doctors about protecting themselves from smoke, and monitor their local air quality map.

All prescribed burns are carried out when weather, fuel conditions, and air quality are within safe parameters. Firefighters use a combination of natural features and constructed control lines to keep the fire contained, with protocols in place to minimize smoke impacts on nearby communities.

For more information, contact the BLM District Office associated with the burn.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The Lincoln City Police Department will be utilizing grant funds to conduct a Pedestrian Safety Operation on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 on Hwy 101 in the area of the north 200 block of Highway 101.

The primary focus of the operation is to raise pedestrian safety awareness. With the use of a decoy pedestrian, the Lincoln City Police Department hopes to raise awareness of drivers and pedestrians through education and enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws. The operation will be conducted between the hours of 10:30AM and 2:30PM. Warning signs will be posted prior to entering the pedestrian safety operation zone.

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are dedicated to enhancing the safety of our citizens and guests of the city, and these safety operations are conducted in an effort to reduce the potential for injuries or death to pedestrians.

Funding for the pedestrian safety operations are made possible through a grant provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

[Woodburn, OR] – The Woodburn Police Department is warning the community after a card skimming device was discovered on a payment terminal at the Dollar Tree store in Woodburn. 

The device was located and removed on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Based on initial evidence, investigators believe the device was placed on the terminal on September 14, 2025.

A skimmer is an illegal device used by criminals to capture credit or debit card information during legitimate transactions.

The Woodburn Police Department urges anyone who made purchases at the Dollar Tree between September 14 and September 21, 2025, to take the following precautions:

• Review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized or suspicious transactions.
• Report any fraudulent charges immediately to your financial institution and local law enforcement.
• If you suspect your card information may have been compromised, place a fraud alert on your credit file and request a new card from your bank or card issuer.

Woodburn Police is aware that similar skimming devices have recently been recovered by law enforcement agencies in surrounding counties (Multnomah and Washington). The investigation into this incident remains ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Woodburn Police Department at 503-982-2345.

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) wants to remind Oregonians that even with the weather starting to transition to fall, fire is still on the landscape and fire regulations are still in effect. The department wants to warn the public against complacency since a season ending rain event has not happened yet and east winds, known to elevate fire risk, are a common occurrence this time of year.

“With the temperature changes, it’s easy to think that fires are lessening or that fire season is over. However, we are still seeing new fire starts daily throughout the state and fire regulations remain in place,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief.

Even with lower temperatures and intermittent rain, fuels remain very dry with the potential for a fire to start and grow. Thus far in the season, there have been 1,091 fires on ODF-protected lands – 671 of which have been human-caused. By taking a few extra steps, you can help prevent the next wildfire in Oregon.

Wildfire prevention means:

• Debris burning remains the number one cause of human-caused fires in Oregon and is prohibited during fire season. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is declared over before burning. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn in the late fall and winter.
• Check local restrictions before lighting a camp or warming fire to see if it is allowed.
• Never leave your campfire or warming fire unattended.
• Make sure your campfire or warming fire is OUT COLD. That means drowning it with water, stirring the ashes, and repeating that process until it is cold to touch. If there is any heat coming off the embers, then it can reignite later.
• Don’t park your car over dried grass, and make sure your vehicle or ATV is regularly serviced. More than 100 fires have resulted from vehicle use in 2025.
• Make sure your tow chains are not dragging. The metal hitting asphalt while driving can throw sparks into dry grass on the side of the road.

Several ODF districts have updated their fire danger levels recently; however most of the state remains between moderate and high fire danger. Visit Oregon.gov/odf to find local fire restrictions and keeporegongreen.org for more wildfire prevention tips.

Press Release   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
September 29, 2025

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER HONORED FOR ADVOCACY BY THE ASSOCIATION OF WASHINGTON BUSINESS

Chamber recognized as 2025 Grassroots Alliance Advocate of the Year for championing Southwest Washington’s business community

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is proud to announce that it has been named Grassroots Alliance Advocate of the Year by the Association of Washington Business (AWB). This distinguished award recognizes Chambers of Commerce across the state that stand out for their commitment to advocacy on behalf of the business community.

Led by President & CEO John McDonagh, the GVC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the voice of business is heard at every level of government. The Chamber keeps members informed on key issues in Olympia and creates exclusive opportunities to engage directly with legislators through roundtables and signature legislative events. Topics addressed include transportation, public safety, workforce development, childcare, taxation, and more.

Each year, the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Government & Public Affairs Committee travel to Olympia to advocate for the region’s Joint Business Priorities, a unified set of policy goals designed to address pressing needs while driving long-term regional growth and innovation. Over the past year, the Chamber has also testified at public hearings and advocated on issues including minimum wage, gift card regulations, and overtime-exempt salary thresholds; always with the goal of strengthening businesses and nonprofits in Southwest Washington.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to being the voice of business at every level of government, and we couldn’t be more proud,” said McDonagh. “This honor motivates us to continue championing practical, business-friendly policies that support economic growth, job creation, and a thriving community.”

The Chamber’s advocacy extends beyond today’s business leaders by investing in the next generation of engaged citizens. Through its annual National Civics Bee® competition, students gain hands-on experience in civic engagement, learning how to make their voices heard and contribute to a stronger democracy.

AWB President Kris Johnson presented the award by surprise to McDonagh at a GVC event on Wednesday, September 24. The announcement came before a room of business leaders and lawmakers gathered to hear about AWB’s “Washington in the Making 2040” initiative.

The Greater Vancouver Chamber is one of two statewide recipients of the 2025 Grassroots Alliance Advocate of the Year Award, alongside the Covington Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about the GVC’s advocacy efforts, visit:  https://www.vancouverusa.com/advocacy

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About the Greater Vancouver Chamber
 

SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 135 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.

On September 26, 2025, at approximately 4:57 p.m., Albany Police officers responded to a reported collision involving a vehicle and a scooter at the intersection of Pacific Boulevard and 24th Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers located an unconscious but breathing male lying in the roadway. The individual was later identified as Kevin Apeck, age 34, of Albany. He was initially transported to Albany General Hospital in critical condition and subsequently transferred to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Based on witness statements and video evidence obtained at the scene, investigators determined that Mr. Apeck had been traveling southbound on Pacific Boulevard on a scooter at an estimated speed of 40–50 mph. While maneuvering between lanes, Mr. Apeck collided with a Ford F-150 that was entering Pacific Boulevard from 24th Avenue. The driver of the Ford, Craig Johnson, remained at the scene and is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

The Albany Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kevin Apeck during this difficult time.

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VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Historic Trust is now accepting entry applications for the 37th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Day Parade, held at the Fort Vancouver National Site. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, and will take place rain or shine.

Now in its 37th year, the parade is one of Southwest Washington’s most cherished community traditions, bringing together people of all ages to honor veterans from every branch of service. Parade applications are available online at www.thehistorictrust.org/lough-legacy-veterans-parade or by calling 360-992-1808. The deadline to apply is October 28, 2025.

The parade route begins at the east end of Officers Row at East Reserve Street and Evergreen Boulevard, winds around the Fort Vancouver National Site, and concludes on 5th Street near Pearson Air Museum. Each year, the event features more than 75 entries and approximately 1,500 marchers and riders. Thousands of community members line the streets to show their support for veterans and active-duty service members.

Organizations and groups interested in participating are encouraged to apply. Past parades have featured veterans’ service organizations, high school marching bands, ROTC groups, youth organizations, equestrian units, and military and civilian vehicle clubs. The event will also be broadcast on CVTV for those unable to attend in person.

Be sure to stop by the Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) Open House from 11 am to 3 pm at Pearson Air Museum. Learn more at cmac11.com/cmac-events/veterans-day-open-house/.

About The Historic Trust:  

The Historic Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant community that preserves and celebrates its rich history while shaping its legacy for the future. The mission of the Trust is to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community's history. For more information, visit thehistorictrust.org or call 360-992-1800. 

The Oregon Military Museum will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of the museum’s grand re-opening on July 11, at 9:30 a.m., on Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon.

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided following the ceremony.

“We are here to honor service members and to educate the public about their service,” said Kathleen Sligar, director and curator for the Oregon Military Museum. “I am so excited to see the looks on people’s faces, I think they’re going to be blown away when they walk into this space.

The exhibit galleries will be open until 12:30 p.m. for a first look at the museum’s four new exhibits:

•             We Are Oregon – Explore the people, technology, and actions that define Oregon’s military legacy on the local, national, and global stage

•             Small Arms, Big Impact – A curated collection of nearly 200 American, enemy, and ally small arms from the 1600s into the 21st century

•             History in Art – Discover artwork by and about the US Armed Forces, their provenance, and the contextual knowledge found within

•             Hall of Valor – A commemoration of the thirteen Medal of Honor recipients accredited to Oregon

The Oregon Military Museum has been closed for renovations since 2009 and will officially be open to the public on Saturday, July 12.

Starting Wednesday, July 16, the museum will be open year-round, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Historic Park will also be open Fridays and Saturdays through September.

The Oregon Military Museum honors, shares, and preserves Oregon’s military heritage and legacy, including the Oregon National Guard, the state’s early militias, and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

At approximately 4:48 p.m. on Sunday, Lebanon Fire District was dispatched to a first-alarm fire in the 36000 block of KGAL Drive. On arrival, the first engine encountered a slow-moving, two-acre fire in a harvested field with several vehicles at risk.

Engine 31 quickly attacked the flames near the cars, preventing damage, while also stopping the fire from spreading toward an abandoned barn. Brush 34 and Engine 34 gained access to the field and, working with a farmer’s water truck, knocked down the fire and established control lines. Crews put in a thick wet line around the burn area to secure the perimeter. Engine 31 also secured areas near a burn pile and assisted with water supply.

The fire was contained to 2.4 acres without damage to vehicles or nearby structures. Crews remained on scene for about an hour to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. During the incident, Albany Fire Department provided mutual aid, covering a medical call in the Lebanon Fire District while one of our ambulances was on an interfacility transfer and the other was committed to firefighting efforts.

The Linn County Fire Defense Board has extended the countywide burn ban until October 15. Backyard burning is not permitted during this time. Please help prevent fires by holding off on burns. Once the ban is lifted, call the Linn County Burn Line at 541-451-1904 for daily restrictions.

PF&R Responds to 2^nd Alarm Fire at Assited Living and Memory Care Facility

At just before 2:30 PM, Portland Fire & Rescue responded to reports of a commercial alarm at the Firwood Gardens Memory Care and Assisted Living Facility in the Hazelwood Neighborhood of NE Portland. This facility is filled with residents with either mobility challenges and in wheelchairs or reside in the memory care wing with levels of dementia requiring them to receive observational care 24 hours a day.  While PF&R Engine 7 was responding the location, the incident was upgraded to a commercial fire adding 3 more engines, 2 trucks, and 2 chiefs placing 26 members of PF&R enroute to the facility.

With reports of smoke in a hallway, the Engine 7 crew split upon arrival with the back seat team entering and performing an investigation of the 90 occupancy - 2 story - multiple wing facility to locate the source of smoke and be able to guide the remainder of the crews appropriately upon their arrival. The B-team member entered the suspected wing of the fire by opening the fire doors that had automatically closed with the alarm activation to report to command a dirty hallway with dark smoke banked down the floor. The fire apartment was located and accessed by forcible entry to have heavy dark smoke push out of the door opening. The nozzle firefighter advanced the hose to the door and extinguished the fire located on the bed of the occupancy filled with oxygen bottles used for the respiratory assistance of the occupant.

The first arriving battalion chief requested a second alarm response adding another 26 firefighters and a chief to the incident. Along with a few 2-person rescue companies, this places nearly 60 members of PF&R and Gresham Fire, our mutual aid partners, on scene. With the excellent radio report by the first arriving firefighters, arriving companies were able to go directly to work as they knew exactly what to expect based on the radio transmission heard by all on the operational radio channel. Most were focussed searching for and evacuating the mobility challenged residents, often being required to physically carry them to safety while others performed fire suppression tasks. As the fire was being extinguished in the fire room, it was discovered the resident was on the bed which was the location of the most amount of fire present. The nozzle team and truck officer quickly grabbed the victim and brought them outside to be quickly transported to the Emanuel Burn Center by AMR with life-threatening injuries.

PF&R had challenges in moving hose lines and tools to the location with residents in various styles of mobility assistance devices ranging from standing with a cane moving slowly, to using a walker, with the buld of the residents in wheelchairs. Evacuation companies were taking the residents from their chairs and carrying them down the stairs as this was the fastest and safest way out. The wheelchairs were also taken out with the resident to provide a comfortable and safe place to be while the crews were actively addressing the emergency.

The fire was confined to a single apartment with the in-house fire safety sprinkler system activated and suppressing the flames, minimizingthe extension of the flames to the structure. Once extinguished, the crews began to assist in water removal to reduce the damage to the facility. Once the fire was extinguished, PF&R Deputy Chief assisted the facility with resetting the alarm which allowed the locking doors in the memory care wing to be reengaged as the activation of the alarm deactivated the magnetic locking system providing a challenge for staff members to keep the residents safely enclosed in the living space provided.

The cause of the fire is under investigation with the PF&R Fire Investigations Unit on scene. The two investigators present are performing a physical forensic evaluation of the apartment room and interviewing staff members in hopes of determining a cause of this fire.

Portland Fire would like to thank Gresham Fire for their assistance in the incident along with the City of Portland Public Safety Officers who responded to redirect traffic from the southbound lanes of NE 122^nd allowing the crews to operate safely along the street. Additionally, PF&R would like to thank the dispatchers at BOEC for their help during the emergency. Lastly, PF&R also appreciates the assistance from the members of American Medical Response who transported the burn victim and performed a large number of medical triages on the occupants who were taken outside for their safety to ensure no one else needed elevated medical care.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                     

Monice Wong
Portland Metro Chamber
mwong@portlandalliance.com
(310) 987-2268 

Conan Knoll

EMC Communications

conan@emccommunications.com

(831) 524-6764

Oregon Leaders Unite Against Federal Troop Deployment, Underscore Portland’s Progress in Open Letter

Letter from elected officials and community leaders tells the Trump Administration not to send in federal troops, emphasizing disruption to the city’s hard-earned progress

PORTLAND, OR, Sept. 28, 2025—The Portland Metro Chamber today released an open letter — co-signed by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, U.S. House representatives, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, and other state and local community leaders — rejecting any deployment of federal troops to the city. The letter calls such action counterproductive to Portland’s recovery and urges the Trump Administration to cease outdated narratives and disparagement of the city. Organizations and elected officials who share these concerns are invited to add their signatures to the letter.

The letter, signed by 110 community leaders and counting, explains why federal intervention would be unnecessary and harmful. Portland has achieved a 51% decrease in homicides during the first half of 2025, which is the largest reduction among major American cities. Gun violence has declined 30% from last year and nearly 60% since 2022, proving local law enforcement and community partnerships are delivering results without federal overreach. 

“If President Trump came to Portland today, he would find people riding bikes, playing sports, enjoying sunshine, and buying produce at farmers markets. We’ve done a lot of hard work to reform our public safety system, refocus on our economy, and help our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Keith Wilson. “Rather than engaging in a show of force, imagine the good that could be accomplished if the federal government sent engineers, teachers, or outreach workers to support our progress. This deployment is unwanted, unneeded, and un-American in the city we call home.”

More than 21 million pedestrians visited downtown through August of this year, with summer 2025 having the busiest summer for pedestrian traffic since before the pandemic. LinkedIn recently ranked Portland in the top 25 on its “Cities on the Rise 2025” list, recognizing the metro among the fastest-growing areas for jobs and new talent.

“It's been a glorious fall weekend here in Portland, where people are out and about, enjoying everything from our state-of-the-art libraries to our parks, shopping at our vibrant small businesses, and rooting for our Portland Timbers downtown. It couldn't be further from this administration's depiction of our beloved city,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. "I'm proud to stand with local elected officials, labor, business, and our entire community in saying that military intervention is not wanted, not needed, and not lawful. We will not let this administration divide us."

The letter warns that military deployment would devastate Portland's economic recovery, pointing to Washington, D.C., where restaurant sales plummeted 30% following National Guard deployment. It emphasizes that an armed military presence “dissuades customers and damages tourism and small businesses, which are vital to our economy.”

“Portland and the region’s turnaround speaks for itself, with private sector investment of almost $11 billion in just the past few months and rapidly growing foot traffic this year,” said Andrew Hoan, President of the Portland Metro Chamber. “Given the economic fallout seen in D.C. during National Guard deployment, federal troops would directly threaten this progress and undermine the very momentum that's attracting business activity and talent back to our city. Principles of local governance make America strong. We call on the Trump Administration to support our business community and local law enforcement by refraining from deploying federal troops to Portland.”

The letter also draws a direct parallel to 2020, when the Trump Administration deployed anonymous federal agents in response to protests, which “inflamed and extended the protests” and “compounded the harm to Portland.” The letter makes clear that Portland has not requested federal assistance and explicitly rejects military intervention.

The full letter and list of signatories is available at https://portlandmetrochamber.com/a-call-for-unity/. 

Interviews are available upon request. Contact Monice Wong at mwong@portlandalliance.com or Conan Knoll at conan@emccommunications.com.

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ABOUT PORTLAND METRO CHAMBER
Founded in 1870, the Portland Metro Chamber is the oldest, largest and most diverse business organization in Oregon and SW Washington. The Chamber is the leading voice for business and represents more than 2,200 employer businesses, advocating at all levels of government to support commerce, community health and vibrancy, and the region’s overall prosperity.

ABOUT THIS CAMPAIGN

EMC Communications is amplifying stories of progress happening throughout Portland, with a focus on local economic vitality, community engagement, and innovative solutions to national challenges. This work is funded by Travel Portland, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to destination marketing and management; it is not a part of any city, county or state government or public organization. As part of this campaign, EMC collaborates with stakeholders across Portland to share stories of progress and development in the City of Roses with local, regional, and national media outlets.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing four task forces and its Green Incident Management Team to the Moon Complex in Curry County. The lightning-caused fire grew significantly Friday, pushed by strong winds, and is threatening homes and critical infrastructure near the communities of Agness and Illahe. In total, six structural task forces are mobilized to fire.

The Curry County Sherrif’s Office has levels 2 and 3 evacuation notices in place for several areas around the fire. Please follow the local sheriff’s office for evacuation information.

The state fire marshal resources will join two task forces sent through Immediate Response on Saturday morning, mobilized from Rogue Valley and Lane County.

“Challenging weather conditions yesterday pushed the fire into new areas and local resources need extra help protecting people, homes, and critical infrastructure,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “This is a good reminder that we are still in fire season and ask everyone to stay aware and do everything they can to prevent sparking a wildfire.”

This is the eighth time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked in 2025.

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal  
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.  

September 26, 2025

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8843, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Unity Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Unity Reservoir due to the presence of a microcystin above healthy levels for recreation. The reservoir is located on the Burnt River Unity Reservoir about 40 miles southwest of Baker, Oregon.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Unity Reservoir and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 1-877-290-6767, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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On September 26th, 2005 at 1:09 PM the Clark County Sheriff's Office and Clark County Fire and Rescue responded to a small airplane accident at Goheen airfield northwest of Battle Ground.  Reports indicated the plane had crashed near the runway and was on fire.  Rescue personnel arrived and extinguished the fire.  It appears at least one person is deceased from the incident.  The identity of the person is unknown currently.  The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident and can be contacted for further information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: September 26, 2025

Detectives search for suspect in stabbing at a local park

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit detectives are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred at a northeast Salem park on March 3.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on that Monday afternoon, a 19-year-old man was at Highland Park in the 2000 block of Broadway ST NE. The victim was approached by a man unknown to him who then stabbed the victim twice and ran away.

The victim was transported to Salem Health with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect who was seen running on the Highland Elementary School property which is across from the park to the east.

Detectives are releasing the images obtained from surveillance video and asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect who is described as a Hispanic, male adult of average height with dark hair and a moustache.

The images initially show the suspect wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt with an Oregon State University emblem, a dark head covering, and gray gloves that he shed as he fled the area. He was last seen wearing a blue, plaid shirt with dark pants, and white athletic shoes.

Anyone with information about the incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to the call the Salem Police Tip Line at 503-588-8477 and mention case number SMP25-18839.

# # #

The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office has undergone a massive transition in the last 15 months, causing unprecedented staffing shortages in a county will already limited public safety resources. On June 21, 2024, due to an early vacancy, Jenna Wallace was appointed by Governor Tina Kotek as the Lincoln County District Attorney after winning the May 2024 primary election. At the time, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office employed one (1) criminal deputy district attorney and was actively attempting to fill eight (8) vacant deputy district attorney positions – an unprecedented staffing crisis in the history of the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.

Due to this extreme staffing shortage, the Oregon Department of Justice temporarily assisted the office by assigning an assistant attorney general to help with prosecution. However, this was only a short-term solution until the District Attorney’s Office could stabilize and fill vacant deputy district attorney positions to keep up with the demanding caseload. 

Within the first three months, DA Wallace hired three (3) entry-level deputy district attorneys, as well as recruit Michael Thornicroft, a long-time Lincoln County resident with well-established ties to this community, to return to Lincoln County and fill the role of Chief Deputy District Attorney. Since then, the District Attorney’s Office has hired two (2) additional attorneys and currently has a total of five (5) criminal deputy district attorneys. By January 2025, a mere six months after DA Wallace’s appointment, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office was stabilizing and thriving. DA Wallace and Chief DDA Thornicroft were focused on training newly hired employees, keeping up with the difficult caseload, working through the backlog of uncharged referred cases, and recruiting qualified applicants for the final few positions. 

In April 2025, after interviewing and making hiring recommendations to fill the two final vacant prosecutor positions, Commissioner Claire Hall abruptly implemented a hiring freeze on the remaining two positions – causing an unexpected halt to any forward progress. Commissioner Hall indicated that these hiring freezes, along with others, would be done without a public meeting and without a full Board vote.

Lincoln County is currently budgeted for nine (9) criminal deputy district attorneys, with one of those positions being grant-funded through the State of Oregon’s Justice Reinvestment Program. The hiring freeze implemented by Commissioner Hall included this grant-funded position even after the County accepted the funding for the position from the State. Other departments, such as the Sheriff’s Office, Health and Human Services, and Community Justice (Parole & Probation), have all been allowed to hire into their respective grant-funded positions. The grand-funded prosecutor position in the District Attorney’s Office is the only grant-funded position in the County that has been frozen. If these grant funds are not utilized, the County will have to return these funds back to the State.

Currently, the District Attorney’s Office has 10 vacant positions with 9 of those positions having been frozen by Commissioner Hall, despite repeated requests for 5 exceptions specifically based on community safety concerns and over-all public necessity. Commissioner Hall and Commissioner Walter Chuck have denied all five of these requests. These requests include exceptions for three (3) deputy district attorney positions, the detective position, as well the Executive Chief, an upper management position responsible for not only supervising crime victim advocates and child support enforcement but is fundamental in coordinating Lincoln County’s statutorily mandated multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate investigation and swift prosecution in child abuse, elder abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence cases.

To compound the issue, Commissioner Hall recently has initiated steps to eliminate the Executive Chief position and merge essential duties into the vacant Administrative Chief position. This was done even after receiving internal feedback that this type of restructuring is not possible or in the best interest of the District Attorney’s Office. Without any input from the District Attorney, steps to change the job description and/or eliminate the position have been taken regardless of the position having been budgeted for, approved by the Lincoln County Budget Committee, and adopted by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on June 18, 2025. 

In the past nine months, the District Attorney’s Office has become overwhelmed with an increase in crime and a rise in challenging caseloads. According to the Oregon Judicial Department, as of September 17, 2025, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office has filed 1,391 criminal cases and is projected to file over 1,850 cases by end of year. This is a 24% increase since 2024 and does not include the backlog of over 360 cases awaiting review. This year alone, Lincoln County has seen a 112% increase in weapon offenses, 50% increase in property crime offenses, 32% increase in person crime offenses, and a 310% increase in drug offense. To put things in perspective, Tillamook County has filed roughly 400 criminal cases to date this year, 71% less than Lincoln County.

Without adequate resources, staffing, and the ability to hire employees, criminal prosecution may become delayed resulting in a lack of accountability for criminal behavior. It is a very real possibility that if the District Attorney’s Office is restricted from filing positions already approved by the budget, it will impact the types of cases charged, how cases are resolved, and will have an impact on community safety. “I am not asking for any additional resources. I am simply advocating for the ability to use the funds already allotted to the District Attorney’s Office through the adoption of the 2025-2026 Lincoln County Budget”. DA Wallace understands the County wants to resolve their massive budget shortfall through county-wide vacancy savings. However, when hiring freezes directly impact public safety and the ability to seek justice for crime victims, exceptions to this freeze must be granted – much like they have already been granted in other county departments. This is especially true when the District Attorney’s Office has consistently underspent over the past decade and contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars back to the general fund at the end of every budget cycle.

“I am struggling to understand why Commissioner Hall and Commissioner Chuck will not grant exceptions to the hiring freeze, particularly several key public-safety positions in the District Attorney’s Office. I need to be able to use the resources already allocated to my office through the public budget process to continue to rebuild and stabilize this office for the safety of our community.” DA Wallace says her office just doesn’t have the ability to give every case the attention it deserves during this county-created staffing shortage. Until Commissioner Hall rescinds the hiring freeze or approves exceptions to freeze, the District Attorney’s Office will be unable to keep up with the demand and may be forced to prioritize which cases can be feasibly charged with limited staff.

Lincoln County must choose to prioritize public safety positions at all levels of our criminal justice system: law enforcement, criminal prosecution, and probation. The Lincoln County District Attorney is asking citizens to contact Commissioner Hall or Commissioner Chuck in-person, by email, or by public comment at the next Board of Commissioner’s meeting on October 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM to express the importance of unfreezing key public safety positions in the District Attorney’s Office for justice, accountability, and overall safety in our community.

September 26, 2025

Case#  22CR50396

Portland, OR- Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Ryan sentenced Daniel Cassinelli to 200 months prison for raping and sodomizing a woman while he worked as a loss prevention officer at Rite Aid in the Portland area.

Judge Ryan sentenced the defendant to 100 months for Count 1: Rape in the First Degree and another 100 months for Count 2: Sodomy in the First Degree. The terms will run consecutively, one after the other. The remaining counts are to be run concurrent with the 200 months.

Upon release, the defendant will be monitored under a term of post-prison supervision. 

Below is our previous release when Cassinelli was convicted.

2015 COLD CASE RESULTS IN RAPE CONVICTION. TESTING OF OLD RAPE KITS HELPED

April 11, 2025

Case#: 22CR50396

 Portland, OR- Judge Thomas Ryan found Daniel Luis Cassinelli guilty today on charges of Rape in the First Degree, two counts of Sodomy in the First Degree, and two counts of Sex Abuse in the Second Degree. 

The case dates back to 2015 when Cassinelli, who was working as a loss prevention officer at a Portland area Rite Aid and suspected the victim was shoplifting. He took her into the basement of the store and raped her. 

Deputy District Attorney Quinn Zemel prosecuted the case for the state. After the conviction he said: “Victims, no matter their background or life circumstances deserve to be believed, and will be believed.”

“As part of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative even old cases can still be brought forward. It's never too late for justice.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank retired Portland Police Investigator Matthew Irvine and Portland Police Detective Matthew Brown for their tremendous work on this case.

We would also like to acknowledge the work of MCDA Victim Advocate Alliston Miller who did a fantastic job working with the victim during the ordeal of the trial.

Facts: 

On 1/21/15 The victim reported to police that she was sexually assaulted in the loss prevention office of a Rite Aid. She reported that she was caught shoplifting by an LPO (later ID’d as Daniel Cassinelli), defendant. The defendant escorted her alone to loss prevention office where he sexually assaulted and then raped her. After the assault, the defendant walked the victim to the surveillance room where he showed her the cameras and explained he had been watching her for quite some time. He told her not to tell anyone about the incident and he would not report her to the police. She got on a bus to Beaverton where she contacted a transit officer to report the rape. Police identified the defendant by talking to Rite Aid management about who was on duty and by reviewing video footage. The victim eventually separated from the case because of life circumstances and the case went cold. .

In October 2021, Detective Irvine picked up the case through the SAKI (sexual assault kit initiative) grant. He got in contact with the victim who gave another account that was largely consistent. Irvine reviewed the video footage in depth and identified the defendant and victim going to the LPO office and then the surveillance room. They are in the office for over 20 minutes. Records from Rite-Aid show that the defendant had stopped the victim in two prior instances and wrote reports for those contacts, however, no report was written for this lengthy interaction during the assault. Irvine learns the defendant would have been in violation of policy by being alone with a female in the office and by not writing a report. 

Eventually, enough evidence was gained to bring an indictment and trial.

Cassinelli faces a mandatory minimum of 100 months in prison. Sentencing is set for July 11, 2025.

                                                ##MCDA##

Lifeline Connections proudly recognized this year’s John Cox Community Partner Award recipient at its third annual fundraising luncheon, A Lifeline to Wellbeing, on Thursday, Sept. 25, at Royal Oaks Country Club. This award celebrates individuals and organizations that partner with Lifeline Connections to provide lifesaving behavioral health treatment and supportive services.

During the event, Lifeline Connections announced the Vancouver Housing Authority as the recipient of the 2025 John Cox Community Partner Award. The Vancouver Housing Authority provides opportunities to people experiencing housing barriers while honoring their personal dignity and maintaining trust.

“This year’s winner collaborates on opportunities to maximize shared resources. They anticipate policy changes to mitigate the impact on our most vulnerable community members,” shares Lifeline Connections’ president and CEO, Andrea Brooks.

Among the nominees were Go The Distance, Ripple Impact NW, DeDe Sieler (Clark County Department of Community Services), Jeff Hatch, Monique Kennedy, Natalie DeWitt (Molina Healthcare) and Tessa Worthen (Whatcom County Mental Health Court).

This luncheon highlighted the prevalence of substance use and mental health conditions and need for services in our community. During the event, Brooks noted that September is Recovery month, and celebrated that recovery is possible. One in four Washington adults with a behavioral health condition report an unmet need for treatment. Washington has one of the highest prevalence rates for mental health conditions, ranking fifth-highest in the nation. During the event, Lifeline Connections demonstrated how a robust behavioral health treatment continuum enhances someone’s recovery by walking through an example of a patient’s journey.

Brooks explained the financial sustainability of Lifeline Connections is jeopardized by CareOregon’s abrupt termination of the agency’s contract as an in-network provider, decreased collection rate from managed care payors, and Washington paying the lowest room and board rate in the country. Lifeline Connections’ struggles will increase in the days ahead, as the agency faces the reality of federal budget cuts impacting Medicaid and federal grants.

Medicaid accounts for 84% of Lifeline Connections’ overall funding; it’s estimated that nearly 22,000 people will lose Medicaid coverage in the Clark County area. These reductions in Medicaid will eliminate access to lifesaving treatment for the most vulnerable community members, those who are most in need of a lifeline.

The Lifeline Connections fundraiser asked for the community’s support to replace the broken HVAC system at its Pregnant and Parenting Women’s program, offered at its Women’s Recovery Center. This unique program serves women who are pregnant or have young children living with them while participating in inpatient substance use treatment at Lifeline Connections. The event’s fundraising goal was $87,500, half of the amount needed ($175,000) to replace the HVAC.  

Lifeline Connections has a 63-year history of providing mental health and substance use services in southwestern Washington. As a leading provider of behavioral health services in the region, Lifeline Connections remains committed to ensuring the critical gaps in access are addressed by making behavioral health treatment and services available to our community, especially for those at the greatest risk and most in need of a lifeline.

Lifeline Connections is immensely grateful to this year’s luncheon attendees and community partners, who proudly demonstrated their belief that recovery is possible.

A Lifeline to Wellbeing sponsors included:

●      Media Sponsor

○      The Columbian

●      Platinum Sponsor

○      Houser Family

●      Silver Sponsors

○      Ginn Group

○      HUB International

○      Kaiser Permanente

○      Lockton

○      Riverview Bank

○      SWACH

○      Vancouver Clinic

○      Vancouver Housing Authority

●      Bronze Sponsors

○      Carelon Behavioral Health

○      Columbia Credit Union

○      Community Health Plan of Washington

○      Hamm Autoworks

○      Jodie Sharp Windermere Real Estate

○      Molina Healthcare

○      More Power Technology Group

○      Moss Adams x Baker Tilly

○      Opsahl Dawson

○      Phillips and Company Wealth Strategies

○      Three Tree Tech

○      Willamette Dental

●      In-Kind Sponsors

○      Upbeat Music Therapy

○      Wellpoint

RELEASE DATE: 9/26/25

Case # 24CR39014

Portland, OR- Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Souede today sentenced 43-year-old Adam M. Caldwell to 48 months in prison for groping a stranger, who was a child under the age of 14. Caldwell pled guilty to Attempted Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Caldwell will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Afton Coppedge prosecuted the case.

After the sentencing she said:

“This was a brazen act of sexual violence against a 10 year old child. On June 20, 2024, Mr. Caldwell entered the Fred Meyer’s on Hawthorne and changed the lives of one family forever and put our community at risk. This type of egregious behavior forces our community into an impossible pos­ition of raising our children to be fierce and independent­, but never knowing what looms around the corner. It creates feelings of helplessness, fear, grief, doubt, and anger. I am proud of the victim’s bravery and deeply appreciate the family’s participation in this process. 

I hope that this sentence sends a message to offenders that our community is determined to speak up against violence and hold them accountable.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank Portland Police Officers Brahy, Yoo, and Bernard for their thorough and professional investigation of this matter.

The DA’s office would also like to recognize MCDA Victim Advocate Alie Aguilera for the kindness and compassion shown to the victims in this case.

THE FACTS:

On June 20, 2024, Portland Police responded to the Fred Meyer store at SE 38th and SE Hawthorne in Portland on a report of sexual abuse of a child by a stranger who fled the location. Video surveillance from inside of the store captured Caldwell following the victim, a small child, down the aisle, moving his grocery basket from his left hand to his right hand, looking around to see if anyone was watching him, and then bending down to grab the victim’s buttocks with his, now free, left hand.

The older sibling of the victim came around the corner just as the assault occurred and screamed, drawing the attention of their father. The victim ran away from Caldwell to her father. Caldwell fled the store without being identified, but external video from the parking lot captured him getting into a white Subaru with Oregon Evergreen plates and driving away. Portland Police worked to obtain additional video footage nearby to assist in identifying Caldwell.

More than a month later, police put out a public call for help to identify the suspect. With community assistance, including Caldwell’s family and friends, police were able to identify him as the perpetrator. On July 30, 2024, police arrested Caldwell without incident at his residence. 

                                     ###MCDA###

RELEASE DATE: 9/26/25

Case # 24CR39014

Portland, OR- Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Souede today sentenced 43-year-old Adam M. Caldwell to 48 months in prison for groping a stranger, who was a child under the age of 14. Caldwell pled guilty to Attempted Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Caldwell will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Afton Coppedge prosecuted the case.

After the sentencing she said:

“This was a brazen act of sexual violence against a 10 year old child. On June 20, 2024, Mr. Caldwell entered the Fred Meyer’s on Hawthorne and changed the lives of one family forever and put our community at risk. This type of egregious behavior forces our community into an impossible pos­ition of raising our children to be fierce and independent­, but never knowing what looms around the corner. It creates feelings of helplessness, fear, grief, doubt, and anger. I am proud of the victim’s bravery and deeply appreciate the family’s participation in this process. 

I hope that this sentence sends a message to offenders that our community is determined to speak up against violence and hold them accountable.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank Portland Police Officers Brahy, Yoo, and Bernard for their thorough and professional investigation of this matter.

The DA’s office would also like to recognize MCDA Victim Advocate a@mcda.us" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Alie Aguilera for the kindness and compassion shown to the victims in this case.

THE FACTS:

On June 20, 2024, Portland Police responded to the Fred Meyer store at SE 38th and SE Hawthorne in Portland on a report of sexual abuse of a child by a stranger who fled the location. Video surveillance from inside of the store captured Caldwell following the victim, a small child, down the aisle, moving his grocery basket from his left hand to his right hand, looking around to see if anyone was watching him, and then bending down to grab the victim’s buttocks with his, now free, left hand.

The older sibling of the victim came around the corner just as the assault occurred and screamed, drawing the attention of their father. The victim ran away from Caldwell to her father. Caldwell fled the store without being identified, but external video from the parking lot captured him getting into a white Subaru with Oregon Evergreen plates and driving away. Portland Police worked to obtain additional video footage nearby to assist in identifying Caldwell.

More than a month later, police put out a public call for help to identify the suspect. With community assistance, including Caldwell’s family and friends, police were able to identify him as the perpetrator. On July 30, 2024, police arrested Caldwell without incident at his residence. 

                                     ###MCDA###

LINN COUNTY, Ore. (26 Sept. 2025) – The Oregon State Police is asking for the public’s help to identify and locate the suspect(s) in an injury hit-and-run in Linn County.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at approximately 5:03 a.m., OSP responded to a two-vehicle crash on I-5 northbound near milepost 216. A gray Kia Rio was traveling northbound when it was rear-ended by the suspect vehicle. The operator of the Kia lost control, and the vehicle rolled several times. Two occupants were transported to an area hospital with injuries.

The suspect vehicle fled the scene and was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed prior to the crash. Broken vehicle parts at the scene indicate the vehicle is likely a dark blue 2023–2025 Toyota Corolla SE with damage to the driver’s side bumper and side wheel well.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP’s Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-0776 by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-410883.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multidisciplinary organization charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources of Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crimes, conducts post-mortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces laws related to fish, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 26, 2025) — During the early morning hours of Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, the Oregon State Police SWAT team served a search warrant at a rural property in Sprague River in Klamath County. Two suspects were taken into custody in connection with the death of Robert T. Hein, 47, of Bellingham, Washington.

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at about 3:57 p.m., a hunter in a wooded area near Sprague River reported finding a deceased person to Klamath County 911. The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office responded and determined the victim had died as a result of homicide. The victim was later identified as Robert T. Hein.
 

The Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated, with OSP designated as the lead agency. The team includes representatives from the Oregon State Police, Klamath Falls Police Department, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County Community Corrections, and the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office.
 

The investigation led to two suspects in Hein’s death. Russell Dwayne Carroway, 38, and Devin Tyler Pellerin, 31, both of Sprague River, were arrested and charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. Both were transported and lodged in the Klamath County Jail.
 

The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available for release at this time.
 

Community members with information about this incident are encouraged to contact OSP’s Southern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-2068 or by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-414701.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multidisciplinary organization charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources of Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crimes, conducts post-mortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces laws related to fish, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

The Dalles, Ore. – Effective Monday September 29, 2025, at 12:01am, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District (COD) —The Dalles Unit will reduce Fire Danger to MODERATE with Regulated Use Closure being terminated.

Additionally, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) on non-federal lands will be reduced to level 1 in MH-1 and in MH-4 (Hood River and Wasco County).

These changes to Regulated Use primarily affect ODF protected lands in Hood River and Wasco County. In all counties across COD, until sufficient rain is received, locally enforced burn bans will remain in effect and should be followed. If you have questions regarding your local burn status, please reach out to your local ODF office or fire department.

The Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention. Though there had been recent widespread rain across the state, firefighters continue to respond to new lightning and human-caused fire starts. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org  

Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks through the end of fire season. For more information on IFPL restrictions and public use restrictions locally and statewide, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Swift Forest Camp boat ramp to close until May 2026 

ARIEL, Wash. (Sept. 26, 2025) – PacifiCorp will be closing the Swift Forest Camp boat ramp on the Lewis River from September 30, 2025, to May 2026. The closure is necessary to maintain required water levels downstream of Merwin Dam. As water levels at the Swift Reservoir will be drawn down, boat owners are advised to remove their boats before the closure begins. 

Additionally, Speelyai Park boat ramp remains closed and Cresap Park boat ramp is scheduled to close on September 30, limiting access to Merwin Reservoir until reservoir refilling is complete. Based on current water inflows, PacifiCorp anticipates reopening the Speelyai Park boat ramp on October 4, once the Merwin Reservoir reaches a safe water elevation for boat launching and retrieval. Yale Park boat ramp will remain open for boater access to Yale Reservoir. 

Beginning October 4, PacifiCorp expects that both Speelyai Park and Yale Park boat ramps will remain available for use unless otherwise announced. 

###

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) hosted its annual awards ceremony to honor the outstanding public service of its employees, law enforcement partners, and community members.

“These ceremonies give us a chance to recognize the incredible courage and selfless acts that define the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office,” said MCSO Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “By honoring these individuals, we’re living out our values of being present, connected, inspired, and proud. We are doing our best to make sure the work of our deputies and community members never goes unnoticed.”  

This year’s award ceremony covered events that occurred in 2024. MCSO award recipients are selected through a comprehensive, multi-step process. An internal MCSO Awards Committee reviews all nominations, submitting its recommendations to MCSO’s executive team, which makes a final decision.  

Among the awards presented, MCSO recognized 10 people with a letter of commendation. It also presented 30 citations and 21 lifesaving awards – representing eight separate critical incidents. 

The agency recognized four people with the newly created Meritorious Service Medal, for demonstrating a continuous pattern of exceptional service.  

Additionally, the agency presented several members of law enforcement and the broader public safety community with awards related to a plane crash in Fairview, Oregon.

In late August 2024, a small plane crashed into a residential neighborhood, causing a fire and significant destruction. The incident drew national attention. 

The emergency response began with Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) 911 call takers receiving multiple calls about thick black smoke. The call takers provided accurate information to dispatchers, who quickly coordinated fire and law enforcement units from MCSO and Gresham.

When MCSO deputies arrived on scene, they went door to door evacuating residents and using garden hoses to combat the fire until firefighters arrived.  

The investigation that followed was complex. MCSO detectives secured the debris field and interviewed witnesses. They coordinated with local, regional, and federal officials as the investigation progressed.

Residents later expressed gratitude for the compassionate way they were treated by MCSO deputies and other first responders, including paramedics and firefighters.  

“This unexpected emergency demonstrated that our deputies coordinate and manage crises with compassion above all else,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell.

The MCSO also presented the first recipient of the Major James Turney Award. Named after a retired MCSO executive leader, the award recognizes a member who consistently demonstrates kind and genuine care for their colleagues. The awardee, a MCSO deputy, was recognized by Sheriff Morrissey O’Donnell for upholding the agency's values of safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment. 

Several photos from the MCSO’s awards ceremony are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. 

UPDATE: Tom Santillanes, Tucker’s father, is planning to make a statement at the 6 pm media availability. 

Who: 

At the September 26 football game against Hood River HS, the Gresham High School football team will dedicate the season to their teammate Tucker Santillanes, who was injured at last Friday’s game against David Douglas HS. 

What: 

At the beginning of the game, just before the performance of the National Anthem, an announcement will be made dedicating the season to Tucker Santillanes, who is beginning his recovery process. 

Students are asked to wear black and white tonight in honor of Tucker. The Gresham High School football program will be selling t-shirts with the slogan "TuckerStrong." Proceeds from the sales will go to the Santillanes family. Students have created a banner dedicated to Tucker, which will be prominently displayed in front of the student section. 

A GoFundMe account has been established to raise funds for Tucker's medical expenses and any additional support the family may need. 

The news media will have the opportunity to interview Gresham High School Principal Aki Mori before the game. UPDATE: Tom Santillanes, Tucker’s father, is planning to make a statement at the 6 pm media availability. 

When:  6 pm (Game starts at 7 pm)

Where: 

Gresham High School

1200 North Main Avenue

Gresham, OR 97030

Members of the news media should enter the stadium through the gates by the tennis courts and aquatic center located on Main Street.

Beginning at 6 pm, the news media will be allowed onto campus. 

Members of the media will be ushered to the GHS tennis courts, where Gresham High School Principal Aki Mori will be available for interviews. 

6:40 pm: The media will be ushered into the stadium to capture video and photos of the dedication and game. 

Media Contact:

Gresham-Barlow School District

Communications Director

Athena Vadnais

Email: vadnais@gresham.k12.or.us

Phone: 503-261-4557

Cell: 503-358-2175

OREGON CITY – The Clackamas Community College Environmental Learning Center is hosting Communicating Science, a one-day workshop designed to help scientists and engineers strengthen their public speaking and presentation skills. The event takes place Friday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the college’s Oregon City campus.

The workshop is built on the idea that science is anything but boring. Participants will learn simple techniques to improve delivery, boost confidence and communicate with clarity and impact. Through interactive activities, attendees will gain tools to give engaging presentations and sharpen everyday communication skills.

The course will be led by Janine Castro, technical director of Portland State University’s River Restoration Professional Certificate program.

Participants who complete the workshop will earn 0.65 continuing education units (6.0 professional development hours) and receive a certificate of completion.

The cost is $300 for standard registration and $150 for students and AmeriCorps members. A limited number of reduced-price tickets are available for those with financial need–individuals may reach out for further information.

The workshop will be held at the Environmental Learning Center, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/communicating-science-tickets-1337753720389. For questions, email ethany.wray@clackamas.edu">bethany.wray@clackamas.edu or call 503-594-3015. For more information about the Environmental Learning Center, visit www.clackamas.edu/elc.

About the Environmental Learning Center

The Environmental Learning Center has a rich history as an educational resource for Clackamas Community College, regional schools, industry and the community. Located on the former site of a Smucker's processing plant, the center was created to demonstrate what people could do to reclaim industrial sites, address stormwater issues and restore wildlife habitats in urban areas. Each year thousands of people visit to explore the 5-acre site and learn about watershed health. The site serves as an important stormwater facility for the college campus and provides critical wetland habitat for resident and migratory birds, such as the great blue heron, wood duck and merganser.

-30-

SHFAD was notified this week of two large grant awards. The first a Community Wildfire Defense Grant sponsored by the US Forest Service via the USDA. This grant was a joint effort by a consortium known as the Linn Wildfire Mitigation Group which included SHFAD, the Oregon Department of Forestry South Cascade District, Lebanon Fire District, Linn County Juvenile Department, and both the South Santiam and Calapooia Watershed Counsels. Representatives of these agencies worked together to form a plan to provide improved wildfire defense for the region with a focus on the most at-risk areas. The effort was guided by the recently updated community wildfire protection plan. The 5-year project will center around 3 key strategies: Developing a strategic, sustainable and collaborative Project Pipeline; accelerating the pace of fuels reduction; and educating and empowering residents and community partners to reduce wildfire risks. The project pipeline will be a coordinated effort spearheaded by a CWDG coordinator from Sweet Home Fire, and a Fire Adapted Communities Specialist provided by the watershed counsels. The goal will be to develop a collaborative fuels project database, increase production of HIZ assessments to 850 assessment annually which will then be entered in the database and referred for implementation, and to plan fuels projects on forest properties utilizing an ODF funded Community Wildfire Forester. The fuels reduction portion of the project will include defensible space treatments, 6 “chipper days” per year where residents will have opportunities to bring vegetative debris in to be disposed of by use of the SHFAD chipper, and the Linn County Juvenile Department will provide 25 defensible space treatments as part of their workforce development program. The education portion of the plan will include community education events, individual outreach, youth education (k-12), and technical education/workfore training.

Wildland Division Chief Christian Whitfield represented Sweet Home Fire in the planning and grant-writing efforts. The consortium was awarded $8,711,040 in total, Sweet Home Fire will receive $5,343,087 of that total award.  Sweet Home Fire’s portion of the award will fund a project manager, half of the cost of the Wildland Division Chief’s position, as well as our 6 senior crew members on that Division, and fully fund a 10-person seasonal crew for 4 months. Also included in the award are the purchase of equipment including an excavator with a masticator, a pull rig, a transit van for personnel transport, a pickup truck, and smaller equipment such as chainsaws, chaps, and saw fuel.  

Following the notification of that grant award, Sweet Home Fire was notified that we were awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant award through FEMA. This grant awarded us $126,857 towards a $133,200 project. The project Will provide NFPA-compliant physicals and cancer screenings for our 74 firefighters for 2 years. This project is an effort to identify potentially life-threatening conditions in our firefighters to prevent line of duty deaths. The goal of the fire district is to establish long-term funding at the completion of the grant, to continue providing these screenings to our firefighters.

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its annual budget.

This award represents a significant achievement and reflects the County’s commitment to the highest principles of government budgeting. To earn the award, Clatsop County’s budget had to meet nationally recognized guidelines and be rated “proficient” in four key categories:

• A policy document

• A financial plan

• An operations guide

• A communications device

“This recognition affirms the County’s dedication to transparent, accountable, and effective financial management,” said Mark Kujala, Chair of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners. “County staff worked diligently to ensure that our budget not only guides operations but also communicates clearly with the public we serve.”

Clatsop County is among more than 1,900 governments across North America to receive this honor, setting an example of best practices in budgeting.

For more information on the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, visit http://www.gfoa.org.

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This weekend, a new law will require the names and addresses of Oregon Lottery winners to be anonymous. Previously, a winner’s name was public record under Oregon’s public records law. Under House Bill 3115, Oregon Lottery may not publicly disclose a winner’s name and address without the winner’s written authorization.

Today, the Oregon State Lottery Commission approved rules to implement the new law passed during the recent legislative session. Under the rules, Oregon Lottery may release other public information about a prize win such as the city in which the winner resides, the retailer that sold the winning ticket, the game played, and the prize amount. A winner may authorize Lottery in writing to use their name and photos but otherwise, Lottery will not release a winner’s name and address.

House Bill 3115 also prohibits the purchase or sale of a winning lottery ticket in response to a cottage industry of so-called “discounters.” The discounters buy winning tickets for less than their value from players, then cash them in for the prize amount. While some players choose to sell their tickets to avoid driving to an Oregon Lottery payment center, others may do so to avoid having their prize garnished for outstanding child support or public assistance overpayments, as required by Oregon law.

Under rules adopted by the Oregon State Lottery Commission, Lottery officials will evaluate prize claims to determine if the tickets were bought, sold, or claimed in violation of the law. If a winning ticket is found to be in violation, Lottery will deny the prize claim and confiscate the ticket.

You can find FAQs regarding winner anonymity on the Oregon Lottery’s website.

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public schools, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

Customizing ensures you get the right alerts, the right way, at the right time

ASTORIA, OR — Clatsop County Emergency Management is encouraging all residents to opt in for National Weather Service alerts when signing up for or updating their ClatsopALERTS! accounts. These automated alerts are the fastest way to receive critical weather updates.

“ClatsopALERTS! will only tell you what you need to know, but customizing your profile makes those alerts even more effective,” said Jen Munson, Clatsop County Emergency Management Community Engagement Coordinator. “By adding your locations and preferences, you’ll get the right alerts at the right time, in the way that works best for you.”

Why Customize Your Profile?

By updating your ClatsopALERTS! settings, you can:

• Receive more timely and relevant alerts

• Add up to five different addresses: home, work, school, or a loved one’s residence

• Choose quiet hours if you don’t want non-urgent alerts overnight

• Opt-in to specific weather alerts for faster, automated warnings

Automatic Weather Alerts You Already Receive

When you sign up for ClatsopALERTS!, you will automatically receive the most critical National Weather Service information. These required alerts cannot be unchecked in your profile:

• Tsunamis

• Flash Floods

• Coastal Flooding

• Tornadoes

“You’ll see these options 'greyed out' in your account settings because they are required alerts,” said Munson. "You’ll always get these life-safety warnings no matter what.”

Clatsop County provides the alert system and pushes out timely, accurate notifications. Residents, in turn, need to do their part by signing up, keeping their contact information current, and customizing their profiles.

Need Help Customizing Your Alerts?

We’ve created a quick step-by-step tutorial to walk you through updating your profile. Creating a customized account with weather alerts helps us reach you more effectively with the information you want.

Update or sign up now at: clatsopcounty.gov/em/page/clatsopalerts

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Northeast 134^th Street in Salmon Creek is temporarily closed at Salmon Creek Avenue as crews work to repair a large water main break.

The water leak was reported shortly before 10 this morning, and quickly engulfed most of 134^th. Firefighters from Clark County Fire District 6 were called to help block off the roads as crews from Clark Public Utilities District worked to shut off the pipe.

There is no firm estimate as to when 134^th Street will re-open, in the meantime drivers will need to find alternate routes.

If you work a 40-hour week, you’re spending nearly a quarter of your time in the workplace—so you might not be home when an emergency happens. In honor of National Emergency Preparedness Month, SAIF, Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation company, has tips for anyone who may be on the job during an emergency.

Have a reunification plan for your family 

• Decide on a location where you’ll meet up after an emergency separates you. 

• Have an out-of-state contact with whom everyone can keep in touch and relay information (while local phone lines are often knocked out during an emergency, you can often get through to an out-of-state phone number). 

Have important information in writing, saved to the cloud, and on your phone 

• A list of emergency contacts such as family and friends  

• Medical conditions and details of prescriptions 

• Family members’ names, dates of birth, email addresses, phone numbers, and social media handles 

• Medical, home, and car insurance details 

• Bank account details 

Keep a back-up emergency kit in your car 

• 72 hours of non-perishable food and water 

• A basic first aid kit 

• A back-up battery or way to charge your cell phone 

• Printed local maps 

• Sturdy shoes  

• Warm gloves and a blanket 

• Flashlight 

• Wet wipes and sanitizing wipes 

If you are a business owner, follow SAIF’s tips for how you can help your employees in an emergency: 

• Know your Red Cross and emergency contacts in case employees need to use their resources. 

• Make your Intranet available to help employees connect and share information and resources. 

• Encourage your employees to sign up for emergency alerts such as OR-Alert and Watch Duty for wildfire information. 

• Be aware if any of your employees are affected by evacuation orders. 

Find more information at saif.com/prepare.

About SAIF  

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. For more than 110 years, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com. 

(Portland, Ore.) - The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) strongly condemns President Trump’s recent public statements advising pregnant women to “avoid Tylenol at all costs” and announcing plans for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require new warning labels against the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence and risk undermining public trust in evidence-based care. Unfortunately, such false statements have become commonplace in this administration’s ongoing efforts to politicize health care and dismantle our nation’s public health infrastructure. 

# # #

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is issuing a warning to Oregon residents about the “gold bar” scam that is rapidly spreading across the nation. This scam involves fraudsters impersonating government officials who convince victims to purchase gold bars to supposedly protect their nest eggs.

This scam involves contact from someone claiming to be a government official, often associated with the U.S. Department of Treasury, who convinces the victim to convert money held in financial accounts into gold bars. The fraudster claims the victim’s financial institution isn’t safe and that physical gold is the only way to protect the assets. Once the victim agrees to convert the funds to gold, the fraudster either appears at the victim’s front door or arranges for the victim to meet them at a nearby location to pick up the gold bars. DFR urges the public to stay alert, informed, and safe. Do not become the next victim of this scam.

More generally, the scam goes like this: Victims are contacted through text, email, or phone call and told their financial accounts are at risk of being compromised for various reasons. The reasons given may include that the accounts were subject to a cyberattack or are being used for illegal activity and must be closed. Victims are advised to empty the account, purchase the gold bars, and then deliver the bars over to the “government official.” For those unable or unwilling to purchase the gold themselves, the fraudster will offer and even insist on making the purchase for them. Sometimes this includes giving the “government official” remote access to the victim’s electronic devices. Victims are tricked into believing that converting their assets to gold and storing it with the government via the scammer, or “government official,” is necessary to protect their assets. This is positively – and always – a scam.

It has already caused millions of dollars in losses to Oregon investors and others across the country.

“It is troubling that these criminals are using fear and a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into making devastating financial decisions,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “Even more troubling is the reality that they are in our communities and facilitating these crimes in person.”

As an additional precaution, DFR emphasizes that government officials will never contact you and demand payment using gold bars. To stay safe:

• Be cautious of someone contacting you and claiming to be a government official. The imposter scam was the most common scam reported to the Federal Trade Commission in 2024. Government officials will never threaten you or demand that you make a payment using cryptocurrency, gift cards, or gold. If you need to communicate with a government agency, look up the contact information yourself, verify that you have not been directed to a scam site, and – only then – contact the agency using the information provided on its official website. Never share your home address with strangers who contact you.
• A government official will never give you a top-secret password. Some victims are given a supposedly top-secret password and instructed to give assets to a person who provides them with the password. This is always a scam.
• Never click on suspicious links or respond to unsolicited messages. If you receive an email or text from an unknown sender (even if the details appear accurate), do not respond, and do not click on any links or attachments found in that email. You could unknowingly download malicious software.
• Never give out your personal and financial information. Do not share personal and financial information with strangers. Steer clear of communication and calls from strangers.

Those seeking employment might be tempted to accept positions as a driver or courier from these scammers. This is part of the scam, to use outsiders – referred to as “money mules” – to help facilitate the crime. Be very skeptical about these employment offers. Research a company thoroughly before agreeing to become involved in any “employment” of unusual activity.

DFR cautions Oregonians to remain cautious and informed. Contact local law enforcement to report this scam. You can also contact DFR to report suspected fraud, inappropriate securities business practices, or to obtain consumer information. Free investor education and fraud prevention materials are available at http://www.asc.alabama.gov/. Click or tap if you trust this link.">dfr.oregon.gov or by calling one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.