SALEM, Ore. – Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed August 2025 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon, recognizing the vital work of emergency managers and the role they play in helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

The proclamation supports a national campaign spearheaded by the International Association of Emergency Managers to increase public awareness and appreciation for the emergency management profession. In Oregon, the campaign is being led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with local, Tribal, regional, and state emergency management agencies.
 

“Emergency management is often invisible until something goes wrong—then it becomes essential,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “We’re proud to spotlight the field of emergency management and the dedicated professionals who work every day to protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and coordinate help when it’s needed most.”
 

OEM’s Role in Supporting Emergency Management Statewide

OEM plays a key leadership role in supporting and strengthening emergency management across the state. Through its Regional Emergency Management Coordinators Program, OEM employs specialized field staff to support all 36 counties and Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes. These coordinators provide on-the-ground guidance and technical assistance across all phases of emergency management—from preparedness to long-term recovery.
 

Additionally, OEM’s Tribal Liaison works closely with Tribal Nations to coordinate emergency management initiatives and ensure Tribal needs are represented in state planning and response efforts. The OEM Public Private Partnership Program Manager coordinates and collaborates with business and industry stakeholders across emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations, serving as a liaison between the private sector and local and state agencies. This collaboration is further reinforced by the Private Sector Security and Resilience Seminar Series; a recurring program of educational sessions designed to inform and engage private sector participants and better equip them to navigate crises effectively and recover swiftly. 

OEM also manages the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), which is activated during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The ECC serves as a central hub for coordination and communication among state agencies and emergency support partners, ensuring that local needs are met efficiently and effectively.

With responsibility for coordinating Oregon’s 18 Emergency Support Functions and supporting more than 50 local and Tribal emergency management offices, OEM is dedicated to building a resilient and well-coordinated emergency services system.

How to Celebrate Emergency Management Awareness Month

There are many simple ways Oregonians can show support for emergency managers and become more prepared:

• Find out who your local emergency manager is—reach out to learn how your community prepares for disasters.
• Say thank you to your emergency management staff, volunteers, or CERT team members.
• Get prepared: Make or update your emergency kit, sign up for local alerts at ORAlert.gov, review your household emergency plan, and take the next step by becoming Be 2 Weeks Ready.
• Share your story: Use social media to highlight how you or your community prepares and tag #EMAwarenessMonth.

 Follow OEM throughout August for resources to help celebrate and share the value of emergency management.
 

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It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters regardless of cause. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.  

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is updating some visitor fees at select parks as part of a broader, proactive effort to build a more resilient financial future for Oregon State Parks. 

Starting Oct. 1, 2025, Oregon State Parks will no longer waive the parking fee at 21 additional day-use parks. The parking fee is currently $10 for in-state visitors and $12 out-of-state visitors.  

The parking fee does not apply to visitors who walk, bike, use public transportation, have a valid hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a 12 or 24-month parking permit. Currently, OPRD charges for parking at 25 parks and waives parking fees at over 225 parks across the state.   

The 21 additional parks include some of the busiest parks in the system such as Harris Beach State Park, which experienced an estimated 2 million day-use visits last year. Visitor fees help pay for maintenance and operation.  

Some overnight camping rates will also see updates for visits beginning May 1, 2026: 

• Overnight rates at our 29 busiest parks will increase to the top of the current rate range from May 1 through September 30. This increase will apply year round on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (Top rate is $29 for tents and $52 for full hook-up RV) 

• At all parks:  

• Cabin and yurt prices will increase to the top of the rate range year round. (Top rates vary from $72 for rustic yurts to $129 for deluxe cabins/yurts)
• Boat moorage fees will increase from $15 to $20.  
• Overnight parking, overflow camping and primitive camping fees will increase from about $10 to at least $15 per night.  

The park system faces a projected 14% budget shortfall due to increasing costs, impacts from record visitation and a reduction in lottery funds for operations. These targeted fee adjustments, along with internal efforts to reduce costs, modernize procurement and explore new revenue, will help maintain current service levels and ensure the system remains strong and accessible now and in the future.  

“State parks are some of the most beloved spaces in Oregon, but we have struggled as a state to sustainably fund them. We’re working to reimagine the future of Oregon State Parks as financially resilient system that will serve generations to come,” said Director Lisa Sumption.  

State parks has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. It is not funded by general fund taxes. 

For visitors looking to save on parking, there are annual and 24-month parking permits available for Oregon State Parks. The 12-month parking permit costs $30 and the 24-month permit costs $50. You can buy them online.  

Oregon State Parks is also collecting feedback to help guide its effort to reimagine a stronger resilient park system. The survey includes priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options.  

Temporary Flow Reduction at Dillon Falls to Support Ongoing Recovery Efforts at Dillon Falls

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to locating the third victim from the tragic water-related incident that occurred July 19th at Dillon Falls. Over the past two weeks, our deputies and Search & Rescue teams have conducted an extensive search using every available resource — including swiftwater rescue technicians, professional divers, side scan sonar, remote-operated submersible, drones, aerial searches, and specially trained Human Remains Detection Dogs.

Given the thorough search conducted below the falls — where the first two victims were recovered — and recent alerts from our K9 teams in the upper section of the rapids, we are focusing our attention on specific areas where crews will search next. The K9 alerts are helping provide important clues and direction as we continue working through challenging river conditions.

Many of the areas of interest are extremely hazardous and not safe or suitable for dive operations due to swift currents, submerged hazards, and unstable conditions.

Statement from the Deschutes Basin Board of Control:

“The Deschutes Basin Board of Control, made up of eight local irrigation districts that deliver water across Central Oregon, is partnering with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to support the recovery of the individual still missing at Dillon Falls.

“To aid in operations, irrigation districts will temporarily reduce flows in the Deschutes River beginning Friday, August 1. Recreationists and irrigators may notice reduced flows through Monday, August 4.”

Once water levels begin to recede, our swiftwater technicians will move into position and begin focused operations in and around key locations within the rapids. We are hopeful that the reduced water flows will assist in advancing these recovery efforts.

We are grateful for the partnership of the irrigation districts and local farmers as we continue working to exhaust every possibility in our mission to bring closure to the family.

Sheriff Ty Rupert
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

On July 29, Kevin Ryan, the Neutral appointed as part of the settlement of the Wyatt B. v. Kotek lawsuit, provided the U.S. District Court and the parties with his “Initial Review” as outlined in the settlement agreement. The review identifies measures that will be used to track Oregon’s progress related to six areas in Child Welfare noted in the settlement agreement.

“We are pleased to be at this point in the Wyatt B. v. Kotek settlement and appreciate Kevin Ryan’s expertise in improving outcomes for children and young adults,” said Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “We are carefully reviewing the initial report, including assessing the feasibility of the reporting expectations defined. We look forward to continued collaboration to make improvements that better the lives of children in foster care.”

Over the past nine months, Ryan reviewed Oregon’s child welfare data and worked with the ODHS and the plaintiffs in the lawsuit to determine the most appropriate measures to track improvement around the six items noted in the lawsuit. These areas include:

• Reducing the number of children and young adults who are harmed after they enter foster care.
• Improving communication with state courts, attorneys, ​children and young adults, and their families when harms do occur.
• Making sure children and young adults get medical and mental health assessments, and timely referrals for medical and mental health care.
• Improving the quality of placements and services for children and young adults.
• Lowering the number of children and young adults who come back into foster care.
• Improving how quickly children and young adults get case plans after entering care. Case plans outline the expectations for the child's parents and other family members, services and referrals Child Welfare will provide, routine contact with the child's parents, preparation of reports to the court and other service providers, and timelines for each part of the plan.

ODHS worked with Ryan to identify 14 measures that Oregon will report on regularly to show progress toward goals specified in the report.

“Keeping children safe and supporting families and communities is our top priority, and I look forward to the work ahead,” said Interim Child Welfare Director Rolanda Garcia.

Read the Initial Review by Neutral Kevin M. Ryan here.

SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to sound and safety equipment rules for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use on public lands in Oregon.

House Bill 2232 was signed on March 19, 2025 and became effective upon passage. The bill transfers rulemaking responsibility for ATV safety equipment and noise emissions from Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

State Parks has temporarily adopted ODOT and DEQ’s rules for 180 days under ORS 183.335(5)(a). OPRD is taking public comment on proposed permanent rules.

Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Augus 31, 2025, and can be submitted:

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-ATV%20Sound%20and%20Equipment%20Rules.aspx
• Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
• Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments.

• Virtual Hearing: 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 19. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_paGjkSkARcOqJMH1zv5MDA

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in September for possible adoption.

July 31, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Eckman Lake

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Eckman Lake due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom. The lake is in Lincoln County.

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 Eckman 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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) today reiterated its dedication to continuous improvement and readiness across the state in the wake of recent emergency response activities. 

“Our agency recognizes that every incident is an opportunity to assess, learn and enhance our systems. Continuous improvement is baked into our organizational DNA,” OEM Director Erin McMahon said. 

What Went Right During the Recent Tsunami Advisory 

• State, local and federal partners acted quickly to evaluate risks and communicate with the public, working in close coordination with the National Tsunami Warning Center  
• Timely and accurate public messaging was issued via multiple channels to inform coastal communities and ensure situational awareness  
• Our partnerships with county emergency managers, Tribal governments, and other agencies were essential to a united response effort  

“We acknowledge there is always room for improvement,” McMahon said. “As lawmakers and others have noted, this event shed light on areas where our emergency systems, critical infrastructure, and communication protocols could benefit from refinement and funding. This includes a need for robust federal mitigation funding and technical assistance.  We are committed to working collaboratively with partners statewide to address those gaps—especially as we review readiness for low-notice, high-impact events.” 

Staffing, ECC Activation, and Organizational Development 

OEM is not staffed 24/7 under normal operating conditions, but staffing is scaled up immediately when an emergency or threat arises—a common practice among states. Emergency Coordination Centers (ECCs) are routinely activated in response to significant incidents, including natural disasters, major public events, or other large-scale emergencies. 

Activation decisions are guided by incident complexity and statewide coordination needs. When warranted, OEM launches its ECC and deploys necessary personnel—including state agency liaisons—to implement the state’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. 

Since legislative changes in July 2022 established OEM as a standalone department, the agency has continued to evolve. One notable change from the last legislative session was the transfer of oversight for the Oregon Statewide Communication Interoperability program from the State Chief Information Officer to OEM. This program ensures emergency responders maintain effective communication during crises and supports the ORAlert.gov system. 

OEM has also been tasked with launching the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) by next summer, aimed at establishing a 24/7 statewide watch capability.  

“This program marks a significant advancement in readiness,” McMahon said. “Although not fully funded in the last session, we are actively identifying the equipment, systems and personnel needed to sustain this enhanced function. Once operational, OERS will strengthen Oregon’s ability to provide 24/7 monitoring and improve our ability to respond to and coordinate during emergencies—boosting statewide resilience.” 

While OEM does not currently maintain 24/7 monitoring or staffing, programs such as the emergency duty officer system and the current version of OERS do play critical support roles by maintaining on-call duty officers that enable activation and coordination around-the-clock. These systems are not the initial point of contact; that responsibility remains with 911 call centers, law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel—who provide direct, front-line service at all times.

However, when local resources are overwhelmed—whether by evacuation needs or technical support requirements—local emergency operations centers (EOCs) and emergency managers activate to coordinate wraparound services and leverage mutual aid agreements. If the incident escalates further and regional capacities are exceeded, OEM steps in to mobilize support from across the state, and when necessary, from national or international sources.  

Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) Activation Levels and What They Mean 

Level 4: Normal Operations / Steady State  

• No emergency or disruption.  
• ECC is not activated.  
• Agencies operate under routine conditions.  

Level 3: ECC Regional Response  

• A regional emergency is anticipated or occurring.  
• May affect community lifelines or public safety.  
• ECC is activated virtually or in-person as needed.  

Level 2: ECC Limited Activation  

• A significant emergency is underway.  
• Requires multi-agency coordination and additional resources.  
• ECC is activated virtually or in-person, directed by the ECC Manager.  

Level 1: ECC Full Activation  

• A major emergency or disaster impacting multiple lifelines.  
• Full-scale coordination and resource deployment needed.  

“OEM will always remain committed to improving preparedness and building resilience throughout Oregon,” McMahon said. “And we value feedback from communities, policymakers and partners. We strongly encourage people to connect with the emergency management offices in their county to learn more about how they can help advocate for emergency preparedness in their area.” 

EUGENE, Ore.—Two suspected drug traffickers face federal charges after they were caught transporting approximately 120 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine on Interstate 5 in Linn County, Oregon.

Jesus Campos Roman, 29, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Washington, and Eduar David Freites-Mosquera, 27, a Bolivian national unlawfully residing in Washington, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

According to court documents, on July 30, 2025, an Oregon State Police officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Roman and occupied by Freites-Mosquera. After a drug detection dog alerted to the presence of narcotics, investigators searched the vehicle and found numerous packages in the trunk containing more than 110 pounds of methamphetamine, five pounds of cocaine, and four pounds of fentanyl pills.

Roman and Freites-Mosquera made their first appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and were ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Joseph Huynh, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

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Portland, OR—The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for portions of central and eastern Oregon beginning at 2 p.m. PDT and continuing through this evening. Heavy rainfall may result in landslides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires. The watch area includes central Oregon, the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades, the Grande Ronde Valley, the John Day Basin, the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon, Wallowa County, and Baker County.

Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1

Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.

If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area:

• Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio, or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
• Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
• Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.

For more landslide and debris flow information: https://www.oregongeology.org/Landslide/debrisflow.htm

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Updated to include photo.

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 31 July 2025 – Oregon State Police traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Linn County yields a significant drug seizure.

On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 9:47 a.m., an Oregon State Trooper stopped a passenger vehicle on I-5 southbound near Albany for multiple traffic violations. With the assistance of an OSP drug detection K-9, approximately 112 pounds of methamphetamine, 5.6 pounds of cocaine, and 4.4 pounds of fentanyl were located within the vehicle.

Both the vehicle operator, Jesus Compos Roman (29) of Everett (WA) and passenger Eduar Freites Mosquera of Mill Creek (WA) were arrested for possession and delivery of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl and lodged at the Linn County Jail.  

The case remains under investigation and no additional information is available for release at this time.

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OSP Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative
The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement (OSP-DHE) Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.

OnPoint celebrates 18^th year supporting the KGW School Supply Drive, sends students back to school with the tools they need to learn

PORTLAND, Ore., –  July 31, 2025 – To support local students heading back to school in the fall, OnPoint Community Credit Union announced today that it will be accepting school supply donations during the month of August to help local teachers and students, and distributed with the help of Schoolhouse Supplies. The credit union will also give an additional $5 for every $1 donated to the KGW School Supply Drive at any OnPoint branch between August 4-9, 2025.

The drive, which runs from August 1-28, 2025, aims to send 15,000 students across Oregon and Southwest Washington back to school with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. All donations will stay in the community in which they are made.   

"More than half of the students in our community start the school year without necessary supplies, and that affects their confidence," said Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "We know how critical education is to future success, and the School Supply Drive gives our students what they need to keep learning and growing. We’re proud to support the drive again this year and encourage everyone in our community to join us.”

As part of this year's drive, OnPoint will host a collection event where the community can drop off new school supplies and cash donations at its Clackamas Promenade Branch (8854 SE Sunnyside Rd. Clackamas, OR 97015). To learn more or review other drop-off locations, please visit KGW.com/School.

OnPoint Collection Event:

• Friday, August 15, 2025
• 11:00 – 2:00 PM
• Drop-off location: Clackamas Town Center
  Look for the Schoolhouse Supplies/OnPoint table in the parking lot outside the branch.

"Getting ready for a new school year can be stressful enough for families and teachers without also having to worry about kids missing critical supplies. Schoolhouse Supplies works to level the playing field and create education equality by providing supplies to students across Oregon and SW Washington," said Alice Forbes, executive director, Schoolhouse Supplies. "OnPoint has been a longstanding partner in these efforts, and we are grateful for their commitment to education and supporting the School Supply Drive."

Learn more about Schoolhouse Supplies and its mission to equip as many local families as possible with the school supplies they need to succeed.

OnPoint donation not to exceed $20,000.

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ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 613,000 members and with assets of $9.7 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. More information is available at onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

July 31, 2025

Contact: Amy Coven, (503) 943-0164, amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov

Community groups and insurance agents awarded grants to support Oregonians with health coverage enrollment

Navigating health insurance options can be confusing and overwhelming. To help Oregonians get the coverage they need, the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace is awarding more than $1.8 million in grants to 37 community-based organizations and licensed insurance agents across the state for the 2025–2027 grant cycle.

These Marketplace partner grantees will offer free, expert help to people enrolling in health coverage through OregonHealthCare.gov, especially those who don’t qualify for job-based coverage or public programs like the Oregon Health Plan or Medicare.

“This support is critical to ensuring all Oregonians—regardless of income, location, or language—have access to the coverage and care they need,” said Marketplace Director Chiqui Flowers.

The Marketplace has partnered with community-based organizations and licensed insurance agents across Oregon for many years to help people access health coverage through outreach and enrollment assistance. This support is made possible through grant programs funded by a modest administrative fee paid by Marketplace plan carrier.

Trusted local help for all Oregonians

Grantees are selected for their strong community ties, ability to serve diverse and harder-to-reach populations, and commitment to offering culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Many offer support in multiple languages, including Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Somali, and more.

These partners will focus on helping people:

• Enroll during the next open enrollment period, which will run Nov. 1, 2025 - Jan. 15, 2026;
• Understand their health insurance options and financial assistance; and
• Transition from the Oregon Health Plan to private coverage after life changes or eligibility shifts.

Meet the 2025–2027 grantees

Community partner organizations:

• Arcoiris Cultural - Lincoln county
• Asian Health and Service Center - Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties
• Cascade AIDS Project - Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties
• Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) - Baker, Clackamas, Malheur, Multnomah, and Washington counties
• Interface Network - Marion county
• Northeast Oregon Network (NEON) - Baker, Union and Wallowa counties
• One Community Health - Hood River and Wasco counties
• Oregon L.E.A.D. - Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties
• Oregon Latino Health Coalition - Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties
• Project Access NOW - Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties
• Tayas Yawks - Deschutes, Klamath and Lake counties
• Waterfall Clinic Inc. - Coos, Curry and Douglas counties
• We Care - Benton, Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties

Licensed insurance agents:

• Aaron Burns Insurance - Eugene
• Abel Insurance - Coos Bay, Florence, Gold Beach, and Newport
• Bancorp Insurance - La Pine
• Boone Insurance Associates - Eugene
• Chehalem Insurance - Newberg
• Gordon Wood Insurance - Roseburg
• Grace Insurance - Portland
• HE Cross Company - Portland
• Health Plans in Oregon - Beaverton and Portland
• Healthwise Insurance - Portland
• Healthy, Wealthy & Wise - Tualatin
• High Desert Insurance - Bend
• Highstreet Insurance Services West - Hermiston, Klamath Falls, Medford, Oregon City and Sandy
• Hillock Insurance Agency - Enterprise
• iCover Oregon - Albany
• Insurance By Design - Wilsonville
• K Insurance Group - Independence
• Linda Dugan Insurance - Astoria
• Littlejohn Insurance - Eugene
• Matthew Woodbridge Insurance - Salem and Woodburn
• Next Step Benefits - Pendleton
• RJS & Associates - Philomath
• Saldivar Insurance - Hood River and The Dalles
• Valley Insurance - La Grande

To connect with a local Marketplace partner or insurance agent, visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp or call 855-268-3767 (all relay calls accepted).

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PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

To view the Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve February 18, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Thorston Erik Hartmann, PSI No. 055208

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Carissa White

4. Melinda Norush, PSI No. 109757

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Carissa White

5. 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

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

6. Agency Update

7. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – November 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.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 Private Security/Private Investigations Policy Committee 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.

Correction note: This alert has been updated to add that Brittan went missing from Gresham on July 29.  

Date: 7/30/25

Missing child alert – BRITTAN ARRINGTON is missing and is believed to be in danger

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Brittan Arrington (Female/She/Her), age 13, a child in foster care who went missing from Gresham on July 29. Brittan Arrington is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Brittan Arrington and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Brittan Arrington.

Brittan Arrington is suspected to be in Portland, Gresham or could be traveling to California

Name: Brittan Arrington
Gender identity: Female/She/Her
Date of birth: 8/6/2011
Height: 5’ 4”
Weight: 125
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Blonde dyed black
Other identifying information: Nose piercing, wears fake lashes
Gresham Police Department Case #PG 25-29955
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children  #2056772

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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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Keizer, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for trafficking more than 17 pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Oregon and Washington.

Caden Jay Christman, 28, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on February 21, 2024, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, law enforcement officers in Powell County, Montana, conducted a traffic stop and arrested Christman and his co-conspirator. Officers searched the vehicle, which had multiple hidden compartments, and seized nine pounds of methamphetamine, over 5,000 fentanyl pills, approximately $17,000 in cash, and two loaded firearms.

On February 22 and 26, 2024, investigators executed search warrants on Christman’s residence and seized 15,000 fentanyl pills, four pounds of fentanyl powder, two pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, $21,600 in cash, and twelve firearms.

On April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Christman with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On February 4, 2025, Christman pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Nicole M. Hermann, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

# # #

LANE COUNTY, Ore. (July 30, 2025) – On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 8 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 186.  

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Dodge Caravan, operated by Kennith James Nelsen (56) of Coos Bay, was traveling southbound on I-5 when it attempted to turn into the emergency vehicle turnaround from the slow lane and struck the side of a gray Dodge Charger, operated by Timothy Brian Smith (59) of Springfield. The Charger attempted to avoid the crash by swerving towards the median. The Caravan impacted the Charger while it was in the emergency vehicle turnaround, sending the Charger into the northbound travel lanes of I-5, where it went beneath a white Kenworth dump truck, operated by Jaison William Karow (44) of Coos Bay, towing a loaded trailer.
 

A passenger in the Dodge Charger, Kenneth Nicholas Thomas (61) of Springfield, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Charger (Smith) was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The operator of the Dodge Caravan (Nelsen) was not injured.
 

The operator of the dump truck (Karow) was not injured.

Following the initial crash, a secondary collision occurred on the southbound side of I-5 involving three vehicles. No injuries were reported as a result of the secondary crash.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation, and the crash remains under investigation.
 

OSP was assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Pleasant Hill Rural Fire Protection District, Eugene Springfield Fire, South Lane Fire and Rescue, Lane County District Attorney’s Office, Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.  
 

# # #

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 documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using 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.

PORTLAND, Ore.—Gildardo Rivera Garcia, 45, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Salem, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin for trafficking more than 43 pounds of illicit drugs in Oregon.

According to court documents, on July 27, 2025, as part of a drug trafficking and fatal fentanyl overdose investigation, investigators from the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed a federal search warrant on Garcia’s residence in Salem. Investigators located and seized approximately 32 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of heroin, an automated money counter, and cash.

Garcia made his first appearance in federal court Tuesday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

This case was investigated by the FBI, HSI, DEA, and WIN. It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

# # #

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind urban homeowners that now is the perfect time to remember to water your trees.

“By the end of July, soils in Oregon are very dry. Coupled with long, hot days, this puts trees under a great deal of stress. Drought-stressed trees are vulnerable to pests, at risk from losing their leaves early, and even dying,” said ODF Community Assistance Forester Brittany Oxford.

Oxford advises that trees three years and younger need about 15 gallons of water once a week, possibly more during heat waves.

“What’s harder for many in western Oregon to grasp is that even older trees benefit from a deep watering at least a few times during the summer,” said Oxford. “That’s why the last week of July and the last week in August have been designated as Soak It Weeks, to serve as reminders for urban homeowners to deeply water their older trees at least once during those times.”

Oxford points out that rainfall in western Oregon is no longer reliable enough in spring and fall to get trees through the dry summer months in good shape. ”Higher average temperatures are especially hard on the many trees in Oregon cities that are native to places where it rains a lot in summer, such as eastern Asia or the eastern U.S.,” she said.

While some trees native to dry areas of the world might not need or even want watering in the summer, most other trees will grow faster, look better and be healthier if watered in the summer.  

“Get to know what species of tree you have and adjust the watering needs according to how drought-tolerant it is, your soil type, and how exposed to sun your tree is,” says Oxford. “A tree in full sun may need more water than one growing in shade.”

She recommends that trees four to 10 years old may need anywhere from 20 to 30 gallons every other week. Trees older than that may only need a deep soaking once a month.

In all cases, water should be given close to the tree’s trunk. “Apply it slowly so it soaks down into the roots and doesn’t run off,” advised Oxford. “Drilling small holes on one side of a five-gallon bucket near the bottom can be a convenient way to water. Just refill the bucket from a hose as many times as needed.”

Watering in the morning or evenings is advised to reduce water loss from evaporation.

“Mulching around a tree also cuts down on water loss, but keep it from touching the tree’s trunk,” said Oxford.

Find more guidance on watering trees at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/fact-sheet-watering-your-trees.pdf

                                                          # # #

Bend Fire and Rescue responded to a reported structure fire on Ridgeview Dr East in the Woodside Ranch neighborhood at 6:28 pm Monday evening. Fire crews found a large garage/shop on the back of the property fully involved. The owners and neighbors had hoses, including a water truck from a local contractor, spraying water on the fire to keep it from spreading. The fire was difficult to extinguish due to the size and access to the building. Crews had the fire under control after about an hour.

The fire threatened the detached garage on the same property but was kept from burning. The house sustained minor damage from the heat as well as several trees were burned. The garage/shop building was under construction at the time of the fire. The cause is still under investigation at the time of this release. The extent of the damage and value lost will be determined after further investigation. The building was not occupied at the time of the fire.
 

As we are in fire season, defensible space is key to helping protect your home from wildfire. But its also important for all types of fires. The detached garage that was spared had pine needles in the gutters that had started to ignite as crews arrived. They were extinguished before they could do any damage. Keeping gutters cleared, as part of creating good defensible space around all your buildings and vehicles on your property, will help protect your home from not only wildfires. More information on defensible space can be found at www.bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone

Updated information - The fire appears to be accidental in nature but the exact cause of the fire was not able to be determined due to the extent of damage. The 3,000 square foot, 2 story shop was still under construction. Its walls were made of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) that were filled with concrete and the roof had been installed. The building is valued at $300,000 with the building being a complete loss. The owner is working with his insurance company on the next steps. 

UPDATE: Juveline Found Safe

The missing Juvenile has been found safe and is reunited with family. No other details are available at this time. As always, we thank the community for their help and our Deschutes County Sheriff's Office patrol team for their efforts and support of the family. 

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE

Deschutes County, OR – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating a missing juvenile who is believed to be a runaway.

Missing Juvenile:

• Name: Allison “Alli” Clemens
• Date of Birth: January 24, 2013
• Also Known As: Allison Wright, Wonder
• Description: White female, approximately 5’2” tall, weighing 95–100 pounds. Shoulder-length dark blonde to light brown hair with thick bangs and green eyes.

Allison was last seen leaving her home near Alfalfa Market Road, approximately three miles east of Bend, around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. She was wearing a gray or brown T-shirt, jeans, and possibly black high-top Converse shoes. She may also be wearing a black shirt and jean shorts.

Allison may be traveling on foot in the area east of Bend or within the Bend city limits. It is also possible she received a ride from an unknown individual. She is known to frequent local parks.

Allison has used alternate names and dates of birth in the past to appear older.

If you have seen Allison or have any information about her whereabouts, please contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office immediately through non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911.

PORTLAND, Ore.— Edis Odalis Centeno Banegas, 45, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Portland, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release Monday for possessing and distributing fentanyl in Oregon.

According to court documents, on September 6, 2023, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Banegas and his co-conspirator. During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized fentanyl and Super Mannitol, a cutting agent used to mix with fentanyl for further distribution, and arrested Banegas and his co-conspirator.

Later the same day, investigators executed search warrants on Banegas’s residence and storage unit. Investigators located and seized additional fentanyl powder, counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, Super Mannitol, three firearms, ammunition, and equipment to process fentanyl including vice presses, a scale, masks, and a blender. In total, more than ten pounds of fentanyl and Super Mannitol were seized. 

On September 19, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Banegas with conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On February 5, 2025, Banegas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, Portland Police Bureau, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

# # #

Sisters, OR  — Shortly after 11:15 a.m. today, the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District was dispatched to the Chush Falls area south of Sisters after receiving a report of two hikers experiencing medical issues. Due to limited access and terrain, assistance was requested from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit. Eleven SAR volunteers responded to the scene.

Both hikers were located and evaluated on the trail. One was able to hike out, while the second was transported to the trailhead using a wheeled litter — a specialized stretcher equipped with one large tire designed for navigating rugged terrain.

This rescue was a successful multi-agency effort, with support from:

• Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District (ambulance and duty officer
• Deschutes County Sheriff's Office SAR volunteers
• U.S. Forest Service (engine crew and duty officer)

Both hikers are doing okay and refused transport to the hospital once rescue crews reached the trailhead.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office thanks all partner agencies for their collaboration and continued commitment to public safety in Central Oregon's backcountry.

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Salem, OR – Oregon Chief Information Officer Terrence Woods, Director of Enterprise Information Services (EIS), has appointed Nik Blosser as the state of Oregon’s first Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategist. The CPO will be charged with crafting the strategic vision for the state of Oregon relating to privacy, data protection, and AI. As the first-of-a-kind position in Oregon state government, the CPO must make strategic judgements and decisions relating to developing policy and as the AI Strategist, Nik will play a pivotal role in shaping Oregon’s AI landscape. 

“Adding a Chief Privacy Officer and AI Strategist to the team at EIS has been a goal of mine for a few years and I am excited to bring Nik onboard,” said Woods. “Nik will significantly enhance our ability to safeguard data, ensure compliance with privacy regulations, prioritize workforce AI literacy, and lead efforts to promote a culture of awareness across all state agencies, ultimately making Oregon a leader in data protection, privacy management, and AI Governance.”

Blosser brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career to his new role. A Stanford University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Aeronautical Engineering and English, he has a diverse educational background.

He has worked in both private and public sectors, with his career highlights including serving as Chair and Board Member of Sokol Blosser Winery for 22 years, one of the oldest family-owned and operated wineries in Oregon. Blosser also held significant roles in the Executive Office of the President, Portland General Electric, The White House, and served as Chief of Staff for Oregon Governor Kate Brown. 

Blosser co-founded Celilo Group Media, Inc., a company focused on sustainable products and services, and has been actively involved in numerous volunteer roles, including board memberships with Literary Arts, Oregon Business & Industry, and the Oregon Environmental Council. 

Nik Blosser’s leadership and dedication to public service and sustainability make him an invaluable asset to EIS and the state of Oregon. 

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 29, 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person(s) responsible for the illegal take and waste of a buck deer in Grants Pass.

On the morning of July 23, 2025, a dead buck deer was found on private property on NW Vine Street near NW Highland Avenue in Grants Pass. The property owner recalled hearing a single shot on the evening of July 21, 2025, but had not noticed the deceased animal until later.
 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number #SP25347008.
 

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 Outfitters and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.
 

The TIP program offers cash rewards or preference point rewards to individuals who provide information leading to the arrest or citation of those responsible for the unlawful killing of wildlife and/or waste of big game. When making a report, provide as much of the following information as possible:

• Description of suspicious activity or violation
• Date, time, and location of activity
• Description of any vehicle involved
• Name and/or description of suspect(s)

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 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 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: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

# # #

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 postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. 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. 

PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Scott E. Bradford has taken the oath of office—administered by U.S. Circuit Court Judge Danielle J. Forrest on Monday—to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. On July 28, 2025, United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Mr. Bradford to serve as interim U.S. Attorney.

The District of Oregon serves approximately four million people and covers more than 98,000 square miles. Our expansive region hosts a wide variety of cultural and geographic diversity and is home to nine federally recognized Tribes. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon has approximately 100 employees, with the main office located in Portland, where nearly half the population of the state lives, and two branch offices in Eugene and Medford, Oregon.

“I am honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and thank Attorney General Bondi for placing her trust in me. It is a privilege to lead this great office, serving alongside such dedicated public servants. I look forward to working with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the public and defend the interests of the United States,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Bradford is an 18-year veteran of the Department of Justice, joining the Department in 2007 through the Attorney General Honors Program and the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an Assistant United States Attorney in 2009. He has held several leadership positions in the office, including Chief of the White Collar Unit, Chief of the Economic, National Security, and Cyber Crimes Unit, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. In 2022, Bradford was the Department’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia. Bradford returned the Department of Justice in 2024 in Washington, D.C., most recently serving as the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Bradford clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman.

Bradford received his bachelor’s degree from Bringham Young University and his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.

# # #

LINN COUNTY, Ore. (July 29, 2025) – On Monday, July 28, 2025, at approximately 7:47 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 226 near Albany.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Buick Envoy, operated by Jarri Lynn Saul (55) of Lebanon, was traveling eastbound on Highway 226 near milepost 1.5 when it attempted to turn north onto Old Bridge Drive. The Buick turned into the path of a westbound blue Kenworth commercial motor vehicle, operated by Douglas Edward Ahlberg (49) of Aumsville. The vehicles collided nearly head-on.
 

The operator of the Buick (Saul) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
 

The Buick’s front passenger, a 15-year-old female Japanese exchange student, was also pronounced deceased at the scene.
 

The Buick’s rear passenger, another 15-year-old female Japanese exchange student, sustained serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to a local hospital.
 

The operator of the Kenworth (Ahlberg) was not injured.
 

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation.
 

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

# # #

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 documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using 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.

Earlier this year, DOC hired the Falcon Group, a national consulting firm specializing in correctional healthcare. Falcon conducted a comprehensive review of DOC’s healthcare delivery system including policies, practices, and the overall quality of care. Falcon arrived at 67 findings and key observations reflecting convergence among sources of information and stakeholders that were unprecedented in Falcon’s experience. The key findings in “State of Oregon Department of Corrections Healthcare Delivery System Assessment,” included Falcon noting that DOC impressed them as authentically committed to studying and improving healthcare for AICs. The report also noted that Pharmacy Services and Dental Services both emerged as best practice models, and that Behavioral Health Services has many best-practice approaches.  

Salem, Ore. – Oregon Lottery’s efforts to educate and support responsible gaming initiatives are being recognized nationally with four top awards. Each year, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) honors individuals and organizations from around the world for their significant impact in the fields of problem gambling awareness, research, and responsible gambling.

Oregon Lottery earned awards in the following categories: 

• Corporate Social Responsibility Award for Oregon Lottery’s overall program
• Corporate Public Awareness Award for Oregon Lottery’s “Safer Play” PSA campaign
• Corporate Multicultural Communications Award for Oregon Lottery’s “multicultural digital/print media marketing campaign” 
• Don Feeney Award for Responsible Gambling Excellence (individual honor) - Stacy Shaw, Oregon Lottery senior manager for product marketing

"These awards reflect how deeply safer play is woven into everything we do," said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. "It's more than just a requirement. It's a shared commitment for the entire agency and is rewarding to be recognized as a national leader."

The awards ceremony took place on Friday, July 18, in Columbus, Ohio, during the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling 2025. 

“Over the past year, we have invested in our Safer Play Program to conduct research, offer marketing outreach, and provide resources that let us reach more people on their help seeking journey,” said Shaw. “Receiving these awards shows that our peers and colleagues see the impact of this important work, which we are excited to continue." 

Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery profits have funded problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts throughout Oregon. Since that time, over $148 million in Lottery funds has supported those services.

Oregonians can access online tools and connect with free, professional counseling by going to the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) website. 

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery, visit www.oregonlottery.org.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has reached a milestone in strengthening its unit that regulates long-term care.

As part of a broader strategy to improve safety, the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) in July began implementing recommendations from an independent consultant’s external assessment of its unit that oversees nursing, assisted living and residential care facilities as well as adult foster homes. 

The consultant’s report provides recommendations for how the unit can build a stronger foundation to support its regulatory work, which has grown in size and complexity in the past decade. It includes an overarching framework for processes to: realign staff with the workload; update practices for efficiency; clarify procedures for state and federal regulations; implement new legislation and provide ongoing training for staff. 

These changes will help address work backlogs and measure the unit’s performance in improving safety. 

As the unit strengthens its operations, APD will also incorporate the consultant’s recommendations into existing safety projects underway. These projects range from adopting a statewide protocol for responding to suspicious deaths in licensed long-term care to developing improved training tools to support staff in implementing regulatory changes. 

 
Independent consultant Alvarez and Marsal (A&M) conducted the external assessment and produced the Final Report for ODHS. 

“We are committed to continually improve what we do to ensure the safety of older adults and people with disabilities in Oregon,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D. “Our goal is to make changes that will continue to improve our operations today and will equip us to meet Oregonians’ needs in the future.” 

Deschutes County, OR — Search and recovery efforts at Dillon Falls continued over the weekend and remain active this week, with specialized teams using a full range of professional tools and training.

On Saturday and Sunday, swift water experts worked in and around the Class 5 rapids, tethered to safety systems while navigating hazardous conditions near the falls. Professional divers conducted thorough searches downstream, and highly trained K-9 units were used each day to help identify areas of interest. Crews also deployed sonar, side-scan equipment, and drones to aid in locating clues from both above and below the surface.

K-9 teams were back in the field Monday, actively searching both sides of the Deschutes River. They play a critical role in these types of searches and are trained to detect human scent in and around moving water, helping to guide where search efforts are focused. Drones are being re-flown to gather updated aerial perspectives and identify any changes in the landscape that could support the search effort.

As opportunities present and areas to investigate are identified, swift water search crews continue working along the river’s edge, in some cases using technical rope systems and operating under strict safety protocols. The challenging terrain and dangerous currents require deep experience and coordination.

Search operations will continue using various resources within and outside the agency as appropriate and available. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to this mission and deeply appreciates the support of its partner agencies and the community.

The Sheriff’s Office remains in daily communication and is working closely with the victim’s family. They have fully supported the ongoing efforts by DCSO and our Search and Rescue teams. The family has requested continued privacy while search operations continue.

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PORTLAND, Ore. – A Portland man made his initial appearance in federal court today after committing various offenses – including aggravated assault of a federal officer and damaging federal property – during a violent protest at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Robert Jacob Hoopes, 24, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offenses of aggravated assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, and depredation of federal property in an amount exceeding $1,000.

According to court documents and information shared in court, on June 14, 2025, Hoopes was present at a protest at the ICE building.  He was seen throwing large rocks at the building.  He threw one of those rocks at an ICE officer and struck the officer in the head, causing a significant laceration over the officer’s eye.  Later that same day, he and two other individuals were seen using an upended stop sign as a makeshift battering ram, which resulted in significant damage to the main entry door to the ICE building.  Hoopes was identified from a photo online later that same day.  Hoopes was arrested by FBI agents on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Hoopes made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.  Hoopes was ordered released pending trial.

Aggravated assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon that results in bodily injury is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.  Depredation of federal property in an amount exceeding $1,000 is a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Since June 13, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged 23 defendants with offenses committed at the ICE building including assaulting federal officers, arson, possession of a destructive device, and depredation of government property.

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

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CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. (July 28, 2025) – On Saturday, July 26, 2025, at approximately 3:11 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 213 near Oregon City.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a black Ford F-250 pickup truck, operated by Bryce Montplaisir Ainslie (28) of West Linn, was traveling southbound on Highway 213 near milepost 2.5 when it left the travel lane for an unknown reason, crashed into a guardrail, and went down an embankment.

The operator (Ainslie), and sole occupant of the Ford, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Fire District, the Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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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 documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using 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.

SAIF offers tips on how to keep your workers safe from hazardous wildfire smoke.

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With several fires already burning across the state, it’s important for businesses and individuals to be prepared for wildfire smoke. 

As with any emergency, having a plan in place before there is a need could help prevent injuries and illness, and potentially save lives. 

Know the risks

Smoke travels much farther than the fire itself and contains chemicals and particles that, when breathed in, can cause severe health issues, including: 

• Reduced lung function 
• Fatigue 
• Eye irritation 
• Worsening asthma and other existing heart and lung conditions  
• Coughing 
• Sore throat 
• Wheezing  
• Difficulty breathing 

Keep in mind certain workers may be more susceptible to the impact of smoke due to their age, health history, and how much they work outside.

“Smoke is complex. It could be made up of trees and other organic matter and may contain biotoxins like poison ivy or poison oak,” says Kim Henry, an industrial hygienist at SAIF. “But it can also contain fumes and vapors from burned items such as car tires, metal equipment, and other human-made materials. Smoke can travel hundreds to thousands of miles and impact communities far away.”

Know which fires are burning

Employers should have current information on active wildfires, even the ones that aren’t in their immediate area or community. Monitoring weather forecasts, fire conditions, and air quality reports can help you make more informed decisions.

Know your plan 

Before wildfire smoke hits your area or community:

• It’s crucial to provide annual wildfire smoke training to all employees and include wildfire smoke events in your emergency plans.
• Prepare production schedules and work assignments with potential business interruptions in mind and identify the risk of smoke exposure for each type of employee. 

During a wildfire or smoke event:

• Communicate frequently with employees and make it easy for them to communicate with you.
• Conduct an exposure assessment at the start of each shift to determine air quality.
• Offer the appropriate filtering facepiece respirators based on the air quality index (AQI). Find out more about respirators in SAIF's online training. 
• For those working inside: shut down outside air intakes and allow air-conditioned buildings to operate on recirculated air. Change filters on HVAC units and keep windows and doors closed. 
• For outside workers, relocate or re-assign work activities away from the smoke zone. Stop work when air quality and/or visibility present health and safety hazards. 

After a wildfire or smoke event:

• Talk about what you learned: what went well and what could have gone better?  
• Cleaning up after wildfire smoke impacts requires a thoughtful response. Make sure whoever conducts the cleaning has the correct equipment and guidance. 

You can find more details and prepare your business for wildfire season. 

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company. For more than 100 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.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Brittan Arrington.

Brittan, age 13, is a child who went missing from Gresham on July 22. She was found on July 27.

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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The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is now accepting applications for its 2025–27 Campus Veteran Resource Center (CVRC) Grant Program. This competitive grant opportunity is designed to support Oregon’s student veterans by expanding and strengthening Campus Veteran Resource Centers at the state’s public colleges and universities.

The Oregon Legislature has approved up to $800,000 in funding for this biennium’s grant cycle. The CVRC Grant Program is funded in part by Oregon Lottery dollars, made possible through the passage of Measure 96, which directs a portion of Lottery proceeds to support Oregon veterans.

Campus Veteran Resource Centers are vital to ensuring student veterans have the tools and support they need to thrive in college and beyond. These centers help veterans successfully transition from military to academic life, navigate the challenges of higher education, and prepare for meaningful careers in the civilian workforce. Services offered at many CVRCs include academic advising, peer mentoring, mental health and wellness resources, and connections to VA and community benefits.

“Oregon’s Campus Veteran Resource Centers, along with their dedicated coordinators and staff, serve as a critical cornerstone to support student veterans’ environmental, intellectual, and social well-being while earning a post-secondary degree or certification,” said ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Daniels.

“This grant program underscores our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of student veterans across the state by supporting campus resources and services that promote student veteran personal growth and academic success.”

Oregon’s 17 community colleges and seven public universities (not including Oregon Health & Science University) are eligible to apply for these grant funds.

To be eligible for grant funds, a community college or public university needs to currently have a Campus Veteran Resource Center, a Campus Veteran Resource Coordinator (or intends to hire one prior to the distribution of grant funds), or both.

The window for applications for the Oregon Veteran Campus Resource Center Grant Program will open Monday, July 28, 2025, and will close Monday, September 22, 2025. Grant requests may be up to $100,000.

A webinar will be hosted at 10:00 a.m. August 1 to provide additional information about the application process. To register for the webinar, visit CVRC Grant 2025 - 2027 Intent to Apply.

For more information about this grant or to apply, visit www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/grants/pages/campus-grant.aspx or contact ODVA Grants Coordinator Brenna Bandstra at renna.bandstra@odva.oregon.gov">brenna.bandstra@odva.oregon.gov or 971-388-8204.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

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Deschutes County, OR - The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to report that Leon Lyle Haight, the 84-year-old man reported missing from Paulina Lake Campground, has been safely located.

Early this morning, a civilian volunteer who had been searching overnight found Mr. Haight in a remote area just south of Devil’s Horn, east of where his vehicle had been discovered Sunday. Medics evaluated Mr. Haight at the scene, and he declined transport. He is currently being reunited with family by Deputy Hicks.

Mr. Haight was last seen Saturday morning and was believed to have wandered away from his campsite. His vehicle was located overnight by a local resident off FS Road 2121-200, high-centered with food, firewood, and personal items inside. Deputies and Search and Rescue teams tracked his footprints into the forest and continued search efforts through the night and into Monday morning.

We thank all the deputies, SAR personnel, medics, and especially the community members who volunteered their time and efforts to help locate Mr. Haight.

For non-emergency inquiries, contact dispatch at (541) 693-6911.

Salem, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is gathering public comments on proposed procurement and contracting rule updates now through Aug. 31.

The proposed rule updates seek to implement changes based on SB 838B. That legislation provided OPRD a limited exemption from the state’s Public Contracting Code to better serve park visitors and support local businesses. The exemption does not apply to surplus property, information technology, photogrammetric mapping or telecommunications.

This rulemaking opened for public comment on July 28, 2025. The public is invited to comment on the proposed updates through 5 p.m. Aug. 31, 2025:

• Submit comments online on the rules webpage
• Attend a public hearing 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20
  • Registration required to provide public comment: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Mg-QQFOLQ8OhHW4SqSEmeg
  • Watch the hearing: https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams

Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Jo Niehaus at least three days in advance of the meeting at jo.niehaus@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-580-9210.

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in September for possible adoption and implementation.

Deschutes County, OR - The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing elderly man who was last seen at Paulina Lake Campground earlier today.

Leon Lyle Haight, age 84, of Salem, Oregon, was last seen at the family's campsite around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th. He is believed to have wandered off while relatives were away from the campsite. When they returned, they discovered Mr. Haight and his vehicle were gone. The family also noted that a camp axe was missing, and Mr. Haight had previously mentioned they were nearly out of firewood.

Mr. Haight is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 169 pounds, and has a full gray beard, although the most recent photo provided by the family shows him clean-shaven. He has no known medical or mental health conditions, but does have a history of wandering. 

He is believed to be driving a silver 2008 Honda Civic 4-door sedan with Oregon license plate 988 DRD. Law enforcement and family have checked the area's roads and access points, but have not located his vehicle. The Salem Police Department also visited his residence in Salem, but he was not found there either.

Mr. Haight's family remains at the Paulina Lake Campground in case he returns. Anyone who may have seen Mr. Haight or his vehicle is asked to contact the Deschutes County non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911.

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Klamath County, OR – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to report that three young children reported missing earlier this week have been safely located and are now in the care of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

The children were found at a residence in Klamath County following an extensive search effort led by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Oregon State Police. DCSO has been assisting ODHS all week on this case. 

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Josh Spano traveled to Klamath County with an OSP Trooper to recover the children. After more than an hour of calm and compassionate negotiation, the children’s mother, Desirae Gross, agreed to relinquish custody. They were safely turned over to ODHS without incident.

No additional details will be released at this time out of respect for the children’s privacy and the sensitive nature of this case.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the public’s concern and support throughout the search. The most important outcome is that the children were found safe. 

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