SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard held a mobilization ceremony for Soldiers with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) at the Salem Armory Auditorium, May 4, 2025, in Salem Ore. 

Approximately 220 Soldiers with the 41st IBCT are preparing to mobilize to the Horn of Africa to join Task Force BATAAN in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. 

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek addressed attendees, thanking Soldiers and their families for their commitment and sacrifice. 

“I know you will rise to any challenge ahead of you and continue to set the bar high,” Kotek said. 

Task Force BATAAN is comprised of Soldiers from Oregon, New Mexico, Washington, and Louisiana. They will be serving in Djibouti, Kenya and Somalia in support of CJTF-HOA and JSOTF-SOM. The primary mission will be to conduct security and base defense operations. 

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Released photos:

250504-Z-UZ129-1015 Oregon National Guard Soldiers with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team salute the flag during the national anthem at their mobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, May 4, 2025, in Salem, Ore. Approximately 220 Soldiers with the 41st are preparing to mobilize to the Horn of Africa to join Task Force BATAAN in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson)

250504-Z-UZ129-1009 Oregon National Guard Soldiers with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team stand in formation during their mobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, May 4, 2025, in Salem, Ore. Approximately 220 Soldiers with the 41st are preparing to mobilize units to the Horn of Africa to join Task Force BATAAN in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson)

250504-Z-UZ129-1022 Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the Adjutant General of Oregon, addresses attendees at the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team mobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, May 4, 2025, in Salem, Ore. Approximately 220 Soldiers with the 41st are preparing to mobilize to the Horn of Africa to join Task Force BATAAN in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson)

250504-Z-UZ129-1028 Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek shakes hands with Oregon National Guard Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team following their mobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, May 4, 2025, in Salem, Ore. Approximately 220 Soldiers with the 41st are preparing to mobilize to the Horn of Africa to join Task Force BATAAN in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson)

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OREGON NATIONAL GUARD TO HOLD MOBILIZATION CEREMONY FOR SOLDIERS DEPLOYING TO HORN OF AFRICA

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon National Guard will hold a mobilization ceremony for approximately 225 Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), which is deploying to the Horn of Africa to support Operation Inherent Resolve.

WHEN: Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: The ceremony will take place at the Salem Armory Auditorium, 2320 17th Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97301.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Media members are invited to attend the mobilization ceremony for Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers deploying to the Horn of Africa. The event will honor Soldiers from multiple units within the 41st IBCT who will provide base security and force protection in Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia.

DEPLOYING UNITS: The 1-200 Infantry Battalion serves as the Task Force Headquarters for the Oregon National Guard 41st IBCT during deployment, but at home, it is under the New Mexico National Guard, headquartered in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Approximately 225 Oregon National Guard Citizen-Soldiers are comprised of the following units:

•   2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, Headquartered in Springfield.

•   741st Brigade Engineer Battalion, Headquartered in Clackamas.

•   2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, Headquartered in Forest Grove.

•   141st Brigade Support Battalion (deploying separately in June 2025), Headquartered in Portland.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Interviews with deploying Soldiers and family members (with prior coordination), photo/video opportunities of the ceremony, and B-roll of Soldiers preparing for deployment (see story and connected media) here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/495200/urban-operations-demolitions-41st-ibct-trains-horn-africa-mission.

MEDIA RSVP: Media planning to attend should RSVP by [DATE] to [YOUR EMAIL] or call [YOUR PHONE]. Please include the names of attending personnel.

Please contact Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, Director of Public Affairs, Oregon Military Department, to RSVP for this event.

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Released Images: 

250330-Z-ZJ128-1001: Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team fire M4 carbines during weapons qualification at Range 73, Yakima Training Center, Wash., March 30, 2025. Individual weapons qualification was a critical component of Operation Djibouti Dawn Annual Training, ensuring combat readiness for the upcoming Horn of Africa deployment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250405-Z-ZJ128-1001: A weapons squad from 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment fires an M240 machine gun from a support-by-fire position during a blank-fire iteration at Yakima Training Center, Wash., April 5, 2025. The training exercise prepared the crew for live-fire operations scheduled for the following day as part of Operation Djibouti Dawn Annual Training in preparation for their Horn of Africa deployment. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

250406-Z-ZJ128-1004: Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment enter the live fire shoothouse at Range 24, Yakima Training Center, Wash., April 6, 2025. The urban operations training is part of Operation Djibouti Dawn Annual Training in preparation for the unit's upcoming deployment to the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

File stock photo of the 17th Street Armory in Salem: 221016-Z-ZJ128-1002: Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Combat Team (IBCT), Oregon National Guard formation at the unit's re-stationing ceremony Oct. 16, 2022, at the 17th Street Armory in Salem, Ore. The company moved from Medford to Salem, culminating with the re-stationing ceremony, celebrating their arrival at a new home armory. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

At 7:17 am on Friday, May 2, multiple 911 callers reported a column of smoke in the Juniper Ridge area, near the Central Oregon Irrigation Hydro Plant on property owned by the City of Bend.  First arriving resources found a passenger vehicle fully engulfed, with fire spreading to a tree and adjacent vegetation.  Bend Fire & Rescue crews were able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire, with mutual aid assistance provided by a water tender from Redmond Fire.  One person was transported by ambulance to St Charles Medical Center in Bend.  

Upon investigation, it was determined that the vehicle, a Nissan Pathfinder SUV, was being used as living quarters and was occupied at the time of the fire.  A candle was being used to keep warm, and the candle ignited nearby combustibles inside the vehicle.  The vehicle and contents were a complete loss, estimated at $8,000.  

Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community that anything which produces heat needs a safe space around it.  Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment such as fireplaces and space heaters.  Make sure that fueled portable heaters are rated for indoor use.  If they are for outdoor use only, they can produce deadly carbon monoxide if used in an enclosed area.  For more safety tips, visit our website at https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/community-programs

Current date: May 2nd, 2025

Date of incident: April 30th, 2025

Case #: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office – 25-22566

Person: Carlos Manuel Torres, 37-year-old Bend resident

Charges:

Carlos Torres charges:

ORS 475C349 (3)(b)(A) Unlawful Manufacture of marijuana  >12 plants(C Felony)

ORS 475C.341(3)(b) Unlawful possession of marijuana >8lbs (C Felony)

ORS 475C345(3)(b)(A)(ii) Attempted Distribution of marijuana (C Felony)

Press Release Information:

At approximately 11 PM on April 30th, Detectives with the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement (DCIMME) team assisted by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team, executed a search warrant in the 17000 block of Kasserman Drive in Bend, Oregon. This search warrant was the result of a short-term drug investigation involving the illegal manufacture, possession, and distribution of marijuana. 

Deschutes County Deputies contacted Torres outside his residence and advised him of the search warrant.  A search of the property revealed over 50 pounds of processed marijuana at the location, over 400 grams of marijuana concentrates, approximately 50 growing marijuana plants, along with evidence of distribution including packaging, scales, and mailing boxes. Drug Agents also recovered evidence that drugs were being distributed through the mail.

Torres was issued a criminal citation to appear in Circuit Court and he will be facing the above-mentioned charges.

CODE Detectives and the DCIMME team were assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) during this investigation.

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the following Central Oregon law enforcement agencies:  Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department,  Prineville Police Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sunriver Police Department, Black Butte Police Department, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County District Attorney’s, and the Oregon National Guard.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement task forces to disrupt or dismantle local, multi-state and international drug trafficking organizations.

May 1, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Wapato Marsh at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a preemptive recreational use health advisory today for Wapato Marsh due to the presence of a cyanobacteria harmful algae bloom. The marsh is in Multnomah County.

OHA encourages people to visit Wapato Marsh and enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking and bird watching.

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 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

Prineville, OR – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District is seeing an uptick in escaped debris burn piles, with several over the past few weeks burning up to 30 acres in size.

For example, a recent 8-acre fire resulted from a week-old burn pile that was assumed to be out cold but rekindled several days later, requiring suppression action by firefighters. Not following burn day instructions, one of which is thoroughly checking the burn piles later when the weather shifts, are the leading causes of these escapes.

Central Oregon District Forester Rob Pentzer reminds residents that escaped debris burns can lead to citations and cost collection from the responsible party for any suppression costs.

“Escaped debris burn fires continue to be the leading human cause of wildfires on private lands.” Pentzer said, “They are also the most preventable, when folks follow the rules.”

ODF Fire Managers and Fire District Chiefs want to remind residents to:

• Check with their local fire district to ensure that burning is allowed on a given day
• Follow all instructions after obtaining any necessary permits.
• Watch the weather forecasts. Wind and rapid weather changes are major factors that can affect the spread of fire from a debris burn.
• Ensure you have a safe fire area cleared around your pile with water and tools readily available.
• Monitor your pile until it has consumed all fuels, then stir with water until the area is out cold. Unattended piles can rekindle and spread later without warning.

With May being Wildfire Awareness Month, now is the time for everyone to take these extra steps to prevent the next wildfire in Oregon. For more wildfire prevention tips, visit KeepOregonGreen.org.

For local ODF burn information, please call:

• Prineville-Sisters Unit  – (541) 447-5658
• John Day Unit  – (541) 296-9445
• The Dalles Unit – (541) 296-4626

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is seeing promising progress from the first recipients of its Pre-Development and Capacity-Building (PDCB) grants, which are designed to expand homeownership development across the state.

“Good government is anchored in partnership and a commitment to improving everyday life. Making the dream of homeownership a reality is as critical today as ever,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “By investing in the readiness and capacity of local organizations, we unlock their potential and increase access to affordable homeownership.”

From Tillamook County to Grants Pass, the $1.6 million investment in 14 nonprofit developers enabled them to grow their organizations, so they are in a better position to apply for and use state funding to develop more affordable homes for purchase.

"OHCS’ capacity-building grant helped Big River Community Land Trust (CLT) take the next step from fledgling volunteer organization to one that has broken ground on its first house and bought 2.7 acres of land in Hood River. We hope to build 40-50 affordable and sustainable cottages,” said Doug Baker, board president of the Big River CLT.

The organization used the funding to hire Alysha Sherburne as their executive director. Sherburne hit the ground running, reaching out to a wide array of community groups, businesses, local government, and individuals, along with establishing needed data systems and policies. All this work culminated in a significant donation to support their operating expenses for the year.

“Without the support of OHCS to hire Alysha, our progress would not have realized many of these gains,” Baker said.

In addition to staffing support, nine PDCB grantees used the funds to get their projects shovel ready to apply for and/or meet the timelines for OHCS’ Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) funds, a program that funds the development of affordable homes for sale.

Sammy’s Place in Tillamook County sought to build a fully accessible and equitable community for households with individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities. Using their PDCB grant, they engaged with a consultant to develop a site plan and housing designs using a high degree of universal design concepts, which go beyond standard accessibility and provide equitable access without the need for accommodations. Their community, Thompson Springs, was approved for LIFT funding in 2024.

The PDCB program was established in 2023 as part of the larger Homeownership Development Incubator Program (HDIP), which uses General Funds to support partners and projects not typically eligible for other homeownership development funds.

To learn more about the incubator program, visit the HDIP webpage.

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. Visit OHCS’ website for more information.

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, May 20, 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.

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve February 18, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Adam Weyeneth, Private Security Identification No. 041697

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

4. Agency Update

5. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – August 19, 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

May is National Wildfire Awareness Month: Pacific Power continues to lead in wildfire prevention efforts

PORTLAND, OR (May 1, 2025) – To recognize National Wildfire Awareness Month, Pacific Power is encouraging Oregonians to prepare for fire season. Fire weather conditions, such as severe drought combined with summer windstorms or active wildfires, could lead to safety-related power outages. 

Long-term forecasts by Pacific Power’s meteorology team are indicating 2025 will have a warmer and drier summer than normal, with the outlook predicting above-normal significant fire potential east of the Cascades beginning in July. This is due to large amounts of carryover fire fuels and brush from previous years, and an early onset of warm and dry weather. Above-normal conditions will possibly continue into August.

Pacific Power is leading the way in wildfire prevention, investing close to $70 million over the past five years in strengthening its system in Oregon, working hard to protect customers from the risks associated with wildfires. The company’s prevention practices are focused on three main areas.

• Situational Awareness: We use 24/7 monitoring and forecasting, along with analysis of 30 years of data, to both show the big picture and provide a day-to-day look at wildfire risk across the states we serve.

• Operational Practices: We have practices in place to help keep our customers and communities safe, by employing sensitive protective settings on powerlines when elevated risk conditions exist; conducting enhanced vegetation management; closely monitoring all fires near our equipment; maintaining the ability to conduct a Public Safety Power Shutoff anywhere across our service area; and by having the ability to proactively de-energize our lines when a wildfire approaches our equipment.

• System Strengthening: We have invested millions of dollars in infrastructure enhancements that reduce risk and prevent wildfires, concentrated in geographic areas at greatest risk of wildfires. This includes rebuilding lines using covered conductor and adding more sensitive equipment that can de-energize power lines within fractions of a second when interference is detected.

“The safety of our customers and communities is our top priority,” said Allen Berreth, Pacific Power’s vice president of operations. “We have made significant investments in preventing wildfires, and are committed to this ongoing mission.”

Even as electric providers partner with federal, state and local agencies and Tribes to plan and prepare for the upcoming wildfire season, preparedness is a year-round effort, and everyone has a part to play when it comes to readiness.

Resources are available to help every Oregonian take steps to plan ahead and be ready for wildfire-related power outages. At wildfire.oregon.gov, Oregonians can find tips to stay informed, make a plan and trim trees and plants to create defensible spaces to help slow the spread of wildfire.

Pacific Power customers can visit PacificPower.net/WildfireSafety for resources and information, including an outage preparation checklist for residential and business customers, an interactive map outlining potential public safety power shutoff areas and the company’s 2025 Wildfire Mitigation Plan.

Video of the event, interview excerpts and file footage of Pacific Power employees at work can be viewed and downloaded at this link:

Pacific Power 2025 Media Kit - Dropbox

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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.

May 1, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Emigrant Lake

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a preemptive recreational use health advisory today for Emigrant Lake, in Jackson County,  due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom.

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 Emigrant 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 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

Oregon Utilities Promote Wildfire Awareness: Get Ready for Fire Season by Preparing Now and Staying Informed

PGE, Pacific Power, Idaho Power and the PUC share tips and guidance as fire season approaches

Portland, Ore. – In recognition of National Wildfire Awareness Month, which kicks off today, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC), Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and Idaho Power encourage Oregonians to prepare for wildfire season. Everyone has a part to play this summer in keeping our communities safe.

PGE, Pacific Power and Idaho Power invest year-round to prevent wildfire and prepare their electric grids to deliver safe, reliable power. They partner with tribes and federal, state and local agencies to plan and prepare for the upcoming wildfire season.

“We saw the tragic consequences of extreme weather this January in Los Angeles and in Oregon’s record-breaking 2024 wildfire season,” said Commissioner Letha Tawney. “Even as Oregon electric utilities invest billions to reduce wildfire risk, customers need to prepare for outages when fire danger is high. The changing risk of extreme wildfires touches every Oregon community and requires us all to take steps to reduce the risk of catastrophe.”

Resources to help every Oregonian get ready for wildfire season are available at wildfire.oregon.gov, where they can find tips on everything from staying informed about wildfire and wildfire-related outages to making a plan for evacuations to establishing defensible spaces that help slow the spread of wildfire.

PGE, Pacific Power and Idaho Power also share these additional tips on ways to stay safe and be prepared this fire season.

Have a plan

• Consider relocating with a friend, family member or shelter, especially if medication or treatment of a medical condition requires electricity.
• Businesses should communicate their outage-response plans to key employees, plan for workarounds to computers and cash registers and make a plan to bypass electronic door locks.
• Plan for livestock water needs in case well pumps lose power.
• Know how to open and close electric garage doors and security gates.
• Learn how to protect home and business electronics and appliances against data loss and surge damage when power is restored.

Make an outage kit

Prepare your home and businesses by making an outage kit to use in case wildfire leads to a power outage.

• Be sure to include shelf-stable food, water for people, pets and livestock, medications, flashlights, batteries and solar or car chargers for electric devices. Keep ice packs or frozen water in the freezer to help keep food cold until ice is available.

• Outage kits should also include flashlights or camp lights for all areas, including restrooms, battery-powered or hand-crank radios for information, battery-powered fans, extra batteries, car chargers for cell phones and electric devices, bottled water and emergency phone numbers.
• Businesses should prepare to minimize disruption, keep employees safe and protect equipment.

Stay informed

Here are a few steps you can take to make sure you receive up-to-date wildfire information:

• Contact your electricity provider or log in to your account and make sure all contact information is current so you can receive alerts and messages.
• If you rely on electricity to store medication or operate medical equipment, enroll in your electric provider’s Medical Certificate Program, if available, to receive proactive communications about outages. Make a backup plan with your doctor and other medical providers.
• Visit Oregon Alert to find your local alert system. Provide current contact details and sign up for wildfire alerts.

Information, resources and checklists

• PGE customers can visit portlandgeneral.com/wildfiresafety for information about how PGE works to protect people, property and public spaces.
• Pacific Power customers can visit pacificpower.net/wildfiresafety for resources and information including an outage preparation checklist for customers, an interactive map outlining public safety power shutoff areas.  
• Idaho Power customers can visit idahopower.com/wildfire to learn more about summer outage preparedness and what Idaho Power is doing to protect the grid from wildfires.   

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About Portland General Electric Company

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is an integrated energy company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to nearly 950,000 customers serving an area of 1.9 million Oregonians. Since 1889, Portland General Electric (PGE) has been powering social progress, delivering safe, affordable, reliable and increasingly clean electricity while working to transform energy systems to meet evolving customer needs. PGE customers have set the standard for prioritizing clean energy with the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the country. PGE was ranked the No. 1 utility in the 2024 Forrester U.S. Customer Experience Index and is committed to reducing emissions from its retail power supply by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. In 2024, PGE employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $5.5 million and volunteered nearly 23,000 hours to more than 480 nonprofit organizations. For more information visit www.PortlandGeneral.com/news

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, thermal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.

About Idaho Power

Idaho Power, headquartered in vibrant and fast-growing Boise, Idaho, has been a locally operated energy company since 1916. Today, it serves a 24,000-square-mile area in Idaho and Oregon. The company’s goal to provide 100% clean energy by 2045 builds on its long history as a clean-energy leader that provides reliable service at affordable prices. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Power’s residential, business and agricultural customers pay among the nation’s lowest prices for electricity. Its 2,100 employees proudly serve more than 650,000 customers with a culture of safety first, integrity always and respect for all. IDACORP Inc. (NYSE: IDA), Idaho Power’s independent publicly traded parent company, is also headquartered in Boise, Idaho. To learn more, visit idahopower.com or idacorpinc.com.

About the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC)
The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.

A new Hospital Association of Oregon report shows that hospitals are financially unstable, threatening the future of patient care in Oregon communities. Almost half of the state’s hospitals operated at a loss in 2024, and others barely broke even.

“Oregon’s hospitals are on the brink,” said Becky Hultberg, Hospital Association of Oregon president and CEO. “They face a perfect storm of soaring expenses, complex and costly regulations, and payments that don’t cover the cost of care. And federal Medicaid changes contemplated by Congress could tip some hospitals over the edge.”

The report highlights that while hospitals across the country were challenged during the pandemic and are now stabilizing, Oregon hospitals remain on unstable footing.

“It’s becoming clear that Oregon hospitals operate in one of the most challenging environments in the country, shaped by a tough regulatory landscape and payments that don’t come close to covering the double-digit increases we’ve seen in expenses from salaries and benefits,” she said. “Patients are struggling to find doctors, wait times to see a doctor are long, and emergency departments are overcrowded. This is a result of the policy choices the state has made and insufficient payment from insurers.”

In this challenging environment, Oregon hospitals have been pushed to make difficult decisions including cutting more than 800 jobs, seeking partnerships to shore up operations, reducing or divesting from services, and fundraising to replace broken or outdated equipment. This is a trend that is likely to continue without shifts in health policy and increasing payments to hospitals to cover the cost of providing care.

Medicaid—the state’s largest insurer—is contributing to hospitals’ financial distress. The state only pays hospitals 56 cents on the dollar for caring for Medicaid patients. Additionally, hospitals are subject to onerous state rules and regulations that demand resources for compliance, reduce revenue, and increase operating expenses for hospitals.

Hospitals’ financial instability not only jeopardizes access to care but also threatens the economic stability of communities statewide. Oregon’s 61 hospitals serve as a crucial economic engine, generating $32.4 billion in economic impact and supporting 160,000 jobs—including 70,000 direct hospital employees.

“In this pivotal moment for hospitals, policymakers and community leaders cannot afford to ignore what’s happening in Oregon,” Hultberg said. “The choices the state makes are forcing the trade-off of services that our families, friends, and neighbors depend on.”

Read more about the state of Oregon’s hospitals in the Hospital Association of Oregon’s new report: Oregon Hospitals on the Brink.

Media availability:

• Hospital Association of Oregon President and CEO Becky Hultberg will be available to speak to the media between 1-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1
• PNGs of graphics from the report are also available upon request

About the Hospital Association of Oregon

Founded in 1934, the Hospital Association of Oregon Association (HAO) is a mission-driven, nonprofit trade association representing Oregon’s 61 hospitals. Together, hospitals are the sixth largest private employer statewide, employing 70,000 employees. Committed to fostering a stronger, safer, more equitable Oregon where all people have access to the high-quality care they need, the hospital association supports Oregon’s hospitals so they can support their communities; educates government officials and the public on the state’s health landscape and works collaboratively with policymakers, community based organizations and the health care community to build consensus on and advance health care policy benefiting the state’s four million residents.

SALEM, Ore. – On May 18, 1980, the ground shook, the sky turned black, and Mount St. Helens exploded in what remains the most destructive volcanic eruption in U.S. history. Fifty-seven lives were lost, thousands of animals perished, entire forests were flattened, and over 200 homes were destroyed. The eruption caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damage. The eruption reshaped landscapes sparked years of scientific study and reinforced the importance of disaster readiness.  

Now, 45 years later, Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek is commemorating this significant event by proclaiming May 18–25, 2025, Volcano Awareness Week — a time not only for remembrance, but for readiness.  

Led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), the proclamation seeks to educate residents and visitors about volcanic hazards and preparedness efforts across the state and serves as a crucial reminder: the Pacific Northwest is still very much an active volcanic zone. 

"Oregon is home to several active volcanoes, and awareness is key to protecting communities and ensuring public safety," said OEM Director Erin McMahon. "Volcano Awareness Week serves as an opportunity to learn about preparedness, mitigation, and response strategies while recognizing the ongoing monitoring efforts that keep people informed." 

Living in a Land of Fire: Understanding Oregon’s Volcanic Risks 

The Cascade Range — the snow-capped mountains many Oregonians and Washingtonians know and love — is part of a 1,300 km (800 mile) chain of volcanoes stretching from northern California to southern British Columbia. These dramatic peaks, formed by the slow collision and subduction of tectonic plates, include some of the most well-known and still-active volcanoes in the country. 

In Oregon alone, we have five potentially active volcanoes: 

• Mount Hood

• Mount Jefferson

• Newberry Volcano

• Three Sisters

• Crater Lake (Mount Mazama)

They are among the ten active Cascade volcanoes monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Volcano Early Warning System — a program designed to detect and alert officials to signs of volcanic unrest before an eruption occurs.   

DOGAMI, in coordination with the U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory, plays a critical role in providing scientific data to support disaster preparedness. "Oregon’s rocks record a long-lived legacy of volcanism. Volcanoes offer stunning beauty, but also present potential risks to nearby communities”, said DOGAMI Geological Survey and Services Program Manager Jason McClaughry. "Creating detailed geologic and hazard maps combined with data from modern monitoring tools allows both DOGAMI and CVO to understand the volcanic history of Oregon and to help communities prepare for future volcanic hazards.” 

Why Volcano Awareness Week Matters 

This week is a joint effort between the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), and partners like the USGS and the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Together, they’re working to raise public awareness about volcanic hazards — and more importantly, how Oregonians can prepare for them. 

OEM and DOGAMI, in collaboration with local governments and scientific organizations, will conduct public outreach efforts, social media campaigns, and educational initiatives throughout the week, including: 

• Understanding volcanic hazards such as ashfall, landslides, lahars, and pyroclastic flows.

• Reviewing evacuation routes and emergency response plans (visit TripCheck.com)

• Monitoring volcanic activity through USGS alerts and OR-Alerts.

• Preparing emergency kits with food, water, respiratory protection, and communication devices. 

Upcoming Anniversary Related events: 

• Wednesday, May 7 | 6:30 p.m.
  45th Eruptiversary Views & Brews: Voices of the Volcano (In-Person AND Virtual)

• Saturday, May 10 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Cascades Volcano Observatory Open House 

• Thursday May 15 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  A Reddit Ask-Me-Anything session with experts from USGS and the states of Oregon and Washington

• Sunday, May 18 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  
  45th Anniversary Event with USFS at the Coldwater Science and Learning Center 

• Saturday, May 24 | 3:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
  OPB Event at OMSI – Sharing of OPB Field Guide episode and panel discussion 

• The official web cam for Mount. St. Helens is also back online, with its power restored for the first time in a nearly two years. 

• See more historic photos of the eruption on the US Forest Service’s Historic Mount St. Helen’s Flcker page.

Even though volcanic eruptions are rare, their impacts can be swift and widespread. Awareness and preparedness can mean the difference between chaos and calm in the face of an eruption.

"Preparedness saves lives," McMahon added. "By learning about volcanic hazards and response measures, Oregonians can help protect themselves, their families, and their communities." 

Be 2 Weeks Ready 

Emergency preparedness starts at home. OEM encourages all residents to Be2WeeksReady — a campaign that promotes having enough supplies, water, food, and critical items to survive on your own for two weeks after a disaster. This is especially important during volcanic events, when roads may be impassable and air quality may be hazardous. 

Here are some key preparedness tips for volcanic hazards: 

• Know your local hazards. If you live near any of Oregon’s volcanoes, understand what type of hazards might affect your area. DOGAMI and OEM offer resources and maps to help you assess risk.

• Stay informed. Sign up for USGS volcano notifications sign-up for OR-Alerts, and make sure the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled on your phone.

• Follow evacuation levels. Oregon uses a three-level evacuation system:

  • Level 1: Be Ready – Stay aware and prepare to leave.

  • Level 2: Be Set – Be packed and ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

  • Level 3: Go Now! – Leave immediately for your safety.

• Make a plan. Know your evacuation routes and how you’ll communicate with loved ones if you become separated. Learn more with OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready Toolkit.

• Help others. Check on neighbors, especially those who may need extra assistance. 

​For more details on how to prepare for volcanic hazards, visit the U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards page. Residents are encouraged to follow OEM and DOGAMIonline for up-to-date information, safety resources, and emergency alerts. 

Explore More: 

• USGS Volcano Hazards Program

• National Volcano Early Warning System

• DOGAMI - Oregon Geologic Hazard Resources

• OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready Toolkit

• Make Preparedness Fun: Engaging Kids in Emergency Readiness

• Making Preparedness Fun: Explaining Volcano Evacuations to Kids

• Kids Volcano Activity Guide

• Social Media Toolkit 

• US Forest Service’s Historic Mount St. Helen’s historic photos 

# # #

It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. 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 licInfo@oem.oregon.gov" target="_blank" title="Email OEM Public Affairs">OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711. 

MEDFORD, Oregon— The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved several real estate transactions, grant recommendations and rule updates, including for electric-assisted-bikes, at its meeting April 23 in Medford.

The updated e-bike rules will go into effect July 1, 2025. These rules, 736-10-0026 and 21-0065, will allow e-bikes on multi-use trails where other bicycles are allowed unless specifically restricted. They will also be allowed on the ocean shore on wet sand areas unless specifically restricted.

The updated e-bike rules also include stronger, clearer language for safe operation and required caution, particularly around other visitors, pets, children and equestrians. 

Commissioners also approved temporary emergency rules for ATV safety equipment and noise emissions after a new Oregon law transferred rulemaking responsibility to

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Temporary rules 736-004-0150 and 736-004-0160 will keep existing rules for 180 days to give OPRD time to develop and adopt new permanent rules.

The request to adopt 736-24 -0015 concerning ocean shore vehicle access to Manzanita was postponed until the June 2025 commission meeting.

The commission approved the following grant recommendations:

• Recreational Trails Program grants totaling $706,515 for motorized trails and $1,306,116 for non-motorized trails, all pending federal approval (Federally funded grant program administered by OPRD)
• All-Terrain Vehicle Program grants totaling $818,718.44 (Grants funded by ATV user permit sales and percentage of gas tax)
• Veterans and War Memorial Grants totaling $295,195 (Grant program funded by Oregon Lottery dollars)

Approved real estate action items:

• Updated the Real Property Policy to add property disposition criteria. 
• Approved transfer of small piece of land at Fort Stevens to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to expand a veterans’ cemetery for North Coast veterans.
• Approved acquisition of PacifiCorp property at Wallowa Lake.
• Approved transfer of Tub Springs Wayside to the BLM.

It was the final meeting for Commissioners Steve Grasty, representing East of the Cascades, and Doug Deur, representing Congressional District 1. Both commissioners served two four-year terms, which will expire at the end of May.

“It’s been incredible to have the two of you serve this commission with your expertise,“ said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption. “I love the way that you push this commission to think about things differently and bring different perspectives. You navigated through some of our agency’s most difficult history. You were here when we had to close the parks in 2020, and you were here when we reopened them. Thank you for your steady leadership.”

Starting in June, incoming Commissioner Stu Spence will represent East of the Cascades and incoming Commissioner Dave Parulo will represent Congressional District 1. The next commission meeting will be held June 17-18 in Independence.

To watch the April commission meeting or any others, visit https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams and find supporting documents on the commission webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/CAC/Pages/CAC-oprc.aspx

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year at locations across the state.

Deschutes County Man Arrested for Aggravated Animal Abuse

Date: April 30, 2025

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. – A 75-year-old man from the unincorporated area of Deschutes County has been arrested in connection with an animal abuse investigation involving a 5-month-old Dachshund puppy.

On April 26, 2025, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputy and animal control officer responded to a report of alleged animal abuse in the 15000 block of Sparks Drive in south Deschutes County. A witness reported seeing a resident beating a dog with a shovel and indicated that the incident was captured on video.

Deputies contacted the suspect, identified as John Coe Richardson, 75, of La Pine, Oregon. Richardson was uncooperative during the initial contact, and deputies could not seize the dog then. In the meantime, the case was forwarded to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office for legal review.

On April 29, deputies began coordinating with the District Attorney’s Office to develop a safety plan to make contact and arrest Richardons. On April 30, at approximately 12:50 p.m., deputies located Richardson in the La Pine area and took him into custody without incident.

Three dogs, including the victim animal, were safely removed from Richardson’s possession and transported for evaluation. The animals have been lodged with the Central Oregon Humane Society for additional care and support.

Richardson was lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail and is facing the following charges:

• ORS 167.322 – Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree (Class C felony)

• ORS 167.325 – Animal Abuse in the Second Degree

The investigation is ongoing and additional information may be released in the future. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 

## End of Release ## 

Correction: County in headline has been corrected to Clatsop County.

Clatsop County, Ore. 30 April 2025- On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 6:24 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 26, near milepost 16, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound red Ford F-350, operated by Michael L Skillin (56) of Vernonia, attempted to pass multiple commercial motor vehicles when it struck an eastbound white Ford F-350, operated by Bryce Alan Kilponen (50) of Naselle (WA), head-on.  The red Ford-F350 then struck the trailer of a westbound Kenworth commercial motor vehicle, operated by Kenneth Michael Steel (55) of Salem. 

The operator of the red Ford F-350 (Skillin) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger, a female juvenile (9), suffered reported minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The operator of the white Ford F-350 (Kilponen) suffered reported minor injuries and was tranported to an area hospital.

The operator of the Kenworth (Steel) was reportedly uninjured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 6.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. Speed and unsafe passing are considered the primary factors in the cause of the crash.

OSP was assisted by the Cannon Beach Fire Department, Hamlet Fire Department, Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, 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.

Disasters don’t just impact physical safety; they take a significant toll on mental health. As communities across Oregon observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management is encouraging individuals, responders, and communities to prioritize emotional well-being before, during, and after emergencies.

Hurricanes, wildfires, pandemics, and other crises disrupt lives in unexpected ways. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, grief, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Vulnerable populations, including children and older adults, often struggle the most. Meanwhile, first responders face cumulative stress, increasing the risk of burnout and secondary trauma.

Seeking help in times of crisis is not always easy. Common obstacles include:

• Limited awareness of available mental health resources

• Stigma surrounding mental health conversations

• Overburdened healthcare systems struggling to meet increased demand

• Access issues in rural or underserved areas

For those displaced by disasters, housing instability and financial stress can compound emotional distress. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is key to improving mental health outcomes.

While disasters cannot always be prevented, individuals can take proactive steps to mitigate their mental health impact:

• Emergency Preparedness: Creating a disaster plan and keeping emergency supplies ready can alleviate anxiety. Learn more about how to be prepared on the Be2Weeks Ready webpage.

• Strengthening social bonds: Community support systems play a crucial role in recovery. Joining a Community Response Team (CERT), becoming a Be2Weeks Ready coordinator, joining a Search and Rescue Team can help you feel less lonely.

• Equipping responders: Training first responders in mental health care enhances their ability to support themselves and others.

The Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990), 988 Lifeline, local emergency management agencies, and organizations like the Red Cross provide crisis counseling and mental health assistance during and after emergencies. Telehealth services are increasingly bridging gaps for those in remote areas. For instance, the AgriStress Hotline serves those in the farming, ranching, fisheries and forestry communities. Call 833-897-2474 or visit theirwebsite.

In addition, Oregon’s 211 Info webpage and hotlineincludes information on both physical safety and mental health resources to ensure residents can access the support they need. You can find more resources and support lines on the Oregon Health Authority’s Crisis Lines webpage.

Mental health conversations need to be normalized, especially during disasters. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Community storytelling and shared experiences of resilience can empower others to seek assistance and prioritize their emotional well-being. By embracing and sharing your experiences, you empower others to do the same.

As part of National Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is encouraging people to share their stories. You can use their list of questions to begin the discussion, and (if you want) you can share your mental health story with NAMI by sending in a video, a message, a quote, or using #MyMentalHealthon social media or submitting your story on the NAMI website.

NAMI Sample questions to start sharing your story:

• What do you wish people knew about mental health?

• What misconceptions about mental health do you encounter in your work?

• What have you learned on your mental health journey?

• How does your mental health impact how you show up within your community?

• What do you share with your friends or family in moments when they need support?

• How do you help reduce stigma surrounding mental health?

• In one word, how would you describe your mental health journey?

• What inspires you to support mental health in your life, work, or community?

• What motivates you to be an ally in the mental health movement?

While disasters present significant challenges, recovery is possible. Investing in mental health resources, reducing stigma, and fostering connected communities can lead to stronger, healthier futures.

For anyone struggling after a disaster, help is available. Whether through a friend, hotline, or professional counselor, reaching out is the first step toward healing.

• HR NEWS | Watch: Coping with Emotional Distress During Uncertain Times

• HR NEWS | Support Services for Staff

• Take Care of Yourself: Supporting Your Mental Health During a Disaster

• Helping Children Manage Anxiety Before, During and After an Emergency

• Recognizing the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Adults and Children

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network Resources

• Emergency Responders: Tips for taking care of yourself

• Oregon Health Authority: Resources for Crisis and Trauma Response

• Expert Tips for Handling Emergencies at the Workplace or Home | Red Cross

• Staying calm in turbulent times - Harvard Health

Salem, Oregon – Next week, 16-year-old Bena (Bee-nah) Rodecap, a junior at Grant High School, will embark on the greatest adventure of her lifetime. As Oregon’s 2025 champion, Rodecap will travel to Washington D.C. to compete in the Poetry Out Loud National Competition on Tuesday, May 6. Her D.C. itinerary also includes meetings with Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter and Sen. Jeff Merkley.

"I'm very excited to compete next week," said Rodecap, "and I can't wait to see everybody else's performance as well!”

Rodecap will compete in the national semifinals from 2 to 5 p.m. (PDT) on Tuesday, May 6. The competition will be live-streamed on the National Endowment for the Arts website. The top nine students will advance to the national finals at 2 p.m. (PDT) on Wednesday, May 7, also to be live-streamed.

An avid reader who believes that text connects people across time and space, Rodecap is “honored and enjoying the experience of being a messenger.”

“The reading of poetry can transform the written word into a deeply felt shared experience,” said First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, who attended the Poetry Out Loud State Contest on March 8 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre.

“Poetry Out Loud is a wonderful program that allows young people to connect with the human experience through the power of words,” First Lady Kotek Wilson added. “Congratulations to Bena Rodecap for representing Oregon in the national competition. We are all rooting for you!”

The poems Rodecap will perform for the national competition are "A Noiseless Patient Spider,” by Walt Whitman; “Say Grace” by Emily Jungmin Yoon and “How to Write a Poem,” by Laura Hershey.

Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation contest for high school students, organized in Oregon by the Oregon Arts Commission in collaboration with the NEA and the Poetry Foundation. Participants memorize and present poems, practicing public speaking skills while exploring the complexity of poetry.

See video of Rodecap performing and being named Oregon’s champion by First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson.

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 (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

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

On May 15, 2025 the Oregon Museum Grant committee will meet to score and rank the applications for the Oregon Museum Grant program. The recommendations from the committee will be forwarded to the Oregon Heritage Commission for final review and approval on May 27, 2025. The meeting will be held by teleconference at 9:30 a.m. interested parties may access the meeting by registering through Zoom. The meeting agenda also includes the access information.

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon's heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The mission of the Oregon Heritage Commission is to secure, sustain, and enhance Oregon's heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity.

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling 503-986-0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: i.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov.

SALEM, Ore. – A new report on the state of health of Oregon’s forests is now available. Based on an extensive aerial survey of Oregon’s forests completed last year by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service, the report shows that drought, insect pests, and tree diseases continue to be the biggest threats to the state’s trees. The full report is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/forestbenefits/documents/forest-health-highlights.pdf

“A large part of this report is devoted to looking at the impact from climate change, specifically drought. Drought is often paired with rising temperatures, and together these are often the underlying causes for tree mortality across our landscape. Drought reduces tree growth and increases susceptibility to insect pests and some diseases, which healthy trees may otherwise resist or tolerate,” said ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl, who helped produce the report.

Buhl said the report also measures other causes of trees being injured or killed, such as insect pests, diseases, storms, and wildfires.

Last year a record 1.9 million acres were affected by wildfire. However, some of those acres contained sections that were not damaged, not all of the burned areas were forested, and not all forests burned with the same intensity.  Some areas that experienced low-intensity wildfires, in many places because of fuel-reduction work, may see a majority of their larger-diameter trees survive.

Areas hardest hit by drought, such as the eastern foothills of the Cascades and some parts of northeastern Oregon, saw the largest amount of non-wildfire tree damage—some 2.26 million acres. Within those 2.26 million acres is a mosaic of unaffected and current-year affected acres of forest. In 2024, 580,000 affected acres of damage from these agents were recorded. Damage consisted of 496,000 affected acres of tree injury, most of which (463,000 acres) was caused by Swiss needle cast, a foliar disease from which trees may recover. But 84,000 acres showed tree deaths. 

“We may be under-reporting the impact of many tree-killing diseases, because the signs can often be missed from the air. For example, root diseases require ground-based assessment, such as excavating roots, to verify the presence of disease.  This is labor intensive so is not done routinely across all forestlands,” said Buhl.

Buhl emphasized the importance of on-the-ground collaborators to help round out the full picture of forest health in Oregon. “In addition to information ODF and the USDA Forest Service gather, we rely on Oregon State University Forestry Extension staff from across the state, and collaborate with other natural resource agencies, universities, public and private forest landowners, and members of the public to gather information,” she said.

In the aerial survey, trained observers fly over all forested lands in the Pacific Northwest in fixed-wing aircraft and record damage to trees from all sources. Flights are staffed with one observer on each side of the aircraft. Survey flights typically fly between 1,500 to 2,500 feet above ground level, following a systematic grid four miles apart and traveling at 90 to 140 miles an hour.

The Pacific Northwest Aerial Detection Survey is the longest continuous survey of its kind in the United States, having been established in 1947 and flown every year since, except 2020 when it was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

                                                                               # # #

SILVERTON, Oregon— Silver Falls State Park welcomes visitors to its annual Mother's Day Birding and Wildflower Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10 and 11.

Activities include a wildflower show, a native plant sale, guided bird watching and wildflower walks, educational discovery tables and live raptor presentations.

“Spring is in full swing at Silver Falls,” said Ranger Matt Palmquist. “More flowers are blooming every day – while the snow-white trilliums are starting to fade, we are seeing sunny yellow violets, delicate and subtle fringe cups, and enchanting fairy slipper orchids. The birds are in the midst of their courtship and nesting displays, and migratory species are joining our resident ones to fill the forest with birdsong. It’s a fantastic time of year to visit and learn about it all!”

Festival activities take place in South Falls Day-use area unless noted:

• Native plant sale, wildflower show, and educational discovery tables including potting a native plant to take home
• 7:30 a.m. Early Bird Walk at South Falls: 2.6 miles on Saturday and 2 miles Sunday, 3 hours
• 10:30 a.m. Budding Birders Junior Ranger Program both days and again 12:30 p.m. Sunday
• 11 a.m. and noon Wildflower Walk ½ mile, 1 hour, on both days and again at 2 p.m. Saturday
• Noon and 1 p.m. Live Raptor Presentation in the field behind the Stone Circle (no dogs please)
• 1 p.m. Family Birding Walk ½ mile, 1 hour, meet at the Stone Circle 
• 3 p.m. Family Birding Walk ½ mile, 1 hour, (Saturday) meet at Smith Creek Village, 1.5 miles from the South Falls day-use area and (Sunday) meet at Camp Silver Creek.

The event and activities are free, but there is a $10 daily parking permit fee required at Silver Falls. The full schedule will be posted online at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=things-to-do.event&eventId=48881

Salem – In the first quarter of 2025, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) recovered over $2 million through the work of its consumer advocate and compliance teams.

DFR’s consumer advocates have extensive knowledge across many areas of regulation, including helping those experiencing difficulties with insurance, mortgages, banking products, securities, student loans, and a variety of other financial services regulated by the division.

“This $2 million returned to Oregonians is a testament to what we can do when state government works diligently to protect consumers and hold financial institutions accountable,” Gov. Tina Kotek said. “I applaud the continued commitment to ensuring fairness and justice in our financial system.”

In the first quarter of 2025, consumer advocates received 1,431 total complaints, which is up over the last quarter of 2024 when advocates saw 1,248 total complaints. Complaints in the insurance realm continue to lead the way, with 868 complaints filed so far this year. Mortgage service complaints is the next highest in areas DFR regulates with 55.

Here are a few examples of work DFR advocates have done this year:

• The consumer sold a vehicle and notified her agent’s office to remove that vehicle from the policy and add her new vehicle. The agent acknowledged receipt of the request and added the replacement vehicle but never completed removing the vehicle that was sold. The consumer noticed months later that the sold vehicle was never removed from the policy and requested a correction. The agent’s office was only able to backdate the vehicle’s removal 30 days, so a request was submitted to the corporate office for help. The insurer was unwilling to process the removal back to the requested date, saying that the information did not meet its guidelines for backdating. The consumer then filed a complaint with DFR. After reviewing the complaint, the insurer confirmed that the consumer’s request to remove the vehicle was in the agent’s notes and processed the backdated removal of the vehicle and refunded the consumer $3,354.89.

• The consumer called his dental insurer to make a plan change due to his primary dentist not being in-network with his new plan. The customer service representative told the consumer they would be allowed to complete this application change, even though it was outside of open enrollment. The application was processed, but the consumer received a letter a week later saying to change plans he would have to submit a special enrollment period (SEP) validation, which he did not qualify for. The consumer filed a complaint with DFR, and the division requested that based on the information provided, the insurer allow the plan change outside of open enrollment. The insurer agreed to this, allowing the consumer to continue to see his dentist.

• The consumer experienced a significant hail event and reported a claim for roof damage. The company hired an independent adjuster to inspect the roof, and the inspection revealed minimal damage to only roof vents and downspouts. A small payment of $94.89 was issued. The consumer contacted a roofer who completed an inspection, documented the damage, and provided an estimate for a roof replacement. The insurer did not agree with the roofer’s assessment, so the consumer filed a complaint. After receiving the complaint, the insurer conducted an additional review of the roofer’s photos, which documented roof damage. The insurer agreed to have the roof reinspected, which resulted in an approval to pay for a roof replacement.

“I continue to be impressed at the level of professionalism, customer service, and expertise our consumer advocates display on a daily basis,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, Oregon’s insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “They continue to work at a high level through extremely complex issues, which often leads to money back to Oregonians.”

In 2024, DFR recovered nearly $9 million for consumers and handled nearly 5,500 complaints.

“Our team continues to put its expertise to work for the benefit of Oregonians,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “Their work gets money back into the pockets of hard-working consumers, and gives them peace of mind knowing there are people who go to bat for them every day.”

Anyone who may need a consumer advocate can call 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for insurance related issues and .finanicialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.finanicialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for financial-related issues.

Here is the list of complaints through the first quarter of 2025:

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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.

Bend Fire responded to a reported fire in the crawl space of a manufactured home at Rock Arbor Mobile Home Park on East Hwy 20 in Bend. Crews arrived to find black smoke coming from under the house. The fire had not spread to the interior of the house and was extinguished quickly. The homeowner and neighbors were clear of the house when we arrived.
 

The investigation determined that the owner and a neighbor were attempting to drive away rock chucks from under the house. A commercially available rodent smoke bomb was used as a means to drive them away. But this caught the plastic vapor barrier on fire under the home. By calling 911 immediately, they helped limit the damage to under the house and very little smoke damage inside. Damage is estimated at $10,000.

Bend Fire & Rescue reminds everyone to keep fire producing devices away from and under your house. Weed burners are the most common cause of these types of fires where a flame is used to remove a nuisance weed but the house is accidentally ignited, but these smoke bombs pose the same danger. This type of smoke bomb is designed to be used in fields and large open areas as a means to remove rodents. Ten feet of separation to all structures (decks, fences, houses, sheds, etc) shall be maintained for any open flame use, including rodent smoke bombs, to prevent these types of fire from happening. Never use any of these products during fire season.

Clackamas County, Ore. 28 April 2025- On Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 6:20 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 282, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound BMW 530i, operated by Alena Yesenia Gudino (28) of Woodburn, began to take the exit when it left the roadway, drove through the grassy shoulder, and struck several trees.

The operator of the BMW (Gudino) was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Aurora Fire Department.

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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.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has launched its first-ever interactive online training for the public about reporting suspected child abuse. The training rollout coincides with Child Abuse Awareness Month and the announcement of a new safety initiative underway in Child Welfare.

Safety priorities in the initiative include improving safety for children in foster care and children who come to the attention of Child Welfare, in addition to providing training to the public and professionals known as mandatory reporters. Mandatory reporters are required by law to report suspected child abuse, and include professionals in healthcare, law enforcement, social work and education fields, among others.

The new online training helps reporters recognize types of child abuse, how to report, and understand when a family needs material or economic assistance. Across the country and in Oregon, efforts to better distinguish between child abuse and neglect and family needs related to poverty are driving family support programs, sometimes called family preservation or prevention.

“We all contribute to child safety not only by being mandatory reporters, but by being mandatory supporters,” said Aprille Flint-Gerner, ODHS Child Welfare Division director. “This training provides the public with the tools needed to recognize signs of abuse that must be reported, as well as understanding when a family needs a community resource or support, rather than a report to the hotline.”

The interactive training takes about an hour to complete and is considered the official Oregon Health Authority and ODHS state course with the most up-to-date guidance on child abuse and effective reporting. Prior to the new training, ODHS used a shorter explanatory video about reporting child abuse.       

The course, Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse in Oregon, teaches:

• How to recognize signs of child abuse and understand the definitions.
• The role and impact of personal biases when determining whether a report is required.
• How to make a report and what information to provide to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline.
• What happens after a report is made.
• How to connect a family with resources.

The training also aims to prevent unnecessary abuse reports. The Oregon Child Abuse Hotline (ORCAH) receives a high number of calls that are neither reports of child abuse nor require Child Welfare intervention. In 2024, ORCAH, received 176,393 contacts, resulting in 96,246 documented screening reports. Of the documented reports, 46,483, or 27% resulted in Child Protective Services completing an assessment. ORCAH data shows that 80% of reports are from mandatory reporters, largely from representatives of law enforcement, education and the medical field.

Data in Oregon and nationally show that Black and/or African American and American Indian/Alaska Native families are disproportionately reported to child welfare. The training addresses how reporters can recognize their personal biases, including how they view a child or family in need.

“We hope the training will help reduce disproportionality in reporting and get families connected to the services they need to thrive,” Flint-Gerner said. “Child safety is about early intervention in communities whenever possible, so that children who are unsafe get help quickly, and families who need resources get connected to supports. Prevention and early intervention are where the public and mandatory reporters can really make a difference.”

The new training is available on the Reporting Child Abuse web page in partnership with Oregon State University’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE).

Resources

• Additional materials about reporting child abuse 
• Find local resources, financial assistance, food pantry information and other free or reduced-cost help at 211info.org, via phone at 211, or via text 898211
• Information about how youth in foster care can file a complaint: email fco.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov or call 855-840-6036

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The mission of ODHS is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

SALEM, Ore. – May is Wildfire Awareness Month. Oregon experiences its heaviest wildfire activity during the summer months, but fires can occur at any time of year including spring. Keep Oregon Green, in partnership with federal, state, tribal and local fire and emergency response agencies, will be spreading the word about the steps we call can take to prevent the start of careless, unwanted wildfires this summer, and encouraging Oregonians to create defensible space around homes and outbuildings.

At stake: lives, property and scenic beauty

Before heading outdoors this summer, be sure to contact the agency or landowner who manages the land at your destination for an update on current fire restrictions or bans. Everyone should be familiar with these restrictions before building open fires or using equipment that could ignite a wildfire.

Only You Can Prevent Wildfires

Keep Oregon Green has been fighting wildfire with publicity since 1941, and this season the Association is reviving vintage billboard artwork from the 1950’s with Smokey’s timeless image and well-known slogan. This year’s campaign calls on the public to predict the outcome of their actions and do everything they can to prevent wildfire ignitions. Campaign artwork, PSAs, and additional wildfire safety tips can be found at keeporegongreen.org and its various social media platforms.

Coming soon: More Wildfire Awareness Month tips

During May, a new wildfire prevention topic will be shared each week to help homeowners and recreationists learn how to prevent their outdoor activities from sparking the next wildfire. For more information, visit the websites for Keep Oregon Green at www.keeporegongreen.org, the Oregon Department of Forestry at www.oregon.gov/odf, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal at https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx.

Follow Oregon wildfire news and prevention updates on social media: @keeporegongreen, @ORDeptForestry and @OSFM.

Salem, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Trails Coalition will host eight virtual focus groups in May to better understand the needs of different types of trail users who use land and water trails throughout Oregon and not just at Oregon State Parks.

OPRD launched an online survey this month to collect feedback through April 30. The focus groups expand that effort and take a deeper dive into the needs of different trail users including mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers and adaptive equipment users.

The information from the survey and focus groups will help inform the Oregon Statewide Trails Plan, which provides guidance to OPRD as well as other federal, state, and local agencies and private sector partners. It outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails over the next 10 years.  

Participants can join the 90-minute Zoom sessions to provide feedback. Anyone interested in joining, can register in advance using the links below:

• May 5: OHV / ATV Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 7: BIPOC Nature Network Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 8: Mountain Biking and Bikepacking Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
• May 14: Adaptive Equipment Users and Disability Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 15: Winter/Snow Trail Focus Group (Non-motorized and motorized) Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 27: Hiking, Trail Running, Backpacking, Equestrian User Focus Group 4:30- 6 p.m.
• May 29: Paddling (Flat water and Whitewater) Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
• Agency Partners Trails Plan Focus Group Meeting TBD.

Check the website for more information including updates such as the time and link for the agency partners trails plan focus group: https://www.oregontrailscoalition.org/post/oregon-state-trails-plan-share-your-trail-user-experience-in-focus-groups-this-may