Umatilla County, Ore. (Dec. 30, 2025)- On Monday, December 22, 2025, at 7:50 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 207, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Noah J. Lindsey (25) of Pendleton, was attempting to cross the interstate when they were struck by an eastbound Kenworth commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Ben Travis Johnson (55) of Kennewick (WA).

The pedestrian (Lindsey) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Kenworth (Johnson) was reportedly not injured.

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

OSP was assisted by ODOT.

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

Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a reported kitchen fire in one side of a duplex on NE Vail Ln on Tuesday morning. The occupant was asleep and woke to the sound of the smoke alarms sounding. The occupant found the house full of smoke and evacuated, calling 911 in the process. Fire crews arrived shortly after and stopped the fire from spreading. With the quick notification of 911 and quick response, the damage was limited to minor fire damage in the kitchen and smoke throughout the house. Any delay in the activation of 911 could’ve resulted in a complete loss of the home and its contents. Red Cross was called in to assist the family as they will be out of the house until repairs can be completed. The family pets also evacuated safely.

The fire was traced back to the stove top in the kitchen. It’s unclear if the stove was left on or the knob was accidentally bumped on, but food on stove top caught fire and spread to the adjacent cupboards. Damage is estimated at $75,000 to the house and contents. The occupants are renters and have renters’ insurance. No damage was reported to the other side of the duplex.

The working smoke alarms were key in the survival of the occupant. With the occupant asleep upstairs, without the smoke alarms alerting them to the fire below, they may not have known of the fire until it’s too late. With modern construction and furnishings in a house, seconds count. Homes built and furnished 50+ years ago could burn for 17 or more minutes before a room was not survivable. With today’s modern furnishings all having plastics in them, what used to be 17 minutes is now 3 minutes. A few minutes longer and the thick smoke produced from the cabinets being on fire could’ve been deadly. This is a good reminder to test your smoke alarms regularly and ensure they are in working condition. If they’re not, please replace them as soon as possible.

Tips for home smoke alarms:

• Smoke and CO alarms only last for 10 years. After that they need to be replaced.
• If they have alkaline batteries in them, change those batteries annually.
• Many new hardwired alarms come with Lithium batteries in them, so you don’t have to change batteries annually anymore.
• New smoke alarms can be easy to install with many brands coming with adapters that allow the work to be done without changing any wiring.

If you need any assistance with your alarms in the Bend area, please feel free to call us at 541-322-6386 to schedule a visit. If outside the Bend area, check with your local fire department or Red Cross branch for assistance.

Salem – Several new consumer protection laws take effect immediately when the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2026. The Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services – the state’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency – is releasing an easy-to-follow guide on the new laws.

Here’s a look at what’s coming in January:

Senate Bill 605 prohibits health care providers from reporting medical debt to consumer reporting agencies and prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt on credit reports.

SB 692 requires the Oregon Health Plan and commercial health benefit plans to cover perinatal services, including services provided by doulas, lactation consultants, and lactation educators.

SB 699 expands an existing requirement for health insurance companies to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices in a variety of ways, such as by requiring coverage of devices medically necessary to perform physical exercises to maximize full-body function, including running, biking, swimming, and strength training.

SB 822 strengthens Oregon’s protections for access to health care services under a health benefit plan in a number of ways. It establishes quantifiable and enforceable standards for access to in-network covered services without unreasonable delay, requires that health plan networks account for the needs of diverse communities, and expands the existing law’s protections to cover state-regulated health benefit plans offered by large employers.

SB 1137 requires health benefit plans to cover autologous breast reconstruction procedures. These procedures use the patient’s own tissue either instead of or in addition to implants. The legislation also requires health insurance companies to cover these services out of network if in-network access is inadequate.

House Bill 2130 makes a variety of updates to the laws governing the Oregon Insurance Guaranty Association, which helps cover claims in the event of insurer insolvency when the insurance company no longer has enough funds to meet its obligations. Most significantly for consumers, the law doubles the limit for covered claims from $300,000 to $600,000, which will substantially reduce the risk of uncovered losses in the rare event of a claim against an insolvent insurer.

HB 2564 enhances Oregon’s health insurance rate review process for individual and small group health benefit plans by requiring health insurance companies to include a consumer-friendly summary document as part of their rate filings, to better enable public engagement with the rate review process. It also streamlines the process by removing unnecessary and redundant administrative steps.

HB 3064 requires health benefit plan coverage for a range of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies to treat the symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.

HB 3243 is intended to prevent surprise out-of-network ambulance bills. It prohibits ground ambulance service providers from balance billing an enrollee for covered ground ambulance services if the enrollee has paid the in-network cost-sharing amount. In turn, health benefit plans are required to reimburse ground ambulance services organizations at specified rates.

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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.

SALEM, Ore. — The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) will meet virtually at 10 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2026. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Determine the unencumbered balance of the fund as of the end of the preceding calendar year (ORS 477.760)
• Repeal OAR 629-165-0000 through 0320
• Fiscal year 27 – OFLPF distribution of payment to forest protection district budgets
• EFCC and state forester consult regarding the purchase of emergency fire suppression costs insurance
• Administrator report

The meeting is open to the public to attend virtually via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the end of the meeting. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-881-8292 or by email at na.m.hobbs@odf.oregon.gov">lorna.m.hobbs@odf.oregon.gov.

The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) oversees the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF), established by the Oregon Legislature as a fund with the purpose of providing funds for fiscal year budgets of forest protection districts, investments in supplemental fire prevention, detection or suppression resources that enhance fire protection in the state and issuing loans to the Oregon Department of Forestry or forest protection associations that relate to wildfire costs. View more information on the EFCC webpage.

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will host a virtual only informational session on a proposed rule change to adopt a new Forest Management Plan (FMP) for western Oregon state forest lands managed by the department. The Jan. 6 session starts at 1 p.m. and will include a presentation outlining the purpose and proposed changes to the FMP.  After the presentation there will be a question-and-answer period. 

ODF staff will NOT take official public comments during this session, it is informational only. The public comment period began Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 31. Comments can be submitted or given in person at any of four formal hearings in January. Comments can be submitted electronically. No question-and-answer period will be offered at the hearings.

To participate in the information session, use this link: Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan Informational Meeting. A recording of the session will be available on ODF’s website.

The proposed change to the FMP will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The ODF’s State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan.

The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan contains guiding principles, goals, and strategies that are compatible with the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan. The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan provides management direction for all Board of Forestry Lands and Common School Forest Lands managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry west of the crest of the Cascade Range.

The FMP does NOT include the Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF). The ESRF is not within the scope of the draft Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan. There are scattered Board of Forestry Lands within and adjacent to the ESRF, along with scattered Common School Forest Lands outside of the ESRF that are still managed under prior Elliott State Forest Management Plan which will be managed under the new Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan, once adopted. The ESRF has its own management plan, under the authority of the Department of State Lands.

The Board of Forestry may review, modify, or terminate the FMP at any time; however, the BOF will review the FMP no less than every 10 years. The current Southwest and Northwest FMPs were last revised in 2010, while the Elliott FMP was last revised in 2011. More information about State Forests Management Plans can be found here.   

 Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 at 11:55 p.m. Rulemaking hearings will be held on Jan. 13 (virtual), Jan.15 (Forest Grove), Jan. 20 (Tillamook), and Jan. 22 (Eugene) at 5:30 p.m. The locations of the hearings are in The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The notice also includes important details including but not limited to the proposed rule text and instructions for submitting public comments and participating in the hearings.  

More information on this rulemaking effort and ongoing updates can be found on the Rulemaking activity page of the ODF website. 

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program will be moving from the Eugene VR Office at The McKenzie Center, 2885 Chad Drive and the Springfield VR Office will be moving from 101 30^th Street, Springfield. The two programs will be moving to 18 Shelton McMurphey Blvd., Eugene, to form one Lane County VR Office. The estimated move-in date is Monday, January 5, 2026.

The Self-Sufficiency Program and the Oregon Eligibility Partnership will be moving from The McKenzie Center, 2885 Chad Drive into two locations: the West Eugene Family Center, 2101 West 11^th Avenue, Eugene and 101 30^th Street., Springfield. The estimated move date is expected to be sometime in February.

The Child Welfare program is staying at 2885 Chad Drive, Eugene, but the Child Welfare at 2101 West 11th Avenue is moving into 2885 Chad Drive, Eugene. Child Welfare will be in two locations in the area: 1040 Harlow Road, Springfield and 2885 Chad Drive, Eugene. The estimated move date is expected to be sometime in March.

"By bringing our team together under fewer roofs, we're creating something better: greater capacity to see clients in person, with more staff available and shorter wait times for appointments." Elizabeth Lindbloom, Self-Sufficiency Program Manager, and Zayra Longoria, Oregon Eligibility Partnership Program Manager, said.

"We are excited to bring changes to our offices spaces that will allow for increased collaboration and more streamlined services for Oregonians," Sheila Wegener, Self-Sufficiency/Child Welfare Programs District Manager, said.

About ODHS

The ODHS programs provide financial supports to families which include SNAP, TANF, Domestic Violence Survivor Benefits, child care and medical benefits. The JOBS program connects families to a Family Coach for an assessment and supports to achieve their goals and create pathways out of poverty. ODHS staff assist individuals and families in navigating resources, including finding and funding childcare, providing gas support, and offering transportation to domestic violence shelters, medical appointments, and other essential visits. ODHS collaborates with various partners to address family needs and connects families to affordable housing and other resource needs. ODHS works with other providers to provide employment and education opportunities, ensuring access to vital community resources.

Learn more about ODHS: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/default.aspx?utm_source=odhs&utm_medium=egov_redirect&utm_campaign=https%3a%2f%2fwww.oregon.gov%2fdhs.

Learn more about the Child Welfare Program: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/agency/Pages/cw.aspx.

Learn more about the Oregon Eligibility Partnership: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/agency/Pages/oep.aspx.

Learn more about the Self-Sufficiency Program: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/agency/Pages/ssp.aspx.

Learn more about Vocational Rehabilitation: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/agency/Pages/vr.aspx.

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December 31, 2025

Media Contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Six tips to support 2026 health and well-being goals

PORTLAND, Ore. - Making New Year’s resolutions or setting goals for 2026? Oregon Health Authority is here to help with six quick ideas.   Whether choosing to get vaccinated against respiratory diseases or quitting tobacco, the decisions you make about your health affect not only longevity and quality of life, but the health of the entire state. When it comes to health, we’re all connected.

Here are six ways to prioritize your health and well-being in 2026:

1. Quit tobacco

Nearly seven in 10 Oregonians who smoke want to quit. If you or someone you know is ready to quit tobacco, free help is available. Contact the Oregon Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or at https://quitnow.net/oregon or in Spanish at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA or online at https://quitnow.net/oregonsp.

2. Get vaccinated for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pertussis

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can be dangerous, particularly for infants, older adults, pregnant people and individuals with chronic medical conditions. Each year, RSV leads to significant numbers of hospitalizations nationwide and Oregon health care systems routinely experience increased strain during RSV season. 

The vaccine for pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is called DTaP, and it’s a combination of vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. For pertussis, talk to your health care provider about vaccination, which is required in Oregon for children and adolescents and recommended for adults.

3. Get vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19

It’s still important to take precautions against influenza and COVID-19 — common respiratory viruses that can cause mild to severe illness. The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, while the seasonal COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for children under 2 years, adults over 64 years, and anyone 2-64 years at increased risk for severe illness such as people with underlying medical conditions and those who live in congregate facilities. Both vaccines are widely available through pharmacies and health providers.

4. Eat better

Shared and family meals not only improve nutrition but also build stronger family bonds and emotional health. CDC offers ideas for having healthier meals and snacks, and tips for healthy eating to maintain a healthy weight.

5. Rethink the drink

Raising awareness of the effects of excessive alcohol use across Oregon and giving people tools to start conversations about alcohol’s role in their lives - including during the holiday are goals of OHA’s Rethink the Drink initiative. RTD resources can help people cut back on their drinking or reduce the impact that excessive drinking has in their communities.

6. Reach out for help when you need it

In Oregon, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The easy-to-remember 988 number is available for people experiencing any type of mental health challenge, substance use crisis or thoughts of suicide or self-harm.  Anyone who needs support can call, text or chat in English and Spanish (interpretation services and American Sign Language are also available) and connect with trained crisis counselors. The 988 Lifeline is also a resource for friends and families concerned about a loved one.

Online resources from Sources on Strength - Sources of Strength has two online resource packets. The first is Resources for Practicing Strength at Home, and the second is a shorter version that also offers a wellness plan. Any resource in these packets can be used in classrooms, staff meetings, in individual or group counseling, or to practice strength wherever you are.

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December 29, 2025

Media contact: Franny White, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539 

Oregon to receive $197.3M federal investment in rural healthcare

Funding will help improve healthcare access, boost disease management and prevention, support workforce, expand data and technology use

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon will receive $197.3 million in 2026 to improve rural healthcare and could receive more in the following four years, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced.

SALEM, Oregon— The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s (OPRD) All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Grant Subcommittee will meet virtually on Zoom on January 13-14, 2026.

The meetings are open to the public, with the option to view the Zoom webinar as an attendee.

The subcommittee will review 18 grant requests totaling $2,481,735 related to ATV program funding throughout Oregon for development, law enforcement, safety education, emergency medical responses, and land acquisitions. The ATV Grant Program provides funding statewide for all-terrain vehicle recreation. Grant funds come from ATV user permit sales and a percentage of gasoline tax revenue.

To attend the virtual meeting via Zoom, visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82239178284?pwd=ILCi5eKR6Up3MHrU4xhZnoEK48IJ0l.1

Webinar ID:822 3917 8284
Passcode: 903896
Or by telephone: 253-215-8782

The ATV Grant Subcommittee meeting will begin with a business meeting at 9:00 a.m. on January 13, followed by grant presentations starting at 10:00 a.m. Presentations will resume at 9 a.m. on January 14. The subcommittee will finalize scores and make recommendations after the last presentation.

View the full agenda and schedule online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Pages/GRA-atv.aspx#2

The subcommittee will provide recommendations on grant funding to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director for referral to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.

More information about Oregon ATV is at www.OregonATV,gov

Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance to improve accessibility by emailing mailto:Ian.Caldwell@oprd.oregon.gov

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has approved new rules and interim actions designed to continue expanding protections for residential utility customers, especially those facing financial hardship, medical needs, or severe weather conditions. These changes apply to customers served by Oregon’s investor-owned utilities, including Avista, Cascade Natural Gas, Idaho Power, NW Natural, PacifiCorp, and Portland General Electric (PGE).

The new and updated rules are aimed at making utility services safer, more affordable, and easier to access. They also expand protections during emergencies, such as extreme weather, air quality, and wildfire evacuations, and help prevent unnecessary disconnections.

Below is a list of key customer protection expansions as a result of new and updated rules.

• Easier access to utility service – Utilities will now accept additional forms of identification to initiate service.
• Lower reconnection costs – No reconnection fees when utilities can do so remotely or for income-qualified customers and those with medical certificates at any time. Additionally, no reconnection fee or outstanding balance payment required for income qualified or medical certificate holders seeking reconnection after a wildfire evacuation or severe weather event.
• More time to pay past-due bills – Customers seeking reconnection now have up to six billing cycles to catch up on overdue utility balances, expanding on the previous two billing cycles.
• Stronger weather-related shutoff protections – Disconnections will be paused during and for 48 hours after a severe weather event for all residential customers.
• Clearer Information about customer protections – Utilities will offer simple explanations of available protections in bill inserts, online, and through community action agencies and customer service teams.

In addition to the new and updated rules, the PUC also approved additional temporary measures following growing concern about energy insecurity and the need for stronger customer protections from Oregon legislators, energy justice advocates, and PUC staff, in light of federal policy changes and ongoing uncertainty.  

The approved temporary actions directing Avista, Cascade Natural Gas, Idaho Power, NW Natural, PacifiCorp, and PGE to:

• Temporarily submit monthly reports that will regularly track and monitor energy burden metrics for residential customers.
• Provide the option for 24-month Time Payment Arrangements for customers with overdue balances on their utility bills who request additional flexibility through at least May 1, 2026.
• Provide a minimum 30-day pause on disconnections for customers who self-report economic hardship through March 1, 2026.

Additionally, Idaho Power, PacifiCorp and PGE are directed to:

• Implement a temporary disconnection moratorium for bill discount program participants and customers with medical certificates through March 1, 2026, with no late fees assessed during this time.
• Provide a one-time arrearage forgiveness grant of up to $500 for eligible low-income customers, automatically applied to past-due balances on March 2026 bills.

“These rules and temporary measures reflect months of collaboration among utilities, community organizations and advocates, and PUC staff,” said PUC Chair Letha Tawney. “They provide some of the strongest customer protections in the country and are critical steps to protect our most vulnerable neighbors by reducing unnecessary disconnections, protecting health and safety during emergencies, and supporting low-income households.”

For more information about available customer protections, residents are encouraged to contact their electric or natural gas utility service providers directly.

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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.           

Salem, OR – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved a modest rate decrease for PacifiCorp customers effective January 1, 2026. The reduction is a result of PacifiCorp’s annual forecast for the costs required to purchase power to meet customer demand in the coming year. The updated rates reflect an agreement reached among PUC staff, PacifiCorp, and consumer advocates.

A typical residential customer using 900 kWh is expected to see their monthly bill decrease by $0.96 or 0.7%, resulting in a new average monthly bill of about $153.28. Actual bill impacts will vary based on energy usage and customer type, including single-family or multi-family residential, commercial, or industrial.

The primary drivers for this decrease include PacifiCorp’s forecast of fuel costs, purchased power, and wholesale sales, among other anticipated power cost expenses for 2026 when compared to rates collected in 2025.

“We appreciate the hard work of PUC staff, stakeholders, and PacifiCorp in this case, which resulted in a slight decrease for customers to start 2026,” said Commission Chair Letha Tawney. “Thanks to House Bill 3179, customer rates cannot increase during the winter heating season, helping families manage utility bills when they need it most.”

Additional rate adjustments are expected to take effect April 1, 2026. The PUC will announce those impacts in March.

Resources for Pacific Power Customers
To help manage energy usage and reduce future bills, customer can explore Energy Trust of Oregon’s current incentives and opportunities, including income-qualified offers and learn more about low-cost and no-cost tips.

For information on bill payment assistance, support for past-due balances, utility discount programs, weatherization services, or the Equal Pay Program that spreads energy costs evenly throughout the year, call Pacific Power at 888-221-7070 or visit the company’s website. Customers may also reach out to their local Community Action agency to learn about available assistance programs and how to apply.

Pacific Power serves more than 620,000 customers in Oregon.

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