Bend Fire & Rescue was called to a house on NW Terra Meadow Dr Christmas Eve just before 2pm for a fire in a garage. Occupants and neighbors both reported a fire in the garage. Fire crews arrived and quickly extinguished the fire. The fire was reported to be related to an electric car in the garage. During the fire neighbors were asked to shelter in place due to the possible smoke containing lithium-ion by products which can be toxic. The 2 adults and 3 dogs in the house safely evacuated prior to our arrival.
 

The fire was traced back to a failed lithium battery in an electric vehicle. The vehicle was a passenger car converted from gas to an electric vehicle. The battery failed and caught fire, spreading to the contents of the garage. The occupants and neighbors noticed the fire and quickly called 911. With little delay in getting the fire department notified and the construction of the garage, the fire was kept inside the garage. Minimal smoke damage was found throughout the house. The smoke alarms did sound but not right away as the smoke was in the garage until after the occupants opened the door ingo the garage during the incident. The house is not occupiable anymore due mostly to the damage to the home utilities that all come through the garage, but all the family’s Christmas presents and much of their personal belongings were saved from damage. Modern attached garages are built with fire barriers between the garage and the main part of the house. This includes more sheet rock and heavier duty doors leading into the house to prevent a fire in the garage from spreading into the house.

Bend Fire & Rescue wants to if any portion of the vehicle or charging stops working or is not working as it normally does, stop all charging immediately and have the entire system checked out by a qualified professional. This goes for cars, bikes, scooters, and all other types of electric vehicles.

Here are some safety tips for charging EVs from the US Fire Administration, a branch of FEMA:

• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines when charging your vehicle. Check with your local dealer if you need additional information.
• Purchase a charging device that is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Plug Level I EV chargers directly into an outlet designed to handle the amperage of the charging device. Never use a multiplug adapter or extension cord.
• Install a residual current device with the charging unit. It will turn off the power if a fault is detected and help prevent a fire.
• Place all charging device components out of reach of children when not in use.
• Maintain the components of your charging station according to the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. Signs of excessive wear may indicate a potential shock hazard. Never use an EV charger with obvious signs of damage.
• Cover the EV charging station outlet to stop water from entering. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure it is safe to charge your EV in wet conditions.

As always, never throw any lithium batteries into the trash. These batteries will end up in the landfill where the process of trash collection, dumping, and packing into the landfill can cause the damage needed to start a fire. A fire in the landfill is a major concern of any solid waste department. This includes items with built in lithium batteries such as flashlights, alarms, and other small electronics. Contact your trash service provider, your local landfill, or many electronics stores for safe recycling options in your community.

COOS COUNTY, Ore. (24 December 2025) – On Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at 5:19 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Highway 42 near milepost 20 in Coos County.
 

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Ford Ranger, operated by Crystal Leann Joffroy (45) of Coos Bay, was traveling eastbound on Hwy. 42 when it struck a pedestrian, Faith Scarlet Rose Andersen (29) of Myrtle Point, who was standing in the travel lane for an unknown reason.  
 

The pedestrian (Andersen) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
 

The operator of the Ford Ranger (Joffroy) was not injured.
 

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

OSP was assisted by the Myrtle Point Police Department, the Myrtle Point Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.     

# # #

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

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Stephen Wayne Newell, died the morning of December 24, 2025. Newell was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Newell entered DOC custody on November 14, 2024, from Josephine County with an earliest release date of July 23, 2033. Newell was 47 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Corrections can be found at www.oregon.gov/doc.

####

12/24/2025

Re: Core Botanica Storage Fire

On December 23, 2025, at approximately 1915 hours, Crook County Fire and Rescue was dispatched for a fire at Core Botanica, on NW Lone Pine Road, in Crook County.  Initial reports were that a large fire was burning in a mint storage building at the facility.  Arriving crews discovered an approximately 36,000 square foot storage building fully involved.  It was determined the building was currently storing millions of pounds of shredded mint leaf, awaiting processing at the facility.

Crews set up defensive operations to protect other buildings on site.  No other buildings were damaged.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, the result of the spontaneous combustion of wet mint, located inside one of the large storage bins.  Due to the large quantities of stored mint, the scene will continue to smoke for several days.

No injuries, and Crook County Fire and Rescue was assisted on scene by Redmond Fire and Rescue, and the Crook County Sheriff’s Office.

December 23, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Upper Klamath Lake

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

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

OHA issued the advisory July 24.

Water monitoring has confirmed the level of cyanotoxins in Upper Klamath Lake are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

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

###

December 23, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Prineville Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Prineville Reservoir in Crook County.

OHA issued the advisory Oct 13.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Prineville Reservoir are below recreational guideline values for people and below safety values for dogs.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

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

###

December 23, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Thief Valley Reservoir

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Thief Valley Reservoir in Baker and Union Counties.

OHA issued the advisory on Aug 20.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Thief Valley Reservoir are below recreational guideline values for people.

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

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

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom. Learn more about potential exposures and symptoms here.

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

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

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

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

###

In 1999, the Oregon Legislature passed HB 2977, Mandatory Boater Education, requiring operators of motorboats with engines greater than 10 horsepower and youth 12-15 years of age operating any size motorboat, to take a course on basic boating skill and/or pass an equivalency exam to demonstrate basic boating knowledge. The primary reason for passing the law was to reduce accidents, injuries, deaths, property damage, and conflict on Oregon’s waterways. Oregon was the first state west of the Mississippi to enact an education requirement. Today, there are more than 45 states and U.S. territories that require some form of boating safety education.

Back in 1999, the Oregon Legislature gave the agency three years to implement the program, first offering a home-study and mail-in application option between 2000 and 2003. Then in 2003, the age phase-in began and ended in 2009, when all boaters, regardless of age, had to meet the education requirement.

From the beginning, the Marine Board wanted to have plenty of options for boating safety education by offering internet, in-person classroom, and equivalency exams for boaters to choose from. When the age phase-in began in 2003, there were three approved Internet course providers. The Marine Board also partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Power Squadrons (America’s Boating Club), and the Red Cross to offer classroom courses around the state. Additionally, the agency developed its own volunteer instructor program with certified instructors teaching the “Boat Oregon” classroom course. The third option available for boaters included equivalency exams, offered through certified Boat Oregon instructors or county Sheriff’s Offices with approved marine patrol proctors. The three options remain today, and approved internet courses have expanded, including courses in Spanish. Virtual classes are also offered throughout the year in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Of note, when the law was passed in 1999, the accident reporting threshold was set at $500. In 2001, the threshold was increased to $2,000 to reduce the number of reports for minor damage and to align with changes in the cost of boat repairs. This reporting change is evident in a significant drop (in the chart below) in 2001. What’s more, the data below for accidents (incidents) and fatalities includes non-motorized boaters per reporting requirements for the U.S. Coast Guard. Since 2010, paddling in Oregon and across the nation has shown exponential growth. Motorized boating incidents and fatalities have been declining on average over the last 15 years.

The inference can be made based on submitted boating incident reports, indicating whether the boat operator did not have a boating safety education card.

Very little has changed in the Marine Board’s administrative rules for the program in reference to ORS 830.082 for the Mandatory Boating Safety Education Program. The program has been self-supporting through boating education card fees with very little agency administration and does not rely on other funding. In the past 25 years, the price of the lifetime card increased once, from $10 in 2000 to $20 in 2020. Replacement cards increased from $8 in 2000 to $16 in 2020. The increase was due to other rising costs in US mail postage, other supplies, and the card printing itself.

Course options remain the same, although approved internet courses have modernized, giving the student an interactive learning experience. Oregon-specific course content and testing are routinely updated to remain relevant to current national standards or changes in state boating laws. The agency now offers a digital Boat Oregon classroom course manual, also available in Vietnamese, Simple Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.

With the popularity and growth in paddling, the agency encourages people who recreate in kayaks, canoes, rafts, and stand up paddleboards to take advantage of FREE online paddling safety courses. They’re fun, interactive, and outline not only Oregon state boating laws, but also other important tips to reduce accidents out on the water.

Currently, over 439,700 education cards have been issued, and Oregon’s boating safety education program continues to be a model for other states and territories.

The BEC is a lifetime card and must be carried by the operator when the boat is in use. The BEC must be shown to a marine law enforcement officer upon request.

Visit Boat.Oregon.gov to learn more about all things recreational boating.

-End-

Safety tips for coastal beach visitors during rainy season

DOUGLAS COUNTY (23 December 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is investigating a report of bull elk that was shot and left to waste on Nov. 22, 2025, the opening day of Tioga Second Season. The bull elk was left in the area of the 8400 line near Bear Creek off Hubbard Creek, Umpqua, in Douglas County.

OSP Fish and Wildlife received a report of someone hearing a gun shot on the foggy opening morning around daylight. The next day, the reporting person was hunting in the same area and located the dead bull. The individual noticed three male subjects – possibly a grandfather, father, and son – walking in the area the bull elk was found. The men were all wearing camouflage clothing and were not carrying firearms. However, the bull elk was not recovered from the clear-cut area.

Fish and Wildlife troopers are asking if anyone shot and lost a bull elk in the area, or knows of someone who did, contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 800-452-7888 or call OSP (677) from a mobile device. Please refer to case number SP25-479764.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SALEM, Ore. — On Monday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.m., the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) downgraded its Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) activation from Level 3 (Regional Response) to a Level 4 (Steady State) following the recent atmospheric river event that caused widespread flooding and landslides across the state. 

Recovery Efforts Continue Statewide 

 While the ECC has returned to a steady‑state posture, OEM remains fully engaged in recovery operations and is actively monitoring incoming weather and hazards. The ECC stands ready to increase activation levels if conditions change.  

“Oregon communities were hit hard by this storm, and our work is far from over,” said OEM Director of Recovery and Response Andrew Jahier. “We’re continuing to coordinate resources for affected areas, and the State Emergency Coordination Center remains ready to support local jurisdictions and coordination efforts to protect lives, property and the environment.” 

OEM is working closely with local jurisdictions and partners to ensure communities receive the assistance they need and is prepared to reactivate if the approaching high wind event over-extends local response resources. State Recovery Functions are active, and OEM is supporting Long-Term Recovery Groups and Community Organizations Active in Disaster to address disaster-related unmet needs. 

As always, OEM encourages anyone driving this week to check TripCheck.com for road hazards or closures, and to have a full tank of gas and fully stocked emergency car kit. Also, if you encounter a downed powerline, leave it alone and call 911. 

For more information on recovery efforts and disaster assistance, visit Oregon.gov/OEM

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. The meeting is open to the public and will also be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel.

The board’s business agenda includes:

• Oregon Forest Resource Institute presentation values and beliefs survey
• 2025 Forest Practices Operator of the Year awards
• Review of Federal executive orders and update on United States wildland fire service

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage.

Signing up for live testimony is required. Instructions are available online. Written testimony will also be accepted. Written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day by mail to the Board Support Office, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310 or email to oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. Please include the appropriate agenda item and topic with the submission.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30-million-acre forestland base. Read more information about the board.

If you live in one of 19 Oregon counties and lost food bought with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits because of recent storms and power outages, you now have more time to ask for replacement benefits.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has extended the deadline to 30 days for people whose food was lost or spoiled due to power outages Dec. 17, 2025.

Households in the counties listed below have until Jan. 16, 2026, to report food losses and request replacement SNAP benefits.

Counties included in the extended deadline:

• Benton
• Clackamas
• Clatsop
• Columbia
• Coos
• Douglas
• Hood River
• Jefferson
• Klamath
• Lane
• Lincoln
• Linn
• Marion
• Multnomah
• Polk
• Tillamook
• Wallowa
• Washington
• Yamhill

What if I live in another county?

If you live outside these counties, the usual rule still applies.
You must report food losses within 10 days of the incident. ODHS may ask for proof.

How to request SNAP replacement benefits

If your food was lost because of the storms or power outages, you can request replacement benefits in any of these ways:

• Calling 800-699-9075, relay calls welcome
• Filling out a request form and emailing it to egon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov">oregon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Visiting a local ODHS office
• By mail:
  ONE Customer Service Center
  PO Box 14015
  Salem, OR 97309
  (Mail must arrive by the deadline.)
• Online: Log in to your ONE Online account

Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the household’s existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The maximum replacement amount is the cost of the food lost, not to exceed the household's normal monthly SNAP benefit.

Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: Visit oregonfoodbank.org
• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit adrcoforegon.org.
• Find more resources near you: Dial 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211info.org

When does the extended deadline end?

The extended deadline ends Jan. 16, 2026.
After that date, the 10-day reporting rule will apply again.

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 in 5 eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Individuals in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at benefits.oregon.gov

SALEM, Ore. — Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Cecil Owens has been appointed Oregon’s new state chair for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program that helps strengthen relationships between the Guard and Reserve members and their civilian employers.

The ESGR program was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between service members and employers, educate employers about their responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and recognize workplaces that support military employees.

Oregon is home to about 8,100 Guard and Reserve members. These Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen regularly deploy overseas and are also activated at home to support a variety of missions, including disaster response.
 

As state chair, Owens will lead a statewide team of volunteers focused on employer outreach, awards, and education programs. The position is the highest volunteer leadership role for ESGR in Oregon and is appointed by the Secretary of Defense.

“After 30 years of military service, ESGR gives me the chance to continue serving Soldiers and Airmen by ensuring they have strong support from their employers,” Owens said. “Supportive employers are essential to readiness and to the well-being of our service members and their families.”

Owens currently serves as director of the Oregon National Guard State ESGR Committee. He has also held leadership roles at both the state and national levels within ESGR.
 

ESGR relies on trained volunteers to help employers and service members navigate military service obligations and workplace responsibilities, resolve conflicts, and highlight employers who go above and beyond in supporting the Guard and Reserve. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Cecil Owens to this vital leadership role,” said John Sampa, national chair for ESGR. “His dedication and experience will be a tremendous asset as we continue to support our nation’s dedicated service members and their civilian employers.”

------------------------------------------

More information about ESGR and employer support resources is available at www.esgr.mil. A video interview with Owens is available at: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/976045/oregon-esgr-honors-cunningham-welcomes-
owens-new-state-chair

-30-

Released Images: 

251110-A-ZJ128-5833.jpg: Oregon Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Chair Cecil Owens (left) pauses for a photo with Benton County commissioners and the Benton County sheriff at the Kalapuya Building in Corvallis, Ore., Nov. 10, 2025. (Oregon National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne)

251110-A-ZJ128-6880.jpg: Oregon Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Chair Cecil Owens (left) pauses for a photo with Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan (center) and Col. Paul Dyer, commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, at the Kalapuya Building in Corvallis, Ore., Nov. 10, 2025. The group gathered after Owens and Dyer presented Benton County Government, Grogan’s employer, with the ESGR Seven Seals Award. (Oregon National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne)

251101-A-FS713-7026: Oregon Employer Support Guard & Reserve Chair Cecil Owens (Oregon National Guard photo by Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)

On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 10:20 a.m., a fire occurred in the Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) Furniture Factory at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP). The OCE building was immediately evacuated.

The fire was discovered when smoke was observed near the sawdust collector inside the building. The fire extended into the hopper located outside the building. OSP staff responded using fire extinguishers and contacted emergency services. The Salem Fire Department responded and successfully extinguished the fire. Fire personnel tested the air, conducted thermal imaging, and subsequently released the building back to OSP.

All OCE shops to include Call Center, Laundry, Metal Shop, and Furniture Factory were shut down as a precautionary measure and will resume operations Tuesday morning at 6:00 a.m. No injuries were reported.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Corrections can be found at www.oregon.gov/doc.

####

PR 17-25                                                           

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Dec. 22, 2025
CONTACT: Kevin Wingert, 971-207-8390 or 503-230-5131

BPA set to provide low cost, reliable power for another two decades
More than 130 customer utilities in the Pacific Northwest signed long-term power contracts that enable continued growth and investment in the federal power and transmission systems

Portland, Ore. – Signed, sealed, delivered: Two more decades of reliable and low-cost power for the Pacific Northwest.

After several years of intense effort and collaboration under the Provider of Choice initiative, the Bonneville Power Administration executed new long-term wholesale electric power contracts with more than 130 Northwest public utility customers this fall.

“This is a watershed moment for BPA and our ratepayers,” said John Hairston, the agency’s administrator and CEO. “With these contracts in hand, we have the continuity and certainty necessary to continue building and expanding the value of the federal power and transmission systems that deliver vital, low-cost and reliable electricity to millions of residential, commercial and industrial consumers and serves as a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest’s economy.”

These contracts provide BPA’s power customers with cost and rate stability, while providing a sturdy financial base for Bonneville as it works to ensure the region is ready to meet the increasing energy demands in the near term and the future.

With the Provider of Choice contracts signed, BPA is entering into a three-year implementation period to put the mechanisms in place to begin power sales in October 2028. The new 16-year power purchase agreements build upon the success of the Regional Dialogue contracts set to close in September 2028. The Regional Dialogue contracts created a foundation for stable, competitively priced and flexible power sales. BPA’s new long-term power contracts will continue to support regional economic stability and ensure public access to low-cost federal power. 

“As a commercial entity, BPA must re-earn its customers’ business each contract cycle to fulfill its mission and recover costs,” said Kim Thompson, vice president for Northwest Requirements Marketing. “My team approached Provider of Choice as a collaborative effort with customers, working hard to balance their needs and desires with sound business principles as well as preserve inter-customer equity. At times, it was challenging work, but I am so proud of BPA’s team and our customers for the success we achieved together.”

BPA began the Provider of Choice contract policy process in 2021 and spent four years engaging with customers and other regional stakeholders on policy and contract language. For the rate period beginning in October 2028, BPA will use the newly adopted Public Rate Design Methodology to establish rates under the forthcoming BP-29 Rate Case expected to launch in fall 2027.

Beyond Provider of Choice, BPA is working on several fronts to prepare for the region’s growing energy demand:

Columbia Generating Station uprate: BPA is working with Washington State’s Energy Northwest to improve the power output of the Columbia Generating Station, a nuclear power plant near Hanford, Washington. Once complete, the improvements will result in an additional plant output of roughly 160 megawatts by 2031 – enough energy to power approximately 125,000 homes.

Incremental hydropower increases: Alongside operating partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation, BPA will continue to invest in the reliability, efficiency and capacity of the Federal Columbia River Power System. Investments in seven of the projects through 2050 will provide up to 330 average megawatts of additional energy for Bonneville customers and the region. These enhancements include high-efficiency turbine runners with improved fish passage designs, generator rewinds, and the installation of two new turbines.

Grid Access Transformation: BPA is working to streamline processes that allow power producers quicker access to the grid so they can get their energy to market faster. At the same time, BPA is working to shorten its construction time of new transmission lines from project design to completion. Over the next decade, the agency is investing up to $25 billion in transmission projects and reinforcements across the Northwest.

About BPA: BPA is a federal non-profit power marketing administration that delivers reliable, affordable and carbon-free hydropower produced in the Columbia River Basin to communities across the Northwest. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage transmission lines and administers one of the largest, most comprehensive fish and wildlife conservation programs in the United States. More information about these and other activities is available on our Media Relations page.

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Bend, Ore. — As the holiday season arrives and winter weather settles in across Central Oregon, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is joining the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Drivers will see increased patrols on local roads through New Year’s Eve as part of a nationwide effort to prevent impaired driving and keep communities safe.

Drunk driving is illegal, dangerous, and especially risky during the winter months when road conditions can already be hazardous. With holiday gatherings and celebrations underway, Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies will be out to ensure drivers are making safe choices behind the wheel.

“We want everyone in Deschutes County to enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “That means planning ahead, driving sober, and looking out for one another. Our deputies will be increasing patrols to help prevent tragedies before they happen.”

Why It Matters

• Even one drink can impair your ability to drive safely
• A DUI can cost you $10,000 or more in fines, legal fees, and lost wages
• Alcohol-related crashes cost the U.S. $57 billion annually
• You could lose your license, your vehicle, and even your job
• You risk taking the lives of others and even yourself

Plan Ahead This Holiday Season

• Drive 100% sober. Even one drink is too many
• Designate a sober driver before you start celebrating
• Use a taxi, rideshare, or public transit to get home safely
• Report drunk drivers to law enforcement
• Stop friends from driving impaired — take their keys and help them get home safely

Let’s make this season one to remember for all the right reasons. For more information on impaired driving prevention, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

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JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. (22 Dec. 2025) – On Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:45 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 70 in Josephine County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red GMC Jimmy, operated by Jimmy Warren Stanley (82) of Dunsmuir (CA), was traveling northbound on I-5 when it veered off the roadway for an unknown reason onto the gravel shoulder. The vehicle rolled over, and the operator was ejected from the vehicle.

The operator (Stanley) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by Rural Metro Fire, American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance service, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

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

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. (22 Dec. 2025) – On Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 9:55 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 97 near milepost 181 in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a gold Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Cindy Rose Pearce (59) of Bend, was traveling southbound on Hwy. 97 when it crossed into the northbound lane after the operator lost control due to icy roadway conditions. The Silverado collided head-on with a northbound black Toyota Tacoma, operated by Kristara Leah Lopez (47) of Coos Bay, and then struck a blue Dodge Ram towing a small trailer, operated by Carl Michael Kelley (68) of Oakridge.
 

The operator of the Toyota Tacoma (Lopez) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Toyota’s passenger, Gilberto Paez Lopez (59) of Coos Bay, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
 

The operator of the Chevrolet Silverado (Pearce) was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.
 

The operator of the Dodge Ram (Kelley) and passenger, Terri Louise Kelley (59) of Oakridge, were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.
 

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

OSP was assisted by the Crescent Fire District and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

# # #

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

Coverage, savings, peace of mind: Oregon encourages health plan enrollment for 2026

The annual donation will help fund programs supporting the health and education of children and vulnerable families across Oregon and southwest Washington      

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union and its employees donated $66,253 this year to four United Way chapters serving Oregon and southwest Washington. This contribution marks OnPoint’s 19^th annual employee-led fundraising campaign, benefiting United Way in communities the credit union serves. Employees raised $51,253 through creative fundraisers, which OnPoint matched with an additional $15,000 corporate donation.

“Partnerships like this reflect the power of what we can accomplish for our communities together,” said Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Our team is proud to support United Way’s efforts to expand education, health and family support programs throughout Oregon and southwest Washington.”

The campaign invited OnPoint’s more than 1,200 employees to make voluntary individual contributions to United Way through fundraisers such as prize drawings, vacation raffles, and Candy Grams. The donation will help fund health and education programs that provide kids and families with equitable opportunities to build a good quality of life. Examples include:

• United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s Early Learning Hubs and other educational initiatives, connect parents and caregivers to free or low-cost preschool for their children, plus access to parenting workshops and classes.
• United Way of Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties’ Linn Can, promotes the safety and well-being of Linn County’s children by raising public awareness about the effects of abuse and neglect.
• United Way of Central Oregon’s KIDS Center, provides no-cost evaluations, family support and therapy to victims of child abuse.
• United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley’s Enrichment Academy, is a before- and after-school program designed to increase student achievement, improve student and family engagement, reduce hunger, and increase wellness.

“We appreciate OnPoint’s continued commitment to our communities,” said Kelly O’Lague, president and CEO of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. “Their support helps us provide reliable services that make a meaningful difference for families across the region.”

The United Way donation follows another impactful year for OnPoint’s annual giving program, donating more than $4 million to 357 nonprofits in Oregon and southwest Washington in 2025. Learn more about OnPoint’s work to address the most critical needs in the communities it serves.

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 About Onpoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 631,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com.

About United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
For over 100 years, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has helped meet the needs of vulnerable families in our region. As part of the United Way Worldwide network, the largest privately funded non-profit in the world, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is uniquely positioned to connect and support the people, non-profits, businesses and government agencies working hard to address poverty in our region. United Way brings people together to build strong, equitable communities where everyone can thrive. As one of the world's largest privately funded charities, it serves 95% of U.S. communities and 37 countries and territories -- making life better for 48 million people every year. Through United Way, communities tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and non-profit partners to boost education, economic mobility, and health resources. United Way is the mission of choice for 1.5 million volunteers, 6.8 million donors, and 45,000 corporate partners in more than 1,100 communities worldwide.

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public feedback on proposed rules governing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) takeoff and landing in Oregon’s state parks and along the ocean shore.

The proposed rules establish where and how UAS may take off and land on state park property, to balance recreational opportunities with protection of natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources.

Public comments on the proposed rule changes will be accepted beginning January 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and can be submitted:

• Online:
  • https://www-auth.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2025-Drones-Take-off-and-Landing.aspx
• By email:
  • D.PublicComment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.PublicComment@oprd.oregon.gov
• By mail:
  • Oregon Parks and Recreations Department
    Attn: Robert Ellison
    725 Summer St. NE, Suite C
    Salem, OR 97301

A public hearing will be held to allow members of the public to provide testimony.

• Virtual hearing
  January 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X3ChSlJkTE-Y3FRh3WIy-Q

The draft rules focus on regulating takeoff and landing locations, which are within the department’s authority, while recognizing that UAS flight is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Under the proposal, UAS use would generally be limited to designated areas for drone operations, with additional requirements for commercial or research purposes.

The proposed rules were developed in response to Senate Bill 109 (2021), which directed OPRD to create a regulatory framework that provides recreational UAS access while protecting sensitive park resources and minimizing conflicts with other visitors.

OPRD convened a Rule Advisory Committee made up of recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists, commercial operators and other stakeholders. The committee reviewed draft rules and provided recommendations that helped shape the proposal now open for public comment.

Once the public comment period closes, OPRD staff will review all feedback, revise the draft rules as appropriate, and present a final proposal to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration later in 2026.

If adopted, the rules would be implemented in phases, allowing the department to adapt management strategies over time, based on resource conditions, visitor use and operational experience.

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UPDATE: The suspects in this case have been identified. No further tips are needed at this time. 

Trail Camera Video

Linn County, Ore. (19 Dec. 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the persons involved in the unlawful take of an antlerless deer and trespassing near Sweet Home.  

On Dec. 10, 2025, Fish and Wildlife troopers responded to a report of a hunter dragging a deer on private property near Scott Mountain Road. Trail camera video obtained by investigating troopers shows two male subjects dragging the deer.
 

Anyone with information identifying the subjects is encouraged to contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888, call OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number SP25-495415.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

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

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About the Oregon State Police

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

Salem, Ore. (Dec. 19, 2025) – The Oregon State Police Salem Patrol Office is asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect who stole a side-by-side vehicle and multiple items from the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem. The stolen property is valued at approximately $50,000.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at approximately 2:30 a.m., a male suspect entered the property and climbed through a building window. The suspect placed items on a side-by-side vehicle and then drove off the property with the stolen items.

The suspect is described as a white male adult in his mid-30s, between 5 ft. 7 in. and 6 ft. tall, weighing approximately 180 to 225 pounds. He has red facial hair and was wearing an orange sweatshirt, green sweatpants with “UO Oregon” on the left leg, and a brown hat.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP’s Northern Command Dispatch Center at 800-442-0776 or by dialing OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-504177.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. (19 Dec. 2025) – On Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 4:44 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 99W near milepost 30.5 in Yamhill County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver Toyota Camry, operated by Jackie Sue Williams (33) of Dundee, was traveling northbound on Hwy. 99W, passing multiple vehicles. The operator (Williams) lost control of the vehicle, which left the roadway on the right side. The Camry struck several trees before it came to an uncontrolled rest.

The operator (Williams) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The vehicle’s passenger, Skyler Wayne Goodwin (29) of Waldport, was also pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, Newberg-Dundee Police Department, Amity Fire Department, Lafayette Fire Department, McMinnville Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

 

# # #

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

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Aurora Lake, a critical care nurse practitioner and ONA member who is 8 months pregnant, will be available for interviews at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 19 at the strike line outside Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.

(Portland, Ore.) — Legacy Health is escalating its intimidation campaign against frontline healthcare workers by threatening to terminate health insurance for striking advanced practice providers (APPs) effective January 1, 2026. This retaliatory move—announced just six days before Christmas—puts caregivers and their families at risk and exposes the extreme measures Legacy executives are willing to take to put profits over patients and workers.

For many APPs, the consequences are immediate and severe. Among those affected are pregnant clinicians who rely on continuous healthcare coverage during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. 

Aurora Lake, a critical care nurse practitioner who is 8 months pregnant, had this to say: “Legacy does not have to do this, they are choosing to do this. They are choosing to threaten their caregivers, choosing to threaten our families, and even choosing to threaten pregnant employees like me.”

Stripping healthcare from striking workers is a familiar strike-busting tactic—and a particularly cruel one. Legacy’s threat comes as APPs continue to advocate for conditions that allow them to provide safe, ethical, and sustainable care to the community.

“I am eight months pregnant and preparing to bring a child into the world,” Lake continued. “Legacy knows exactly what they’re doing. They are threatening to take away my healthcare at the very moment I need it most—not because they have to, but because they want to scare us. This decision was made by the highest-paid employees at Legacy and no healthcare system that claims to value patients would ever treat caregivers this way—especially someone who could give birth at any moment.”

Legacy’s stated mission is to provide “good health for our people.” It also frequently touts its commitment to “people-centered care” and celebrates its clinicians in public-facing marketing. Yet behind closed doors, decisions are being made by the highest-paid executives to punish the very workers who make patient care possible.

This intimidation tactic is the result of Legacy’s own choices and will likely damage the relationship between frontline caregivers and management long after the strike ends. It will not have the effect Legacy intends. Frontline providers remain united in their commitment to bargain in good faith and secure a fair contract, and in our demand for respect, fair treatment, and a healthcare system that puts patients and caregivers before profits.

Aurora Lake will be available for interviews at 11:30 a.m. at the Legacy Emanuel strike line.

Update on Mediation
Mediation on Thursday, December 18, did not result in any agreement, as Legacy management continues to play games at the bargaining table rather than engage in meaningful negotiations. Despite repeated efforts by ONA APPs to move talks forward and bargain around the clock, Legacy has failed to demonstrate good faith or a genuine commitment to resolving this dispute—delaying progress while escalating pressure tactics outside the mediation room.

The next mediation session is scheduled for Monday, December 22, when APPs once again hope Legacy will abandon delay tactics and come prepared to negotiate seriously.

In response to Legacy’s continued delays and threats against striking workers, solidarity among caregivers is growing. Approximately 80 APPs from Legacy GoHealth and Legacy Pediatrics will be joining the picket lines for solidarity strikes from Sunday, December 20 through Tuesday, December 22. Their participation underscores the deep concern across Legacy facilities about management’s approach and the shared commitment among caregivers to fight for safe, ethical, and sustainable healthcare.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Wesley Leon Williams, died the afternoon of December 18, 2025. Williams was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Williams entered DOC custody on May 1, 2023, from Yamhill County with an earliest release date of December 13, 2027. Williams was 78 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Corrections can be found at www.oregon.gov/doc.

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The Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) is proud to announce that Jeff Bailey, president and CEO of Bank of Eastern Oregon in Heppner, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Frank E. Brawner Advocacy Award. The prestigious honor, which recognizes exceptional leadership and dedication to industry advocacy, was presented to Bailey during a banking industry event held Dec. 11 in Portland.

Named in honor of the late Frank E. Brawner, who served as OBA’s CEO from 1977 to 1997, the Advocacy Award celebrates individuals who exemplify Brawner’s legacy as a fierce, effective, and passionate champion for the banking industry. Jeff Bailey embodies these qualities and has distinguished himself as one of Oregon banking’s most trusted and respected advocates.

Bailey is the first two-time recipient of the Frank E. Brawner Advocacy Award, having previously received the honor in 2018. Whether meeting with legislators in his home region of Morrow County, traveling to Salem to testify before legislative committees, or advocating on behalf of Oregon banks in Washington, D.C., Bailey consistently answers the call. He has participated in multiple OBA advocacy trips to meet with Oregon’s congressional delegation and federal regulators, addressing issues ranging from regulatory reform to policies that encourage de novo, or new bank, formation. Bailey also demonstrates his commitment through leadership-level support of OBA’s political advocacy efforts, both personally and through his bank.

A native of Enterprise and a graduate of Eastern Oregon University, Bailey began his banking career with Bank of Eastern Oregon as a commercial loan officer in Gilliam County. Over nearly 30 years with the bank, he has held a variety of leadership roles, including chief credit officer from 2003 to 2009. He was named president in 2008 and assumed the role of CEO the following year.

Bailey is equally recognized for his service to the broader banking industry and to his community. He is a past chair of both the Oregon Bankers Association and the Community Banks of Oregon and currently serves on the OBA board as well as on the board of OBA’s wholly owned subsidiary, Synergy by Association. In 2021, he was inducted into the Oregon Bankers Hall of Fame, the highest peer-bestowed honor in the industry. In Eastern Oregon, Bailey remains deeply involved in civic and economic development efforts, including the Willow Creek Valley Economic Development Group, the Heppner Chamber of Commerce, and numerous nonprofit organizations.

“Jeff brings common sense, integrity, and sincerity to conversations with policymakers, even when those conversations are difficult but necessary,” said OBA Senior Vice President and Government Affairs Director Kevin Christiansen. “He never shies away from standing up for our industry or making sure our voice is heard.”

Established in 2015, the Frank E. Brawner Advocacy Award honors bankers who demonstrate extraordinary support for OBA’s advocacy efforts and a deep commitment to protecting the future of the industry. With this recognition, Jeff Bailey joins a distinguished group of recipients and further cements his legacy as a leading advocate for Oregon banking.