PORTLAND, Ore.— The owner and operator of La Popular, a money service business with locations in Oregon and Washington, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds.

Brenda Lili Barrera Orantes, 40, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

According to court documents, Barerra Orantes operated La Popular stores in Hillsboro, Beaverton, Woodburn, Odell and Canby, Oregon, as well as in Vancouver, Washington. From August 1, 2024, through November 1, 2024, La Popular stores sent over $4.2 million dollars in wire transfers to places in Mexico. During this same time period, Barrera Orantes and other co-conspirators accepted $49,500 in cash represented as drug proceeds and laundered the funds through La Popular stores. Barrera Orantes charged a ten percent commission to help launder the money. Barrera Orantes admitted that when she wired these funds she used false sender information, structured wire transfers into smaller amounts, and used different La Popular stores to help conceal the drug proceeds.  

On April 16, 2025, investigators executed federal search warrants at Barrera Orantes’ Beaverton residence and three La Popular stores in Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Vancouver and arrested Barrera Orantes. During the warrants, agents seized $316,542 in cash, a 2021 Cadillac Escalade, jewelry, and high-end clothing.

On May 13, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 23-count indictment charging Barrera Orantes with money laundering and conspiracy, failure to file a currency transaction report, and failure to file a suspicious activity report.

Barrera Orantes pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. She also agreed to forfeit her Beaverton residence and all the seized property involved in her money laundering offense.

Barrera Orantes faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on January 21, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team. It is being prosecuted by Christopher L. Cardani and Julia Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— Temika Gardner, 40, of Portland, made her first appearance in federal court today after being charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on October 23, 2025, Gardner was near the vehicle of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deportation Officers after they made a lawful arrest. After an escape attempt, officers were able to gain control of the arrestee. As they were escorting the arrestee back, Gardner placed her hands on officers multiple times to impede their movement. Gardner struck one officer in the face, grabbing ahold of his face covering and throwing it to the ground. She swung at a second officer at least two times, knocking off his sunglasses. While officers were focusing on the arrestee, Gardner pulled the face mask of a third officer with enough force to pull him back. Gardner was arrested after she swung at a fourth officer, striking the left side of his jaw.

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

Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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

# # #

SALEM - The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet via zoom at 1:00 p.m. on November 3. Its agenda includes approval of 2025 Oregon Heritage Grants.
 

This meeting is open to the public and there is an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting for public comment. Public comment can be made online or by written submission. For online attendance, registration is required. To view the full agenda, register for the virtual meeting, or learn more about public comment options, visit here.
 

The Heritage Commission’s nine Governor appointed members represent a diversity of cultural, geographic, and institutional interests. The Commission’s nine advisory members include representatives from the Oregon State Library, Oregon State Archives, State Historical Records Advisory Board, Higher Education Coordinating Committee, Travel Oregon, Oregon Historical Society, Department of Education, State Historic Preservation Office, and the Department of Land Conservation and Development.

The Commission is the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in the state. This includes carrying out the Oregon Heritage Plan, increasing efficiency and avoiding duplication among interest groups, developing plans for coordination among agencies and organizations, encouraging tourism related to heritage resources, and coordinating statewide anniversary commemorations.
 

More information about the Oregon Heritage Commission is available online at www.oregonheritage.org and from Commission coordinator Katie Henry at 503-877-8834 or katie.henry@oprd.oregon.gov. 

CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on November 12, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

The meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Amended Agenda Items:

1.  Introductions

2. Approve August 12, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Shane Bond; DPSST No. 59946; Union County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Cindy Park

4. John Deardorff; DPSST No. 42771; DOC/Oregon State Correctional Institution
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

5. Emily Fisk; DPSST No. 61817; DOC/Deer Ridge Correctional Institution
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

6. Jesus Gutierrez, DPSST No. 61908; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

7. Michelle Hubbard, DPSST No. 31820; DOC/Oregon State Correctional Institution
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

8. Bonnie Kessell; DPSST No. 46671; Umatilla County Community Corrections
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

9. August Lowthian, DPSST No. 61677; Washington County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

10. Administrative Revision Request: Parole and Probation Training Programs
    Presented by Chris Enquist

11. Agency Updates

12. Next Corrections Policy Committee Meeting: February 10, 2026, at 10:00am

Administrative Announcement

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

A passerby called 911 just before 4am Friday morning after noticing smoke coming from a storage complex that backs up to Bear Creek Rd at Janalee Pl. Crews responded to the area and searched both storage complexes in the area until finding smoke coming from a building in the Storage Solutions complex on Twin Knolls Dr. Fire was found in one unit and spreading to adjacent units in that building. The fire was quickly extinguished, and crews began removing contents from adjacent units to prevent further damage to property.  
 

The owner of the storage complex and the managers assisted in identifying the owners of the individual units and notification will be on going. The fire is still under investigation but appears to be accidental. The building damaged consisted of seventh (17) 10ft x 30ft large storage units, all but 2 were occupied with storage. Three units were damaged by fire and the rest have differing levels of smoke damage. Estimated loss to the building is $25,000 and content loss is $100,000.
 

Most storage locations require, or at least suggest, occupants obtain insurance coverage for your contents. Check with your insurance provider to see if storage items are covered under your current policies or if additional coverage may be needed. The design of these storage complexes does limit damage to just the single building, one of 16 buildings in the complex. Any storage outside of the building that burned was not affected.

(CASCADE LOCKS, Ore.) – You may ask what’s in a name, but for Oregon Wildlife Foundation’s gift shops, it’s about underscoring the organization’s wildlife conservation work. 

Spruce Gifts and Provisions stores in Bonneville and Hood River are rebranding as OWF Gift Shops, reflecting a commitment to connect visitors directly with the Foundation’s mission. Owned and operated by the Oregon Wildlife Foundation (OWF), the flagship store at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery opened in 1989. Its sister store, on Oak Street in downtown Hood River opened in 2020. 

OWF Gift Shops General Manager Heather Pola said the shift better aligned retail operations with the Foundation’s purpose.

“Our goal is to increase awareness of OWF,” Pola said. “We’re using our gift shops as a vehicle to drive more traffic to the Foundation’s website, deepen awareness of our work, and give back to the cause.”

OWF Gift Shops feature curated merchandise from Oregon-based brands and artists, nature-inspired goods, and items that complement OWF-funded initiatives. A portion of each purchase supports the Foundation’s work, which focuses on conserving and protecting habitats for wildlife across Oregon. 

“Net proceeds from sales are an important part of how Oregon Wildlife Foundation is able to carry out our statewide conservation work,” said OWF Executive Director Tim Greseth. “It's also another way for us to engage with the public and help make them aware of the wildlife conservation challenges we have in Oregon.”

Coffee, Community, and Conservation

As part of the rebrand, OWF’s on-site café, Herman’s Coffee Bar, also underwent an overhaul this year. Pola said the team updated its menu with a new focus on beverages and snacks from Pacific Northwest companies.

“We’ve refreshed our offerings with a focus on local flavors and regional brands,” Pola said. “Every cup of coffee now ties into our broader mission of supporting Oregon’s wildlife and communities.”

Growing Awareness and Giving Back

In February, OWF Gift Shops introduced a donation-at-checkout feature, enabling visitors to easily contribute to the Foundation’s conservation efforts. Pola said the program has already generated vital funds while reinforcing OWF’s visibility.

Looking ahead, OWF Gift Shops plans to expand co-branded collaborations with Oregon companies, introduce new products linked to active conservation projects, and continue community outreach events such as group hikes, local artist showcases, and seasonal gatherings.

“The evolution of the gift shops is really inspiring,” Pola said. “We welcome everyone to visit and see how every purchase supports Oregon’s wildlife.”

For more information, including location and hours, visit www.myowf.org/owfgiftshop.

Oregon Wildlife Foundation

Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, the Foundation has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information, visit www.myowf.org.

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EUGENE, Ore.— A Eugene, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for using social media platforms, including Snapchat and Instagram, to exploit and coerce children in Oregon, New York, and Florida.

Vincent Alan Elder, 32, was sentenced to 288 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to each of his three victims.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Elder used social media to meet and communicate with three identified minors in 2022 and 2023. He sent online payments to encourage a minor victim in Florida to make and send nude photos. To obtain the same from a minor victim in Oregon, he sent vape pens, food delivery orders, and left bags of cash near the victim’s house. When a minor victim in New York tried to cease contact with him, Elder threatened to tell the victim’s mother or even involve that victim’s younger sibling—an act known as sextortion.

After learning of the allegations, in November 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed search warrants for Elder’s person, devices, and motel room. On December 1, 2023, the FBI arrested Elder. A search of his devices showed chats with some of the minor victims, the Oregon victim’s personal information, and nude images of the Florida victim.

“I am thankful for the brave victims who came forward, and I am grateful to the law enforcement agencies who helped bring this dangerous predator to justice,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “We will continue to seek significant prison sentences for anyone who targets our communities’ children.”

“Investigating crimes against children is some of the most important work we do at the FBI,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “The crimes committed in this instance were egregious, and we moved swiftly to stop the predatory behavior. Even one child subjected to such abuse is one too many, and we continue to work with our local law enforcement partners to find instances of abuse and protect our communities.” 

On January 18, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a seven-count indictment charging Elder with Using a Minor to Produce a Visual Depiction of Sexually Explicit Conduct and Attempt, Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Attempt, and Possession of Child Pornography. 

On July 29, 2025, Elder pleaded guilty to two counts of Using a Minor to Produce a Visual Depiction of Sexually Explicit Conduct with regard to the New York and Florida victims and one count of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor with regard to the Oregon victim.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Springfield Police Department and the Eugene Police Department. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, they re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

SALEM, Ore. — The Compliance Monitoring Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Thursday, Oct. 30, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Riparian pilot study updates
• Review of roads and steep slopes pilot study methods
• Compliance Monitoring Program symposium take aways
• Review 2026 Compliance Monitoring Program Committee meeting schedule

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing ta.l.friasbedolla@odf.oregon.gov">Marta Frias-Bedolla.

The CMP Committee assists efforts to monitor compliance with Forest Practices Rules. The committee advises ODF regarding monitoring projects and procedures. View more information on the CMPC webpage.

Lincoln County, Ore. (Oct. 23, 2025)- On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 11:29 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus skateboarder crash on Highway 101, near milepost 121, in Lincoln County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a skateboarder, Joseph Wesley Tallman (35) of Depoe Bay, attempted to cross the highway from the eastbound shoulder and was struck by a northbound Mack commercial motor vehicle, operated by Marcus Daniel Harwood (35) of Veneta, who was unable to avoid the collision.

The skateboarder (Tallman) was declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital.

The operator of the Mack (Harwood) was uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln City Police Department, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.

# # #

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

Harney County, Ore. (Oct. 23, 2025)- On Monday, October 20, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to at two-vehicle crash on Highway 20, near milepost 144, in Harney County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by James Joseph Hammeke (91) of Burns, entered the highway from Rattlesnake Road and was struck by a westbound Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Jaswinder Singh Sidhu (45) of Oregon City. The Freightliner struck the driver side door and front fender of the Chevrolet causing significant damage.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Hammeke) was declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital.

The operator of the Freightliner (Sidhu) was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Burns Fire Department and ODOT.

# # #

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

This Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

PORTLAND, Ore.— On Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in collaboration with nearly 4,000 law enforcement partners across the United States, will host DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at locations across the country. DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

For sixteen years, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans safely dispose of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—to prevent drug misuse and abuse.

Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at nearly 4,500 drop-off locations nationwide.

What:              National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

When:              Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where:            18 collection sites in Oregon

“Take Back Day provides a safe and anonymous way to properly dispose of expired or unused prescription medications,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Unused prescription medication in the home pose serious risks of misuse, addiction, and overdose. We encourage all community members to participate and help reduce the potential for abuse and addiction in our communities.”

“All too often, drug abuse starts with prescription pills in the family medicine cabinet,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day offers an easy way to rid your home of these unwanted and potentially dangerous medicines before they can harm your children or grandchildren. Drop off your unneeded medicine this Saturday and take a step to keep your family safe from drug harm.”

In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 19.8 million pounds (10,000 tons) of medication from circulation since its inception.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has reached a multi-state settlement with E Mortgage Capital, which is based in Irvine, Calif., resolving allegations of unlicensed lending activity and other violations.

Oregon joined Hawaii, Idaho, and Texas in the multi-state settlement agreement, which imposed fines totaling $669,000.

In their examinations, mortgage regulators determined E Mortgage allowed unlicensed mortgage loan originators (MLOs) in their states to originate and earn commissions on 50 different transactions. Idaho and Texas officials also claimed unlicensed loan processors performed functions that should have been prohibited in their states in over 125 instances.

Additionally, Oregon regulators determined that E Mortgage’s remote work-from-home plan lacked adequate inspections and insufficient supervision of MLOs. There were 27 instances in Oregon where E Mortgage engaged in a remote work-from-home plan that was insufficient to adequately inspect remote work locations. Participating states view this as having an inadequate supervision plan and supervision of MLOs.

Regulators also found E Mortgage, in the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, engaged in unlicensed activity by allowing unlicensed MLOs to conduct origination activity. E Mortgage paid these unlicensed MLOs commissions when the MLOs were not licensed to originate loans in the participating states. Each state’s number of violations were Hawaii (7), Idaho (16), Oregon (13), and Texas (14).

The participating regulators determined that E Mortgage failed to cooperate or respond to examiners’ request for information and refused to provide examiners access to its Loan Origination System.

The company agreed to cease mortgage originations coming via unlicensed loan officers and processing activity involving ineligible employees.

“Protecting Oregon consumers means ensuring mortgage companies play by the rules,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “When firms fail to supervise their employees or cooperate with examiners, we take action to safeguard consumers and the integrity of the lending system.”

###

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 Regional Forest Practice Committee for northwest Oregon will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 at the ODF Forest Grove District office, 801 Gales Creek Road. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

The committee’s agenda includes:

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

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

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

Under Oregon law, a majority of the committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

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

Oregon and the Internal Revenue Service are once again recruiting people to assist in the free preparation of taxes as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

“Oregon needs more VITA sites and volunteers. For low- and moderate-income families, claiming the tax credits available to them can be a starting point on the path to stronger financial security. But too often those tax credits go unclaimed,” said Codi Trudell, Oregon’s Taxpayer Advocate. “The cost and complexity of filing a tax return is a hurdle for too many people. By volunteering to help them file their returns and claim their credits, Oregonians can make a difference for people in their local community.”

The IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.

Including free tax help offered by AARP, so far in 2025, free tax assistance has been made available to nearly 38,000 taxpayers at 108 sites across the state. That’s up from 104 sites and 33,000 taxpayers at this point in 2024. Every year, however, the sites are forced to turn away people who need assistance due to a shortage of volunteers.

In addition to the need for volunteers, the IRS is also seeking organizations to sponsor VITA and TCE clinics.

The VITA and TCE programs train volunteers to help low- to moderate-income families prepare their tax returns. Across the country, thousands of people volunteer each year and prepare millions of tax returns at thousands of tax sites nationwide.

Volunteers are assigned to work with a sponsoring organization, first to receive training and then to begin volunteering at a location in the community. Training is offered both online and in the classroom. Tax sites are generally open nights and weekends, and the hours are flexible.

Additional information is available on the IRS website. Interested persons can submit an inquiry now using the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up moving them one step closer to becoming a VITA or TCE tax volunteer and giving back to their community. The IRS will share information about those interested in volunteering with sponsoring organizations for follow-up contact.

Organizations with an interest in partnering with the IRS to sponsor or host a free tax preparation site in Oregon can also complete and submit the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up form.

To find a VITA site near them, Oregonians can use the IRS Site Locator tool or check the DOR’s Free Tax Help map with VITA sites marked in blue.

VITA sites at 15 locations in Oregon receive funding from the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. Those interested in volunteering at one of these sites should contact the organizations below in December.

Beaverton, Eugene, Gresham, Portland: 

CASH Oregon

503-461-7388

volunteer@cashoregon.org

Bend, Redmond: 

Latino Community Association

541-382-4366

info@latinocommunityassociation.org

Bend, Corvallis, Eugene:

Oregon State University

541-737-3371

vita@oregonstate.edu

Coos Bay, Roseburg:

Moneywise Oregon

541-670-5054

dan@moneywiseoregon.org

Medford:

United Way Jackson County

541-864-5092

office@unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org

Ontario, Portland:

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization

 971-331-9811

ethz@irco.org">elizabethz@irco.org

Woodburn:

Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos

503-902-0367

biec@centrodspc.org">debbiec@centrodspc.org

- 30 -

Morrow County, Ore. (Oct. 22, 2025)- The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying individual(s) involved in the unlawful take of a branch bull elk near Heppner, Oregon. 

On Friday September 19^th, 2025, at approximately 7:30 am, individual(s) illegally harvested a bull elk on private ranch property, near the intersection of Forest Service Road 21 and Sunflower Flat Road, in Morrow County.  A majority of meat was taken from the scene, while some meat was also left behind or wasted. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number is SP25-410093.

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 for illegally obtaining an Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multidisciplinary organization 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 to other law enforcement agencies throughout the state. 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE MORAL FITNESS

WORKGROUP MEETING

SCHEDULED

Umatilla County, Ore. (Oct. 22, 2025)- The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying individual(s) involved in the unlawful take of a branch bull elk near Hermiston, Oregon. 

On Friday September 5th, 2025, OSP F&W troopers responded to the report of an unlawfully taken 6x6 bull elk, in the Columbia Basin Unit, on private property adjacent to Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge. It is believed the elk was killed, and left at the scene, between September 4^th and 5^th, 2025. No meat was able to be salvaged from the animal.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference OSP case number SP25-395113.

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 for illegally obtaining an Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multidisciplinary organization 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 to other law enforcement agencies throughout the state. 

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging a Portland resident with damaging cameras affixed to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building on June 12, 2025.

Alistair Sidener, 20, made an initial appearance in federal court last Friday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Sidener was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.

Depredation of federal property in an amount exceeding $1,000 is a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison.

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

Since June 13, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged 37 defendants with offenses committed near ICE facilities, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

Linn County, Ore. (Oct. 22, 2025)- On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:40 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 234, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Joshua David Moore (42) of Springfield, lost control while slowing for traffic and laid down his motorcycle in the lane of travel. Another northbound Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Jan Allen Hicks Sr. (60) of Eugene, was unable to avoid a collision and struck the downed rider (Moore).

Moore was declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital.

Hicks Sr. was reportedly uninjured during the incident.

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

OSP was assisted by the Albany Fire Department and ODOT.

# # #

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

Oct. 22, 2025 

Media Contact:  Kim Lippert, erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831

Lincoln County’s first residential substance use disorder treatment facility opens 

Newport, Ore.—Samaritan Health Services has opened the new Samaritan Treatment & Recovery Services facility, the first substance use disorder (SUD) residential treatment center in Lincoln County and a critical step forward in expanding access to behavioral health services in the region.  

"This facility is a game-changer for a community that has needed expanded treatment capacity for nearly a decade," Governor Tina Kotek said. "Since 2016, local leaders have been calling for stronger support in addressing behavioral health needs in the area. Now, that call is being answered — and it will save lives. Let’s keep going." 

The new 16-bed inpatient and outpatient treatment center, located at 5840 NW Biggs Street in Newport was funded in part by a $2.95 million investment from Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Investments program.  

With the new facility, Samaritan Pacific Health Services plans to assess hundreds of individuals annually for substance use disorders, provide case management and recovery support, and help people secure stable housing. On-site staff will include a nurse, drug counselors, peer support specialists and care coordinators who connect patients with wrap-around services.  

"This project fills a long-standing gap in our region's behavioral health infrastructure," said Ebony Clarke, behavioral health director at Oregon Health Authority (OHA)."It’s a transformative investment in recovery, stability and community health."

At the Oct. 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by the Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, community members and project partners participated in guided tours of the facility. 

Aimee Thompson, Pacific Communities Health District board member and past chair and Dr. David Simmons, Medical Director, Samaritan & Recovery Services speak at the ceremony.

Here’s a compilation of video clips from the grand opening for media use.

“Health care transformation doesn’t happen in isolation,” said Samaritan Health Services President Marty Cahill.  “It takes people and organizations — public, private, philanthropic and governmental — working side by side, united by a shared goal to make care more accessible and more human. Every square foot of this facility tells a story of community partnership.”

Residents can get a referral from a doctor or may inquire for treatment on their own, though they must meet medical criteria. The facility will open for services on Oct. 27. 

Oct. 22, 2025

Contact:

Franny White, 971-349-9539, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov (media inquiries)

Committee staff .Affordability@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">OHPB.Affordability@oha.oregon.gov (meeting information or accommodation)

Committee on Health Care Affordability meets Oct. 28

What: A public meeting of the Committee on Health Care Affordability

When:  Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: This is a virtual meeting via Zoom.

Join ZoomGov Meeting

Meeting ID: 161 107 3718

Passcode: 687992

Agenda:

• Welcome
• Creating a shared vision for affordability
• Criteria for developing policy recommendations
• Public Comment

Public comment will be heard at 3:45 p.m. Please submit any public comment in writing prior to the meeting at .Affordability@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">OHPB.Affordability@oha.oregon.gov.

For more information, please visit the committee’s website.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Melisa Otrugman at 503-689-5238, 711 TTY, ugman@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">melisa.z.otrugman@oha.oregon.gov at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Stayton, Ore. – Every Saturday over the last month, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) North Cascade District hosted Scouting America troops from Eugene, Oregon to Seattle, Washington and in between. The district helped 80 scouts earn their Wildland Fire Management merit badge, a new merit badge being tested this year with the hopes it will become an official merit badge next summer at the National Jamboree.

“The scouts learned that it’s more than putting out a fire,” said Scott West, ODF Molalla Unit Forester for the North Cascade District.

In the classes, scouts, ages 11-17, learned how to make their homes, camps, and communities more wildfire resilient and resistant while also understanding wildfire’s role in nature. They also learn about the history, prevention, science, tools, and equipment of wildland fire management. The new merit badge gives the scouts the opportunity to explore different career opportunities in wildland fire management.

“I wanted kids to see the larger picture when it comes to wildfire and learn what they can do in terms of that picture,” said West. “By the end of the course, we even had a few 17-year-olds interested in applying to be a wildland firefighter once they graduate.”

The investment in wildland firefighting’s future doesn’t just encompass this one month but years of work. Scott West not only facilitated the courses in ODF’s North Cascade District but also helped create the curriculum for the new merit badge with Scouting America, a process that began in 2018.

“When on an assignment with ODF Complex Incident Management Team 2 in 2017, I met Mike Huneke with the U.S. Forest Service out of Maryland. Mike is also a volunteer with Scouting America and chairs the National Conservation Committee. We discussed the need for a merit badge that focuses on wildland fire management and the impact a merit badge like this could have on our field’s future. So together we built out the curriculum, presented it to Scouting America and now get to see the finished product in action right here in Oregon,” West said.

Understanding and managing wildland fire is a complex undertaking, especially for young scouts, but their willingness to learn and explore the field of wildland fire management means that the future of the career is bright.

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

Lisa Miyamoto, 56, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on October 19, 2025, federal officers deployed outside the gates of the ICE facility to clear the vehicle entrance for vehicles to exit the facility. Miyamoto forcefully struck an officer with a wooden tambourine and was arrested by officers.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 36 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed near ICE facilities, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

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

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

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

# # #

BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum’s original exhibition Sensing Sasquatch has won the 2025 Autry Public History Prize, which recognizes exceptional work that contributes to a broader public reflection on and appreciation of the North American West.

The prize was awarded to the High Desert Museum on October 17, 2025, at the annual Western History Association Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In remarks from the Autry Prize Committee, the exhibition was praised for its “originality of work and the collaboration of the project team.” The committee also applauded Sensing Sasquatch for its “major contribution to Public History and the field of the North American West.”

The Autry Public History Prize is awarded annually. The award consists of a $1,000 prize, made possible by the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles. Past winners of the prize range from museums to libraries to state historical centers.

Blending history, art and mixed media, Sensing Sasquatch explored the cultural significance of Sasquatch across Indigenous cultures in the High Desert. In pop culture today, Sasquatch, or Bigfoot, often appears on beer cans, stickers and billboards. Yet for some Native people of the Indigenous Plateau, Sasquatch represents a story that is more profound and spiritual. Open from March 2024 through January 2025, Sensing Sasquatch challenged visitors’ perceptions, encouraging them to reconsider the conventional depictions.

“We are so proud of the collaboration and dedication of the Museum team for their research and creative spirit in producing this unique and impactful exhibition,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “We worked very closely with Indigenous partners and artists to make their voices the core of Sensing Sasquatch. We are honored to have the exhibition recognized by the Western History Association and the Autry Prize Committee.”

Advisor and scholar Phillip Cash Cash, Ph.D., (Nez Perce/Cayuse) and the Museum conducted research into the significance of Sasquatch to Indigenous peoples – from linguistic study to examining archival documents. The result was an exhibition that told a compelling and respectful story about the past, present and future of Sasquatch.

The Museum also commissioned five Indigenous artists to craft pieces reflecting their encounters with and perspectives on the enigmatic figure. Rocky LaRock (Salish), Charlene “Tilly” Moody (Warm Springs), Frank Buffalo Hyde (Nez Perce/Onondaga), HollyAnna CougarTracks De Coteau Littlebull (Yakama/Nez Perce/Cayuse/Cree) and Cash Cash each contributed unique artwork that sparked conversation, curiosity and wonder.

A car disappearing into a forest scene greeted visitors at the exhibition entrance. The car’s collection of stereotypical Sasquatch stickers was a contrast to the content inside the gallery, beginning with a digital language map that highlighted the diverse array of names used to refer to Sasquatch across the Indigenous Plateau.

Buffalo Hyde’s multimedia piece Enigma portrayed Sasquatch as an interdimensional being with the ability to traverse history, time and space. LaRock’s Shapeshifter mask evoked a large being emerging from the forest, and Moody’s Around Us Watching piece provided a glimpse into the forest in the shape of a Sasquatch.

Other artworks in the gallery were Cash Cash’s Sasquatch’s Rattle No. 1 and Sasquatch’s Rattle No. 2, which Sasquatch perhaps wields. In the center of the gallery stood CougarTracks DeCoteau Littlebull’s The Protector, a towering mixed media Sasquatch sculpture.

Visitors were also encouraged to use their senses as they explored the Spirit of the West Gallery. A scent station invited visitors to envision an encounter with Sasquatch through smell, and they could feel the buffalo hide used in Moody’s piece. Forest sounds filled the gallery, and the motion-activated sound from Buffalo Hyde’s Enigma delighted visitors of all ages with its deep, ground-shaking subwoofer.

Sensing Sasquatch was made possible by Visit Central Oregon Future Fund, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, Bigfoot Beverages, Bend Cultural Tourism Fund, Redmond Municipal Airport, Central Oregon Daily News, Bend Magazine, Brooks Resources Corporation, Old Mill District, and 100.7 The X, with support from Travel Oregon, Waypoint Hotel and Bend Pet Express.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: 

The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. 

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Oct. 21, 2025

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8842, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Eckman 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 Eckman Lake in Lincoln County.

OHA issued the advisory July 31.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of saxitoxin in Eckman 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 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.

(Salem) — Medicare Open Enrollment for 2026 plans began Oct. 15 and remains open through Dec. 7, 2025. This is the time when people with Medicare can review their current coverage and make changes for the upcoming year. Medicare beneficiaries who would like to discuss their Medicare options can receive free, confidential help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) including help with comparing and selecting new Medicare plans.

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program provides free help from counselors who can help people compare plans, understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their Medicare options. Counselors can also provide information on how to avoid becoming a victim of common scams that target people during Open Enrollment.

During the Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare,
• Change their Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Change or enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, and
• Review changes in costs, coverage and provider networks.

“Choosing the right Medicare plan can have a big impact on a person’s health and finances,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as Deputy Director of Policy for the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). “SHIBA certified counselors can help make sure Oregonians have the information and support they need to make informed decisions.”

SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. The ultimate goal for scammers is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. Common scams include claiming beneficiaries need a new card or offers of free medical equipment. These scams can happen by mail, over the phone, or by text and email.

The best way to avoid Medicare scams is to keep Medicare numbers private; anyone who receives a message or email about Medicare from a number or person they do not recognize should not respond. “The safety of Oregonians is always a top priority, which includes making sure Oregonians have trusted support during Medicare Open Enrollment,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D. “SHIBA counselors can help people recognize red flags and protect themselves from fraud and scams.”

How to get free help

Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments.

To talk to a SHIBA certified counselor or to make an appointment, call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free.)

Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website at SHIBA.oregon.gov.

Online resources include:

• The 2026 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans, which will be translated to multiple languages in the coming weeks.
• Medicare frequently asked questions,
• An agent locator tool,
• A list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations and
• Videos to help people understand their Medicare options.

People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.

About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $736,831 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Tillamook State Forest—The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) completed a stream enhancement project on Gales Creek in the Tillamook State Forest this summer to improve stream habitat and water quality.

“The goal of this project is to restore natural stream processes and instream complexity by placing large wood into the stream channel to improve physical habitat, fish production and water quality,” said Erik Moberly, Aquatic and Riparian Specialist for ODF’s State Forests Division. “The trees, some with attached root wads, that were placed will help influence the formation of pools, spawning gravels and provide cover for aquatic dependent species.”

Gales Creek is a tributary to the Tualatin River in Washington County and is home to several important fish species including Endangered Species Act-listed Coho Salmon and Winter Steelhead. Other fish in the creek include Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout and other native resident fish species.

To reduce costs, appropriately sized trees for the stream characteristics were selected from an adjacent timber sale and decked near the proposed placement sites. An excavator was used to move the trees from the log decks and place into the stream.   

“Nine individual placement sites were completed on Gales Creek and a tributary while six placement sites were completed on the North Fork Gales Creek in two days,” said Moberly. “Thirty trees with attached root wads and 54 trees without root wads were used for the entire project.”

Approximately 1,500 feet of the stream was treated on Gales Creek while approximately 1,400 feet of stream was treated on the North Fork Gales Creek.  

The total project costs were around $20,000 excluding some staff time to plan and implement the project.

This is not the first stream enhancement project in Gales Creek. In 2009, ODF partnered with Tualatin River Watershed Council (TWRC), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and Stimson Lumber Company to do work on the North Fork of Gales Creek. This was partially funded through an Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) grant obtained by the watershed council; the logs were provided by Stimson and ODF.  More than 100 logs were placed within a 1.2-mile stretch of the stream channel and surrounding floodplain.

In 2011, ODF again partnered with the TWRC and ODFW to enhance about a half mile of Gales Creek located Northwest of the Gales Creek Campground. This work was done with an OWEB grant and placed about 70 logs in the stream channel and floodplain. The work was completed by the Bottom Round Timber Sale.

“State Forest lands are actively managed under forest management plans to provide economic, environmental, and social benefits to Oregonians,” said Moberly. “Projects like these positively impact all three of those goals.”

 For more on Oregon’s State Forests see the ODF website.

Oct. 21, 2025

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

Oregon Psilocybin Services Rules Advisory Committee meets Nov. 5

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) Rules Advisory Committee (RAC)

Agenda: TBD

When: Nov. 5, 2025

Where:

• Via Zoom Meeting
  • Call in: 1-669-254-5252 (US)​
  • Meeting ID: 161 012 5185
  • Passcode: 024591

Rules Advisory Committees (RACs) are an important process that allow members of the public an opportunity to provide input on proposed administrative rules before they become effective. RACs are comprised of individuals who have subject matter expertise and members of the public who are likely to be affected by the proposed rules.

The RAC process is designed to include a diversity of opinions and viewpoints. Although RACs evaluate fiscal and racial impact of the proposed rules and make recommendations, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) retains decision making authority.

All community members will be invited to provide comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period scheduled from Dec. 1 to Dec. 22, 2025. Information about the public comment period is available on the Oregon Psilocybin Services Administrative Rules webpage and will be sent out to the OPS mailing list later this year.

###

Everyone has a right to know about and use OHA programs and services. OHA provides free help.

Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact the OPS team at 971-673-0322, 711 TTY, or in@odhsoha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">OHA.Psilocybin@oha.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Oct. 21, 2025

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8842, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Report highlights Oregon students' unmet health needs, urgent call for support

PORTLAND, Ore. - More than one in five Oregon eighth- and 11^th-graders experienced unmet mental or physical health care needs in 2022, according to a new state Student Health Survey (SHS) report developed with Oregon youth using the most recent data available.

The findings paint a sobering picture of the challenges youth face in accessing essential care, and the critical role adults play in helping them feel heard and supported.

Key themes from the report include:

• Emotional isolation: Students with unmet mental health needs often expressed feelings of defeat and deep isolation, indicating a lack of accessible support systems and trusted adults.
• Systemic barriers: Responses cited obstacles such as lack of insurance, long wait times, transportation issues and stigma around seeking help.
• Invalidation and silence: A recurring theme in students' narratives was a sense of being dismissed or not taken seriously. Without meaningful adult intervention, many students reported that their needs were ignored or minimized.

“The data confirm what students have been saying for years: many are struggling, and they don’t feel seen,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority. “Mental and physical health are deeply interconnected, and when students can’t access care, it affects every part of their lives—including their ability to learn and thrive.”

Read the full Unmet Needs Report and learn more about the Student Health Survey.

Students report barriers to accessing health care in all phases of their lives, from individual to systemic challenges. Some students struggle to disclose or even identify their own health care needs. Those able to communicate their needs might have a hard time finding supportive adults who will validate their concerns. Adding to this are the logistical barriers of insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, transportation, age of medical consent, scheduling and limited provider availability.

The report underscores the importance of fostering environments in which students feel safe discussing their health needs and adults—parents, educators and health professionals—are empowered to listen and respond effectively.

OHA administers the anonymous, school-based survey annually, collecting responses from more than 45,000 students statewide. The students represent 85 school districts, 327 schools and 29 counties. The SHS was administered at schools between October 2022 and January 2023. Among students reporting unmet health needs, more than 4,200 responded to open-ended questions about the barriers they encountered.

Student responses reflect a complex relationship between physical and mental health. While unmet mental health needs were often reported independently, unmet physical health needs frequently involved emotional or mental health challenges—suggesting that the two cannot be addressed in isolation.

Alexis Zou, a senior at Lake Oswego High School, was a primary author of the Unmet Needs Report and a member of the Oregon Youth Data Council (YDC).

The YDC is an OHA-sponsored program that invites Oregon youth to contribute to decision-making about the survey. Members are involved in all aspects of the survey, including:

• Reviewing survey content.
• Making sense of the results.
• Deciding how to talk about and use the survey.

“It was really interesting to look at the different trends that we observed. In particular, some alarming ones that we noticed (were) that over 23% of Oregon eighth grade and 11^th-graders said that they have unmet physical and mental health needs. We also noticed that these unmet health needs were associated with missed school, so that’s a really big problem that school districts are facing right now. We also observed that many students said they felt isolated or didn’t have a trusted adult that they could reach out to,” said Zou.

Hear more from Zou here.

Call to action to support youth

Addressing barriers to care requires cooperation from individuals and institutions at each point of health care access, according to the report, and Oregon youth “deserve a sustained investment in health care infrastructure and community or school-based health services.”

Gov. Tina Kotek recently championed new investments in Oregon’s behavioral health system to ensure access to services that promote youth social and emotional wellness and prevent youth substance use disorders. These investments include $6 million to support school-based health centers (SBHCs) increase mental health services, substance use disorder screening, and prevention programs. An additional $1 million was dedicated to support culturally specific suicide prevention efforts.

Students participating in the 2022 survey also emphasized the importance of logistical and emotional support from friends, family and trusted adults to get their health needs met. Youth said social norms need to shift to address the stigma around mental health and medical care, particularly among parents, caregivers, teachers and clinicians.

For more information on supporting Oregon youth, see pages 10–14 of the Unmet Needs Report. To learn more about the Youth Data Council, visit www.oregon.gov/YDC.

OHA and partner organizations are using this data to inform policy, guide resource allocation, and develop new strategies for improving youth access to care across the state.

Identifying and addressing Oregon students’ unmet health needs aligns with OHA’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. Among the plan’s key strategies is to “expand access to health and social services resources and supports for children, parents and families.”

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

Elizabeth Leslie, 32, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on October 18, 2025, federal officers arrested Leslie after she lunged forward and struck an officer in the chest when officers were trying to clear a path for vehicles exiting the ICE facility.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 35 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

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

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

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

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OnPoint’s decision is a direct response to member needs, growth in the area

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union recently announced it is expanding its field of membership in southwest Washington to better serve its members. OnPoint has received regulatory approval to offer membership to people who live, work, worship, and/or attend school in Cowlitz and Lewis counties. This expansion builds on OnPoint’s current service area of Clark and Skamania counties.

"We are grateful to have received regulatory approval for this expansion," said Amy Reeves, SVP/regional manager, SW Washington, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "This authorization reflects our commitment to meeting the financial needs of our community and extending our member-first philosophy to more people across southwest Washington. We look forward to building relationships with members in Cowlitz and Lewis counties, providing the same quality service our members have come to expect."

8th Southwest Washington Branch Opening

OnPoint currently has seven branches in southwest Washington with more on the way. Ridgefield will be home to the newest branch slated to open the first part of 2026, reflecting the population growth in the area and desire to serve more members of the community. The branch will be at 420 N. 56th Place, Ste. 102.

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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 or 800-527- 3932.
 

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued two bulletins encouraging insurance companies, health care service contractors, state-regulated financial institutions, and other entities providing financial products to take measures to help people affected by the federal government shutdown.

The federal government shutdown began Oct. 1 and will continue until Congress passes a continuing resolution or other funding measure. According to the Oregon Employment Department (OED), there are approximately 30,000 workers on the federal payroll in Oregon; OED estimates 10,000 were affected by the lapse in appropriations as of Oct. 1. These employees may be either furloughed or, in some instances, required to work without pay. In either case, although back pay may eventually be available, many affected Oregon residents will likely experience at least temporary financial hardship through no fault of their own.

DFR is providing guidance to state-regulated entities to make reasonable accommodations to mitigate the adverse effects of the shutdown on Oregon residents.

“We encourage entities regulated under our jurisdiction to take active measures to provide help to their customers and policyholders that are directly affected by the federal government shutdown,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator and acting insurance commissioner. “All accommodations provided should comply with all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.”

DFR has requested steps that include providing grace periods to premium payments, providing more time to file insurance claims, allowing more time for repayment of debts, waiving late payment penalties, postponing foreclosure actions and evictions, and negotiating with consumers to arrive at solutions under the current circumstances.

The bulletins are located on DFR’s website.

“We know the shutdown has affected thousands of families in Oregon and we are asking our regulated entities to give some grace to those who have no control over the situation they are currently in,” Keen said.

If you have questions or need to talk with one of our consumer advocates, call 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or send an email to .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov or .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

SALEM, Oregon— The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan, which outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails on public land in Oregon over the next 10 years.  

The recommendations cover all non-motorized and motorized trails on public land and waterways in Oregon, not just Oregon State Parks. Trail users, land managers, and partners are encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback from Oct. 30 to Nov. 28 online.  

They can also join a virtual open house/webinar to learn more about the plan Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to noon. (A recording will available for those who can’t attend). Register in advance at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-4YrUfpeR2yFNBF-8Ihqpg 

“We appreciate the time and energy trail users and partners have put into helping us develop the next trails plan, which will guide investments to make our trails even better in the future,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Statewide Trails Planner Jessica Horning.   

“Each year, more than 80% of Oregonians use trails across the state, generating over $890 million in spending at local businesses and contributing to Oregon’s overall economy.” 

The Oregon Recreational Trails Plan covers non-motorized trails (hiking, biking, equestrian), motorized ATV trails, snowmobile trails, and non-motorized boating and water trails. It helps provide guidance to not only Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, but to federal, state and local agencies as well as private sector partners. 

Information for the draft plan came from multiple sources including statewide surveys of trail users and recreation providers conducted in October 2024 and April 2025, multiple follow-up focus groups with specific user groups in May, and the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which is published every five years.  

The current Oregon Statewide Trails Plan covers 2016 to 2025. Once the public review and comment period ends, staff will incorporate feedback and present the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for adoption.  

For questions about the draft Oregon Trails Plan, please visit our website or contact OPRD Statewide Trails Planner Jessica Horning at .horning@oprd.oregon.gov" target="_blank">Jessica.r.horning@oprd.oregon.gov.  

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, man, who is a registered sex offender, was sentenced to federal prison today for possession of over 200 images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

David Lee Cannon, 36, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and a life term of supervised release.

According to court documents, in February 2024, law enforcement officials discovered Cannon was collecting CSAM images during an investigation into Cannon’s uncle. Cannon sought images from his uncle over Telegram, an encrypted messaging application. Additional evidence of CSAM material was found after a search of Cannon’s devices.

Cannon is a registered sex offender after a 2009 conviction for possessing CSAM material.

“The pursuit of individuals who exploit and abuse children is our highest priority,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “With today’s sentence, Mr. Cannon will spend the next 10 years behind bars, unable to victimize any other children.”

“HSI leverages advanced technology and every resource within its legal authority to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who possess child exploitation and sexual abuse material,” said April Miller, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge. “Our unwavering commitment is to protect the most vulnerable and ensure that those who prey on children are held accountable.”

Cannon was arrested in Milwaukie, Oregon, after HSI agents tracked his cellphone.

Cannon was charged by information on April 28, 2025. On June 26, 2025, Cannon pleaded guilty to Possession of Child Pornography.

This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mira Chernick and Paul Maloney.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Jackson County, Ore. (Oct. 20, 2025)- On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2:44 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle crash on Highway 140, near milepost 4, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Freightliner recreational vehicle (motorhome), operated by Richard Fay McCoy (57) of Central Point, struck a bicyclist, Wesley Mad Olngellel (37) of Central Point, who was in the eastbound lane of travel.

The operator of the bicycle (Olngellel) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Freightliner was uninjured. 

The highway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

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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.

Clackamas County, Ore (Oct. 20, 2025)- On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:34 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 224, near milepost 15, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Corolla, operated by Candida Rodriguez (51) of Gresham, entered the highway from SE Amisigger Road and attempted to turn eastbound onto Highway 224. The Toyota entered the path of a westbound Dodge Ram 2500, operated by Kirk Andrew Friedman (59) of Portland, causing a side impact collision. 

The operator of the Toyota (Rodriguez) was declared deceased at the scene. Two passengers of the Toyota, Nathon Zintkala Melbourne (32) of Portland and a female juvenile (13), suffered minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The operator of the Dodge (Friedman) was reportedly uninjured.

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

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

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

Linn County, Ore (Oct. 20, 2025)- On Friday, October 17, 2025, at 4:45 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 20, near milepost 23, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Subaru Outback, operated by Katherine Elizabeth Spellman (19) of Longmont (CO), entered the highway from Liberty Road and was attempting to turn westbound onto Highway 20. The Subaru entered the path of an eastbound Harley Davidson Road King, operated by Jeremy Wayne Smith (46) of Lebanon, causing a side impact collision.

The operator of the Harley Davidson (Smith) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger of the Harley Davidson, Delana Ann Marie Smith (45) of Lebanon, was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital.

The operator of the Subaru (Spellman) was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital. A passenger of the Subaru, Shasta Faith Levin (18) of Winston, was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Sweet Home Fire Department and ODOT.

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

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet at 1:15 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27 in the Ag Science Room, LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St., Corvallis. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Follow up to joint meeting with IRST
• Address IRST questions on Amphibians package – This is a substantial decision

The meeting is open to the public to attend in-person or online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ogram@odf.oregon.gov">adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.