Attention Veterans & Military Spouses!

 

Looking to make your resume stand out and land more interviews? Join us for an employer-led resume workshop designed specifically for veterans and military spouses. The session will be held November 12, 2025, from 2:00-4:00pm at WorkSource Columbia Basin, 815 N. Kellogg St., Suite D, Kennewick, WA 99336

 

Are you tired of submitting applications without getting interview calls? Want to know what recruiters and HR professionals are really looking for? This workshop is packed with insider knowledge to help you navigate today’s competitive job market.

 

At this interactive session, you’ll gain exclusive insights from local employers on:

✔ Resume Secrets Unveiled – Discover exactly what makes a resume stand out to employers.

✔ Crafting Compelling Cover Letters – Learn how to tailor your cover letter to grab attention.

✔ Mastering Interviews – Gain essential techniques to ace your next interview with confidence.

✔ LinkedIn as Your Secret Weapon – Build a powerful online presence that attracts recruiters.

✔ Skills Transferability – Learn how to apply your expertise to new career fields.

 

Bonus: At the end of the workshop, our expert panel will review your resume and provide personalized feedback helping you fine-tune your application for maximum impact!

 

Seats are limited, so don’t miss out! Reserve your spot at WorkSourceWA.com (search "Kennewick").

 

For questions, please contact Jose Sandoval

By phone: 509-734-5298

By email: Jose.Sandoval@esd.wa.gov

 

WorkSource and the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council are an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay 711.

 

WorkSource Columbia Basin programs receive support and funding from US Department of Labor grants. Read more about USDOL grant funding at Stevens Amendment | Benton-Franklin WDC (bentonfranklinwdc.com)

EUGENE, Ore.— Three Honduran nationals have been charged with trafficking two kilograms of fentanyl.

 

Oscar Bonilla-Sandoval, 24, Jonathan David Matamoros-Carcamo, 22, and Jorge Adalberto Escoto-Andrade, 34, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute over 400 grams of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl.

 

According to court documents, on October 30, 2025, an Oregon State Police K9 trooper stopped a Toyota Camry driving on Interstate 5 in Linn County after observing suspicious behavior and for a traffic violation. Bonilla-Sandoval was the driver of the vehicle, Matamoros-Carcamo was the front passenger, and Escoto-Andrade was in the back seat. The trooper deployed his drug detecting K-9 to the exterior of the vehicle who alerted to the presence of a narcotic odor on the lower passenger door seam. A search of the vehicle revealed a manufactured compartment or “trap” within the front passenger seat.  

 

Law enforcement accessed the compartment and located a Smith and Wesson revolver sitting on top of approximately two kilograms of suspected fentanyl with a street value of approximately $85,000. The fentanyl was wrapped in tape in two brick forms and sitting on tin foil covered in cinnamon, which is a method used by drug traffickers to avoid detection by drug detection canines. 

 

Law enforcement also seized approximately $10,000 in bundled cash with pink bands wrapped around it from Matamoros-Carcamo and approximately $3,000 in cash from Escoto-Andrade.

 

Defendants made their first appearances in federal court on October 31, 2025, before a Magistrate Judge and were ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, and Springfield Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case.

 

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

 

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

 

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

 

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

 

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.— A Colombian national made his initial appearance today after being arrested for his alleged role in a burglary ring that primarily targeted residents of Asian descent in Oregon and Washington.

 

Derinson Martinez-Grandas, 34, is one of seven individuals charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to transmit stolen property.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early October 2025, Martinez-Grandas and six co-conspirators burglarized homes in Oregon and Washington by traveling from state to state, staying in short-term rentals secured by Martinez-Grandas, identifying and surveilling  potential burglary victims—who were all Asian business owners—and then performing reconnaissance on the victims’ residences.

 

The complaint and court documents allege that Martinez-Grandas and his co-conspirators employed signal jamming technology, perimeter countersurveillance, and seven-way group calls when carrying out their burglaries. They entered their victims’ homes by shattering glass doors. Once inside, they ransacked the residences, stealing large amounts of United States and foreign currency, jewelry, designer handbags, purses, wallets, travel documents, and other valuables. After the burglaries, the crew would return to their short-term rental and package the proceeds for transport, transfer, or transmittal.

 

Court documents allege that defendants first burglarized a home in Auburn, Washington on October 3, 2025, then burglarized a home in Eugene, Oregon, on October 6, 2025, and burglarized a third home in Salem, Oregon, on October 9, 2025. All were the homes of Asian business owners who were away working at their businesses. Between the Eugene and Salem burglaries, detectives with the Eugene Police Department became aware of the group’s movements and began surveillance. Following the burglary in Salem, detectives surveilled and identified that Martinez-Grandas and his co-conspirators returned to their rental in Eugene, which had been rented by Martinez-Grandas. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the rental that night.  

 

Upon execution of the warrant, investigators recovered money and property believed to be burglarized from the various residences, digital devices believed to be used by the burglary crew, evidence of money wires to Bogota, Colombia, and various Colombian travel documentation, including passports. As officers went to execute the search warrant, the burglary crew fled into a nearby wooded area. After several hours, law enforcement eventually detained all seven individuals. Investigators later performed searches of the devices, which revealed additional evidence of the conspiracy, including sending and receiving burglary coordinates, surveillance communications, and shared messages containing messages highlighting the burglary targets from the preceding days. 

 

“This multi-state operation deliberately targeted hardworking families and struck at the very core of personal safety – the victims’ own homes – instilling fear throughout multiple communities,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

 

“This robbery crew instilled fear and directed violence toward the hard-working small business owners who make this community special and unique,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Working with our partners at Eugene Police Department, we were able to disrupt their acts and hold them accountable for their actions.” 

 

“The District Attorney’s Office is solely interested in seeing these individuals held to account for the victimization of our community members,” said Lane County District Attorney Christopher J. Parosa. “We appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in helping local law enforcement achieve that end.”

 

Martinez-Grandas made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

 

William Estiven Rodriguez-Gaviria, 26, a co-conspirator, made his first appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the District of Arizona. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

 

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Eugene Police Department with assistance from the Salem Police Department and the Auburn Police Department. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, in coordination with the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.

 

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

 

# # #

Across Oregon and our nation this week, we gather as communities in gratitude for the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. When they raised their right hand and swore that solemn oath, they pledged to protect something far greater than themselves: the rights and freedoms of every American. Veterans Day is our solemn duty to honor that enduring commitment and the generations who have carried it forward in defense of democracy and peace.

 

Those of us who have served know that the decision to wear our nation’s uniform is not one made lightly. It begins with an oath, a promise to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Since the founding of our Republic, generations of Americans have taken that same oath, pledging loyalty not to an individual or a crown, but to an enduring ideal — that all people are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

 

As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence next year, we are reminded that the American experiment was secured not only by words on parchment, but by those willing to stand in their defense. From the citizen-soldiers of the Revolutionary War to the service members of today’s all-volunteer force, each generation has answered the call to safeguard those freedoms.

 

Notably, this year also marks 250 years of continuous service by three of our nation’s oldest military branches — the United States Army, the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. All three of which continue to embody the courage, discipline, and devotion that define our nation’s armed forces.

 

Oregon is home to more than a quarter of a million veterans, each with a story that deserves to be heard and remembered. Some of us served in the heat of battle; others supported missions from ships, bases, and hospitals around the world. Together, we represent every era, from those who fought in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and countless operations in between. No matter the place or period, we all answered the same call to serve our nation and defend its ideals.

 

Every veteran reflects the strength and diversity of the nation we serve. We come from every walk of life, every community, and every corner of America and the world: rural and urban, coastal and inland, from every background, faith, and family story. Together, we embody the very fabric of this nation as a living testament to its promise that out of many, we are one. In our armed forces, Americans stand shoulder to shoulder not as strangers, but as equals, united by a shared oath and a shared belief in the enduring ideals of liberty and justice for all.

 

We defend the right to speak freely and to worship as we choose, to live without fear of tyranny or oppression, and to pursue our dreams in peace. We defend the rule of law, the equality of all people, and the democratic promise that our government exists to serve its citizens. On this day and every day, we honor the men and women who have sworn to defend those freedoms of a democracy and who have shouldered the responsibility of ensuring that our nation remains free, just, and strong.

 

When I meet with fellow veterans across our state, I am struck by the same thread of quiet resilience that runs through every story. We don’t think of ourselves as heroes. We think of ourselves as people who did our duty, who stood by our brothers and sisters, and who came home ready to continue serving in new ways as parents, teachers, public servants, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. That ongoing spirit of service is what keeps our communities strong and our democracy vibrant.

 

Veterans Day traces its origins to November 11, 1918, when the guns of the First World War finally fell silent. That moment marked more than the end of a conflict — it marked the beginning of a national commitment to peace, understanding, and unity. Each generation since has faced its own challenges, and each has produced men and women willing to step forward to defend the freedoms we hold dear. Those of us who have worn the uniform know that freedom is not guaranteed. It must be protected, nurtured, and renewed through each act of courage and compassion.

 

When we return home from service, our mission changes, but it does not end. We carry with us the lessons of the fragile ideals we served to defend through discipline, teamwork, and a strong sense of integrity. We carry the memories of those who did not come home and the responsibility to honor them through our actions in this life.

 

At the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, we are committed to ensuring that every veteran, no matter their era of service, background, or life experience, has information and access to the benefits and services our nation and state have offered in gratitude for their service. That commitment extends not only to veterans, but to the families who have served alongside us. Spouses, children, and caregivers share the burdens of military life — the deployments, the moves, the uncertainty. They too deserve our nations gratitude and support.

 

True appreciation for veterans goes beyond parades and ceremonies, though those are important and joyful. It means ensuring that every veteran has access to quality health care, education, housing, and meaningful employment. It means reaching out to those struggling with the invisible wounds of service and reminding them that they are not alone. And it means continuing to strengthen the systems of care and connection that honor our shared promise: to take care of one another, just as we did in uniform.

 

And so, as part of your Veterans Day observance this year, I ask every Oregonian to take a moment to reflect. Think about the freedoms you enjoy and the people who have ensured those rights over our nation’s history. Remember those who never came home, and those who continue to serve around the world today. Reach out to a veteran in your life, not only to thank them, but to listen and to hear their story, to understand their journey, and to stand beside them in unity and gratitude.

 

We may have served in different places and at different times, but we are all part of the same legacy. Our shared service, our shared sacrifice, and our shared hope for a better future unite us as one people. Let us continue to build on that unity and to care for one another, to strengthen our communities, and to ensure that the freedoms we defended endure for generations to come.

 

May we always be a nation worthy of our veterans, and may we honor the truth that our strength as a nation comes from the unity and service of those who stand for something greater than themselves.
God bless our veterans, their families, and the United States of America.

 

Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels
Director, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels is a proud veteran of the United States Army and the Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA), overseeing agency operations, ensuring the availability and access of vital veteran services and programs for more than 275,000 veterans and their families across the state. 

November 6, 2025

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

Oregon seeks $1 billion federal investment in rural healthcare

EUGENE, Ore.—A Red Bluff, California, man was sentenced to federal prison today for using social media to coerce a minor into sending him sexually explicit material.

 

Elijah McCabe, 27, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and a 15-year term of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, in September 2023, McCabe posed as a minor on social media to trick a minor victim into sending him sexually explicit photos. McCabe threatened to share those images to friends and family to coerce the victim into sending child sexual abuse material (CSAM) – an act known as sextortion. The victim’s family contacted the police after learning an associate of the minor victim had received CSAM of the victim.

 

On June 7, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at McCabe’s residence and found his cell phone floating in the tank of a toilet. McCabe was arrested after a search of his device found evidence of CSAM, specifically, the sexually explicit material McCabe coerced the victim to provide.

 

“We have a responsibility to protect our most vulnerable—our children. Child sexual exploitation has a devastating impact on victims, their families, and our communities. We will continue to work with our partners to find and hold these perpetrators accountable,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

“While we count this sentencing as a success, it doesn't diminish the harm done to the victim, their family, and their friends,” said Doug Olson, FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge. “Our work will continue, and we will pursue those who prey on children, as well as to help victims of abuse access tools to help them heal.” 

 

On September 19, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging McCabe with Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Coercion and Enticement of a Minor.

 

On August 5, 2025, McCabe pleaded guilty to Coercion and Enticement of a Minor.

 

This case was investigated by FBI Portland with assistance from FBI Sacramento. 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 CSAM 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– Nominations for the 2026 Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards Program are now being accepted. Criteria and application process can be found online through the Oregon Heritage website www.oregonheritage.org or by contacting Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator Katie Henry at katie.henry@oprd.oregon.gov or (503) 877-8834. The deadline for submitting nominations is January 22, 2026.
 

The Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards recognize individuals, organizations and projects for outstanding heritage preservation efforts in Oregon, drawing public attention to these efforts, and raising the quality of heritage‐oriented activities. The Sally Donovan Award for Historic Cemetery Preservation is a special category that may be awarded to one individual, organization, or project demonstration excellence in preservation of historic cemeteries. 
  

In 2022 the Standout Heritage Volunteer category was added and is the only non-competitive category.
 

Nominations are encouraged for organizations and projects of all sizes and heritage purposes and for volunteers and professionals from all heritage sectors.
 

“Previous award recipients have illustrated the extraordinary ways that individuals and organizations connect communities to the past through experiences, dialogue, and preservation,” says Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator Katie Henry. “They inspire appreciation for our neighbors, our state, and ourselves as we look towards the future.”
 

For a list of previous award recipients, visit https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/awards.aspx#one.
 

Those awarded an Oregon Heritage Excellence Award will be featured in videos presented at the 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference in Woodburn, April 29-May2. Recipients will also receive an award designed and created by Eastern Oregon artist, Alethea Brewer. This year’s awards artist selection process was done in partnership with Crossroads Carnegie Arts Center in Baker City.
 

There will be an awards Q&A online on Dec. 2 at 1pm for those interested in learning more.
 

For more information visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator Katie Henry at katie.henry@oprd.oregon.gov or (503) 877-8834.

MISSING PERSON ALERT: The FBI is seeking information regarding a missing Tribal Elder from the Umatilla Reservation. Mr. Jones was last seen in Pendleton, Oregon on October 5, 2025. He may have traveled along the Umatilla River. Report tips to http://tips.fbi.gov or call Umatilla Tribal Police at (541) 278-0550.

FBI Missing Person Poster Here: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/wesley-dixon-jones

 

November 6, 2025

Media contact: Max Sprague, 971-288-8429, ague@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Max.Sprague@oha.oregon.gov

Dr. Steven Nakana named Oregon Health Authority’s Equity & Inclusion Division Director

PORTLAND, Ore– Dr. Steven Nakana has been appointed the new permanent director of Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Equity & Inclusion Division, effective Nov. 24, 2025.

Dr. Nakana, who has more than 15 years of leadership experience, most recently served as Director of Community Health Partnerships – Metro at CareOregon, where he directed Metro-wide health equity strategy -- collaborating with local leaders and community-based organizations to turn state health priorities into locally driven action. He also maintained performance dashboards and applied frameworks like Results-Based Accountability to monitor outcomes and address disparities. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at Portland Community College, Portland General Electric, Port of Portland and Mercy Corps, where he informed policy and system transformation, guided organizational equity strategies, implemented culturally responsive community investments to advance health access, designed inclusive community engagement structures and supported international peacebuilding and public health initiatives.

“Dr. Nakana’s experience reflects a consistent and unwavering commitment to equity, transparency and meaningful collaboration – values that align closely with our OHA mission,” said Sejal Hathi, MD, M.B.A. “We welcome him to our team as we continue our work toward eliminating health inequities in Oregon by 2030.”

Dr. Nakana was chosen through a national search supported by Motus Recruiting. He will replace Alfonso Ramirez, who has served as the division’s interim director and will return to his previous role as Behavioral Health Equity and Community Partnership Director in OHA’s Behavioral Health Division.

“Alfonso Ramirez has led our Equity & Inclusion Division at a critical time, championing division-wide success as we navigate federal changes and other challenges,” Dr. Hathi said. “I’m grateful for the compassion and commitment he has brought to the interim director role and for the important role he will continue to play in advancing our strategic goal.”

The appointment comes at a pivotal time. As communities in Oregon and across the region face growing challenges, the arrival of OHA’s new permanent Equity & Inclusion Director underscores the importance of equity work as the agency meets this moment with clarity, care and accountability. OHA remains committed to creating systems where everyone can thrive, guided by shared values and responsibility.

“I’m delighted to join OHA, an agency long committed to putting equity at the forefront of health policy and decisions,” Dr. Nakana said. “I look forward to collaborating with the OHA team and its many partners to improve the health and lives of all people across the state.”

###

SALEM, Ore. — As fall settles across Oregon, the state’s Search and Rescue (SAR) teams are responding to several missions tied to mushroom foraging, hunting season, and sudden shifts in weather. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is reminding everyone to plan ahead, be prepared, and stay aware of changing conditions when heading outdoors.

“Oregon’s natural beauty draws thousands of people outside each year, but even experienced adventurers can find themselves in trouble when the weather changes suddenly,” Oregon’s state search and rescue coordinator, Scott Lucas, said. “We want everyone to enjoy their time outdoors safely—no one expects to become lost or stranded, but preparation makes all the difference.”
 

With colder temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and unpredictable weather patterns, OEM urges Oregonians and visitors to take a few simple steps before venturing out:

• Plan ahead and check the forecast. Conditions can change rapidly in Oregon’s forests, mountains, and coastal areas.
• Research your destination and route. Know the terrain, difficulty, and available resources.
• Pack essential safety items, including extra food and water, warm clothing, an emergency mylar blanket, a flashlight, map, first-aid kit, and fully charged phone or radio.
• Tell someone your plan—where you’re going, when you expect to return, and when to call for help if you don’t check in.
• Stay on marked trails and avoid venturing off route, especially when foraging or tracking game.

Each year, hundreds of highly trained SAR volunteers across Oregon respond to calls for lost or injured hikers, hunters, and foragers. Many of these incidents are preventable with proper preparation and communication.

“Oregon’s SAR volunteers are among the best in the nation,” Lucas said. “They’re ready to help—but the goal is for everyone to make it home safely without needing rescue.”

Be Prepared Before You Go

Whether you’re heading out for a day hike, hunting trip, or foraging adventure, always carry the 10 Essentials:

1. Navigation (map and compass or GPS) and a whistle
2. Headlamp or flashlight
3. Sun protection
4. First-aid kit
5. Knife or multi-tool
6. Fire-starting materials
7. Shelter (such as a tarp or mylar blanket)
8. Extra food
9. Extra water
10. Extra clothing

For more information on outdoor safety and emergency preparedness, visit www.oregon.gov/OEM and follow @OregonOEM on social media for ongoing safety updates and seasonal preparedness tips.

 

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

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Tristen Dilinger Evans and Blake Ryan Evans.

 

Tristen Dilinger Evans, age 17, and Blake Ryan Evans are children in foster care who went missing from Eugene in October, they were found on Nov. 6.

 

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

 

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

 

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Salem, Oregon – Grant awards totaling $ 1,759,580 will be distributed to 355 Oregon arts organizations through the Oregon Arts Commission’s Sustaining Arts Program for fiscal year 2026.

 

In 2025, the Arts Commission reimagined this grant program to provide a more equitable distribution of funds to arts organizations. Awards are determined based on a newly updated funding formula that considers an organization’s annual expenses, number of applications and available grant funds. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $20,000, and these unrestricted awards are available to nonprofit arts organizations that offer public arts programs throughout the year.

 

“This program is an important example of how the Oregon Arts Commission fulfills its commitments to continue invigorating the economic, cultural and creative expressions of our diverse state,” shares Commission Chair Subashini-Ganesan Forbes. “The extensive grantee list highlights the number of arts organizations operating with impeccable vision to nourish and energize their respective communities.”

 

FY2026 Sustaining Arts Program grants awards by region:

 

Central

Group A

Bend Pops Orchestra, Bend: $2,368

Central Oregon Mastersingers Inc., Bend: $2,368

Opera Bend, Bend: $2,368

Sisters Festival of Books, Sisters: $2,368

 

Group B

Beat dba BEAT Children’s Theatre, Bend: $5,000

BendFilm, Bend: $6,725

Cascade School of Music, Bend: $8,183

Cascades Theatrical Company, Bend: $5,916

High Desert Chamber Music, Bend: $5,000

Scalehouse, Bend: $5,000

SFF Presents, Sisters: $8,149

Sunriver Music Festival Inc, Sunriver: $5,000

The High Desert Museum, Bend: $17,748

The Museum at Warm Springs, Warm Springs: $6,062

Tower Theatre Foundation Inc., Bend: $10,042
Central total: $92,297

 

Greater Eastern – North

Group A

Inland Northwest Musicians Inc., Hermiston: $2,368

 

Group B

Arts Council of Pendleton, Pendleton: $5,000

Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts, Pendleton: $5,916

Oregon East Symphony, Pendleton: $5,000

Eastern North total: $18,284

 

Greater Eastern – South

Group A

Drexel H. Foundation, Vale: $2,368
 

Group B

Painted Sky Center for the Arts, Canyon City: $5,000

Eastern South total: $7,368

 

Portland Metro

Group A

21ten Theatre, Portland: $2,368

Airlie Press, Portland: $2,368

A Notion, A Scream, Portland: $2,368

Aspen Meadow Band, Colton: $2,368

Aurora Chorus, Portland: $2,368

Bach Cantata Choir, Portland: $2,368

Bells of the Cascades, Tualatin: $2,368

Bridging Voices, Portland: $2,368

Cada Casa International, Portland: $2,368

Cascadia Chapter of National Association of Composers, Portland: $2,368

Cathedral Park Performing Arts Collective, Portland: $2,368

Classical Up Close, Tigard: $2,368

Conchords Chorale, Tualatin: $2,368
Conduit Dance aka Shaun Keylock Company, Portland: $2,368

enTaiko, Portland: $2,368

Fear No Music, Portland: $2,368

Fool House Art Collective, Lake Oswego: $2,368

Friends of IFCC (FoIFCC), Portland: $2,368
Frogtown, Portland: $2,368

From the Ground Up: A Research and Development Center for New Art, Portland: $2,368

Future Prairie, Portland: $2,368

Greater Portland Flute Society, Portland: $2,368

Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre Northwest, Portland: $2,368

Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra, Hillsboro: $2,368

In Mulieribus, Portland: $2,368

ISing Community Choir, Beaverton: $2,368

Lake Oswego Open Studios, Lake Oswego: $2,368

Light Opera of Portland, Hillsboro: $2,368

Lo Nuestro Folklore of Washington County, Tigard: $2,368

Many Hats Collaboration, Portland: $2,368

Media-Rites, Portland: $2,368

New Moon Productions, Portland: $2,368

Northwest Dance Theatre, Tualatin: $2,368

Oregon Bluegrass Association, Portland: $2,368

Oregon Chorale Inc., Hillsboro: $2,368

Oregon Korean Performing Arts, Beaverton: $2,368

Oregon Symphonic Band, Beaverton: $2,368

PDX Pop Now!, Portland: $2,368

Performance Works NorthWest, Portland: $2,368

Piano Santa Foundation, Portland: $2,368

Portland Area Theatre Alliance, Portland: $2,368

Portland Chamber Music, Portland: $2,368

Portland Child Art Studio, Portland: $2,368

Portland in Color, Portland: $2,368

Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble, Portland: $2,368

Portland Fire Fighters Pipes and Drums, Portland: $2,368

Portland Radio Project, Portland: $2,368

Portland Symphonic Choir, Portland: $2,368

Portland Wind Symphony dba Pacific Crest Wind Symphony, Portland: $2,368

PUSH FOLD, Portland: $2,368

Radix Vocal Ensemble, Portland: $2,368

Renegade Opera, Portland: $2,368

Risk-Reward, Portland: $2,368

S1, Portland: $2,368

Shady Pines Radio, Portland: $2,368

Stage Fright, Portland: $2,368

Stages of Life, Portland: $2,368

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy, Hillsboro: $2,368

Steps for Youth, Portland: $2,368

Swingin’ Sounds, Portland: $2,368

Takohachi Inc, Portland: $2,368

The Artback, Estacada: $2,368

The Wave Elements Global Music, Portland: $2,368

Tilikum Chamber Orchestra, Portland: $2,368

Tualatin Valley Community Band, Tigard: $2,368

Tualatin Valley Symphony, Tigard: $2,368

Unlock the Arts, Portland: $2,368

Westside Orchestra Association, Hillsboro: $2,368

Women in Film-Portland, Portland: $2,368

Woodland Sung Productions, Portland: $2,368

Zephyr Clarinet Choir, Tigard: $2,368

 

Group B

45th Parallel Universe, Portland: $5,000

Advance Gender Equity in the Arts, Portland: $5,000

Alberta Abbey Foundation, Portland: $6,069

All Ages Music Portland dba Friends of Noise, Portland: $6,077

All Classical Public Media, Inc., Portland: $15,776

Architectural Foundation of Oregon, Portland: $7,560

Artichoke Community Music, Portland: $5,000

Art in Oregon, Portland: $5,000

Art In The Pearl, Portland: $5,000

Artist Mentorship Program, Portland: $5,000

Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland: $11,832

Arts Action Alliance Foundation dba Clackamas County Arts Alliance, Oregon City: $5,000

A-WOL Dance Collective Inc., Portland: $5,916

Bag & Baggage Productions, Hillsboro: $6,062

BodyVox Inc, Portland: $7,948

Boom Arts, Portland: $5,000

Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre, Portland: $5,000

Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Tigard: $11,832

Caldera, Portland: $11,832

Camp45 Contemporary, Portland: $5,916

Cappella Romana Inc, Portland: $6,484

Cerimon House, Portland: $5,000

Chamber Music Northwest, Portland: $10,202

Clackamas Community College Foundation – Clackamas Repertory Theatre, Oregon City: $5,423

CoHo Productions Ltd, Portland: $5,916

Corrib Theatre, Portland: $5,000

Cracked Pots, Inc, Portland: $5,000

Curious Comedy Productions, Portland: $5,916

Echo Theater Company, Portland: $6,732

Ethos Inc., Portland: $7,830

Experience Theatre Project, Beaverton: $5,000

Film Action Oregon, Portland: $13,804

Friends of Chamber Music, Portland: $6,062

Gather:Make:Shelter, Portland: $5,916

Hand 2 Mouth, Portland: $5,916

Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum of Oregon and SW Washington, Portland: $5,000

Imago the Theatre Mask Ensemble, Portland: $5,916

In a Landscape, Portland: $6,510

Independent Publishing Resource Center Inc., Portland: $5,000

Jazz Society of Oregon, Portland: $8,489

Kickstand Comedy, Portland: $5,916

Lakewood Theatre Company, Lake Oswego: $10,168

Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland: $11,832

Literary Arts, Inc., Portland: $13,804

Live Wire Radio, Portland: $6,062

Lovegood Performing Arts Company, Beaverton: $5,000

Metroarts Inc., Portland: $5,000

MetroEast Community Media, Gresham: $10,237

Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland: $6,995

Miracle Theatre Group, Portland: $5,916

Montavilla Jazz Festival, Portland: $5,000

Music Workshop, Portland: $5,916

My Voice Music, Portland: $6,062

Native Arts & Culture Foundation, Portland: $11,832

New Expressive Works, Portland: $5,000

North Pole Studio, Portland: $5,916

Northwest Alliance for Alternative Media and Education, Portland: $6,529

Northwest Children’s Theater & School Inc, Portland: $10,897

Northwest Professional Dance Project, Portland: $8,805

OK You Inc, Portland: $5,000

Old Church Society Inc, Portland: $6,568

Open Hearts Open Minds, Portland: $5,000

Open Space, Portland: $6,062

Orchestra Nova Northwest, Portland: $5,916

Oregon Arts Watch, Portland: $5,423

Oregon BRAVO Youth Orchestras, Portland: $8,092

Oregon Center for Contemporary Art, Portland: $5,916

Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, Portland: $5,000

Oregon International Ballet Academy, Portland: $5,000

Oregon Public Broadcasting, Portland: $8,403

Oregon Repertory Singers, Portland: $5,916

Oregon Society of Artists, Portland: $5,916

Oregon Symphony Association, Portland: $19,720

Oregon Symphony Association in Salem, Portland: $5,423

Outside the Frame, Portland: $5,916

Pacific Youth Choir, Portland: $5,000

PassinArt: A Theatre Company, Portland: $5,916

Phame Academy, Portland: $6,425

Play It Forward, Beaverton: $6,070

PlayWrite, Portland: $5,000

Portland Actors Conservatory, Portland: $5,916

Portland Art Museum, Portland: $19,720

Portland Baroque Orchestra, Portland: $7,531

Portland Chamber Orchestra, Portland: $5,000

Portland Community Media dba Open Signal, Portland: $11,832

Portland Drama Club, Portland: $5,000

Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble, Portland: $5,000

Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, Inc., Portland: $6,062

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland: $10,015

Portland Japanese Garden, Portland: $19,720

Portland Jazz Festival, Inc. dba PDX Jazz, Portland: $7,306

Portland Lesbian Choir, Portland: $5,000

Portland Opera Association Inc, Portland: $17,748

Portland Piano International, Portland: $5,916

Portland Playhouse, Portland: $9,860

Portland Revels, Portland: $5,916

Portland Street Art Alliance, Portland: $5,916

Portland Taiko, Portland: $5,000

Portland Youth Philharmonic Association, Portland: $8,348

Profile Theatre Project, Portland: $6,344

Regional Arts & Culture Council, Portland: $19,720

Resonance Vocal Ensemble, Portland: $5,000

Scarlet Sails Cultural Foundation, Beaverton: $5,000

SCRAP Creative Reuse, Portland: $7,511

Shaking the Tree Theatre, Portland: $5,000

Sticky Culture, Portland: $5,000

Stumptown Stages, Lake Oswego: $5,916

The Beaverton Arts Foundation, Beaverton: $11,832

The Portland Ballet, Portland: $6,818

The Red Door Project, Portland: $6,585

The Vanport Mosaic, Portland: $5,000

Third Angle New Music Ensemble, Portland: $5,000

Third Rail Repertory Theatre, Portland: $5,916
triangle productions, Portland: $5,000

Vibe of Portland, Portland: $5,000

Western Alliance of Arts Administrators Foundation, Portland: $7,676

White Bird, Portland: $7,625

Willamette Light Brigade, Portland: $6,173

World Stage Theatre, Troutdale: $5,423

Write Around Portland, Portland: $5,916

Young Audiences of Oregon Inc dba Arts for Learning Northwest, Portland: $9,056

Young Musicians & Artists, Portland: $5,916

Youth Music Project, West Linn: $9,565

Portland Metro total: $1,066,685

 

Mid-Valley

Group A
Confluence: Willamette Valley LGBT Chorus, Salem: $2,368

Festival Chorale Oregon, Salem: $2,368

Focus on Book Arts, Monmouth: $2,368

Keizer Creative Art Association, Salem: $2,368

Keizer Homegrown Theatre, Keizer: $2,368

Make Music Salem, Salem: $2,368

McMinnville Film Festival Foundation, McMinnville: $2,368

Oregon Artists Series Foundation, Salem: $2,368

Oregon Community Theatre Alliance, McMinnville: $2,368

Oregon Spirit Chorus aka Sweet Adelines International, Salem: $2,368

Salem Big Band, Salem: $2,368
Salem Orchestra, Salem: $2,368

Salem Philharmonia Orchestra, Salem: $2,368

Salem Pops Orchestra, Salem: $2,368

Salem Symphonic Winds, Salem: $2,368

Western Oregon University Development Foundation, Monmouth: $2,368

Willamette University – Theatre 33, Salem: $2,368

Group B
Casa de la Cultura Tlanese, Salem: $5,000

Chehalem Center Association, Newberg: $7,157

Friends of the Visual Arts dba Willamette Art Center, Salem: $5,000

Historic Elsinore Theatre Inc, Salem: $10,895

Pentacle Theatre, Salem: $5,916

Salem Art Association, Salem: $7,089

Salem Multicultural Institute, Salem: $5,000

Western Oregon University Development Foundation – Rainbow Dance Theatre, Monmouth: $5,000
Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES), McMinnville: $5,423

Mid-Valley total: $96,736

 

North Central

Group A

Cascade Singers, The Dalles: $2,368

 

Group B

Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association, Hood River: $5,000

North Central total: $7,368

 

North Coast

Group A

Arts Council of Clatsop County, Astoria: $2,368

Astoria Arts and Movement Center, Astoria: $2,368

Astoria Visual Arts, Inc, Astoria: $2,368

Bay City Pearl & Oyster Music Festival, Bay City: $2,368

C.C. Stern Type Foundry, Clatskanie: $2,368

Cartm, Manzanita: $2,368

Cascadia Concert Opera, Astoria: $2,368

Columbia Chorale of Oregon, Saint Helens: $2,368

Neah-Kah-Nie Coast Art Music and Cultural Foundation dba NCAM Foundation, Rockaway Beach: $2,368

Neskowin Chamber Music, Pacific City: $2,368

North Coast Chorale, Astoria: $2,368

One Tree Project, Warren: $2,368

The Writer’s Guild, Astoria: $2,368

Tolovana Arts Colony, Cannon Beach: $2,368

Trail’s End Art Association, Gearhart: $2,368

 

Group B

Hoffman Center for the Arts, Manzanita: $5,000

Liberty Restoration Inc., Astoria: $7,409

Ten Fifteen Productions, Astoria: $5,000

North Coast total: $52,929 

 

Northeast

Group A

Grande Ronde Symphony Association, La Grande: $2,368

 

Group B

Crossroads Creative and Performing Arts Center Inc., Baker City: $5,916

Eastern Oregon Regional Arts Council Inc DBA Art Center East, La Grande: $5,000

Fishtrap Inc, Enterprise: $5,916

Friends of the Opera House, Elgin: $5,916

Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph: $5,423

Northeast, total: $30,539

 

South Central

Group A

Klamath Folk Alliance (aka Klamath Music), Klamath Falls: $2,368

 

Group B

PLAYA, Summer Lake: $5,423

South Central, total: $7,791

 

South Coast|
Group A

Dolphin Players Inc., Coos Bay: $2,368

Oregon Coast School of Art, Gardiner: $2,368

Redfish Music Festival, Port Orford: $2,368

Riverbend Live!, Winston: $2,368

 

Group B

Artula Institute for Art and Environmental Education, Bandon: $7,619

Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay: $5,000

Egyptian Theater Preservation Association, Coos Bay: $5,000

Umpqua Valley Arts Association, Roseburg: $5,916

South Coast total: $33,007 

 

 

Southern

Group A

Art Presence, Inc., Jacksonville: $2,368

Ashland New Plays Festival, Ashland: $2,368

Fusion Performing Arts Alliance, Grants Pass: $2,368

Guitar Society of Southern Oregon, Ashland: $2,368

Jefferson Pipe Band, Gold Hill: $2,368

Kapi Oanuenue, Ashland: $2,368

North American Folk Music & Dance Alliance dba Ashland Flute Circle, Medford: $2,368

Rogue Valley Wind Ensemble dba Rogue Valley Symphonic Band, Talent: $2,368

Siskiyou Singers Inc., Ashland: $2,368

Siskiyou Violins, Medford: $2,368

Southern Oregon Film Society, Ashland: $2,368

Southern Oregon Guild, Cave Junction: $2,368

 

Group B

Anima Mundi Productions, Phoenix: $5,000

Camelot Theatre Company, Talent: $7,523

Collaborative Theatre Project Inc, Medford: $5,000

Grants Pass Museum of Art, Grants Pass: $5,000

Peter Britt Gardens Arts and Music Festival Association, Medford: $15,776

Rogue Valley Art Association, Medford: $5,000

Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, Ashland: $5,000

Southern Oregon University Foundation – Chamber Music Concerts, Ashland: $5,000

Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon, Medford: $5,000

Southern total: $86,715

 

South Valley/Mid Coast

Group A

Applegate Art Guild, Veneta: $2,368

Applegate Regional Theatre Inc, Veneta: $2,368

Artist Studio Association, Lincoln City: $2,368

Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene, Eugene: $2,368

Coastal Voices, Newport: $2,368

Corvallis Guitar Society, Corvallis: $2,368

DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon, Eugene: $2,368

Eugene Gay Men’s Chorus, Eugene: $2,368

Eugene Springfield Community Orchestra, Eugene: $2,368

Florence Regional Arts Alliance, Florence: $2,368

Free Shakespeare in the Park Theatre Company, Eugene: $2,368

Integrated Arts (DBA Harmonic Laboratory), Eugene: $2,368

Mid-Valley Productions, Albany: $2,368

New Zone Gallery, Eugene: $2,368

Oregon Brass Society, Eugene: $2,368

Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival Association, Newport: $2,368

Rose Women’s Choir, Eugene: $2,368

Pacific International Choral Festivals, Eugene: $2,368

Santiam Hearts to Arts, Mill City: $2,368

Scandinavian Cultural Foundation, Junction City: $2,368

Soromundi Lesbian Chorus of Eugene, Eugene: $2,368

Tri-County Performing Arts Inc aka Generations Arts Academy, Harrisburg: $2,368

Willamette Valley Symphony, Albany: $2,368

Women’s Choral Society, Springfield: $2,368

 

Group B

Adventure! Children’s Museum, Eugene: $5,000

Arts & Culture Project dba Radiant Arts, Eugene: $5,000

Ballet Fantastique, Eugene: $6,051

Chamber Music Amici, Eugene: $5,000

Community Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene: $6,062

Comunidad y Herencia Cultural, Springfield: $5,000

Corvallis Arts Center Inc., Corvallis: $5,916

Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, Corvallis: $5,000

Corvallis Youth Symphony Association, Corvallis: $5,000

Cottage Theatre, Cottage Grove: $5,423

Eugene Ballet Company, Eugene: $11,832

Eugene Concert Choir Inc, Eugene: $5,916

Eugene Opera, Eugene: $5,916

Eugene Springfield Youth Orchestras, Eugene: $5,423

Eugene Symphony Association Inc., Eugene: $11,832

Instaballet, Eugene: $5,000

Joint Forces Dance Company, Eugene: $5,000

Lane Arts Council, Eugene: $8,140

Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts, Eugene: $5,916

Maude I. Kerns Art Center, Eugene: $5,423

Maxtivity, Philomath: $5,000

Neskowin Coast Foundation aka Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Otis: $8,213

Orchestra Next, Eugene: $5,000

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, Newport: $7,465

Oregon Contemporary Theatre, Eugene: $6,042

Oregon Mozart Players, Eugene: $5,000

Polly Plumb Productions, Yachats: $5,000

Shedd Institute for the Arts, The John G., Eugene: $11,832

Siletz Bay Music Festival, Lincoln City: $5,000

University of Oregon – Oregon Bach Festival, Eugene: $10,627

Willamette Jazz Society, Eugene: $5,000

Wordcrafters in Eugene, Eugene: $5,000

South Valley/Mid Coast total: $259,861 

 

 

Grant category key:
Group A organizations operate with annual expenses less than $150,000.
Group B organizations operate with annual expenses equal to or greater than $150,000.

 

Region and counties key:

Central (Jefferson, Deschutes and Crook Counties)

Greater Eastern North (Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, Wheeler and Grant Counties)

Greater Eastern South (Harney and Malheur Counties)

Portland Metro (Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties)   

Mid-Valley (Yamhill, Polk and Marion Counties) 

North Central (Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties)

North Coast (Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook Counties) 

Northeast (Wallowa, Union and Baker Counties)

South Central (Klamath and Lake Counties)

South Coast (Douglas, Coos and Curry Counties)

South Valley/Mid-Coast (Lincoln, Benton, Linn and Lane Counties)

Southern (Josephine and Jackson Counties) 

 

                   

 

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at artscommission.oregon.gov.

The City of Richland wants to remind residents they are invited to attend a community meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2025, to learn more about the upcoming Little Badger Mountain Loop Trail Project. The meeting will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Richland Community Center - Meeting Room, located at 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland, WA 99352.

 

As envisioned in the City’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, the Little Badger Mountain Loop Trail project at Queensgate Drive will feature a natural interpretive loop, a trailhead parking area, and a future Gage Road extension.

 

During the meeting, project staff will provide a brief presentation outlining the project’s background and next steps, followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and share feedback.

 

Community participation is encouraged as the City continues to expand its network of trails and open spaces that connect residents to Richland’s natural landscape.

 

For more information about the meeting or the Little Badger Mountain Loop Trail project, visit www.richandparksandrec.com or contact the Richland Community Center at 509-942-7529.

 

Bend Fire & Rescue responded to two reported house fires within 90 minutes of each other. Both were linked to home heating causes.
 

At 11am Bend Fire was called to a home on Evie Dr where occupants reported smoke coming from their fireplace. The fire was found to be limited to the gas insert fireplace. Wood had been added to the gas fireplace insert and turned on. The wood ignited and, as the fireplace was not designed for this type of fire, started to smoke inside the house and through exterior vent. The fire was extinguished with minimal damage to the house and contents, but the insert will need to be replaced. All 3 occupants evacuated safely, and damage was limited to the insert, about $2500.
 

This is a good reminder to always use heating appliances as designed. Whether it’s a gas fireplace insert, a space heater, or outdoor propane heater, always follow the manufacturers guidelines on safe operation. A common issue we see this time of year is when outdoor heaters are brought into unventilated spaces such as garages, shops, or enclosed tents. The outdoor heaters produce a large quantity of carbon monoxide. If the heaters are not ventilated the CO can build up and create a hazardous atmosphere.
 

The second fire was reported at 12:20 by the property owner on Deschutes Market Rd. The owner was on site and had lit a fire in a woodstove inside an unused manufactured home. Shortly after the fire started, smoke was seen coming from the roof and he called 911. Crews arrived quickly and began fighting the fire. The high winds today spread the fire in the concealed roof space as crews attempted to extinguish it. The fire was eventually stopped but the 1978 manufactured home is considered a complete loss ($10,000).

In this case the woodstove had not been used for many years and it’s unknown the condition of the flue or attic space before the fire was started. Having your woodstove inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional can greatly lessen the chance of these types of fires. They can ensure the flue is still properly connected, that no combustibles have made contact with the flue in the past year, and that the flue is thoroughly cleaned from any creosote buildup.  Burning clean dry firewood will ensure a good clean fire and reduce the creosote buildup over the winter.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/heating/

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

 

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

Agenda Items:

 

1. Introductions

 

2. Approve August 19, 2025, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Christopher Mattison, PSI No. 088425

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

 

4. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0120, 259-060-0130, 259-060-0135, 259-060-0136, 259-060-0300, 259-060-0310, 259-060-0320, and 259-060-0380

   Related to Emergency Suspension

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

 

5. Agency Update

 

6. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – February 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

 

Administrative Announcement

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

SALEM, Oregon— As this year comes to a close, Oregon State Parks is looking back on 2025 and planning for the 2026 season.  

 

This year Oregon State Parks welcomed millions of visitors, maintained nearly 1,000 miles of trails, hosted hundreds of events including mushroom hikes and star parties and finished dozens of projects from the restoration of the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse to repaving the campground at Silver Falls State Park.  

 

State parks also updated many of its fees to reflect increasing costs and decreasing Oregon State Lottery funding. Depending on the fee, the last update was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago.

 

Staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors for the 2026 season with guided hikes, seasonal events and outdoor adventures. To help visitors enjoy the more than 250 state parks and know what to expect next year, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department gathered the upcoming updates in one place.  

 

Winter 2025: 

• Green Friday (Nov. 28):  Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits on Green Friday. 

 

Beginning January 1, 2026: 

• First Day Hike (Jan. 1): Guided hikes at select parks. Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits for First Day Hikes. 

• 12-month parking permits will increase from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and to $75 for out-of-state residents due to the out-of-state surcharge.  

• 24-month parking permits will not be sold in 2026. Existing permits will be honored until they expire.  

• Oregon State Parks will no longer sell Oregon Pacific Coast Passports but will honor passports purchased in 2025 until they expire.  

• Oregon State Parks will no longer honor Jackson County parking permits. 

 

Winter/Spring 2026 

• OPRD is considering updates to its Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy. The proposed changes would update the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting as soon as Feb. 2026. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellation. Public comment is expected to run from December 1 to January 15, 2026. Final approval is required by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission. 
   
• Additional parks will require a parking fee. The specific parks and implementation date is still being finalized. 
   
• Implement fees to use dump stations at Oregon State Parks to support the cost of that service.  
   
• State Parks Day (June 6), will continue to offer free parking for Oregon residents. Camping fees will no longer be waived on that day pending approval of the proposed Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy updates.  

“The changes are critical to sustaining state park operations and services now and for the future. We appreciate visitors’ continued support as these necessary changes are implemented,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director (OPRD) Director Lisa Sumption.  

 

OPRD is projecting at $14 million budget shortfall this biennium due to decreasing lottery revenue, increasing costs and a long-standing need for more sustainable funding.  OPRD does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.  

 

OPRD will continue to review and update fees and operations to keep providing high-quality visitor experiences and sustain parks now and in the future. 

 

In addition to increasing fees, OPRD is also streamlining costs, planning to add more cabins and yurts to expand capacity and increase revenue and looking for new partnerships and sponsorships to help build a more sustainable funding future. 

The Oregon State Marine Board filed a notice of proposed rulemaking with the Secretary of State’s Office on October 30, to solicit public comments on the proposed rule language to implement the Waterway Access Permit whitewater exemption per HB 2982 from the 2025 legislative session. The exemption pertains to boats under 10 feet in length, engaging in Class IV or higher whitewater runs that are not accessible from an improved boating facility.

 

The Marine Board approved the staff recommendation referencing GIS technology as a better aid to boaters for visualizing specific waterways with Class IV and higher whitewater rapids, where permits would be exempt. Using this map application and a new data layer, boaters can select the “Proposed Whitewater Exemption” layer to comment on the specific river segments being proposed for the permit exemption. Visit the agency’s Boat Oregon Online Map.

 

Agency staff compiled the data with assistance from the American Whitewater Association and additional references to whitewater rapid segments, combined with Marine Board data on waterway access facilities.  

 

Additionally, agency staff will hold a hybrid-style public hearing on December 4, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm. The meeting will be held at the agency’s office, 435 Commercial Street NE, in Salem. The public can also participate online. The Board will meet in January 2026, and may make a motion to adopt, amend, or take other action on the proposed rulemaking.

 

Written comments will be accepted until December 15, by 11:55 pm. Comments can be submitted by email to .rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov?subject=Public%20comment%20on%20HB%202982%20WW%20Exemption">osmb.rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. Mail to Jennifer Cooper, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. Testimony will not be accepted by telephone.

 

Additional Resources:

• October meeting materials from the Marine Board’s Public Meetings page and public hearing information, including the virtual public hearing link.
• New Rules and Notices page with the notice for public comment.

-End-

PASCO, WA – November 5, 2025 - Columbia Basin College (CBC) Associated Students of CBC and Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society in collaboration with Washington State Target Zero and local fire, police and EMT services, today announced they are hosting The Last Drive Distracted Driving awareness campaign on the Pasco campus to call attention to the perils of distracted driving – including texting and impairment due to substance influence. These behaviors in conjunction with the non-use of seatbelts while driving is the #1 reason for fatal deaths among young adults ages 18-25.
 

The events include:

• Wednesday, November 5, 10am - 2 pm, Gjerde Center Atrium: series of interactive activities simulating the effects of distracted driving hosted by representatives from Washington State Target Zero and local fire, police and EMT.  
• Wednesday – Friday, November 5-7, HUB outside core area: Display of white crosses accompanied by multiple informative messages including social media interaction with Target Zero and MADD. Students are encouraged to post their experiences and learnings via social media tagging #MADD.

Distracted driving has severe and far-reaching effects, primarily accidents resulting in injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage.   Beyond physical harm, consequences include significant financial burdens, psychological trauma and legal penalties.  There are multiple types of distracted driving including texting, phone conversations, radio, GPS units, passengers, children, food & beverage, substance abuse, personal grooming and emotional distress – however texting while driving is the leading cause of distraction and its risks are most commonly ignored by young adults aged 18-25.
 

 

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Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities since 1955. CBC’s mission is to inspire, educate, and support all students in an environment of academic excellence leading to the completion of degrees, certifications, and educational transfers, while fostering meaningful employment, engaged citizenship, and a life-long joy of learning. CBC offers both two and four-year degrees and one-year Certificates.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Centralia, Washington, man pleaded guilty yesterday to damaging a Portland area energy facility.

 

Nathaniel Cheney, 31, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of damaging an energy facility.

 

According to court documents, on November 28, 2022, Cheney and others caused $26,000 of damage to the Sunnyside substation in Clackamas, Oregon, by damaging the control equipment necessary for the operation of the substation.

 

On March 12, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Cheney with damaging an energy facility.

 

Cheney faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on February 18, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

 

As part of the plea agreement, Cheney has agreed to pay restitution in full as recommended by the government.

 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau Investigation with assistance from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Parakram Singh and Geoffrey Barrow, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

 

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November 5, 2025

Media Contact:  Kim Lippert erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831

Innovative high school program equips students for behavioral health careers

SALEM, Ore. –An initiative to build a more diverse, culturally responsive behavioral health workforce is preparing Oregon students for a future career in the field.     

High school juniors and seniors are gaining real world experience to explore potential career paths in behavioral health through the High School Behavioral Health Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant program offered in the Salem- Keizer School District and—new this school year—in Sunset-Beaverton and Lane County school districts. 

“Students report the program is helping them prepare for their future and understand themselves and others better,” said Casey Reid, PhD, behavioral health pathway specialist, Lane Education Service District. “We are excited to prepare Oregon’s future behavioral health workforce and build the culture of schools along the way in ways that are supportive of students and communities.” 

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is supporting three High School Behavioral Health CTE programs for the first time with $185,000 grant funding from Senate Bill 5525, passed in 2023. This is the Salem-Keizer School District’s second year with their Behavioral Health CTE program and the first year for Sunset- Beaverton and Lane County School districts’ behavioral health CTE programs. 

 “These programs are doing more than preparing students for careers,” said OHA OHA’s Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “They’re creating access, breaking down barriers and building a future where Oregon’s behavioral health workforce reflects the communities it serves.”

Here are some highlights from the first year of funding: 

Salem-Keizer Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) 

• 43 students completed paid internships under the supervision of industry professionals.
• 20 students earned Peer Support Specialist (PSS) certifications.
• 25 students earned Qualified Mental Health Associate – Registered (QMHA-R) certifications.
• Provided paid transportation to rural students, ensuring equitable access to the program.

Sunset-Beaverton School District 

• 16 students completed the first year of the new CTE pilot program (51 students are enrolled for 2025–26).
• Funding helped convert classroom space into clinical-style environments and hire a full-time program coordinator.
• Program recognition by the Oregon Department of Education expanded access to students from all 27 district high schools.

 Lane County School District 

• 41 currently enrolled students represent nine high schools (four programs are on-site and one is a fully online pilot launched this fall — the first in Oregon).
• All program educators received certification in Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid.
• Students are collaborating with community organizations to create peer support programs to bring timely help directly to schools.

The High School Behavioral Health CTE program supports OHA’s strategic plan to eliminate health inequities by 2030, contributing to a trained behavioral health workforce that reflects the lived experiences and cultural backgrounds of Oregon’s youth. 

For more information on the High School Behavioral Health CTE programs visit:  

https://ctec.salkeiz.k12.or.us/programs/behavior-health-and-human-services  

 https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/teaching-learning/student-programs/career-technical-education-cte/behavioral-health-at-sunset

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Payton White, age 16, a child in foster care who went missing from Happy Valley on Oct. 31. She is believed to be in danger.

 

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

 

Payton is known to be on 82nd St. in Portland and Clackamas. Payton has made statements about traveling to California.

 

Name: Payton White
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Dec. 26, 2008
Height: 5-feet
Weight: 120 pounds
Hair: Black
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: Payton has a tattoo of a crown on her left forearm, it is about 2 inches in size.
Clackamas Sheriff’s Case #25-0022-949
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2066715

 

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

 

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

 

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SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet for a virtual special meeting starting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Members of the public are welcome to view the special meeting on the department’s YouTube channel.

 

The board’s business agenda includes:

• Draft Forest Management Plan performance measures

The agenda is available on the board’s webpage. Live public testimony will be taken during this special meeting. Sign-up is required and instructions to provide live testimony are available online.

 

Written testimony may be submitted by emailing oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov prior to the meeting date. To account for the time board members need to review the written testimony, consider sending written testimony by close of business on Friday, Nov. 14. Submissions should include the meeting date and agenda item number/topic header with the written submission.

 

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at boardofforestry@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.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Seaside, Oregon, woman pleaded guilty today to stealing more than $567,000 in pandemic unemployment benefits from the Oregon Employment Department (OED).

 

Tamara Fulmer, 47, pleaded guilty today to one count of Theft of Government Benefits.

 

According to court documents, between May 2020 and October 2021, Fulmer used the personal information of 27 individuals to fraudulently apply for pandemic unemployment insurance benefits (UI benefits).

 

Based on Fulmer’s misrepresentations, OED paid out $567,930 in UI benefits. Fulmer deposited at least 236 UI checks totaling $68,773 into her own personal account and cashed many of the UI checks at a gas station in Seaside without the applicant’s knowledge or permission.

 

OED paid Fulmer an additional $13,353 after she submitted her own fraudulent UI application where she falsely claimed she had not applied for or received disability despite receiving disability payments since 2004.

 

On February 19, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a one-count indictment charging Fulmer with Theft of Government Property.

 

Fulmer faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on February 18, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

 

As part of the plea agreement, Fulmer has agreed to forfeit the proceeds from her criminal activity and pay $581,283 in restitution as recommended by the government.

 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

 

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Tillamook State Forest, Ore--The bridge gate at the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Tillamook Forest Center (TFC) has been selected as part of the 50-for-50 initiative. The campaign, developed by the Oregon Arts Commission, chose 50 works of art to mark 50 years of the one percent for art program for public buildings. 

 

“We are thrilled to have the gate chosen as one of the 50 artworks out of nearly 3,000 to represent Oregon’s connection to art in public places,” said Densie Berkshire, Director of the Tillamook Forest Center.

The functional gate made of Douglas-fir and galvanized steel was installed in 2008 on the footbridge over the Wilson River at the back entrance to the TFC. The overall shape of the gate echoes the architectural form of the Tillamook Interpretive Center's facade, while the design represents a new tree growing from a nurse stump.

 

“A nurse log is the result of a past generation which creates an opening in the canopy promoting future growth; from a past life comes the bedding and nutrients for the future,” said Eric Robertson the artist who created the gate.  “The Tillamook Forest Center offers the experience and knowledge of the past to encourage generations with a new understanding of their relationship to the natural environment."

 

The Tillamook Forest Center is the region’s largest forest-based learning center and outdoor classroom facility, located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest. The TFC is staffed by ODF employees and a dedicated group of volunteers.

 

“Our mission is to help people build a deeper connection with Oregon’s state forests through experience and exploration,” said Berkshire.  “We have many innovative programs and hands-on exhibits in the 13,500 square-foot center aimed at helping visitors gain a greater understanding about what a forest is, the unique history of the Tillamook State Forest, and how it is managed today.  Art like this gate is just another great way to help people to connect with the forest.”

 

According to the Oregon Arts Commission, the “50 for 50” campaign is an invitation to rediscover Oregon through the lens of public art. Located in state buildings and public spaces from Portland to Pendelton, these works are available for all to enjoy. They exemplify the program’s mission to make art an integral part of daily life while encouraging the exploration of Oregon’s rich landscapes and communities.

 

The “50 for 50” campaign includes:

Interactive Maps: Plan a journey to view the 50 works and explore the broader collection;

Archival Highlights: Access historical documents and process materials through a dedicated “50 for 50” digital portal; and

Collection Insights: Learn more about the history of public art in Oregon and the artists who have contributed to the collection.

To read and see more about the bridge and other 49 chosen works go here: 50 for 50: Celebrating 50 Years of Oregon's - Public Art

 

The TFC is located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest at milepost 22 of State Highway 6.  The center’s fall hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The center closes to the public for the winter beginning Dec. 1.

 

Consider combining viewing the river gate with their next “big” event at the TFC—the Rain Festival Nov. 15-16.  The festival celebrates Oregon’s rainy season in the forest with: Mushroom Walks at 11:30 a.m. each day, rain-related crafts, displays, a special typewriter with a forest view, and an outdoor salmon migration game. Start or finish the day at the rainy fashion photo booth to show off your rain gear and share on social media. 

 

For more on the TFC exhibits, unique outdoor areas and special events see the TFC homepage.

 

 

 

 

The attached note is a clarification for the Elliott State Research Forest that is now managed by the Oregon Department of State Lands. The rest of the news release is unchanged.  

 

Note: The Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) was previously managed by the Department of Forestry under the Elliott State Forest Management Plan (OAR 629-035-0105(c)). This plan was adopted in 2011 and also provides the management direction for the lands owned by the Board of Forestry that occur within and around the ESRF. The Legislature and State Land Board have taken action to change the legal requirements and mandates associated with former Common School Fund Lands within the ESRF, and the Department of State Lands is now managing the ESRF consistent with the Elliott State Research Forest Management Plan (October 2024). This rulemaking and the adoption of the Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan will have no impact on the management of the ESRF (including its Habitat Conservation Plan), and will only apply to the lands that remain under the management of the Department of Forestry.    

 

Original news release:

 

SALEM, ORE. - The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has filed a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for a proposed rule change to adopt a new Forest Management Plan (FMP) for western Oregon state forest lands managed by the department.  

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

We see it in the headlines: Oregon hospitals are struggling. After years of not being able to make ends meet, they have been forced to make tough choices to cut services and lay off staff.

 

The ripple effects of these decisions impact us all, with services farther away from home or unavailable and with necessary medical appointments sometimes only available months into the future. These are symptoms of a system in crisis. Oregon’s health care system is on an unstainable path and needs urgent intervention.

 

H.R. 1, the federal tax legislation passed this summer, will have significant and negative impacts on Oregon’s budget and health care system. As legislators and agency officials begin to grapple with their new post-H.R. 1 funding reality, it’s critical they focus on strengthening the foundation of health care funding in our state—a strong, vibrant economy. 

 

In Oregon, hospitals are often the largest or among the largest employers in their regions. Though we hang our hat, and rightfully so, on being home to companies like Intel and Nike, Oregon’s largest employer is Providence. In the Portland metro area, the hub of economic activity for the state, three of the five largest employers are hospitals.

 

With hospitals employing nearly 70,000 people and generating $32.4 billion in economic activity, it’s clear they are major contributors to our economy. But their success hinges on a thriving private sector.

 

Just as we can't have a strong Oregon without strong hospitals, we also can't have strong hospitals without a strong economy. It’s that simple. A healthy economy fuels strong employers and strong employers are the backbone of a health care system that works for everyone.

 

Why? Because as Oregon Business & Industry notes, the private sector generates the economic activity that funds wages, philanthropy, and government services. When it comes to health care funding, the private sector pays the taxes that support Oregon’s state government, including publicly funded safety net health care programs. And as importantly, the private sector provides good jobs with good commercial health insurance.  

 

This matters because in Oregon we rely heavily on the commercially insured population to help cover the cost of care for everyone.

 

State policies have systematically underfunded our health care system assuming that others—mainly people with commercial health insurance—will make up the difference. Today, the Oregon Health Plan and Medicare pay hospitals just $0.56 and $0.71 cents per dollar of cost, respectively.

 

The consequence is clear: Oregon’s health care system leans heavily on commercial payments. But the commercially insured population is smaller than the national average—just 51% of Oregonians compared to more than 65% nationally—and continues to shrink. That means a smaller and smaller slice of the population is shouldering an ever-growing share of health care costs, putting enormous pressure on both hospitals and the broader system.

 

With the state’s economy losing steam, this problem is only going to get worse. So far this year, Oregon has lost more jobs per month than it did during the Great Recession. Key sectors like manufacturing have slumped. Good jobs are hard to find in many areas of our state.

 

Faced with both our hospitals and our state’s economy on shaky ground, we need state agencies and our legislators to work together to change this trajectory. Without course correction, Oregon won’t be able to weather the looming cuts resulting from H.R. 1.

 

The good news is that many of the issues straining the economic health of both hospitals and businesses can be addressed at the state level. There is an opportunity for the state to get Oregon back on track.

 

Earlier this year, Oregon Business & Industry released its Regulatory Impact Analysis. It found that across sectors, Oregon businesses are among the most regulated in the nation and that each year businesses are facing new, additional hurdles challenging their ability to compete in their respective markets.

 

These findings echo the challenges we face in health care where Oregon hospitals are subject to more than three times the number of regulations than the national average. Many of these policies, while well intended, have resulted in higher costs for patients while not improving their quality of care.

 

The state’s patchwork approach to regulation is draining Oregon of its economic vitality. Instead of being leading edge, it has positioned Oregon to be on the leaving edge as we see services, businesses, and our population vote with their feet and choose to grow elsewhere.

 

Fixing health care in Oregon starts with strengthening our economy. By supporting our businesses, we ensure a strong foundation for a health care system that works for everyone.

-Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon

Nearly half of Oregon health care workers not vaccinated against flu

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is alerting consumers that the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is currently paused due to the federal government shutdown. The congressional authorization for the program lapsed, which is affecting policyholders trying to renew coverage and people buying homes across the country, including Oregon.

 

DFR wants to make sure Oregonians understand how this may affect them, what steps to take, and provide resources. During the federal government shutdown:

• No new or renewed NFIP policies. NFIP cannot issue new policies or renew existing ones until Congress reauthorizes the program. 
• Current NFIP policies stay active. If you already have a flood insurance policy through NFIP, it will stay in effect until its expiration date. 
• Claims may still be paid, but delays are possible. NFIP will continue paying claims with the funds it has on hand. If those funds run out during the shutdown, payments could be delayed. 
• Some home sales could be delayed. If you are buying a home in a high-risk flood area, flood insurance is usually required for federally backed loans. Without access to NFIP policies, closings may be postponed until the program resumes. 
• Private flood insurance may be an option. Some private insurance companies offer flood policies. These can provide coverage during the NFIP lapse.

What you can do:

• Check your policy. If your flood insurance renewal is approaching or your application is pending, immediately contact your insurance agent to learn about your options.
• If you are buying a home in a flood zone, be aware. Let your real-estate agent, lender, and insurance agent know about NFIP’s pause. You may need to explore private flood insurance to keep your closing on track.
• Ask about private options. Some insurance companies can provide flood coverage through the private market. Talk to your agent to compare coverage and costs.
• Keep your coverage current. If you already have NFIP coverage, continue making your payments and keep your documents handy. Your policy remains valid until it expires.
• Stay informed. Once Congress reauthorizes NFIP, new and renewal policies will start again. For the latest information, it is always best to talk to your insurance agent. 

“While we hope Congress acts quickly to restart the NFIP, this reminds us how important it is to be prepared for flooding and to know your insurance options,” said TK Keen, Oregon’s acting insurance commissioner. “If you have questions or problems, our advocates are ready to help.”

 

DFR’s consumer advocates can be reached at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. For more information, go to floodsmart.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.

Improving worker safety and health in Oregon’s pulp, paper, and forest products industries will get the spotlight during a conference held Dec. 2-5 in Portland. Attendees will have opportunities to connect with each other, discuss new or emerging topics, and to refresh their safety and health knowledge. Topics include chemical safety, effective communication, safety leadership, electrical safety, air monitoring, and control of hazardous energy.

 

Although the 33rd annual Western Pulp, Paper & Forest Products Safety & Health Conference focuses on safety and health issues in the pulp, paper, and forest products industries, the event also offers learning opportunities that apply to many other workplaces. Those sessions include nutrition and wellness in the workplace; tools for creating effective safety committees; heat-illness prevention; root cause analysis; and resources for improving driver safety.

 

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is one of several partners presenting the four-day conference at the Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront in Portland.

 

The conference will feature a keynote presentation Tuesday, Dec. 3. Matt Pomerinke, safety specialist for Smurfit WestRock in Longview, Washington, will address how workplace accidents and injuries go well beyond immediate outcomes, with long-lasting effects for everyone, including family, friends, and co-workers.

 

The conference will include exhibits, company safety meetings, roundtable discussions, and numerous workshops.

 

Sessions include:

 

• Planning for Emergencies for Our Daily Lives
• Trust Me – It’s Safe! Psyching You Out With Psychological Safety
• Hand Safety
• Hazardous Line Breaking: Program Overview and Best Practices
• Health Impacts of Occupational Exposures in the Wood Products Industry: Evaluating Risk
• So You Think You Know OSHA Codes – Test Your Safety Knowledge!
• Fundamentals of Keeping Steam and Condensate
• Synthetic Ropes in the Forest Products Industry

 

The registration fee is $450 to attend the full conference. The fee to attend one day – Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday – is $150. It is $50 for Friday. To register, go to safetyseries.cventevents.com/wppfp25.

 

If you have questions or need help registering, call the Oregon OSHA Conference Section at 503-947-7411, or email egon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov">oregon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

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About Oregon OSHA:

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

 

 

 

On Thursday, November 6, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the contractor for the South George Washington Way Improvements Project will close the outside (west side) southbound lane of George Washington Way, as well as the west leg of the intersection at Aaron Drive / Adams Street, to accommodate necessary asphalt patching.

 

During this time:

• The west leg of Aaron Drive / Adams Street will be closed.
• Southbound traffic on George Washington Way will be reduced to one lane.
• The northbound left turn lane into Aaron Drive will also be closed.
• Detour: Access to Aaron Drive will be maintained via Goethals Drive and Comstock Street, following the same detour route implemented earlier this week during the previous Aaron Drive closure.

 

The southbound lane closure is consistent with periodic closures that have occurred throughout the duration of this project.

 

Motorists are encouraged to follow posted detour signs, use caution in the construction zone, and allow for extra travel time.

 

For more information visit richlandwa.gov/SouthGWay.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, James Iven Moore, died the afternoon of November 3, 2025. Moore was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Moore entered DOC custody on December 19, 2024, from Lane County with an earliest release date of January 25, 2031. Moore was 70 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.

 

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

 

Lucy Caroline Shepherd, 28, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

 

According to court documents, on October 31, 2025, federal officers deployed outside the gates of the ICE facility to clear the vehicle entrance for vehicles to exit the facility. Shepherd struck an officer’s arm and was arrested by officers.

 

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 38 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed near ICE facilities, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

 

Shepherd made her first appearance in federal court today 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.

 

# # #

Good afternoon,

 

Please see the attached release regarding our school board being recognized a “Board of Distinction” by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA).

 

Thanks

 

 

A Champion for Yakima Families: Graciela Villanueva’s Leadership Legacy

By Trevor Greene | Superintendent, Yakima School District

Yakima, WA — The Yakima School District and the broader Yakima Valley community will honor the service and leadership of Graciela Villanueva on November 5, 2025, 4:00 pm, at Lewis & Clark Middle School. Villanueva, who is stepping down after more than a decade of service as a director on the Yakima School Board, currently serves as Vice President of the Board and represents Position 1.  She leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, compassion, and unwavering commitment to student success.

Originally appointed in 2011 and subsequently elected to three terms, Villanueva helped guide the Yakima School District through years of transformation. During her tenure, the district established dual language programming, expanded mental health supports, increased graduation rates, and earned numerous awards — including four Board of Distinction honors and the current Large District School Board of the Year for the state of Washington.

"Graciela has been a powerful voice for equity and opportunity," said Superintendent Dr. Trevor Greene. "Her lived experience, deep understanding of organizational leadership, HR background, and tireless belief in students helped shape a culture where putting kids first isn’t just a phrase — it’s policy."

Villanueva is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, one of the region’s largest community health organizations. Her professional work mirrors her public service: creating pathways to opportunity for underserved communities, advancing inclusive practices, and mentoring the next generation of Yakima leaders.

Raised in the Yakima Valley and a graduate of Heritage University and Washington State University, Villanueva has long described herself as “a product of the very systems she now works to improve.” In an interview with Hispanic Executive magazine, she reflected on her commitment to addressing the barriers her own family experienced. “It’s not just about policy,” she said. “It’s about purpose. And people.”

Throughout her board service, Villanueva helped prioritize legislative advocacy, championing state-level efforts to expand Local Effort Assistance and close funding gaps for communities like Yakima. She worked closely with fellow board members, elected officials, and community groups to ensure Yakima’s voice was heard in Olympia.

She also served as a visible role model for young Latinas in the Yakima Valley. “Representation matters,” said Board President Ryan Beckett. “Graciela didn’t just lead — she inspired. Our students saw someone who looked like them, who came from the greater Yakima community, and who never stopped fighting for their future.”

Villanueva’s final months on the board were marked by continued progress — and celebration. This fall, the Board received its fourth Board of Distinction award in five years, recognized by the Washington State School Directors’ Association for its “visionary leadership and deep commitment to educational equity.”

Reflecting on her service, Villanueva said she is proud of the work the board accomplished — and optimistic about what lies ahead. “Serving the students and families of Yakima has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” she said. “I’ll continue to be their advocate — just from a different seat.”

Nov. 3, 2025

Contact: Amy Bacher,  acher2@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">Amy.Bacher2@oha.oregon.gov (media inquiries)

Contact: Jordin Heath, din.e.heath@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">jordin.e.heath@oha.oregon.gov 503-480-5707 (administrative support)

Health Care Workforce Committee to meet Nov. 5 via Zoom

What: A public meeting of the Health Care Workforce Committee

When: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 9:30am-11:30am

Public comment will be 9:45am-9:55am

Where: Virtual Meeting Only. The public can join remotely via Zoom or a conference line.

Join ZoomGov Meeting

Meeting ID: 161 401 7530

Passcode: 158292

Agenda: 

1. Convene Health Care Workforce Committee (Welcome, Introductions/Roll Call and Agenda Overview, and Review of Health Equity Definition and Health Equity Framework) 9:30-9:40am
2. Review and Approval of Draft September Meeting Summary 9:40-9:45am
3. Public Comment 9:45-9:55am
4. OHPB and OHA Updates 9:55-10:10am
5. HCWF Committee Membership (Membership Slate for 2026, Farewell to Members, Chair and Vice-Chair Roles 10:10-10:35am
6. Break 10:35-10:45am
7. Planning for HealthCare Workforce Needs Assessment 2027 10:45am-11:25am
8. Next Steps and Adjourn 11:25-11:30am

Next Meeting: Jan. 7, 2026, 10:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.    

For more information, please visit the Workforce Committee’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hpa/hp-hcw/pages/index.aspx

The Workforce Committee welcomes hearing from community members on the matters discussed by the committee and its other bodies, and other topics the public wishes the committee to consider.  If you wish to offer public comment, we appreciate you letting Jordin Heath know in advance of the meeting, at: jordin.e.heath@oha.oregon.gov. Advance notice is not required to offer public comment at the meeting.  

# # #

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:

• 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 Jordin Heath

om@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">jordin.e.heath@oha.oregon.gov, 503-480-5707 at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Nov. 3, 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)

Melisa Otrugman ugman@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">melisa.z.otrugman@oha.oregon.gov (meeting information or accommodation)

Sustainable Cost Growth Target for 2026-2030 Workgroup meets Nov. 5

What: The third meeting of a short-term workgroup tasked to review economic trend data and recommend what Oregon’s cost growth target should be for 2026–2030.

When:  Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1 to 2:30 p.m.  

Where: This is a virtual meeting.

• Join by Zoom Meeting ID: 160 125 2494  | Passcode: 633497
• Join by Phone: One tap mobile

+16692545252,,1601252494# US (San Jose)

+16468287666,,1601252494# US (New York)

Agenda:

• Welcome, summary of meetings 1-2, regroup on intent / charge
• Review economic data and discuss potential targets
• Plan for meeting #4, next steps

Public Comment:

There will not be a public comment period held at this meeting. To submit public comment about the cost growth target for 2026-2030 or the Workgroup, please email it to e.CostTarget@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">HealthCare.CostTarget@oha.oregon.gov.

All public comments received will be shared with the Workgroup and posted online.

For more information, please visit the Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP/Pages/2026-2030-workgroup.aspx  

# # #

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:

• 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 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.

WorkSource Columbia Basin invites businesses and job seekers to our first ever Monthly Career Connection event, reviving the energy and purpose of pre-COVID career fairs.

 

Employers are encouraged to come ready to hire or provide a realistic timeline for hiring. This event is designed to foster meaningful connections that lead to employment, not just collect resumes. Laptops and computers will be available on-site so job seekers can apply immediately.

 

Space is limited to 10 employers, and registration is required by Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Businesses can register using the QR code on the flyer or by emailing wscbemployers@esd.wa.gov to receive a registration link.

 

Job seekers are invited to attend a Job Prep Day on Monday, November 17, 2025, to get ready for the Career Connection event. Resume assistance will be available at 10:00 AM, followed by job search and application support at 1:00 PM. These workshops help participants strengthen their resumes and apply to jobs ahead of time so they can walk into the career event prepared and confident. Pre-registration is encouraged on WorkSourceWA.com.

 

The Monthly Career Connection event will take place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at WorkSource Columbia Basin. In lieu of business attendance, WorkSource staff will be available to assist job seekers with resume support, job search guidance, and other employment services.

 

Let’s reignite hiring momentum; one month, one connection at a time. Join us, connect, and make it count.

 

Questions about the event? Contact us at 509.734.5900 Option 7 or at WSColumbiaBasin@esd.wa.gov

 

WorkSource and the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council are an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay 711.

WorkSource Columbia Basin programs receive support and funding from US Department of Labor grants. Read more about USDOL grant funding at Stevens Amendment | Benton-Franklin WDC (bentonfranklinwdc.com)

POLICE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

Salem – The Oregon Construction Contractors Board is investigating 68 potential violations after investigators visited 429 job sites looking for unlicensed contractors. This effort, which took place between October 13-24, was a part of a joint effort taking place over many states, coordinated by NASCLA (National Association of State Contractor Licensing Agencies). State licensing agencies associated with NASCLA all conducted their own efforts during this time.

 

During the event, CCB Field Investigators from around the state acted independently and in teams to discover unlicensed contractor activity. Efforts like this occur multiple times a year in different regions to show strong presence in the field and act as a deterrent for illegal construction activities, like working without a CCB license.

The findings:

• 25 percent of the proposed violations were in connection with advertising, bidding, or working without a contractor’s license.
• The majority of remaining proposed violations included:
  • Lead-based paint violations
  • Working with employees on the jobsite while in exempt status. In some of these cases, the contractor may not have the required workers’ compensation policy.
• Other violations span a range including no workers’ compensation insurance and no Assumed Business Name associated with the license (ABN).

A typical first-offense penalty for working without a license is $1,000 with subsequent violations resulting in fines of up to $5,000.

 

“During sweeps, we focus on a designated region and the entire team combs cities looking for anyone breaking construction law. Unlicensed contractors can undercut the bidding process, which could have negative repercussions for homeowners and licensed contractors,” said CCB Enforcement Manager Vena Swanson. “Unlicensed contractors are notorious for using methods that don’t meet industry standard, using sub-par building materials, and leaving homeowners at risk to pay workers compensation claims that occur on their property. Coordinated sweeps deter this illegal activity, while giving us the opportunity to find it and cite it.”

 

Who Needs a CCB License?

 

Anyone who repairs or remodels, as well as those who build new homes or businesses, must be licensed with the CCB. Contractors working on homes built before 1978 need special licensing and training to handle lead-based paint.

 

CCB’s Message: Check the License

 

CCB encourages all homeowners to check their contractor’s license before starting a home improvement project. Licensed contractors have a bond and insurance that offer some financial protections to the public. Also, homeowners may be able to get help from the CCB to resolve construction-related disputes if they use properly licensed contractors.

 

Consumers can check a contractor’s CCB license online at http://search.ccb.state.or.us/search/

 

Contractors and consumers can report unlicensed contractors and other illegal activity or verify licenses on the CCB’s website. Or, call 503-378-4621 to verify a license.

###

About the CCB

 

The CCB is the state agency licensing over 44,000 contractors. Anyone who is paid to repair, improve or build a home must be licensed. Learn more about how to have a successful project at www.oregon.gov/ccb.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Allison Mora, Public Health Program Manager
Coalition of Local Health Officials
971-480-0752
allison@oregonclho.org

Oregon Legislators Recognized as Public Health Champions as 2025 Session Fails to Fund Critical Health Investments

CLHO Releases Legislative Scorecard Highlighting Leadership While Calling on Governor, Legislative Leaders to Prioritize Public Health Funding

PORTLAND, OR – November 3rd, 2025 – Despite advancing its most ambitious public health agenda to date, the Coalition of Local Health Officials (CLHO) announced today that no new investments in Oregon's public health system were made during the 2025 legislative session. The organization's Legislative Scorecard recognizes lawmakers who championed public health priorities while highlighting the urgent need for future funding to support the state's underfunded public health infrastructure.

"The 2025 legislative session was a difficult one," said Sarah Lochner, CLHO Executive Director. "Economic uncertainty drove down Oregon's revenue forecast, leaving the Legislature with tough choices to make. But year after year, public health gets pushed aside—and Oregon's communities pay the price."

CLHO advanced a comprehensive public health agenda this session, advocating for investments in Public Health Modernization, the public health workforce, addiction primary prevention, and maternal and child health, along with stronger policies for synthetic nicotine regulation and taxation. But many proposals stalled in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means and never came to a full chamber vote, leaving Oregon's public health system underfunded yet again.

As a result, many legislators earned a 0% on this year's scorecard—not because they opposed public health, but because the Legislature failed to act on key bills that would have strengthened Oregon's health infrastructure.

Recognizing 2025 Public Health Champions

Despite the challenging session, several legislators demonstrated exceptional leadership on public health priorities, earning recognition as Public Health Champions, Rising Stars, and members of the Public Health Honor Roll.

Public Health Champions: Legislators who went above and beyond to advance public health this session, earning the highest tier of recognition on our scorecard. These champions also earned extra credit by repeatedly stepping up for public health.

• Rep. Rob Nosse – 143%

• Rep. Hai Pham – 143%

• Rep. Travis Nelson – 129%

• Sen. Deb Patterson – 117%

Public Health Rising Stars: Senators who demonstrated strong support for public health and the CLHO agenda, earning 100% and the second tier of recognition on this year's scorecard.

• Sen. Courtney Neron Misslin – 100%

• Sen. Floyd Prozanski – 100%

• Sen. James Manning, Jr. – 100%

Public Health Honor Roll: Legislators who stepped up, many for the first time, to support CLHO's top priorities and demonstrated a clear commitment to protecting and strengthening Oregon's public health system, scoring 100%.

• Rep. Tom Andersen

• Rep. Willy Chotzen

• Rep. Lisa Fragala

• Rep. Mark Gamba

• Rep. Shannon Isadore

• Rep. Lesly Munoz

• Rep. Hoa Nguyen

• Rep. Sue Rieke Smith

• Rep. Jules Walters

"We are grateful to the champions, rising stars, and others who stood up for public health during the 2025 session," Lochner said. "These legislators understand that a strong public health system isn't a luxury—it's the foundation of healthy communities and a thriving economy."

What Was at Stake

The scorecard focused on five of CLHO’s top legislative priorities, which included:

• HB 3916 – Public Health Workforce Package: Addressing critical staffing shortages in local health departments across Oregon

• HB 2954 – Addiction Primary Prevention: Investing in primary prevention programs to stop substance use before it starts

• HB 2528 – Synthetic Nicotine Regulation: Strengthening protections for youth against unregulated and emerging nicotine products

• Public Health Modernization Funding: Building a stronger, more flexible statewide public health system

• Maternal and Child Health Investments: Supporting healthy pregnancies and early childhood development

Without these investments, Oregon's local health departments continue to operate with limited resources, understaffed teams, and reduced capacity to respond to emerging health threats.

 “Flat funding is actually a funding decrease,” Lochner emphasized. “Rising staff costs mean the funding we have buys less this year than it did last year—so even maintaining current service levels becomes impossible.”

Call to Action

CLHO is urging Governor Kotek and legislative leadership to prioritize public health in future agency budgets and legislative sessions.

"Oregon can't afford to keep underfunding prevention," Lochner said. "We've seen what happens when we don't invest in public health—communities suffer, health disparities grow, health insurance costs skyrocket, and we end up spending more on crisis response instead of prevention. It's time for that to change."

The full scorecard, including detailed methodology, is available at oregonclho.org/advocacy.

About CLHO

The Coalition of Local Health Officials (CLHO) is a statewide coalition representing Oregon's local health departments and health officials. CLHO advocates for policies and resources that strengthen Oregon's public health system, promote health equity, and support the health of communities served by local health departments across the state.

For more information about CLHO's legislative priorities and the 2025 Legislative Scorecard, visit oregonclho.org/advocacy. 

###

COOS Bay, Oregon— From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, the gardens at Shore Acres State Park shimmer with hundreds of thousands of colored lights and seasonal decorations, and now is the time to book reservations for the display, which runs from Nov. 27 to Dec. 31 this year.

 

Holiday Lights has been a tradition for more than 30 years, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. Due to its popularity, those who wish to park must purchase timed-entry parking tickets in advance to see the lights.

 

The tickets are available now online at http://Bit.ly/2025holidaylights. The cost is $10, which is the park’s standard parking fee. The Friends of Shore Acres manages the event.

 

Parking time slots are available for 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. daily. Each vehicle needs a ticket to park at the event, which includes entry for everyone inside the car.

 

Note: Ticket is per vehicle not per person. For example, if you have 8 people in 1 vehicle, you only need 1 ticket.

 

The event switched to timed-entry tickets in 2022, and the move has improved safety and the visitor experience.

 

“The event had become so popular in previous years that vehicles were waiting hours on the road, and traffic was backing up the highway. Vehicles are no longer waiting in long lines on the road to enter the event,” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.  

 

Please note that parking on the road is not allowed, and parking outside Shore Acres in other day-use areas, including parking pullouts, is not permitted after dusk because those areas are closed.

 

The $10 fee for parking may be waived (but a reservation is still necessary) if the person making the reservation has one of the following and selects the option during the reservation: 

• 12- or 24-month parking permit
• Special access pass for either veterans with service-connected disabilities or foster, guardian and adoptive foster parents of Oregon foster children
• Current Oregon State Park camping confirmation for the date of the event visit
• Oregon Pacific Coast Passport

Reservations also can be made by calling 800-452-5687. Visitors must have reservations prior to arrival.

 

Visitors must present a screenshot of the ticket on their smartphone or the printed ticket when entering Holiday Lights, as well as the selected pass, permit or campground confirmation if applicable. Park staff asks that visitors have everything ready to show to keep traffic moving.

 

Although visitors can reserve their timed entry parking spot now, additional time slots will be available later this fall during a seven-day rolling window. For example: Visitors can make reservations on Nov. 20 for visits on Nov. 27, and so on. The rolling window continues through the end of the event Dec. 31 so visitors are encouraged to keep checking back for tickets.

 

“We realize that many families are just starting to think about their winter plans, and we want people to still have the chance for spur-of-the-moment visits.” Ricci said. “That is why half the tickets are on the rolling seven-day window to ensure visitors can reserve closer to the event.”

 

Visit the Oregon State Parks website for 12 and 24-month parking permit and special access pass information.

Yakima, WA — The Yakima School District Board of Directors has been named a 2025 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA), marking the fourth time in five years the Board has earned this prestigious honor. This award recognizes exemplary school boards that demonstrate visionary leadership, a strong commitment to equity, and clear alignment between board governance and student success.

WSSDA’s review team praised the Yakima board for “elevating legislative advocacy as your primary equity strategy.” The board’s ongoing efforts to engage elected officials, mobilize public awareness, and influence state policy were highlighted as a model for other districts, with special recognition for Yakima’s support of House Bill 2049 and sustained advocacy for levy equalization and Local Effort Assistance (LEA).

“We’re deeply honored by this recognition,” said Ryan Beckett, Board President. “This award reflects our board’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every child in Yakima—regardless of zip code—has equitable access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.”

The Yakima Board of Directors was previously honored as a Board of Distinction in 2021, 2022, and 2024, and is the current Washington State’s Large School District Board of the Year, the highest honor bestowed by WSSDA. In 2023, the Board also received national recognition with a Magna Silver Award from the National School Boards Association for its student voice initiative.

Superintendent Dr. Trevor Greene emphasized the importance of governance and collaboration in sustaining student-centered progress:

“This award is a tribute to the partnership between our board, staff, families, and community. By prioritizing legislative advocacy, Yakima is helping lead the charge for fair funding and educational justice in Washington State.”

The Board will be formally recognized at WSSDA’s Annual Conference on November 20, 2025.

Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997

Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information:  https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Keith John Stewart, died the afternoon of October 30, 2025. Stewart was incarcerated at Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) in Salem and passed away in a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Stewart entered DOC custody on January 26, 2017, from Linn County with an earliest release date of November 28, 2025. Stewart was 51 years old.

 

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.

 

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

 

The Oregon State Marine Board held its quarterly meeting on October 30 in Bend. The Board approved an emergency grant for Sandy Beach (Schwitter Landing) on Government Island in addition to approving administrative rulemaking to implement laws that go into effect for 2026.

 

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department applied for a grant to fund a detailed hydraulic and structural analysis of the Sandy Beach short-term tie-up dock. Government Island is only accessible by boat and is a popular destination for cruisers, sailboats, and other recreational boaters enjoying the day or overnight on the Columbia River. The grant will provide the necessary data to inform decisions on long-term modifications or repairs of the dock and debris deflection boom. The Board approved $100,000 federal Boating Infrastructure Grant funds, combined with $38,334 in applicant match for a total project cost of $138,334.  

 

The Board was also updated on the Small Grant program’s existing threshold award amount of $30,000, with a maximum total project cost, not to exceed $50,000 for the current biennium. The Board approved keeping the threshold the same.  

 

In another agenda item, staff presented to the Board rules implementing HB 2558 for the Outfitter Guide program. Staff submitted proposed rules for filing with the Secretary of State on July 29, 2025, which the board approved on October 30, 2025. The bill made changes to the outfitter guide statute, including changes to the outfitter guide fee structure, increasing the civil penalties for violations, amending the definition of a Charter Guide, and creating a Crew Member designation for registration.

 

Rulemaking amendments to OAR 250-016-0020 to implement the following:
 

• HB 2558 (fees restructure, charter guide definition, crew member definition and associated registration language)

• Non-Resident Hunt Tag Program fee increases as approved by the Board in its July 2024 Board Meeting

• Minor revision/removal of language to Non-resident Hunt Tag Program Certification Requirements to align with ORS 704.060(1)

• Minor edits of Ethical & Professional Standards to align with Non-Criminal Complaint Policy and Procedures, which were directed and approved by the Board in 2023.

 

In its final agenda item, the Board approved initiating the rulemaking process to implement the whitewater exemption authorized by HB 2982. The rule exempts nonmotorized boats less than 10 feet from the Waterway Access Permit requirement for people engaged in whitewater activities on specific waterways identified by the Board in rule. There are waterways with whitewater rapids rated Class IV or higher that are not accessible from developed boating facilities.

 

Agency staff proposed using GIS technology as a better aid for visualizing specific waterways with Class IV and higher whitewater rapids, in a map application that includes facility access data from the agency’s Boat Oregon Online Map. The proposed rule language references the map with a data layer to determine all applicable whitewater-exempt waterways in Oregon.

 

The agency filed notice with the Secretary of State’s Office on October 30 to solicit public comments on the proposed rule language. Agency staff will hold a virtual public hearing on December 4, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm.

 

To view the meeting materials, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx.
 

-End-
 

The Marine Board is directly funded by boaters in the form of registration, title, and permit fees, as well as through marine fuel taxes. No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees support the agency or its programs. Boater-paid fees go back to boaters through boating safety services (on-the-water law enforcement, training, and equipment), boating safety education, environmental programs, grants for on-water education in underserved communities and the construction and maintenance of boating access facilities across Oregon. 

SALEM, Ore. — The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee will meet for a special meeting on Friday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. at ODF headquarters in Salem, with a virtual option. 

 

The public meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room at the Oregon Department of Forestry’s headquarters, 2600 State St., Salem. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

 

Agenda item will include:

• Review of proposed forest modeling outcomes and performance measure targets for draft Forest Management Plan

Public comment is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting. To submit written comment, email ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov. Written comments sent at least 48 hours before the meeting will give the FTLAC time to review and consider information. Comments submitted after that window of time will be sent to the FTLAC after the meeting, entered into the record and posted online. Comments are not accepted after the meeting concludes.

 

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF. View more information on the FTLAC webpage.

 

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 ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Tristen Dilinger Evans, age 17, and Blake Ryan Evans, age 15, two siblings in foster care who went missing from Eugene last weekend. They are believed to be in danger.

 

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Tristen and Blake and to contact the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) if they believe they seem them.

 

Tristen and Blake are members of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and suspected to be in the Eugene area, possibly by North Eugene High School.

 

Name: Tristen Dilinger Evans
Pronouns: He/Him/ Identifies as LGBTQ+
Date of birth: Jan. 3, 2008
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 134
Hair: Blonde with an orange tint
Eye color: Brown
LEA Case # 25-5147
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2065727

 

Name: Blake Ryan Evans
Pronouns: He/Him
Date of birth: Aug. 11, 2010
Height: 5-foot-9.5
Weight: 144
Hair: Red
Eye color: Brown 
LEA Case # 25-5146
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children # 2065727

 

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

 

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

 

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The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs honored nine individuals — eight veterans and one dependent family member — in an interment ceremony on Wednesday, October 22, at Willamette National Cemetery.
 

The cremated remains, which had been stored for decades in the Oregon State Hospital after going unclaimed by family members and loved ones, were finally laid to rest with full military honors in the hallowed ground of Willamette National Cemetery.

The veterans honored last week were born between 1880 and 1911 and served in both the U.S. Army and Navy. At least five were World War I veterans — young men who left farms, factories and small towns across America to serve in the Great War. Among them were native Oregonians as well as men who came here from as far as Nebraska, New York, Colorado, California, and even the Philippines. Their dates of death ranged from 1932 to 1966.

“This ceremony was a deeply meaningful reminder of the debt we owe to all who have worn our nation’s uniform,” said Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Even when time and circumstance separate us from their stories, our duty remains — to remember, to honor, and to ensure that every veteran is laid to rest with the dignity they earned through their service.”

“For more than 140 years, the caregivers at Oregon State Hospital have strived to treat every patient with the care and humanity we all deserve,” said Jim Diegel, interim superintendent of the Oregon State Hospital. “These men have now been laid to rest with the dignity and honor befitting those who have served our country. Knowing they are now seen, recognized and their long silent voices finally heard means they are no longer forgotten.”

Each of the eight veterans honored last week served with courage and distinction. Among them were:

• Ray Carpenter, a member of the Oregon Army National Guard who served in World War I as a powderman.
• Filipe Castillon, born in the Philippines, who served honorably in both the U.S. Army and Navy.
• Guy Earl Cramer, a U.S. Navy veteran whose service details have been lost to time.
• August Chris Hansen, a Nebraska-born farmer and World War I veteran who tried to reenlist at the start of World War II (at age 49).
• Kenneth Wesley Hugunin, who joined the U.S. Navy at just 15 years old.
• John Jacob Jordan, a World War I veteran who served in France and later sought to reenlist during World War II (at age 53).
• Thomas O’Connor, a San Francisco native who served in an Army engineering battalion.
• Earl Eugene Pollock, a U.S. Army veteran who served with honor during World War I.

This interment was part of an ongoing partnership between the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Oregon State Hospital to identify and properly honor unclaimed veterans once in state care. Together with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration, the agencies are ensuring that all who served receive the dignity, respect, and remembrance they earned.

More photos from last week's ceremony are available at flickr.com/photos/132211473@N04/albums/72177720329833766. For more information about the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and its programs for veterans and their families, visit www.oregon.gov/odva. 

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

 

###

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 31, 2025

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

 

Oregon Employment Department Announces Intent to Award Contract for Workforce Modernization Project

 

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Employment Department (OED), in partnership with the Department of Administrative Services State Procurement Services (DAS-SPS), is excited to announce its Notice of Intent to Award to Career Team Enterprises, a major milestone in the Workforce Modernization Project. Career Team Enterprises is the top-ranking candidate that will develop the modernized technical solution to support both state employment services and federal workforce programs in Oregon.

 

The Workforce Modernization Project is a multi-year, system-wide initiative that involves multiple agencies and community partners.  The project goes beyond technology. OED’s Modernization Division has spent significant time gathering input from customers, staff, and partners to understand what is working and what is not. This feedback is shaping both the technical solution and also the business processes that it supports. The goal is to create a modern, user-friendly experience that meets the needs of all Oregonians and strengthens the entire workforce ecosystem.

 

This intent to award is an important step toward delivering better, faster, and more accessible services to Oregonians. The new system will focus on the customers – helping job seekers, employers, and workforce partners by making it easier to connect with the tools and support they need. It will also improve how OED staff work behind the scenes, enabling more efficient and responsive service delivery.

 

“We are thrilled to reach this point in the project,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, Employment Department Director. “This progress reflects the dedication and hard work of our team, as well as the invaluable support from our workforce partners and local workforce boards. Together, we’re building a system that works better for everyone.”

While the final contract has not yet been signed, the Notice of Intent to Award (NITA) marks the end of the procurement evaluation phase and the beginning of contract negotiations.

 

Learn more about the Workforce Modernization Project at the OED website.

About the Oregon Employment Department

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) provides economic stability to Oregon communities by providing vital services to both businesses and workers.  OED supports businesses with finding qualified job candidates, labor market information, tax incentives and support, and retaining talent through economic downturns. OED promotes employment through wage replacement benefits during unemployment and significant life events, job placement, training, and useful career information. Learn more at employment.oregon.gov.

 

About Workforce Operations

OED’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and it operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, interview practice, and job search strategies. For employers and businesses, WorkSource Oregon provides support for job postings and finding qualified candidates, hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data – all at no cost. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information.

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

 

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools is proud to announce that Prospect Point Elementary and Garrison Middle School have been recognized among the top 40% of schools in Washington state in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best K-8 Schools rankings. This distinction highlights each school’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to supporting the success of every student.

 

Prospect Point Elementary ranked #403 among Washington elementary schools, while Garrison Middle School earned a #166 ranking among middle schools statewide. These rankings are based on state-required test performance, student achievement, and how effectively schools prepare learners for future academic success.

 

“We are thrilled that Prospect Point Elementary has been recognized among the top 40% of elementary schools in the state,” said Prospect Point Elementary Principal [insert full name]. “This is a direct validation of the innovative spirit and commitment of our entire staff, who work tirelessly to create a high-quality, engaging, and equitable educational environment. This achievement stems from the vibrant learning culture built through strong partnerships between our dedicated team and supportive community. We owe a special thank you to our parents for placing their trust in our school every day—their role is truly invaluable to this success.”

 

Garrison Middle School Principal Kim Doepker expressed similar pride and gratitude for her school’s recognition.

 

“It’s an incredible honor for Garrison Middle School to be ranked among the top 40% of middle schools in the state,” said Doepker. “This recognition reflects the dedication and collaboration of our staff, who work tirelessly to ensure learning is required, relationships matter, and every student is known and supported. I couldn’t be prouder of the Garrison team and the community that surrounds our students with encouragement every day.”

 

According to U.S. News & World Report, the rankings rely heavily on state assessment data, evaluating both overall achievement and student growth in the context of socioeconomic factors. Schools recognized in the top tier are those that demonstrate strong outcomes across diverse student populations.

In short, the schools honored in these rankings stand out for delivering strong academic results and fostering success for all students—something Walla Walla Public Schools continues to prioritize across every campus. 

 

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RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities is hosting an “Election Hub” from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The hub provides students and community members with a central place on-campus to access voting and election information.

 

Through the non-partisan hub, WSU Tri-Cities students and community members can check their voter registration, register to vote, print their ballot and election information booklet, access a private location to fill out their ballot, and cast their ballot at the on-campus ballot drop-box located adjacent to the parking lot outside of the Consolidated Information Center (CIC) building.

 

The hub is hosted by the Associated Students of WSU Tri-Cities (ASWSUTC) in partnership with the Benton County Auditor’s Office.

 

“The Election Hub is all about making civic engagement more accessible for students and community members,” ASWSUTC President Parjot Pawar said. “Whether you’re a first-time voter or have been voting for years, we want everyone to feel empowered, confident, and have the opportunity to participate. Hosting the Election Hub allows us to remove barriers to voting and ensure that all Cougs have the resources they need!”

 

The WSU Tri-Cities Election Hub will adhere to local and state requirements in conducting election engagement in a non-partisan fashion.

 

More information about the WSU Tri-Cities Election Hub is available on the website. Important voting deadlines are available on the Washington Secretary of State elections website at https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/elections-calendar/dates-and-deadlines  Election day is Nov. 4.

 

For more information, contact:

Parjot Pawar, president of the Associated Students of WSU Tri-Cities,Email: tricities.aswsu.pres@wsu.edu

Zoe Pfeifer, director of legislative affairs, Associated Students of WSU Tri-Cities, Email: tricities.aswsu.dola@wsu.edu

Oct. 31, 2025

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

Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board meets Nov. 7

What: Public meeting of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board

Agenda: TBD

When: Friday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Where: Via Zoom Meeting

• Call in: 1-669-254-5252 (US)​
• Meeting ID: 160 541 5331
• Passcode: 764420

Background: Established by Ballot Measure 109 (2020), the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board makes recommendations to Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on available scientific studies and research on the safety and efficacy of psilocybin in treating mental health conditions. The Board makes recommendations on the requirements, specifications and guidelines for providing psilocybin services in Oregon.

The Board will also develop a long-term strategic plan for ensuring psilocybin services become and remain a safe, accessible and affordable therapeutic option for all persons 21 and older in this state for whom psilocybin may be appropriate. It also will monitor and study federal laws, regulations and policies regarding psilocybin.

# # #

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 Oregon Psilocybin Services 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.

SALEM, Oregon— The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking volunteers to serve on the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Committee for four-year terms starting Jan. 1, 2026.

 

The nine-member committee evaluates grant proposals for public outdoor recreation projects seeking funding assistance from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program, a grant program funded by the National Park Service and administered by OPRD.

Open positions include:

• Member representing the public-at-large
• Member representing a historically underrepresented community, or a member representing Tribal Government
• Member representing Cities over 15,000 population (Must be employed by a city or professionally associated with a city and have a recommendation from the Oregon Recreation and Park Association or the League of Oregon Cities.)

Those interested in serving must submit a committee interest form by November 24, 2025 at https://oregonstateparks.jotformgov.com/232894854468171

OPRD will review the interest forms and follow up with potential members for informal interviews. Committee appointments are subject to confirmation by the OPRD Director.

 

Committee members serve four-year terms and may be eligible to serve a second term.

 

The committee generally meets once a year, virtually or at locations throughout the state. Time commitment varies and includes reviewing and evaluating an average of 15 to 20 grant applications each annual funding cycle.

 

Ideal candidates can live anywhere in Oregon with experience in at least one of the following areas: outdoor recreation planning or design, recreation related volunteerism, or an outdoor recreation enthusiast who is uniquely qualified to evaluate project proposals through other experience and involvement.

 

Strong candidates may also demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreational needs, other broad recreational issues, and the importance of providing equitable, inclusive, and accessible recreational opportunities.

 

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program is a competitive grant program funded by the National Park Service and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Grants are awarded to local governments, federally recognized tribal governments and eligible state agencies for land acquisition, development and rehabilitation projects for public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

 

For more information about the advisory committee or application process, contact Nohemi Enciso, LWCF Program Coordinator, at nohemi.enciso@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-480-9092.

Oct. 31, 2025

Media contact: Kim Lippert, erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);" target="_blank" title="Kim Lippert's email address">kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov

Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council to hold meetings in November

What: Public meetings of the Drug Treatment and Recovery Act (Measure 110) Oversight and Accountability Council.

Agenda: The council will discuss next steps following the establishment of BHRNs including potential grant funding decisions. Agendas will be posted on the Oversight and Accountability Council web page prior to each meeting.

When/Where: Nov. 5 and Nov. 19. Virtual meetings are Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

• November 5
• November 19

Purpose: The Drug Treatment and Recovery Act (Measure 110) Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC) oversees the establishment of Behavioral Health Resource Networks throughout Oregon.

Read more about the OAC. Read more about Measure 110.

Questions? Contact e110@dhsoha.state.or.us" rel="noopener" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);" target="_blank">OHA.Measure110@dhsoha.state.or.us

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:

• 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 Karli Moon at 971-240-8690, 711 TTY or li.moon@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);" target="_blank" title="Karli Moon's email address">karli.moon@oha.oregon.gov at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Salem – The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) is warning Oregonians of a phishing scam that is targeting people who are awaiting approval for a project from their local building or planning department.

 

In this scam, someone claiming to be from the local building or planning department emails a person to get them to wire money. The scammers are using information about the person and the project to claim their application has been approved. The next steps in the scam are for the person to reply to the email to request payment advice and wire transfer instructions, pay the invoice using the wire transfer instructions, and then email a copy of the wire transfer receipt to the designated address. The scammers also state “all correspondence must be conducted by email to ensure transparency and accurate record-keeping for auditing purposes.”

 

“Your local building or planning department will not request that you send money to them via wire transfer,” said Alana Cox, administrator of the Building Codes Division, part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services.

 

The Building Codes Division recommends that people check to make sure the correspondence is from the correct person and jurisdiction.

 

“Local building and planning departments are based in either your city or county. If someone claims to be from those departments, go to the official city or county website and find the contact information there,” Cox said. “Then, you can call or email them to check if what you received is legitimate.”

 

The Building Codes Division has a list of local building departments at https://oregon.gov/bcd/jurisdictions.

 

You can follow these tips to avoid a phishing scam:

• Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person, and be cautious about sharing personal or financial information.

• Do not transfer money to unknown people or intermediaries. Use only a licensed money transmitter if a third party needs to be involved.
• Do not give out personal information by phone, email, or online. Government agencies and financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions, will not ask for this information.
• Always be careful opening emails, clicking on links, or downloading files, regardless of the sender.
• Always be suspicious of claims about lottery or sweepstakes winnings that require personal information to receive the reward.
• Always ignore pop-ups requesting account information or offering to increase computer speed or to clean the computer.

 

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About Oregon BCD: The Building Codes Division administers the statewide building code, which provides uniform standards that ensure newly constructed residential and commercial buildings are safe for people to occupy. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit oregon.gov/bcd and dcbs.oregon.gov.