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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Released Images: 

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

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

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

PLEASE NOTE THE CORRECTED DAY FOR RESUMING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS BELOW.

The City of Richland announces that all City facilities will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Normal business hours will resume on Friday, December 26, for the following facilities:

• Richland City Hall
• Richland Community Center (NOTE: The Richland Community Center is also closed December 22-23 for annual maintenance)
• Richland Public Library
• The Horn Rapids Landfill

Garbage Collection Update:
There will be no garbage collection on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25. Collection services will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week, with service continuing through Saturday. Normal collection schedules will resume on Monday.

Emergency services, including police and fire, will remain available during the holiday closure.

The City of Richland wishes residents a safe and happy holiday season and thanks the community for their understanding.

For more information about City services, visit www.richlandwa.gov.

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

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

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

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

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PR 17-25                                                           

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In response to the recent flooding affecting businesses across West Richland and Benton City, WorkSource Columbia Basin is mobilizing support to ensure local employers and their workers have access to critical recovery resources. Businesses experiencing disruption, or loss of operations are encouraged to contact WorkSource to be connected with assistance available through the Rapid Response program.

WorkSource is committed to standing alongside the community during this challenging time. Our teams are prepared to help businesses navigate the aftermath of the floods by providing timely information, guidance, and direct connections to services designed to support both employers and employees.

Through Rapid Response, affected businesses can access:

• Information and guidance tailored to their specific business needs
• Support in communicating essential updates to employees
• Connections to additional business services, workforce assistance, and community‑based resources

Businesses impacted by the flooding are encouraged to reach out to WorkSource as soon as possible to begin accessing available support. Reach out to Selma Velagic at 509-734-5897 or Selma.Velagic@esd.wa.gov to learn more.

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Repeat Offender Sentenced to 150 Months in Prison For Possessing a Firearm

Trio Convicted of International Parental Kidnapping and Conspiracy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MEDFORD, Ore.— Four Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in the United States made their initial appearance today after allegedly making false statements on their application to purchase firearms and for illegally possessing firearms.

Samuel Rodrigo Melo Santos, 27, Samuel Amador Ortega, 23, Aldo Melo Amador, 23, and Oscar Amador Ortega, 21, have been charged by criminal complaint with alien in possession of a firearm and making false statements on ATF Form 4473.

According to court documents, in July 2025, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigators, as part of a compliance inspection, began reviewing ATF Form 4473, known as the Firearms Transaction Records, of a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in Cave Junction, Oregon. ATF Form 4473 must be completed by the person who is purchasing a firearm. During the inspection, investigators observed repeated sales of the same make and model of firearm by a group of individuals sharing the same address in O’Brien and Medford, Oregon, indicative of firearms trafficking.

As of July 22, 2025, O. Amador Ortega, has purchased 25 firearms from the FFL in Cave Junction and two other FFLs located in Southern Oregon. Since April 4, 2025, S. Amador Ortega has purchased a total of 16 firearms from this FFL. Melo Amador began purchasing firearms from the FFL in March 2024 and his last purchase was on June 14, 2025. In total, Melo Amador purchased 36 firearms from this FFL, and five other firearms from two other FFLs located in Medford. Since May 2024, Melo Santos has purchased 91 firearms from this FFL.

On ATF Form 4473, defendants wrote “Mexico” for place of birth and checked the box next to the United States for country of citizenship. An immigration query into Melo Santos, S. Amador Ortega, Melo Amador, and O. Amador Ortega concluded they have no legal status in the United States and are residing unlawfully in the United States.

Melo Santos, S. Amador Ortega, Melo Amador, and O. Amador Ortega made their first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. They were ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

ATF is investigating the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Harper 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.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Dec. 18, 2025 

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has expanded statewide flood response capabilities with the distribution of five additional high-capacity sandbagging machines through the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) program. 

With this latest round of SPIRE investments, Oregon now has seven sandbagging machines strategically located across the state, strengthening local and regional capacity to respond quickly to flooding and other water-related emergencies. 

The new recipients include: 

• Malheur County Emergency Management 
• Harney County Emergency Management 
• Crook County Sheriff’s Office 
• North Bend Fire Department 
• City of Portland 

Harney County previously borrowed a sandbagging machine during the 2025 floods. Through this SPIRE allocation, the county now has a machine of its own, improving readiness ahead of future high-water events. 
 

High-Capacity, Mobile Flood Mitigation Equipment 

The machines distributed through SPIRE are Sandbagger Model II units with motorized augers, designed for rapid, large-scale sandbag production during emergencies. 

Each unit: 

• Fills four sandbags simultaneously 
• Can produce up to 1,600 sandbags per hour 
• Requires four people to fill bags and one operator to maintain the hopper using a front-end loader 
• Is lightweight and truck-portable, but comes with a trailer for easier deployment 
• Features a hydraulic, bi-directional auger and agitator to keep wet materials flowing 
• Includes four filling stations, safety grid and shield, auger and agitator, gas engine, and hydraulic motor 
• Is manufactured in the United States 

The sandbagging machines were purchased directly from the manufacturer and OEM partnered with the State of Oregon State and Federal Surplus Property warehouse for delivery, ensuring safe unloading and efficient distribution to local jurisdictions. 

Active Coordination and Pre-Positioning Underway 

In addition to expanding inventory, OEM and local partners are actively coordinating equipment movement to support current and potential flood operations across the state.

The Baker County/Halfway sandbagging machine is being deployed to Hood River County to support ongoing flooding operations. To maintain readiness in Eastern Oregon, Malheur County is moving its SPIRE-funded sandbagging machine to Baker County to stage, ensuring capacity remains available should additional resources be needed or units require movement west.

“Pre-positioning resources before impacts occur is one of the most effective ways to protect lives and property,” said Tabetha Daugherty, Eastern Regional Coordinator for Preparedness and Response at the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. “By coordinating equipment movement across regions, we’re ensuring communities have access to critical tools when and where they’re needed most.” 

This coordinated staging demonstrates how SPIRE equipment supports real-time operational needs while maintaining regional coverage. 

“From day one, jurisdictions have been stepping up to help each other — sharing equipment, staff, and expertise,” Malheur County Emergency Manager Rich Harriman, said. “That collaboration is critical when conditions are changing quickly, and communities are facing rising water.” 
 
Partner Engagement and Demonstration 

OEM highlighted the sandbagging machines at a recent Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) Council meeting on November 20th, giving partners an opportunity to view the equipment, discuss regional coordination, and plan for mutual aid use during flood and severe weather events. 

SPIRE investments are designed to enhance life safety, protect property, and support coordinated response efforts across Oregon. 

For more information about SPIRE or emergency preparedness in Oregon, visit Oregon.gov/OEM. 

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Tyler Shoop.

Tyler Shoop, age 15, is a child who went missing from went missing from Clackamas on Dec. 10. He was found Dec. 17.

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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December 18, 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 

Tips for a safer holiday season

PORTLAND, Ore. - The holidays can be a challenging time for people with substance use disorders. Here are some tips to make the season safer and brighter:

• Plan ahead: Prepare for potential triggers. Schedule healthy activities and avoid social situations that may lead to substance use.  
• Set boundaries: Practice declining substances with a trusted friend. Plan to be around safe and sober friends to avoid unwanted offers of substances.
• Stay connected: Maintain connections with support groups or support people during the holiday season.
• Engage in self-care: Prioritize mental health and well-being. Plan activities that promote relaxation and stress relief.
• Be prepared: Be familiar with your recovery plan and have a backup plan to handle any challenging situations that may arise.

Remember you are not alone - help is available.

Reach out for support:

• 988 Oregon: Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 (press 1) or text 838255: Call 800-923-4357
• Alcohol and Drug Helpline: Call 800-923-4357
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• FindSupport.gov
• FindTreatment.gov

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December 18, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Brownlee Reservoir

Pet owners should continue to keep their pets away from areas that appear to have a bloom

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Brownlee Reservoir in Baker County.

OHA issued the advisory Aug 8.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Brownlee Reservoir are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected may still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs. Pet owners should therefore keep their pets away from areas that have the appearance of a cyanobacteria bloom.

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

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

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

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Media hotline: 503-813-6018 

Pacific Power is prepared to respond to weather-related outages ahead of forecast storms

PORTLAND, Ore., (Dec. 18, 2025) — Pacific Power is monitoring stormy weather for parts of Oregon and Washington in the coming days. The forecast indicates the potential for gusty winds and heavy rain, which could cause power outages.   

Pacific Power’s meteorology team is closely monitoring the approaching storms and crews are ready to respond to any weather-related outages.  

Pacific Power encourages customers to always be prepared for outages and supports state and local emergency management organizations, who recommend Oregonians have an emergency plan for up to 72 hours without essential services.  

Here are some simple steps customers can take to prepare and stay informed:    

• Update your contact information so we can reach you.  
• Sign up to receive outage alerts by text, email or phone.  
• Restock your outage kit.  
• Keep mobile devices charged so that they may be used in an emergency.  
• Track outages, update contact info and do more with our free app.  
• Text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.   

Visit PacificPower.net/Outages for restoration estimates.  

As a reminder, stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Customers should avoid both downed trees and powerlines as well as keep pets far away from those areas.   

Call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.   

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About Pacific Power 

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

Local Physician Pleads Guilty to Adulterating and Misbranding Medical Devices with the Intent to Defraud

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Shawn Hamilton died the morning of December 18, 2025. Hamilton was incarcerated at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) in Pendleton 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. 

Hamilton entered DOC custody on June 26, 2023, from Multnomah County with an earliest release date of January 4, 2030. Hamilton was 57 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.

EOCI is a medium custody prison located in Pendleton. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Corrections can be found at www.oregon.gov/doc.

PORTLAND, Ore.—Two Romanian nationals unlawfully residing in the United States made their initial appearances yesterday after being indicted by a federal grand jury for their role in a conspiracy to steal more than $160,000 of benefits from low income and food insecure individuals and families.

Alexandru Telescu, 29, and Aramis Manolea, 35, have been charged in a 26-count indictment with conspiracy to defraud the United States, access device fraud, possession, production, and trafficking of device-making equipment, and aggravated identity theft.

“We are deeply grateful to our partners for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of essential programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Those who steal these sacred funds will be held accountable, and we will ensure that these vital programs continue to serve the communities that rely on them.”

“This scheme effectively took food from the dinner tables of struggling American families,” said Carrie Nordyke, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Seattle Field Office. “We’re proud to help our law enforcement partners expose abuse of the SNAP Program and keep government assistance available for those who need it.”

“We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Oregon Department of Human Services, and IRS-CI for their steadfast work on this impactful investigation,” said Shawn Dionida, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG) Special Agent-in-Charge.

According to court documents, beginning in April 2025, Telescu and Manolea, along with others, conspired to use stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account information and PINs to fraudulently purchase SNAP-eligible items, like infant formula and energy drinks. The defendants, along with their co-conspirators, also conspired to possess and use electronic devices to steal EBT account information and PINs from point-of-sale terminals in Oregon and elsewhere. The conspiracy used the EBT benefits at grocery stores in Oregon, Washington, and California. The stolen goods were packaged in storage units and loaded into vans and trucks for shipment to California.

For example, from July 4, 2025, through October 13, 2025, Telescu and co-conspirators used a Sam’s Club account in California to conduct approximately 231 fraudulent SNAP transactions using victims’ EBT accounts totaling approximately $102,000. From September 5, 2025, through September 9, 2025, Manolea and a co-conspirator used 10 separate EBT accounts in Oregon retail stores to steal approximately $8,739 in SNAP funds. On September 23, 2025, Telescu and co-defendant Andy Perovici installed a skimming device on a retail point-of-sale terminal in Tigard, Oregon, with the intent to capture EBT card account data and customers’ PINs.

Telescu and Manolea made their initial appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. They were arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending trial.

The USDA OIG and IRS-CI are investigating the case with assistance from the United States Marshals Service for the District of Oregon, Eastern District of California, and the Central District of California, and the Oregon Department of Human Services. Geoffrey A. Barrow and Nicholas D. Meyers, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, are prosecuting the case.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 18, 2025 | Audio available at 10:00 AM

CONTACT INFORMATION: ah.E.CUNNINGHAM@employ.oregon.gov">Sarah Cunningham, Projections Economist, (503) 871-0046

Oregon Jobs Projected to Increase 6% by 2034

The Oregon Employment Department projects Oregon’s total employment to grow by 141,000 jobs between 2024 and 2034. These employment projections reflect modest job growth in the economy, although many additional job openings are expected due to the need to replace workers who leave their occupations.

In 2024, there were 2.2 million jobs in Oregon. The projected 6% increase in employment between 2024 and 2034 includes private-sector gains of 125,500 jobs, growth of 7,700 jobs in government, and an additional 7,400 self-employed Oregonians.

All broad sectors in Oregon are expected to add jobs by 2034, except for federal government, which is projected to decline by 3% (-1,000 jobs). The private health care and social assistance sector is projected to increase the fastest, growing by 13%. Private health care and social assistance is also projected to add the largest number of jobs over the next 10 years (+40,400 jobs). This growth is attributed to the aging of the state’s population, longer life expectancies, and an expected rebound in the state’s long-term population growth.

The construction and professional and business services sectors are projected to grow at the second-fastest rate, gaining 10% each. Growth in construction can be attributed to construction of buildings (+11%) and specialty trade contractors (+11%), which includes establishments that perform specific construction-related activities such as site preparation, plumbing, painting, and electrical work.

Growth in professional and business services is expected to be primarily driven by professional and technical services (+15%), which includes architectural and engineering services (+23%), computer systems design and related services (+10%), and legal services (-3%).

Many of the fastest-growing occupations are associated with jobs in the health care industry. Nine of the top 15 fastest-growing occupations by 2034 are in health care. They include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical and health services managers, and psychiatric technicians. Computer and mathematical occupations comprise three of the top 15 fastest-growing occupations, as demand increases for workers who can model, interpret, and analyze data in addition to demand for the development of AI solutions and their integration into business practices. They include data scientists, information security analysts, and operations research analysts.

A broad variety of career opportunities will be available across all sectors, as well as all job types. Four out of 10 job openings will require education or training beyond high school, but applicants will require education beyond high school to be competitive in six out of 10 job openings.

Occupations with the most job openings that typically require a high school diploma or less include fast food workers, stockers and order fillers, retail salespersons, cashiers, and home health and personal care aides. Those requiring a postsecondary certification or associate’s degree include bookkeepers, truck drivers, nursing and medical assistants. Occupations with the most job openings requiring at least a bachelor’s degree vary from general and operations managers to registered nurses, other educational instruction and library workers, project management specialists, and all other business operations specialists.

All areas of Oregon are expected to see job opportunities in the coming years due to economic growth and the replacement of workers leaving the labor force. The two areas projected to grow faster than Oregon's rate of 6% are the Portland tri-county area (7%) and Central Oregon (7%). Slower growth is expected in the Columbia Gorge, Northwest, South Central, Southwestern Oregon, and the Eastern Six Oregon counties with 5% growth each.

Additional Information

More information on 2024-2034 industry and occupational projections for Oregon and sub-state areas can be found at www.qualityinfo.org/projections. 

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.

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The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) is pleased to announce the award of nearly $1 million in grant funding to support a range of robust and innovative local veteran service efforts and key projects to help improve veteran outcomes and provide critical services across Oregon.

The Legislature approved $972,653 for the Veteran Services Grant program for the 2025-27 biennium, which was first established following Oregon voters’ overwhelming support of Measure 96 in 2016 dedicating 1.5 percent of Lottery net proceeds to fund veteran services. ODVA received proposals from across Oregon totaling more than $3.6 million in requested funds. Of these, 16 organizations were selected to receive awards, which range from approximately $10,500 to $145,000 for the one-time grants.

The awards include projects and services focusing on veteran homelessness and housing insecurity, transportation access, education and training, employment opportunities, and other critical services in communities across the state. The grant awards will benefit veterans and their families living in rural, urban and Tribal communities.

The projects were evaluated by a committee composed of members of the Veterans Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, representatives from various veteran service organizations, as well as other provider partners from across the state.

“This grant isn’t just about dollars — it’s about investing in people, communities, and ideas that help veterans build stable, fulfilling lives here in Oregon,” said ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels. “Through the power of these locally driven, community-led solutions, we’re strengthening partnerships and building resilient systems that support the diverse needs of veterans across our state. The work of the Veteran Service Grant Program helps ensure that every Oregon veteran has the opportunity to thrive, no matter where they live.”

The ODVA Veteran Services Grant recipients for the 2025-27 cycle are:

• American Military Encouragement Network (AMEN)
• Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
• Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
• Fort Kennedy
• Housing Our Veterans
• Lake County Senior Citizens Association
• Linn County Veterans Services
• Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments
• Paws Assisting Veterans
• Reveille and Retreat Project
• Solid Ground Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy Center
• St. Andrew Legal Clinic
• VetREST
• Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness
• Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services
• Wheeler County Community Transportation

To learn more about the Veteran Services Grant or other grant opportunities available through ODVA, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/grants/Pages/Veteran-Services-Grant.aspx.

Veterans and families seeking claims and benefits assistance are encouraged to contact their local county or Tribal veteran services office. To find services near you, visit www.oregon.gov/odva/Services/Pages/default.aspx.

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 services office online at oregon.gov/odva.
 

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Legacy executives are under fire for refusing to meet and bargain in good faith with frontline healthcare providers. 

(Portland, Ore.) – Oregon elected officials are coming out in support of striking advanced practice providers (APPs) and urging Legacy executives to “work around the clock” to reach a fair agreement that addresses healthcare providers’ concerns and ends Oregon’s first APP strike.

The group of 10 Oregon representatives and a state senator shared their concerns in an open letter to Legacy CEO Dr. George Brown Dec. 17 saying:

“Oregonians cannot afford further delays, disruptions or missteps when it comes to their healthcare. Every day without an agreement adds stress to an already-fragile healthcare system. We are calling on Legacy to act responsibly and sit down with APPs immediately to resolve this dispute and ensure local healthcare is accessible, affordable and delivers on Legacy’s mission ...”

Legislators echoed APPs’ concerns about, “deteriorating working conditions, inequitable compensation, unpaid labor and repeated refusals by Legacy to engage in good faith bargaining” and reiterated the need to restore stability and affordability throughout the healthcare system.

• Click here to read the full letter from Oregon state legislators.

The APPs, including nurse practitioners, physician associates and clinical nurse specialists at Legacy hospitals and clinics, began an open-ended strike Dec. 2 after Legacy executives refused to continue contract negotiations. APPs have offered to meet with Legacy executives every day since Nov. 20 in an effort to reach a fair agreement. But Legacy has refused to bargain until recently.

The only bargaining dates currently scheduled are Dec. 18 and 22.

Oregon’s elected leaders aren’t the only ones siding with striking APPs. Recently, two new groups of Legacy providers voted to join the strike. APPs at Legacy Go Health clinics will hold a two-day strike alongside striking hospital and clinic APPs on Dec. 21 and 22. Legacy Pediatric APPs will also hold a solidarity strike with their APP colleagues Dec. 22 and 23.

The expanding strike and support from elected leaders reflects widespread frustration with Legacy’s bargaining approach and with APPs' working conditions systemwide.

APPs at Legacy’s hospitals and clinics have been working for more than a year and a half to try to reach a contract agreement with Legacy executives. They are demanding a fair contract that raises standards for patients, gives frontline providers a voice in their workplace, and stems turnover through competitive compensation.

The 140 (APPs) at Legacy Health are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). ONA represents more than 3,500 frontline healthcare providers at Legacy.

Strike lines are located at Legacy Good Samaritan and Legacy Emanuel hospitals from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check ONA’s social media feed for the latest schedule updates.  

Community members can visit OregonRN.org/RespectAPPs to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition in support of the APPs, and stay informed about the impact of the strike.  

A reminder to patients from APPs:   

If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Legacy executives’ refusal to continue meeting with APPs has forced us to strike to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need.  

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The Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) will open the application period in January 2026 for the Agricultural Employer Overtime Tax Credit.

Paying overtime to agricultural workers became a requirement of employers in Oregon as of January 1, 2023. In 2025, agricultural workers are paid overtime after they work 48 hours in one work week. If an employer paid overtime, they may qualify for a refundable personal or corporate income tax credit, regardless of the size of the business.

The tax credit for employers is a percentage of overtime premium pay paid as wages.

All applications must be submitted no later than February 2, 2026. 

The 2025 filing period marks the third year since eligible employers have been able to apply for the tax credit.

Applications can only be made through the department’s Revenue Online website. Qualifying agricultural employers who have not applied for the tax credit previously need a Revenue Online account to apply during the application period. No paper applications will be accepted. We have published a new video to help customers with their Revenue Online applications.

DOR encourages employers to prepare in advance to ensure an easier and faster filing experience. DOR’s webpage provides guidance for how to apply, documentation you may need, program information, and frequently asked questions to help employers apply for the tax credit.

For general questions about the Agricultural Employer Overtime Tax Credit, email: time@dor.oregon.gov">Ag.Overtime@dor.oregon.gov.

Tax practitioners with other tax or customer account questions are encouraged to contact a dedicated practitioner specialist by email at ac.revenue@dor.oregon.gov" target="_blank" title="mailto:prac.revenue@dor.oregon.gov">prac.revenue@dor.oregon.gov, or by phone at 503-947-3541.

MEACHAM, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting a free First Day Snowshoe Hike at Emigrant Springs State Park on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.

It's part of the annual First Day Hikes in partnership with America’s State Parks for free guided First Day Hikes in state parks across Oregon on New Year’s Day.

Information about the hike hosted at Emigrant Springs State Park:

• Join a 1.5-mile snowshoe trek around Emigrant Springs State Park in the beautiful Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon.  We’ll enjoy scenic views, share about the area and maybe see wildlife.
• The terrain is mostly level but could have moderate to heavy snow and loose rock and exposed roots. Must be able to properly wear snowshoes and be exposed to inclement weather.
• The hike starts promptly at 10 a.m. at 65068 Old Oregon Trail Rd, Meacham, OR, 97859; Parking provided near pay kiosk at campground entrance. Meeting at the main restroom building inside the campground.
• Registration is required. We will have a limited number of snowshoes available for lending, but individuals are also welcome to bring their own if they prefer.
• No pets allowed.
• Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. Don’t forget your hat and gloves.
• If there is no snow, we'll continue with a regular hike.
• For more information, call 541-786-0992.

If you have questions about access or need to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please get in touch with Park Ranger Jessica Henize at 541-792-0101. Requests must be submitted at least three days before January 1. 

Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.

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This year, Oregon Lottery’s holiday Scratch-it tickets are available in five festive designs, ranging from “Make It Merry” to “Sleigh Ride Riches.” The tickets, priced from $2 to $30, make popular stocking stuffers and can be found at Oregon Lottery retailers across the state.  

Scratch-its are a fun, last-minute gift idea since there’s no concern about choosing the right size or color. But there is one important consideration – make sure lottery tickets are only given to those 18 years old and up.  

“Oregon Lottery Scratch-its are an ideal adults-only gift: simple to give, packed with possibility, and guaranteed to add a touch of excitement to every celebration,” said Stacy Shaw, who leads Oregon Lottery’s Safer Play program.

Throughout the year, the Oregon Lottery and lotteries worldwide partner with the National Council on Problem Gambling to promote gifting lottery tickets responsibly. The Oregon Lottery has been part of this annual campaign for over a decade. In addition, Oregon Lottery helps fund free, confidential, and effective counseling and treatment programs statewide. Visit OPGR.org for more information.

For those over 18 picking up Scratch-its, winning tickets range from a few dollars to the “Holiday Wishes” top prize of $200,000. Use the Oregon Lottery mobile app to see if you won and enter non-winning tickets into the free Second Chance drawings. Regardless of the outcome, lottery games help fund programs that Oregonians care about.

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. Since 1992, $155 million in Lottery dollars has been directed to fund problem gambling treatment and awareness in Oregon. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

SALEM, Oregon— Whether you prefer a moderate hike through a desert landscape or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, Oregon State Parks has a First Day Hike for you on New Year’s Day, Thursday Jan. 1.

Rangers and volunteers will lead guided First Day Hikes at 25 parks around the state with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, but a day-use parking permit is required at some parks. Permits cost $10 per day for Oregon Residents or $12 for non-residents; annual permits are also sold online or at park offices.

America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.

“Across Oregon, First Day Hikes have grown into a beloved New Year’s tradition for visitors and staff alike. On January 1^st, park rangers and volunteers share stories of park history, geology, wildlife, and plants, as families and friends kick off the year together with an engaging outdoor adventure,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration including Deschutes River, Elijah Bristow, Emigrant Springs, LaPine, Lukiamute, Oswald West, Sitka Sedge, and Smith Rock.

For any questions about accessibility or to request reasonable accommodations needed to participate in a hike, please see the contact information on each hike's webpage.

Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.

Share photos of First Day Hikes via X and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.

About America’s State Parks
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With collectively more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 900 million people annually, state park systems across the country are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more about America’s State Parks at stateparks.org.

Media Resources: photos available at this link.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Washington man was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and endangering the welfare of a minor.

Guadalupe Escamilla, 63, was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and 12 months in custody and one year of supervised release for endangering the welfare of a minor, to be served concurrently.

According to court documents, in December 2023, Escamilla transported a minor victim from Washington to Oregon and checked into a hotel room with her at the Wildhorse Resort and Casino on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). On December 4, 2023, the Umatilla Tribal Police Department found drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine on the minor victim. The minor victim reported that Escamilla told her to hold onto the drugs. An additional search of her belongings revealed two small bags of rainbow-colored fentanyl pills, also attributable to Escamilla. Officers also found approximately 95 gross grams of methamphetamine in the hotel room that Escamilla and the minor victim were staying in.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant on Escamilla’s Facebook account and phone, finding numerous messages involving selling fentanyl and methamphetamine in Eastern Oregon and Washington.

On April 8, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Escamilla with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On September 10, 2025, Escamilla pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and endangering the welfare of a minor.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Umatilla Tribal Police Department with assistance from the CTUIR Department of Children and Family Services and the CTUIR Tribal Prosecutor Victim and Witness Assistance Program. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady A. Adams.

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SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has virtually activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) to Level 3 – Regional Response as of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in response to an incoming atmospheric river expected to bring heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and increased landslide risk across western Oregon. The ECC will be supported with representatives from key state agencies to ensure streamlined communication, coordination, and resource support for impacted communities. 

Flood Watch and Landslide Risk Across Western Oregon 

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through Thursday night for multiple counties, including Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill. The heaviest rainfall is expected Thursday and Friday, with conditions shifting south over the weekend. Saturated soils and steep terrain, especially in areas recently affected by wildfires, may lead to landslides and debris flows. This will be accompanied by high wind gusts along the coast, in the coastal mountains and some inland areas. 

Stay alert and take precautions: Turn Around, Don’t Drown 

• Be aware of limbs that may have come loose in the windstorm and be cautious of falling branches. Make sure outdoor furniture and decor is secured. 
• Listen for unusual sounds such as cracking trees or rumbling rocks. 
• Watch for sudden changes in water flow or color. 
• Travel cautiously, especially at night. Assume roads may be compromised. 
• Do NOT drive or walk through flood waters. There are unseen hazards like open storm drains and metal debris, and cars can be swept away in even a few inches of water. 
• Understand the additional burn scar risks. 
• The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office urges you to be careful using alternative power sources during power outages. 

Stay Informed 

OEM also reminds Oregonians to prepare for future flooding and landslide risks: 

• Sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov and ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on mobile devices. 
• Stay alert to changing conditions. Monitor weather updates via radio, TV, or weather.gov/pqr. 
• Create and review your evacuation plan and understand the evacuation levels (1. Be Ready, 2. Be Set, 3. GO NOW!). 
• Stay informed through trusted sources like local emergency managers, county sheriffs’ offices, and public land agencies. 
• Check road conditions at TripCheck.com or by calling 511.  
• Check out OEM’s Real-time Assessment and Planning Tool for Oregon (RAPTOR) and GIS to see up to the minute hazard updates. 
• See flooding inundation maps for your area on the NOAA website. 

Stay Connected 

Sign up to receive the latest updates from OEM and explore preparedness tips, including how to Be 2 Weeks Ready for any disaster, at Oregon.gov/OEM.

MEDFORD, Ore.—An Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison today for embezzling more than $250,000 from her employer and evading over $50,000 in federal taxes.  

Notja Michelle Brower, 53, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $310,106 in restitution to her victims.

According to court documents, in July 2018, Victim Business 1 (VB1) hired Brower as a bookkeeper and office manager. Within one month of her hire, Ms. Brower began defrauding VB1 by issuing herself unauthorized company checks and pocketing thousands of dollars in cash payments. She then altered VB1’s business records to conceal her thefts as business expenses and payroll draws. Brower also fraudulently opened a credit card in the personal name of a VB1 owner and used that card to purchase over $20,000 in travel, casino, restaurant, and exotic car rental expenses. Brower then made payments to that credit card using VB1’s business checking account.

Also, for tax years 2018 and 2019, Brower willfully failed to report the embezzled funds as income, resulting in over $250,000 in unreported income and a total tax due and owing of $57,705.

On April 4, 2024, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a twelve-count indictment charging Brower with bank fraud, wire fraud, unauthorized use of an access device, aggravated identity theft, and tax evasion.  

On March 10, 2025, Brower pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of tax evasion.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and Medford Police Department. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.  

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A Tualatin company intentionally kept a faulty system in place for storing raw materials, exposing employees to struck-by and crushing hazards, an inspection by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has found.

Avalon International Aluminum, a maker of metal door and window framing, willfully violated a safety rule by refusing to follow the installation and maintenance requirements set by the manufacturer of its industrial storage racks.

The decision allowed hundreds of pounds of raw materials to sit atop unanchored cantilever storage racks, some with damaged or upside-down baseplates, rising as high as 18 feet. The situation left employees, who reached the raw materials by hand and forklift, exposed to potential bodily harm.

Oregon OSHA issued a citation to the company for two violations: one “willful,” involving the storage racks, and the other “serious,” for failing to guard a belt sander at a nip point where hands and fingers could get mangled or cut off. The violations amounted to a total penalty of $28,478. The company remains under an order by Oregon OSHA to correct the willful violation. During the inspection, the company corrected the belt sander violation.

A willful violation occurs when an employer knowingly violates a workplace safety or health requirement. It is a type of violation rarely cited by Oregon OSHA.

“Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, employers are responsible for understanding and following the safety and health requirements that apply to their industries,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “To knowingly disregard those requirements can only be described one way: inexcusable.”

A complaint prompted Oregon OSHA to open the inspection of Avalon International Aluminum. Oregon OSHA completed its inspection in November. The division’s examination of the company’s operations included interviews with employer representatives and employees, conversations with a manufacturer of the storage racks, walk-throughs of the company’s warehouses, measurements, and photo documentation. Among the findings: an estimated 40 baseplates for the storage racks were unanchored to the concrete floor; an estimated four baseplates were damaged; and an estimated three baseplates were installed upside down.

Employers have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal. Avalon International Aluminum filed an appeal of its citation. Oregon workers have a right to safe and healthy working conditions. They have a right to speak up when those conditions are lacking or absent. Employers must create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces. Oregon OSHA offers nonenforcement resources to employers that want help with improvements or that have questions about requirements:

Consultation services – provides free help with safety and health programs including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Field offices
• Online
• Email: consult.web@dcbs.oregon.gov

Technical staff – helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Online
• Email: tech.web@dcbs.oregon.gov

Oregon OSHA also offers free online training services and publications in English and Spanish, and key information for workers and employers.

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

PR 16-25                                                           

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

CONTACT: Kevin Wingert, 971-207-8390

BPA responding to widespread weather-related outages
Region-wide weather system posing challenges on lower-voltage BPA lines, utility distribution lines

Portland, Ore. – Bonneville Power Administration experienced over 40 transmission outages across its service territory due to extreme weather experienced in the early morning of Dec. 17.

Bonneville crews are at various stages of identifying outage causes and making repairs as needed with several points of delivery serving BPA’s utility customers out of service.

On Tuesday night, a strong cold front collided with much warmer than average air, resulting in widespread gusty winds that coupled with already saturated soils and trees.

Impacts to BPA’s electric grid were mostly felt in lower voltage ranges of 115-kilovolt lines and below. BPA crews are responding to outages across our service territory, with a heightened focus on outages impacting communities along the Oregon northern coast and southwestern Washington, including Driscoll, Astoria, Tillamook and Forest Grove. BPA is working in conjunction with PacifiCorp and local impacted utilities such as Wahkiakum Public Utility District, Tillamook People's Utility District, City of Forest Grove, Western Electric Co-op and others.

BPA crews have identified numerous off-right-of-way trees in both transmission and distribution lines across our service territory.

To enable as many resources and crews as possible in response to this event, BPA suspended all non-critical, life-safety related maintenance outages across its service territory. Additionally, any lines that were out of service for routine maintenance were returned to service to ensure transmission capacity and availability to reroute power as needed.

Many of BPA’s customer utilities are experiencing significant impacts on their own distribution systems, and BPA is actively working through mutual assistance aid agreements to provide help where needed.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

Media hotline: 503-813-6018  

Pacific Power crews respond to outages related to overnight storms 

PORTLAND, Ore., (Dec. 17, 2025) — Pacific Power crews are responding to widespread outages across Oregon and Washington related to a storm system that brought high winds and rain to the region, impacting roughly 50,000 customers. 

Field crews are actively working to restore power in several areas, with the most significant impacts in Clatsop County and the mid-Willamette Valley. Due to severe storm damage, some customers in those areas may be without power overnight.  

“Our crews have been working hard around the clock to assess damage and make necessary repairs to get the power back on,” said Erik Brookhouse, vice president of system operations. “We understand losing power can be disruptive and inconvenient and we want to thank customers for their patience as our crews continue their work.” 

Pacific Power encourages customers to always be prepared for outages and supports state and local emergency management organizations, who recommend Oregonians have an emergency plan for up to 72 hours without essential services.   

Here are some simple steps customers can take to prepare and stay informed:     

• Update your contact information so we can reach you.   
• Sign up to receive outage alerts by text, email or phone.   
• Restock your outage kit.   
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• Track outages, update contact info and do more with our free app.   
• Text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.    

Visit PacificPower.net/Outages for restoration estimates.   

As a reminder, stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Customers should avoid both downed trees and powerlines and keep pets far away from those areas.    

Call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.    

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About Pacific Power  

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

December 17, 2025

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

Oregon Health Authority responds to Measure 110 audit from the Oregon Secretary of State

PORTLAND, Ore. — Historically, Oregon’s behavioral health system has gone underfunded and overburdened. Today, with renewed focus and broad alignment, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), is working to change that, reimagining what treatment can look like across the state when accountability meets action. An audit released by the Secretary of State shows that the agency has taken significant steps to strengthen program oversight and ensure responsible, effective use of Measure 110 dollars.

This important work is underway and producing meaningful results. As of today, there are 234 Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) grantees across the state, with one in each county. These services include culturally and regionally specific care that connects or re-connects patients with the communities they call home. With each step taken to improve Oregon’s behavioral health system, lives are saved, bonds are rebuilt, and barriers to care are lowered for those who need it most.

“OHA appreciates the results of this audit and is acting with urgency on the findings,” said OHA’s Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “We are committed to ongoing work to strengthen oversight, responsible stewardship of Measure 110 dollars, and ensuring that every person in Oregon has access to the behavioral health services they need.”

OHA acknowledges initial implementation of Measure 110 was challenged by tight timelines and insufficient staffing. However, in the last year OHA has significantly grown and stabilized the Measure 110 program through improved leadership, management, and staffing.

As noted by the SOS Audits Division, regular legislative changes since 2020 have impacted OHA's ability to establish and stabilize BHRN programming and oversight.

OHA acknowledges past Measure 110 data limitations and has invested in Measure 110 data improvements. The data collected by the 234 grantees and submitted to OHA has increased dramatically. Through implementation of the Strategic Data Plan, OHA is already charting a forward-looking evaluative approach that emphasizes ongoing performance measures and BHRN provider-reported indicators. This method better captures program outcomes through programmatic and client-level metrics collected quarterly. These metrics will be publicly available via the BHRN program quarterly dashboard, which will provide aggregate data on program activities and service level metrics.

History of What Was Audited

Measure 110 was a ballot measure passed by Oregonians in 2020 to expand addiction services and social supports through redirected marijuana tax revenue and law enforcement savings.

As noted by the Secretary of State’s Audits Division, several legislative changes since 2020 have impacted OHA’s ability to establish and stabilize the Behavioral Health Resource Network’s (BHRN) programming and oversight. During its first years, these changes altered timelines, expectations and funding formulas. Most notably, HB 4002 (2024) shifted one of the foundational tenants of the original legal framework by recriminalizing drug possession and changed how people access BHRN services. Declining cannabis tax revenue and criminal justice cost savings have also reduced available funds.

Despite these shifts, OHA remains focused on maintaining statewide access to treatment, harm reduction and recovery services. Even with funding instability for Measure 110’s BHRNs, OHA has ensured available funds are used efficiently and effectively to support essential behavioral health services statewide.

OHA Implementation and Program Improvements

Following two previous audits, OHA continues to take clear action – responding to past findings and addressing key issues raised in the most recent review. From 2022-2025, programs receiving Measure 110 funding reported 3 million encounters with people in need of addiction and social support services. , More than 80% of the funded BHRN providers performed outreach at least once per week and approximately 40% of these providers performed outreach five or more times weekly, resulting in thousands of new clients accessing critical BHRN services.

This work is made possible in part by OHA’s substantial process improvements, including:

Leadership and Structure

• Hiring a dedicated Measure 110 Executive Director (October 2024), program manager (February 2025) and additional leadership staff (2025).
• Expanding the M110 program team from three to 18 full-time positions, providing stability and expertise.
• Embedding project management, grant administration and cross-division coordination into daily operations.

Governance and Oversight

• Reorganizing the program to ensure alignment with the OHA Director, Behavioral Health Division Director and Governor’s Office priorities and strategies.
• Successfully completing the 2025 grant process and incorporating lessons learned for the upcoming funding cycle.
• Preparing for the shift of grant-making authority from the Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC) to OHA in 2026 under Senate Bill 610 (2025).

Data and Accountability

• Launching enhanced Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) grant reporting in 2025, including client-level reporting.
• Implementing standardized expenditure and staffing reporting to ensure the responsible use of every Measure 110 dollar.
• Utilizing a public facing dashboard to ensure robust data is collected and shared, including plans for additional data reporting for the current grant cycle.

Additionally, while the Audits Division recommends OHA conduct a baseline study to determine the impact of Measure 110 funded services, data limitations and the availability of appropriate data comparisons significantly hinder OHA’s ability to conduct such a study, possibly to the point of rendering it impossible. However, OHA has invested in many data improvements that will allow the agency to report out on BHRN program impact and client outcomes by 2027.

Work to Improve Access to Behavioral Health Services Continues

“We have built a responsive high performing team overseeing M110 implementation to help build a system that is coordinated, evidence-based and responsive,” Clarke said. “OHA is committed to collaborating with partners to ensure we are leading with stability, collaboration and compassion.”

OHA continues to advance the equity goals at the heart of Measure 110 by improving culturally specific services, strengthening funding processes and ensuring that communities disproportionately harmed by past drug policies have access to care.

Substance use disorder is a long-term public health challenge. OHA will continue strengthening Measure 110 implementation and ensuring that public funds are used effectively to support treatment and recovery to reduce harm and save lives across Oregon.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2025
MEDIA CONTACTS

• Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Public Information: LCSheriff@co.lincoln.or.us
• Oregon Department of Emergency Management:
  licinfo@oem.oregon.gov">oem_publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov. 971-304-3310
• Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries: dogami-info@dogami.oregon.gov

___________________________________________________________________________ 

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), and the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant as landslide hazards increase across western Oregon, particularly in Lincoln County, where a significant landslide event continues to pose serious safety risks.

The landslide, which began on December 12, has destabilized the terrain in the affected area. The ground remains highly unstable, and the approaching atmospheric river is expected to worsen conditions. Oregon Department of Transportation geologists and engineers have been conducting aerial assessments using LIDAR and drone technology but have not been able to safely enter the site due to ongoing ground movement.

Public Safety Warning for Lincoln County:

• Stay out of the landslide area, including the slope above and surrounding terrain. The ground is still settling and may shift without warning.
• Do not approach or disturb debris washing ashore along the Siletz River, Siletz Bay, or nearby beaches. It may be unstable and dangerous.
• If you find debris of a personal nature, please contact local law enforcement via non-emergency lines:
  • Lincoln City Police Department: 541-994-3636 
  • Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office: 541-265-0777
• Please follow all evacuation alerts (1. Be Ready, 2. Be Set, 3. GO NOW!) and know your evacuation routes.

Emergency Response Updates:

• Lincoln County Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains active and is coordinating with local and state partners.
• Highway 229 is closed between Milepost 14 and 15. No detour is available. Travelers should avoid the area and check TripCheck.com for updates.

Flood Watch and Landslide Risk Across Western Oregon: 

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through Thursday night for multiple counties, including Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill. The heaviest rainfall in Oregon will be Thursday and Friday, then will shift further south during the weekend. Heavy rainfall may trigger landslides and debris flows, especially in steep terrain and areas affected by recent wildfires. 

Debris Flow Safety Tips:

• Stay alert to changing conditions. Monitor weather updates via radio, TV, or weather.gov/pqr.
• Listen for unusual sounds like cracking trees or rumbling rocks.
• Watch water sources for sudden changes in flow or color.
• Travel cautiously, especially at night. Assume roads may be compromised.

Be Prepared: 

Oregon communities can reduce landslide risks through land use planning and hazard mitigation strategies. Property owners in low lying areas in and around the landslide area may wish to consider purchasing flood insurance, as it is not normally a part of standard renters or homeowners insurance. It is important to note flood insurance applies only in limited cases involving certain debris flows. It generally does not cover landslides. 

However, officials do expect the atmospheric river to cause flooding in parts of Oregon, and it is a good time to make sure you have insurance coverage for both flooding and landslides. Contact your insurance agent, or connect with an insurance advocate at the Division for Financial Regulation’s.(DFR) Consumer Hotline 1-888-877-4894 or visit their Disaster Insurance Resources page.

•  Preparing for Landslide Hazards: A Land Use Guide for Oregon Communities
• Quick Reference Sheet
• Homeowners Guide to Landslides for Oregon and Washington
• DOGAMI landslide publications and maps
• Anyone (whether you rent or own) can obtain a National Flood Insurance Program quote
• Contact your local insurance agent or visit FloodSmart.gov for additional information on flood insurance.

Stay Informed:

• Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
  • Sign up for Lincoln Alerts to receive emergency notifications: 
  • Receive County Media Releases
  • Facebook Pages: https://www.facebook.com/lincolncountysheriff/  or www.facebook.com/lcemergencymanagement/
• Sign up for OEM Press Releases or Alerts in your area at ORAlert.gov
• Stay up to date on road conditions by calling 511 or visiting TripCheck.com.
• Visit DOGAMI’s home page and debris flow page for more information.
• Photos and video of the slide can be found on ODOT’s Flickr Album.