Participants in the State Emergency Coordination Center during the 2024 State Level Exercise.

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is conducting its 2026 State Level Exercise, Getting Through Lahar’d Times, this week, October 13–16, bringing together state agencies, counties, Tribes, and community partners to test Oregon’s ability to recover from a major volcanic eruption.

 

Unlike most state-level exercises—which traditionally emphasize short-term disaster response—this year’s exercise focuses on long-term recovery, offering Oregon a rare opportunity to test its newly adopted Oregon Disaster Recovery Base Plan. Few states have the chance to meaningfully exercise recovery operations at this scale, making Getting Through Lahar’d Times an exceptional milestone for statewide preparedness.

 

This exercise is also the first in Oregon to integrate community members as special observers and evaluators, including volunteers, representatives from organizations active in disasters, and individuals connected with under resourced communities. Their involvement reflects OEM’s commitment to building a Ready and Resilient Oregon through whole community participation.

 

“I want to thank our community advising partners serving as special evaluators,” OEM Director Erin McMahon, said. “Your perspectives play a vital role in helping us understand how well the State Recovery Plan supports and includes the whole community. Your feedback will help us improve Oregon’s recovery strategies and make them stronger and more equitable. This is a first for Oregon and is emblematic of OEM's vision of a Ready and Resilient Oregon. Thank you especially to the leadership of Natasha Fox, Robert Quinn, and Quinn Butler, who worked toward a creative solution to develop this partnership.”

A Statewide Exercise Built for Whole Community Engagement

As Oregon observes International Emergency Manager Awareness Month, agencies and partners statewide are preparing to practice the transition from emergency response to long-term recovery. Using a realistic volcanic eruption scenario, participants will:

• Conduct damage assessments
• Transition from response to recovery operations
• Set statewide recovery objectives
• Develop a State Recovery Action Plan
• Coordinate resource allocation under the Oregon Disaster Recovery Base Plan

Local, Tribal, and community partners are essential to the exercise’s success, bringing cultural context, local operational realities, and community specific needs into the planning environment.

“The value of these exercises is that they let us practice the hardest days of a disaster without the consequences of an actual event," Robert Quinn, OEM exercise officer, said. “We learn what works, what needs strengthening, and how we can better support communities when the real thing happens.”

Building on Lessons Learned

Oregon has a long history of using state level exercises to prepare for large and complex disasters.

• Cascadia Rising 2016 examined the first 72 hours after a simulated Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.
• IronOR24 expanded the play into days four through seven, helping responders practice sustained operations and refine their transition into recovery.

The 2026 exercise now advances this progression by exercising recovery coordination—a phase rarely tested in statewide training.

“Every exercise is an investment in Oregon’s resilience,” McMahon said. “Our communities expect us to be prepared, and these statewide efforts help us strengthen the systems and relationships we rely on in a disaster.”

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet for a planning retreat on Oct. 26 through 28. The retreat’s three-day itinerary will include an executive session, field tour and public meetings. The planning retreat offers the board and department leadership the opportunity to connect on their shared strategic plan.

 

The public can attend in-person at the Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites, 2525 Ashland Street, Ashland or observe via a livestream on the department’s YouTube page.

 

During this informal retreat, board members will focus on:

• Board member and executive team introductions
• Agency overview
• Vision for Oregon’s Forests
• Executive Session
• Executive Order 25-26 Climate Resilience Work Plan
• Board Work Plans
• Board discussion

View the agenda and retreat details.

 

The Executive Session will be closed to the public, except for members of the press who are permitted to attend by law. This Executive Session is held pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection as well as pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with legal counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.

 

This meeting will not have live public testimony, but written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day by mail to the Board Support Office, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310 or email to oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. Please include the appropriate agenda item and topic with the submission.

 

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">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 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. Learn more about the board.

Bend Fire & Rescue will open its doors to the community from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the North Fire Station, 63377 NE Jamison St., in celebration of Fire Prevention Month.

 

The free, family-friendly event will feature hands-on activities, safety demonstrations and opportunities to meet local first responders. Activities include:

• Climbing aboard a fire engine and ambulance and spraying a fire hose.
• Watching Airlink and Life Flight helicopters land and exploring the aircraft.
• Viewing a live fire demonstration.
• Painting a City of Bend snowplow and making family-friendly crafts.
• Enjoying free ice cream and other giveaways.

More information, including a schedule of events, is available at https://bendoregon.gov/departments/public-safety/fire-rescue/calendar/bend-fire-rescue-open-house/

 

October is Fire Prevention Month, and this year's theme is "Charge Into Fire Safety." The campaign focuses on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries, which power many everyday devices, including e-bikes, power tools, cell phones and tablets. Improper charging, use or disposal of lithium-ion batteries can increase the risk of fire. Residents are encouraged to purchase listed products, follow manufacturer charging instructions and recycle or dispose of batteries properly.

 

Community members can learn more about lithium-ion battery safety at the open house or by visiting the National Fire Protection Association website.

 

Bend Fire & Rescue abrirá sus puertas a la comunidad de 10 a. m. a 1 p. m. Sábado, 17 de octubre, en la estación de bomberos del norte, situada en el 63377 de la calle NE Jamison, con motivo de la celebración del Mes de la Prevención de Incendios.

 

Este evento gratuito y apto para toda la familia contará con actividades prácticas, demostraciones de seguridad y la oportunidad de conocer a los servicios de emergencia locales. Las actividades incluirán:

• La oportunidad de subirse a un camión de bomberos y a una ambulancia y usar una manguera contra incendios.
• Observa el aterrizaje de los helicópteros de Airlink y Life Flight y explora las aeronaves.
• Observar una demostración con fuego real.
• Pintar una máquina quitanieves de la ciudad de Bend y hacer manualidades para toda la familia.
• Disfrutando de helado gratis y otros obsequios.

Habrá más información, incluyendo un calendario de actividades, disponible en https://bendoregon.gov/departments/public-safety/fire-rescue/calendar/bend-fire-rescue-open-house/jornada-de-puertas-abiertas-de-bend-fire-rescue/

 

Octubre es el Mes de la Prevención de Incendios, y el lema de este año es “Adelante con la seguridad contra incendios”. La campaña se centra en el uso seguro de las baterías de iones de litio, que alimentan muchos dispositivos de uso cotidiano, como las bicicletas eléctricas, las herramientas eléctricas, los teléfonos móviles y las tabletas. La carga, el uso o la eliminación inadecuados de las baterías de iones de litio pueden aumentar el riesgo de incendio. Se recomienda a los vecinos que adquieran los productos indicados, sigan las instrucciones de carga del fabricante y reciclen o desechen las pilas de forma adecuada.

 

Los miembros de la comunidad pueden obtener más información sobre la seguridad de las baterías de iones de litio en la jornada de puertas abiertas o visitando la página web de la Asociación Nacional de Protección contra Incendios.

For immediate release

October 12, 2026

Contact Chris Nelson (503) 551-0531

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CURRICULUM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED

 

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon is working to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, and protect communities by investing $10 million in projects that are part of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) landscape resiliency approach. 

 

The current grant awards will fund joint projects in Douglas, Grant, Jackson, and Josephine counties. The projects will reduce hazardous fuels, restore fire-adapted landscapes, and improve landscape resilience across more than 6,400 acres. 

 

Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said, “with more than 2 million acres burned by wildfires in Oregon so far in 2026, this work has become more important than ever. Every responsibly managed acre helps reduce wildfire risk around communities and improves the long-term health of Oregon’s forests and rangelands.” 

 

The ODF landscape resiliency effort is Oregon’s primary all-lands investment hub to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires before fires even start. This approach supports efforts across public, private, and Tribal lands that are part of Oregon’s 20-year landscape resiliency strategy. The goal is to coordinate and complete landscape-scale work that helps forests and protects communities. 

 

This year’s investments continue Oregon’s commitment to put wildfire risk reduction and landscape resiliency dollars to work where it matters most – on the ground. 

 

“This year’s projects demonstrate what can get done when local communities, landowners, Tribes, federal agencies and partners work toward shared goals – protecting our communities and stewarding natural resources,” said Barnard. 

 

ODF is focusing on larger forest resiliency by reducing tree density in some areas and planting better adapted trees in others. 

 

“ODF is improving methods to enhance landscape resiliency to better protect our forests from large disturbance events,” said ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl. “We are building tools to better diagnose problems and offering strategies and resources to landowners to help them do adaptive management. This includes metrics to help identify site and climate conditions and where stress is predicted. These tools and identification processes are a part of how we prepare and recover from stress from heat and droughts, insect pests and diseases, and wildfires.”

 

The projects funded in this round include: 

• Douglas County

ODF will invest $1.29 million through the Little River Landscape Resiliency Project. This project will create strategic fuel breaks along Lane Mountain, the Little River drainage and Cavitt Creek. These breaks will improve firefighter access and reduce wildfire intensity in high-risk areas. 

• Josephine and Jackson counties

The two southern Oregon counties will see $4.85 million invested through the Hotshot Rx Connect project. This project will thin forest stands and use prescribed fire across almost 2,700 acres. The work will reduce hazardous fuels, restore forest health, and improve wildfire response access. 

• Grant County

ODF is investing $3.46 million into the John Day Landscape Resiliency Project. The work will include thinning forests, removing junipers that compete with more valuable timber trees for water, and planning ongoing wildfire risk reduction across 3,400 acres. The plan will reduce wildfire risk and improve landscape resilience. One example is a 57-acre prescribed burn of thinned areas on private ponderosa pine forest near Monument. That burn was carried out by the Prescribed Burn Association, a collaboration that included OSU, ODF, Soil and Water Conservation Service, and local landowners.

 

This year’s investment lays the groundwork for future success. The funds will help develop new landscape plans that align priorities among the USDA Forest Stewardship Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, ODF, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. These plans pinpoint priority landscapes, improve coordination, and guide investments. 

 

ODF continues to strengthen this all-lands investment approach with ongoing funding and better coordination between local ODF districts, other public agencies, tribes, private landowners and local communities to identify and complete the highest-priority projects. 

 

Beyond funding individual treatments, ODF bridges state and federal programs through collaborative planning, leveraging investments, and coordinating cross-boundary work to produce larger, more meaningful impacts. 

 

An example of this coordinated work is the Central Oregon Shared Stewardship Project. Partners in the project, including ODF and multiple soil and water conservation districts among others, thinned ponderosa pine forest and cut brush along roadsides near Black Butte Ranch.  After the work was complete, this summer the 27,491-acre Akawa Butte Fire came through, burning part of the treated area.

 

“Because of the work done in this area, firefighters were able to fight the fire from safer places along roads where there was less fuel,” said ODF’s State Initiatives Grant Coordinator Jenna Nelson. “It also allowed fire fighters to immediately backburn the treated land without having to prepare it first, saving precious time. The back burns consumed fuel ahead of the advancing fire front, stopping it in those areas. Because treated areas burned with lower intensity, they will also have a better chance at recovering, with a high percentage of trees surviving.”

 

Landowners and partners interested in participating in future landscape resiliency projects are encouraged to contact their local ODF office. 

Previous Landscape Resiliency Program projects can be viewed at Oregon Department of Forestry : Landscape Resiliency Program : State of Oregon. 

                                                                                          # # # 

The City of Richland invites the community to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly renovated tennis courts at Leslie Groves Park on Tuesday, October 13, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

 

The celebration will include a ribbon cutting with City leaders and Parks and Recreation staff, followed by Mayor Theresa Richardson and Councilmember Pat Holten taking to the court for a friendly volley to officially put the newly renovated courts into play.

 

The project included a full renovation of the tennis court facility, including removal and replacement of the existing foundation, construction of a new concrete playing surface, installation of new netting equipment and a rebound wall, and replacement of the perimeter fencing. The improvements were constructed within the footprint of the existing courts, creating a refreshed, dedicated tennis facility for the community.

 

The renovation provides a modernized and durable facility designed to improve the playing experience and extend the useful life of the courts for years to come.

 

Leslie Groves Park is one of Richland’s popular riverfront parks and offers trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, river access, and a variety of recreational opportunities.

 

Community members, tennis players, and park users are encouraged to attend, see the improvements, and help officially welcome players back to the courts.

 

Grand Reopening
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Leslie Groves Park Tennis Courts
40 Park Street, Richland

 

For more information about the project, visit richlandwa.gov/Projects.

 

Monday, October 12, 2026

Contact: Heidi Hagemeier, Arts & Culture Communications Coordinator, heidi.hagemeier@biz.oregon.gov, 971-518-0966

 

Oregon Arts Commission awards $1.3 million in Sustaining Arts Program grants to 317 organizations statewide

 

SALEM — The Oregon Arts Commission has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants to 317 arts and culture organizations across Oregon through its Sustaining Arts Program for fiscal year 2027.

 

The Sustaining Arts Program supports nonprofit arts organizations that offer ongoing, high-quality outreach programs and arts services or artistic programming in their communities. Awards are based on a funding formula that considers an organization’s annual expenses, the number of applications received and available grant funds. This fiscal year—from July 2026-June 2027—grant awards range from $1,000 to $18,000.

 

“We know there’s a multiplier effect in providing funding support for arts and culture,” said Oregon Arts and Culture Director Amy Lewin. “These organizations energize local economies and their communities by providing cultural opportunities in every corner of the state. We’re pleased to support their ongoing work.”

 

Funds for this grant program are provided by the state of Oregon general fund through its support of the Oregon Arts Commission and by the National Endowment for the Arts through a grant to the Arts Commission.

 

Grant category key:

Group A Organizations with annual expenses of less than $150,000.
Group B Organizations with annual expenses equal to or greater than $150,000.

FY2026 Sustaining Arts Program grants awards by region:

Central

Jefferson, Deschutes and Crook counties

 

Group A

Cascade Chorale Association, Bend: $1,000

Central Oregon Mastersingers Inc, Bend: $2,250

Ellipse Theatre Community, Bend: $2,000

Kaycee Anseth Legacy Foundation, Bend: $1,000

OperaBend, Bend: $1,000

Ballet Bend, Bend: $1,000

 

Group B

BendFilm Inc, Bend: $7,025

Cascade School of Music, Bend: $7,025

Scalehouse, Bend: $5,000

SFF Presents, Sisters: $7,525

SSJ Inc, Sisters: $5,000

Sunriver Music Festival Inc, Sunriver: $5,000

Tananáwit, Warm Springs: $5,000

High Desert Museum, Bend: $15,000

Tower Theatre Foundation Inc, Bend: $8,000

 

Greater Eastern – North

Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, Wheeler and Grant counties

 

Group B

Pendleton Center for the Arts, Pendleton: $5,000

Oregon East Symphony, Pendleton: $5,000

 

Greater Eastern – South

Harney and Malheur counties

 

Group A

Drexel H. Foundation, Vale: $2,000

 

Group B

Painted Sky Center for the Arts, John Day: $5,000

 

Portland Metro

Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties

 

Group A

Airlie Press, Portland: $1,000

Amadeus Chamber Orchestra, Portland: $1,000

Anonymous Theatre Company, Tigard: $1,000

A Notion, A Scream, Portland: $1,000

Aspen Meadow Band, Colton: $2,500

Aurora Chorus, Portland: $2,500

Bach Cantata Choir, Portland: $2,250

Bells of the Cascades, Tualatin: $1,000

Cathedral Park Performing Arts Collective, Portland: $2,250

Creative & Emerging Technology Institute, Portland: $5,000

Classical Up Close, Tigard: $1,000

Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Micheal O Domhnaill Branch of OR, Portland: $1,000

Community Jams, Portland: $2,000

Conchords Chorale, Tualatin: $1,000

Shaun Keylock Company, Portland: $1,000

Dance for Parkinson's Oregon, Lake Oswego: $1,000

Elbow Room, Portland: $5,000

Elevate Unity Inc, Portland: $2,250

EnTaiko, Portland: $2,500

Fool House Art Collective, Lake Oswego: $1,000

Friends of IFCC, Portland: $2,500

FROGTOWN, Portland: $1,000

From the Ground Up, Portland: $5,000

Future Prairie, Portland: $1,000

Greater Portland Flute Society, Portland: $1,000

Heidi Duckler Dance Northwest, Portland: $1,000

Immigrant Story, Portland: $2,250

In Mulieribus, Portland: $2,500

ISing Community Choir, Beaverton: $2,500

Many Hats Collaboration, Portland: $2,250

Media-Rites, Portland: $1,000

Medicine Bear Native American Spiritual Encampment, Portland: $2,500

Misfit Academy, Portland: $2,000

MusicOregon, Portland: $2,250

Music Workshop, Portland: $5,500

Cascadia Composers, Portland: $1,000

New Moon Productions, Portland: $1,000

Northwest Dance Theatre, Tualatin: $2,500

Oregon Alliance of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Portland: $1,000

Oregon Chorale, Hillsboro: $2,250

Oregon Origins Project, Portland: $2,500

Performance Works NW, Portland: $2,250

Piano Santa Foundation, Portland: $1,000

Portland Area Theatre Alliance, Portland: $5,000

Portland Chamber Music, Portland: $1,000

Portland Child Art Studio, Portland: $2,500

Portland Fire Fighters Pipes and Drums, Portland: $1,000

Portland Panorama, Portland: $2,500

Portland Radio Project, Portland: $2,250

Portland SummerFest, Portland: $2,500

PUSH FOLD, Portland: $2,500

Radix Vocal Ensemble, Portland: $1,000

Renegade Opera, Portland: $1,000

Risk/Reward, Portland: $2,250

Rose City Pride Bands, Portland: $2,000

Shady Pines Radio, Portland: $2,500

Sincere Studio, Portland: $2,500

Siren Nation Inc, Portland: $1,000

Stage Fright Festival, Portland: $1,000

Swan Songs, Portland: $1,000

Takohachi Inc, Portland: $2,500

The Artback, Portland: $1,000

The Wave Elements Global Music, Portland: $1,000

Tualatin Valley Community Band, Tigard: $1,000

Tualatin Valley Symphony, Tigard: $1,000

Unlock the Arts, Portland: $1,000

Westside Orchestra Association, Hillsboro: $1,000

Women in Film-Portland, Portland: $1,000

Zephyr Clarinet Choir, Tigard: $1,000

 

Group B

21ten Theatre, Portland: $5,000

Alberta Abbey Foundation, Portland: $7,025

Friends of Noise, Portland: $7,025

All Classical, Portland: $12,000

Architectural Foundation of Oregon, Portland: $7,025

Art in Oregon, Portland: $5,000

Art in the Pearl, Portland: $5,000

Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland: $7,115

Clackamas County Arts Alliance, Oregon City: $5,000

A-WOL Dance Collective Inc, Portland: $5,025

Bag & Baggage Productions, Hillsboro: $5,250

The Beaverton Arts Foundation, Beaverton: $10,000

Beaverton Symphony Orchestra, Beaverton: $5,000

BodyVox Inc, Portland: $7,115

Boom Arts, Portland: $5,000

Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Tigard: $10,000

Caldera, Portland: $10,000

Cappella Romana Inc, Portland: $7,015

Chamber Music Northwest, Portland: $8,000

Clackamas Repertory Theatre, Oregon City: $5,025

CoHo Productions, Portland: $5,000

Corrib Theatre, Portland: $5,000

Cracked Pots, Portland: $5,000

Curious Comedy Productions, Portland: $5,115

CymaSpace, Portland: $5,115

Echo Theater Company, Portland: $7,025

Choral Arts Ensemble, Portland: $5,000

Ethos Inc, Portland: $7,025

Experience Theatre Project, Beaverton: $5,000

Film Action Oregon, Portland: $12,000

Friends of Chamber Music, Portland: $6,025

Gather:Make:Shelter, Portland: $5,025

Hand2Mouth, Portland: $5,000

Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum, Portland: $5,000

Imago the Theatre Mask Ensemble, Portland: $5,015

In a Landscape, Portland: $7,025

Independent Publishing Resource Center, Portland: $5,000

Lakewood Theatre Company, Lake Oswego: $8,000

Literary Arts Inc, Portland: $12,000

Live Wire Radio, Portland: $5,250

MetroEast Community Media, Gresham: $7,525

Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland: $7,025

Miracle Theatre Group, Portland: $5,025

Montavilla Jazz Festival, Portland: $5,000

My Voice Music, Portland: $6,025

New Expressive Works, Portland: $5,000

North Pole Studio, Portland: $5,000

Northwest Children's Theater & School Inc, Portland: $10,000

Northwest Professional Dance Project, Portland: $7215

Old Church Society Inc, Portland: $5,250

Open Hearts Open Minds, Portland: $5,000

Open Space, Portland: $5,025

Oregon ArtsWatch, Portland: $5,015

Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland: $15,000

Oregon BRAVO Youth Orchestras, Portland: $7,015

Oregon Center for Contemporary Art, Portland: $5,025

Oregon Children's Theatre Company, Portland: $7,075

Oregon International Ballet Academy, Portland: $5,000

Oregon Repertory Singers, Portland: $5,115

Oregon Society of Artists, Portland: $5,025

Oregon Symphony Association, Portland: $18,000

OrpheusPDX, Portland: $5,000

Outside the Frame, Portland: $6,075

Pacific Youth Choir, Portland: $5,015

PassinArt: A Theatre Company, Portland: $5,000

Phame Academy, Portland: $6,025

Play It Forward, Beaverton: $5,500

PlayWrite, Portland: $5,000

Portland Art Museum, Portland: $18,000

Portland Baroque Orchestra, Portland: $7,000

Portland Center Stage, Portland: $15,000

Open Signal, Portland: $1,000

Portland Cultural Dance Collective, Portland: $5,015

Portland Drama Club, Portland: $5,000

Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble, Portland: $5,015

Portland Gay Men's Chorus, Inc, Portland: $5,250

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland: $8,000

PDX Jazz, Portland: $7,075

Portland Lesbian Choir, Portland: $5,000

Portland Opera Association Inc, Portland: $13,000

Portland Piano International, Portland: $5,025

Portland Playhouse, Portland: $7,775

Portland Revels, Portland: $5,000

Portland Street Art Alliance, Portland: $7,015

Portland Taiko, Portland: $5,000

Portland Youth Philharmonic, Portland: $7,525

Profile Theatre Project, Portland: $6,000

Regional Arts & Culture Council, Portland: $1,000

Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theater, Portland: $5,000

Resonance Ensemble, Portland: $5,000

Scarlet Sails Cultural Foundation, Beaverton: $5,000

SCRAP Creative Reuse, Portland: $7,115

Shaking the Tree Theatre, Portland: $5,000

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy, Hillsboro: $5,000

Sticky Culture, Portland: $2,000

Street Books, Portland: $5,000

Stumptown Stages, Portland: $5,025

Synth Library Portland, Portland: $2,250

The Portland Ballet, Portland: $6,025

The Vanport Mosaic, Portland: $5,000

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

Third Rail Repertory Theatre, Portland: $5,025

Tilikum Chamber Orchestra, Portland: $1,000

Vibe of Portland, Portland: $5,000

Western Alliance of Arts Administrators Foundation, Portland: $7,025

White Bird, Portland: $7,025

Willamette Light Brigade, Portland: $6,025

Willamette Writers, Portland: $5,000

Write Around Portland, Portland: $5,000

Arts for Learning Northwest, Portland: $7,525

Young Musicians & Artists, Portland: $5,500

Youth Music Project, West Linn: $8,000

 

Mid-Valley

Yamhill, Polk and Marion counties

 

Group A

Arts Alliance of Yamhill County, McMinnville: $2,000

Focus on Book Arts, Monmouth: $1,000

Keizer Homegrown Theatre, Keizer: $1,000

McMinnville Film Festival Foundation, McMinnville: $2,250

Oregon Artists Series Foundation, Salem: $1,000

Oregon Community Theatre Alliance, McMinnville: $1,000

Salem Big Band, Salem: $1,000

Salem Orchestra, Salem: $1,000

Salem Pops Orchestra, Salem: $1,000

Salem Youth Symphony Association, Salem: $2,500

Silverton Arts Association, Silverton: $2,000

Oregon Spirit Chorus, Salem: $2,500

The Moxie Initiative, Salem: $1,000

Oregon Symphony Association in Salem, Salem: $5,000

Western Oregon University Development Foundation, Monmouth: $2,000

Theatre 33 of Willamette University, Salem: $2,500

 

Group B

Chehalem Center Association, Newberg: $7,025

Historic Elsinore Theatre, Salem: $7,025

Pentacle Theatre, Salem: $5,175

Salem Art Association, Salem: $5,500

Oregon Symphony Association in Salem, Salem: $5,000

Willamette Master Chorus, Salem: $5,000

Yamhill Enrichment Society, McMinnville: $5,025

 

North Central

Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties

 

Group B

Columbia Center for the Arts, Hood River: $5,000

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

 

North Coast

Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties

 

Group A

Arts Council of Clatsop County, Astoria: $1,000

Astoria Arts and Movement Center, Astoria: $2,500

Astoria Visual Arts, Inc, Astoria: $2,250

Columbia Chorale of Oregon, Warren: $1,000

North Coast Chorale, Astoria: $1,000

The Writer's Guild, Astoria: $2,000

Tolovana Arts Colony, Cannon Beach: $2,500

Trail's End Art Association, Gearhart: $1,000

 

Group B

Hoffman Center, Manzanita: $2,500

Liberty Restoration Inc, Astoria: $7225

Ten Fifteen Productions, Astoria: $5,000

 

Northeast

Wallowa, Union and Baker counties

 

Group A

Eastern Oregon Film Festival, La Grande: $2,500

Grande Ronde Symphony Association, La Grande: $2,250

 

Group B

Crossroads Creative and Performing Arts Center Inc, Baker City: $5,115

Art Center East, La Grande: $5,000

Fishtrap Inc, Enterprise: $5,015

Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph: $5,250

 

South Central

Klamath and Lake counties

 

Group A

Klamath Music, Klamath Falls: $2,000

 

Group B

PLAYA, Summer Lake: $5,015

 

South Coast

Douglas, Coos and Curry counties

 

Group A

Bay Area Community Concert Band, Coos Bay: $1,000

Dolphin Players Inc, Coos Bay: $1,000

Oregon Coast School of Art, Gardiner: $5,000

Redfish Music Festival, Port Orford: $1,000

South Coast Folk Society, Coos Bay: $1,000

Wild Rivers Coast Foundation for Dance, Brookings: $2,500

 

South Valley/Mid Coast

Lincoln, Benton, Linn and Lane counties

 

Group A

Applegate Regional Theatre Inc, Veneta: $2,000

Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene, Eugene: $2,500

Coastal Voices, Newport: $1,000

Corvallis Guitar Society, Corvallis: $1,000

DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon, Eugene: $2,500

Eugene Gay Men's Chorus, Eugene: $2,000

Eugene Springfield Community Orchestra, Eugene: $1,000

Florence Regional Arts Alliance, Florence: $5,000

Free Shakespeare in the Park Theatre Company, Eugene: $1,000

New Zone Gallery, Eugene: $2,500

Oregon Brass Society, Eugene: $1,000

Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival Association, Newport: $2,000

Radical Alternative Development, Elmira: $1,000

Santiam Hearts to Arts, Mill City: $1,000

Springfield Community Concert Band, Springfield: $1,000

Generations Arts Academy, Harrisburg: $1,000

Willamette Valley Symphony, Eugene: $1,000

 

Group B

Radiant Community Arts, Eugene: $5,000

Ballet Fantastique, Eugene: $5,500

Children's Repertory of Oregon Workshops, Florence: $5,000

Community Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene: $6,025

Comunidad y Herencia Cultural, Springfield: $5,000

Corvallis Arts Center Inc, Corvallis: $5,250

Corvallis Fall Festival, Corvallis: $5,000

Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, Corvallis: $5,000

Corvallis Youth Symphony Association, Corvallis: $5,000

Cottage Theatre, Cottage Grove: $5,025

Eugene Ballet, Eugene: $1,000

Eugene Concert Choir, Eugene: $5,025

Eugene Opera, Eugene: $5,025

Eugene Symphony Association Inc, Eugene: $1,000

#instaballet, Eugene: $5,000

Lane Arts Council, Eugene: $7,025

Lincoln City Cultural Center Inc, Lincoln City: $5,250

Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts, Eugene: $5,000

Maude Kerns Art Center, Eugene: $5,015

Maxtivity, Philomath: $5,000

Music Education & Performing Artists Association, Eugene: $5,000

Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Otis: $8,000

Orchestra Next, Eugene: $5,000

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, Newport: $7,025

Oregon Contemporary Theatre, Eugene: $5,250

Oregon Mozart Players, Eugene: $5,000

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

University of Oregon - Oregon Folklife Network, Eugene: $5,000

 

Southern

Josephine and Jackson counties

 

Group A

Women's Choral Society, Phoenix:  $5,000

Art Presence Inc, Jacksonville: $2,250

Ashland Children’s Theatre, Ashland: $2,000

Ashland New Plays Festival, Ashland: $2,500

Guitar Society of Southern Oregon, Ashland: $1,000

Ashland Flute Circle, Medford: $1,000

Oregon Art on a Mission, Talent: $1,000

Rogue Valley Symphonic Band, Talent: $1,000

Siskiyou Singers Inc, Ashland: $2,000

Ashland Independent Film Festival, Ashland: $5,000

Southern Oregon Guild, Cave Junction: $2,000

 

Group B

Storytown, Ashland: $5,000

Camelot Theatre Company, Talent: $7,025

Collaborative Theatre Project Inc, Medford: $5,000

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

Oregon Shakespeare Festival Association, Ashland: $18,000

Peter Britt Gardens Arts and Music Festival Association, Medford: $18,000

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

 

About the Oregon Arts Commission
The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Commissioners appointed by the Governor establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. Nested within Business Oregon, the Arts Commission works to support the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state. The Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at oregonartscommission.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

The Oregon State Marine Board invites recreational boaters and others interested in the agency’s work to a Town Hall meeting. These informal meetings are a chance for agency staff to meet with local recreational boaters and to learn about area needs. It’s also a chance to gather feedback on the agency’s proposed budget and legislative concepts for the 2027-2029 legislative session.

 

The goal is to build stronger connections with local boaters, share what the agency does, and explain how boating dollars are used in communities. Staff looks forward to answering questions about boating safety, agency rules, grant funding, boating access, titling and registration, outfitter guides, and any environmental concerns.

 

The Town Hall meeting times are from 4 pm to 7 pm and are scheduled in an open format, so people can come and go as their schedules allow.

 

Town Hall Meeting Details

DATE	CITY	LOCATION ADDRESS
10/13/2026	Umatilla	Umatilla Community Center 201 7th St., Umatilla, OR 97881
10/14/2026	Ontario	Four Rivers Cultural Center - Harano Gallery 676 SW 5th Ave, Ontario, OR 97914
10/15/2026	Prineville	Central Oregon Community College (Prineville), Room 130 510 SE Lynn Blvd, Prineville, OR 97754

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit Boat.Oregon.gov to learn more about the Marine Board, Oregon’s recreational boating agency.

 

-End-

 

More information

Additional background and resources on becoming a member of the Governor’s boards and commissions can be found on the Governor’s website.

For questions about the LGBTQIA2S+ Subcommittee of the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services, send an email to tqia2s.commission@odhs.oregon.gov" target="_blank" title="mailto:lgbtqia2s.commission@odhs.oregon.gov">lgbtqia2s.commission@odhs.oregon.gov.

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry understands that with wildfire regulations changing at the city, county and state level, knowing what the fire restrictions are in your area may be confusing. Here are some quick Q&As to help clear up some of that confusion.

 

When can I burn my yard debris?

 

Across Oregon there are multiple jurisdictions that vary from city to county to state to federal, and each may have different restrictions on fire. While in fire season, debris burning is prohibited on ODF-protected lands. But what if you’re outside of ODF jurisdiction?

 

The easiest way to look up if it is safe to burn your yard debris is to visit beforeyouburn.net. The Before You Burn program simplifies and coordinates burns and provides real-time information to ensure the safety of Oregon’s communities. The online system empowers community members with the knowledge they need to comply with local regulations and burn responsibly.

 

What if I want to have a campfire?

 

Oregon is well known for its beautiful landscapes and forests, making outdoor recreation one of the most popular pastimes in the state. To keep these beautiful forests, it’s important to check the local regulations of the area or the regulations at state or national park you’re camping in. Campfires may be allowed but only in designated sites and, depending on fire danger, they may not be allowed at all.

 

Regulations may vary depending on where you are, so using the public resources available will make planning your trip much easier.

• Look up ODF fire regulations before recreating.
• Oregon State Parks has a trip planning tool that will give you all the information you need to know about the campsite you’re staying at. 
• Find the national forest you’re visiting and plan ahead.
• Learn about the different recreation activities and campground restrictions on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

The common theme, especially during this time of year, is to check local regulations before you go. Taking that extra step will help protect Oregon’s forests from wildfire and keep them open for recreation.

 

What about the prescribed fires around me? Is that safe?

 

Prescribed burning is a valuable tool for maintaining a healthy forest, reducing wildfire smoke and reducing risks to public safety. These fires are thoroughly planned throughout the year to meet ecological objectives and are only lit when weather and fuel conditions are favorable to protect sensitive communities and areas from their smoke. If conditions change and are deemed unfavorable, the burn is postponed.

Trails will be closed starting mid- and late October.

Port Orford, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is conducting several land and forest management projects in October. This is a regular part of OPRD’s stewardship and supports healthy ecosystems.

Check the park pages linked below for updates.

Humbug Mountain State Park

Humbug Mountain Trail will be closed for about two weeks starting Monday, Oct. 19. OPRD is managing a sudden oak death infestation in tanoak. Sudden oak death is an invasive pathogen that causes tanoak to die. The treatment is necessary to remove the infected and dead tanoak to reduce the spread of sudden oak death within the park and surrounding areas.

Within the 21-acre treatment area all tanoak will be cut down and the tree stumps will be treated with herbicide to limit resprouting. This treatment will also reduce the chances of wildfire risk by removing the unhealthy and dead trees. Initially discovered in Oregon in 2001, this pathogen spread within Curry County affecting private, state, and federal landowners.

Cape Blanco State Park

The horse trail system will be closed for about three weeks starting Monday, Oct. 26. OPRD is reducing tree density within this area to enhance habitat, specifically to support the state and federally listed endangered western lily.

This work will take place across 34 acres and include removing tree seedings, saplings and other trees to allow more meadow species to thrive and reduce encroachment in the sensitive western lily area.

MEDFORD, Ore.—A Grants Pass, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to illegally possessing a gun he stole in a burglary, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

 

Matthew Bertrand, 45, pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm. Bertrand is a felon, having been previously convicted five other times for burglary and theft.

 

According to court documents, on January 5, 2024, Central Point Police responded to a burglary in progress. A witness told police that the witness saw a man wearing a black ski mask, a black jacket, and blue jeans jump the fence and go inside a home.

 

When police arrived and spoke to the homeowner, they saw Bertrand flee through the back of the home. Police caught Bertrand after chasing him through multiple backyards. Bertrand had a black ski mask. Police recovered the gun belonging to the homeowner in the area where Bertrand ran.

 

Bertrand admitted to "rob[bing] the house", stealing the gun, and being in the victim's house on a prior occasion because the owner had "lots of toys."

 

On June 6, 2024, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a two-count indictment charging Bertrand with felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. He will be sentenced on March 11, 2027, before U.S. District Court Judge Kasubhai.

 

Bertrand faces a maximum of life with a mandatory minimum of fifteen years’ imprisonment as an armed career criminal. He also faces a fine of $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 fee assessment.

 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Medford Police Department, and Central Point Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Judi Harper is prosecuting the case.

 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

 

###

2026 Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

 and Policy Committee

Open Vacancy – Recruitments

 

The Board on Public Safety Standards & Training (BPSST) and established Policy Committees have open vacancies looking to be filled. The current vacancies are as follows:

 

BPSST: All Board applications must be submitted through Workday.com and are reviewed on a rolling basis

• One member who is an administrator of a municipality recommended to the Governor by the executive body of the League of Oregon Cities
• One member who is part of a marginalized or historically underrepresented community
• One member who is a representative of the collective bargaining unit that represents the largest number of individual workers in the DOC

Policy Committees: All Policy Committee applications must be submitted by December 17, 2026.

 

Corrections Policy Committee:

• One non-management corrections officer employed by the DOC

Police Policy Committee:

• One person recommended by and representing the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association
• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a police officer, certified reserve officer, reserve officer or regulatory specialist and who is not related within the second degree by affinity or consanguinity to a person who is employed or utilized as a police officer, certified reserve officer, reserve officer or regulatory specialist.​

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

• One person representing unarmed private security professionals
• One person representing the manufacturing industry
• One person representing the retail industry
• One person representing the hospitality industry
• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a private security provider or investigator

Private Investigator Subcommittee:

• One currently licensed private investigator

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• One person recommended by and representing a statewide association of public safety communications officers
• One person representing Emergency Medical Services & Trauma 

To inquire about a vacancy, please visit Department of Public Safety Standards & Training : Board on Public Safety Standards & Training and Policy Committees : Boards and Committees : State of Oregon.

 

If interested in applying for a Policy Committee position, please complete and submit the Policy Committee Interest Form found under the ‘Board and Committee Resources’ section of the website listed above.

 

If interested in applying for a BPSST position, please complete the online application at Workday Board and Commission Opportunities. (Please note that an account may need to be created if not already in Workday)

 

For further information regarding the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training or its respective Policy Committees, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

 

Thank you,

 

DPSST Board & Committees Staff

Aurora, Ore. – Oregon State Parks invites you to join award-winning author Silpa Kona for the launch of A Dragon in My Campground, a reading, and a Monster Watchers camping activity for kids and families on Oct. 17 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Books will be available at to purchase from the author and at the visitor center store.
 

Kona’s Monster Watchers series, which includes A Monster on My Trail, winner of a Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Gold Medal, and A Dragon in My Campground, winner of a Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Silver Medal, are a celebration of imagination, courage and exploring the outdoors.
 

In her own words, “I wrote it because I wanted kids—especially kids with big imaginations, big fears, or big feelings—to see themselves out on the trail. To know that being scared is okay. And that sometimes, the monster is just… a shadow with good PR.”
 

The event takes place at the Champoeg State Heritage Area visitor center. Pets are not allowed inside the building. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event is free, but all vehicles must display a valid Oregon State Parks parking permit or camping reservation.
 

Oregon State Parks is committed to making our events accessible to everyone. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please contact Park Ranger Jeremy Williams at 503-800-3958 at least three days prior to the event.

PROLIFIC NORTENOGANG MEMBER AND DRUG TRAFFICKER

SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

COLVILLE MAN SENTENCED TO 82 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR

ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING AT THE SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO

Oregon joins in the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces and recognize businesses that recruit and hire employees with disabilities.
 

This year’s theme of “celebrating value and talent” is reflected in Oregon throughout the year in the countless ways people with disabilities bring value to their jobs and communities.
 

“Our communities and economy are stronger when the talents and strengths of people with disabilities are part of the workforce,” said Allison Enriquez, Oregon’s Employment First Coordinator. “Working is also a cornerstone to people’s independence, well-being and community connection.”
 

In Oregon, the employment rate for working-age people with disabilities increased about 10 percentage points between 2015 and 2023, from about 37.8% to 47.7%, according to the Center for Research on Disability. Despite this progress, a substantial employment gap remains: in 2023, 47.7% of Oregonians with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed, compared with 79.7% of Oregonians without disabilities.
 

“This progress speaks to the strong supports Oregon put in place to help people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce,” Enriquez said. “However, there is still work to do. Oregon is committed to ensuring employment supports remain strong so everyone has access to reach their potential and fully participate in their communities.”

NDEAM webinar series

Partners who deliver employment services invite everyone to join a series of webinars in October to celebrate workplace successes and educate the community about resources and services available for job seekers with disabilities.
 

Webinars are scheduled Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom. For details on each session and accessibility information, go to Oregon’s NDEAM event web page.

• Oct. 13 – Oregon as a Model Employer: Promoting employment and career advancement for people with disabilities in state and local government
   
• Oct. 20 – What is ableism and why it matters in the workplace
   
• Oct. 27 – Technology in employment: How assistive technology and AI can support people with disabilities at work
   
• Nov. 3 – Peer2Peer: An award-winning employment mentorship program for students with disabilities

These events are hosted by the Oregon’s Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation program, Oregon Commission for the Blind and the Oregon Department of Education.

Employment resources for people with disabilities

• Office of Developmental Disabilities Services has employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
   
• Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with all kinds of disabilities find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
   
• Oregon Commission for the Blind helps people with vision loss find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
   
• Ticket to Work is a free federal program for people who are blind or have a disability and receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. People who are 18 to 64 years old and want to work may access this program to prepare for work and find a job.
   
• Employed Persons with Disabilities is a Medicaid program that helps people with disabilities go to work while keeping their Medicaid coverage.
   
• Oregon ABLE Savings Plan is a way people with disabilities can save for the future without the fear of losing needed government benefits.
   
• Free benefits counseling is available to answer job seekers’ questions about how working may affect their benefits.

Information on these programs is available on the ODHS web page “Get Help Finding a Job.”

The Richland Public Library will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, for its annual staff training and development day.

 

The annual closure provides library employees with an opportunity to participate in professional development, training, and team-building activities designed to strengthen services and enhance the customer experience.

 

The library will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, October 13.

 

Community members are encouraged to plan their visits accordingly. While the building is closed, patrons can continue to access digital resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, and other online services, at www.myrichlandlibrary.org.

 

The City of Richland appreciates the community's understanding as library staff take this time to learn, collaborate, and prepare to better serve residents.

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) will meet in Springfield at the Springfield City Hall Library Room, 225 5th Street, and via online meeting on October 22 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussion of the Oregon Heritage Plan, partnerships that support the Laurel Grove Cemetery and publications about historic cemeteries. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Meeting information is on the agenda or you can follow this link to register for online access information.
 

The Eugene Masonic Cemetery visit will be October 23 at 11:00 a.m. Meet at the cemetery at  University Street and E 25^th Avenue.
 

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov.
 

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0609 or erly.Spivey@oprd.oregon.gov">Kimberly.Spivey@oprd.oregon.gov at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

Oregon meets tobacco reduction goals, but disparities, rising adult vaping highlight challenges

Portland, OR - Oregon has made significant progress in reducing tobacco use, meeting or exceeding all three tobacco-reduction goals established for 2017–2025, according to a new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) report.

The report, Evaluating the Impact of Statewide Policies on Tobacco Use and Sales, examines trends in tobacco use and sales before and after Oregon implemented three major statewide tobacco policies: Tobacco 21, which raised the legal minimum age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products; increased tobacco taxes through Ballot Measure 108; and Tobacco Retail Licensing, which requires Oregon retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco and nicotine products.

The report found:

• Youth cigarette smoking declined substantially. In 2024, 1% of Oregon eighth graders and 2.8% of 11th graders reported current cigarette use, down from 4.3% and 8.8%, respectively, in 2015.
• Adult cigarette smoking declined. The percentage of Oregon adults who smoked cigarettes fell from 17.1% in 2016 to 11% in 2024, exceeding the state goal of 13.3%.
• Cigarette sales declined. Annual per-capita cigarette sales fell from 38.3 packs in 2016 to 21 packs in 2024, surpassing the state goal of 34 or fewer packs per person.
• Youth e-cigarette use declined. Current e-cigarette use among eighth graders fell from 9.3% in 2015 to 4.1% in 2024; among 11th graders, it fell from 17.1% to 9%.
• Adult e-cigarette use increased through 2023 before declining in 2024. E-cigarette use and sales among adults increased over much of the evaluation period, highlighting the changing tobacco and nicotine market.

Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death and disease in Oregon, so these declines represent meaningful progress,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist.

“At the same time, we know that not everyone in Oregon has benefited equally from that progress. Continuing to reduce tobacco-related disease will require sustained attention to the communities most affected and to the rapidly changing nicotine marketplace.”

Progress, but persistent disparities

Among youth, higher tobacco use was reported among some gender-non-conforming youth and American Indian/Alaska Native and North African/Middle Eastern youth. Among adults, tobacco use remained higher among Black/African American and American Indian/Alaska Native adults, bisexual adults, people with less than a college education, people with lower incomes, and people who were unemployed or unable to work.

The report recommends continued investment in tobacco prevention and cessation, particularly for communities experiencing higher rates of tobacco use.

Overall evaluation findings

Tobacco Retail Licensing, effective Jan. 1, 2022, required businesses that sell tobacco and inhalant-delivery systems to obtain a license through the Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR). OHA’s Tobacco Retail Licensing Program works with DOR to monitor tobacco retailers and ensure they are held accountable to tobacco sales laws.

The evaluation found changes in tobacco use and sales associated with the period in which these policies were implemented. However, the report cautions that the findings do not establish that the policies caused the observed changes.

The full evaluation: Evaluating the Impact of Statewide Policies on Tobacco Use and Sales is available here.

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EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for robbery and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

 

Russell Ian Boggess, 43, was sentenced to 125 months in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release.

 

According to court documents, on July 23, 2024, Boggess robbed a cannabis dispensary in Bend at gunpoint. Boggess was armed with a 9mm handgun, carried a bag, and wore a bandana covering his face. He pointed his gun at an employee and demanded the employee give him marijuana stored behind the counter. While pointing the gun near the employee, Boggess tried to fire the gun twice, but it jammed both times. Boggess then walked behind the counter and took the marijuana himself. Boggess pistol whipped the employee when the employee attempted to call 911.

 

Officers from the Bend Police Department (BPD) responded to the scene within minutes of the robbery and took Boggess into custody. BPD recovered the gun containing a 34-round magazine. The gun was later test fired and was found to be operational.

 

On September 19, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a 3-count indictment charging Boggess with interference with commerce by threats or violence, felon in possession of ammunition, and use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

 

This case was investigated by FBI and BPD. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Nelson and Assistant U.S. Attorney William McLaren.

 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

 

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced the continued work of the District of Oregon’s Government Fraud Task Force, bringing together federal law enforcement agencies and inspectors general to strengthen efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud against government programs and American taxpayers.

 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office hosted the task force’s most recent meeting on Monday, October 5, attended by federal prosecutors and representatives from participating agencies. The meeting focused on expanding intelligence and data sharing, developing new methods for identifying fraud, prioritizing investigative leads, and ensuring law enforcement resources are directed toward significant fraud schemes.

 

“Fraud against government programs is theft from the American taxpayer, and we are committed to using every tool available to identify and prosecute those who exploit these programs for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “By bringing our federal, state, and local partners together to share intelligence, prioritize the strongest cases, and strategically deploy investigative resources, we will more effectively detect fraud, hold offenders accountable, and protect taxpayer dollars.”

 

The agencies joining the Government Fraud Task Force at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Oregon include:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• IRS Criminal Investigation
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• U.S. Department of Education
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• U.S. Office of Inspector General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Units
• U.S. Small Business Administration
• U.S. Social Security Administration

Key priorities of the Government Fraud Task Force include:

• Expanding information and data sharing among participating agencies to identify potential fraud schemes;
• Cross-referencing government databases and benefit records to identify suspicious activity and potentially ineligible or fraudulent recipients;
• Prioritizing and ranking fraud leads and referrals so investigative resources can be directed toward the strongest and most significant cases;
• Deploying investigative resources strategically to address fraud leads in areas where agencies may lack sufficient personnel;
• Using data analytics and financial investigative tools to identify unusual billing, benefit, grant, and contracting activity; and
• Conducting annual reviews to evaluate the task force’s impact and identify opportunities to strengthen fraud enforcement.

The Government Fraud Task Force focuses on fraud affecting federal programs and taxpayer dollars, including health care fraud, government benefits fraud, Small Business Administration loan fraud, Social Security fraud, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program fraud, trade fraud, and student aid fraud.

 

Participating agencies are also working together to investigate suspicious financial activity, False Claims Act referrals, and government claims data; and identifying connections between government beneficiaries and other law enforcement and government records.

 

These efforts support the U.S. Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative, and creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”), to enhance coordination among federal agencies and strengthen the government’s ability to detect and prosecute fraud.

 

Federal prosecutors and representatives of federal law enforcement agencies in the Government Fraud Task Force attended the October 5, 2026, meeting at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in Portland.

 

###

Wildfire smoke rolls over the skies near Warm Springs - July 25 2026 ODOT

 

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is reminding eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and most private nonprofit organizations that they may qualify for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans following the severe storms and wildfires that occurred July 15–August 24, 2026.

 

These low-interest, long-term working-capital loans help organizations meet ordinary financial obligations they are unable to meet because of the disaster.

 

The federal declaration covers the Oregon counties of Baker, Clackamas, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler, and Yamhill.

Key SBA Wildfire Disaster Loan Details

• Application deadline: July 1, 2027
• Loan amounts: Up to $2 million, based on economic injury
• Interest rates: 4% for businesses and agricultural cooperatives; 3.625% for nonprofits
• Loan terms: Up to 30 years, based on ability to repay
• Eligible use of funds: Working capital only (loans cannot be used to refinance existing debt)
• Insurance requirements: Flood or hazard insurance may be required depending on location
• More information: MySBA Loan Portal

Drought Disaster Loans Also Still Available

SBA continues to offer low-interest federal disaster loans to eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations impacted by ongoing drought conditions in Oregon. Additional information is available on the MySBA Loan Portal.

Drought Disaster Deadlines and Affected Counties

Drought beginning March 24

Counties: Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Polk, Wasco, Wheeler, Yamhill

Application deadline: March 1, 2027

Drought beginning April 1

Counties: Baker, Clackamas, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Lake, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wasco, Wheeler

Application deadline: March 1, 2027

Drought beginning May 12

Counties: Benton, Deschutes, Harney, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk Application deadline: April 13, 2027

Drought beginning June 23

Counties: Grant, Malheur, Union, Wallowa

Application deadline: May 10, 2027

Technical Assistance for Native-Owned Businesses

The SBA Office of Native American Affairs offers technical assistance to help Native entrepreneurs navigate SBA programs, including access to capital, federal contracting, and business development resources. Support is available for tribal enterprises and Native-owned small businesses working to start, grow, or recover from disaster impacts.

 

More information is available on the Office of Native American Affairs website. If phone lines are busy or unresponsive, applicants are encouraged to use the online contact form or alternative SBA customer service channels.

Additional Assistance for All

Businesses and organizations can apply online at sba.gov/disaster. Additional assistance is available by calling the SBA National Support Network Center at (866) SBA-HELP or by emailing customerservice@sba.gov" style="color: rgb(59, 116, 181); text-decoration: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Background on this Declaration

Governor Tina Kotek requested federal agricultural assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on July 29, 2026, following wildfire‑related losses across Oregon. USDA subsequently conducted damage assessments and, on September 21, approved a Secretarial Disaster Designation for Gilliam, Klamath, Wasco, and Wheeler Counties, as well as 13 neighboring counties. This designation makes affected agricultural producers eligible for USDA emergency loan programs.

 

Following USDA’s action, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a corresponding disaster declaration on September 24. This allows businesses in the same primary and contiguous counties to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). SBA declaration OR‑20030 is linked to the USDA wildfire disaster designation, while OR‑20031 stems from the Governor’s direct request.

What:
WSU Tri-Cities Education Summit

 

When:
Saturday, Oct. 10
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Where:
WSU Tri-Cities Consolidated Information Center
2770 University Drive, Richland, WA

 

Who:
More than 150 educators, administrators and education professionals from across the region are registered to attend. The keynote speaker is Gabriela Whitemarsh, Washington's 2026 Teacher of the Year, who teaches in the Pasco School District. The summit is sponsored by STCU and Battelle.

 

Media Opportunities:
Media are invited to attend and interview keynote speaker Gabriela Whitemarsh, regional educators, WSU Tri-Cities faculty and event organizers about emerging trends, challenges and innovations shaping K-12 education.

 

Why:
The WSU Tri-Cities Education Summit is a premier professional development event for teachers and school administrators, providing timely training, networking opportunities and continuing education credits. This year's program focuses on some of the most pressing topics in education, including:

• K-12 STEAM education enrichment and workforce connections
• Artificial intelligence in education, featuring presentations from Taiwan university partners and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory experts
• Social work and social-emotional support strategies for educators

The summit highlights innovative approaches to teaching and learning while fostering collaboration among educators from throughout the Mid-Columbia region.

 

Note to Assignment Editors: Interviews can be arranged before and during the event with keynote speakers, organizers and participating educators.

RICHLAND, WA — Students and community members looking to launch or advance their careers will have the opportunity to connect directly with regional employers at the Washington State University Tri-Cities Career and Internship Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 21. The event will be held in the Consolidated Information Center on the WSU Tri-Cities campus.

Hosted in partnership with WorkSource and Columbia Basin College, the event will bring together employers representing a variety of industries. Participating organizations include Bechtel, Central Plateau Cleanup Company, Energy Northwest, Gesa Credit Union, Hanford Tank Waste Operations and Closure, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and others.

Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and be prepared to speak with recruiters about current openings and internship opportunities.

“Events like this allow students to build confidence, explore career opportunities and make meaningful connections, while also giving employers an opportunity to see the talent and potential we have here at WSU Tri-Cities and throughout our community,” said John Navarro, WSU Tri-Cities Career Center coordinator. “It’s about bringing people together, creating connections and helping employers see what’s possible when we work together as a campus and as a community.”

The fair is open to both students and members of the public. Employers interested in reserving a booth must register by Oct. 16.

For additional information, including registration details for employers and attendees, visit tricities.wsu.edu/event/fall-2026-career-internship-fair.

 

Construction is beginning on the next phase of West Village Community Park, bringing a new playground and site improvements to the 33.70-acre park in the Badger Mountain South neighborhood.

 

Work is scheduled to begin this week near the intersection of Trowbridge Boulevard and Ava Way. This phase includes site preparation, installation of new playground equipment and surfacing, and minor landscaping adjustments.

 

The new playground is designed to offer a variety of play experiences for children of different ages and abilities. Features will include accessible and sensory play elements, climbing opportunities, slides, swings and other interactive components.

 

The majority of construction is expected to be completed by the end of November, weather permitting. A small number of custom playground panels are expected to arrive and be installed in late December.

 

West Village Community Park encompasses approximately 33.70 acres and is located near Richland Fire Station 76. Phase 1 developed approximately five acres of the park, creating the foundation for future recreational amenities as the surrounding Badger Mountain South neighborhood continues to grow.

 

Residents may see construction activity and equipment in the area while work is underway and are asked to use caution around the construction zone.

 

For project updates and additional information, visit the West Village Community Park – Phase II project page richlandwa.gov/Projects.

What:

• WSU Tri-Cities invites the Tri-Cities community, alumni, faculty, staff and students to campus to watch the Washington State Cougars take on the Oregon State Beavers. The game will be shown outdoors on a giant LED screen. An indoor viewing option is also available.
• Festivities include food vendors, a children's play area and for guests 21 and older, a beer garden. WSU’s mascot, Butch T. Cougar will join fans to cheer on the Cougs.
• The event is free to attend and perfect for Cougs of all ages.
• Registration is requested: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wsu-cougars-football-outdoor-watch-party-hosted-by-wsu-tri-cities-tickets-1998553211455?aff=oddtdtcreator
• More than 400 attendees are expected.

When:

• Saturday, Oct. 17. The venue opens at 2 p.m.; kickoff is at 3 p.m.

Where:

• WSU Tri-Cities
  2710 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354
  On the lawn between Collaboration Hall, the Consolidated Information Center and the Biological and Environmental Science Laboratory.

Why:

• The event offers opportunities to capture video and photos of local Cougs gathering for game day and enjoying family-friendly activities.

Media Contact:

• Please contact Leslie.Streeter@wsu.edu or call or text 209-606-9144. She can assist with interview opportunities and event logistics.