Coordinated care organizations see financial improvements

Oregon Medicaid investments to preserve quality healthcare access pay off, but financial challenges remain

SALEM, Ore. – The financial stability of most local insurers that facilitate Medicaid benefits in Oregon – also known as coordinated care organizations, or CCOs – improved in 2025, according to new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) analysis. However, individual CCO operating margins varied last year and were collectively lower than historical averages.

The 16 CCOs that operated in Oregon last year earned a net operating profit of $67 million, resulting in an operating margin of 0.8% in 2025. The year before, the same CCOs nearly broke even with a smaller net profit of $129,000 and a profit margin of just 0.001%.

“While the overall financial picture for Oregon’s coordinated care organizations is varied, additional government financial support helped them make a small profit in 2025,” said OHA Chief Financial Officer Rochelle Layton. “OHA is committed to partnering with CCOs to ensure they can meet Medicaid members’ health needs far into the future.”

The vast majority of the approximately 1.4 million people in Oregon who are enrolled in Medicaid have their care managed by CCOs. Medicaid is a joint state-federal program that provides health coverage to adults with lower incomes, children, older adults, and people with disabilities. CCOs were established to lower the overall cost of healthcare through better outcomes and care.

Eleven CCOs operated at a net profit in 2025, while four had a net loss. That’s an improvement from 2024, when nine operated at a net profit and seven had a net loss.

Individual CCO financial performance in 2025 ranged from a high profit margin of 5.39% to a low negative margin of -3.42%. PacificSource Community Solutions did not renew their Medicaid contract in Lane County in 2025 due to financial losses. Another CCO, Trillium Community Health Plan, remains in Lane County and migrated former PacificSource members into their network. PacificSource continues to serve Medicaid members in other areas of the state.

Additional funding buoys CCOs

CCOs collectively spent 9.0% more in 2025 to cover services for their Medicaid members in comparison to the year before. As has long been the case, CCOs’ largest expense category in 2025 was hospital services, which made up 31.8% of all spending on member services. Increased use of mental health and substance use disorder services – which accounted for 22.5% of all member service costs in 2025 – also drove CCO spending.

CCOs fared better in 2025 because OHA was able to provide $149 million in additional funding, $30 million of which came from state general funds while the remaining $119 million came from federal funds. The Oregon Legislature approved the additional state funding in June 2025 as part of the regular budget process after it became clear continued increases in utilization were further straining CCO budgets. In total, this additional funding accounted for about 1.73% of all CCOs’ overall operating revenue last year.

OHA compensates CCOs in two ways: a flat monthly rate for each person whose benefits a CCO coordinates and an annual incentive bonus for improving care quality for CCO members. The monthly payments, also known as capitation rates, are updated annually.

OHA recognized CCOs were facing financial challenges while it was developing 2026 capitation rates last year. To protect quality healthcare access for the state’s Medicaid members, OHA increased 2026 CCO capitation rates by about 10%.   

Looking to the future

To develop 2027 capitation rates, OHA is factoring in CCOs’ 2025 financial performance as well as their available financial and claims data for 2026. OHA will finalize 2027 capitation rates by the end of this year.

Preliminary data collected so far this year suggests most CCOs have experienced further financial improvements because of the higher rates they are receiving. Through March 31, 2026, CCOs collectively spent 88.4% of their total revenue on member services and 9.9% on administrative services, leaving a 1.7% profit margin.

Historically, Oregon CCOs have collectively had profit margins as high as 7.5% in 2014, when the Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid eligibility criteria, and as low as -0.3% in 2017, when the eligibility of some Medicaid members was redetermined after OHA completed a comprehensive review of Oregon Medicaid enrollment.

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Salem, Ore. – For the first time this year, Powerball players have a chance to win a $1 billion jackpot. Wednesday’s drawing climbed to $1 billion, ranking as the eighth largest Powerball jackpot ever. 

Since the current jackpot run began on May 3, Oregon has seen 421,519 winners and more than $2,328,700 million in total Powerball game winnings. 

"Anytime the jackpot is this large, it adds extra excitement and attracts new players who don't typically purchase lottery games," said Oregon Lottery's Product Manager Tina Erickson.  

In 2024, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan shared a Powerball jackpot worth $1.3 billion with his wife and a friend. The prize was life changing for Saephan and by far the biggest prize ever won in Oregon. Previously, the largest Powerball prize won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005. The biggest Powerball ever won in history was a $2.04 billion jackpot in 2022 by a player in California.

Oregon Lottery retailers that sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, a retail location that sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus. 

Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and are sold in 45 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize. 

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling games on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $17.8 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org. 

CURRY COUNTY, Ore. (12 August 2026) – On Sunday, August 9, 2026, at approximately 12:38 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 101 near milepost 352 in Curry County.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a black Triumph motorcycle, operated by Louis Henry Vowell III (36) of Sisters, was traveling northbound on Highway 101 near the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint at a high rate of speed when it attempted to overtake multiple vehicles in a passing lane. When the motorcycle entered the passing lane, it collided with the rear of a gray Mazda CX-5, operated by Russell Keith Moore (56) of Pulaski, Arkansas, which was turning westbound into the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint. The rider was thrown from the motorcycle and subsequently struck by a gray Mercedes Sprinter van, operated by Jeffrey Alan Ludwick (58) of Rogue River.

The Triumph operator (Vowell) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Mazda (Moore) and two adult passengers were reportedly not injured.

The operator of the Mercedes (Ludwick) and an adult passenger were reportedly not injured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Ferrelo Rural Fire Department, Brookings Fire & Rescue, Cal-Ore Life Flight, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

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

Measles is very contagious and you could give it to someone in a waiting room. If you believe you've been exposed, it's important to tell your doctor or clinic that you have symptoms of measles before you go. They will give you instructions for what to do so that you don't spread measles.

August 11, 2026

Contact: Larry Bingham, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center is latest measles exposure location

PORTLAND, Ore.— The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component under the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, awarded over $3 Million in Fiscal Year 2025 to support Oregon’s state, local, and tribal governments in criminal justice activities to keep Oregon communities safe.

The awards, provided through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, represent the nation’s leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. Across the United States nearly $290 million was awarded. For more than 20 years, the JAG program has provided critical funding to support law enforcement’s ability to protect the communities they serve, supporting critical needs such as personnel, equipment and supplies, technology, training, information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, and other operational priorities. JAG funding also supports a wide range of programs that strengthen crime prevention efforts and enhance the effectiveness of prosecutors, courts, corrections agencies, and services for crime victims and witnesses.

In addition to foundational uses of JAG funds, specific areas of emphasis were included to the JAG funding opportunities highlighting and encouraging state and local jurisdictions to join federal law enforcement in addressing the most pressing public safety challenges. For Fiscal Year 2025, these areas of emphasis included combatting violent crime, immigration enforcement, safe communities, and safe houses of worship.

In Oregon for 2025 many of our cities received grant assistance to support their work in public safety.

All recipients for both state and local JAG awards can be found here.

About the Office of Justice Programs

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime; promote fair and impartial administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking or SMART Office – can be found at ojp.gov.

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SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is seeking public comment on Idaho Power’s proposed sale of its Oregon distribution system to Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC). The PUC will review the proposed sale to determine whether it serves customers’ interests, maintains reliable service, and meets all regulatory requirements.

Idaho Power and OTEC have filed an agreement with the PUC that would transfer Idaho Power’s Oregon service territory and distribution system to OTEC. If approved, Idaho Power’s 20,000 residential, irrigation, commercial, and industrial customers in Malheur, Harney, Baker, and Wallowa counties would become OTEC member-owners. OTEC currently serves Baker, Union, Grant, and Harney counties.

This proposed sale has a base purchase price of $154 million and is expected to close in early 2027. As part of the agreement, OTEC would purchase wholesale energy from Idaho Power through a multi-year power supply arrangement to serve customers in the affected Oregon counties.

Following the sale, Idaho Power would no longer serve Oregon electric customers directly but would continue to own and operate generation and transmission facilities in Oregon, including the Boardman to Hemingway (B2H) transmission line.

To support public participation, the PUC is offering several ways for community members to learn about the proposal and share their comments directly to Commissioners and the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) overseeing this case.

Ways to Comment

Members of the public may provide comments by attending an in-person or virtual meeting or by submitting comments through online form, email, phone, or mail.

Comment via Zoom or phone 
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 6 p.m. Mountain Time (5 p.m. Pacific Time) via Zoom or by phone.

This virtual meeting will include an overview of the proposed sale and an opportunity for participants to provide comments. To participate, members of the public must have joined the virtual meeting by 6:30 p.m. MT.

Join the meeting: https://bit.ly/UM2447-PCH

Comment in person – Ontario, Oregon
Monday, August 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. Mountain Time (5 p.m. Pacific Time)

Commissioners and an ALJ will hold an in-person only hearing in Ontario. To comment, please be at the hearing by 6:30 p.m. MT.

Location:  Ontario City Hall, Council Chambers, 444 SW 4^th Street, Ontario, OR 97914

Other ways to comment 
Comments may also be submitted through any of the following methods:

• Online Public Comment Form: https://bit.ly/UM2447-Comment-Form

• Email: licComments@puc.oregon.gov" target="_blank">PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov

• Phone: 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 (all relay calls accepted)

• Mail:
  Oregon Public Utility Commission
  Attn: AHD – UM 2447 
  PO Box 1088 
  Salem OR 97308-1088 

Stay informed 
Individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents throughout this case. To be added, email ings@puc.oregon.gov">puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or call 503-378-6678. Please reference Docket No. UM 2447 in your request.

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(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Jayc Priest, Jariq Rupert and Jerriyah Rupert.

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. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected 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.

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 3 to the ODF Central Oregon District to manage the Bologna and Cottonwood Fire near Kimberly, Oregon.

The Bologna Fire originally began July 16 and reignited yesterday. The Cottonwood Fire began last week and has been managed by a Type 3 Central Oregon Fire Management Service Team. Both fires are currently under investigation. ODF CIMT 3 will in brief today at 7 p.m. and will transfer command of the two fires at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Additionally, ODF has mobilized ODF CIMT 2 to the Rowe Creek Complex, which is also in ODF’s Central Oregon District and covers a large area of land between Prineville and Fossil, Oregon. A partial team has already arrived at the complex to support suppression efforts and the remainder of ODF CIMT 2 will arrive at the end of the week.

The Rowe Creek Complex has been an ongoing incident since July 15. As Southwest CIMT 2’s assignment ends, the fire is still in need of management support and ODF CIMT 2 is happy to fill that need. Transfer of command will be at 6 a.m. on Sunday, August 16.

“As a district, we’ve been spread incredibly thin this season, so we are happy to have the support of the complex incident management teams on these fires,” said Rob Pentzer, ODF Central Oregon District Forester.  

The fire information as of today is as follows:

• Rowe Creek Complex: 371,549 acres, 84% contained
• Bologna : 3,860 acres, 30% contained
• Cottonwood: 723 acres, 45% contained

Evacuations are in effect for these fires. Follow the local county sheriff’s office for more up-to-date evacuation information and sign up for emergency alerts at ORalert.gov.

“This has been a rough season so far and we’re not even halfway” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief. “It is so important right now that every Oregonian please do their part and prevent the next human-caused fire.”

As firefighters continue to work to suppress wildfires, reduce the strain on firefighters by preventing new human-caused fires. Follow local regulations currently in place: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx. Remain aware and informed.

CURRY COUNTY, Ore. (10 August 2026) – On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at approximately 5:14 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 101 near milepost 286 in Curry County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Buick Lucerne, operated by Joni Marie Williams (63) of Bandon, was traveling southbound on Highway 101 near Langlois when it crossed the centerline for an unknown reason. The Buick collided head-on with a northbound silver Pontiac Vibe, operated by Hunter Lee Sturgill (18) of Coos Bay.

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

The operator of the Pontiac (Sturgill) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Bandon Police Department, the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, the Sixes Rural Fire Protection District, the Langlois Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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

The third quarterly meeting of 2026 for the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will be held virtually and in person on Wednesday, September 9, in the College Union Crater Lake Complex at the Oregon Institute of Technology, located at 3201 Campus Drive in Klamath Falls. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a town hall meeting at 11:30 a.m., which is open to the public.

Established in 1945, the Advisory Committee holds a distinct and fundamental role in advising the director and staff of ODVA. The nine members of the committee are military veterans from all corners of the state, appointed by the governor to serve and act as advocates for veteran issues and veteran concerns across Oregon.

Following every quarterly business meeting, the committee holds a town hall inviting the public to raise questions or concerns about broad veteran issues or to share information with the committee and agency director.

Members of the community are also invited to submit written public comments to the committee by emailing odva_vaac@odva.oregon.gov. The Advisory Committee meets quarterly on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Please register at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/2bbb86dc-82be-45fd-b9e6-e2affb3e1d63@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf to attend the business or town hall portion of this meeting.

Attendees will be allowed to participate during the town hall portion only and will be invited to turn on their camera and unmute mics during a recorded meeting that will be posted online at a later date.

More information about the Advisory Committee and meeting materials can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.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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LAKE COUNTY, Ore. (10 August 2026) – On Saturday, August 8, 2026, at approximately 10:39 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 140 near milepost 56 in Lake County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Dodge Challenger, operated by Juan Luis Perez Garcia (23) of Tule Lake, California, was traveling eastbound on Highway 140 in a remote area of Lake County when it left the roadway for an unknown reason and rolled several times down an embankment.

The operator (Perez Garcia) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A passenger in the Dodge, Cristo Jesus Herrera (20) of Tule Lake, California, was transported by air ambulance to an area hospital with serious injuries.

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

OSP was assisted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Search and Rescue, Lake County EMS, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.  

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

LANE COUNTY, Ore. (10 August 2026) – On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at approximately 5:56 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 58 near milepost 42 in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Toyota 4Runner, operated by Colton Zachary Bias (25) of Springfield, was traveling westbound on Highway 58 near Oakridge when it entered the oncoming lane of travel for an unknown reason. The 4Runner collided head-on with an eastbound white Mack commercial motor vehicle, operated by Collin Mitchell Owens (60) of Springfield.

A 4Runner passenger, Marjorie Rae Spence (40) of Eugene, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the 4Runner (Bias) was transported to an area hospital, where he died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

A 4Runner passenger, Kaylee Dail Cardwell (38) of Westfir, was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

The operator of the Mack (Owens) was reported not injured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Oakridge Fire Department, the Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

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

August 10, 2026

Contact:

• Kim Lippert, Oregon Health Authority, 971-323-3831, erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" target="_blank">kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov
• Karin Holton, Oregon Family Support Network, (503) 363-8068, inh@ofsn.net">karinh@ofsn.net

Crisis to Care Guide to help families navigate emergency department visits

SALEM, Ore.–When a child or teen experiences a behavioral health crisis, parents are often forced to make life-changing decisions with little information and support. A behavioral health crisis is a critical, acute situation in which a person’s thoughts, emotions, or behaviors become so overwhelming that they can no longer safely cope, and there may be risk of harm to themselves or others. Questions like: What happens next? What should I ask? Will my child be safe? These can feel overwhelming during an emergency.

To help answer those questions, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN) have launched the Crisis to Care Guide, a free online resource to help parents and caregivers understand what to expect before, during, and after a behavioral health-related emergency department visit.

The website was developed by parents, caregivers, and youth, with input from healthcare professionals, behavioral health providers and community partners throughout Oregon. Rather than simply explaining emergency room procedures, the guide is written through the voices of families who have experienced these situations, offering practical advice, encouragement, and reassurance alongside clinical information.

“No parent expects to face a behavioral health crisis with their child,” said Karin Holton, community engagement and development director for Oregon Family Support Network. “Families tell us they want to know what to expect, what questions to ask and how to best advocate for their child and family. The Crisis to Care Guide is an update to an earlier Oregon Health Authority guide with information, guidance, and resources and to remind families that they are not alone.”

The guide contains practical information on:

• Recognizing when a behavioral health emergency may require emergency care.
• Preparing for an emergency department visit.
• What families can expect during evaluation and treatment.
• Communicating with providers and advocating for their child.
• Questions to ask before leaving the hospital.
• Creating a safety plan for returning home and connecting with ongoing supports.
• Caring for yourself while caring for your child.
• Oregon resources, peer support, and community services.

“Families are critical partners in supporting a child’s behavioral health, especially during a crisis,” said Ebony Clarke, behavioral health director, Oregon Health Authority. “The Crisis to Care Guide reflects Oregon’s commitment to giving families clear information, practical resources, and compassionate support when they need it most. We’re proud to partner with Oregon Family Support Network to make this updated guide available to families across the state.”

The guide is also intended to support emergency departments, behavioral health providers, schools, pediatricians, mobile crisis teams, and community organizations. Hospitals and providers are encouraged to share the resource with families before discharge and whenever behavioral health support is needed.

In addition to the online resource, print versions are available by emailing admins@ofsn.net.

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About Reach Out Oregon

Reach Out Oregon, a program of Oregon Family Support Network, connects families with trusted information, peer support and resources to help them navigate parenting challenges, behavioral health concerns, and life’s unexpected moments. Through education, connection and lived experience, Reach Out Oregon helps ensure that no family has to navigate these challenges alone.

About OHA

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) works to improve the lifelong health and well-being of all people in Oregon by expanding access to quality health care, strengthening behavioral health services, advancing public health, and reducing health inequities.

Bend, Ore. -- Most evacuation levels have been lifted for the Hidden Forest Fire, with one Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation area still in place along Forest Service Road 18 near Arnold Ice Cave.

Heavy machinery, engines, and personnel continue working throughout the Level 3 (Go Now) zone. Forest Service Road 18 remains closed for public safety. Please avoid the area until the closure is lifted.

To receive timely emergency and evacuation notifications, sign up for Deschutes Alerts at deschutesalerts.org.

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MARION COUNTY, Ore. (7 August 2026) – In the early morning hours of August 7, 2026, the Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement (LINE) team, an interagency HIDTA drug task force based in Linn County, in collaboration with the Oregon State Police, Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the West Side Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, served two search warrants connected to illegal marijuana growing operations on two properties near Hubbard.

During the operation, several individuals were identified as potential victims of labor trafficking and had allegedly been forced to work at the sites. The individuals were given on-site access to resources through Safety Compass, a local non-profit that provides support to victims of human trafficking.

In addition to hygiene kits and emergency food, Safety Compass offered on-site interpreters, confidential advocacy, and connections to resources such as shelter, legal assistance, and victim services, as well as other culturally specific services based on individual needs.

Individuals reported poor living conditions and restrictions on leaving the property. Many reported coming to the properties under the assumption of legal work and said they had received unofficial work contracts.

Of the 17 individuals contacted as part of the investigation, 16 adults were released without charges.

One adult male suspect was cited in lieu of custody for possession of cocaine, and charges of unlawful manufacture of marijuana will be referred to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. Additional referrals to the District Attorney’s Office include charges against another adult male for unlawful manufacture of marijuana, as well as two property owners for conspiracy to unlawfully manufacture marijuana.

Investigators seized approximately 47,595 marijuana plants, 80 pounds of processed marijuana, a small amount of cocaine, and nine firearms between the two locations.

Superintendent Casey Codding said, “It is deplorable for anyone to be forced to work against their will. Labor trafficking is often intertwined with other forms of illegal activity. Our priority is the safety and well-being of potential victims.” When troopers encounter signs of labor trafficking, OSP works with qualified partners to connect individuals voluntarily with advocacy, services, and other available resources.

OSP is coordinating with the Oregon Department of Human Services and victim-service partners to support voluntary connections to available services and resources.

The operation was conducted in keeping with Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise laws, which prohibit law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement efforts.

This remains an active investigation, and no additional details are available for release at this time.

For 24/7 confidential help finding resources or to report human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “INFO” to 233733. In northwest Oregon, Safety Compass also offers a 24/7 confidential hotline at 971-235-0021.

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About the Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement (LINE) Team
The LINE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. LINE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) which is composed of members from the Albany Police Department, Oregon State Police, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and Oregon National Guard Counter Drug.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement team.

Bend, Ore. – As of 9:00 p.m., on Friday, August 7, most evacuation notices related to the Hidden Forest Fire southeast of Bend have been reduced or lifted. Fire crews made strong progress throughout the afternoon and have successfully stopped the fire’s forward movement.

Thanks to an aggressive aerial attack using retardant from air tankers and water from helicopter drops, crews were able to slow the fire significantly. Ground resources then built a line around the fire and secured the perimeter.

Reduced to normal status

LAP 569-A and LAP 569-B, South of the 18 Rd.

Reduced to Level 1 (Be Ready).

EAS 702-B Horse Ridge Frontage Rd area.

Remaining in Level 3 (Go Now)

EAS 701 North side of 18 rd between the 1819 rd and Horse Ridge Rd 2015.

Remaining in Level 1 (Be Ready)

EAS 702-A remains in Level 1 (Be Ready) Ft. Rock Rd and Hwy 20 area, West of Spencer well Rd

The Hidden Forest Fire has burned about 297 acres, mostly in sagebrush and juniper trees. Firefighters will remain on scene overnight to strengthen containment lines and monitor for hot spots, but no additional growth is expected.

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Air National Guard activated 44 Airmen Aug. 7, 2026, to support wildland firefighting on the Grasshopper Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest, marking the first time in the organization's history that Air National Guard personnel have led the state's ground firefighting response.

"The Oregon National Guard embodies the very best of Oregon – service, solidarity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our communities,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “This activation today reflects our shared resolve to stand together this wildfire season and safeguard the people and places we love."

Two 22-person hand crews, one from the 142nd Wing at Portland Air National Guard Base and one from the 173rd Fighter Wing in Klamath Falls, mobilized today at Anderson Readiness Center in Salem before heading to a fire camp near the Warm Springs area, though the exact location may shift as the fire's footprint changes.

Col. Ryan Barton, deputy commander of the Oregon Joint Domestic Operations Command, said the Oregon Department of Forestry requested the additional ground teams after its own firefighting resources were nearly exhausted.

"Every year it's a really unique thing for the partnership between Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon National Guard to make sure that we're there to be ready to assist when needed," Barton said. "This year is really unique also because normally we'll have the Army ground teams go out first, but the Oregon Air National Guard is the first two teams out the door."

Barton said the mission is expected to last 14 days, with two additional Air National Guard teams on standby if the fire requires further support, followed by Army National Guard ground teams if the mission continues to grow.

As of Aug. 7, approximately 80 Oregon National Guard members were activated in support of the state's wildfire response, including one HH-60M helicopter supporting search and rescue medevac operations, two HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters flying water bucket missions. Those aircraft have completed 237 water bucket drops, delivering approximately 256,150 gallons of water on Oregon wildfires.

Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's Adjutant General, addressed the departing Airmen before they left for fire camp, calling the moment a significant one for the state.

"This is one of the worst fire seasons Oregon's had in a long time," Gronewold said. "People are losing their homes and their property, and you are going out there to help protect those Oregonians, protect our citizens, and that's part of our job."

Gronewold said the mission reflects a new milestone for the organization.

"This is huge for Oregon citizens to see their National Guard going out and fighting wildland fires," Gronewold said. "It's probably the first time ever that the Air National Guard has led the way on hand crews. Thank you to both wings for stepping up and doing this."

Command Chief Master Sgt. Brent Cavanias, Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Oregon National Guard, told the Airmen their work carries weight beyond the fire line.

"Your presence out there is reassuring to Oregonians," Cavanias said. "There's high confidence and trust in the National Guard, and what you do out there is important."

Released B-Roll Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1018025/oregon-air-national-guard-hand-crews-activated-fight-grasshopper-fire

Released Photos:

260807-Z-ZJ128-1001
Oregon Air National Guard airmen with the 142nd Wing and 173rd Fighter Wing arrive by charter bus at Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Ore., Aug. 7, 2026, to begin Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration ahead of deploying as part of two 22-person hand crews supporting wildland firefighting efforts on the Grasshopper Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260807-Z-ZJ128-1002
U.S. Air Force Maj. Jon Hotchkiss welcomes Oregon Air National Guard airmen to a State Active Duty personnel briefing during Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration at Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Ore., Aug. 7, 2026, ahead of their deployment to support wildland firefighting efforts on the Grasshopper Fire.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260807-Z-ZJ128-1003
U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Barton, deputy commander of the Oregon Joint Domestic Operations Command, addresses Oregon Air National Guard airmen before a State Active Duty personnel briefing during Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration in Salem, Ore., Aug. 7, 2026, ahead of their deployment to support wildland firefighting efforts on the Grasshopper Fire.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260807-Z-ZJ128-1005
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, holds up two fingers to signify the two hand crews activated Aug. 7, 2026, while explaining to Oregon Air National Guard airmen how additional Air and Army Guard crews would be composed if further support is needed, during a State Active Duty personnel briefing in Salem, Ore.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

2026 Wildfire-Response.pdf

EDITOR’S NOTE: This corrects a typo made for the hotline phone number sent in a July 30 press release. Please note the correct hotline number is 1-833-669-0554.

(Salem) - People anywhere in Oregon who have been affected by wildfires or wildfire-related air quality can call 1-833-669-0554, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The statewide hotline is available to people experiencing any wildfire-related impact, including those who:

• Lost a home or property
• Evacuated and have ongoing needs
• Are sheltering in place and have wildfire-related needs
• Are affected by wildfire smoke or poor air quality
• Have another need or concern caused by a wildfire

The hotline is staffed by 211info. If a call is not answered, callers can leave a message and will receive a return call within one business day.

This hotline does not provide emergency evacuation assistance or help people locate immediate shelter. People who are in immediate danger, have a medical emergency, or need emergency help evacuating should call 911. People looking for information about shelters or other immediate resources can call 2-1-1. For current 211info operating hours, visit 211info.org.

People can also enter their contact information and describe their wildfire-related needs using the Oregon Wildfire Assistance web form. An ODHS staff member will review the information and follow up with them.

The hotline does not guarantee financial assistance or eligibility for a particular program. Staff will listen to each caller’s experience, document their needs and help identify available resources and next steps.

Hotline information

• Call: 1-833-669-0554
• Available: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Missed calls: Leave a message and your call will be returned within one business day
• Shelter and other immediate resource questions: call 211
• Emergencies or emergency evacuation help: call 911

###

PRIVATE SECURITY ENTITY RULES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Scheduled Meeting

The Private Security Entity Rules Advisory Committee will hold a meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in Conference Room A234 at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Jennifer Howald at (503) 551-3258 or jennifer.howald@dpsst.oregon.gov.

The meeting will be recorded and posted on the DPSST official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Review of Draft Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 259 Division 59, the Private Security Entity Licensing Program

Carried over from July 23, 2026, OAR 259-059-0100 through 259-059-0440

3. Review of Discussion Topics

Carried over from July 23, 2026

           a. General Liability Insurance Coverage Requirements

           b. Tax Compliance Certification Requirement

           c. Surety Bond or Deposit Amounts for Proof of Ability to Pay Wages Requirements

           d. Rule Placement of Record Keeping Requirements

           e. Additional Discussion Topics as Needed

4. Next Workgroup Meeting – August 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

DPSST provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access for people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. To request a sign language interpreter, translation services, or other accommodations, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or at nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

DPSST proporciona acomodaciones rasonables para asegurar el acceso igual para personas con descapacidades y para personas con competencia limitada de inglés. Para pedir un interprete de lengua de señas, servicios de traducción, u otras acomodaciones, por favor de contactar a Juan Lopez marcando al (503) 551-3167, o a nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, al menos 48 horas antes de la reunión.

POLICE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Police Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve May 21 and June 23, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

    a) Kevin Berry; DPSST No. 55941

              Basic and Intermediate Police Certifications

    b) Kelly Valentine; DPSST No. 59128

Basic Regulatory Specialist Certification

    c) Timothy West; DPSST No. 37586

Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Certifications

4. Douglas Kitzmiller, DPSST No. 33965; Canby Police Department

Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

5. Terry Rowan, DPSST No. 22921; Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

6. Matthew Walker, DPSST No. 50518; Cottage Grove Police Department

Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

7. Approval for Changes to the Basic Police Curriculum

Presented by Chris Enquist

8. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085

Codifying Board Approval of the Revisions to the Basic Police Course Subject and Hour Breakdown

Presented by Jennifer Howald

9. Basic Police Curriculum, Upcoming Changes to Legal Course Alignment, Informational Only

Presented by Gerod Rayburn

10. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-008-0005, 259-008-0290, 259-008-0300, 259-008-0310, 259-008-0320, 259-008-0330, 259-008-0340, and 259-008-0400

Amending Public Safety Professional Certification Denial and Revocation Standards and Processes

Presented by Jennifer Howald

a. Review of Revisions to the Proposed Rule Changes

b. Review of Public Comment for Proposed Rule Changes to OAR 259-008-0310 (8), Professional Standards Cases Involving Employment Arbitration

11. Agency Updates

12. Next Police Policy Committee Meeting – November 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

DPSST provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access for people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. To request a sign language interpreter, translation services, or other accommodations, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or at nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

DPSST proporciona acomodaciones rasonables para asegurar el acceso igual para personas con descapacidades y para personas con competencia limitada de inglés. Para pedir un interprete de lengua de señas, servicios de traducción, u otras acomodaciones, por favor de contactar a Juan Lopez marcando al (503) 551-3167, o a nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, al menos de 48 horas antes de la reunión.

A series of rulemaking advisory committee meetings has been scheduled to discuss updates to the smoke management rules.

The committee’s focus will be to discuss regulated areas. This will include multiple work sessions and public comment.

The first meeting took place July 15, view the meeting video. The second meeting took place July 29, view the meeting video. The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12. More may be scheduled in the future. All meetings will be held virtually and are open to the public.

To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

There will be a period for public comment. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting y.berry@odf.oregon.gov">Shelby Berry at 503-949-5181.

SALEM, Ore. – The Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked Friday morning for the Wrights Spring Fire burning southeast of Chiloquin in Klamath County. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing its Green Incident Management Team and six structural task forces. Two of the task forces were prepositioned in Douglas County ahead of forecasted increase in fire danger.

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office has issued level 1 and 2 evacuation notices for the area. Those looking for information about evacuations can follow the sheriff’s office on social media or check the county’s emergency management website.

The Wrights Spring Fire was reported on August 5 in the Fremont-Winema National Forest. The fire grew rapidly overnight pushed by extremely dry and windy conditions. As of Friday morning, it was estimated to be 8,722 acres and 0 percent contained. Federal wildland firefighters and air resources are working to slow the fire.

“We have been working with the local fire agencies and interagency partners since this incident was first reported,” Assistant Chief Deputy Mariah Rawlins said. “This fire has seen extreme growth and at the request of the fire defense board chief and county commissioner we are immediately engaging.”

The National Weather Service has heat advisories in place for the region. Red Flag Warnings have been issued for the Lower Columbia River Basin. Oregonians and visitors should pay attention to these conditions and take steps to prevent sparking an unintended wildfire.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal Green Incident Management Team will be in unified command with Northwest Team 8. This is the 12^th time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked in 2026.

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal  
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.  

August 7, 2026 

Media contact: Larry Bingham, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Clackamas medical office is latest measles exposure location

Health officials recommend those who were at the location during the specified dates and times – to consider vaccination if they’re not immune.

EDITOR’S NOTE: ODHS does not have a photo of Jerriyah Rupert. Pictures of Jayc Priest and Jayriq Rupert are attached.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Program, asks the public to help find Jayc Priest, age 12; Jayriq Rupert, age 9; and Jerriyah Rupert, age 4; who went missing from Prineville on Aug. 4. They are believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Jayc Priest, Jayriq Rupert, and Jerriyah Rupert and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see them.

They are suspected to be in Central Oregon.

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. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected 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.

Child Legal Name: Jayc Priest

Child Preferred Name:

Pronouns: He/Him

Age: 12

Hair color: Brown

Prineville Police Department report #26000887

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2097536

Date Missing: Aug. 4, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Prineville, OR, Bend, OR, and Stillwater, OK

Child Legal Name: Jayriq Rupert

Pronouns: He/Him

Age: 9

Hair color: Brown

Prineville Police Department report #26000887

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2097536

Date Missing: Aug. 4, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location: Prineville, OR, Bend, OR, and Stillwater, OK

Child Legal Name: Jerriyah Rupert

Pronouns: He/Him

Age: 4

Hair color: Brown

Prineville Police Department report #26000887

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2097536

Date Missing: Aug. 4, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Prineville, OR, Bend, OR, and Stillwater, OK

Salem, OR — The State of Oregon announced today that it has hired attorney Eric Andalman as a Special Assistant Attorney General to advise the Oregon Department of Administrative Services on the renovation project at the Moda Center in Portland. Andalman’s work will focus on the creation of the Moda Center joint authority and the state’s participation in the arena renovation project.

Andalman is a partner at King & Spalding and a highly experienced legal and strategic advisor whose practice concentrates on complex transactions and large-scale infrastructure development, particularly in the sports and entertainment sector. He has advised on mergers, acquisitions, financing, and investments involving major professional sports leagues and teams, while also leading the negotiation and structuring of architectural, construction, engineering, and development agreements for more than $25 billion in stadium, arena, training center, and mixed-use venue projects across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, UEFA, and NCAA landscapes. His work includes contributions to more than 25 arenas, stadiums, and training centers.

“We are excited to have Eric on board as we negotiate the state’s participation in the Moda Center project,” said Betsy Imholt, Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services. “Eric and his specialized expertise will help the state as we work to ensure public dollars are invested in a way that delivers for taxpayers while also protecting their investment in the Moda Center.”

“I am honored to serve as Special Assistant Attorney General for the state of Oregon at such a pivotal moment,” said Andalman. “The Portland Trail Blazers are more than a professional basketball team. They are a cornerstone of Oregon’s identity, economic vitality, and civic pride. We recognize that we have a unique opportunity, which we do not take lightly. We are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to identify a durable, long-term solution that keeps the Trail Blazers in Oregon, maximizes its positive impact in the region, and strengthens its role as a catalyst for community engagement and impact, economic growth, investment, and regional development in Oregon for generations to come.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CURRICULUM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SUB-COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Investigator Sub-Committee of the Private Security/Investigators Policy Committee for the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

The meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve the May 19, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Round Table

4. Agency Update

5. Next Scheduled Meeting - TBD

Administrative Announcement

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

DPSST provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access for people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. To request a sign language interpreter, translation services, or other accommodations, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or at nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

DPSST proporciona acomodaciones rasonables para asegurar el acceso igual para personas con descapacidades y para personas con competencia limitada de inglés. Para pedir un interprete de lengua de señas, servicios de traducción, u otras acomodaciones, por favor de contactar a Juan Lopez marcando al (503) 551-3167, o a nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, al menos de 48 horas antes de la reunión.

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

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

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve May 19, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Darryl Fink, PS No. 058027

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

4. Joseph Sanchez Sr., PS No. 086458

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

5. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0015, 259-060-0030, and 259-060-0145

   Relating to Interpretation of a Reasonable Request

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

6. Agency Update

7. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – November 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

DPSST provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access for people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. To request a sign language interpreter, translation services, or other accommodations, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or at nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

DPSST proporciona acomodaciones rasonables para asegurar el acceso igual para personas con descapacidades y para personas con competencia limitada de inglés. Para pedir un interprete de lengua de señas, servicios de traducción, u otras acomodaciones, por favor de contactar a Juan Lopez marcando al (503) 551-3167, o a nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, al menos de 48 horas antes de la reunión.

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve May 19, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Darryl Fink, PS No. 058027

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

4. Joseph Sanchez Sr., PS No. 086458

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

5. Agency Update

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

Administrative Announcement

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

DPSST provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access for people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. To request a sign language interpreter, translation services, or other accommodations, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or at nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

DPSST proporciona acomodaciones rasonables para asegurar el acceso igual para personas con descapacidades y para personas con competencia limitada de inglés. Para pedir un interprete de lengua de señas, servicios de traducción, u otras acomodaciones, por favor de contactar a Juan Lopez marcando al (503) 551-3167, o a nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, al menos de 48 horas antes de la reunión.

Salem – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) is warning people that a scam targeting Spanish-speaking injured workers is still prevalent in Oregon and around the country and to be wary of anyone claiming that payment must be made before receiving benefits.

In these scams, workers are contacted by phone, email, social media apps such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, or video calls. Scammers try to convince workers to appear at an online workers’ compensation hearing, and at times, this results in an official-appearing order in their favor. Thereafter, workers are told they must pay money to receive the workers’ compensation benefits or the settlement money for their claim. These communications may appear official and the hearings may include a fake judge, attorney, or government representative. The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD), part of DCBS, and the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) will never ask anyone to pay to receive benefits.

Here’s what you should know:

• WCD, WCB, and insurance companies do not ask for payment to release workers’ compensation benefits. Never pay money up front for benefits or settlements.
• WCD and WCB will never ask for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Be skeptical of any requests for payment.
• Official communications from WCD and WCB will not pressure you to act or pay immediately.
• WCB, which conducts workers’ compensation hearings, does not charge or collect fees for hearings or mediation.
• WCB does not use social media or applications such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to communicate with parties about hearings or mediations.

If you are unsure whether a communication is legitimate, do not send money or personal information. Verify before you act by contacting the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers by phone at 800-927-1271 (toll-free) or email at oow.questions@dcbs.oregon.gov. The office serves as an independent advocate for workers by helping them understand their rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities within the workers’ compensation system and workplace safety and health laws and rules.

If you believe a scammer has contacted you:

• Report the incident to local law enforcement.
• Report any scams, fraud, or suspicious business activity to the Oregon Department of Justice’s fraud hotline at 877-877-9392 (toll-free).
• Report the scam to the Oregon Department of Justice and the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers.
• Early reporting helps others from becoming victims.

If someone representing an insurance company is calling and threatening you, contact the consumer advocates with the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, also part of DCBS, at 888-877-4894 (toll-free).

###

About Oregon DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. The department administers state laws and rules to protect consumers and workers in the areas of workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, financial services, insurance, and building codes. Visit dcbs.oregon.gov.

MEDFORD, Ore.—A Mexican National unlawfully residing in the United States, Samuel Rodrigo Melo Santos, 27, pleaded guilty to alien in possession of a firearm, and making false statements in acquisition of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

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.

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, and his co-defendants, concluded they have no legal status and are residing unlawfully in the United States.

Melo Santos told law enforcement that he bought firearms and sold them to anyone, including people who couldn’t legally buy them. Melo Santos purchased 91 firearms for $56,448 between May 2024 and July 2025 and 40,000 rounds of ammunition. One of these firearms was later found in Mexico. As part of the plea agreement, Melo Santos agreed to forfeit any criminally derived proceeds and property used to facilitate his crimes identified by the government prior to sentencing

Melo Santos faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release. Melo Santos will be sentenced on October 9, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane.

On December 18, 2025, Melo Santos, and three co-defendants made their first appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Co-defendants Samuel Amador Ortega, Aldo Melo Amador, and Oscar Amador Ortega are awaiting trial.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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Families have until Sept. 1, 2026, to apply for essential food assistance through the Summer EBT program. The program offers $120 per eligible child to help cover grocery costs while school is out.

Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. With the application deadline approaching, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) urge families to check their eligibility and to apply before the deadline. Benefits must be used within 122 days.

“We want to make sure children have enough to eat throughout the summer and that all families know about the help available,” said ODHS Director Liesl Wendt. “We don’t want families to think it’s too late to apply. Reach out to ODHS today so we can check your eligibility and connect your family with food benefits.”

ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams added, “We’re asking community organizations, schools, and summer meal providers to help spread the word by posting flyers and sharing information with families. We want every eligible child to receive this food benefit.”

Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 5, 2026, including children in foster care. Other children are automatically eligible if their households:

• Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level

Families who did not receive benefits automatically may still be eligible if:

• Their household meets income requirements​ for free or reduced-price school meals
• Their child attends​ a school or Headstart program that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)​ or School Breakfast Program (SBP)

Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov. For information in Spanish, visit ebtv.oregon.gov.or contact the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328 to verify eligibility and apply.

Since June 5, 2026, more than 331,844 eligible school-aged children have been issued $39.8 million in Summer EBT food benefits.

To learn more:

• Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Visit sebt.oregon.gov or for information in Spanish visit ebtv.oregon.gov

Resources
 

Summer EBT overview video

Other downloadable videos available upon request. Contact istine.L.Decker@odhs.oregon.gov">Christine.L.Decker@odhs.oregon.gov or odhs-media@odhs.oregon.gov.

• Video interview with ODHS Summer EBT Program Manager Christine Doody
• Video scenes from farmers market

Date: March 13, 2026

Case #: Bend Police 2026-00013135

Incident: Residential Burglary and Death Investigation

Date of Incident: March 12, 2026, 11:45 PM

Location: 3500 Block NW Braid Drive, Bend, OR

On March 12, 2026, around 11:45 PM, a resident on NW Braid Drive reported an unknown person had tried to break into their home while they were inside. The resident confronted the intruder and a struggle occurred. The intruder fled on foot after the struggle. Bend Police Officers responded to investigate. The resident was injured and was transported from the scene by Bend Fire and Rescue with non-life-threatening injuries. An area search was carried out, and officers found the intruder lying on the nearby golf course with life-threatening injuries. Emergency medical care was provided, but the intruder did not survive their injuries. Bend Police Detectives have responded to the scene and are leading this investigation. 

PORTLAND, Ore. – Fire restrictions remain in effect on all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington. As wildfire activity continues to impact the region, BLM officials urge visitors to check on additional restrictions and closures and current air quality before heading outdoors.

Active wildfires across the Pacific Northwest continue to produce smoke that can reduce visibility and create unhealthy air quality, even far from an active fire. Recreation conditions can change quickly as new fires emerge, existing fires grow, or smoke shifts with changing winds.

"As wildfire smoke continues to affect communities across the region, we encourage visitors to stay informed and make decisions based on current conditions," said Kim Prill, acting BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. "Conditions can change quickly, so checking air quality and local closures before your trip can help you avoid unnecessary health and safety risks."

The BLM is coordinating closely with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and federal, state and local partners to share resources, align operations, and ensure the strongest possible response to wildfire activity.

"Preventing a single wildfire can make a real difference for firefighters and for the communities affected by smoke,” said Josh O'Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “Following fire restrictions and staying aware of current air quality are simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves and help reduce additional impacts during an already busy fire season."

Fire restrictions vary by location based on fire danger, weather conditions and fuel moisture. Before visiting public lands, visitors should check local restrictions. These restrictions address when power tools may be used, whether campfires or portable stoves are allowed, and what fire prevention equipment must be on hand.

The following items remain prohibited on all BLM-administered public lands in Oregon and Washington:

• Fireworks and sky lanterns
• Exploding or metallic targets
• Tracer or incendiary devices
• Steel-core or steel-jacketed ammunition

Individuals responsible for starting wildfires may face fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, and liability for the full cost of wildfire suppression.

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
 

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.

BEAVERTON, Ore. - Emerald ash borer (EAB), an exotic beetle that infests and kills ash, olive, and white fringetrees, has been confirmed for the first time inside Beaverton, Salem, at Bethany Lake Park in the Rockcreek area, as well as at the Oregon Garden in Silverton. EAB was also detected along the Banks-Vernonia State Trail marking the first time EAB has been found in an Oregon state park. Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve in Hillsboro also reports it has likely found EAB there for the first time. That report is awaiting official confirmation from the state.

The beetles were found when traps set out this spring were checked in July.

In addition, EAB was found again in the same school parking lot in east Portland where it showed up last summer, as well as reappearing in Hazeldale Park west of Beaverton.

EAB was first found in Oregon in Forest Grove in Washington County in June 2022. That made Oregon the first state on the West Coast to report an infestation. Since then it has been found in four other counties in the Willamette Valley - Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, and Yamhill.

Salem 

The City of Salem has been preparing for the arrival of emerald ash borer in the city for several years. An important first step was conducting an inventory of street, park, and natural-area ash trees. Salem identified nearly 4,000 ash trees along streets, in parks, and in over 400 acres of natural areas with a high density of Oregon ash. The City also has:

• Created management plans for identified ash trees on City-owned property
• Created and published an Emerald Ash Borer Readiness and Response Plan (https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/natural-environment-climate/trees-and-plants/emerald-ash-borer)   
• Halted the siting and planting of new ash trees
• Begun pre-emptive removal of ash trees in poor health
• Moved to inject insecticide into around 1,200 ash trees identified to be in good health to protect them from EAB
  • These injections began in summer 2025 with 600 trees in the northern part of the city receiving injections last year, and another 600 trees to be injected next spring. The treatments are highly effective at killing EAB and keeping trees alive through their natural lifespan if treatment is started before infestation damages trees and is continued every 2-3 years.

The City of Salem will continue to carry out other work to mitigate and contain EAB, including: 

• Underplanting in natural areas around ash trees
• Replacing removed ash trees along streets and parks with a wide variety of other species to add resilience and diversity to the urban canopy
• Providing education and outreach about EAB through social and print media and at community events.

Learn more about Salem’s response plans here.

Beaverton’s response

Beaverton’s Urban Forestry team was spurred by EAB detections in places just west of the city over the past few years to start preparing in earnest. Beaverton received a one-year grant from the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District in October 2024 to help with EAB mitigation. During the 2025 treatment season the Beaverton Urban Forestry team used the grant’s funds to treat 600 of the 2,000 inventoried ash street trees, with plans to protect a further 600 soon. Beaverton has also planted 60 new street trees with the help of volunteers and Friends of Trees.

“In response to the threat of EAB, in 2026 we have so far treated 22 city-maintained natural area trees 20 inches in diameter and larger and planted over 2,000 native trees and shrubs,” said Beaverton City Arborist and Public Works Supervisor Jered Lane. “We are continuing to monitor ash street trees throughout the city with regular inspections, respond to concerns about possible cases in Beaverton, and educate the public about EAB.”

Advice for cities and homeowners

One immediate step cities should be taking is to stop planting ash and olive trees and if they haven’t already to remove them from their list of approved street and yard trees.  The second is to make sure City staff who work with trees know how to identify an ash or olive tree. A PowerPoint on how to do that can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/forestbenefits/Documents/identifying-ash-trees-march-2023.pdf

If you think you’ve seen an emerald ash borer, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) and Oregon Dept. of Agriculture ask that you first make sure it’s not a common look-alike bug.

“Keep in mind that EAB adults are only around from June through September. You can find a good description and photos comparing EAB to other common insects in Oregon that are also green in color at OregonEAB.com,” said ODF EAB Specialist Kat Bethea. “If you can capture the beetle in a jar or other container that’s ideal, but at least try and take a clear, close-up photo. This helps us identify the insect in question much more easily.”

Bethea said people suspecting they’ve found EAB should report it over the phone to 1-866-INVADER or online at https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/reports/create. Attaching a clear photo is important. Bethea said people who know they have an ash tree and notice a decline should report it the same way.

“Any ash tree can be infested, including native Oregon ash as well as non-native street, park and yard trees. Signs of infestation include thinning and yellowing leaves, bark splitting, D-shaped holes in the tree bark, and shoots from buds on the trunk or branches,” said Bethea.

Matt Mills, who is also an EAB Specialist with ODF, said, “You can find whether or not you’re in an EAB-infested area or close to one by checking an online map we’ve created. It shows the five counties where firewood from hardwood trees cannot be removed. That quarantine also covers any part of ash, olive or white fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus).”

People who want to protect their ash trees before they become infested should consider the same treatment Beaverton, Portland, and Salem are using to protect their high-value public ash trees. “The insecticide is injected at the base of the trunk and gets taken up into the tree canopy and is quite effective at protecting the tree from both adults and larvae,” said Mills.

Mills said treatments must be done before trees are damaged and repeated every two or three years by a licensed pesticide applicator.

“That’s why we recommend only treating high-value trees in good condition,” he said. “Ash trees planted in the wrong place to reach their mature size, such as under powerlines, should be removed as time and funds permit and replaced with species that aren’t susceptible to EAB.” 

Homeowners might also consider replacing young ash trees while they are still small and starting over by planting a species that is not susceptible to EAB.  “This gets new tree canopy jump-started in urban areas where ash trees will be lost if not treated,” Mills said.

America’s most destructive forest pest

Since it was first found in Michigan two decades ago, EAB has become the most destructive forest pest ever seen in North America. Where they spread to, EAB larvae eventually kill almost all ash trees by feeding on the living tissues under the bark. Oregon ash and all other American and European ash species are susceptible. The insect is devastating ash stands from the Atlantic Ocean to the Rocky Mountains. Hundreds of millions of ash trees in the U.S. and Canada have already been killed by EAB.

For more information visit the Oregon Invasive Species Council EAB web site at  www.oregoneab.com

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Salem, OR— Are you looking for a way to both save money on your taxes and support the production of movies and TV shows in Oregon? The Oregon Department of Revenue and the Oregon Film and Video Office may have just what you need.

Revenue and Oregon Film will be offering tax credit certificates worth $500 at auction where taxpayers can get them at a discount.

A total of 42,400 income tax credit certificates worth $500 each will be auctioned off August 10-14. The auction proceeds will benefit the Oregon Production Investment Fund.

The auction allows taxpayers to bid on the $500 certificates at a discount. When tax time comes, each certificate is worth $500 toward a taxpayer’s tax bill even though the taxpayer potentially paid less than that for the certificate. Taxpayers can bid as little as $450 per tax credit certificate, possibly saving up to $50 on their tax bill for every credit purchased.

The online auction will begin on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. PDT and will end on Friday, August 14 at 5 p.m. PDT.

To find out more information, go to the Department of Revenue website.