PORTLAND, Ore.— Gene Arnold McLenithan, 58, of Salem, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with kidnapping and attempted abusive sexual contact in Tillamook County.

According to court documents and statements made in court, McLenithan allegedly kidnapped the two victims around midnight on July 4, 2024, camping along a public hiking trail in Tillamook County. McLenithan bound the victims, covered their eyes, and, after a period of time passed, told victims he had planned to sexually assault them.

Prior to the assault, the victims did not know McLenithan.

McLenithan made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rochat is prosecuting the case.

If you have any reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim or have additional information about other potential crimes involving McLenithan, please contact the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov.

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

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EUGENE, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging a Coos Bay, Oregon, woman after she allegedly embezzled money while working as a bank manager.

Heather Lynn Casas, 44, has been charged with bank theft, embezzlement, or misapplication by a bank officer or employee.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from August 2024 through December 2024, Casas, while working as a bank manager for a bank in Coos Bay, stole approximately $1.9 million from the bank.

Casas made her initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. She was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on August 24, 2026.

If convicted, Casas faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case.

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

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PORTLAND, Ore.—An Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a firearms trafficking ring, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

Freddy John Bish, 52, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in September 2025, Bish drove a vehicle with 12 firearms from Oregon to California to meet an unidentified co-conspirator in Central California who planned to take the guns to Mexico. California Highway Patrol stopped Bish and seized the weapons.

On November 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Bish with conspiracy to traffic firearms and trafficking firearms.

On January 21, 2026, Bish pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case with assistance from Tigard Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Sherwood Police Department, and California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Maloney prosecuted the case.

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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The Oregon State Marine Board, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), will not require non-motorized boat operators to have a waterway access permit in conjunction with free fishing, clamming and crabbing days.

In 2019, when the Waterway Access Permit program was approved by the Oregon Legislature, with an exemption for permit requirements on ODFW-designated Free Fishing Days. In 2025, the program was expanded, requiring all lengths of non-motorized boats to purchase a waterway access permit when operating a boat on the water. One hundred percent (100%) of the revenue supports two important programs: aquatic invasive species watercraft inspection stations, managed by ODFW, and non-motorized access development and facility improvements via OSMB boating facility grants to public facility owners wanting to improve access specifically serving paddlers.

Per ODFW, no fishing/shellfish licenses or tags/validations are required on these days (meaning you do not need a Combined Angling Tag, Columbia River Basin Endorsement, Ocean Endorsement or two-rod validation where two rods are allowed). Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free. Oregon State Parks also offers free parking on Saturday, June 6.

Existing exemptions include youth 13 and younger, surfboards, sailboards and kiteboards, and non-motorized boats under 10 feet engaged in whitewater recreation activities on a Marine Board Whitewater Exempt Waterways void of any developed access sites. See a list of exemptions on the Marine Board’s Waterway Access Permit FAQ page.

Read ODFW’s Free Fishing Days news release and what rules apply.

For people new to non-motorized boating, visit the Marine Board’s map of waterways designated as restricted motor or electric motor only to help you plan your weekend adventure.

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May 28, 2026

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge due to the presence of a cyanotoxins above recreational use value. The wildlife refuge is in Klamath County.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the wildlife refuge where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion or inhalation of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy activities such as fishing, bird watching and canoeing. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source for drinking and cooking.

Symptoms for people, pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size, level of activity, and likelihood of ingesting water.

For people, exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crusts along the shore. This is regardless of whether a recreational use health advisory in place. Symptoms in dogs can include difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, and loss of appetite, and more.  If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible. OHA recommends keeping dogs on leashes, away from affected water and mat material, to help reduce the chance of exposure.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs, where toxins are more likely to build up, before cooking or freezing. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

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

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May 28, 2026

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Vaccination rates for Oregon students reach new low; nonmedical exemptions at new high

Most families choose to vaccinate children, but more than a third of Oregon schools at risk of measles outbreak

PORTLAND, Ore.—State health officials urge parents and guardians to check their school’s vaccination rate to help families understand the local risk of a disease outbreak, especially for children who are not up to date on the MMR vaccine for measles.

Parents and caregivers can see vaccination rates for individual schools on OHA’s School Immunization Data dashboard.

Kindergarteners and nonmedical exemptions

For the 2025-2026 school year, Oregon’s rate of nonmedical exemptions for required school vaccines for kindergarteners has climbed to a record high of 10.9%—up from 6.9% in the 2021-2022 school year.

Only 85.6% of kindergarteners were up to date on required vaccines, according to data, continuing an overall downward trend that began a decade ago. The steepest decline happened during the last four years—a 3-percentage point drop since the 2021-2022 school year, when the rate was 88.4%.

“Although the vast majority of families in Oregon are still choosing to protect families through vaccination, the downward trends are deeply concerning,” said Howard Chiou, M.D., PhD., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. “We risk seeing the return of diseases such as measles and polio—diseases of the past that once caused widespread harm but are entirely preventable with vaccines.”

The vaccine with the highest rate of kindergarten nonmedical exemptions is the second dose of the measles vaccine (MMR) at 9.4%, up from 4.9% 10 years ago, a 92% jump. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, and the best way to prevent infection is to get vaccinated.

The vaccine with the second highest rate of kindergarten nonmedical exemptions is the DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis rates in Oregon hit a 75-year high in 2025—1,475 cases.

Pertussis and measles cases have also risen to record highs in the past year nationally.

K-12 students

While the majority of K-12 students statewide, 90.2%, is up to date on required vaccinations, pockets of risk remain in individual schools. These pockets of risk at schools exist in all 36 counties in Oregon.

“Even when overall vaccination rates are high at the state or county level, that can sometimes hide significant risk at an individual school, so parents should not assume their local schools will also be well protected,” Chiou said. “We encourage families to look at the immunization rates for their child’s school to better understand personal and community risks.”

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 92% to 94% of the population needs to be immune to measles, through vaccination or previous infection, to prevent or limit the spread of infections in a community. Chiou says Oregon’s public health system strives for a 93% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity.

Currently, more than one in three (36%) Oregon schools with 10 or more students in grades K-12 report MMR vaccination rates under 93% and are therefore at high risk of a measles outbreak.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Troutdale woman was sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act by receiving and discharging 500,000 gallons of industrial wastewater contaminated with hydrofluoric acid and toxic metals to the sanitary sewer without approval.

Kayla Hartley, 36, was sentenced to 5 months in federal prison, a $25,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, from February through September 2020, Hartley, as the Director of Operations at the Northwest Slurry Solutions and Hydro Excavation, LLC (“Northwest Slurry”) facility in Hillsboro, Oregon, marketed the company as able to accept and dispose of industrial wastewater, despite having no permit or authorization to discharge that type of waste. Under Hartley’s leadership, Northwest Slurry accepted approximately 500,000 gallons of industrial wastewater containing chemical pollutants including hydrofluoric acid, titanium, molybdenum, vanadium, arsenic, and other heavy metals. Northwest Slurry discharged those half-a-million gallons of pollution to the Hillsboro sanitary sewer.

When staff from Clean Water Services, which operates the sanitary sewer system in Hillsboro, visited Northwest Slurry’s facility, Hartley attempted to conceal the fact that her company was discharging industrial wastewater.

On July 15, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Hartley with conspiracy to violate and violating the Clean Water Act.

On January 21, 2026, Hartley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Water Act.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from Clean Water Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew T. Ho and Special Assistant United States Attorney Gwendolyn Russell prosecuted the case.

This case was an Environmental Crimes Task Force (ECTF) investigation. ECTF is an initiative in the District of Oregon that identifies, investigates, and prosecutes significant environmental, public lands, and wildlife crimes. ECTF leverages the resources and effort of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and law enforcement to protect human health, safeguard natural resources and wildlife, and hold violators accountable. If you witness an event that may lead to an immediate threat to human health or the environment, please call 9-1-1. After alerting local emergency authorities, please also report incidents to the EPA’s Report a Violation website (https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations) or by calling the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power prepared to respond to outages ahead of forecast storms

Customers encouraged to prepare for possibility of outages

HOOD RIVER, Ore. (May 28, 2026) — Pacific Power is monitoring a significant storm system that could bring high winds, lightning and hail to central and eastern Oregon and Washington Thursday night.

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

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

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

• Update your contact information so we can reach you.  

• Sign up to receive outage alerts by text, email or phone.  

• Restock your outage kit.  

• Keep mobile devices charged so that they may be used in an emergency.  

• Track outages, update contact info and do more with our free app.  

• Text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.

Visit PacificPower.net/Outages for restoration estimates.  

As a reminder, stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Customers should avoid both downed trees and powerlines as well as keep pets far away from those areas. Call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.

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About Pacific Power 

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

The Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits (Summer EBT) program is returning in 2026 to help families buy groceries for school-aged children during summer break when they don’t have easy access to healthy meals.

Eligible families can receive a one-time payment of $120 for each child on an Oregon EBT card to buy food. Unused benefits can expire 122 days after they are issued.

Families will get benefits automatically on their Oregon EBT card if they have children between the ages of 6-18 and received one of the following at any time during the 2025-26 school year:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance
• Medicaid, if household income is below 185 percent of the federal poverty level
• Foster care services

Families also may automatically receive benefits if they have children who:

• Were determined by their school to have a status as migrant, houseless or runaway.
• Took part in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
• Attended a Head Start program that was part of the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.

Families may need to apply if:

• Their household meets income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
• Their child attends a school that was part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Important Summer EBT dates:

• June 1, 2026 – The Summer EBT call center opens. Families can call 833-673-7328 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• June 4, 2026 – Benefits are expected to begin issuing to families who are automatically eligible.
• June 5, 2026 – The online application opens and applications begin processing.
• Sept. 1, 2026 – Application deadline.
• Sept. 25, 2026 – The Summer EBT call center closes.

The Summer EBT program is administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Oregon Department of Education (ODE).

Children cannot receive 2026 Summer EBT benefits in multiple states. The program invites families to apply if they have children living in Oregon during the 2025-26 school year.

Families can learn more about Summer EBT, find application information and get updates by visiting the website at sebt.oregon.gov.

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) launched a new round of funding through its Small Forestland Grant Program to help landowners reduce wildfire risk before and after the 2026 fire season.

“By investing in the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Small Forestland Grant Program, we aren't just preparing for the next fire season, we are securing Oregon’s future,” said Mike Kroon, Forest Resources Division Deputy Chief.

The grant program supports work that began in 2021. Since then, ODF and partner organizations have continued investing in statewide wildfire mitigation to protect natural resources, homes, and communities. 

 “This program turns taxpayer dollars into tangible protection, helping small landowners reduce fuel loads that would otherwise threaten our communities,” said Kroon. “It’s a foundational piece of Oregon’s 20-year Landscape Resiliency Strategy that maximizes every dollar to build a landscape that is resilient, defensible from wildfires, and safer for all of us.”

2024–2026 Project Investments

This year, ODF awarded funds to 11 projects to mitigate wildfire risk on 1,023 acres by reducing hazardous fuels, improving community preparedness, and supporting long-term landscape resilience.

Most of the funded work is in Southern and Central Oregon, where wildfire risk is especially high.

One of the awardees for this year has already begun work. One example is in the Tollgate community outside of Sisters, Oregon.

"In addition to significantly reducing hazardous fuels, the thinning operations funded through the ODF Small Forestland Grant Program have substantially improved emergency access and defensible space for more than 190 Tollgate properties,” said Tollgate community landowner Christina Maier. “Residents have deeply appreciated ODF’s partnership and support, recognizing both the immediate wildfire risk reduction benefits and the long-term improvements to community safety, evacuation access, and forest health.”

Success Story: Applegate Partnership and Watershed Council

One example of success comes from the Applegate Partnership and Watershed Council, based in Jacksonville, Oregon, which received Small Forestland Grant funds to complete significant fuels reduction and community engagement work. ODF also coordinates with state and federal partners to maximize the impact of investments for landscape resiliency.

The project used about $269,000 to significantly improve local wildfire preparedness by:

• Assessing wildfire risk for 60 homeowners
• Removing more than 800 dead or hazardous trees
• Reducing plants along driveways and public roads to make safe evacuation routes
• Improving firefighter access in and around communities

The removal of hazardous trees also reduced safety risks for residents, forestry workers and first responders. This project strengthened community safety, reduced wildfire risks, and improved the landscape’s resilience.

The project leveraged more than $2.4 million provided through the National Resource Conservation Service to treat another 262 acres of private land. To stretch funding further, ODF and partners used a cost-share model that encouraged landowner participation. Landowners have contributed $45,349, about 18% of the total cost of work completed.

BLM announces dates for infrastructure improvements in the Yakima Canyon

Multiple recreation sites to close temporarily in May/June for construction

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Bureau of Land Management announces that construction will take place at Lmuma Creek Recreation Site, Liberty Recreation Site, Roza Campgrounds, and Big Pines Recreation Site this June. Specific dates below:

• Lmuma Creek Recreation Site: May 28 to June 3 (6 days) and June 10 to June 24 (14 days)
• Liberty Recreation Site: June 1 to June 5 (4 days)
• Roza Campgrounds: June 10 to June 24 (14 days)
• Big Pines Recreation Site: June 15 to June 29 (14 days)

To ensure public safety, there will be no public access to these sites or their accompanying boat ramps during the closure periods. All visitors are advised to plan ahead and use alternative boat ramps and camping facilities in the area during this time.

“We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we complete these important improvements,” said Jon Meier, assistant Wenatchee field manager. “These upgrades will enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience at these well-loved sites.”

The temporary closures are necessary to allow for critical improvements to campground infrastructure and boat ramp access. These upgrades are part of the BLM’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences for all visitors. Work crews and heavy equipment will be present, and access restrictions are required to ensure the safety of both workers and the public.

Improvements include reshaped campgrounds, boat ramp repairs, fresh gravel to improve site drainage and accessibility, new picnic tables and fire rings, alongside updated bulletin boards to provide better information for visitors.

For more information, please contact the BLM Wenatchee Field Office at (509) 665-2100.

-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.

State-funded wildfire housing developments completed

May 28, 2026

Contact: Kristen Lambert, isten.lambert@oha.oregon.gov">Kristen.lambert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-271-1347

Governor Kotek secures additional funding to help stabilize maternity care in rural communities

New federal funding will bolster state investment, strengthen labor and delivery services across 21 rural hospitals serving families in 17 counties

SALEM, Ore. — Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and the Hospital Association of Oregon, announced today that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Oregon’s proposed state directed payment to strengthen and stabilize maternity care services in rural communities. By matching state funding secured by Governor Kotek , these approved federal funds will result in a total investment of up to $37.5 million for 21 rural hospitals that provide maternity services for some of Oregon’s most remote communities. For rural hospitals, many of which will navigate reductions in Medicaid funding due to H.R. 1, these payments will help provide additional staffing and essential medical equipment, sustain and create good paying jobs and invest in strategies that improve overall quality of care of maternity services, such as supporting community outreach to pregnant Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members.

"I fought for these funds in my budget to stabilize services in Oregon because rural communities deserve reliable, high quality maternity care close to home,” Governor Kotek said. “The Trump Administration’s cuts to Medicaid will make rural maternity care harder to sustain and I applaud the work by the agency to maximize state dollars to support Oregon providers. I appreciate this partnership from hospital leaders who participated in conversations with my office to devise how these funds will be spent, and our continued partnership as we work together to improve access to care where it’s needed most.”

The directed payment is part of a one-time $25 million investment authorized by the Legislature in House Bill 5025 (2025). The coordinated effort is led by Governor Kotek with OHA and the Hospital Association of Oregon to strengthen maternity services. Roughly half of all births in the state are covered by OHP, and Medicaid funding changes have already begun to impact rural healthcare providers in Oregon and across the country.  

“CMS’s approval enables us to support rural hospitals at a moment when maternity services are under tremendous pressure,” said Dr. Sejal Hathi, Director of OHA. “OHA worked hard to secure this funding because rural families and communities cannot wait as healthcare costs rise and labor and delivery units close. These funds will help reinforce essential care for expecting OHP members while also strengthening services for entire communities. As we implement this directed payment, OHA remains committed to bolstering the full continuum of maternity care and closing longstanding gaps—so that families can access the safe, high-quality care they need throughout pregnancy and beyond.”

At a time when Oregon’s rural hospitals are increasingly impacted by federal policy changes, these payments are designed to stabilize maternity services, strengthen access to care, and create good paying jobs in communities with limited resources. The funding aims to ensure safe, reliable services for OHP members. The investments are expected to improve access to prenatal and postpartum care, reduce preventable complications, and promote more equitable maternal health outcomes across rural Oregon.

“Oregon's rural hospitals face mounting financial and workforce challenges in sustaining the maternity services families rely on,” said Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon. “CMS’s approval was a critical step in releasing funds to rural hospitals, providing much-needed support to help protect access to maternity care in rural Oregon. This investment highlights what can be achieved when state leaders, hospitals, and our partners work together to protect care in communities.”

There is no application process for rural hospitals. Rural hospitals that currently offer maternity services will automatically receive payments. OHA is working with CCOs and rural hospitals to coordinate a payment schedule.

Investments Aimed at Stabilizing Care and Expanding Access

These efforts are part of a broader statewide strategy to strengthen maternity care. In 2025, the Governor requested and the Legislature authorized a one-time $25 million investment to support, stabilize, improve and expand rural maternity hospital services. Governor Kotek directed OHA to distribute the funds in a targeted approach based on input from impacted hospitals. In addition to the CMS‑approved directed payment, OHA increased the 2026 maternity care rates for larger hospitals that are paid by coordinated care organizations (CCOs) through diagnosis-related group (DRG) rates.

Rural hospitals may use the funds to strengthen maternity services and improve quality of care for OHP members, including: 

• Hiring or retaining maternity care staff
• Upgrading or purchasing clinical equipment
• Expanding outreach, navigation, or perinatal support for OHP members

Below is a list of rural hospitals that will receive direct payment (in alphabetical order by county):

In counties such as Malheur County — where more than half of residents are enrolled in OHP — improvements to maternity services often benefit the broader community. While activities like outreach may focus specifically on OHP members, other investments, such as equipment upgrades or additional staffing, enhance care for all patients.

In addition to the directed payment, OHA is continuing to strengthen the full continuum of maternity care by expanding access to doulas and lactation counselors, implementing a community-based access program to support culturally specific and geographically diverse perinatal service providers, and prioritizing maternal and child health through the Rural Health Transformation Program. OHA recognizes that maternity care extends far beyond hospital services—from prenatal visits and labor and delivery to postpartum supports, home visiting, and lactation services—and is working across this entire continuum to close gaps and improve equitable access to care for families in every community. 

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Every day, in multiple ways, the Oregon Health Authority supports individuals, communities, and partners across the state so that all families can thrive. OHA is further supporting rural hospitals by providing a total of $35 million in federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding this year. While most rural hospitals are eligible to receive $963,000 each through this opportunity, three larger rural hospitals with more than 50 beds can each receive nearly $1.4 million. This direct funding is designed to help rural Oregon improve access to critical services during a time of tremendous change and challenge in healthcare. On May 7, OHA announced which hospitals are eligible for this federal funding and how much each hospital can receive. For more details, please refer to the Rural Health Transformation Program newsletter.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Woodburn, Oregon, man pleaded guilty yesterday for threatening to kill a United States Senator.

Donald Leroy Smith, Jr., 51, pleaded guilty to retaliating against a federal official by threat.

According to court documents, on November 12, 2025, Smith left a voicemail for a U.S. Senator stating he was “coming to kill you,” that “you need to be dead,” and that he was going to “put a bullet in your head.”

On March 19, 2026, Smith was charged by information with threatening a federal official.

Smith faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 26, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Smith has agreed to pay restitution in full.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from United States Capitol Police, United States Secret Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Oregon State Police, and the Woodburn Police Department. First Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Narus and Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. Kilcup are prosecuting the case.

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SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet virtually at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Present brief summary of upcoming scoping proposal on Amphibians questions 1 & 2
• Discussion about developing the Effectiveness Monitoring Strategy

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Romanian national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for defrauding elderly victims by stealing their bank cards and taking money from their bank accounts.

Rexona Caldararu, 34, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

According to court documents, beginning in the summer of 2023 and continuing through the summer of 2025, Caldararu and her co-conspirators would memorize the debit card pin numbers of elderly victims as they checked out at the grocery store. Caldararu or one of her co-conspirators then followed each victim back to the parking lot, told the victim they dropped cash and insisted on helping place the cash back in their wallet while at the same time removing their debit card. Caldararu and her co-conspirators would then proceed to the victim’s bank and remove as much money as possible and sometimes also use the debit card to make purchases. Caldararu defrauded 12 victims from the District of Oregon and elsewhere and stole more than $73,500.  Caldararu had been previously arrested for similar conduct throughout the country, in the United Kingdom, and in France.

On Oct. 7, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 12-count superseding indictment charging Caldararu and her co-conspirators.  On Jan. 22, 2026, Caldararu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken prosecuted the case.

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SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has denied PacifiCorp’s request for an interim rate increase while the Commission conducts a full review of the utility’s general rate case filing.

PacifiCorp is asking to raise overall customer revenues by $170.7 million, or 8.6 percent, in its general rate case. As part of that filing, PacifiCorp sought a temporary 2.8 percent increase starting June 4, 2026, saying it was needed to address financial pressure and concerns about its credit ratings. If approved, the interim increase would have reduced the size of possible rate changes in 2027 and shifted the timing of those changes from April to July 2027.

After reviewing PacifiCorp’s filing for interim rates, the Commission did not find justification to approve the interim rate request. The Commission noted that PacifiCorp has taken several steps to improve its financial position, including actions approved by the PUC. Those steps include a sale-leaseback arrangement for the Boardman-to-Hemingway transmission project, changes to company’s capital structure, and an expanded line of credit.

Interim rates are rarely approved in Oregon. They are reserved for situations in which a utility shows it is unable to continue providing safe and reliable service during a general rate case review process, which typically takes about 10 months.

“We took this request seriously because the financial health of the utilities we regulate directly impacts safe and reliable service for customers,” said PUC Chair Letha Tawney. “Emergency rate increases require a very high bar, and PacifiCorp did not demonstrate need at this time. The Commission is willing to evaluate a renewed request, should circumstances change.” 

The Commission will investigate the general rate revision request under the standard 10-month suspension. This allows the Commission and stakeholders to review PacifiCorp’s full request, including the proposed $170.7 million revenue increase for capital investments, operating costs, and other expenses. The review will continue through 2026, with a final decision expected in March 2027.

PacifiCorp serves about 600,000 customers in Oregon.

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Molalla, Ore.—Hoses, chainsaws, Pulaskis and other tools of the firefighting trade were in the hands of motivated adults in custody (AICs) this month as Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) experts trained 37 AICs from the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and more than 100 assigned to the South Fork Forest Camp.

“We’ve been looking forward to fire season all year,” said Kelsie Martin, an AIC at Coffee Creek. “This will be my second-year volunteering for and going through the training. Nearly all the skills we learn here are transferable to life after we get out. It’s not just the hands-on stuff either—we get to practice responsible leadership and team building. However, the main thing the training and actual firefighting gives us is meaning and purpose.”

Coffee Creek typically has three 10-person crews trained,ready, andon rotation throughout fire season.

“The crews are key to keeping our IA (initial attack) robust,” said Kyle Koonce, ODF’s Santiam Unit Permanent Forest Officer and coordinator of the training for the Coffee Creek crews at the Molalla Office. “We typically have two-to-three engines respond to a fire start, then the hand crews come in and finish lining the fire helping to keep them small. This allows our engines to get back online ready for the next fire start.”

The hand crews are also key to what wildland firefighters call post-fire rehabilitation.

“For a 15-acre fire we might have nearly a mile of hose out there,” said Koonce. “These crew will spend a half to a whole day just emptying and rolling up fire hose. Again, this frees up critical resources like our engines to go after other fires.”

The AIC crews do everything a typical contracted firefighting crew does with one main restriction.

“We only deploy within a 2-hour drive of the facility in Wilsonville,” said Sgt. Patrick Forman, a Department of Corrections officer and certified crew boss. “We still operate under the same standards as any other crew with a 16-hour day, the difference is we may be travelling four hours.” 

That restriction doesn’t limit their effectiveness or the value they provide to local communities.

“2024 was the first year I volunteered to be part of a crew,” said Jody Warren, who is back for her third fire season. “We went to the Lee Falls Fire (where the community of Cherry Gove was evacuated) and it was very emotional for me since I grew up in the area. It gave me a chance to give back to a community I took from. It gave me such purpose that now I want to pursue a career in firefighting when I get out in 10 months.”

The women train year-round to get in shape and stay fit for fire season.

“Every weekend, we would do training and every weekend, no matter the weather, these women would choose not to sleep in, but to get out and get after it,” said Foreman, who along with Koonce has been with the program from the beginning. 

2026 marks the 10-year anniversary of ODF and DOC working together to train Coffee Creek adults in custody.

The program is so popular they had 110 women apply this year but could only accept 27.

“Many were not medically cleared, and some were not accepted to participate for other reasons,” said Foreman. “Otherwise, we might have nine or 10 crews instead of three.”

The 40-hours of training includes morning classroom sessions, and then the afternoons are hands-on.

“We decided to break up the classroom work, so we have a tools and equipment day, a pumps and hose lay day, a day-long chain saw course, then one day in the use of chain saws, then a field day the last day that incorporates all the lessons and simulates a typical day on a fire,” said Koonce.

The AICs also do a series of firefighting courses: S-130 (Wildland Firefighting), L-180 (Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service), and S-190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior) that, along with the week-long training, gets them a certification.

For 75 years, DOC and ODF have jointly run the South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) in the middle of the Tillamook State Forest. At SFFC, the AICs get the same training just in a slightly different format.  They have two longer days of classroom training and two hands-on field days. SFFC provides 12 crews that are ready for fire season.

In addition to crews from Coffee Creek and South Fork, ODF also deploys a smaller number of AIC firefighters from DOC’s Santiam, Deer Ridge, and Snake River Correctional institutions as well as the Powder River Correctional Facility.

No matter which facility they come from, ODF uses the firefighters strategically during fire season.

“We have been prepositioning crews ahead of predicted severe weather events for several years,” said Koonce. “This cuts down on response time and that allows us to spend more time with initial attack rather than travelling.”

Even though it takes time and resources for ODF to support AIC firefighting programs, the department sees many benefits.

“These programs we run training and using AIC crews have given us more firefighting resources and, as a bonus, provides our seasonal staff an opportunity to lead and teach that they likely might not get otherwise until later in their career,” said Koonce. “From the ODF perspective, everything about AIC crews are a win-win.”

Corrections also confirms the mutual benefits of the cooperative firefighting program.

“I know of at least eight former AIC that were part of the program that got jobs with firefighting contractors in just the last year,” said Foreman. “How do you put a price on people finding purpose and meaning while with DOC then leaving the system and becoming working, productive members of society?”

For more on the jointly operated SFFC go here. 

For more on the DOC go here.

Fr more on ODF’s Fire Protection Program go here.

May 27, 2026

Contact: Franny White, OHA Communications, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" target="_blank">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539 

New roadmap lays out how to help youth with complex needs thrive

System of Care Advisory Council implementing 2026-2029 Strategic Plan

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon’s System of Care Advisory Council (SOCAC) is working to implement actionable strategies described in its new strategic plan to help youth with complex, unmet behavioral health or intellectual and developmental disabilities needs be safe, well and thrive.

Having more youth receive treatment and services at their homes or in their communities, increasing the high school completion rate for system-involved youth, reducing suicide attempts among youth, and decreasing substance use disorder in youth are among the key goals outlined in SOCAC’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan.

“We are determined to ensure Oregon’s youth can thrive despite many challenges,” said SOCAC Executive Director Anna K. Williams. “To help make that happen, the System of Care Advisory Council is putting its new strategic plan into action statewide.”

For example, SOCAC is prioritizing making it easier for caregivers to access temporary, short-term respite and improving school-based services for students with disabilities. The council is also improving its support of local systems of care that address barriers across the state. And in addition to improving access to community-based supports and services, the strategic plan prioritizes access to high-acuity treatment and services for youth with multiple diagnoses.

The Oregon Legislature established SOCAC in 2019 to provide oversight for, and facilitate coordination between, the state agencies and community partners that provide behavioral, foster and other forms of care for Oregon youth with complex needs. SOCAC partners directly with youth, their families and other individuals as well as organizations involved in education, juvenile justice and more.

Co-developed with youth and families, SOCAC’s new strategic plan lays out small, but meaningful steps for the council to take during the next three years. The plan prioritizes four broad goals: 

• Improve access to coordinated, integrated and community-based systems of care
• Promote the co-creation of equitable policy and systems by providers and the youth and families they serve
• Create sustainable infrastructure that increases the systems of care’s capacity and credibility
• Transform the systems that serve children, youth and families

SOCAC is an independent state council with 29 members who are appointed by the governor. It partners with the following state agencies: Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Youth Authority. More information is at the SOCAC website and its fact sheet. People who are interested in contributing to SOCAC’s efforts are encouraged to email statewide.soc@oha.oregon.gov.

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Outdoor enthusiasts are facing the loss of another fundamental right to enjoy the state’s public waterways.

Starting in 2026, a new law enforced by the Oregon State Marine Board requires all paddlecraft — regardless of size — to purchase and carry a Waterway Access Permit. This expands the existing requirement (in place since 2020 for craft 10 feet and longer) to include kayaks, canoes, rafts, paddleboards, and all other non-motorized boats.

The Marine Board intends to use revenue from these permits to expand aquatic invasive species inspection programs. However, Let Us Paddle, a grassroots citizens group, strongly opposes the expansion and is leading a ballot measure to repeal the law.

“Access to Oregon’s waters is both a constitutional right and a treasured part of our heritage,” said Kari Goodheart, co-chief petitioner for Let Us Paddle. “Environmentally friendly paddlecraft like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards should remain free from these burdensome regulations.”

Low-Risk Users Are Being Forced to Pay for Others’ Dirty Boats
Critics point out that non-motorized paddlecraft are not significant vectors for invasive species such as Quagga and Golden mussels. There has not been a single documented case in Oregon of an invasive species introduction or spread caused by a non-motorized watercraft. Existing mandatory inspection stations operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) already target higher-risk motorized boats and out-of-state watercraft at border crossings.

“After reviewing the invasive species briefing, one thing is crystal clear: the real risk comes from complex, water-holding boats moving across state lines — not paddleboards and kayaks,” said Ben Roche, co-chief petitioner. “Yet the state continues to expand the Waterway Access Permit and charges the lowest-risk users to fund it. That’s not fair share — it’s misaligned policy.”

Let Us Paddle argues the law is counterproductive. Instead of forcing Oregonians to buy a $20 permit, the state should focus enforcement on out-of-state violators by issuing fines for those who transport invasive species and use that revenue to fund inspection programs.

This permit requirement is the latest example of overreaching regulations that limit public access while increasing costs for residents. As Ben Roche noted, “We now have fees for camping, boat launching, parking, and hiking on state public lands. Politicians talk about affordability but keep passing fees and taxes that stress Oregon families.”

Take Action: Help Repeal This Law
Let Us Paddle needs 120,000 valid signatures by July 1 to place the repeal measure on the November 2026 ballot. Oregonians deserve the opportunity to vote on this issue.
How to Help:
• Sign a petition immediately
• Collect signatures from friends, family, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts
• Visit the Let Us Paddle website to find petition locations and download materials

This is crunch time. Without swift action, another cherished outdoor freedom will be lost this summer and beyond. Oregonians are encouraged to join Let Us Paddle and protect public access to the state’s beautiful waterways.

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PORTLAND, Ore.— Six defendants were charged for their roles in a drug trafficking organization, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

The six defendants below were charged by a second superseding information on April 29, 2026, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine:

• Rafael Mora Contreras, 45, of Forest Grove, Oregon;
• Cristina Echeverria, 42, of Forest Grove;
• Nathalie Claire Buchanan, 28, of Bend, Oregon;
• Charles Ottis Johnson, 37, of Bend;
• Mariano Perez-Sanchez, 42, of Forest Grove; and
• Dagoberto Ayala-Lopez, 38, of Hillsboro, Oregon.

According to court documents, in July 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF) began investigating a methamphetamine and cocaine supplier in Forest Grove operated and run by Perez-Sanchez. Perez-Sanchez worked as a drug dispatcher and took orders from retail level distributors.

Johnson and Buchanan were drug trafficking partners who routinely purchased large amounts of methamphetamine in the Portland and Salem area to sell in the Bend area. On February 11, 2026, Echeverria, a courier for Perez-Sanchez, delivered a large quantity of methamphetamine to Buchanan at a hotel. Buchanan and Johnson were pulled over by police. Officers located over 4 pounds of methamphetamine in the car. Investigators reviewed text messages during the drug deal with Johnson and Buchanan showing further evidence of drug trafficking.

On February 17, 2026, Echeverria and Mora Contreras, driving separate cars, were both pulled over by OSP troopers after an overnight trip to California to re-supply drugs. OSP troopers located 28 pounds of methamphetamine and 6 kilograms of cocaine in Echeverria’s car.

Ayala-Lopez worked as a drug courier for Perez-Sanchez. Ayala-Lopez’s vehicles and residence were searched pursuant to search warrant and investigators located over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

DEA is investigating the case with assistance from OSP and CCITF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis Burkhart is prosecuting the case.

CCITF, led by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, works to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in and around Clackamas County, and reduce illegal drugs and related crimes throughout the community. The task force is comprised of members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, OSP, the FBI, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. CCITF is supported by our community with the passage of the Public Safety Levy and grant funding from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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SALEM, Oregon—Every year, Oregon State Parks begins the busier season with a small thank you to Oregon residents — free day-use parking on State Parks Day.
 

State Parks Day has been a tradition since 1998 to celebrate Oregonians’ love for the state park system. On June 6, 2026, Oregon State Parks will waive the day-use parking fees on parks that typically require them for Oregon residents.
 

“State Parks Day is a commemoration of the places that connect us to Oregon’s natural beauty and to one another. We appreciate everyone who helps keep these spaces vibrant and welcoming,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Interim Director, Stefanie Coons.
 

Park staff have worked hard over the last few months to get the parks ready for the summer season and State Parks Day. The list of projects includes everything from clearing storm damage and downed trees, to upgrades to electrical, water and sewage lines.
 

Below are some featured events and activities across the state to help celebrate this traditional day in Oregon.
 

State Parks Day Events

• The Cove Palisades
  The Cove Palisades’ annual Festival of The Land invites visitors to reflect on the question “What makes The Cove special to you?” through a celebration of the region’s natural, cultural, and historical richness. Community partners share hands-on learning experiences ranging from wildlife and fire education to farm games and a small farmers' market. New this year are the Pollination Patrol station and a community “quilt” project honoring what visitors value about the park. The day also features native flute music by award-winning musician James Greeley, along with food and drink vendors.
   
• L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
  At L.L. Stub Stewart, the summer star party series returns with an evening of stargazing hosted by OMSI, Rose City Astronomers, and Oregon State Parks. Visitors of all ages can explore the night sky through telescopes, enjoy an OMSI presentation, and join a park ranger-led nighttime hike that reveals the park’s after-dark wildlife. Held at the Hilltop Day-Use Area. Guests are encouraged to bring warm layers, flashlights (to use only in red-light mode), and even their own telescopes. Pets on leash are welcome, and accessibility accommodations are available with advance notice.
   
• Shore Acres State Park
  Shore Acres State Park transforms its botanical gardens into a hub for plant lovers, with local gardening groups and experts from OSU Master Gardeners to the Southern Oregon Native Plant Society on hand to answer questions and share knowledge. Visitors can enjoy a midday performance by the Side of the Tide Morris Dancers and stop by the historic Garden House for refreshments.
   
• LaPine State Park
  At LaPine State Park, a park ranger-guided hike leads visitors on a 1.5-mile walk to the world’s largest Ponderosa pine, commemorated as “Big Tree.” The route winds past an oxbow lake and through classic Central Oregon forest, offering opportunities to learn about the wildlife and plant communities that thrive in the area.  Registration is required.
   
• Prineville Reservoir State Park
  Calling all young builders! This hands-on celebration invites kids and families to create their very own birdhouse in honor of Oregon State Parks Day. A park ranger will be teaching participants about the diverse bird species that call Oregon home while encouraging creativity and curiosity. All materials, including hammers, gloves, safety glasses, and birdhouse kits, are provided at no cost.

You can see a list of all ongoing Oregon State Park events on the event calendar.
 

About State Parks Day
State Parks Day began in 1998 to celebrate the support of visitors around the state. This day serves as an opportunity for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to welcome, connect, share with and to appreciate Oregonians and Oregon State Parks visitors. It is because of their support that Oregon State Parks are what they are today.
 

About Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s (OPRD) mission is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. The department manages 254 Oregon State Parks comprising more than 100,000 acres. Learn more at stateparks.oregon.gov.

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PORTLAND, Ore.— A Romanian national was sentenced to 56 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release in connection with an online intrusion into an Oregon state government office in 2021 and other cyber attacks on U.S. victims, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

“My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, here and abroad, to disrupt and dismantle malicious cyber criminal activity and to bring cyber criminals, wherever they may be, to account for their crimes in federal court in Oregon,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford.

According to court documents, Catalin Dragomir, 46, formerly of Constanta, Romania, sold access on the dark web to a computer on the network of an Oregon state government office after obtaining unauthorized access to it in June 2021. During the sale, Dragomir provided the prospective buyer with samples of personal identifying information from the computer. He also sold access to the computer networks of numerous other victims in the United States and across the world, causing losses of at least $250,000. Dragomir operated on the dark web, using aliases to obscure his identity.

In November 2024, Dragomir was arrested in Romania and extradited to the United States in January 2025.

On February 19, 2026, Dragomir pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a protected computer and aggravated identity theft.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorneys Benjamin A. Bleiberg and Alison M. Zitron of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Romanian Ministry of Justice, Directorate for International Law and Judicial Cooperation, and the Romanian Judiciary to secure the arrest and extradition of Dragomir. The Department of Justice also thanks Darkweb IQ for its assistance with the investigation.

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.

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SALEM, Ore. – As Wildfire Awareness Month comes to a close, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is urging all Oregonians to carry this momentum into the summer wildfire season by taking proactive steps to protect their homes and communities.

“Wildfire risk doesn’t end in May; preparedness is a year‑round commitment,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We’re working closely with communities and partners to help Oregonians become more resilient.”

This May also marks one year since the Oregon State Fire Marshal partnered with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to increase wildfire resilience across the state. A memorandum of understanding, signed on May 2, 2025, continues to guide joint efforts to bring cutting‑edge wildfire research and practical tools directly to Oregon communities.

Over the past year, the Oregon State Fire Marshal and IBHS have worked closely to integrate wildfire research, expand training, and support local preparedness initiatives.

• The Oregon State Fire Marshal is working in collaboration to harness the power of IBHS research to inform its grant programs, investments, and information to get Oregonians better prepared for wildfire.
• In June 2025, the OSFM and IBHS held a live demonstration burn in Salem to show how defensible space and home hardening can dramatically increase a home’s chances of surviving a wildfire.
• In May 2026, the state fire marshal launched an educational campaign focused on the first five feet around a home. This campaign is guided by IBHS research.
• IBHS research about the immediate 0–5-foot zone is incorporated in Oregon’s new model defensible space code, available for local adoption.
• IBHS continues to serve as a peer reviewer for agency training programs, including the CORE program, a training for community partners to use the best available science to increase wildfire resilience at the neighborhood level.
• Several workshops, preparedness events, field tours, and other events have been hosted through the partnership to ensure every Oregonian knows about the importance of wildfire preparedness

As summer approaches, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is encouraging every Oregonian to take simple, effective actions to reduce wildfire risk, especially within the first five feet of the home.

“Our partnership with IBHS is helping us bring the best available science directly to the people we serve,” said Ruiz-Temple. “Together, we’re taking meaningful steps that make Oregon communities safer, one foot at a time.”

“The work of the Oregon State Fire Marshal and IBHS is putting the state in the best possible position to be prepared as we look ahead to future wildfire seasons,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen, who is also the administrator of the Division of Financial Regulation (DFR). “By integrating the best available wildfire science with Oregon-specific data, we are developing real solutions to wildfire risks that affect so many people and the cost of their insurance. Keeping insurance affordable and available is a top priority for our agencies, and this collaboration continues to help property owners and policymakers as we deal with the risks of wildfires.”

For more resources, a free defensible space assessment, and other tools, visit preventwildfires.oregon.gov.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF THE OREGON STATE FIRE MARSHAL

Since 1917, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has been dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The agency 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 after becoming an independent state agency in 2023.

POLICE POLICY COMMITTEE

SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULED

The Police Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a special meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 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. Nicholas Adler, DPSST No. 51021; Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office

Presented by Marie Atwood

3. Agency Updates

4. Next Police Policy Committee Meeting – August 20, 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
May 23, 2026

Child Struck by Vehicle at Suttle Lake

On May 23, 2026, at approximately 1:52 p.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was advised of a medical emergency at the Link Creek Campground near Suttle Lake. Information relayed from Deschutes County dispatch indicated that a six-year-old child had been struck by a vehicle and was unconscious and not breathing.

Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded, along with the Oregon State Police, Black Butte Police Department, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District. Life Flight Network also responded.

Family members and nearby campers immediately began life-saving efforts. Family members transported the child to the designated landing zone while additional adults from nearby campsites assisted in providing aid until emergency responders arrived.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., deputies arrived at the intersection of Highway 20 and Suttle Lake Road, where the child had been transferred to an air ambulance. The child was flown to St. Charles Bend and was later pronounced deceased.

Deputies remained with and supported the child's family, who are from the Redmond area, alongside hospital chaplains and Oregon State Police personnel.

A five-year-old child witness who had been with the six-year-old at the time provided information regarding the events leading up to the incident. According to the child witness, the two children had run from the lakeshore area to their campsite to retrieve a stuffed animal and were returning toward the lake area. The child witness stated she stopped when she observed a vehicle towing a travel trailer approaching.

Based on information gathered during the investigation, investigators believe the six-year-old child unknowingly entered the area between the tow vehicle and travel trailer combination, where contact occurred with the trailer.

Witnesses stated the vehicle and trailer were moving at an extremely slow speed at the time. Information gathered during the investigation indicates the children approached from the right rear area of the tow vehicle and trailer combination, an area that may have limited the driver's visibility. Investigators believe this contributed to the driver not realizing an impact had occurred.

The driver, a man from the Portland area, remained on scene and cooperated fully with responders. At this time, investigators have found no indication of impairment or criminal behavior.

Responding agencies documented the scene and assisted medical personnel, ensuring all relevant details were recorded while also providing support to those involved in this tragic incident.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and all those affected by this tragedy. Out of respect for the family's privacy, no identifying information regarding the child or relatives will be released.

For media inquiries, please contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer.

Respectfully,

Jason Pollock, Sheriff

Shady Pines Festival, the immersive, community-built campout hosted by Shady Pines Radio, returns July 16 – 19, 2026, to Camp Tasty’s in Sandy, Oregon. Now in its fifth year, the beloved festival continues to bring an eclectic, genre-spanning lineup to the woods just outside Portland—this time with a special artistic collaboration to mark the milestone.

To celebrate its 5th anniversary, Shady Pines Radio has teamed up with Portland-based artist Wokeface to create its official festival artwork. Known for her psychedelic, joy-forward illustrations, Wokeface’s work explores themes of self-love, connection, and the magic of being alive. Since launching her practice in 2016, her colorful, surreal characters have appeared across murals, street art, and playful merchandise designed to delight the inner child and soften the edges of reality.

“Shady Pines has always been about lifting up Portland’s creative community, so teaming up with Wokeface for our 5th anniversary just felt right,” says founder Brian Bauer. “We’ve loved seeing her work around town for years, and her playful, heartfelt style really matches the spirit of the festival and the community that’s grown around it.”

Produced by Shady Pines Radio, the festival is shaped by volunteers, artists, and attendees who believe in connection over consumption. It’s the kind of place where strangers become campmates, musicians become collaborators, and everyone plays a role in creating the experience.

This year’s lineup features a wide range of local and regional favorites, including Jonny’s Day Out, Hippie Death Cult, Jujuba, Federale, Family Worship Center, Haley Johnsen, Mic Crenshaw, Small Paul, Night Heron, and Los Mal Hablados, with dozens more artists spanning indie, psych, folk, funk, punk, rap, and beyond. In addition to the music, attendees can expect interactive art installations, workshops, local food and craft vendors, and signature Shady Pines moments like the Thursday night Open Mic, Saturday morning kazoo parade, pop-up performances, and delightfully weird surprises around every corner.

Known for keeping things intentionally accessible, Shady Pines offers affordable tickets, food, craft brews and opportunities to attend for free through volunteering. The event is also family-friendly – kids 12 and under get in free, and this year also features kid-centric activities and performances by artists such as Red Yarn.

Weekend and day passes are available now, as well as special group discounts for purchases of 4 or more adult tickets. Prices will rise as the event date grows closer, so now is the best time to secure a spot at one of the Pacific Northwest’s most welcoming and creatively charged festivals. Volunteer sign-ups and Visual Artist applications are available on the festival’s website for those looking to get involved behind the scenes.

For tickets, volunteer opportunities, or more information, visit www.shadypinesfestival.com.

About Shady Pines Radio
Shady Pines Radio is an online community radio station broadcasting 24/7 via app, website, and smart devices. Home to nearly 100 Portland-area DJs, the station features local and under-the-radar music, comedy, interviews, and experimental programming. Its mission is to energize and support the local arts scene by connecting people through broadcast and in-person events like Shady Pines Festival.

Families invited to experience Oregon Trail history through immersive weeklong outdoor adventure

SALEM, Ore. — Registration is open for the 2026 Oregon 4-H Wagon Train, a one-of-a-kind living history experience that invites participants to travel portions of the historic Oregon Trail by horseback, covered wagon and on foot. The 4-H Wagon Train is an outreach program of Oregon State University’s Extension Service. It has been held every year since 1982 and is the only 4-H Wagon Train club in the country.

“The Wagon Train is more than a camp. It’s a transformative experience that connects people to Oregon’s history, the outdoors and each other,” said Wayne Beckwith, a Wagon Train leader whose ancestors traveled the Oregon Trail. “Many families come back year after year because of the friendships, life lessons and memories created along the trail.”

A Living Oregon Trail Experience

The 2026 Wagon Train will take place July 12–18, 2026, along the historic Barlow Road, the final land route pioneers used to reach the Willamette Valley before arriving in Oregon City. Organizers encourage those interested to register by June 28, 2026. Participants do not need prior wagon train experience to participate. They will spend one week immersed in pioneer-style living. They set up camps each night, care for horses, cook outdoors and learn Oregon history and leadership skills while traveling across Oregon landscapes.

Tune-Up Weekend Offers Preview of Wagon Train Experience

In advance of the July trek, the organization will host its annual Tune-Up Weekend June 6–7, 2026, at the Oregon Outdoor Education Center in West Salem. The event offers newcomers and returning participants an opportunity to meet organizers, experience wagon train activities, learn pioneer skills and prepare for the summer journey.

Below are details about the Tune Up event in June and full Wagon Train experience in July:

Tune-Up Weekend

Dates:              June 6–7, 2026

Location:          Oregon Outdoor Education Center (formerly the Oregon 4-H Center)

                         5390 Four H Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304 

Cost:                $50 per participant. Cost includes all meals. Tune Up cost will be waived if participants sign up for 4-H Wagon Train at the same time.

Registration:    Contact Wayne Beckwith at .muleskinner@gmail.com">wb.muleskinner@gmail.com or 503-899-0123

2026 Oregon 4-H Wagon Train

Dates:               July 12–18, 2026

Route:               Historic Barlow Road

Cost:                 $350 per participant, plus $50 fee per animal. Cost includes all meals.

                         Financial assistance is available.

Registration:     Youth Registration

              Adult Registration

Questions about attending the Tune Up or full 4-H Wagon Train Experience? Contact Wayne Beckwith at .muleskinner@gmail.com">wb.muleskinner@gmail.com or 503-899-0123. More information and registration details are available at: www.4hwagontrain.org.

About the Oregon 4-H Wagon Train

The Oregon 4-H Wagon Train is a nonprofit educational program that provides immersive Oregon Trail experiences for youth, families and volunteers through outdoor living, historical education and leadership development. Founded in 1982, the program is the only 4-H Wagon Train club in the country. It continues to preserve Oregon pioneer history while fostering community, teamwork and lifelong learning.

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MULTNOMAH COUNTY (26 May 2026) – The Oregon State Police Criminal Division is asking the public’s assistance to locate a possible witness in a sexual assault investigation that occurred on May 24, 2026, in eastern Multnomah County.

On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Oregon State Police responded to a report of a sexual assault which had occurred at the Lewis and Clark Recreation Site near Troutdale. Investigators are seeking the individual who provided a ride to the female victim from the park to a local restaurant between 6:20 and 6:30 p.m. The victim described the individual as a white male driving a pickup truck. The man reportedly provided a ride to a female wearing a pink bathing suit top and shorts.

Investigators are asking the individual to come forward to make a statement. Anyone with information about this person is asked to call OSP’s Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-0776 or call OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-169204.

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About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon National Guard service members participated in ceremonies across Oregon and Southwest Washington to honor individuals who died in defense of the nation on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Memorial Day takes on heightened significance, as the country pauses each year to honor those who sacrificed their lives to secure the nation's pursuit of liberty and cherished freedoms.

During the nation’s 200th anniversary in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford’s speech at Arlington National Cemetery on May 31 paused to honor the service members whose sacrifices spanned the nation’s history, linking their courage to the anniversary celebrations.

“As we mark this milestone of our national independence, however, we must not forget the lessons of history. Other nations have risen to great heights only to weaken in their resolve. We must not repeat their error. We must remain strong in our defense and steadfast in our resolve to uphold the principles with which we began two centuries ago.”

Speaking at the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Memorial Day celebration in Salem, Governor Tina Kotek highlighted that Memorial Day unites Americans in remembrance of the sacrifices made by service members.

"Memorial Day is not simply a tradition, it's a responsibility — a responsibility to remember the human cost of war, to honor those who never came home, and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten,” she said.

Following Governor Kotek's remarks, Oregon Army National Guard Col. Russell Gibson, Government and Legislative Affairs Director and Commander, 82nd Brigade Troop Command, represented the Oregon Military Department and the State’s military community. He emphasized that the sacrifices made by Oregon’s sons and daughters should always be remembered.

"The men and women we honor today are not just names on a wall or statistics in a history book — they were sons and daughters, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers," Russell said.  "Their stories are our stories, and it is our sacred duty to preserve their memory and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten."

Meanwhile, at a Memorial Day event at FirLawn Cemetery in Hillsboro, Oregon, Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Bertilson highlighted that when Oregon Soldiers deploy, "The impact is felt here as the families sacrifice when their loved ones are far from home."

Culminating the day is one of the major Memorial Day events at Willamette National Cemetery. Oregon Army and Air National Guardsmen, along with Navy, Marine Corps, and other military members, served as Color Guard and performed military duties for the ceremony.  A patriotic flyover conducted by the Oregon Air National Guard at the cemetery was one of nearly a dozen flyovers in cities and towns across the region, where the F-15 Eagles from the 142nd Wing flew in support of Memorial Day events.

“We are standing on Hollow ground,” said Wendall Pelham, the Keynote speaker and a Gold Star Father. “Men and women have given their lives so that we could spend this beautiful day together, sharing their legacies. Americans who answered their nation’s call, not because it was easy, not because it was safe, but because they believed there were things greater than themselves worth defending.”  

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Released Images:

260525-Z-ZJ128-1001: Carla Buyes (left), Gold Star mother of Cpl. Adam J. Buyes, U.S. Marine Corps, and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek stand with a memorial wreath at Oregon Capitol State Park in Salem, Oregon, on May 25, 2026, prior to the Oregon Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs. Cpl. Buyes, of Salem, Oregon, was assigned to the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and died Nov. 26, 2011, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was 21. (Oregon National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne)

260525-Z-ZJ128-1002-1005: Oregon National Guardsmen joined Oregon state and community leaders at Oregon Capitol State Park in Salem, Ore., May 25, 2026, for the Oregon Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs. The ceremony honored fallen service members through a posting of the colors by North Salem High School JROTC, a reading of "In Flanders Fields," a flyover, and keynote remarks from Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. Chaplain Col. Jacob Scott, Oregon Army National Guard, delivered the invocation and benediction, and Col. Russell Gibson, commander of the 82nd Troop Command Brigade and government and legislative affairs director for the Oregon Military Department, delivered remarks on behalf of the Guard and the state's military community. The ceremony concluded with the laying of a wreath by Gov. Kotek, ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, and Carla Buyes, a Gold Star mother. (Oregon National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne)

260525-Z-LM216-1001-1004: A Memorial Day ceremony was held at Fir Lawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Hillsboro, Ore., to honor and pay tribute to all U.S. service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, May 25, 2026. Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Bertilson, Oregon Army National Guard, was the guest speaker during the ceremony. (Oregon National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Zachary Holden)

260525-Z-CH590-1056: Military members of a Joint Service Honor Guard team post the Colors to begin the Memorial Day Observance held at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260525-Z-CH590-1261: Wendall Pelham, a Gold Star Father, delivers the keynote address during the Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260525-Z-CH590-1594: Family, friends, visitors, and other mourners of the fallen move among the thousands of American flags displayed at the gravesites at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, following the Memorial Day Observances held on May 25, 2026. Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring all those who died in service to the United States during both peacetime and war. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260525-Z-CH590-1379: Military members of a Joint Service Honor Guard team perform a rifle salute during the Memorial Day Observance held at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260525-Z-CH590-1402: Oregon Army National Guard Chaplain (Maj.) Wesley Moldogo delivers the Benediction at the conclusion of the Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260525-Z-CH590-1329: Two Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagle jets assigned to the 142nd Wing at Portland Air National Guard Base conduct a patriotic flyover during the Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

Media Contact: 503-934-3310  |  licinfo@oem.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(0, 42, 92);" target="_blank">OEM_Publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov

2026 Wildfire Awareness Month: Have a Plan, Build a Go-bag, Get Insured, Be Ready to Evacuate 

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon is going to be a tinderbox this wildfire season. With counties across the state already declaring drought emergencies, we are heading into what will be one of the driest seasons in more than a decade. As a result, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is asking you to get ready now: 

1. Pack your go-bags 
2. Know your evacuation routes – have a plan 
3. Sign-up for emergency alerts 
4. Be prepared if cell service goes down 
5. Know the evacuation levels 
6. Make sure you have enough wildfire insurance – have a recovery plan 

Pack Your Go-bags 

A go-bag contains essential items you may need to take with you in a hurry. Each household member (human and animal) should have an easy-to-carry emergency bag:  

In an easy to pack tote: 

• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation) 
• Food:non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation) 

In individual backpacks: 

• Large bottle of water 
• Non-perishable snacks or meals ready to eat (MREs) 
• 7-day supply of medications (if possible) 
• A basic first aid kit
• Flashlight (hand-cranked or with extra batteries)  
• Back-up power cell (for charging your phone and electronics) 
• Extra charging cables 
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio(NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) 
• Extra clothing and personal items 
• Digital or printed copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.) 
• Multi-purpose tool 
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items 
• Printed copy of family and emergency contact information 
• If possible, extra cash 
• Emergency blanket
• Printed map(s) of the area (make sure everyone knows how to read them) 

Know Your Evacuation Routes – Have a Plan 

Create an evacuation plan and make sure everyone in the family knows what it is. Visit OEM’s Be2WeeksReady page to find tips on how to prepare for evacuation or shelter in place. OEM also offers a wildfire evacuation checklist at wildfire.oregon.gov/prepare. 

Your plan should include: 

• A list of emergency contacts (printed and in every go-bag) 
• A safe meeting place in case family members get separated 
• Multiple evacuation routes from home, work, or school. comcan help with this, but everyone should also know how to read a paper map and how to get to safety. 
• Transportation arrangements, including pets and livestock. 
• A discussion with loved ones, friends and neighbors to ensure everyone understands the plan. 

Individuals with disabilities should plan ahead for transportation, equipment and service animal needs. Visit the Red Cross for tailored resources. If you have special medical needs, make sheltering arrangements some place that can accommodate your needs, because not all standard shelters can. 

For pet and livestock evacuation planning, visit Ready.gov/pets. Prepare a pet emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, identification and medical records. Livestock owners should arrange transportation and shelter options in advance—resources are available at Oregon Department of Agriculture. 

Sign-up for Emergency Alerts   

Visit ORAlert.gov to sign-up to receive alerts based on your zip code. If you're already registered, take a moment to log in and update your contact information. Also, check your phone settings to ensure wireless emergency alerts are enabled. 

Know where to find local emergency information, such as your county’s emergency management website and TripCheck.com. Follow local emergency services on social media, including the sheriff’s office, fire agencies and city or county pages. 

Be Prepared If Cell Service Goes Down  

Have a back-up plan for how you will communicate if cell towers burn in your area. Developing a family PACE plan (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) is key to staying connected during a disaster. Many cell providers offer a Starlink add-on for a nominal fee, which allows your cell phone to access the internet and make web-based phone calls and texts, or send Facebook and WhatsApp messages even if you can’t connect to a cell tower.   

An example of a PACE plan for individuals: 

• Primary: Cell Phones 
• Alternate: Starlink service on your cell phone. 
• Contingency: Satellite communicators, separate from the satellite function on your phone (which prioritizes first-responder traffic) 
• Emergency: Short-range communication radios for talking to family, and a hand-cranked NOAA weather radio to receive alerts. 

Know the Evacuation Levels in Oregon 

Oregon uses a three-level evacuation system to keep residents informed and safe. Be familiar with “Be Ready, Be Set, Go Now!” notifications: 

1. Level One – BE READY (Green): Stay aware of the wildfire threat and get prepared. Pack your go-kit, check emergency contacts, and ensure those in vulnerable situations (older adults, children, individuals with disabilities, and livestock owners) are ready to evacuate if needed. 
2. Level Two – BE SET (Yellow): Be prepared to leave at any moment. This indicates significant wildfire danger. Voluntary evacuation is encouraged—especially for those needing extra time to relocate safely. 
3. Level Three – GO NOW! (Red): Evacuate immediately! This means extreme danger is present, and it is unsafe to remain in place. Emergency responders may not be able to assist further. Leave immediately without gathering belongings and check TripCheck.com or call 511 for evacuation routes. 

After evacuating, do not return until officials declare it safe. You can find additional wildfire preparedness resources at wildfire.oregon.gov. 

Make Sure You’re Insured – Have a Recovery Plan 

Finally, whether you rent or own, now is the time to make sure you have wildfire insurance and enough coverage to replace your house. If the worst happens, you will need to rely on insurance, savings, loans and donations to replace what was lost. Have a plan for how you will recover. Your standard renter’s or homeowners' policy doesn’t cover floods, landslides or wildfires. Talk to your agent to make sure you have the right kind and amount of insurance. 

• Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety – Wildfire Ready
• Division of Financial Regulation – Wildfires Insurance Resources
• Filing a homeowners claim after a fire(English) 
• Filing a homeowners claim after a fire(Spanish) 
• Division of Financial Regulation – Wildfires Messaging Toolkit

Additional Wildfire Preparedness Resources 

• OEM's Wildfire Alert Graphics
• OEM's Evacuation Level Graphics
• How to Talk About Wildfires
• Prevent Wildfires
• Stay Safe While Driving During Smokey Conditions
• Vehicles can cause wildfires so make sure yours doesn't 

Shortly after 2:30 pm on Sunday, May 24, 2026, multiple 911 callers reported a residence on fire in the Tumalo area on 76th Street.  First arriving fire crews from Bend Fire & Rescue found a heavily involved split level home with fire extending into adjacent brush and trees.  Neighbors on either side of the home were using garden hoses to prevent the vegetation from igniting and spreading.  The fire was quickly knocked down, but due to the extent of the fire and the lack of fire hydrants in the area, full extinguishment was delayed.  No one was at home at the time of the fire, and the Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.  Losses are estimated at $500,000 to the structure and $75,000 to contents.  Mutual aid was provided by Cloverdale Fire, Redmond Fire, and Oregon Department of Forestry.

The fire is under investigation at this time.

With much attention right now on protecting your home and property from the threat of wildfire, it can be easy to overlook preparation for when a wildfire strikes.  This is a good time to make a plan - before there is a wildfire.  Have emergency supplies such as food, water, important documents, medications, and other essentials ready to go.  Have a plan for communication with family members, and when you are told to evacuate, do so quickly.  For more information on preparedness, visit our website at https://bendoregon.gov/departments/public-safety/fire-rescue/community-resources-programs/own-your-zone/