(SALEM, Ore.) – The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission received an update about the Agency Request Budget, approved acquisition of Abiqua Falls properties and approved several rule updates at its Sept. 23 meeting.
 

Abiqua Falls properties

The commission approved acquisition of the Abiqua Falls properties for $2 million. The purchase includes 160 acres of land with unmaintained, user-created trails leading to areas popular for hiking, photography, and fishing.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is still working through options for the properties’ development and management. The agency anticipates having something more concrete by the time the property transaction closes, likely near the end of the year.

“Abiqua Falls is a great example that parks are not just nature,” said OPRD director Lisa Sumption. “It takes continuous staff, time and money for us to bring a property like this up to state park standards and keep it there.”

Depending on the level of development and management structure, the cost of this work varies. The commission directed OPRD staff to provide an update in November, prior to finalizing the transaction, about plans for development and long-term management as a result of ongoing discussions with Marion County and the Oregon Department of Forestry.

OPRD submits balanced budget

The agency submitted its budget for the 2027-2029 biennium to the Governor at the end of August.

“I’m proud to say we’re able to present a balanced budget despite the financial pressures we’re facing,” said chief financial officer Sarah Head. “By making tough decisions like increasing fees and hiring fewer seasonal park rangers, our budget is more stable in the short term.”

OPRD is currently reviewing data about visitation and revenue for the summer and will share information with the commission at the November meeting.

Additional items included:

• Approving disposition of the Frenchglen Corrals to the Frenchglen School District.
• Approving construction contracts for Silver Falls for well construction.
• Approving adoption of amendments to the archaeological permit, Local Government Grant Program, Land and Water Conservation, and agency procurement rules.

The next commission meeting will be held in Newport on Nov. 17 and 18, 2026. The full agenda packet will be available online one week in advance.

To watch the September commission meeting or any others, visit OPRD’s YouTube page and find supporting documents on the commission web page.

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The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year virtually or at locations across the state.

For Immediate Release: September 23, 2026

Media Contact:  Communications@employ.oregon.gov;

Luke Coury, Employment Economist, y@employ.oregon.gov">luke.c.coury@employ.oregon.gov.

Employment Department projects strong demand for mental health professionals to continue in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. — As Oregon celebrates National Recovery Month in September, recent research by the Oregon Employment Department finds that demand for mental health professionals has grown faster than all other occupations in the state.

In a recent article, OED Employment Economist Luke Coury analyzed demand using published estimates of online job postings and found that, unlike online ad volume economy-wide, which has fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, online ad volume for mental health professionals has remained elevated in Oregon. This followed a smaller dip in ad volume for mental health professionals during the pandemic and a steeper rise during the post-recession boom.

A report from the Governor’s Behavior Health Talent Council (BHTC) notes that current employment levels for mental health professionals are not meeting demand in the state, which was already on the rise before accelerating during the pandemic.

In response to the Behavioral Health Workforce shortage, Governor Kotek directed the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to consolidate that work through a Behavioral Health Talent Assessment, which informed the creation of the BHTC. The council’s final report includes 74 recommendations aimed at expanding the workforce, streamlining licensing and credentialing, and improving recruitment and retention across the state. The first bill to come out of the work of the council, Cutting Red Tape for Behavioral Health Workers, was passed in 2026.

“The Behavioral Health Talent Council developed strategies to address the workforce shortage,” First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, Chair of the BHTC, said. “Supporting the workforce and strengthening pathways into the field helps Oregon to retain workers, attract new talent, and ensure more Oregonians can access care when they need it.”

Coury’s analysis found that demand was especially high for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, which had the most online ads (7,190) of any mental health occupation between June 2025 and June 2026.

Demand is projected to remain strong in the state over the next decade, as well. Nearly all mental health occupations are projected to outpace the 6.4% growth that OED projects for all occupations through 2034. Psychiatric technicians, for example, have the highest projected growth rate in the industry at 28.1 percent, followed by marriage and family therapists (24.9%), and substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (23.5%).  

“For those interested in a career built around helping others, becoming a mental health professional could be a great option,” Coury said. “Demand is still high for those occupations and is projected to remain that way over the next decade.”

People in recovery and with lived experience of behavioral health conditions are an integral but often overlooked part of the workforce. By supporting them throughout their journeys, mental health and recovery professionals also play an important role in maintaining a vibrant and resilient workforce.

OED’s Workforce and Economic Research division offers several tools for students and job seekers at qualityinfo.org, including occupation and wage data, a career explorer, and job postings.

About Workforce and Economic Research

The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department develops and distributes quality economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and support a thriving economy. Staff collect data from state and federal records and surveys; analyze the available information; and share insights with the public in a variety of ways, including regular reports, publications, and the website, QualityInfo.org.

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

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

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LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. (23 September 2026) - On Saturday, September 19, 2026, at approximately 8:21 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Highway 101 near milepost 122 in Lincoln County. OSP also received calls reporting a person walking in the roadway.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a gray Chevrolet Colorado, operated by Renee Ronilyn Wohlwend (61) of Lincoln City, was traveling southbound near Gleneden Beach when it struck a pedestrian, identified as Nicholas Ryan Perkins (41) of Portland, who was in or near the lane of travel. Perkins was subsequently struck by two additional vehicles, a southbound white Mercedes Sprinter van, operated by Gregory Lear Miller (34) of Flagstaff, Arizona, and a northbound blue Toyota Sequoia, operated by Michael Aaron Hadden (50) of Depoe Bay.

The pedestrian (Perkins) was declared deceased at the scene.

None of the involved drivers reported any injuries.

The operator of the Mercedes Sprinter van (Miller) was stopped and detained south of the crash location and taken into custody for failing to perform the duties of a driver.

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

OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Depoe Bay Fire District, Pacific West Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.     

# # #

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

DPSST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE WORKGROUP MEETING SCHEDULED

Bend, Ore. — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office invites the community to join us at Greg’s Grill this Friday, September 25, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a special Tip‑A‑Cop fundraising event benefiting the annual Shop With A Cop (SWAC) program this Christmas.

Greg’s Grill will donate 20 percent of all food sales to SWAC, and attendees can also contribute by scanning a QR code or giving cash or checks to law enforcement on site. Every December, SWAC pairs deputies and other local law enforcement officers with students selected by schools and nonprofits for a meaningful holiday shopping experience. Children often choose gifts for their families or essentials like clothing, shoes, cookware, bedding, and other necessities. The program has even provided items such as beds and generators to help families stay safe and warm during the winter.

Last year, SWAC brought warmth and holiday cheer to 95 children across Deschutes County. Thanks to generous donors, volunteers, and partners, the program invested $57,000 directly into meeting the real needs of local families. Community fundraising brought in an additional $31,000, allowing DCSO to make the program’s milestone anniversary one of its most impactful yet.

Fundraising for SWAC continues year‑round, and every contribution directly helps DCSO support children and families facing significant challenges related to housing, food security, clothing, and basic necessities. Friday’s Tip‑A‑Cop event offers a special opportunity to connect with local law enforcement while making a meaningful difference in the lives of local youth.

Community members who can’t attend the event on Friday can still make a donation anytime by visiting the Sheriff’s Office website or mailing a check.

• Online:
  Visit: https://sheriff.deschutes.org/community/programs/shop-with-a-cop/
• By Check:
  Payable to: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office – Shop With A Cop
  Mail to: 63333 Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97703
• In Person:
  Drop off your donation at the Sheriff’s Office front desk. Please label it “Shop With A Cop.”

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PRIVATE SECURITY ENTITY RULES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Scheduled Meeting

The Private Security Entity Rules Advisory Committee will hold a meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in Conference Room A234 at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Jennifer Howald at (503) 551-3258 or jennifer.howald@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

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

3. Rule Change Fiscal Impacts

4. Review of Draft Legislative Changes

5. Next Workgroup Meeting – To Be Determined

Administrative Announcement

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

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

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

Embargoed until Thursday, September 24, 2026, 1 p.m.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Cam Scott as one of Oregon’s 17 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year and one of four State Finalists! Scott teaches at Joseph Charter School in Joseph.  

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at Joseph Charter School Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 1 p.m., when Scott will be honored in an all-school assembly.  

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12. 

Scott was nominated by Joseph Charter Principal Jason Gorham who noted, “He is a compassionate teacher who develops relationships and works hard everyday to reach each and every one of his students in their own unique way. Students absolutely love Cam, and even those that think they don't like literature or writing find themselves producing top quality writing and work samples. He is one of the best teachers I have seen at holding a high standard and providing the tools to allow students to access and reach his standard of excellence.” 

“My classroom is a space where students encounter rigor, self-discovery, and voice, and where I get to witness their continual development as thinkers, readers, and human beings,” Cam explained in his application. “What defines me as a teacher is not a single lesson or book, but the daily practice of asking questions, fostering reading habits, and guiding students through skill-building and self-expression.” 

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development. 

“We are so proud of this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year who consistently demonstrate hard work, build strong relationships, empower their students, and create classroom environments that lead to student success,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “As mentors, advocates, and community leaders, they show us all that the best is on display in schools large and small, rural and urban, from the first years of schooling to the final preparations for a student’s next steps beyond high school. We thank them for their inspiration and can’t wait to see what they do next.” 

Thanks to a partnership with Oregon Lottery, each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 award and is considered a semi-finalist for the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year, which will be announced later this fall. 

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, over $500,000 of Oregon Lottery funding went to Wallowa County. 

“These are exceptional educators who inspire students daily across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are honored to celebrate their dedication and the lasting impact they have on our students and families.”

On Friday, September 25, 2026, once all 17 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. 

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2027-28 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org. 

Shortly following the event, photos from the regional surprise announcement for Scott will be available HERE.  

Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers. 

Independent, provider-led network across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho confirms its 2027 carrier lineup well ahead of Open Enrollment, as insurer exits and shifting contracts reshape coverage nationwide.

OREGON – As Open Enrollment approaches on October 15, Praxis Health is confirming which insurance carriers it will be in-network with for 2027, ahead of the usual timeline. The move comes amid a wave of disruption across the health insurance industry, marked by payer exits and shifting contracts among both national and regional insurers. Praxis Health's goal is straightforward: give patients the time and clarity they need to choose coverage that keeps their care team in place, rather than leaving them to navigate a surprise mid-year.

Recent examples include Providence's move to wind down most of its health insurance business, Health Net's exit from parts of the market, and continued network narrowing among national carriers including United Healthcare. Employers, health systems, and patients across Oregon are all navigating similar decisions right now. Against that backdrop, Praxis Health chose to finalize its 2027 network today rather than wait.

“Insurance is changing all around us and we'd rather not wait for the market to settle before making a clear decision about our insurance network. Every insurer we work with has real strengths and real limitations. We cannot control those factors, but what we can control is being decisive, transparent, and early, so our patients have enough time to plan”

— Dr. Jessica Morgan, Chief Medical Officer, Praxis Health

No insurance partner is perfect. Network strength varies by community, coverage differs between Medicare Advantage and commercial plans, and factors like prior authorization and referral approval all shape a patient's real-world access to care. Praxis Health weighed all of these factors before finalizing this decision, and its goal, and its obligation to patients, is to ensure every decision supports access to care.

The shift is landing differently in every community Praxis Health serves, and local providers are already navigating it with their own patients. In Portland, Chris Aichele, ARNP, has been direct about what network changes mean in daily practice.

"I've had patients lose access to specialists they had been seeing for years. Not because their condition changed but because their insurance plan no longer is contracted with their specialist. I've had planned surgeries get cancelled when a specialist and insurance company can't negotiate with one another and the contract ends with little notice. Leaving these decisions until the last minute hurts patients. We want our patients choosing their next plan on their own terms, with enough time and information to do it right.”

— Chris Aichele, ARNP, Pacific Medical Group North Portland, Praxis Health

Praxis Health CEO Dan McCarthy echoed that commitment. “We built this organization to be a reliable primary care leader in this state, and we want to align with insurers who are equally invested in a sustainable care network for our communities. That means finalizing our carrier lineup now, ahead of open enrollment, so our patients have enough time to make an informed decision about their healthcare.”

Patients enrolled in an affected plan will receive direct notice, access to a dedicated support line, and in-clinic help evaluating their options. Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7; ACA marketplace and employer benefits enrollment periods follow later this fall, and Medicaid and CCO members should also confirm their coverage with their clinic. Because an insurance carrier's own provider directory isn't always current, Praxis Health recommends checking GoPraxisHealth.com/insurance-updates for the most accurate 2027 coverage information rather than relying on a carrier's listing alone. Medicare Advantage members will be presented with the full range of in-network plans; Praxis Health does not recommend a specific replacement plan and encourages members to consult a licensed insurance broker, a SHIBA/SHIP counselor, or 1-800-MEDICARE for personalized guidance.

Praxis Health's focus is on making this easier for our patients. Patients have the final say in choosing their own insurance and care team; our job is simply to give them the time and information to choose well.

We're Here to Help

Praxis Health will continue to be in-network with Aetna, Cigna, First Choice, PacificSource, Moda, and Regence BlueCross BlueShield in 2027, with additional partnerships expected to be announced soon, but will not be contracting with United Healthcare. Patients with questions can call their clinic, for a full list of our clinics click here or visit GoPraxisHealth.com/insurance-updates.

UHC Commercial to be determined for 2027, UHC Medicare Advantage terminated for 2027. Providence and Health Net are no longer offering insurance in 2027.

About Praxis Health

Praxis Health is a provider-led, independent primary care organization with more than 30 clinic locations across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Built on the belief that independent, whole-person primary care leads to better outcomes and stronger communities, Praxis Health partners with patients, employers, and reliable insurance carriers to deliver consistent, relationship-based care. Learn more at GoPraxisHealth.com.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Executive Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 2:30 p.m. on October 1, 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.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Executive Session

The Executive Committee will hold an executive session to consider attorney-client privileged information. The executive session is being held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(f). This session is closed to the public.

General Session

3. Nicholas Alberts, DPSST No. 58569; Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office

4. Tyler Odom; DPSST No. 52085; Frontier Regional 9-1-1

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting subject to the public meeting laws and will be recorded. 

CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULED

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a special meeting at 10:00 a.m. on October 1, 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. Executive Session

The Corrections Policy Committee will hold an executive session to consider attorney-client privileged information. The executive session is being held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(f). This session is closed to the public.

General Session

3. Nicholas Alberts, DPSST No. 58569; Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office

Administrative Announcement

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

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

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

TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULED

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a special meeting at 1:00 p.m. on October 1, 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. Executive Session

The Telecommunications Policy Committee will hold an executive session to consider attorney-client privileged information. The executive session is being held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(f). This session is closed to the public.

General Session

3. Tyler Odom; DPSST No. 52085; Frontier Regional 9-1-1

Administrative Announcement

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

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—An Armenian citizen, extradited from Ukraine to the United States, was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in RYUK ransomware attacks and an extortion conspiracy targeting companies throughout the United States, including in Oregon.

Karen Vardanyan, 35, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $1,219,106.00 in restitution to the victims in the case.

According to court documents, Vardanyan, sometimes using the monikers Maneeken or Karl Lagerfeld, was a member of a conspiracy that deployed Ryuk ransomware on victim computer networks to extort over $1 million from several victims.  Ransomware is a type of malicious software that attacks a victim’s computer or servers and renders them unusable unless the victim makes a payment to the attackers. These payments were made with some form of cryptocurrency, usually Bitcoin. Vardanyan participated in the conspiracy from March 2019 to approximately June 2020 to deploy the Ryuk ransomware against companies, schools, and other entities throughout the world. One of the victim companies was in Wilsonville, Oregon.

On February 22, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a superseding indictment charging Vardanyan with conspiracy, fraud in connection with computers, and extortion in connection with computers.

On June 20, 2025, Vardanyan made his initial appearance in federal court upon extradition from Ukraine. He was detained by the magistrate judge.

On July 8, 2026, Vardanyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy and fraud in connection with computers.

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

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Rykken.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing Vardanyan’s arrest and extradition from Ukraine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Ukrainian authorities for their assistance in this matter.

# # #

SALEM, Ore. - National Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Week is September 20–26, 2026, and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is joining communities across the country in recognizing the dedicated volunteers who help make their communities safer and more prepared.

This year’s theme, “Carrying the Torch: 40 Years & Beyond,” celebrates the 40th anniversary of the CERT program while looking ahead to the next generation of community preparedness and volunteer service.

What is CERT?

The CERT program trains volunteers in basic disaster preparedness and response skills so they can safely help themselves, their families, neighbors and communities when emergencies happen.

CERT members receive training in areas such as disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster psychology and team organization. Depending on the needs of their community and sponsoring organization, CERT volunteers may also support emergency operations centers, assist with traffic and crowd management, participate in exercises and community events, and share preparedness information with the public.

CERT programs can be organized for communities, workplaces, campuses and teens, providing different ways for Oregonians to get involved.

CERT in Oregon

Oregon has more than 50 active CERT programs across the state. These locally organized teams are supported by sponsoring organizations such as emergency management agencies, fire departments, cities and other government partners.

CERT volunteers strengthen the connection between community members and professional emergency responders. During a major disaster, first responders may be focused on the most urgent life-safety needs. People who have preparedness and response training can take immediate, safe actions to help those around them until additional assistance is available.

That idea is at the heart of CERT: When disaster strikes, you are the help until help arrives.

CERT isn't only about responding after a disaster. Volunteers also help build preparedness before emergencies occur by participating in exercises, supporting community events and encouraging their neighbors to take steps to prepare with the Be 2 Weeks Ready program. More than 60 CERT volunteers also serve as Be 2 Weeks Ready Program Coordinators.

Carrying the Torch

National CERT Week is an opportunity to recognize the volunteers who have given their time and talents to their communities while encouraging more people to become involved.

As CERT celebrates 40 years, its mission remains as relevant as ever. Prepared communities are built by people who know their neighbors, understand local hazards and are willing to learn skills that can make a difference when an emergency occurs.

This National CERT Week, OEM encourages Oregonians to learn more about CERT, connect with a program in their area and consider becoming part of Oregon's network of trained community volunteers.

Learn more and find one of the 50+ active CERT programs in Oregon:
Oregon OEM Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program

National CERT Week: September 20–26, 2026

2026 Theme: Carrying the Torch: 40 Years & Beyond

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to carefully review health insurance coverage offered through “self-funded” limited-partner plans or other unlicensed entities.

Oregonians should exercise caution before enrolling in a limited partner plan. Companies may offer plans that refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. Many limited partner plans cover only preventive care, such as check-ups and annual health screenings. The plans tempt consumers with promises of low premium costs. However, consumers often end up with higher out-of-pocket costs due to uncovered medical bills. With open enrollment rapidly approaching, it is important to know what the difference is between these plans and standard plans. Open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 and goes through Jan. 15, is for those who do not get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan.

DFR warned of these plans back in April. They are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being unexpectedly responsible for unpaid medical bills. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available only through a licensed insurance agent or through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers should pay close attention to ensure that they are on the “.gov” website as there are other websites with similar web addresses that offer non-ACA-compliant plans.

“Consumers should remember the adage that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

Red flags to look for include:

• A salesperson marketing limited partner plans or other “ERISA plans” directly to consumers
• A salesperson claiming they do not need a license because their product is not insurance or is exempt from regulation
• A salesperson offering to sign you up outside open enrollment and without eligibility for a special enrollment period
• A health insurance plan seeming abnormally cheap or referencing “stop-loss” insurance
• A group issuing coverage with minimal requests about an applicant’s health
• A company attempting to quickly collect a large amount of premium
• A company delaying or denying claims and making excuses for failure to pay

Before providing an insurance sales agent with any payment or personal information, DFR encourages consumers to request the agent’s full name and National Producer Number. Consumers can verify the agent’s licensure status by visiting DFR’s check a license webpage.

DFR urges Oregonians to be careful when choosing a company to purchase health care coverage from. Organizations and health plans that DFR and other state regulators have identified as having marketed limited partner or self-funded coverage include:

• Socios Buenos, LP aka Vista Health
• Affordable Benefit Choices LLC
• LP Management Services, LLC
• Aither Healthcare Competitive Health
• NXT Level Health
• Multiplan PHCS Network
• Verdegard Administrators, LLC fka Hawaii Mainland Administrators, LLC
• Pioneer Health/Innovative Healthcare Solutions
• ClearShare Health and Clearwater Benefits LLC
• Emergency Management Alliance
• Premier Health Solutions
• Strategic Limited Partners, LP
• The Vitamin Patch, LLC

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions can contact our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Embargoed until Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 10:30 a.m. 
(Please note this time has been updated from an earlier release.) 

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Sydney Thompson as one of Oregon’s 17 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year! Thompson is the first teacher in the state of Oregon to win Regional Teacher of the Year twice, having previously won in 2022-23. She teaches English at Dayville School in Dayville.  

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at Dayville School on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., when Thompson will be honored in an all-school assembly. 

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12. 

Thompson was nominated by a colleague who noted, “Sydney excels at working with students of all ages and backgrounds.” They further explained, “She helps guide students in her careers class, helping the students to work towards scholarships and university admissions.”  

In her nomination, Thompson stated, “Making [my] class as rich in experiences as possible will help these students in their futures and the future of our community as they build their own life skills and cut down on generational poverty in our area.” 

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development. 

“We are so proud of this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year who consistently demonstrate hard work, build strong relationships, empower their students, and create classroom environments that lead to student success,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “As mentors, advocates, and community leaders, they show us all that the best is on display in schools large and small, rural and urban, from the first years of schooling to the final preparations for a student’s next steps beyond high school. We thank them for their inspiration and can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Thanks to a partnership with Oregon Lottery, each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 award and is considered a semi-finalist for the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year, which will be announced later this fall. 

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, over $1 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to Grant County. 

“These are exceptional educators who inspire students daily across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are honored to celebrate their dedication and the lasting impact they have on our students and families.”   

On Friday, September 25, 2026, once all 17 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. 

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2027-28 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org. 

Shortly following the event, photos from the regional surprise announcement for Thompson will be available HERE.  

Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers. 

Embargoed until Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 9:15 a.m.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Julie Gilberston as one of Oregon’s 17 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year! Gilbertson teaches 1st grade at John Tuck Elementary in Redmond. 

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at John Tuck Elementary, Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 9:15 a.m., when Gilbertson will be honored in an all-school assembly.  

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12. 

Gilbertson was nominated by a parent who noted, “When considering a teacher to uplift, I think the energetic powerhouse of someone like Julie Gilbertson cannot be overstated. Though she would never present herself or seek out such recognition, I believe she does it because that is who she is, at her core. She not only believes in her impact, but she observes it with each student, and each year over her 20 year tenure at the school.” 

In her nomination, Gilbertson stated, “Creating a classroom environment where every student feels valued for their unique identity is more than a professional goal for me. It is a personal mission.” She further explains, “I am driven to ensure my students never feel the need to shrink themselves. I believe that to see change, one must be an example for it.” 

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development. 

“We are so proud of this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year who consistently demonstrate hard work, build strong relationships, empower their students, and create classroom environments that lead to student success,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “As mentors, advocates, and community leaders, they show us all that the best is on display in schools large and small, rural and urban, from the first years of schooling to the final preparations for a student’s next steps beyond high school. We thank them for their inspiration and can’t wait to see what they do next.” 

Thanks to a partnership with Oregon Lottery, each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 award and is considered a semi-finalist for the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year, which will be announced later this fall. 

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, nearly $4 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Redmond School District, and over $14 million went to Deschutes County. 

“These are exceptional educators who inspire students daily across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are honored to celebrate their dedication and the lasting impact they have on our students and families.”   

On Friday, September 25, 2026, once all 17 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. 

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2027-28 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org. 

Shortly following the event, photos from the regional surprise announcement for Gilbertson will be available HERE.  

Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers. 

Central Oregon’s Army National Guard 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, holds unit deactivation ceremony

By John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs

BEND, Ore. — As summer faded into its final golden days, the Oregon Army National Guard’s 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, part of the 81st Mobile Brigade Combat Team, held a poignant Casing of Colors during the unit's deactivation ceremony and a grand Regimental Ball in Bend, Oregon, on September 19, 2026, marking the end of an era.

The Casing of Colors is a formal U.S. Army tradition in which a unit’s symbolic flags, known as colors, are lowered, furled, and placed in a protective sheath. The ritual marks the end of a unit’s active status while honoring its legacy. The 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, whose streamers commemorate service in World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, completed its final mobilization in support of the European Deterrence Initiative under Operation Atlantic Resolve, beginning in April 2021. Two waves of soldiers from the 1-82nd deployed to Poland, culminating in a final demobilization ceremony on February 4, 2023.

The official ceremony featured Col. Andrew W. Vidourek, Commander of the 82nd Brigade Troop Command, alongside Lt. Col. Richard Nicolas, Commander of the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Wilson, 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry. The event included a reading of the unit’s lineage and honors, the issuance of the Deactivation Order, and the casing of colors, held at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater. Later that evening, the unit held its formal “One Last Ride” Regimental Ball at the Riverhouse Convention Center.

“Today we mark the deactivation of this distinguished military unit and trace its roots back to the 1st Infantry Regiment, organized in the late 1860’s, from communities across the state in Portland, Salem, Astoria, Oregon City, Albany, and The Dalles,” said Maj. Christopher Perrotti, who served as the event narrator, while addressing the unit formation, their family members, and retired soldiers from the unit as they made this historic moment. “Beyond combat, the squadron has been a shield for the citizens of Oregon and regularly has responded to wildfires, floods, and civil unrest with speed and precision inherent to the Cavalry.”

The regiment fought in the Spanish-American War and took part in battles in the Philippines between February 1899 and July 1902. The unit saw action in World War I and received a streamer for its combat service. In World War II, the heredity included service with the 41st Infantry Division, including the lineage of A Troop and B Troop, participating in the growing campaigns of the Pacific Theatre and earning decorations for service in New Guinea, Luzon, and the Southern Philippines, and receiving the Presidential Unit Citation for exceptional meritorious service. In 2005, the unit was formally designated the 1^st Squadron, 82^nd Cavalry Regiment, and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2009 to 2010 and to Afghanistan in 2014-2015.

As Perroitt read the official order issued by the Secretary of the Army deactivating the unit, Soldiers stood ready to case the colors. “The Casing of the colors is a ceremony of heritage and respect. The colors represent the spirit of the unit. As they are placed in their protective cover, it signifies the unit’s mission is complete and forever engraved in the U.S. Army Cavalry history.”

On stage, the unit flag, which features yellow as the traditional color of Armor and Cavalry and symbolizes the unit’s cavalry heritage and reconnaissance role, was cased in a ceremony. The seven individual troop guidons and subsequent unit flags were also cased in sequence with meticulous care.

“Today’s ceremony marks the deactivation of 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, and as mission shifts and new requirements emerge, the Army adapts,” Vidourek said. “And every so often, it reminds us that no organizational chart survives contact with the Pentagon staff officer – today’s ceremony reflects that reality.”

As Vidourek reflected on the unit’s long history and how the force structure has changed over the years, he noted it has always been defined by the men and women willing to step forward whenever Oregon and the nation needed them.

“The Squadron’s colors carry honor earned by generations of troopers. Long before any of us arrived, those soldiers established standards that later generations have worked hard to uphold,” he said. “While today’s ceremony closes an important chapter, it should not be viewed as the end of the story. The Army will keep moving forward. New formations will stand up.”

Looking ahead, Vidourek stated that the new reserve center in Redmond will help the National Guard maintain a strong presence in Oregon. With the Cavalry mission departing Bend, the armory will now house soldiers from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry.

“What gives me confidence is that while the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment is deactivating, the Oregon National Guard’s presence in Central Oregon remains strong,” he said. “When the National Guard looks for a place with strong community support, exceptional training opportunities, and citizens willing to raise their right hand and serve, Central Oregon makes a compelling argument.”

In concluding his remarks, Vidourek said the unit's legacy and its place in military history will live on in each soldier.

“To the trooper standing in the formation, the Squadron’s guidon may be retired, but what was built here will endure. The friendships, the lessons, the standards established, over a century of service, now belong to you to carry forward,” Vidourek said.

Lt. Col. Nicolas echoed that spirit of continued service in his remarks, noting that each soldier’s willingness to serve and their expertise are transferable skills.

“Whether you move to a new formation within the Oregon Guard, or continue to serve in another capacity, you carry the Cavalry legacy forward,” he said. “The culture that makes the 1-82 CAV special did not happen by accident. It happened because you invested in it; that investment lives on in every soldier who served under the colors. With that, thank you – Scouts Out!”

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Released Images:

260919-Z-CH590-1024 and 1072: Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Richard Nicolas, Commander, 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry (right), and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Wilson, 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry (left), Case the Colors for the flag of the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment during the unit’s formal deactivation ceremony held in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1170: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment stand in formation for the unit’s formal deactivation ceremony held in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1155: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment stand in formation for the unit’s formal deactivation ceremony with family, retired members, and others attending the event in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1102: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment render a formal salute as they stand in formation for the unit’s formal deactivation ceremony held in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1120 and 1121: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment Case the Colors of their unit’s guidon flags during the formal deactivation ceremony held in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1216: Oregon Army National Guard Col. Andrew W. Vidourek, Commander of the 82nd Brigade Troop Command, addresses those in attendance for the Casing of Colors during the deactivation ceremony for the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, held in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1245: Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Richard Nicolas, Commander of the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, addresses attendees at the Casing of Colors during the deactivation ceremony for the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, held in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1348: Oregon Army National Guard Col. Russell Gibson, Assistant Adjutant General, Oregon Army National Guard, addresses soldiers, retired members, and other attendees at the “One Last Ride” Regimental Ball for the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, held at the Riverhouse Conference Center in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

Redmond, OR – On September 21, 2026, at approximately 1:20 PM, the Redmond Police Department (RPD) responded to a reported gunshot in the area of the 900 block of SW Rimrock Way, Redmond, Oregon.  RPD officers responded to the scene within three minutes and located a deceased adult male inside the building with a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound.  The initial investigation has determined the death appears non-suspicious and there is no danger or threat to the public. There are no outstanding suspects.  The next of kin have been notified.  There will be no further information released.  Please avoid the area to allow emergency personnel in and out of the area to conduct their investigation.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Eugene, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud.

David Paul Williams, 46, pleaded guilty to defrauding several Newport, Oregon, property owners, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, Williams defrauded the owners of vacant lots in Newport through his companies TreeNada Co and Treenada Construction.  In November 2020, Williams entered into agreements with owners of vacant lots in Newport to build townhomes on their lots. Between 2020 and 2022, Williams was paid over $850,000 by the owners to build the townhomes, which were never built. Williams sent email updates to owners with progress on the project that were false and misled the victims to elicit additional money. Williams instead used the fraudulently obtained funds to pay for other projects, to pay a church he had previously defrauded, and for other pre-existing debt. The total loss to investors caused by Williams exceeded $850,000.   

On June 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a 10-count indictment charging Williams with wire fraud.

Williams faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 22, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

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

FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Rykken is prosecuting the case.

# # #

Deschutes County, Ore. -- On Sunday, September 20, at 1:29 p.m., Deschutes County 9-1-1 received a call about an injured mountain biker in the Cline Butte Recreational Area near Barr Road. A Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Deputy reached the 73-year-old male from Bend by phone and determined that Search & Rescue would be needed due to the location and reported injuries.

A team consisting of one Deputy and five SAR Volunteers responded to the patient. After an initial medical check, help was requested from Redmond Fire & Rescue. Because of the rugged terrain, Redmond Fire used its side-by-side UTV to access the area.

AirLink was also launched to assist based on the patient’s condition and concern for serious injuries. The helicopter landed near the scene, and SAR volunteers safely transported the rider on a litter to the aircraft. The patient was then flown to St. Charles-Bend for medical care.

The Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere thanks to the dedicated Search & Rescue volunteers, 911 Dispatch, and Redmond Fire & Rescue for their teamwork and quick response.

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Bend, OR – At 4:21 a.m. on Monday, September 21, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single‑vehicle crash on Highway 97 just south of 61st Street. Deputies say that a 1992 Subaru SVX driven by 18‑year‑old Seoan Padraic Mooney of Powell Butte hit the highway barrier and caught fire, closing all lanes of traffic for nearly an hour.

Witnesses reported seeing Mooney speeding in the southbound lanes before the crash. He was the only person in the vehicle and was able to get out on his own before the fire spread. Bend Fire & Rescue responded and extinguished the flames.

Mooney was arrested on a citation and taken to St. Charles–Bend for treatment of non‑life‑threatening injuries. He faces charges of DUII, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Criminal Mischief 1.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Bend Fire & Rescue, ODOT, and 911 Dispatch for their assistance and response to this crash.

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PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is urging public land users of all types to use their expertise and experience to shape decisions that keep public land across Oregon and Washington healthy, accessible, and thriving. Serving on a council is a chance to collaborate, share ideas, and make a real difference in how millions of public acres are managed for current and future generations. 

“Our resource advisory councils are integral in managing public lands on behalf of the American people,” said Kim Prill, acting BLM Oregon-Washington State Director. “Participating on these councils is a unique opportunity to collaborate and bring your perspective to the table, guiding the stewardship of public lands we all care about.”

Earlier this month, the BLM published a call for nominations to fill current and upcoming vacancies on four councils that advise the BLM across Oregon and Washington.

• Western Oregon RAC
• John Day–Snake RAC
• Southeast Oregon RAC
• Steens Mountain Advisory Council

The nomination period is open for 45 days from publication in the Federal Register, until Monday, Oct. 26. Anyone can nominate themselves or someone else.

The Secretary of the Interior appoints RAC members staggered three-year terms on each of the Councils. The BLM is looking for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and interests, including: 

• Ranchers and holders of federal grazing permits 
• Members of the timber industry

• Energy and mineral development representatives 

• Recreation users 

• State and local elected officials 

• Tribal governments 

• Wild horse and burro interest groups 

• Environmental organizations 

• Academics & members of the public at large

Resource Advisory Councils are required by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and operate under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to ensure balanced representation. Resource Advisory Council members meet virtually at least once per year to provide advice on initiatives, regulations, and policies that impact millions of acres of public lands.  

For more information visit the Oregon/Washington Advisory Council webpage.  

To apply, visit the BLM’s national Resource Advisory Council page.  

-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.

September 21, 2026

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir Sept. 21

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir due to the presence of a cyanotoxins above Recreational Use Value (RUVs).

A recreational use health precaution has been in place since July 14 due to the presence of cyanotoxins. The waterbody is in Baker County.

People should avoid swimming and other water activities with a high risk of swallowing water or inhaling water droplets in areas lake where blooms are present. Ingestion or inhalation of water is the exposure route of concern. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA’s RUVs are designed to protect the most vulnerable, including children, who have a higher activity level and are more likely to swallow water while recreating.

OHA encourages people to visit Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, and motorized or non-motorized boating activities that have a low risk of swallowing or inhaling water droplets.

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 swallowing 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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Embargoed until Tuesday, September 22 2026, 10 a.m.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Andrea Whitson as one of Oregon’s 17 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year! Whitson teaches at Juntura Elementary in Juntura.  

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at Juntura Elementary School on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 10 a.m., when Whitson will be honored in all-school assembly. 

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12. 

Whitson was nominated by a colleague who noted, “Whitson is a scientist and engineer who brings real-world STEM experience directly into her teaching. Her instruction is hands-on, practical, and rooted in how science and engineering actually work outside of a textbook. She designs learning around problem-solving, systems thinking, and applied math and science, often using project-based and inquiry-driven approaches.” 

In her nomination Whitson explains, “Real equity in school begins with understanding the needs of a student outside of assessments and never assuming that the system is working. The system is us. We have to actively be just in order for it to serve our students with the access to education they justly deserve.” 

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development. 

“We are so proud of this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year who consistently demonstrate hard work, build strong relationships, empower their students, and create classroom environments that lead to student success,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “As mentors, advocates, and community leaders, they show us all that the best is on display in schools large and small, rural and urban, from the first years of schooling to the final preparations for a student’s next steps beyond high school. We thank them for their inspiration and can’t wait to see what they do next.” 

Thanks to a partnership with Oregon Lottery, each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 award and is considered a semi-finalist for the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year, which will be announced later this fall. 

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, over $3.5 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to Malheur County. 

“These are exceptional educators who inspire students daily across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are honored to celebrate their dedication and the lasting impact they have on our students and families.” 

On Friday, September 25, 2026, once all 17 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. 

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2027-28 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org. 

Shortly following the event, photos from the regional surprise announcement for Whitson will be available HERE.  

Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.

September 21, 2026

Media Contact: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov

Reminder: virtual media briefing today on federal changes

OHA will hold a media briefing today to outline federal changes and answer related questions

SALEM, OR – Beginning this month, about 600,000 Oregon Health Plan members will begin receiving notices about upcoming changes to the Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid). These updates are required under new federal mandates outlined in House Resolution 1, also known as HR1 or the Big Beautiful Bill, which states must follow to maintain federal funding.

One of the first changes will take effect January 1, 2027, when new work or activity rules begin for certain OHP members ages 19 to 64. While most adults with OHP who can work already do, some will need to provide documentation when they apply for or renew coverage once the rules are in place.

The notices going out this month are informational only and no action is required yet; however, OHA is urging members to keep their contact information up to date, so they don’t miss these notices or future updates. Members can do that by:

• Going to benefits.oregon.gov
• Calling 1-800-699-9075 (all relay calls welcome),
• Downloading the ONE mobile app, or
• Visiting a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office

Community partners are encouraged to help spread the word about upcoming changes by sharing flyers, social media posts, and information available at: https://ohp.oregon.gov/toolkit.

Media are invited to an OHA virtual briefing today

OHA leaders will brief the media and answer questions about upcoming federal changes during a virtual session. Details about the briefing:

Date: Monday, September 21, 2026

Time: 11:00am – 11:30am

Location: Virtual, via Zoom

Meeting ID: 165 737 0403, Passcode: 932201, +16692545252,,1657370403#

Community partners can view the briefing via YouTube.

PRESS RELEASE                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Headline: Donors who helped build the Tillamook Forest Center gather to celebrate the impact of the Forest Center on multiple generations of students and visitors

Dateline: September 18, 2026

Introduction (Lead Paragraph): 

• Who / What:  The State Forests Trust of Oregon (formerly the Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust) is hosting a reunion of donors and others who helped build the Tillamook Forest Center in celebration of the Center’s 20^th Anniversary. 
• When:  The event will take place on October 9^th, from 11 am to 3 pm, repeating October 10^th from 11 am to 3 pm. The formal program begins at 11 am each day, with guided backstage tours at 1.  A light luncheon will be served to invited guests, with plenty of time to also socialize and view the exhibits on display in the center.
• Where:   At the Tillamook Forest Center:  45500 OR 6, Tillamook, Oregon 97141.
• Why: Businesses, individuals, philanthropists and government agencies came together to raise $10 million to build the center, with additional funds raised to build the Education Pavillion and the Smith Homestead. It was an incredible outpouring from Oregonians representing every walk of life to realize a vision that was sparked by the massive grassroots efforts that led to the reforestation of the Tillamook Forest after the devastating fires during the mid-late decades of the 20^th century which also led to the creation of the Tillamook State Forest and innovations in logging, forest management, fire management, restoration, and legislation. Since its opening, the center has served nearly 1 million visitors. 

Quotes: 

Katie Hooker, Corporate Giving Manager, Weyerhaeuser Corp  870-584-7074

“We appreciate the opportunity to see the lasting impact of the Tillamook Forest Center and look forward to…the event.”

Virginia Ohler, Executive Director, State Forests Trust of Oregon: The Trust is delighted to host this celebration: to acknowledge the incredible grassroots movement that led to it’s creation, and to recognize and celebrate the work of the Forest Center and it’s staff over the last twenty years. 

ABOUT US:  The State Forests Trust of Oregon is an independent, 501-c-3 charitable non-profit organization dedicated to helping Oregonians and visitors enjoy and appreciate Oregon state forests. The Trust helps fund improved access for anglers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts, hikers, and other people as they experience the wonder of Oregon’s beautiful natural heritage.

In addition, the State Forests Trust of Oregon (SFT) supports programs to deepen Oregonian’s understanding of the many benefits of state forests.

Founded in 1999, SFT (formerly  “Tillamook Forest  Heritage Trust”) brought the community together to build the Tillamook Forest Center, where visitors learn about the Tillamook Forest’s first inhabitants, the disastrous wildfires of early last century, as well as the work of the Oregon Department of Forestry to manage state forests. The Trust helps expand trail systems, promote education and learning about and on state forestlands, and helps restore areas impacted by the 2020 Labor Day fires.  

https://www.stateforeststrust.org/

Media Contact: 

Virginia Ohler, Executive Director, State Forests Trust:  503-310-9585  ginia.ohler@stateforeststrust.org">virginia.ohler@stateforeststrust.org

MEDIA KIT:

https://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/press/mediakit

PHOTO GALLERY:

https://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/press/photogallery

AWARDS:

https://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/press/awards

LINK TO VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/@StateForestsTrustofOregon

Resources for fact checking:

https://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/

###END###

PORTLAND, Ore.— U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford is pleased to announce a series of criminal and civil enforcement actions to combat fraud involving federal pandemic relief funds. Since June 2026, the District of Oregon’s Covid Fraud Task Force has brought 12 enforcement actions involving more than $29 million in losses and thus far resulting in more than $8.6 million in recovery. Since 2020, the District’s COVID Fraud Task Force recovered more than $314 million and held fraudsters accountable through similar efforts. 

The District’s COVID Fraud Task Force brings together investigators and Assistant U.S. Attorneys from a dozen agencies to combat fraud involving pandemic-relief programs in Oregon and across the country through an integrated, multi-agency approach that coordinates criminal prosecution, civil enforcement, and asset recovery. Its work has focused on schemes targeting the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and other federal relief programs. This task force has set a national standard for combating pandemic-relief fraud.

“These criminals exploited pandemic programs meant to keep honest small businesses alive. By aggressively pursuing pandemic‑related fraud, we’re protecting the local businesses that follow the law, serve our communities, and drive our economy. Our small, dedicated multi‑agency team delivers an exceptional return for the American taxpayer—holding offenders accountable and recovering hundreds of millions in settlements, seizures, and restitution. And when possible, we work cooperatively with companies to return improperly obtained taxpayer funds. Fraud, waste, and abuse don’t stand a chance,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“Intentional misrepresentation to gain access to SBA program funds intended for the nation’s small businesses is reprehensible,” said SBA Office of Inspector General’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Timothy Larson. “Our Office will remain relentless in the pursuit of fraudsters who seek to exploit SBA’s vital economic programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”

The following cases highlight the COVID Fraud Task Force’s work over the past few months:

Criminal Convictions:

U.S. v Joel Caswell

On August 21, 2026, Joel Caswell was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for fraud, tax violations, and identity theft. He was also ordered to pay $1,198,799.83 in restitution to the government. According to court records, Caswell executed multiple fraud schemes that involved

submitting fabricated financial records to a bank, a private lender, and the SBA to secure loans. Caswell used the fraudulently obtained loans for personal expenses.

On September 1, 2026, another individual was charged for defrauding the SBA’s PPP and EIDL loan programs for over $760,000. This case remains under seal. 

U.S. v Kenneth Burns

Kenneth Burns pleaded guilty to bank fraud for defrauding the government out of more than $230,000 in PPP loan proceeds. According to court documents, Burns submitted a loan application containing false information, including IRS documents and information about the business. 

On July 7, 2026, Burns failed to appear for his scheduled sentencing hearing, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest as a wanted fugitive from justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the District of Oregon United State Marshals Service Office, the United State Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip using USMS Tips.

U.S. v Beniamin Lucescu

On September 11, 2026, a federal jury convicted Beniamin Lucescu of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering for a scheme through which he defrauded the government out of approximately $487,000 in EIDL proceeds. As proven at trial, Lucescu claimed he was obtaining the loans for Rose City Senior Care, a home senior care business he operated with his wife. Lucescu falsely certified the proceeds would be used for business working capital and to address economic injury caused by the pandemic while he actually intended to, and did, use the funds to pay personal tax debt and make speculative cryptocurrency investments.

Criminal Charges:

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

U.S. v Benjamin Young, David Starling, and Adam Starling

On June 9, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Benjamin Young and David Starling with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and Young with 12 counts of wire fraud. Adam Starling previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States.

The indictment alleges, and Adam Starling admitted in his plea agreement, that participants in the conspiracy fabricated employee and wage records to obtain Employee Retention Credits and Qualified Sick and Family Leave Credits. Co-conspirators listed relatives as employees of one another’s businesses even though those relatives performed little to no work. The purported employees included one co-conspirator’s two-year-old twins. The wages were reported and filed with the IRS, seeking over $3 million in COVID-19 related tax credits. The scheme also used fabricated IRS records to support PPP loan applications to the SBA that were later forgiven based on false information.

The indictment further alleges that Young fraudulently obtained approximately $1.6 million in PPP loan forgiveness in the name of a victim nonprofit organization and used fabricated records to obtain a $2.5 million SBA-guaranteed business loan. Young allegedly misappropriated the loan proceeds and used them to acquire real property. In November 2025, the United States seized properties owned by Young, including this one, that allegedly were purchased with proceeds of the schemes. 

U.S. v Melissa Fireside

On September 1, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Melissa Fireside, a former Clackamas County Commissioner, with two counts of wire fraud. According to the indictment, Fireside sought PPP and EIDL loans, totaling more than $300,000, for a business that did not exist in the name of an adult for whom she provided care. The applications included false statements about the non-existent business, including employees and gross revenues. Fireside also included fabricated supporting documentation including tax documents and bank records. Fireside diverted the PPP loan proceeds for personal use. Fireside has since fled the United States and is a fugitive from justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the District of Oregon United State Marshals Service Office, the United State Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip using USMS Tips.

U.S. v K’Lum Strickland

On September 1, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging K’Lum Strickland with one count of wire fraud. According to the indictment, Strickland stole almost $70,000 through the PPP and EIDL programs. To obtain the loans, Strickland submitted applications with false information, including non-existent businesses, false gross revenues, and false IRS documents. Strickland spent all of the loan proceeds for personal expenses. 

Civil Filings:

Emerald Green Lawn Service, Inc.

On July 6, 2026, Emerald Green Lawn Service, Inc., executed a False Claims Act Civil Settlement Agreement to repay $71,485.19 of EIDL loan proceeds for knowingly submitting false applications to obtain EIDL loans.  

Ramzy Hattar; and Zedan Outdoors, LLC d/b/a Talyor’s Bar & Grill

On September 11, 2026, the United States filed a complaint against Ramzy Hattar and his associated business Zedan Outdoors, LLC, dba Taylor’s Bar & Grill for filing false claims in applications to obtain more than $350,000 in PPP and EIDL loans. According to the complaint, Taylor’s Bar & Grill was not operating at the time it obtained the loans. The complaint further alleges that Hattar misused the loan proceeds. 

Microtec Inc., formerly known as Lucidyne Technologies, Inc.

On August 27, 2026, Microtec Inc., which was formerly known as Lucidyne Technologies, Inc. agreed to pay the United States $1,554,137 to resolve an investigation into whether Lucidyne Technologies improperly certified its eligibility for a PPP loan.  Microtec Inc. cooperated upon being contacted and resolved the issue.

Additional Civil Case Pending Execution:

On September 4, 2026, the United States reached a False Claims Act Civil Settlement Agreement in a sealed qui tam action with a company that improperly obtained PPP loans, recovering approximately $1.6 million. 

The COVID Fraud Task Force continues to pursue criminal and civil enforcement actions aggressively with forthcoming matters on the horizon.  

# # #

September 18, 2026

Media Contact: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon prepares Medicaid members for new federal rules, calls on community partners to help keep people covered

OHA will hold a media briefing on Sept. 21 to outline federal changes and answer related questions

SALEM, OR – Beginning this month, about 600,000 Oregon Health Plan members will begin receiving notices about upcoming changes to the Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid). These updates are required under new federal mandates outlined in House Resolution 1, also known as HR1 or the Big Beautiful Bill, which states must follow to maintain federal funding.

One of the first changes will take effect January 1, 2027, when new work or activity rules begin for certain OHP members ages 19 to 64. While most adults with OHP who can work already do, some will need to provide documentation when they apply for or renew coverage once the rules are in place.

The notices going out this month are informational only and no action is required yet; however, OHA is urging members to keep their contact information up to date, so they don’t miss these notices or future updates. Members can do that by:

• Going to benefits.oregon.gov
• Calling 1-800-699-9075 (all relay calls welcome),
• Downloading the ONE mobile app, or
• Visiting a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office

Community partners are encouraged to help spread the word about upcoming changes by sharing flyers, social media posts, and information available at: https://ohp.oregon.gov/toolkit.

Media are invited to an OHA virtual briefing on Monday, Sept. 21

OHA leaders will brief the media and answer questions about upcoming federal changes during a virtual session. Details about the briefing:

Date: Monday, September 21, 2026

Time: 11:00am – 11:30am

Location: Virtual, via Zoom

Meeting ID: 165 737 0403, Passcode: 932201, +16692545252,,1657370403#

Community partners can view the briefing via YouTube.
###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power offers Oregon customers rebates for backup power 

Program helps eligible customers prepare for wildfire-related outages and winter storms 

PORTLAND, Ore.  (Sept. 18, 2026) — With a record-setting wildfire season that brought power disruptions to communities across Oregon winding down, Pacific Power is reminding eligible customers about rebates that can help them prepare for future outage events. As our focus transitions to winter storm season, qualified customers and licensed care facilities can still get help purchasing backup power equipment.

Income-qualified residential customers who rely on electricity for medical equipment can receive a rebate of up to $1,000, and eligible licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices can qualify for up to $4,000 in rebates. These rebates can be used toward a qualified portable power station, battery or permanent backup generator.

“We prioritize emergency preparedness education and communication in our communities so our customers are prepared in the event an outage whether related to wildfire safety or seasonal storms,” said Carrie Laird, vice president of wildfire mitigation and emergency operations for Pacific Power. “We want eligible customers and care facilities to know this assistance is available and encourage them to apply before the upcoming deadlines so that they can take advantage of these helpful programs, which can offer peace of mind.”

To qualify for the residential rebate, applicants need to have an active Pacific Power account number, either as a customer or as the tenant of a Pacific Power customer. They also have to be enrolled in both Pacific Power’s Medical Certificate program and Oregon Low Income Discount program. Eligible customers should select backup power equipment from the program’s qualified product list and meet applicable requirements, which are spelled out in detail on our website.

Licensed care facilities also have to have an active Pacific Power account number, either directly or through a Pacific Power customer whose property they occupy. Eligible facilities include licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices.

Eligible equipment must be purchased by December 31, 2026, and Pacific Power must receive the completed application and purchase receipt by January 31, 2027. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the program’s annual funding is fully used.

Pacific Power launched the Oregon Backup Electric Power Rebate Program in 2023. Since then, the company has issued 421 rebates totaling more than $1.2 million.

The program is also helping communities strengthen their backup power readiness. In 2025, Linn County identified eligible care facilities and encouraged them to invest in backup power. Twenty-seven facilities received rebates of $4,000 each, for a total of $108,000. A batch application process is now available for jurisdictions submitting applications for multiple facilities.

Customers with questions about batch applications for multiple care facilities may email Generator@resource-innovations.com">PacPowerGenerator@resource-innovations.com.

To hear more about the impacts of this program from a customer’s perspective, you can access video and interview excerpts here: Media gallery.

Content on our media gallery is downloadable and free to use in your reporting.

###

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.

BENTON COUNTY, Ore. (18 September 2026) – Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful shooting of a doe deer near Monroe in Benton County.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on September 13, 2026, a doe deer was shot on private property near Alpine Road and Foster Road. The deer was left to waste. The suspect(s) are believed to have been traveling in a full-size, loud pickup truck. After the deer was shot, the vehicle was observed traveling eastbound on Alpine Road.

During the investigation, troopers recovered a .30-30 caliber shell casing from the roadway near the scene.

OSP Fish and Wildlife is asking anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident, or who may have information regarding the vehicle or person(s) involved, to contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or call OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Tips may be submitted anonymously. Please reference case number SP26-300293.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information visit the Oregon State Police Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) web page.

# # #

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.

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

This will include multiple work sessions and opportunity for public comment.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23. There will be a period for public comment at 2 p.m. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. 

You can view the previous meetings on the website. More may be scheduled in the future. All meetings will be held virtually and are open to the public. 

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

BENTON COUNTY, Ore. (17 Sept. 2026) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take of a buck deer that was killed with a spear near Monroe in Benton County.

On September 9, 2026, OSP Fish and Wildlife troopers responded to a report of a dead buck deer on private property near Cox Lane and Foster Road outside Monroe. Troopers located the buck with a spear lodged in the animal, and the deer had been left to waste.

OSP Fish and Wildlife is asking anyone who may have information regarding this incident, or who observed any suspicious activity in the area, to contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or call OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Tips may be submitted anonymously. Please reference case number SP26-295930.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information visit the Oregon State Police Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) web page.

# # #

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.

September 17, 2026

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Cullaby Lake Sept. 17

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Cullaby Lake due to the presence of a cyanotoxins above recreational use values (RUVs). The lake is in Clatsop County.

People should avoid swimming and other water activities with a high risk of swallowing water or inhaling water droplets in areas of the lake where blooms are present. Ingestion or inhalation of water is the exposure route of concern. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA’s RUVs are designed to protect the most vulnerable, including children, who have a higher activity level and are more likely to swallow water while recreating.

OHA encourages people to visit Cullaby Lake and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, and motorized or non-motorized boating activities that have a low risk of swallowing or inhaling water droplets.

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 swallowing 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.

###

Sixth graders from Clatsop County get hands-on experience in possible forestry careers. Anticipate approximately 400 students from area schools will rotate through 10 different stations.

What: Watch students from all Clatsop County schools participate and rotate through 10 different stations: tree planting, plant identification, wildland fire fighting, wood products, fisheries, recreation, wildlife rescue, restoration, fungi in the forest and tree measurements.

Visuals: See students receive hands-on training on how to plant trees, use a fire hose to hit a target, learn about on-site local fish, take a hike, ID plants and much more.

People on-site available to interview: Students and teachers, experts from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University Extension Service, Oregon Parks and Recreation, Clatsop County Fisheries, Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Wildlife Center of the North Coast, Oregon Women in Timber, Hampton Lumber, Nuveen Natural Capital, North Coast Watershed Association as well other local volunteers.  

When: Thursday, September 24, 2026

Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Best visuals and station rotations occur 9 a.m.–noon. Note: This is a two-day event but photo release and coordination for spokespeople are for Sept 24 only, NOT the first day, Sept. 23.

Where: ODF’s Demonstration Forest and Arboretum adjacent to the Clatsop County Fairgrounds and ODF’s district offices. Address for ODF office: 92219 OR-202, Astoria, OR 97103

Please send an RSVP by end of the day Sept. 22 so we can plan to have people available for interviews. All stations are outdoors so dress for the weather that day. RSVP to Jessica.NEUJAHR@odf.oregon.gov.  For more information contact: Jessica Neujahr, ODF public affairs, (503) 983-3367 (cell phone good for day of the event too). If your schedule changes, we can accommodate last-minute coverage.

Fast facts background and purpose:

• The event has been hosted by the Clatsop County natural resource community since 1960.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 17, 2026

Mazama Energy Raises $135 Million to Scale the World’s Hottest Engineered Geothermal System

Series B led by Centaurus Capital and Doerr Capital, with ConocoPhillips, Shell Ventures, Khosla Ventures and Gates Frontier participating, enabling Mazama to push beyond 750°F and demonstrate a commercially scalable pathway to deploy superhot rock geothermal.

DALLAS, September 17, 2026 — Mazama Energy today announced $135 million in new capital to accelerate superhot rock geothermal commercial development, including an oversubscribed Series B led by Centaurus Capital, founded by John Arnold, and Doerr Capital. ConocoPhillips and Shell Ventures joined the round, with repeat investment from Khosla Ventures and Gates Frontier. Additional investors include SiteGround Capital, H. Barton Asset Management, and Jeffrey and Marieke Rothschild Foundation.

Mazama holds the record for the hottest engineered geothermal system ever built. In 2025 at Newberry, Oregon, Mazama created an engineered geothermal system at 629°F (331°C), proving reservoir creation, connectivity and heat recovery.

Mazama is now pushing toward even hotter targets. Its second well, Project Athena, reached that same 10,350-foot depth in 15 days this month, about 80% faster than the 2025 well, and is drilling a mile further down toward 750°F (400°C).

Reaching 750°F (400°C) delivers up to 10 times the power of a conventional 390°F (200°C) well, owing to the much higher energy density of supercritical water and improved reservoir productivity. This allows Mazama to deliver projects using 75% less water and drilling 80% fewer wells than conventional geothermal developments. Mazama’s technology has the potential to significantly improve the viability and permitting prospects of geothermal projects across a wide range of regions, reducing both surface infrastructure requirements and overall project footprint.
 

Unlocking superhot rock geothermal requires solving three interconnected challenges: reaching extreme temperatures without compromising the equipment, creating a productive reservoir where none exists naturally, and efficiently extracting heat to generate and sustain power. Mazama has spent the last several years developing these capabilities into a single integrated system paving the way towards delivering carbon-free, baseload power competitive with fossil fuels.

“The breakthrough in superhot geothermal is turning extreme heat into a repeatable, economic power system,” said Sriram Vasantharajan, CEO of Mazama Energy. “At Newberry, we have demonstrated the critical pieces together: extreme-temperature drilling, engineered reservoir creation and heat harvesting, at temperatures no other EGS has achieved. We are now driving that integrated system toward greater speed, efficiency and scale. That is the foundation for commercial superhot power.”  

What this capital funds next

Utilities and grid planners are trying to add power they can count on around the clock faster than new transmission and new generation can be permitted and built. Mazama’s bet is to go down, not out: pull more energy from underground instead of adding more infrastructure above ground.

This financing funds Project Ceres, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, which will advance horizontal well development in superhot rock toward a 15 MWe of capacity per well and demonstrate power generation in 2027. Athena and Ceres are the near-term proof points for a much larger ambition: Mazama is targeting independent certification of more than 10 GWe of resource potential at Newberry alone, while evaluating additional sites in the United States and internationally as it builds toward multi gigawatt-scale developments. Mazama’s goal is to make superhot rock geothermal a scalable source of firm power to address rising electricity demand, affordability and energy security around the world.

About Mazama Energy

Mazama Energy is a geothermal developer that has differentiated technology to deliver and scale superhot rock geothermal. In 2025 Mazama achieved the highest temperature in an engineered geothermal system, 629 °F (331°C), at Newberry, Oregon, unlocking the potential to generate significantly more energy from fewer wells, use less land, water and capital, and thereby, lower the cost of power. By integrating advanced drilling technologies, reservoir development, diagnostics, and heat-harvesting technologies, Mazama is building a robust platform to make superhot rock geothermal a scalable source of carbon free, reliable and affordable power worldwide. For more information, visit mazamaenergy.com   

Quotes from Strategic Investors:

“The world needs vastly more electricity, and we need to produce it cleanly and affordably. Superhot geothermal has the potential to be a major new source of 24/7 clean power, delivering dramatically more energy with less land, water, and infrastructure. Mazama is making that promise real and moving this technology decisively toward commercial scale.” said John Doerr, chairman of Doerr Capital and Kleiner Perkins

“Superhot geothermal offers the promise of firm, carbon-free power with a relatively small footprint, but realizing that promise requires significant technical innovation,” said John Arnold, President of Centaurus Capital. “Mazama has made impressive progress, and I am excited to support its next phase of development.”

"Power is the constraint on everything we're trying to build this decade," said Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures. "We backed Mazama early because geothermal can be the planet's largest source of clean, 24/7 power, and we've watched them build the world's hottest engineered geothermal system. Scaling toward 400°C means ten times the heat from a fifth of the wells and a fraction of the water, the kind of breakthrough that makes geothermal a pillar of the energy transition."

From ConocoPhillips: “We are pleased to support Mazama as it advances a differentiated pathway to commercial scale ultra-high-temperature geothermal based on demonstrated field performance.”