LAKE COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 6, 2025) – On Friday, August 1, 2025, at 12:31 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle fatal crash on Highway 395 near milepost 157 in Lake County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a bicyclist, Robert Patrick McGee (69) of New Pine Creek, was traveling southbound on Hwy. 395 near milepost 157 when a white GMC 3500 HD pickup truck, operated by Greg Alan Stiles (64) of Guernville (CA), attempted to pass and struck the bicyclist.

The bicyclist (McGee) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the GMC (Stiles) was determined to have been impaired at the time of the collision and was arrested for DUII and lodged at the Lake County Jail.  

A passenger in the GMC, Diego Rosas Ojeda (48) of Santa Rosa (CA), was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office 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.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 6, 2025) – On Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 2:27 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle fatal crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 133 in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Toyota Tundra, operated by Thomas Lee Sodders (66) of Roseburg, was traveling southbound on I-5 near Sutherlin when it struck a bicyclist, Justin Jay Little (42) of Cypress (CA), who was in the fast lane for an unknown reason.

The bicyclist (Little) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Tundra (Sodders) had reported minor injuries and was not transported.

A passenger in the Tundra, Christine Ann Graham (62) of Roseburg, was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

 

The highway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Central Douglas Fire and Rescue, Sutherlin Fire Department, Sutherlin Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office, 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.

UPDATE: The suspects have been identified. No additional information is needed at this time.

---

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 4, 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking the public’s assistance to identify persons of interest in the vandalism of a cellular trail camera and taking of salmon from a fish trap at the Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery in Trail, Oregon.

The two individuals were first spotted by a trail camera at the hatchery on August 12, 2024, and returned on August 27, 2024, wearing motorcycle helmets, when they entered the stream around the fish trap at about 8 p.m., attempting to spear or gaff salmon. Trail camera photos showed one individual operating a red Harley-Davidson or similar motorcycle and the second operating a black sport bike. The subjects were accompanied by a black German Shepherd.

 

On July 5, 2025, at approximately 5 a.m., two masked individuals, matching the description and build of the two subjects from the prior year, were captured on a trail camera approaching the outflow fish trap wearing masks and baggy clothing. They were again accompanied by a black German Shepherd. One individual waded across the river and ripped the antenna off the cellular camera while the second individual remained on shore holding what looked like a large salmon net.
 

The following day, responding fish and wildlife troopers found the broken antenna and the trail camera pushed to the side. Personnel from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife later found the lock to the fish trap had been cut to gain access to the fish inside the trap. An unknown number of salmon were netted from the fish trap.

 

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number #SP25-355670.

 

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 a 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: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

 

# # #

 

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. 

LINN COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 5, 2025) – On Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 8:48 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Highway 228 near milepost 2 in Linn County.

 

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Dodge Ram towing a utility trailer, operated by Justin Cane Clark (39) of Junction City, was traveling westbound on Highway 228 near milepost 2 when the trailer struck a pedestrian. The pedestrian, Elijah A. Copeland (46) of Eugene, had left a red Toyota Tacoma and entered the westbound lane on foot for an unknown reason.
 

The pedestrian (Copeland) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
 

The operator of the Dodge Ram (Clark) was not injured. The Ram’s passenger, Mikala Frances Craigmiles (38) of Junction City, was also not injured.
 

The highway was impacted for approximately 2.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Halsey Fire Department, 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.

 

Bend, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO), is working to find loving homes for 12 Toy Australian Shepherds surrendered from a Tumalo-area property on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

 

Bend Fire & Rescue had responded to the property on Tumalo Reservoir Road for a reported structure fire. While there, firefighters observed multiple dogs living in filthy conditions and requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office.

 

Deputy Benn Smith responded to the scene and found the dogs on the property. He discovered extensive accumulations of animal waste inside the home and in the basement.

 

After speaking with the owner, 38-year-old David De Persio, 12 dogs were voluntarily surrendered and taken to HSCO. De Persio was cited for Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, and the charge is being elevated to a Class C Felony under Oregon law due to more than 11 animals being on scene.

 

The surrendered dogs are generally healthy but under-socialized, meaning they will do best in homes where they can receive extra one-on-one attention, training, and patience. All have received veterinary examinations and age-appropriate vaccinations and will be spayed or neutered before adoption.

 

Adoption Information:
The 12 Toy Australian Shepherds are being processed for adoption through the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Anyone interested in providing a home for one of these dogs should visit the shelter at 61170 SE 27th Street in Bend, Oregon, or visit their website www.hsco.org for more information on the adoption process and availability.

 

Caring for animals from neglect cases often requires significant resources. Community members who want to help but are not able to adopt can make a donation to support the ongoing care of these dogs and others in need by visiting www.hsco.org.

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks Bend Fire & Rescue for reporting the conditions, Deputy Smith for his quick response, and HSCO for their commitment to animal welfare. Community members are encouraged to consider adoption to give these dogs the second chance they deserve. 

 

###

 

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sergeant Thomas Lillenthal, Digital Forensics, ICAC
Deschutes County Sheriff's Office
Phone: (541) 480-6960

 

Arrestee: Simon Lesley Hannes, 37-year-old Male

 

Charges:

• 2x Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct ORS 163.670
• 10x Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First Degree ORS 163.684
• 1x Luring a Minor ORS 167.057
• 12x Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the Second Degree ORS 163.686
• 1x Failure to Appear ORS 162.205
• 1x Unlawful Manufacturing of a Schedule I Controlled Substance ORS 475.752(1)(a)
• 1x Unlawful Possession of Psilocybin ORS 475.752(7)(a)(B)

In February 2024, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit received an ICAC Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The Cybertip detailed an unknown user who shared imagery of Child Sexual Abuse Material on the chat application Discord within Deschutes County. ICAC Detectives began investigating this Cybertip and determined that the person operating the account was Simon Lesley Hannes of Bend.

 

On March 7th, 2024, Hannes was contacted, and a search warrant was conducted to seize digital devices from Hannes and his residence. During the execution of this search warrant, it was discovered that Hannes was actively growing a substantial quantity of dried and actively growing psilocybin mushrooms in his residence, along with multiple firearms. ICAC Detectives were assisted by the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement (DCIMME) teams in the proper seizure of these items.

 

Hannes was placed under arrest for 1 count each of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First and Second Degree, Unlawful Manufacturing of a Schedule I Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Possession of Psilocybin and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

 

In the following weeks, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Lab (DFL) analyzed devices seized from Hannes. Digital Forensics Detectives discovered that Hannes had communicated sexually with a juvenile female and also obtained sexual images of this juvenile female for purposes of sexual gratification, as well as several multimedia items on his devices that depicted the sexual abuse of children on the devices, and were shared in conversations discussing the sexual abuse of children. After a grand jury indictment, Hannes was placed back under arrest on March 20th, 2024, for the rest of the above-listed child sex crimes and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

 

While awaiting the trial date for this case, ICAC Detectives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation learned that Simon Hannes was currently in Florida. Hannes’s pretrial release conditions explicitly stated that he was not to leave Oregon. Hannes failed to appear for his April 2025 trial dates for his original arrests, as detectives were investigating the reasons he was in Florida. They refocused their investigation into locating Hannes, determining that he had fled the country and was now in Thailand.

 

In May of 2025, ICAC detectives isolated Hannes’s location in Thailand and coordinated with the FBI and law enforcement authorities in Thailand to take Hannes into custody. Hannes was held in custody in Thailand until extradited to the United States by the US Marshals Service. On July 25th, 2025, Hannes was transported back into custody at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

 

On July 28th, 2025, Hannes went before the court in Deschutes County and was given a $1.15-million-dollar pretrial bail, partly due to fleeing the country.

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the FBI for their continuing partnership in our fight to protect children in Deschutes County, the Thailand Law Enforcement for their cooperation and swift apprehension of Hannes, and the US Marshals Service for their assistance in extraditing Hannes to the United States.

 

###

 

 

 

ORCHARD COMBAT TRAINING CENTER, Idaho — The thunderous boom of 120mm tank rounds echoed across the Idaho training ranges one final time as the Oregon Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, headquartered in La Grande, fired their last shots as an armored unit before transitioning to infantry.

 

Three M1A2SEP tanks from Bravo Company positioned on Range 26 during a ceremonial last round event July 30, 2025, marking the end of an era for the Eastern Oregon battalion. The historic ceremony allowed several mechanics to fire the main gun for both their first and final time, symbolizing the unit's farewell to its current armored heritage.

 

The transition brings the unit full circle in its long military history. The battalion traces its lineage to 1888 militia cavalry companies, served as infantry during World War II as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment with the 41st Infantry Division, before returning to its cavalry roots in the post-war era.

 

"It was bittersweet," said Master Sgt. Joseph Carson, the battalion's Master Gunner who has served with the 3-116th for 22 years. "Those last rounds going down range that we knew were out of our tanks - it was definitely significant, but it's just like closing that door and moving on and embracing the change."

 

The transition comes as the Army implements its Transformation in Contact initiative, reorganizing units to meet modern battlefield requirements. The 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment will leave the 116th Armored Brigade Combat Team and become an infantry battalion, with an official announcement expected September 9, 2025.

 

Carson, who enlisted in 2000 and deployed with the battalion to Iraq in 2004-2005 and 2010-2011, said the ceremony was particularly meaningful for the unit's mechanics who keep the tanks operational. "A lot of the tank maintainers are awesome, and they did great for us," Carson said. "We had an experienced tank commander in each tank that was guiding them to make sure they were on target, and we set up some target reference points so they knew which targets they were going to engage."

 

The Master Gunner said some of the mechanics had never fired a tank's main gun, even during their initial military training. "It seemed like there was a few of them that have said they never got to fire at all," Carson explained. "They signed up thinking this would be their career path, possibly, or at least what they would be doing for six years. So it definitely meant a lot to them to let them get on there and at least shoot those couple rounds."

 

Lt. Col. Christopher Miller, the battalion commander, said this Annual Training was originally planned as maintenance-focused preparation for a 2027 National Training Center rotation, including four days of combined maneuver training. However, with the unit's transformation, the emphasis shifted to ensuring every Soldier had a final opportunity to qualify on the tanks they would soon turn in.

 

"We want to make sure everybody gets a chance to qualify," Miller said. "So if that pushes into our maneuver, and we don't get all the maneuver done, that's fine. I just want to make sure the crews get that one last chance at tank qualification."

 

The battalion conducted intensive training throughout their two-week Annual Training, with approximately 260 personnel participating in tank table VI gunnery, Joint Light Tactical Vehicle operations, platoon live-fire exercises, and specialized sniper training. Tank crews achieved higher operational readiness than in recent years, Carson noted, with "more tanks up than we've had, probably in the last five years."

 

Carson said the ceremony's timing was complicated by wildfires sparked by tracer rounds during training, requiring careful coordination of the final shots. "It was a little hard navigating all the wildfires that were getting started on the range," he said. "But I think it worked out just fine."

 

The transition presents challenges for a unit whose tanker identity runs deep. "I think it's gonna take some time, definitely," Carson said. "Different mindset. It's definitely a big change for the tankers. I think some of the younger tankers are pretty excited about it, doing something different. But I definitely can tell that some of the guys that have been around for 15, 20 years, kind of aren't that excited about it, just because they want to be tankers."

 

Like all Oregon National Guard members, the Soldiers of the 3-116th serve part-time, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year, while maintaining civilian careers throughout Eastern Oregon. They stand ready to respond to state emergencies such as wildfires and floods, while also training to defend the nation when called to federal service. These Guard members live and work in the same communities they serve, creating a unique connection between military service and the local communities of Eastern Oregon that depend on them. This dual commitment to community and country makes the Oregon National Guard the military service of choice for Oregonians.

 

The 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment traces its lineage to 1888 militia cavalry companies and was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2024 for exceptional service during their 2010-2011 deployment to Iraq. The unit has frequently mobilized for both state missions and overseas deployments, including a recent 2023 mission to Morocco for Exercise African Lion.

 

Carson, who attended Master Gunner school in 2020 after years away from tanks, reflected on what he'll miss most about the armored mission. "My favorite thing was just when we were actually firing table six, and then just hearing the big boom go off when those tanks are functioning right and working," he said. "It's nothing cooler than that with getting rounds on target. I'll definitely miss that."

 

As the battalion prepares for its transformation, Carson emphasized the continuity of service to Eastern Oregon communities. "We're still going to be Eastern Oregon's own," he said. "We're still going to have that tight-knit bond within the battalion."

 

The transformation reflects the Army's broader modernization efforts through Transformation in Contact, which delivers new equipment and capabilities to operational units. While the specific equipment and modified table of organization for the new infantry battalion remains undetermined, the unit expects to receive approximately 600 Soldiers when fully transformed.

 

For Carson, who has approximately two and a half years until retirement, the change represents both an end and a new beginning. "It didn't really hit me 100% yet, because just kind of coming off of AT," he said. "It probably won't hit me for a little while. But yeah, it was definitely fun. I'm glad we did the last round little ceremony the way we did to actually capture that moment so we have it saved for our unit history."

 

The last rounds fired by the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment closed a chapter of armored tradition dating back more than a century, while opening the door to a new mission serving the citizens of Eastern Oregon and the nation.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                          -30-

 

Released B-Roll: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/972896/oregon-guard-battalion-fires-final-tank-rounds-before-infantry-transition

 

Released Photos: 

 

250727-Z-ZJ128-1001 An M1A2SEP tank from Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, fires from a battle position July 27, 2025, on Range 26 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, during tank table VI gunnery training. The battalion conducted intensive tank gunnery as part of their final Annual Training before transitioning from an armored to an infantry unit. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

 

250728-Z-ZJ128-1002 An M1A2SEP tank from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, fires from a battle position July 28, 2025, on Range 26 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, during tank table VI gunnery training. The gunnery training represents some of the final opportunities for Oregon Guard tank crews to qualify on the M1A2SEP before the unit's upcoming transformation to infantry. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

 

250728-Z-ZJ128-1003 Spc. Darren Johns and Sgt. Jose Lopez, both loaders with the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, participate in boresighting their respective M1A2SEP tanks July 28, 2025, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. Boresighting ensures the tank's main gun and fire control systems are properly aligned before live-fire gunnery training during the battalion's Annual Training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

 

250729-Z-ZJ128-1004 Sgt. Juan Diazolivera with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, directs fire from a support by fire position during a dismounted platoon attack July 29, 2025, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. The mechanized infantry company conducted intensive dismounted operations training as the battalion prepares for its upcoming transition from a combined arms unit to a full infantry battalion. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

 

250730-Z-ZJ128-1007 Sgt. Philip Worthington, a mechanic with Hotel Company, 145th Brigade Support Battalion, performs track maintenance on an M88 recovery vehicle July 30, 2025, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. The forward support company mechanics maintained critical equipment to ensure the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment's vehicles remained mission-ready throughout Annual Training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

 

250730-Z-ZJ128-1008 Soldiers from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, unload extra 120mm rounds from their M1A2SEP tank after the last round ceremony July 30, 2025, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. The historic ceremony marked the final time the Eastern Oregon battalion will fire tank rounds as they prepare to transition from an armored to an infantry unit, with the ammunition being turned in for the last time. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

 

250730-Z-ZJ128-1009 Tank crews from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, and mechanics stand on an M1A2SEP tank following the last round ceremony July 30, 2025, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. Several mechanics were given the opportunity to fire the main gun for both their first and final time during the historic ceremony that marked the end of the Eastern Oregon battalion's time as an armored unit. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

 

250730-Z-ZJ128-1010 Three M1A2SEP tanks from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, participate in the last round ceremony July 30, 2025, on Range 26 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. The historic ceremony marked the final 120mm rounds the Eastern Oregon battalion will ever fire as they transition from a combined arms unit to an infantry formation, ending decades of armored heritage. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

             

HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. - Approximately 230 members of the Oregon Army National Guard 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment (FA) returned to Oregon, August 2, 2025, after a yearlong deployment to the Middle East. 

 

The 2-218th FA deployed to Iraq and Syria in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE, to advise, assist, and enable partner forces to secure lasting defeat of terrorist elements across the Central Command Area of Responsibility. This mission helped protect regional stability while supporting overall U.S. national security.

 

While awaiting the return of their Soldiers, family and friends gathered in the Camp Withycombe gymnasium, making welcome home signs and connecting with other military families. 

 

The Forest Grove Police Department and Clackamas Fire Department joined in the homecoming celebration, providing support for their return. 

 

The Oregon National Guard command team greeted Soldiers when they arrived at Camp Withycombe to congratulate them on their hard work overseas.

 

“It’s an honor to welcome this group back,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Adrian Gonzales, command sergeant major for the 2-218th FA rear detachment. “They did an outstanding job out there.”

 

After a year of waiting, the Soldiers of the 2-218th FA collected their loved ones and bags, and went home.

 

“We couldn’t be more proud of what they accomplished,” said Gonzales.

 

-30-

VALE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposed gold mine and processing facility in Malheur County. This is the first draft analysis to adhere to the newly streamlined Department of the Interior National Environmental Policy Act procedures. While publications of a draft or final environmental analysis in the Federal Register are no longer required, information for these projects will be available on project websites.

 

"This Administration is committed to leveraging every available authority to expedite domestic mineral development," said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. "Our agency is instrumental in driving national economic growth and fostering local employment opportunities."

 

The Grassy Mountain gold mine project would be sited on public and private lands approximately 22 miles south of Vale. Construction and processing would occur over 10 years followed by four years of reclamation and 20 years of monitoring.

 

If approved, Paramount Gold Nevada could develop an underground mine, dedicated mill, and associated storage on approximately 469 acres of BLM-administered land. Additionally, some existing roads would be upgraded to access the operation.

 

The BLM will hold a public meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. MT Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Vale District Office, 100 Oregon St., Vale. A virtual attendance option is available. Please contact Larisa Bogardus at ogardus@blm.gov">lbogardus@blm.gov for details.

 

Additional information, including the draft environmental impact statement, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments may be submitted through the ‘Participate Now’ option (preferred). Comments may also be delivered to Attn: Grassy Mountain Gold Mine Project c/o Malheur Field Office, 100 Oregon St., Vale, OR 97918, or submitted to lm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov">blm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov. The 30-day comment period will close Sept. 8, 2025.

 

For more information, please call the Vale District Office at 541-473-3144 or email lm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov">blm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov.

 

-BLM-

 

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

The September quarterly meeting of the Veterans Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will be held virtually and in person on Wednesday, September 3, in Room M-100 of Morrow Hall on the campus of Blue Mountain Community College, located at 2411 NW Carden Avenue in Pendleton. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a town hall meeting at 11 a.m., which is open to the public.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Please register at events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/479e2265-6efc-43ec-b092-48d6b1917213@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf to attend the business or town hall portion of this meeting. Attendees will be allowed to participate during the town hall portion only and will be invited to turn on their camera and unmute mics during a recorded meeting that will be posted online at a later date.

 

Information about the Veteran Advisory Committee and meeting materials can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx.

 

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

 

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

Aug 5, 2025

 

Contact:

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292, delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Michelle Klampe, 541-737-0784, michelle.klampe@oregonstate.edu

 

New Report Shows State Child Care Investments Are Paying Off

Supply boosted to pre-pandemic levels and the majority of Oregon counties are no longer considered child care deserts for preschoolers

 

SALEM, ORE. - The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) celebrates the progress being made to provide high quality early learning to children across the state. A new report commissioned by DELC was released the by Oregon State University Child Care Research Partnership titled “Oregon’s Child Care Deserts 2024,” which found a significant decrease in child care deserts for preschool-aged children, with just nine counties in that category in 2024 compared to 27 in 2018.

 

Child care deserts exist when there are three or more children for a single regulated child care slot. Regulated care includes child care centers and home-based providers that are licensed by the state, which meet and maintain required health and safety standards. Without public funds, all 36 Oregon counties would still be considered child care deserts for infants and toddlers, and 28 counties for preschoolers.

 

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see state investments delivering real results for Oregon families,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, Director of the Department of Early Learning and Care. “The fact that more communities are no longer child care deserts for preschoolers means more children are accessing the early learning experiences they deserve—and that’s a win for our entire state.”

 

“We’re seeing state and community investments making a difference in the available supply,” said Megan Pratt, the report’s lead author and an associate professor of practice in the OSU College of Health and the Extension Family and Community Health Program. “There’s more child care available than there has been in the recent past.”

 

 

This is the fourth biannual report commissioned by DELC, providing a snapshot of the availability of child care following similar analysis released in 2018, 2020 and 2022, and now 2024. Important findings include:

 

• While all but two counties remain deserts for infant and toddler care, 25% of counties are child care deserts for preschool age children. This is a continued declining trend with 27 counties in being preschool deserts in 2018, 25 counties in 2020, 18 counties in 2022, and nine counties in 2024.
• Without public slots, all counties would be a child care desert for infants and toddlers, and 28 counties would be a child care desert for preschoolers.
• 1 in every 3 children age five and under have access to a regulated childcare slot statewide.
• Of the non-metropolitan counties, 32-100% of slots are publicly funded compared to 16-50% of slots publicly funded in non-desert metropolitan counties.

 

Many in-home providers are women owned and operated small businesses. Pratt points to the growth of registered family home slots as a bright spot in this year’s report. “This is the first increase for small home care since 2016,” said Pratt.

 

The report does not account for all public investments in child care, including those supported by local school districts or counties that are not licensed by the state. This analysis also does not include the use of vouchers such as with the Employment Related Day Care program. Publicly funded programs examined in the analysis include Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten, Preschool Promise, and Baby Promise programs along with federal Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

 

“With continued federal uncertainty, it’s even more important for Oregon to maintain the remarkable progress being made. Thanks to sustained investment from the Legislature, Oregon’s child care supply is rebounding after the pandemic,” said Chatterjee. “These gains show what’s possible when we prioritize early learning—it’s helping families access quality, affordable child care and building a stronger foundation for our future.”

 

The report’s coauthor is Michaella Sektnan of OSU’s College of Health. To read the full 2024 report including county maps and infographics, please visit the Oregon State University website at: health.oregonstate.edu/early-learners/supply

 

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About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on August 12, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

 

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

 

Amended Agenda Items:

 

1.  Introductions

 

2. Approve May 13, 2025, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Administrative Closures Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

    a) Steven Bashon; DPSST No. 45048

        Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Corrections and Instructor Certifications

 

    b) Richard Hathaway; DPSST No. 37239

        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Supervisory Corrections Certifications

 

    c) Ezequell Pedroza; DPSST No. 64608

        No Certifications (Administrative Correction Only)

 

    d) Michael Richards; DPSST No. 53297

        Basic Corrections Certification

 

4. Bonnie Kessell, DPSST No. 46671; Umatilla County Community Corrections

    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

 

5. Katherine Mood; DPSST No. 61760; Marion County Sheriff’s Office
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

6. Chance Oxnam, DPSST No. 54580; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

7. Herlet Padilla, DPSST No. 63118; Clatsop County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

8. Brian Scharbach, DPSST No. 61981; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility

    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

9. Kyle Stott, DPSST No. 58027; Deschutes County Adult Parole & Probation
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

10. Timothy Trabosh, DPSST No. 49653; Marion County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

11. Justin White, DPSST No. 53769; DOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

12. Corrections Policy Committee Chair and Applicant Review Committee Nominations

    Presented by Marie Atwood

 

13. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-006-0010

Criminal Justice Applicant Review Committee Membership

Presented by Jennifer Howald

 

14. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085 (20)

Absences and Remediation of Missed Training

Presented by Jennifer Howald

 

15. Overview & Summary of Changes to Basic Parole and Probation Curriculum

Presented by Christy Hess

 

16. Approval of Changes to the Basic Parole and Probation Curriculum

Presented by Christy Hess and Jason Ridgeway

 

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

Codifying Board Approval of the Revisions to the Basic Parole and Probation Academy Curriculum

Presented by Jennifer Howald

 

18. Agency Updates

 

19. Next Corrections Policy Committee Meeting: November 12, 2025, at 10:00am

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 Corrections 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.

A two-day event in Bend will offer employers and workers a comprehensive set of learning opportunities designed to upgrade their skills in creating and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. The Central Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference – scheduled Sept. 15-16 at the Riverhouse Lodge – will address everything from prevention of heat illness and mitigation of noise and inhalation hazards to best practices for safety committees and effective strategies for building a culture of safety.

 

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (Oregon OSHA) encourages employers and workers to attend the conference, which also provides networking opportunities, exhibits of safety and health products and services, and sessions that will help any organization improve its safety and health performance.

 

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, the conference will feature a keynote address by Hoan Do, an international speaker, author, and finalist on the TV show “American Ninja Warrior.” With his high-energy presentation, “Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities,” Do will deliver practical insights into how attendees can reframe setbacks and move forward with a focus on improving as individuals and as teammates.

 

The Central Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference is a joint effort of Oregon OSHA and the Central Oregon Safety & Health Association.

 

The Oregon Fire Chiefs Association’s Safety and Health Section helped create the conference’s emergency services/first responder track. The track’s topics include lithium-ion battery safety considerations, Bend Fire & Rescue’s approach to addressing mental health, and how fire service leaders can help build a strong safety culture.

 

Other conference topics include:

• Hazard Identification
• Respiratory Protection Programs
• Incident Analysis 101: Turning Data into Prevention
• Recordkeeping and Reporting
• Fall Protection Training
• Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Safety
• Understanding Hand and Eye Safety Standards and Best Practices for Testing and Implementing Personal Protective Equipment. (PPE)
• Practical Strategies for Preventing Same-Level Slips, Trips, and Falls
• Welding Fumes: Health Impacts and Prevention Strategies

 

Registration for the two-day event is $240. The cost to attend only one day is $120. For more information or to register, go to safetyseries.cventevents.com/central25.

 

 

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

SALEM, Ore. – The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Heat Watches, Warnings, and Advisories for parts of Oregon as dangerously high temperatures are forecast to impact the region this weekend. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urge all Oregonians to take steps to protect themselves, their families, and neighbors—especially older adults, young children, people with disabilities, outdoor workers, pregnant people, and those without access to air conditioning. 
 

Know the Alerts & What to Do 
 

• Extreme Heat Warning – Take Action! Extremely dangerous heat is expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities, especially midday. Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, drink plenty of water, and check on family and neighbors. 

• Extreme Heat Watch – Be Prepared! Extreme heat is possible in the future. Prepare to suspend outdoor activities and identify nearby cooling shelters or friends/family with AC. 

• Heat Advisory – Take Action! Heat will be dangerous but may not reach warning levels. Limit time outdoors, especially during the hottest part of the day, and stay in cool spaces as much as possible. 

Recognize and Respond to Heat Illness 
 

Heat-related illness can develop quickly and impair judgment. Knowing the signs and what to do can save lives. 
 

Heat Exhaustion 

• Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea 

• Action: Move to a cool place, hydrate, and apply cool wet towels. (Do not immerse in cold water—this can cause shock.) 
   

Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency) 

• Symptoms: Confusion, high body temperature, loss of consciousness, damp or dry skin. 

• Action: Call 911 immediately 
   

Learn more: Heat Cramps, Exhaustion, Stroke. 
 

Stay Cool and Safe 

• Find Cooling Resources: Call 211 or visit 211info.org/summer-and-heat-related-resources. 

• 211 core hours: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. 
  Sunday, noon–11 p.m. (extended hours during extreme heat) 

• Call 211 for transportation options to cooling locations 

• Check on vulnerable people—including those who live alone. 

• Hydrate frequently—avoid sugary/alcoholic drinks. 

• Wear loose, light-colored, breathable clothing. 

• Take cool showers or spend time in air-conditioned spaces. 

• Close windows during the day, open at night (unless wildfire smoke is present). 

• Never leave people or pets in vehicles. 

• Limit physical activity during peak heat hours. 
   

If you’re concerned about someone’s safety, call your local police non-emergency line for a welfare check, or call 911 if immediate help is needed. 
 

Fire Safety & Energy Conservation 
 

High heat increases fire danger and strains the power grid. 
 

Prevent Wildfires: 

• Follow local burn bans 

• Report unsafe conditions immediately 
   

Conserve Energy: 

• Avoid running major appliances during peak hours (morning and evening) 

• Reduce electricity use to help prevent power outages 

• Report price gouging of essential goods or lodging:Consumer Protection - Oregon Department of Justice : Consumer Protection
   

Stay informed: Sign up for alerts at ORAlert.gov and check forecasts on the NWS HeatRisk page. 
 

En español.

SALEM, Ore.—Oregon’s wildfire response continues to evolve with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) recent addition of regional air attack and ongoing investment in severity aircraft.

 

Deputy Director of Fire Operations, Kyle Williams, explained, “the severity aircraft and regional air attack gives us a huge advantage, both are excellent investments. These help us fight wildfires with surgical precision, quickly cutting off wildfires in critical locations.”

 

In terms of geographical scope, ODF is the state’s largest fire department. The department typically responds to more than one thousand fires each year. Most fires you never hear of because ODF’s fast, effective response keeps most wildfires under 10 acres.

 

Chief of Fire Protection, Michael Curran, explained, “this takes a coordinated effort using aircraft and on-the-ground firefighters to quickly stop these fires. ODF has hundreds of firefighters and multiple aircraft strategically located across the state to do this work.”

 

What is air attack?

 

Air attack is the airplane and crew that fly above a wildfire to coordinate aircraft and groundwork to stop a wildfire—a flying air traffic control center. Air attack has three primary responsibilities—keeping firefighters safe, ensuring accurate drops of water or retardant, and giving incident commanders a full, clear picture of the fire.

 

Safety takes priority. Keeping firefighters and air crews safe requires maintaining space between aircraft and coordinating precise water drops. Air attack monitors and directs flight paths based on multiple factors. The key factors are spacing and whether the pilot can drop the water on target while keeping on-the-ground firefighters safe.

 

Hitting the target keeps fires smaller. Accuracy depends on clear communication from the firefighters to air attack about target coordinates and timing. The firefighters determine the spot to hit, which can change quickly based on the speed that a fire spreads, winds, and aircraft.

 

Air attack calculates and coordinates based on how soon the aircraft can be on location, whether it is an airplane or helicopter, where the firefighters are, and how many parts around the fire need help. Air attack looks at the whole picture, triages the requests and details, determines which aircraft are best used where and when, then directs drops to stay on target.

 

While an aircraft drops water or retardant on the leading edge of the fire to check it, this allows on-the-ground firefighters to suppress the fire’s push by digging and creating a fireline, a non-flammable, mineral soil buffer around the fire. This early stage takes clear communication and coordination for precise water drops and keeping firefighters safe and out of the drop zone. Keeping everyone safe and maximizing the effectiveness of this oft called “airshow” on a wildfire takes calm disposition, clear communication, strategic thinking, and decisive action—that’s air attack.

 

Why does it matter?

 

Historically, when a wildfire started, aircraft, let alone air attack, were not readily available. When the wildfire grew to a size that warranted air attack, then the dispatcher would order it from a central location. The response time slowed the effectiveness, because of the limited air response and support. Even if an aircraft and firefighters arrived, the lack of big-picture coordination stifled the work.  

 

Recent investments by Oregon’s legislature gave ODF two regional air attack teams.

 

Williams explained, “now, dispatchers can send air attack during the initial attack phase of emergency response. It’s a game changer.”

 

The regional air attack builds on the “severity aircraft” program to better use state resources. Over the past couple of decades, the legislature has continued investing in firefighters and technology that return great results.

 

Curran concluded, “we’re seeing a huge return on investment using these aircraft early—cutting costs, keeping wildfires small, and better protecting natural resources and the public.”

Salem, Ore. – As Oregon heads into its peak wildfire months, August and September, Oregon’s public safety services and natural resource agencies want to remind Oregonians to practice wildfire prevention, prepare their home and a go-bag for evacuation and know where to sign up for alerts.

 

“As Oregonians and visitors enjoy the beauty of an Oregon summer, we have to remember that we are still in the middle of wildfire season,” Governor Kotek said. “Ignition risks present a real threat to our parks, forests and coastal areas – and it’s on us to act responsibly, doing our part to prevent wildfires wherever we recreate.”

 

According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center’s predictive services, the Pacific Northwest area is anticipated to be at elevated risk of significant fires from August to October. With fire crews responding to new fire starts every day, now is the time for Oregonians to be prepared for wildfires and help prevent future ignitions.

 

How can people help prevent wildfires?

 

The Oregon Department of Forestry is urging the public to actively practice wildfire prevention as the state continues to put out new fires every day. Additional human-caused fires on the landscape will draw the firefighting efforts away from the lightning-caused fires and put extra strain on ground and aviation resources, which are already spread thin. YOU can help prevent wildfires by:

• Checking and following your local fire regulations. The majority of the state is either in high or extreme fire danger right now, meaning even the smallest of sparks could start the next large wildfire.
• Debris burning may be prohibited where you live.
  • Check local restrictions or contact your local ODF office.
  • Return to check on your burn site if you burned earlier in the year.
• Make sure your car has been recently serviced to avoid faulty parts throwing sparks.
• Don't drag tow chains.
• Avoid parking vehicles on tall, dry grass.
• Recreate responsibly. Where campfires are allowed, make sure your campfire is DEAD OUT before leaving it by drowning it with water, stirring it with a shovel and repeating that process until it is cold to the touch. If there is heat coming off it, there are still embers that could reignite.

Take Simple Steps Now to Protect Your Home from Wildfire

 

The Oregon State Fire Marshal reminds Oregonians that summer is not the safest time to tackle large landscaping or defensible space projects. Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of starting a fire with tools or equipment. But there are still small, safe steps you can take now to reduce wildfire risk around your home. The Oregon State Fire Marshal encourages everyone to plan ahead and do light cleanup tasks that protect your property without increasing fire danger.

 

Here are a few easy tasks to reduce risk in the first five feet around your home:

 

• Clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your roof, gutters, and under decks.
• Cut back plants and bushes that are touching your home or growing under roof eaves. Give trees and shrubs space from each other and from structures.
• Remove dead plants and wood mulch. Use nonflammable materials like rocks or gravel near your home. Avoid bark mulch or dry grasses right next to buildings.
• Move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable items at least five feet away from your home.
• Cover attic vents, soffit vents, and spaces under decks with 1/8-inch metal mesh to block embers.

 

Avoid using power tools or equipment that could spark a fire, especially during the heat of the day. Summer is a good time to plan defensible space projects so you're ready to work safely once wildfire season ends.

 

For more tips or help with defensible space, visit www.oregondefensiblespace.org or https://preventwildfires.oregon.gov.

 

How can I prepare myself in case I need to evacuate?

 

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urges everyone to prepare for wildfires and other emergencies by knowing evacuation levels, staying informed, having a plan, and having a go-kit ready.

 

Evacuation Levels

• Oregon follows a three-level evacuation notification system, each structured around safety threat level.
• Oregonians should become familiar with "Be Ready, Be Set, Go!" evacuation levels to make informed decisions when receiving evacuation notices.
• OEM urges people to evacuate whenever they feel unsafe, conditions can change rapidly; individuals should always make the best decision for their safety.
• Following evacuation, people should not return to the area until public safety officials state it is safe.

Stay Informed

• Stay informed sign up to receive evacuation at, ORAlert.gov remember to update information if need be.  
• Find the websites for your county emergency management, sheriff's office, or tribal police and follow them on social media.
• Check your phone settings to ensure wireless emergency alerts are turned on.
• Build redundancy into how you can access alerts. Have a personal P.A.C.E plan for what you will do if your cell phone stops working. A good place to start is a hand-cranked NOAA radio.
• If you use a third-party app for alerts and situational awareness and notice a discrepancy information, default to the information provided by your local emergency management office.

Have a Plan

• Do you know what to do during an evacuation? This evacuation checklist explains what to do before, during and after an evacuation.
• Establish a communication plan with a list of important contacts and a safe place for loved ones to meet if they are separated during an emergency.
• Identify multiple evacuation routes from home, work, or school and plan for transportation needs.
• People with disabilities should consider individual circumstances and specific needs when planning for evacuation, such as special equipment, transportation, and service animals. Then plan extra time, when possible, this may mean treating a level 2 notice like a level 3 notice.
• Have an evacuation plan for pets, make a pet evacuation kit in a tote bag or pet crate, and plan for transportation and sheltering of large animals such as horses and other livestock.

Make a Go-Kit

• Assemble an emergency kit of essential supplies that can be grabbed quickly.
• Pack an easy-to-carry backpack or bag for each household member with health and safety items such as food, water, medication, flashlights, phone chargers, clothing, and important documents. Visit American Red Cross to learn more.

Find more information and resources at Wildfire.Oregon.gov.

 

Recreate Responsibly

 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) encourages visitors to know before they go when it comes to campfire restrictions. Due to the continued risk of wildfires, OPRD has banned campfires at all Oregon State Parks in high-risk areas around the state until conditions improve. Most Oregon State Parks currently have a campfire ban. Please check park webpages or the wildfire feature story at stateparks.oregon.gov/ before your next visit. Thank you for helping to reduce the risk of wildfires.

The Oregon Department of Human Services’ (ODHS) seeks public comment on proposed changes to two Medicaid-funded services.

 

These amendments will allow ODHS to implement an Agency with Choice service option for in-home consumers and will update the Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) rate methodology for Adult Foster Homes and Residential Care Facilities. These amendments are proposed with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026.

 

More information, including the public notice, amendment summary and available drafts of the proposed amendments, are posted on the APD website.

 

How to comment:

 

To submit feedback and comments, the public may take one of the following actions:

1. Send an email to Beth.Jackson3@odhs.oregon.gov
2. Send written comments addressed to Oregon Department of Human Services, Attn: Beth Jackson, 500 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.
3. Send a fax to 503-947-4245, Attn: Beth Jackson

Deadline: To be considered, feedback must be received by Sept. 1, 2025.

 

About the amendments

• APD was directed by House Bill 4129 (2024) to create an Agency with Choice (AwC) service model for in-home service options. This model will be added to APD’s in-home service options in Jan. 2026. The detailed requirements for AwC will be in Oregon Administrative Rules. The 1915(k) language will be amended to reference those rules. The 1915(k) will also include a description of how the AwC rates will be developed. Because HB 4129 limits the number of AwC providers to two, APD will specify that limit in the 1915(k). APD will also add AwC to APD’s 1915(b)(4) for case management services.
• APD is also proposing a new way to calculate rates for APD Adult Foster Homes and Residential Care Facilities. The rate methodology for these providers was created in the 1980s and no longer captures the complexity of individuals served in these settings. The new rate methodology will more accurately account for individuals’ needs. The 1915(k) will define the methodology and provider requirements.

August 8, 2025

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

Hot conditions could lead to heat-related illness, OHA warns

Preventive steps include limiting sun exposure, donning light clothing, recognizing heat stroke

PORTLAND, Ore.—As summer reaches its peak – and with a hazardous heat watch in the forecast starting Sunday – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) encourages people to avoid activities that could lead to heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Older adults, infants and children, as well as people who live or work outdoors, and people with chronic medical conditions, are most vulnerable to the impacts of high temperatures.

OHA offers these tips for staying safe and healthy during extreme heat: 

• Stay in air-conditioned places if possible and limit sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day (typically from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Schedule outdoor activities in early morning or late evening.
• Use portable fans to bring in cooler air and push warmer air out of rooms and spaces, but don’t use portable fans as the primary cooling source if indoor temperature are above 90 degrees, because that can bring on heat stroke.
• People who don’t have air conditioners can find cooler indoor air with friends or family, or at designated cooling centers, when available. 
• Use cool compresses, misting, and cool showers and baths, and wear loose fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working outside, avoid alcohol or liquids with large amounts of sugar, and limit caffeine intake. 
• Never leave children or pets unattended in parked cars.

“Our experience with the 2021 heat dome taught us that extreme temperatures are a real danger in Oregon,” said Gabriela Goldfarb, environmental public health section manager at OHA’s Public Health Division.

“We can prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths by recognizing their symptoms, taking steps to stay safe, and caring for our vulnerable family members and friends,” she said.

Learn the warning signs for heat illnesses at healthoregon.org/heat.

Heat exhaustion can cause dizziness, sweating, nausea and more. Heat stroke, which is even more dangerous, includes these symptoms as well as body temperatures above 103 degrees, severe headache, and confusion or loss of consciousness, and can rapidly lead to death.

People can avoid heat-related illnesses by keeping up to date on the heat risk and heat index. Heat-related illnesses can develop in as little as 15 minutes whether someone is indoors or outdoors.

Some heat-related illnesses can be managed at home or at urgent care. However, if you or someone you see is experiencing confusion or unconsciousness due to heat exposure, call 911.

Oregon has several programs that may provide extreme weather relief or benefits:

• CCO Flexible Services Program: Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members enrolled in a coordinated care organization (CCO) may be able to receive items or services that are not regular OHP benefits, but that can help you stay healthy or become healthier. More information about these services can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/dsi-tc/Pages/Health-Related-Services-OHP-Member-Information.aspx.
• OHP HRSN Home Changes for Health during Extreme Weather benefits: OHP members may be eligible for devices/equipment during extreme weather—https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Pages/Climate-Supports.aspx. Members interested in requesting devices can contact their coordinated care organization to see if they qualify.

If an OHP member is unsure which plan or CCO they are enrolled in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 800-273-0557. OHP Open Card members can call 888-834-4304 or email HRSN@acentra.com" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">ORHRSN@acentra.com.

Since many people head to public and private pools to cool off when temperatures are high, OHA has shared guidance that breastfeeding an infant or small child is acceptable in swimming pool areas.

A link to the directive, including the section on breastfeeding, is available at http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/Recreation/PoolsLodging/Documents/InfoSheetBreastfeedingatPools12062012x.pdf. Oregon Revised Statute 109.001, https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_109.001, protects a person’s right to breastfeed in public and has been in place since 1999.

Oregon residents can also reach out to 211info to find local county and city resources and visit the cooling centers web page.

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August 6, 2025

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8843, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

As summer heat continues, health officials share reminder about law protecting breastfeeding at pools

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon’s public and private pools are great places for families to escape the summer heat, so Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program share a friendly reminder that state law protects the rights of people to breastfeed in public.

Shelby Sayer-Cameron, a public health lactation consultant at Linn County Health Services, says support for the state breastfeeding law from pool operators helps reduce the stigma some people feel when trying to breastfeed their children in public places. And she knows this from personal experience.

“I was less comfortable breastfeeding in public with my oldest child, and I was new to it,” recalls Sayer-Cameron. “I would get so worked up trying to make sure to bring a cover to use and I cared what other people thought of it. By the time my second child came around, I realized how much of a hassle the ‘breastfeeding cover-up’ was and how much more awkward it was for me.”

August is a good time to remind the public about Oregon’s breastfeeding law, officials say. Summer temperatures can be at their highest this month, prompting people to head to swimming pools to cool off. It’s also National Breastfeeding Month, which Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has recognized with this proclamation: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYPEOPLEFAMILIES/WIC/Documents/bf/State-of-Oregon-Proclamation-Office-Of-The-Governor-National-Breastfeeding-Month-Aug-2025.pdf.

Since 2012, OHA’s Public Health Division has distributed guidance that breastfeeding an infant or small child is acceptable in swimming pool areas.

A link to the directive, including the section on breastfeeding, is available at http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/Recreation/PoolsLodging/Documents/InfoSheetBreastfeedingatPools12062012x.pdf.

For many parents, breastfeeding provides a quick and accessible way to feed their children, and they shouldn’t have to worry about where they’re doing it, Sayer-Cameron explains. It’s also more cost-efficient for parents who may not be able to afford formula or a breast pump that would allow them to collect and store breast milk for when it’s needed. Hear more from Shelby Sayer-Cameron, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxhSV6fBXig

OHA has long supported and promoted breastfeeding because of the many health benefits, including building babies’ immune systems to fight diseases and reducing mothers’ risk of chronic illnesses such as ovarian and breast cancer and type II diabetes.

WIC agencies still receive complaints each year from breastfeeding parents asked to stop breastfeeding, cover up, or breastfeed behind closed doors in a bathroom or other private area. As a result, Oregon Revised Statute 109.001 protects a mother’s right to breastfeed in public and has been in place since 1999.

Korina Skaff, Oregon WIC breastfeeding coordinator, says parents have the legal right to breastfeed in any public space and don’t have to nurse in a private place unless they choose.

“Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition for infants and is legally protected under Oregon law. Spreading the word to employees and patrons is a key step to creating comfortable places for parents with babies,” says Julie A. Reeder, Ph.D., a manager at Oregon WIC.

About WIC

The Oregon WIC Program improves nutrition security for families by providing healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and connections to community resources for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding individuals, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC serves families in all 36 Oregon counties through more than 100 clinics.

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August 4, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider,971-599-0459, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Brownlee Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a recreational use health advisory for Brownlee Reservoir in Baker County, due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom.

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

OHA encourages people to visit Brownlee Reservoir and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

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

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

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. 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 crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, 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 experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

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 before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 1-877-290-6767, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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Salem - The Oregon Heritage Commission is offering grants for qualified projects for the conservation, development, and interpretation of Oregon's cultural heritage. Awards typically range between $3,000 and $20,000. Projects can include anything related to Oregon heritage, and priority will be given to projects that preserve, develop or interpret threatened heritage resources or heritage resources of statewide significance. The grant application deadline is October 2, 2025.
 

Projects funded by the Oregon Heritage Grant may include collections preservation and access, exhibits, oral history projects, public education events, organizational archives projects, films theatrical performances, teaching traditional practices, public history interpretation, organizational planning that supports heritage resources, and more. Previously funded projects included a variety of projects around the state.
 

“We hope to see projects from a variety of types of organizations that engage Oregonians with heritage resources across the states and encourage the documentation, preservation, and sharing of diverse perspectives of Oregon’s story.” states Katie Henry, Oregon Heritage Commission coordinator.
 

Applications are submitted online. There is plenty of support for preparing them. “Our goal is to support organizations of all sizes all over the state in their valuable work. We provide assistance in the application process,” notes Kuri Gill, grants and outreach coordinator. Oregon Heritage grants programs staff is happy to discuss projects and review applications in advance in addition to assisting with the online application system and providing translation services on request.
 

Registration is required for a free online workshop, Tuesday, August 19, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. which addresses the application questions and explores the online application system. A recording will be available for two weeks following the workshop with registration.
 

The grant directly supports the four Oregon Heritage Plan goals:

• Include More Voices: Expand the narrative of history told and preserved in the state to capture previously excluded or marginalized voices for a more complex and accurate depiction of Oregon’s historical events.
• Increase Access to Heritage: Strive to engage more community members and visitors in local heritage by increasing awareness of resources and making them available to diverse audiences and potential stakeholders.
• Promote the Value of Heritage: Share the economic, cultural, and educational value of heritage with the public and decision makers to inspire awareness, funding, and respect for long-term preservation of Oregon’s heritage.
• Pursue Best Practices: Pursue professional standards and best practices related to heritage processes, standards, and organizational management to ensure healthy, sustainable heritage organizations.

The Oregon Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon’s heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The commission’s mission is to secure, sustain, and enhance Oregon's heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity.
 

To learn more about the grants or for translation assistance, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.Gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Tigard, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for traveling from Oregon to Washington in hopes of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a nine-year-old child.

 

Andrew Sterling Hilliker, 47, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

 

According to court documents, on January 28, 2024, Hilliker used Kik Messenger, an online messaging application, to contact an undercover law enforcement officer posing as the parent of a nine-year-old child as part of a broader investigation into online child exploitation. Hilliker engaged in sexually explicit communications with the undercover officer and expressed his interest in sexually abusing the child. Soon after, Hilliker planned to meet the undercover officer and purported child at a hotel in Vancouver, Washington.  

 

On January 31, 2024, Hilliker traveled from Oregon to Washington to meet the purported parent and engage in illicit sexual conduct with the child. Hilliker was arrested when he arrived at the hotel and had condoms in his pocket. When questioned by investigators, Hilliker admitted that he believed he was communicating with the parent of a nine-year-old child and engaged in sexually explicit communications about the child.

 

On February 22, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Hilliker with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

 

On January 14, 2025, Hilliker pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

 

This case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by Eliza Carmen Rodriguez, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

 

The FBI Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.

 

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

 

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Ciara D. Mercado, 32, of Tacoma, Washington, has been charged by information with failing to obey a lawful order.

 

According to court documents and information shared in court, on August 4, 2025, Mercado entered the grounds of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland. Mercado failed to comply with the lawful direction of federal officers and was arrested.

 

Mercado made her first appearance in federal court Tuesday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was ordered released pending further court proceedings.

 

Failure to obey a lawful order is a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 30 days in prison.

 

The case is being investigated by the Federal Protective Service and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

 

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

 

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Manuel Antonio Souza Espinoza, 27, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Portland, was sentenced today to 157 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a Portland teen and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

 

According to court documents, the investigation that ultimately led to Espinoza’s arrest began after the tragic overdose death of a Portland teenager who, on March 7, 2022, ingested a counterfeit “M30” Oxycodone pill manufactured with fentanyl. The investigation revealed that Espinoza—a known, high-volume Portland area drug dealer—was the third-level supplier of the counterfeit pills. On March 31, 2022, using a confidential informant, investigators arranged a controlled purchase of 1,000 pills from Espinoza. When Espinoza arrived at the agreed upon location, he was immediately arrested on federal charges. Investigators located and seized 1,000 pills in Espinoza’s vehicle along with a loaded .40 caliber handgun with extended magazine.

 

On April 21, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Souza Espinoza with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

 

On March 5, 2025, Souza Espinoza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In the plea agreement, Souza Espinoza admitted that the counterfeit M30 pills containing fentanyl he sold to the victim resulted in the fatal fentanyl poisoning of the victim.

 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Portland Police Bureau’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Interdiction Team (HIT), and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office with assistance from the Clackamas County Inter-Agency Task Force. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

 

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

 

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

 

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EUGENE, Ore.—A Lynwood, California man was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison Monday for trafficking 11 pounds of methamphetamine from California to Oregon.

 

Luis Banuelos, 34, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

 

According to court documents, on February 28, 2021, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, officers from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team arrested Banuelos after he transported methamphetamine from California to deliver to a customer in Prineville, Oregon. Officers searched Banuelos’s vehicle and seized two boxes containing more than 11 pounds of methamphetamine. When questioned by investigators, Banuelos admitted to transporting drugs from California approximately seven times for distribution in Oregon.

 

On August 4, 2022, Banuelos was charged by criminal information with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On October 31, 2022, Banuelos pleaded guilty to the charge.

 

The case was investigated by the CODE team and the Drug Enforcement Agency. It was prosecuted by Adam Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

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PORTLAND, Ore.— Ermin Izaguirre-Estrada, 22, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Oregon, was sentenced Monday to 70 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for trafficking fentanyl in downtown Portland and San Francisco, California.

 

According to court documents, on August 9, 2023, as part of a fentanyl enforcement mission targeting fentanyl dealers in downtown Portland, officers observed Izaguirre-Estrada holding what appeared to be blue fentanyl pills in his hand. The officers arrested Izaguirre-Estrada and seized a loaded firearm, more than 6,000 fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and cash.

 

On August 16, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Izaguirre-Estrada with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and alien in possession of a firearm.

 

On September 26, 2023, a federal grand jury in the Northern District of California returned a two-count indictment charging Izaguirre-Estrada with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, based on a prior arrest in April 2023.

 

On April 30, 2025, Izaguirre-Estrada pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, resolving both of his criminal cases.

 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HITDA) Interdiction Team (HIT), the PPB Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team and PPB Bike Squad. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

 

The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

 

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

 

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

 

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Oregon's wildlife has evolved alongside fire, with many species adapted to periodic burns. However, the increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires, influenced by climate change, are creating new challenges for both animals and ecosystems. Oregon Wildlife Foundation would like to remind the public that wildfire season is here, and multiple effects to wildlife and wilderness come with it. 

 

Immediate and Long-Term Effects

Wildfires cause immediate habitat loss and alter ecosystem structures. While some species thrive in post-fire environments, others face significant challenges. For instance, species dependent on mature forests, like the Northern Spotted Owl, may experience population declines due to the destruction of their habitat.

 

In the aftermath, wildlife often seeks refuge in urban areas, increasing human-wildlife interactions. As natural resources are depleted, the search for food and water drives this behavior.

 

Aquatic Ecosystems

Wildfires also impact aquatic habitats. Runoff from burned areas can increase water murkiness and alter water chemistry, making environments uninhabitable for fish and other aquatic organisms. This can lead to fish die-offs and disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

 

Adaptations and Resilience

Some species are better equipped to handle the changes brought about by wildfires. For example, certain birds and mammals benefit from the new growth in young forests post-fire. Additionally, species like the pyrophilous beetle are adapted to thrive in burned areas, utilizing the resources available in the aftermath.

 

How You Can Help

If you encounter wildlife displaced by fire, it's important to:

• Avoid feeding them, as this can lead to dependency and potential conflicts.
• Provide fresh water away from your home to prevent attracting multiple animals.
• Drop gates and fences temporarily so wildlife can move more freely.
• To report sick or dead wildlife, call your local ODFW office or the Wildlife Health Lab toll-free number (866-968-2600). You can also contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center. For a list of Oregon Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers, visit the link ODFW Wildlife Rehabilitation.
   

Supporting organizations dedicated to habitat restoration and wildlife conservation can also aid in the recovery of affected species. OWF coordinates its restoration efforts with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) and land managers as needed.

 

While wildfires are a natural part of Oregon's ecosystem, the changing climate alters their frequency and intensity, posing new challenges for wildlife. Understanding these impacts and taking proactive measures can help mitigate the effects on Oregon's diverse species.

 

For more information, visit our post about reporting injured animals Who do I contact if I encounter injured or orphaned wildlife? — Oregon Wildlife Foundation

 

Oregon Wildlife Foundation

Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, OWF has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information, visit www.myowf.org.