The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined a Beaverton construction company $317,587 for repeatedly violating job safety requirements, including failing to protect workers from fall hazards that could seriously injure or kill them.
 

The division cited Luka’s General Construction LLC after an inspection of a jobsite in Molalla where work was being done on the roof of a two-story house.
 

The company did not implement any fall protection system to protect employees from a potential fall hazard of as much as 19 feet, according to Oregon OSHA’s findings. The employees were working with their full-body fall protection harnesses on, but they had not connected them to any fall protection anchor. Luka’s General Construction violated an Oregon OSHA rule requiring employers to provide, install, and implement fall protection systems where employees are exposed to a hazard of falling 6 feet or more to a lower level.
 

In another violation, the company was cited for failing to ensure a ladder extended at least 3 feet above the roof level surface to allow workers to safely mount and dismount the ladder at the top. In yet another violation, the company did not have certification records verifying employees were trained in how to recognize fall hazards and the procedures to be followed to minimize those fall hazards.
 

The failure to implement any fall protection system and ladder violations were both fifth-repeat violations committed by the company. In this instance, the fifth-repeat violations mean the company was caught violating these safety requirements for the sixth time in less than two years. The violations carry penalties of $167,294 and $138,146, respectively. The certification violation was a first-repeat violation, carrying a penalty of $12,147.
 

Under Oregon OSHA’s rules, penalties multiply when employers commit repeat offenses.

Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, workers have a right to safe and healthy working conditions, and to raise concerns free of retaliation. The law requires employers to create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces.
 

In the construction industry, falls are one of the leading causes of death.
 

“Any employer who directs employees to work at heights must address potential fall hazards, with an emphasis on prevention,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “To repeatedly fail to do so only increases the risk that a worker will be seriously injured or killed.”

Oregon OSHA’s enforcement program is rooted in prevention. The division requires employers to correct violations. Luka's General Construction corrected the fall protection and ladder violations. It is under an order to correct the certification violation.

Employers have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal. Luka’s General Construction filed an appeal.
 

Employers are encouraged to use free resources – available now from Oregon OSHA and involving no fault, no citations, and no penalties – for help protecting their employees:
 

Consultation services – Provides free help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training.

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Field offices
• Online
• Email: [email protected]

Technical staff – Helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites.

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Online
• Email: [email protected]

Oregon OSHA also offers free fall protection video training in English and Spanish, and key information for employers and workers.
 

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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 Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind timber operators that their state-registered log brands must be renewed between Oct. 19 and Dec. 31, 2026.

  

Log brands discourage log theft

 

Log brands − The identifying symbols welded onto the face of a hammer and struck into the ends of logs for identification − discourage log theft and aid in the return of lost logs. When transported on public highways, waterways, or railroads west of the crest of Oregon's Cascade Mountain range, forest products and booming equipment must have a log brand that has been registered with ODF. 

 

Under Oregon law, log brand registrations must be renewed every five years. Renewal forms will automatically be mailed to registered log brand owners on Oct. 19, 2026. Timber operators whose addresses have changed since their initial registration or last renewal need to provide ODF with their current address before Oct. 19 to ensure they receive their renewal certificate. Address information can be sent to the ODF’s Log Brands Unit by phone or email:

 

Phone: 503-931-5515

 

Email: [email protected]">[email protected]

 

Operators who registered in 2026 must still renew their brands for the new five-year period (Jan. 1, 2027 – Dec. 31, 2031). The new log brands will be active through Dec. 31, 2031. Any log brands not renewed by Dec. 31, 2026, will be considered abandoned and the registration number will expire.

UPDATE: Media is asked to gather at American Lane and Kira Dr. A briefing is expected at approximately 2:15 p.m. at that location. 

 

 

The reunification location for families will be located at Journey Church, 61303 S Highway 97 near Goodwill and Dairy Queen. Students' families are asked to respond there. 

 

 

The Bend Police Department is currently at Silver Rail Elementary School after a report of an active shooter.

There is a large police presence in the area. Please avoid the area. We will share more information as soon as we can. 

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the Department of Justice filed two lawsuits against the Cities of St. Paul, Minnesota and Portland, Oregon, challenging their unconstitutional attempts to regulate federal law enforcement officers by prohibiting federal officers from wearing masks and requiring them to provide identification in the manner prescribed by Code of Ordinances of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota §§ 268A–268B and P.C.C. §§ 23.30.030, 23.30.100.

 

Not only are these laws illegal attempts to regulate the Federal Government, but, as alleged in the complaints, the laws threaten the safety of federal officers who have faced an unprecedent wave of harassment, doxxing, and even violence. Threatening officers with prosecution for simply protecting their identities and their families also chills the enforcement of federal law and compromises sensitive law enforcement operations.

 

“Under the Supremacy Clause of our Nation’s Constitution, states and localities cannot regulate the Federal Government and its law enforcement officers,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “And they certainly cannot enact laws that place the safety of federal law enforcement at risk and undermine federal operations authorized by Congress. This Department of Justice will never tolerate the doxxing or harassment of federal officers, or any law like those in St. Paul and Portland that enables violent behavior against federal law enforcement officers and their families.”

 

“These St. Paul and Portland local laws are a direct regulation of federal law enforcement operations and threaten severe consequences for officers and public safety alike,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Federal Government, not state and local governments, gets to decide which equipment federal officers may or may not wear when performing their official duties.”

 

“Aside from being unconstitutional, laws like these impede federal law enforcement’s ability to keep Oregonians safe and endanger the brave men and women of federal law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford for the District of Oregon. “They live in our communities. Their kids go to school in our communities. They care about our communities. They are part of our communities. It is unfair and improper to vilify them for political purposes.”

 

Attorney General Blanche has instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. Today’s lawsuits are the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in New York, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey, California, Maryland, Philadelphia, Denver, and Milwaukee. Through these filings, the Department reaffirms that federal law enforcement operations cannot be compromised by state or local measures that violate federal law.

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SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for southwest Oregon will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Douglas Forest Protective Association, 1758 NE Airport Rd., Roseburg. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email [email protected]">[email protected].

 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Division and field updates
• Operator of the Year
• Workplan development
• Technical guidance development
• Compliance monitoring update
• Forest Practices Act training update

The public may attend in-person or online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at [email protected]">[email protected].

 

Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law – that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry and may assist the Board of Forestry in developing appropriate forest practice rules. The committees are comprised of citizens qualified by education or experience in natural resource management. In 1971, the legislature enacted Oregon’s Forest Practices Act which includes three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Eastern, Northwest, and Southwest regions of the state. Under Oregon law, a majority of the committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

 

Oregon’s forests are among the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic, and social benefits. View more information on the RFPC webpage.

 

YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. (15 Oct. 2026) – On October 12, 2026, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division responded to the Gopher Valley area of Yamhill County to investigate the unlawful take of a bull elk. Gopher Valley is a rural area approximately two miles east of Sheridan.

 

Fish and Wildlife troopers located a deceased 5x5 bull elk with wasted meat left behind. The killing of the elk is believed to have occurred during the start of the Any Legal Weapon Western Deer season. The elk appeared to have been dragged about 75 feet off the roadway into the brush. The neck meat, head, and antlers were left behind. The elk is believed to have been killed somewhere other than where the remains were left. The quarters and backstrap may have been taken with the hide still attached to them.

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888 or [email protected]. Tips may also be called in to OSP (677) on a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-334940.

 

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: [email protected] (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.

 

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About the Oregon State Police

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

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE 

Deschutes County Sheriff's office & City of La Pine

 

La Pine, Ore. -- With the close of the 2026 fire season, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the City of La Pine have released eight months of performance data from the DCSO-La Pine Community Action Team (CAT) contract. The partnership, built around priorities identified by La Pine leaders, focuses on wildfire prevention, neighborhood safety, business support, management of transient camps, and public safety at major community events.

 

From the outset, the City and Sheriff’s Office agreed that accountability would be central to the model. Deputies assigned to the contract have tracked their activities since January, giving both agencies clear insight into how services are delivered and the benefits provided to the community.

 

January 1 through August 31, 2026, results include:

• 482 speed-enforcement traffic stops on Highway 97 and city roads within La Pine (231 highway stops and 251 city stops)
• 234 public land and fire safety checks, totaling an estimated 373 hours
• 154 neighborhood patrols, totaling an estimated 101 hours
• 67 business safety advisements, totaling an estimated 58 hours
• 455 total hours dedicated to La Pine’s city and community public event priorities
• School bus marshaling during neighborhood pickup and drop-off
• Increased law enforcement visibility in and around school grounds, along with the establishment of an emergency response plan for La Pine schools to ensure a quicker and more effective police response during a crisis
• An improved and streamlined process for human and animal emergency evacuations for South Deschutes County residents

La Pine completed the 2026 fire season without a wildfire threatening residents, an outcome that city leaders and DCSO attribute to consistent public land monitoring and targeted prevention checks. Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert emphasized that the CAT was specifically built around community input.

 

“We built this contract around the specific needs and public safety concerns that La Pine faces. Every number in this report represents the time deputies spent on the community’s biggest priorities, whether that is checking public lands for fire risk, supporting businesses, or being present on streets and in neighborhoods,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert.

 

La Pine Mayor Jeannine Earls said the partnership reflects lessons learned from recent wildfire seasons and La Pine’s elevated risk profile.

 

“After seeing how destructive recent fire seasons have been statewide, we knew we needed a more focused approach to prevention,” explained La Pine Mayor Jeanine Earls. “By working closely with DCSO and prioritizing boots-on-the-ground checks, we put ourselves in a stronger position this year. I believe that approach played a key role in helping our community avoid another major wildfire threat in 2026.”

 

The CAT team is made up of Sergeant Kyle Kalmbach and Deputy Jonathan Ebner—both longtime La Pine residents. They also manage safety planning for major local events, including the Rhubarb Festival, Frontier Days, the High Lakes Car Show, and the La Pine Rodeo. With Highway 97 running directly through town, deputies provide traffic management, pedestrian safety support, and event logistics that the city lacks the staffing or regulatory capacity to handle on its own.

 

As La Pine has grown, so have concerns about speeding and unsafe driving. Mayor Earls said the targeted enforcement effort is already making a difference, as evidenced by feedback from local businesses and citizens. The mayor also highlighted improvements in the management of transient camps on nearby public lands.

 

“This is one of the most complex issues we face as a community. Many of those residing in these camps are transient, but we also have long-term residents who need to be valued, feel safe, and be healthy. The increased engagement from deputies has helped create stronger relationships, better communication, and improved conditions that have led to cleaner, safer spaces and more accountability,” said Mayor Earls.

 

City Manager Geoff Wullschlager added that the partnership has required flexible, collaborative approaches to complex issues affecting south Deschutes County.

 

“We are inspired by our work with the Sheriff’s Office as we collectively address these issues in ways that are as unconventional as the problems themselves. Regardless of jurisdictional ownership, DCSO and the La Pine have pivoted in a collaborative effort to maintain public health and safety standards in south Deschutes County,” noted La Pine City Manager Geoff Wullschlager.

 

Sheriff Rupert and Mayor Earls emphasized that the Community Action Team is designed to benefit the greater La Pine area and to continue evolving based on the community's public safety needs.

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SAIF, Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation company, is traveling across the state to offer free agriculture safety seminars.

 

This is the 30^th year SAIF has offered the seminars, helping Oregon’s farm owners, managers, and workers to stay safe in one of the most hazardous industries.

 

The seminars are designed primarily for people working in agriculture but are open to anyone interested in safety and health—they don't have to be insured by SAIF.

 

SAIF is conducting 29 free ag safety seminars in 16 cities across Oregon starting in November. Seminars will continue through March and nine of the seminars will be presented entirely in Spanish. SAIF will also host online webinars in both January and March in English and Spanish. 

 

This year's seminars focus on four topics:

• Your last line of defense: PPE for farm chemical safety 

• Analyze this: Ag chemical safety edition 

• Ag hacks & cool tools: Why didn’t I think of that? 

• First aid by the numbers 

In-person seminars will be in Bandon, Central Point, Clackamas, Corvallis, Eugene, Hermiston, Hillsboro, Hood River, Klamath Falls, Madras, Mt. Angel, Ontario, Pendleton, Salem, The Dalles, and Wilsonville.

 

Spanish seminars will be held in Central Point, Clackamas, Hermiston, Hillsboro, Hood River, Mt. Angel, Salem, The Dalles, and Wilsonville. 

 

All will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and free lunch will be provided.

 

Employers with small ag businesses who attend the seminar or webinars will meet OSHA's instructional requirement—one of four requirements that exempt small agricultural operations from random OSHA inspections.

 

The Landscape Contractors Board has approved the seminar for four hours of continuing education credits. Four producer credits have also been approved by the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

 

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has approved the seminar for two core pesticide continuing education credits.

 

More information, including registration details, can be found at saif.com/agseminars.

 

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, we’ve been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.

 

WASCO COUNTY, Ore. (15 October 2026) - On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at approximately 6:22 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 26 near milepost 62 in Wasco County.

 

The preliminary investigation indicated a white 2024 Ford Transit van, operated by Alexander Nikkole Meira (20) of Portland, was traveling westbound near Government Camp when it crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a 2022 Subaru Outback, operated by Craig Gerard Russillo (55) of Bend, head-on. The Subaru caught fire and several passersby pulled Russillo from the vehicle.

 

The operator of the Subaru (Russillo) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 

The operator of the Ford (Meira) sustained minor injuries and was treatment at an area hospital.

 

Impairment is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. Meira was arrested on charges of DUII, Reckless Driving, and Manslaughter II and was lodged at the Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility.   

 

Highway 26 was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation.

 

OSP was assisted by the Hoodland Fire Department, American Medical Response, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.           

   

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

AI-assisted impersonation, sophisticated payment fraud and new forms of phishing are raising the stakes for small businesses

 

PORTLAND, Ore. — Cyber threats are becoming harder for small businesses to detect as criminals use artificial intelligence, stolen credentials, and increasingly sophisticated impersonation tactics. Half of small and midsize businesses reported a cybersecurity incident in the past year, according to the National Cybersecurity Alliance’s 2026 Small Business Cybersecurity Awareness & Practices Survey.

 

OnPoint Community Credit Union is highlighting emerging cyber scams during Cybersecurity Awareness Month and sharing practical steps small businesses can take to protect their money, data, and operations.

 

“Automation and AI help cybercriminals make scams faster, more convincing and harder to recognize,” said Emma Stocker, director of information security, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Small businesses can reduce their risk by verifying financial transactions, restricting access to critical accounts and making cybersecurity part of everyday operations.”

 

The cyber threats businesses should know

Cybercriminals are using new tools and tactics to make scams more convincing and harder to detect. Here are four threats OnPoint advises small business owners to watch for:

• AI-powered executive and vendor impersonation. AI is making scams more polished and convincing, including fake emails, invoices and message threads. In August 2026, Microsoft detected more than one million fraudulent emails over three days, many designed to trick accounts payable teams into authorizing fraudulent ACH payments.
• Business email compromise and payment redirection. Criminals may impersonate or compromise an executive, employee, or vendor to request payments or changes to payment instructions. The FBI reported that companies lost more than $3 billion in 2025 via email scams, a 10% increase from the previous year.
• Phishing that bypasses traditional defenses. Attackers use QR codes, malicious authorization prompts, and collaboration tools to get around security controls. Microsoft found that malicious Teams-based voice-phishing attempts increased about 80% during the first half of 2026.
• Ransomware fueled by stolen passwords and outdated systems. Many ransomware attacks happen when criminals get hold of stolen login information or take advantage of software that hasn’t been updated. Verizon found stolen credentials were involved in 38% of ransomware cases and unpatched vulnerabilities in 29%.

Protect your business against today’s scams

While cyber scams are becoming more sophisticated, OnPoint recommends seven safeguards that can help small businesses reduce their risk:

1. Verify before moving money. Never authorize a wire, ACH payment, purchase, or change in vendor banking information based solely on an email, text, phone call, or video meeting. Confirm the request using a known contact or consider requiring a second person to approve high-risk transactions.
2. Be cautious with login prompts and app permissions. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited account notifications. Employees should also pause before letting a new app access email, files, or other company information.
3. Use stronger forms of multifactor authentication. Multifactor Authentication (MFA) remains an essential defense, but not all methods offer the same protection. The National Coordinator for Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience (CISA) recommends businesses use phishing-resistant MFA wherever possible, particularly for email, remote-access, and administrative accounts.
4. Keep software and devices updated. Promptly install security updates, particularly for internet-facing devices such as routers, firewalls, and VPNs, to avoid leaving vulnerabilities that help attackers gain initial access.
5. Protect credentials and limit access. Use unique passwords or passphrases, a reputable password manager and MFA. Employees should have access only to the systems and information necessary for their roles.
6. Back up critical business data. Maintain secure backups, including a copy isolated from the company’s primary network, and periodically test that data can be restored.
7. Train employees regularly. Cyber threats evolve quickly, so cybersecurity training should be refreshed on a regular basis. It should cover suspicious emails, fraudulent texts and calls, QR codes, fake cloud-sharing invitations, executive impersonation and unusual requests for payments or account access.

Cybersecurity is not only an IT issue — it is a key part of protecting a company’s finances, customers and ability to operate. OnPoint will never initiate a request for sensitive information such as passwords, secure access codes, verification codes, PINs or card security codes by phone, email or text.

 

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 671,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 33 Oregon counties (Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. More information is available at onpointcu.com.

 

Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

 

 



 

 

NOTE: CORRECTED. Michael Sugar is running in District 40, not 30, and there are 23 total endorsements in the House races. Our apologies for these mistakes.

 

Wilsonville, Oregon (October 15, 2026) – The Oregon Nurseries’ Political Action Committee (ONPAC) has issued its endorsements in selected races for the 2026 general election cycle, with an aim towards providing greater balance in the state capital.

 

“Oregon agriculture is under duress at the state and federal level, and the cost burden has made many operations struggle to remain competitive,” said nursery owner Tyler Meskers of Oregon Flowers Inc., who serves as chairman of ONPAC. “That’s why the nursery industry seeks to break the cycle of super majorities held by the Democrats in the Oregon Legislature and seek a new direction in the governor’s race.”
 

The endorsements are as follows:

Oregon Governor — Christine Drazan. “ONPAC believes that the state is at a critical juncture for livability and business survival,” Meskers said. “A Republican governor has not been elected since 1982 and it is time for a change. Drazan is a longtime ally of the industry. ONPAC endorsed her in 2022 during her narrow loss and feels she is again the best choice for the industry in 2026.”

Oregon Senate — Five endorsements: 

• Brad Hicks (R-District 3, southern Jackson County)
• Jack Tibbetts (R-District 6; Linn, eastern Lane and Marion counties)
• Tracy Cramer (R-District 11, Marion County and Salem-Keizer); 
• Courtney Bangs (R-District 16, North Coast and Lower Columbia)
• Sen. Jeff Helfrich (R-District 26, Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood)

Oregon House of Representatives — 23 endorsements: 

• Rep. Court Boice (R-District 1, Coos, Curry and Douglas counties)
• Claire Lynn (R-District 9, Douglas, Lane and Coos counties)
• Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis (R-District 15, Linn, Marion and Benton counties)
• Ken Jackola (R-District 11, Linn, Marion and Benton counties)
• Rep. Darin Harbick (R-District 12, Eastern Lane County)
• Amanda Staehely (R-District 18, Clackamas and Marion counties)
• Rep. Kevin Mannix (R-District 21, North Salem and Keizer)
• Max Sherman (R-District 32, North Coast)
• Scott Hege (R-District 52, Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood)
• Dan Farrington (R-District 17, Marion and Linn counties)
• Noemi Legaspi (R-District 22, Woodburn, North Salem, Gervais, Brooks, and Labish Village)
• Rep. Anna Scharf (R-District 23, Polk and Yamhill counties)
• Rep. Lucetta Elmer (R-District 24, Yamhill and Polk counties)
• Stephanie Carken (R-District 26 ,Washington, Clackamas and Yamhill counties)
• Rep. Darcey Edwards (R-District 31, Columbia, Washington, Multnomah and Yamhill counties)
• Michael Sugar (D-District 40, Oregon City, Gladstone and Johnson City)
• Rep. Matt Bunch (R-District 51, Canby, Estacada and Sandy)
• Rep. E. Werner Reschke (R-District 55, Klamath County and parts of Lake County)
• Rep. Emily McIntire (R-District 56, Klamath Falls, North Medford, and Eagle Point)
• Rep. Greg Smith (R-District 57, Gilliam, Morrow, Wheeler, Wasco, and Sherman counties)
• Rep. Bobby Levy (R-District 58, Umatilla, Wallowa, and Union counties)
• Rep. Vikki Breese Iverson (R-District 59, Prineville)
• Rep. Mark Owens (R-District 60, Baker, Grant, Malheur, Harney, and Lake counties)

U.S. House of Representatives — One endorsement:

• U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-District 2, Eastern Oregon)

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Ballots were mailed Wednesday, October 14 and must be returned by Election Day. They can be postmarked on November 3 or must be deposited in an official drop box by 8 p.m. November 3. They also can be returned to a County Clerk’s office by 8 p.m. Such offices will be open from 7 a.m.–8 p.m. on Election Day.

 

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October 15, 2026

Contact: Amy Coven (503-943-0164, [email protected])

Explore Health launches tool to help people navigate health coverage options for 2027

Plan Guide will help people in Oregon find financial help, compare health plans.

SALEM, Ore. — People in Oregon can now get an early look at their health coverage options for 2027 with the launch of the Explore Health Plan Guide, a new online tool designed to help people prepare for Open Enrollment.

The Plan Guide helps users explore individual health and dental plans available in their area and compare costs, benefits and coverage. Users can also enter their prescription medications and doctors to see which plans may best meet their health needs.

The tool provides an assessment for potential eligibility for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) benefits and financial help through the Marketplace, including an estimate of the amount of financial assistance someone may qualify for.

“Choosing health insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when plans and coverage options are changing,” said Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. “The Plan Guide gives you a chance to explore options before Open Enrollment begins so you can better understand what coverage and financial help may be available.”

The new tool is especially timely for 2027. Providence and PacificSource will no longer offer individual health plans in Oregon, and Moda will  only be available in select counties. The Plan Guide can help people affected by these changes understand which plans are available in their area and compare their options before selecting coverage.

Explore Health is available for people in Oregon who do not have access to affordable health coverage through their job and are not eligible for public medical programs such as the Oregon Health Plan.

Open Enrollment for 2027 health coverage runs from Nov. 1, 2026 to Jan. 15, 2027. The Plan Guide is available now to help people explore their options ahead of Open Enrollment. Using the tool does not enroll someone in coverage.

Explore Health is Oregon’s new state-based health insurance marketplace. Starting with the 2027 plan year, eligible individuals and families will be able to use Explore Health to shop for and enroll in Marketplace health coverage.

To explore the Plan Guide or learn more about Open Enrollment, visit ExploreHealthOR.gov. People in Oregon can also make an appointment with an Enrollment Partner for help understanding their options and enrolling in coverage.

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15 de octubre de 2026

Contacto: Amy Coven, 503-943-0164, [email protected]

Explore Health lanza herramienta para ayudar a las personas a entender y elegir sus opciones de cobertura médica para 2027

La Guía de Planes ayudará a los habitantes de Oregon a encontrar ayuda financiera y comparar planes de salud.

SALEM, Ore. — Los habitantes de Oregon ya pueden obtener una vista previa de sus opciones de cobertura médica para 2027 con el lanzamiento de la Guía de Planes de Explore Health, una nueva herramienta en línea diseñada para ayudar a las personas a prepararse para el periodo de Inscripción Abierta.

La Guía de Planes ayuda a las personas a explorar los planes médicos y dentales individuales disponibles en su zona, así como a comparar costos, beneficios y coberturas. También pueden ingresar información sobre sus medicamentos recetados y sus médicos para determinar qué planes se ajustan mejor a sus necesidades de salud.

La herramienta ofrece una evaluación de la posible elegibilidad para los beneficios del Plan de Salud de Oregon (OHP) y para recibir ayuda financiera a través del Mercado de Seguros, incluyendo una estimación de cuánta ayuda financiera que alguien podría recibir.

"Elegir un seguro médico puede resultar abrumador, especialmente cuando los planes y las opciones de cobertura cambian constantemente", señaló Chiqui Flowers, directora del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon. "La Guía de Planes brinda a las personas la oportunidad de explorar opciones antes de que comience la inscripción abierta, para que comprendan mejor qué coberturas y ayuda financiera podrían estar disponibles".

Esta nueva herramienta llega en un momento especialmente importante para 2027. Providence y PacificSource dejarán de ofrecer planes de salud individuales en Oregon, y Moda solo estará disponible en algunos condados. La Guía de Planes puede ayudar a las personas afectadas por estos cambios a entender qué planes están disponibles en su área y comparar sus opciones antes de elegir una cobertura.

Explore Health está disponible para los habitantes de Oregon que no tienen acceso a una cobertura médica asequible a través de su empleo y que no reúnen los requisitos para programas públicos de salud, como el Plan de Salud de Oregon.

El periodo de inscripción abierta para la cobertura de salud de 2027 será del 1 de noviembre de 2026 al 15 de enero de 2027. La Guía de Planes ya está disponible para que las personas puedan revisar sus opciones antes de que inicie la inscripción abierta. Usar esta herramienta no inscribe a nadie automáticamente en un plan de salud.

Explore Health es el nuevo mercado estatal de seguros médicos de Oregon. A partir del año del plan 2027, las personas y familias elegibles podrán utilizar Explore Health para buscar y elegir su cobertura de salud del Mercado.

Para explorar la Guía de Planes u obtener más información sobre la Inscripción Abierta, visite Espanol.ExploreHealthOR.gov. Las personas en Oregon también pueden programar una cita con un Socio de Inscripción para recibir ayuda para entender sus opciones y completar su inscripción.

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Redmond, OR – During the week of August 28, 2026, the Redmond Police Department (RPD) began an investigation of a minor female who was involved in a sexual relationship with an adult male in the Redmond-Bend area.  During the course of the investigation, it was learned several adult men in the area had been involved in a sexual relationship with a minor female.  The investigation revealed a minor female had been the victim of ongoing human sex trafficking.  The investigation resulted in a fourth arrest on October 13, 2026.

 

The following suspects were taken into custody, lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail, and charged with the listed crimes:

 

Shawn Michael Bowlin, 45-year-old male, Bend resident

Arrested: September 5, 2026

Rape 3

Sex Abuse 1

Encouraging Child Sex Abuse

Sodomy 3

 

Pedro Joel Linares Alonso, 22-year-old male, Bend resident 

Arrested: September 18, 2026

Rape 1

Rape 3

Sodomy 1

Sodomy 3

Luring Minor for Sexual Conduct

Online Sexual Corruption of a Child 1^st degree

Strangulation

 

Juan Carlos Linares, 31-year-old male, Bend resident

Arrested: September 18, 2026

Rape 3

Sodomy 3

Luring Minor for Sexual Conduct

Online Sexual Corruption of a Child 1^st degree

Probation Violation

 

Victor Santos Govea, 36-year-old male, Bend resident

Arrested: October 13, 2026

Trafficking in Persons

Compelling Prostitution

Promoting Prostitution

Luring a Minor

Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana

Providing Alcohol to an Intoxicated Person

Rape 3

Sex Abuse 2

Sodomy 3

Prohibited Acts / Tattoo (ORS 690.360)

 

RPD Detectives are seeking any other potential victims of human / sex trafficking regarding this investigation.  If you have any information about additional victims or information regarding this investigation, please contact non-emergency Dispatch and reference RPD case number 2026-30033.

 

Sex/Human trafficking is a real crime and it can happen anywhere.  If you, or someone you know, is a victim of sex/human trafficking there are several community resources such as the AT project.  Learn more about the AT project at https://at-project.org.  Another resource is In Our Backyard, a local advocacy group with more information available at https://inourbackyard.org.  

 

RPD would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance during the investigation:  Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Deschutes County Parole & Probation, United States Marshalls, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Human Services, and the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office.

 

 

Bend, Oregon — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Team was honored recently at the annual Oregon Emergency Management Association conference for its leadership in developing innovative and collaborative programs that strengthen emergency support for residents with access and functional needs.

 

Emergency Management staff members Ben Duda and Ashley Volz accepted the Oregon Emergency Management Association Innovation, Collaboration and Service Award on behalf of the Emergency Management Unit and its partner agencies. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to emergency management and to Oregon communities, especially those that have been underrepresented or underserved.

 

“Our Emergency Management team of Ben Duda, Ashley Volz, and Rachelle Brookins works tirelessly whenever an emergency requires public notification and support. Their efforts are often unseen, but they are committed year-round to ensuring timely information and assistance during challenging situations. I am very proud of their professionalism and dedication,” explained Special Services Lt. Nathan Garibay.

 

In partnership with County Health Services, Information Technology and Geographic Information Systems, 911, Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon State Fire Marshal, and other local and state agencies, the Emergency Management Team created an innovative program designed to better identify, notify, and support community members with access and functional needs during emergencies.

 

The program has been proven effective during recent wildfire evacuations and can be adapted for severe weather and other disaster situations. It brings together public outreach, voluntary alert system registration, annual data verification, real-time mapping, a virtual call center, and coordinated welfare checks for residents who need additional assistance. This comprehensive approach ensures that vulnerable residents are contacted quickly and consistently during emergencies.

 

“This initiative is truly an all-hands effort,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert. “By working closely with our partners, we are helping ensure that every community member, especially those who may face additional barriers during disasters, receives timely information and support. We are also committed to sharing this model with other jurisdictions to improve inclusive emergency preparedness throughout Oregon.”

 

 

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PORTLAND, Ore.— A Sacramento County, California, man charged in a wire fraud scheme made his initial appearance in federal court Tuesday before a U.S. magistrate judge. A federal grand jury in Portland has returned an indictment charging 35‑year‑old Daejon Labrayae Delenar Love with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

 

According to the indictment, Love and a co‑conspirator solicited victims to invest in fraudulent high‑yield investment opportunities, including an “expedited account” that promised unusually large and rapid returns. To gain victims’ trust, Love allegedly presented himself as a wealthy real estate investor or a current or former NFL player.

 

The indictment further alleges that Love used online dating and social media profiles containing fabricated personal and financial information, developed romantic relationships with victims, and staged displays of wealth to persuade victims to send cash or wire funds. Instead of investing the money as promised, Love allegedly used it for personal expenses, including travel, lodging, high‑end vehicles, clothing, jewelry, and other purchases.

 

Love was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and was ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on December 15, 2026.

 

If convicted, Love faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. He will also be required to forfeit any property obtained with proceeds from the scheme.

 

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Chinwuba and Christopher Cardani are prosecuting the case.

 

An indictment is only an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

In April, the Department of Justice announced the establishment of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, a new unit dedicated to investigating and prosecuting fraud. The division supports the President’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, which coordinates government‑wide efforts to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse in federal benefit programs.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 14, 2026

Contact Information: 

[email protected]">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist, (971) 301-3771

Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT

David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was 5.0% in September

Oregon’s unemployment rate was little changed at 5.0% in September and 5.1% in August. It has held to a tight range between 5.0% and 5.3% for the past 19 months, since March 2025 when it was 5.0%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in September and 4.1% in August.

 

In September, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 5,800 jobs, following a revised gain of 2,600 jobs in August. September’s gains were largest in construction (+2,000 jobs); health care and social assistance (+1,700); and leisure and hospitality (+1,300). Losses were largest in retail trade (-1,500 jobs).

 

In the past 12 months, payroll employment rose by 2,600 jobs, or 0.1%. Health care and social assistance continued its rapid growth during the past four years by adding 12,100 jobs, or 3.8%, in the past 12 months. Other services (+1,600 jobs, or 2.4%) and private education (+1,300, or 3.6%) were the other major industries that added the most jobs since September 2025. Manufacturing (-4,300 jobs, or -2.4%) cut the most jobs in that time, followed by government (-4,000 jobs, or -1.3%).

 

Construction employment drifted upward during April through August, then jumped higher by 2,000 jobs in September. In the past 12 months, each of the three component industries expanded: construction of buildings (+900 jobs); specialty trade contractors (+500); and heavy and civil engineering construction (+100).

 

Several industries rebounded over the most recent two months. Government added 1,300 jobs since July, following losses in prior months. Nonetheless, it has cut 4,000 jobs in the past 12 months. Manufacturing added 1,700 jobs since July, partially reversing steady declines during the past three years. Leisure and hospitality's September gain reversed losses in June and July.

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the September county and metropolitan area unemployment and jobs data on Tuesday, Oct. 20, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for October on Wednesday, Nov. 18. 

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.

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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 [email protected].

 

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 [email protected].

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SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announced funding approvals by the Oregon Housing Stability Council to develop or preserve 480 affordable rental homes and 36 homes for purchase in Newport, Grants Pass, Eugene, Lincoln City, Bend, Portland, and Hillsboro.

 

“Oregon is one of the greatest states because of the people who call it home and the communities that define it,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “We are grateful to local leaders who are working to ensure Oregon is a state of opportunity for everyday Oregonians, where people can afford to live and raise families.”

 

The rental investments include new housing for older adults, family-sized apartments, and housing for people with behavioral health needs. The approvals also support rehabilitation of existing affordable apartments, helping residents maintain access to stable housing.

 

The homeownership investments include homes prioritized for qualified hospital employees and survivors of the 2020 Echo Mountain Fire in Lincoln City, as well as new homes within a resident-owned community for older adults in Grants Pass.

 

The rental and homeownership approvals are as follows:
 

Home Type	Construction Type	Number of Homes	Location
Rental	New construction	32	Newport
Rental	Preservation	103	Grants Pass
Rental	New construction	45	Eugene
Rental	New construction	100	Hillsboro
Rental	New construction	143	Portland
Rental	New construction	57	Portland
Homeownership	New construction	9	Lincoln City
Homeownership	New construction	2	Grants Pass
Homeownership	New construction	25	Bend

 

The Housing Stability Council also approved the last available funding for the Older Adult Housing Program (OAHP), which was established through House Bill 3589 (2025) as part of the Senior Housing Development Initiative to expand Oregon's supply of affordable and accessible rental housing. This program is designed to support the expansion of accessible, affordable housing for older Oregonians, enabling them to age in place by leveraging state subsidies.

 

More detailed information regarding each project can be found in the Housing Stability Council meeting packet.

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Monday, October 12, 2026

Contact: Heidi Hagemeier, Arts & Culture Communications Coordinator, [email protected], 971-518-0966

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Arts and culture is part of the vibrancy of Oregon - sparking discovery, conversation and connection,” said Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson. “These grant awards are a vital investment in creating access to arts and culture for all Oregonians.”

 

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

 

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

 

Grant category key:

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

FY2026 Sustaining Arts Program grants awards by region:

Central

Jefferson, Deschutes and Crook counties

 

Group A

Cascade Chorale Association, Bend: $1,000

Central Oregon Mastersingers Inc, Bend: $2,250

Ellipse Theatre Community, Bend: $2,000

Kaycee Anseth Legacy Foundation, Bend: $1,000

OperaBend, Bend: $1,000

Ballet Bend, Bend: $1,000

 

Group B

BendFilm Inc, Bend: $7,025

Cascade School of Music, Bend: $7,025

Scalehouse, Bend: $5,000

SFF Presents, Sisters: $7,525

SSJ Inc, Sisters: $5,000

Sunriver Music Festival Inc, Sunriver: $5,000

Tananáwit, Warm Springs: $5,000

High Desert Museum, Bend: $15,000

Tower Theatre Foundation Inc, Bend: $8,000

 

Greater Eastern – North

Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla, Wheeler and Grant counties

 

Group B

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

Oregon East Symphony, Pendleton: $5,000

 

Greater Eastern – South

Harney and Malheur counties

 

Group A

Drexel H. Foundation, Vale: $2,000

 

Group B

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

 

Portland Metro

Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties

 

Group A

Airlie Press, Portland: $1,000

Amadeus Chamber Orchestra, Portland: $1,000

Anonymous Theatre Company, Tigard: $1,000

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

Aspen Meadow Band, Colton: $2,500

Aurora Chorus, Portland: $2,500

Bach Cantata Choir, Portland: $2,250

Bells of the Cascades, Tualatin: $1,000

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

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

Classical Up Close, Tigard: $1,000

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

Community Jams, Portland: $2,000

Conchords Chorale, Tualatin: $1,000

Shaun Keylock Company, Portland: $1,000

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

Elbow Room, Portland: $5,000

Elevate Unity Inc, Portland: $2,250

EnTaiko, Portland: $2,500

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

Friends of IFCC, Portland: $2,500

FROGTOWN, Portland: $1,000

From the Ground Up, Portland: $5,000

Future Prairie, Portland: $1,000

Greater Portland Flute Society, Portland: $1,000

Heidi Duckler Dance Northwest, Portland: $1,000

Immigrant Story, Portland: $2,250

In Mulieribus, Portland: $2,500

ISing Community Choir, Beaverton: $2,500

Many Hats Collaboration, Portland: $2,250

Media-Rites, Portland: $1,000

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

Misfit Academy, Portland: $2,000

MusicOregon, Portland: $2,250

Music Workshop, Portland: $5,500

Cascadia Composers, Portland: $1,000

New Moon Productions, Portland: $1,000

Northwest Dance Theatre, Tualatin: $2,500

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

Oregon Chorale, Hillsboro: $2,250

Oregon Origins Project, Portland: $2,500

Performance Works NW, Portland: $2,250

Piano Santa Foundation, Portland: $1,000

Portland Area Theatre Alliance, Portland: $5,000

Portland Chamber Music, Portland: $1,000

Portland Child Art Studio, Portland: $2,500

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

Portland Panorama, Portland: $2,500

Portland Radio Project, Portland: $2,250

Portland SummerFest, Portland: $2,500

PUSH FOLD, Portland: $2,500

Radix Vocal Ensemble, Portland: $1,000

Renegade Opera, Portland: $1,000

Risk/Reward, Portland: $2,250

Rose City Pride Bands, Portland: $2,000

Shady Pines Radio, Portland: $2,500

Sincere Studio, Portland: $2,500

Siren Nation Inc, Portland: $1,000

Stage Fright Festival, Portland: $1,000

Swan Songs, Portland: $1,000

Takohachi Inc, Portland: $2,500

The Artback, Portland: $1,000

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

Tualatin Valley Community Band, Tigard: $1,000

Tualatin Valley Symphony, Tigard: $1,000

Unlock the Arts, Portland: $1,000

Westside Orchestra Association, Hillsboro: $1,000

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

Zephyr Clarinet Choir, Tigard: $1,000

 

Group B

21ten Theatre, Portland: $5,000

Alberta Abbey Foundation, Portland: $7,025

Friends of Noise, Portland: $7,025

All Classical, Portland: $12,000

Architectural Foundation of Oregon, Portland: $7,025

Art in Oregon, Portland: $5,000

Art in the Pearl, Portland: $5,000

Artists Repertory Theatre, Portland: $7,115

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

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

Bag & Baggage Productions, Hillsboro: $5,250

The Beaverton Arts Foundation, Beaverton: $10,000

Beaverton Symphony Orchestra, Beaverton: $5,000

BodyVox Inc, Portland: $7,115

Boom Arts, Portland: $5,000

Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Tigard: $10,000

Caldera, Portland: $10,000

Cappella Romana Inc, Portland: $7,015

Chamber Music Northwest, Portland: $8,000

Clackamas Repertory Theatre, Oregon City: $5,025

CoHo Productions, Portland: $5,000

Corrib Theatre, Portland: $5,000

Cracked Pots, Portland: $5,000

Curious Comedy Productions, Portland: $5,115

CymaSpace, Portland: $5,115

Echo Theater Company, Portland: $7,025

Choral Arts Ensemble, Portland: $5,000

Ethos Inc, Portland: $7,025

Experience Theatre Project, Beaverton: $5,000

Film Action Oregon, Portland: $12,000

Friends of Chamber Music, Portland: $6,025

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

Hand2Mouth, Portland: $5,000

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

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

In a Landscape, Portland: $7,025

Independent Publishing Resource Center, Portland: $5,000

Lakewood Theatre Company, Lake Oswego: $8,000

Literary Arts Inc, Portland: $12,000

Live Wire Radio, Portland: $5,250

MetroEast Community Media, Gresham: $7,525

Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland: $7,025

Miracle Theatre Group, Portland: $5,025

Montavilla Jazz Festival, Portland: $5,000

My Voice Music, Portland: $6,025

New Expressive Works, Portland: $5,000

North Pole Studio, Portland: $5,000

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

Northwest Professional Dance Project, Portland: $7215

Old Church Society Inc, Portland: $5,250

Open Hearts Open Minds, Portland: $5,000

Open Space, Portland: $5,025

Oregon ArtsWatch, Portland: $5,015

Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland: $15,000

Oregon BRAVO Youth Orchestras, Portland: $7,015

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

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

Oregon International Ballet Academy, Portland: $5,000

Oregon Repertory Singers, Portland: $5,115

Oregon Society of Artists, Portland: $5,025

Oregon Symphony Association, Portland: $18,000

OrpheusPDX, Portland: $5,000

Outside the Frame, Portland: $6,075

Pacific Youth Choir, Portland: $5,015

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

Phame Academy, Portland: $6,025

Play It Forward, Beaverton: $5,500

PlayWrite, Portland: $5,000

Portland Art Museum, Portland: $18,000

Portland Baroque Orchestra, Portland: $7,000

Portland Center Stage, Portland: $15,000

Open Signal, Portland: $1,000

Portland Cultural Dance Collective, Portland: $5,015

Portland Drama Club, Portland: $5,000

Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble, Portland: $5,015

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

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

PDX Jazz, Portland: $7,075

Portland Lesbian Choir, Portland: $5,000

Portland Opera Association Inc, Portland: $13,000

Portland Piano International, Portland: $5,025

Portland Playhouse, Portland: $7,775

Portland Revels, Portland: $5,000

Portland Street Art Alliance, Portland: $7,015

Portland Taiko, Portland: $5,000

Portland Youth Philharmonic, Portland: $7,525

Profile Theatre Project, Portland: $6,000

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

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

Resonance Ensemble, Portland: $5,000

Scarlet Sails Cultural Foundation, Beaverton: $5,000

SCRAP Creative Reuse, Portland: $7,115

Shaking the Tree Theatre, Portland: $5,000

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

Sticky Culture, Portland: $2,000

Street Books, Portland: $5,000

Stumptown Stages, Portland: $5,025

Synth Library Portland, Portland: $2,250

The Portland Ballet, Portland: $6,025

The Vanport Mosaic, Portland: $5,000

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

Third Rail Repertory Theatre, Portland: $5,025

Tilikum Chamber Orchestra, Portland: $1,000

Vibe of Portland, Portland: $5,000

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

White Bird, Portland: $7,025

Willamette Light Brigade, Portland: $6,025

Willamette Writers, Portland: $5,000

Write Around Portland, Portland: $5,000

Arts for Learning Northwest, Portland: $7,525

Young Musicians & Artists, Portland: $5,500

Youth Music Project, West Linn: $8,000

 

Mid-Valley

Yamhill, Polk and Marion counties

 

Group A

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

Focus on Book Arts, Monmouth: $1,000

Keizer Homegrown Theatre, Keizer: $1,000

McMinnville Film Festival Foundation, McMinnville: $2,250

Oregon Artists Series Foundation, Salem: $1,000

Oregon Community Theatre Alliance, McMinnville: $1,000

Salem Big Band, Salem: $1,000

Salem Orchestra, Salem: $1,000

Salem Pops Orchestra, Salem: $1,000

Salem Youth Symphony Association, Salem: $2,500

Silverton Arts Association, Silverton: $2,000

Oregon Spirit Chorus, Salem: $2,500

The Moxie Initiative, Salem: $1,000

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

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

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

 

Group B

Chehalem Center Association, Newberg: $7,025

Historic Elsinore Theatre, Salem: $7,025

Pentacle Theatre, Salem: $5,175

Salem Art Association, Salem: $5,500

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

Willamette Master Chorus, Salem: $5,000

Yamhill Enrichment Society, McMinnville: $5,025

 

North Central

Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties

 

Group B

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

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

 

North Coast

Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties

 

Group A

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

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

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

Columbia Chorale of Oregon, Warren: $1,000

North Coast Chorale, Astoria: $1,000

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

Tolovana Arts Colony, Cannon Beach: $2,500

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

 

Group B

Hoffman Center, Manzanita: $2,500

Liberty Restoration Inc, Astoria: $7225

Ten Fifteen Productions, Astoria: $5,000

 

Northeast

Wallowa, Union and Baker counties

 

Group A

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

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

 

Group B

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

Art Center East, La Grande: $5,000

Fishtrap Inc, Enterprise: $5,015

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

 

South Central

Klamath and Lake counties

 

Group A

Klamath Music, Klamath Falls: $2,000

 

Group B

PLAYA, Summer Lake: $5,015

 

South Coast

Douglas, Coos and Curry counties

 

Group A

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

Dolphin Players Inc, Coos Bay: $1,000

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

Redfish Music Festival, Port Orford: $1,000

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

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

 

South Valley/Mid Coast

Lincoln, Benton, Linn and Lane counties

 

Group A

Applegate Regional Theatre Inc, Veneta: $2,000

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

Coastal Voices, Newport: $1,000

Corvallis Guitar Society, Corvallis: $1,000

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

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

Eugene Springfield Community Orchestra, Eugene: $1,000

Florence Regional Arts Alliance, Florence: $5,000

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

New Zone Gallery, Eugene: $2,500

Oregon Brass Society, Eugene: $1,000

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

Radical Alternative Development, Elmira: $1,000

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

Springfield Community Concert Band, Springfield: $1,000

Generations Arts Academy, Harrisburg: $1,000

Willamette Valley Symphony, Eugene: $1,000

 

Group B

Radiant Community Arts, Eugene: $5,000

Ballet Fantastique, Eugene: $5,500

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

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

Comunidad y Herencia Cultural, Springfield: $5,000

Corvallis Arts Center Inc, Corvallis: $5,250

Corvallis Fall Festival, Corvallis: $5,000

Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, Corvallis: $5,000

Corvallis Youth Symphony Association, Corvallis: $5,000

Cottage Theatre, Cottage Grove: $5,025

Eugene Ballet, Eugene: $1,000

Eugene Concert Choir, Eugene: $5,025

Eugene Opera, Eugene: $5,025

Eugene Symphony Association Inc, Eugene: $1,000

#instaballet, Eugene: $5,000

Lane Arts Council, Eugene: $7,025

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

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

Maude Kerns Art Center, Eugene: $5,015

Maxtivity, Philomath: $5,000

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

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

Orchestra Next, Eugene: $5,000

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

Oregon Contemporary Theatre, Eugene: $5,250

Oregon Mozart Players, Eugene: $5,000

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

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

 

Southern

Josephine and Jackson counties

 

Group A

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

Art Presence Inc, Jacksonville: $2,250

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

Ashland New Plays Festival, Ashland: $2,500

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

Ashland Flute Circle, Medford: $1,000

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

Rogue Valley Symphonic Band, Talent: $1,000

Siskiyou Singers Inc, Ashland: $2,000

Ashland Independent Film Festival, Ashland: $5,000

Southern Oregon Guild, Cave Junction: $2,000

 

Group B

Storytown, Ashland: $5,000

Camelot Theatre Company, Talent: $7,025

Collaborative Theatre Project Inc, Medford: $5,000

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

Oregon Shakespeare Festival Association, Ashland: $18,000

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

Rogue Valley Art Association, Medford: $5,000

Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, Ashland: $5,000

Southern Oregon University Foundation - Chamber Music Concerts, Ashland: $5,000

Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon, Medford: $5,000

 

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

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet virtually at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Amphibians questions 1 & 2 into existing research agenda

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

 

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

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Granite Bay, California, man pleaded guilty today to cyberstalking his ex‑girlfriend and posting sexually explicit photos of her online.

Jason David Campos, 44, pleaded guilty to stalking and aggravated identity theft.

 

According to court documents, Campos harassed his ex‑girlfriend from 2009 to 2023 by posting intimate images and personal information about her online without her consent. He created social media and forum accounts using her name and, in some cases, encouraged others to contact or harass her.

 

In 2021, Campos created an email account using the victim’s maiden name and used it to impersonate her and obtain her confidential legal file. Later that year, he sent intimate images of the victim to her attorney from the same account.

 

In 2022, Campos sent emails to an account belonging to the victim, attempting to confirm her identity and referencing a minor family member whose name he obtained from her legal file. In 2023, he used an instant messaging app to distribute intimate images of the victim to strangers and directed them to contact an email account he controlled that had previously belonged to the victim.

 

On April 9, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland indicted Campos on charges of stalking, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Under the plea agreement, Campos pleaded guilty to stalking and aggravated identity theft.

 

Campos has agreed to pay full restitution to the victim and to her attorney for services provided in response to the fraudulent records request.

 

Campos faces a maximum of five years in prison for stalking and a mandatory two‑year consecutive sentence for aggravated identity theft, along with fines and supervised release terms.

 

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2027, before a U.S. District Court judge.

 

“Today’s plea sends a clear message that those who use the internet to harass, intimidate and exploit others will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “We remain committed to protecting victims of online abuse and ensuring offenders face the full consequences of their actions.”

 

The FBI investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory R. Nyhus is prosecuting the case, with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick.

###

TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) worked with the non-profit Trash No Land to make major improvements to the four shooting lanes at Wolf Creek in the Tillamook State Forest. They reopened the lanes this month after being closed for several weeks to complete the work.

 

“The improvements include increased yardage at the lanes, packed gravel walkways and staging areas, new signage, and fire and other safety improvements,” said Ben Burns, Recreation Facilities Manager for ODF’s State Forests Division. “Thanks to the $30,000 raised by Trash No Lands we were able to get all this work done in just a few weeks.”

 

One of the most notable improvements was the increased yardage for the lanes.

 

“The number one ask from target shooters using the lanes was increased yardage,” said Bill Cogley, president and co-founder of Trash No Land.

Lane 1 was 35 yards, and now it’s 120 yards. Lane 2 was 24 yards, and now it’s 70 yards, Lane 3 was 60 yards plus the 16-yard pistol berm, and it’s now 70 yards with the pistol berm slightly longer at 18 yards, Lane 4 was 80 yards and is now 106 yards.

 

“The 100-yard distance is important because that’s what most hunters and target shooters use to sight in their rifles,” said Cogley. “What people were doing is setting their target way up the backstops in areas with a lot of vegetation to get the 100-yards. During summer that was a big safety concern since those rounds had the potential to start fires.”

 

Cogley and Burns are confident the new 100-yard plus lanes will greatly reduce that hazard.

 

“We also did a lot of vegetation management before the contractor started work,” said Burns. “Crews from South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) cleared out brush and dry vegetation on the sides and back of the lanes to improve fire safety.”

 

SFFC is jointly run by ODF and the Department of Corrections and does many construction and maintenance projects in Tillamook State Forest. They also provide trained fire crews during wildfire season.

 

The other big improvement at the lanes was the addition of gravel.

 

“These lanes often were a muddy mess six-to-eight months out of the year,” said Cogley. “It made it inconvenient and messy to stand and walk out to set up and retrieve targets. So, some folks were kind of lazy and didn’t want to walk through the mud to pick up their used targets and pack out their other trash if it was wet and muddy. Now the lanes have gravel walkways out to set up the targets and gravel behind the Jersey barriers where folks shoot from. Our hope is this will greatly reduce the trash left at the ranges.”

 

Although the walkways are not ADA compliant, they do provide better wheelchair access.

 

“One of our board members uses a wheelchair so he was an advocate for making the walkways easy to use for those with mobility issues,” said Cogley. “The compacted gravel makes that possible now.”

 

The other improvement was better informational signage.

 

“Increased use of visuals on the signs make them quicker and easier to read and the repaired wood kiosks at each lane should make them more durable,” said Burns

 

Trash No Land also repainted the concrete Jersey barriers with a camouflage design, scrubbed graffiti off of boulders and picked up trash.

 

“Our hope is with all these improvements the estimated 25,000 yearly users of the lanes will take better care of them,” said Cogley. “Without a doubt these are the best public land shooting lanes in the entire Northwest which is why you see so many shooters out here.”

 

Cogley appreciates the 10-year working relationship with ODF.

 

“Our non-profit became official back in 2017, and we started it because of ODF’s willingness to listen, work and improve Wolf Creek in a collaborative manner.  It’s truly a win-win for everyone.”

 

For more information about volunteer opportunities, see the Trash No Land website.

For current regulations, updates and closures, visit the Tillamook State Forest target shooting website or contact the ODF Forest Grove office at (503) 357-2191.

For more information about Trash No Land and volunteer opportunities, see the Trash No Land website.

October 13, 2026

Media Contact: Kristen Lambert, [email protected]" rel="noopener" target="_blank">[email protected]

Medicaid Advisory Committee Accepting Applications

External - New Applicants

• New applicants please apply externally HERE
  • You will be instructed to create a Workday profile using an email and password
  • Sign in, search for Medicaid Advisory Committee, and select the Apply button
• Detailed guidance on how to apply externally can be found - HERE

Internal – New Applicants

Applicants who are already board members applying for reappointment or would like to apply for another board, and/or current state workers, please apply internally:

• Log into Workday – HERE
  • On the homepage, click on Menu and then select
  • Click on Internal – Find
  • Search for Medicaid Advisory Committee and select the Apply
• Detailed guidance on how to apply internally can also be found – HERE

Only complete applications will be considered. A complete application consists of: contact information, short personal bio, responses to application questions, demographic information, uploaded resume, background check questions, voluntary disclosures, and additional tasks (prompted by Workday).

Applicants are subject to a background check, and additional vetting may apply for some board positions. Notifying us about something in your past does not necessarily mean that you cannot or will not be appointed; but, it is important that you disclose this information in the beginning of the process. Please ensure your fiscal responsibilities are in order when applying. Non-compliant issues may delay or jeopardize your potential appointment.

Contact: If you have questions, please contact Sarah Wetherson ([email protected], 503-793-1920).

You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille or a format you prefer free of charge. Contact [email protected] or 971-304-9642. We accept all relay calls. 

###

John Day - The Oregon Heritage Commission will have tours of local heritage preservation efforts in John Day on Oct. 25 and will meet for the business meeting on Oct. 26 at 9am at the Grant County Regional Airport and online via zoom.
 

The business meeting agenda includes a Commission discussion on the museum grant and heritage grant program, information on an update to the Cost of Collections Care report, a presentation on the Chinese Diaspora Project, an overview of the Oregon Covered Bridges Needs Assessment Report, and more.

This meeting is open to the public and there is an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting for public comment. Public comment can be made online or by written submission. For online attendance, registration is required. To view the full agenda, register for the virtual meeting, or learn more about public comment options, visit here.
 

The Heritage Commission’s nine Governor appointed members represent a diversity of cultural, geographic, and institutional interests. The Commission’s nine advisory members include representatives from the Oregon State Library, Oregon State Archives, State Historical Records Advisory Board, Higher Education Coordinating Committee, Travel Oregon, Oregon Historical Society, Department of Education, State Historic Preservation Office, and the Department of Land Conservation and Development.
 

The Commission is the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in the state. This includes carrying out the Oregon Heritage Plan, increasing efficiency and avoiding duplication among interest groups, developing plans for coordination among agencies and organizations, encouraging tourism related to heritage resources, and coordinating statewide anniversary commemorations.
 

More information about the Oregon Heritage Commission is available online at www.oregonheritage.org and from Commission coordinator Katie Henry at 503-877-8834 or [email protected]. 
 

###

The ISOR-PH Regular board meeting has been scheduled for October 15th, 2026 @11:30am.

Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that a Meeting of the Board is scheduled for October 15th, 2026 @11:30am. 

 

The meeting will take place on October 15th, 2026 @11:30am.

Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that the Meeting of the Board will be held at:

1.Via Teleconference - using any of the following US phone numbers

+1 253 215 8782

+1 346 248 7799

+1 669 900 9128

+1 301 715 8592

+1 312 626 6799

+1 646 558 8656

Meeting ID is: 915 0788 7277

And

2. Via Zoom Meeting Link:

https://onlineoregon-org.zoom.us/j/91507887277

 

The Public has been invited to the Board Meeting with notices posted at the following locations:

A. FlashNet Newswire

http://flashalertbend.net/press-releases.html

B. Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Office

603 NW 3rd Street

Prineville, OR 97754

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

A Statewide Exercise Built for Whole Community Engagement

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

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

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

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

Building on Lessons Learned

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

During this informal retreat, board members will focus on:

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

View the agenda and retreat details.

 

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

 

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

 

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at [email protected]">[email protected].

 

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30-million-acre forestland base. Learn more about the board.

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

For immediate release

October 12, 2026

Contact Chris Nelson (503) 551-0531

 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CURRICULUM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The projects funded in this round include: 

• Douglas County

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

• Josephine and Jackson counties

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

• Grant County

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

                                                                                          # # # 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Town Hall Meeting Details

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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More information

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

For questions about the LGBTQIA2S+ Subcommittee of the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services, send an email to [email protected]" target="_blank" title="mailto:lgb[email protected]">[email protected].

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

 

When can I burn my yard debris?

 

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

 

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

 

What if I want to have a campfire?

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

Trails will be closed starting mid- and late October.

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

Check the park pages linked below for updates.

Humbug Mountain State Park

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

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

Cape Blanco State Park

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

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