On Saturday March 22 at approx 11:23 am a report of a Motor Vehicle Crash prompted a multi-agency response including Sweet Home Fire, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation.   The single vehicle was heading East on Highway 20 near the Yukwah Campground when the vehicle plummeted off the roadway approx 30 feet down an embankment striking a tree before landing on its wheels with chest high water rushing into the vehicle.  The vehicle sustained heavy damage to the passenger compartment and was considered unstable due to the high water level.  Early reports told crews the victim was pinned in the vehicle with water up to their head.  Two off-duty firefighters from Crook County Fire and Rescue and the Ochoco Forest Service came upon the wreck and determined the victim was in a life-threatening situation.  They quickly jumped into action, freeing the victim from the vehicle and ultimately getting them safely to shore.  While we don’t normally encourage bystanders to put themselves in harm's way, these rescuers were able to use their training and knowledge to make a significant difference in the victim's outcome.  These individuals selflessly risked their own safety to prevent the victim from further harm, ensuring that the victim was not swept down the river and helping to prevent hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the frigid water. Responding crews then packaged the victim and set up a rope system to bring them safely to the roadway and the waiting ambulance. The victim appeared to have non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Responding crews from Sweet Home Fire included a Rescue Unit, Medic Unit, Support unit and 2 Command vehicles with a total of 4 on-duty personnel and an additional 9 off-duty personnel responding from home.  We would also like to thank the agencies initially dispatched but cancelled prior to arrival including Lifeflight, Linn County Search and Rescue, Lane County Search and Rescue.

At approximately 07:11 AM on March 21, 2025, Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District responded to a structure fire at 41900 Marks Ridge Rd. Upon arrival of the first responding units there was heavy fire and smoke coming from a bedroom window and through the roof near the back of a manufactured home on the property. 5 residents were outside and stated that they were in the structure when the fire started in a back bedroom. Two of the residents state that there was no power to the home and they were in the living room when one noticed flames and smoke coming from the unoccupied bedroom. They woke up the other residents in the house, gathered their pets and made their escape before the structure was completely filled with heavy smoke. After firefighters were assured that there was no one in the home, they checked that all doors and windows were closed and started extinguishing the main fire through the burned out window of the bedroom from outside. Once a water tender arrived on scene and the majority of the fire was knocked down, firefighters made entry through the front door and fully extinguished the remainder of the fire. While there was heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the structure, the most severe fire damage was kept to the corner of the home where the initial fire started and was successfully prevented from extending through the attic space to other rooms. A total of 10 firefighters responded on 3 firefighting apparatus and one medic unit. The extent of the fire spread could have been much worse had the residents not closed all of the doors after escaping the structure, helping to limit the oxygen available to the fire. The specific cause of the fire remains undetermined but is possible to have been started by a faulty portable charging device in the bedroom. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, March 21, 2025 – 5:00 pm

Douglas County Flooding Event - Day Six Response/Recovery

(Douglas County, Ore.) – The Douglas County Commissioners understand there is a tremendous need for resources right now, and they continue to request additional resources for residents impacted by the March 16 Storm. The hopeful influence of the Douglas County Commissioner’s Emergency Declaration combined with the State of Oregon’s Emergency Declaration provided access for Douglas County’s Emergency Manager to continue asking for and building capacity in areas where we do not have local resources or the manpower to help.  This will help us to respond more effectively to the challenges that lay ahead in the aftermath of the storm.  

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners along with several Douglas County Departments including Emergency Management, Public Works, Solid Waste, Parks, GIS, and Sheriff’s Office and our partners like Douglas Public Health Network and our local cities (Canyonville, Drain, Elkton, Glendale, Myrtle Creek, Oakland, Reedsport, Riddle, Roseburg, Sutherlin, Winston and Yoncalla), Cow Creek Tribal Government, regional agencies, and local private contractors continue to work on shoring up mudslides; repairing and cleaning up roads; repairing utilities; preparing contractors and equipment in preparation for upcoming weather; assessing and estimating damage; providing access to more resources as they become available and doing our best to communicate with our residents.  This storm affected all levels of government from cities to counties to tribal lands to state lands to federal lands and all have been a part of the response that has impacted over 10 counties in Oregon.  We ask that you please have patience with staff at our local agencies, especially at the city and county level, as most have limited staff that have been working non-stop since Sunday.  We are all doing our best to manage this event and working hard to mitigate the response as we ramp up capacity for state and possible federal assistance.

Douglas County Parks – Flood Update & Boat Ramp Closures

Several of our Douglas County Parks were impacted by the March 16 Winter Storm.  Park staff have been working diligently to access the storm impact, clean up debris, and repair damage.  With spring salmon season nearly upon us, the Parks Department wanted to let residents know that a few key boat ramp locations on the Umpqua River System are closed due to flood damage.  The good news is that the following boat ramps are open: John P. Amacher County Park; Whistler’s Bend County Park, Cleveland Rapids County Park, Umpqua Landing County Park, James Wood County Park, and Colliding Rivers County Park.  However, the following boat ramps are temporarily closed for flood repair Yellow Creek Recreation Area County Park, Scott Creek Count Park and Scottsburg County Park.  Thank you for your patience as Parks staff work as quickly as possible to get these boat ramps open again.   For more information about our Douglas County Parks visit https://www.douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks.

Today, Douglas County Emergency Management staff, alongside more than 40 volunteers from local agencies, participated in a training session and then headed out in teams to conduct a rapid street-level damage assessment survey all across Douglas County.  The survey is part of the ongoing assessment of the March 16 Winter Storm that will be used to apply for State and possibly Federal assistance.  A "flood survey assessment team" is a group of trained individuals who conduct field investigations and analyses to assess flood damage after a major disaster.  These teams are assessing county-operated right-of-way only and will not be entering or asking for permission to access private property.  If you experienced private property damage from the recent storm, please contact your insurance agent for an assessment. 

MARCH 16, 2025, STORM RESOURCES

Douglas County Public Works – GIS Division

Among the many talented and dedicated departments at Douglas County Government is our Geographic Information System Division (GIS).  GIS is a technology that is used to create, manage, analyze, and map all types of data. Check out the interactive map they created for real time mapping the mud and landslides on Douglas County operated roads. Check it out at this link: www.dcor.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=d87f0b16e9da40a791467d9ab7ddcf32  

2-1-1 Information Line

Do you need flood related resources?  Do you have flood related questions?  Please call 2-1-1.  The 2-1-1 info line is a part of the services we requested from Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM).  OEM staff are also assisting with our damage assessment surveys.  This 24-hour resource center can help identify, navigate, and connect you with local resources.  Get help with questions about insurance, flood damage, resources, debris removal and shelters.  For non-flood related questions that can wait, please email your questions and concerns to ts@douglascountyor.gov">douglasalerts@douglascountyor.gov, to report a slide or road damage or issue call (541) 440-4471 or for life-safety emergencies always call 9-1-1.

Red Cross Shelter Open Through Monday in Roseburg

Red Cross has opened a temporary emergency shelter at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg for residents who have been displaced by the March 16, 2025, storm. It is located at 2110 SW Frear Street in Roseburg, just off I-5, Exit 123.  The shelter will be open until Monday, March 24, 2025.  Shelter status will be envaulted on Monday for need.  Shelter staff can help with meals, basic supplies, and connect you with additional recovery resources. If residents need assistance with relocating animals – pets or livestock they need to reach out the Douglas County Animal Control Division of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.  The DCSO Dog Control Deputy can be reached at (541) 440-4471.

American Red Cross Cleanup Kits Available 

The American Red Cross is distributing free cleanup kits for affected households. These kits include items like gloves, masks, mops, buckets, and cleaning supplies. For availability and pickup locations, contact American Red Cross – SW Oregon Chapter at (541) 344-5244 or visit: https://www.redcross.org/local/oregon/about-us/locations/southwest-oregon-chapter.html 

Douglas County Solid Waste Department March 2025 Emergency Action Adjustment

Douglas County Commissioners worked with the Douglas County Solid Waste Department to create and implement an emergency action adjustment for March 16 Storm-related wood waste debris and flood related refuse.   Increased transfer site availability for our residents in heavily impacted areas.  The special programs are available to Douglas County residents only.   Visit their webpage to learn more about the emergency action adjustment https://douglascountyor.gov/396/Solid-Waste.   The declaration process also allows the County to upscale our county road repair program and domestic cleanup process with access to regional consulting firms that specialize in disaster recovery.

Oregon Department of Human Services and Douglas Public Health Network

ODHS is assisting with health and wellness checks.  DPHN can help connect you with local health services, preparedness information, and resources.

Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Farm Service Agency and OSU Extension Service 

Aids farmers, farms, wineries, private forest landowners, and ranches impacted by floods.  Offering support programs for crop loss, damaged fencing, livestock needs, determining potential for Federal assistance and offering emergency assistance.  Contact ODA at (503) 986-4550 or visit www.oregon.gov/oda/.  Contact the Douglas County FSA Office at (541) 673-6071 or visit https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app. Contact the OSU Extension Service in Roseburg at (541) 672-4461 or visit https://extension.oregonstate.edu/douglas.

Team Rubicon – Community-Based Cleanup Support 

Team Rubicon is a volunteer-based organization that assists with cleanup after disasters. A minimum number of residents in the same area must request help before they can deploy resources. For more information visit: https://teamrubiconusa.org/

Resources for Businesses Impacted by Flooding 

Businesses affected by flooding should document all losses and damage.  Recovery resources may be available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) or local economic development agencies.  Businesses are encouraged to report damages to the local Chamber of Commerce or Economic Development office to help with resource needs.  Stay tuned for updates from the Oregon Business Recovery Center or contact Business Oregon at https://www.oregon.gov/biz.  Reach out to Sonya McCormick, Public Private Partnership Manager at mick@oem.oregon.gov">sonya.mccormick@oem.oregon.gov 

Does DEQ Have Flood Recovery Resources? 

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) may offer guidance or support related to:  Household hazardous waste disposal; Septic system concerns; and Environmental cleanup regulations.  Residents should check with DEQ’s regional office or visit https://www.oregon.gov/deq for updates and guidance on specific to flood recovery. 

Oregon Housing and Community Services

OHCS will be helping to manage, access, and find housing resources for residents displaced by the storm.  Visit https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/pages/index.aspx.

As we continue to migrate towards recovery mode, we will be calling in more resources from the State and possibly the Federal Government.  The State’s declaration is also the steppingstone for access to possible funding from the Federal Government in the future. 

MARCH 16, 2025, STORM TIPS

Be Aware of Scams During Disaster Recovery 

Unfortunately, scammers often target disaster survivors by posing as cleanup crews, insurance agents, or government officials.  Never give out personal information, Social Security numbers, or banking details to unknown individuals. Be cautious of anyone asking for upfront payment for repairs or services—legitimate assistance providers will not demand payment before services are rendered.  If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 or visit www.oregonconsumer.gov. 

Reentering & Cleaning up Your Home After a Flood 

Flooding of homes and other buildings frequently results in damage to clothing and other items. Depending on the items involved, some may be easily salvaged while others are probably not worth the work or expense to clean and disinfect them. The basic rule of thumb is if it absorbs water, throw it out. Also, do not turn the electricity back on if any power outlets are below the flood line. If outlets have been under water and you turn the power back on before disconnecting them, they can spark and set your house on fire. This is one of the leading causes of home loss after a flood. Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system before restoring power.  Read more about health risks to consider when reentering your flooded home - Oregon Health Authority www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/Preparedness/CurrentHazards/Pages/HomeSafetyReentry.aspx

Weather and Travel Watch

We continue to encourage our residents to monitor and utilize the following resources for weather updates and travel.

National Weather Service – Medford Station @ https://www.weather.gov/mfr/

Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) https://tripcheck.com/

Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s Flood Dashboard at https://tinyurl.com/aa6z9rrt

Make Plan - Build a Kit - Be Informed

As Emily Ring alluded to in her interview with Kyle Bailey the other day on Inside Douglas County, the time to prepare is before an emergency hits.  However, with more winter weather headed our way this weekend, we wanted to briefly remind residents about a few quick things you can do to be better prepared should this weekend or anytime in the future turn into an emergency. 

Please stay vigilant out there.  1) Monitor weather and road condition websites for the most up-to-date information and warnings before you travel.  2) Know that floodwaters are extremely dangerous. 2) Remember to turn around, don’t drown! 3)  Do not drive around barricades or through flooded roads. 4) Be extra careful at night when it’s harder to discern high water and mudslide dangers.  5) Proceed and exercise extreme caution when traveling through impacted areas.  6) Please be patient, slow down, expect delays or take alternative routes through areas with heavy equipment, work crews, flaggers and posted closure signs.

Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice continue to provide leadership, monitor conditions, issue updates, coordinate resources, and work diligently with local and state partners on this emergency event.  Thank you for your patience and stay safe!

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Lead County Public Information Officer - (541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office – a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

PORTLAND, Ore.—Two brothers from Sedona, Arizona, pleaded guilty for conspiring with one another and others to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) out of nearly $109 million in loans intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eric Karnezis, 43, pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiring to commit wire fraud. Today, in a separate but related case, Anthony Karnezis, 43, also pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud.

According to court documents, from January 2021 until at least March 2022, Eric Karnezis carried out a scheme whereby he conspired to gather false and fraudulent business information from customers and used the information to submit at least 350 fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications through Blueacorn, a lender service provider, to Capital Plus Financial, a lender participating in the PPP. To facilitate the scheme, Eric Karnezis and his co-conspirators created fictious documents to support the fraudulent loan applications, including false payroll information and tax documents.

In total, Eric Karnezis submitted or caused to be submitted at least 1,300 PPP applications, which together attempted to obtain at least $178 million from Capital Plus Financial, of which approximately $105 million in loans were funded in response to the fraudulent applications. Additionally, Eric Karnezis required applicants to pay a fee for his role in the conspiracy and he received approximately $3 million for submitting the fraudulent applications.

Anthony Karnezis carried out a related scheme through at least March 2022, whereby he conspired with his brother, among others, to gather fraudulent business information from customers and used the information to submit at least 140 fraudulent PPP loan applications, through Blueacorn, to Capital Plus Financial. Based on the false and misrepresented information, more than $3.9 million in loans were funded in response to these fraudulent applications. Anthony Karnezis also required applicants to pay a fee for his role in the conspiracy and he received more than $957,000 for submitting the fraudulent applications.

On August 21, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 23-count indictment charging Eric Karnezis and other defendants with conspiring to commit and committing wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering.

On February 19, 2025, Anthony Karnezis was charged by criminal information with conspiring to commit wire fraud.

Each faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release and will both be sentenced on June 20, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Karin J. Immergut.

As part of their plea agreements, Eric Karnezis agreed to pay between $25 million and $65 million in restitution to their victims, and Anthony Karnezis agreed to pay between $3.5 million and $9.5 million in restitution to their victims. They have also agreed to forfeit any criminally-derived proceeds and property.

This case was investigated by the SBA Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI), the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). It is being prosecuted by Meredith Bateman and Robert Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon. Forfeiture proceedings are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Jarett, also of the District of Oregon.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

# # #

Oregon’s K-12 public schools will receive a record $76.8 million from the Common School Fund in 2025, state officials announced today.

“Across the country, school districts are facing budget shortages caused by the expiration of federal pandemic relief dollars, declining enrollment, increasing costs due to inflation, and many other factors,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “Here in Oregon, we are lucky to have the Common School Fund – a critical and reliable resource in our shared goal to give students the best shot to succeed.”

Every one of Oregon’s 197 school districts receives money from the Common School Fund, which has supported public education since statehood, every year. How much each district receives depends on the number of students served. Portland Public Schools, the state’s largest district, will receive $6.6 million in 2025. Redmond School District will receive $974,288. Coos Bay School District will receive $382,092.

The average 2025 distribution is $389,607. Bethel School District in Eugene, with about 5,000 students, will receive $806,193 in 2025. See how much every Oregon school district will receive from the Common School Fund in 2025 (PDF). 

“The Common School Fund is consistent and can be used for anything, from keeping the lights on to providing instruction,” said Benjamin Dodds, teacher at Bethel School District’s Willamette High School. “That’s what makes it such a helpful funding source for schools across Oregon.”

The Common School Fund has contributed to schools since Oregon became a state, when the federal government granted nearly 3.4 million acres "for the use of schools." The State Land Board – Oregon’s Governor, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer – was established to oversee these school lands dedicated to generating revenue for the Common School Fund.

Valued at $2.38 billion as of February 2025, the Common School Fund is managed by the Oregon State Treasury, with oversight from the Oregon Investment Council. The Fund achieved a 9.7 percent return in 2024.
 

Annually, 3.5 percent of the Fund is distributed to schools. The 2025 distribution of $76.8 million is $2.6 million more than the 2024 distribution of $74.2 million and $4.6 million more than the 2023 distribution of $72.2 million.

“Schools are the foundation of healthy families and communities,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. “We’re committed to safeguarding the Common School Fund and ensuring that our responsible investment strategies continue to generate returns that put more educators, counselors and other staff in front of students across Oregon.”

Today, about 681,000 acres of school lands in all 36 Oregon counties are managed by the Department of State Lands on behalf of the State Land Board. Ranchers and farmers, Tribal governments, businesses, and more work with DSL to lease and buy lands, plan for future community needs, and keep lands healthy. School lands generated $7.2 million in revenue during fiscal year 2024.
 

“This is a historic investment and a smart one,” said Secretary of State Tobias Read. “Oregonians value education because we know our tomorrow depends on the students and teachers in classrooms today. We must continue to manage these lands wisely so Oregonians can keep benefitting from this valuable resource for generations to come.”
 

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State Tobias Read, and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - An adult in custody fled a Douglas County Circuit Court courtroom following a hearing on Friday afternoon prompting a swift and large-scale police search. 
 

24-year-old Alexander Matthew Pearson of Reedsport who was in custody on a probation violation had been transported from the Douglas County Jail to appear in court for a hearing.  At the conclusion of the hearing, Pearson ran from the courtroom. One deputy was able to grab ahold of Pearson before he pulled away and continued his escape out of the courthouse.
 

Deputies gave chase and received information from the public that Pearson had ran toward a homeless encampment referred to as "The Point".  Multiple deputies both from the patrol and corrections divisions, along with assistance from the Roseburg Police Department and Douglas County Parole and Probation converged on the area and began searching. 
 

After approximately 20 minutes, Pearson was located hiding under a blanket in a tent. He was taken into custody without further incident. Pearson now faces additional charges to include Escape II and Resisting Arrest. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
Contact: Oregon Department of Emergency Management 
503-934-3310 | licinfo@oem.oregon.gov" target="_blank">OEM_Publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov 
 

Date: March 20, 2025  

OREGON - As spring rains and seasonal flooding continue to increase the risk of water damage across Oregon, it’s critical for homeowners and renters to understand the process of filing a flood insurance claim and how to protect their financial future. 

If you are a flood insurance policyholder, follow these important steps to begin filing your flood claim: 

Steps to File Your Flood Claim: 

1. Start a claim: Contact your flood insurance company or agent as soon as possible to start your claim. Have your policy number ready and report the damage. 
2. Prepare for your inspection: Take photos and videos of all damaged property before removing or repairing anything. This documentation will help support your claim. 
3. Work with your adjuster: A flood insurance adjuster will be assigned to inspect your property. Be sure to ask questions and provide any additional documentation requested. 
4. Document your loss and receive payment: Keep a detailed list of damaged items including descriptions, replacement costs, and receipts if available. Once the adjuster finalizes your claim, you will receive your payment based on the terms of your policy. 
5. Make repairs: Use your claim payment to make necessary repairs and keep all receipts for future reference. Be cautious of contractors offering fast fixes—always verify credentials. 
6. Understand your claim payments: Learn more about how your claim payments are determined and what’s covered under your flood insurance policy. Visit: https://www.fema.gov/blog/facts-and-myths-about-flood-insurance 

Don’t Have Flood Insurance? Now’s the Time to Consider It 

Flooding can happen anywhere, not just in high-risk areas—and just one inch of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Flood insurance is a smart way to protect your home and belongings from the financial impact of flooding. 

Check with your current insurance agent to see if they offer flood insurance. If they do not, contact the National Flood Insurance Program at 877-336-2627 (toll-free) or visit www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance/providers to find a provider near you. 

Myths and Facts About Flood Insurance 

Did you know the average flood insurance policy costs less than $40 a month? Many people believe flood insurance is only for homeowners or that disasters must be declared for policies to apply—but these are common misconceptions. Learn more about myths and facts here: FEMA Blog – Flood Insurance Myths and Facts 

Need Help or Have a Complaint? 

If you have questions about your insurance provider or need to file a complaint, contact the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation. You can file a complaint online on the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation website. 

OEM is committed to supporting disaster survivors and preventing fraudulent activities that hinder recovery efforts. Let’s work together to protect our communities, ensure donations reach those in need, and safeguard survivors from fraud and identity theft.  

For more information on disaster recovery in your area contact your local Office of Emergency Management. For additional flood recovery resources or questions, contact your insurance agent or Oregon 211. 

To stay informed about current conditions and impacts, visit the Oregon Flood Dashboard. 

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It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.

You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email licinfo@oem.oregon.gov" target="_blank">OEM_publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov or dial 711.

On March 19, 2025, a Marion County Grand Jury unanimously found that Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Justin Oxenrider was justified in his use of deadly physical force against Matthew Wong (DOB 6/9/2002) on February 27, 2025.

The Grand Jury convened to hear testimony from 6 witnesses, including the Salem Police Department, who led the investigation.   The Grand Jury reviewed multiple video exhibits as well as numerous pieces of evidence including photographs, scene diagrams, and autopsy conclusions.  A law enforcement use of force expert was also called to testify about human dynamics in critical law enforcement incidents. 

The following is a factual summary of evidence found by the Grand Jury:

On February 27, 2025, at approximately 10AM the Oregon State Police received a 911 call regarding an attempted robbery at the National Guard Air Station off Turner Road in Salem, Marion County, Oregon. Senior Trooper Oxenrider heard radio traffic dispatching another Trooper to a male subject at the Station’s guard shack. The subject, later determined to be Wong, had given the guard a note stating demands and 10 minutes to comply.

Specifically, the computer aided dispatch report (“CAD report”)  available to Senior Trooper Oxenrider stated that a “male subject is at the guard shack in the front handed a note to RP [reporting party] saying I will give you 10 minutes to decide, something about laying down arms[.] This is the second time subj [subject] has appeared at the loc [location] in the last 3 days[.]”[1]   

At the time, Senior Trooper Oxenrider was approximately 3 miles away preparing to train his explosive detection K9, Arty. Senior Trooper Oxenrider self-dispatched to assist on the call. 

Senior Trooper Oxenrider drove his commonly marked police SUV northbound on Turner Road. At the time, he was wearing a standard, department-issued uniform, with his badge prominently displayed.  He was familiar with this route because it was often used to travel between his job duties at the Oregon State Capital and State Police Headquarters. This area of Turner Road has multiple businesses, and is a busy, well-traveled thoroughfare.  Furthermore, the location often has pedestrians walking or riding bikes on the sidewalks. There is also a homeless camp near the guard station, and numerous individuals regularly come and go from that location.

While enroute, Senior Trooper Oxenrider learned that the suspect had an active warrant for his arrest.[2]  Additionally, Senior Trooper Oxenrider learned over the radio from other Troopers that Wong had pulled a knife on the police the last time they contacted him and that it had been necessary for law enforcement to use force.[3]

When Senior Trooper Oxenrider arrived at the guard station, he could see an individual matching the suspect’s description sitting on a stone bench near an airplane monument immediately southwest of the guard shack. Senior Trooper Oxenrider turned on both his on-board dash camera and body worn camera before he got out of the vehicle.  He put on sanitary gloves (a common law enforcement practice), expecting to contact Wong due to the threatening note, history of threats against law enforcement, and active warrant for Wong’s arrest. 

Once he got out of the vehicle, Senior Trooper Oxenrider yelled out: “Hey Partner! How you doin’?’”  Wong turned, stood up, and said something which is not intelligible from the audio on the body worn camera. Wong began to walk away with his hands in pockets, and Senior Trooper Oxenrider told him: “K, you gotta take your hands outta your pockets for me, please.”  Wong refused, and instead told Senior Trooper Oxenrider he would leave.

As Wong began to walk east across the parking lot, Senior Trooper Oxenrider walked behind his marked Oregon State Police SUV and re-addressed Wong in the parking lot. As they walked southeast towards a grassy embankment, Senior Trooper Oxenrider told Wong “No, you’re not leaving right now,” and again ordered Wong to take his hands out of his pockets.  Again, Wong refused. Senior Trooper Oxenrider pulled out his less-than-lethal conducted energy device (hereinafter referred to as “Taser”). 

Shortly thereafter, Wong removed his hands from his jacket pocket and put his hands up while displaying a knife with an exposed blade.[4]  Senior Trooper Oxenrider asked Wong if he wanted to get tased.  Senior Trooper Oxenrider deployed his taser at Wong but missed.  Wong then charged Senior Trooper Oxenrider saying something unintelligible about a gun.

Wong and Senior Trooper Oxenrider engaged in a brief physical struggle, and they spun.  During this physical exchange, Wong was holding his knife and swiped at the Trooper while Senior Trooper Oxenrider was still holding his taser. Senior Trooper Oxenrider testified that he tried to throw Wong to the ground but was unsuccessful.   Again, Senior Trooper Oxenrider deployed his Taser, but again, the probes didn’t make sufficient contact for an effective deployment.  The parties separated and Wong continued to walk southeast onto the grassy area between the entry driveway and Turner Road.  Senior Trooper Oxenrider followed Wong, mirroring Wong’s direction of travel. 

Senior Trooper Oxenrider testified that he was not going to let Wong leave the location because he believed that Wong was a threat to anyone in the immediate area and for the public at large. 

As Senior Trooper Oxenrider commanded Wong to “Put the gun down!” Wong said “I really don’t want to hurt you” while Senior Trooper Oxenrider immediately corrected himself, and commanded Wong to, “Put the knife down!”  Wong did not drop the weapon but instead continued to walk southeast towards Turner Road.

Senior Trooper Oxenrider testified that by this point, he had confronted Wong in uniform in a marked OSP SUV; given Wong multiple commands to drop his weapon, which were ignored; and unsuccessfully deployed his Taser twice, exhausting the tool;[5] therefore, Senior Trooper Oxenrider pulled his duty pistol. He testified that he saw Wong turn back in his direction with the knife in his hand in what he felt was an aggressive manner.  Senior Trooper Oxenrider compared Wong’s look or movement to that which Wong used immediately prior to Wong’s previous charge. 

Senior Trooper Oxenrider took two shots at Wong, who walked a few more steps, and then fell to the grass.[6] 

The total elapsed time between Wong’s first charge at Senior Trooper Oxenrider to the time the shots were fired was approximately 7 seconds. 

Senior Trooper Oxenrider approached to render aid, and he picked up a knife with an exposed blade and threw it away from Wong to make the scene safe.[7] Despite Senior Trooper Oxenrider’s, responding officers' and EMT attempts to provide medical treatment, Wong succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Overall, the investigation showed that Senior Trooper Oxenrider fired twice. Wong was hit both times. An autopsy conducted by Deputy State Medical Examiner Nicole Stanley later determined that one bullet entered and exited Wong’s right arm, entered the right side of his chest, exited his left side of his chest. The other shot hit Wong in the right back slightly behind his right arm and exited his upper left chest.  The autopsy could not determine which bullet struck Wong first. 

No pedestrians, bystanders or police officers were injured during this incident.

The Salem Police Department led the investigation.  Pursuant to Marion County’s Officer Use of Deadly Force Protocol, a non-involved police agency must lead these investigations.   Photographs, diagrams, and other scene evidence collected during that investigation was presented to the Grand Jury for their consideration.

Wong had two prior arrests and no previous convictions.

The Grand Jury applied the facts of this case to the legal principles dictating circumstances when deadly physical force can be used.  Oregon Revised Statute 161.242 describes when a peace officer may use deadly physical force.  Specifically, the Grand Jury unanimously found that, under the totality of the circumstances known to Senior Trooper Oxenrider, he reasonably determined that the use of deadly physical force was necessary as:

• Matthew Wong had committed and attempted to commit the violent felonies of Attempted Robbery, Attempted Assault in the First and Second Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon

and that

• deadly force was necessary to make a lawful arrest;
• and/or deadly physical force was necessary to prevent escape for those crimes;
• and/or deadly physical force was necessary to defend a peace officer or another person from the use or threatened imminent use of deadly physical force;

and that under the totality of the circumstances existing at the time and place, the use of such force was justified.

The Grand Jury further found that all reasonable alternatives, such as verbal de-escalation, waiting, or using other available techniques or resources weren’t feasible as Senior Trooper Oxenrider had provided Wong with verbal and visual warnings, attempted less-than-lethal tools unsuccessfully twice, and provided him with a reasonable opportunity to comply. 

The Grand Jury's decision required reviewing all the facts and evidence available and applying them to the legal principles above.  Overall, the Grand Jury concluded that the actions of Senior Trooper Oxenrider were justified and lawful. 

Upon the grand jury’s determination, representatives from the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, including their family service coordinator, met with members of Mr. Wong’s family to explain the legal determination and answer any questions that they had.

Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson stated, "I would like to thank the Grand Jury for their careful and thorough review of this dangerous situation.  It is tragic that Mr. Wong was experiencing mental health struggles, and this case highlights the dangerous outcomes for our neighbors, our law enforcement officers and our community when such issues go unaddressed.  Senior Trooper Oxenrider was faced with an untenable situation not of his own creation.  I know that no one wanted this outcome on that day. 

She went on to comment on the value of all the evidence reviewed by the Grand Jury: “The body worn camera is an excellent tool, and we benefit and learn from the views it provides us.  We must be careful, however, to not to over-emphasize its weight compared to all the evidence.  We ask our law enforcement professionals to make split-second decisions in the real world, with real world consequences for their safety and the safety of our communities.  I appreciate the Grand Jury’s careful consideration of all the evidence, not just the body worn camera, and the applicable law requiring law enforcement be reasonable.  I am thankful that Senior Trooper Oxenrider was there to protect our community that day.”     

“I further commend the entire investigative team, including the Salem Police and my office’s Medical Legal Death Investigators.  We continue to fulfill the important requirements of the Marion County Use of Force protocol, with skill, integrity, and transparency.  To all our Law Enforcement in Marion County: We are grateful that you continue to protect and serve."

The following items from the investigation can be located from the Google Drive link below:

• Photograph of Wong’s Knife
• Photograph of Wong’s demand note provided to the Station Guard
• Senior Trooper Oxenrider’s Body Worn Camera Video WARNING- GRAPHIC
• Video of incident from nearby business. WARNING- GRAPHIC

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uaR23Uy-IUS2ZnALwwrCqB5zmGAL-tzk?usp=sharing

Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy presented the investigation to the Grand Jury.  Questions can be directed to BPMurphy@co.marion.or.us

The Albany Police take crimes against children very seriously. These types of reports must be investigated thoroughly and very intricately so they can be successfully prosecuted, and suspects are held accountable for their actions. There are policies, processes and specific laws we must follow to ensure we get the legal outcome we all want.

Today, we were approached by a group of people who were attempting to assist law enforcement by posing as a minor online and setting up meeting spots in Albany while filming for their social media channel. While this may initially sound like a quick and easy method to arrest criminals, it is imperative that proper procedures are followed so cases do not get compromised. The subject, Charles H Mellick, age 34, of Corvallis was arrested on an outstanding warrant, meanwhile we are actively investigating the new allegations brought to us today.

We have previously met with these groups to establish guidelines for jurisdiction, proper evidence handling and explain procedures. The group today did not follow these guidelines and called us after the incident was underway.  These situations put us at a perilous disadvantage. Of course, we will still take the information provided and detectives will work the case as a priority investigation.

This method of investigating a crime is not recommended for untrained and non-sworn people and can be particularly dangerous.  All our officers at APD are trained to investigate sex abuse crimes and unfortunately, do so on a daily basis. Officers are specifically trained to investigate registered sex offenders and make sure they are in compliance with Oregon laws.  In addition, we have a dedicated team of detectives that work these cases and are passionate about keeping our kids safe and making sure child predators get prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

These heinous crimes are the most serious we see in society, and we want to make sure our cases are high quality and result in successful prosecution. Deviance from accepted lawful procedures and practices could put these cases in jeopardy. If you want to report a crime against children please contact CyberTipLine.org, 1-800-THE-LOST or your nearest police department.

                                                                                                                                       #     #     #

ROSEBURG, OR – H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduate phase participant collects money and feminine products for Safe Haven Maternity Home.

The Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court program is preparing for their 109^th graduation on May 13, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in the Cascade Hall building.  Graduate hopeful Nichole DeSpain is seeking assistance for her project to obtain feminine products and money donations for the Safe Haven Maternity Home. 

Safe Haven Maternity Home is dedicated to transforming the lives of mothers and their children by offering a safe, stable environment and a pathway toward independence. As a beacon of hope for women in crisis, Safe Haven provides comprehensive support to pregnant women and mothers of young children, empowering them to build brighter futures. Safe Haven believes in breaking cycles of trauma by offering more than just shelter. Their mission is to provide a nurturing home, strength-based services, and aftercare support to help mothers achieve emotional, physical, social, and educational stability. Through strategic partnerships with the community and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), they also support reunification efforts for mothers seeking to regain custody of their children. With the capacity to house up to eight women and their children at a time, Safe Haven offers individualized care tailored to the unique needs of each resident and uphold core values of hope, compassion, purpose, relationship, and dignity, ensuring that every mother we serve is met with understanding and the tools to succeed.  By addressing the root causes of crisis situations and equipping women with skills for long-term stability, Safe Haven Maternity Home is changing lives, one mother and child at a time.

Evie Kumar, Safe Haven Executive Director stated, “Safe Haven strongly believes in the work of HOPE Drug Court.  We have seen lives transformed through individuals being given a second chance. We applaud every graduate of Drug court knowing each of them have put in the hard work to better their lives, the lives of their family, and our community. We are so thankful for this project. Many women come to Safe Haven with nothing, especially feminine products.  Support to our women give them a hand up to succeed in life.”

A donation box for items is located at Adapt Integrated Healthcare on the second floor in the lobby at 621 W Madrone.  DeSpain chose Safe Haven because she was a victim of domestic violence and recognizes the importance of this program to help expecting mothers feel safe and thrive under their care.  DeSpain explained, “I think women supporting women is one of the most powerful things we can do as women in recovery.”   This project will conclude April 23 in which DeSpain will collect all donations to present to Safe Haven.

Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court, with Honorable Judge Robert B. Johnson, operates under the jurisdiction of Douglas County Circuit Court. The structure is designed to reduce recidivism, address substance use disorders, and provide the opportunity to look beyond the criminal act to consider the larger context of their life and future.  Graduate Community projects take place during the final phase of the program and are a time for participants to reflect, show their personal growth, societal development, and an internal shift that pushes them to reach a higher potential.

Graduate flyers are placed on the Douglas County website through the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) under H.O.P.E. Drug Court, go to https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
Contact: Oregon Department of Emergency Management 
503-934-3310 | licinfo@oem.oregon.gov" target="_blank">OEM_Publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov 

Date: March 20, 2025  

Salem, OR—As Oregon communities grapple with the aftermath of devastating flooding and landslides, that Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging residents to remain cautious and informed to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes, particularly those involving online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe.  

As communities come together to support those affected, scammers may exploit the generosity of Oregonians by creating fake fundraising campaigns or misrepresenting their intentions. Scam attempts can come via phone calls, mail, email, text, or in-person visits. To help protect yourself and your donations, OEM shares these tips:  

Double Check Your Charitable Donations 

• Verify the campaign's authenticity: Only donate to fundraisers created by individuals or organizations you know and trust. Look for detailed and transparent information about how the funds will be used. Verify fundraisers’ legitimacy on the Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities page of registered organizations.    

• Check for secure websites: Ensure the fundraising platform uses a secure connection (look for "https://" and a padlock icon in the browser).  Avoid clicking on suspicious links shared via email or social media.  

• Be cautious about personal information: Do not share sensitive details like Social Security numbers or financial information with unverified individuals or groups.  

• Monitor for identity theft: Regularly check your credit report for any accounts or changes you do not recognize. If you suspect identity theft, file a complaint at IdentityTheft.gov. If you think your identity has been compromised, freeze your credit accounts. 

• Report suspicious activity or fraud: If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 or visit www.oregonconsumer.gov 

• Protect your donations from charity scams: Avoid cash donations; use checks or credit cards for security. Look for transparent fund usage plans. Sign up for scam alerts from the Oregon Department of Justice Scam Alert Network.  

Avoid Contractor Scams for Cleanup and Repairs 

As residents begin recovery efforts, fraudulent contractors may target those needing home repairs or cleanup services. Keep these tips in mind: 

• Research contractors thoroughly: Verify that the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. Check for reviews, references, and ratings through trusted sources such as the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. 
• Get written estimates: Obtain multiple estimates for the work and ensure they’re detailed and in writing. Be cautious of contractors who demand large upfront payments or offer unusually low prices. 
• Avoid high-pressure sales tactics: Don’t rush into signing contracts or agreeing to services. Take your time to make informed decisions. 
• Never pay in cash: Use checks or credit cards, as these payment methods provide a paper trail and added security. 
• Beware of door-to-door solicitors: Scammers often approach residents with unsolicited offers. Always verify their legitimacy and credentials before proceeding. 

Key Fraud Prevention Reminders 

• Public aid is free: There are no costs to apply for assistance or participate in inspections. 
• Verify government workers: Government workers always carry identification badges and never ask for or accept money. 
• If something feels off, trust your instincts: Contact law enforcement to confirm the validity of claims. 
• Follow trusted Information sources: Stay tuned to local media and official social media for reliable updates on the disaster and fraud prevention tips. 

OEM is committed to supporting disaster survivors and preventing fraudulent activities that hinder recovery efforts. Let’s work together to protect our communities, ensure donations reach those in need, and safeguard survivors from fraud and identity theft.  

For more information on disaster recovery in your area contact your local Office of Emergency Management. If you have questions or concerns about any donation requests you have received, contact your local law enforcement. 

###

It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.

You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email licinfo@oem.oregon.gov" target="_blank">OEM_publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov or dial 711

Josephine County, Ore. 21 Mar 2025- On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 5:23 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 199, near milepost 16, in Josephine County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Ford F-150, operated by Ethan Wayne Anderson (36) of Cave Junction, struck a pedestrian, Buck Carlos Gene Arby Ward (58) of Crescent City (CA), who was in the roadway for unknown reasons. 

The pedistrian (Ward) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Ford (Anderson) was reportedly not injured.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation. Weather conditions (fog) is being considered a contributing factor in the crash.

OSP was assisted by Illinois Valley Fire.

# # #

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 the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of 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.

SALEM, Oregon— The Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency (STIA) will meet 9 a.m. to noon Friday, March 28 to discuss a draft governance structure, roles and next steps.

The hybrid meeting is open to the public and attendees can join in person at Oregon Department of Forestry Office, 2600 State Street Salem, in the Tillamook Room or online via Microsoft Teams.  

STIA was established to plan the development and maintenance of the proposed Salmonberry Trail.

The proposed tail is an 86-mile corridor that follows the Port of Tillamook Bay Railway and terminates in Banks. The proposed route connects eight cities and two counties, passing by the Oregon coastline, fisheries, farmland and the Oregon Coast Range. More information is at salmonberrytrail.org.

Join Online:

Platform: Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 259 257 525 194
Passcode: K8eA9ur6
Phone conference ID: 396 278 293# (if dialing in)

To submit public comments for board members to review during the meeting, please send comments to Mike Cafferata at ata@odf.oregon.gov">mike.j.cafferata@odf.oregon.gov at least three days prior to the meeting.

United States Attorney's Office

District of Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Oregon man was arrested by the FBI yesterday in Portland after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment this week charging him with transporting a minor with the intent to have the child engage in criminal sexual activity.

According to court documents, in 2019, Steven Fox, 59, moved from Pendleton, Oregon, to Anchorage, Alaska. At some point that year, Fox allegedly presented himself as a long-lost “uncle” to a family with two minor daughters and began caring for the minors.

Court documents further allege that in January 2020, Fox transported the minors from Alaska to Oregon. Fox started sexually abusing one of the minors, who was 9 years old, almost immediately after leaving Alaska.

Fox is charged with one count of transportation of minors. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial court appearance today at 1:30 p.m. PST before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. If convicted, he faces between 10 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated this case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Pendleton Police Department and FBI Portland Field Office. If anyone has information concerning Fox’s alleged actions, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers and Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Oregon.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 21, 2025

Child Care Infrastructure Fund Round Two Accepting Applications on March 26

$15 million will be awarded for infrastructure projects at Oregon child care facilities.

Business Oregon is pleased to announce that the application portal for Round Two of the Child Care Infrastructure Program will be opening on March 26, 2025. The Child Care Infrastructure Program, created in response to Oregon’s House Bill 3005 (2023), provides critical financial assistance for infrastructure activities that support child care facilities. Business Oregon is working with the Department of Early Learning and Care, other state agencies, and private and non-profit entities to implement this grant and loan program.

With $50 million in lottery bonds approved by the Oregon Legislature at the recommendation of Governor Tina Kotek, the Child Care Infrastructure Fund is dedicated to improving and expanding the spaces where Oregon’s youngest minds learn and grow, ultimately making a significant impact on children, families, and communities statewide.

The Child Care Infrastructure Program directly supports Governor Kotek’s Education and Early Learning priority by expanding and improving child care infrastructure so that children in Oregon have the opportunity to thrive in their early learning environments and families are empowered with the child care support they need to succeed.

“Affordable, accessible child care is an essential support for working families,” Governor Kotek said. “The first round of child care funding is showing results for Oregon families across the state, serving children with a wide range of needs. Let’s keep going.”

The first round of Child Care Infrastructure Fund funding awarded a total of $10 million in grants to 64 child care businesses in 29 different Oregon counties for eligible projects involving fixed, immovable assets including new construction, repairs, renovations, modernizations, retrofitting, property acquisition and planning projects. Learn more about the awarded projects at www.oregon.gov/biz/.

“Access to affordable, safe, and high-quality child care is necessary to support the needs of Oregon families and our state’s workforce,” said Sophorn Cheang, Director of Business Oregon. “The need for these grants is clear. In the first round, we received 736 applications requesting a total of $280 million in funding. We were only able to award $10 million of those requests. So, we are looking forward to awarding another $15 million in Round Two and even more later this year to continue to support these critical projects.”

This spring, another $15 million will be distributed to awardees in the second round of funding. The application portal for the second round of funding opens on March 26, 2025 and closes on April 30, 2025. Access to the portal starting at noon on March 26 can be found on the Business Oregon Child Care Infrastructure webpage at www.oregon.gov/biz/.

“This second round of grants will provide resources to expand high quality child care and preschool options for families who desperately need care,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “Child care and infrastructure are intimately linked. We know that when we remove barriers in locating, developing, and expanding child care facilities, we are creating economic opportunities and care options to Oregon workers to help grow the economy and support children and families to thrive.”

An additional $25 million in Child Care Infrastructure Funding will become open for applications later in 2025. These rounds of funding will continue to address the demands of child care providers, ensuring that every dollar invested makes a meaningful difference in the availability and quality of child care services throughout Oregon.

If you have questions or need technical assistance completing the Child Care Infrastructure Program application, please contact the CCIF Technical Assistance providers below:

Northwest Native Chamber

Website: Child Care Infrastructure Fund - Northwest Native Chamber

Email: t@nwnc.org">ccifsupport@nwnc.org

First Children’s Finance

Website: First Children’s Finance - Oregon

Email: egon@FirstChildrensFinance.org">InfoOregon@FirstChildrensFinance.org

Media Contact: er.nabors@biz.oregon.gov" target="_blank">Amber Nabors, er.nabors@biz.oregon.gov">amber.nabors@biz.oregon.gov

Business Oregon, the state's economic development agency, invests in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy. The agency's services span rural community development and infrastructure financing; business retention, expansion and recruitment; export promotion and international trade; investments in industry research and development and entrepreneurship; small business assistance; and support for arts and cultural organizations. Learn more at biz.oregon.gov.

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

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

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA

21 DE MARZO DE 2025

Segunda Ronda del Fondo de Infraestructura para el Cuidado Infantil Aceptará Aplicaciones el 26 de Marzo

Se otorgarán $15 millones para proyectos de infraestructura en centros de cuidado infantil en Oregón

Business Oregon se alegra en anunciar que el portal de aplicaciones para la segunda ronda del Programa de Infraestructura para el Cuidado Infantil abrirá el 26 de marzo de 2025. El Programa de Infraestructura para el Cuidado Infantil creado en respuesta a la Ley 3005 de Oregón, proporciona asistencia financiera crucial para actividades de infraestructura que apoyan los centros de cuidado infantil. Business Oregon está trabajando en colaboración con el Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano, otras agencias estatales y entidades privadas y sin fines de lucro para implementar este programa de becas y préstamos.

Con una asignación de $50 millones en bonos de lotería aprobados por la Legislatura de Oregón por recomendación de la Gobernadora Tina Kotek, el Fondo de Infraestructura para el Cuidado Infantil está dedicado a mejorar y expandir los espacios donde las mentes más jóvenes de Oregón aprenden y crecen, logrando un impacto significativo en los niños, las familias y comunidades de todo el estado.

El Programa de Infraestructura para el Cuidado Infantil apoya directamente la prioridad de Educación y Aprendizaje Temprano de la Gobernadora Tina Kotek, al ampliar y mejorar la infraestructura de cuidado infantil para que los niños de Oregon tengan la oportunidad de prosperar en sus espacios de aprendizaje temprano y las familias reciben el apoyo que necesitan para tener éxito.

"El cuidado infantil accesible y disponible es un apoyo esencial para las familias trabajadoras," dijo la Gobernadora Kotek. "La primera ronda de financiamiento para el cuidado infantil ya está dando resultados para las familias de Oregón en todo el estado, sirviendo a niños con una amplia variedad de necesidades. Sigamos avanzando."

En la primera ronda del Fondo de Infraestructura para el Cuidado Infantil, otorgó $10 millones en subvenciones a 64 negocios de cuidado infantil en 29 condados de Oregón para proyectos elegibles que involucraban activos fijos e inmuebles. Estos incluyen construcción nueva, reparaciones, renovaciones, modernizaciones, adaptaciones, adquisición de propiedades y proyectos de planificación. Puede conocer más sobre los proyectos premiados en www.oregon.gov/biz/

“El acceso a servicios de cuidado infantil accesibles, seguros, y de alta calidad es fundamental para apoyar las necesidades de las familias de Oregón y a nuestra fuerza laboral,” dijo Sophorn Cheang, Directora de Business Oregon. “La necesidad de estas subvenciones es evidente. En la primera ronda, recibimos 736 solicitudes que sumaban un total de $280 millones en financiamiento solicitado, pero solo pudimos otorgar $10 millones. Por eso, estamos emocionados de poder destinar otros $15 millones en la segunda ronda y aún más fondos durante este año para seguir apoyando estos proyectos tan esenciales.”

Esta primavera, se distribuirán otros $15 millones a los beneficiarios de la segunda ronda de financiamiento. El portal de aplicaciones para esta ronda estará abierto del 26 de marzo al 30 de abril de 2025. El acceso al portal a partir del mediodía del 26 de marzo se podrá encontrar en la página del Fondo de Infraestructura para el Cuidado Infantil de Business Oregon: www.oregon.gov/biz/

“Esta segunda ronda de subvenciones proporcionará recursos para ampliar las opciones de cuidado infantil y preescolar de alta calidad para las familias que necesitan cuidados con urgencia,” comentó Alyssa Chatterjee, Directora de DELC. “El cuidado infantil y la infraestructura están profundamente relacionados. Sabemos que al eliminar barreras para la localización, desarrollo y expansión de centros de cuidado infantil, estamos creando oportunidades económicas y opciones de cuidado para los trabajadores de Oregón, ayudando a fortalecer la economía y brindar apoyo para que los niños y sus familias prosperen.”

Otros 25 millones de dólares en Financiación de Infraestructuras de Cuidado Infantil estarán abiertos a solicitudes más adelante en 2025. Con estas oportunidades de financiamiento, seguimos respondiendo a las necesidades de los proveedores de cuidado infantil, asegurando que cada dólar invertido marque una diferencia positive en la disponibilidad y calidad de los servicios de cuidado infantil en Oregón.

Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia técnica para completar la solicitud del Programa de Infraestructura para el Cuidado Infantil, por favor póngase en contacto con los proveedores de asistencia técnica del CCIF a continuación:

Northwest Native Chamber Sitio web: Fondo de Infraestructura para el Cuidado Infantil - Northwest Native Chamber Correo electrónico: t@nwnc.org" target="_blank">ccifsupport@nwnc.org

First Children’s Finance Sitio web: First Children's Finance - Oregon

Correo electrónico: egon@firstchildrensfinance.org" target="_blank">InfoOregon@FirstChildrensFinance.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Friday, March 21, 2025

BEND, OR — This coming April, explore identity, cultures and how to live the good life when the High Desert Museum’s Indigenous Speaker Series returns. Promising a vibrant showcase of Indigenous voices, the series features an array of Indigenous artists, storytellers, scholars and more who share their unique perspectives with the community.

“We are honored to once again collaborate with Indigenous knowledge holders to bring vital conversations to our visitors,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “The April events are a continuation of an effort to elevate Indigenous voices to share the issues and cultures of the High Desert.”

The three April events explore topics such as identity, creativity, community and portraiture. Two of the events are connected to an exhibition open now at the Museum, Frank S. Matsura: Portraits from the Borderland. Featuring 20-plus enlarged portraits taken by Matsura of Native peoples in the early 1900s, the exhibition provides visitors a unique look at life in Okanogan County in Washington state during a time of transition. The exhibition originated at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Wash.

On April 1, Michael Holloman (Colville Confederated Tribes), a Washington State University associate professor and a curator of the original exhibition, will lead a panel discussion that looks deeper into Matsura’s life. “Frank S. Matsura: His Life and Portraits” also includes film and media scholar Glen Mimura and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Beth Harrington. The event will consider Matsura’s experiences as a Japanese-born photographer and his nuanced imagery of Native communities. Tickets are $5, with a 20% discount for Museum members and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/matsura-portraits. 

Then, on April 25, the Museum will host LaRonn Katchia (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), the director of Pathfinders, for a discussion of the short film. Katchia, a Warm Springs/Wasco/Paiute filmmaker and storyteller, will be joined by Thyreicia Simtustus, Kahmussa Green and Kiahna Allen (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), who are featured in the film. Part of the Matsura exhibition at the Museum, the film explores how the three young leaders are finding their own paths in balancing Native and non-Native worlds. Tickets are $5, with Members receiving a 20% discount and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/pathfinders. 

In between those two events, on April 17, the Museum will host Chris La Tray, Métis storyteller and award-winning author of Becoming Little Shell. La Tray will discuss the Anishinaabe word Mino-bimaadiziwin, meaning “the good life.” The concept emphasizes the importance of community well-being and living in harmony with the world around us. At its simplest, it is living a life in balance, but how?

Montana’s Poet Laureate from 2023-2025, La Tray is a descendent of the Pembina Band of the mighty Red River of the North and a member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. His first book, One-Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays from the World at Large, won the 2018 Montana Book Award and a 2019 High Plains Book Award. The event includes light refreshment and a no-host bar. Tickets are $12, with members receiving a 20% discount and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/the-good-life.

The Indigenous Speakers Series is made possible by The Roundhouse Foundation, with additional support from Author's Unbound for the April 17 Chris La Tray event. For more information and to purchase tickets for Indigenous Speakers Series events, visit highdesertmuseum.org/indigenous-speakers-series.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 20, 2025 – 4:00 pm
 
Douglas County Flooding Event - Day Five Response
​
(Douglas County, Ore.) – We know many of our citizens are tired and ready for this crazy weather emergency to be done, however, Douglas County as well as many of our residents are still amid response and triage mode.  But the good news is that we are moving closer to recovery mode.  As you know the Douglas County Commissioners declared a State of Emergency on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 10:15 am for the entire county.  This was followed on March 18, 2025, by a declaration of a State of Emergency by Oregon’s Governor.  
 
For Douglas County the progression of the Emergency Declaration process to the next level (State) for this incident opened the door to additional resources and assets for our county and our residents.  The State’s declaration will allow us to build capacity in areas where we do not have local resources so we can respond more efficiently to the challenges that lay ahead in the aftermath of the storm.  As many of you know we were able to coordinate with Oregon’s 2-1-1info - 24-hour call in line via the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to provide flood-related resources and information directly to Douglas County residents.  Additionally, OEM staff are assisting with our damage assessment surveys.  The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is assisting with health and wellness checks.  The declaration activated staff with the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), Oregon Farm Service Agency, and OSU Extension Service who are available to assist farmers, farms, wineries, private forest landowners, and ranches access damages, estimate losses, and determine potential for Federal assistance.  It also allows the County to upscale our county road repair program and domestic cleanup process with access to regional consulting firms that specialize in disaster recovery.  It provides access to state agencies like Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to help manage and provide housing for residents displaced by the storm.  As we continue to migrate towards recovery mode, we will be calling in more resources from the State and possibly the Federal Government.  The State’s declaration is also the steppingstone for access to possible funding from the Federal Government in the future.  
 
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners along with several Douglas County Departments including Emergency Management, Public Works, Solid Waste, Parks, GIS, and Sheriff’s Office and our partners like Douglas Public Health Network and local cities, tribal government, regional agencies, and a few local private contractors continue to work on new mudslides; shoring up existing mudslides; repairing and cleaning up roads; repairing sewer and water systems; restoring access to power and internet; preparing assets, contractors and equipment in preparation for upcoming weather; assessing and estimating damage; providing access to more resources as they become available and doing our best to communicate that to our citizens.  This storm affected numerous agencies including cities, counties, tribal lands, state lands, and federal lands.  All levels of government were impacted and have been a part of this response.  We ask that you please have patience with staff at our local agencies, especially at the city and county level, as most have limited staff that have been working non-stop since Sunday.  We are all doing our best to manage this event and working hard to prepare as we ramp up capacity with state partners.  
 
2-1-1 Information Line
Douglas County residents, do you need flood related resources?  Do you have flood related questions?  If you do, we are asking our residents to direct all questions and requests to the Oregon 2-1-1 Info line.  Just dial 2-1-1 from any phone and you will be connected to a 24-hour resource center that can help people identify, navigate, and connect with the local resources they need.  If you have questions about insurance, flood damage, resources, debris removal or housing, please call 2-1-1.  For non-flood questions that can wait, please email your questions and concerns to douglasalerts@douglascountyor.gov and for life-safety emergencies always call 9-1-1.
 
Douglas County Solid Waste Department March 2025 Emergency Action Adjustment
Effective Immediately the Douglas County Commissioners worked with the Douglas County Solid Waste Department to create and immediately institute an emergency action plan for March 2025 flood related wood waste debris and March 2025 flood related refuse.  They have also increased transfer site availability for our residents in heavily impacted areas.  The special programs are available to Douglas County residents only.   Visit their webpage to learn more about the emergency action adjustment https://douglascountyor.gov/396/Solid-Waste.  
 
Red Cross - March 2025 Storm Shelter - Roseburg
Due to ongoing flooding, the American Red Cross, at the request of Douglas County has opened a temporary emergency shelter at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, located at 2110 SW Frear Street in Roseburg (I-5, Exit 123) for residents who have been displaced by the March 16, 2025 storm.  At this time the plan is for the Red Cross Shelter to be open through Sunday, March 23, 2025.  Red Cross will evaluate the situation on Monday, March 24, 2025, to see if shelter services are still needed.  They are also sending supplies and working with local partners to conduct outreach in the impacted communities.  If you have been affected by the floods or mudslides, call 1-800-RedCross.
 
If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the interview about Douglas County’s response to the March 16, 2025 Storm on KQEN News Talk Radio and Kyle Bailey with Douglas County Emergency Manager, Emily Ring and Douglas County Public Works Director, Scott Adams click this link to listen.  
 
Sandbags?
Looking for flood control?  Sandbags and Sand? For information about sandbag resources in Douglas County check out these local resources: Home Depot, Lowes, Umpqua Aggregate and Farmers DC COOP.  It is best to call before you go.  Our Douglas County Emergency Management webpage also has a few tips and tricks to mitigate flooding without sandbags. Visit: https://douglascountyor.gov/856/Emergency-Management.  You can also check out the following link for additional sandbag ideas https://bancorpinsurance.com/i-dont-have-any-sandbags-now-what/
 
We reiterate that this storm did not discriminate between human landscaped or modified areas, natural vegetation areas or private or public lands as we are experiencing mudslides and erosion in all areas, terrains and valleys across Douglas County.  Our Douglas County Public Works Department and our private local contractors continue to work diligently to get all county-maintained roads open free of mud and debris. Check out our interactive map of active mudslides: https://douglascountyor.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=MARCH-2025-FLOOD-EVENT-INFORMATION-27.  
 
We continue to encourage our residents to monitor and utilize the following resources for weather updates and travel.
National Weather Service – Medford Station @ https://www.weather.gov/mfr/
Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) https://tripcheck.com/
Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s Flood Dashboard at https://tinyurl.com/aa6z9rrt.  
 
Please stay vigilant out there.  1) Monitor weather and road condition websites for the most up-to-date information and warnings before you travel.  2) Know that floodwaters are extremely dangerous. 2) Remember to turn around, don’t drown! 3) Do not drive around barricades or through flooded roads. 4) Be extra careful at night when it’s harder to discern high water and mudslide dangers.  5) Proceed and exercise extreme caution when traveling through impacted areas.  6) Please be patient, slow down, expect delays or take alternative routes through areas with heavy equipment, work crews, flaggers and posted closure signs.
​
Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice will continue to provide leadership, monitor conditions, issue updates, coordinate access to resources, and work diligently with local and state partners on this emergency event.  Thank you for your patience and stay safe!
 
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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Lead County Public Information Officer - (541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office – tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Clarification on Scope of Declaration: Updated March 20, 2025
This state-level declaration is specifically focused on enabling the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to access federal highway funds for repairs to the federal aid highway system. It does not require counties to issue their own emergency declarations unless they determine it is necessary to support their local response or recovery efforts. For example, if a county finds it beneficial to issue a separate local emergency declaration to activate specific local emergency authorities, resources or processes, that is a local decision—but it is not mandated or required by this state declaration.

Salem, OR — On March 18, Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency due to flooding and landslides from February 24 through March 18, 2025.

“When emergencies hit, Oregon families and businesses need to know we have their back in every part of the state,” Governor Kotek said. “Recovery starts as soon as disaster strikes, and this declaration will help get Oregonians back to normal as soon as possible. I urge everyone to follow the instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov, have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit, and stay aware of changing conditions.”

Following ORS 401.165, the Governor determined a potential threat to life, safety, property, and significant damage to infrastructure exists due to flooding and landslides that have caused and continue to cause a state of emergency in Clackamas, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Harney, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Multnomah, and Malheur counties. At the time of this release, the Governor’s Office is closely monitoring a potential flood in the Burns area of Harney County and preemptively added Harney County to this declaration.

Beginning on February 24, 2025, ongoing storms have caused significant flooding and landslides throughout Oregon, resulting in one fatality, critical transportation failures and loss of power and communications capabilities.

This declaration directs the Oregon Department of Transportation to provide appropriate assistance and seek federal resources to repair and reconstruct the $10 million dollars or more in damages and impact to the federal aid highway system in the impacted counties. This declaration is limited to the provision of assistance by the Oregon Department of Transportation to repair and reconstruct eligible roadways that are part of the federal aid highway system. This declaration is not to be construed as a comprehensive declaration or proclamation of emergency for other purposes.

On March 17, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) to Level 3, which means the state is coordinating closely with local, Tribal, and state partners to share information and support local response and recovery operations as needed. To stay informed about current conditions and impacts, visit the Oregon Flood Dashboard: State of Oregon Flood Dashboard.

Salem, OR – Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) announces a name clearing hearing for Raymond Byrd on March 21, 2025, at 4 p.m. remotely through Microsoft Teams.

The purpose of this hearing is to provide an opportunity to Raymond Byrd to present their perspective regarding the recently released Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) investigation report and his public employment. Byrd may present their views, provide written materials and invite witnesses to speak on their behalf. A representative from DAS will be present but is not obligated to respond to statements or answer any questions.

What: Name Clearing Hearing for Raymond Byrd
When: Friday, March 21, 2024, 4 p.m.
Where: Microsoft Teams (https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzI2YWIwMzktOWIyMy00YTU3LWFkZTQtMjY5ZWRiYjc4NmRj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%223ef23bdf-9d36-4523-94d0-090988f5f8d4%22%7d)
Who: Public

The hearing will be open to the public and it will be recorded. Video/audio feed for attendees and chat will not be active for members of the public.

To obtain a copy of the investigation report, please submit a public records request.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: March 20, 2025

Two arrested, four guns seized in warrant service at a residence in north-central Salem

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police Strategic Investigations Unit detectives arrested two individuals today as part of a long-term drug investigation involving 55-year-old Michael Allen Housen.

At approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, detectives served a search warrant with the assistance of the SWAT team at a residence in the 2700 block of Front ST NE. Housen was arrested without incident. Ray did not immediately exit but ultimately surrendered to authorities.

A second person also living at the location with Housen, Jasson Lewis Ray, age 45, was also arrested.

During the subsequent search of the residence, detectives seized four firearms and small quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Housen and Ray are lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges of felon in possession of a weapon and, each has multiple outstanding warrants in other cases.

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EUGENE, Ore.— The former owner and former chief financial officer of Zadeh Kicks LLC, a now-defunct Oregon corporation that sold limited edition and collectible sneakers online, pleaded guilty today for perpetrating a fraud scheme that cost customers more than $65 million in unfulfilled orders and defrauded financial institutions out of more than $15 million.

Michael Malekzadeh, 42, a Eugene resident, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiring to commit bank fraud. Bethany Mockerman, 42, also of Eugene, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit bank fraud.

According to court documents, Malekzadeh started his business in 2013 by purchasing limited edition and collectible sneakers to resell online. Beginning as early as January 2020, Zadeh Kicks began offering preorders of sneakers before their public release dates, allowing Malekzadeh to collect money upfront before fulfilling orders. Malekzadeh advertised, sold, and collected payments from customers for preorders knowing he could not satisfy all orders placed. By April 2022, Malekzadeh owed customers more than $65 million in undelivered sneakers.

In her role as chief financial officer at Zadeh Kicks, Mockerman conspired with Malekzadeh to provide false and altered financial information to numerous financial institutions—including providing altered bank statements—on more than 15 bank loan applications. Together, Mockerman and Malekzadeh received more than $15 million in loans from these applications.

During the investigation, agents seized millions of dollars in cash and luxury goods that Malekzadeh acquired with the proceeds of his fraud, including luxury watches, jewelry and hundreds of handbags. Additionally, almost $7.5 million was seized from the sale of Malekzadeh’s residence in Eugene, his watches, and luxury cars manufactured by Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche.

On July 29, 2022, Malekzadeh was charged by criminal information with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and money laundering, and Mockerman was charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Malekzadeh faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release for wire fraud, and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Mockerman faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Malekzadeh will be sentenced on August 12, 2025, and Mockerman will be sentenced on August 26, 2025, before a U.S. District Judge.

As part of their plea agreements, Malekzadeh and Mockerman have agreed to pay restitution in full to their victims and if needed forfeit any criminally-derived proceeds and property used to facilitate their crimes identified by the government prior to sentencing.

This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Oregon Intellectual Property Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Forfeiture proceedings are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie C. de Villiers, also of the District of Oregon.

# # #

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) acted within its authority when it adopted rules strengthening safety and health requirements for agricultural labor housing (ALH), the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed in written legal advice.

The legal advice clears away any potential doubt about the division’s authority to enforce its amended ALH rule, parts of which are scheduled to take effect March 31, 2025. At issue was a view expressed by the Office of the Legislative Counsel that Oregon OSHA exceeded its authority in amending its ALH rule. Legislative Counsel’s opinion narrowly focused on a statute dealing with registration, failing to account for Oregon OSHA’s separate, broad authority to regulate all places of employment – including housing provided as a condition of employment – under the Oregon Safe Employment Act (OSEA).

The DOJ written legal advice begins by confirming written legal advice from 1989 in which DOJ discussed Oregon OSHA’s broad authority under the OSEA to regulate farmers, farm labor contractors, and others who provide living quarters or shelter for employees. DOJ then addresses the view that Oregon OSHA exceeded its authority when issuing its recent ALH rule by failing to exempt certain categories of housing, stating that the “farmworker camp registration statutes in ORS 658.705 to 658.850 do not alter or limit the director’s authority to regulate agriculture labor housing under the OSEA.” The written legal advice concludes by clearly stating that Oregon OSHA “has broad authority to adopt rules related to agricultural labor housing, including for single, isolated dwelling[s] occupied solely by members of the same family, or by five or fewer unrelated individuals.”

“We are pleased with DOJ’s conclusion that we continue to act within our legal authority regarding the development and enforcement of the ALH rule, which has been in place for decades, and that we can move past any uncertainty about the amendments that Oregon OSHA adopted,” said Andrew Stolfi, director of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA as a division. “We remain fully committed to helping employers implement the changes in the rule. We have already published easy-to-use fact sheets and pocket-size cards about the changes, with more helpful resources on the way.”

Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Chapter 654 of Oregon’s laws), Oregon OSHA has broad authority to set “reasonable, mandatory occupational safety and health standards for all employments and places of employment.” Meanwhile, Chapter 658 of the state’s laws gives Oregon OSHA authority to set housing registration requirements and requires operators of agricultural labor housing to comply with any other rules under the Oregon Safe Employment Act.

Oregon OSHA enacted its ALH rule amendments under the authority granted to it by the state Legislature in Chapters 654 and 658. The division did so Jan. 8, 2025, following a rulemaking process that included stakeholder engagement and rule development, rule proposal and public notification, and public hearings and written comments. The changes include more rigorous requirements for kitchens and bathing and toilet facilities, and enhanced safety requirements for facility grounds and water testing. The changes advance labor housing standards, aligning with federal requirements and reflecting best practices.

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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.

(Eugene, Ore.) -- Lane Council of Governments (LCOG), Lane County, and Douglas Fast Net (DFN) jointly announce $8.5 million from the Oregon Broadband Office to complete the Lane and Douglas County Rural Reach Project to bring high-speed, reliable broadband internet to thousands of rural residents by 2026.

This funding will bring affordable and reliable, high-speed internet access to more than 1,900 homes across rural Lane County and parts of rural Douglas County.  A total of 11 project sub-areas are slated for funding across both counties. Of the locations, 1,485 are currently unserved by “broadband” (i.e. they have no service, or service below 25 Mbps upload and 3 Mbps download).

“Because the scoring criteria of the BDP [Broadband Deployment Program] weighted lack of service heavily, the priority areas in Lane County were identified almost exclusively based on their concentration of unserved and underserved locations,” noted Interim LCOG Planning Manager, Jacob Callister. “We are thrilled with how many locations will get improved service through this BDP award, but we know that it does not fully close the digital divide for everyone in Lane County.”

The project will begin in 2025. All awarded funds must be utilized, and projects must be operational by December 2026.

"We are thrilled to expand on our broadband deployments in both Lane and Douglas Counties thanks to this award,” DFN CEO Todd Way said. “Founded in 2001 by Douglas Electric Cooperative, DFN's mission has always aimed to ensure that our rural friends and neighbors have access to essential broadband services. This award significantly advances our mission, helping us bring reliable internet connectivity to more communities."

“Access to highspeed broadband is a literal lifeline for rural communities,” said Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch, whose district covers rural communities in south and east Lane County. “Connecting thousands more rural families through this project will continue to help them access critical job-related, educational, and other resources that often give more connected communities a competitive edge.”

“Broadband isn’t just about gaming and movies; it has become as essential as running water and electricity. It's about whether rural communities can survive. The challenge in rural areas is it's just not economical for private parties to invest there alone. LCOG has the ability to coordinate partnerships so projects like this become reality,” said Brenda Moore, Lane Council of Governments Executive Director.

Project History

In November and December 2024, the Oregon Broadband Office announced that it had issued Notices of Intent to Award a total of nearly $141,000,000 through the Office’s Broadband Deployment Program (BDP), part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF). This funding will support the construction and deployment of high-speed, reliable wired broadband internet at speeds of 100/100 Mbps to unserved and underserved locations across the state.

As part of its application for funding, Lane Council of Governments, in partnership with Lane County, identified priority internet service areas, and competitively secured private Internet Service Provider DFN in late 2023. DFN, which has operated in rural markets in southwestern Oregon for over 20 years, will be the formal recipient of the BDP funds.

The Oregon Broadband Office received 62 applications requesting approximately $445 million for broadband infrastructure projects around the state. The total program allocation is $157 million. This oversubscription shows the demand to bring reliable broadband to all Oregonians.

Awardees of BDP funds were ranked based on a composite score that prioritizes outcomes:

• Social Vulnerability Index - Applicants receive a 5% score bonus if 80% or more of their proposed project service locations are located within areas designated as “Moderate to High” or “High” on the state of Oregon’s Social Vulnerability Index.
• Unserved Locations - 5 points for other eligible locations where wired 25/3 service already exists.
• Affordability - Applicants with projects that can offer service at $30/month or less receive an additional 5 points per location. Applicants with projects that can provide service at $50/month or less receive two additional points per location.

To learn more about the Lane and Douglas County Rural Reach Project, including whether specific locations are included in the project, DFN, LCOG, and Lane County have jointly developed a BDP project webpage at www.lcog.org/broadband.  Additional context, contact info, and other resources are available at that site.

For more information about the Oregon Broadband Office, visit www.broadband.oregon.gov.

About Lane Council of Governments

LCOG’s mission is to coordinate and provide high quality public services in Lane County. Lane Council of Governments is dedicated to serving the public interest and enhancing the quality of life for citizens of Lane County. LCOG serves as a regional planning, coordination, program development, and service delivery organization in local communities across Lane County. Learn more at www.lcog.org.

ROSEBURG, Ore., Mar. 20, 2025 — Umpqua Community College associate professor of Computer Information Systems, John Blackwood, was recognized on Mar. 17, 2025, as an “Instructor Excellence Expert” by Cisco Systems, Inc. for his accomplishments and contributions to Cisco Networking Academy. Blackwood's achievements have earned him a spot in the top percent for the third year in a row among 29,700 instructors globally.

Academy courses sponsored by Cisco are embedded in UCC’s Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity degree programs and lay the foundation for learning advanced concepts in networking and cybersecurity such as ethical hacking and forensics hacking. With this foundation, UCC students become ready to transfer to a university ready to study robust cybersecurity courses that focus on servers, routers, and switches.

The Cisco Networking Academy stated, “Your exceptional teaching and contributions to the Cisco Networking Academy have earned you the prestigious 2025 Instructor Excellence Advanced Level Award. This accolade celebrates your global standing as a top instructor, distinguished by outstanding student feedback and performance.”

Learn more about the UCC computer science and cybersecurity courses at umpqua.edu/CIS

CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Benton County Planning Division has announced the schedule for the public hearing on Republic Services’ Conditional Use Permit application for the proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte landfill.

The public comment period is now open. The following dates have been set for the hearing before the Benton County Planning Commission.

The hearing will be held at the County’s Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis. Anyone can sign up as an Interested Party to receive updates about the status of the CUP application and changes or additions to the schedule.

County invites comment from the public

Members of the public can now submit written testimony about the CUP application.

• Comments submitted up to eight (8) days before the hearing begins will be included in the Planning Division staff report for the Planning Commission and agency referral partners.

• Written testimony received after the staff report is posted and up to the start of the public hearing will be delivered in hard copy to the Planning Commission. 

• Written testimony submitted during the public hearing should be handed to the meeting recorder. 

After the public hearing, all written comments that were not in the original staff report will be added to the record and posted to the County website in one action. 

Members of the public can also sign up to share verbal testimony during the hearing. An online sign-up system will be released about a week before the hearing begins. Although this option will be available, the community is encouraged to provide written comments in advance so Planning Commission members, County staff and the public have time to consider all perspectives and prepare to respond at the hearing. This also allows for the most efficient use of meeting time.

Addendum submitted, now available to the public

Republic Services submitted additional material for the CUP application on March 14, 2025. This addendum to the Burden of Proof (submitted on Jan. 15) is publicly available on the Munidocs platform as Landfill Expansion Application, 1st Addendum to Burden of Proof.

The Benton County Planning Division is working to incorporate this new information into the staff report.View Republic Services’ CUP application online:

• Landfill expansion application (submitted July 19, 2024)

• Revised application (submitted Oct. 30, 2024)

• Application Burden of Proof (submitted Jan. 15, 2025)

• First Addendum to Burden of Proof (submitted March 14, 2025)

To learn more about the decision process, visit bentoncountyor.gov/coffin-butte-landfill.

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UPDATE: 3-20-25 Next-of-kin has been notified. The deceased suspect is Franklin James Hodson, 36, of Grants Pass. Oregon State Police is handling the investigation. Correction: the suspect had one warrant for 15 charges, not 15 warrants as the news release stated. 

JCSO Case 25-1457

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. - A wanted suspect died by apparent suicide this afternoon in the 6000 block of Table Rock Road in rural Central Point. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and US Marshals were in the area actively searching for a suspect with 15 nationwide extraditable warrants for child sex abuse. 

The suspect was involved in a domestic altercation on Orr Drive in rural Central Point March 16 where he menaced a woman with a firearm. JCSO deputies developed probable cause for his arrest for domestic violence-menacing, unlawful use of a firearm, and the sex abuse warrants.

Law enforcement learned of his whereabouts, attempted to detain the suspect and he eluded capture in a vehicle at approximately 2:10 PM. JCSO deputies and US Marshals conducted a high-risk traffic stop near the intersection of Orr Drive and Table Rock Road. After a brief standoff, the suspect died by apparent suicide by firearm at 2:15 PM. 

The suspect was wanted out of California on 15 child sex abuse charges. The felony warrants were for 10 counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, and five counts of oral copulation with a child under 14. The suspects name will be released following next of kin notification.

Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to conduct the investigation. Further information will come from OSP.

SPRING BREAK SAFETY TIPS

For many schools, Spring Break is here! Spring break usually means time with friends and family, a rest from school, and travel. Regardless of how your household is spending spring break, there are some ways you can make your holiday safer while still having fun.

You already know the basics, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and avoid alcohol and other substances. If you do lawfully partake, be responsible and consume in moderation. If you are traveling, remember to properly prepare and make plans to keep yourself and your companions safe. Below are some tips for overall Spring Break safety.

Plan Ahead

• Share your plans with loved ones including:

  • Arrival or departure dates.

  • Locations and contact information for where you are staying.

  • Who you are travelling and/or staying with.

• Update travel emergency supplies before heading out.

• Secure important documents like your passport and other ID.

Health and Safety

• Practice outdoor safety:

  • Wear sunscreen and eye protection.

  • Seek shade and cooler temperatures in hot climates.

  • Avoid cooling off in cold bodies of water. Drowning and/or hypothermia are more likely to occur when outdoor temperatures are warm and the water is cold.

  • Wear life jackets and avoid alcohol or other substances while boating, swimming, and during other water activities.

• Practice social responsibility:

  • Be considerate of others. Try talking out conflicts respectfully if issues arise.

  • Don’t drink or use substances and drive.

  • Remember the rules of consent. If someone does not want to drink, have sex, or participate in another activity, be respectful and don’t pressure them to do so.

  • Use the buddy system. Travel with people you trust and do not leave someone behind or with strangers.

Don’t forget your pets:

• If travelling with your fury, feathery, or scaly companion, don’t forget to bring emergency supplies for them.

• Keep their collars with your updated contact information and their license information on them. This can help you reunite with your pets sooner.

• Be mindful of temperatures during activities or if you must leave pets unattended.

• Have a backup pet sitter or emergency contact in case something happens before you can get back home to them.

Spring Break can mean lasting memories with your friends. It can also mean tragedy and increased accidents. As the weather continues to get nicer and there are more opportunities to be outdoors, remember to put safety first to protect yourself and those around you.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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Lane Events Center (LEC) is updating its Master Plan to help guide investment in the property over the next 10 to 20 years and hosting an open house to explore initial concepts, discuss emerging values, and help shape a shared vision for the Lane Events Center.

Community Open House
Thursday, April 3 | 5–7 p.m.
Lane Events Center
796 W 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402
Convention Center, Meeting Room 4

“This is our first open house for the Master Plan and the feedback people give will help us keep refining our vision for the future and look for ways to make Lane Events Center an even more integral part of the community,” said Lane Events Center Manager Corey Buller. “We had a great response to our earlier survey and now we’re hoping to see a lot of neighbors and community members here on April third.”

LEC is a multi-purpose site on 52 acres near downtown Eugene. It includes a 100,000 sq. ft. convention center, 18 rentable spaces and facilities, and 20 acres of outdoor event space. In a typical year, LEC accommodates up to 1,250 event days, drawing approximately 785,000 visitors to a variety of events including the Lane County Fair, trade shows, concerts, sporting events, community festivals, and educational programs.

The Master Plan process will help Lane County:

• Conduct an engagement process that gathers diverse perspectives and ideas
• Identify community needs, values, and priorities
• Shape a shared vision for Lane Events Center
• Develop community-guided designs concepts to bring the vision to life

The proposed plan will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for possible adoption this summer.

Stay up-to-date by signing up for email updates at www.LECMasterPlan.org.

About Lane Events Center Master Plan

The Master Plan is a comprehensive, long-term planning document that provides a strategic framework for the development, improvement, and management of LEC. An updated master plan will help guide investment in the property and help us prioritize infrastructure updates. This plan will support LEC as it continues to grow and adapt, serving as a hub for events, programs and emergency services that reflect the evolving needs and priorities of our community.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – 7:00 pm

Douglas County Flooding Event - Day Four Response

(Douglas County, Ore.) – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners along with several Douglas County Departments including Emergency Management, Public Works, Solid Waste, Parks, and Sheriff’s Office continue to triage damage and flooding events all throughout Douglas County in response to the Sunday, March 16 Winter Storm that slammed Douglas County with heavy non-stop torrential rains causing major flooding, mudslides, and washing out a few county-operated roads.  Commissioners and county staff in collaboration with local cities, tribal government, regional agencies, and private contractors continue to be in response mode, and are monitoring, accessing damage, and responding to ongoing issues related to the flood event throughout the county.  Last night we experienced more precipitation, and the extra moisture on the already over saturated ground activated additional mudslides, reactivated already contained mudslides, and increased water levels in some areas.  Beyond the cleanup and mitigation efforts the bigger looming issue facing Douglas County right now is the prediction of more precipitation in the very near future.  We are and continue to be in response mode, as we continue to deploy crews to new slides, down trees, road repair, and debris cleanup all over the county. 

March 2025 Flood Event Information

Hey Douglas County, do you need flood related resources?  Do you have flood related questions?  If you do, we are asking Douglas County residents to direct all questions and requests to the 211info line.  Just dial 2-1-1 from any phone and you will be connected to a resource center that can help. 

The Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas County Emergency Management Department have teamed up with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to provide resources and information to Douglas County residents via the 2-1-1 Info Line.  The 211info is a free phone 24 hour line that assists Oregon and Southwest Washington communities by helping people identify, navigate, and connect with the local resources they need.  If you have questions about insurance, flood damage, resources, debris removal or housing, Douglas County residents are asked to call 2-1-1.  For non-flood questions that can wait, please email your questions and concerns to ts@douglascountyor.gov">douglasalerts@douglascountyor.gov and for life-safety emergencies always call 9-1-1.

Douglas County Solid Waste Department – March 2025 Emergency Action Adjustment

Effective Immediately the Douglas County Commissioners worked with the Douglas County Solid Waste Department to create and immediately institute an emergency action plan for March 2025 flood related wood waste debris and March 2025 flood related refuse.  They have also increased transfer site availability for our residents in heavily impacted areas.  The special programs are available to Douglas County residents only.   

Wood Waste: (Residents only) March 2025 Flood wood waste debris is accepted at all County transfer sites at no charge. It should be clear of excessive mud or other refuse debris.

Refuse: (Residents only) A “Flood Damage Voucher Request Form” for the March 2025 Flood is available on the Solid Waste Department website. Residents will need to complete the fillable form and email or drop it off to our Solid Waste Department for immediate review and approval signature. Residents must present a printed or digital copy to the transfer site or scale attendant at the time of disposal.  Visit https://douglascountyor.gov/396/Solid-Waste

Increased Transfer Site Availability: Resources have been adjusted to increase the number of days we’re open in the most heavily impacted areas as outlined below.

On March 18, the State of Oregon declared a State of Emergency due to flooding and landslides in 10 Oregon Counties from February 24 through March 18, 2025. As a reminder the Douglas County Board of Commissioners Declared a State of Emergency on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 10:15 am for the entire county due to the ”extreme conditions related to the severe winter storm that impacted our county causing extreme peril to the safety or person and/or the protection of property.”  Douglas County Government has valuable on-call contracts in place with private local contractors for the purpose of providing much needed extra capacity during emergencies.  From the minute the emergency was declared at 10:15 Sunday morning, our Douglas County Public Works Director, Scott Adams, and his team were authorized to start deploying over two dozen local contractors to work with our County Public Works crews, and help with clean up, clearing, and repair on Douglas County maintained roads.  The ability to quickly activate these private contractors with prearranged emergency on-call contracts allows us to respond to widespread incidents all over the county in a timely manner. 

We reiterate this storm did not discriminate between human landscaped or modified areas and natural vegetation areas, as we are experiencing mudslides and erosion in all areas, terrains and valleys across Douglas County.  Our Douglas County Public Works Department and our private local contractors have worked diligently for the last 70+ hours to get all county-maintained roads open to at least one-lane of travel access and continue to clean up debris. Check out our interactive map of active mudslides: https://douglascountyor.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=MARCH-2025-FLOOD-EVENT-INFORMATION-27. 

We continue to monitor the forecast with the National Weather Service.  Although we are experiencing a short relief from heavy precipitation, water levels are still high in several creeks, streams, lakes and rivers.  Our ground is still in oversaturation mode which means that we are still in high-risk mode for mudslides and falling rocks in areas with varying terrain.  Water levels are expected to continue to fluctuate as the National Weather Service is predicting another storm front approaching our area later this week.  For more information and to follow weather advisories, please visit: https://www.weather.gov/mfr/.

We continue to urge motorists to proceed and exercise extreme caution and prioritize safety while driving.  If you are traveling through impacted areas, please be patient, expect delays or take detours in areas with heavy equipment, work crews, flaggers and posted closure signs.  Please make sure to check road conditions before you travel at https://tripcheck.com/.   For additional flood information, visit Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s Flood Dashboard at https://tinyurl.com/aa6z9rrt.   Stay vigilant when traveling and know that 1) Floodwaters are extremely dangerous. 2) Turn around, don’t drown! 3)  Do not drive around barricades or through flooded roads. 4) Be extra careful at night when it’s harder to discern high water and mudslide dangers.  The American Red Cross has no emergency shelters open in Douglas County but is in stand-by mode to activate if needed.  Should you have shelter needs or need information about shelter options, please call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767). 

Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice will continue to provide leadership, monitor conditions, issue updates, coordinate access to resources, and work diligently with local and state partners on this emergency event.  Thank you for your patience and stay safe!

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Lead County Public Information Officer - (541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office – a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice were honored to be asked to be a part of the Roseburg VA Health Care System’s Second Annual Vietnam Veterans of America Welcome Home Event held today, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  A copy of the complete video presentation of the ceremony can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

The Second Annual Vietnam Veterans of America Welcome Home Event included

• A luncheon for Vietnam Veterans and their families
• Memorial and flag displays
• Welcome by VA Chief CDCE Traci Palmer
• Opening prayer by Roseburg VA Chaplain Rochelle Coles
• Presentation of the colors by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
• Opening remarks by Roseburg VA Health Care System (RVAHCS) Executive Director, Patrick Hull
• Proclamation presentation by Douglas County Commissioner and Board Chair Tim Freeman
• Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) Presentation by Director, Dr. Nakeia Daniels
• Patriotic musical medley including Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, My Country Tis of Thee and God Bless America by the Roseburg Geneva Academy’s Honor Choir.  Geneva also proudly sang anthems for each of the United States Military branches while Vietnam Veterans were asked to stand during their branch song - Army: "The Caisson Song" (also known as "The Army Goes Rolling Along"), Marine Corps: "The Marines' Hymn", Navy: "Anchors Aweigh", Air Force: "The U.S. Air Force", Space Force: "Semper Supra", and Coast Guard: "Semper Paratus"  
• Special coining ceremony featuring a special commemorative coin honoring local Vietnam Veterans presented to each attending Veteran: ODVA Director, Dr. Nakeia Daniels; Douglas County, Commissioner Tim Freeman; Douglas County Commissioner, Tom Kress; Douglas County Sheriff, John Hanlin; Douglas County Clerk, Dan Loomis; Roseburg VA Chaplain Rochelle Coles; and Zach Otjen from Representative Val Hoyle’s Office.
• Ceremonial 21-gun salute followed by the playing of taps on the cornet performed by the Umpqua Valley Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Chapter #805 Honor Guard.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners proclamation was presented by Board Chair Commissioner Tim Freeman, on behalf of all three commissioners and proclaimed Saturday, March 29, 2025, as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in Douglas County. It honors with somber reflection the United States of America’s 13-year Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War which concludes this year. The proclamation encouraged all citizens to rightfully honor and thank our Vietnam Veterans and their families for their bravery, courageous military service, and sacrifice.  During the reading copies of the proclamation certificates were presented to Vietnam Veterans in attendance.    

"The Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration is a vow that we as a nation will never again confuse personal disapproval of war with prejudice against those who honorably wear the uniform of our U.S. Armed Forces. With conviction, we pledge our enduring respect, our continuing care, and our everlasting commitment to all Vietnam veterans who were denied a proper welcome home upon returning to U.S. soil more than 50 years ago," stated Commissioner Freeman.

The Vietnam Veterans of America Welcome Home Event concluded with a sincere message from VA Chief CDCE Traci Palmer.  The Commissioners truly and sincerely Thank and Welcome Home our Vietnam Veterans.  The Douglas County Commissioners would like to thank the Roseburg VA for inviting them to be part of this amazing ceremony honoring our Vietnam Veterans. 

To learn more about the United States of America’s 13-year Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War visit https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached. Photos © K.Trenkle/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

Media hotline: 503-813-6018  

PacifiCorp responds to Oregon Department of Forestry report on Santiam Canyon Fire 

PORTLAND, OR (March 19, 2025) — A newly-released Oregon Department of Forestry report supports PacifiCorp’s longstanding assertion that electrical equipment was not the cause of widespread property damage in the Santiam Canyon during the 2020 wildfires. 

The ODF investigation, which began shortly after the 2020 wildfires, found no evidence that powerline ignitions significantly contributed to the spread of the fire in the Santiam Canyon. Instead, ODF investigators found the most probable explanation for these ignitions was spot fires from the lightning-caused Beachie Creek Fire, which was burning upwind of the ignitions in the Santiam Canyon. 

“The report confirms PacifiCorp’s long-held position that any wildfire ignitions linked to the company’s electrical equipment in the Santiam Canyon did not contribute to the widespread devastation that occurred when the Beachie Creek fire tore through the canyon,” said Pacific Power president Ryan Flynn. “While we continue to recognize that the 2020 wildfires were undeniably tragic, the thorough investigation by ODF provides important context and details absent during the trial proceedings.” 

According to the ODF’s findings, all identified ignitions potentially linked to electrical equipment were promptly suppressed by local residents and/or local municipal fire departments. 

The company is committed to continued substantial investments to prevent wildfires from starting and to limit spread when they do occur, bolstering the safety of our communities. 

Those interested in access to the full report can submit a request through the Oregon Department of Forestry. 

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About PacifiCorp   

PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electrical providers in the United States, serving two million customers. The company operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming and as Pacific Power in California, Oregon and Washington. PacifiCorp provides safe and reliable service through a vast, integrated system of generation and transmission that connects communities as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit PacifiCorp.com.   

March 19, 2025 

Media Contact: Amber Shoebridge 
er.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov" target="_blank">amber.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov 
503-931-9586 

Unexpected patient death at Oregon State Hospital 

Salem, Ore_ There was an unexpected patient death at the Oregon State Hospital (OSH) Salem campus on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Family have been notified. Oregon State Police are investigating. 

Hospital leadership have also informed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), The Joint Commission (TJC) and Office of Training, Investigations and Safety (OTIS). 

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On March 18, 2025, at approximately 2:20 p.m., Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) security staff were informed of suspected contraband in a special housing unit. While conducting a search, a Correctional Corporal discovered an unknown substance. The area was immediately secured and evacuated. The institution activated an Incident Command Structure (ICS), shut down the air filtration system, and contained the suspected substance. DRCI is working with Oregon State Police and National Guard Civil Service Unit to investigate and assess any potential hazards.

The Corporal received naloxone (Narcan) after direct exposure, was treated at a local hospital, and released. A Correctional Officer in the area experienced an adverse reaction and was evaluated by DRCI Health Services staff.

“The Oregon Department of Corrections takes any threat or risk to the safety and security of employees and adults in custody very seriously. Incidents like this highlight the critical need to prevent the introduction of dangerous and illegal contraband into our facilities,” stated DOC Director Michael Reese.

Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) is located four miles east of Madras in central Oregon. DRCI is a multi-custody prison that currently houses 1035 minimum-custody incarcerated adults. DRCI provides a range of correctional programs and services including education and trades programs, mental health treatment, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work crews. Construction began in October 2005 with the first minimum-security adults in custody (AICs) arriving in September 2007. DRCI is the largest minimum-custody facility in the state and Oregon’s fourteenth prison.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2025

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Douglas County PIER Disaster Recovery Grant Program

Grant Review and Applicant Presentation

Thursday, March 20, 2025

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice in conjunction with the Douglas County PIER Selection Committee are pleased to inform the public that a special meeting has been scheduled for the Douglas County Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization Program (PIER) Disaster Grant Program for Thursday, March 20, 2025, starting at 1:00 pm in Room 216 of the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon. The public meeting will consist of a local PIER committee review, selected finalist applicant presentation, and a public comment period.

The Douglas County PIER grant finalist doing their presentation will be the City of Oakland.  The Douglas County Pier Selection Committee is comprised of representatives from local government (Douglas County), local tribal government (Cow Creek Tribe of the Umpqua Band of Indians), the Economic Development District (CCD), and local Long Term Recovery Group (Glide Revitalization).  As a part of the review process, requirements from the funder Oregon Housing and Community Services Department (OCHS), this meeting has been scheduled to offer an opportunity to comment on the proposed project.   

In compliance with ORS 192.610-690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch the meeting via live stream or post meeting recording at https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov. We will also accommodate any member of the public who wishes to submit public comment during the public comment period.  Members of the public who wish to comment can do so: (1) in person, (2) by email .miller@douglascountyor.gov">jennifer.miller@douglascountyor.gov or (3) by virtual format in Microsoft Teams: Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 292 089 487 649; Passcode: zi6We2Ah

The PIER grant program is part of ReOregon, a program offered by the Disaster Recovery and Resilience Division (DRRD) of OCHS. ReOregon is funded by a US Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-DR). The CDBG-DR program supports community development activities to help build stronger and more resilient communities. As a part of the disaster recovery process, ReOregon awarded PIER opportunity grants to the eight most impacted counties in Oregon to fund projects to rebuild damaged infrastructure, increase resiliency, and promote long-term housing recovery and recovery of local businesses impacted by the 2020 Labor Day Fires.

Following the meeting, Douglas County PIER Selection Committee members will make a recommendation for proposals based on the PIER project matrix criteria as provided by OHCS. The recommendation will be submitted to OHCS for final review and processing.  

For PIER program general information visit OHCS at https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/disaster-recovery/Pages/ReOregon-Community-Recovery.aspx.  For additional information about our local PIER Grant Program  please visit https://douglascountyor.gov/872/Douglas-County-PIER-Disaster-Recovery-Gr.  

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

EUGENE, Ore.—A Coos Bay, Oregon man was arraigned in federal court today for possessing, distributing, attempting to produce, and producing child pornography.

Thomas Owen Barnett, 39, has been charged with attempting to use and using a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and possessing and distributing child pornography.

According to court documents, between September and December 2023, Barnett is alleged to have knowingly and intentionally used a minor to engage in and record sexually explicit conduct. In September 2024, Barnett is further alleged to have used Kik and Instagram, online social media platforms, to engage in chats involving child sex abuse, seek opportunities to engage in child sexual abuse, and advertise the sale of child pornography. At times, Barnett posed as a young man or a minor female to persuade his victims to produce and exchange child pornography, including requests for sexually explicit materials depicting an infant.

Barnett made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on May 27, 2025.

Attempting to use a minor and using a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct are each punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison with a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence, distribution of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison with a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence, and possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. If convicted, Barnett also faces up to a lifetime term of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 for each count.

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

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

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

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

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MEDFORD, Ore.—An Ontario, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Friday for carjacking three victims at gunpoint.

Gregory Escobedo, Jr., 31, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

The first 100 months of Escobedo’s federal sentence will run concurrent to a 180-to-360-month state prison sentence previously imposed in Canyon County, Idaho, and will be served in Idaho state prison. Escobedo will serve the remaining 80 months of his federal sentence in federal prison following the completion of his state prison sentence. Following his release from federal prison, Escobedo must also complete a three-year term of federal supervised release.

According to court documents, on March 3, 2021, at an apartment complex in Ontario, Escobedo ordered a victim to exit their vehicle at gunpoint and drove away in the stolen vehicle. The following day, Escobedo approached a vehicle parked on the side of the road and carjacked another victim while brandishing a firearm. The stolen vehicle was out of gas which caused Escobedo to quickly return to the vehicle he arrived in and flee the area.

Later the same day, on March 4, 2021, in Caldwell, Idaho, Escobedo stole an unattended truck at a gas station. The owner pursued Escobedo, who eventually stopped the truck, and was confronted by the victim. Escobedo shot the unarmed victim in the chest and fled. The victim was taken to a hospital and survived. Shortly after the shooting, Escobedo was stopped by law enforcement and arrested.

On May 20, 2021, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a five-count indictment charging Escobedo with carjacking, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

On July 7, 2024, Escobedo pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Judith Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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BEND, OR — Spring break kicks off this Saturday, March 22 at the High Desert Museum with special programs, new exhibitions and summer hours, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

The popular indoor flight demonstration Sky Hunters returns to the E. L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. Visitors experience powerful predators close up as raptors fly just overhead, showcasing the birds’ agility and grace while learning about their lives in the wild. The program is daily from Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm and is first come, first served. Tickets are $7 and available at Admissions on the day of. Museum members receive a 20% discount. Sky Hunters is possible with support from Fly Redmond.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy daily talks about High Desert flora and fauna, free with admission. These include the Nature Walk at 10:30 am, Otter Encounter at 12:30 pm and Mammal Encounter at 3:00 pm.

On Saturday, March 22 and from March 25-29, the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill will be open from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm with interactive talks about life in the High Desert. Experience history and jump in to lend a hand or ask about the many buildings and objects.

Spring break visitors will also be able to experience the Museum’s temporary exhibitions. The new, original exhibition Patterns at Play: Fractals in Nature in the Brooks Gallery features interactive play and soft music to immerse visitors into the repeating patterns of nature. Fractals start with one simple shape, such as a triangle. When that triangle is repeated over and over, either smaller or larger, the result is a more complicated pattern that can scale.

Visitors can create their own patterns and watch as fractals dance on the walls, and two lighted tables will delight littles and their caregivers alike with hands-on shape-building. Bean bags encourage relaxation while fractal patterns dance across a wall-sized video screen. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/fractals.

Another exhibition open now is Frank S. Matsura: Portraits from the Borderland.

Featuring 20-plus enlarged photographs of Indigenous families from the 1900s, the exhibition shares the story of Frank S. Matsura, a Japanese-born photographer who immigrated to Okanogan County in Washington state in the early 1900s. He set up a studio in the area and began photographing the local Indigenous communities, providing history a nuanced and detailed view of life during a time of transition.

The exhibit includes period artifacts and objects from the Museum’s own collection as well as from the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Wash. Video documentaries explain the history and the photography, while also highlighting young leaders of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Generous support for the exhibition is provided by Art Bridges. It was organized by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and was curated by Michael Holloman and Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture Associate Curator of Special Projects Anne-Claire Mitchell. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/matsura.
 

Other temporary exhibitions include Neighbors: Wildlife Paintings by Hilary Baker. The exhibit, located in the Desertarium Gallery, features more than a dozen of Baker’s artworks. Baker, who grew up in Los Angeles during the latter years of Hollywood’s Golden Age, spent most of her childhood exploring the hills and canyons near her home. She searched for animal bones and other evidence of wildlife amid the pavement and backdrop of Los Angeles. The exhibition explores the complex relationship between manmade spaces and native wildlife in a crisp, graphic painting style. The exhibition closes on Sunday, April 6. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/hilary-baker.

Blood, Sweat & Flannel, an original exhibition, explores what flannel through the ages. From a rugged lumberjack of the 1800s to a classic grunge band of the 1990s, this unique experience invites visitors to dig deeper into the stories behind the fabric. Today, flannel is produced from various materials, including wool, cotton and even synthetic fibers. exhibition features imagery, tactile elements and even an audio interactive element that bring to life the experiences of those who wore flannel during each era. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/flannel.

And Forest at Night reveals the sights and sounds of the forest when the moon is high and the stars are out. An immersive and interactive exhibition, Forest at Night takes visitors on a virtual tour, featuring insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. In addition to showcasing the wonders of the night, the exhibit also delves into the pressing issue of light pollution and how artificial light disrupts the nighttime ecosystem. Visitors may gaze up at twinkling stars and learn about the constellations that guide migrating birds on their way through the High Desert. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/forest-at-night.

More information on visiting the High Desert Museum is available at highdesertmuseum.org/visit-bend-oregon.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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ROSEBURG, OR – H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduate phase participants collect needed bedding and pillows for local Oxford Houses in Douglas County and have scheduled an event.

The Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court program is preparing for their 109^th graduation on May 13, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in the Cascade Hall building.  Graduate hopefuls Catherine Silva and Kristy Parham are seeking assistance with collecting new or gently used bedding for twin and full sizes, and new unused pillows for local Oxford Houses, and have now scheduled an event at Bobalou Billiards on April 22.

This is the second phase of the current bedding drive project for the local Oxford Houses.  Pool tables are reserved for an event at Bobalou Billiard’s on April 22, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  The first 80 people will be able to play pool for free for the 2-hour event.  Patron’s entering after the first 80 will pay the standard $16 a table.  Silva and Parham have secured sponsors, Wenatchee Praise Center and Sleonard Construction, to hold this event and will provide free food, drinks and have a 50/50 raffle. 

A donation box to drop off items is located at Bobalou Billiards at 1028 NE Stephens Street.  Bobalou’s aims to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for individuals of all ages and skill levels to learn, play, and compete in various billiard games. To learn more, go to www.bobalou-billiards.com.  Another drop-off donation box is located at the newly opened Painted Horse Recovery at 1941 NE Stephens Street.  Painted Horse Recovery provides culturally specific peer support services to those seeking recovery and will turn no one away who needs support.  To learn more about Painted Horse Recovery, go to www.paintedhorserecovery.org/douglas-county. Collections for both drop-off locations will be available until April 22, 2025. 

Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court, with Honorable Judge Robert B. Johnson, operates under the jurisdiction of Douglas County Circuit Court. The structure is designed to reduce recidivism, address substance use disorders and provide the opportunity to look beyond the criminal act to consider the larger context of their life and future.  Graduate Community projects take place during the final phase of the program and are a time for participants to show their personal growth, societal development, and an internal shift that pushes them to reach a higher potential.

Graduate flyers are placed on the Douglas County website through the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) under H.O.P.E. Drug Court, go to https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – 5:00 pm

Douglas County Flooding Event - Day Three Response

(Douglas County, Ore.) – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Emergency Management Department and the Douglas County Public Works Department are still all-hands-on-deck in response to the severe winter storm that hit Douglas County on Sunday, March 16.   The heavy rains triggered major flooding, mudslides, and the collapse of roads throughout the county.  Our team in collaboration with local cities, tribal government, regional agencies, and private contractors continues to monitor, triage, and respond to ongoing issues related to the flood event throughout the county.  Even though the sun is out, and water is receding, we are still in response mode, as we continue to deploy crews to new slides, down trees, and debris cleanup efforts all over the county. 

The Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas County Emergency Management Department have teamed up with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to provide resources and information to Douglas County residents via the 2-1-1 Info Line.  The 211info is a free phone line that assists Oregon and Southwest Washington communities by helping people identify, navigate, and connect with the local resources they need.  If you have questions about insurance, flood damage, resources, or housing, Douglas County residents are asked to call 2-1-1.  For non-flood questions that can wait, please email your questions and concerns to ts@douglascountyor.gov">douglasalerts@douglascountyor.gov and for life-safety emergencies always call 9-1-1.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners Declared a State of Emergency on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 10:15 am for the entire county due to the ”extreme conditions related to the severe winter storm that impacted our county causing extreme peril to the safety or person and/or the protection of property.”  Douglas County Government has valuable on-call contracts in place with private local contractors for the purpose of providing much needed extra capacity during emergencies.  From the minute the emergency was declared at 10:15 Sunday morning, our Douglas County Public Works Director, Scott Adams, and his team were authorized to start deploying over two dozen local contractors to work with our County Public Works crews, and help with clean up, clearing, and repair on Douglas County maintained roads.  As many of you know, with increased budget cuts due to the lack of timber receipts we have had to downsize our County Public Works Department, which reduced our capacity to respond during major events.  However, the ability to quickly activate these private contractors with prearranged emergency on-call contracts allows us to respond to widespread incidents all over the county in a timely manner with an immediate goal of getting all county-maintained roads open as soon as possible.  Private local contractors with the county can include trucking, excavation, and logging companies, as well as road crews, aggregate suppliers, and heavy equipment operators.   To Read the declaration visit www.douglascountyor.gov.

This storm did not discriminate between human landscaped or modified areas and natural vegetation areas, as we are experiencing mudslides and erosion in all areas, terrains and valleys across Douglas County.  Our Douglas County Public Works Department and our private local contractors have worked continuously for the last 50+ hours on a quest to get all county-maintained roads operational and open with at least one-lane of travel access.  We are excited to report that their swift efforts have paid off and all county-maintained roads have reopened to at least one lane of traffic.  One slide, at the 2700 block of Hubbard Creek Road in Umpqua completely washed out about 35 feet and both lanes of the road on Sunday afternoon.  Douglas County Public Works was alerted to the incident at 3:00 pm on Sunday afternoon and was able to mobilize County crews and local contractors, who worked non-stop through the night and were able to open one lane to traffic early Monday morning.  This amazing feat was accomplished in about 16 hours.  Crews filled the gaping hole with large boulders, added a new culvert and laid asphalt while they simultaneously used pipes to divert water continuing to drain from the mountain side.  During this they also worked with the power company to install new power poles and restring power lines that had floated into the raging river.   For an interactive map of slides affecting county-operated roads visit: https://douglascountyor.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=MARCH-2025-FLOOD-EVENT-INFORMATION-27. 

One of the biggest stories during this weather event was at Galesville Dam.  While most people think of the Galesville Dam as a conduit for irrigation in southern Douglas County, this time it acted as a major flood control device saving the communities of Glendale, Riddle, Myrtle Creek and Winston from even greater flooding and additional carnage.  During the height of the floodwaters the dam reached near maximum capacity, but under the guidance of Commissioner Tom Kress, the Douglas County Public Works – Natural Resources Division staff employed an ingenious strategic approach to the measured storage and release of water from the dam into Cow Creek.  This approach avoided an uncontrolled, catastrophic spillover of the dam,  while keeping the release of water at the highest level possible without contributing to additional flooding down steam.   

The National Weather Service continues to monitor our area for weather related issues.  Although water levels have decreased in most parts of the county, many areas are still experiencing the impact of flooding, including high water, road closures, detours, mudslides, debris, downed trees, falling rocks, and damaged roadways.  Please be aware that some areas may continue to experience elevated water levels for an undetermined period of time and there is an increased risk of mudslides and falling rocks in areas with steep terrain.  Water levels are expected to continue to fluctuate as the National Weather Service is predicting another storm front approaching our area on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.  For more information and to follow weather advisories, please visit: https://www.weather.gov/mfr/.

We continue to urge motorists to proceed and exercise extreme caution and prioritize safety while driving throughout Douglas County and beyond.  If you are traveling through impacted areas, please be patient and expect delays or detours due to heavy equipment, work crews, flaggers and posted closure signs.  Please make sure to check road conditions before you travel at https://tripcheck.com/.   For additional flood information, visit Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s Flood Dashboard at https://tinyurl.com/aa6z9rrt.   Stay vigilant when traveling and remember 1) Floodwaters are extremely dangerous. 2) Turn around, don’t drown! 3)  Do not drive around barricades or through flooded roads. 4) Be extra careful at night when it’s harder to discern high water and mudslide dangers.

Currently the American Red Cross has no emergency shelters open in Douglas County, but is in stand-by mode to activate if needed.  Should you have shelter needs or need information about shelter options, please call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767).  Residents who feel it is unsafe to remain in their homes should not wait and should relocate with family/friends outside of the affected area.  If you know of any elderly or vulnerable neighbors that might need assistance with food, supplies, or utilities, we encourage you to go check on and help them.

Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice will continue to provide leadership, monitor conditions, issue updates, offer access to resources, and work diligently with local and state partners on this emergency event.  Thank you for your patience and please stay safe!

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Lead County Public Information Officer - (541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office – a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance DIstrict was dispatched to an initial report of a barn fire at approximately 01:40 AM on the morning of March 18, 2025. Linn County Sheriff deputies arrived first on scene and reported that a camp trailer was fully involved, with multiple propane tanks exploding and the occupants had evacuated. The first arriving fire units discovered a nearly completely burned camp trailer with some exposures invlovled including a small truck, propane tanks and various small motor tools. The fire was quickly knocked down and brought under control by the first two responding fire apparatus. A medic unit was dispatched to evaluate a resident on scene with possible injuries from evacuating the camper. Engine companies from Sweet Home Fire and Mohawk Valley Fire completed extinguishment and overhaul of the site and searched for two lost pets in the fire area. 3 fire apparatus and one medic unit responded with 10 personnel from Sweet Home Fire; with an engine and tender from Mohawk Valley Fire and a tender from Brownsville Rural Fire also responding to the scene. The residents on scene state that they had recently filled several propane tanks and were using a small propane heater in the camp trailer when one resident noticed a large amount of fire suddenly coming from the line between the heater and propane tank which quickly spread to the contents of the camper. She stated that she could only just escape the camper before the interior was fully involved with smoke and fire. The residents attempted to retrieve their 2 dogs from the camper immediately but were unable to access the trailer due to severe heat and smoke. One dog remained missing after a search by fire personnel. We would like to thank our partner agencies for their quick response and hard working crews. 

BEND, Ore. — The Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program (OYCP) has become the first in the nation to receive an "outstanding" rating under new federal evaluation criteria, program director Frank Tallman announced.

The program, Oregon's only accredited statewide alternative high school, underwent a comprehensive four-day on-site inspection by the National Guard Bureau's (NGB) Youth Programs Division as part of its regular three-year evaluation cycle.

"This is outstanding recognition to the staff, to the cadets, to the state, to our federal partners — everybody that helps the program had a part of this," Tallman said. "It's a great accomplishment."

Inspectors evaluated four main areas: operation compliance, operation performance, resource compliance, and resource performance. OYCP received the highest possible overall rating under a new manual implemented last year.

The program currently serves 161 cadets with 63 staff members. According to Tallman, the most recent class was the program's largest graduating class ever with 165 cadets, and the current class began with a record 191 cadets.

"Since COVID, we've seen a steady uptick in applications," Tallman said. "We're seeing a bigger need across the state for kids applying to the program."

While the facility has capacity for up to 240 cadets per class, Tallman noted the program has not seen funding rise at the federal level for the past three years, limiting staff hiring. Despite funding constraints, demand for the program continues to grow across Oregon's 36 counties.

The Oregon Youth ChalleNGe Program offers a free alternative education option through two phases: a 22-week residential phase where cadets live on-site focusing on academic instruction, followed by a 24-month post-residential phase where cadets return to their communities with continued support while working toward personal and placement goals.

The program, administered by the Oregon National Guard, is one of 37 Youth ChalleNGe programs operating in 29 states nationwide. Each program undergoes an on-site inspection every three years, with self-assessments conducted during interim years.

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PORTLAND, Ore. – In 2017, the Eagle Creek Fire burned 50,000 areas on the Oregon side of the Western Columbia River Gorge. In 2021 and 2022, atmospheric river-type storms triggered hundreds of post-fire landslides and debris flows (extremely destructive, fast-moving landslides) in the burned area. DOGAMI’s new report, Special Paper 55 (SP-55), presents the results of a new methodology for evaluating pre- and post-fire debris flows using serial high resolution lidar digital elevation models.

Climate change is a driver of fires and post-fire debris flows. As the climate continues to warm, more fires are expected in western Oregon, which has historically been less affected by wildfires. Additionally, climate scientists predict the likely intensification of atmospheric river-type storms in the future. The combination of larger and hotter fires and more intense storms likely means more post-fire landslides and debris flows. DOGAMI, along with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists from the Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State University, University of Oregon, and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), continue research into the complex geoscience behind post-fire debris flows.

“Megafires and post-fire debris flows are on the rise. Here in Oregon, we are prioritizing readiness, coordination, wildfire risk mitigation and a comprehensive, statewide approach to protecting our natural working lands and communities,” said Oregon Governor Tina Kotek. “This leading-edge, Oregon-based research will help us, and researchers across our nation, better understand the hazard of debris flows, reducing risks to community safety.” 

Key Findings included in SP-55:

• The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire influenced the occurrence of post-fire debris flows by removing the dense forest, which increases the rate at which rain and snowmelt reach the ground, which increases runoff and ground saturation, while also likely reducing root reinforcement several years after the fire.
• Post-fire effects in western Oregon appear to be different than those in drier parts of the U.S. such as southern California, most likely due to several different conditions in the western part of the Pacific Northwest, including prolonged rainy winters, occasional atmospheric river-type storms, dense forests, thick weathered volcanic soils, and steep slopes.
• 268 landslides and debris flows occurred during the January 2021 and 2022 storms.
• Of the debris flow initiations sites studied, approximately 70% are below steep, previously-burned areas.
• The results of the landslide inventory and hydrologic analysis of the pre- and post-fire debris flows in the area of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire indicate that the fire influenced debris flows in the following ways:
  • Lowered the necessary terrestrial water input (rain and snowmelt) threshold to trigger debris flows.
  • Increased the frequency of debris flows.
  • Decreased the failure depth of shallow landslides and debris flow initiation sites.
  • Increased the volume of debris flow deposits.
  • Shifted the primary debris flow initiation process from a mostly infiltration dominated process (shallow landslides) to a mostly runoff dominated process (in channel).
  • Decreased the required upslope contributing area for debris flow initiation sites.

Funding for this work was provided by:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 10 – Cooperative Technical Partners Grant Program
• Oregon Department of Transportation Project SPR853
• USGS Post-Fire Research Grant and Data funding.

Several partners collaborated to make this project possible:

• DOGAMI – Bill Burns, Engineering Geologist, Project lead; Nancy Calhoun, Geologist
• OSU College of Forestry and College of Engineering – Professor Ben Leshchinsky; Professor Michael Olsen; David Sousa, PhD candidate
• UO Department of Earth Sciences – Professor Josh Roering; Maryn Sanders, PhD candidate
• ODOT Region 1 – Michael Zimmerman, Engineering Geologist
• USGS Landslide Hazards Program – Francis Rengers, Nick Mathews, Mendenhall Postdoc

The new report can be accessed at https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/sp/SP-55.aspx

A map-based tool for visualizing study data can be accessed at https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=88ebf1c6aa914aef8cc7aa3fe40a8b40

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

Newsroom

Triple your impact: Pacific Power will match your contribution to Oregon Energy Fund 2-for-1

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 18, 2025)  — Pacific Power is making it easy to make a difference in Oregon communities by helping struggling neighbors stay warm. For every dollar you donate, Pacific Power will match your donation to the Oregon Energy Fund with $2 more

Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail will find they include an Oregon Energy Fund contribution envelope in March. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program by calling Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070 or visiting PacificPower.net/Donate.

This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power.

Donations may be tax-deductible and are forwarded directly to the Oregon Energy Fund, which verifies eligibility and allocates funds to those in need. All funds donated are used to assist families within the same county in which the donor resides.

“Pacific Power’s commitment to supporting household stability is bolstered by compassion, collaboration and innovation,” said Brian Allbritton, executive director of the Oregon Energy Fund.

“Studies show that more than a quarter of Oregonians struggle to pay their bills each year,” said Albritton. “From Oregon Energy Fund's start in 1989, Pacific Power has been an important partner in bringing emergency bill payment assistance to thousands of vulnerable Oregonians, helping make them healthy and safe while keeping their lights on.” 

Last year, donations from Pacific Power’s customers, employees and the company helped 2,995 individuals in need throughout Oregon, including 503 seniors, 464 people with disabilities and 1,010 children. This year, Pacific Power will match up to $144,000 in donations.

Customers who need bill assistance can speak with Pacific Power representatives at 1-888-221-7070 who can connect them with payment plans that work for their individual needs, while directing them to agencies that may be able to help with bills.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sam Tenney, Communications Coordinator

sam.tenney@dpsst.oregon.gov

Cell: 503-931-4069

DEDICATION CEREMONY HONORS FORMER MARION COUNTY SHERIFF JASON MYERS

SALEM, Ore. — The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) held a ceremony on Monday, March 17 to commemorate the life and legacy of the late Jason Myers. Members of the law enforcement community, elected officials, and family members gathered for the dedication of a bench at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in memory of Myers, who made a tremendous impact on public safety in the state during a career that spanned more than three decades.

Myers spent 28 years with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), including ten years leading the agency as sheriff. From 2016 to 2019, he chaired both the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training and its Corrections Policy Committee. After retiring from MCSO in 2019, he served as the executive director of the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association.

Myers passed away in October 2024 after a two-year battle with cancer. In recognition of his lasting impact on DPSST and the public safety community throughout the state, the agency dedicated the bench at the academy in Salem in his memory.

DPSST Director Phil Castle said that the placement of the bench in a courtyard in front of a classroom building at the academy is fitting. “Jason is and was a big part of this academy,” Director Castle said. “And having this bench that looks out on the rest of the academy…we just thought it was fitting.”

Guest speakers at the event included Valerie Colas, public safety advisor to Governor Tina Kotek, retired Marion County Undersheriff Troy Clausen, Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Tim Svenson, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Kevin Campbell, and Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter.

Campbell noted that during difficult conversations, negotiations, or other engagements of people with different perspectives, Myers displayed servant leadership not by what he said, but by how he acted.

“He, without exception, treated people with incredible dignity,” Campbell said. “He always listened first.”

Speakers universally praised Myers’ strong, yet quiet, style of leadership, his thoughtfulness and integrity. Sheriff Hunter noted that the memorial bench’s true purpose is to serve as a place for academy students to reflect on the legacy of a man he described as the best law enforcement mentor he’d ever known.

“Where this sits here at the academy, where we are shaping the next generation of law enforcement, it could not be in a better place,” Sheriff Hunter said. “This is the true definition of a legacy.”
 

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About DPSST

The mission of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is to pursue excellence in training and accountability for public safety professionals. DPSST certifies and licenses police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, as well as regulatory specialists, emergency telecommunicators and medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, fire service professionals, and polygraph examiners in the state of Oregon.  DPSST works with public and private safety agencies around the state to provide basic, leadership and specialized training at the 237-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

As water levels rose across Douglas County, an increased number of calls for service, across the county, were the result.  This was no different for Central Douglas Fire & Rescue.  CDF&R was prepared.  Strategic placement of resources and upstaffing of personnel aided in the success of rendering aid to those in need. Water related rescues, public safety requests, and aid to adjacent jurisdictions, through mutual aid agreements, all contributed to the influx in call volume.  Battalion Chief Ryan Felker stated," We (CDF&R) were aware this event was likely to occur and prepared accordingly so service delivery would not be affected." 

CDF&Rs technical rescue team was a primary resource request to assist initial responders.  They assisted homeowners evacuating their homes, removed people trapped, and assisted evacuation notices in areas not accessible by vehicle.  All due to rapidly rising water levels.  A total of 32 adults, 8 children, and 15 pets were brought to safety by the team. 

Felker credits the entire emergency response system, across the county, for the days positive outcomes.  " When agencies, departments and teams of all disciplines work well together, while having the same mission in mind, the result is positive during large scale problems", Felker stated.     

March 18, 2025

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

OHA urges people to check immunity against measles; get vaccinated

As cases appear in other states, including neighboring California, Oregon health officials recommend measures to stay safe

PORTLAND, Ore._ With spring break and summer travel season approaching, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) encourages people to make sure they are protected against measles. Getting the MMR vaccine — for measles, mumps and rubella — is the most effective prevention tool against the highly contagious virus. 

Twelve U.S. states, including California, Texas and New Mexico, have reported cases of measles since Jan 1. While Oregon has no cases so far in 2025, last year the state recorded 31 confirmed cases — its highest measles count in more than 30 years — during an outbreak among unvaccinated people, including two children younger than 5. 

“Measles is an amazingly contagious virus that unfortunately in recent years has re-emerged in our communities, primarily due to a declining percentage of people who are getting vaccinated,” said Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. 

“Measles is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection for individuals who haven’t received immunity through the MMR vaccine,” said Dawn Nolt, M.D., M.P.H., professor of pediatrics (infectious diseases) in the OHSU School of Medicine.

“The good news is that we have a highly safe and effective vaccine – it is our strongest line of defense and the best way to keep yourself, your children and your community safe. If you have questions about the vaccine, we encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns.” she said.

Cieslak said anyone planning travel to countries or states where measles is circulating should get the MMR vaccine before they go. “Getting the vaccine now will allow you to start building immunity prior to your trip,” he said.  

Cieslak addresses common questions about measles, symptoms, the vaccine and more in this week’s Oregon Health News newsletter, published Thursday. 

Symptoms

Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. 

Symptoms begin seven to 10 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. 

About 20% of people who contract measles are hospitalized. In developed countries in recent years, one or two of every 1,000 measles cases have been fatal.  

Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. People who are infected can be unknowingly contagious for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. 

That means someone with measles can be unaware they are infected and can easily spread the virus before noticing any symptoms. 

During the 2024 outbreak in Oregon, OHA worked with local public health officials to share information about specific locations where known measles cases had spent time so that members of the public were aware they may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. 

What families of school-age children should know

In addition to reducing risk of transmission, getting the vaccine can help families avoid having to isolate at home for several weeks if they are exposed to measles. 

Additionally, state law requires an unvaccinated child exposed to the virus to be excluded from school or childcare during the period when they could become sick, which is usually for 21 days after exposure. 

This exclusion period can be extended if there are more measles cases. 

What people born before 1957 should know

People born before 1957 do not need to be vaccinated against measles—they are presumed to be immune. 

That’s because, before the measles vaccine was first available to the public in 1963, virtually all children would contract measles by their teenage years, making them immune for life. 

What people born in 1957 or later should know

People born in 1957 or later, however, could still benefit from the vaccine because they would have been at least 6 years old in 1963. At that age, there was still a meaningful chance they hadn’t been exposed to measles yet and could benefit from the new vaccine. 

People who can document receiving the measles vaccine series at some point in their lives or have documentation showing a previous measles diagnosis or laboratory evidence of immunity can be confident they are immune and do not need to receive the MMR vaccine.  

What anyone traveling should know

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following measles prevention measures for anyone traveling, especially internationally:  

• Babies ages 6 through 11 months can receive an early dose of the vaccine to protect them for travel; but they should then receive another dose at 12 through 15 months and a final dose between ages 4 and 6.
• Children older than a year who have not been vaccinated should immediately receive one dose and follow with a second dose at least 28 days later.
• Children older than a year with one prior dose should receive an early second dose of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
• Teenagers and adults previously vaccinated with one dose should consider getting a second dose if they are traveling to an area where measles is circulating.
• People preparing to travel internationally who have not been immunized should get the vaccine prior to departure. 

More CDC recommendations can be found here. 

In recent years, OHA has bolstered its tracking of communicable diseases, such as measles, with the development and modernization of data reporting tools, including an interactive, web-based dashboard that visualizes data on communicable disease incidence in Oregon. The dashboard’s data are disease, month, demographic group and county. 

Increasing awareness and education about primary prevention, public health risks and preventive health services are among actions OHA is taking as part of its 2024–2027 Strategic Plan. 

The plan further supports expanding access to vaccines and other health resources for children, parents and families in all communities in Oregon.  

To learn more about measles and to receive daily status updates of measles outbreak data, visit OHA’s Measles and Rubeola web page. 

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The City of Roseburg Fire Department will begin issuing residential burn permits, beginning on April 15, 2025 and ending on May 15, 2025.

These permits are issued for seven (7) days at a cost of $75.00.  Residential yard waste is the only material that may be burned. Prohibited items include standing berry vines, paper, wood, plastics, tires, standing grass, weeds, construction material, and material from lot clearing.  Burning may not be done on vacant lots or the property of another.  Fires must be monitored by a competent adult and extinguished prior to darkness. Tools to control or extinguish the fire must be on-site whenever there is material burning.

Burn barrels are never allowed inside City limits, and anyone burning trash or burning without a permit may be subject to a fine and/or legal action.  Additionally, due diligence must be exercised while burning, even with a permit, as fire can quickly get out of control, and the person responsible for the fire may be subject to fines, legal action, or restitution.

If possible, residents are urged to utilize alternatives to burning, such as composting, chipping, mulching, or transporting the debris to the Douglas County Landfill.  For disposal fees and accepted items at the Douglas County Landfill, visit https://douglascountyor.gov/396/Solid-Waste

To request a burning permit in the City of Roseburg, call (541) 492-6770 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  This information, as well as the burn permit request form is also available on the city website at https://www.cityofroseburg.org/departments/fire/burn-permits

Salem, OR—Oregon’s newest refundable personal income tax credit put more than $39 million into the pockets of low-income families in its first year in 2024.

The Oregon Kids Credit, created by the Legislature in 2023, is a refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $25,750 or less, the full credit is $1,000 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year—a maximum benefit of $5,000. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $30,750.

So far in 2025, more than 22,000 taxpayers have claimed $25 million in benefits from the Oregon Kids Credit.

When combined with the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Oregon Earned Income Credit, it could help boost the tax refund for the lowest income families by a total of $13,770.

The EITC is for people with an adjusted gross income of up to $66,818 in 2024. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $7,830 on their federal tax return, and a maximum Oregon EIC of $940 on their state tax return.

All three credits are fully refundable, meaning the portion of the credit that is larger than what a taxpayer owes can be refunded. Taxpayers may even be able to claim the credits and receive a tax refund if they don’t normally file a tax return.

To claim the credits, taxpayers must file a return. To assist taxpayers, Oregon offers several free filing options, including free fillable forms and the new Direct File Oregon. Taxpayers who need help filing their taxes can also find free assistance options on the agency website.

Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the refundable Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC), which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they're working, looking for work, or attending school.

For more information about the federal EITC, the Oregon EIC, the Oregon Kids Credit and other similar credits, go to the Tax benefits for families page.

Taxpayers filing their own 2024 income tax returns can get free assistance using the new combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon when Oregon Department of Revenue volunteers visit libraries across the state this tax season.

The department offers special computer kiosks in four of its regional offices where taxpayers who don’t have access to computers can file their return using the free fillable forms and Direct File Oregon e-file options.

The kiosks are available in the DOR regional offices in:

• Bend, 951 SW Simpson Ave, Suite 100

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

• Eugene, 1600 Valley River Drive, Suite 310

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

• Gresham, 1550 NW Eastman Parkway, Suite 220

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

• Portland, 800 NE Oregon St, Suite 505
  Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed 12 – 12:30 p.m.)

Taxpayers can visit the Oregon Department of Revenue website to find free tax preparation sites by using the department’s interactive map.

To get tax forms, check the status of their refund, or make payments, visit the Revenue website or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

Taxpayers can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), the department accepts all relay calls.
 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 17, 2025

Medical Emergency at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort Results in Tragic Fatality

Deschutes County, Ore. – On March 17, 2025, at 3:04 p.m., Deschutes County 911 received an emergency SOS text message from an Apple device via satellite. The message reported a "trapped and injured person in steep terrain." GPS coordinates included in the message indicated the location was on the west side of Mount Bachelor. (43.9861 -121.7032)

911 dispatchers immediately dispatched Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, AirLink, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputies, and Sheriff Search and Rescue teams to the scene. Dispatchers also established voice contact with the reporting party and provided CPR and life-saving instructions.

Ski patrollers reached the reporting party and assumed patient care. Minutes later, the patient was transported to the Mt. Bachelor Clinic, where he succumbed to his injuries.

DCSO deputies identified the deceased as Benjamin Shelkey, 34, of Seattle, Washington. Investigators determined Shelkey was found unresponsive, buried in snow. Third parties at the scene worked for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to free him before beginning CPR.

While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, and the official cause of death has not yet been determined, the circumstances are consistent with snow immersion suffocation. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office urges outdoor enthusiasts to use caution when recreating in backcountry and resort areas, particularly in deep snow conditions.

Statement from Sheriff van der Kamp:
"On behalf of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Central Oregon community, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Benjamin Shelkey. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him. We also want to recognize the swift response and dedication of all those citizens and ski patrollers who assisted in this rescue effort. Tragedies like this remind us of the risks of outdoor recreation, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when venturing into deep snow conditions."

We thank our partners—Deschutes County 911, Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, and AirLink—for their professionalism and commitment to public safety.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 17, 2025 – 5:07 pm

Douglas County Flooding Event – Update

(Douglas County, Ore.) – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Emergency Management Department and the Douglas County Public Works Department are hard at work collaborating with local cities, tribal government, regional agencies, and private contractors to quickly access, cleanup, and repair damaged roads across the county following a severe winter storm that caused major flooding and numerous mudslides as the result of sustained heavy rains this past weekend.  

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners Declared a State of Emergency on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 10:15 am for the entire county due to the ”extreme conditions related to the severe winter storm that impacted our county causing extreme peril to the safety or person and/or the protection of property.”   A declaration of emergency empowers authorities to take extraordinary measures to protect lives, property, and public health, including accessing emergency funds, and coordinating resources for rapid response and recovery.  Visit Here to read a copy of the declaration. 

Please be aware that the National Weather Service continues to issue ‘Flood Warnings & Flood Advisories’ for several areas of southern Oregon, including Douglas County.  The warnings and advisories remain in effect through tonight for many areas of the county.  Although floodwaters have receded in some parts of the county, many areas are still experiencing the impact of flooding, including high water, road closures, detours, mudslides, debris, downed trees, falling rocks, and damaged roadways.  Please be aware that some areas may continue to experience elevated water levels for an undetermined period of time and there is an increased risk of mudslides and falling rocks in areas with steep terrain.  Water levels are expected to continue to fluctuate as the National Weather Service is predicting another storm front approaching our area on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.  For more information and to follow weather advisories, please visit: https://www.weather.gov/mfr/.

We continue to urge motorists to proceed and exercise extreme caution and prioritize safety while driving throughout Douglas County and beyond.  If you are traveling through impacted areas, please be patient and expect delays or detours due to heavy equipment, work crews, flaggers and posted closure signs.  Please make sure to check road conditions before you travel at https://tripcheck.com/.   For additional flood information, visit Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s Flood Dashboard at https://tinyurl.com/aa6z9rrt.

Stay vigilant when traveling and remember:

? Floodwaters are extremely dangerous.

? Turn around, don’t drown!

? Do not drive around barricades or through flooded roads.

? Be extra careful at night when it’s harder to discern high water or mudslide dangers.

            While several local temporary shelters have closed, the American Red Cross is operating a shelter on an on-call basis only at the Drain Church of Christ.  Should you have shelter needs or need information about shelter options, please call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767) or contact the American Red Cross – Southwest Oregon Chapter at (541) 344-5244 or visit: https://www.redcross.org/local/oregon/about-us/locations/southwest-oregon-chapter.html.  Residents who feel it is unsafe to remain in their homes should not wait for a notice to evacuate and should relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area.  If you know of any elderly or vulnerable neighbors that might need assistance with food, supplies, or utilities, we encourage you to go check on them, if you are able and have suitable transportation.

            The Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas County Emergency Management Department have teamed up with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM)to provide resource and information to local residents via the 211 Info Line.  211info is a free phone line that assists Oregon and Southwest Washington communities by helping people identify, navigate, and connect with the local resources they need.  If you have questions about insurance, flood damage, resources, or housing call 211.  If you have a non-emergent need for assistance, call the non-emergency line with the Douglas County 911 Communications Dispatch Center at (541) 440-4471.  If you have a life-threatening situation, please call 911.

            The Commissioners and County Departments wanted to express our sincere thank you to our local partners for their assistance, cooperation, and support during this emergency, including, our 12 city administrators; city fire and rural fire departments; city police departments; Douglas Public Health Network, Oregon Department of Transportation; OEM; and Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians. 

Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice will continue to provide leadership, assess current conditions, issue updates, offer access to resources, and work diligently with local and state partners on this emergency event.  Thank you for your patience and please stay safe out there!

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Media Contact Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Lead County Public Information Officer - (541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office – a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Douglas County Dog Control Advisory Board will hold a meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, Room 216, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, Oregon 97470.

The agenda meeting agenda can be located at: www.dcso.com/dogboard. 

To view the live stream or post-meeting recording, please visit: https://video.ibm.com/channel/douglascountyoregon.

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to submit public comment related to specific agenda items. Members of the public who wish to comment can do so: (1) In person, (2) by submitting via email at kaylee.tucker@douglascountyor.gov or (3) by virtual format via www.zoom.com Meeting 850 9182 7983 (Passcode – 6hV4Wa).

As part of public policy, Douglas County will attempt to provide public accessibility to services, programs, and activities. If accommodation is needed to participate at this meeting, please contact Kaylee Tucker (541) 440-4449 kaylee.tucker@douglascountyor.gov at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

JCSO Case 25-1401

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Heavy rain and flooding led to the tragic death of a Central Point woman yesterday afternoon. Our condolences go to her family and friends in this difficult time. Next-of-kin has been notified. Out of respect for the family’s privacy we will not be releasing the decedent’s name.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to a call for a missing woman yesterday, March 16 at 4:21 PM in the 5000 block of Kane Creek Road in rural Central Point. Investigators learned the woman was attempting to clear branches from a culvert under her driveway when her waders (waterproof overalls) filled with water and swift flood waters pulled her through the culvert and into nearby Kane Creek.

Jackson County Fire District 3 responded with a swift water Technical Rescue Team. FD3 personnel located the woman approximately 100 yards down the creek and she was transported by Mercy Flights ambulance to a local hospital. Medics attempted lifesaving measures but she was pronounced deceased.

This incident is a tragic reminder of the dangers of rainstorms leading to flooding. During periods of heavy rains, stay away from flood-prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches, and culverts. Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area. If you live or work in flood-prone areas, remain alert during heavy rainstorms. Fast-moving water can erode stream and river banks, making them unstable and dangerous. The water may carry debris on and beneath the surface which can pose significant risks. For more information on flood safety go to: https://www.ready.gov/floods. There is no further information available for release.

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Updated essential salmonid habitat map available now

The map identifies streams where removal-fill permits are often required to help protect critical habitat for salmon species

The State of Oregon has published the 2025 essential salmonid habitat map, which shows streams where activities like building docks or adding riprap usually require a removal-fill permit.  
 

The map identifies streams that are critical habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and other sensitive, threatened or endangered fish species. Oregon law protects these streams by requiring a removal-fill permit for most projects that remove or add any materials. View the 2025 map and learn more.

The map is updated as often as yearly to reflect current Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife data. These regular updates keep habitat information accurate, which in turn helps property owners do their part to protect fish, said Oregon Department of State Lands Director Vicki Walker. 

“Anyone who lives along a river or stream should check the map,” Walker said. “The first step in protecting fish populations is knowing whether a waterway is essential habitat.”

The 2025 update added approximately 113 stream miles of essential habitat in multiple areas of Oregon. Approximately 12 stream miles are no longer essential habitat. See the draft map to view the changes for 2025.

The annual map update process includes Tribal engagement and a public review and comment period.

Stay informed about future map updates by joining DSL’s email list for essential salmonid habitat map information. Sign up to receive emails.

CORRECTION: This version has a corrected media contact phone number.

March 17, 2025

Media contact: Kim Lippert, erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831

New opioid treatment center enhances access to services in Central Oregon, supports Oregon’s efforts to reduce opioid deaths 

Salem, Ore. – A new medication assisted treatment center for those recovering from substance use disorder will open this month in Redmond, enhancing access to services in Central Oregon and supporting Oregon’s efforts to reduce opioid deaths statewide.

“In the past, people seeking treatment for opioid use disorder in Central Oregon had to drive to Bend for services; now they can access treatment in their own community,” said John Mcilveen, Ph.D., OHA’s State Opioid Treatment Authority.  “Access to effective treatment is a critical factor in overcoming addiction.”

The new Redmond Treatment Center in Redmond is the result of a $1.25 million allocation by the Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Board (Settlement Board) that expanded and strengthened Central Oregon’s access to substance use disorder treatment and services through opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and jails.

"This new location makes it easier for current patients who are traveling to Bend to juggle work and family commitments with treatment,” said Matt Owen, Managing Director of Oregon Recovery and Treatment Centers. “In our experience, for every person who travels over 30 minutes for treatment, there are one to two more who want help but don’t have the time or means to make the trip."

Two of the most common barriers to addiction treatment are cost and geographical location. In addition to increasing accessibility in Central Oregon, the Redmond Treatment Center will address cost by accepting Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance and self-pay options.

The Redmond Treatment Center, located at 865 SW Veterans Way, will open March 24. Anyone seeking treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) can seek help at the clinic. Treatment will include counseling, psychosocial supports, and FDA approved medications for the treatment of OUD. For more information on seeking care at the Redmond Treatment Center call 1-458-206-5982.

The Redmond Treatment Center is one way Oregon is expanding treatment access through an integrated, coordinated and culturally responsive approach, which is a core goal of OHA’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.

OHA’s Strategic Plan supports transforming behavioral health by building a behavioral health system that works for every child, teen, adult and family experiencing mental illness or harmful substance use by expanding integrated, coordinated and culturally responsive behavioral health services when and where people need them. 

For more information on Oregon’s opioid settlement funds visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement. 

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Gregory Leon Robinson, died the morning of March 17, 2025. Robinson was incarcerated at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) in Madras and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Robinson entered DOC custody on October 24, 2023, from Lane County with an earliest release date of July 5, 2026. Robinson was 35 years old. Next of kin has been notified.  

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

Deer Ridge Correctional Institution (DRCI) is located four miles east of Madras in central Oregon. DRCI is a multi-custody prison that currently houses 947 minimum-custody incarcerated adults. DRCI provides a range of correctional programs and services including education and trades programs, mental health treatment, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work crews. Construction began in October 2005 with the first minimum-security adults in custody (AICs) arriving in September 2007. DRCI is the largest minimum-custody facility in the state and Oregon’s fourteenth prison.

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Salem, Ore.  – You may think you don’t need to file a tax return. But you might be missing out on getting a big tax refund in the mail. If you need help filing, there’s free help thanks to the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Program, which funds community organizations throughout the state to offer free tax filing help for people who qualify. See below to pick the best location for free tax help.

Many working Oregonians aren’t required to file a tax return. Or, they haven’t filed for years. So why bother?

Here are some reasons to file a tax return:

• You could get a significant amount of money back. Your employer may have withheld too much money from your paycheck. You may have excess withholding payments that can be returned to you as a refund, particularly if you worked part time or for only part of the year.

• There’s a bevy of tax credits. There’s the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working people with low incomes; the Oregon Kids Credit if you have children; the Working Family Credit if you have childcare costs;  the Retirement Savings Credit if you’re saving for retirement; the American Opportunity Credit if you attend college; and other credits.
• You are under age 18 and believe your parents file your tax return. A common misconception for families occurs when children work and their parent claims them as a dependent on their return. Depending on how much they worked, young people working part-time can receive hundreds of dollars of excess withholding while still being claimed as a dependent on their parent’s return.
• You have never filed or haven’t filed over the last few years. Many people missed filing their tax return during the pandemic. If you need to file prior year returns, there is free in-person tax filing help available: https://www.oregon.gov/dor/programs/individuals/Pages/get-free-tax-help.aspx)
• You may be required to file an Oregon return. The income requirements for filing a state return Oregon are much lower than for the federal Internal Revenue Service. For single person with no dependents in Oregon it is $7,710. Check your Oregon filing requirements: https://www.oregon.gov/dor/programs/individuals/Pages/file-requirements.aspx#fullyear.

• You missed the April 15 tax day deadline and think it’s too late. If you are due a refund, there is no penalty for late filing. Free tax filing help is available through mid-October.

The Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds culturally relevant or culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments and rural community organizations to help educate and provide free tax filing help for people with low incomes. Help is available in multiple languages. The grant money is also used to increase the number of certified tax preparers in Oregon.

Where to get free help filing taxes

• 211Info: Call 2-1-1 or email help@211info.org for a list of all the free tax filing help.

• Oregon State University; vita@oregonstate.edu; 541-737-3371; Corvallis, Bend, Eugene OSU VITA website: https://business.oregonstate.edu/volunteer-income-tax-assistance  
• Western Oregon University; wouvita@wou.edu; 503-751-4132; Monmouth, Independence, Falls City; WOU VITA website: https://wou.edu/business-economics/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita/.
• CASH Oregon: info@Cashoregon.org; 503-243-7765; Portland, Beaverton, Gresham
• Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO); TAX@irco.org; 971-427-3993; Portland, Ontario       
• Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos; biec@Centrodspc.org">debbiec@Centrodspc.org; 503-982-0243; Woodburn        
• Latino Community Association; info@latinocommunityassociation.org;

541-382-4366; Bend, Redmond               

• Moneywise Oregon; dan@moneywiseoregon.org; 541-670-5054; Coos Bay, Roseburg

Salem, Ore. – Oregonians investing in the Cultural Tax Credit contributed more than $5.2 million to support arts, heritage and humanities nonprofits in 2024, the Oregon Cultural Trust announced today. The total, which represents a 3.2 percent increase over calendar year 2023, will fund grant awards to cultural organizations across the state this summer and continue to build the Cultural Trust’s permanent fund, now valued at $41.8 million.

“Oregonians continue to show up for culture in a big way!” said Cultural Trust Chair Sean Andries. “In a time when arts and cultural organizations across the country are facing challenges, it’s inspiring to see our communities step up and invest in the creative heartbeat of our state.

“The Cultural Tax Credit is an incredible tool that allows us to sustain and grow the vibrant arts, heritage and humanities that make Oregon unique,” Andries added. “This year’s donations will directly impact cultural nonprofits across the state, ensuring they can continue to create, preserve, educate and inspire. We’re building something lasting together, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!"

The $5.2 million fundraising total represents 10,570 donations and 1,138 donors new to the Cultural Trust. It also includes $552,349 raised through an ongoing partnership with the Willamette Week Give!Guide.

One of the highlights of the 2024 campaign was the creation of the Cultural Ambassador Network, a group of dedicated and passionate individuals across Oregon who champion the work of arts, heritage and humanities nonprofits by promoting the Cultural Tax Credit to increase available grant funding.

More than half of the money raised will be distributed directly to Oregon’s nonprofit cultural community this summer; the remainder will grow the Cultural Trust permanent fund. Cultural Trust grants are distributed to the five Statewide Core Agency Partners – Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, the Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities and the State Office of Historic Preservation – as well as to 45 County/Tribal Cultural Coalitions, who regrant the funds in their communities, and directly to cultural nonprofits via the Cultural Trust’s Cultural Development grants.

The 98 Cultural Development projects funded for FY2025 include:

• Advance Gender Equity in the Arts, Portland: $9,645

To support the residency of award-winning Black female playwright Reneé Flemings at Portland State University to workshop her new play “empty spaces.”

• Ashland Parks Foundation, Ashland: $21,143

To support the restoration, repair and upgrade of the historic Butler-Perozzi Fountain and site (terrace, stairs, light posts) in Lithia Park, Ashland. The fountain was given to the city in 1915 by two local businessman and has been the jewel of Lithia Park since that time.

• Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, Corvallis: $30,409

To support access to cultural exchange for immigrant, refugee and international communities in the Willamette Valley.

• Elkton Community Education Center, Elkton: $5,110

To increase access to high-quality arts education for rural youth and adults by creating a series of after-school and weekend classes with experienced arts educators.

• Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph: $34,713

To support Phase II of the Building Our Future capital campaign to expand the building and increase ADA access to the second-floor library and programs. The $1.6 million project will support the Center’s mission to advance access to the arts, heritage and the humanities by enabling JCAC to serve a greater number of residents and visitors, provide a wider variety of programs and further promote awareness and understanding of the legacy and culture of the Nez Perce.

• Linn County Lamb and Wool Association, Scio: $24,662

To support the preservation of the culturally historic 100-year-old ZCBJ Hall by replacing a failing roof while the building is still in good condition. The price of roofing goes up by about $8,000 a year according to quotes, which also adds expediency to the project.

• North Pole Studio, Portland: $19,358

To support a six-month printmaking residency for five North Pole Studio (NPS) artists with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities culminating in an exhibition, limited edition publication and run of fine art prints.

• The Museum at Warm Springs, Warm Springs: $25,899

To support “Tł’aawxmamiyai - For Everyone - The Knowledge from Long Ago” featuring Warm Springs’ and other Indigenous master artists as traditional arts workshop teachers and exhibitors, emerging Warm Springs artists as workshop participants and exhibitors, and young Warm Springs Tribal members as exhibitors in the 2024 Youth Art Show, as well as the non-Tribal public as Museum visitors.

• The National Neon Sign Museum, The Dalles: $19,644

To support the restoration and preservation of the historic 1921 C. W. Parker Jantzen Beach Carousel horses. In October of 2023, the Museum was unanimously selected by Restore Oregon to receive and restore the historic carousel. The team will work with classically trained woodworking artists to train and inspire a new generation of artisans to restore the 82 horses to their original glory.

• North Bend Public Library Foundation, North Bend: $34,421

To support capital improvements to the North Bend Public Library Children’s Room that will enhance its ability to provide a safe and welcoming library space in which to provide essential community services.

• Tananawit, Warm Springs: $16,858

To support the development and self-sufficiency of Tananawit and its Warm Springs artists by providing culturally specific art-focused business classes. Artists will complete a bootcamp program, as well as professional practices and artist statement sessions.

• Ten Fifteen Productions, Astoria: $10,186

To support efforts to convert an antiquated stage lighting system to a new, energy efficient LED system.

View the full list of FY2025 grant awards.

The contracted partners for the Cultural Trust’s 2024 fundraising campaign were Watson Creative of Portland and Turell Group of Eugene.

The comparison removes a one-time bequest of $369,145 received in calendar year 2023.

# # #

The Oregon Cultural Trust was established by the Oregon Legislature in 2001 as a unique means to reward Oregonians who invest in culture. Oregonians who donate to a cultural nonprofit and then make a matching gift to the Cultural Trust receive a 100% state tax credit for their gift to the Trust.

UPDATE - 3/17/25 - All Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation Notices and Shelter-in-Place Notices have been cancelled.

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Previous release:

The following areas are under a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice due to flooding:

- All areas on Sunderman Road near Marcola, which will be closed except for local access by residents.

- All areas south of Silk Creek to Bryant Avenue, between Gowdyville Road and S. River Road in Cottage Grove

- Riverstone RV Park at S. 6th Avenue and Latham Road, east of Cottage Grove

A shelter for evacuees has been set up at the Community Center, 700 E. Gibbs Avenue, Cottage Grove.

Due to the closure of Cemetery Bridge Road in Cottage Grove, the following areas are asked to shelter in place:

- All areas north of Silk Creek Road accessed by Cemetery Bridge Road, including Buttercup Loop, Bluebird Street, Ash Avenue, and Pond Turtle Way

Officials are working on emergency access for evacuations for those wanting to leave.

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Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area, monitor local media outlets and telephone devices to receive further information.

This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets and livestock.

If conditions worsen, public safety personnel will make contact again using the emergency notification system.

Use caution in areas of high water on roadways and driveways. Residents should monitor their evacuation routes for flooding.

A map of the evacuation area is available at: www.lanecountyor.gov/2025flood

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

The month of April is designated as the National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Lincoln City Police Department will be utilizing traffic safety grant funds to conduct enhanced enforcement operations during the month. The Lincoln City Police Department will be joining law enforcement agencies across the state and nation in working together to enforce distracted driving laws in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and deter drivers from using their mobile devices while driving. The enhanced enforcement operations will be conducted periodically throughout the month of April.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022 there were 3,308 people killed in traffic crashes and another 290,000 injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted Driving is a dangerous behavior for drivers, passengers, and non-occupants alike, and is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roadways. Distracted driving is a specific type of inattention that occurs when drivers divert their attention from the task of driving to focus on other activities, such as using their phones. During the month, drivers will see increased patrol efforts with an emphasis on seeking out drivers who are distracted by talking or texting on their cell phones, or using other electronic devices while they are operating their vehicle. The goal of these enhanced enforcement efforts is to increase the safety of the citizens and visitors of Lincoln City.

The Distracted Driving Enforcement grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. Our objective is to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, and to reduce the number of distracted drivers on the roadways to prevent crashes that cause injuries and cost lives. These grant funds were made possible through the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

UPDATE TO SHELTERS - THE GLENDALE SHELTER HAS CLOSED

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Today, Douglas County has experienced extensive flooding affecting various areas of the county. As water levels fluctuate, residents are urged to use heightened caution. The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind residents that certain areas may still experience high water levels for some time. This can be particularly challenging to identify after dusk. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution and prioritize safety while driving.

Residents who feel it is unsafe to remain at their homes should not wait for a notice to evacuate and should relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area.

Many of the temporary shelters that opened during the day have closed. However, one shelter remains operational this evening located at the Drain Church of Christ (401 2^nd Street, Drain).

Any resident experiencing a need for assistance is requested to contact Douglas County Emergency Communications at (541) 440-4471.

Emergency responders have been responding to a surge in flood-related emergencies alongside their regular calls for service. With roads inundated and conditions hazardous, community members are urged to reduce travel to alleviate additional strain on resources. By minimizing unnecessary trips, residents can play a role in supporting emergency efforts and ensuring swift responses where they are most needed.

Sheriff Hanlin and Douglas County Commissioners have been and will continue to provide leadership during the emergency response and subsequent recovery working hand in hand with municipal and community partners.

No further updates are expected this evening.

Winter weather forced the closure Sunday night of a 33-mile stretch of OR 58, between Oakridge in the west and Crescent Lake in the East. ODOT crews report spinouts, trees down and snowy conditions and we do not have an estimate for when the road will reopen.Travelers should use caution Sunday night and Monday along the many Oregon roads experiencing stormy conditions. 

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Brenton Daniel Schaumann, died the evening of March 15, 2025. Schaumann was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at the facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Schaumann entered DOC custody on August 30, 2022, from Deschutes County and with an anticipated release date of February 2, 2045. Schaumann was 35 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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