DRIVING IN THE RAIN

Along with the official start of fall comes our rainy season. For some, driving in the rain, especially in the dark, causes anxiety. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “nearly 5,700 people are killed and more than 544,700 people are injured in crashes on wet pavement” each year.

But being behind the wheel while it’s raining doesn’t have to be a nerve-racking experience. Here are some tips for driving in a downpour:

1. Think. Drivers need to stay alert and focused on what’s going on around them, especially during rain and other stormy weather.

2. Turn on headlights. It’s the law in all states to turn on headlights when visibility is low. Many states also require having headlights on when the windshield wipers are in use. While Oregon does not require motorists to turn on headlights when wipers are used, this can help increase visibility. Well-working wipers are an essential for driving in rain.

3. Beware of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is what occurs when your tires are getting more traction on the layer of water on the road than on the road itself, resulting in your car sliding uncontrollably. It’s easy enough to hydroplane: All you need is one-twelfth of an inch of water on the road and a speed of more than 35 miles per hour. If you start to hydroplane, let off the accelerator slowly and steer straight until you regain control. Before rain, snow, or freezing temperatures begin, it is important to have quality tires for increased traction and safety.

4. Turn off cruise control. On rain, snow, ice, or other slick surfaces, cruise control may cause you to lose control. If you hydroplane while in cruise control, your car will actually go faster.

5. Slow down. Speed limits are designed for ideal conditions. That means driving when there is little traffic and good visibility. Plan for more time to get to your destination when it is raining.

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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COOS COUNTY, Ore. (6 Oct. 2026) – On Sunday, October 4, 2026, at approximately 7:35 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 540 near milepost 5 in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a silver Chevrolet Aveo, operated by George Cole Cleveland (41) of Coos Bay, was traveling the wrong way, eastbound in the westbound lane, when it collided head-on with a white Toyota Tacoma operated by Aric Dwayne Allen Adkins (35) of Coos Bay.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Cleveland) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Toyota (Adkins) had reported minor injuries. During the investigation, Adkins was arrested on a DUII charge.

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

OSP was assisted by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Coos Bay Police Department, Charleston Fire and Rescue, and Bay Cities Ambulance.  

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

Sweet Home crews were dispatched to a structure fire in the 800 block of 18th Avenue at 6:38 pm after multiple callers reported heavy black smoke and flames with windows breaking out. The Incident Commander arrived in the area and was notified by law enforcement that only one fire engine would be able to make it up the driveway. Access to the structure was extremely narrow and overgrown with brush and trees preventing even the first engine from making access. As a result hoselines had to be stretched up the driveway while other units made access from the next block through neighboring yards and fences. Overhead wires prevented the use of elevated streams or lighting further hampering efforts. When the Incident Commander arrived heavy fire was coming from both the front and back of the structure blocking access to the far side of the house. Once access was made through the fencelines of neighboring properties, crews discovered that a second structure was also heavily involved. That structure, a detached garage, along with the primary residence were surrounded by heavy brush and trees and were threatening neighboring homes on Grape Street prompting evacuations of those homes while crews brought the blaze under control. A second alarm was requested for manpower, bringing an engine from Brownsville Fire, and an engine a tender and another Chief officer from Lebanon Fire. Sweet Home Fire units on scene included 2 engines, a ladder truck, a rescue, a medic unit and 2 Chief Officers. A total of 26 firefighters worked to control the fire. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The resident of the structure was not injured. The Oregon State Fire Marshall's Office will be investigating the scene to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Sweet Home Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the night providing fire watch. 

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management extends an invitation to apply for special recreation permits to provide non-motorized, river-related commercial outfitter and guide services, including fishing, and other recreation services on the eight-mile Chimney Rock Segment of the Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River and 100 miles of the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River. The applications will be accepted from October 1 – 30, 2026, and successful applicants would be able to start using their permit in the 2027 season.

“We see visitors coming from around the world to explore these beautiful rivers for a variety of reasons,” said Lisa Clark, Deschutes Field Manager. “Commercial guides can offer experiences like rafting, fishing, and paddleboarding for a range of audiences from youth to visitors requiring a more accessible opportunity in a safe, professional and sustainable manner.”

These Wild and Scenic Rivers are managed to ensure recreation use while protecting and enhancing the other outstandingly remarkable values like fisheries, wildlife and hydrology that prompted these rivers to be designated as Wild and Scenic. The number of available permits reflects this balance. This year interested individuals and companies will be applying for up to four new available Special Recreation Permits (SRPs) on the Lower Deschutes River. Up to two new SRPs will be awarded for the Lower Crooked River.

Application materials are available on the BLM Prineville website or by calling the Prineville District Office at 541-416-6700. Completed applications must be delivered to the BLM Prineville District, Deschutes Field Office, no later than 4:30 PM on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Separate applications are required for each river.

Submission Address:

BLM - Prineville District
Attn: Katie Gosses                                     
3050 NE 3rd Street
Prineville, OR  97754

Applicants are urged to review the prospectus closely, as incomplete submissions will not be considered. For additional information, contact permit lead Katie Gosses at 458-287-1786.

-BLM-

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

(Local note: Prescribed fire operations are expected to begin at the West Eugene Wetlands as early as Tuesday, Oct. 6, weather permitting. The project aims to restore, enhance and maintain habitat for prairie-related species while reducing hazardous fuels. It will also provide safe opportunities for recreation and education in the West Eugene area.)

BLM and USWFS Launch Prescribed Burn Season in the Pacific Northwest
Reducing the threat of wildfire and restoring public lands

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service will begin prescribed burning operations throughout Oregon and Washington as weather, fuel, and air quality become favorable. Operations will continue throughout the fall and winter. These burns are carefully planned to reduce hazardous fuels, protect nearby communities, and restore native ecosystems. Information about specific upcoming and active burns is available online.

“Prescribed fire is one of our most effective tools for reducing wildfire risk and improving habitat,” said Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “By carefully planning and executing these burns, we’re helping protect communities and strengthen the health of our public lands.”

Techniques range from broadcast burning, which is the application of fire to an entire area, to hand and machine pile ignitions. These burns focus on increasing safety in the Wildland-Urban Interface and restoring ecological function to the landscape. Targeting built-up fuels and residual materials from previous thinning operations decreases the load of dead trees, branches, and underbrush that pose significant wildfire risks.

What the public should know

• During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
• Residents are encouraged to close windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
• When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down and turn on headlights.
• People with heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, should ask their doctors about protecting themselves from smoke, and monitor their local air quality map.

All burns are carried out when weather, fuel conditions, and air quality are within prescribed parameters. Firefighters use a combination of natural features and constructed control lines to keep the fire contained, with protocols in place to minimize smoke impacts on nearby communities.

For more information, contact the BLM District Office or the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Geographic Area associated with the burn.

-BLM-

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

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.

DPSST Wildland Fire Certification Task Force
MEETING SCHEDULED

For Immediate Release

October 2, 2026

Contact: Brooke Bell-Uribe

(503) 569-8260

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Wildland Fire Certification Task Force will hold a regular meeting at 0900 on October 5, 2026. The meeting will be held virtually and recorded to be posted after. Any requests should be made before the meeting by calling Brooke Bell-Uribe at 503-569-8260 or rooke.bell-uribe@dpsst.oregon.gov">Brooke.bell-uribe@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Agenda Items:

• Meeting called to order at 0900
• Staff and Task Force Member Introductions
• Task Force Process
• Review and Discussion of Task Force and Staff Identified Memo Topics
  • Firefighter Type 1 Task Book – Task #13: Coordinate Aerial Resources
  • The Work Capacity Test (Pack Test)
  • Expiration timelines for training used toward certification
  • Gap classes (G‑131, G‑231)
  • Specific requirements listed on the certification application
  • Maintaining wildland certifications
  • Availability of an NWCG representative for Task Force and Fire Policy Committee meetings
  • Updates to Single Resource Boss Training Requirements
• Review Staff Recommendations and Action Items: 
  • Meeting Minutes (Consensus)
  • NWCG Standard (Vote)
  • Work Capacity Test & Oregon Administrative Rule (Vote)
  • Maintaining Currency & Oregon Administrative Rule (Vote)
• Review and Confirm Previously Discussed Topics:
  • New Levels of Certification (Consensus)
  • Task Books (Consensus)
  • Application(s) for Certification (Consensus)
  • Guide to Certification (Consensus)
• Next Steps and Conclusion of Meeting

Administrative Announcement

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

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Executive Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a meeting at 2:00 p.m. on October 5, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Executive Session

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

General Session

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

Administrative Announcement

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

CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULED

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a special meeting at 10:00 a.m. on October 5, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Executive Session

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

General Session

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

Administrative Announcement

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

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

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

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the ODF Office, 611 20th St., La Grande. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

The committee’s agenda includes:

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

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

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

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

SALEM, OR  ̵  A new home-care option is being introduced for adults who qualify for Medicaid-funded in-home services and supports.

The new option, called Agency with Choice, was created by Oregon House Bill 4129. It is for people who are eligible for Medicaid long-term services and supports through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Agency with Choice provides help with managing the recruitment, required training, scheduling, and supervision of an in-home care provider including supporting individuals with their back-up care needs. Agency with Choice is one of several in-home care options now available for people eligible for Home and Community Based Services through the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). It is also available to individuals served through OHA Behavioral Health Division’s Home and Community Based Services.

“Agency with Choice builds on Oregon’s commitment to honoring the preferences of older adults and people with disabilities,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight, Ph.D. “It joins a broad continuum of long‑term care options designed to help people receive the right level of support in the way that works best for them.”

APD’s Agency with Choice program is for individuals who:

• Are age 60 or older;
• Are age 18 and older with a disability;
• Qualify for Medicaid long-term services and supports through APD; and
• Choose to receive these services and supports in their own home.

Individuals who are currently eligible for these services received a letter from APD describing the new option. There are no changes being made to other in-home care options.

OHA’s Agency with Choice option is available to individuals with mental health conditions who are eligible for Medicaid-funded in-home personal care services. Individuals of all ages can enroll in Agency with Choice if they are eligible for personal care services through the State Plan Personal Care program. Individuals age 21 and older may also enroll in Agency with Choice if they get services through the 1915(i) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program.

To qualify for 1915(i) HCBS, individuals must:

• Be age 21 or older;
• Have a current diagnosis of a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) as defined in OAR 410-173-0005;
• Have the need for help in at least two instrumental Activities of Daily Living; and
• Require the provision of one or more 1915(i) services at least monthly.

As directed by HB 4129, APD and OHA provide Agency with Choice through a contractor. GT Independence was selected through a competitive process managed by OregonBuys to provide Agency with Choice in Oregon.

Links to online and other resources for more information

• Read an online flyer about Agency with Choice offered through APD and find it in other languages on this ODHS web page.
• Learn about APD long-term services and supports care options on the ODHS website. Explore in-home options for receiving Medicaid long-term services and supports.
• Learn about 1915(i) HCBS, including OHA’s mental health residential and personal care services in the home on the 1915(i) HCBS website. Oregonians who may qualify and have questions should contact OHA’s 1915(i) Policy Unit at 1915i.MedicaidPolicy@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
• Inquire about a referral or assessment for mental health personal care for State Plan Personal Care or 1915(i) HCBS at Comagine Health at hpcasupport@comagine.org">bhpcasupport@comagine.org.
• Learn more about GT Independence on the company’s website and its Oregon services website.
• Contact a local office serving older adults and people with disabilities using the ODHS office locator tool.
• Learn about other help available for older adults and people with disabilities by visiting the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon’s website.   

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Miley and Lilly Hunt.

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Lilly Hunt, age 10, and Miley L Hunt, age 8,  who went missing from Eugene, OR on Oct. 2, 2026. They are believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find the children and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see them. Lilly and Miley are suspected to be in the Eugene/Springfield area.

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Due to privacy and confidentiality laws (ORS 409.225 and 419B.035) the Oregon Department of Human Services is unable to provide additional details.

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

Child Legal Name: Lilly Hunt

Child Preferred Name: Lilly Hunt

Age: 10

Height: 4 feet, 8 inches

Weight: 70 pounds

Hair color: brown

Eye color: brown

Specific Identifying Characteristics: NA

Law enforcement agency name and report #: EPD 26-15786

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2103578

Date Missing: Oct. 2, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Eugene/Springfield, OR

Child Legal Name: Miley Hunt

Child Preferred Name: Miley

Age: 8

Height: 4 feet

Weight: 40 pounds

Hair color: brown

Eye color: brown

Specific Identifying Characteristics: NA

Law enforcement agency name and report #: EPD 26-15786

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2103578

Date Missing: Oct. 2, 2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): Eugene/Springfield, OR

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Amani Turner, age 15, who went missing from Oregon City on Sept. 28. They are believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Amani Turner and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Amani.

Amani Turner is suspected to be in North Portland area

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Due to privacy and confidentiality laws (ORS 409.225 and 419B.035) the Oregon Department of Human Services is unable to provide additional details.

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

Child Legal Name: Amani Turner

Child Preferred Name: Amani

Pronouns: she/her

Age: 15

Height: 5-foot-9

Weight: 230 pounds

Hair color: Black/brown

Eye color: Brown

Oregon City Police report #26-019172

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #: 2103035

Date Missing: 9/28/2026

Suspected and/or frequented location(s): North Portland

Salem, OR—More than 2.1 million Oregonians have filed their tax year 2025 state personal income tax returns this year.

But with just two weeks before the tax filing extension deadline October 15, as many as 100,000 Oregonians are expected to sneak in under the wire.

“Every year we receive a large number of returns filed in the last two weeks before the extension deadline. If you forget and file after the extension deadline, you could be subject to additional penalties,” said Megan Denison, Personal Tax and Compliance Division administrator with the Oregon Department of Revenue.

“Our best advice for taxpayers is to get their returns in as soon as possible.”

In addition to filing sooner rather than later, the department offers the following information for taxpayers who still need to file their state return.

You must file a return to get your kicker

In 2026, Oregon is returning $1.41 billion in revenue above projections to taxpayers in the form of a “kicker” tax credit. The kicker is a refundable credit that will either increase a taxpayer's Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using the What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

File electronically.

E-filing is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their tax refund. Nearly 96 percent of those who have already filed this year, have filed electronically. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks. Taxpayers should file just once. Sending a paper return through the mail after e-filing will delay a refund.

Free filing options

Taxpayers can use Free Fillable Forms to file their federal return and then use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return directly with the state through Revenue Online. Other free electronic filing options are available for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.

Public computer kiosks for filing taxes with Direct File Oregon and free fillable forms are available in department regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Medford, and Portland.

Information about all available free tax preparation software options is available on the Revenue website, along with a list of organizations providing free assistance.

Where’s my refund?

Taxpayers can check the status of their Oregon state income tax refund using Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool. The Department recommends logging in to your Revenue Online account to access enhanced tool features.

Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website.

Filing last-minute paper returns

Due to changes to US Postal Service processes in recent years, taxpayers dropping paper returns into a US Postal Service mailbox at this late date can’t be certain that their returns will be postmarked by the due date.

Taxpayers who want to mail their return can take their return to a USPS office during regular business hours no later than October 15, 2026 and make an in-person request to have their return manually postmarked at the counter before mailing it.

After hours, paper Oregon personal income tax returns can be deposited in drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Salem office; on the west side of the Portland State Office Building; or outside the DOR offices in Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box inside DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.

The department doesn’t recommend using the state drop boxes for federal returns. Paper federal returns should be sent to the IRS. Federal returns dropped in the DOR drop boxes are date stamped and forwarded to the IRS, but the Department of Revenue can’t guarantee that the IRS will accept them as having been filed on time.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, see a list of approved tax preparation software products, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments. For questions not answered on our website, call 800-356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times.

Oregon to begin enrollment in nationwide newborn genomic screening research study

October 2, 2026

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

Sunset Bay State Park Beach health advisory lifted Oct 2

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with ocean water at Sunset Bay State Park Beach, located in Coos County.

The health authority issued the advisory September 30, after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

Results from follow-up tests taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the ocean water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk. Officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

Since 2003, state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

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Corvallis, Ore. – The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) will meet on October 15 and 16, in Corvallis to consider proposed nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The meeting is open to the public and will be offered in a hybrid format, with virtual participation available via Zoom.

The meeting agenda includes guided tours, presentations, and hearings for eight proposed nominations and one thematic Multiple Property Document. Tours will take place on October 15. The business meeting will be held on October 16, at the Benton County Museum Collins Family Education & Event Space – 411 SW 2nd St. in Corvallis. Both in‑person and virtual attendance options are available for the business meeting; tour information and instructions for registering to attend the meeting virtually are posted on the SACHP webpage.

The business meeting will include a presentation on the Oregon Heritage Plan and a courtesy review of a federal nomination for the San Francisco-Seattle Airway Beacon #34 in Jackson County. Beginning at 10:00am, the committee will review The Paid Labor of Women in Oregon: 1878–1990 Multiple Property Documentation Form and the following National Register nominations:
 

• Edith Yang House in Corvallis
• Pine Tavern in Bend
• Bolton School in West Linn
• Sundance Natural Foods in Eugene
• Taylor’s Coffee Shop in Eugene
• Molalla Log House in Clackamas County
• Calaroga Terrace in Portland 
   

Copies of the proposed nominations, the full meeting agenda, and instructions for submitting public comment are all available on the SACHP webpage.

The SACHP is a nine-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields, including archaeology, architectural history, historic architecture, anthropology, history, and museum management. Nominations recommended by the SACHP are forwarded to the National Park Service, which maintains the National Register of Historic Places under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. This effort aligns with the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan goal to increase the number and thematic diversity of Oregon properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It also supports the goals to include more voices and increase access to Oregon heritage that are part of the Oregon Heritage Plan.

The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be made with at least 48 hours of advance notice by calling (503) 986-0690.

More information about the SACHP and the National Register of Historic Places process is available online at www.oregonheritage.org and from SACHP staff assistant Val Ballestrem at 503-930-1206 or allestrem@oprd.oregon.gov">val.ballestrem@oprd.oregon.gov.

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The Oregon State Marine Board invites recreational boaters and others interested in the agency’s work to gather and engage with staff in a city near you. Ten Town Hall meetings are scheduled across the state from mid-October to mid-November. These meetings will give staff and ultimately the Board a better understanding of local boaters’ needs and gather attendee feedback on the agency’s proposed budget and legislative concepts.

The goal is to build stronger connections with local boaters, share what the agency does, and explain how boating dollars are used in communities. Staff will also be there to answer questions about boating safety, agency rules, grants, boating access, titling and registration, outfitter guides, and any environmental concerns.

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

Visit the Marine Board’s Town Hall page for addresses and links to driving directions.

-End-

Salem, OR — The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) released the Oregon Agency Expectations: Three-Year Progress Report on Tuesday, showcasing statewide improvements in customer service, performance, coordination, and accountability since Governor Tina Kotek established her agency expectations in 2023.

In January 2023, Governor Tina Kotek issued a letter outlining 11 expectations for how Executive Branch agencies manage employee performance, improve services, modernize systems, plan for the future, and ensure accountability. She also directed DAS to provide the structure, tools, and oversight needed to support agencies in meeting these standards. DAS published the first progress report in June 2023.

Over the past three years, data show that agencies aligned strategic planning with statewide priorities, improved customer service, increased employee engagement, resolved overdue audit findings, and advanced technology and modernization efforts. These efforts have contributed to cost savings and to a more responsive and responsible government. Regular, standardized data collection has created a shared framework for tracking progress, leading to greater accountability across state government and increased transparency for the public.

“State government has a responsibility to work efficiently, effectively, and with accountability to the people we serve,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “When I set these expectations three years ago, I wanted to create a clear standard for how agencies operate and a way to measure their work. But progress is not the finish line – I will continue pushing for a government that delivers better services, uses taxpayer dollars responsibly, and makes it easier for Oregonians to get what they need from their state government.”

Among areas of progress, some examples include:

• Reducing operating costs: Co-locating agencies in state‑owned buildings and reducing reliance on private leases by the Department of Administrative Services have helped shrink Oregon’s office footprint by roughly 782,000 square feet since 2021, an 8% reduction. These changes generate about $12.9 million in annual savings. The Oregon Department of Transportation modernized its 30-year-old heavy truck permit program. Permit processing times dropped from days to minutes, carriers gained 24-hour access, auto-issuance of permits increased from zero to 45%, and call volumes also decreased by 45%. ODOT also eliminated 100,000 pages of paper annually, saving roughly $90,000 each year in materials costs alone, while reducing its environmental impact.
• Removing red tape for businesses: The Department of Revenue redesigned its business registration workflow, dramatically reducing processing times from 30 days to two days. Customer calls decreased by 40% and approved applications increased by 10%. These improvements make it easier for Oregon businesses to open, expand, and operate, strengthening the state’s business climate.
• Measuring audit progress through standardized reporting: Required agencies now report on audit twice per year, giving the Governor’s Office and the public visibility into audit findings and whether recommendations are being implemented. In the March 2026 Oregon Expectations Report, agencies reported 127 audit reports containing information on 787 recommendations. A consistent audit system ensures when problems are identified, agencies have a clear path to address them.
• Making the state of Oregon a more competitive employer: Agencies took an average of 71 days to fill positions in 2023, and the statewide vacancy rate exceeded 14%. That same year, Governor Kotek directed agencies to monitor hiring timelines and maintain an average time to fill under 50 days. The metric starts when a recruitment opens and ends when a job offer is made. By the second quarter of 2026, agencies are exceeding the Governor’s goal for the first time, reducing the average hiring timeline to 49 days.
• Developing new employees and increasing accountability: Partnering with labor unions, the Chief Human Resources Office implemented new statewide guidance for new employee orientation, customer service training, foundational manager training, performance feedback training, and benefits education. By 2026, participation rates in five-of-six categories increased over the rates at first measurement. Accountability improved at all levels, including among agency directors. By 2026, all directors on the job for a year or more completed evaluations known as Director 360s. In 2023, only 29 of 77 directors reported receiving a performance review within a year of service.
• Creating a more engaged, higher performing workforce: The number of engaged state employees increased by 6% to a total of 42% in 2026, outpacing the national average of 31%. The Department of Consumer and Business Services increased its overall engagement score from 3.99 to 4.17, a dramatic increase. In large organizations, raising an aggregate score by 0.1 can represent hundreds of individual mindset shifts and lead to lower turnover rates. The Oregon Department of Human Services reduced turnover from approximately 11% to 8%, including declines among employees of color and first year staff.
• Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging: The Construction Contractors Board expanded access for Spanish speaking contractors and consumers. The agency now delivers multiple licensing and continuing education courses in Spanish, helping raise the Spanish exam pass rate from historic levels of about 30% to 56% as of June 2026. The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) has advanced equity through its grant programs, providing more than $2.3 million since 2024 to low and moderate income domestic well users with water supply issues.
• Poised to respond to emergencies and crises: Emergency preparedness across Oregon’s state government has advanced significantly over the last three years. Eighty-eight state agencies have now completed and submitted a Continuity of Operations Plan with the Office of Emergency Management. Only 42 agencies had such a plan in 2023, and many of them lacked sufficient detail.

Read the Oregon Agency Expectations: Three-Year Progress Report on the DAS website.

CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Benton County Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program (AWPP) will be open for general applications from Benton County farmers Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. The grant program for farmers promotes agriculture and wildlife co-existence by funding non-lethal wildlife deterrents to prevent losses to livestock, crops and property.

Agricultural operations of all sizes and income levels may apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursements for the purchase of non-lethal wildlife deterrents. These may include standard or electric fencing, sound or light scare devices, fladry or flagging, protective animal housing, livestock guardian animals and other approved options.

Property owners experiencing conflicts with beavers, such as tree damage or flooding, can also apply year-round for installation of proven methods to protect trees and crops or prevent flooding.

The AWPP also provides resources for farmers about non-lethal wildlife deterrence and can help guide interested community members in creating successful deterrent plans.

Grant applications and instructions may be downloaded from the AWPP website. Grant awards will be announced in early January, Successful applicants will have until April 30, 2027, to install their projects and request reimbursement after an on-site visit by Benton County staff.

Since 2017, AWPP has provided 50 awards totaling $168,048. Awards are made based upon the applicant’s philosophy of animal damage control, quality of application and likely effectiveness of the proposed plan. Successful applicants must provide a 10% funding match via labor or materials purchases.

The AWPP funds deterrents for wild predator species and beavers, but does not fund deterrents for deer, turkey or elk.

Find more information and application instructions on the Benton County website.

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Affairs Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Douglas County Land Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2026

Notice of Bid Opening

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Land Department will conduct a public bid opening for the Joyce Creek #318 Timber Sale on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 9:00 am, in Room 216 of the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon.

The purpose of the event is to publicly open and announce bids received for the Joyce Creek #318 Timber Sale in accordance with the County's timber sale bidding process.  The bid opening is associated with County Request for Bid (RFB) #244.  Members of the public are welcome to attend the bid opening.

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch the meeting. To view the live stream or post meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov.

Questions about the sale should be directed to the County Forest Manager, Mark Wall by email  k.wall@douglascountyor.gov">mark.wall@douglascountyor.gov, or phone (541) 464-6387.  The Douglas County Forest Management Division operates as a division of the Douglas County Land Department.

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Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

The Lane County Clerk’s Office is getting ready to conduct marriage ceremonies in spooky style on Halloween.

There are still several spots available to reserve on a first come, first served basis. Ceremonies will be conducted in 30-minute intervals from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, at the County Clerk’s Office at 125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene.

The Clerk’s Office will perform marriage ceremonies in costume. Couples are also encouraged to dress in costume.

To schedule a scaremony, couples must first obtain a valid marriage license from the Clerk’s Office (125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene). To obtain a marriage license, couples fill out the online Marriage License Application and then must visit the Clerk’s Office at least three days before the ceremony to complete the license process.

The marriage license fee is $60 and a marriage officiated by the County Clerk’s Office is $117. Additional details, including license requirements and scheduling information, can be found on the Lane County Clerk’s website.

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Election Day is quickly approaching, and the Lane County Elections office would like to encourage voters to register to vote or update their voter registration now, to be election-ready for the November 3, 2026 General Election. Voters in Lane County must register to vote no later than October 13, 2026.

“New Oregon voters must register by October 13 if they want to cast a ballot for the November 3 General Election,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “It’s also a great time for registered voters to double-check their registration details, especially if they have moved recently, to make sure we have all the information we need to send them a ballot.”

The voter registration deadline is October 13, 2026. If registering via www.oregonvotes.gov, it must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 13, 2026. If a voter registration form is hand delivered, it must be received no later than 5:00 pm at the Election Office (275 W 10^th Ave., Eugene) on that day. If mailed, it must be postmarked no later than October 13, 2026.

Local ballots will be mailed starting on October 15, 2026.  To track the status of a ballot, visit www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

Voters may return their ballot by regular mail, ballot drop box, or at the Elections Office. For ballot drop box locations, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.  

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

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The free 16^th Annual Community Holiday Meal with Lane County Youth Services is coming up on December 16. The free meal, which is open to everyone, also includes free raffle tickets for prizes and free food boxes to take home.

“The holiday meal is a highlight for our youth and for all the people who come to enjoy a meal together,” said,” said the event organizer, Senior Juvenile Justice Supervisor Shellye Reynoso. “Last year we served about 250 people and we hope to see at least that many come through the doors this year. Every contribution helps and it shows the youth who prepare the meal that our community cares.”

The event uses donations of food, services and financial contributions to help provide the food, sponsor the food boxes, and provide raffle prizes. Donations are tax deductible and donors are recognized on displays at the event.

Local companies or people interested in supporting the event through donations should contact Shellye Reynoso at 458-234-3180 or eynoso@LaneCountyOR.gov">Shellye.Reynoso@LaneCountyOR.gov.

About the MLK Education Center

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Center is part of Lane County Youth Services and serves middle and high school students who have an active case with the division. This program is a collaboration between Youth Services and the Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). In addition to academics, the MLK Education Center provides vocational opportunities, including in the culinary arts. The Culinary Arts Program offers youth the opportunity to learn different jobs involved in food service and catering. Students gain skills and learn to safely use the equipment in an institutional and commercial kitchen that prepares meals for youth in detention, a residential treatment program, and more. Students may participate in all aspects of catering including preparing foods, serving, and customer service.

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SALEM, OR (October 1, 2026) – Governor Tina Kotek has appointed Brendan Murphy as Marion County District Attorney, effective today, following outgoing District Attorney Paige Clarkson's retirement announcement. Murphy, having run unopposed, already secured the position in the May 2026 election and was slated to assume the role January 1, 2027.

Murphy has served as a Deputy District Attorney in the Marion County District Attorney's Office for 20 years, most recently as Chief Deputy District Attorney. In that role, he supervises the office's trial divisions, including domestic violence, child and sexual abuse, complex felony, firearm/violent crime, and juvenile divisions. He also oversees the office's officer-involved use of deadly force protocols, Brady protocols, and public records.

Beyond his prosecutorial work, Murphy co-chaired Marion County's Child Abuse Response Team from 2011 to recently and co-authored the chapter in the Oregon State Bar's 2017 Bar Book on best practices for crossover youth, or foster children who are also involved in the juvenile delinquency system. He currently serves on the Governor's Juvenile Justice Policy Commission. He has served on the Board of Directors for Liberty House, Marion County's child abuse assessment center, for approximately 14 years.

Murphy and his wife of twenty-one years are proud parents of three sons. In his free time, he spends time with his family and likes to fly fish and coach baseball.

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MEDFORD, Ore.—A Medford, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to distributing fentanyl and admitted that it caused the death of another person.

Richard Scott Samuels, 60, has pleaded guilty to an indictment charging possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, announced the U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, a death was reported on May 15, 2025, and on August 6, 2025. Both were determined to be deaths due to a fentanyl overdose. Law enforcement investigated these deaths and learned that Samuels was alleged to be the supplier of the fentanyl that both the deceased had used.

On September 4, 2025, law enforcement arrested Samuels and seized from his person and residence, a phone, $5,332 cash, a handgun, and multiple drugs in approximate amounts; 283g fentanyl, 92g of heroin, 5g of meth, and 5g of cocaine.

On November 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Samuels with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Samuels faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine and four years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on December 17, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

As part of the plea agreement Samuels has agreed to forfeit any criminally derived proceeds and property used to facilitate his crimes identified by the government prior to sentencing.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by AUSA Sara Shaw.

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Case Is Part of the Homeland Security Task Force Initiative

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Fairview, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Matthew Moultrie, 41, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and 4 years’ supervised release.

“Removing drugs and guns from our streets is vital to protecting Oregon’s communities. When offenders repeatedly threaten public safety, we have a duty to hold them accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon. “This sentence reflects the serious harm Mr. Moultrie has caused—and the danger he would have continued to pose—to Oregonians.”

“Mr. Moultrie showed a complete disregard for the law by trafficking deadly drugs while armed, despite a prior drug conviction and repeated encounters with law enforcement,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This sentence holds him accountable and sends a clear message that DEA and our Homeland Security Task Force partners will work tirelessly to protect our communities. Through Fentanyl Free America, we are disrupting the fentanyl supply chain, reducing the availability of synthetic opioids, and saving American lives.”

According to court documents, the investigation began when Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents saw a courier from a Mexican drug trafficking organization (DTO) get in Moultrie’s car for an apparent drug transaction. The agents then stopped and searched Moultrie’s car and found about 220 grams of fentanyl, 65 grams of meth, and a gun.

Later, DEA agents and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies found Moultrie as he exited a motel room. Moultrie admitted to possessing a handgun and a half-pound of meth. Agents found 386 grams of meth, 5 grams of fentanyl, and two guns in his motel room.

Due to Moultrie’s criminal history, he is a career offender. His criminal history includes drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

On January 7, 2026, Moultrie pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

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

This case was investigated by the DEA, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis S. Burkhart.

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

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore. —  On September 30, 2026, the United States Department of Justice sent grant award notifications, totaling more than $4.6 million, to organizations and cities in Oregon to continue and enhance their work for public safety work in Oregon. 

The United States Attorney’s Office wants to congratulate our local partners on their grant awards. The following are the recipients and their award amounts: Liberty House, $1,000,000.00, City of Gresham-East Multnomah Outreach Prevention Intervention, $1,005,000.00, Oregon CASA Network, $1,031,000.00, Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Inc., $343,065.00, City of Beaverton-Behavioral Health Court, $500,000.00, and The City of Cottage Grove-Cottage-Grove Police Department $800,000.00.

“I thank these organizations for their work to keep our communities safe and congratulate them on their awards,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon. “I am thankful the United States Department of Justice continues to support this important work and our partners throughout our Oregon communities.”

These funds come from Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program and OVW Fiscal Year 2026 State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

The work that will be funded include increased medical clinic services to children who are victims of abuse or neglect, work to prevent and combat juvenile delinquency, reduce youth involvement in violent crime, and strengthen coordinated public safety efforts for youth and families, behavioral health aimed at curbing recidivism, Court Appointed Special Advocates for children removed from their home due to abuse or neglect, supporting the work to assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and police department fleet modernization aimed at restoring community trust, and improving public safety.

# # #

The Umpqua Community College Board of Education will have a work session and regular board meeting on October 7, 2026. The work session will begin at 4:00 p.m. in the LaVerne Murphy Student Center. The regular meeting will be at 5:00 p.m. in room 17 of Tapʰòytʰaʼ Hall (TAP). Pertinent meeting information can be found at umpqua.edu/board-meetings

ROSEBURG, Ore., October 5, 2026 — The Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court will celebrate its 114th graduation ceremony on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. in Cascade Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

The community is invited to join the H.O.P.E. Drug Court team, families, community partners, and supporters in recognizing the graduates and the tremendous amount of work required to reach this milestone.

Drug Court graduation is about much more than completing a program. It is an opportunity to hear directly from graduates about their recovery journeys, recognize the challenges they have overcome, and see what can happen when accountability, treatment, opportunity, and community support come together.

For many participants, substance use is only one part of a much larger struggle. Participants may also enter the program facing mental health concerns, homelessness or unstable housing, limited income, unemployment, damaged family relationships, or interrupted education. Some are working toward reunification with their children. Others are earning a high school diploma or GED, finding employment, establishing stable housing, or learning how to manage responsibilities that addiction once made difficult.

That is why the wraparound approach of H.O.P.E. Drug Court is so important. Recovery is not addressed in isolation. Participants are connected to treatment, supervision, behavioral health services, housing and community resources, employment opportunities, educational support, family services, and other assistance based on their individual needs.

Treatment, Accountability and Community Safety

H.O.P.E. Drug Court provides a structured alternative for eligible individuals whose substance use has contributed to their involvement in the criminal justice system. The program combines intensive treatment, frequent court appearances, drug testing, supervision, incentives and sanctions, and individualized support through a collaborative team approach.

The goal is not simply to keep someone out of prison. It is to address the issues contributing to criminal behavior, so participants have a greater opportunity to build long-term stability, maintain recovery, reduce future involvement in the justice system, and become productive members of the community.

The benefits reach beyond the individual participant. When recovery is successful, families can be reunited, children can regain a healthy parent in their lives, individuals can return to work, housing can become more stable, and communities can experience fewer cycles of addiction, crime and incarceration.

More Than $2.3 Million in Prison Costs Avoided in 2026

The program also creates significant financial benefits. During the first two H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduations of 2026, participants collectively accounted for 433 months of downward-departed prison sentences and an estimated $2,301,301.78 in avoided prison costs by remaining in the local treatment court program rather than serving those months in state prison.

Those savings demonstrate an important part of the value of treatment courts: eligible individuals can remain accountable to the criminal justice system while receiving intensive treatment locally and working toward lasting behavioral change. The impact is especially significant when the broader benefits of employment, family stability, housing, education, recovery and reduced future criminal justice involvement are considered.

A Team That Engages Participants Differently

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court is led by the Honorable Robert B. Johnson, whose leadership and engagement with participants are an important part of the program's collaborative approach. Drug Court operates differently from a traditional courtroom setting. Judge Johnson and the multidisciplinary team are actively engaged in each participant's progress. Successes are recognized, setbacks are addressed, expectations remain clear, and participants return to court regularly throughout the program.

That consistent interaction helps participants understand that the team is invested not only in accountability, but also in their ability to succeed.  The H.O.P.E. Drug Court team brings together representatives from treatment, the courts, community corrections, prosecution, defense, law enforcement, human services, and local program coordination. Each team member brings a different perspective while working toward common goals: reducing recidivism, improving public safety, supporting recovery, strengthening families, and helping participants become self-sufficient.

Douglas County is also fortunate to have the support of its Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) and a strong network of community partners. That collaboration allows the program to look beyond the immediate criminal case and help address the real-world barriers that can interfere with recovery.  The team wants to see participants succeed long after their final Drug Court appearance, reunited with their families, employed, housed, educated, healthy, connected to their community, and using their experiences to make a difference for others.

Celebrating How Far They Have Come

Each graduate arrives at this milestone through a different path, but every graduation represents months, and often years, of treatment, testing, court appearances, accountability, personal growth, rebuilding relationships, and learning how to live differently.  Graduation provides the community an opportunity to see those results firsthand.

The public is encouraged to attend the 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. at Cascade Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds to celebrate the graduates, hear their stories, learn more about the program, and recognize the families, treatment providers, justice partners and community organizations who have walked beside them throughout their recovery.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is hosting a Fire Prevention Month media event to highlight the growing fire risks associated with rechargeable batteries and to demonstrate safe charging, storage, and disposal of this technology. The event will feature brief remarks from agency leadership and subject matter experts, followed by live demonstrations of rechargeable battery best practices.

WHEN

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026
Event begins at 11 a.m.
(Media safety briefing at 10:50 a.m.)

WHERE

819 Railway St.
Silverton Fire District – Station 1
Silverton, OR 97381

WHO

• Mariana Ruiz‑Temple, Oregon State Fire Marshal
• Bill Miles, Fire Chief, Silverton Fire District
• Rick Huechert, OSFM public safety training specialist
• Laura Chaffey, OSFM program coordinator for rechargeable batteries safety

Interview Opportunities

Following the demonstration, representatives from the Oregon State Fire Marshal and Silverton Fire District will be available for one-on-one interviews.

WHY

Rechargeable battery–related fires in Oregon have increased steadily in recent years, making public awareness and safe charging habits more important than ever. This event will offer clear visuals and expert interviews for media covering battery safety, home fire prevention, and Fire Prevention Month.

EVENT-DAY VISUALS

• Safe vs. unsafe charging practices
• Thermal runaway examples
• Battery failure warning signs
• Agency and fire district experts available for interviews

THERMAL RUNAWAY (RECHARGEABLE BATTERY FAILURE) VIDEOS

• Li-ion [rechargeable] 18650 Cells in Thermal Runaway (YouTube link)
• Intentional E-Scooter Overcharge (YouTube link)
• Thermal imaging Li-ion [rechargeable] cells in Thermal Runaway (YouTube link)

SALEM, Ore. - Look around your home, and you’ll likely see dozens of devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. Cellphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes, and more rely on these compact, high‑energy batteries. But when they’re damaged, dropped, or charged incorrectly, that stored energy can turn into a fast‑moving fire that is extremely difficult to extinguish.

The growing risk is exactly why the Oregon State Fire Marshal is sounding the alarm. New data from the OSFM Center for Fire Analytics, Intelligence, and Research shows Oregon fire agencies responded to 649 lithium-ion battery–involved fires from 2020 to 2025, with incidents increasing an average of 19% every year. In 2025 alone, firefighters responded to 161 battery-related fires; more than double the number reported in 2020.

“As lithium-ion batteries become more common in homes and garages, we’re seeing a steady rise in fires linked to damaged or improperly charged devices,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz‑Temple. “Lithium-ion batteries are safe when used correctly. This October, we’re asking Oregonians to take charge of fire safety by learning how to charge their devices the right way.”

To kick off Fire Prevention Month, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to encourage Oregonians to “Charge into Fire Safety™.” The campaign focuses on everyday charging habits that can reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and help keep homes and communities safer.

Here are a few simple steps every Oregonian should take to reduce the risk:

1. Use the charger and cord that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. The wrong charger can damage the battery and increase fire risk.
2. Charge devices on a hard, flat surface. Never charge devices on beds, couches, or under pillows, where heat can build up.
3. Stop using a device if it feels very hot, is swelling, smoking, or giving off a strange smell. These are signs the battery may be failing.
4. Unplug devices once fully charged to prevent excess heat and stress on the battery.
5. Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits. These bigger batteries store more energy and can create larger fires.
6. When flying, keep devices where you can see them while charging. Never charge devices in overhead bins, and do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on planes.

Learn More
Find lithium-ion battery safety tips, downloadable resources, and Fire Prevention Month materials at https://firepreventionmonth.oregon.gov.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
Since 1917, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has been dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The agency works with local fire agencies, communities, and partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in 2023.

October 19–23 proclamation recognizes more than 110 Oregon branches and loan offices, 2,365 jobs, and the role community banks play in small-business lending

SALEM, Ore. — Oct. 1, 2026 — Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed October 19–23, 2026, as Community Bank Week in Oregon, recognizing the important role community banks play in supporting families, small businesses, and communities across the state.

“For well over a century, community banks doing business in Oregon have provided local financial services and have supported the prosperity and growth of our communities,” Governor Kotek said in the proclamation. “Community banks are an integral part of Oregon's overall economy through their community giving, dedication as good neighbors, and above all, their critical role in providing reliable financial services to Oregonians.”

Community banks serve Oregon through more than 110 branches and loan offices and provide more than 2,365 family-wage jobs. They make more than half of all bank loans to small businesses and play a significant role in local economic development, helping stimulate the economy, create jobs, and provide new opportunities.

“Community banks are deeply connected to the communities they serve,” said Scott Bruun, president and CEO of the Oregon Bankers Association. “They provide capital to local businesses, support community organizations, create jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of communities across Oregon. Governor Kotek's proclamation recognizes the important role these banks play in the lives of Oregonians.”

During Community Bank Week, participating banks will celebrate with customer appreciation events, community service projects, food drives, financial education, and other activities that highlight the ways banks support the communities they serve.

“We invite Oregonians to join us in celebrating the banks that are investing in their communities every day,” Bruun said. “Community Bank Week is an opportunity to recognize the relationships, businesses, organizations, and community efforts that help Oregon communities thrive.”

About the Oregon Bankers Association
Established in 1905, the Oregon Bankers Association is a full-service trade association with a membership that includes state and national commercial banks, savings banks and trust companies doing business in Oregon. The mission of the OBA is to be the voice of Oregon banking.

The Oregon Bankers Association serves a dynamic, innovative and community-minded industry. The competitive nature of banking gives Oregonians and Oregon businesses a wide variety of choices for their financial services. In our collective endeavors, the Oregon Bankers Association and its members strive to ensure that Oregon remains a great place to do business and a great place to do banking. To learn more, visit www.oregonbankers.com.

A new destination event celebrating the intersection of Indigenous and Western culture through fashion, art, and food will debut in Pendleton, Oregon, October 15–17. Interwoven: Where Cultures Meet, organized by Travel Pendleton, invites visitors to experience the people, makers, designers, artists, flavors, and stories that shape this corner of Eastern Oregon.

At the heart of Interwoven is the Interwoven Market, featuring 70 booths and artists representing more than 30 Indigenous Nations. Guests can shop, meet makers, watch demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities, and discover the creative work behind the event’s fashion collections.

Fashion takes center stage throughout the weekend, including shows featuring eight Unresidency designers who have spent six months developing collections inspired by their individual creative practices and connections to place. The weekend culminates with The Rodeo of Runway, a one-of-a-kind fashion show on horseback at the Blue Mountain Equine Center.

Food is woven throughout the experience with events held at Electric Sundown. The Taste of Umatilla County invites guests to sample pairings featuring local foods, First Foods, and regional libations. At Fashion Bites, eight chefs representing Indigenous culinary traditions, James Beard-recognized talent, and the vibrant Pendleton food scene will be paired with the Undresidency fashion designers to create small plates inspired by their runway collections. Together, the chefs and designers will explore the connections between place, ingredients, culture, and creative expression.

Community creativity will also take center stage through art activations and collaborative projects, including two community-designed pieces that will make their runway debut Saturday night. Created entirely at the Interwoven Market, the pieces will become a highly visible representation of collective creativity.

When the sun goes down, Interwoven becomes Unwoven. In partnership with VYBE, the after-hours experience transforms Electric Sundown into a lounge and nightlife destination, giving guests a chance to gather, unwind, and experience Pendleton after dark.

Organized by Travel Pendleton, Interwoven continues the story of culture at the heart of Pendleton’s community told through fashion, art, food, creativity, and connection.

Interwoven: Where Cultures Meet takes place October 15–17, 2026, in Pendleton, Oregon. Tickets, event information, and the full list of participating artists and designers are available at www.interwovenoregon.com.

This project is funded in part by a grant from Travel Oregon.