DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office announces the retirement of K9 Eros, a German Shepard trained in patrol apprehension.

K9 Eros, a 8 ½ -year-old German Shepherd, has been a valued member of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office since November 2021. Eros was purchased by an anonymous community donor and gifted to the Sheriff's Office. The decision for retirement comes following medical advice of his veterinary care team.

Eros will continue to live with his handler where he will be a family dog for the remainder of his life.

Since joining the Sheriff's Office, Eros has been deployed more than 100 times in support of law enforcement operations. Those deployments have resulted in:

22 community demonstrations

11 felony arrests

9 misdemeanor arrests

21 felony case assists

19 misdemeanor case assists

39 total captures

During his tenure, Eros had two handlers; Retired Deputy Oscar Rosas and his current handler, Deputy William Maynes.

"Eros has been the best partner. He has been my best friend and my backup. He's loved his work and serving our great community", Deputy Maynes stated. "It has been my honor to have been his handler and now it's my continued honor to give him a home as a normal dog enjoying his retirement."

"Eros was and still is the best companion a K9 handler can have. He has no fear and unconditional bravery in any situation." Retired Deputy Rosas said. "Thank you for your service, buddy."

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office K9 program has been highly active since 2013. The program would not be possible without the continued support of community members, donors, and organizations such as the Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs, and Bailey's Veterinary Clinic who provides medical care for the K9s at no expense.

MYRTLE CREEK, Ore. - One teen is dead and another critically injured after a disturbance involving a knife in Myrtle Creek Sunday evening.

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, shortly before 10:45 p.m., 911 dispatchers received a report of a disturbance in which two teens were stabbed at a residence in the 100-block of NE Laurel Avenue in Myrtle Creek. As officers with the Myrtle Creek Police Department and deputies from the Sheriff's Office were responding, information was obtained that the individual who stabbed the two teens had fled the scene. 

Fire and EMS personnel responded along with law enforcement. One victim, a 17-year-old male whose identity is currently being withheld, was declared deceased at the scene. The second individual, a 17-year-old teen, was transported with criticial injuries. He was later transported to an out-of-area hospital for higher level of care. 

Detectives later located the 16-year-old individual who had fled the scene and conducted an interview. At this time, no arrests have been made and all names are withheld pending investigation. 

At the request of the Myrtle Creek Police Department, the Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated and is currently leading the investigation, which remains active. There is no on-going threat to the public. 

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team consists of investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Roseburg Police Department and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney's Office.

In addition to the Major Crimes Team, assisting agencies included the Myrtle Creek Police Department, Myrtle Creek Fire Department and Umpqua Valley Ambulance. 

The investigation is ongoing, and no additional details are expected to be released at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at 541-440-4458 referencing Case #26-2895.

BAKER COUNTY, Ore. (15 Sept. 2026) – On Monday, September 14, 2026, at 9:44 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Highway 86 near milepost 31 in Baker County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver BMW motorcycle, operated by Lance H. Madden (55) of Loveland, Ohio, was traveling eastbound on Highway 86 near Richland when it failed to navigate a left-hand turn and entered the soft gravel shoulder. While attempting to correct back toward the roadway, the motorcycle flipped. The rider and motorcycle then traveled down an approximately 20‑foot embankment toward the river. Baker County Search and Rescue assisted with a rope rescue to recover the rider.

The operator of the BMW motorcycle (Madden) was transported by Life Flight to an area hospital with serious injuries. OSP was later notified that Madden died at the hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, Baker County Search and Rescue, Richland Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.           
 

# # #

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

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore.  (14 Sept. 2026) – On Saturday, September 12, 2026, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Klamath County 911 received a call reporting an individual who had been shot in their vehicle on Whitetail Lane in Bonanza in Klamath County.

Upon responding to the scene, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office deputies located a deceased male, identified as Timothy Carr (52) of Bonanza. The Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated for the homicide investigation, with the Oregon State Police assigned as the lead investigating agency.

Following the initial investigation, Thomas Sylvester (53), also of Bonanza, was arrested and lodged in the Klamath County Jail on charges of Second-Degree Murder, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Abuse of a Corpse, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

The Klamath County Major Crime Team is comprised of the Oregon State Police, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, Klamath County Parole and Probation, and the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Oregon State Police at (541) 664-4600 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-299497.

This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional information is available for release at this time.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

MALHEAUR COUNTY, Ore. (14 September 2026) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful shooting and waste of a mule deer buck near the Owyhee Avenue and Twilight Drive area near Nyssa in Malheur County.

On Thursday, September 10, 2026, OSP’s Fish and Wildlife Division responded to a report of a deceased mule deer buck that appeared to have been shot and left to waste with only its head removed. Troopers located the buck on private land approximately 100 yards from Twilight Drive in a hay field.

Anyone with information regarding the unlawful take of this mule deer buck is asked to call the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-297246.       

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

UNION COUNTY, Ore. (11 Sept. 2026) – On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at approximately 1:04 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Highway 244 near milepost 37 in Union County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray BMW motorcycle operated by Marvin Joseph Mason, 84, of Kennewick, Washington, was traveling on Highway 244 near La Grande when it left the roadway for an unknown reason and crashed near the bank of the Grande Ronde River. Mason had been riding with another motorcyclist, Dean Allen Moore, 73, of Richland, Washington, who was operating a silver BMW motorcycle. At one point, Moore noticed Mason was no longer behind him, turned around to search, and eventually located Mason and the crashed motorcycle.

The operator of the gray BMW (Mason) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the silver BMW (Moore) was reportedly not injured.

The highway not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.  
 

# # #

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

Salem, OR (11 Sept. 2026) – A three‑day collaborative drug enforcement operation culminated in the seizure of more than 110,000 illegal marijuana plants and over 81,000 pounds of bulk marijuana with an estimated value of $20 million.

Investigators from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Interagency Task Force, supported by the Clackamas County Public Safety Levy, and the Oregon State Police Drug Enforcement Section completed a three‑day operation to disrupt and dismantle a suspected drug trafficking organization responsible for several illegal marijuana grows in Clackamas and Marion counties.

In response to community complaints, the Clackamas County task force and OSP launched separate investigations that led detectives to uncover several additional illegal marijuana grows. Over the course of the investigations, detectives determined they were investigating the same suspects. They joined forces, ultimately serving search warrants at six locations across Clackamas and Marion counties.

During the service of search warrants, officers located and destroyed 110,437 illegal marijuana plants and 81,460 pounds of bulk marijuana. In addition, 86 firearms and $11,500 in U.S. currency were seized. Jaimee Virrueta‑Gomez, 35, from Gerber, California, was arrested on charges of Unlawful Manufacture of a Marijuana Item and Unlawful Possession of a Marijuana Item. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges will be referred to both the Marion and Clackamas County District Attorney’s Offices.

Responding officers found individuals living and working in dangerous conditions without adequate shelter, running water, plumbing, or electricity. Investigators are working to determine whether the workers came to the site through force, fraud, or coercion.

Law enforcement agencies requested on‑scene crisis response and victim support at multiple locations in both counties. Service providers included Safety Compass, the Anti‑Trafficking Project (AT:Project), a program of J Bar J, and the Cannabis Workers Resilience Partnership.

Victim advocates and service providers offered crisis intervention, safety planning, basic necessities such as food and water, emergency transportation to safety, and connections to emergency shelter and housing. Legal services referrals were also available. Safety Compass provided confidential advocacy at every location.

During this multi‑day operation, 55 workers were offered services and continued follow‑up support.

Several county and state agencies assisted in the investigation of environmental crimes related to water use, pesticide and fertilizer runoff, and unlawful solid waste disposal.

Additional assisting agencies included the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, Marion County District Attorney’s Office, the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team, the Douglas County Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT), the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement Team (MADGE), Port of Portland Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Interagency Task Force and the OSP Domestic Highway Enforcement team are multi‑jurisdictional narcotics task forces that identify, disrupt, and dismantle local, multi‑state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence‑driven, multi‑agency, prosecutor‑supported approach.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Interagency Task Force includes members from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. The task force is supported by the Clackamas County Public Safety Levy.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Interagency Task Force and OSP’s Drug Enforcement Section are supported by the Oregon‑Idaho High‑Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). 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 throughout the state.

Safety Compass, the Cannabis Workers Resilience Partnership, and the Anti‑Trafficking Project are funded in part by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program.

# # #

CLACKAMAS, Ore. — The Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony Sept. 13 at Camp Withycombe.

Col. Eric Brenner assumed command of the brigade from Col. Paul Dyer during an outdoor ceremony on the Armed Forces Reserve Center parade field.

The change of command is a military tradition that formally transfers the authority and responsibility of a unit from one commander to another. The passing of the brigade colors symbolizes that transfer and represents the continuity of leadership, mission and responsibility for the soldiers assigned to the brigade.

The 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team carries a long military legacy rooted in the Pacific Northwest. Its lineage includes the 41st Infantry Division, whose soldiers served extensively in the Pacific during World War II. Today, the brigade remains one of the Oregon Army National Guard’s major commands, with soldiers and units across the state who have supported overseas deployments, domestic emergencies and other missions at home and abroad.

Dyer reflected on his time with the brigade and the relationships built throughout his career, describing the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team as more than a military organization.

“What this patch means, it’s family. It’s family to me,” Dyer said. “I look across here and I look out there and I see people that I choose to call family, and that’s a little different. There’s something special.”

Dyer also expressed confidence in Brenner, whom he has known for about 25 years, as he takes command of the brigade.

Brenner thanked Dyer for his leadership and said the work completed under Dyer’s command established a strong foundation for the brigade’s future.

“The work you’ve done over the brigade, it’s laid a foundation to grow and transform,” Brenner said. “Following in your footsteps will be a challenge, but a challenge that can be overcome with the outstanding officers, NCOs and soldiers out there before me.”

Brenner said he was grateful for the opportunity to once again wear the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s distinctive sunset patch and looked forward to working with the soldiers of the brigade.

“I look forward to working with you and meeting the challenges ahead,” Brenner said.

During the ceremony, Dyer was also presented the Meritorious Service Medal by Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, adjutant general, Oregon, recognizing his service and accomplishments as brigade commander.

Released Photos:

7O2A1216 Passing of the brigade colors

Col. Paul Dyer, outgoing commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and Col. Eric Brenner, incoming commander, participate in the passing of the brigade colors during a change of command ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon, Sept. 13, 2026. The passing of the colors symbolizes the transfer of command authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)

7O2A1187 Brigade formation

Soldiers assigned to the Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team stand in formation during a change of command ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon, Sept. 13, 2026. Col. Eric Brenner assumed command of the brigade from Col. Paul Dyer during the ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)

7O2A1197 during the national anthem

Col. Eric Brenner, incoming commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, salutes during the national anthem at the brigade’s change of command ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon, Sept. 13, 2026. Brenner assumed command of the brigade from Col. Paul Dyer during the ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)

7O2A1223 Meritorious Service Medal

Brig. Gen.  Alan R. Gronewold, adjutant general, Oregon, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Col. Paul Dyer, outgoing commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon, Sept. 13, 2026. Dyer relinquished command of the brigade to Col. Eric Brenner during the ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)

LA GRANDE, Ore. — The Oregon Army National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment cased its colors for the final time and uncased new ones Sept. 12, formally redesignating as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment during a ceremony at Eastern Oregon University's football field.

The redesignation reconnects the battalion with an infantry lineage that traces back nearly 140 years to 1888, when citizen-Soldiers in Eastern Oregon first organized to serve their communities and state.

Col. Andrew William Vidourek hosted the ceremony, with Lt. Col. Jorge L. De Anda and Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel G. Sapp representing the battalion's official party. Second Lt. Kumsa A. Lemessa served as master of ceremonies. The event included a lineage reading, casing of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry colors, uncasing of the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry colors, and a rebadging ceremony in which Soldiers replaced their unit patches.

"This is a significant milestone in the history of the Oregon Army National Guard," Vidourek said. "We gather for a ceremony that honors both where this organization has been and where it is going."

The battalion's roots stretch back to the Spanish-American War, when Soldiers serving as the 2nd Oregon Volunteer Infantry crossed the Pacific, took part in the capture of Guam and became the first American troops to land in the Philippines in 1898. During World War I, Oregon Soldiers were reorganized into the 41st Infantry Division, known as the "Sunset Division," and deployed to France with the American Expeditionary Forces.

The unit's infantry legacy continued into World War II as part of the 41st Infantry Division's "Jungleers," fighting through the Pacific island-hopping campaign. One of the regiment's defining moments came June 16, 1944, when the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry led an assault against entrenched Japanese defenders on the island of Biak, overrunning fortified caves and bunkers in one of the Pacific theater's most difficult fights.

Following the war, the organization reorganized several times before becoming the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, transitioning to heavy armor and earning the nickname "Eastern Oregon's Own." The battalion deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and Operation New Dawn in 2010, and Soldiers of Adder Company deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield from 2023 to 2024. In 2011, the battalion became the first National Guard unit to field the M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams tank.

"Closing these colors is bittersweet," De Anda said. "We all spilled sweat, spent long weeks away from home and mastered the skills of heavy armor and mechanized warfare. Be proud of what we've built and what we've accomplished under that crest. However, as we stand on this parade field today, we must remember a fundamental truth: the power of this unit has never resided in our equipment or the designation on our guidons. It has always resided in the character of the Soldiers who have answered the call."

De Anda pointed to the battalion's community roots as evidence of that continuity, noting that 100 years ago, Soldiers of Company Echo mustered on a drill floor above a drugstore in downtown La Grande with little equipment but full commitment.

"We are and have always been Eastern Oregon's own," De Anda said. "Our strength comes from the communities that have answered the call for over a century, from Pendleton to Ontario, Hermiston and La Grande, Baker City, Burns. We are the citizen-Soldiers who leave our families, our farms, our classrooms and our jobs to serve. No change in nomenclature or equipment will ever alter that identity."

As the newly designated 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, the unit will become Oregon's first mobile infantry battalion, built as a lighter, faster and highly mobile formation. The battalion conducted annual training at Camp Rilea this summer and plans to deploy a task force to Honduras next year to train alongside partner nations. The unit is also integrating infantry squad vehicles and expanding its use of unmanned aerial systems.

"You are now responsible for a remarkable piece of Oregon military history," De Anda told the formation. "You inherit much from those that came before you. Your responsibility is not to admire that history, but to build upon it."

In an interview before the ceremony, Vidourek reflected on the significance of reconnecting the battalion with its infantry roots.

"I know their hearts are with 3-116 Cav, but the reality is this organization has redesignated many times over the last 140 years," Vidourek said. "To go back and touch that lineage that started 140 years ago, Soldiers that fought in Guam, World War I, World War II, the historic Battle of Biak, and now we're redesignated as that infantry regiment, it's pretty cool. It's a cool thing to be a part of. It doesn't happen very often. A lot of times a Soldier will go through a whole military career and not be a part of something like this."

Both commanders closed their remarks by thanking the Soldiers' families for their support and calling on the battalion to carry the legacy forward.

"Every generation is asked the same question: will you be ready when your nation calls?" Vidourek said. "For nearly 140 years, Oregon Soldiers have answered that question with their actions. The Soldiers standing in formation today are the next chapter of that story. Eastern Oregon's own."

Released B-Roll Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1022829/oregon-guard-battalion-redesignates-reconnects-with-infantry-legacy

Released Photos: 

260912-Z-ZJ128-1001
U.S. Army Maj. Justin W. Symons, battalion executive officer for the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, salutes while leading the formation at the start of a redesignation ceremony at Eastern Oregon University's football field in La Grande, Ore., Sept. 12, 2026. During the ceremony, the battalion was redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, reconnecting the unit with an infantry lineage dating back to 1888.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260912-Z-ZJ128-1002
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jorge L. De Anda, left, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel G. Sapp, right, case the battalion's colors during a redesignation ceremony at Eastern Oregon University's football field in La Grande, Ore., Sept. 12, 2026. The battalion was redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment during the ceremony, reconnecting the unit with an infantry lineage dating back to 1888.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260912-Z-ZJ128-1003
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jorge L. De Anda, incoming commander of the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, unfurls the battalion's new colors during a redesignation ceremony at Eastern Oregon University's football field in La Grande, Ore., Sept. 12, 2026. The 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment was redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment during the ceremony, reconnecting the unit with an infantry lineage dating back to 1888.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260912-Z-ZJ128-1004
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jorge L. De Anda, left, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, pins the new unit patch on Maj. Justin W. Symons, right, the battalion executive officer, as Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel G. Sapp looks on during a rebadging ceremony at Eastern Oregon University's football field in La Grande, Ore., Sept. 12, 2026. Soldiers replaced their unit patches after the 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment was redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

260912-Z-ZJ128-1005
Soldiers of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, stand in formation with their new company guidon during a redesignation ceremony at Eastern Oregon University's football field in La Grande, Ore., Sept. 12, 2026. The 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Regiment was redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment during the ceremony, reconnecting the unit with an infantry lineage dating back to 1888.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon National Guard members joined ceremonies throughout the state on Sept. 11, 2026, to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Events were held at the Major General George A. White Building in Salem, the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial at Microchip Technologies in Gresham, and the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.

On September 11, 2001, a total of 2,977 individuals lost their lives, including all 246 passengers and crew members, as well as the 19 hijackers, aboard the four aircraft involved in the attacks. The 25th anniversary commemorated these events by bringing together Oregon Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen to honor those who died in the immediate aftermath and during subsequent military operations.

At the Salem ceremony, Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott, Oregon National Guard state chaplain, delivered the invocation. He asked for comfort, shelter, and protection while remembering the shock and sorrow Americans experienced 25 years ago.

Brig. Gen. David N. Unruh, Air Component Commander, Oregon National Guard, spoke about the importance of remembering September 11 and the perspective it provides today.

“We couldn't just let today go by unmarked like any other,” Unruh said. “Remembrance helps us make meaning of our own lives.”

Unruh reflected on the lives lost in New York City, at the Pentagon and in rural Pennsylvania, where passengers aboard Flight 93 fought back against the hijackers.

“The loss of life that day and in the wars that followed is heartbreaking,” Unruh said. “Yet equally as profound are the stories of heroism, from the first responders to ordinary Americans who simply pitched in to help where they could.”

Oregon Army National Guard Russell Gibson, Assistant Adjutant General, also delivered remarks during the ceremony.

Scott encouraged those gathered to carry forward the example of the first responders and others who moved toward danger to help people in need.

“Put one foot in front of another and take the next step,” Scott said. “Climb the stairs. Do what it takes to serve those in need.”

Scott connected their example to opportunities to serve others today.

“Take the next step. We do what's right,” Scott said. “If we do that, we'll honor those who died on 9/11 and those heroes who went before us.”

The ceremony included a moment of silence for those killed in the attacks. The Oregon Army National Guard's 234th Army Band performed “God Bless America,” followed by the sounding of “TAPS.”

During the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial ceremony in Gresham, Oregon, Army National Guard Sgt. Scott Steele performed “TAPS” at a commemorative display of 300 “Honor and Remember Flags” at Microchip Technologies, followed by Chaplain (Capt.) Wes Moldogo, who provided the opening prayer, saying that 9/11 changed our nation forever and impacted countless military families in the years to follow.

“Especially for our Gold Star families: the parents, spouses, children, siblings, and loved ones that carry both the profound pride and the enduring sorrow.”

As the Master of Ceremonies, Greg Matthews, a retired Gresham Fire Department Chief and former Oregon House of Representatives member who represented District 50 from 2009 to 2015, introduced Oregon Air National Guard Col. Ryan Barton, who serves as the deputy commander of the Oregon Joint Domestic Operations Command.

“Colonel Barton manages the day-to-day administration, planning, and execution of all the processes and programs preparing the Oregon National Guard for continued operations in either federal or state emergencies, including mandates and natural disasters," Matthews said.

“With many people trying to escape the danger that morning, it was firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders who were already moving toward the danger,” Barton said, remembering the events of twenty-five years ago. “Throughout my career, I have always felt a strong connection between the military and those who serve our communities. September 11th showed the very best of that shared commitment and the courage in the face of uncertainty.”

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Released Images:

260911-Z-FS713-001: From right, Brig. Gen. David N. Unruh, Col. Russell Gibson and Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott salute during the national anthem at the Oregon National Guard’s Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony at the Maj. Gen. George White Building in Salem, Oregon, Sept. 11, 2026. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt 1^st Class Cory Grogan)

260911-Z-FS713-002: Brig. Gen. David N. Unruh delivers remarks during the Oregon National Guard’s Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony as the U.S. flag flies at half-staff in the background at the Maj. Gen. George White Building in Salem, Oregon, Sept. 11, 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)

260911-Z-FS713-003: Col. Russell Gibson, assistant adjutant general, Oregon National Guard, delivers remarks during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Salem, Oregon, Sept. 11, 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)

260911-Z-FS713-004: Attendees face the U.S. and Oregon flags during the playing of “Taps” at a 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Salem, Oregon, Sept. 11, 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)

260911-Z-CH590-1348: Oregon Air National Guard Col. Ryan Barton, deputy commander of the Oregon Joint Domestic Operations Command, delivers commemorative remarks at the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial ceremony at Microchip Technologies in Gresham, Oregon, on September 11, 2026. Members of the Oregon National Guard participated in the Gresham event and other 9/11 memorial observances statewide to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260911-Z-CH590-1248: Oregon Army National Guard Sergeant Scott Steele performed TAPS during the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial ceremony at Microchip Technologies in Gresham, Oregon, on September 11, 2026. Members of the Oregon National Guard participated in the Gresham ceremony and other 9/11 memorial observances across the state to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260911-Z-CH590-1298: Oregon Army National Guard Chaplain (Capt.) Wes Moldogo delivers the opening prayer at the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial ceremony at Microchip Technologies in Gresham, Oregon, on September 11, 2026. Members of the Oregon National Guard participated in the Gresham event and other 9/11 memorial observances statewide to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260911-Z-CH590-1230: A Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard participates in the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial ceremony at Microchip Technologies in Gresham, Oregon, on September 11, 2026. Members of the Oregon National Guard participated in the Gresham event and other 9/11 memorial observances statewide to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

Additional photos from the ceremony are available on the Oregon Military Department Flickr: View the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony photo album

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with BLM Volunteer Events in the Pacific Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore. – National Public Lands Day is back on September 26! Join the Bureau of Land Management to celebrate America’s 250^th birthday and participate in the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. It’s the perfect excuse to get out, give back, and make a real difference.

“We are hosting incredible events across Oregon and Washington,” said Morgan Rubanow, outreach specialist for BLM Oregon/Washington. "Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a history enthusiast, or looking for a fun day out with the family, there is truly something for everyone.”

From beach cleanups to historic preservation, every volunteer's effort directly impacts the health and accessibility of our shared public lands. Volunteers may receive fee-free entrance coupons or volunteer t-shirts while supplies last.

Burns District

• Riddle Brothers Ranch Restoration in Hines
  7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29
  Structure preservation and staining
• Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway Kiosk Installation
  8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Help install new informational kiosks

Coos Bay District

• Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area Interpretive Event
  10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Educational stations on natural resources

Lakeview District

• Warner Wetlands Accessibility Improvements in Plush
  8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Hart Bar Interpretive Site improvements

Medford District

• Buck Rock Historic Road System Workday at Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
  8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Road system sign and map installation

Northwest Oregon District

• Molalla River Cleanup in Mollala
  9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19
  Trash removal, trail maintenance, and recreation site rehabilitation
• Disciples of Dirt Trail Maintenance at Carpenter Bypass
  9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19
  Mountain biking trail maintenance
• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport
  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Beach clean-up, invasive plant removal, garden maintenance, and fee-free festivities

Prineville District

• Reynolds Pond Restoration Project
  10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25
  Site cleanup and workday
• Hampton Butte Rockhound Site Cleanup
  9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Cleanup workday to fill in holes from rock collectors

Roseburg District

• Swiftwater Trailhead Clean Up at Idleyld Park
  8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19
  Trailhead and day use area restoration and maintenance

Spokane District

• Fishtrap Loop in Sprague, Wash.
  8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26
  Annual trail maintenance work party
• Fishtrap Watermelon Hill in Fishtrap, Wash.
  9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7
  Shrub planting and fence repair

Vale District

• Oasis Spruce Up Day in Huntington
  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mountain Time on Friday, Sept. 25
  Trash cleanup, invasive weed removal, and general site maintenance

For more information about specific events, please see the National Environmental Education Foundation webpage or the BLM Volunteer Opportunity webpage.

-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.
 

For immediate release

September 14, 2026

Contact Chris Nelson (503) 551-0531

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CURRICULUM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Cultural Trust – the state’s unique funding engine for arts, culture, heritage and humanities – will provide a record $4.5 million to more than 450 organizations across the state this fiscal year thanks to donations received by Oregonians.

A visionary idea founded by the Oregon Legislature 25 years ago, the Cultural Tax Credit allows Oregonians who donate to a qualifying cultural nonprofit to also claim a 100-percent matching tax credit by giving an equal amount to the Cultural Trust. This redirection by Oregonians for Oregonians provides stable, ongoing funding to strengthen culture in Oregon.

The $4.5 million in grants distributed this fiscal year (FY27) is possible thanks to the generosity of more than 10,000 Oregonians who gave to the Oregon Cultural Trust last year (FY26).

Distribution of funds is defined in Oregon statute ORS 359. Through this unique model, the only one of its kind in the nation, the Cultural Trust provides funding to five state cultural partners, 45 regional County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions and more than 450 cultural nonprofits and organizations each year.

“Oregon’s big idea of funding arts, heritage and humanities, established a generation ago, continues to sustain the core components of community vitality and resilience – and yet as we have received an increase in donations, so have the requests for support increased,” said Amy Lewin, Oregon’s director of arts and culture. “This unique funding model is becoming a critical resource for supporting learning, historic preservation and valued engagement for communities large and small and in every corner of the state.”

For this fiscal year, the $4.5 million is being distributed as follows:

Cultural Partners: $1,125,423

The Cultural Trust’s five core partners—Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Humanities, Oregon Historical Society and the State Historic Preservation Office—will receive a combined $1,125,423.

Cultural Coalitions: $1,125,423

Oregon’s County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions–comprised of volunteers in all of Oregon’s counties and Tribes who build community and strengthen local economies through cultural endeavors–will receive a combined $1,125,423. Funds are distributed to each Coalition in a per capita formula that equitably allocates resources across the state. Locally led Coalitions regrant these funds within their communities each year.

Cultural Development Grants: $2,250,846

In addition, the Trust will distribute $2,250,846 to 104 cultural nonprofits through the competitive Cultural Development Program. These grants go toward serving projects and programs across the state.

This year’s Cultural Development grant awards range from $5,000 to $40,000. Forty-nine percent of eligible applications were funded between 100 and 75 percent of their requested amounts.

Cultural Development Program awards fund nonprofit projects or programs that increase access to culture, invest in organizational capacity, support community creativity and/or provide cultural heritage and historic preservation. Applications were reviewed and scored by peer review panels.

Award recipients include:

Albina Music Trust, Portland: $40,000

To support the Albina Community Archive, the largest digital repository documenting the legacy of Black Oregonians with a focus on preserving the Albina community's arts and culture legacy. The Albina Community Archive is a shared cultural resource that currently features over 200 collections and 15,000 items including: photos, film, audio recordings, print materials, articles and oral histories. Funding from the Cultural Trust will directly support this preservation work serving Oregon's largest historically Black community.

Capital Community Media, Salem: $40,000

To support the creation of a new Spanish-language TV broadcast, featuring content specific to Salem. This project will include: Outreach and community engagement to better understand media needs for the Latiné community, grassroots media arts training for Spanish speakers in our community, creation of hyper-local Spanish-language video content, and distribution of content through a regularly scheduled cable TV block and available on-demand on YouTube, AppleTV, Hulu and CC:Media’s new mobile app.

Clatsop County Historical Society, Warrenton: $14,000

To support the expansion of the Clatsop County Historical Society (CCHS) Digital Scanning Center through the acquisition of large-format digitization equipment and video preservation technology that will recover, preserve and share important Oregon cultural heritage materials. This project will allow the Clatsop County Historical Society to digitize oversized historic maps, blueprints, architectural drawings and other fragile documents that currently exceed existing scanning capacity. It will also create an in-house video preservation workstation to convert archival VHS recordings and several hours of pioneer and community oral history interviews into accessible digital formats.

Dry Canyon Arts Association, Redmond: $31,000

To support Phase II of the Dry Canyon Arts Association’s Community Art Center. In December 2025, we completed and opened Phase I of the Art Center serving our community with galleries for displaying and selling their art as well as two classrooms. Phase II involves renovating an adjoining 1,500 square feet into more classroom space to be used for art instruction and workspace. Access to workspace and kilns in the community art center will enable artists to engage in their art, learn new techniques and collaborate with fellow artists.

Eastside Jewish Commons, Portland: $28,000

To support the production of the third annual Portland Jewish Music Festival, May 5-16, 2027, at the Eastside Jewish Commons in Portland. This sonic celebration of the international Jewish diaspora will feature upward of 40 outstanding local, national and international artists working in traditional and highly contemporary forms. The festival will include accessibly priced evening concerts, song circles, workshops and family-friendly events.

enTaiko, Portland: $38,000

To support UNDERGROUND PULSE: enTaiko’s Inclusive Performance Project. This project is a multidisciplinary performance, education and advocacy initiative that expands access to cultural performance in Oregon by removing barriers for deaf and hard of hearing, blind, disabled and non-disabled artists and audiences. The project features collaborations with Yumenko (deaf and hard of hearing Taiko ensemble), internationally recognized blind guitarist Hiroaki Tagawa, AXIS Dance Company and Portland-based Gathered DanceAbility to co-create multisensory performances integrating rhythm, movement and visual design.

Josephine Community Library Foundation, Grants Pass: $40,000

To support the creation of construction documents for a new Grants Pass library. The Josephine Community Library Foundation is moving forward toward a vibrant new downtown library. In 2023, the library foundation purchased a property in downtown Grants Pass and began working with ZCS Engineering & Architecture on concept design. Schematic design was conducted in 2025, and the new library is now in the design development phase. Groundbreaking for the new library is planned for 2028.

Lincoln City Cultural Center, Inc., Lincoln City: $16,000

To support the realignment of the Lincoln City Cultural Center's burgeoning youth programs in visual and performing arts under a new umbrella department, with a designated coordinator position providing administrative support for camps, classes, field trips and outreach. This strategic reorganization will increase the Center's capacity to deliver arts experiences for young people and provide support for partner organizations who seek to use our venue to do the same.

Nuu-da' Mv-ne', Eugene: $35,000

To support a staff position at a budding language revitalization center dedicated to supporting Native language teachers and materials for the speech community of Nuu-wee-ya’, an Indigenous language of Oregon. Founded in 2017, the organization has been steadily building capacity to bring together Nuu-wee-ya’ language teachers and linguists. This growth has culminated in the 2025 launch of the Nuu-wee-ya’ Grammar Coalition, which brings together language teachers, speakers and linguists across all dialects of the language to create impactful teaching and learning materials.

Portland Art Museum, Portland: $40,000

To support the planning, conservation activities and design of the Portland Art Museum’s new Native American permanent collections galleries, reimagined in collaboration with Native American artists, scholars and community members. The Native American collection galleries are in need of a major renovation and interpretive overhaul, including conservation and revised cataloging, to provide holistic caretaking to protect and present work from one of the Museum’s most popular collections.

Portland Gay Men's Chorus, Inc., Portland: $12,000

The funding provides support for Portland Gay Men’s Chorus’s Rural Harmony Tour, a multi-community cultural access initiative designed to bring affirming, high-quality choral music and storytelling to rural Oregon communities with limited access to 2SLGBTQ+ cultural programming. Portland Gay Men’s Chorus will travel to three rural Oregon communities, Prineville, Madras/Sisters and Klamath Falls, to present free or low-cost performances that combine live choral music, movement and personal storytelling centered on hope, belonging, resilience and acceptance.

SMART Reading, Portland: $10,000

To support access to culturally inclusive children’s literature and reading experiences for underserved Oregon communities by funding the purchase and distribution of diverse books in rural parts of Oregon. SMART Reading is a children’s literacy nonprofit that provides free, one-on-one reading sessions and books to over 20,000 children annually in Oregon’s highest-need schools and early learning sites, including Title 1 schools, Head Start programs and relief nurseries in rural and urban areas.

The Vanport Mosaic, Portland: $40,000

To support the launch of the Vanport Community Archive, a public digital home for the largest collection of oral histories, photographs and primary-source materials documenting Vanport, Oregon's second-largest city before the 1948 Columbia River flood erased it. Over the past decade, Vanport Mosaic has worked with survivors and descendants, most now in their 80s and 90s, to record nearly 200 oral history interviews and digitize family photographs, letters, scrapbooks and newspapers, building the largest primary-source collection on Vanport.

See a full list of County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions Award Allocations and Cultural Development Awards, alphabetically by region on the Cultural Trust website.

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About the Oregon Cultural Trust

Created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Cultural Trust serves as an ongoing funding engine for arts, heritage and humanities. Funding comes through the Cultural Tax Credit, which empowers Oregonians to direct a portion of their state taxes to invest in culture across the state. A percentage of donations go directly to 45 county and Tribal Cultural Coalitions, partner organizations and cultural nonprofits, and a portion goes toward helping grow a permanent endowment. Nested within Business Oregon, the Cultural Trust helps support the economies, cultural resources, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state. Learn more at CulturalTrust.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SALEM, Ore. – A new report on the state of health of Oregon’s forests is now available. Based on an extensive aerial survey of Oregon’s forests completed by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service, the report shows that while tree death and damage was lower last year than the 10-year average, drought is still a key stressor of Oregon’s forest trees, making it harder for trees to defend against insect pests.

The full 2025 report is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/documents/forestbenefits/fhh-report-2025.pdf

ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl helped produce the report. She said drought is often paired with rising temperatures. “Together these are often the underlying cause of tree deaths in our state. Drought reduces tree growth and lowers their defenses against insect pests and some diseases, which healthy trees may otherwise resist or tolerate.”

Lower than average death and damage

The report stated that 2025 saw a return to typical precipitation amounts, but spring was the fourth driest on record. A total of 181,500 acres showed death or damage of some kind from one or more causes. The damage was well below the 10-year average and less than half the peak year for damage in 2022. That year, 1.8 percent of Oregon’s 30 million forested acres showed signs of death or damage, compared to 0.7 percent in 2025 and 0.8 percent in 2024.

The highest percentage of damage or death was seen in eastern Oregon. Union County was worst affected, with 2.4 percent of its forested acres showing death or damage. This was followed by Umatilla County at 1.24 percent and Harney County at 1.12 percent. Coastal counties and those bordering the Coast Range had the lowest percent of death and damage in their forests.

Buhl said a majority (78 percent) of the damage seen from the air this year resulted from the interplay of drought and opportunistic beetles targeting stressed Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), true fir species (Abies spp.), and pine species (Pinus spp.).

The report also measures other causes of trees being injured or killed, such as diseases, storms, and wildfires.

Levels of tree diseases remain much the same

The report showed the acreage or incidence of common tree diseases were largely unchanged. Researchers noted that this can sometimes be the result of limits to how well such diseases can be detected from the air. An exception is the water mold causing sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum). Since its initial discovery near the California border in 2001, it continues steadily spreading north and northwest in Curry County around the community of Port Orford in southwest Oregon by about three to five miles a year.  Sudden oak death infects scores of different shrub and tree species but kills Oregon’s native tanoak trees. The disease is spread by spores blown by the wind to new areas.

The State of Oregon is cooperating with federal land managers to slow the spread by identifying newly infected sites and cutting and burning infested vegetation. Private land is also being treated.

Ground-based observations showed that Swiss needle cast disease remains a problem for Douglas-fir growing in areas with high late-spring atmospheric moisture, primarily in the Coast Range. Despite the name, the disease is caused by a fungal pathogen native to the Pacific Northwest.

“The fungus affects the needles, causing many of them to be shed prematurely,” says ODF Forest Pathologist Gabriela Ritokova. “This produces a sparse crown and 20 to 50 percent  slower volume growth, reducing the amount of timber the tree produces.”

Mild temperatures in winter and spring are believed to favor fungal development, worsening its impact. This is especially true in damp coastal areas formerly dominated by Sitka spruce and western hemlock that have been replanted with Douglas-fir plantations.

On the ground collaborators are also important

Buhl emphasized the importance of on-the-ground collaborators to help round out the full picture of forest health in Oregon. “In addition to data ODF and the USDA Forest Service gather, we rely on Oregon State University Forestry Extension staff from across the state, and collaborate with other natural resource agencies, universities, public and private forest landowners, and members of the public to gather information,” she said.

In the aerial survey, trained observers fly over all forested lands in the Pacific Northwest in fixed-wing aircraft and record damage to trees from all sources. Flights are staffed with one observer on each side of the aircraft. Survey flights typically fly between 1,500 to 2,500 feet above ground level, following a systematic grid four miles apart and traveling at 90 to 140 miles an hour.

The aerial forest health survey is the longest continuous survey of its kind in the United States. It started in 1947 and has been flown every year since. The only exception was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the annual survey flights in Oregon can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/natural-resources/forest-health/aerial-detection-survey

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TILLAMOOK, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will resume road restrictions this fall in the western part of the Tillamook State Forest to improve deer and elk escapement during hunting season.

Some roads will be closed to motorized vehicle use during the general archery and rifle hunting seasons in September, October and November. Selected roads in the Trask, Wilson and Nehalem River areas will be gated and signed. Controlled access during the three-month period is designed to reduce hunting pressure in these areas.

Hunters and other recreational users are welcome to access the gated areas by foot, mountain bike, horse or other non-motorized means.

ODF is partnering with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and Tillamook Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association in this program. The partnership has been in place for 22 years and the location of gates change year-to-year based on access needs, stand conditions and operations.

Motorized access by ODF staff or contractors working in those areas may occur on occasion. Maps of the road management areas are available at the Tillamook ODF office located at 5005 Third St., Tillamook and on the department’s website. Scroll down the page to “Tillamook State Forest Road Report” to find the maps.

If you have questions about the road management program, contact Nick Stumpf at the Tillamook ODF office, 503-842-2545, or Paul Atwood at the Tillamook ODFW office, 503-842-2741.

SALEM, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) received an incidental take permit (ITP) today from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, signaling the federal agency’s approval of ODF’s Western State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).

"Reaching this major milestone is the culmination of significant work over the past eight years," said Kacey KC, Oregon State Forester. "This permit allows us to manage state forestlands with more stability and consistency because we'll have regulatory certainty under the Endangered Species Act when it comes to the covered fish species. I want to express my sincere appreciation for the time, effort, collaboration and dedication of all partners throughout the process."

State forests are required by law to be managed for social, economic and environmental benefits to Oregonians. The HCP will provide ODF with certainty and consistency when developing and implementing plans that could impact protected species. The plan balances impacts with management provisions that will benefit fish through improved habitat over the long-term.

“This is a win for Oregon on many fronts: The state keeps benefiting from working forests while management activities improve habitat for native fish including salmon and steelhead that benefit Oregon fisheries,” said Lance Kruzic, Oregon Coast and Willamette River Branch Chief at NOAA Fisheries’ West Coast Region. “We appreciate the collaboration, strong science, and practical thinking that demonstrates economic and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand.”

“ODF’s management of state forests provides habitat for native fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species,” said Mike Wilson, ODF’s State Forests Division Chief.  “The HCP provides an integrated, ecosystem-based approach to species conservation across the landscape. The HCP conservation measures are designed to minimize and mitigate potential impacts from forest management, ensuring species conservation and stability in management activity for the 70-year permit term. The HCP is a more holistic, cost-effective approach to complying with the ESA, while providing valuable forest products, popular recreational activities, and improved fishing opportunities."

The 10 fish species covered in the ITP include:  Three species of coho salmon (Oregon Coast coho, Lower Columbia River coho, and Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast coho), four species of Chinook salmon (Oregon Coast Chinook, Lower Columbia River Chinook, Upper Willamette River spring-run Chinook, and Southern Oregon/Northern California Coastal Chinook), Columbia River chum salmon, Upper Willamette River winter steelhead and eulachon. The ITP also frees ODF from potential legal delays or restrictions for the covered species and helps ensure predictable timber harvest levels in the future. Those revenues not only fund ODF’s management of state forests, but two-thirds of the revenues are shared with the counties and local special districts where the harvest of state forests timber occurs.

“This is a win-win for everyone,” Wilson said.  “Fish win because their habitat is managed and protected for the long-term and ODF gets regulatory certainty and protection from lawsuits, which translates into more certain and predictable economic outcomes for jobs and revenue for essential services.”

Although this is a critical milestone, the department is continuing to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service towards issuance of an ITP that will cover additional species under their jurisdiction including the northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, Oregon slender salamander, coastal marten, and red tree vole. 

“We continue to work closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as they finalize the analyses to support their ITP issuance,” Wilson said.  “We anticipate receiving that ITP later this year or early in 2027.  Once we have that permit as well, then all species are covered.”

The HCP began as a collaborative concept that included technical experts and leadership from the Oregon departments of Fish and Wildlife, Environmental Quality, and State Lands, along with Oregon State University.

For more on Oregon’s western state forests HCP, see: Oregon Department of Forestry : Habitat Conservation Plan initiative : About ODF : State of Oregon

For more on NOAA Fisheries ITP process, see: Permits for the Incidental Taking of Endangered and Threatened Species | NOAA Fisheries

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) published its second quarter 2026 report on work under way to improve Child Welfare programs.

The report shows continued success in placing children entering care with relatives and retaining relative caregivers.

In three of the past seven months, ODHS exceeded the national average for initial relative placement. Relative placements reached 40.6% in February, 44.5% in May and 41.3% in July. The national average is 39%.

Research shows that children do best when they can remain with people they know and trust. Placing children with relatives as soon as possible when they enter care improves outcomes for children and can make reunification with parents easier.

Relative placement is just one priority area included in the quarterly report. Other measures are focused on ensuring safety and supporting families to prevent child maltreatment; improving services and results for children in foster care; ensuring a well-supported workforce and enhancing the program’s infrastructure to better serve Oregonians; and using data for accountability and to support continuous quality improvement.

“Stability is critical for children who have experienced trauma,” Child Welfare Interim Director Rolanda Garcia said. “We are focused on improving the way we serve relative caregivers so children can stay connected to family.”

ODHS launched a simplified certification for relatives in August 2025 to streamline the process of becoming a resource parent.

ODHS also has focused on improving resource parent retention by creating a strong support network of community partners, respite care providers and staff trainings focused on customer service. Partnerships with community agencies are particularly important for supporting relatives who may be caring for multiple grandchildren during retirement.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote relative placements, Child Welfare will highlight the importance of keeping children connected to extended family during September’s Kinship Care Month.

Resources

Read the ODHS Child Welfare 2026 Q2 Progress Report

See all ODHS Child Welfare progress and data reports

Learn about becoming a resource (foster) parent

Elliott State Research Forest Begins First Timber Harvests Since Research Forest Designation

Sale marks major milestone for Oregon’s working research forest

Read the full news release.

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon’s Elliott State Research Forest has begun its first timber harvests since its designation as a research forest. This marks another significant milestone in operating the Elliott as a world-class research forest that contributes to multiple public benefits.  

“This harvest, with both restorative and regenerative practices, is the next step in delivering on the promise of the Elliott State Research Forest,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “It shows that Oregon can produce timber, protect wildlife habitat, and generate world-class research all on the same landscape." 

Guided by the Forest Management Plan, operations on the Elliott aim to balance society’s need for wood products with the preservation of water quality and quantity across the watershed, carbon sequestration, climate resilience, and other forest ecosystems services – achieved through the practice and testing of ecological forestry. With a contiguous land base of nearly 83,000 acres, the Elliott is uniquely positioned to study the viability of ecological forestry by comparing the ecological and economic outcomes of harvest types within the same watershed.   

Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner said, “the Elliott State Research Forest continues to embody the collaborative spirit of Oregonians. This milestone took years of cooperation between scientists, timber communities, and tribal nations to build a plan that works for the land and the people who depend on it.” 

Timber harvests are among the many management activities covered by the approved Habitat Conservation Plan, which supports operation of the Elliott as a working research forest. The plan ensures compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by identifying management activities that may impact protected species, paired with conservation commitments that 

protect those species and their habitat over time. 

“The Elliott’s future has always been tied to Oregonians coming together and designing a path forward that represents our state. We fulfill our obligations to school kids. We protect public lands. We do research that benefits rural communities, and we provide access to timber off the Elliott,” said Secretary of State Tobias Read. 

Harvest Details 

The Elliott’s first timber harvests will occur across 501 acres at two sites and will include a restoration thin and a regenerative harvest. The restoration thin will support the creation of complex older forests to improve long-term forest health, while the regeneration harvest will provide sustainable wood production that supports local economies and research. The estimated $4 million sale from this timber harvest will go back into the Elliott to fund operations—from research and local partnerships to education and recreation planning, conservation, and associated community and economic benefits. Future timber sales will be a mix of regeneration harvests, restoration thinning, and ecological forestry approaches. 

Advancing Research 

As a research forest, the Elliott is advancing a business model and social, economic, and ecological research for how forest management can support many public benefits. These harvests help advance the Elliott’s working research forest model, providing both practical and scientific information for use by forest scientists and managers. DSL will be collecting baseline economic and ecological data, which helps us better understand the viability of ecological forestry. Harvest operations occur alongside research projects foundational to the forest’s mission and management goals. 

Protecting Species 

The Elliott is operating under conservation measures to protect threatened and endangered species. To ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act, the Elliott’s Habitat Conservation Plan requires habitat buffers and daily logging time restrictions during nesting seasons of the marbled murrelet and spotted owl. 

About the Elliott State Research Forest 

The Elliott State Research Forest is Oregon’s public research forest—a working landscape where science and management meet to support climate resilience, biodiversity, rural economic vitality, and sustainable timber—all under transparent oversight. For more information about Elliott State Research Forest news and programs, please visit www.oregon.gov/dsl/Pages/Elliott.aspx. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 16, 2026

Contact Information: 

umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist (971) 301-3771

Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT

David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was 5.1% in August

Oregon’s unemployment rate was little changed at 5.1% in August and 5.2% in July. It has been within a tight range between 5.0% and 5.3% for the past 18 months, since March 2025 when it was 5.0%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in both July and August.

In August, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 800 jobs, following a revised loss of 1,800 jobs in July. August’s losses were largest in professional and business services (-1,100 jobs). Gains were largest in construction (+700 jobs) and retail trade (+500).

In the past 12 months, payroll employment dropped by 10,900 jobs, or 0.5%. Health care and social assistance continued its rapid growth of the past four years by adding 10,200 jobs, or 3.2%, in the past 12 months. Private education (+800, or 2.2%) and other services (+1,300 jobs, or 2.0%) were the only other major industries that added jobs since August 2025. Manufacturing (-6,800 jobs, or -3.8%) cut the most jobs in that time. Most of the other major industries cut jobs by less than 2%.

However, there were signs of stabilization over the past five months, as total nonfarm payroll employment inched upward by 1,800 jobs, or 0.1%. The gains since March were largest in health care and social assistance (+3,800 jobs); construction (+2,200); other services (+1,700); retail trade (+1,400); and private education (+1,400). These gains were partially offset by losses in manufacturing (-3,100 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-2,600); and government

(-2,000).

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the August county and metropolitan area unemployment and jobs data on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for September on Wednesday, Oct. 14. 

About Workforce and Economic Research

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

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

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

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September 15, 2026

Contact: Franny White, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" target="_blank">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539

OHA accepting comment on proposed changes to health database

September 11, 2026

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Thief Valley Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Thief Valley Reservoir in Baker and Union Counties.

OHA issued the advisory July 2.

Water monitoring has confirmed that water levels are too low for regular recreational use.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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OHCS investment helped residents preserve 201-site manufactured home and RV community

Embargoed until Friday, September 18, 2026, 9 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Craig Swanson, Lebanon High School, (541) 451-8555,  

aig.swanson@lebanon.k12.or.us">craig.swanson@lebanon.k12.or.us

Leah Rainey Named Linn-Benton Lincoln Regional Teacher of the Year
 Candidate for 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Leah Rainey as one of Oregon’s 17 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year! Rainey teaches CTE/Health Sciences at Lebanon High School.

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at Lebanon High School on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 9 a.m., when Rainey will be honored in an all-school assembly.

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

Rainey was nominated by a colleague who noted, “Her leadership in Health Occupations education extends beyond her classroom, as she advocates for student access, pathway development, and continuous program improvement.” They added, “Ms. Rainey’s students show increased engagement, persistence, and clarity around healthcare career pathways. Students who may not have previously considered careers in health sciences gain confidence in their abilities and develop a strong sense of purpose.”

“Expertise in a field is important, but what matters most is using that expertise to create opportunities where every student can succeed,” Rainey stated in her nomination. “[My students] discover confidence, teamwork and the realization that they are capable of far more than they once believed.”

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

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

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

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, over $2 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Lebanon Community School District, and over $12 million went to Linn County.

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

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

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

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

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

The Local Government Grant Program Advisory Committee will meet Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, 2026, to evaluate grant applications from around the state for projects that support the acquisition, development or rehabilitation of outdoor recreation facilities.

The meeting will be held on Zoom. Meeting details, including the agenda and list of project proposals, are available online.

The meeting is open to the public, but there will not be time for public comments during the meeting. The committee will evaluate 43 applications over the three days. Approximately $17 million of grant funds are available.

After applicants provide a brief presentation of their proposals, the committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The list will be sent to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval.

The advisory committee consists of 10 members who represent cities, counties, park and recreation districts, port districts, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state. 

The Local Government Grant Program was established in 1999 to direct a portion of state lottery revenue to award grants to eligible applicants for outdoor park and recreation projects. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information contact Jennifer Dimsho, Program Coordinator at 503-951-1317 or .Dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov">Jennifer.Dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov or visit the program website. If special accommodations are needed to attend the meeting, contact Jennifer Dimsho at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

SALEM, Oregon—The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene Sept. 22-23 in Salem.

On Sept. 22, commissioners will tour Detroit Lake State Park and hold a work session from 1:30 to 4 p.m. providing background on state historic preservation office operations and an update on recent fee and policy changes.

On Sept. 23, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. virtually to discuss acquisition priorities and opportunities, and potential litigation. The Executive Session will be held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e) and (h) and is closed to the public.

A business meeting will begin at 9:45 a.m. in the Oregon Department of Transportation Commission Room, located at 355 Capitol St. NE, Room 103 in Salem. The business meeting is open to the public. All public commission meetings are streamed live to YouTube.

Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting; instructions on how to listen will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting. The business meeting includes time for informal public comment not related to items on the agenda.
 

Registration is required to speak during the informal public comment portion. Register online by 5 p.m. on Sept. 21 to speak at the virtual meeting. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. Sept. 21 to Cpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRCpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.  

The full agenda and supporting documents are posted on the commission web page. Notable requests:

• Request to approve acquisition of Abiqua Falls properties with lottery bond funding directed by the legislature.
• Request to approve disposition of Corral property to Frenchglen School District.
• Request to approve construction contracts for Silver Falls.
• Request to approve adoption of proposed amendments to archaeological permit rules to update dispute resolution process.
• Request to approve adoption of amendments to Local Government Grant program to update matching requirements as required by SB 1585.
• Request to approve adoption of proposed amendments to Land and Water Conservation fund allocation rules.
• Request to approve adoption of proposed amendments to agency procurement and contracting rules.

Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Jayme Jones, commission assistant, at least three days in advance at jayme.jones@oprd.oregon.gov or 971-707-2175.

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

National Lifeline Awareness Week runs Sept. 14-18

SALEM, Ore. – During National Lifeline Awareness Week, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is highlighting Oregon Lifeline, a federal and state government program that provides qualifying low-income households with access to discounted phone or high-speed internet service through participating providers, listed at lifeline.oregon.gov.

Oregon Lifeline offers monthly discounts of up to $20.25 on phone service and up to $24.25 on high-speed internet service. The program also offers free wireless voice minutes and data through Access Wireless where coverage is available. Oregon residents on federally recognized Tribal lands may qualify for an additional $25 discount each month.

To qualify, Oregonians must receive benefits from select public assistance programs, such as Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Oregon Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household for either discounted or free service.

Customers can apply in one of the following ways:

• To apply for free wireless service through Access Wireless, visit www.accesswireless.com.
• To apply for discounted phone or high‑speed internet service, individuals may submit an online application at https://bit.ly/4cCqliT.

For more information about Oregon Lifeline, visit lifeline.oregon.gov, or call 800-848-4442 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2026

Commissioners Celebrate National Constitution Week

            (Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman issued a proclamation at the Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe the week of September 17 – 23 as National Constitution Week in Douglas County.  The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “The Constitution America’s most important document, and stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights.  September 17, 2026, marks the 239th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution, a foundational document that established the framework of our nation’s government and remains a cornerstone of American democracy.” A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment. 

            “Today, we have the opportunity to pause and recognize something that is easy to take for granted—the framework that has guided our nation for nearly 239 years.  The United States Constitution is more than a historic document displayed in classrooms, museums, or government buildings. It is the foundation for how our government operates and a reminder that the authority of government comes with boundaries, responsibilities, and accountability. It also reminds us that our system does not depend solely on the words written on a page. It depends on people—citizens who understand their rights, respect the rights of others, participate in their communities, and remain engaged in the institutions that serve them,” – Commissioner Kress

            In honor of Constitution Week, the Commissioners invited the Umpqua Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to participate in the program and share the organization’s history and mission. Founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to historic preservation, education, and patriotism.  Members of the Umpqua Chapter also wore historical attire as part of the presentation, adding a visual connection to the nation’s history and the significance of Constitution Week. The Commissioners also invited area high school civics and history classes to attend the presentation and participate in the educational program.

            This proclamation presentation provided an opportunity to look beyond the United States Constitution as a piece of history and reflect on what the document says, what it established, and why it continues to hold significance for Americans today. We were honored to have Roseburg’s Geneva Academy participate in the program and help share the story of the Constitution, bringing the document’s history and enduring principles to life.  Representing Geneva Academy’s 11^th Grade Civics Class today were Miss Sarah Yun (who read the Preamble); Miss Paula Booher (who outlined the seven articles of the Constitution); Mr. Owen Luna (who spoke about the bill of rights – the first ten amendments); and Mr. Isiah Carter (who discussed what the constitution means today). 

            “I appreciate you all being here.  I love that students are studying the constitution.  I love the presentations this morning and the robust recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, it was all a blessing, ” – Commissioner Chris Boice

Commissioner Boice presented National Constitution Week proclamation certificates to the Umpqua Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution - Tricia Powell (Regent),Sarah Paselk, and Debi Gresham; Geneva Academy – Brian Turner (Headmaster), Ross Harmon (Principal), Daniel Ritchey (Civics Teacher), Marie Neet (Parent) and students Owen Luna, Paula Booher, Isaiah Carter, Sarah Yun, Maggie Brady, Collette Shellard, McKinley Mauch, and Soren Carmichael; South Umpqua High School AP Government Class – Steve Gale (Teacher) and students Johnny Butler, Jasper Barklow and Brenden Budel.  Also, thank you to all the schools that reached out and tuned into to watch the presentation. 

            “Thank you, Commissioners for doing this proclamation – it’s really important!  To us, me personally and our DAR group, the Constitution is the rule for our government, but it also gives us a chance to express our freedoms and provides a structure – framework for our government.  Every year we provide schools around Douglas County with a resource packet, so classrooms have the opportunity to learn more about the constitution.” – Tricia Powell, Regent, Umpqua Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

            “I am retired law enforcement, and it has been my pleasure to be a Teacher at Geneva Academy.  One of the Capstone classes at Geneva, in my opinion, is the Civics Class.  Cicero (Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher) stated that ‘the very purpose of education is to create a citizen.’ Everyone can get a trade, but to be citizen, to be part of a civic toss, to be part of community, that takes a unique education.  Central to that education is our founding documents – the core of which is the US Constitution.” – Mr. Daniel Ritchey, Humanities/Civis Teacher, Geneva Academy.

            “I have students from my AP Government Class here today.  This proclamation comes at an opportune time, as we just looked at the articles of confederation and how the constitution has changed our country since the beginning.  It also provides an opportunity for our students to get to know their government and what to expect from their government as they move out of school into a more active role in society.” – Steve Gale, History Teacher, South Umpqua High School. 

            National Constitution Week provides an opportunity for Americans to reflect upon the history and significance of the United States Constitution and to recognize the importance of civic knowledge, participation, and understanding of the foundations of our government. 

            The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism across the United States. Since the Society's founding, more than one million women have found purpose and passion in DAR membership. To explore the ways the DAR is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation by leaving a lasting impact through meaningful projects and events visit https://www.dar.org/. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 15, 2026

Douglas County Juvenile Department Brings Community Partners Together to Map Youth Resources and Identify Service Gaps

            (Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Tom Kress, Chris Boice and Tim Freeman applaud the Douglas County Juvenile Department for hosting a free Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) Workshop on September 15 at the Roseburg Public Library.  They brought together community organizations, schools, behavioral health providers, law enforcement, justice system partners and other agencies to identify resources and potential gaps in services available for Douglas County youth.  The workshop was sponsored and facilitated by the Oregon Center on Behavioral Health and Justice Integration (OCBHJI). OCBHJI offers free SIM workshops to Oregon communities through a grant process, with the goal of helping communities strengthen connections between behavioral health services and the justice system.  Douglas County Juvenile Director Wendy Lang requested and was selected to participate in one of only eight free SIM workshops offered each year by OCBHJI.

            “We are incredibly fortunate OCBHJI approved us for this workshop and that Douglas County is rich with youth resources.  We know that navigating through the maze of agencies and resources can be challenging for parents, youth and community partners,” Lang said. “This SIM workshop is designed specifically for Douglas County to come together and inventory our youth resources and gaps, identify behavioral health services, meet community partners and introduce youth evidence-based practices.”

Mapping the Path to Services

            The Sequential Intercept Model provides a framework for communities to examine how individuals interact with behavioral health and justice systems and identify opportunities for earlier intervention and connection to appropriate services.  During Tuesday’s workshop, participants worked together to map the resources available to youth throughout Douglas County and identify potential gaps, barriers and opportunities for stronger coordination.  The process looks at resources and potential intervention points ranging from community-based services and law enforcement through courts, treatment, reentry and community-based support.  The workshop also focused on identifying where gaps in services may exist.

            “Prevention is one of the most important investments we can make in the lives of young people,” Commissioner and Juvenile Department liaison Chris Boice said. “When we help a young person overcome a challenge before it becomes a crisis, we can change the trajectory of that young person’s life. This workshop is an opportunity to look at how we, as a community, can do a better job of supporting kids early, giving families the tools they need and helping young people build a successful future.”

            When appropriate behavioral health resources are difficult to find or access, youth and families may encounter challenges that can escalate before the right services are connected. Mapping the system allows community partners to better understand what resources currently exist, where additional resources may be needed and how agencies can work together to improve access.

            “At the end of the day, OCBHJI will compile the information gathered during this workshop and create a customized, local strategic action plan for Douglas County,” Lang said. “We are excited to put this plan into action.”

A Community-Wide Effort

            The workshop brought together a broad cross-section of organizations and agencies that serve Douglas County youth and families, including Douglas County Juvenile Department, Adapt, ARC of Douglas County, Salvation Army,

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Umpqua Health, Family, Faith and Relationship Advocates (FFRA), Peace at Home,

United Community Action Network (UCAN), Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Support Division,

Douglas Educational Service District, Oregon Department of Justice – Criminal Division, Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC), Umpqua Community College – Wooley Center, Creating Community Resilience (CCR),

Take Root, Phoenix School, South Umpqua School District, Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon Outreach Clinic,

Community Baptist Church, and Community Living Case Management (CLCM).  The diverse participation reflects the many organizations and individuals who play a role in supporting the health, safety, education and well-being of young people in Douglas County. 

            “It is clear, Douglas County cares deeply about our kids,” Lang said. “Our goal is to make it easier for youth and families to find and access the right resources when they need them – whether at 2:00 pm on a Tuesday or 2:00 am on a Saturday.  No child, family or support agency should have to navigate a confusing maze to find help and support.”

            The SIM process is intended to strengthen collaboration among behavioral health providers, county leadership, law enforcement, courts, community organizations and people with lived experience. By bringing these partners together, Douglas County can develop a clearer picture of the services available to youth and identify opportunities to improve coordination and access.

Investing in Douglas County’s Youth

            Lang emphasized that the work goes beyond simply creating a list of resources. The goal is to better understand how youth and families move through the system and identify opportunities to connect them with appropriate support as early as possible.  “Youth are Douglas County’s future,” Lang said. “We need to make sure we can provide the resources they need to be successful and productive members of our community.”

            The customized strategic action plan developed by OCBHJI following the workshop will provide Douglas County with a roadmap for addressing identified needs and establishing measurable priorities for improving cross-system responses.  “It takes a community to raise, encourage, and help kids,” Lang said. “Everyone plays a unique part in the narrative, and everyone holds a piece of the success we see.”

            The Douglas County Commissioners and the Douglas County Juvenile Department look forward to continuing this collaborative work with OCBHJI and community partners to help ensure youth and families can more easily find and access the resources they need.  The Douglas County Juvenile Department is a division of Douglas County Government.  For more information about our Douglas County Juvenile Department, visit: https://www.douglascountyor.gov/239/Juvenile.

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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@douglascoumtyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascoumtyor.gov. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2026

Douglas County Solid Waste Hosting Free to the Public Household Electronics E-Cycle Event

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Solid Waste Department, a division of Douglas County Government, is teaming up with St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County and Oregon E-Cycles to host a free to the public household electronic e-cycling event in Roseburg on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The free to the public household electronic e-cycling event will take place at Douglas County’s Roseburg Transfer Station located at 165 West McLain Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon.  The event is free and open to all Douglas County residents and small businesses.  Please note that there is a seven-device limit per person or small business at this event. 

E-CYCLING is the recycling of old electronics.  The following devices will be accepted at this event - computers, TVs, printers, monitors, keyboards, mice, gaming devices, networking devices, AV equipment, power tools, cords + chargers, Christmas lights, miscellaneous computer parts and more.  They ask that you leave the following items at home - loose batteries, hazardous waste, vacuum cleaners, gas-powered tools, large kitchen appliances, glass-containing items (e.g. microwaves), light bulbs, and lighting ballasts.  Please dispose of these in a proper manner. 

E-Waste is a serious problem.  Electronic waste, or e-waste, is any electronic product that has reached the final phase of its life cycle and cannot be used anymore. The world produces 50 million tons of electronic waste a year, becoming the world’s most quickly growing waste source.  Sadly, no more than 20% of e-waste is properly recycled, with the other 80% being dumped in landfills or being unproperly recycled.  If it is not properly recycled, e-waste can have a negative impact on our environment by releasing toxins, heavy metals, and pollution into the air, soil and water.  It is also one of the leading causes of landfill fires.  Questions, contact: Douglas County Solid Waste Department at (541) 440-4485 or for more details on e-cycling visit: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ecycles/pages/consumers.aspx. E-you there on October 10!

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Lane County Parks, in cooperation with the Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, as well as Rivers to Ridges partners, will be conducting an ecological – or prescribed – burn at the Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) tomorrow, weather permitting.

Ahead of each burn, weather, humidity, and wind conditions are closely monitored to meet safety standards, including air quality.

HBRA represents one of the largest blocks of remaining prairie and oak savanna habitat left in the Willamette Valley. This ecological burn will occur in the North Bottomlands area of the park and will restore native grasses and wildflowers in a former hay field that was dominated by non-native species for many years. It will also help reduce the risk of wildfire by reducing the available fuels in the burn area. A total of 25 acres will be burned. Ecological burning is funded by a combination of grant funding from the Bureau of Land Management for fuels reduction and the Lane County Parks levy.

Closures

• Small portions of the trails located in the North Bottomlands, particularly on the west side of that area, will be closed. Visitors are asked to check in with trail sentinels and be flexible with their routes.

Media Opportunity A test burn will be conducted between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and if conditions are right the full burn will move ahead. Media are welcome to be on-site during the test burn and burn. Please call ahead to confirm with Lane County Natural Areas Coordinator Ed Alverson (541-517-8818) that you plan to be there.

Lane County parks and partners have conducted more than a dozen prescribed burns in HBRA since 1999. Executing ecological burns is always dependent on weather and ensuring atmospheric conditions will disperse smoke upward and away from densely populated areas.

Signs will be posted at the park notifying visitors of the trail closures. A trail map is available online.

Visitors to the park should be aware of localized smoky conditions and the presence of fire crews within the park during the burn. 

Follow Lane County Parks on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Why the County conducts ecological burning:

Ecological burns are an essential management tool to sustain and expand native plant communities in these rare Willamette Valley habitats. The Willamette Valley was once dominated by savannas and prairies rich with diverse grass and wildflower species. These now-rare ecosystems require regular disturbance, such as fire, to maintain native species and to prevent conversion of open prairie to a closed woodland or forest. Historically, disturbance was provided through regular intentional burning by Native people or ignition by lightning. Many of our native prairie wildflowers, such as camas and Bradshaw’s lomatium, have evolved with fire for thousands of years and flourish after a site is burned. 

Ecological burns in the park’s prairies accomplish several biological and fire safety goals including improved seed germination, removal of built-up thatch, and short-term soil fertilization.  All these factors help native, grassland species thrive, including the declining Western Meadowlark (Oregon’s state bird), which nests in prairies and other open grassland habitats. In addition, prescribed burns protect the open prairie structure, as well as reduce the future risk of high intensity wildfires through the removal of standing, dead vegetation.

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Salem, OR – September 16, 2026 –  On September 15, 2026, the Honorable Marion County Circuit Court Judge Amy Queen sentenced Jonathan Muhire (age 20) to 25 years in the Department of Corrections and lifetime post prison supervision after he pled guilty to the following charges:

• Kidnapping in the First Degree
• Sexual Abuse in the First Degree
• Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Attempted Assault in the Second Degree

Muhire will also have to register as a sex offender.

In the early morning hours of June 16, 2025, the victim was walking to work on Commercial Street SE.  Muhire, a stranger, approached and asked if she had a boyfriend. She told him no and made it clear she was not interested in interacting. Muhire grabbed her hand and then put his arm around her. When she continued to express her disinterest, Muhire shoved her into the bushes and down a steep embankment. He physically assaulted her and slammed her head into the ground.

Once out of sight, Muhire began to sexually assault the victim. She attempted to defend herself with a knife she had for protection, but Muhire disarmed her and used it against her. Muhire told her he would kill her. Yet despite all of this, the victim did not give up and kept fighting. At some point, while Muhire attempted to move the victim deeper into the brush, she was able to get away and ran until Muhire caught her and tackled her to the ground.

By this time, the victim had run close enough to the road to be visible to a passerby, who yelled and frightened Muhire off. Community members were then able to help the victim and called law enforcement.

Salem Police Department did extensive canvassing in the area and eventually found Muhire.  At the time he was found, Muhire was still possessing a distinct jacket that he was wearing during the assault.

At sentencing, Judge Queen addressed the defendant saying, “You showed zero mercy to [the victim] The violence you perpetrated and the terror you subjected her to as she walked alone to work - leaving her battered, bruised, and sexually violated - this was not an awful mistake, not someone overcome with lust. This is someone who is a danger to any woman who chooses to walk alone or be in your presence, frankly."

This case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple. During the sentencing, Semple said: "The defendant preyed on the victim. He picked someone walking alone, who he thought was weak, and who was little. What he didn't anticipate was that though she was little, she was fierce and she would fight him every step of what he did to her that night.”

“The victim showed tremendous strength and courage,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. “Hopefully she will find peace in some measure of justice as she heals from the horrors of this event.”

The Marion County DA’s Office wishes to acknowledge the thorough investigation of the dedicated detectives at the Salem Police Department.

Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, no additional details will be released.

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State of Oregon v. Isaiah Gwin

Marion County Circuit Court Case # 25CR72482

Salem Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

Salem, OR – September 11, 2026 – Earlier this week, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Courtland Geyer sentenced Isaiah Gwin (age 26) to 27 months in the Department of Corrections based on a guilty plea of four counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

On October 30, 2025 after receiving CyberTips that the defendant had downloaded images and videos consisting of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), detectives from the Salem Police Department served a warrant to the home of the defendant at his NE Salem home. CyberTips revealed that Gwin had multiple downloads of dozens of images and videos containing CSAM.

In December 2025 a second search warrant was issued to secure additional evidence that included several videos, additional CSAM, and messages in which the defendant shared explicit images of himself with others.

“This type of behavior is unconscionable,” said DA-elect Brendan Murphy. “Our office is incredibly grateful for the collaborative work of law enforcement to help ensure a successful conviction.”

Deputy District Attorney Michael Kummerman represented the state in this case. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office wishes to thank the Special Victims Unit of the Salem Police Department, Oregon DOJ, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for their incredible collaboration and thorough investigation.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Hillsboro, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to gather and transmit national defense information.

Ruoyu Duan, Age 41, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging conspiracy to gather and transmit national defense information, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, between November 2021 and March 2025, within the District of Oregon and elsewhere, Duan conspired with others to surreptitiously gather sensitive military information related to the United States Army’s operational capabilities, including computer equipment, training materials, intelligence reports, and technical manuals. Duan paid his co-conspirators, active-duty U.S. Army soldiers, and others, to gather information and equipment. Specifically, they obtained information related to U.S. military weapon systems, such as U.S. Army combat vehicles, including the Bradley, Stryker, and HIMARS platforms, and transferred that information to people in China. 

Duan served as an U.S. Army soldier from 2013 – 2017 and was trained in the handling of sensitive and classified military information.  

On March 5, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Duan and Li Tian, an Active-Duty U.S. Army Officer, with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property.

The FBI arrested Duan in Oregon on March 6, 2025.

Defendant Duan faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on December 10, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut.

The case was investigated by the FBI Portland and Seattle Field Offices and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, with assistance from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Seattle Field Office, CBP Office of Professional Responsibility, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Geoffrey A. Barrow and Katherine A. Rykken, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, and Christopher Magnani and Yifei Zheng, Trial Attorneys for the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— Today, United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford presented awards to the Law Enforcement members who have supported cases and the Oregon community in 2025.

Today’s Law Enforcement and Agency Partner (LEAP) Awards recognize our partners in this work. It is due to the hard work of our law enforcement agencies in Oregon that we are able to bring charges, hold criminals accountable, and protect our communities. The officers and agents highlighted at the event are being honored for cases that include human trafficking, crimes against children, financial crimes, drug distribution resulting in death, and gang violence. These are crimes that harm not only the direct victims but our community as a whole.

“For those we honor today, this is a calling, not a profession or a job. They have devoted their lives and have sacrificed time with family and friends to protect our communities. The pursuit of justice is not confined to ordinary hours, and our work would be impossible without their steadfast commitment. The strength and success of our cases rests on the rigor and integrity of their investigations, and we extend our profound gratitude to our law enforcement partners whose unwavering service allows us to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect the rights of all citizens,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— Luis Nino-Moncada, 33, a Venezuelan national unlawfully residing in the United States, was sentenced today to the time he has served in custody since January 2026, approximately nine months, and one year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $24,413 in restitution for damage to a government vehicle. Nino-Moncada will be deported.

According to court documents, Nino-Moncada entered the United States illegally around October 2022. He was ordered to appear at a removal hearing in Denver, Colorado, on November 21, 2024. Nino-Moncada failed to appear at the hearing and an immigration judge ordered his removal from the United States.

On January 8, 2026, Nino-Moncada drove a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck with a female passenger into the parking lot of Adventist Health Portland. After Nino-Moncada parked, a Border Patrol agent parked his government vehicle behind the truck. Border Patrol agents exited their vehicles and surrounded the truck to arrest Nino-Moncada and the passenger because they were unlawfully in the country and eligible for removal.  The female passenger was the primary target due to ties to a trans-national gang Tren de Aragua’s prostitution ring. Nino-Moncada, believing the agents were “ICE” agents, refused to comply with their lawful commands to exit the vehicle. Nino-Moncada instead forcefully drove the truck backwards, crashing into the government car. He then lurched his truck forward into the path of an officer and reversed again, severely damaging the law enforcement vehicle, before fleeing the scene.

As part of his plea agreement, Nino-Moncada admitted that his conduct placed others at risk of serious bodily injury and that he was conscious of or recklessly disregarded that risk. It was only after defendant struck the government car twice, within just a few feet of the officers’ positions, and with one officer in the path of the truck, that a government officer fired two shots at defendant. The car was declared a total loss, and defendant, as part of his plea agreement, agreed to pay restitution of over $24,000.

On July 28, 2026, Nino-Moncada pleaded guilty to the felony charge of depredation of federal property. As part of his plea agreement Nino-Moncada admitted he is subject to an Order of Removal and agrees not to contest his removal or file a habeas petition for release from immigration custody.

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

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations. The United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.

# # #

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. v Melissa Fireside

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

U.S. v K’Lum Strickland

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

U.S. v Beniamin Lucescu

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

U.S. v Kenneth Burns

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

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

U.S. v Joel Caswell

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

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

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

Emerald Green Lawn Service, Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Civil Case Pending Execution:

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

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury found Beniamin Lucescu, age 57, a Portland resident, guilty today of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between April 2020 and May 2022, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Beniamin Lucescu and his wife, Georgeta Lucescu, conspired to steal almost $500,000 in pandemic relief funds by lying to the Small Business Administration about their intended use of the funds. Beniamin Lucescu repeatedly lied on the applications for the relief funds, claiming they would only use them for economic injuries their business, Rose City Senior Care, suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In reality, Beniamin Lucescu planned to use the pandemic relief funds for personal expenses and investments. As soon as they received the pandemic relief funds, Beniamin Lucescu used almost all of the $500,000 to pay off their old personal federal tax debt and invest in cryptocurrency.

“The pandemic was a time of unprecedented hardship, when Americans needed their government’s help most. Beniamin Lucescu chose to exploit that crisis for his own gain. His fraud stole critical taxpayer-funded resources from Americans who were counting on them. We will not tolerate those who abuse government relief programs for personal profit. Thanks to the dedicated work of the SBA-OIG and my office, Lucescu was held accountable and brought to justice,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

On September 17, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an eight-count superseding indictment charging Beniamin and Georgeta Lucescu with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.  Beniamin Lucescu was also charged with money laundering.

Beniamin Lucescu will be sentenced on December 14, before a U.S. District Judge.

Georgeta Lucescu is scheduled for trial on February 8, 2027. Georgeta Lucescu is charged by indictment. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General with assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Bateman and Special Assistant United States Attorney Ethan Bodell.

# # #

EUGENE, OR — September 14, 2026 — CLF Network is thrilled to announce its brand-new fundraising initiative, the "Quest for a Cause" Scavenger Hunt, taking place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM PDT. This citywide, high-energy event invites community members to experience Eugene and Springfield in a whole new way while acting as champions for local youth-focused nonprofits.

Quest for a Cause combines the thrill of adventure with community philanthropy. Teams of up to five participants—including friends, family members, and colleagues—will compete to solve clues, complete interactive missions, score points, and document their progress across local landmarks and businesses.

Most importantly, 100% of every single dollar raised through this event directly goes to kids in Lane County providing vital resources and assistance to underserved children in the community.

"We are combining our dedication to serve children with our drive to innovate how we fundraise," said the CLF Network Project Chairs. "This scavenger hunt spans Eugene and Springfield,

highlighting the beautifully quirky landmarks and businesses we call home, all while building a lasting legacy for local youth."

Event Details:

What: Quest for a Cause Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser

When: Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM PDT

Where: Across Eugene and Springfield, OR

Registration: Teams of up to 5 people

CLF Network is also actively seeking local corporate sponsors who wish to showcase their businesses during the hunt and leave a positive impact on local families.

To register your team, sign up as a corporate sponsor, or learn more about the event, visit the official website at https://clfnetwork.org/what-we-do/projects/quest-for-a-cause-scavengerhunt-fundraiser.

About CLF Network

CLF Network is a 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to serving and uplifting underserved children in the community through innovative projects, charity raffles, and volunteer staffing support for local nonprofit organizations.

Media Contact:

Mike Kingsley, President

Email: mikekingsley2030@gmail.com

Phone: 541-968-8450

Website: https://clfnetwork.org/

EUGENE, Ore. — A Lane County tradition returns September 14 as CLF Network launches its annual Coats for Kids campaign. For more than 20 years, this community-wide event has brought community partners together to provide children in need with warm winter coats, helping ensure that local kids can face the colder months with the clothing they need to stay warm and healthy. 
 

This year, CLF Network is challenging the community to help make its biggest Coats for Kids campaign yet, with a goal of collecting 2,000 coats from community members across Lane County. 
 

From September 14 through October 12, community members can donate new or gently used insulted, weatherproof, winter coats for kids, sizing from 0-3 months all the way up to 3XL. Coats can be dropped off at more than 30 collection bins throughout the community, including nine at Oregon Community Credit Union (OCCU) locations and eight at UPS locations. 

Gently used coats will be professionally dry cleaned at one of our local dry cleaning partners who are generously donating their services for this project. Both new and used coats are then sorted again by size and distributed to the Network’s local partner organizations that support the needs of underprivileged children. 

CLF Network’s partner agencies receiving coats from this project include:

• Willagillespie Elementary School

• ShelterCare

• Peak Buck

• Parenting Now

• Mt. Vernon Elementary

• Looking Glass Community Services

• Junction City School District / Laurel Elementary

• Catholic Community Services of Lane County

• Bags of Love

The success of Coats for Kids would not be possible without the support of local partners. CLF Network is excited to welcome Oregon Community Credit Union and KEZI as the presenting sponsors of the Coats for Kids campaign. The other sponsors of this project include The UPS Store, Hi Tech Cleaners, The Cleanery, Lile Moving & Storage, and Michael Aguilar and Kelly Favero. 
 

The support of every sponsor will help the Network reach its goal of providing warm winter coats to children and families throughout Lane County.

With the support of local businesses, organizations, and community members, the Network hopes to set a new record while ensuring more local children have a warm coat to wear this winter.

About the Children's Legacy Foundation Network

The Children's Legacy Foundation Network is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the welfare of children in Lane County. Through fundraising, grantmaking, volunteer service, and community partnerships, CLF Network invests in programs that help children learn, grow, heal, and thrive. The organization has awarded $505,000 to local nonprofits during the past decade and continues a legacy of community service that spans nearly a century.