See the Word document below.  

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Central Douglas Fire & Rescue Authority will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday October 20, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.  To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday October 20, 2025, for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

1. Monthly Financials
2. Select Board President
3. Executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(i)
4. Executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(f)

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to administration at 541-673-5503.

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Douglas County Fire District No. 2 will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday October 20, 2025, at 5:30 pm. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 pm on Monday October 20, 2025, for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1.  Monthly Financials

   2.  Position 3 Board Vacancy

   3.  SB1068 Annexation Approval Request for Property ID: R146936, R54533,

        R30640 & R55936

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to DCFD #2 at 541-673-5503.

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Winston Dillard Fire District will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St., Winston, OR on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-679-8721 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday October 20, 2025, for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1. Monthly Financials

The meeting location is accessible to person with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to Winston-Dillard Fire District No. 5 at 541-679-8721

10/18/2025 9:11 a.m.

Media Contact:

Lt. Ben Harvey, Corvallis Police Department

(541) 766-6556 / cpdpio@corvallisoregon.gov

Fatal Vehicle-Pedestrian Crash Under Investigation

On October 17, 2025, at approximately 7:35 p.m., Corvallis Police Department officers responded to a report of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash at the intersection of NW Harrison Boulevard and NW 14th Street.

A westbound Toyota RAV4, operated by a 17-year-old female, struck two pedestrians who were crossing southbound in the crosswalk on the west side of NW 14th Street.

Tragically, one pedestrian—a 20-year-old male—was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second pedestrian, a 20-year-old female, sustained serious injuries and was transported by the Corvallis Fire Department to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Members of the Corvallis Police Department Crash Investigation Team are actively investigating the incident.

At this time, the names of those involved are being withheld pending appropriate notifications and further investigation. Additional information will be released as it become available by the Corvallis Police Department.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact Detective Pete Dunn at the Corvallis Police Department.(541-766-6924)

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an early morning structure fire in west Eugene on Thursday.  Just before 3 AM on October 16th, crews were dispatched to the 1100 block of Grant St.  Fire crews arrived about 5 minutes after dispatch to find a well involved fire in the 2nd floor of a vacant home.  This abandoned home is on fire frequently is proposes several risks to responding fire crews from the house over flowing with debris to human waste and needles in the area.  Fire Marshals are on scene investigating the cause and there were no injuries.  

AVOIDING STORM DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME
 

Storms can be severe and leave a lasting impact on our communities, but there are ways to prepare your home to minimize the risk of damage when severe weather strikes. In some cases, taking these steps can mean the difference between costly home repairs and no storm damage to your home at all.

Stay Informed
Monitor weather and storm warnings so you can prepare in advanced.

• The National Weather Service provides many updates including weather forecasts, current conditions, flood warnings, and more: www.weather.gov/pqr/
   
• In addition to local alerts, Lincoln Alerts can send automated messages and warnings directly from the National Weather Service (NWS) if you update your settings under “Alert Subscriptions”. Users can choose to receive NWS automated messages for high wind warnings, floods, winter weather, and more. Users can also choose the times they would like to receive messages or set “quiet hours” for these specific NWS Alert Subscriptions: member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/login

Prepare Before Inclement Weather

• Remove dead wood. Trimming your trees help prevent falling branches in heavy wind or other severe weather. For particularly tall trees, experts can do the trimming for you and can tell you when trees are at risk of being blown over in a storm so they can be removed.
   
• Secure outdoor items. Loose items like grills, picnic tables, and lawn furniture should be brought inside to avoid becoming projectiles in high winds. Decorations, even those securely attached to the home, could cause damage or be destroyed in the storm.
   
• Deal with drainage problems. Clean gutters from fallen leaves and other debris. Address other drainage problems around your home, including areas where water can drain onto the foundation and cause damage. Landscaping professionals can help you identify the problems and find solutions so that you don’t have issues when the storms come.
   
• Sandbag before flooding occurs. Sandbags may be used to help redirect water away from structures. One of the keys to successful sandbag use is having them in place before flooding begins. There are three sandbagging stations in Lincoln County, one at North Lincoln Fire and Rescue St. Clair Station in Lincoln City, one at the Public Works parking lot in Newport, and one at Yachats Rural Fire Protection District in Yachats. Find sandbagging and flooding resources on our website: www.co.lincoln.or.us/757/Hazards-Flooding-River-Levels
   
• Inspect the roof periodically. If an inspection shows possible leaks, getting them fixed right away will help protect your home from damage. A brand-new roof should withstand most weather, but if your roof is more than 5 years old, it should be checked for loose shingles, nails, and sheathing. Loose shingles, nails, and sheathing can cause chunks of roofing to be dislodged or create openings for rain and ice to penetrate. Roofs that are over 15 years old risk sudden deterioration or failure in storms even if no problems are apparent.
   
• Consider impact-rated windows. You may be able to protect your windows from damage by installing hurricane shutters, or by just boarding up the windows if a severe storm is imminent. New windows are likely to be more airtight and impervious to leaks and damage than older windows. In areas where severe weather is frequent, such as coastal areas, consider windows that are specially made to withstand storm-level air pressure and impact.

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

Jackson County, Ore. (Oct. 20, 2025)- On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2:44 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle crash on Highway 140, near milepost 4, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Freightliner recreational vehicle (motorhome), operated by Richard Fay McCoy (57) of Central Point, struck a bicyclist, Wesley Mad Olngellel (37) of Central Point, who was in the eastbound lane of travel.

The operator of the bicycle (Olngellel) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Freightliner was uninjured. 

The highway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

# # #

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

Clackamas County, Ore (Oct. 20, 2025)- On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:34 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 224, near milepost 15, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Corolla, operated by Candida Rodriguez (51) of Gresham, entered the highway from SE Amisigger Road and attempted to turn eastbound onto Highway 224. The Toyota entered the path of a westbound Dodge Ram 2500, operated by Kirk Andrew Friedman (59) of Portland, causing a side impact collision. 

The operator of the Toyota (Rodriguez) was declared deceased at the scene. Two passengers of the Toyota, Nathon Zintkala Melbourne (32) of Portland and a female juvenile (13), suffered minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The operator of the Dodge (Friedman) was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Clackamas Fire, and ODOT.

# # #

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

Linn County, Ore (Oct. 20, 2025)- On Friday, October 17, 2025, at 4:45 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 20, near milepost 23, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Subaru Outback, operated by Katherine Elizabeth Spellman (19) of Longmont (CO), entered the highway from Liberty Road and was attempting to turn westbound onto Highway 20. The Subaru entered the path of an eastbound Harley Davidson Road King, operated by Jeremy Wayne Smith (46) of Lebanon, causing a side impact collision.

The operator of the Harley Davidson (Smith) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger of the Harley Davidson, Delana Ann Marie Smith (45) of Lebanon, was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital.

The operator of the Subaru (Spellman) was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital. A passenger of the Subaru, Shasta Faith Levin (18) of Winston, was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Sweet Home Fire Department and ODOT.

# # #

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

Hood River County, Ore. (Oct 17, 2025)- On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 9:23 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 281, near milepost 7, in Hood River County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a soutbbound Subaru Impreza, operated by Pedro Jonathan Flores-Flores (26) of Hood River, attempted to pass a southbound Toyota Corolla, operated by Jesus Esquivel Martinez (38) of Hood River, in a no passing zone and struck a northbound Honda VT750 motorcycle, operated by Phillip Mickey Himes (37) of Hood River, head-on.

The operator of the Honda (Himes) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Toyota (Esquivel Martinez) was reportedly uninjured.

The operator of the Subaru (Flores-Flores) was reportedly uninjured and was arrested for DUII, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering X2, and Manslaughter 1.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. The crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Hood River County Sheriff's Office, Hood River Police Department, Wyeast Fire, and ODOT.

# # #

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

UPDATE: The vehicle and suspect in this incident have been located. OSP investigators located the suspect, Brandon James Jensen (41), on October 16, 2025. He was arrested for failure to perform the duties of a driver and tampering with physical evidence. OSP would like to thank the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office for their assistance with this incident.  

...

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. (13 Oct. 2025) – On Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 1:08 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Highway 42 near milepost 76 in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a male pedestrian, Dustin Rios (30) of Canyonville, was in the lane of travel for an unknown reason and was struck by an eastbound vehicle on Highway 42 near Grant Smith Road close to the Taco Bell restaurant near Winston. A black Honda passenger vehicle fled the scene after striking the pedestrian. 

Despite lifesaving efforts, the pedestrian (Rios) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Roadside evidence suggests the involved vehicle is a 2006-2011 black Honda Civic. Evidence from the scene indicated the vehicle sustained damage to the driver’s side mirror. Law enforcement also recovered an adhesive transparent window visor believed to have come from the driver’s side door.

The vehicle was last seen traveling eastbound on Highway 42 toward Interstate 5 and may have continued northbound.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP’s Southern Command dispatch center at 800-442-2068 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-433741.

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

OSP was assisted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Winston Police Department, Douglas County Emergency Services, Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

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

UPDATE - As of 3:39 p.m. - 10/20/25

All streets in the area of Pine Street and Mosher Street have reopened for public use.

At 8:04 a.m. on October 20, 2025, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a reported natural gas line rupture and a significant leak of natural gas in the 900 block of SE Pine Street.  Upon arrival, firefighters determined a 4” inch natural gas line had been damaged.

Firefighters established command, monitored air quality, coordinated evacuation of the Unemployment Office and established a safety corridor.  Fire department personnel also provided traffic control as traffic was routed around the area.  Please avoid the areas of Pine Street and Mosher Street as Avista Utilities is still working on scene.  Lanes of traffic are expected to reopen by mid-afternoon.

The Roseburg Fire Department would like to remind everyone to be aware of underground utilities while doing site work and home improvement projects.  Before breaking ground, call 811 or go to www.digsafelyoregon.com.

Tangent, Oregon October 17, 2025
The Board of Directors of Tangent Rural Fire Protection District is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles Chapin as the new Fire Chief. Chief Chapin will officially begin his duties on November 1, 2025.
Chief Chapin brings 30 years of experience in the fire and emergency services to his new role with the last seven being at Tangent RFPD. For the last seven months he has served as Interim Fire Chief. Chief Chapin holds AAS in Fire Suppression, Oregon EMT-Intermediate, NFPA Fire Officer 3 and has attended classes at the National Fire Academy.  Currently he is on the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Incident Management Team as a Division Supervisor.
In his new position, Chief Chapin will be responsible for overseeing all fire suppression, emergency medical services and fire prevention efforts for the community. His key priorities include enhancing firefighter training programs, strategic planning, recruitment & retention among others.
“We have full confidence in Chief Chapin’s proven track record to take our district to new heights, focusing on protection of life and property while inspiring a renewed sense of volunteerism and community engagement. Please join us in congratulating Chief Chapin and thank you for your continued support of the Tangent Rural Fire Protection District.” said Chris Meyer, Board of Director President.
Tangent Rural Fire Protection serves the citizens of Tangent by providing exceptional fire and emergency medical services. Comprised of 4 staff and 19 volunteers, the district responds to 430 calls annually, covering a wide array of emergencies.

Kaiser Permanente is resuming normal operations with a focus on the continued delivery of high-quality, affordable care to our members and communities. We welcome back the 30,000 Alliance-represented employees who are returning from the 5-day strike that ended at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 19.   

We are deeply grateful to our front-line care teams who leaned in to ensure the continuity of outstanding patient care last week. Our facilities were staffed by physicians, experienced managers, and trained staff, along with nearly 6000 contracted nurses, clinicians, and others who worked with us during the strike.  

Together these teams enabled Kaiser Permanente to minimize disruption and ensure our patients experienced the highest levels of care quality.  

Kaiser Permanente and the Alliance have jointly agreed to resume bargaining on October 22–23. The focus will be on economic issues. While the Alliance has publicly emphasized staffing and other concerns, wages are the reason for the strike and the primary issue in negotiations.    

We recognize our employees’ hard work and have offered a strong contract proposal that includes 21.5% in total base wage increases over four years, and enhances their high-value medical plans and retiree benefits.  

At a time when the cost of health care continues to go up steeply, and millions of Americans are having to make the difficult choice to go without coverage, it’s critical that we keep quality, accessible health care coverage affordable – while attracting and retaining top talent and keeping Kaiser Permanente a great place to work and receive care. Our offer does all this. 

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Army National Guard Col. Philip R. DeMontigny was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the Oregon National Guard during a ceremony held in his honor at the W.D. Jackson Armory in Portland, Oregon, on October 19, 2025.

The Presiding Officer for the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, described a long list of DeMontigny’s accomplishments with family, friends, co-workers, and other guests in attendance.

“Phil, your promotion to Brigadier General represents the culmination of nearly three decades of exceptional service, but it also marks the beginning of new responsibilities and opportunities,” Gronewold said. “You have earned this rank through your dedication, your courage, and your unwavering commitment to those you lead.”

DeMontigny currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army for the Oregon National Guard and has served in the Active Duty Army, Army Reserves, and Army National Guard. He began his military career when he enlisted as an infantryman in March of 1996, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York.

In his civilian career, DeMontigny retired in 2024 after 23 years serving with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He now works as the Agency Risk and Emergency Manager for the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services.

Brig. Gen. DeMontigny’s military education culminated with a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. War College in 2019, and he currently resides in Olympia, Washington.

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Released Images: 

251019-Z-CH590-1002: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General of Oregon (left) and Col. Philip R. DeMontigny right) stand for the playing of the National Anthem at the official promotion ceremony to Brigadier General for DeMontigny on October 19, 2025, held at the Jackson Armory in Portland, Oregon. DeMontigny currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army for the Oregon National Guard. (Army National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

251019-Z-CH590-1014: Oregon Army National Guard’s newly promoted Brig. Gen. Philip R. DeMontigny takes the oath of office, administered by Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General of Oregon, during his promotion ceremony on October 19, 2025, at Jackson Armory in Portland, Oregon. DeMontigny was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Amanda Bielawski, for the oath of office, as he currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army for the Oregon National Guard. (Army National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

251019-Z-CH590-1019:Oregon Army National Guard Col. Philip R. DeMontigny is officially pinned to the rank of Brigadier General with the assistance of his son Alek and daughter Grace, and joined by his wife, Dr. Amanda Bielawski, during his official promotion ceremony held at the Jackson Armory in Portland, Oregon, on October 19, 2025. DeMontigny currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army for the Oregon National Guard. (Army National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

251019-Z-CH590-1082: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General of Oregon, delivers his remarks as the Presiding Officer for the newly promoted Brig. Gen. Philip R. DeMontigny during his promotion ceremony held at the Jackson Armory in Portland, Oregon, on October 19, 2025. DeMontigny currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army for the Oregon National Guard. (Army National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

251019-Z-CH590-1168: Newly Promoted Brig. Gen. Philip R. DeMontigny delivers his formal remarks for those in attendance at his promotion ceremony on October 19, 2025, at the Jackson Armory in Portland, Oregon. DeMontigny currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army for the Oregon National Guard. (Army National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

FIRE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued two bulletins encouraging insurance companies, health care service contractors, state-regulated financial institutions, and other entities providing financial products to take measures to help people affected by the federal government shutdown.

The federal government shutdown began Oct. 1 and will continue until Congress passes a continuing resolution or other funding measure. According to the Oregon Employment Department (OED), there are approximately 30,000 workers on the federal payroll in Oregon; OED estimates 10,000 were affected by the lapse in appropriations as of Oct. 1. These employees may be either furloughed or, in some instances, required to work without pay. In either case, although back pay may eventually be available, many affected Oregon residents will likely experience at least temporary financial hardship through no fault of their own.

DFR is providing guidance to state-regulated entities to make reasonable accommodations to mitigate the adverse effects of the shutdown on Oregon residents.

“We encourage entities regulated under our jurisdiction to take active measures to provide help to their customers and policyholders that are directly affected by the federal government shutdown,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator and acting insurance commissioner. “All accommodations provided should comply with all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.”

DFR has requested steps that include providing grace periods to premium payments, providing more time to file insurance claims, allowing more time for repayment of debts, waiving late payment penalties, postponing foreclosure actions and evictions, and negotiating with consumers to arrive at solutions under the current circumstances.

The bulletins are located on DFR’s website.

“We know the shutdown has affected thousands of families in Oregon and we are asking our regulated entities to give some grace to those who have no control over the situation they are currently in,” Keen said.

If you have questions or need to talk with one of our consumer advocates, call 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or send an email to .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov or .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Stayton, Ore. – Every Saturday over the last month, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) North Cascade District hosted Scouting America troops from Eugene, Oregon to Seattle, Washington and in between. The district helped 80 scouts earn their Wildland Fire Management merit badge, a new merit badge being tested this year with the hopes it will become an official merit badge next summer at the National Jamboree.

“The scouts learned that it’s more than putting out a fire,” said Scott West, ODF Molalla Unit Forester for the North Cascade District.

In the classes, scouts, ages 11-17, learned how to make their homes, camps, and communities more wildfire resilient and resistant while also understanding wildfire’s role in nature. They also learn about the history, prevention, science, tools, and equipment of wildland fire management. The new merit badge gives the scouts the opportunity to explore different career opportunities in wildland fire management.

“I wanted kids to see the larger picture when it comes to wildfire and learn what they can do in terms of that picture,” said West. “By the end of the course, we even had a few 17-year-olds interested in applying to be a wildland firefighter once they graduate.”

The investment in wildland firefighting’s future doesn’t just encompass this one month but years of work. Scott West not only facilitated the courses in ODF’s North Cascade District but also helped create the curriculum for the new merit badge with Scouting America, a process that began in 2018.

“When on an assignment with ODF Complex Incident Management Team 2 in 2017, I met Mike Huneke with the U.S. Forest Service out of Maryland. Mike is also a volunteer with Scouting America and chairs the National Conservation Committee. We discussed the need for a merit badge that focuses on wildland fire management and the impact a merit badge like this could have on our field’s future. So together we built out the curriculum, presented it to Scouting America and now get to see the finished product in action right here in Oregon,” West said.

Understanding and managing wildland fire is a complex undertaking, especially for young scouts, but their willingness to learn and explore the field of wildland fire management means that the future of the career is bright.

Tillamook State Forest—The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) completed a stream enhancement project on Gales Creek in the Tillamook State Forest this summer to improve stream habitat and water quality.

“The goal of this project is to restore natural stream processes and instream complexity by placing large wood into the stream channel to improve physical habitat, fish production and water quality,” said Erik Moberly, Aquatic and Riparian Specialist for ODF’s State Forests Division. “The trees, some with attached root wads, that were placed will help influence the formation of pools, spawning gravels and provide cover for aquatic dependent species.”

Gales Creek is a tributary to the Tualatin River in Washington County and is home to several important fish species including Endangered Species Act-listed Coho Salmon and Winter Steelhead. Other fish in the creek include Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout and other native resident fish species.

To reduce costs, appropriately sized trees for the stream characteristics were selected from an adjacent timber sale and decked near the proposed placement sites. An excavator was used to move the trees from the log decks and place into the stream.   

“Nine individual placement sites were completed on Gales Creek and a tributary while six placement sites were completed on the North Fork Gales Creek in two days,” said Moberly. “Thirty trees with attached root wads and 54 trees without root wads were used for the entire project.”

Approximately 1,500 feet of the stream was treated on Gales Creek while approximately 1,400 feet of stream was treated on the North Fork Gales Creek.  

The total project costs were around $20,000 excluding some staff time to plan and implement the project.

This is not the first stream enhancement project in Gales Creek. In 2009, ODF partnered with Tualatin River Watershed Council (TWRC), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and Stimson Lumber Company to do work on the North Fork of Gales Creek. This was partially funded through an Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) grant obtained by the watershed council; the logs were provided by Stimson and ODF.  More than 100 logs were placed within a 1.2-mile stretch of the stream channel and surrounding floodplain.

In 2011, ODF again partnered with the TWRC and ODFW to enhance about a half mile of Gales Creek located Northwest of the Gales Creek Campground. This work was done with an OWEB grant and placed about 70 logs in the stream channel and floodplain. The work was completed by the Bottom Round Timber Sale.

“State Forest lands are actively managed under forest management plans to provide economic, environmental, and social benefits to Oregonians,” said Moberly. “Projects like these positively impact all three of those goals.”

 For more on Oregon’s State Forests see the ODF website.

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet at 1:15 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27 in the Ag Science Room, LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St., Corvallis. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Follow up to joint meeting with IRST
• Address IRST questions on Amphibians package – This is a substantial decision

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

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

Statewide to date, regardless of jurisdiction, there have been 2,569 fires that have burned 288,774 acres.

The start and end of fire season restrictions and regulations are set by each forest protection district based on the conditions in their area including drought, climatic forecasts, and seasonal trends. These restrictions and regulations are on activities prone to start wildfires, such as debris burning and certain equipment use, and are intended as preventative measures during times with elevated wildfire risks. The arrival of steady soaking rain, coupled with cooler temperatures and shorter days, usually triggers the closure of fire season.

The end of fire season removes ODF imposed fire restrictions on ODF-protected lands. However, many structural fire departments in Oregon still require a permit for debris burning, and slash burning requires a permit year-round, so check with your local fire department or ODF office before starting a burn. 

As Oregon transitions to fall and winter, ODF districts across the state are shifting their attention to wildfire prevention, fuels reduction, mitigation and planning efforts.

For more tips on how to keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe from wildfire at any time of year, visit ODF’s Fire Prevention website or Keep Oregon Green’s website.

SALEM, Ore. – The State Forests Advisory Committee will meet in the Tillamook Room, Building C, Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State Street in Salem on Friday, Oct. 24 at 9 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please contact Emily Shook at 503-945-7363.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Fire season update
• Budget update
• Fiscal year 2025-26 current status
• Accomplishments
• Forest Management Plan (FMP)/Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) update
• Forest health
• Recreation, education & interpretation re-organization
• Planning

The public may attend in-person or online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting Emily Shook at 503-945-7363. 

The State Forests Advisory Committee (SFAC) is comprised of citizens and representatives of timber, environmental and recreation groups as well as a representative from Oregon’s Native American tribes. The SFAC provides a forum to discuss issues, opportunities and concerns, and offer advice and guidance to ODF on the implementation of the Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan. The plan provides guidance for managing 616,000 acres within the Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam State Forests, and several scattered state-owned forest tracts in Benton, Polk, Lincoln and Lane counties through a balanced approach to generate revenue while prioritizing environmental and social benefits.

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for southwest Oregon will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Douglas Forest Protective Association office, 1758 NE Airport Road, Roseburg. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Forest practices rulemaking: Post-disturbance rules, tethered logging
• Division and field updates
• Operator of the Year decision
• Forest Practices Technical Guidance update
• Habitat Conservation Plan status
• Forest Resources Division Training Team summary
• Forest Practices Compliance Monitoring Program update

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

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

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

(Salem) — Medicare Open Enrollment for 2026 plans began Oct. 15 and remains open through Dec. 7, 2025. This is the time when people with Medicare can review their current coverage and make changes for the upcoming year. Medicare beneficiaries who would like to discuss their Medicare options can receive free, confidential help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) including help with comparing and selecting new Medicare plans.

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program provides free help from counselors who can help people compare plans, understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their Medicare options. Counselors can also provide information on how to avoid becoming a victim of common scams that target people during Open Enrollment.

During the Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare,
• Change their Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Change or enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, and
• Review changes in costs, coverage and provider networks.

“Choosing the right Medicare plan can have a big impact on a person’s health and finances,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as Deputy Director of Policy for the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). “SHIBA certified counselors can help make sure Oregonians have the information and support they need to make informed decisions.”

SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. The ultimate goal for scammers is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. Common scams include claiming beneficiaries need a new card or offers of free medical equipment. These scams can happen by mail, over the phone, or by text and email.

The best way to avoid Medicare scams is to keep Medicare numbers private; anyone who receives a message or email about Medicare from a number or person they do not recognize should not respond. “The safety of Oregonians is always a top priority, which includes making sure Oregonians have trusted support during Medicare Open Enrollment,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D. “SHIBA counselors can help people recognize red flags and protect themselves from fraud and scams.”

How to get free help

Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments.

To talk to a SHIBA certified counselor or to make an appointment, call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free.)

Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website at SHIBA.oregon.gov.

Online resources include:

• The 2026 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans, which will be translated to multiple languages in the coming weeks.
• Medicare frequently asked questions,
• An agent locator tool,
• A list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations and
• Videos to help people understand their Medicare options.

People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.

About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $736,831 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Chayton Owings, age 13, a child in foster care who went missing from Portland on Oct. 02. Chayton is believed to be in danger.

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

Chayton is suspected to be in the outlying areas of the Portland Metro area and is known to frequent forest areas.

Name: Chayton Owings
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Feb. 1, 2012
Height: 4-foot-9
Weight: 94 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Blue gray
Portland Police Bureau #25-272053
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2063587

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

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

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SALEM, Ore. — El Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon (ODHS por sus siglas en inglés) empezó a enviar avisos por correo postal el 15 de octubre del 2025, a las personas en Oregon que solicitaron beneficios de alimentos del Programa de Asistencia para Nutrición Suplementaria (SNAP por sus siglas en inglés) entre el 4 de julio y el 30 de septiembre del 2025, y cuyos beneficios de alimentos cambiarán o terminarán debido a los nuevos cambios federales del Congreso y el Presidente de los Estados Unidos (en inglés).

Durante los próximos 10 meses, ODHS usará las nuevas leyes del Proyecto de ley H.R.1 al actualizar los beneficios de SNAP.

Estos cambios son exigidos por la ley federal y afectarán a más de 313,000 personas que actualmente reciben SNAP en Oregon.

“Sabemos lo importante que es SNAP para las familias en todo Oregon,” dijo Dana Hittle, ODHS subdirectora en funciones y colíder del equipo de respuesta federal de la agencia. “Estamos compartiendo esta información en este momento para que las personas puedan prepararse. Cualquier reducción en los beneficios hace más difícil poner comida en la mesa y ODHS se compromete a ayudar a las familias a adaptarse y encontrar apoyo.”

Fechas importantes

• 15 de octubre del 2025: Empezamos a enviar avisos por correo postal a los grupos familiares afectados que solicitaron o renovaron sus beneficios entre el 4 de julio y el 30 de septiembre
• 1 de noviembre del 2025: Las primeras reducciones de beneficios y los primeros cierres de casos entrarán en vigencia
• A través del 2026: Los cambios adicionales se implementarán a medida que los grupos familiares renueven sus beneficios o cuando estos se actualicen

Las personas que se verán afectadas

Asistencia con servicios públicos y beneficios de SNAP

Los grupos familiares que antes eran elegibles para la Ayuda Económica Completa de Servicios Públicos para Calefacción y Refrigeración (Full Utility Allowance, FUA por sus siglas en inglés) a través de programas como el Programa de Asistencia de Energía para Hogares de Bajos Ingresos (LIHEAP por sus siglas en inglés) o el programa Heat and Eat verán cambios.

• Únicamente los grupos familiares que tengan por lo menos una persona de 60 años o más o una persona con una discapacidad serán automáticamente elegibles para FUA debido a la asistencia con energía.
• Todos los grupos familiares que pagan por calefacción y aire acondicionado por separado del pago de su vivienda aún serán elegibles para FUA incluso si reciben ayuda para pagar parte de su factura de energía.
• Aproximadamente 29,000 grupos familiares perderán el FUA, lo cual reducirá sus beneficios por un promedio de $58 por mes.
• Más o menos 9,600 grupos familiares recibirán avisos el 15 de octubre del 2025 sobre las reducciones a sus beneficios que iniciarán el 1 de noviembre de 2025.

Adultos sanos sin dependientes (ABAWD)

Empezando el 1 de octubre del 2025, las reglas de trabajo para ABAWD se ampliarán para incluir a los adultos de 18 a 64 años de edad que no tengan niños menores de 14 años en su grupo de SNAP.

• Las personas que cumplen con una exención no necesitan cumplir con las normas de trabajo de ABAWD para recibir SNAP. Para ver una lista completa de las exenciones, visite el sitio web de las normas de trabajo de SNAP y haga clic en “Quien está exento” bajo la sección de Exenciones.
• Las personas que no cumplen con las normas de ABAWD podrían perder sus beneficios después de tres meses.
• Las normas de H.R.1 iniciaron en los condados de Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Benton and Hood River el 1 de octubre del 2025, y pronto se ampliarán a todo el estado.
• Alrededor de 310,000 adultos serán evaluados nuevamente para los requisitos de las normas de trabajo.

Si usted cree que estas normas aplican a usted, no espere para empezar a hacer un plan.
Comuníquese con el equipo de ABAWD de ODHS llamando al 833-947-1694, enviando un correo electrónico a AWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov">SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov o visite una oficina local de ODHS, encuentre una cerca de usted en odhsoffices.oregon.gov

Refugiados, asilados y otros inmigrantes presentes legalmente

Algunos grupos que antes eran elegibles para SNAP – incluyendo a los refugiados, los asilados, los sobrevivientes de trata y otras personas con un permiso condicional para estar en el país legalmente— ya no serán elegibles para SNAP bajo H.R.1.

• El 15 de octubre del 2025, aproximadamente 1,000 personas empezarán a recibir avisos que sus beneficios terminarán el 31 de octubre del 2025.
• Otras 2,000 personas perderán su elegibilidad cuando se actualicen sus beneficios más adelante.

Apoyo y recursos

ODHS entiende que estos cambios federales afectarán a cientos de miles de personas en Oregon. Aunque el estado debe seguir las reglas federales, hay ayuda y recursos disponibles.

Los recursos de alimentos en su comunidad:

• Visite el sitio web de Recursos de alimentos de ODHS para encontrar programas locales y apoyo con alimentos.

Adultos mayores y personas con discapacidades:

• Comuníquese con la Conexión de Recursos para Adultos Mayores y Personas Con Discapacidades de Oregon (ADRC) para obtener ayuda encontrando recursos del gobierno y de la comunidad.
• Llame al 1-855-673-2372 o visite www.adrcoforegon.org.

Más recursos:

• Comuníquese con 211info marcando 2-1-1, enviando un texto de su código postal al 898-211, o visitando www.211info.org.

Comuníquese con ODHS

Si tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda para entender estos cambios, comuníquese con ODHS:

• Teléfono: 1-800-699-9075 o 711 (TTY), aceptamos llamadas de retransmisión
• En persona: Visite una oficina local (encuentre una en línea)
• Correo postal: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• En línea: Ingrese a su cuenta en línea de ONE en beneficios.oregon.gov

Sobre SNAP en Oregon

SNAP ayuda a más de 1 de cada 6 personas de Oregon – aproximadamente 18 por ciento de los hogares – a comprar comida. Esto incluye a niños, familias que trabajan, adultos mayores, y personas con discapacidades.

Cada $1 en beneficios de SNAP genera de $1.50 a $1.80 en actividad económica local aportando alrededor de $1.6 mil millones a la economía del estado cada año.

Aún con este apoyo, muchas familias luchan para poder cubrir sus necesidades básicas.

ODHS se compromete a asegurar que las personas de Oregon reciban la cantidad correcta de beneficios de alimentos de SNAP para la que son elegibles.

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SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) began mailing notices Oct. 15, 2025, to people in Oregon who applied for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits between July 4 through Sept. 30, 2025, and whose food benefits will change or end due to new federal changes from the U.S. Congress and the President..

During the next 10 months, ODHS will use the new H.R.1 laws when SNAP benefits are updated.

These changes are required by federal law and will affect more than 313,000 people currently receiving SNAP in Oregon.

“We know how important SNAP is to families across Oregon,” said Dana Hittle, ODHS Acting Deputy Director and co-lead of the agency’s federal response team. “We are sharing this information now so people can prepare. Any reduction in benefits makes it harder to put food on the table, and ODHS is committed to helping families adjust and find support.”

Key dates

• Oct. 15, 2025: Notices begin mailing to affected households who applied or renewed July 4 through September 30
• Nov. 1, 2025: First benefit reductions and case closures take effect
• Through 2026: Additional changes will roll out as households renew benefits or when benefits are updated

People who will be affected

Utility assistance and SNAP benefits

Households that qualified for the Full Utility Allowance (FUA) through programs like LIHEAP or Heat and Eat will see changes.

• Only households with at least one member who is 60 or older or has a disability will automatically qualify for FUA due to energy assistance.
• All households who pay heat or cooling separate from housing will still qualify for FUA, including if energy assistance pays for part of their heat or cooling bill.
• About 29,000 households will lose FUA, reducing their benefits by an average of $58 per month.
• Roughly 9,600 households will receive notices Oct. 15, 2025, about benefit reductions beginning Nov. 1, 2025.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)

Starting Oct. 1, 2025, ABAWD work rules expand to adults ages 18–64 without children under 14 in their SNAP group.

• People who meet an exemption do not have to meet the ABAWD work rules to get SNAP. To see a full list of exemptions, visit the SNAP Work Rules website and click on “Who is exempt” under the Exemptions section.
• People who do not meet the ABAWD work rules may lose benefits after three months.
• The H.R.1 rules began in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Benton and Hood River counties on Oct. 1, 2025, and will soon expand statewide.
• About 310,000 adults will be newly evaluated for work rule requirements.

If you think these rules may apply to you, don’t wait to start planning.
Contact the ODHS ABAWD team at 833-947-1694, email AWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov">SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov or visit a local ODHS office, find one near you at, odhsoffices.oregon.gov

Refugees, asylees and certain other lawfully present immigrants

Some groups who previously qualified for SNAP — including refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors and other conditionally allowed non-citizens who have not received a lawful permanent resident status— will lose eligibility under H.R.1.

• On Oct. 15, 2025, about 1,000 individuals will begin receiving notices that their benefits will end Oct. 31, 2025.
• Another 2,000 people will lose eligibility during future benefit updates.

Support and resources

ODHS understands that these federal changes will affect hundreds of thousands of people in Oregon. While the state must follow federal rules, help and resources are available.

Food resources in your community:

• Visit the ODHS Food Resources website to find local programs and food support.

Older adults and people with disabilities:

• Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources.
• Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit www.adrcoforegon.org.

More resources:

• Contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting www.211info.org.

Contact ODHS

If you have questions or need help understanding these changes, contact ODHS:

• Phone: 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome
• In person: Visit a local office (find one online)
• Mail: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• Online: Log into your ONE Online account at benefits.oregon.gov

About SNAP in Oregon

SNAP helps more than 1 in 6 Oregonians — about 18 percent of households — buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon’s economy each year.

Even with this support, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs.

ODHS is committed to making sure people in Oregon get the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Oct. 16, 2025

Media Contact: Communications@employ.oregon.gov

MEDIA STATEMENT

Seasonal trends driving recent increase in initial Unemployment Insurance claims

Salem, Ore. – Driven primarily by annual seasonal trends, initial Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims in Oregon have risen over the past two weeks. This increase was expected and falls within OED projections entering the agency’s busiest period of the year from October through February.

“As expected, we’re not seeing a major impact on our workload from the ongoing federal shutdown, but we recognize the uncertainty and financial strain this has caused for many Oregonians,” UI Director Lindsi Leahy said. “We remain ready to support Oregonians.”

OED has detailed guidance for federal employees at OED’s Federal Shutdown page.

Although federal claims data is still preliminary, new applications from federal employees have increased in recent weeks. Because federal employees represent a small share of Oregon’s workforce (about 1.5%), and the shutdown only accounts for some of those claims, the shutdown has likely played a limited role in the overall increase.

As shown in the table below, initial claims were, on average, 25 percent higher for the past two weeks compared to the final full week of September. Weekly claims have also risen during that period, but the increases have been smaller.

Initial and Weekly UI Claims – Sept. 21 – Oct. 11

About Federal Claims

Preliminary data indicates the number of federal employees applying for benefits has also increased over the past two weeks. OED can only estimate those figures because claims that include wages from federal employers take weeks for OED to process and confirm. That delay stems from the fact that, unlike most other employers in Oregon, the federal government does not submit quarterly wage data to OED, and it often takes weeks for OED to receive that information after a federal employee files a claim.

Some initial claims with federal wages filed over the past two weeks may result from regular seasonal federal layoffs or deferred buyout agreements that expired at the end of the federal fiscal year on Sept. 30, so OED cannot determine exactly how many are tied to the federal shutdown.

OED does track Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) claims as part of reporting to the U.S. Department of Labor, but that data takes weeks to finalize. This metric does not represent all claims from federal workers because UCFE only includes cases where all wages were from the federal government.

As of Oct. 15, OED has confirmed 118 UCFE claims for the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4, or roughly 3.6 percent of all initial claims that week. Last week, 178 of the 3,129 initial claims (or 5.7% percent) were confirmed as UCFE. These figures will continue to change as additional information becomes available and should not be interpreted as the total number of furloughed federal employees in Oregon who have applied for benefits.

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

Oct. 22, 2025 

Media Contact:  Kim Lippert, erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831

Lincoln County’s first residential substance use disorder treatment facility opens 

Newport, Ore.—Samaritan Health Services has opened the new Samaritan Treatment & Recovery Services facility, the first substance use disorder (SUD) residential treatment center in Lincoln County and a critical step forward in expanding access to behavioral health services in the region.  

"This facility is a game-changer for a community that has needed expanded treatment capacity for nearly a decade," Governor Tina Kotek said. "Since 2016, local leaders have been calling for stronger support in addressing behavioral health needs in the area. Now, that call is being answered — and it will save lives. Let’s keep going." 

The new 16-bed inpatient and outpatient treatment center, located at 5840 NW Biggs Street in Newport was funded in part by a $2.95 million investment from Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Investments program.  

With the new facility, Samaritan Pacific Health Services plans to assess hundreds of individuals annually for substance use disorders, provide case management and recovery support, and help people secure stable housing. On-site staff will include a nurse, drug counselors, peer support specialists and care coordinators who connect patients with wrap-around services.  

"This project fills a long-standing gap in our region's behavioral health infrastructure," said Ebony Clarke, behavioral health director at Oregon Health Authority (OHA)."It’s a transformative investment in recovery, stability and community health."

At the Oct. 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by the Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, community members and project partners participated in guided tours of the facility. 

Aimee Thompson, Pacific Communities Health District board member and past chair and Dr. David Simmons, Medical Director, Samaritan & Recovery Services speak at the ceremony.

Here’s a compilation of video clips from the grand opening for media use.

“Health care transformation doesn’t happen in isolation,” said Samaritan Health Services President Marty Cahill.  “It takes people and organizations — public, private, philanthropic and governmental — working side by side, united by a shared goal to make care more accessible and more human. Every square foot of this facility tells a story of community partnership.”

Residents can get a referral from a doctor or may inquire for treatment on their own, though they must meet medical criteria. The facility will open for services on Oct. 27. 

Oct. 22, 2025

Contact:

Franny White, 971-349-9539, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov (media inquiries)

Committee staff .Affordability@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">OHPB.Affordability@oha.oregon.gov (meeting information or accommodation)

Committee on Health Care Affordability meets Oct. 28

What: A public meeting of the Committee on Health Care Affordability

When:  Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: This is a virtual meeting via Zoom.

Join ZoomGov Meeting

Meeting ID: 161 107 3718

Passcode: 687992

Agenda:

• Welcome
• Creating a shared vision for affordability
• Criteria for developing policy recommendations
• Public Comment

Public comment will be heard at 3:45 p.m. Please submit any public comment in writing prior to the meeting at .Affordability@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">OHPB.Affordability@oha.oregon.gov.

For more information, please visit the committee’s website.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• CART (live captions)
• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Melisa Otrugman at 503-689-5238, 711 TTY, ugman@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">melisa.z.otrugman@oha.oregon.gov at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Oct. 21, 2025

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8842, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Eckman Lake

Continue to keep pets away as levels detected remain above educational guideline values for animals

PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Eckman Lake in Lincoln County.

OHA issued the advisory July 31.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of saxitoxin in Eckman Lake are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

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 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, such as swimming or high-speed water activities 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.

Oct. 21, 2025

Contact: Erica Heartquist, phd.communications@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Oregon Psilocybin Services Rules Advisory Committee meets Nov. 5

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) Rules Advisory Committee (RAC)

Agenda: TBD

When: Nov. 5, 2025

Where:

• Via Zoom Meeting
  • Call in: 1-669-254-5252 (US)​
  • Meeting ID: 161 012 5185
  • Passcode: 024591

Rules Advisory Committees (RACs) are an important process that allow members of the public an opportunity to provide input on proposed administrative rules before they become effective. RACs are comprised of individuals who have subject matter expertise and members of the public who are likely to be affected by the proposed rules.

The RAC process is designed to include a diversity of opinions and viewpoints. Although RACs evaluate fiscal and racial impact of the proposed rules and make recommendations, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) retains decision making authority.

All community members will be invited to provide comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period scheduled from Dec. 1 to Dec. 22, 2025. Information about the public comment period is available on the Oregon Psilocybin Services Administrative Rules webpage and will be sent out to the OPS mailing list later this year.

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Everyone has a right to know about and use OHA programs and services. OHA provides free help.

Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact the OPS team at 971-673-0322, 711 TTY, or in@odhsoha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">OHA.Psilocybin@oha.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Oct. 21, 2025

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8842, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Report highlights Oregon students' unmet health needs, urgent call for support

PORTLAND, Ore. - More than one in five Oregon eighth- and 11^th-graders experienced unmet mental or physical health care needs in 2022, according to a new state Student Health Survey (SHS) report developed with Oregon youth using the most recent data available.

The findings paint a sobering picture of the challenges youth face in accessing essential care, and the critical role adults play in helping them feel heard and supported.

Key themes from the report include:

• Emotional isolation: Students with unmet mental health needs often expressed feelings of defeat and deep isolation, indicating a lack of accessible support systems and trusted adults.
• Systemic barriers: Responses cited obstacles such as lack of insurance, long wait times, transportation issues and stigma around seeking help.
• Invalidation and silence: A recurring theme in students' narratives was a sense of being dismissed or not taken seriously. Without meaningful adult intervention, many students reported that their needs were ignored or minimized.

“The data confirm what students have been saying for years: many are struggling, and they don’t feel seen,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority. “Mental and physical health are deeply interconnected, and when students can’t access care, it affects every part of their lives—including their ability to learn and thrive.”

Read the full Unmet Needs Report and learn more about the Student Health Survey.

Students report barriers to accessing health care in all phases of their lives, from individual to systemic challenges. Some students struggle to disclose or even identify their own health care needs. Those able to communicate their needs might have a hard time finding supportive adults who will validate their concerns. Adding to this are the logistical barriers of insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, transportation, age of medical consent, scheduling and limited provider availability.

The report underscores the importance of fostering environments in which students feel safe discussing their health needs and adults—parents, educators and health professionals—are empowered to listen and respond effectively.

OHA administers the anonymous, school-based survey annually, collecting responses from more than 45,000 students statewide. The students represent 85 school districts, 327 schools and 29 counties. The SHS was administered at schools between October 2022 and January 2023. Among students reporting unmet health needs, more than 4,200 responded to open-ended questions about the barriers they encountered.

Student responses reflect a complex relationship between physical and mental health. While unmet mental health needs were often reported independently, unmet physical health needs frequently involved emotional or mental health challenges—suggesting that the two cannot be addressed in isolation.

Alexis Zou, a senior at Lake Oswego High School, was a primary author of the Unmet Needs Report and a member of the Oregon Youth Data Council (YDC).

The YDC is an OHA-sponsored program that invites Oregon youth to contribute to decision-making about the survey. Members are involved in all aspects of the survey, including:

• Reviewing survey content.
• Making sense of the results.
• Deciding how to talk about and use the survey.

“It was really interesting to look at the different trends that we observed. In particular, some alarming ones that we noticed (were) that over 23% of Oregon eighth grade and 11^th-graders said that they have unmet physical and mental health needs. We also noticed that these unmet health needs were associated with missed school, so that’s a really big problem that school districts are facing right now. We also observed that many students said they felt isolated or didn’t have a trusted adult that they could reach out to,” said Zou.

Hear more from Zou here.

Call to action to support youth

Addressing barriers to care requires cooperation from individuals and institutions at each point of health care access, according to the report, and Oregon youth “deserve a sustained investment in health care infrastructure and community or school-based health services.”

Gov. Tina Kotek recently championed new investments in Oregon’s behavioral health system to ensure access to services that promote youth social and emotional wellness and prevent youth substance use disorders. These investments include $6 million to support school-based health centers (SBHCs) increase mental health services, substance use disorder screening, and prevention programs. An additional $1 million was dedicated to support culturally specific suicide prevention efforts.

Students participating in the 2022 survey also emphasized the importance of logistical and emotional support from friends, family and trusted adults to get their health needs met. Youth said social norms need to shift to address the stigma around mental health and medical care, particularly among parents, caregivers, teachers and clinicians.

For more information on supporting Oregon youth, see pages 10–14 of the Unmet Needs Report. To learn more about the Youth Data Council, visit www.oregon.gov/YDC.

OHA and partner organizations are using this data to inform policy, guide resource allocation, and develop new strategies for improving youth access to care across the state.

Identifying and addressing Oregon students’ unmet health needs aligns with OHA’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. Among the plan’s key strategies is to “expand access to health and social services resources and supports for children, parents and families.”

Oct. 17, 2025

Media contact: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov

OHA works to protect quality health care across Oregon

In an effort to maintain coverage and contain costs for people in Oregon, OHA will increase Oregon Medicaid insurer payments by an average of 10.2% more per person in 2026

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is working closely with multiple partners to make necessary adjusts to protect quality health care access for Medicaid members, despite increasing health care costs, federal changes, increased utilization, and changes to insurance contracts.

To help stabilize Oregon’s Medicaid system in the face of escalating costs and utilization, OHA will increase payments to Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid) insurers, also known as coordinated care organizations (CCOs), by an average of 10.2% in 2026. These rates reflect OHA’s commitment to maintaining quality care for OHP members, while recognizing the financial strain facing CCOs statewide. The increase will also require the agency to take targeted policy steps to contain costs and ensure long-term program sustainability.

“We’re investing more now to protect the stability of our Medicaid system, but that means we must be equally disciplined about controlling future costs,” said OHA Director Sejal Hathi, M.D., M.B.A. “Our focus is on safeguarding access to care today while keeping the program strong for years to come.”

Stabilizing the system through partnership

OHA previously announced that collectively, Oregon CCOs had a nearly break-even 2024, with all 16 CCOs having a small average net operating income of $129,000, resulting in a net operating margin of 0.001%. Total CCO expenditures per member grew by more than 10% between 2023 and 2024. Through June 30, 2025, CCOs collectively had a 0.02% profit margin this year. While these are averages there is variation between CCO experience.

The 2026 rate adjustment is designed to help CCOs manage these pressures and maintain provider networks, even as OHA works to balance program costs with available funding.

More than 1.4 million people in Oregon – including adults with lower incomes, children, older adults, and people with disabilities – receive coverage through OHP. OHA contracts with 16 CCOs across the state to coordinate physical, behavioral, and dental health care for members.

Cost containment

A large driver of recent OHP cost growth has been behavioral health care, demand for which grew following the pandemic. While OHA established directed behavioral health payments to help providers meet that need, demand continued to grow and CCOs have paid more than anticipated in recent years. To further contain costs, CCOs may negotiate lower payments with their contracted providers. At the same time, providers are looking to right-size their own finances. Today’s challenges mean everyone is being forced to make difficult decisions.

To offset higher CCO rates, OHA has been working in partnership with CCOs to evaluate a variety of cost-containing measures; these include:

• Offering additional funding if CCOs have behavioral health costs that exceed revenue in 2026, while also requiring CCOs to refund OHA if they have low behavioral health costs next year.
• Reducing funding for the CCO Quality Incentive Program, which offers an annual financial bonus for improving care quality. The program is one of many ways that OHA encourages quality improvement.
• Narrowing eligibility requirements for enhanced directed behavioral health payments to providers who offer team-based care, which better supports people with the most complex behavioral health conditions. Pending federal approval, this change could be effective Jan. 1, 2026.

These changes are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that every public dollar continues to deliver maximum value for the people of Oregon.

CCOs respond to changes

OHA’s collaborative efforts with CCOs and partners have led to renewed contracts for 2026 in most regions. One CCO did decline service for a specific market, but OHA is working to confirm coverage through another CCO.

PacificSource notified OHA on Sept. 18 that it would not renew its CCO contract for Lane County. About 92,000 people living in Lane County currently have their Medicaid benefits managed by PacificSource, while another CCO, Trillium Community Health Plan, serves another 36,000 people in that county.

Based on OHA’s review of information provided by Trillium, with the interest to ensure clarity for providers and members and time for Trillium to take meaningful actions to expand their network, OHA is moving forward to allow the CCO to broaden coverage to all OHP members in Lane County for 2026. To allow more than 90 days for the transition of members between CCOs, OHA is working with PacificSource on the potential to continue to serve as a CCO in the region until Feb. 1, 2026. This agreement is still in process and OHA is confirming details. Already included in the agreement is a mandatory “transition of care” period, where Trillium would be required to ensure that members have uninterrupted, appropriate access to services previously authorized by their former CCO and make accommodations for OHP members in specific care circumstances.

Members can expect communication from OHA and PacificSource in the coming weeks. OHA has also been working on plans for OHP member, provider and community forums to discuss these updates throughout November and December.

Looking ahead

OHA acknowledges that everyone in Oregon’s Medicaid system – from state government and CCOs to hospitals and health care providers – must respond in ways that sustain access to quality care. The agency will continue working with partners across the state to develop durable solutions that protect coverage, sustain provider networks, and preserve OHP’s long-standing commitment to equitable, high-quality care.

Oct. 17, 2025

Contact: Amy Bacher, 503.405.5403, acher2@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov (media inquiries)

Kiari Chao, 503.931.3053, i.chao@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">kiari.chao@oha.oregon.gov (meeting logistics or accommodations)

Spencer Rosenau, 541.975.3759, .rosenau@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">spencer.rosenau@oha.oregon.gov (meeting logistics or accommodations)

CCO Health IT Advisory Group (HITAG) to meet Oct. 23

What: The regular public meeting of CCO Health Information Technology Advisory Group

When: Oct. 23, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Where: By webinar and conference line only. The public may join remotely through a webinar and conference line:

• Join the webinar here
• Conference line: 1-669-254-5252, Meeting ID: 161 209 5149, Password: 389956

Agenda:

• Welcome, roll call (1:00 – 1:10)
• Rural Health Transformation Program (1:10 – 1:25)
• Health IT in behavioral health: HITOC update (1:25 – 1:35)
• Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule: Small group discussion takeaways (1:35 – 1:50)
• 2025 Health IT Roadmap Summary: Health IT to Support SDOH Needs (1:50 – 2:30)
• Break (2:30 – 2:40)
• 2025 CCO Spotlights: SDOH (2:40 – 3:05)
• Patients & consumers and health IT (3:35 – 3:50)
• Proposed changes for 2026 Health IT Roadmap Guidance & Template (3:35 – 3:50)
• Public comment (3:50 – 3:55)
• Meeting wrap-up (3:55 – 4:00)

For more information, please visit the committee's website.

Public comment is an important part of OHA’s committee work and is an opportunity for members of the public to provide input and feedback to HITAG. 

• If you know before a meeting that you’d like to provide public comment at a HITAG meeting, you can email HealthIT@odhsoha.oregon.gov to sign up.
• If you’d like to provide public comment during the meeting, please message Spencer Rosenau to sign-up. If you are unable to message, please speak up during the open public comment period.
• Members of the public are asked to comment or post in the chat only during this period, and to keep verbal comments to about 2 minutes.
• Committee members are unlikely to ask questions or respond to public comment directly but give consideration to public comments during committee work.
• You can also send written public comment to HealthIT@odhsoha.oregon.gov at any time. To be included in a meeting please submit the comment no less than 2 business days before the intended meeting. Written comment is emailed out and posted as part of meeting materials.

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• CART (live captions)
• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Kiari Chao or CCO.HealthIT@odhsoha.oregon.gov at least 48 hours before the meeting. OHA will make every effort to provide services for requests made closer to the meeting.

Oct. 17, 2025

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

Measles detection in Marion County wastewater prompts OHA alert to health care providers

PORTLAND, Ore.--Oregon Health Authority is alerting health care workers to a detection of measles found in a sewage sample through routine wastewater testing.

Wastewater testing, an early warning system, indicates at least one person with measles was in an area. OHA and Marion County health officials say health care providers should remain vigilant monitoring for patients who might have measles, and members of the public should ensure they are up to date on measles vaccination.

“One way to think about wastewater surveillance is like a ping on a radar -- it could be low levels of the virus just passing through or something more serious, like an outbreak,” says Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of communicable disease and immunizations at OHA. “It gives us a chance to prepare our health care partners with information they can use to help patients take steps to protect themselves, including reminding them to be up to date on their measles vaccines.”

View video clips of Dr. Chiou discussing the measles detection and wastewater surveillance. A link to broadcast-quality clips for media is available upon request.

The positive sample was collected Oct. 6 from a wastewater treatment plant in Marion County. The detection means there was at least one person infected with measles virus within the local area serviced by the wastewater treatment plant.

The health care alert is precautionary, as a single positive wastewater test result does not show whether there is ongoing risk to the community. The positive detection may have come from a person simply traveling through the area.

The alert is sent via the Health Alert Network (HAN), which facilitates information sharing between hospitals, clinics, laboratories, public safety, EMS and other public health partners throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. 

About wastewater surveillance

Wastewater surveillance provides early warning to give communities a chance to prepare for seasonal and emerging infectious diseases. Wastewater–commonly known as sewage–is produced whenever people flush a toilet, use a sink or take a shower. Sewage then flows into water systems that carry it to local wastewater facilities.

Anyone who uses the sewage system contributes to wastewater surveillance, and test results cannot be traced back to individuals.

How health care providers can help

Health care providers should remain vigilant monitoring patients for symptoms consistent with measles. They should encourage patients with such symptoms to call ahead before visiting their medical clinic or facility so infection control measures can be taken. All clinicians are required to immediately report suspected and confirmed cases of measles to the local public health authority.

How people can protect themselves

People should know their vaccination status and their family’s status. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can cause severe disease in both children and adults. About one in 10 people with measles requires hospitalization, and measles can cause life-threatening illness.

The best and safest way to prevent measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Most people born before 1957 are considered immune. Those who are unsure of their vaccination status should contact their health care provider.

Measles symptoms include cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (eye redness) with high fever, followed by a rash that spreads down the body. Complications can include ear infection, lung infections and diarrhea. Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) is a rare but much more serious complication. In the United States in recent years, one to two of every 1,000 measles cases have been fatal.

Additional information

More information about measles is available on the Oregon Health Authority Measles webpage.

Oct. 16, 2025

Media contact: Kim Lippert 971-323-3831 erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov

The Oregon Consumer Advisory Council (OCAC) to hold public meetings in November

What: Public meetings of the Oregon Consumer Advisory Council and Committees.

When/Where: Meeting times are 12:05-12:55 p.m unless otherwise listed below. Virtual meeting dates and Zoom links:

• Nov. 5: Development Committee  Join ZoomGov Meeting
• Nov. 6: Executive Committee - 11:05-11:55 a.m Join ZoomGov Meeting
• Nov. 7: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee Join ZoomGov Meeting
• Nov. 12: Full Council-S&P – 1:05-2:55 p.m. Join ZoomGov Meeting

The Oregon Consumer Advisory Council welcomes public comment on matters discussed by the council and other topics the public wishes the council to consider. The meeting will include time for public comment. Public comment may be sent ahead of time to OCAC@oha.oregon.gov.

Purpose:

The role of Oregon Consumer Advisory Council is to provide the Oregon Health Authority feedback and recommendations from the independent, consumer and community of People with Lived and Living Experience, through recommendations on the provision of Behavioral Health services under the scope of the Oregon Health Authority.

Everyone is welcome to the Oregon Consumer Advisory Council meetings. For questions about accessibility, alternate languages, or to request an accommodation, please contact Israa Al Haiani at 503-559-3051, 711 TTY,  aa.a.haiani@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">Israa.a.haiani@oha.oregon.gov, at least two business days before the meeting.

Available formats include:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large Print
• Audio and other formats

For more information, please visit the Oregon Consumer Advisory Council website.

Questions? Email questions to: OCAC@oha.oregon.gov

Oct. 16, 2025

Media contact: Kim Lippert, 971-323-3831,erly.L.Lippert@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">Kimberly.L.Lippert@oha.oregon.gov

Program contact: Anna Williams, 971-720-9654, anna.k.williams@dhsoha.state.or.us

System of Care Advisory Council hosts a hybrid meeting Oct. 21

What: A regular public meeting of the System of Care Advisory Council

When: Tue., Oct. 21, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Where:

• By webinar at ZoomGov
  • Meeting ID: 160 988 8607, Passcode: 797793
  • Dial by your location +1 669 254 5252, US (San Jose)
• In-Person Location:
  • Portland State Office Building (PSOB) Room 1D 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, OR 97232

Agenda: The Oct. 21, System of Care Advisory Council (SOCAC) meeting will include a Local SOC Spotlight presentation from the Columbia Gorge System of Care. The Council will focus on reviewing the SOCAC Strategic Plan, with time dedicated to reflecting on each goal area and discussing progress toward meeting the Council’s legislative mandate to create a statewide plan for the children’s behavioral health system.

Following the main review, Council members and participants will take part in small group discussions to review the draft Implementation Plan, identify priorities, and provide feedback to strengthen statewide coordination and accountability.  Public comment will be heard at approximately 2:30 p.m.

The full agenda can be found here.

Background: Senate Bill 1 (2019) established a Governor-appointed System of Care Advisory Council to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of the state and local continuum of care that provides services to youth and young adults.

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Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Anna Williams, 971-720-9654, anna.k.williams@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

SALEM, Oregon— The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan, which outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails on public land in Oregon over the next 10 years.  

The recommendations cover all non-motorized and motorized trails on public land and waterways in Oregon, not just Oregon State Parks. Trail users, land managers, and partners are encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback from Oct. 30 to Nov. 28 online.  

They can also join a virtual open house/webinar to learn more about the plan Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to noon. (A recording will available for those who can’t attend). Register in advance at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-4YrUfpeR2yFNBF-8Ihqpg 

“We appreciate the time and energy trail users and partners have put into helping us develop the next trails plan, which will guide investments to make our trails even better in the future,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Statewide Trails Planner Jessica Horning.   

“Each year, more than 80% of Oregonians use trails across the state, generating over $890 million in spending at local businesses and contributing to Oregon’s overall economy.” 

The Oregon Recreational Trails Plan covers non-motorized trails (hiking, biking, equestrian), motorized ATV trails, snowmobile trails, and non-motorized boating and water trails. It helps provide guidance to not only Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, but to federal, state and local agencies as well as private sector partners. 

Information for the draft plan came from multiple sources including statewide surveys of trail users and recreation providers conducted in October 2024 and April 2025, multiple follow-up focus groups with specific user groups in May, and the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which is published every five years.  

The current Oregon Statewide Trails Plan covers 2016 to 2025. Once the public review and comment period ends, staff will incorporate feedback and present the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for adoption.  

For questions about the draft Oregon Trails Plan, please visit our website or contact OPRD Statewide Trails Planner Jessica Horning at .horning@oprd.oregon.gov" target="_blank">Jessica.r.horning@oprd.oregon.gov.  

SALEM, Oregon— A new Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) will review drone use in state parks, discuss goals for safe and responsible operation and begin providing feedback on draft proposed rules for drone takeoff and landing at Oregon State Parks and the ocean shore.

The Rule Advisory Committee will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28. The public can watch the livestream on YouTube on OPRD Director’s Office live channel . A recording will be available after the meeting.

An additional meeting will be scheduled for a later date. The Rule Advisory Committee includes representatives from recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists and other stakeholders.

Staff will review feedback from the committee, amend the draft as needed and then open the draft rules for public comment this winter. Staff will review public feedback, amend the draft as needed and then present the rules to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for adoption.

The goal is to have a final set of regulations ready for implementation by Spring of 2026.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) previously discussed drone takeoff and landing in early 2022. OPRD paused the rulemaking process after it generated a lot of public feedback both in support and against the proposed rules.

OPRD convened a work group to draft criteria and maps where drones should be allowed to take off and land at state parks and along the ocean shore.

The work group included representatives from conservation organizations, drone enthusiasts and trail-user groups. It helped develop proposed standards that identify areas where drone use should be permitted or restricted.

The group’s work helped inform the proposed draft rules on drone takeoff and landing now under discussion.

The Oregon State Marine Board will hold its quarterly board meeting on October 30, beginning at 9:00 am at Bend Park and Recreation, Riverbend Community Room, 799 SW Columbia Street, in Bend.

The following topics are on the agenda:

• Director’s Agency Report
• Boating Facility Grant 1769, Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department, Sandy Beach short-term tie-up dock and debris boom hydraulic and structural analysis – Board Vote                     
• Director Funding Authority/Grant Limits Discussion – Board Vote
• Agency Budget – Board Vote
• Siletz River Rulemaking Update - Informational                                                                      
• Legislative Rulemaking/Outfitter Guide Rules to implement HB 2558 - Board Vote

Public comments for this meeting will be accepted in writing or by attending the public comment portion at the beginning of the hybrid meeting. Pre-register to speak or send written comments no later than 5 pm on October 27, 2025, to .cooper@boat.oregon.gov">jennifer.cooper@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. Mail to Oregon State Marine Board, Attn: Jennifer Cooper, 435 Commercial St NE Ste 400, Salem, OR 97301. 

To view the agenda and board materials and for a link to the live stream of the meeting, visit the agency’s Public Meetings page. Meetings are conducted using Microsoft Teams and viewing may require the installation of a free Teams app for mobile devices.

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CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Board of Commissioners has approved a grant of up to $100,000 to the Corvallis School District to support planned improvements to the Osborn Aquatic Center.

The City of Corvallis and Corvallis School District jointly operate and maintain the Osborn Aquatic Center, which serves as both a community recreation hub and a regional training and competition facility for students and swim teams. Swim meets and public programs hosted there contribute to local tourism and economic activity.

Providing financial support for a swimming pool is an unprecedented decision for Benton County leaders, but the Board of Commissioners recognizes how much recreation, youth development, training opportunities and tourism revenues have already been affected since Osborn closed in October 2024.

“Osborn Aquatic Center plays an important role in our community’s health and economy,” said Board Chair Nancy Wyse. “From hosting swim meets that draw visitors to supporting recreation opportunities for families, it’s a facility that benefits the entire County. This grant recognizes its value while being mindful of future funding needs.”

Wyse cited sizable budget cuts and the Board’s efforts to maintain current service levels across the County as funding sources are cut. “Even so, I’m proud that we were able to figure out a way to make a meaningful contribution to a project that benefits so many people across our community.”

County Administrator Rachel McEneny echoed the desire to support the aquatic center despite the challenges facing counties. “County governments in Oregon and across the country are facing draconian budget cuts that threaten basic public services our communities rely on, including rural health, mental health, veterans’ services and public safety. These services extend well beyond city limits.”

“While some fiscal realities of cities, school districts and counties are different, we share the same community,” McEneny continued. “Investing very constrained county resources shows that even in tight budget times, Benton County is committed to supporting partnerships that benefit our communities.”

CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Benton County Assessor’s Office has released 2025 property tax statements. Property owners can now access certified property values and 2025 tax statements on the County Assessor’s website at https://apps.benton-or.helioncloud.com/PSO/.

Tax statements will be mailed or emailed no later than Oct. 24, 2025.

Business owners who submitted a return electronically via eNoticesonline.com and did not choose to opt out of receiving their Real Property or Business Personal Property statement electronically should check the email account associated with the registered account to find their tax statement. Business Personal Property accounts under the cancellation threshold of $23,000 will not receive a tax statement for the business.  

Important Payment Information

1. Payments for property taxes must be postmarked by Nov. 17, 2025.
2. Property owners who choose to pay their taxes in full by Nov. 17 will receive a 3% discount.
3. Alternatively, taxpayers have the option to spread their payments over several installments, but the 3% discount will be lost. The first installment, equal to one-third of the total amount due, is payable on Dec. 16, followed by subsequent one-third payments on Feb. 17 and May 15, 2026.
4. Interest will be charged on any late installment payment as per ORS 311.505. Payments made after Nov. 17 will start accruing interest on Dec. 16.

Payment Methods

Taxpayers have multiple convenient methods to make payments:

1. Deposit payments at the drop box in the parking lot of the Kalapuya Building, 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis.
2. Visit the County Tax Office on the first floor of the Kalapuya Building.
3. Send payments through postal mail to the Benton County Tax Office, P.O. Box 964, Corvallis, OR 97339. Payments must be postmarked by Nov. 17 to be considered timely. The payment coupon should be included.
4. Make payments at Oregon State Credit Union branches within Benton County or at the Umpqua Bank in Monroe. Bring the payment coupon when making payments at these financial institutions. This payment option is only available through Nov. 17, 2025.
5. Make online payments by following the steps to pay by credit card, debit card or electronic check.
6. Pay by phone at 1-866-898-2918.

Inquiries for more information regarding tax statements, payment options or related tax matters should be directed to the Benton County Tax Office at 541-766-6808 or financeinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

For valuation questions, contact the Benton County Assessment Department at 541-766-6855 or assessmentinfo@bentoncountyor.gov

Late morning changes in conditions, including humidity, cloud cover, wind and temperature, have led to the cancelation of planned ecological burns at Mt. Pisgah today. The changing conditions make a successful ignition unlikely. 

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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 in the South Bottomlands area of the Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) today, weather permitting.

Closures

The following trails will be closed until noon on Thursday, October 23

• Trail 5 south of the Arboretum boundary gate
• All trails within the South Bottomlands

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. 

See the information from earlier announcements below about the value of ecological burning and the safety precautions in place.

--

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. The ecological burn will help enhance those habitats and preserve them for future generations.

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. If postponed, an update will be provided to the community by notification to the media and on Facebook and Instagram at @LaneCountyParks.

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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Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield are preparing to kick-off their annual leaf collection efforts. Removing leaves from catch basins, grates and gutters allows storm water to run off and prevents flooding.

Keeping leaves out of the drainage system also improves water quality because decomposing leaves use up oxygen that is needed by aquatic life in local streams and rivers. And removing slippery leaves from streets and sidewalks makes travel safer for people walking, biking and driving. 

In all three jurisdictions, property owners are responsible for leaves that are placed improperly in the street or cause safety or localized flooding hazards.

Eugene and Lane County allow residents to pile leaves in the street, while Springfield only allows bagged leaves to be set out for collection.

Leaves are the only items collected. Piles with branches, pine needles, trash, grass and other lawn debris are not accepted and will not be collected.

To get the best information for your property, determine which jurisdiction provides service in your area, and then contact that agency. Here are the details for each jurisdiction:

City of Eugene

Eugene’s leaf collection and delivery program begins November 8. For more than 60 years, Eugene’s leaf program has helped ensure proper disposal of leaves by keeping decaying leaves out of local creeks and rivers and prevents localized flooding caused by blocked storm drains.   

City crews will break into three groups to focus on designated sections of the city. Each crew has the staffing and equipment needed to collect and deliver leaves and sweep streets after the leaves have been picked up. This puts resources closer to neighborhoods and improves service on unimproved streets. For a map of Eugene’s zones, including changes new in 2025, visit www.eugene-or.gov/leaf.

Online features allow Eugene residents to look up their address and see when they should pile their leaves neatly in a row parallel to the curb, order leaf deliveries, or report hazards such as leaves in a bike lane. People should place their leaves in the street the weekend before crews are scheduled to be in their neighborhood. The second round of leaf collection will start early January 2026.

For more information about Eugene’s leaf collection and delivery services, go to www.eugene-or.gov/leaf or call Eugene Public Works Maintenance at 541-682-4800. 

City of Springfield

In Springfield, the City provides a leaf pickup service to residents within the city limits to help prevent flooding, protect water quality, and keep neighborhood streets safe for people walking, biking, and driving. Leaves are collected in two rounds in two sections -- the west and east sides of the city with 28^th/31^st Street as the dividing line.

Sanipac is contracted to pick up, haul, and recycle bagged leaves for residents within the city limits. Leaves must be put in medium-sized bags that contain only leaves. Bags containing other yard debris cannot be used for compost and will not be picked up.

Bags need to be placed curbside, not in the street, by 7:00 a.m. on Monday of the week scheduled for collection in that area. Not all bags will be picked up right away on Monday; it may take several days. Additionally, severe weather may cause delays. Landscaping, yard maintenance companies, property management companies, and residents are not allowed to blow or rake leaves into the streets.

Springfield residents can also pledge to properly dispose of their leaves for a chance to win one of two $100 gift cards from a local home improvement store. Residents can view this year’s informational flier for more details on how to enter.

The first round of leaf collection in Springfield starts on December 1, west of 28^th/31^st Street, then December 8, east of 28^th/31^st Street. The second round starts January 5 west of 28^th/31^st Street, then January 12 east of 28^th/31^st Street.

For more information about leaf pickup in Springfield, visit www.springfield-or.gov/leaf-pickup-program or bit.ly/spfldleafpickup, call 541-525-2658 or email ogram@springfield-or.gov">leafpickupprogram@springfield-or.gov.

Lane County

Lane County Public Works will begin its annual leaf pick-up program on Monday, November 3.  The County collects leaves in two rounds in two general areas: Santa Clara north of Irving Road and Hunsaker Lane and several Springfield locations generally just outside the city limits. Lane County crews may be working in your zone prior to official collection dates if time allows; however, crews will return to your zone as scheduled.

Lane County provides a leaf collection information line (541-682-8565) updated at 5:00 p.m. each Friday. It describes where leaf pickup begins on a weekly basis. For more information go to www.LaneCountyOR.gov/LeafPickUp, call 541-682-8565 or e-mail leafcollection@lanecountyor.gov.

Leaf Preparation Guidelines

Two priorities that are the same in all three jurisdictions are public safety and operational efficiency. Here are some tips to help meet those objectives:

• In Eugene and Lane County, leaves must be in the roadway but piled at least 15 feet away from parked vehicles. Do not bag leaves.

• In Lane County leaf pickup will be provided for paved curb-and-gutter streets only. In Eugene, unimproved streets are picked up during both rounds but equipment must be able to reach the leaves from the hard road surface.

• In Springfield, leaves need to be put in medium-sized bags that contain only leaves. The bags should be placed curbside, not in the street.

• Do not pile leaves in bike or traffic lanes or on curbs or sidewalks.

• Do not pile leaves in front of mailboxes.

• Keep storm drains and gutters clear to prevent localized flooding.

• Do not mix in other debris such as branches, rocks, lawn clippings, pine needles, or trash. 

• Leaves are not picked up in private yards.

• Wait to put leaves in the street until the weekend prior to collection.

• Consider recycling leaves as compost or mulch material. 

Schedule Information

Eugene                              Leaves Out For First Round                  First Round                     Second Round

Central/Core                      Nov. 8 to Nov. 9                                            Nov. 10 to Nov. 14           Starts Jan. 5

Zones 1                              Nov. 15 to Nov. 16                                       Nov. 17 to Nov. 21            Starts Jan. 5

Zones 2                              Nov. 22 to Nov. 23                                       Nov. 24 to Dec. 5              Starts Jan. 5

Zones 3                              Dec. 6 to Dec. 7                                           Dec. 8 to Dec. 12             Starts Jan. 5

Zones 4                              Dec. 13 to Dec. 13                                       Dec. 15 to Dec. 19           Starts Jan. 5

Zones 5                              Dec. 20 to Dec. 21                                       Dec. 22 to Jan. 2              Starts Jan. 5

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The Lane County Deflection Program is celebrating its first full year of operation with an open house on October 22. The open house will celebrate some of the milestones reached in the first year, as well as highlight the community partners who support the people in Deflection.

“We could not do this work without our partners,” said Deflection Program Coordinator Clint Riley. “In particular, our peer navigators through Ideal Options who work side by side with program participants to guide them through the recovery process, and Reveille Foundation which provides emergency stabilization housing.”

There have been 23 graduates in the first year. Those graduates spent an average of 142 days in the program prior to graduation. Another 71 people are currently enrolled and participating.

Day: Wednesday, October 22

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: 680 Tyler Street, Eugene

Speakers: Board of County Commissioners Chair David Loveall (also a Reveille Foundation board member), District Attorney Chris Parosa, and Ideal Option’s Senior Director of Community Development Josh Lair.

Interviews: Clint Riley and Reveille Foundation President Steve Yamamori will be available for interviews in addition to the speakers. Program participants will be offered the opportunity to participate, and some may be available for interviews.

The open house location is also a treatment and housing center for Deflection Program participants. To maintain the required privacy for a treatment center, all attendees will need to sign a non-disclosure form upon entering the facility that covers any accidental viewing or discovery of personally identifiable medical or treatment information.

About the Deflection Program

The Deflection Program provides a community-based alternative to jail and prosecution for drug possession and low-level quality of life crimes by deflecting individuals prior to arrest to treatment programs. In Lane County, if a person is eligible for deflection and has indicated interest, the responding law enforcement officer has the option to call on a peer navigator to connect with the person. The peer navigator will enroll them in the program, which includes case management and tracking. If the deflection program is successfully completed, the charges will not be filed. If the program is not completed, the charges may be filed, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.

Learn more at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/deflection.

###

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) today, weather permitting.

Closures

• The east trailhead and parking lot on Ridgeway Road will remain closed through 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18
• Trail 2 (east of the intersection with trail 46)
• Trail 4 (east of the intersection with trail 46)

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. 

See the information from yesterday’s announcement below about the value of ecological burning and the safety precautions in place.

--

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. The ecological burn will help enhance those habitats and preserve them for future generations.

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. If postponed, an update will be provided to the community by notification to the media and on Facebook and Instagram at @LaneCountyParks.

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.

###

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) today, 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. The ecological burn will help enhance those habitats and preserve them for future generations.

Media Opportunity A test burn will be conducted at 2:00 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. Parking will be made available in the closed parking lot on Ridgeway Road. Please call ahead to confirm with Devon (541-515-8833) 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. If postponed, an update will be provided to the community by notification to the media and on Facebook and Instagram at @LaneCountyParks.

Closures

• The east trailhead and parking lot on Ridgeway Road will remain closed through 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18
• Trail 46 between trails 2 and 6 will be closed today
• Trail 6 between trails 2 and 46 will be closed today
• Trail 2 between trails 6 and 46 will be closed today

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.

###

The free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup will collect up to 35 gallons of household hazardous waste per customer on Saturday, October 25, in Marcola. Hazardous waste from businesses, schools, churches, government agencies or non-profits may be subject to disposal fees and those organizations must pre-register for the event.

When:  Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Where: Mohawk Valley Fire Station, 92068 Marcola Road

Who: All community members are welcome to participate in the roundup.

What to bring:

Up to 35 gallons of paint, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, car care products, arts and crafts products, pool chemicals, fluorescent lamps and other household hazardous waste. Check labels for words like flammable, corrosive, poison, caution, and danger.

Please don't bring:

Empty containers, drums, radioactive or infectious waste, asbestos, pressurized cylinders, or explosives. Any empty containers can be safely thrown in the trash. For information about disposal of radioactive waste, asbestos or explosives call 541-682-3828 or 541-682-3899.

What about hazardous waste from businesses?

Businesses that generate small amounts of hazardous waste may pre-register to bring that waste to this event. Businesses must pay for disposal of the waste, but most can save money by using this program rather than hiring a contractor.

Electronics recycling

The Cottage Grove, Creswell, Florence, Marcola, Oakridge, Rattlesnake, Veneta and Vida transfer stations accept the following items for free during normal operating hours: televisions, computer monitors, CPUs, printers, phones and laptops.  Maximum seven items per day. No commercial or floor-standing copiers, parts or dismantled units.

Please call 541-682-4120 for more information about hazardous waste disposal for households or businesses.

###

The Lane County Elections office has placed ballots in the USPS mail stream for the November 4, 2025 Special Election. Only voters in the following districts will receive ballots: City of Dunes City, City of Springfield, Lane Fire Authority, and South Lane Fire & Rescue.

Lane County ballot drop boxes located in the communities where voters will receive ballots will remain open until 8:00 pm on Election Day, November 4, 2025.  Drop boxes are open 24/7. A list of open drop box locations is included with every ballot.

“Voters should expect to receive their ballots within a couple of days,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “Voters who don’t receive their ballots by the end of next week should reach out to Lane County Elections for assistance.”

Voters can track the status of their mail ballot by visiting www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

Voters may return their voted ballots in one of the following ways:

• A 24/7 ballot drop box.
• Regular mail. Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 4, 2025 and received no later than November 12, 2025 to be counted.
• Lane County Elections. Ballots can be turned in by November 4, 2025 directly to the Lane County Elections Office during business hours (open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day).

Ballot drop box locations can be found online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.  

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

About the Lane County Elections Office:

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

###

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland woman made her first appearance in federal court yesterday after allegedly assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Lisa Miyamoto, 56, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on October 19, 2025, federal officers deployed outside the gates of the ICE facility to clear the vehicle entrance for vehicles to exit the facility. Miyamoto forcefully struck an officer with a wooden tambourine and was arrested by officers.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 36 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed near ICE facilities, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

Miyamoto made her first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.

Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison. 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland woman made her first appearance in federal court yesterday after allegedly assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Elizabeth Leslie, 32, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on October 18, 2025, federal officers arrested Leslie after she lunged forward and struck an officer in the chest when officers were trying to clear a path for vehicles exiting the ICE facility.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 35 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

Leslie made her first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.

Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison. 

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland, Oregon, man, who is a registered sex offender, was sentenced to federal prison today for possession of over 200 images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

David Lee Cannon, 36, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and a life term of supervised release.

According to court documents, in February 2024, law enforcement officials discovered Cannon was collecting CSAM images during an investigation into Cannon’s uncle. Cannon sought images from his uncle over Telegram, an encrypted messaging application. Additional evidence of CSAM material was found after a search of Cannon’s devices.

Cannon is a registered sex offender after a 2009 conviction for possessing CSAM material.

“The pursuit of individuals who exploit and abuse children is our highest priority,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “With today’s sentence, Mr. Cannon will spend the next 10 years behind bars, unable to victimize any other children.”

“HSI leverages advanced technology and every resource within its legal authority to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who possess child exploitation and sexual abuse material,” said April Miller, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge. “Our unwavering commitment is to protect the most vulnerable and ensure that those who prey on children are held accountable.”

Cannon was arrested in Milwaukie, Oregon, after HSI agents tracked his cellphone.

Cannon was charged by information on April 28, 2025. On June 26, 2025, Cannon pleaded guilty to Possession of Child Pornography.

This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mira Chernick and Paul Maloney.

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

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

 # # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— Brian Keith Kapileo Nepaial, 38, of Aloha, has been charged by criminal complaint with pointing a laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Helicopter and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

According to court documents, on October 3, 2025, a CBP helicopter was struck by a green laser, causing it to abort its planned landing. The flight crew observed an individual walking near a residence and disappearing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the residence and, on October 10, 2025, executed a federal search warrant at the residence. FBI special agents seized a laser from the bedroom of Kapileo Nepaial and found over 100 grams of methamphetamine and evidence of drug trafficking.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 34 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed in connection with the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

“Laser strikes are a serious matter with potentially deadly repercussions. They put the lives of the pilots and the public at risk. Aiming or pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime and will be prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.  

Kapileo Nepaial is currently in Washington County custody on a parole violation.

Aiming a laser pointer is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. Possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute is punishable by up to 40 years in federal prison.

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

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.— A Madras, Oregon, man, who is a registered sex offender, was sentenced to federal prison today for attempting to persuade a purported child to meet him for sex and to send him sexually explicit material.

Ernesto Torres, 45, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and a 20-year term of supervised release.

According to court documents, starting in July of 2024, Torres used Facebook Messenger to chat with an apparent 15-year-old girl. The “child” was an undercover deputy with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. In the ensuing months, Torres requested sexual images, discussed sexual acts he wished to perform, and tried to set up a meeting with the decoy child. On December 1, 2024, Torres drove from Madras to Redmond to meet with the child. In the chat records, Torres expressed a desire to take the child to a cabin roughly 50 miles away.

On December 19, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Torres with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct. Torres was located and arrested by agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) pursuant to a federal warrant on January 10, 2025. On July 15, 2025, he pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

This case was investigated by HSI and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Matthew Nelson, Special Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, and William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—An Italian man unlawfully residing in Oregon was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for his role in a large multi-state criminal conspiracy that stole more than $2.4 million dollars of benefits from hundreds of low-income and food insecure individuals and families.

Giovanni Spirea, 29, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $61,874.32 in restitution.

According to court documents, from August 2023 to October 2024, Spirea and his co-conspirators used electronic skimming devices to steal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, encoded the stolen data on cloned Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, and illegally purchased items with the stolen benefits. Spirea shared stolen account information with other members of the organization, who, along with him, used the stolen benefits to purchase large quantities of infant formula, energy drinks, and other SNAP-eligible nonperishable food items from grocery stores in Oregon, Washington, and California, and through websites associated with grocery stores offering curb-side pickup.

Over the course of the conspiracy, the group purchased more than 120,000 pounds of goods and stored them at residential properties and storage units in Oregon and Washington until they were packaged and transported to California in private vehicles or via commercial carriers. The fraudulent goods, with an estimated value of more than $2.4 million, were then sold on the black market.

“Protecting government funded programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program isn’t just about preserving funds – it’s about safeguarding trust in a vital lifeline that millions of families depend on to put food on the table,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s sentencing should deter perpetrators from defrauding American families and the federal government for personal gain.”

“The USDA OIG is dedicated to upholding the integrity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. We will work relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice and hold conspirators accountable for stealing SNAP benefits from American families. We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Portland Police Bureau, Oregon Department of Justice, Vancouver Police Department, and all our partner agencies on this joint investigation,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG) Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Dionida.

“The theft of benefits intended for families in need is a serious crime,” said Portland Police Chief Bob Day. “We remain committed to holding accountable those who exploit public resources for personal gain.”

“By siphoning millions of dollars in government funds intended for food-insecure households, this illegal criminal alien proved to be one of the worst of the worst,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “Through the strength of our law enforcement partnerships, HSI remains steadfast in protecting the integrity of our nation’s treasury and pursuing the criminals engaged in financial crimes that defraud our nation’s assistance programs.”

On October 9, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 16-count indictment charging Spirea and sixteen co-conspirators. Spirea was charged with Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Unauthorized Use of Access Devices.

On July 30, 2025, Spirea pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment charging Conspiracy to Defraud the United States.

The case was investigated by the USDA OIG, HSI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Portland Police Bureau, the Oregon Department of Justice, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Vancouver Police Department, the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Gresham Police Department, and the Redmond, Washington Police Department Financial Fraud and Identification Theft Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Geoffrey A. Barrow and Nicholas D. Meyers, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Washington and Central District of California.

# # #

OnPoint’s decision is a direct response to member needs, growth in the area

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union recently announced it is expanding its field of membership in southwest Washington to better serve its members. OnPoint has received regulatory approval to offer membership to people who live, work, worship, and/or attend school in Cowlitz and Lewis counties. This expansion builds on OnPoint’s current service area of Clark and Skamania counties.

"We are grateful to have received regulatory approval for this expansion," said Amy Reeves, SVP/regional manager, SW Washington, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "This authorization reflects our commitment to meeting the financial needs of our community and extending our member-first philosophy to more people across southwest Washington. We look forward to building relationships with members in Cowlitz and Lewis counties, providing the same quality service our members have come to expect."

8th Southwest Washington Branch Opening

OnPoint currently has seven branches in southwest Washington with more on the way. Ridgefield will be home to the newest branch slated to open the first part of 2026, reflecting the population growth in the area and desire to serve more members of the community. The branch will be at 420 N. 56th Place, Ste. 102.

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union
OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 631,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com or 800-527- 3932.
 

BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum’s original exhibition Sensing Sasquatch has won the 2025 Autry Public History Prize, which recognizes exceptional work that contributes to a broader public reflection on and appreciation of the North American West.

The prize was awarded to the High Desert Museum on October 17, 2025, at the annual Western History Association Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In remarks from the Autry Prize Committee, the exhibition was praised for its “originality of work and the collaboration of the project team.” The committee also applauded Sensing Sasquatch for its “major contribution to Public History and the field of the North American West.”

The Autry Public History Prize is awarded annually. The award consists of a $1,000 prize, made possible by the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles. Past winners of the prize range from museums to libraries to state historical centers.

Blending history, art and mixed media, Sensing Sasquatch explored the cultural significance of Sasquatch across Indigenous cultures in the High Desert. In pop culture today, Sasquatch, or Bigfoot, often appears on beer cans, stickers and billboards. Yet for some Native people of the Indigenous Plateau, Sasquatch represents a story that is more profound and spiritual. Open from March 2024 through January 2025, Sensing Sasquatch challenged visitors’ perceptions, encouraging them to reconsider the conventional depictions.

“We are so proud of the collaboration and dedication of the Museum team for their research and creative spirit in producing this unique and impactful exhibition,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “We worked very closely with Indigenous partners and artists to make their voices the core of Sensing Sasquatch. We are honored to have the exhibition recognized by the Western History Association and the Autry Prize Committee.”

Advisor and scholar Phillip Cash Cash, Ph.D., (Nez Perce/Cayuse) and the Museum conducted research into the significance of Sasquatch to Indigenous peoples – from linguistic study to examining archival documents. The result was an exhibition that told a compelling and respectful story about the past, present and future of Sasquatch.

The Museum also commissioned five Indigenous artists to craft pieces reflecting their encounters with and perspectives on the enigmatic figure. Rocky LaRock (Salish), Charlene “Tilly” Moody (Warm Springs), Frank Buffalo Hyde (Nez Perce/Onondaga), HollyAnna CougarTracks De Coteau Littlebull (Yakama/Nez Perce/Cayuse/Cree) and Cash Cash each contributed unique artwork that sparked conversation, curiosity and wonder.

A car disappearing into a forest scene greeted visitors at the exhibition entrance. The car’s collection of stereotypical Sasquatch stickers was a contrast to the content inside the gallery, beginning with a digital language map that highlighted the diverse array of names used to refer to Sasquatch across the Indigenous Plateau.

Buffalo Hyde’s multimedia piece Enigma portrayed Sasquatch as an interdimensional being with the ability to traverse history, time and space. LaRock’s Shapeshifter mask evoked a large being emerging from the forest, and Moody’s Around Us Watching piece provided a glimpse into the forest in the shape of a Sasquatch.

Other artworks in the gallery were Cash Cash’s Sasquatch’s Rattle No. 1 and Sasquatch’s Rattle No. 2, which Sasquatch perhaps wields. In the center of the gallery stood CougarTracks DeCoteau Littlebull’s The Protector, a towering mixed media Sasquatch sculpture.

Visitors were also encouraged to use their senses as they explored the Spirit of the West Gallery. A scent station invited visitors to envision an encounter with Sasquatch through smell, and they could feel the buffalo hide used in Moody’s piece. Forest sounds filled the gallery, and the motion-activated sound from Buffalo Hyde’s Enigma delighted visitors of all ages with its deep, ground-shaking subwoofer.

Sensing Sasquatch was made possible by Visit Central Oregon Future Fund, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, Bigfoot Beverages, Bend Cultural Tourism Fund, Redmond Municipal Airport, Central Oregon Daily News, Bend Magazine, Brooks Resources Corporation, Old Mill District, and 100.7 The X, with support from Travel Oregon, Waypoint Hotel and Bend Pet Express.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: 

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

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