10/19/2026 8:00 a.m.

Media Contact:

Lieutenant Benjamin Harvey, Corvallis Police Department

(541) 766-6924 / cpdpio@corvallisoregon.gov

Two Arrested Following Firearms and Drug Investigation at Pioneer Park

CORVALLIS, Ore. – On October 15, 2026, at approximately 12:52 a.m., Corvallis Police Department officers responded to Pioneer Park, located in the 1300 block of SW Philomath Boulevard, for a reported disturbance of an unknown nature.

Upon arrival, officers contacted three individuals near a parked vehicle, including the driver, 32-year-old Lloyd D. Leininger of Sweet Home, and a passenger, 48-year-old Rick L. Walnum of Brownsville. A third individual, a 44-year-old male with no fixed address, was standing near the passenger side of the vehicle.

During the investigation, officers observed indicators of controlled substance activity. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a firearm and evidence of controlled substance use.

Officers obtained a search warrant for a backpack associated with the passenger. The search revealed a substantial quantity of suspected fentanyl concealed inside a false container, along with a second firearm. Officers also located a large amount of cash.

As a result of the investigation, Walnum was arrested for the following offenses:

• Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl (ORS 475.790)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl, Commercial Drug Offense (ORS 475.794)
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm (ORS 166.270)
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Concealed (ORS 166.250)

Leininger was arrested for the following offenses:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine (ORS 475.894)
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Concealed (ORS 166.250)

Officers seized suspected fentanyl, two firearms, and additional evidence associated with controlled substance offenses.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Corvallis Police Department at 541-766-6924.

LOOKINGGLASS, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is releasing the identity of the victim in Sunday's homicide investigation in Lookingglass. 

The victim has been identified as 65-year-old David Nathan Danford of Lookingglass. Danford was found deceased inside a residence in the 7000-block of Lookingglass Road on Sunday, October 11, 2026, after deputies responded to a call for service at the home. 

As previously reported, 57-year-old Matthew William Bronsert, was taken into custody in connection with Danford's death. Bronsert was lodged in the Douglas County Jail on charges of Murder in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. 

Detectives assigned to the Douglas County Major Crimes Team continue to actively investigate the circumstances surrounding Danford's death. 

Detectives are asking anyone with information related to this crime, including the activites or whereabouts of either Danford or Bronsert leading up to the homicide, to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division at 541-440-4458. Callers are asked to reference case number 26-3196.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details are available for release at this time. 

SUTHERLIN, Ore. - A Sutherlin man died Tuesday morning following a collision involving two commerical log trucks on Fort McKay Road near Oakland. 

On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at approximately 3:14 a.m., deputies responded to the 1600-block of Fort McKay Road following a report of a serious motor vehicle crash. 

The preliminary investigation indicates that 37-year-old Tyler Hunt of Sutherlin was operating a 2025 Peterbilt truck westbound on Fort McKay Road when he encountered an eastbound 2025 Peterbilt log truck operated by 60-year-old Roy Way of Summerville, Oregon. 

Investigators determined that the trailer of Way's loaded log truck was traveling partially within the opposing lane of travel. As the trucks approached one another, Hunt was unable to avoid a collision and struck the loaded log trailer. 

Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures on Hunt; however, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Way was not injured in the crash and is cooperating with the investigation. 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office Crash Reconstruction Team responded to document and investigate the collision. Investigators have obtained evidence as part of the ongoing investigation. The Oregon State Police is also assisting with the investigation. 

The circumstances that caused the log trailer to enter the opposing lane of travel remain under investigation.

Both commercial vehicles were removed from the scene by A&S Towing. 

Assiting agencies include the Sutherlin Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sutherlin Fire Department, Umpqua Valley Ambulance and Douglas County Public Works. 

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to ORS 163A.215, which authorizes Community Corrections to inform the public when the release of such information will enhance public safety and protection.

The individual listed below has been convicted of a sex offense requiring registration with the Oregon State Police. Based on their criminal history, this person has been classified at a level indicating a potential to re-offend.

This notification is not intended to increase fear, but rather to support public awareness and safety.

NAME: Samuel Gardiner
SID#: 20111726
DOB: 12/06/1989
Current Age: 36
Race: White

Sex: Male
Height: 6’02”
Weight: 190lbs
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown

Residence:

3950 AUMSVILLE HIGHWAY SE

SALEM, OR 97317

Supervision Status:

Samuel Gardiner is on Post Prison Supervision for two counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

This person was granted supervision on: 05/23/2025

Supervision expiration date is: 05/22/2028

Victim Information:

Gardiner’s offending history includes minors who were unknown to him.

Special Conditions:
☒ No contact with minors
☒ Do not frequent places where minors congregate

On October 18, 2026, at approximately 5:20 p.m., Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a reported shooting near the 11000 block of Brick Road SE, Turner, Oregon.

One person was found deceased, and another was transported to an area hospital with injuries.

The incident remains under investigation. There is no ongoing threat to the public.

No additional information is available at this time.

This evening at approximately 8:09 p.m., Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported disturbance in the parking lot of Cascade High School, located at 10226 Marion Road SE in Turner, following a Cascade volleyball game.

During the incident, an altercation occurred between occupants of two vehicles. During the confrontation, a handgun was reportedly brandished by one of the involved individuals. The suspect then left the area in a vehicle. No injuries were reported, and no shots were fired.

A short time later, Stayton Police Department located the suspect vehicle in the 1300 block of W. Washington Street in Stayton. When deputies arrived, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Deputies arrested 18-year-old Cruz Ramirez for the crimes of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Menacing. Ramirez was transported and lodged at the Marion County Jail. A firearm (with obliterated serial numbers) was located during the stop. At this time, there is no ongoing threat to the community.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to the Stayton Police Department, Aumsville Police Department, and Turner Police Department for their assistance and coordinated response in this incident.

LANE COUNTY, Ore. (19 Oct. 2026) – On Saturday, October 17, 2026, at approximately 3:31 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 190.5 in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a green Toyota RAV4, operated by Carol Jean King (74) of Springfield, was traveling southbound toward the McVay Highway off-ramp at a high rate of speed when it failed to navigate the curvature of the off-ramp. The Toyota left the roadway, rolled over, and passed through a thicket of trees before catching fire.

The operator of the Toyota (King) was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately 1.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire & Rescue, Eugene Springfield Fire, 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.

WASCO COUNTY, Ore. (16 Oct. 2026) – On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at approximately 1:18 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 97 near milepost 69 in Wasco County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a blue Volvo commercial semi-truck pulling a 53-foot box tailer, operated by Muhammad Shafiq (32) of Yuba City, California, was traveling southbound on Highway 97 near the Cow Canyon Rest Area when a silver Toyota Venza, operated by Mary Elizabeth Auch Hankins (75) of Portland, pulled in front of the semi-truck to make a left-hand turn. The semi collided with the Toyota and upon impact, the Toyota was pushed over an embankment. Both vehicles came to rest off the east shoulder of the highway.

The operator of the Toyota (Auch Hankins) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A Toyota passenger, Richard Thomas Hankins (80) of Portland, was seriously injured and transported by Life Flight to an area hospital.

The operator of the semi-truck (Shafiq) was reportedly not injured, remained on scene, and cooperated with the investigation.

The highway was not impacted by the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Fire and EMS, 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.

GRANT COUNTY, Ore. (16 Oct. 2026) – On Monday, October 12, 2026, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division responded to a report of a trophy-class 6x6 bull elk found dead in the Northside Unit in Grant County. The bull elk was found near the area of U.S. Forest Service Roads 36 and 18, known as “Four Corners.” The investigation indicated the bull elk had been unlawfully shot with a rifle sometime between October 9 and 11, 2026.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888 or TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Tips may also be called in to OSP (677) on a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-335343. Tips may remain anonymous.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

Two people lost their home to a structure fire Monday afternoon in a rural area outside of Sweet Home. The residents had cleaned the ash from their woodstove and dumped it in the grass as they had done many times before. They left home for approximately 15 minutes and returned to find the home engulfed in flames with fire in the grass between the ash pile and the structure, and spreading to the nearby vegetation. Firefighters from Sweet Home Fire responded with 2 engines, 2 water tenders, a medic unit, 2 support vehicles, and 3 Chief Officers. The Oregon Department of Forestry also responded with 2 engines to assist with the wildland fire. The grass and vegetation were extinguished quickly and Consumer Power was then able to ensure that the power was de-energized removing the hazard from a pole that had also sustained heavy fire damage. 13 firefighters worked to control the structure fire which had already been largely consumed by the flames. Also lost to the fire was a 5th wheel camp trailer and a pickup truck that were stored in an attached carport area. There were no civilian or firefighter casualties reported. The home and contents are a total loss. The homeowners have been put in contact with Red Cross for assistance.

Oct. 19: Bend Police Provide Update on Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting 

The Bend Police Department continues to focus our efforts on the horrific Silver Rail Elementary School shooting that took place on Thursday, Oct. 15. Our investigators, the Tri-County Major Incident Team and many other members of our team here continue to work tirelessly on this case.

We know our community still has a lot of questions, and we appreciate your patience as we conduct a thorough investigation. To that end, at this time we are not sharing additional information about the suspect, the weapon used or other details that are part of that active investigation. When we have news to share on the investigative front, we will share it.

There is a lot of misinformation out there right now. We encourage our community to get their information from trusted sources, namely the Bend-La Pine Schools and the Bend Police Department.

Sometimes, as investigations progress, new information comes out that may be different from what we initially knew and shared. For example, we have received questions from members of the media and the public about how many people were in the classroom where the shooting occurred. Our investigators have confirmed that there were a total of four adults and five children in the classroom at the time of the incident. 

This afternoon, our Department expects to complete its investigative work at the school building, and will turn over the building to the school district. The investigation will continue, but evidence collection at the school will have been completed at that time.

The FBI Victim Services Division is currently helping families collect belongings that were left behind in the unaffected parts of Silver Rail Elementary. Over the weekend, the victim advocates completed this process for staff members. We appreciate you giving families and staff the space to grieve as they take part in this process, which is not taking place at the elementary school.

As most children return to Bend-La Pine Schools on Wednesday, we know you want to know what that’s going to look like. Our team is working with the safety team at Bend-La Pine Schools to ensure you see our officers in and around school campuses on Wednesday and for the foreseeable future.

Please take care of yourselves. Remember that there are many resources available.

• The City of Bend has collected a list of helpful resources: https://bendoregon.gov/community-support-resources/
• Deschutes County Behavioral Health has a list of upcoming opportunities for community support: https://www.deschutescounty.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/339
• The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has created a page with details of community support available as well: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/OEM/Posts/Post/Support-Bend

Officials to provide update on Silver Rail Elementary shooting at 2 p.m. Friday

A media conference will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Bend Municipal Court to provide an update following Thursday’s shooting at Silver Rail Elementary.

Officials will provide the latest information on the investigation and share resources available for community members.

WHEN: 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16

WHERE: Bend Municipal Court, 555 NE 15^th Street, Bend, OR 97701

WHO: Representatives from Bend Police Department, Bend-La Pine Schools and Deschutes County Behavioral Health Services

Media are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for setup. We ask that media do not use drones over the area of the investigation around Silver Rail Elementary.

Community members and media partners who are interested in getting updates on this incident moving forward should sign up for Bend Police Flash Alerts at https://flashalert.net/id/bendpolice.

The media conference will also be livestreamed on YouTube:

• English Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/vHKVplNPsZw?feature=share
• En Español: https://youtube.com/live/C1T62GM4S-0?feature=share

CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Russell Gibson first raised his right hand in 1987 as a Navy Reserve hospital corpsman. Nearly four decades later, his wife, Cindy, pinned a brigadier general’s star on his uniform.

Gibson, assistant adjutant general for the Oregon Army National Guard, was promoted to brigadier general during a ceremony at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center in Clackamas, Ore., Oct. 17, 2026. Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the Adjutant General, Oregon, hosted the ceremony and administered the oath of office. The promotion took effect Aug. 1, 2026.

“A promotion to general officer is unlike any other promotion in our profession,” Gronewold said. “Fewer than 1% of commissioned officers will ever wear a star.”

Gronewold said the one-star flag presented during the ceremony carries a different kind of responsibility than any earlier promotion.

“The red flag with the single white star that you see today does not belong to a unit,” Gronewold said. “It belongs to the officer, and with it comes responsibility for the whole enterprise: our people, our resources, our partnerships, and the trust of the Oregonians that we serve.”

Gibson’s path to the rank was not a typical one. Before commissioning, he served as a Navy medic. He later taught high school chemistry and biology in Glendale, Arizona, and worked as an environmental consultant in Colorado.

“Russ, your path to this day was not a straight line,” Gronewold said. “Anyone who stood in front of a classroom of teenagers has learned patience and learns that people will follow you farther when you explain the why.”

Gibson commissioned through the Arizona Military Academy in 2000. In 2003, he led a platoon of the Arizona Army National Guard’s 220th Military Police Company in Tallil, Iraq. After moving to Oregon, he joined the Engineer Regiment, commanded at the company level, and returned to combat in 2011 as operations officer for the 1249th Engineer Battalion in Afghanistan. He went on to command the 741st Brigade Engineer Battalion, the 82nd Tactical Support Detachment and the 82nd Troop Command Brigade.

Gibson has also worked full time for the Oregon Military Department since 2006. He now serves as deputy director of state operations and government affairs and is president of the Oregon National Guard Association.

Gronewold charged Gibson with the standard he sets for every leader in the Oregon National Guard: be connected, be competent and be committed. He said a general officer’s most important relationships are often with legislators, community leaders and federal partners.

“Continue to bring the voices of our Soldiers and Airmen into the rooms where decisions about them are being made,” Gronewold said.

Gronewold also urged Gibson to invest in the next generation of leaders.

“Find the lieutenants, the sergeants, the warrant officers and the young Airmen who will one day stand where you are, and invest in them deliberately,” Gronewold said. “That is the real charge that comes with this star.”

The ceremony followed general officer traditions. Gronewold presented Gibson with his general officer belt and buckle. Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Martin presented his sidearm, and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Bertilson presented his one-star flag. Both noncommissioned officers served as Gibson’s senior enlisted leaders when he commanded the 82nd Troop Command Brigade. The 234th Army Band performed the ruffles and flourishes and the general’s march.

“Flags and issuing weapons, that’s NCO business,” Gibson said. “Those two NCOs mean an awful lot to me.”

Gibson thanked what he called three overlapping families: family by blood, family by choice and family by service. He described military service that runs through generations on both sides of his and Cindy’s families, including relatives who served in the Army and Navy.

Gibson said the Guard’s bonds set it apart from the other services.

“If you want to learn what it means to be part of a team, you can join any branch of service,” Gibson said. “But if you want to be part of a family, join the National Guard.”

He said Guard members serve alongside the same people for decades, whether they see them every day or once a month at drill, and over time those relationships become family.

Oregon National Guard members serve part time, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year, while maintaining civilian careers. They stand ready to respond to state emergencies such as wildfires and floods, while also training to defend the nation when called to federal service. Guard members live and work in the same communities they serve, creating a unique connection between military service and local communities.

Gibson closed by describing the promotion as neither a finish line nor a starting line, but a continuation of service that began almost 40 years ago. He shared the personal motto he has lived by: “You can’t lose if you don’t quit.”

“All you have to do to win is never give up,” Gibson said. “So, ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, never give up.”

Released B-Roll: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1026732/join-national-guard-family-says-oregons-newest-general

Released Photos:

261017-Z-ZJ128-1001

Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, left, the Adjutant General, Oregon, stands with Col. Russell Gibson, assistant adjutant general for the Oregon Army National Guard, before Gibson’s promotion ceremony to brigadier general at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center in Clackamas, Ore., Oct. 17, 2026. Gronewold hosted the ceremony and administered the oath of office to Gibson. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

261017-Z-ZJ128-1002

Brig. Gen. Russell Gibson, assistant adjutant general for the Oregon Army National Guard, speaks during his promotion ceremony at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center in Clackamas, Ore., Oct. 17, 2026, as Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the Adjutant General, Oregon, looks on. During his remarks, Gibson thanked family, friends and fellow service members for their support throughout his nearly 40-year military career. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

261017-Z-ZJ128-1003

Cindy Gibson, left, pins the rank of brigadier general on her husband, Brig. Gen. Russell Gibson, assistant adjutant general for the Oregon Army National Guard, during his promotion ceremony at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center in Clackamas, Ore., Oct. 17, 2026. The star has signified general officer rank in the U.S. military since a 1780 decree by Gen. George Washington during the Revolutionary War. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

261017-Z-ZJ128-1004

Brig. Gen. Russell Gibson, center, assistant adjutant general for the Oregon Army National Guard, takes the oath of office from Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, right, the Adjutant General, Oregon, as his wife, Cindy Gibson, left, assists during his promotion ceremony at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center in Clackamas, Ore., Oct. 17, 2026. Gibson’s military career began in 1987 when he enlisted in the Navy Reserve as a hospital corpsman. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will honor generations of Oregon veterans and their service to our nation during the 2026 Oregon Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony, beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, on the Capitol Mall in Salem.

This year’s ceremony will feature remarks by veterans, service members, state leaders and other dignitaries along with traditional military and patriotic observances, including a bagpipe performance, presentation of the colors and the national anthem.

“For more than a century, Americans have come together on Veterans Day, united in gratitude for those who have served and the families who have stood beside them,” said ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels. “Our nation’s strength lives in the people who step forward to serve with honor and, across generations, bring that same commitment home to their communities. We warmly invite you to join us at the Capitol to honor their service, remember their sacrifices and celebrate the veterans, service members and families who served our nation.”

The Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at Oregon State Capitol State Park on the Capitol Mall, directly across Court Street from the front entrance of the Capitol Building. The event is free and open to the public. Seating will be available, and attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at facebook.com/odvavet.

Veterans Day Events Happening Across Oregon

Communities throughout Oregon will also mark Veterans Day with ceremonies, parades, breakfasts, school programs and other events honoring local veterans.

ODVA’s online Statewide Veterans Day Events Calendar now includes events taking place in communities across Oregon, giving veterans and their families an easy way to find an observance near them. The calendar will continue to be updated as Veterans Day approaches.

The statewide calendar is available at oregondva.com/veterans-day.

ODVA continues to invite cities, counties, veterans organizations, schools, community groups and other event organizers to share their Veterans Day activities for inclusion on the calendar. Events may be submitted using the “Add Your Event” link on the Veterans Day calendar page.

If you have any questions, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or Tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

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DPSST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE WORKGROUP MEETING SCHEDULED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Amended Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve August 25, and October 1, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Taimata Callaway, DPSST No. 65777; Harney County Sheriff's Office

     Presented by Victor Sanchez

4. Applicant Review Committee Nominations

     Presented by Marie Atwood

5. Agency Updates

6. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: February 3, 2027, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

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

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

TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve August 25, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Taimata Callaway, DPSST No. 65777; Harney County Sheriff's Office

     Presented by Victor Sanchez

4. Agency Updates

5. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: February 3, 2027, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

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

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

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL FUND BOARD

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a regular meeting on October 22, 2026, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting that begins at 9:00 am. at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve July 23, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Budget Update

   Presented by Marie Atwood

4. Sergeant Brian Gaunt (DPSST No. 37820); Beaverton Police Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

   Presented by Marie Atwood

5. Firefighter Michael C. Kienzle (DPSST No. 34644); Redmond Fire Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

    Presented by Marie Atwood

6. Firefighter Mark P. Ragan (DPSST No. 03101); Newport Fire Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

    Presented by Marie Atwood

7. Lieutenant Russell Young Jr. (DPSST No. 15172); Central Douglas Fire & Rescue; Initial Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

    Presented by Marie Atwood

8. Next meeting – January 21, 2027, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. 

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

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

SALEM, Ore. — As the Bend community grieves following the tragic events at Silver Rail Elementary School, state and local partners are sharing resources to support students, families, educators, first responders and community members in the days ahead.

Oregon stands with the Bend community during this incredibly difficult time. As families process the tragedy, officials encourage people to seek support, spend time with loved ones and take advantage of community resources designed to provide connection, comfort and space to grieve.

Community Support and Healing Gathering

Deschutes County Health Services, St. Charles Health System and Bend-La Pine Schools are partnering to host a free, walk-in Community Support & Healing Gathering today, Friday, October 16.

The gathering will provide support, connection and crisis stabilization resources for students, families, school staff and community members.

Community Support & Healing Gathering

• When: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Where: Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Road, Bend
• Cost: Free and open to students, families, staff and community members
• Format: Drop-in; no appointment required

Trained professionals and peers will be available to support community members, provide information about common responses to traumatic events, share practical coping strategies and help connect individuals and families with additional resources.

The event will incorporate Critical Incident Stress Management approaches, which provide short-term support following traumatic events. This support is not a replacement for psychotherapy or clinical counseling but can help people understand stress reactions, connect with others and identify healthy coping strategies.

Immediate Crisis and Family Support

Community members who need additional or immediate support can access the following resources:

• Deschutes County Stabilization Center: Open 24/7 at 63311 NE Jamison Street in Bend.
• Deschutes County Crisis Line: Call 541-322-7500, ext. 9 for immediate support.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations’ Disaster Distress Helpline provides confidential crisis counseling and support 24/7 Call or text: 1-800-985-5990. Spanish-language support is available by pressing 2.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Spanish-language support is available.
• The National Mass Violence Center created a Bend-specific resource guide with information and resources to help individuals and families following the tragedy.

Resources to Help Children

This tragic event has evoked a range of emotions and safety concerns across the United States. In response to such events, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed resources to help children, families and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together.

These resources include:

• Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting (En Español)
• Talking to Children about the Shooting
• Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators (En Español)
• Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen (En Espanol)
• Creating Supportive Environments: When Scary Things Happen (En Español)
• For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence
• Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
• Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
• Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
• Guiding Adults in Talking to Children about Death and Attending Services
• After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal (En Español)
• Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (En Español; ASL)
• Once I Was Very Very Scared (En Español) – children’s book for young children
• I Don’t Know How to Address Worries About My Child’s Safety at School (webinar)
• The Power of Parenting: Helping Your Child After a Family Homicide Loss

Oregon State Parks Waives Central Oregon Parking Fees

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is waiving parking fees at Central Oregon state parks beginning today and continuing through the weekend. This includes the following day use parks that typically charge fees for parking: LaPine State Park, Tumalo State Park, Prineville Reservoir State Park, Smith Rock State Park, Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint, and The Cove Palisades State Park.

The effort is intended to give community members additional opportunities to spend time outdoors, connect with family and friends, and find moments of calm during a difficult time.

Community organizations and local attractions are also working to provide supportive activities for families, including arts and crafts and other opportunities for families to spend time together. Some local attractions have announced free or waived admission for community members.

People respond to traumatic events in different ways. For some, spending quiet time outdoors or participating in familiar activities with family and friends can provide comfort. Others may benefit from talking with trained crisis professionals. Community members are encouraged to choose the support that feels appropriate for them and their families.

Help Support the Community

As Bend continues to grieve, community members can help by checking in with loved ones, supporting children with age-appropriate conversations, respecting the privacy of affected families and avoiding the spread of unverified information.

For the latest and most accurate official information about the incident and investigation, follow the Bend Police Department on social media, or check their press release page.

In addition, GoFundMe’s Trust & Safety team states they are closely monitoring the platform and reviewing fundraisers related to this incident. A central hub of verified fundraisers has been launched for the Bend community and several fundraisers connected to this tragedy are currently under review. GoFundMe states that all funds related to this event will remain on hold until the verification process is complete.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2026
 

SALEM, Ore. —The State of Oregon extends its deepest condolences to the families, students, educators, school staff and entire Bend community affected by today's shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School.
 

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy, especially the victims and their loved ones. We also recognize the 9-1-1 telecommunicators, first responders, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, school officials and community partners who responded to this heartbreaking incident. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) continues to maintain situational awareness to support additional resources or assistance that may be needed.
 

State agencies, including the Oregon Department of Education, Oregon Health Authority, and Oregon Department of Human Services, are working with their respective partners to support the community.
 

As the incident transitions into the investigation and recovery phases, state officials encourage Oregonians to support those affected, respect the privacy of victims and families, and rely on official sources for accurate information.

What Community Members Can Do

During this difficult time, the public can help support the response and recovery efforts by:

• Following official instructions: Stay informed through local law enforcement, emergency management and school district communications.

• Avoiding the affected area: Allow first responders, investigators and families the space needed to safely carry out their work.

• Preventing misinformation: Do not share unverified reports, images or identifying information about victims.

• Supporting children and families: Check in with loved ones, listen to their concerns and provide reassurance and emotional support.

• Respecting privacy: Give affected families and the school community time and space to process this tragedy.

For the latest official updates regarding the incident, visit the Bend Police Department website.

Crisis Support

Tragic events involving school violence can have lasting emotional impacts on students, families, educators, first responders and the broader community.

It is normal for individuals to experience fear, sadness, anxiety, confusion or other emotional reactions following a traumatic event. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk with children in age-appropriate ways, provide reassurance, maintain routines when possible and limit repeated exposure to distressing news coverage.

Free and confidential mental health resources are available:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential emotional support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish-language support is also available.

• YouthLine: Call 877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863 for support designed for teens and young adults.

• 211info: Dial 211 or visit 211info.org for information about community services and available support resources.

Anyone experiencing an immediate emergency should call 911.

School Safety and Emergency Preparedness Resources

The Oregon Department of Education's School Safety and Emergency Management program provides resources to help schools and communities strengthen preparedness, emergency response and recovery efforts.

Resources include emergency operations planning, training, exercises, family reunification planning and coordination with local emergency response partners.

School districts and community members interested in learning how they can help make their communities more responsive and resilient during times of crisis are encouraged to visit the Oregon Department of Education's School Safety and Emergency Management webpage.

Continued State Support

The State of Oregon remains committed to supporting the Bend community as local officials continue their investigation and recovery efforts. State agencies will maintain coordination with local partners and stand ready to assist with additional resources as needs are identified.

During this difficult time, Oregonians are encouraged to come together with compassion, support those affected and allow the community the time and space needed to begin healing.

For the latest information and official updates, visit the Bend Police Department.
 

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Improving worker safety and health in Oregon’s pulp, paper, and forest products industries will get the spotlight during a conference held Dec. 1-4 in Portland. Attendees will have opportunities to connect with each other, and to refresh their safety and health knowledge and skills. Topics include confined space safety, effective communication, safety leadership, electrical safety, control of hazardous energy, and fall protection.

Although the 34th annual Western Pulp, Paper & Forest Products Safety & Health Conference focuses on safety and health issues in the pulp, paper, and forest products industries, the event also offers learning opportunities that apply to many other workplaces. Those sessions include nutrition and wellness in the workplace, tools for creating effective safety committees, and resources for improving driver safety.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is one of several partners presenting the four-day conference at the Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront in Portland.

The conference will feature a keynote presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 1, that will highlight the history of the Western Pulp, Paper & Forest Products Safety & Health Conference as well as delve into the many reasons why working safely matters.

Conference sessions include:

• Hazardous Line Breaking: Program Overview and Best Practices
• Process Opening vs. Hazardous-Line Breaking: Definitions, Program Overview, and Best Practices Discussion
• Distractions in the Workplace
• American Heart Adult CPR/AED and First Aid
• Steam Hammer and Water/Condensate-Induced Water Hammer Safety
• Proven Strategies for Improving Interactions
• Hand Safety
• Mobile Equipment and Pedestrian Interaction Safety Improvement
• Synthetic Ropes in the Forest Products Industry

The registration fee is $480 to attend the full conference. The fee to attend one day – Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday – is $160. It is $60 for Friday. To register, go to safetyseries.cventevents.com/wppfp26.

If you have questions or need help registering, call the Oregon OSHA Conference Section at 503-947-7411, or email egon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov">oregon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov.

###

About Oregon OSHA:

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation and 33 other state financial regulatory agencies have reached a $2.5 million settlement with Coinme Inc., a Seattle-based cryptocurrency money transmitter and kiosk operator, for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-money laundering (AML) laws that safeguard the financial system from illicit use.

Under the terms of the settlement, Coinme has agreed to terminate its virtual currency kiosk operations by Jan. 1, 2027, or face an additional $4 million penalty. The settlement amount will be allocated among participating states based on transaction volume. Oregon will receive $101,425.34 as part of the settlement.

In addition, Coinme has agreed to hire an independent consultant to review the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of its BSA/AML program and submit a report to the states within six months. Coinme will have 12 months to correct any deficiencies found in the review after the report is filed.

“State regulation of money services exists to protect consumers from scams and bad actors,” DFR Administrator TK Keen said. “DFR will continue to take action against companies that pose unfair risks to Oregon consumers.”

Cryptocurrency kiosks are frequently used in connection with fraud and other criminal activities, so DFR urges caution before consumers use kiosks.

“Nobody legitimate, be it the IRS, a utility, a bank, or a sweetheart you’ve never met, will tell you to feed money into a cryptocurrency kiosk,” Keen said. “If someone does, stop and call local law enforcement.”

Consumers can visit NMLS Consumer Access to verify that a company is licensed to do business in Oregon and can view if there are past enforcement actions against the company or individual.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or have questions, you can reach out to one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .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.

A series of rulemaking advisory committee meetings has been scheduled to discuss updates to the smoke management rules.

This will include multiple work sessions and opportunity for public comment.

The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21. There will be a period for public comment at 2 p.m. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. 

You can view the previous meetings on the website. More may be scheduled in the future. All meetings will be held virtually and are open to the public. 

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 y.berry@odf.oregon.gov">Shelby Berry at 503-949-5181.

SALEM, Ore. – The State Forests Advisory Committee will meet at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23. The meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please contact Nick Palazzotto at 971-375-6344.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Fire season update
• Forest Management Plan (FMP)/Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) updates
• Performance measures/reporting/monitoring & SFAC input
• Fiscal Year (FY) 26 Accomplishments
• FY26/27 Current status
• Implementation planning & FY28 Annual Operation Plan (AOP)

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 Nick Palazzotto at 971-375-6344.

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.

The Oregon Department of Revenue has released the Fiscal Year 2025-26 edition of its annual Oregon Property Tax Statistics report. Property taxes are among the most important sources of revenue for the public sector in the state, raising $10.07 billion for local governments in FY 2025-26. Only state personal income tax collections exceed property tax collections as a single source of state and local tax revenue.

What is the Oregon Property Tax Statistics report?

This publication tells the story of Oregon’s property tax system through statistical information, including a brief overview of Oregon’s property tax system since 1990 and the steps of the property tax process in Oregon.

It presents information about property values, taxes imposed, and highlights such as recent trends in Oregon’s property tax system. Detailed Tables and the Oregon Property Tax Statistics Supplement can be found on the DOR website.

Who uses the Oregon Property Tax Statistics report?

The report provides information valuable to legislators, state and local government officials, businesses, taxpayers, the general public, and media reporting on tax and revenue issues.

Where can you get the Oregon Property Tax Statistics report?

The report can be accessed online at and is presented in PDF format so that pages, sections, or the entire report can be easily printed.

October 21, 2026

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

Recreational use advisory downgraded to a precaution for Cullaby Lake

Pet owners should continue to keep their pets away from areas that appear to have a bloom

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has downgraded the recreational use health advisory to a precaution for Cullaby Lake.

OHA issued the advisory Sept. 17.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Cullaby 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 areas with blooms.

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 the signs of a bloom, and exposure routes and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

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

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

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

###

October 19, 2026

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

Oregon Health Plan rates for 2027 released

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the 15 coordinated care organizations (CCOs) that facilitate Medicaid health benefits in Oregon have successfully worked together to confirm 2027 rates for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) that will keep healthcare accessible statewide.

Next year, CCOs will collectively receive an average of 6.1% more per member per month compared to this year.

“Oregon Health Authority remains focused on ensuring people enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan can receive quality healthcare well into the future,” said OHA Chief Financial Officer Rochelle Layton. “Our updated 2027 rates support the financial stability of the coordinated care organizations that help us deliver Medicaid benefits across the state.”

OHP covers about 1.4 million people, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Medicaid is administered by states according to federal requirements, and the program is jointly funded by states and the federal government.

OHA contracts with CCOs to coordinate regional healthcare needs for the vast majority of OHP members. OHA primarily pays CCOs through per-member-per-month payments, which are also known as capitation rates. 

Multiple factors were considered during the 2027 rate-setting process, including people losing coverage due to upcoming federal changes, rising healthcare costs, and ongoing changes to covered benefits and payment policies. State and federal rules require CCO rates to be designed to deliver enough revenue to cover expected costs.

When discussing 2027 rates, OHA is separating out the state’s one-time financial investment in maternity care, which temporarily increased CCO payments in 2026. Showing next year’s overall CCO rates without maternity care enables more accurate rate comparisons over time.

Without the maternity care payments, Oregon CCOs will receive an average of 6.1% more per member per month next year. However, when maternity payments are included, 2027 rates increase an average of 5.6% over 2026. As a result, CCOs will receive an average of $627.68 per member per month in 2027 to coordinate the medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare services for most of the state’s Medicaid enrollees next year.

OHA developed 2027 rates after analyzing CCO financial data from 2025 and early 2026. As was reported earlier, Oregon CCOs collectively had a profit margin of 0.8% in 2025, which was an improvement from just 0.001% in 2024. Preliminary data for early 2026 indicates CCO finances have continued to improve.

During the 2027 rate-setting process, OHA increased its collaboration with CCOs and improved public transparency as required by Oregon House Bill 4039, which became law in March and directed OHA to use a more transparent, data-driven process while developing CCO rates. OHA staff gave two Oregon Health Policy Board presentations before rates had been finalized, increased the amount of time CCOs had to review draft rates, met with CCOs more often during the rate-setting process, and released additional exhibits required by the new law.

OHA has submitted the proposed 2027 CCO rates to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, which is expected to approve them by the end of this calendar year. For more information, see the draft 2027 CCO capitation rate development & certification report.

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Recognition highlights strategies to preserve more than 2,200 affordable rental homes  

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Advisory Committee will meet Nov. 4 to review online and hands-on training stats, incident reporting, legislative updates and other ATV Program updates.

This will be a hybrid meeting with options to attend in person or via Zoom webinar – details below. The public can join as attendees. In the event that an in-person meeting is no longer feasible, the meeting will just be held on Zoom.

The ATV Advisory Committee meeting will begin at 9 a.m. The agenda and schedule are posted online.

Meeting details

Join in person

Best Western Mill Creek Inn

3125 Ryan Dr SE,

Salem, OR 97301

Join virtually via Zoom

Join Zoom webinar

Webinar ID: 844 9135 5047

Passcode: 120548

Join via audio only: 253-215-8782

Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance to improve accessibility by emailing ian.caldwell@oprd.oregon.gov. 

The ATV Grant Program provides funding statewide for ATV recreation. Grant funds come from ATV user permit sales and a percentage of gasoline tax money. Read more about the state ATV program.

Update: Humbug Mountain Trail construction delayed. Construction will now start Oct. 26.
 

Trails will be closed starting mid- and late October.

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

Check the park pages linked below for updates.

Humbug Mountain State Park

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

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

Cape Blanco State Park

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

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

In support of the Silver Rail Elementary families and all of our Central Oregon community, Oregon State Parks is waiving parking fees in the area. 

This includes the following day use parks that typically charge fees for parking: LaPine State Park, Tumalo State Park, Prineville Reservoir State Park, Smith Rock State Park, Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint, and The Cove Palisades State Park.

Through compassion, empathy, and kindness - we uphold our parks as places of healing and support.

Gleneden Beach, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will hold a virtual public hearing on Nov. 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. to accept public testimony on Ocean Shore Alteration Application number 3128. The permit application requests to construct a 150-foot-long riprap revetment on the Ocean Shore State Recreation Area west of the end of Beach Grass Lane in Gleneden Beach.

OPRD received over 10 requests for a hearing during the public comment period that ended Oct. 9, 2026. This hearing is an information gathering session and provides an opportunity for OPRD to hear directly from the public on the submitted application materials. 

The meeting will include an introduction by staff and public testimony. Anyone wishing to testify must pre-register. Each registered individual will be provided up to three minutes to testify in the order they registered. Within 45 days after the hearing, OPRD will make a permit decision. This decision will include consideration of public comment received during the public comment period and this hearing.

Review the application online under the heading "Pending Applications;" look for permit application 3128.

Virtual public hearing details

Date: Nov. 18, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Join via Zoom

To testify, register for the virtual meeting by noon on Monday, Nov. 16. The registration page will ask whether you want to submit a public comment.

Requesting accommodations

The services, programs and activities of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need special accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact Allison Mangini at 541-220-3786, allison.mangini@oprd.oregon.gov by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13.​

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

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

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

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

-End-

CORVALLIS, Ore. — All Oregon voters can now sign up to receive updates on the status of their ballot for the November 2026 general election. Secretary of State Tobias Read made the announcement about the free BallotTrax service in a video released October 14.

“Voters in Benton County have let my office know they feel better when they know where their ballots are and have confirmation they’re being counted,” said County Clerk Darla Rush. “We contact people only when there is a problem with their ballot. This service provides communication for everyone else.”

Voters can sign up online by providing first and last name, date of birth and zip code. The information must exactly match the information on their voter record.

Once registered for ballot tracking, voters can choose to get updates through text, email or phone call. Updates are sent at three key points:

• When the ballot is sent to the voter by Benton County
• When the completed ballot is received by the County elections office
• When the ballot is accepted for counting

If a ballot is not accepted because of a ballot signature issue, an update will be sent so the voter can contact Benton County Elections to take action to make sure their vote can be counted.

Users should note that they may see a lag in status changes due to processing time, and their ballot may briefly display as “under review” without being cause for concern. Unless they are contacted by the elections team, voters can rest assured that their ballot is being processed, and issues have been resolved.

The BallotTrax service was previously available for voters in Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill counties. Voters in all Oregon counties can now use it.

Registered voters can visit oregonvotes.gov/track to learn more and sign up for BallotTrax. Questions should be directed to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division.

Ballot drop boxes in Benton County are open. Find the closest drop box and vote today!

In the FlashAlert issued on October 19, some incorrect payment deadlines were provided. A corrected version follows. For questions, contact the Benton County Tax Office at 541-766-6808 or ctax@bentoncountyor.gov" style="font: inherit; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="mailto:bctax@bentoncountyor.gov">bctax@bentoncountyor.gov.

CORVALLIS, Ore. — The 2026 property tax statements have been released by the Benton County Assessor’s Office. Property owners can now access certified property values and 2026 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 October 24.

Business Personal Property accounts below the cancellation threshold of $24,000 will not receive a tax statement for the business.  

Important payment information

1. To receive a 3% discount, full payment of property taxes must be postmarked by November 16.

2. Taxpayers choosing the 2/3 option will receive a 2% discount on the amount paid with the final payment due May 17, 2027.

3. Taxpayers choosing to pay taxes in three equal installments receive no discount. Installment payments are due December 15, February 16, 2027, and May 17, 2027.

4. As per ORS 311.505, interest will be charged on any late installment payment. Interest begins to accrue on any late installment payments made after December 16, 2026.

Payment methods

1. Drop payments in the white tax drop box located in the parking lot at the Kalapuya Building, 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis. Please include your payment coupon.

2. Visit the County Tax Office on the first floor of the Kalapuya Building.

3. Send payments via USPS to the Benton County Tax Office, P.O. Box 964, Corvallis, Oregon 97339. Payments must be postmarked by November 16 to be considered timely. Please include your payment coupon.

4. Pay at an Oregon State Credit Union branch. Payment coupons are required. This payment option is only available through November 16.

5. Online payments: Follow the steps to pay by credit card, debit card or electronic check. Service fees apply. https://finance.bentoncountyor.gov/pay-your-property-taxes/

6. Pay by phone at 1-866-898-2918. Service fees apply.

Questions?

Tax questions: Contact the Benton County Tax Office at 541-766-6808 or ctax@bentoncountyor.gov" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="mailto:bctax@bentoncountyor.gov">bctax@bentoncountyor.gov

Valuation questions: Contact the Benton County Assessment Department at 541-766-6855 or assessmentinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Items mailed within Benton County are not postmarked until 1-3 days after they are placed in the mailbox. If you do not mail your payment at least 7 days before the deadline, we recommend taking it to the service counter at the post office and requesting that it be hand stamped with the postmark.

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

If you did not make it to the event today but would like video to use, a recording of the ribbon cutting is available at https://vimeo.com/1238168385?share=copy.

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Lane County residents have new options for recycling materials that don’t belong in curbside recycling bins with the opening of four RecycleOn Centers at the Cottage Grove, Glenwood, Florence, and Veneta transfer stations.

To mark the expansion, Lane County will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Glenwood Transfer Station (3100 E. 17th Avenue, Eugene). The event will highlight the partnership between Lane County and Circular Action Alliance and the new recycling opportunities available to residents.

The new centers provide free, convenient drop-off recycling for materials that require separate collection, including plastic bags and film, shredded paper, aluminum foil, plastic lids, and other specialty materials.

The openings build on Lane County’s existing transfer station network and represent another step in the County’s ongoing work to make recycling more accessible to residents throughout the region.

“Our transfer stations already play an important role in providing recycling services throughout Lane County, so adding RecycleOn Centers is a natural extension of that work,” said Lane County Waste Management Division Manager Jeff Orlandini. “These new centers give residents more options to keep valuable materials out of the landfill, while making it easier to recycle items that don’t belong in mixed recycling.”

The centers are part of RecycleOn Oregon, the statewide recycling education and collection program developed by Circular Action Alliance (CAA) as part of Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act.

Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) began implementation in July 2025 and created a new system in which producers of packaging, paper products, and food serviceware help fund improvements to Oregon’s recycling system. Circular Action Alliance is Oregon’s approved producer responsibility organization responsible for implementing many of those requirements.

The law is bringing new investment into local recycling systems, including expanded collection opportunities for materials that are difficult to collect through traditional mixed recycling programs. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality identifies expanded recycling service and depot collection among the activities eligible for producer funding under the RMA.

For Lane County, the partnership with CAA means residents can now bring additional materials to existing County transfer stations where they can be collected separately and sent through appropriate recycling channels.

“Opening these sites is a great example of what the Recycling Modernization Act can look like at the local level,” Orlandini said. “Lane County provides the local infrastructure and operational experience, while producer funding helps expand the range of materials our residents can recycle. Ultimately, that means better access and more opportunities to recover materials instead of throwing them away.f

Know before you go

Materials brought to RecycleOn Centers must be sorted by material type and placed in the appropriate collection area. Residents should check the accepted-material list before visiting because RecycleOn Centers collect materials differently than curbside or mixed recycling programs. RecycleOn says more than 140 of the free drop-off centers are expected to open throughout Oregon by the end of 2027.

For more information about Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act and to see the current list of accepted materials and find RecycleOn Center locations, visit recycleon.org/oregon. For information about recycling and waste prevention in Lane County, visit lanecountyor.gov/recycle.

About RecycleOn Oregon

RecycleOn Oregon is the statewide campaign created by Circular Action Alliance with input from local governments, service providers, community members, and others to help Oregonians understand and navigate changes to the state’s recycling system. RecycleOn Centers provide free drop-off locations for certain materials that cannot be placed in recycling bins at homes or businesses.

About Lane County Waste Management

Lane County Waste Management provides safe and responsible solid waste disposal, recycling, waste prevention, and resource recovery services throughout Lane County. The County operates a regional network of transfer stations and works with community, government, and private-sector partners to reduce waste, expand recycling opportunities, and conserve landfill capacity.

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Voters are urged to return their ballots as early as possible to ensure they are received at Lane County Elections by the 8:00 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, November 3.

In order to be counted, ballots must be received at Lane County Elections by:

• A 24/7 County ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m. on November 3. Help save taxpayer dollars by avoiding the postage and using a drop box, managed directly by Lane County Elections.
• Lane County Elections. Ballots can be turned in by November 3, 2026 directly to the Lane County Elections Office during business hours (open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day).
• Regular mail. Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 3, 2026 and received no later than November 10, 2026 to be counted. USPS recommends putting a ballot in the mail seven days before the election or getting a manual hand-stamp postmark at the service counter of local post offices.

“The best way for voters to return their ballots is to place them in one of our 25 official ballot drop boxes across the county,” said Lane County Clerk Tommy Gong. “If voters plan to return their ballots in the mail they should do so early – by October 27 – in order to make sure they meet postmark and delivery deadlines.”

Voters must also remember to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or returning their completed ballot to Lane County Elections.

The signature is a security measure used to verify identity. Signatures are compared to those in the voter registration record. A ballot may only be counted if the signatures match.

If you forget to sign the envelope or your signature does not match, you will receive a notice from Lane County Elections advising you of the issue and how to fix or “cure” it. You have until the 21^st day after the election to cure your signature issue and have your ballot counted.

What can you do to ensure your signature matches?

• Sign your natural signature. If you don’t usually sign with a middle initial don’t sign your ballot envelope with it.  Election workers are trained to look for specific characteristics within each signature. If you think your signature has changed significantly, contact Lane County Elections.
• Don’t sign another person’s name. Even if someone gives you permission to sign, or you have power of attorney, it is against the law in Oregon to sign another person’s name on a return envelope. It’s forgery.
• Request help if you have difficulty signing.  If it is difficult for you to sign, on either a temporary or permanent basis, you can complete a signature attestation form and return it to Lane County Elections.  Completing this step will allow you to use a signature stamp or other indicator that represents your signature.  
• Correct a mistake if you accidentally sign your name on someone in your household’s envelope. If you and another person in your household sign each other’s return ballot envelopes, simply place a line through the incorrect signatures and sign the correct envelopes.  

Voters can also track the status of their ballot using BallotTrax. Voters who sign up will get notifications when their ballot is received by Lane County Elections, accepted for counting, and if they have a missing or non-matching signature issue that needs to be corrected. The service is provided by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office for the November 3 election. Availability in future elections is dependent upon state funding. Sign up for BallotTrax at www.OregonVotes.gov/track.

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

About the Lane County Elections Office:

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

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Lane Council of Governments (LCOG), in partnership with Lane County, has been awarded $5.3 million in funding from the transportation resilience-focused federal PROTECT grant program. Funds will support the Resilient Lane project, an effort to understand and address our transportation system’s vulnerability to hazards in Lane County.

“We know from experience that Lane County is vulnerable to a number of hazards, including wildfire, winter storms, flooding and landslides,” said Lane County Commissioner and LCOG Board Member Heather Buch. “Understanding how those vulnerabilities might affect our transportation system and creating a plan to reduce disruption makes us stronger as a community.”

Resilient Lane will combine data collection, community outreach, and technical review to create a transportation-focused Resilience Improvement Plan (TRIP) for Lane County. The TRIP will improve the region's ability to anticipate and recover from disruptions. The project will take place over three years and will:

• Document where the transportation network is vulnerable to hazards like extreme weather and earthquakes.
• Designate a countywide network of emergency transportation routes for disaster response and recovery.
• Identify strategies that mimic or restore nature to address vulnerabilities (e.g., restoring wetlands to reduce flooding on roads).
• Include a prioritized list of transportation projects that address vulnerabilities and create preliminary engineering designs for top projects – a big step toward construction.
• Publish an online data visualizer tool to make resilience information accessible to local transportation planners and the public.

LCOG, which serves as the federally designated regional transportation planning agency for the Central Lane County region, will lead Resilient Lane in collaboration with Lane County transportation planners, engineers, emergency management, and public health staff. The effort will include extensive community engagement to identify and inform priorities for risk reduction across the county’s transportation system, ranging from seismic resiliency to flood mitigation. Resilient Lane will also consider bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and needs because the transportation system is not limited to cars and trucks.

Examples from other communities of the kinds of infrastructure projects the TRIP may recommend in Lane County include widening culverts and expanding drainage to reduce flooding on roads, paths and sidewalks; raising or seismically upgrading bridges; slope stabilization; and more.

This effort will strengthen and complement transportation resilience initiatives already underway across the region — including an upcoming update to Lane County’s Multijurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan and LCOG’s Regional Transportation Plan — and help agencies responsible for transportation systems compete for additional grant funding to put recommended strategies into action.

More information about the Resilient Lane project can be found at www.lcog-or.gov/thempo/page/resilient-lane.
 

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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 annual leaf collection and delivery program begins November 2. To view a map of Eugene’s collection zones, visit www.eugene-or.gov/leaf. The City’s online tool can be used to look up an address and find out when to place leaves in the street, order leaf deliveries or report issues such as leaves in bike lanes.

Key Reminders for Eugene Residents and Businesses

• Put unbagged leaves in the street starting the weekend before your zone is scheduled.
• For safety, keep piles clear of bike lanes and sidewalks.
• Branches, sticks and other debris should be kept out of leaf piles.

The second round of leaf collection will start early January 2027. For more information about Eugene’s leaf collection and delivery services, visit www.eugene-or.gov/leaf or call Public Works Maintenance at 541-682-4800.

City of Springfield

In Springfield, the City provides a free leaf pickup service to residents within the city limits to help prevent flooding, protect water quality, and keep neighborhood streets safer 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 November 30, west of 28^th/31^st Street, then December 7, east of 28^th/31^st Street. The second round starts January 4 west of 28^th/31^st Street, then January 11 east of 28^th/31^st Street.

For more information about leaf pickup in Springfield, visit 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 2.  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 (541-682-8525) 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 541-682-8525 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                               Oct. 31 to Nov. 1                                       Nov. 2 to Nov. 6                Starts Jan. 4

Zones 1                              Nov. 7 to Nov. 8                                        Nov. 9 to Nov. 13              Starts Jan. 4

Zones 2                              Nov. 14 to Nov. 15                                    Nov. 16 to Nov. 20            Starts Jan. 4

Zones 3                              Nov. 21 to Nov. 22                                    Nov. 23 to Dec. 4              Starts Jan. 4

Zones 4                              Dec. 5 to Dec. 6                                        Dec. 7 to Dec. 11             Starts Jan. 4

Zones 5                              Dec. 12 to Dec. 13                                    Dec. 14 to Dec. 18           Starts Jan. 4

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The 2026–2027 property tax statements will be mailed beginning October 21, 2026.

Statements are available online now at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/AT, as well as information about the county value trends, levy changes, and individual property tax account information. The first payment is due on November 16, 2026.

Lane County Assessment and Taxation collects property tax on behalf of 85 separate taxing districts, including cities, schools, education service districts, water districts, rural fire districts, urban renewal districts and other taxing districts such as park and recreation, library, and ambulance districts.

The total property tax certified for all tax levies combined in 2026–2027 is $770.9 million. This is approximately 3.3 percent more than in 2025–2026. The total amount of taxes billed changes each year because of the addition of new or renewed local option and bond levies, the expiration of local option and bond levies, the 3 percent statutory increase in Maximum Assessed Values (MAV), the addition of new properties to the tax roll, and the number of exemptions granted.

Oregon’s constitution limits the increase in the MAV of each property to 3 percent per year, unless there have been changes made to the property, such as new construction or additions, new partitions or subdivisions, removal from special assessment or exemption programs, or changes in zoning and use of the property.

The statement shows the property’s Taxable Value (TV), which is the lower of the Real Market Value (RMV) or the MAV minus any exemptions. Most properties will continue to see the 3 percent statutory increase in MAV.

Lane County’s January 1, 2026 RMV increased from $102.7 billion to $104.6 billion, an overall increase of approximately 1.85 percent from January 1, 2025.

The total TV for all properties combined in Lane County increased by 4.34 percent over last year, from $44.9 billion in 2025 to $46.9 billion in 2026.

The chart below illustrates the property type breakdown in Lane County. Out of 183,108 property tax accounts, 15.60 percent are exempt; 54.21 percent are residential/tract; 9.34 percent are commercial; 6.78 percent are industrial; 4.18 percent are farm/forest; 5.56 percent are multi-family; and 4.33 percent are personal property, utilities and other.

Property values for tax purposes are set only once a year at the time of certification. Certification occurred for the 2026–2027 tax roll on October 8, 2026. Oregon does not reset property values at the time of sale, nor does it reset property values for tax purposes at the time of a refinanced loan. The 2026–2027 tax statement reflects a property’s RMV as of January 1, 2026, based on sales of similar properties during 2025.

Market value changes for individual properties will vary each year due to many factors including the general real estate market, property location and changes made to the property such as new additions, remodels, or demolition.

Voters in the past year have approved changes to the tax levies and bond rates which are then applied to a property’s TV. However, Oregon’s constitution limits the total tax rate that can be billed to an individual property to no more than $10 per $1,000 of market value for government and $5 per $1,000 of market value for schools. These limits do not apply to bonds.

New Voter Approved Tax Levies

• Willamalane Park and Recreation District has a new local option levy:  $0.25 per thousand, passed in May 2026.  The levy is to maintain current services.

Voter Approved Levy Renewals

• City of Eugene Library Local Option was renewed in May 2026: $4.3M per year (it was $2.85M in 2025).
• City of Springfield Fire Local Option was renewed in November 2025 at a higher rate: $0.53 per thousand, up from $0.38.
• Lane County 4-H Local Option was renewed in May 2026 at $0.05 per thousand, which is up from $0.0280, but this year the rate will remain $0.0280.

Levies that Expired

• Lane Fire Authority Local Option that was $0.35.
• Junction SD Bond that was $1.4661 in 2025.

Other

• New urban renewal plan in Cottage Grove. 
• Fern Ridge Library Local Option was renewed in May 2026 at $0.35 per thousand. Now in place through 2031–2032. 
• Dexter RFPD Local Option was renewed in May 2026 at $1.00 per thousand.  Now in place through 2031–2032.

Appeals

If taxpayers believe their property’s market value is incorrect, taxpayers should first contact Lane County Assessment and Taxation. Taxpayers have the right to appeal to the Property Valuation Appeal Board (PVAB) through the Deeds and Records Division of the County Clerk’s Office.

PVAB has the authority to reduce market value when sufficient evidence is provided to demonstrate the RMV of a property was different on January 1, 2026 than what is on the tax statement. A reduction in value does not always result in a reduction in tax. The Board cannot grant reductions to a tax amount; it can only review a property’s value. Taxpayers can appeal through Deeds and Records through December 31, 2026.

Additional Resources

• A guide to understanding the tax statement.    
• Real market value on a typical dwelling.

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State of Oregon v. Jose Luis Anguiano

Marion County Circuit Court Case 26CR32460

Officers’ Quick Response Protected Victim; Defendant Held Accountable for June Incident

Salem, OR – October 16, 2026, Earlier today, Marion Court Circuit Court Judge Manuel Perez sentenced Jose Anguiano (age 35) to 36 months supervised probation. Anguiano pled guilty to one count of Coercion (C felony) and two counts of Menacing (misdemeanors). Conditions include drug treatment and he was instructed to have no contact with the victims.

Anguiano was lodged in the Marion County jail since June 16, 2026, and if Anguiano does not comply with the conditions of his probation, he could face a sentence of 31-36 months in prison.

The conviction is related to events that occurred on June 11, 2026, in which Salem police officers responded to reports that a woman was being held at gunpoint. Officers located the victim, who was able to get to safety with their help. While assisting the victim, two Salem Police officers had what appeared to be a firearm weapon pointed at them. Salem Police Seargeant Jason Donner fired his weapon at Anguiano, hitting him one time.

On June 18, 2026, a Marion County Grand Jury unanimously found that Salem Police Sergeant Jason Donner was justified in his use of deadly physical force during the incident and indicted Anguiano. A more detailed recitation of that incident can be found in the original press release (below).

Under Oregon law, Anguiano’s air pistol is not considered to be a firearm for the purpose of criminal charges. That limitation, as well as other evidence concerns, resulted in the sentence announced today.

Deputy District Attorney Shannon Sullivan represented the state in this case. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office wishes to thank multiple local partners for their investigation, specifically the Oregon State Police, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Keizer Police Department.

GRAND JURY UNANIMOUSLY FINDS SALEM OFFICER JUSTIFIED IN JUNE 11, 2026 USE OF FORCE INCIDENT. SUSPECT INDICTED. (PHOTO)

News Release from Marion Co. Dist. Attorney's Office
Posted on FlashAlert: June 18th, 2026 7:18 PM

June 18, 2026 - Today, a Marion County Grand Jury unanimously found that Salem Police Sergeant Jason Donner was justified in his use of deadly physical force in an incident on June 11, 2026.    

The Grand Jury heard from 12 Witnesses including the involved officers as well as Detectives from the Oregon State Police and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and civilian witnesses.  They further reviewed numerous pieces of evidence including 911 calls, scene photographs and diagrams, body worn camera footage and other physical evidence. The Grand Jury heard the following evidence:

On June 11, 2026, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Salem Police Officers responded to an area near 3371 Portland Rd NE in Salem in response to a 911 hang up call. Upon a return call from dispatch, the caller was slow to respond, and a female could be heard possibly crying. While responding, officers were further informed that a second caller reported that a female was being held at gunpoint in a tent at the location. 

Salem Sergeant Jason Donner responded to the location along with Officer Chad Galusha and Officer Andrew Hockman.  Oregon State Trooper Adrian Steeley also responded. They began to patrol the railroad tracks east of Portland Road on foot to listen for indicators of the incident. While doing so, Sergeant Donner and Officer Galusha heard what they believed to be a female cry “help”.  They quickly made their way toward the sound of the voice and near the northwest corner of an undeveloped and overgrown lot adjacent to the south side of Ventura Foods at 3371 Portland Rd NE. This general area is known for homeless encampments and related activity. 

Officer Hockman then heard something on the opposite side of the fence in an overgrown area and Sergeant Donner heard a female voice, which sounded like whimpering. He also heard an angry male voice in the same area. Knowing the report included a female being held at gunpoint, Sergeant Donner and Officer Galusha entered the fenced area with their guns drawn.  Officer Hockman and Trooper Steeley remained outside the fenced area, also with guns drawn.  

Sergeant Donner and Officer Galusha approached a tent.  Sergeant Donner could see movement and heard a male voice in the thick foliage on the lot. Officer Galusha called out, “Salem Police, show me your hands.” A male subject, later identified as Jose Luis Anguiano (35 years), stood up from behind a bush with both arms raised and something in his hands pointed toward Officer Galusha who continued to yell commands as he could not clearly see the item held by Anguiano due to the overgrown foliage. Anguiano then turned toward Sergeant Donner who could see that Anguiano was pointing what appeared to be a handgun at him.  Sergeant Donner fired three rounds at Anguiano who fell out of view.  A female victim was then able to crawl to safety and was assisted by law enforcement.

Anguiano did not emerge from the overgrown area, despite commands to do so.  For the safety of the officers as well as anyone else in the area, SWAT personnel arrived and were able to reach Anguiano who had non-life-threatening wounds.  He was treated by medics and transported to Salem Hospital. He was released and lodged at the Marion County Jail on June 14, 2026. 

An investigation followed led by the Oregon State Police at the direction of the Marion County District Attorney’s Office consistent with Marion County’s Senate Bill 111 protocol. A CO2 air pistol was found near Anguiano. No markings on the air pistol indicated that it was not a real firearm. Under Oregon law, this type of air pistol is not considered to be a firearm for the purpose of criminal charges.  [See photo of the pistol attached.] 

Sergeant Donner is a 21-year veteran of the Salem Police Department and is a member of the Domestic Violence Response Team.

Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute 161.242 (in relevant part), an officer is justified in using deadly force if the officer reasonably believes, under all the circumstances, that Anguiano posed an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury to the officers or other people and that the force was necessary to:

• defend the officers or other people from death or serious physical injury

The Grand Jury's decision today required a review of all the facts and evidence available to it and application of that evidence to the legal principles outlined above.  The Marion County Grand Jury unanimously determined that the actions of Salem Sergeant Donner were justified. The Grand Jury further found that Sergeant Donner had no reasonable opportunity to use any alternative force options or de-escalation techniques given how quickly the incident unfolded.  

The same grand jury that found Sergeant Donner justified in his use of deadly physical force, also indicted Jose Luis Anguiano on charges of Coercion Constituting Domestic Violence, 2 Counts of Assault 4 Constituting Domestic Violence, and 4 Counts of Menacing. He will be arraigned on the Indictment on June 29^th at 8:30am at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex.  

Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson stated:

“We are well-served by law enforcement in this community.  I am grateful that the officers who willingly put themselves in danger to protect others on this day returned home safely.  My gratitude to them and to the grand jury who thoroughly and thoughtfully reviewed this matter.”

Anguiano had 34 prior arrests at the time of the incident including convictions for multiple counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Attempted Assault in the Fourth Degree, Escape in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Tampering with a Witness and was on parole at the time of this incident. The Grand Jury did not hear any information related to his prior arrests and criminal convictions.

PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon today announced at least 40 people are facing federal charges for conspiring to defraud the United States of more than $3 million in fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases. The schemes involved stealing EBT card data—often through skimming devices—to make unauthorized purchases of large quantities of SNAP‑eligible goods.

In a press conference this afternoon, U.S. Attorney Scott. E Bradford announced multiple new guilty pleas, 11 new indictments, and major federal sentences in two large interstate fraud schemes involving stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account information.

“When SNAP benefits are stolen, real families go without food,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “That is unacceptable. My office will continue pursuing these cases to safeguard the integrity of the program and uphold the trust placed in us to protect Oregon’s communities.”

“This organized criminal scheme not only resulted in the loss of food assistance benefits for needy families whose EBT card data was skimmed or otherwise stolen.  Egregiously, the corrupt enterprise also placed public health and safety – including of babies – at risk by selling products like infant formula on the black market,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.  “I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office, USDA OIG Special Agents, and our law enforcement partners for disrupting this dangerous scheme and bringing the fraudsters to face justice.”

Case Summaries

U.S. v. Ramirez Dumitru et al.

• In October 2024, a federal grand jury in Oregon charged 17 people in a scheme that stole more than $2.4 million in SNAP benefits.
• Investigators say that from August 2023 to October 2024, the group used skimmers and other methods to steal EBT card information, then used the stolen accounts to buy large amounts of infant formula, energy drinks, and other SNAP‑eligible items in Oregon, Washington, and California, including through curbside‑pickup orders.
• More than 120,000 pounds of goods were purchased with stolen benefits, stored in Oregon and Washington, and then shipped to California to be sold on the black market.
• All 17 defendants were arrested in October 2024.
• One defendant, Ana Escalante, who helped transport stolen goods across state lines, was sentenced in September 2026 to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay $2.4 million in restitution.
• So far, 12 defendants have been sentenced to a combined 157 months in prison, and two more have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing in December 2026.

U.S. v. Alexandru Telescu et al.

• In November 2025, Alexandru Telescu and eleven others were charged in a 26‑count federal indictment involving a scheme to steal and use EBT card information.
• Estimated losses total $700,000.
• Starting in in April 2025, the group used stolen EBT numbers and PINs—and skimmers placed on retail payment terminals—to buy SNAP‑eligible items in Oregon, Washington, and California. They repeatedly made purchases with victims’ benefits, stored some of the items in storage units, and shipped others to California in vans and trucks.
• On September 29, 2026, Telescu pleaded guilty to access‑device fraud and aggravated identity theft and is scheduled for sentencing on January 28, 2027.
• Co‑defendants Aramis and Cristina Manolea previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy and were each sentenced in May 2026 to time served plus three years of supervised release.

New Indictments

U.S. v. Kehi

• On October 7, 2026, Bly Gnionsiekan Rodoophe Kehi was indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit access‑device fraud and possession of device‑making equipment, alleging he installed skimming devices on Washington County payment terminals to steal customers’ card data.

Additional Cases

• In September and October 2026, federal grand juries charged ten additional defendants with unauthorized use of access devices and aggravated identity theft.
• Prosecutors allege that each defendant used stolen EBT card numbers and PINs during 2024.
• Each case involves more than $1,000 in merchandise obtained using benefits stolen from SNAP recipients. Estimated losses total $143,000.
   

Coordinated Law Enforcement Effort

A multi‑agency partnership—including USDA Office of Inspector General, IRS‑Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, multiple police departments, and state agencies—is driving the investigation and prosecution of these cases. This coordinated effort targets organized groups responsible for stealing millions in SNAP benefits.

Continued Commitment to Enforcement

The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to identifying, charging, and dismantling networks engaged in SNAP fraud and will continue working with partners across jurisdictions to protect recipients and safeguard taxpayer dollars.

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MEDIA ADVISORY 

U.S. Attorney to Announce Major Developments in SNAP Fraud Crackdown

PORTLAND, Ore.— Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, will hold a press conference on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to announce major developments in the office’s ongoing efforts to combat large‑scale theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

October 19, 2026

Oregon Community Foundation Shares Ways to Support Bend Community After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting

Donors who want to support the Bend community following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School can do so through two charitable funds at Oregon Community Foundation. Both funds are available in response to requests from local families and community members to help direct resources where they are needed most.

Rapid Response Fund

Oregon Community Foundation's Rapid Response Fund supports communities facing urgent needs that require a coordinated response. Following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, OCF team members in Bend are working with local partners to identify needs and help direct support where it can have the greatest impact, now and in the future.

To Donate: Rapid Response Fund of Oregon Community Foundation

Megan Lambert Memorial Fund

The Lambert Family established the Megan Lambert Memorial Fund to honor her daughter who died in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. The fund will support causes that reflect Megan's values and interests, including education, mental health, services for children with special needs and Oregon schools. The fund may also support youth volleyball programs in Central Oregon.

To Donate: Honoring Megan Lambert

Donations to both funds are tax-deductible.

About Oregon Community Foundation

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Each year, OCF distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships statewide in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.

Media Contact

Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

Oregon Community Foundation

ty@oregoncf.org">cfogarty@oregoncf.org