SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet at noon on Monday, April 7 in the Clatsop 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.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Discuss amphibians research questions (Substantial decision item)

• Discuss the IRST’s questions on the scoping proposal on eastern Oregon steep slopes questions (Substantial decision item)

• Discuss potential modifications to the AMPC charter (Substantial decision item)

• Discuss effectiveness monitoring

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: March 29, 2025

Traffic stop leads to seizure of drugs and gun, one in custody

Salem, Ore. — A man faces multiple charges after an early morning traffic stop in north Salem led to the seizure of drugs and a firearm.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. today, a Salem Police officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle with three occupants in the area of Silverton RD near Lana AV NE. The driver, Michael Martin Trevino, age 37, had an outstanding warrant and did not have a license. He was taken into custody.

One of the passengers, Justin David Tickell, age 41, was found with a small quantity of methamphetamine. He was cited for possession of a controlled substance and released at the scene.

The third passenger, Gavino Manuel Rocha, age 28, initially resisted arrest. Rocha was found with a handgun, drugs, and paraphernalia on his person. Officers seized the gun, nearly eight ounces of methamphetamine, and cash.

Trevino and Rocha were transported and lodged at the Marion County Jail. Trevino has since posted bail.

Rocha remains in jail custody on the following charges:

• Felon in possession of a weapon, firearm
• Unlawful possession of methamphetamine
• Unlawful delivery of methamphetamine
• Unlawful manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of school
• Unlawful possession of a weapon, firearm

Rocha will be arraigned on Monday, March 31, at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Douglas County Flooding Event Response & Recovery

Friday, March 28, 2025 

(Douglas County, Ore.) – In the last ten years, Douglas County has been impacted by more than our fair share of once-in-a-lifetime unprecedented and unpredicted emergency events.  Each of these events have caused significant disruption to our communities.  Each has left an indelible mark on our people and our lands.  Each has left tremendous emotional, physical and environmental damage in their wakes.  All of them required different responses, resources and recovery tactics.  But we are thankful that we live in Douglas County…Where our residents are resilient, resourceful and proud.  Where we live in communities that come together in crisis and take care of each other.  Where we have leaders and officials that step up and are actively involved in leading and facilitating response and recovery.   Where we have taken the time to build strong community partnerships.  Where we choose to learn from each emergency.  Where we continue to build capacity for improved emergency response.  Where we have leaders that listen and care.  Where we do not hesitate to help…and where we thrive in the face of adversity. 

As our local team of leaders continue to navigate our response and recovery efforts, we encourage our residents to think about how they can help their neighbors, local businesses, and communities in the days, weeks and months to come.  During the last thirteen days, Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas County Emergency Management have recruited numerous County Department staff, community partners, and local agencies to help clean up debris, repair our roads, house displaced families, and provide resources directly to those in need.  As we look forward, we know that we cannot rely on assistance from other sources, so we need to look to each other to find local resources and assistance.  The Commissioners and Emergency Management staff are excited to share that we have partnered with Glide Revitalization (also known as Glide Rev) as our Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG).  Glide Rev’s experience and knowledge in developing and managing the long-term recovery efforts for the disastrous 2020 Archie Creek Fires near Glide laid the groundwork for the incredible non-profit agency that exists today.   Glide Rev is our official LTRG for Douglas County, and they work to support  communities impacted by disasters.  We are lucky and grateful to have this group as a valuable local resource to help us navigate the road to recovery together. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY MARCH 2025 FLOOD POP-UP RESOURCE EVENTS

Our Pop-Up Resource Teams continue to provide outreach services to the communities hit the hardest by the March 2025 Floods.  Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice, along with Douglas County Emergency Management, Glide Revitalization, Douglas Public Health Network, local food pantries, recovery agencies and volunteers were on location in Green at Green Elementary and in Roseburg at AVIVA Health today offering support, information, and resources to residents.  Two More Pop-Up Events ARE Headed Your Way!  Tomorrow we will be in Sutherlin at The Father’ House at 378 East Second Avenue from 10 am-12 pm and in Glide at Glide Rural Fire Protection District at 18910 North Umpqua Hwy from 3:30 pm–6 pm for our last two of our series of eight Pop-Up Resource events.  The Pop-Up Resource Events are part of Douglas County Government’s grassroots local response and recovery effort helping those impacted by the March 2025 Floods. 

Got questions, need help? Our Pop-Up Resource event teams are bringing flood recovery resources directly to impacted communities.  All resource events are open to Douglas County residents regardless of where they are happening.  If you, or your business or your church or non-profit was impacted by the recent flood event, stop by to connect with resources and get support. Our team will be on-site to assist with housing, cleanup efforts, insurance guidance, and other recovery needs.

Emergency Aid – Shelter, food, water, and essential supplies.

Housing Assistance – Rental support, and rebuilding resources.

Cleanup & Repairs – Debris removal, Repairs, and mold remediation.

Insurance Guidance – Claim filing, and legal support.

Health & Well-Being – Mental health services, employment support, and transportation assistance.

Food, water, and essential supplies will also be available.

Whether you need immediate help or long-term recovery assistance, we are here to support you.  If you are unable to attend a popup event or have questions, please contact Glide Revitalization at (541) 671-0189 or admin@gliderev.com

DOUGLAS COUNTY MARCH 2025 FLOOD RECOVERY SURVEY

We strongly urge all residents to take part in our damage assessment survey. If your home, business, church, or non-profit organization was affected by the flooding on March 16, 2025, we want to hear from you!

Right now, we are at mission critical!  To even begin the process of trying to apply for possible state and federal support or funding, Douglas County as a whole (residents, businesses, cities and the county) have to meet a damage assessment value threshold (must exceed a certain total dollar amount of damage).  So, what that means for our homeowners, businesses, churches and non-profits is that we need your assessments reported to our survey.  The sooner we collect this data and reach the threshold value, the sooner we can begin to apply for additional support and possible funding.  But we can’t get there without your help.  If you have not already scanned the QR code or clicked the link and completed the survey, please do so as soon as you can.  If your neighbor or local business or church or non-profit have not completed the survey, please encourage or help them to complete it. 

This report is critical in our mission to try to get money and additional resources headed to Douglas County to help our county, communities, and residents recover.  If your home, business, church, or non-profit organization were impacted in any way by the March 2025 Storm Event, please take the time to log onto our reporting portals and share your damage assessment. 

If your Douglas County home or property was impacted by flooding from the March 2025 Storm, please scan the QR code on the flyer or visit this link to report your damage: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ed438c451ca641ff8c6063a401b52d4d

If your Douglas County business, church or nonprofit organization was impacted by flooding from the March 2025 Storm, please scan the QR code on the flyer or visit this link to report your damage: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dbfa37426a0e46cb9f312823b85f90f2

MARCH 2025 FLOOD – RESOURCES & INFORMATION

Douglas County Public Works & GIS Division

Our Public Works - GIS Division continues to track and map the landslides on Douglas County operated roads. Visit this link for the most-to-date information on road clean up and repairs: www.dcor.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=d87f0b16e9da40a791467d9ab7ddcf32  

Douglas County Public Works and our private contractors continue to clean up debris flows and repair county-operated roads.  There could be additional lane or road closures in the future as we continue to address issues.  We understand that there are some roads that continue to be impacted by the weather and debris with some experiencing obstructions to lines, lanes and shoulders.  Please proceed with caution if you are traveling on or near these roads and if you enter a work zone, be courteous, slow down, and follow all signage and flagger instructions. Public Works crews and private contractors will be out working on the roads for a few more weeks.  If you need to report road hazards or debris flows, please call the Douglas County dispatch non-emergency line at (541) 440-4471.

2-1-1 Information Line

If you need flood related resources or have flood related questions, please call Oregon’s 2-1-1 information line.  Callers can get help with questions about insurance, flood damage, resources, debris removal and shelters.  For non-flood related questions, please email your questions to ts@douglascountyor.gov">douglasalerts@douglascountyor.gov, to report a slide or road damage call (541) 440-4471 or for life-safety emergencies call 9-1-1.  Douglas County has partnered with Glide Revitalization as our LTRG for the March 2025 Flood event.  We will be transitioning to their resource center for our local response and recovery efforts.   

American Red Cross in Douglas County

The American Red Cross (ARC), in cooperation with Douglas County Emergency Management. has been supporting Douglas County communities after the flood.  Residents needing to register with the Red Cross for services, resources or support are asked to call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767).

Weather and Travel Watch

The weather continues to predict a mix of warm temperatures, rain and wind.  We encourage our residents to monitor and utilize the following resources for weather updates and travel. National Weather Service – Medford Station @ https://www.weather.gov/mfr/ AND Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) https://tripcheck.com/

Commissioners continue to be actively engaged in leading the response and recovery efforts for the March 2025 Flood in Douglas County.  They are working in conjunction with Douglas County Departments including Emergency Management, Public Works, Solid Waste, GIS, and Sheriff’s Office, as well as local partners like Douglas Public Health Network, Glide Revitalization, COAD, Local Cities, Cow Creek Tribal Government, private contractors and local volunteers.  Thank you for your support and patience.  Please stay safe!

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

Photos: Commissioners Freeman, Kress and Boice help answer questions and offer resources to residents during our Pop-Up Flood Resource events.  Photo credit: K.Trenkle/Douglas County

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Springfield Utility Board’s longtime General Manager, Jeff Nelson, announced today that he will retire on June 30, 2026, after nearly 30 years of service to the community-owned water and electric utility.

Nelson began his career at SUB in 1996 as Resource Planning Manager and later became Director of that division. In 2012, following a nationwide search, SUB’s five-member Board of Directors appointed him as General Manager.

“Springfield is an amazing community,” Nelson said. “It has been an honor to serve Springfield customers and to work under the leadership of several elected Boards.”

Throughout his tenure, Nelson has helped guide the utility through numerous challenges—from the West Coast power crisis in the early 2000s to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, he led the utility through a comprehensive internal and external review following the 2024 ice storm. The resulting after-action process has been praised for its transparency and rigor. “We know we will be tested again,” said Nelson, “and the detailed action items leave the utility well-positioned to weather future disturbances.”

“It has been a privilege to work alongside an organization filled with dedicated, talented employees who love this work and who inspire me every day with their commitment to providing reliable power and safe drinking water,” he added.

SUB Board Chair David Willis noted the stability of SUB’s leadership over the decades. “In our 75-year history, we’ve had only five general managers,” he said. “That’s rare in the utility industry, and our job as a Board is to continue that tradition of steady leadership by finding another remarkable person who can lead us into the future. Jeff’s early notice gives us the time we need to do this thoughtfully and thoroughly.”

When his retirement date arrives, Nelson will have spent three decades with SUB. “SUB has always been my priority,” he said. “But that means there’s a growing personal list of things I’d like to experience. I’m at a good place and looking forward to tackling that list in my next chapter -- but there is still work to do with the SUB team.”

Nelson made it clear that he’s ready to support the Board in its recruitment process. “I’m focused on running through the tape. I want a strong finish and a smooth transition.”

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About Springfield Utility Board: Founded in 1950, Springfield Utility Board is a community-owned utility dedicated to providing safe, reliable, cost-effective water and electric services to the residents and businesses of Springfield. SUB is a not-for-profit entity, chartered under the City of Springfield and guided by a five-member, independently elected Board of Directors. As a public utility, SUB is focused on providing excellent customer service and quality work at competitive rates.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Joshua Makalea, age 17, a child in foster care who went missing from Monmouth on March 14. He is believed to be in danger.

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

Joshua is known to frequent Dallas, Independence, Monmouth and Albany. He may be in or trying to travel to Sacramento, California.  

Name: Joshua Makalea
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Jan. 14, 2008
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 145 pounds
Hair: Brown, most recently dyed black
Eye color: Hazel
Other identifying information: Joshua’s often bleaches his hair
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Case #25-3007
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2045779

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

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

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TUALATIN, Ore. – The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) strongly denounces President Donald Trump’s executive order, signed last night, attempting to eliminate collective bargaining rights for nearly one million federal workers. No matter what the administration says, this is clearly not about national security. It is a political attack on working people and their unions, plain and simple. 

President Trump is targeting the public servants who care for our veterans, monitor public health, inspect our food and water, and respond to national emergencies. These workers are not a threat to our country; many of them are frontline caregivers and essential personnel who keep our communities safe. Removing their ability to speak out and advocate through their unions puts all of us at greater risk. 

As a union of nurses and health care professionals, we understand how dangerous it is when those on the front lines are silenced. ONA’s members know what it means to face retaliation for telling the truth, especially when that truth is inconvenient for those in power. We also know that unions protect not just workers, but the patients, families, and communities we serve. 

ONA does not represent federal employees, but we recognize this order for what it is: a test run to dismantle union rights nationwide. If the President can erase a million workers’ rights with the stroke of a pen, no worker in America is safe.  

Let’s be clear: this is not about efficiency or safety. This is about silencing the unions that have taken this administration to court and pushed back in the streets. It is retaliation, plain and simple, and it is dangerous. 

ONA stands in full solidarity with federal unions and every worker who is now under threat. The labor movement in Oregon and across the country is united. We will not be silenced. We will not be divided. And we will continue to organize to protect the rights and voices of working people. 

Unions are not a threat to national security. We are a cornerstone of democracy, and we are not going anywhere. 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 23,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal judge in Portland found a Tigard, Oregon man guilty Wednesday for shooting a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier.

Kevin Eugene Irvine, 34, was convicted of one count each of attempted murder of a federal employee, aggravated assault on a federal employee with a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Irvine raised an insanity defense in the bench trial held before a U.S. District Judge. The District Judge found that Irvine had failed to establish legal insanity and was guilty of all three counts in the indictment.

According to court documents, on December 24, 2022, while driving a white van through a Milwaukie, Oregon neighborhood, Irvine made eye contact with a letter carrier delivering mail on foot dressed in a USPS uniform. Irvine threw his arms in the air, which the letter carrier mistook as waving, and waved back.  

A short time later, on an adjacent street, the letter carrier noticed the same van and again made eye contact with driver, later identified as Irvine, as he drove past. Irvine stopped the van several houses away, got out of the van with a rifle, knelt on the street and fired three rounds, striking the letter carrier once as the letter carrier ran for cover. After the shooting, Irvine picked up his shell casings and drove off.

On December 28, 2022, officers spotted the van in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where they stopped the vehicle and arrested Irvine. Later, investigators sought and obtained a search warrant for Irvine’s van and found three rifles, ammunition, spent shell casings, a knife, shooting targets and ballistic gear.

On February 8, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Irvine with aggravated assault on a federal employee with a firearm, attempted murder of a federal employee, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

Irvine faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release for each count of attempted murder of a federal employee and aggravated assault on a federal employee with a firearm, and a mandatory minimum of ten years of imprisonment with a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He will be sentenced on July 17, 2025.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Milwaukie Police Department and the Lake Oswego Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman and Eliza Carmen Rodriguez, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, David Dietrich, died the morning of March 27, 2025. Dietrich was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Dietrich entered DOC custody on July 12, 2007, from Washington County with a projected release date of March 13, 2032. Dietrich was 71 years old.

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

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — Approximately 150 Springfield Utility Board (SUB) customers in the Harbor Drive area of south Springfield were without power today after strong winds gusted through the area. 

Crews responded quickly and were able to restore service within an hour of initial outage reports.

"We appreciate our customers’ patience as our crews worked to safely restore power," said Jeff Nelson, SUB's general manager.

About Springfield Utility Board: Founded in 1950, Springfield Utility Board is a community-owned utility dedicated to providing safe, reliable, cost-effective water and electric services to the residents and businesses of Springfield. SUB is a not-for-profit entity, chartered under the City of Springfield and guided by a five-member, independently elected Board of Directors. As a public utility, SUB is focused on providing excellent customer service and quality work at competitive rates.

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March 27, 2025

Media contact: Larry Bingham: ry.Bingham@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">Larry.Bingham@oha.oregon.gov; 971-239-6499

Impact of federal grant cuts on OHA programs and Oregonians

PORTLAND, Ore.--The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), abruptly terminated roughly $117 million in COVID-era grants and funding for Oregon Health Authority programs, an impact that will be felt immediately in all nine federally recognized Tribal communities and in every county in Oregon.

The sudden loss of the funding, a year or more before some of the grants were scheduled to end, included, among other things:

• Five grants in OHA’s Behavioral Health Division that helped establish the 988 crisis line and were planned to fill critical gaps in community substance use treatment, prevention, and recovery services, especially for communities of color, young adults, and veterans.
• A grant that established an Equity Office in OHA’s Public Health Division and provided technical assistance and training to rural health care providers, Tribes, Local Public Health Departments and community-based organizations on how to improve health in communities experiencing health inequities.
• Multiple immunization-related grants in OHA's Public Health Division to support vaccine-preventable disease work, including funding for clinics in local and Tribal communities where COVID-19 and other vaccines are offered, training to keep health care providers up to date, education for community partners on the importance of immunizations, help desk support for health care providers and the general public, information materials in multiple languages to meet specific community needs.
• Multiple grants in OHA’s Public Health Division that supported adding laboratory capacity, modernizing data systems, increased surveillance, testing and response to communicable diseases caused by respiratory viruses.

OHA officials earlier today notified local public health authorities, the nine federally recognized Tribes and community-based organizations and partners who receive the funds that the grants have ended. OHA will continue to engage in a full evaluation of the impacts of these terminations, including whether they are legal, and remains committed to improving the lifelong health of all people in Oregon.

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VIDEO AVAILABLE

Broll: https://vimeo.com/1070169864?share=copy#t=0

Interviews: https://vimeo.com/1070170999?share=copy#t=0

JCSO Case 25-1530

MEDFORD, Ore. – A Jacksonville man is in jail today after attempting to lure and sexually corrupt a local teen. The suspect and the underaged victim connected via the Snapchat “Quick Add” feature. The child’s parents learned of the communications on March 22, intervened, and reported it to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) detectives took over the child’s Snapchat account and learned a local 39-year-old man was communicating sexually with the teen.  

On March 26, the suspect arranged to meet with a SOCET detective posing as the teen. Undercover detectives from JCSO, SOCET, Oregon State Police (OSP), and Medford Police Department (MPD) positioned themselves at the suspect’s prearranged meet up location. The suspect arrived in the 2900 block of Crater Lake Highway in Medford, and detectives arrested him without incident at 7:28 PM.

The suspect, Anthony Nicholas Wheeler, 39, of Jacksonville, is charged with first-degree online sexual corruption of a child, second-degree online sexual corruption of a child, and luring a minor. He is lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

JCSO detectives, OSP, and MPD assisted in the arrest and investigation. United States Marshals Service funded the operation. SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO, Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations, as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County. The case will be prosecuted by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

This case is a reminder of the importance for parents to be aware of what their child is doing online.  The vigilance of this child’s parents led to a safe outcome but that is not always the case. Here are a few tips to help protect children online:

• Discuss internet safety and develop an online safety plan with children before they engage in online activity. Establish clear guidelines, teach children to spot red flags, and encourage children to have open communication with you.

• Encourage children to tell a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult if anyone asks them to engage in sexual activity or other inappropriate behavior.

• Immediately report suspected online enticement or sexual exploitation of a child by calling 911, contacting the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov, or filing a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678 or www.report.cybertip.org.

For more information on keep kids safe on the internet, go to https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-ceos/keeping-children-safe-online. There is no further information available for release at this time.

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March 27, 2025

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

Aid-in-dying deaths drop while prescriptions increase, OHA report shows

Death with Dignity Act participant characteristics consistent with previous years

PORTLAND, Ore. — Prescriptions for life-ending medications under Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act (DWDA) increased between 2023 and 2024, while the number of deaths went down, according to new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) data.

According to OHA’s 27^th annual report on the DWDA, the number of prescriptions written for lethal medications increased 8.2%, from 561 to 607; deaths from ingestion of lethal doses of DWDA medications dropped about 2.6%, from 386 to 376.

The 2024 data represent a significant change from 2023, when prescriptions increased about 29%, driven largely by a 2023 amendment to the DWDA that removed the state residency requirement. Deaths from ingesting the lethal medications increased that year by about 20%.

In 2024, 23 prescription recipients (4%) lived outside of Oregon, a slight decrease from 29 (5%) in 2023.

“What we’re seeing is, perhaps, a cooling of the heightened interest and participation in the DWDA that occurred when patients were no longer required to be Oregon residents to receive medical aid in dying,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H.., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist.

He added that OHA has not seen any dramatic shifts in demographics of people who participate in the DWDA, noting that “characteristics of participants have remained generally consistent with previous years.”

Despite the increase in DWDA patients during 2023, the report’s findings are similar to those of previous years. The number of physician-assisted deaths remains a small percentage of the estimated 44,000 annual deaths in Oregon.

As in prior reports, participants were more likely to be 65 or older (83%) and white (92%). The most common health diagnosis among participants was cancer (57%), followed by neurological disease (15%) and heart disease (11%).

In 2024, OHA made no referrals of prescribing physicians to the Oregon Medical Board for failure to comply with DWDA reporting requirements.

Other findings for 2024 include:

• Prescriptions for lethal doses of medication were written by 135 different physicians. 
• Just over half of patients were male (53%).
• Just under half had a bachelor’s degree or higher (45%).
• Most patients died at home (83%), and most were enrolled in hospice care (92%).
• Excluding unknown cases, all patients had some form of health insurance. The percentage of patients with private insurance increased slightly from 2023 (from 21% to 23%), while patients with Medicare or Medicaid insurance saw a slight decrease (from 79% to 77%).
• As in previous years, the three most frequently reported end‐of‐life concerns were loss of autonomy (89%), decreasing ability to participate in activities that made life enjoyable (88%), and loss of dignity (64%).

OHA is legally required to collect information on compliance with the Death with Dignity Act and to make that information available on a yearly basis.

The full report is available on OHA’s Death with Dignity Act webpage.  

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SUTHERLIN, Ore. - A two-vehicle crash east of Sutherlin left two teenagers critically injured Wednesday evening. 
 

On Wednesday, March 26, 2025 around 6:40 p.m., 9-1-1 dispatchers received reports of a two-vehicle collision in the area of the intersection of Nonpareil Road and Northside Road.
 

Deputies along with officers from the Sutherlin Police Department responded to the scene. It was determined a 2009 Silver Acura MDX operated by a 17-year-old female Oakland teen, had been traveling southbound on Northside Road. The Acura came to a stop at the intersection and then pulled into the path of an eastbound 2001 Ford F-250 pickup towing an excavator on a flatbed trailer. The driver of the F-250, 32-year-old Patrick Foley of Sutherlin, attempted to stop his vehicle, but was unable to avoid the collision. 
 

The driver of the Acura and her 17-year-old female passenger from Sutherlin were both seriously injured in the incident. Both teens were transported to Mercy Medical Center and were later transferred to Portland area hospitals. 
 

Foley sustained minor injuries and was fully cooperative with the investigation. 
 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Sutherlin Police Department, Fair Oaks Fire Department, Sutherlin Fire Department, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.

EUGENE, Ore. – Early registration ticket pricing for Oregon’s largest Urban and Community Forestry Conference has been extended to midnight on Sunday, April 13. The one-day conference will be held again this year on Thursday, May 15 at Venue 252 in downtown Eugene.  It is put on by the non-profit organization Oregon Community Trees in partnership with the Oregon Department of Forestry and USDA Forest Service. Co-presenting sponsors are OUR Community Forestry and Portland Urban Forestry.

The conference’s theme – Growing Together: Collaboration and Diverse Voices in Urban Forestry – will feature speakers and panelists providing insights into:

• How those working to extend the many benefits of shade-tree canopy more widely can do so in a more equitable manner by collaborating with communities.
• How people currently under-represented in urban forestry and arboriculture can be recruited into the profession and helped to flourish within it.

Keynote speaker Christine Carmichael, PhD, will be flying in from Michigan to share historic, current, and future trends in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the urban forestry field.

There will also be panels discussing workforce development and collaborating with diverse communities, including Oregon’s Tribal nations. OUR Community Forestry, which is co-sponsoring this year’s conference, will also share its experience working with communities in southern Oregon, including Talent, a large portion of which was destroyed by the 2020 Almeda Fire. Continuing education credits are being sought for the conference.

According to Scott Altenhoff, who is Manager of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, conference attendees will learn ideas for how cities can be more successful at getting trees into neighborhoods that have below-average tree canopy, often because of historic inequities. “These often low-income areas are at greatest risk from extreme heat events and adverse health effects from lack of large, healthy trees nearby,” he said. “Yet they can be challenging places to try and establish tree canopy, not least being narrow or non-existent planting strips for street trees.”

Oregon Community Trees Conference Co-Chair Heidi Lakics said she’s excited about the conference this year. “It will bring together people who care passionately about meeting Oregonians’ needs for more trees with others interested in opening up opportunities for more people to find good jobs in the arboriculture and urban forestry fields,” she said.

Early registration is $150 until April 13 and $180 after that date ($170 if the person registering lives or works in a Tree City USA community). Students can register for $80 at any time before registration ends May 8. Price includes a boxed lunch and a social hour beverage and snacks following the conference. To register, go to Growing Together: Collaboration and Diverse Voices in Urban Forestry

About Oregon Community Trees

The mission of this non-profit, Oregon-based organization is to promote healthy urban and community forests through leadership, education, awareness and advocacy.

,.                                                          # # #

SPRING SAFETY  
 

With the beginning of spring, many find themselves “spring cleaning” and spending more time outdoors. Spring is a great time to review a safety checklist for your home and complete a few updates that could save your life.

Smoke Alarms

1. Smoke alarms save lives – if they are powered by a fresh battery. Test smoke alarm batteries monthly and replace the battery at least once a year. Anytime the alarm makes a "chirping" sound, replace the batteries immediately.

2. Smoke alarms should be located in every bedroom and in the common areas on each floor of a home. Mount them at least 10 feet from the stove to reduce false alarms, less than 12 inches from the ceiling, and away from windows, doors, and ducts.

3. Smoke alarms can be interconnected wirelessly which means when one sounds, they all sound. This is a quick way to notify everyone in a home if there is a fire.

4. When installing or replacing smoke alarms, purchase and install new alarms.

5. Practice how your family will react if smoke alarms go off and consider how that looks at different times through the day or at night. Do not forget to plan your escape from each room and include pets in the process.

6. The National Fire Protection Association has additional resources on smoke alarm safety.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

1. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas, that can kill you. Anything that burns fuel can potentially become a source of carbon monoxide. CO detectors should be installed in a central location outside each bedroom and on every level of the home.

2. Similar to smoke alarms, test CO detectors’ batteries monthly and replace them at least once a year or sooner if needed.

3. Consider interconnecting the detectors to alert the entire household at once.

4. Make sure vents for your gas appliances (fireplace, dryer, stove, furnace, etc.) are free and clear of snow and debris.

5. Only use gas powered grills and generators outside and away from doors, window, or air intakes.

Household Emergency Plan

Every household needs an emergency plan, especially in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. Take time to create and review that plan with family, household members, and any neighbors that may have a part in the plan. Consider how your household will react to different emergencies, plan for evacuation routes and alternative routes, and review your emergency supplies. Remember, disasters can strike at any time. Consider what your actions will be if something happens at work, school, the grocery store, and in other areas you frequent.

Emergency plan necessities:

1. A communications plan to outline how your family/household members will contact each another and where you will meet if you need to evacuate.

2. A shelter-in-place plan. This is often necessary during events where outside air is contaminated and unsafe. Remember to prepare supplies for sealing windows, doors, and air vents with plastic sheeting.

3. An evacuation plan with various routes and destinations. If your household has access and functional needs, pets, livestock, or expensive equipment, plan on evacuating sooner so there is more time to safely leave the area. Before there is a disaster, research what friends, family, or hotels can accommodate your pets and livestock during an emergency.

4. A home and car emergency kit. Your emergency kit should include at least one gallon of water per day for each person, at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food, flashlight or headlamp and batteries, first aid kit, filter mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, and medicines. On the Oregon coast, it is recommended that households have enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 3-weeks. Unable to prepare 3-weeks of supplies? Some emergency supplies are still better than no emergency supplies.

5. A plan and supplies for your household’s unique needs. Don’t forget to plan for special circumstances such as mobility challenges, medical conditions, allergies, and other things that impact your household’s comfort, health, and safety.

Be prepared, not scared. Visit Ready.gov for a complete list and other tips for making your family’s emergency plan.

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

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Portland, Ore., March 27, 2025 – Registration is live for the annual Oregon Spring Cleanup presented by Portland General Electric! With over 100 events already posted on the SOLVE website, now is the time to get involved. Litter cleanups and habitat restoration projects span Portland and SW Washington, the entire Oregon Coast from Astoria to Brookings, the Willamette National Forest, Southern Oregon—including Medford—and all the way to Baker City in Eastern Oregon.

The Oregon Spring Cleanup, celebrating Earth Month, takes place from April 12 to 22, 2025, culminating on Saturday, April 19. Individuals, families, community and corporate groups are encouraged to participate in this collective effort to keep our region clean and beautiful. Volunteers can sign up for existing projects or host their own events with support from SOLVE.

Longtime community partner, Portland General Electric continues to champion environmental volunteerism through SOLVE. As part of PGE’s commitment to environmental stewardship, they partner with SOLVE to bring communities together to provide clean and healthy environments for all.

"Earth Month is great reminder to take action and continue to enhance our communities,” said PGE’s vice president of policy and resource planning, Kristen Sheeran. “This Earth Month, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves with SOLVE and all of the volunteer partners to make a lasting impact on Oregon’s natural spaces."

How to Get Involved

• Sign up: Find a volunteer event near you and register yourself or a group at volunteer.solveoregon.org/
• Lead your own event: SOLVE provides all the necessary resources, including supplies and disposal funds, to make hosting a project easy for you.
• Join the challenge: Rally your school, company, or community group to take part in the Trash Bag Challenge. Participants challenge others to either join an existing SOLVE cleanup or lead their own, sparking friendly competition and community pride - solveoregon.org/challenge

Supply Hubs: Making Coastal Cleanups More Sustainable

At SOLVE, we make it easy to lead a cleanup event. This year, new coastal supply hubs provide an additional way to access event materials, making it even easier to host litter cleanups along the Oregon Coast.

Through a partnership with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and generous support from Knife River, SOLVE has established seven supply hubs along the Oregon Coast. These hubs—located at Cape Lookout, Fort Stevens, Port Orford Heads, South Beach, and Sunset Bay within OPRD parks, along with Heart of Cartm in Nehalem and Washed Ashore in Bandon—are stocked with supplies to support cleanups of up to 20 volunteers, reducing the shipment of single-use plastics to these areas.

Join the Trash Bag Challenge

New this year, SOLVE is also launching the Trash Bag Challenge, inviting schools, businesses, community groups, and organizations to challenge others to either join an existing cleanup or lead their own. This initiative is designed to spark friendly competition and community pride while making a tangible difference in local areas.

The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2025 is made possible by the generous support of Portland General Electric and other event sponsors, including AAA, CareOregon, Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Holman Enterprises, KOIN 6, The Oregonian, Lam Research Corporation, Metro, Lithia Driveway, Intel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Swire Coca-Cola, The Standard, and PepsiCo.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.solveoregon.org/oregon-spring and be part of the collective effort to create a cleaner, greener Oregon.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

Douglas County Flooding Event Response & Recovery

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

March 26, 2024

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

The Joint Commission identifies threat to patient health and safety at Oregon State Hospital

(Salem, OR)_ The Joint Commission (TJC) notified Oregon State Hospital (OSH) today that it has identified a serious threat to patient health and safety at the hospital based on findings during a survey that took place March 24-25 on the Salem campus, in response to a sentinel event. The surveyor observed unit activity, reviewed video footage and documentation (including clinical documentation, policies, training records, and more), and conducted staff interviews.

The survey identified conditions that TJC believes could pose a serious threat to patient health and safety in three areas:

• providing a safe environment for patients in seclusion
• patient assessment during seclusion and following a fall
• emergency medical response, including immediacy of response and emergency communication procedures.

OSH leadership has prioritized the TJC findings and assigned workgroup leads for each of the deficiencies. Those individuals have started building their teams to develop immediate remediation plans. OSH leadership has also reached out to union leaders to make sure represented staff who know the work well are included on those teams. OSH took immediate actions to activate an existing plan to create a seclusion response team and is already seeing positive results.

TJC will conduct a follow-up survey no later than Thursday, April 17 to validate whether or not OSH has remediated the threats identified in the survey.

If successful, TJC will reaffirm OSH’s accreditation status and conduct at least one follow-up survey to assess OSH’s sustained implementation of its corrective actions.

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Correction: This alert has been updated to accurately report the law enforcement case number. 

(Salem) – Belia Cardoza, age 4, went missing with her father Sammy Cardoza from Portland on March 19. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that Belia Cardoza may be at risk and is searching for her to assess her safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Belia Cardoza. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Belia Cardoza or Sammy Cardoza should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

They are believed to be in the Portland area but could be traveling to Texas, California, Virginia, or Minneapolis, MN. Belia may also be with her father’s partner, Hannah Semone Sigari.

Name: Belia Cardoza
Pronouns: She/Hers
Date of birth: July 13, 2020

Height: 3 feet

Weight: 35 pounds

Hair color: Dark Brown

Eye color: Hazel

Gresham Police Department Case #25-11993
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2046324

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

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

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Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice along with staff at the Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History are delighted to announce the opening of its newest limited-time exhibit in the Museum’s auditorium - Historic Firearms & Antique Quilts. 

The Historic Firearms Exhibit features an impressive array of weapons from the museum’s extensive collection, offering a unique perspective on the cultural, technological, and historical significance of firearms throughout history.  Historic firearms are known for their incredible craftsmanship, often considered works of art, with intricate designs, engravings, or materials that highlight the skill of their makers. Additionally, historic firearms can be connected to pivotal events, such as revolutions or significant military campaigns, offering insight into the tactics and technologies that shaped these moments in time. Firearms are not just tools of conflict but also symbols of innovation, authority, and the changing nature of societies throughout history. Some of the more notable pieces in this display include:

• .75 Caliber Brown Bess British Muzzle Loader, circa 1797 a firearm widely used by British troops during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
• Military Flintlock .69 Caliber Pistol, circa 1820s representing an era when flintlock technology was the standard for military sidearms.
• Springfield Sporter 1903 .30-06 caliber rifle, featuring a hand-carved walnut stock crafted in Hong Kong. This rifle is particularly unique as it bears the Applegate name and the Applegate Coat of Arms, a tribute to one of Douglas County’s most well-known pioneer families.

Many of the firearms on display were generously donated to the museum by Edna Rauch, wife of Ray Rauch, a lifelong firearms enthusiast and collector.  Another highlight of the exhibit is a collection of Pocket Rifles and original patents designed by Edward Redfield. The Redfield family, one of Douglas County’s most prominent pioneer families, settled in the Glendale area and left a lasting legacy in the firearms industry. The exhibit also explores the innovation of John Redfield, who developed a revolutionary rifle scope in a small workshop behind his home in Denver, Colorado. His invention led to the formation of the Redfield Scope Company, a brand still producing scopes today. Visitors can view two original types of Redfield scopes, highlighting the company’s role in advancing firearm optics.

In addition to the Historic Firearms Exhibit, visitors can also enjoy the Museum’s celebrated Antique Quilt Exhibit.  Quilting has long been an essential part of American history, serving both as a practical necessity and creative expression. This exhibit beautifully illustrates how quilts have evolved over time while preserving the stories and traditions of generations past.  This collection celebrates the artistry and heritage of quilting, featuring:

• Hand-stitched family quilts dating back to the mid-1800s, some of which made the journey along the Oregon Trail.
• Four stunning Crazy Quilts from the 1890s to early 1900s, showcasing intricate patterns and embroidery.
• Unique sewing machine from the 1850s, manufactured by the Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company, one of the earliest pioneers in sewing machine production.

For more than 50 years, the Douglas County Museum has been dedicated to preserving and showcasing the region’s rich cultural and natural history. Through engaging exhibits, the museum connects visitors with the industries and communities that helped shape Douglas County, from timber harvesting and farming to transportation and mining.

Located at 123 Museum Drive, Roseburg, Oregon (conveniently off I-5 Exit 123, adjacent to the Douglas County Fairgrounds), the museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Lavola Bakken Research Library is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Admission Prices: Free for members and children ages 0-4, $2.00 for students (ages 5-17), $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and veterans. Visitors can also explore the Museum Mercantile, the museum’s gift shop, offering a fantastic selection of books on Douglas County’s history, Oregon-themed gifts, educational toys, and unique souvenirs.

For more information, to plan your visit, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, click here or please call the Douglas County Museum of History & Natural History at (541) 957-7007. Come discover the stories, explore the legacy, and experience the history!

What: The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) filled an order today to send 11 additional firefighters to North Carolina to support their suppression efforts. This would make the total number of ODF firefighters in North Carolina 37, not including two agency representatives.

The 11 firefighters being deployed include: five from ODF’s Southwest Oregon District, two from the Central Oregon District, two from the Northeast Oregon District and two from the Forest Grove District.

Firefighters are anticipated to be on assignment for 14 days.

Background: Over the weekend of March 21, the Oregon Department of Forestry filled a resource order to send 26 firefighters to North Carolina via a state-to-state mutual aid agreement. That initial group arrived in North Carolina on Sunday, March 23.

With increased fire activity in the state, North Carolina has requested more help and in response the Oregon Department of Forestry is able to send 11 more firefighters.

When: The firefighters will depart from their respective airport tomorrow morning. Airports may vary depending on where the firefighters are based in Oregon.

Media Contact: For more information or interview requests, please contact Jessica Neujahr, jessica.neujahr@odf.oregon.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: March 26, 2025

Correction: 03/26/2025 | 2:15 p.m.

The ages of the victims were incorrectly reported in the original statement. When the crimes occurred, two victims were 12 years old, and the third victim was 17 years old.

# # #

Originally published: 03/26/2025 | 1:15 p.m.

Detectives search for additional victims in sex crimes case

Salem, Ore. — Damien Matthew Arellano was arrested in California on March 3 for several sex crimes involving three Salem girls between the ages of 12 and 13.

The investigation began in January of this year; however, Arellano, who lives in Salem, fled the state. On February 20, a Marion County Grand Jury indicted Arellano on two counts of first-degree sex abuse, second-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and second-degree rape.

A US Marshals Service task force located Arellano in the Los Angeles, California area and was taken into custody without incident. Arellano was extradited to Oregon and is now lodged at the Marion County Jail on the listed charges.

As a result of the investigation, detectives suspect there may be other Salem minors who were victimized by the 19-year-old Arellano. A recent image of him is included.

Anyone with information about Arellano is urged to contact Special Victims Unit Detective Sabrina Hunter at 503-540-2443.

# # #

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL FUND BOARD

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a regular meeting on April 24, 2025, 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 January 23, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Budget Update

   Presented by Kathy McAlpine

4. Sergeant Brian Gaunt (DPSST #37820); Beaverton Police Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

    Presented by Kathy McAlpine

5. Next meeting – July 24, 2025, 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. 

SALEM, Ore. — The Smoke Management Advisory Committee will meet virtually on Tuesday, April 1, from 1 to 2 p.m. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Welcome and roll call

• Committee business - Introduction to letter

• Public comment

• Discussion & decision - Letter content and vote

The meeting is open to the public to attend virtually. There will be a period for public comment. 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" target="_blank">Shelby Berry at 503-949-5181.

View more information on the SMAC webpage.

Created by the Legislature in 1989, the five-member committee assists and advises the Oregon Department of Forestry in carrying out its Smoke Management Program. Members are appointed by the State Forester to serve a two-year term, which is renewable.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Salem, Ore. — The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms are expected across parts of the Pacific Northwest this afternoon and evening, with supercells possible west of the Cascades across Oregon into Washington. These storms may produce large hail, perhaps a tornado or two, and strong wind gusts. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is encouraging people to take caution when travelling in Western Oregon today. Even if the chance of a tornado or severe storm appears slight, preparing ahead of time can make a significant difference. 

Lightning Safety 

• When thunder roars, go indoors. If you see lightning or hear thunder, seek shelter inside a sturdy, enclosed building. Do NOT take shelter under trees or open-sided shelters like picnic areas. 
• If shelter isn't available, a vehicle with a metal roof, turned off, with the windows closed is safer than remaining outside. Vehicles act as a Faraday cage and will disperse electrical strikes away from you into the ground. 

Heavy Rain, Hail & Flooding 

• Slow down while driving to avoid hydroplaning or sliding on hail-covered streets. 
• Avoid driving through flooded roadways. Even a few inches can be deadly. 
• Watch for water accumulation in low-lying areas. 

Tornado Preparedness 

• The safest place during a tornado is a basement. If that's not available, go to the lowest floor of your home in a small interior room—like a closet or bathroom—away from windows. 
• Cover yourself with a mattress or sturdy object to protect against debris. 
• If caught outside without shelter, lie in a ditch or culvert and cover your head. 

Damaging Winds 

• Remain indoors and away from windows. 
• Don’t park under trees due to falling limb risk. 
• Be aware that falling trees may impact power lines, buildings, and roadways. 
• See additional tips for Staying Safe After a Windstorm. 

Power Outage Preparedness 

Severe weather can lead to power outages. Take these steps now to prepare: 

• Charge mobile devices and backup battery packs. 
• Assemble an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, drinking water, and necessary medications. 
• Have a plan for medical devices that require electricity. 
• Store extra blankets or cooling supplies, depending on the season. 
• Have books, games, or activities on hand to help pass the time without electricity. 
• See additional ’Tips to Stay Safe During Power Outages’ 

Farm & Livestock Safety 

• Secure loose outdoor items like garbage cans, patio furniture, and tools. 
• If possible, bring livestock indoors to barn or shelter. Animals often seek shelter under trees or along fences, both of which can be hazardous in thunderstorms. 

For More Information 

Visit the National Weather Service Thunderstorm Safety website: https://www.weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm 

For travel conditions make sure to visit: TripCheck.com  
Sign up for emergency alerts at: ORalert.gov  

Stay informed by monitoring local weather reports and signing up for OR-Alert to receive emergency notifications directly to your phone. Preparedness today can protect lives tomorrow. Stay alert, stay safe, and be ready. 

For News Media 

Public Information Officer 
Oregon Department of Emergency Management 
503-394-3310 | licinfo@oem.oregon.gov" target="_blank">OEM_Publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov 

https://oregon.gov/oem  

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It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. 
 
You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email licinfo@oem.oregon.gov" target="_blank">OEM_publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov or dial 711.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 26, 2025

CONTACT INFORMATION:
umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist

(971) 301-3771

Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT

David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 4.5% in February

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.5% in February and 4.4% in January, after rising gradually over the past year from 4.1% in February 2024. Oregon’s 4.5% unemployment rate was the highest since August 2021, when the rate was 4.7%, and slightly higher than during the three years prior to the COVID recession that started in 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in February and 4.0% in January.

In February, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 100 jobs, following a revised gain of 3,500 jobs in January. February’s gains were largest in professional and business services (+1,700 jobs); information (+700); manufacturing (+600); and government (+500). Declines were largest in construction (-2,200 jobs); private educational services (-900); and financial activities (-700).

Two industries within professional and business services bumped up hiring in February. Professional and technical services added 1,300 jobs on top of adding 1,100 in January. This followed a gradual downtrend of 1,500 jobs during the prior 22 months. Meanwhile, administrative and waste services added 400 jobs in February; however, despite the one-month gain, this industry was on a choppy downward trajectory during much of the past two years, having cut 5,600 jobs since its all-time high of 106,600 in March 2022.

Payroll employment grew slowly over the past 12 months, adding 18,500 jobs, or 0.9%, in that time. Job gains were strongest in health care and social assistance (+14,000 jobs, or 4.8%) and government (+8,700 jobs, or 2.8%). Meanwhile, manufacturing shed the most jobs of the major industries (-6,000 jobs, or -3.2%). Construction (-1,800 jobs, or -1.5%) and retail trade (-1,800 jobs, or -0.9%) each declined substantially since February 2024.

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the February county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, April 1, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for March on Wednesday, April 16.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 25, 2025

Douglas County Flooding Event Response/Recovery

Monday, March 24, 2025

(Douglas County, Ore.) – The Douglas County Commissioners continue to guide the response effort and road to recovery for the 2025 March Winter Storm event.  They are working in coordination with Douglas County Departments including Emergency Management, Public Works, Solid Waste, GIS, and Sheriff’s Office and our local partners like Douglas Public Health Network, our local cities (Canyonville, Drain, Elkton, Glendale, Myrtle Creek, Oakland, Reedsport, Riddle, Roseburg, Sutherlin, Winston and Yoncalla), Cow Creek Tribal Government, and local private contractors. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY FLOOD EVENT - LETTER TO HOMEOWNERS TO REPORT FLOOD DAMAGE

Dear Douglas County Residents,

We need your help to accurately tell our story of the impact of the March 2025 Winter Storm.  Please share this information far and wide with your community, friends, neighbors, employees, and social media pages! 

Homeowners can Report their March 2025 Flood Damage by scanning the QR code or visiting this link:

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ed438c451ca641ff8c6063a401b52d4d?fbclid=IwY2xjawJOdvNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYxoIaAyqVoslvSFYZS7sicWI6T-avg03jdfjYLOBrozRLB8hI-3NW1TLQ_aem_ZVpKew4BxSdNjdb4N2dImg

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners and our Douglas County Emergency Management have been working together with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management actively focused on damage assessment and helping property owners and businesses accurately assess ALL damage to help open potential assistance pathways for our residents and businesses.  We hope to have the survey available for businesses very soon.  It is especially important for homeowners to report if their homes or properties experienced extensive damage like:

• Completely flooded basements

• Water above 18 inches

• Water above electrical outlets

• Electrical damage – water-soaked wiring or broken or frayed electrical wires

• Structural damage – loose or buckling floors, carpet, drywall, insulation, or roof 

• Damage of any kind to foundations

• Damaged appliances, including heating, air conditioning, water heaters or refrigerators

• Damaged furniture, clothing or bedding

• Growth of mold and mildew

• Damage to septic and well water systems

• Loss of buildings or structures

• Livestock, pet or crop loss

This survey is specifically for homeowners.  We do not want you to miss the opportunity to tell us your damage story.  The more information and reporting we have, the better our chances are in applying for additional support, funding and resources.  We need all types of damage reported so we can tell the whole story of the impact on Douglas County and our communities!  If you have any questions or need additional resources, please call 2-1-1. 

Sincerely,

Douglas County Commissioners                                                            Douglas County Emergency Manager

Tim Freeman, Tom Kress and Chris Boice                                             Emily Ring

March 2025 Flood Event - Pop Up Resource Centers

The Douglas County Commissioners, Douglas County Emergency Management, in partnership with Glide Revitalization, the Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), local food pantries, and other recovery agencies, are bringing flood recovery resources directly to impacted communities this week.  We’re coming to YOU! Join us at a location in your neighborhood! See times and locations on the attached graphics or visit our EVENTS section by clicking https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment/events

Wednesday, March 26 – Yoncalla & Drain

Thursday, March 27 – Riddle & Glendale

Friday, March 28 – Green & Roseburg

Saturday, March 29 – Glide

If you were impacted by recent flooding, stop by to connect with resources and get support. Representatives will be on-site to assist with housing, cleanup efforts, insurance guidance, and other recovery needs.

Emergency Aid – Shelter, food, water, and essential supplies.

Housing Assistance – Rental support, and rebuilding resources.

Cleanup & Repairs – Debris removal, Repairs, and mold remediation.

Insurance Guidance – Claim filing, and legal support.

Health & Well-Being – Mental health services, employment support, and transportation assistance.

Food, water, and essential supplies will also be available. Whether you need immediate help or long-term recovery assistance, we are here to support you.   

Questions? Contact Glide Rev: 541-671-0189 or admin@gliderev.com.

PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE

Douglas County Public Works and our private contractors continue to work on shoring up mudslides, repairing and cleaning up roads, and assessing/estimating damage.  As of last Friday, all county-operated roads are open for travel.  We had nearly every road in Douglas County impacted in some way by the March 2025 storm with over 100 slides reported.  Over half of the mudslides, landslides and hill slides have been cleaned up and roads have been repaired.  Which means we are still actively working on roads.  We are concentrating on cleaning up debris and working on the finer details of flushing and repairing culverts on county-operated right-of-way.  There could be lane or road closures in the future as we address additional issues with some county-operated roads.  We understand that there are some roads that continue to be impacted with layers of mud or debris obstructing the lines, lanes and shoulders.   Please proceed with caution if you travel these roads.  We are doing the best we can to get to all county-operated roads as soon as possible.   We have Public Works crews and private contractors out doing work, but our crews are spread thin trying to get a lot done.  We ask that motorists entering work zones be courteous, slow down, and follow all signs and flagging instructions. A few areas will require some additional geo technical assistance, and we are working closely with partners to get those surveys completed.  Public Works crews and private contractors will be out working on the roads performing clean up and repairs for at least a few more weeks.    

MARCH 16, 2025, STORM RESOURCES

Douglas County Public Works – GIS Division

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

2-1-1 Information Line

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

Red Cross Shelter Open in Roseburg

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

The Salvation Army Roseburg Corps

The Salvation Army Roseburg Corps is offering Douglas County March 2025 flood victims.

•           Vouchers to the Thrift Store for clothing and/or household goods.

•           Food boxes

•           Clean Up Kits – Bucket with a scrub brush, sponges, trash bags, and masks. (limited supply)

•           Push brooms & dust pans

We are making these items available as requested through the Family Services office.  They are open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.  They are waiving the need for appointments or restricted hours for flood victims.  If you have any additional needs, please don’t hesitate to contact them.    

Edith Dye-Mabie, Captain & Corps Officer

The Salvation Army Roseburg Corps

3130 NE Stephens Street, Roseburg, OR 97470

Office Phone: 541.248.2585

Thrift Store Phone: 541.672.6679

Social Services Phone: 541.672.6581

Douglas County Solid Waste Department March 2025 Emergency Action Adjustment

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

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

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

Resources for Businesses Impacted by Flooding 

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

Thank you for your patience and stay safe!

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

What: We expect more than 85 volunteers to converge on Tillamook State Forest Saturday (March 29) to prepare hiking, biking, and equestrian trails for the busy summer season. We will have representatives from the Oregon Department of Forestry, State Forest Trust of Oregon, and leaders of volunteer trail group work parties and supporting organizations available for interviews.

Visuals: See volunteers working on trails impacted by winter storms including clearing downed trees, removing branches, repairing small washed-out trail sections, removing vegetation and other trail clearing activities.

People on-site available to interview:  Joe Offer, Oregon Department of Forestry, Recreation, Education and Interpretation Manager; Kelly Lau, Executive Director State Forests Trust of Oregon; Nathan Frechen (Northwest Trail Alliance), Ryan McLane (Westside Trail Federation), Susan Schen (Trailkeepers of Oregon), and other volunteers as available from the State Forest Trust of Oregon, Daybreak Racing, Oregon Equestrian Trails, Cyclepath PDX and Starbucks. 

When: March 29, 2025

Where: Meet at Smith Homestead in Tillamook State Forest. Map:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/D9io4x9YtEDFuhMe9

Then see work on 10 miles of the Wilson River Trail from Elk Creek Campground to the Tillamook Forest Center and other trail work in the area as desired.

Time: Meet at 8:30am (if you come at a later time, it might be harder to track down the work parties). Trail work ends at 2 p.m. followed by an after work get together with food from 2-3 p.m.

Please send an RSVP by March 28 so we can plan to meet you and facilitate interviews and travel. RSVP to tim.l.hoffman@odf.oregon.gov. For more information contact: Tim Hoffman, ODF public affairs, (503) 983-3761 (cell phone may not work on day of event with spotty coverage in many parts of the state forest.) 

Background

Wilson River Trail – Mega Work Party! – 3/29 – Northwest Trail Alliance

Oregon Department of Forestry : Recreation, education & interpretation : Recreation, education & interpretation : State of Oregon

State Forests Trust

Salem, OR— Most people think of April 15 as Tax Day, the day by which federal and state personal income tax returns need to be filed.

But for Oregon disabled and senior homeowners struggling to pay their property taxes, April 15 provides another deadline, and an opportunity take part in a program that could help them stay in their homes.

April 15 is the deadline to apply for the Oregon Property Tax Deferral for Disabled and Senior Homeowners Program.

The program helps senior and disabled homeowners stay in their homes by paying their property taxes for them subject to a lien that is repaid with 6 percent interest after deferral ends. This is not a tax exemption; the program is paying the current year taxes to the local governments.  If a homeowner with a site built home had prior year taxes outstanding, once approved to the program they can request a delay of tax foreclosure from the county.

In 2024 the program paid more than $11.5 million in property taxes for 3,382 seniors and 419 disable homeowners.

How does the program work?  Participants must be at least 62 years of age or disabled and eligible to receive federal Social Security Disability benefit and have owned and lived in their home for 5 years. Participants’ income for 2025 is limited to $60,000 and homesteads qualify if their home value is less than the calculated limit. See website link below for addition eligibility criteria.

Can I file late?  Since 2022, eligible homeowners can apply to the program and pay a late application fee to the county up until December 1.

To obtain an application form or for more information please visit our Department of Revenue website at www.oregon.gov/dor/deferral. 

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

-30-

At approximately 12:11 PM on March 25th, 2025, Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District, along with the Sweet Home Police Department, responded to a structure fire at 1889 Kalmia Street. Initial reports indicated that there was a bedroom on fire and the residents were attempting to extinguish the fire with a garden hose through the window. Upon arrival of the first responding units there was little smoke coming from a front bedroom window and residents were still attempting to retrieve their dogs from the front door. The first engine company on scene checked the house to ensure there was no need for rescue and extinguished some "hot spots" in the bedroom. Everyone had evacuated the residence and there were no injuries reported. The fire damage appears to have been confined to the front bedroom with no extension into the attic or other rooms of the house and little to no structural damage. The investigation is still ongoing pending interviews with residents who were on scene, but initial examination suggests that the cause could have been from an electrical problem. Sweet Home Fire responded with 2 engines, 2 command vehicles, 1 brush rig and a medic unit with a total of 13 firefighters and 2 chief officers. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Douglas County Flooding Event Response/Recovery

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

(Douglas County, Ore.) – The Douglas County Commissioners remain actively involved in leading the response and recovery efforts from the March 2025 Flood.  They are working in conjunction with Douglas County Departments including Emergency Management, Public Works, Solid Waste, GIS, and Sheriff’s Office, as well as local partners like Douglas Public Health Network, Glide Revitalization, Local Cities, Cow Creek Tribal Government, and local private contractors.  We would also like to thank the many local volunteers that have stepped up to support our response and recovery initiatives.   

DOUGLAS COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS, CHURCHES AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS  – HELP US TELL OUR STORY FROM THE MARCH 2025 FLOOD

Was your business, church or nonprofit organization impacted by the March 2025 Flood?  If so, then Douglas County needs to hear from you.  The Douglas County Board of Commissioners and our Douglas County Emergency Management Department are actively focused on damage assessment and helping property owners, businesses and others accurately record and quantify ALL damage that occurred due to the recent flooding event.  This data will be used to hopefully open potential assistance pathways for our residents and businesses in the future.  No damage is too minor to report, we need to hear from you.  This work is being done with the assistance of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM).  Please share this information far and wide in your business, church, and non-profit community. 

If your Douglas County business, church or nonprofit organization was impacted by flooding from the March 2025 Storm, please scan the QR code on the flyer or visit this link to report your damage:

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dbfa37426a0e46cb9f312823b85f90f2

It is especially important for business owners to report if their business or business property experienced damage, such as:

• Flooded buildings and basements

• Water above 18 inches or above electrical outlets

• Electrical damage – water-soaked wiring or broken or frayed electrical wires

• Structural damage –buckling floors, carpet, drywall, insulation, or roof

• Damage of any kind to foundations

• Damaged manufacturing equipment or appliances or heating/cooling systems

• Damaged furniture or office equipment

• Growth of mold and mildew

• Damage to septic tanks, well or water systems

Don’t miss the opportunity to tell us your story. The more information and reporting we collect, the better our odds are for gaining access to possible funding resources from the state and federal government. Please note these resources are not yet available. 

Please note that this survey is separate from the homeowner/personal property survey sent out on Monday, March 24, 2025.  If you need to complete the homeowner/personal property survey, click on this link https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ed438c451ca641ff8c6063a401b52d4d  

DOUGLAS COUNTY HOMEOWNERS – REPORT YOUR DAMAGE FROM THE MARCH 2025 FLOOD

Was your home or property damaged or impacted by the recent storm and flooding event?  If so, we need your help to accurately tell your story by having you complete our damage survey.  The Douglas County Board of Commissioners and our Douglas County Emergency Management Department are actively focused on damage assessment and helping property owners and businesses accurately record and quantify ALL damage that occurred due to the recent flooding event.  This data will be used to hopefully open potential assistance pathways for our residents and businesses in the future.  No damage is too minor to report, we need to hear from you.  This work is being done with the assistance of the OEM.  Please share this information far and wide in your community, friends, neighbors, and on your social media pages! 

If your Douglas County home or property was impacted by flooding from the March 2025 Storm, please scan the QR code on the flyer or visit this link to report your damage: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ed438c451ca641ff8c6063a401b52d4d

It is especially important for homeowners to report if their homes or properties experienced extensive damage like:

• Completely flooded basements or dwellings

• Water above 18 inches and/or water above electrical outlets

• Electrical damage – water-soaked wiring or broken or frayed electrical wires

• Structural damage – loose or buckling floors, carpet, drywall, insulation, or roof 

• Damage of any kind to foundations

• Damaged appliances, including heating, air conditioning, water heaters or refrigerators

• Damaged furniture, clothing or bedding

• Growth of mold and mildew

• Damage to septic tanks, well or water systems

• Loss of buildings or structures

• Livestock, pet or crop loss

Don’t miss the opportunity to tell us your story. The more information and reporting we collect, the better our odds are for gaining access to possible funding resources from the state and federal government.  Please note these resources are not yet available. 

Please note that this survey is separate from the business owners survey presented above.  If you need to complete the business owners survey, click on this link https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/dbfa37426a0e46cb9f312823b85f90f2

DOUGLAS COUNTY MARCH 2025 FLOOD POP-UP RESOURCE EVENTS: MARCH 26-29

We’re coming to YOU! The Douglas County Commissioners, Douglas County Emergency Management, in partnership with Glide Revitalization, the Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), local food pantries, and other recovery agencies, are bringing flood recovery resources directly to impacted communities this week.  Join us in a location in your neighborhood in Yoncalla, Drain, Riddle, Glendale, Green, Roseburg, Sutherlin and Glide! See times and locations on the attached graphics or visit our Facebook EVENTS section by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment/events

Wednesday, March 26 – Yoncalla & Drain             Thursday, March 27 – Riddle & Glendale

Friday, March 28 – Green & Roseburg                  Saturday, March 29 – Sutherlin & Glide

If you were impacted by recent flooding, stop by to connect with resources and get support. Representatives will be on-site to assist with housing, cleanup efforts, insurance guidance, and other recovery needs.

Emergency Aid – Shelter, food, water, and essential supplies.

Housing Assistance – Rental support, and rebuilding resources.

Cleanup & Repairs – Debris removal, Repairs, and mold remediation.

Insurance Guidance – Claim filing, and legal support.

Health & Well-Being – Mental health services, employment support, and transportation assistance.

Food, water, and essential supplies will also be available. Whether you need immediate help or long-term recovery assistance, we are here to support you.   Questions? Contact Glide Rev: 541-671-0189 or admin@gliderev.com.

MARCH 2025 FLOOD – RESOURCES & INFORMATION

Douglas County Public Works & GIS Division

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

Douglas County Public Works and our private contractors continue to work on shoring up mudslides, repairing and cleaning up roads, and assessing/estimating damage.  As of last week, county-operated roads are open for travel.  We had nearly every road in Douglas County impacted in some way by the March 2025 Flood with over 100 slides reported.  Over half of the mudslides, landslides and hill slides have been cleaned up and roads have been repaired.  Which means we are still actively working on roads.  Crews are concentrating on cleaning up debris and working on the finer details of flushing and repairing culverts on county-operated right-of-way.  There could be lane or road closures in the future as we address additional issues with some county-operated roads.  We understand that there are some roads that continue to be impacted with layers of mud or debris possibly obstructing the lines, lanes and shoulders.   Please proceed with caution if you travel these roads.  We are doing the best we can to get to all county-operated roads as soon as possible.   We ask that motorists entering work zones be courteous, slow down, and follow all signs and flagging instructions. Public Works crews and private contractors will be out working on the roads performing clean up and repairs for at least a few more weeks.   

2-1-1 Information Line

Douglas County Commissioners and our Douglas County Emergency Management staff are still working with Oregon’s 2-1-1 call line. 

Do you need flood related resources?  Do you have flood related questions?  Please call Oregon’s 2-1-1 information line.  The 2-1-1 information line is a part of the support services we requested from the state.  This 24-hour resource center can help identify, navigate, and connect you with local resources.  Callers can get help with questions about insurance, flood damage, resources, debris removal and shelters.  For non-flood related questions that can wait, please email your questions and concerns to ts@douglascountyor.gov">douglasalerts@douglascountyor.gov, to report a slide or road damage or issue call (541) 440-4471 or for life-safety emergencies always call 9-1-1.

Red Cross Shelter Still Open in Roseburg

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

The Salvation Army Roseburg Corps

The Salvation Army Roseburg Corps is offering some assistance to Douglas County March 2025 Flood victims.

•           Vouchers to the Thrift Store for clothing and/or household goods.

•           Food boxes

•           Clean Up Kits – Bucket with a scrub brush, sponges, trash bags, and masks. (limited supply)

•           Push brooms & dust pans

They are making these items available upon request through their Family Services Office.  They are open Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.  They are waiving the need for appointments or restricted hours for flood victims.  If you have any additional needs, please don’t hesitate to contact them.  They are located at 3130 NE Stephens Street in Roseburg. Office Phone (541) 248.2585 - Thrift Store Phone (541)672.6679 - Social Services Phone (541) 672.6581

Edith Dye-Mabie, Captain & Corps Officer

Douglas County Solid Waste Department March 2025 Emergency Action Adjustment

Douglas County Commissioners worked with the Douglas County Solid Waste Department to create and implement an emergency action adjustment for March 16 Flood related wood waste debris and flood related refuse.   Increased transfer site availability for our residents in heavily impacted areas.  The special programs are available to Douglas County residents only.   Visit their webpage to learn more about the emergency action adjustment https://douglascountyor.gov/396/Solid-Waste.   

Protect Your Property: How to File a Flood Insurance Claim and What You Need to Know

(Shared from OEM) As spring rains and seasonal flooding continue to increase the risk of water damage across Oregon, it’s critical for homeowners and renters to understand the process of filing a flood insurance claim and how to protect their financial future.  If you are a flood insurance policyholder, follow these important steps to begin filing your flood claim:

Steps to File Your Flood Claim:

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

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

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

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

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

Resources for Businesses Impacted by Flooding 

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

Weather and Travel Watch

Mother Nature is unpredictable; so, we continue to encourage our residents to monitor and utilize the following resources for weather updates and travel.

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

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

Thank you for your support and patience.  Please stay safe!

###

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power is prepared to respond to weather-related outages ahead of forecast early-spring storm

Portland, OR (March 25, 2025) — Pacific Power is monitoring an approaching storm that could impact customers in parts of Oregon, Northern California and Washington later this week. The weather forecast indicates the potential for high winds, lightning, rain and hail from Wednesday into Thursday, which could lead to power outages.  

Pacific Power’s meteorology team is closely monitoring the storm, and crews are on standby and ready to respond to weather-related outages.

Pacific Power encourages customers to always be prepared for outages and supports state and local emergency management organizations, who recommend Oregonians and Californians have an emergency plan for up to 72 hours without essential services. 

Here are some simple steps customers can take to prepare and stay informed:   

• Update your contact information so we can reach you. 
• Sign up to receive outage alerts by text, email or phone. 
• Restock your outage kit. 
• Keep mobile devices charged so that they may be used in an emergency. 
• Track outages, update contact info and do more with our free app. 
• Text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.  

Visit PacificPower.net/Outages for restoration estimates. 

As a reminder, stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Customers should avoid both downed trees and power lines and keep pets far away from those areas. 

Call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.  

###

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.

On March 25, 2025, just before 3:15 a.m., Adam Mansour, 40, an adult in custody (AIC), was found unresponsive in his cell at the Marion County Jail. Despite immediate efforts by deputies and medical staff to administer CPR and call for additional emergency personnel, their lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and Mr. Mansour was pronounced deceased. The cause and manner of death is still under investigation, no additional information is available for release currently.

In accordance with the Marion County Sheriff's Office policy, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has been asked to investigate this incident as an independent law enforcement agency. Our deepest condolences go to Mr. Mansour’s family.

UPDATE: Added Missing person flyer and Video Interview Name: Lieutenant James Kocina, Criminal Investigations Division

Video Interview Available for Download: https://vimeo.com/1069394921?share=copy#t=0

JCSO Cases 23-5639, 24-2046

RURAL JACKSONVILLE, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives got a break in a suspicious death investigation and missing person case when skeletal remains were identified from a DNA comparison. The remains found outside Jacksonville in April of 2024 have been identified as Nathan Louis Merkel, 63, of Wimer. Merkel was reported missing in September of 2023. Next-of-kin has been notified. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

JCSO detectives are investigating the case and believe Merkel died via suspicious circumstances. Detectives have identified persons of interest who are currently out-of-county in custody on unrelated charges. The suspects names will be released pending further investigation and charges. Detectives believe there is no danger to the public at this time. No additional information is available for release.

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April, 2024 Skeletal Remains News Release:

Skeletal Remains Found in Rural Jacksonville Area, Detectives Investigating Suspicious Death

JCSO Case 24-2046

RURAL JACKSONVILLE, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives are investigating a suspicious death after skeletal remains were discovered Sunday, April 14 outside Jacksonville in the Applegate area. JCSO detectives and medical examiners responded to investigate. The rugged terrain and remote area required JCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) to assist in recovering the remains. Due to the ongoing investigation, the exact location will not be released at this time.

Investigators are working to identify the subject and the cause and manner of death. Due to the advanced stages of decomposition, state medical examiners will conduct additional testing. This case is under further investigation with detectives following additional leads. No more information is available at this time.

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

To view the Board's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Meeting Minutes

Approve the January 23, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Fire Policy Committee

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – Dan Lenzen, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. John Cota, DPSST No. 44136; Tenmile RFPD – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on February 26, 2025.

B. Jesse McFarland, DPSST No. 44129; Scio RFPD – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on February 26, 2025.

C. Rhett Sunia, DPSST No. 41600; Coburg RFPD – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on February 26, 2025.

D. Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-009-0005, OAR 259-009-0062, and OAR 259-009-0065

Minimum Standard on Professional Qualifications for Firefighters

E. Committee Appointments

Fire Policy Committee

• • Levi Hopkins – Forest Protection Agencies, Appointment to the FPC, 1st term effective April 24, 2025.

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Matthew English, Chair

d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Randall Broome, DPSST No. 56468; Lane County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote with one (1) recusal to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 11, 2025.

B. Bradley McIntyre, DPSST No. 35126; Portland Police Bureau – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on February 20, 2025.

C. Rafael Munoz, DPSST No. 60210; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 11, 2025.

D. Tyler Odom, DPSST No. 52085; Frontier Regional 9-1-1 – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the TPC on February 5, 2025.

E. Jeremiah Oswald, DPSST No. 60805; Washington County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on PPC on February 20, 2025.

F. Matthew Paton, DPSST No. 44975; Marion County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 11, 2025.

G. Jeremy Pilon, DPSST No. 54019; Newberg-Dundee Police Department – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on February 20, 2025.

H. Marcus Risteen, DPSST No. 58653; Yamhill County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 11, 2025.

I. Shelli Taleghani, DPSST No. 60679; TDOC/Two Rivers Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on February 11, 2025.

J. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085

Codifying Board Approval of the Revisions to the Corrections Career Officer Development Self-Study Course

K. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085

To Adopt the 2024 Telecommunicator Field Training Manual

L. Committee Appointments

Telecommunications Policy Committee

• • Kathryn Fischer – Telecommunicator, Appointment to the TPC, 1st term effective April 24, 2025.

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Dan Lenzen, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote).

A. Committee Appointments

Private Security/Investigators Policy Committee

• • Helena Snyder – Currently Licensed Private Investigator, Appointment to the PSIPC, 1st term effective July 27, 2025.
  • Placeholder – Armed Security Representative, Appointment to the PSIPC, 1st term effective July 27, 2025

6. Board on Public Safety Standards and Training Chair and Vice-Chair Nominations – Kathy McAlpine

7.Annual Director's Evaluation – Chair English

8. Agency Updates – Agency Director, Phil Castle

9. Next Meeting Date: July 24, 2025, 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 Board 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.

Baker County, Ore. 25 March 2025- On Monday, March 24, 2025, at 7:16 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 7, near milepost 34, in Baker County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Honda Accord, operated by Jonathan Roger Schmeck (25) of Burns, left the roadway for unknown reasons, rolled several times, and struck a tree. The crash was not fresh at the time it was reported and the exact time of the crash is not yet known.

The operator of the Honda (Schmeck) was not wearing a seatbelt and was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Baker County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.

# # #

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

JCSO Case 25-1564

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – A vehicle struck and killed a bicyclist early this morning on Foothill Road near the intersection of Corey Road in rural Central Point. ECSO Dispatch received a 911 call from the involved driver at 4:44 AM. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded along with Jackson County Fire District 3 and Mercy Flights. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased at 5:42 AM. Next-of-kin has been notified. The decedent is Matthew Edward Davenport, 45, of White City. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team responded to investigate the incident. The preliminary investigation indicates a green 2021 Toyota 4Runner traveling southbound struck the bicyclist on the shoulder of Foothill Road. The driver is cooperating with the investigation and no criminal charges have been filed at this time.

The STAR Team consists of investigators from JCSO, Medford Police Department, Central Point Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. This case is under further investigation.  There is no more information available for release at this time.

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CLATSOP COUNTY, Ore. 25 March 2025 – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful killing of two juvenile blacktail deer in Clatsop County, Oregon.

On March 17, 2025, Fish and Wildlife troopers responded to the North Fork Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes on Tillamook State Forest property. This location is within the Saddle Mountain Wildlife Management Unit, approximately 35 miles east of Seaside. When troopers arrived, they inspected the deer and collected evidence at the scene.

Anyone who was at the shooting range near this time frame and saw anything or has any information that could assist with this investigation, please contact OSP Senior Trooper Greg Schuerger or Senior Trooper Dave Herman through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or dial OSP (mobile). Please reference case number SP25-085755.

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: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

Union County, Ore. 25 March 2025- On Monday, March 23, 2025, at 8:00 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 277, in Union County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Corbin Ronald Knowles (49) of Kuna (ID), left the roadway for unknown reasons, rolled several times, and came to rest on its roof.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Knowles) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by ODOT.

# # #

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

(Tualatin, Ore.) - To reflect the addition of new bargaining units and growth of membership, the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA) will now be known as Northwest Medicine United (NWMU). Since 2022, nine additional bargaining units have been organized under NWMU, and three of those units settled their first contracts in recent months. The bargaining units now include adult, pediatric, OB and palliative care hospitalists, ED providers, urgent care providers, adult and pediatric subspecialists, and primary care and women’s health providers. In response to the exponential growth, the executive team of the union approved a name change to better reflect the diversity of providers and practice locations it represents. 

“We started in 2014, representing the original 24 hospitalists at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene. We now represent around 700 physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician associates across Oregon working in a variety of healthcare settings,” said Dr. Charlotte Yeomans, a physician from PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center and president of the union. “With all of our recent wins, I expect more healthcare professionals to consider what unionization might allow them to achieve in their workplaces.” 

Hospitalists are the physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician associates who care for hospitalized patients. They manage a patient’s care while in the hospital, working with specialists to determine what testing and treatments are needed. Hospitalists also facilitate discharge and handoff to primary care physicians.  

The formerly-named PNWHMA became the first hospitalists' union in the country when it was organized under the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in 2014. Hospitalists at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center chose to form a union when the medical center announced plans to outsource hospitalist services to a 3rd-party company. Before unionizing, the hospitalists were employed by the hospital-associated medical group under individual contracts.  

“Healthcare has become increasingly corporatized in recent years, which has only escalated since the economic devastation of COVID-19. Important medical decisions made by experienced healthcare providers are now frequently overruled by the short-term goals of those in the C-suite. By organizing and joining a union, we create a unified collective voice to advocate for our patients and colleagues,” continued Dr. Yeomans. “Our contracts not only cover pay and benefits but also include staffing and committee participation. As a union, we are better equipped to address specific concerns with administration.” 

Recent First Contract Wins 

Three bargaining units within NWMU have won historic first contracts in recent months. 

In January emergency department physicians and advanced practice providers reached a first contract with Providence Medford Medical Center. Throughout negotiations, members focused on the need to recruit more providers to Medford and the critical role of the ED within the hospital. 

It took nearly two years for physicians and advanced practice providers from PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Urgent Care to reach a first contract in February 2025. The urgent care providers were able to reach a deal that addressed their top priorities, including burnout, understaffing, safe patient care, and ensuring access to care for the region’s most vulnerable patients. 

Hospitalists employed by Providence St. Vincent participated in the recent Providence strike with nurses for almost six weeks, spanning January and February 2025, before approving a first contract. This was the largest healthcare workers' strike in Oregon history and the first time doctors and advanced practice providers walked a strike line in the state. The bargaining unit was able to negotiate an agreement to reform staffing models across all departments, improving patient care and safety standards; it secured increases to sick time, establishing equity with other Providence hospitalists; and it achieved significant pay raises to make Providence St. Vincent hospitalist compensation competitive with that of other regional health systems. 

The following bargaining units are represented by Northwest Medicine United: 

• PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Hospitalists  
• PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Urgent Care Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers 
• Legacy Pediatric Specialty Physicians 
• Legacy Adult Specialty Physicians 
• Legacy Hospitalists 
• Legacy Primary Care Advanced Practice Providers and Physicians 
• Legacy Women’s Clinic Physicians 
• Providence Immediate Care Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers 
• Providence Medford ER Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers 
• Providence St. Vincent Hospitalists  

About Northwest Medicine United (NWMU) 

Formerly known as the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA), NWMU was created in 2014 as the first hospitalist-specific labor union in the United States. It has since expanded to represent physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) in multiple disciplines and practice settings. NWMU (AFT Local 6552) is affiliated with AFT Healthcare--the fastest-growing healthcare union in the country. AFT Healthcare represents more than 200,000 members in 100 locals in 18 states and territories. NWMU is serviced by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) which represents more than 23,000 frontline caregivers at hospitals and clinics throughout Oregon. 

March 25, 2025  

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov  

New OHA data show progress in fighting health care-associated infections in Oregon hospitals

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon hospitals recorded a slight decrease in health care-associated infections (HAIs) among hospitalized patients in 2023 and met federally established reduction goals in various infection categories, according to newly published Oregon Health Authority (OHA) data.

The new data, published by the Healthcare-Associated Infections Program within  OHA’s Public Health Division, showed some improvement in reducing infections acquired in hospitals between 2022 and 2023; however, more work needs to be done to reach national reduction targets across all categories.

Among the largest reductions were seen in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) in hospitals, which met federal reduction standards for acute care hospitals in 2023.

Oregon acute care hospitals also showed progress with central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (MRSA BSI).

Oregon critical access hospitals did show a large increase in CLABSI’s and a moderate increase in MRSA BSIs. The large increase in CLABSI’s is attributed to four separate critical access hospitals reporting events in 2023, compared to just one in 2022.

“While progress has been identified in some areas, data show that patients in Oregon are still acquiring HAIs in greater numbers than the national average for many types of infections,” said Dat Tran, M.D., HAI Program medical director. “We remain committed to supporting health care facilities in Oregon to enhance infection control and prevent HAIs.”

The dashboard contains HAI data for 61 individual hospitals in Oregon. It provides statewide summaries and facility-specific data of Oregon hospital performance on nine HAI metrics, with comparable national benchmarks.

OHA works to prevent infections because of the significant risk to patient safety. On a given day, one in every 31 patients in U.S. hospitals will get an infection in a hospital or health care setting.

In 2023, Oregon hospitals reported 975 such injuries.

OHA monitors state and regional trends and supports statewide efforts to reduce HAIs by:

• Conducting studies to assess and understand current trends.
• Providing one-on-one infection control technical assistance to statewide health care facilities to support them in meeting targets.
• Collaborating with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to offer direct-to-provider infection control education to ensure all health care staff have the tools to prevent health care-associated infections.

Health care providers work diligently to control these infections in the interest of patient safety.

There also are infection prevention strategies that families, friends and the public visiting these settings can follow. Visitors to health care settings should frequently wash their hands, look for worsening signs and symptoms of infection, and notify providers of these signs and symptoms.

Visitors should follow facility infection prevention policies and procedures. Most importantly, visitors should avoid visiting a facility if they are sick. 

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

 Learn more about how OHA is working to foster health families and communities on our website.  

Click here to learn more about OHA’s HAI program, the impacts of infection and prevention steps. 

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SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Heritage just released the 2024 Oregon Main Street Annual report. A copy of the report can be found on the Oregon Main Street website: www.oregonmainstreet.org.
 

The report highlights the collective impact of communities participating in the Main Street Track of the Oregon Main Street Network in 2024, including over $24 million in private sector investment, 168 net new businesses, 1,652 net new jobs, and over 293 building rehab projects. In addition, volunteers contributed almost 34,000 of volunteer hours to make their communities better places to live, work, shop, and experience. The cumulative impact since 2010 is also included in the report.
 

The report also features community spotlights on projects and activities happening on Main Street in Oregon including the HRVI building restoration project in Chiloquin which was a recipient of a $200,000 Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant in 2022 and is nearing completion.
 

Currently, there are over 100 communities in Oregon participating in one of the different levels of the Oregon Main Street Network: Accredited Main Street, Designated Main Street, Affiliated Main Street, Connected Communities, or as part of one of the Rural Regional Main Street hubs. There isn’t a fee to participate in the Oregon Main Street Network.
 

Oregon Main Street (OMS) is part of Heritage Programs in Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. OMS is designed to assist with the revitalization of historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, promote economic development, and encourage historic preservation. The program uses an approach that advocates a return to community self-reliance, local empowerment, and the rebuilding of central business districts based on their assets, unique architecture, personal service, local ownership and entrepreneurship, and sense of community. 

ROSEBURG, Ore., Mar. 25, 2025 — Umpqua Community College Performing and Visual Arts presents Umpqua Chamber Orchestra and UCC Chamber Choir performing their Spring Concert “Song and Dance!” on May 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Whipple Fine Arts Center, Umpqua Community College.

Under the direction of Dr. Jason A. Heald, the concert will include ballet music from Jean Phillippe Rameau and "Dances of Panama" by William Grant Still, as well as Mozart's "Sinfonia Concertante".

Admission is at the door or online at umpqua.edu/community: $15.00 general admission, $10.00 seniors, and students are free. For more information, contact 541-440-4691 or music@umpqua.edu. 

About Umpqua Community College
Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities. For more information, please visit us online at umpqua.edu.