EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Executive Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 2:30 p.m. on October 1, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Executive Session

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

General Session

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

4. Tyler Odom; DPSST No. 52085; Frontier Regional 9-1-1

Administrative Announcement

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

CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULED

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a special meeting at 10:00 a.m. on October 1, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Executive Session

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

General Session

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

Administrative Announcement

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

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

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

TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULED

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a special meeting at 1:00 p.m. on October 1, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Executive Session

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

General Session

3. Tyler Odom; DPSST No. 52085; Frontier Regional 9-1-1

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 Police Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—An Armenian citizen, extradited from Ukraine to the United States, was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in RYUK ransomware attacks and an extortion conspiracy targeting companies throughout the United States, including in Oregon.

Karen Vardanyan, 35, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay $1,219,106.00 in restitution to the victims in the case.

According to court documents, Vardanyan, sometimes using the monikers Maneeken or Karl Lagerfeld, was a member of a conspiracy that deployed Ryuk ransomware on victim computer networks to extort over $1 million from several victims.  Ransomware is a type of malicious software that attacks a victim’s computer or servers and renders them unusable unless the victim makes a payment to the attackers. These payments were made with some form of cryptocurrency, usually Bitcoin. Vardanyan participated in the conspiracy from March 2019 to approximately June 2020 to deploy the Ryuk ransomware against companies, schools, and other entities throughout the world. One of the victim companies was in Wilsonville, Oregon.

On February 22, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a superseding indictment charging Vardanyan with conspiracy, fraud in connection with computers, and extortion in connection with computers.

On June 20, 2025, Vardanyan made his initial appearance in federal court upon extradition from Ukraine. He was detained by the magistrate judge.

On July 8, 2026, Vardanyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy and fraud in connection with computers.

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

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Rykken.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing Vardanyan’s arrest and extradition from Ukraine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Ukrainian authorities for their assistance in this matter.

# # #

SALEM, Ore. - National Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Week is September 20–26, 2026, and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is joining communities across the country in recognizing the dedicated volunteers who help make their communities safer and more prepared.

This year’s theme, “Carrying the Torch: 40 Years & Beyond,” celebrates the 40th anniversary of the CERT program while looking ahead to the next generation of community preparedness and volunteer service.

What is CERT?

The CERT program trains volunteers in basic disaster preparedness and response skills so they can safely help themselves, their families, neighbors and communities when emergencies happen.

CERT members receive training in areas such as disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster psychology and team organization. Depending on the needs of their community and sponsoring organization, CERT volunteers may also support emergency operations centers, assist with traffic and crowd management, participate in exercises and community events, and share preparedness information with the public.

CERT programs can be organized for communities, workplaces, campuses and teens, providing different ways for Oregonians to get involved.

CERT in Oregon

Oregon has more than 50 active CERT programs across the state. These locally organized teams are supported by sponsoring organizations such as emergency management agencies, fire departments, cities and other government partners.

CERT volunteers strengthen the connection between community members and professional emergency responders. During a major disaster, first responders may be focused on the most urgent life-safety needs. People who have preparedness and response training can take immediate, safe actions to help those around them until additional assistance is available.

That idea is at the heart of CERT: When disaster strikes, you are the help until help arrives.

CERT isn't only about responding after a disaster. Volunteers also help build preparedness before emergencies occur by participating in exercises, supporting community events and encouraging their neighbors to take steps to prepare with the Be 2 Weeks Ready program. More than 60 CERT volunteers also serve as Be 2 Weeks Ready Program Coordinators.

Carrying the Torch

National CERT Week is an opportunity to recognize the volunteers who have given their time and talents to their communities while encouraging more people to become involved.

As CERT celebrates 40 years, its mission remains as relevant as ever. Prepared communities are built by people who know their neighbors, understand local hazards and are willing to learn skills that can make a difference when an emergency occurs.

This National CERT Week, OEM encourages Oregonians to learn more about CERT, connect with a program in their area and consider becoming part of Oregon's network of trained community volunteers.

Learn more and find one of the 50+ active CERT programs in Oregon:
Oregon OEM Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program

National CERT Week: September 20–26, 2026

2026 Theme: Carrying the Torch: 40 Years & Beyond

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to carefully review health insurance coverage offered through “self-funded” limited-partner plans or other unlicensed entities.

Oregonians should exercise caution before enrolling in a limited partner plan. Companies may offer plans that refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. Many limited partner plans cover only preventive care, such as check-ups and annual health screenings. The plans tempt consumers with promises of low premium costs. However, consumers often end up with higher out-of-pocket costs due to uncovered medical bills. With open enrollment rapidly approaching, it is important to know what the difference is between these plans and standard plans. Open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 and goes through Jan. 15, is for those who do not get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan.

DFR warned of these plans back in April. They are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being unexpectedly responsible for unpaid medical bills. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available only through a licensed insurance agent or through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers should pay close attention to ensure that they are on the “.gov” website as there are other websites with similar web addresses that offer non-ACA-compliant plans.

“Consumers should remember the adage that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

Red flags to look for include:

• A salesperson marketing limited partner plans or other “ERISA plans” directly to consumers
• A salesperson claiming they do not need a license because their product is not insurance or is exempt from regulation
• A salesperson offering to sign you up outside open enrollment and without eligibility for a special enrollment period
• A health insurance plan seeming abnormally cheap or referencing “stop-loss” insurance
• A group issuing coverage with minimal requests about an applicant’s health
• A company attempting to quickly collect a large amount of premium
• A company delaying or denying claims and making excuses for failure to pay

Before providing an insurance sales agent with any payment or personal information, DFR encourages consumers to request the agent’s full name and National Producer Number. Consumers can verify the agent’s licensure status by visiting DFR’s check a license webpage.

DFR urges Oregonians to be careful when choosing a company to purchase health care coverage from. Organizations and health plans that DFR and other state regulators have identified as having marketed limited partner or self-funded coverage include:

• Socios Buenos, LP aka Vista Health
• Affordable Benefit Choices LLC
• LP Management Services, LLC
• Aither Healthcare Competitive Health
• NXT Level Health
• Multiplan PHCS Network
• Verdegard Administrators, LLC fka Hawaii Mainland Administrators, LLC
• Pioneer Health/Innovative Healthcare Solutions
• ClearShare Health and Clearwater Benefits LLC
• Emergency Management Alliance
• Premier Health Solutions
• Strategic Limited Partners, LP
• The Vitamin Patch, LLC

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions can contact our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

###

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

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management is helping scarred rangeland recover from wildfire. Crews are preparing to seed burned areas and treat invasive grasses from the air, helping restore vegetation, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce future wildfire risk across southeastern Oregon.

“Post-fire restoration is about giving native vegetation the best opportunity to recover,” said Oliver Liu, natural resources specialist at the BLM Lakeview Field Office. “By establishing desirable plants and reducing invasive annual grasses, we can help restore healthy, resilient landscapes, and improve habitat for wildlife.”

Aerial seeding projects at Bowman and Tucker Hill will support post-fire rehabilitation efforts. Aircraft will distribute a mix of native grasses and forbs across the project areas to help reestablish vegetation following the 2024 Bowman Well and Tucker Hill Fires. The work is part of the Burned Area Emergency Stabilization and Restoration effort.

The aerial herbicide treatments help control invasive annual grasses that can compete with native vegetation, increase fuel loads, and contribute to more frequent wildfires. The projects will use imazapic, a pre-emergent herbicide that prevents the germination of winter annual grasses.

Together, the seeding and herbicide treatments are intended to support the recovery of burned landscapes while reducing conditions that allow invasive annual grasses to spread.

BLM will post maps identifying treatment areas along the main roads entering the project areas.

For public and applicator safety, BLM asks people and pets to avoid camping or traveling through treatment areas while aerial applications are underway.

For more information, visit the BLM Oregon/Washington Weeds and Invasives Program webpage or contact the BLM Lakeview District Office at 541-947-2177.

-BLM-

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

JCSO Case 26-3535

ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies arrested a 17-year-old driver Friday, September 18 following a vehicle crash that killed his passenger and sparked the 15,000-acre East Evans Creek Fire. The 18-year-old male passenger in the involved 2002 Ford Ranger died July 18 at a local hospital from injuries sustained in the crash.

The suspect, a 17-year-old male, is charged with criminally negligent homicide, reckless driving, and second-degree criminal mischief. JCSO deputies lodged the suspect in the Jackson County Juvenile Detention facility. In accordance with Oregon law, we are not releasing the driver's name because he is a juvenile.

Friday, July 10 at 2:39 PM, ECSO dispatch received a call for a rollover motor vehicle crash in the 18,000 block of East Evans Creek Road in rural Rogue River. An Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Type 6 engine with a two-person crew was on patrol in the area and was on scene within approximately 30 seconds. The crew rendered aid, while simultaneously engaging in suppression efforts on the fire. They immediately ordered additional air and ground resources from ODF dispatch, initiating a full response to the incident. Within minutes the fire had spread to dry vegetation in the area leading to evacuation of nearby residences and eventually growing to more than 15,000 acres.

Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team investigators responded to the scene shortly after the crash. The preliminary investigation determined the suspect’s truck left a nearby licensed cannabis production location at a high rate of speed before crashing into the power pole. Investigators also determined the driver did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash.  Analysis of physical and digital evidence was completed last week, which confirmed speed was the primary contributing factor in the crash.

The STAR Team is a specialized unit dedicated to investigating fatal and complex serious injury collisions. The team operates through a collaborative interagency agreement between JCSO, Medford Police Department, Ashland Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

This case remains under investigation. The victim’s name will not be released at this time. Any further information will be released by the District Attorney’s Office.

###

Salem, OR – September 22, 2026 –  Marion County Circuit Court Judge Sean Armstrong sentenced Daniel A. Long (age 55) to 450 months (approximately 37.5 years) in the Department of Corrections. Long was convicted based on a guilty verdict of three counts of Rape in the First Degree, three counts of Sodomy in the First Degree, one count of Sodomy in the Third Degree, and one count of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree.

The conviction stems from the repeated sexual abuse of a female victim by Long, a family friend. The abuse occurred over four years, beginning when the victim was 14 and continuing until she was 17-years-old. The defendant threatened to harm the victim and her family if she told anyone about the abuse; he leveraged their personal relationship to keep her silent. The victim disclosed the abuse after entering a stable, healthy relationship that gave her confidence to speak out.  

“This case is another example of the extensive manipulation sexual assault victims can be subjected to.  It takes extreme acts of courage for these victims to come forward,” said DA-elect Brendan Murphy. “Despite the horrible abuse she suffered at the hands of the defendant; we wish her healing as she moves forward.”

Deputy District Attorney Matt Estrada represented the state in this case. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office wishes to thank the detectives with the Salem Police Department for their outstanding work.

###

Embargoed until Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 2 p.m.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Nate Jackson as one of Oregon’s 17 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year and one of four State Finalists! Jackson teaches at Social Studies at Willamette High School in Eugene.   

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at Willamette High School on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 2 p.m., when Jackson will be honored in a staff meeting after school.

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

Jackson was nominated by a colleague who noted, “In the classroom, Nate builds strong relationships with students grounded in respect, humor, and high expectations. Students feel safe taking academic risks, asking questions, and expressing their perspectives.” 

“Ultimately, my goal is not just to teach history, but to help students better understand themselves, each other, and the world they are shaping,” Jackson explains in his nomination. “I believe learning becomes most powerful when students can see themselves in the world beyond the classroom.”

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

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

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

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, over $2.5 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Bethel School District, and over $23.5 million went to Lane County. 

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

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

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

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

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

Central Oregon’s Army National Guard 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, holds unit deactivation ceremony

By John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs

BEND, Ore. — As summer faded into its final golden days, the Oregon Army National Guard’s 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, part of the 81st Mobile Brigade Combat Team, held a poignant Casing of Colors during the unit's deactivation ceremony and a grand Regimental Ball in Bend, Oregon, on September 19, 2026, marking the end of an era.

The Casing of Colors is a formal U.S. Army tradition in which a unit’s symbolic flags, known as colors, are lowered, furled, and placed in a protective sheath. The ritual marks the end of a unit’s active status while honoring its legacy. The 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, whose streamers commemorate service in World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, completed its final mobilization in support of the European Deterrence Initiative under Operation Atlantic Resolve, beginning in April 2021. Two waves of soldiers from the 1-82nd deployed to Poland, culminating in a final demobilization ceremony on February 4, 2023.

The official ceremony featured Col. Andrew W. Vidourek, Commander of the 82nd Brigade Troop Command, alongside Lt. Col. Richard Nicolas, Commander of the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Wilson, 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry. The event included a reading of the unit’s lineage and honors, the issuance of the Deactivation Order, and the casing of colors, held at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater. Later that evening, the unit held its formal “One Last Ride” Regimental Ball at the Riverhouse Convention Center.

“Today we mark the deactivation of this distinguished military unit and trace its roots back to the 1st Infantry Regiment, organized in the late 1860’s, from communities across the state in Portland, Salem, Astoria, Oregon City, Albany, and The Dalles,” said Maj. Christopher Perrotti, who served as the event narrator, while addressing the unit formation, their family members, and retired soldiers from the unit as they made this historic moment. “Beyond combat, the squadron has been a shield for the citizens of Oregon and regularly has responded to wildfires, floods, and civil unrest with speed and precision inherent to the Cavalry.”

The regiment fought in the Spanish-American War and took part in battles in the Philippines between February 1899 and July 1902. The unit saw action in World War I and received a streamer for its combat service. In World War II, the heredity included service with the 41st Infantry Division, including the lineage of A Troop and B Troop, participating in the growing campaigns of the Pacific Theatre and earning decorations for service in New Guinea, Luzon, and the Southern Philippines, and receiving the Presidential Unit Citation for exceptional meritorious service. In 2005, the unit was formally designated the 1^st Squadron, 82^nd Cavalry Regiment, and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2009 to 2010 and to Afghanistan in 2014-2015.

As Perroitt read the official order issued by the Secretary of the Army deactivating the unit, Soldiers stood ready to case the colors. “The Casing of the colors is a ceremony of heritage and respect. The colors represent the spirit of the unit. As they are placed in their protective cover, it signifies the unit’s mission is complete and forever engraved in the U.S. Army Cavalry history.”

On stage, the unit flag, which features yellow as the traditional color of Armor and Cavalry and symbolizes the unit’s cavalry heritage and reconnaissance role, was cased in a ceremony. The seven individual troop guidons and subsequent unit flags were also cased in sequence with meticulous care.

“Today’s ceremony marks the deactivation of 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, and as mission shifts and new requirements emerge, the Army adapts,” Vidourek said. “And every so often, it reminds us that no organizational chart survives contact with the Pentagon staff officer – today’s ceremony reflects that reality.”

As Vidourek reflected on the unit’s long history and how the force structure has changed over the years, he noted it has always been defined by the men and women willing to step forward whenever Oregon and the nation needed them.

“The Squadron’s colors carry honor earned by generations of troopers. Long before any of us arrived, those soldiers established standards that later generations have worked hard to uphold,” he said. “While today’s ceremony closes an important chapter, it should not be viewed as the end of the story. The Army will keep moving forward. New formations will stand up.”

Looking ahead, Vidourek stated that the new reserve center in Redmond will help the National Guard maintain a strong presence in Oregon. With the Cavalry mission departing Bend, the armory will now house soldiers from Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 186th Infantry.

“What gives me confidence is that while the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment is deactivating, the Oregon National Guard’s presence in Central Oregon remains strong,” he said. “When the National Guard looks for a place with strong community support, exceptional training opportunities, and citizens willing to raise their right hand and serve, Central Oregon makes a compelling argument.”

In concluding his remarks, Vidourek said the unit's legacy and its place in military history will live on in each soldier.

“To the trooper standing in the formation, the Squadron’s guidon may be retired, but what was built here will endure. The friendships, the lessons, the standards established, over a century of service, now belong to you to carry forward,” Vidourek said.

Lt. Col. Nicolas echoed that spirit of continued service in his remarks, noting that each soldier’s willingness to serve and their expertise are transferable skills.

“Whether you move to a new formation within the Oregon Guard, or continue to serve in another capacity, you carry the Cavalry legacy forward,” he said. “The culture that makes the 1-82 CAV special did not happen by accident. It happened because you invested in it; that investment lives on in every soldier who served under the colors. With that, thank you – Scouts Out!”

-30-

Released Images:

260919-Z-CH590-1024 and 1072: Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Richard Nicolas, Commander, 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry (right), and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Wilson, 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry (left), Case the Colors for the flag of the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment during the unit’s formal deactivation ceremony held in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1170: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment stand in formation for the unit’s formal deactivation ceremony held in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1155: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment stand in formation for the unit’s formal deactivation ceremony with family, retired members, and others attending the event in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1102: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment render a formal salute as they stand in formation for the unit’s formal deactivation ceremony held in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1120 and 1121: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment Case the Colors of their unit’s guidon flags during the formal deactivation ceremony held in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1216: Oregon Army National Guard Col. Andrew W. Vidourek, Commander of the 82nd Brigade Troop Command, addresses those in attendance for the Casing of Colors during the deactivation ceremony for the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, held in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1245: Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Richard Nicolas, Commander of the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, addresses attendees at the Casing of Colors during the deactivation ceremony for the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, held in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260919-Z-CH590-1348: Oregon Army National Guard Col. Russell Gibson, Assistant Adjutant General, Oregon Army National Guard, addresses soldiers, retired members, and other attendees at the “One Last Ride” Regimental Ball for the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, held at the Riverhouse Conference Center in Bend, Oregon, on Sept. 19, 2026. The unit has a distinguished history in Central Oregon and was formally designated in 2005, with major deployments to Iraq in 2009-2010, Afghanistan in 2014-2015, and two waves in Poland from 2021-2023. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Eugene, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud.

David Paul Williams, 46, pleaded guilty to defrauding several Newport, Oregon, property owners, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, Williams defrauded the owners of vacant lots in Newport through his companies TreeNada Co and Treenada Construction.  In November 2020, Williams entered into agreements with owners of vacant lots in Newport to build townhomes on their lots. Between 2020 and 2022, Williams was paid over $850,000 by the owners to build the townhomes, which were never built. Williams sent email updates to owners with progress on the project that were false and misled the victims to elicit additional money. Williams instead used the fraudulently obtained funds to pay for other projects, to pay a church he had previously defrauded, and for other pre-existing debt. The total loss to investors caused by Williams exceeded $850,000.   

On June 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a 10-count indictment charging Williams with wire fraud.

Williams faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 22, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, Williams has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victims.

FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Rykken is prosecuting the case.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is urging public land users of all types to use their expertise and experience to shape decisions that keep public land across Oregon and Washington healthy, accessible, and thriving. Serving on a council is a chance to collaborate, share ideas, and make a real difference in how millions of public acres are managed for current and future generations. 

“Our resource advisory councils are integral in managing public lands on behalf of the American people,” said Kim Prill, acting BLM Oregon-Washington State Director. “Participating on these councils is a unique opportunity to collaborate and bring your perspective to the table, guiding the stewardship of public lands we all care about.”

Earlier this month, the BLM published a call for nominations to fill current and upcoming vacancies on four councils that advise the BLM across Oregon and Washington.

• Western Oregon RAC
• John Day–Snake RAC
• Southeast Oregon RAC
• Steens Mountain Advisory Council

The nomination period is open for 45 days from publication in the Federal Register, until Monday, Oct. 26. Anyone can nominate themselves or someone else.

The Secretary of the Interior appoints RAC members staggered three-year terms on each of the Councils. The BLM is looking for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and interests, including: 

• Ranchers and holders of federal grazing permits 
• Members of the timber industry

• Energy and mineral development representatives 

• Recreation users 

• State and local elected officials 

• Tribal governments 

• Wild horse and burro interest groups 

• Environmental organizations 

• Academics & members of the public at large

Resource Advisory Councils are required by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and operate under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to ensure balanced representation. Resource Advisory Council members meet virtually at least once per year to provide advice on initiatives, regulations, and policies that impact millions of acres of public lands.  

For more information visit the Oregon/Washington Advisory Council webpage.  

To apply, visit the BLM’s national Resource Advisory Council page.  

-BLM-

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

September 21, 2026

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir Sept. 21

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir due to the presence of a cyanotoxins above Recreational Use Value (RUVs).

A recreational use health precaution has been in place since July 14 due to the presence of cyanotoxins. The waterbody is in Baker County.

People should avoid swimming and other water activities with a high risk of swallowing water or inhaling water droplets in areas lake where blooms are present. Ingestion or inhalation of water is the exposure route of concern. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA’s RUVs are designed to protect the most vulnerable, including children, who have a higher activity level and are more likely to swallow water while recreating.

OHA encourages people to visit Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, and motorized or non-motorized boating activities that have a low risk of swallowing or inhaling water droplets.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source for drinking and cooking.

Symptoms for people, pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size, level of activity, and likelihood of swallowing water.

For people, exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crusts along the shore. This is regardless of whether a recreational use health advisory in place. Symptoms in dogs can include difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, and loss of appetite, and more.  If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible. OHA recommends keeping dogs on leashes, away from affected water and mat material, to help reduce the chance of exposure.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs, where toxins are more likely to build up, before cooking or freezing. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

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

###

PORTLAND, Ore. (September 21, 2026) – As respiratory virus season approaches, Kaiser Permanente Northwest is encouraging community members to get vaccinated now against flu and COVID-19. Now is a good time to get vaccinated, helping ensure protection is in place before viruses begin circulating more widely this fall and winter.

Health experts recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, along with updated COVID-19 vaccination for eligible children and adults. RSV prevention options are also available for certain infants, pregnant people, older adults, and others at higher risk based on current recommendations. Updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available at Kaiser Permanente Northwest.

"Getting vaccinated early in cold and flu season gives your immune system time to build protection before respiratory viruses begin spreading more broadly in our communities," said Dr. Kathryn Glassberg, internal medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "Vaccines remain our best tool for preventing serious illness, reducing hospitalizations and helping people stay healthy through the fall and winter months. Whether you're heading back to school, returning to the office or preparing for holiday gatherings, now is the time to get up to date."

"Many people have made annual flu shots part of their routine but aren't sure whether they still need a COVID vaccine," Dr. Glassberg added. "The reality is that COVID is present throughout the year, and continues to send people to the hospital. Just like the flu vaccine, COVID vaccines are updated to provide protection against currently circulating strains and remain one of our best tools for preventing severe illness. Now is a good time to get vaccinated so you're protected against COVID before cases start to rise."

While flu and COVID-19 can affect people of all ages, older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with chronic health conditions remain at higher risk for serious complications. Health care providers recommend vaccination as an important step in reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and missed work, school, and activities.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available throughout the community, including at Kaiser Permanente Northwest clinics, physician offices, pharmacies, and other vaccination locations. Health experts encourage people to get vaccinated now so they have protection in place before respiratory virus activity increases later this fall.

Interviews Available

Dr. Kathryn Glassberg, Internal Medicine Physician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for interviews on Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 2-4 p.m. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org">Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Glassberg can discuss:

• Why now is an ideal time to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19
• Whether people still need a COVID vaccine and current recommendations
• Current vaccine recommendations for children and adults
• Differences between flu, COVID-19, and RSV, and who is most at risk for severe illness
• How vaccines help reduce hospitalizations and serious complications
• What families can do now to prepare for respiratory virus season

B-roll Available on request:

• Facility signage
• Cleaning/preparation of an injection site with alcohol
• Bandage application
• Refrigeration units
• Clinicians and staff restocking supplies or organizing workspaces
• Providers sanitizing their hands
• Clinicians verifying patient information
• Medium and close-up shots of individuals sniffling, blowing their noses, or coughing

Usage Note: This b-roll is approved solely for use in the specific story for which it is being provided. Any future use requires permission from Kaiser Permanente. The footage may not be repurposed as generic file video for flu-related or other Kaiser Permanente stories without prior approval.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

September 21, 2026

Media Contact: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov

Reminder: virtual media briefing today on federal changes

OHA will hold a media briefing today to outline federal changes and answer related questions

SALEM, OR – Beginning this month, about 600,000 Oregon Health Plan members will begin receiving notices about upcoming changes to the Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid). These updates are required under new federal mandates outlined in House Resolution 1, also known as HR1 or the Big Beautiful Bill, which states must follow to maintain federal funding.

One of the first changes will take effect January 1, 2027, when new work or activity rules begin for certain OHP members ages 19 to 64. While most adults with OHP who can work already do, some will need to provide documentation when they apply for or renew coverage once the rules are in place.

The notices going out this month are informational only and no action is required yet; however, OHA is urging members to keep their contact information up to date, so they don’t miss these notices or future updates. Members can do that by:

• Going to benefits.oregon.gov
• Calling 1-800-699-9075 (all relay calls welcome),
• Downloading the ONE mobile app, or
• Visiting a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office

Community partners are encouraged to help spread the word about upcoming changes by sharing flyers, social media posts, and information available at: https://ohp.oregon.gov/toolkit.

Media are invited to an OHA virtual briefing today

OHA leaders will brief the media and answer questions about upcoming federal changes during a virtual session. Details about the briefing:

Date: Monday, September 21, 2026

Time: 11:00am – 11:30am

Location: Virtual, via Zoom

Meeting ID: 165 737 0403, Passcode: 932201, +16692545252,,1657370403#

Community partners can view the briefing via YouTube.

At approximately 1412 hours on Sept. 18th, 2026, Lebanon Fire District crews were dispatched to a structure fire on East Pine Street in Lebanon. A neighbor reported seeing light smoke coming from the roof of a single-family residence.

Firefighters arrived at 1416 hours and immediately deployed hoselines to the front door. Approximately 400 feet of supply hose was laid from the nearest hydrant to the residence to establish a water supply for the firefighting operation. Initial reports indicated that possibly two people were inside the home. Crews forced entry and began searching the residence for the fire and any potential occupants. A resident arrived shortly after and confirmed that everyone was safely out of the building.

Conditions inside the home were challenging, with dense smoke down to the floor and a high fire load throughout the structure. These conditions required firefighters to exit the front and re-enter from the back of the residence as they worked to locate the fire.

An engine company placed ladders on the building and opened the roof to ventilate the structure. This allowed heat and smoke to escape and significantly improved conditions for firefighters operating inside.

The fire was located in the kitchen area and was knocked down approximately 25 minutes after the initial call.

Although the fire was quickly brought under control, incidents like this require significant manpower and time to overhaul the structure and ensure the fire is completely extinguished.

Approximately two hours after arriving, firefighters turned the scene over to the Lebanon Fire District Fire Investigation Team. Investigators remained on scene for approximately four hours conducting their investigation.

The cause and origin of the fire have not been released and are not available at the time of this report.

Lebanon Fire District would like to thank the Albany Fire Department for assisting with fire suppression operations and for providing coverage to the Lebanon Fire District while our crews and resources were committed to the incident. LFD would also like to thank the Lebanon Police Department for traffic control.

PRESS RELEASE                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Headline: Donors who helped build the Tillamook Forest Center gather to celebrate the impact of the Forest Center on multiple generations of students and visitors

Dateline: September 18, 2026

Introduction (Lead Paragraph): 

• Who / What:  The State Forests Trust of Oregon (formerly the Tillamook Forest Heritage Trust) is hosting a reunion of donors and others who helped build the Tillamook Forest Center in celebration of the Center’s 20^th Anniversary. 
• When:  The event will take place on October 9^th, from 11 am to 3 pm, repeating October 10^th from 11 am to 3 pm. The formal program begins at 11 am each day, with guided backstage tours at 1.  A light luncheon will be served to invited guests, with plenty of time to also socialize and view the exhibits on display in the center.
• Where:   At the Tillamook Forest Center:  45500 OR 6, Tillamook, Oregon 97141.
• Why: Businesses, individuals, philanthropists and government agencies came together to raise $10 million to build the center, with additional funds raised to build the Education Pavillion and the Smith Homestead. It was an incredible outpouring from Oregonians representing every walk of life to realize a vision that was sparked by the massive grassroots efforts that led to the reforestation of the Tillamook Forest after the devastating fires during the mid-late decades of the 20^th century which also led to the creation of the Tillamook State Forest and innovations in logging, forest management, fire management, restoration, and legislation. Since its opening, the center has served nearly 1 million visitors. 

Quotes: 

Katie Hooker, Corporate Giving Manager, Weyerhaeuser Corp  870-584-7074

“We appreciate the opportunity to see the lasting impact of the Tillamook Forest Center and look forward to…the event.”

Virginia Ohler, Executive Director, State Forests Trust of Oregon: The Trust is delighted to host this celebration: to acknowledge the incredible grassroots movement that led to it’s creation, and to recognize and celebrate the work of the Forest Center and it’s staff over the last twenty years. 

ABOUT US:  The State Forests Trust of Oregon is an independent, 501-c-3 charitable non-profit organization dedicated to helping Oregonians and visitors enjoy and appreciate Oregon state forests. The Trust helps fund improved access for anglers, off-road vehicle enthusiasts, hikers, and other people as they experience the wonder of Oregon’s beautiful natural heritage.

In addition, the State Forests Trust of Oregon (SFT) supports programs to deepen Oregonian’s understanding of the many benefits of state forests.

Founded in 1999, SFT (formerly  “Tillamook Forest  Heritage Trust”) brought the community together to build the Tillamook Forest Center, where visitors learn about the Tillamook Forest’s first inhabitants, the disastrous wildfires of early last century, as well as the work of the Oregon Department of Forestry to manage state forests. The Trust helps expand trail systems, promote education and learning about and on state forestlands, and helps restore areas impacted by the 2020 Labor Day fires.  

https://www.stateforeststrust.org/

Media Contact: 

Virginia Ohler, Executive Director, State Forests Trust:  503-310-9585  ginia.ohler@stateforeststrust.org">virginia.ohler@stateforeststrust.org

MEDIA KIT:

https://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/press/mediakit

PHOTO GALLERY:

https://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/press/photogallery

AWARDS:

https://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/press/awards

LINK TO VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/@StateForestsTrustofOregon

Resources for fact checking:

https://www.tillamookforestcenter.org/

###END###

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

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

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

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

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

Criminal Convictions:

U.S. v Joel Caswell

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

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

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

U.S. v Kenneth Burns

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

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

U.S. v Beniamin Lucescu

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

Criminal Charges:

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

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

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

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

U.S. v Melissa Fireside

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

U.S. v K’Lum Strickland

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

Civil Filings:

Emerald Green Lawn Service, Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Civil Case Pending Execution:

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

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

# # #

September 18, 2026

Media Contact: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov

Oregon prepares Medicaid members for new federal rules, calls on community partners to help keep people covered

OHA will hold a media briefing on Sept. 21 to outline federal changes and answer related questions

SALEM, OR – Beginning this month, about 600,000 Oregon Health Plan members will begin receiving notices about upcoming changes to the Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid). These updates are required under new federal mandates outlined in House Resolution 1, also known as HR1 or the Big Beautiful Bill, which states must follow to maintain federal funding.

One of the first changes will take effect January 1, 2027, when new work or activity rules begin for certain OHP members ages 19 to 64. While most adults with OHP who can work already do, some will need to provide documentation when they apply for or renew coverage once the rules are in place.

The notices going out this month are informational only and no action is required yet; however, OHA is urging members to keep their contact information up to date, so they don’t miss these notices or future updates. Members can do that by:

• Going to benefits.oregon.gov
• Calling 1-800-699-9075 (all relay calls welcome),
• Downloading the ONE mobile app, or
• Visiting a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office

Community partners are encouraged to help spread the word about upcoming changes by sharing flyers, social media posts, and information available at: https://ohp.oregon.gov/toolkit.

Media are invited to an OHA virtual briefing on Monday, Sept. 21

OHA leaders will brief the media and answer questions about upcoming federal changes during a virtual session. Details about the briefing:

Date: Monday, September 21, 2026

Time: 11:00am – 11:30am

Location: Virtual, via Zoom

Meeting ID: 165 737 0403, Passcode: 932201, +16692545252,,1657370403#

Community partners can view the briefing via YouTube.
###

September 18, 2026

Media contact: Marsha Sills, sha.sills@oha.oregon.gov">marsha.sills@oha.oregon.gov, 971-240-3344

OSH Junction City apple orchard rooted in community

JUNCTION CITY – The small apple orchard planted on Oregon State Hospital (OSH) grounds more than a decade ago continues to bear fruit for the community with the recent harvest of around 5,000 pounds of apples to help support families in Lane County.

Patients and staff led the picking of the crop while local volunteers with Fern Ridge Connection Gleaners completed the harvest in a separate event. The harvest was split between Food for Lane County (FFLC) and the gleaners group, which serves about 140 families in the Fern Ridge and Veneta area.

“Food for Lane County has been our partner from the beginning – and they provide meaningful opportunities for our patients through their volunteer programs,” said Tom Anhalt, OSH Chief Experience Officer and Junction City Administrator.  “It takes coordination to make the harvest and patient engagement in the community to happen, and I’m grateful to our OSH staff for creating and strengthening these community relationships so our patients can grow and develop skills that will help them as they leave the hospital.” 

Michael and David were among a small group of OSH patients who helped with this year’s harvest.

“Coming out here, being able to be a part of the community – still even within these walls – is a good opportunity,” said Michael. 

David added, “I think everybody should give of their time.” 

FFLC helped fund and plant more than 200 dwarf Liberty and Empire trees when the Junction City campus opened in 2015. Three years later, patients, staff and community volunteers joined together for the first harvest. While the picking events have evolved into separate events for OSH patients and staff with volunteer groups completing the picking of the crop, the harvest remains rooted in community connection.

As FFLC’s food resource developer, Kara Smith connects partners – any food business, including farms and organizations like gleaner groups – with the food bank’s mission of feeding the hungry in the community.  

“Every little bit helps,” Kara Smith said. “We’re feeding right around 80,000 individuals every month in Lane County. Everything helps. Every piece is part of the big puzzle that helps to make sure our community has access to food. We’re grateful for the partnership and it’s awesome to see the collaboration from various parts of our community.” 

The OSH Junction City campus serves people who were admitted by the courts under a guilty except for insanity order – meaning the courts decided their mental illness was a factor in their crime. Staff begin working with patients at admission on a discharge plan that often includes volunteerism and engagement to help them prepare to reintegrate into the community. 

OSH Associate Director of Social Work Travis Smith (left) worked with community partners to ensure the harvest supported local families. OSH Treatment Services supported staff supported the event for patients like Jonathan (right) who wanted to give back to the community.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power offers Oregon customers rebates for backup power 

Program helps eligible customers prepare for wildfire-related outages and winter storms 

PORTLAND, Ore.  (Sept. 18, 2026) — With a record-setting wildfire season that brought power disruptions to communities across Oregon winding down, Pacific Power is reminding eligible customers about rebates that can help them prepare for future outage events. As our focus transitions to winter storm season, qualified customers and licensed care facilities can still get help purchasing backup power equipment.

Income-qualified residential customers who rely on electricity for medical equipment can receive a rebate of up to $1,000, and eligible licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices can qualify for up to $4,000 in rebates. These rebates can be used toward a qualified portable power station, battery or permanent backup generator.

“We prioritize emergency preparedness education and communication in our communities so our customers are prepared in the event an outage whether related to wildfire safety or seasonal storms,” said Carrie Laird, vice president of wildfire mitigation and emergency operations for Pacific Power. “We want eligible customers and care facilities to know this assistance is available and encourage them to apply before the upcoming deadlines so that they can take advantage of these helpful programs, which can offer peace of mind.”

To qualify for the residential rebate, applicants need to have an active Pacific Power account number, either as a customer or as the tenant of a Pacific Power customer. They also have to be enrolled in both Pacific Power’s Medical Certificate program and Oregon Low Income Discount program. Eligible customers should select backup power equipment from the program’s qualified product list and meet applicable requirements, which are spelled out in detail on our website.

Licensed care facilities also have to have an active Pacific Power account number, either directly or through a Pacific Power customer whose property they occupy. Eligible facilities include licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices.

Eligible equipment must be purchased by December 31, 2026, and Pacific Power must receive the completed application and purchase receipt by January 31, 2027. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the program’s annual funding is fully used.

Pacific Power launched the Oregon Backup Electric Power Rebate Program in 2023. Since then, the company has issued 421 rebates totaling more than $1.2 million.

The program is also helping communities strengthen their backup power readiness. In 2025, Linn County identified eligible care facilities and encouraged them to invest in backup power. Twenty-seven facilities received rebates of $4,000 each, for a total of $108,000. A batch application process is now available for jurisdictions submitting applications for multiple facilities.

Customers with questions about batch applications for multiple care facilities may email Generator@resource-innovations.com">PacPowerGenerator@resource-innovations.com.

To hear more about the impacts of this program from a customer’s perspective, you can access video and interview excerpts here: Media gallery.

Content on our media gallery is downloadable and free to use in your reporting.

###

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 18, 2026

Notice of Virtual Meeting

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)

Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

(Douglas County, OR) The next meeting for the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council’s (LPSCC) – Behavioral Health and Housing Subcommittee will take place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 11:30 am via a virtual conference format.

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch or listen to the meeting via video or by phone. For information on how you can watch or listen to this meeting, please see the agenda, or contact Koree Tate at ee.tate@douglascountyor.gov">koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov or call (541) 957-7790.

The meeting agenda with virtual meeting links is attached and can also be found at www.douglascountyor.gov. To view the post meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov.

###

Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office |

Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: a.howell@douglascountyor.gov.">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Program Contact: Koree Tate, Programs and Partnership Coordinator | Douglas County Juvenile Department | Phone: (541) 957-7790 | Email: ee.tate@douglascountyor.gov">koree.tate@douglascountyor.gov

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Douglas County Dog Control Advisory Board will hold a meeting on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, Room 216, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, Oregon 97470.

The agenda meeting agenda can be located at: http://www.dcso.com/dogboard. Click or tap if you trust this link.">www.dcso.com/dogboard. 

To view the live stream or post-meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to submit public comment related to specific agenda items. Members of the public who wish to comment can do so: (1) In person, (2) by submitting via email at kaylee.tucker@douglascountyor.gov or (3) by virtual format via Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 231 251 615 228 (Passcode: md3oF6dW)

As part of public policy, Douglas County will attempt to provide public accessibility to services, programs, and activities. If accommodation is needed to participate at this meeting, please contact Kaylee Tucker (541) 440-4449 kaylee.tucker@douglascountyor.gov at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

BENTON COUNTY, Ore. (18 September 2026) – Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful shooting of a doe deer near Monroe in Benton County.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on September 13, 2026, a doe deer was shot on private property near Alpine Road and Foster Road. The deer was left to waste. The suspect(s) are believed to have been traveling in a full-size, loud pickup truck. After the deer was shot, the vehicle was observed traveling eastbound on Alpine Road.

During the investigation, troopers recovered a .30-30 caliber shell casing from the roadway near the scene.

OSP Fish and Wildlife is asking anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident, or who may have information regarding the vehicle or person(s) involved, to contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or call OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Tips may be submitted anonymously. Please reference case number SP26-300293.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

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

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

HBRA represents one of the largest blocks of remaining prairie and oak savanna habitat left in the Willamette Valley. This ecological burn will occur in the Meadowlark area of the park. It will help reduce the risk of wildfire by reducing the available fuels in the burn area. About 20 acres will be burned. Ecological burning is funded by a combination of grant funding from the Bureau of Land Management for fuels reduction and the Lane County Parks levy.

Closures

• East Trailhead and parking lot.
• Trail 2 between the intersection with Trail 6 on the south and Trail 4 on the north.

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

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

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

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

Follow Lane County Parks on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Why the County conducts ecological burning:

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

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

###

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

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

The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23. There will be a period for public comment at 2 p.m. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. 

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

Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting y.berry@odf.oregon.gov">Shelby Berry at 503-949-5181.

BENTON COUNTY, Ore. (17 Sept. 2026) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful take of a buck deer that was killed with a spear near Monroe in Benton County.

On September 9, 2026, OSP Fish and Wildlife troopers responded to a report of a dead buck deer on private property near Cox Lane and Foster Road outside Monroe. Troopers located the buck with a spear lodged in the animal, and the deer had been left to waste.

OSP Fish and Wildlife is asking anyone who may have information regarding this incident, or who observed any suspicious activity in the area, to contact the Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or call OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Tips may be submitted anonymously. Please reference case number SP26-295930.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

Embargoed until Monday, September 21, 2026, 1:30 p.m. 

NEWS RELEASE 

Media Contact: Michelle Brix, North Bend School District, 541-531-3784, mbrix@nbend.k12.or.us  

Eva Varga Named South Coast Regional Teacher of the Year 

Candidate for 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year 

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Eva Varga as one of Oregon’s 17 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year! Varga teaches English Language Development in the North Bend School District. 

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at the Technology Building, 2525 Pacific St., North Bend, on Monday, September 21, at 1:30 p.m., when Varga will be honored in a gathering of colleagues and board members.

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

Varga was nominated by a colleague who noted, “Her impact extends well beyond a single classroom. As the district’s [English Language Learner] program lead, she partners with teachers to embed effective language development practices across subject areas and grade levels, ensuring multilingual learners are supported in every learning environment.” 

"Ultimately, my classroom reflects my commitment to honoring students’ linguistic assets, fostering deep understanding, and ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to succeed,” Varga stated in her nomination. "By intentionally designing opportunities for collaboration among students, families, and colleagues, I work to create a classroom and school environment where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of success." 

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

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

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

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, nearly $1.5 million of Oregon Lottery funding went North Bend School District, and $4.5 million went to Coos County. 

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

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

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

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

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

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Central Douglas Fire & Rescue Authority will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday September 21, 2026 at 5:30 pm. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 pm on Monday September 21, 2026 for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1. Monthly Financials

   2. Auditor Communication During Planning

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

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Douglas County Fire District No. 2 will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday September 21, 2026 at 5:30 pm. A supplemental budget adjustment will be considered at this meeting. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 pm on Monday September 21, 2026 for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1.  Monthly Financials

   2.  Auditor Communication During Planning

   3.  SB1068 Annexation Approval Request for Property ID: R64154

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

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Winston Dillard Fire District will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St., Winston, OR on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. A supplemental budget adjustment will be considered at this meeting. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-679-8721 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday September 21, 2026 for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1. Monthly Financials

The meeting location is accessible to person with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to administration at 541-679-8721.

September 17, 2026

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Cullaby Lake Sept. 17

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Cullaby Lake due to the presence of a cyanotoxins above recreational use values (RUVs). The lake is in Clatsop County.

People should avoid swimming and other water activities with a high risk of swallowing water or inhaling water droplets in areas of the lake where blooms are present. Ingestion or inhalation of water is the exposure route of concern. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA’s RUVs are designed to protect the most vulnerable, including children, who have a higher activity level and are more likely to swallow water while recreating.

OHA encourages people to visit Cullaby Lake and enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, and motorized or non-motorized boating activities that have a low risk of swallowing or inhaling water droplets.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source for drinking and cooking.

Symptoms for people, pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size, level of activity, and likelihood of swallowing water.

For people, exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crusts along the shore. This is regardless of whether a recreational use health advisory in place. Symptoms in dogs can include difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, and loss of appetite, and more.  If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible. OHA recommends keeping dogs on leashes, away from affected water and mat material, to help reduce the chance of exposure.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs, where toxins are more likely to build up, before cooking or freezing. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

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

###

Sixth graders from Clatsop County get hands-on experience in possible forestry careers. Anticipate approximately 400 students from area schools will rotate through 10 different stations.

What: Watch students from all Clatsop County schools participate and rotate through 10 different stations: tree planting, plant identification, wildland fire fighting, wood products, fisheries, recreation, wildlife rescue, restoration, fungi in the forest and tree measurements.

Visuals: See students receive hands-on training on how to plant trees, use a fire hose to hit a target, learn about on-site local fish, take a hike, ID plants and much more.

People on-site available to interview: Students and teachers, experts from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University Extension Service, Oregon Parks and Recreation, Clatsop County Fisheries, Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Wildlife Center of the North Coast, Oregon Women in Timber, Hampton Lumber, Nuveen Natural Capital, North Coast Watershed Association as well other local volunteers.  

When: Thursday, September 24, 2026

Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Best visuals and station rotations occur 9 a.m.–noon. Note: This is a two-day event but photo release and coordination for spokespeople are for Sept 24 only, NOT the first day, Sept. 23.

Where: ODF’s Demonstration Forest and Arboretum adjacent to the Clatsop County Fairgrounds and ODF’s district offices. Address for ODF office: 92219 OR-202, Astoria, OR 97103

Please send an RSVP by end of the day Sept. 22 so we can plan to have people available for interviews. All stations are outdoors so dress for the weather that day. RSVP to Jessica.NEUJAHR@odf.oregon.gov.  For more information contact: Jessica Neujahr, ODF public affairs, (503) 983-3367 (cell phone good for day of the event too). If your schedule changes, we can accommodate last-minute coverage.

Fast facts background and purpose:

• The event has been hosted by the Clatsop County natural resource community since 1960.
• More than 400 students attend each year.
• Top goal is to get students interested in exploring and learning about the broad career opportunities in forestry and natural resources.
• Highlights the partnerships it takes to manage forests for all Oregonians.

List of stations:

PRIVATE TIMBER LANDS
 

Those who enjoy traveling the back roads of our private timber lands may have found locked gates or restricted access. This leaves some people to believe private timber companies deny access to their lands simply because they don’t want private citizens on their property. This is not the case.

With the exception of active commercial use such as logging or harvest of other forest products, the closures are in reaction to the ever-increasing incidents of offensive littering, abandonment of vehicles, theft of forest products, and acts of criminal mischief. Some common acts of criminal mischief include destruction of property caused by 4X4s and ATVs riding in unapproved areas, destruction of road access gates, and more.

Damage and theft detract from the natural beauty of our forests and incurs costs for cleaning, repairing, and removal of vehicles and garbage. These costs are passed onto private timber companies as well as taxpayers in the county.

What can each of us do to stop the defacing of our forests and waterways? During your visit and when you leave forest lands and waterways:

• Read signs posted at entry points into private & public lands – signs include important information including log truck activity.
• Report criminal acts to law enforcement.
• Report located dump sites or abandoned vehicles.
• Stay informed of possible land use restrictions. This information is usually posted at each access.
• When in doubt about access, contact the landowner or your Lincoln County Sheriff’s office Forest Patrol at (541)-265-4277.
• Do not discard glass, cans, rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or litter other than in receptacles provided for these items.
• Report anyone observed hauling trash or debris into our forests.
• Consider bringing a trash bag or two to pick up trash you observe.
• Do not discard any glass, cans, rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or litter in any waters of the state.
• Do not drain, cause, or permit to be drained, sewage or the drainage from a cesspool, septic tank, recreational or camping vehicle waste holding tank or other contaminated source, upon the land of another without permission of the owner, or upon any public way.
• When target shooting, be sure to pick up brass, targets, and anything else used during your visit.
• Do not permit any rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or other refuse to be thrown from a vehicle you are operating.

Our forestlands, public and private, should be treasured and protected by everyone. Through our efforts, we can strive to regain the trust of the private timber owners. The challenge for each of us is to take pride in where we live and work and clean up our county.

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

###

Kaiser Permanente Northwest has been recognized as the highest rated commercial and Medicare health plan in Oregon and SW Washington by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in 2026. The Northwest is proud of its leadership position when it comes to providing expert, coordinated care and exceptional service.

The NCQA annual report, released September 2026, rates Kaiser Permanente Northwest’s private (commercial) and Medicare health plans as the highest among competitors’ plans. Kaiser Permanente Northwest has consistently ranked at the top of the market in Oregon and SW Washington for providing quality health care coverage and care to its more than 600,000 members.

“We are proud that Kaiser Permanente Northwest's commercial and Medicare plans continue to be recognized among the highest-rated health plans in Oregon and Washington,” said Slavvy Petrov, vice president of quality and safety at Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “These ratings reflect the dedication of our care teams, the strength of our integrated care and coverage model, and our focus on quality, safety, and the delivery of the best care experience for our members.”

According to the latest NCQA Report, the performance breakdown for Kaiser Permanente Northwest is:

• Commercial Plan: Earned a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating, placing it as the highest-rated commercial health plan in Oregon and SW Washington.
• Medicare Plan: Earned a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating, standing out as one of the top-performing Medicare options across regional competitors.

The NCQA’s annual report helps health care consumers and regulators assess the quality and effectiveness of health plans. Ratings evaluate commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid health plans based on measures of clinical quality, patient experience and outcomes. The 2026 ratings are based primarily on 2025 performance data.

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization that measures and accredits health care plans. NCQA ratings are based on dozens of measures that assess how each plan performs when it comes to prevention and population health, treatment, and the patient experience.

Learn more about NCQA’s ratings and methodology and Kaiser Permanente’s national placements for being a great place to get care.

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. 

Each year Lane County auctions vehicles because of age or mileage. Lane County Fleet Services will conduct a public, open-bid (with proxy bidding) auction from Thursday, September 24, to Saturday, September 26.

Vehicles may be previewed before the sale by visiting http://fleetauction.lanecounty.org. In-person viewing is available during the auction from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Lane County Fleet Services is located at 3040 North Delta Highway in Eugene.

Highlights from this year’s auction:

• More than 60 pieces of equipment, including cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, buses
• Street sweepers, dump truck, forklift and other heavy equipment
• Trailers, various smaller equipment

Proceeds go to a replacement fund that helps offset the cost to buy replacement vehicles.

Bids must be submitted online and will be received until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26. All bids start with a minimum set amount. No faxed, voice or paper bids will be accepted. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, credit cards (an on-site credit payment may be subject to a processing fee), cashier's checks, money order or certified check made payable to Lane County Public Works. Personal checks for $50 or less are also accepted. Full payment is due within 48 hours of notification.  

This is the twenty-seventh year Lane County Fleet Services and other municipalities have combined their auctions to reduce the cost of disposing of surplus equipment. This auction is in partnership with Lane County, City of Eugene, Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB), Lane Transit District, and others.

For more information, call 541-682-8587, 541-682-8580, or email lcfleet@lanecountyor.gov.

Lane County makes no warranties or guarantees and will not be held responsible for advertising errors or omissions. All equipment is offered to other municipalities before the public and therefore is subject to prior sale.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 17, 2026

Mazama Energy Raises $135 Million to Scale the World’s Hottest Engineered Geothermal System

Series B led by Centaurus Capital and Doerr Capital, with ConocoPhillips, Shell Ventures, Khosla Ventures and Gates Frontier participating, enabling Mazama to push beyond 750°F and demonstrate a commercially scalable pathway to deploy superhot rock geothermal.

DALLAS, September 17, 2026 — Mazama Energy today announced $135 million in new capital to accelerate superhot rock geothermal commercial development, including an oversubscribed Series B led by Centaurus Capital, founded by John Arnold, and Doerr Capital. ConocoPhillips and Shell Ventures joined the round, with repeat investment from Khosla Ventures and Gates Frontier. Additional investors include SiteGround Capital, H. Barton Asset Management, and Jeffrey and Marieke Rothschild Foundation.

Mazama holds the record for the hottest engineered geothermal system ever built. In 2025 at Newberry, Oregon, Mazama created an engineered geothermal system at 629°F (331°C), proving reservoir creation, connectivity and heat recovery.

Mazama is now pushing toward even hotter targets. Its second well, Project Athena, reached that same 10,350-foot depth in 15 days this month, about 80% faster than the 2025 well, and is drilling a mile further down toward 750°F (400°C).

Reaching 750°F (400°C) delivers up to 10 times the power of a conventional 390°F (200°C) well, owing to the much higher energy density of supercritical water and improved reservoir productivity. This allows Mazama to deliver projects using 75% less water and drilling 80% fewer wells than conventional geothermal developments. Mazama’s technology has the potential to significantly improve the viability and permitting prospects of geothermal projects across a wide range of regions, reducing both surface infrastructure requirements and overall project footprint.
 

Unlocking superhot rock geothermal requires solving three interconnected challenges: reaching extreme temperatures without compromising the equipment, creating a productive reservoir where none exists naturally, and efficiently extracting heat to generate and sustain power. Mazama has spent the last several years developing these capabilities into a single integrated system paving the way towards delivering carbon-free, baseload power competitive with fossil fuels.

“The breakthrough in superhot geothermal is turning extreme heat into a repeatable, economic power system,” said Sriram Vasantharajan, CEO of Mazama Energy. “At Newberry, we have demonstrated the critical pieces together: extreme-temperature drilling, engineered reservoir creation and heat harvesting, at temperatures no other EGS has achieved. We are now driving that integrated system toward greater speed, efficiency and scale. That is the foundation for commercial superhot power.”  

What this capital funds next

Utilities and grid planners are trying to add power they can count on around the clock faster than new transmission and new generation can be permitted and built. Mazama’s bet is to go down, not out: pull more energy from underground instead of adding more infrastructure above ground.

This financing funds Project Ceres, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, which will advance horizontal well development in superhot rock toward a 15 MWe of capacity per well and demonstrate power generation in 2027. Athena and Ceres are the near-term proof points for a much larger ambition: Mazama is targeting independent certification of more than 10 GWe of resource potential at Newberry alone, while evaluating additional sites in the United States and internationally as it builds toward multi gigawatt-scale developments. Mazama’s goal is to make superhot rock geothermal a scalable source of firm power to address rising electricity demand, affordability and energy security around the world.

About Mazama Energy

Mazama Energy is a geothermal developer that has differentiated technology to deliver and scale superhot rock geothermal. In 2025 Mazama achieved the highest temperature in an engineered geothermal system, 629 °F (331°C), at Newberry, Oregon, unlocking the potential to generate significantly more energy from fewer wells, use less land, water and capital, and thereby, lower the cost of power. By integrating advanced drilling technologies, reservoir development, diagnostics, and heat-harvesting technologies, Mazama is building a robust platform to make superhot rock geothermal a scalable source of carbon free, reliable and affordable power worldwide. For more information, visit mazamaenergy.com   

Quotes from Strategic Investors:

“The world needs vastly more electricity, and we need to produce it cleanly and affordably. Superhot geothermal has the potential to be a major new source of 24/7 clean power, delivering dramatically more energy with less land, water, and infrastructure. Mazama is making that promise real and moving this technology decisively toward commercial scale.” said John Doerr, chairman of Doerr Capital and Kleiner Perkins

“Superhot geothermal offers the promise of firm, carbon-free power with a relatively small footprint, but realizing that promise requires significant technical innovation,” said John Arnold, President of Centaurus Capital. “Mazama has made impressive progress, and I am excited to support its next phase of development.”

"Power is the constraint on everything we're trying to build this decade," said Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures. "We backed Mazama early because geothermal can be the planet's largest source of clean, 24/7 power, and we've watched them build the world's hottest engineered geothermal system. Scaling toward 400°C means ten times the heat from a fifth of the wells and a fraction of the water, the kind of breakthrough that makes geothermal a pillar of the energy transition."

From ConocoPhillips: “We are pleased to support Mazama as it advances a differentiated pathway to commercial scale ultra-high-temperature geothermal based on demonstrated field performance.” 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2026

Commissioners Celebrate National Constitution Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Lifeline Awareness Week runs Sept. 14-18

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

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

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

Customers can apply in one of the following ways:

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

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

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

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

Muhire will also have to register as a sex offender.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

####

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

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

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

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

22 community demonstrations

11 felony arrests

9 misdemeanor arrests

21 felony case assists

19 misdemeanor case assists

39 total captures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

Lower than average death and damage

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

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

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

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

Levels of tree diseases remain much the same

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

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

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

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

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

On the ground collaborators are also important

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

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

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

                                                                               # # #

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

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

NEWS RELEASE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 16, 2026

Contact Information: 

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

Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT

David Cooke, Economist (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was 5.1% in August

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

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

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

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

(-2,000).

Next Press Releases

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

About Workforce and Economic Research

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

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

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

###