Supporting documents are available via the following link:  https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997

Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information:  https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule

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

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

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

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

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

Oct. 17, 2025

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

OHA works to protect quality health care across Oregon

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

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

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

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

Stabilizing the system through partnership

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

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

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

Cost containment

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

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

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

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

CCOs respond to changes

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

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

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

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

Looking ahead

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

Oct. 17, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

When: Oct. 23, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

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

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

Agenda:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RICHLAND, Wash. — Cougar Tracks, Washington State University Tri-Cities’ continuing education program, will host The Art of Pairing: Elevating Food & Wine from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser.

Timed for the holiday season, this immersive workshop is designed to elevate food and wine service in wineries, restaurants, and homes while supporting Washington’s wine, hospitality and tourism sectors. Participants will gain practical skills to turn tastings into unforgettable guest experiences during the busiest time of year.

The workshop will be led by two of Washington’s most respected wine consultants:

• April Reddout, Reddout Wine Consulting — a hospitality strategist with more than 15 years of experience in tasting room service, wine club growth and guest engagement.
• Reggie Daigneault, Reggie Wine LLC — a wine educator specializing in sensory evaluation, wine sales and customer experience training.

Together, they will guide attendees through curated Washington wine and food pairings, hands-on sensory evaluation and storytelling strategies that build confidence and enhance hospitality experiences.

“Cougar Tracks is proud to unite professionals across wineries, restaurants and hospitality in one room,” said Michelle Hrycauk Nassif, director of Cougar Tracks at WSU Tri-Cities. “This workshop is about more than pairings; it’s about strengthening service culture, building networks and positioning Washington as a premier food and wine destination.”

The workshop provides wineries an opportunity to enhance tasting room service, wine club engagement and brand storytelling. Hospitality professionals can learn how to make confident wine recommendations, elevating restaurant, banquet and event service. Wine and food enthusiasts will gain insider knowledge and practice pairings to impress guests during the holidays.

The event is presented by Cougar Tracks Continuing Education with venue sponsorship provided in-kind by the Port of Benton, underscoring regional investment in workforce development, hospitality innovation and tourism.

Located in the heart of Washington wine country, the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center is Benton County’s premier event and educational space. It celebrates the state’s rich wine heritage while serving as a hub for community learning, industry innovation and guest experiences.

The cost for the workshop, including wine, food and sensory materials, is $149. Visit the Cougar Tracks registration website to sign up.

This workshop is for 21 and older participants. A valid government-issued ID will be required at check-in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct. 17, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About wastewater surveillance

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

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

How health care providers can help

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

How people can protect themselves

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

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

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

Additional information

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

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

The following topics are on the agenda:

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

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

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

###

FIRE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct. 16, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purpose:

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

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

Available formats include:

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

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

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

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

The committee’s agenda includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Oct. 16, 2025

Media Contact: Communications@employ.oregon.gov

MEDIA STATEMENT

Seasonal trends driving recent increase in initial Unemployment Insurance claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Federal Claims

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

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

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

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

###

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.

Construction will begin Monday, October 20, 2025, at the intersection of Gage Boulevard and Leslie Road in South Richland. The project will upgrade existing ADA ramps and pedestrian push buttons to enhance accessibility and safety for all users.

Work will include improvements to ramps, curb and gutter, sidewalks, and site restoration. Construction is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete most of the work.

Due to material lead times, the pedestrian push buttons will be installed in early 2026 once the necessary components are available.

During construction, there will be no full intersection closures, but lane closures will occur depending on which corner of the intersection is being worked on. Pedestrian detour signs will be posted and maintained in accordance with the approved traffic control plan to ensure safe passage through the area.

The City of Richland appreciates the community’s patience during this improvement project and encourages drivers and pedestrians to use caution and follow all posted signage near the work zone.

More information can be found by visiting richlandwa.gov or contacting 509-942-7500.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

Prineville, Ore. – Effective 12:01 a.m. on October 17, 2025, the Central Oregon District (COD) of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will officially end fire season for all forestlands protected by the district. This includes over 2.3 million acres of private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands, which includes Hood River, Wasco, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Gilliam, Wheeler, Morrow, Grant, and Harney counties.

This fire season statistically was an average fire season by the numbers but nowhere near average regarding response. For example:

• ODF Central Oregon District was one of the first to respond to the Rowena Fire, the first large fire of the 2025 season in Oregon, which burned 3,700 acres just outside of The Dalles;
• ODF Central Oregon District assisted federal partners with the Cram Fire, which grew roughly 20,000-acres each day for a week, and;
• ODF Central Oregon District responded to the Flat Fire where wildland and structural firefighters saved 827 residences within the fire perimeter. 

“This fire season showed the endurance and dedication of our Central Oregon ODF firefighters,” said Rob Pentzer, ODF Central Oregon District Forester. “There were several times where our firefighters were working two to three weeks straight alternating between extended and initial attack duties to protect Oregon communities.”

With the conclusion of fire season, landowners under ODF protection may resume burning residential yard debris and using burn barrels. However, this change does not relieve anyone of their legal responsibility to burn safely and responsibly.

Burning & Smoke Management Guidelines

• Residential Burning (Yard Debris/Burn Barrels): A burn permit is required outside of fire season on lands protected by ODF's Prineville/Sisters Unit and The Dalles Unit, but not in the John Day/Fossil Unit.
  
  If you are within a fire department’s protection area, check with them directly about current restrictions and permit requirements.Call your local district to validate that the burn ban has been lifted in your area.
   
• Slash Burning (Forestry/Logging): Burning of slash from forestry operations requires a Notification of Operation/PDM, as well as checking the smoke management weather forecast:
  • Call your local ODF office below
  •  Visit: ODF Smoke Management Forecast

ODF’s Central Oregon District sincerely thanks landowners, forest operators, the public, and interagency partners for their support in fire prevention, detection, and suppression throughout the 2025 fire season.

For more information, contact your local ODF office:

• Prineville/Sisters Unit: 541-447-5658
• The Dalles Unit: 541-296-4626
• John Day/ Fossil Unit: 541-575-1139

For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/. To report a fire, please call 911.

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

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

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

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

Fechas importantes

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

Las personas que se verán afectadas

Asistencia con servicios públicos y beneficios de SNAP

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

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

Adultos sanos sin dependientes (ABAWD)

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

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

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

Refugiados, asilados y otros inmigrantes presentes legalmente

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

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

Apoyo y recursos

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

Los recursos de alimentos en su comunidad:

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

Adultos mayores y personas con discapacidades:

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

Más recursos:

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

Comuníquese con ODHS

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

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

Sobre SNAP en Oregon

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

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

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

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

###

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

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

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

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

Key dates

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

People who will be affected

Utility assistance and SNAP benefits

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

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

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)

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

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

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

Refugees, asylees and certain other lawfully present immigrants

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

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

Support and resources

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

Food resources in your community:

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

Older adults and people with disabilities:

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

More resources:

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

Contact ODHS

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

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

About SNAP in Oregon

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

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

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

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

###

Oct. 16, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

Where:

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

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

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

The full agenda can be found here.

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

# # #

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

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

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

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

The committee’s agenda includes:

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

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

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

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

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Elizabeth Burtner, cell 509-975-6882, urtner@columbiabasin.edu">eburtner@columbiabasin.edu

COLUMBIA BASIN COLLEGE  AND STEM FOUNDATION PARTNER FOR STEM Like ME!® STUDENT SUMMIT

Pasco, WA, October 16,2025  – Columbia Basin College (CBC) in partnership with the STEM Foundation  hosts students from Kiona-Benton City High School for an educational STEM summit on October 17, 2025. The STEM Like ME!® Student Summit focuses on providing a variety of hands-on STEM activities to foster curiosity and engagement in STEM careers.

The event pairs high school students  with a CBC Student Mentor and a STEM Ambassador – professionals within STEM- and clean energy-focused careers, to provide insights and inspiration for different career paths within STEM. These guides,  coached by The STEM Foundation,  help the students consider how their unique traits and interests align with their college and career goals. “Ensuring mentors and ambassadors are equipped with the tools to support students during the summit is critical. Students may not see themselves in STEM, we want to create a space where all students see their potential in STEM” – Heather Tibbet, Executive Director for the STEM Foundation.

The students  attend workshops with CBC professors across several departments, and take part in hands-on activities designed to foster excitement around STEM. During lunch, a CBC student panel  shares their experiences and educational pathways into STEM fields.

“CBC is proud to support the STEM Foundation to create broader access to educational experiences and foster curiosity around STEM. We recognize the future workforce will need to have broader exposure to potential careers and skills within STEM fields to be better prepared for their careers” - Dr. Rebekah Woods, President Columbia Basin College.

First piloted in 2014, The STEM Foundation’s STEM Like ME!® has served more than 41,000 students state-wide.  STEM Like ME!® was recognized by Governor Jay Inslee as one of the state’s 21 best practices for career-connected learning. These programs include the innovative STEM Like ME!® suite of school-based interactions and a teacher grant program.  Through personal interactions with STEM professionals, students are inspired to envision themselves in the shoes of a STEM professional and learn more about career pathways.

For questions, please email Elizabeth Burtner, Vice President for Marketing & External Engagement at urtner@columbiabasin.edu">eburtner@columbiabasin.edu. And Heather Tibbett, Executive Director of the STEM Foundation at Heather@STEMLearning.org.

###

The STEM Foundation

The STEM Foundation incorporated in 2009 with a vision of becoming a national model for generating passionate support for science, technology, engineering and mathematics in public education.  The non-profit’s first project was to support the launch of Delta High School.  It has expanded its scope to programs that create a substantial and sustainable impact on the quality of STEM education across the Mid-Columbia.

Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities since 1955. CBC’s mission is to inspire, educate, and support all students in an environment of academic excellence leading to the completion of degrees, certifications, and educational transfers, while fostering meaningful employment, engaged citizenship, and a life-long joy of learning. CBC offers both two and four-year degrees and one-year Certificates. Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are offered in Applied Management, Applied Management in Agriculture or Healthcare, Commuinity Health, Cyber Security, Dental Hygiene, Health Physics, Project Management, Respiratory Therapy, Software Development, and Administration Teacher Education. CBC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Computer Science.

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

Oriana Korol, 38, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on the evening of October 12, 2025, federal officers detained Korol after she interfered with an arrest of another subject. Korol kicked and bit a federal officer as she was being detained. Officers then arrested her for assaulting a federal officer.

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

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

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

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

# # #

Oct. 15, 2025   

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov 

OHA, ODE partner to boost schools’ capacity to reverse overdoses

Nearly 700 schools received more than 14,000 naloxone doses  

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon’s schools are better equipped to prevent and respond to opioid overdoses following a collaborative effort last year to offer free overdose reversal kits to middle and high schools, colleges and universities across the state, as well as expanded substance use prevention resources, state officials say. 

The collaboration between Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) resulted in 692 schools receiving free opioid overdose reversal kits, totaling more than 14,000 additional doses. 

The program marked an expansion of Save Lives Oregon www.savelivesoregon.org, and was possible because of one-time funding through the Oregon’s Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board.  

Every school in Oregon is now eligible to receive the kits. Previously, the program was limited to junior high schools and above.   

In addition, new resources are available on ODE’s Substance Use Prevention Education website to support educators, students and school communities in addressing youth substance use and opioid overdoses.  

The tools are culturally responsive and aligned to substance use prevention education standards and build on the resources released last year, including the updated Fentanyl Toolkit for Schools. 

Naloxone is a proven opioid overdose reversal medication that can restore breathing while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. Quick access to naloxone is necessary for school staff to respond quickly to an opioid overdose on or near a school campus.  

Learn how to give naloxone here.  

Each participating school received three metal boxes for easy access to naloxone, each containing 24 doses and face shields. 

The kits reached: 

• 137 public school districts, or about 70% of Oregon districts.
• 31 private schools and 47 charter schools.
• 10 universities and 5 community colleges.

More than 8 in 10 participating schools placed the kits prominently on walls in publicly accessible areas.  

Schools used the kits to respond to seven separate overdose events involving high school, middle school and community members, according to a survey of participating schools. 

Both agencies are sharing the success of their partnership to prevent substance use and overdose deaths among youth and young adults as the U.S. recognizes October as National Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month highlighting its impact on individual and community well-being.  

Overall, youth substance use has been declining recently.  

In Oregon, youth and adult overdoses decreased from 2023 to 2024. Youth – defined as people between ages 10-19 – account for 1% of all overdose deaths in Oregon. 

However, every life lost to overdose is a tragedy, especially to the families and communities left behind. Even one preventable death is too many.  

Having naloxone available and equipping people with the skills to use it is one way to save more lives. Half of youth who died from an overdose had at least one other person present.  However, only 24% of those youth were given naloxone.  

Overall, the number of unintentional overdose deaths related to fentanyl nearly quadrupled between 2020 and 2022. In 2023, 1,833 Oregonians died of an unintentional drug overdose.  

The school program was part of a larger statewide effort to increase supplies of naloxone throughout the state and to equip communities to prevent substance use and reduce overdoses.  

Learn more about opioid overdose and prevention resources. 

Oct. 15, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory lifted for Oswego Lake

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Oswego Lake in Clackamas County.

OHA issued the advisory Sept. 30.

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

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
October 15, 2025

CONTACT INFORMATION:
umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer,, State Employment Economist (971) 301-3771
Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT
David Cooke,, Economist (971) 375-5288

Federal Government Shutdown Pauses Employment Reports

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suspended the monthly employment and unemployment reports for the nation, states, and metropolitan areas as of Oct. 1, 2025. Oregon’s monthly jobs and unemployment rate for September are unavailable at this time.

Quarterly Employment and Wages

In the meantime, the Oregon Employment Department released the latest Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). The most current QCEW data provides employment trends and wages by industry through June 2025. The monthly employment numbers originally scheduled for release today would have included information for September 2025.

The newest QCEW data shows that covered employment totaled 2,004,700 in the second quarter of 2025, a decline of 3,800 jobs (-0.2%) from the second quarter of 2024. The private sector lost 11,100 jobs over the year (-0.6%). The manufacturing sector lost nearly 7,400 jobs between the second quarters of 2024 and 2025 (-3.9%). Meanwhile, private health care and social assistance grew by 14,100 jobs (+4.7%) over the year.

Government gained 7,300 jobs (+2.4%) over the year. Three out of four government jobs added were in local government. The latest QCEW figures show federal government dropped 400 jobs compared with second quarter 2024.

Federal Government Jobs in Oregon

Oregon had an average of 29,000 federal government jobs covered by unemployment benefits during the first half of 2025. That accounted for about 1.5% of all jobs in the state. The federal government share of all jobs was much higher in some rural counties. The top 10 counties by share of all jobs in federal government were rural areas. More than 15% of all jobs in Sherman County were in federal government. The next-largest shares were in Grant (9%), Harney (8%), and Lake (8%) counties.

Federal government jobs also tend to pay relatively high wages. Looking at annual average wages, jobs on federal government payrolls in Oregon paid nearly $98,500 in 2024. That was 38% higher than the average annual wage for all jobs in Oregon. Read more about federal government jobs in Oregon.

Contacts and Next Press Releases

If you have questions about the Oregon economy, contact a local Oregon Employment Department economist. Our Research staff work and live across the state. We’re still at work providing quality information so employers and job seekers can make informed decisions.

The Oregon Employment Department plans to highlight the latest available local jobs news on Tuesday, Oct. 21. We will publish the latest Oregon Job Vacancy Survey report on Oct. 23, and the next update on statewide trends on Wednesday, Nov. 19. We will update our schedule of future releases as federal services return.

###

Oct. 15, 2025

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

Public Health Advisory Board’s Accountability Metrics Subcommittee meets Oct. 21

What: The Public Health Advisory Board’s Accountability Metrics Subcommittee will hold a meeting.

Agenda: Review and refine metrics selection criteria, update on process for gathering prevention and health promotion metrics for consideration and discuss equity approach for metrics development.

When: Tues., Oct. 21, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting. Public comments may also be sent in writing to lichealth.policy@odhsoha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">publichealth.policy@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Where: Via Zoom

Background: Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan. The Accountability Metrics Subcommittee develops recommendations about public health quality measures for the board's consideration.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Sara Beaudrault: at 971-645-5766, 711 TTY, or lichealth.policy@odhsoha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">publichealth.policy@odhsoha.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Oct. 15, 2025

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

Conference of Local Health Officials Systems and Innovation Committee meets Oct. 22 via Zoom

What: The monthly public meeting of the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO) Systems and Innovation Committee

Agenda: Program Element 51 public health modernization progress reporting platform; Analysis of local public health modernization plans 

Agenda is subject to change and is posted with meeting materials on the CLHO website at http://www.oregonclho.org/ prior to meeting.

There is no public comment period during this meeting.

When: Wed., Oct. 22, 1 to 2:30 p.m. 

Where: Virtual meeting only. All meeting participants, including the public, may join remotely via Zoom.

• Join ZoomGov Meeting
  • Meeting ID: 161 249 2555
  • Passcode: 160558
• Or dial by your location
  • +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)
  • +1 646 828 7666 US (New York)
  • Meeting ID: 161 249 2555

Background: The Conference of Local Health Officials provides recommendations to Oregon Health Authority on the foundational capabilities and programs and any other public health program or activity under ORS 431.340.

Program contact: Liz Hunt, 503-756-5678, liz.a.hunt@oha.oregon.gov

For people who speak or use a language other than English, people with disabilities or people who need additional support, we can provide free help.  Some examples are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages or transcript
• Braille
• Real-time captioning (CART)
• Large print
• Virtual platform change
• Audio and other formats

This meeting will be virtual only.  This meeting will screen share and use Word documents, PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations.

Please contact Liz Hunt at 503-756-5678 (voice or text) or liz.a.hunt@oha.oregon.gov by Friday, October 17 to request an accommodation. We will make every effort to provide services to requests after June 23.  We accept all relay calls. If you need an accommodation, please contact us right away even if you are only considering attending. The earlier you make a request the more likely we can meet the need.

Oct. 15, 2025

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

Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Committee meets Nov. 6

What: The Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Committee is holding its quarterly public meeting. A public comment period is offered at the end of the meeting.

Agenda: EMSC Program Priorities Landscape; EMSC Program - 2026 National Pediatric Readiness Project Assessment; Health Emergency Ready Oregon (HERO) Kids Registry; Pediatric Research; NEW! Pediatric EMS Data Dashboard, Update: Medications Administered Without Documented Weight, EMS Program.

When: Thurs., Nov. 6, 2025, 9 a.m. to noon.

Where: Virtual - Zoom

Join the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone

Meeting ID: 160 130 0580

Passcode: 137208

One tap mobile: +16692545252,,1601300580# US

Background: The Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Committee provides recommendations to the Oregon Emergency Medical Services for Children Program. For more information, see the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program website at www.oregonemsc.org.

###

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Rachel Ford at 971-673-0564, 711 TTY or achel.l.ford@state.or.us" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">rachel.l.ford@oha.oregon.gov at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Oct. 15, 2025

Media Contact: Amy Coven, amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov, (503) 943-0164

Oregon unveils upgraded health coverage shopping tool ahead of open enrollment

Open enrollment for 2026 health coverage begins Nov. 1 – updated tools make it easier than ever to compare plans

SALEM, Ore. -- Just in time for open enrollment, the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace has rolled out an upgraded Window Shopping tool at OregonHealthCare.gov. Starting Oct. 15, people in Oregon can use the tool to easily compare 2026 health plans, check if their doctors and prescriptions are covered and see how much financial help they may qualify for.

Open enrollment – Nov. 1, 2025 to Jan. 15, 2026 – is the time when individuals who don’t get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), can sign up for a Marketplace plan. For many, it is the best chance each year to secure affordable, comprehensive coverage, and the upgraded Window Shopping tool makes it easier than ever to explore options.

“Life doesn’t always go as planned, but having health insurance means you and your family can weather the unexpected,” said Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. “With rising health care costs and the uncertainty of life, open enrollment is the time to make sure you’re protected for the upcoming year. Our upgraded tools and local help make the process straightforward.”

The Window Shopping tool is available in English and Spanish and provides personalized estimates based on income, age, and location to help people in Oregon find coverage that fits their life and budget. Key updates and enhancements to the Window Shopping tool at OregonHealthCare.gov for 2026 include:

• Enhanced plan comparisons so you can see real costs before you buy.
• Expanded provider and prescription lookup features, making it easier to confirm your care team and medications are covered.
• Updated savings estimates that reflect financial help available to most people in Oregon.
• Stronger benefit transparency, including details about coverage for services like gender-affirming care, preventive services, naturopathy, and mental health support.

Why coverage matters

Nearly all people in Oregon— 97% — now have health coverage. All marketplace plans include essential health benefits such as prescriptions, mental health care, maternity and pediatric services, free preventive care, and more. Most services are covered before you meet your deductible. The only way to be sure your doctor or prescription is covered is to check — and the Window Shopping tool makes that simple.

At the end of this year, some of the extra savings that were temporarily available to lower monthly premiums are currently expected to end. That means the amount of financial help you get may look a little different than it has in the past. Affordable coverage is still available, and many people will continue to qualify for premium tax credits to bring costs down. To see what your costs might look like for 2026, you can use the updated Window Shopping tool at OregonHealthCare.gov to preview plans and savings before open enrollment begins. It’s a good idea to explore your options early, so you’re ready to choose the plan that fits your health needs and your budget.

Get help at no cost

Free local help is available to guide people in Oregon through enrollment. Licensed insurance agents and certified community partners can walk you through your options and answer questions, in-person or virtually. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to connect with an expert.

Open enrollment runs Nov. 1, 2025 through Jan. 15, 2026. To start exploring your options, visit OregonHealthCare.gov today.

Oregon presenta una herramienta mejorada para comparar planes de salud antes del inicio del periodo de inscripción abierta

La inscripción abierta para la cobertura de salud de 2026 comienza el 1 de noviembre: las herramientas actualizadas facilitan más que nunca la comparación de planes

SALEM, Ore. -- Justo a tiempo para la inscripción abierta, el Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon ha lanzado una herramienta mejorada de comparación de planes en CuidadoDeSalud.Oregon.gov. A partir del 15 de octubre, los habitantes de Oregon podrán utilizar esta herramienta para comparar fácilmente los planes de salud de 2026, verificar si sus médicos y recetas están cubiertos y ver cuánta ayuda financiera pueden recibir.

La inscripción abierta, del 1 de noviembre de 2025 al 15 de enero de 2026, es el momento en que las personas que no obtienen seguro a través de su trabajo, Medicare o el Plan de Salud de Oregon (OHP) pueden inscribirse en un plan del Mercado. Para muchos, es la mejor oportunidad del año para conseguir una cobertura asequible y completa, y la herramienta mejorada de comparación de planes hace que sea más fácil que nunca explorar las opciones.

“La vida no siempre sale según lo planeado, pero tener un seguro médico significa que tú y tu familia pueden enfrentarse a lo inesperado,” dijo Chiqui Flowers, directora del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon. "Con el aumento de los costos de la atención médica y la incertidumbre de la vida, la inscripción abierta es el momento de asegurarse de estar protegido para el próximo año. Nuestras herramientas mejoradas y la ayuda local hacen que el proceso sea sencillo".

La herramienta de comparación de planes está disponible en inglés y español y ofrece estimaciones personalizadas basadas en los ingresos, la edad y la ubicación para ayudar a los habitantes de Oregon a encontrar la cobertura que mejor se adapte a su vida y presupuesto. Las principales actualizaciones y mejoras de la herramienta de comparación de planes en CuidadoDeSalud.Oregon.gov para 2026 incluyen:

• Comparaciones de planes mejoradas para que puedas ver los costos reales antes de comprar.
• Funciones ampliadas de búsqueda de proveedores y recetas, lo que facilita verificar que tu equipo de atención médica y tus medicamentos estén cubiertos.
• Estimaciones actualizadas de ahorro que reflejan la ayuda financiera disponible para la mayoría de las personas en Oregon.
• Mayor transparencia de los beneficios, incluidos detalles sobre la cobertura de servicios como atención de afirmación de género, servicios preventivos, naturopatía y el apoyo a la salud mental.

Por qué es importante la cobertura

Casi todas las personas en Oregon, el 97%, ahora tienen cobertura de salud. Todos los planes del mercado incluyen beneficios esenciales de salud como recetas, atención de salud mental, servicios de maternidad y pediatría, atención preventiva gratuita y más. La mayoría de los servicios están cubiertos antes de alcanzar tu deducible. La única forma de asegurarte de que tu médico o receta estén cubiertos es verificarlo, y la herramienta de comparación de planes lo hace sencillo.

A finales de este año, se espera que finalicen algunos de los ahorros adicionales que estaban disponibles temporalmente para reducir las primas mensuales. Eso significa que la cantidad de ayuda financiera que recibas puede ser un poco diferente a la que has recibido en el pasado. Todavía hay cobertura asequible disponible y muchas personas continuarán calificando para créditos fiscales para las primas para reducir los costos. Para ver cuáles podrían ser tus costos para 2026, puedes utilizar la herramienta actualizada de comparación de planes en CuidadoDeSalud.Oregon.gov para obtener una vista previa de los planes y ahorros antes de que comience la inscripción abierta. Es una buena idea explorar tus opciones con tiempo, para que estés listo para elegir el plan que se adapte a tus necesidades de salud y a tu presupuesto.

Obtén ayuda sin costo

Hay ayuda local gratuita disponible para guiar a las personas en Oregon a través del proceso de inscripción. Los agentes de seguros con licencia y los socios comunitarios certificados pueden guiarte a través de tus opciones y responder preguntas, ya sea en persona o virtualmente. Visita CuidadoDeSalud.Oregon.gov para conectarte con un experto.

La inscripción abierta se extiende desde el 1 de noviembre de 2025 hasta el 15 de enero de 2026. Para comenzar a explorar tus opciones, visita CuidadoDeSalud.Oregon.gov hoy mismo.

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

Samuel A. Westcott, 19, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on the evening of October 12, 2025, federal officers detained Westcott after she physically resisted officers’ attempts to clear a path for vehicles exiting the ICE facility. Westcott physically engaged with the officers trying to detain her and kicked a federal officer several times as she was being detained. Officers then arrested her for assaulting a federal officer.

“We will not tolerate violence against federal law enforcement officers. Any assault on those who serve and protect our communities is an assault on the rule of law,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 33 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

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

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

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

# # #

SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon Military Department honored approximately 60 soldiers from A Company, Forward Support Company, 1249th Engineer Battalion during a mobilization ceremony Oct. 14, 2025, at the Anderson Readiness Center as they prepare to deploy in support of security operations along the U.S. southern border.

The soldiers will deploy to Texas where they will be assigned to the 104th Military Police Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, providing critical logistics support including vehicle recovery, maintenance, refueling and parts distribution.

"Today we gather to honor dedicated citizen-soldiers undertaking a mission at the southwest border," said Col. Philip DeMontigny, assistant adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard. "You represent the best of Oregon. A Company, Forward Support Company has a proud history, and once again, you have stepped up."

The Forward Support Company will operate in two platoons – one focused on distribution and one on maintenance – supporting military police operations along the border. Soldiers will receive mission-specific training at Fort Bliss, Texas, including logistics packages, refueling operations, vehicle recovery and security procedures before beginning their mission.

Capt. Timothy Gildea, commander of A Company, Forward Support Company and a police officer with the Medford Police Department in his civilian role, emphasized his unit's readiness despite the rapid timeline.
"We were notified of the deployment within the last four months," said Gildea. "I have an all-star staff who worked incredibly hard to get everybody spun up and ready to go. I'm incredibly proud of everybody."

The ceremony recognized several soldiers for their exceptional support during the mobilization preparation, including Sgt. Massey, who served 515 days including 75 days before the mobilization order to ensure proper training and equipment readiness.

DeMontigny also recognized 11 soldiers who recently returned from previous deployments yet volunteered for this mission, including several who volunteered within 10 days of returning home from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team's recent deployment to the Middle East.

The 1249th Engineer Battalion traces its roots to the 249th Coastal Artillery, established in 1908. The unit is notable as the only U.S. military unit fired upon on American soil during World War II, when a Japanese submarine shelled Fort Stevens in 1942. The Oregon National Guard has a long history of supporting southern border security dating back to the 1800s.

Many of the deploying soldiers recently served with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team's deployment, and some members of A Company, Forward Support Company previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.
"You share a long history of service," DeMontigny told the soldiers. "Your experience stabilizes the formation. Your resilience is evident."

DeMontigny encouraged the deploying soldiers to use their time intentionally, set professional and personal goals, and maintain strong communication with their teams and families throughout the deployment.

"The standards you're well aware of – respect everyone we meet, disciplined execution and teamwork," said DeMontigny. "To those deploying for the first time, we're proud of you. To those on your second, third or fourth deployment, your experience stabilizes the formation."

The colonel also thanked families and employers for their sacrifices and support.

"You manage the worries, you keep calendars, classrooms and workplaces running smoothly," DeMontigny said. "You do it with quiet strength that allows the soldiers to focus on the mission. You serve too."

Gildea emphasized that families will remain connected to their soldiers throughout the deployment.

"I don't want them to feel like they are going to be separated for that extensive amount of time," said Gildea. "We fully support having families come down to visit. We are here for you just as much as we're here for your soldier."

The mission, conducted in support of federal agency partners and coordinated through the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the Department of Defense, represents a unique opportunity for the Guard soldiers to work alongside active-duty forces and interagency partners.

Oregon National Guard members serve part-time, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year, while maintaining civilian careers. They stand ready to respond to state emergencies such as wildfires and floods while also training to defend the nation when called to federal service.

Released B-Roll Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/984906/oregon-guard-unit-honors-soldiers-deploying-southern-border

Released Photos: 

251014-Z-ZJ128-1001
Capt. Timothy Gildea, commander of A Company, Forward Support Company, 1249th Engineer Battalion, stands in front of his formation during a mobilization ceremony Oct. 14, 2025, at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon. Approximately 60 soldiers were honored during the ceremony as they prepare to deploy to Texas in support of security operations along the U.S. southern border. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

251014-Z-ZJ128-1002
Soldiers with A Company, Forward Support Company, 1249th Engineer Battalion stand in formation during a mobilization ceremony Oct. 14, 2025, at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon. Approximately 60 soldiers were honored during the ceremony as they prepare to deploy to Texas in support of security operations along the U.S. southern border. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

251014-Z-ZJ128-1003
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewald, the adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard, shakes hands with deploying soldiers alongside other senior leaders following a mobilization ceremony Oct. 14, 2025, at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon. Approximately 60 soldiers from A Company, Forward Support Company, 1249th Engineer Battalion were honored during the ceremony as they prepare to deploy to Texas in support of security operations along the U.S. southern border. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

251014-Z-ZJ128-1004
U.S. Army Spc. Natalie Silva, assigned to A Company, Forward Support Company, 1249th Engineer Battalion, embraces a family member following a mobilization ceremony Oct. 14, 2025, at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon. Silva, a certified nursing assistant in her civilian career, was among approximately 60 soldiers honored during the ceremony as they prepare to deploy to Texas in support of security operations along the U.S. southern border. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

SALEM, Ore. – Three projects and one individual were honored for their contributions to thriving Oregon waterways, wetlands, and lands by the State Land Board today.

Since the State Land Board Awards were established in 2004, the Land Board has presented awards to remarkable efforts in every region of Oregon.

“Each year, the State Land Board Awards shine a light on the Oregonians who are restoring, protecting, and reimagining our natural landscapes. This year’s honorees exemplify the power of partnership and the deep care so many bring to stewarding Oregon’s lands and waters. Their work strengthens our communities, our ecosystems, and our shared future,” said Governor Tina Kotek, who presented the awards with Secretary of State Tobias Read and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner.

The 2025 honored projects and partners are: 

Stream Award: Sheep Creek Stewardship Project

On a tributary of the upper Grande Ronde River in Oregon’s Blue Mountain landscape, the Sheep Creek Stewardship Project reconnected 101 acres of wetland habitat and restored more than 8.6 miles of streams and smaller tributaries. This work was coordinated with a broader forest ecosystem restoration effort, creating a ridgetop-to-ridgetop restoration area designed to maximize benefits for wildlife habitat, wildfire resilience, and water quality.

Located in a high montane meadow ecosystem, the area is considered source water for downstream communities, including Perry, La Grande, Imbler, Elgin, Summerville, and the Grande Ronde Valley.

The team used a hybrid mix of restoration tools, making the project a standout example of innovation in wetland floodplain restoration—locally, regionally, and nationally. As critical habitat for Snake River chinook, steelhead, bull trout and many other native species, the project is already showing early signs of success: Beaver have recently returned to the stream system, signaling a positive shift for native flora and fauna.

Project Leadership and Collaboration:

• Project Owners: Trout Unlimited, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management
• Primary Project Team:
  • U.S. Forest Service – Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
  • Bureau of Land Management – Vale District
  • Grande Ronde Model Watershed Council
  • Wolf Water Resources
  • Trout Unlimited
• Project Partners:
  NW Youth Corps, US War Veterans Crew – North Fork John Day Watershed Council, Glacier Excavating, Anabranch Solutions, Wildlands Inc., Plantworks, Wolf Water Resources, Capitan Forestry, Streamside Services, Haskins Excavating, Cargill Fencing, and Hanging Rock Excavation

Wetland Award: West Sundial Wetlands

The West Sundial Wetlands mitigation project was part of the Port’s revitalization of a former brownfield into Troutdale Reynolds Industrial Park. The wetlands area spans over 82 acres in Troutdale, transforming a landscape once dominated by non-native pasture grasses and invasive forbs into a thriving wetland ecosystem. The project established a diverse mosaic of habitats, including forested wetlands, emergent wetlands, scrub-shrub wetlands, and upland buffer zones.

In addition to providing flood storage for the surrounding community, West Sundial Wetlands enhances habitat connectivity within the watershed—benefiting sensitive species such as the northern red-legged frog and a wide variety of wetland-associated bird species. The Ch’ak Ch’ak Trail, a 3-mile public trail located on the levee adjacent to the wetlands, offers visitors opportunities for wildlife viewing.

The project team worked closely with partners, including the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, to ensure the preservation and protection of an archaeological site located near the wetlands. An interpretive panel along the Ch’ak Ch’ak Trail educates visitors about the area’s cultural and historical significance to Native peoples.

Project Leadership and Collaboration:

• Project Owners: Port of Portland, Kristina Kelchner
• Primary Project Team: Ken Anderton, Carrie Butler, Sarah Wilson
• Project Partners: Mosaic Ecology LLC

Catalyst Award: Kyle Waggoner

Kyle Waggoner may hold the title of Umatilla County Soil and Water Conservation District Manager, but in practice, he serves as the vital connective tissue between rural landowners and irrigators and the many natural resource agencies working in the region—including the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of State Lands, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, among others.

From creating the Landowner’s River Resiliency Guidebook to playing a key role in the City of Pendleton’s successful $3.7 million grant for large-scale stream restoration and the McKay Creek Watershed Action Plan, Kyle has proven himself an impressive leader. His local roots, strategic mindset, and approachable personality make him an exceptional catalyst for conservation and restoration in Umatilla County.

Partnership Award: John Day Basin Partnership

The John Day Basin is the largest basin in Oregon managed for wild salmonids and is home to the longest free-flowing river in the state. Through a basin-wide strategic action plan, the John Day Basin Partnership—a coalition of 30 tribal, local, state, and federal partners—collaborates to support on-the-ground restoration efforts.

Over the past six years, the Partnership has implemented a series of phased projects that have achieved the following outcomes:

• 58 fish passage barriers remediated or removed
• Over 50 miles of stream habitat restored
• 230 acres of floodplain reconnected
• 681 acres of riparian habitat protected and improved with livestock exclusion fencing
• More than 250,000 native plants installed
• Over 1,100 beaver dam analogs constructed

These actions have improved aquatic habitat for sensitive species such as Middle Columbia River summer steelhead, bull trout, Chinook salmon, and Pacific lamprey. The Partnership also participates in a network of Intensively Monitored Watersheds across the Pacific Northwest—long-term, large-scale research projects designed to deepen understanding of how salmon and steelhead populations respond to river restoration.

The Partnership’s success is a direct result of the voluntary partnerships with John Day Basin's private, working lands, landowners who make these conservation and restoration projects possible. 

Honoring Tradition Through Art

The artwork for this year’s awards consists of museum-quality woven rounds, crafted using traditional Indigenous basket-weaving techniques. Each piece features natural materials harvested from across Oregon’s diverse ecosystems—such as cedar bark, juncus, cattail, tule, hazel stick, and spruce or willow root. These unique creations represent both the ecological abundance of this place and the enduring cultural relationships Indigenous people have maintained since time immemorial.

The artist who created each award is Stephanie Craig, anqati təmtəm tənas siyaxus, (Takelma Rogue River, Cow Creek Umpqua, Santiam and Yoncalla Kalapuya, Clackamas Chinook, Wakanasisi, Mohawk, Métis, and American). Craig is a master basket weaver, anthropologist, educator, and cultural consultant. She is the founder of Kalapuya Weaving and Consulting and Rooted Ways: An Indigenous Cultural & Ecological Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Indigenous knowledge through weaving, land restoration, and cultural education. Her weaving continues the traditions of the al’halpam and ayankalat Kalapuya people, honoring ancestral teachings and materials gathered across Oregon, ensuring these lifeways endure for future generations.

The reclaimed wood plaques for the awards were made by volunteers from the community of St. Johns, Portland.

###

www.oregon.gov/dsl

About the State Land Board Awards 

Now in their 21st year, the State Land Board Awards honor projects and partners that protect and enhance Oregon’s treasured natural resources. Learn more on the Land Board Awards website or view this year’s awards ceremony on the Department of State Lands YouTube Channel. 

About the State Land Board

The State Land Board is Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State Tobias Read, and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund, and the lands granted at statehood “for use of schools.”

About the Department of State Lands

The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands dedicated to helping fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.

Download photos of the State Land Board Awards ceremony and honored projects and partners here.

Salem – Gov. Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed Oct. 20-24, 2025 as Community Bank Week in Oregon, recognizing the vital role community banks play in supporting families, small businesses, and communities across the state.

“For well over a century, community banks doing business in Oregon have provided local financial services and have supported the prosperity and growth of our communities,” said Gov. Kotek in the proclamation. “Community banks are an integral part of Oregon’s overall economy through their community giving, dedication as good neighbors, and above all, their critical role in providing reliable financial services to Oregonians.”

Community banks serve Oregon through more than 325 branches and loan offices, employing 4,700 Oregonians in family-wage jobs. They also make more than half of all bank loans to small businesses, fueling entrepreneurship and job creation in every corner of the state. Community banks also make $3.5 billion in small business loans made annually in Oregon and safeguard over $47 billion in deposits.

“Community banks play a vital role in Oregon’s economy and in communities across the state,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “They provide essential financial services, support local businesses, and help strengthen the economic foundation of Oregon.”

Community banks are central to Oregon’s economic vitality, contributing to schools, infrastructure, and public services through taxes and serving the credit needs of all communities – including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods – under the federal Community Reinvestment Act. In many rural areas, they are the only local financial institution, making this commitment especially important.

“Community banks are unique because their success is directly tied to the strength of the communities they serve,” said Scott Bruun, president and CEO of the Community Banks of Oregon. “They create jobs, provide access to capital, support local nonprofits, and contribute to Oregon’s tax base. Gov. Kotek’s proclamation recognizes just how essential community banks are to Oregon’s economy and quality of life.”

During Community Bank Week, banks across Oregon will celebrate with customer appreciation events, community service projects, food drives, free community shred events where residents can securely dispose of confidential documents, and other outreach efforts that highlight the positive impact of local banking. Discover more about community banks and connect with one in your area at www.oregonbankers.com/local.

###

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.

Oct. 14, 2025

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

New Tillamook shelter expands recovery housing access

Tillamook, Ore. – A new recovery housing shelter in Tillamook is expanding access to behavioral health resources on the Oregon coast, providing temporary housing, restrooms and showers, and onsite services to help residents achieve long-term housing and employment.

The Anchor Night-by-Night Shelter and the West Shelter Village, part of the Tillamook Micro Shelter Project led by Community Action Resource Enterprises (CARE), celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting Oct. 10.

“We are thrilled to see recovery housing becoming available in Tillamook for those in need of a safe and stable place to call home,” said Ebony Clarke, behavioral health director at Oregon Health Authority (OHA). “Our mission is to ensure that everyone has access to the housing and support they need to thrive.”

OHA awarded approximately $1.7 million in Measure 110 Behavioral Health Resource Network funding to support this project, including more than $700,000 for the capital project. This investment aligns with the agency and Governor Kotek’s commitment to addressing the social factors that impact health, including access to stable housing.

The new housing is part of Tillamook County’s efforts to provide compassionate, low-barrier shelter and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing houselessness.

The Tillamook Micro Shelter Project features a congregate shelter, individual “micro-shelters” for temporary housing, ADA-accessible restrooms and showers, and onsite services to help residents achieve long term housing and employment. A micro-shelter is a small, simple structure designed to provide basic protection from the elements.

Staff from Community Action Resource Enterprises (CARE) celebrated the opening of a new Micro Shelter Project in Tillamook on Oct. 10. The new facility includes housing for families and individuals in need of safe and stable housing.

The Anchor shelter will be open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., providing emergency shelter for up to 10 adults in a safe, warm space. It is open to adults 18 and over.

"With compassion and community at the heart of our mission at CARE Inc., we’re proud to open the doors of our new shelter in Tillamook — a safe haven and stepping stone for our houseless neighbors to rebuild, reconnect and reclaim hope, said Koren Karlovic, project manager for the Houseless Action Network at CARE Inc."

The Village welcomes both individuals and families. As a “low-barrier” shelter, it does not require sobriety or a mental health diagnosis for entry. Residents participate in CARE’s shelter program to address barriers toward permanent housing. Stays are limited to six months, while the Anchor offers nightly shelter on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anyone in need of housing should come to the CARE Inc office at 2310 First Street in Tillamook to make an appointment with a peer for an assessment.

Oct. 14, 2025

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

Melisa Otrugman ugman@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">melisa.z.otrugman@oha.oregon.gov (meeting information or accommodation)

Sustainable Cost Growth Target for 2026-2030 Workgroup meets Oct. 21

What: The second meeting of a short-term workgroup tasked to review economic trend data and recommend what Oregon’s cost growth target should be for 2026–2030.

When:  Tuesday, October 21, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  

Where: This is a virtual meeting.

• Join by Zoom
  • Meeting ID: 160 848 3856; Passcode: 332290
• Join by Phone: One tap mobile
  • +16692545252,,1608483856 # US (San Jose)
  • +16468287666,,1608483856 # US (New York)

Agenda:

• Welcome, recap meeting #1
• How other states set and revisit their cost growth targets
• Introduction to economic indicators
• Key questions about Oregon’s target
• Plan for meeting #3, next steps

Public Comment:

There will not be a public comment period held at this meeting. To submit public comment about the cost growth target for 2026-2030 or the Workgroup, please email it to e.CostTarget@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">HealthCare.CostTarget@oha.oregon.gov.

All public comments received will be shared with the Workgroup and posted online.

For more information, please visit the Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target’s website.

# # #

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

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—Six defendants made their first appearances in federal court today after committing various offenses—including assaulting federal officers and creating a hazard on federal property—during ongoing protest gatherings near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Samuel Tate Berry, 29, who has recently resided in Gearhart and Seaside, Oregon, as well as Kelso, Washington, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanor offenses of assaulting a federal officer and failure to comply with official signs and directions.

Juniper Perry Weed, 21, of Jackson, Michigan, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanor offenses of assaulting a federal officer and failure to comply with official signs and directions.

Edwardo Diaz Guardado, 22, of Vancouver, Washington, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanor offense of assaulting a federal officer.

Andrew James Beason, 53, of Beaverton, Oregon, has been charged by information with the misdemeanor offense of failing to obey a lawful order.

Nokomis Lee, 22, of Grand Ronde, Oregon, has been charged by information with the misdemeanor offense of failing to obey a lawful order.

Liam Harry Houpis, 22, also of Vancouver, has been charged by information with the misdemeanor offense of creating a hazard on federal property.

According to court documents and information shared in court, on June 18, 2025, several hundred people gathered near an ICE office in South Portland where, for more than week, individuals have repeatedly targeted the building and various federal law enforcement officers with mortar fireworks, rocks, bricks, glass bottles, signs, and makeshift shields. At approximately 6:38pm, federal officers on site were informed that six official vehicles were en route and needed to enter the property via a vehicle gate blocked by the crowd.

After issuing warnings and asking the group to move, federal officers opened the vehicle gate and advanced on the crowd to clear the driveway for the arriving vehicles. Defendants Berry and Weed failed to comply with the officers’ directions and, while being placed under arrest, assaulted officers. Later the same evening, a crowd again blocked the building’s vehicle gate and, after being warned a second time, were cleared to allow law enforcement vehicles to exit the property. During this second clearing, at approximately 10:55pm, defendants Beason and Lee failed to obey lawful orders issued by law enforcement. A fifth defendant, Guardado, was observed possessing a high-powered laser pointer that he pointed at a federal officer, striking the officer in the eye and temporarily blinding him.

The following evening, on June 19, 2025, several dozen individuals again gathered at the South Portland ICE office, when, at approximately 10:20pm, defendant Houpis was observed using a drill and screws on plywood doors affixed to the building’s exterior in an attempt to prevent federal officers from exiting the building.

All six defendants made their first appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and were released on conditions pending future court proceedings.

Misdemeanor assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to one year in federal prison. Failure to obey a lawful order, failure to comply with official signs and directions, and creating a hazard on federal property are all Class C misdemeanors and carry a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison.

These cases are being investigated by the FBI and Federal Protective Service (FPS), and are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Criminal informations and complaints are only accusations of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

Oct. 13, 2025

Media Contact: Communications@employ.oregon.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY

Oregon Employment Department adjusts monthly media plans amid federal shutdown

Salem, Ore. – Due to the ongoing federal shutdown, the Oregon Employment Department (OED) is unable to share some labor market data and is adjusting its monthly economic reporting and media activities for the week of Oct. 13-17.

Although the unemployment rate and nonfarm payroll data for Oregon in September is not available during the shutdown, OED will share what data is available in its regularly scheduled statewide press release on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The department will not host a media briefing this week, but will release a media statement on Thursday, Oct. 16 with agency updates, including the latest Unemployment Insurance claims data and an upgrade to Frances Online functionality for employers.

This situation continues to change quickly, and OED will continue to adapt in order to provide the public, our partners, and the media with accurate economic and labor market information.

###

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.

The City of Richland is hosting an in-person community meeting to share information and engage with residents about The Downtown Loop, a mobility and safety project designed to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety in the downtown area. 

The community meeting will take place on Thursday, November 13 at 6 p.m. in the Doris Roberts Gallery Room at the Richland Public Library (955 Northgate Dr). Richland City staff will present details about the project, share project and construction timelines and answer questions from the public. 

“The Downtown Loop is a major investment into our City’s future and will transform how residents and visitors experience our downtown,” said Richland City Manager Jon Amundson. “We look forward to connecting with residents at this community meeting, where they can see the plans up close and understand the impacts and benefits of the project.”

Members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn about planned enhancements to local traffic patterns, updates and additions to the downtown landscape and discuss the project’s impact on downtown mobility and economic vitality.

For those unable to attend in-person, the City will host a virtual community meeting in early 2026 to ensure all those interested have the chance to participate and learn.

The City of Richland encourages all interested community members to attend one of the meetings and stay informed about updates to the project. For more information and to sign up for e-notifications, please visit TheDowntownLoop.com.  

Oct. 13, 2025

Media Contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459 PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Conference of Local Health Officials to meet Oct.16

What: The monthly public meeting of the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO).

Agenda: Committee appointments; Elections; Annual CLHO Committee Reports; Federal Funding Updates; Rural Health Transformation Program.

Agenda is subject to change and is posted with meeting materials on the CLHO website at http://www.oregonclho.org/ prior to meeting.

There is no public comment period during this meeting.

When: Thursday, Oct. 16, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Where: This meeting will be virtual via Zoom. Members of the public must register for the meeting here.

Background: The Conference of Local Health Officials provides recommendations to the Oregon Health Authority on the foundational capabilities and programs and any other public health program or activity under ORS 431.340.

Program contact: Liz Hunt, 503-756-5678, liz.a.hunt@oha.oregon.gov

# # #

For people who speak or use a language other than English, people with disabilities or people who need additional support, we can provide free help. Some examples are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages or transcript
• Braille
• Real-time captioning (CART)
• Large print
• Virtual platform change
• Audio and other formats

This meeting will be virtual only. This meeting will screen share and use Word documents, PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations.

Please contact Liz Hunt at 503-756-5678 (voice or text) or liz.a.hunt@oha.oregon.gov by Wednesday, Oct. 15 to request an accommodation.

Oct. 13, 2025

Media Contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459 PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Opioid Settlement Research, Evaluation and Data System Subcommittee to meet Oct. 15

What: A public meeting of the Opioid Settlement Data, Research and Evaluation Subcommittee.

Agenda: The Agenda is here.

When: Oct.15, 2025, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Where: Via Zoom Meeting

Dial by your location

• +1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose)
• +1 646 828 7666 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 161 551 1946

Passcode: 533818

Background: On August 6, 2025, the OSPTR Board approved the merger of The Data System Subcommittee and the Research and Evaluation Subcommittee.

The purpose of the Opioid Settlement Research, Evaluation and Data System Subcommittee (RED Subcommittee) is to make spending recommendations to the OSPTR board for the research and evaluation and data system allocation categories.

Read more about Oregon’s opioid settlement funds at www.oregon.gov/opioidsettlement.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact the Oregon Opioid Settlement team at 971-678-1036, or OHA.OpioidSettlement@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Oct. 13, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider,971-599-0459, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Prineville Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Prineville Reservoir due to elevated microcystin. The lake is in Crook County.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Prineville Reservoir and enjoy activities such as, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

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.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. 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 crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, 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 experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

The risks associated with consuming fish from waters with active blooms where cyanotoxins are present is poorly understood. At this time OHA is recommending that fish, and crayfish in particular, caught from Prineville Reservoir not be consumed. If you do decide to consume fish caught from Prineville Reservoir, we recommend that you remove the fat, viscera, and skin, and rinse the filettes in clean water prior to consumption.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 1-877-290-6767, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

Good Morning,

Please see the attached release regarding our upcoming Healthy Choices Fair which is a free event and open to the public.

Anything you can do to help spread the word about this event is much appreciated.

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve September 24, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Ziji Donahoo, DPSST No. 66742; ODOC/Oregon State Police

    Presented by Cindy Park

4. Juan Rios, DPSST No. 66172; ODOC/Oregon State Penitentiary

    Presented by Cindy Park

5. Davon Taylor, DPSST No. 66344; ODOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution

    Presented by Cindy Park

6. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only

    Presented by Cindy Park

7. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – November 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Applicant Review 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.