The first Powerball jackpot of 2025, worth $328.5 million, was sold in Beaverton. The ticket for Saturday’s drawing was purchased on January 17 in the 97006 zip code.

The winner has a year to come forward and claim their prize. Once a claimant comes forward, it will take time before a winner can be identified due to security and payment processes. Per state law, players in Oregon, with few exceptions, cannot remain anonymous. The largest Powerball prize previously won in Oregon was last year’s $1.3 billion jackpot split between a Portland man, his wife, and friend.

Approximately a third of sales from the game will be returned to state beneficiaries to support economic development, education, veteran services, state parks and more.

Retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, an Oregon retailer who sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus. The location of the retailer where the current ticket was sold will not be revealed until a winner has come forward due to security protocols.

The Powerball jackpot was last won in December when a ticket sold in New York that was worth $256 million. Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

MEDFORD, Ore.— Negasi Zuberi, 31, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, was sentenced to life in federal prison today for kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women, and holding one in a cell he constructed in his garage.

“There is no place in civil society for this type of terrifying violence,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I sincerely hope Zuberi’s life sentence will bring some measure of comfort to his victims. Their courage and perseverance are an inspiration to us all.”

According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, while in Seattle, Zuberi posed as a police officer and used a taser and handcuffs to detain his victim in the backseat of his vehicle. Zuberi then transported the victim approximately 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, stopping along the way to sexually assault her.

At his residence, the victim was moved from his vehicle into a cell he had constructed in his garage. The woman repeatedly banged on the cell door until it broke open and she escaped. The victim retrieved a handgun from Zuberi's vehicle, fled his garage, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911.

On July 16, 2023, Reno Police Department officers and Nevada State Patrol officers located Zuberi in a parking lot in Reno, Nevada. After a short standoff, Zuberi surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody.

While investigating Zuberi's crimes, federal agents discovered that approximately six weeks prior to the kidnapping in Seattle, on May 6, 2023, Zuberi kidnapped and sexually assaulted another victim. While being held by Zuberi, his first victim observed stacked cinder blocks in his garage that he later used to construct the cell where he detained his second victim.

On August 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Zuberi with kidnapping and transporting a victim with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Later, on February 15, 2024, a second kidnapping charge and charges for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.

On October 18, 2024, a federal jury found Zuberi guilty of all charges.

This case was investigated by the FBI Portland and Reno, Nevada Field Offices, Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon State Police with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada; Klamath County District Attorney's Office; Reno, Nevada Police Department; Washoe County, Nevada District Attorney's Office; Nevada State Police; and Klamath Falls Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Nathan J. Lichvarcik, and Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from Appellate Chief Suzanne Miles, also of the District of Oregon.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Columbia County, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison Thursday for her role in a conspiracy to defraud customers seeking to adopt pets and illegally dispensing prescription animal drugs without a lawful order of a veterinarian.

Samantha Miller, 55, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. The sum of restitution Miller must pay to her victims will be determined at a later date.

“Today’s sentence should make it clear to others engaged in unconscionable conduct that it will not be tolerated and they will be held responsible for their crimes,” said Hannah Horsley, Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit for the District of Oregon.

“The FDA regulates animal drugs as part of its mission to protect the public health, which includes ensuring that prescription animal drugs are lawfully obtained, distributed, and dispensed,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who criminally attempt to evade the law.”

According to court documents, between November 2019 and January 2021, Miller and her co-conspirators, through their animal rescue business Woofin Palooza, LLC, conspired to obtain animals with health and behavioral problems from out-of-state shelters at no cost to offer for adoption to paying customers in Oregon. Once animals were transported to Portland, Miller did not provide the care needed by these animals through a licensed veterinarian. Instead, their medical issues were either ignored or Miller attempted to treat the animals herself by administering prescription animal drugs without supervision of a veterinarian.

As part of the scheme, Miller used the alias “Mandy Myers” to hide her true identity. Miller advertised animals for adoption on Woofin Palooza and Petfinder websites with misleading or false statements of the known medical and behavioral issues. When victims adopted a pet, Miller misrepresented the extent of health and behavioral issues in communications and contracts with the victims. In some instances, Miller dispensed prescription animal drugs to victims that she had repackaged with false or misleading labels and without the order of a licensed veterinarian. As a result, victims unknowingly adopted unhealthy and aggressive animals and were forced to seek veterinary care and training, including euthanasia, often incurring significant expenses.

On February 7, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 4-count superseding indictment charging Miller with conspiring to commit wire fraud, conspiring to misbrand drugs, and misbranding animal drugs by dispensing them without a lawful order of a veterinarian and by repackaging and relabeling them.

On October 24, 2024, Miller pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and misbranding drugs by dispensing prescription animal drugs without a lawful order of a veterinarian.

This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto and Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

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(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has reviewed the most recent counterproposals from Providence, and these offers are nothing more than a slap in the face to the nearly 5,000 striking caregivers across the system. 

Providence’s proposals do not show any meaningful movement on the core issues facing our nurses: fair wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions.

But most shocking is that Providence’s proposals have removed ratification bonuses—bonuses that Providence has been touting to the press and in radio ads as an example of their “generous offer” to striking caregivers to settle this dispute.

This is not negotiation; it’s punishment. It is also a violation of federal law, regressive bargaining and an unfair labor practice.

Providence claims publicly they are ready to negotiate but these proposals prove they are not serious about engaging in meaningful dialogue. It’s time to end this strike, not by punishing nurses and doctors with backwards proposals, but by coming to the table in good faith. 

Providence's priorities are crystal clear when you look at their executive compensation. In 2023, more than $177 million was paid to just 164 executives, as reflected in Providence's publicly available financial filings. Among these executives were Rod Hochman, who retired at the end of 2024 and made $14.8 million in 2023, and Erik Wexler, who became CEO in 2025, who was previously making $5.2 million a year. 

The contrast between the lavish pay for those at the top and the struggling conditions for those on the frontlines is a direct reflection of Providence's failure to prioritize its workers and patients over excessive executive pay.

ONA wants to be 100% clear: bargaining is happening.   

We are actively engaged in bargaining right now by exchanging proposals with the employer; in fact, ONA provided counterproposals to Providence within 18 hours. ONA is committed to bargaining in a way that is reflective of the urgency of the moment, and we are open to face-to-face meetings or Zoom sessions as needed to move the process forward, but we are engaged in bargaining now. 

We just need a good faith partner to negotiate with. 

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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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018 

Extreme cold weather expected, Pacific Power ready for conditions

Company encourages customers to take steps to keep bills low

Portland, OR (Jan. 17, 2025) – Pacific Power is monitoring a weather system that is expected to bring extreme temperatures this weekend, likely resulting in higher than normal demand for electricity in the West as customers try to stay warm inside their homes.

Customers can conserve energy by shifting usage during periods of high demand, helping with the reliability of our electricity service while also saving money on their bills.

Pacific Power relies on a diverse mix of available energy resources to meet high demand, and the company is well positioned to meet and exceed customer expectations.

Here are some ways customers can help during periods of high demand:

• Set the thermostat to 68°F when you're at home. Lower the temperature by several degrees when you are away from home and at bedtime. 
• Clean or replace furnace filters often.  
• Weatherstrip exterior doors and caulk around window frames to seal air leaks. 
• Close drapes and blinds at night to keep heat in.
• Avoid use of portable space heaters.
• Limit use of appliances like ovens, dishwashers and clothes dryers in the morning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. 
• Set your water heater to 120°F and use efficient showerheads. 
• Turn off lights, computers and electronics when not in use. 

About Pacific Power 

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.    

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Pasco, WA, January 17, 2025 - Columbia Basin College (CBC) today announced that it will host the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Bell Ringing Ceremony on Monday, January 20 at 5:30 pm. This special event will take place on the CBC Campus outside the T Building adjacent to the MLK Statue. The ceremony provides an opportunity for the community to gather and honor the life and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

As part of the event, CBC will present the prestigious MLK Spirit Award, an annual recognition given to an individual who exemplifies Dr. King’s values and vision for social justice, equality, and service to others. There will also be music, food, and a Manhattan Project photo gallery. Join us to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and this year’s Spirit Award Winner.  

In addition to the evening’s ceremony, the Tri-cities Diversity and Inclusion Council is hosting the 5^th annual MLK Day of Service earlier in the day. This event, held in the H Building parking lot from 10 am to 12 pm, is a community food drive and essential item distribution that aims to support 2,000 families. Community members are encouraged to participate in this drive-up distribution effort to honor Dr. King’s commitment to service and social equity. For more information visit https://www.tricitiesdeicouncil.org/.

WHAT: 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Bell Ringing Ceremony

WHEN: Monday, January 20, 2025 at 5:30 pm. 

WHERE: Columbia Basin College, Outside the T Building (adjacent to the MLK statue)

To learn more about the DEI work at Columbia Basin College visit: https://www.columbiabasin.edu/connect/dei/about-us.html.

# # #

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 Administration, Cyber Security, Dental Hygiene, Information Technology, Health Physics, Teacher Education, Project Management, and Community Health. CBC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

POLICE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Police Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on February 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

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

1. Introductions

2. Approve November 21, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

    a) Keith Byrd; DPSST No. 37928
        Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certifications

    b) John Carter; DPSST No. 64289
        Basic, Management and Supervisory Police Certifications

    c) Maxwell Casquerio; DPSST No. 55070
        Basic Police Certification

    d) Robert Cheek; DPSST No. 62955
        Basic Police Certification

    e) Chris Uehara; DPSST No. 23999
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory and Management Police Certifications

    f) Trevor Middleton; DPSST No. 56655
        Basic Police Certification

    g) Richard Steinbronn; DPSST No. 32940
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisory Police Certifications

    h) Michael Nork; DPSST No. 43679
        Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certifications

4. Bradley McIntyre; DPSST No. 35126; Portland Police Bureau
   Presented by Jennifer Levario

5. Jeremiah Oswald; DPSST No. 60805; Washington County Sheriff's Office
   Presented by Jennifer Levario

6. Jared Paul; DPSST No. 57056; Oregon State Police Department
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

7. Jeromy Pilon; DPSST No. 54019; Newberg-Dundee Police Department
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

8. Agency Update

11. Next Police Policy Committee Meeting – May 22, 2025, at 10:00 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 Police Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

To view the Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve October 15, 2024, and November 19, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Informational Update on the Fee Increases fir the Private Security Entity, Private Security Provider, And Private Security Investigator Certification and Licensure Programs

   Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-059-0070, 259-060-0500, and OAR 259-061-0010

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

4. Private Investigator Subcommittee Applicant Appointment

5. Private Investigator Subcommittee Chairperson Appointment

6. Agency Update

7. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – May 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.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 Private Security/Private Investigations Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL FUND BOARD

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a regular meeting on January 23, 2025, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting that begins at 9:00 am. at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

Agenda Items

1. Introductions

2. Approve October 24, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Budget Update

   Presented by Kathy McAlpine

4. John Christopher Kilcullen (DPSST #35147); Eugene Police Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

    Presented by Kathy McAlpine

5. Next meeting – April 24, 2025, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

TILLAMOOK, Oregon— Cape Lookout State Park will move its construction closure to fall 2025, which means summer campground reservations will reopen. 

The park was slated to close temporarily for construction starting in spring 2025, but the schedule has changed. 

All reservable campsites sites in A, B, C and D loops as well as deluxe cabins and yurts will be reservable online for stays May 31 through the current 6-month reservation window starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Cape Lookout is one of the nine GO Bond projects at Oregon State Parks supported through Oregon-issued general obligation bonds approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021.

Originally, the project included moving camp loops A & B to higher ground and away from encroaching seawater, but unexpected geological and safety concerns prevented the move. Now the work will focus on extending the life of the existing infrastructure and slated to include: 

• Reinforcing the existing dune to prevent seawater from entering the camp loops
• Upgrading electrical and water systems in C and D loops
• Day use improvements
• Replacing campground restroom/shower building

The work is scheduled to begin in fall of 2025 and extend into spring or summer 2026. The campground and day-use area will be closed during construction. 

We encourage visitors to monitor Oregon State Park website for up-to-date information about the Cape Lookout State Park GO Bond project and campground closures.

For more detailed information about the project visit the park construction web page.

Employer Led Resume Workshop for Veteran and Military Spouses

WorkSource Columbia Basin, Kennewick, WA.

Join us for an employer led resume workshop designed specifically for veterans and military spouses on February 12, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at WorkSource Columbia Basin, 815 N. Kellogg St. Suite D, Kennewick, WA 99336. You’ll have a chance to collaborate with local employers to gain insights into crafting targeted resumes that effectively showcase your skills and experiences, increase your chances of securing interviews and advancing in your career. A well-crafted resume is a powerful tool for opening doors to new opportunities.

Are you tired of submitting countless job applications without getting any interview calls? Do you wonder what happens behind the scenes when your resume lands in the hands of recruiters and HR professionals? If so, join us for an eye-opening workshop designed to give you the insider knowledge you need to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Resume Secrets Unveiled: Learn exactly what employers look for in a winning resume. Discover the key elements that make your application shine.
2. Crafting Compelling Cover Letters: Get a comprehensive overview of cover letter writing. Learn how to tailor your cover letter to grab attention and showcase your unique value.
3. Mastering Interviews: Acquire essential interviewing techniques from seasoned professionals. Nail that next interview with confidence!
4. LinkedIn as Your Secret Weapon: Understand how to leverage LinkedIn effectively. Build a powerful online presence that attracts recruiters and potential employers.
5. Skills Transferability: Explore how to translate your skills across different roles. Discover overlapping opportunities in related fields.

But that’s not all! At the end of the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity for a personalized resume review by our expert panel. Imagine having your resume fine-tuned by professionals who know exactly what employers want!

Don’t miss out on this chance to supercharge your career prospects. Reserve your spot on the workshop calendar at WorkSourceWA.com – search Kennewick. Seats are limited, so act fast!

For questions, please contact Scott Stewart

By phone: 509-734-5905

By email: Scott.Stewart@esd.wa.gov

Employer Led Resume Workshop for Veteran and Military Spouses

Kennewick, WA., January 16, 2025

Join us for an employer led resume workshop designed specifically for veterans and military spouses on February 12, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at WorkSource Columbia Basin, 815 N. Kellogg St. Suite D, Kennewick, WA 99336. You’ll have a chance to collaborate with local employers to gain insights into crafting targeted resumes that effectively showcase your skills and experiences, increase your chances of securing interviews and advancing in your career. A well-crafted resume is a powerful tool for opening doors to new opportunities.

Are you tired of submitting countless job applications without getting any interview calls? Do you wonder what happens behind the scenes when your resume lands in the hands of recruiters and HR professionals? If so, join us for an eye-opening workshop designed to give you the insider knowledge you need to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Resume Secrets Unveiled: Learn exactly what employers look for in a winning resume. Discover the key elements that make your application shine.
2. Crafting Compelling Cover Letters: Get a comprehensive overview of cover letter writing. Learn how to tailor your cover letter to grab attention and showcase your unique value.
3. Mastering Interviews: Acquire essential interviewing techniques from seasoned professionals. Nail that next interview with confidence!
4. LinkedIn as Your Secret Weapon: Understand how to leverage LinkedIn effectively. Build a powerful online presence that attracts recruiters and potential employers.
5. Skills Transferability: Explore how to translate your skills across different roles. Discover overlapping opportunities in related fields.

But that’s not all! At the end of the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity for a personalized resume review by our expert panel. Imagine having your resume fine-tuned by professionals who know exactly what employers want!

Don’t miss out on this chance to supercharge your career prospects. Reserve your spot on the workshop calendar at WorkSourceWA.com – search Kennewick. Seats are limited, so act fast!

For questions, please contact Scott Stewart

By phone: 509-734-5905

By email: Scott.Stewart@esd.wa.gov

SALEM, Ore. — The Compliance Monitoring Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Thursday, Jan. 30, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Communication plan (Reforestation study)

• Update from Mt. Hood Environmental on roads & steeps slopes protocol

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. 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 emailing ta.L.FriasBedolla@odf.oregon.gov">marta.l.friasbedolla@odf.oregon.gov.

The CMP Committee assists efforts to monitor compliance with Forest Practices Rules. The committee advises ODF regarding monitoring projects and procedures. View more information on the CMPC webpage.

The FBI is asking the public to report any information related to the series of dangerous attacks in October at ballot box locations in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon.

As law enforcement continues to investigate, we ask you to report unusual behaviors or the presence of materials and tools that could help law enforcement identify the person responsible before they act out again. Specifically, law enforcement is looking for someone who is unusually knowledgeable about explosives or incendiary devices, particularly thermite, and/or has an interest in grinding or welding metal.

We need your help to identify the person responsible for placing these devices to ensure that they will not harm themself or others. The thermite devices they have created can cause severe injuries and damage to structures.

To date, no one has been injured by these devices, but they are extremely dangerous and could cause serious injury.

Observations to consider between October 8, 2024, and now:

• Did someone brag or show approval or admiration for the person who placed the devices on the ballot boxes?
• Did someone follow the story of these ballot box fires very closely or exhibit an unusual response to the reporting of this story?
• Did someone show increased anxiety about the topic or express fears about being identified as a suspect? 
• Did you notice unusual packages or storing of metal shavings or unexplained fire damage to a home or other structure, a field, or a wilderness area?
• Did you notice unusual behaviors such as someone researching thermite, grinding metals, and obtaining small scraps of metal (including pipe endcaps, nuts, and bolts) or welding small projects?Did someone you know recently dispose of or stop using a Volvo S-60 sedan?

Reward

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible for these crimes. Anyone can view or download the FBI’s Seeking Information Poster and the surveillance video from the Portland incident.

CrimeStoppers of Oregon is offering a separate reward on behalf of Portland Police Bureau of up to $2,500. (CrimeStoppers of Oregon and Portland Police Bureau will be responsible for determining any payment for this separate reward.)

Background Information

The FBI has been working with our partners at the Portland Police Bureau and Vancouver Police Department to positively identify the person responsible for placing homemade thermite devices on ballot boxes. 

Incidents:

1.     October 8, 2024 – Ballot box located at the intersection of W 14^th Street and Esther Street in Vancouver at approximately 3:45 am.

2.     October 28, 2024 – Ballot box located on the north side of the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center in Vancouver near the SE 164^th Avenue entrance at approximately 2:35 am.

3.     October 28, 2024 – Ballot box located at the intersection of SE Belmont Street and SE 11^th Avenue in Portland at approximately 3:08 am.

Vehicle:

The suspect was driving a black or dark grey 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan with a light-colored interior. The car has a sunroof and dark after-market wheel rims, and, at the time of the crime, is missing the Volvo logo normally affixed to the front grill.

Devices:

The suspect welded the three devices using metal for the exterior and inserted thermite into the devices. Thermite looks like metal shavings and/or a metal-based powder. The amount of shavings/powder can be small.

Tips

If you have any information on this suspect or these crimes, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit your information online at tips.fbi.gov. Tips can remain anonymous.

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January 16, 2025

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

Tribes, 34 organizations, receive $23 million to support home repairs

OHA’s Healthy Homes Grant Program seeks improved housing conditions, health outcomes for low-income residents to prevent displacement

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has awarded $23 million to repair and rehabilitate homes of low-income residents to eliminate risks to residents’ health to the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon and 34 local organizations. The funds are from the Healthy Homes Grant Program (HHGP), established to improve health by rehabilitating living environments in Oregon.

“Research has shown there is an inextricable link between a person’s health and housing status, and that quality of housing is a social determinant of health,” said Oregon Public Health Division Director Naomi Adeline-Biggs, MBBS, MPH. “With the Healthy Homes grants, Oregon is helping to prevent and reduce short- and long-term negative health outcomes by addressing the quality of housing as a public health issue.”

People living in poverty are more likely to live in substandard housing that is not healthy or safe and are at higher risk of losing homes that are not well-maintained or repaired. Older and substandard housing is more likely to contain hazards such as peeling or deteriorated lead-based paint. Delaying maintenance can lead to leaking roofs or pipes, which can cause mold. Uninsulated homes can be drafty and uncomfortable for residents and result in higher energy bills.

Homes that are not well-maintained or repaired can also lead to lead poisoning, asthma and other respiratory diseases, cancer, unintended injures, increased stress, poor school attendance for children and missed workdays for parents. Improved housing conditions for low-income families can prevent illness and reduce their health care costs, improve safety, conserve natural resources and reduce energy costs for occupants.

The organizations—nonprofits, local housing authorities, community action agencies and local governments serving communities in all areas of the state—are each receiving between $199,980 to $750,000 to use over a three-year period. The grants are intended to help homeowners and landlords repair and rehabilitate homes inhabited by low-income residents, including renters, to improve their environmental health and safety.

The Oregon Legislature established the HHGP in 2021. It directs OHA to provide grants to local organizations serving low-income residents to repair and rehabilitate homes, including rental properties, throughout the state.

Funding recipients

OHA is awarding nearly $20.4 million in HHGP funds to 34 organizations through a competitive grant process and were selected from a pool of 75 applicants. The grantees with the strongest proposals for meeting the priorities set in state law include organizations experienced in improving the health or safety of occupants of residences, maximizing energy efficiency or extending the usable life of homes which serves eligible households in Oregon; and organizations serving historically unrepresented and underserved communities, including people of color, those who are low income, and American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

In addition, OHA has set aside $3 million in HHGP funds for the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, honoring government-to-government relationships. OHA is working with each Tribe to award this funding.

For a video highlighting this work and to hear from recipients themselves, visit this link.

A full list of competitive grant recipients are available on the HHGP website, www.oregon.gov/healthyhomes.

Project examples

Examples of funded projects include home assessments to identify priority structural, health and safety repair needs; energy efficiency updates to protect against extreme temperatures; roof replacements; making homes less susceptible to wildfire damage; and abatement of radon, mold, mildew, and lead-based paint.

The projects will use HHGP funds to fill gaps and leverage other state and federal funding, such as Community Development Block Grants, Weatherization Assistance Program funding and the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.

Grant funding schedule

OHA sent letters of intent to successful grant applicants in August and has been working with individual organizations to finalize grant agreements. The agency hopes to finish executing the grant agreements by the end of January. Grant recipients will have up to three years to complete their projects.

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At 9:36 am on January 16, 2025, a structure fire was reported in the area of Riverwoods Drive and Choctaw Road.  Callers reported a fire at the rear of the property that had spread and was engulfing a fifth wheel travel trailer.  It was also reported that a dog was secured in the vicinity of the fire and unable to escape.  Upon arrival, the fifth wheel was found to be heavily involved in fire with adjacent combustibles and a dog house also engulfed.  A neighbor was able to free the dog prior to fire department arrival.  The fire was quickly knocked down by fire crews without damage to the main residence or other structures on the property.  The single occupant of the 2016 Crossroads Redwood fifth wheel was displaced by the fire, but declined Red Cross assistance.  Losses are estimated at $50,000 to the fifth wheel and adjacent combustible materials.  

Upon investigation, the cause of the fire was found to be a heat lamp placed inside a wooden dog house.  The heat lamp was too close to nearby combustible materials, and the resulting fire spread from the dog house to adjacent combustibles stored on the property and the fifth wheel trailer.  

Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community that while heat lamps can be beneficial in keeping pets and small livestock warm during these cold winter months, precautions must be taken to ensure the heat lamp is used safely.  First, ensure that the fixture is rated for the bulb that you will use.  Heat lamp bulbs typically come in 125 and 250 wattage, make sure you are not overloading the fixture and wiring.  Second, anything that produces heat requires space around it, we recommend a minimum of 18 inches between the heat lamp and any combustibles.  More space may be required if the 250 watt bulb is used.  Secure the heat lamp to ensure that it cannot be displaced or knocked over.  The clamp that typically secures a heat lamp is not sufficient to hold it in place, especially if it may be bumped by the animal.  A chain, wire, or a carabiner may be used to keep the heat lamp from moving.  For more fire safety information, please visit our website at https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue

SALEM, Ore. —  The Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) is a new component to Oregon’s statewide land use planning system intended to facilitate housing production, affordability and choice to meet housing needs for Oregonians statewide. Three state agencies have vital roles in implementing the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA). Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) are undertaking various tasks outlined by House Bill 2001 (2023).

The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) unanimously adopted the first set of rules DLCD will use to implement comprehensive, system-wide housing planning reforms to make meaningful progress in addressing Oregon’s housing crisis in December 2024. DLCD aims to reform the implementation of housing planning from a narrow focus on zoning and land capacity towards a more comprehensive framework that considers the state’s specific housing needs. The new approach emphasizes the role state and local governments play in taking action to promote housing production, affordability, and choice within communities across Oregon. LCDC will adopt additional rules associated with the legislation by January 2026. Information about this rulemaking effort is available on the DLCD website.

"Our department looks forward to rolling up our sleeves and working closely with local governments and our partner agencies to implement this critical reform to our state’s land use planning program,” said DLCD Director Brenda Bateman. “The factors that have contributed to our state’s current housing shortage are complex, I am proud of the role that DLCD and our commission is playing to get closer to a future where all Oregonians have access to housing that meets their unique needs.”

DAS developed a methodology to estimate the state's total number of housing units needed over a 20-year time period and set housing production benchmarks for cities with 10,000 or more people.  DAS published the methodology and production targets at the beginning of the month and will do so annually.

“OHNA represents a deeply analytical approach toward statewide land use planning for both housing and urbanization,” said Carl Riccadonna, state chief economist. Carl leads the Office of Economic Analysis at the Department of Administrative Services. “This is the first time that a statewide methodology has been implemented and considers more components than prior methodologies enacted at the local level. In balancing priorities of responsible land stewardship and equitable economic development, Oregon state government takes an important step toward alleviating a nation-wide housing affordability crisis and securing the economic future of all Oregonians.”

OHCS developed a housing production dashboard to monitor local governments' progress towards its housing production targets. Additionally, OHCS established indicators for monitoring equitable housing outcomes by local governments. OHCS will publish the production dashboard and the housing equity indicators annually, starting with the first release on Jan. 1.

“We are incredibly proud of the collaboration with other state agencies, local partners, and nonprofit organizations that helped us create these tools to measure housing progress in Oregon,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Creating affordable housing is not just about building structures, it’s about communities coming together with the collective goal to help one another.”

About the Department of Land Conservation and Development

Oregon's statewide land use planning program, established in 1973 under Senate Bill 100, aims to protect farm and forest lands, conserve natural resources, and support livable communities. The program helps guide the development of land for housing, industry, commercial use, transportation, and agriculture, ensuring that growth is sustainable and well-coordinated. Administered by the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), the program is overseen by the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC), a seven-member volunteer board. Cities and counties in Oregon are required to adopt comprehensive plans that meet state standards, which are outlined in 19 Statewide Planning Goals that address land use, development, housing, transportation, and natural resource conservation.

About the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and Office of Economic Analysis (OEA)

The Department of Administrative Services is the central administrative department of Oregon state government. The DAS mission is to lead state agencies through collaboration in service of Oregonians. The Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) within DAS provides objective forecasts of the state's economy, revenue, population, corrections population and Youth Authority population. These forecasts are used by the Governor, the Legislature, state agencies and the public to achieve their goals.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

LAKEVIEW, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management today announced the release of the record of decision and approved resource management plan for the Lakeview planning area, which covers 3.2 million acres of public lands in Lake and Harney counties. The amendment updates the 2003 plan, providing management direction for livestock grazing and off-highway vehicle use to protect important landscapes while providing continued public access. It also preserves natural landscapes and protects 415,000 acres of lands with wilderness characteristics.

“These expansive, natural landscapes are special places that provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive, unconfined recreation,” said Lakeview District Manager Todd Forbes. “This update will help shape BLM’s management of these lands and resources for the next two decades.”

Tribal governments, local and state agencies, the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council, and members of the public provided valuable input and feedback during the planning process. The BLM considered approximately 1,300 comments while developing the plan amendment. The BLM’s updated analysis responds to requirements of a 2010 settlement agreement on the Bureau’s management of lands with wilderness characteristics, off-highway vehicle use, and grazing management.

To preserve unique and special landscapes, cross-country off-highway vehicle use will be limited to about 70,000 acres within the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes and other areas scattered across the planning area where cross country use is already occurring. Vehicular use will be allowed on existing or designated routes across 3.1 million acres in the planning area.

The amendment also provides additional guidance on the implementation of Standards for Rangeland Health and processing of voluntarily relinquished livestock grazing permits.

The resource management plan and associated final environmental impact statement is available at the BLM National NEPA Register.

UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST, Ore.— This summer, the Lone Rock Fire, driven by 30 mph winds, scorched more than 137,000 acres of the Umatilla National Forest and adjoining lands, leaving many of the trees burned and lifeless. 

“The fires this year have decimated our forests, and we will be working hard for years to re-establish them,” said Brandon Ferguson, Forest Resource Manager for the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) John Day Unit. “However, in part of the Kahler Basin where the forest was treated through the work of the Federal Forest Restoration (FFR) Program it is a different story. Most of those trees have more than 40 percent of their live crown intact and will not only survive but should thrive in the coming years,” said Ferguson who oversees a group of ODF foresters who assist private landowners manage their forestland in a five-county area.

The multi-year Kahler Dry Forest Restoration Project treated 33,000 acres of federal land. Of that, 1,220 acres were impacted by the Lone Rock Fire but fared significantly better thanks to proactive treatments.  

“Forest treatments included commercial and non-commercial thinning of the trees, prescribed burning of activity fuels, improvements to forest roads, fire line construction, and more,” said Kyle Sullivan-Astor, ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Program Lead. 

The FFR program aims to create healthier, more resilient forests capable of withstanding threats like wildfire, insect outbreaks, and disease, while reducing their impacts in treated areas.

“The FFR program was created to accelerate the pace, scale and quality of forest restoration and resilience across Oregon's federal forests,” said Sullivan-Astor. “ODF plays a key role by providing local expertise and capacity to federal landowners, in this case the U.S. Forest Service.”

A Long-Term, Collaborative Effort

The Kahler Dry Forest Restoration Project planning started in 2011, with on-the-ground implementation starting in 2016. Most of the work was completed by the end of 2022.

 “For the Kahler Project, the FFR Program provided $512,000, with $268,686 going to crew funding and the rest for planning and capacity building,” said Sullivan-Astor.

The planning and capacity building is where ODF and its people make a big difference.

“We used our seasonal firefighting crews to perform a wide range of fieldwork, including marking trees, cruising, flagging, and prepping for commercial thinning” said Mike Billman, ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Unit Forester in the La Grande office. 

For the Kahler Project, crews worked in unusual weather conditions.

“It was brutal. Our crews had snowmobiles and show shoes, and it was 30 below a couple of nights,” said Billman of the one-time extreme early weather event for the project. “They were staying in a guard station out in the forest, so it was bare bones accommodations and not very pleasant.”

Despite the challenges, ODF crews completed the fieldwork on schedule, laying the groundwork for the next phases of the project.

Partnerships Build Success

Collaboration with local partners was critical to the project’s success.

“At the same time ODF crews were doing field work, we worked with local partners to help build expertise, capacity and community support for this project and future ones,” said Sullivan-Astor.   “The Umatilla Forest Collaborative (now the Northern Blues Forest Collaborative) was critical to build public support and for the planning of the project. They received two grants; one was a capacity grant and the other was a Technical Assistance and Science Support (TASS) grant.”  

These investments strengthen local forest collaboratives, helping them develop shared agreement on vegetation management in federal forests managed by the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management.

Economic and Community Benefits

In addition to improving forest health and fire resilience, the FFR Program delivers economic and community benefits.

“Commercial thinning provides timber to local sawmills, work for timber operators, and the lumber needed to build homes,” said Sullivan-Astor. “In Eastern Oregon, infrastructure and training opportunities are limited. These projects not only create immediate work but also help build long-term expertise and capacity to continue this important work.”

In addition, most of the work is done on federal forests that border or are near private and ODF wildfire protected areas.

“If we can help our federal partners treat more forestland more effectively, it benefits ODF’s firefighting efforts and helps protect public and private resources,” said Sullivan-Astor. “This includes not just timber and wildlife habitat, but also critical infrastructure like utility lines and private buildings.”

Impact on Wildfire Resilience

While forest treatments cannot prevent wildfires entirely, they do reduce fire severity and improve landscape resilience, giving firefighters opportunities to suppress fires more effectively and protect nearby communities.

“The program is a win-win for everyone,” said Sullivan-Astor. “For relatively modest costs, we can greatly reduce wildfire impacts, protect lives and property, and cut the cost of fighting large, severe wildfires.”

For more information on the FFR Program see its recently released report or visit ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Program webpage.

Portland, OR– State agencies will meet by teleconference on January 30 on a proposed chemical process gold mine in Malheur County.

The Technical Review Team (TRT) will meet by teleconference on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST.

The public notice and related documents are available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/mlrr/Pages/Calico-GrassyMtn_projectDocuments.aspx

The public and media can listen to the meetings by joining the Zoom Meeting online, or by phone. For online meeting details and call-in instructions, see the meeting agenda in the public notice. For further information, contact the DOGAMI Albany office at (541) 967-2083 or email: mation.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov">information.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov.

The TRT is an inter-disciplinary team of state agencies that reviews information and concerns related to a proposed mine during all phases of the application process, and ultimately develops consolidated permit conditions that conform to Oregon regulations.

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January 15, 2025

Media Contact: Tim Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

State program urges testing during National Radon Action Month in January

Colorless, odorless gas is second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urging home radon testing during January, when winter heating season is at its peak and tightly closed windows and doors increase people’s exposure to the odorless, tasteless, invisible gas.

January is National Radon Action Month. Each year, OHA promotes the annual observance by encouraging people in Oregon to take steps to reduce their exposure to radon by testing their homes for the gas and, if necessary, hiring a professional to reduce radon to a safe level.

Many parts of Oregon remain at risk of high radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes up from the ground and is drawn into buildings, where it can build up to dangerous levels.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates radon is responsible for around 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and it’s the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

“During the heating season or colder months, when windows and doors are closed for long periods of time, people have more exposure to potentially high radon levels because they are spending more time indoors,” said Brett Sherry, program manager for OHA’s Healthy Homes & Schools Unit, which oversees the Oregon Radon Awareness Program.

“That exposure could significantly increase with so many people working from home,” he said.

National Radon Awareness Month is a great time to remind folks that the only way for them to know if they have high radon levels in their homes is to test.

The Radon Awareness Program monitors which areas of the state have the potential for high radon levels and identifies regions where educational outreach efforts need to be focused. The program is offering a free radon test kit to residents whose homes are in ZIP codes with fewer than 20 radon test results. Residents can learn more about the free radon test kit program and how to apply at www.healthoregon.org/radon. Free test kits are available while supplies last.

Home testing kits can be purchased at hardware or home improvement stores, with prices ranging from $20 to $30. You can also order a radon test kit online from the American Lung Association. If you would prefer to have a professional test your home, contact a certified radon measurement company.

For more information on radon, including which areas of the state are at moderate to high risk of elevated radon levels, radon testing and mitigation options, or to order a test kit online, contact OHA’s Radon Awareness Program at adon.program@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">radon.program@oha.oregon.gov or visit www.healthoregon.org/radon.

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Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  Registration is now open for the 2025 Run for the Trees at www.orparksforever.org.

Participants can run, walk, hike, skate, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15.

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.

Gather your friends, family and/or colleagues and create your own walk or run. Make it fun!

Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its fifth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include ten other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland and Virginia will “lock arms” as they help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

“We are thrilled to partner with Bob Ross, Inc. and these other ten states on the Happy Little 5K concept as a way to honor the late Bob Ross and create a legacy event to plant trees,” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.”

Oregon Parks Forever joined this event as an expansion of our efforts to fund the replanting of trees killed by wildfires, heat domes and invasive insects.  Over the past three years, Oregon Parks Forever has been able to fund the replanting of more than 800,000 trees across Oregon.

“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.”

Learn more about the program at  www.orparksforever.org.

SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Forest Resources Division update
• Small Forestland Owner Office update
• Legislature update
• Intro and discussion with potential industry representative – Jake Ryan
• Board of Forestry update
• Discuss upcoming meeting schedule and agenda topics

Agenda item added:

• Informing Small Forestland Owners

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 24 hours before the meeting by emailing estlands@odf.oregon.gov">committee.of.family.forestlands@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. View more information on the CFF webpage.

Salem, OR—Oregonians looking for assistance in electronically filing their taxes for free, could find help as close as their local library this tax season.

Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will be traveling to libraries in 17 different communities across the state in February, March, and April to assist taxpayers in using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to complete their returns.

The one-day tax help clinics are planned at libraries in:

Dates, times, and addresses for each clinic can be found on the Free Direct File assistance at local libraries webpage.

Last year, more than 140,000 taxpayers in 12 other states filed their federal tax returns using a limited IRS Direct File pilot program while nearly 7,000 Oregon taxpayers filed their state returns using the free, state-only Direct File Oregon option.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in May that it would make IRS Direct File a permanent option for taxpayers and invited all 50 states to participate. Oregon was the first of 13 new states to accept the invitation from the IRS in June creating a seamless free e-filing system for both federal and state taxes.

With the two direct file systems connected, the IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon taxpayers will be able to e-file both their federal and state returns for free in 2025.

The department believes that offering free assistance will help maximize the number of Oregonians who choose to use the new free option and make it possible for many who don’t have a filing requirement to file and claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families.

For example, the IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.

Taxpayers should use the IRS eligibility checker to see if they’ll be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Eligible taxpayers should set up an IRS online account and an account with Oregon’s Revenue Online before they come to an event. Taxpayers attending an event should bring the following information with them.

Identification documents

• Social security card or ITIN for everyone on your tax return
• Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (such as driver’s license or passport)

Common income and tax documents

• Forms W2 (wages from a job)

• Forms 1099 (other kinds of income)
• Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)

Optional documents to download

• Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
• Last year’s tax return

Taxpayers can signup for the new “Oregon Tax Tips” direct email newsletter to keep up with information about tax return filing and how to claim helpful tax credits. 

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Allen Lamont James, died the evening of January 14, 2025. James was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

James entered DOC custody on June 26, 2007, from Washington County with an earliest release date of October 2, 2031. James was 77 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

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

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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January 14, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider

PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir (Cundiff Slough)

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir (Cundiff Slough) in Baker County.

OHA issued the advisory Sept. 5.

Communication with partners has confirmed that the Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir (Cundiff Slough) is frozen, so the recreational use health advisory has been lifted.

OHA advises recreational visitors to 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.

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The Oregon State Marine Board will hold its quarterly meeting in Salem on January 23, 2025. The meeting will be held at the agency’s office, 435 Commercial St. NE, Suite 400, beginning at 8:30 am.

The agenda includes:

• Director’s Agency Report
• Natural Resource Policy Director Update, Informational  
• Boating Facility Grants, Action: Board Approval
• eBER Statistics Update, Informational
• Boating Safety Advocate Program Update, Informational
• Waterway Access Program Update, Informational
• Upper Rogue River Rulemaking (OAR 250-020-0151), Action: Board Vote
• Executive Session ORS 192.660(2)(i)

Written public comments for this meeting will be accepted until 5 pm on January 21, 2025. Email written comments 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.

Representatives of the news media and designated staff shall be allowed to attend the executive session. All other members of the audience will not be allowed in the room. Representatives of the news media are specifically directed not to report on or otherwise disclose any of the deliberations or anything said about these subjects during the executive session, except to state the general subject of the session as previously announced. 

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

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January 14, 2025

Media contact: Franny White, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539

Oregon health care workforce growing, but challenges remain

Further support needed to train, recruit and retain diverse health professionals statewide

SALEM, Ore. -- While Oregon continues to make progress in bolstering and diversifying its health care workforce, challenges remain and more work is needed, concludes an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) report. The report also offers a wide range of recommendations to better support the professionals who help Oregonians manage their health – including offering workers housing allowances or childcare subsidies, and establishing a centralized statewide clinical placement system for nursing students.

The 2025 Health Care Workforce Needs Assessment largely finds Oregon needs more professionals working to meet demand, particularly in rural areas. The report also determined the racial, ethnic and gender makeup of Oregon’s health care workforce doesn’t match the state’s diversity, although the degree to which there are staff shortages and insufficient diversity varies within each profession.

“Oregon needs a robust and diverse health care workforce to ensure every person in our state can access affordable health care and have an equal opportunity to achieve good health,” said OHA Health Policy & Analytics Director Clare Pierce-Wrobel. “The 2025 Health Care Workforce Needs Assessment illustrates how Oregon’s current efforts to improve its health care workforce are making an impact while also identifying challenges and making recommendations to address gaps.”

Required by a 2017 state law, the comprehensive biennial assessment includes data from the state’s health professional licensing boards, the Oregon Employment Department and numerous other organizations’ reports and surveys. The report helps inform policies and investments related to Oregon’s health care workforce.

OHA partnered with Oregon State University to compile the 2025 assessment, which focuses on the health care workforce through 10 health fields: nursing, behavioral health, primary care, oral health, public health, long-term care, traditional health, health care interpretation, gender-affirming care and school health, with the last two being new additions to this year’s report.

The 2025 assessment describes the many complex challenges faced by the state’s more than 209,000 licensed health care providers, including:

• While Oregon’s health care and social assistance sector increased by more than 15,000 jobs during the past year, it had even more vacancies – 18,800 empty positions – at the same time.
• The health care sector relies on a highly educated and skilled workforce, with over 70% of the difficult-to-fill health care job vacancies in 2023 requiring education beyond high school.
• Workforce shortages are exacerbated by the high levels of stress that often accompany jobs in this sector.
• Burnout remains an issue despite decreasing from its pandemic peak.
• Health care workers are unevenly distributed, with rural and underserved communities generally having fewer providers than resource-rich urban areas.
• Female providers are overrepresented in most health care professions, while men tend to be overrepresented in fields such as medicine and dentistry that require more formal training.
• A lower percentage of Latino, Black and American Indian/Alaska Native Oregonians work in health care overall, although people of color are more likely to work in lower-paid health care positions.
• Barriers to educational opportunities as well as affordable housing, childcare and transportation prevent many from joining the workforce or advancing their health care careers.

Key findings about some of the health care professions featured in the report include:

• Nursing: The state’s overall nursing workforce has grown by an average of 15.5% since 2020. However, just 74.7% of the state’s licensed registered nurses were practicing in 2023. Filling vacancies is challenging because the state’s education programs currently only produce enough graduates to fill about 72% of annual demand for new nurses, meaning Oregon must import nurses. Future nurses are poised to shift the field’s demographics, as the state’s nursing students are more diverse than today’s workforce.
• Behavioral health: The statewide full-time equivalent of behavioral health providers per 1,000 people increased from 1.15 in 2023 to 1.25 in 2024. As of May 2024, Oregon was home to more than 16,000 licensed behavioral health providers such as alcohol and drug counselors and mental health associates. Even so, a 2024 national mental health report ranked Oregon 47th, indicating the state has higher mental illness and reduced access to mental health care. To address this, the Oregon Legislature has invested more than $1.35 billion since 2021 to support behavioral health workers. Behavioral health care is becoming more accessible as it is integrated into primary care services provided at 62% of Oregon’s more than 600 Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes, which OHA recognizes for providing high-quality, person-focused and comprehensive care.
• Primary care: Demand for primary care providers – including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates and naturopathic physicians – outpaces supply given population growth and an aging society. The distribution of Oregon’s estimated 9,584 total primary care providers was uneven in 2024, with rural and remote areas having fewer providers to meet demand. The state also has a smaller portion of primary care medical residents, or new physicians who are training in primary care, than the nationwide average.
• Oral health: Oregon offers extensive dental benefits to adults and children on Medicaid and allows one of the broadest scopes of practice for dental hygienists, who can prescribe and dispense topical medications and more here. While the rate of actively practicing oral health providers in Oregon has remained steady since 2016, about 1 million Oregonians live in a Dental Health Professional Shortage Area and more than half of Oregon dentists don’t accept Medicaid. Several OHA projects aim to improve oral health care access, including helping establish a new dental clinic in Brookings that will serve Medicaid patients, introducing loan repayment for dental therapists and dental assistants, and supporting dental therapy pilot projects as well as virtual learning sessions to help oral health providers train dental students.

The report recommends numerous steps to help Oregon grow and diversify its health care workforce, including:

• Increase training opportunities – especially in rural and underserved areas – and create more pre-college learning pathways for younger students. Increase investment in Oregon’s public and private higher education system to scale up health education programs.
• Create a centralized statewide clinical placement system for nursing students to reduce competition between Oregon’s nursing education programs and hospitals.
• Increase compensation and other benefits, including offering stipends for housing, childcare, transportation and other barriers to working in health care.
• Reduce administrative burdens that make hiring staff and billing for care challenging.
• Expand the Oregon Wellness Program, which promotes health care professional well-being by providing free counseling and more, to include culturally responsive support, prevention, acute intervention and chronic management for all health care workers.
• Streamline and expedite certification and licensing, including entering licensing reciprocity agreements that could make it easier for health professionals who are licensed in other states to practice in Oregon.
• Continue the OHA Health Care Provider Incentive Program, which provides loan repayment and more to attract and keep workers in rural and underserved communities. Supported by $25.2 million in state funding during the current 2023-2025 biennium, the program, combined with other state-funded programs, has provided incentives to 7,735 health care workers since 2018.

More detailed information is available in the 154-page 2025 Health Care Workforce Needs Assessment.

Later this year, OHA will also issue a related report to specifically evaluate the impact of state-funded health care workforce incentives.

Jan. 14, 2025 

Agency awards more than $37 million for three affordable housing developments

Pasco, WA — January 14, 2025 — Columbia Basin College (CBC) is excited to announce the launch of its upcoming "Next Steps" workshop series, designed to support prospective students through the college application process. The first workshop will take place on Wednesday, January 15th, with two time slots available: 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM via Zoom. Workshops will take place on alternating Wednesdays from now until the end of March.
These interactive workshops will provide students with personalized assistance in navigating the CBC application process, completing the Getting Started Steps, and submitting Financial Aid applications. CBC staff will be on hand to guide participants and answer questions.

The primary goal of these workshops is to make the application process as smooth and accessible as possible for all students in our community. Prospective students interested in attending a workshop should visit the CBC Events Calendar for additional details and registration - www.columbiabasin.edu/calendar.

In addition to these sessions, CBC is also hosting Financial Aid Workshops. The first one is Thursday, January 16th from 3:00 to 7:00pm on the CBC Pasco Campus. CBC has also partnered with Mid-Columbia Libraries for weekly Financial Aid Workshops at Mid-Columbia Library branches every Tuesday through May. For dates and times, visit CBC’s Facebook page under events: https://www.facebook.com/columbiabasincollege/events.
For more information or to register, please visit the CBC Events Calendar at www.columbiabasin.edu/calendar or email cbcoutreach@columbiabasin.edu. For questions, please email Elizabeth Burtner, AVP for Marketing & Outreach at eburtner@columbiabasin.edu.

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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 Administration, Cyber Security, Dental Hygiene, Information Technology, Health Physics, Teacher Education and Project Management. CBC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on February 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

To view the Corrections Policy 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 November 12, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

    a) Kevin Coons, DPSST No. 47210
        Basic and Intermediate Corrections Certifications

4. Randall Broome, DPSST No. 56468; Lane County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

5. Rafael Munoz, DPSST No. 60210; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

6. Matthew Paton, DPSST No. 44975; Marion County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

7. Marcus Risteen, DPSST No. 58653; Keizer Police Department
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

8. Shelli Taleghani, DPSST No. 60679; DOC/Two Rivers Correctional Institution
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

9. Approval for Changes to the Corrections Career Officer Develpment Self-Study Curriculum
    Presented by Julie Collinson

10. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085
    Presented by Jennifer Howald

11. Agency Updates

12. Next Corrections Policy Committee Meeting: May 13, 2025, at 10:00am

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

(Portland, Ore.) –  Monday featured some of the largest and loudest strike lines yet as nearly 5,000 nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers, certified nurse midwives and other healthcare professionals continued standing strong for patients and providers.

Striking Providence providers were joined on the line by local and national allies—including national healthcare entertainer and advocate Nurse Blake—who support caregivers’ work to ensure Providences invests in patient safety, safe staffing, and competitive wages and benefits as part of fair contracts for its frontline healthcare workers.

Despite Providence’s public statements about being “ready to negotiate,” ONA has received no communication from Providence regarding new proposals or invitations to bargain.

If Providence is serious about resolving this strike, they need to stop the posturing and start engaging in good faith. Picking up the phone would be a good start.

The issues driving this strike are not isolated or unit-specific; they are systemic and impact healthcare workers and patients across all Providence facilities. Unsafe staffing, non-competitive wages, and poor health insurance benefits are widespread problems. Caregivers are being asked to do more with less, leaving less time for patients—a situation that hurts everyone.

Healthcare workers remain united and committed to negotiating in good faith to secure fair contracts and improve care for their patients. This strike is about achieving lasting, meaningful change for workers and patients alike.

Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
• Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers:

If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you've received the care you need.

Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

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FOR MEDIA PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY:

Schedules are subject to change. Please reach out to the identified ONA press contact for information about specific locations and events and to schedule interviews.

MEDIA AVAILABILITIES 

TUESDAY, JAN. 14: 11 AM – 1 PM

• Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) - Russell Sanders, 503-419-7643 
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) - Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) - Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15: 11 AM – 1 PM

• Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504) - Scott Palmer, 503-516-4840, Palmer@oregonrn.org
• Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213) - Myrna Jensen, 907-350-6260, jensen@oregonrn.org
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225) - Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, mealy@oregonrn.org

Additional dates and events will be shared with media members later this week. 

The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet Jan. 27 online. The agenda includes a discussion led by the Commission’s Tribal Relationship Building Sub-Committee, an update on the 2026 Oregon Heritage Plan process and the 2024 Oregon Heritage Vitality Study.

This meeting is open to the public and there is an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting for public comment. For online attendance, registration is required. To view the full agenda and/or to register for the virtual meeting visit here.

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0690 or y.Newcomb@oprd.oregon.gov">Mary.Newcomb@oprd.oregon.gov at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

The Heritage Commission’s nine Governor appointed members represent a diversity of cultural, geographic, and institutional interests. The Commission’s nine advisory members include representatives from the Oregon State Library, Oregon State Archives, State Historical Records Advisory Board, Higher Education Coordinating Committee, Travel Oregon, Oregon Historical Society, Department of Education, State Historic Preservation Office, and the Department of Land Conservation and Development.

The Commission is the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in the state. This includes carrying out the Oregon Heritage Plan, increasing efficiency and avoiding duplication among interest groups, developing plans for coordination among agencies and organizations, encouraging tourism related to heritage resources, and coordinating statewide anniversary commemorations.

More information about the Oregon Heritage Commission is available online at www.oregonheritage.org and from Commission coordinator Katie Henry at 503-877-8834 or katie.henry@oprd.oregon.gov. 

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The Oregon State Marine Board's “Boat Oregon” Classroom Course Manual is now translated into four more languages. This effort aims to broaden participation in basic lifesaving boating education.

The manual is now available in Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, and English.

“Oregon’s population continues to grow, and this increase is reflected on our waterways,” says MariAnn McKenzie, Boating Safety Education Coordinator for the Marine Board. “More people are participating in paddling and fishing using small to mid-size outboard motors and many may not speak English. We aim to make learning boating safety easier by removing language barriers, allowing more individuals to enjoy time on the water with fewer incidents.” 

Digital copies of the manual, including the English version, are available for download. Print copies will be available at boat shows and events attended by agency staff or marine law enforcement partners during the boating season.

The Boat Oregon Classroom Course Manual is used by Marine Board instructors and boating safety partners who offer approved boating safety education courses. These courses help boaters meet the mandatory boating safety education requirement. Since 1999, all motorboat operators with more than 10 horsepower must complete a boating safety education course and apply for their Boating Safety Education Card. The card must be carried by the boat operator when the motorboat is in use. Additional rules may apply depending on the type of watercraft and age.

Learn more about the boating safety education program, requirements, and links to the course manuals. 
 

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Salem, Ore. – Oregon Lottery this week launches Cash Pop, a new draw game where you only need to pick one number to play. Cash Pop features a chance to win every hour from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The game replaces Lucky Lines, which had its last draw on January 12.

How do you play Cash Pop? Pick a favorite number between 1 – 15, match it to what’s drawn, and you win! Players can bet $1, $2, $5, or $10 per draw. The prize for your number is assigned randomly at the time of purchase and will vary. The amount of the wager determines the range of prize. At minimum, a win will be five times your chosen purchase price. More details on game odds and wagers are available on Oregon Lottery’s website.

“Cash Pop offers our players something they’ve been asking for – a chance to win more frequently,” said Tina Erickson, Oregon Lottery’s product manager. “The game is simple and fun. Your favorite number could result in a prize between $5 and $2,500.”

Players can also choose the Quick Pick option when playing. Cash Pop drawings may be viewed at Oregon Lottery retailers or players can check the Oregon Lottery app to see if their number has “popped.” Oregon is the 16th lottery to bring the Cash Pop game into the market.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have a year to claim their prize and must be 18 to play.  

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery, visit www.oregonlottery.org.

Good afternoon,

Advanced ticket sales started today for Wapato High School’s 66^th Annual Bean Feed.  For more information please see the attached release.

Everyone is invited to attend and support this long running, philanthropic event so whatever you are able to do to help spread the word would be much appreciated.

Thanks

City of Richland offices and facilities will be closed to the public on Monday, January 20, 2025, for an all-staff training day. This includes Richland City Hall (Customer Service), Richland Community Center, Richland Public Library, and the City Shops. Essential services will continue such as police, fire, and trash collection. The Horn Rapids Landfill will also remain open. The Richland Community Center and the Library will remain closed through the evening.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry’s six strike teams have been working alongside CalFire to suppress the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

As of this morning, there are three strike teams (which is equal to 15 engines) assigned to the Palisades Fire and three strike teams assigned to the Eaton Fire. Our firefighters’ duties vary, spanning from initial attack to mop up operations.

The rumor that firefighters were held up or denied due to emissions testing is NOT true. Upon arriving at the Sacramento Command Center, ODF engines underwent vehicle inspections for safety purposes. While in California, CalFire is responsible for the safety of our firefighters and took necessary steps to ensure that safety before sending them to the front lines.

A strike team consists of five Type 6 engines with two to four firefighters per engine, plus a strike team leader. In total, the Oregon Department of Forestry deployed 30 Type 6 engines and 70 firefighters.

The Oregon Department of Forestry is extremely proud of the work our firefighters are doing to support California and the “Whatever it takes” attitude that is brought to every task.

ODF’s strike teams’ expenses will be reimbursed by the state of California.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Daniel Robert Addington, died January 10, 2025. Addington was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Addington entered DOC custody on February 3, 2005, from Multnomah County with a projected release date of January 9, 2055. Addington was 69 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

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

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

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