FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Media hotline: 503-813-6018 

Pacific Power urges customers to conserve energy now

Extreme weather across the region is causing higher than normal demand for electricity, and Pacific Power is encouraging our customers to reduce electricity consumption now. Pacific Power is asking all customers to voluntarily take steps to reduce energy use to help reduce strain on the electrical grid. 

Customers can take the following steps to help reduce the strain on the grid:

• Switch energy use to off-peak hours (from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) whenever possible. 
• Limit use of appliances that generate heat – including dishwashers, ovens and clothes dryers – to the evening or early morning. 
• Turn off lights, computers, televisions and appliances when not in use. 
• Use fans to keep air moving inside your home. 

For more information about energy conservation, visit PacificPower.net/SummerCooling .

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About Pacific Power 

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

HILLSBORO, Ore. - Oregon National Guard senior leaders and elected officials break ground for the new Hillsboro Readiness Center in a ceremony, August 21, 2025, in Hillsboro, Ore.

The new Hillsboro Readiness Center is located just one mile east of the original armory, which was built in 1954. The new facility will extend the National Guard’s capabilities in Hillsboro for the next 50 years. 

“As we break ground for the wonderful new readiness center, we look forward to continuing this legacy of connection and collaboration with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment and Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment,” said Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace. “We are excited for the future and remain deeply committed to the Hillsboro community.”

The 45,000 square-foot facility will include a drill floor, unit administrative areas and offices, storage, classroom space, and a kitchen. These updates will give the Oregon National Guard proper space to accomplish their mission. 

The project will also include a 20,000 square-foot storage facility for the M777 howitzers with pass-through bay doors, allowing the field artillery Soldiers to safely store and protect their equipment.

“This new readiness center will allow our Guard members to have a continued presence in the Hillsboro community, the same community in which they work and live,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon.

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The September quarterly meeting of the Veterans Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will be held virtually and in person on Wednesday, September 3, in Room M-100 of Morrow Hall on the campus of Blue Mountain Community College, located at 2411 NW Carden Avenue in Pendleton. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a town hall meeting at 11 a.m., which is open to the public.

Established in 1945, the Veteran Advisory Committee holds a distinct and fundamental role in advising the director and staff of ODVA. The nine members of the Veteran Advisory Committee are military veterans from all corners of the state, appointed by the governor to serve and act as advocates for veteran issues and veteran concerns across Oregon.

Following every quarterly business meeting, the committee holds a town hall inviting the public to raise questions or concerns about broad veteran issues or to share information with the committee and agency director.

Members of the community are also invited to submit written public comments to the committee by emailing odva_vaac@odva.oregon.gov. The Advisory Committee meets quarterly on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Please register at events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/479e2265-6efc-43ec-b092-48d6b1917213@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf to attend the business or town hall portion of this meeting. Attendees will be allowed to participate during the town hall portion only and will be invited to turn on their camera and unmute mics during a recorded meeting that will be posted online at a later date.

The September 2025 Veterans Advisory Committee Quarterly Meeting Report is available on ODVA’s website here: oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Documents/September%202025%20VAC%20Quarterly%20Meeting%20Report%20FINAL.pdf. More information about the Veteran Advisory Committee can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx. 

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

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Executive Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on August 27, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve April 4, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Temporary and Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-030-0005

    Presented by Jennifer Howald

4. Next Meeting – TBD

Administrative Announcement

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

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, James William Parrott, died the morning of August 20, 2025. Parrott was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away in the infirmary. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Parrott entered DOC custody on April 26, 2007, from Klamath County serving a life sentence. Parrott was 84 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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SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed Complex Incident Management Team 3 (CIMT 3) to manage the Flat Fire north of Sisters and near Lake Billy Chinook.   

The fire started yesterday (Aug. 21) and is now estimated at 9,000 acres. The fire has exceeded the span of control of the local Type 3 Team, so the larger IMT was activated and will take command of the fire tomorrow (Aug. 23).

“This extreme heat and dry fuels have made control efforts hard,” said Ron Graham, Deputy Chief of ODF’s Protection Division.  “On the positive side, given the lower number of current fires state-wide there are a lot of resources available to send to the fire.”

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is overseeing evacuations in the affected area. Community members are urged to stay informed about evacuation levels and be prepared to act quickly. For the latest evacuation information go to the Jefferson County Sherrif’s Office evacuation zones page and the Deschutes County Sherrif’s Office Emergency Info page.

“This is tough for local community members,” said Graham.  “Earlier this summer they had to endure the Alder Springs Fires, now this one is adjacent to that burned area impacting many of the same folks.”

Earlier today Governor Tina Kotek determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment, so she invoked the Conflagration Act for the Flat Fire.  That allows for more resources to be deployed to the fires to protect life and property.  See the news release here.

As firefighters continue to work to suppress fires around the state, ODF urges community members to help reduce the strain on firefighters by preventing new human-caused fires. Follow fire prevention guidelines and know the local fire restrictions currently in place: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

SALEM, Ore.—When the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) deploys its people to a wildland fire they battle more than just the flames.

“It’s not hard to imagine the typical challenges that firefighters face – long shifts, hot and dry conditions, working in steep and brushy terrain, snags, poison oak, blisters - the list goes on,” said Chet Behling, Assistant District Forester for ODF’s Western Lane District.   “Firefighters have been accustomed to these conditions and have found creative ways to mitigate the physical challenges in order to focus on the job, and the mission of the assignment. However, there are mental strains to the work as well, and although they may be harder to see or imagine, we’re learning ways to better recognize, understand, and mitigate them.”

Firefighters’ work requires a sense of urgency, performance at high levels for long periods of time, and often includes high-stress environments such as mitigating hazards, protecting homes and communities from fire, and working around large fires’ unpredictable behaviors.

“All those elements add to the mental stressor component of the job,” said Behling. “Mental stressors combined with the physical challenges can certainly have a cumulative impact on a person’s mental or physiological health, especially on longer assignments or during lengthy fire seasons.”

To help staff navigate through these cumulative effects, Behling and fourteen other ODF employees were selected to be part of the department’s Peer Support Team. The team is an official internal resource with a focus on mental health awareness, better understanding and mitigating its effects, and ultimately building employee resiliency.  Each team member receives in-depth training and is required to maintain confidentially in all their interactions.

The Peer Support Team was officially launched before the 2022 fire season but had its beginnings in 2020, in the aftermath of the massive and destructive Labor Day fires, a non-fire related ODF employee death, and the impacts of the COVID pandemic.

There was no formal contact or program at ODF to help employees mentally process and navigate their recovery from these on-the-job traumatic experiences. There is now.

“Don Everingham, who worked closely with those impacted by the Labor Day fires, and Teresa Williams along with her coworkers in Klamath who had to overcome the unexpected death of a coworker, were instrumental in forming the group,” said Bob Arnsmeier a Peer Support Team member and the training coordinator for the Southern Oregon Area. 

All Peer Support Team members receive Critical Incident Stress Management training, and training specifically tailored to ODF by Responder Life. The department also covers travel costs for team members to talk with employees about the help available and respond to any area of the state after a critical incident. All team members are covered under Oregon statue to maintain confidentiality.

“The training, travel and confidentiality allows us to be more effective when helping our peers,” said Arnsmeier. “However, a main component to success is trust. We are naturally more comfortable with people we know, people who have similar experiences and people who have survived and then thrived after overcoming something really bad.”

The Peer Support Team gets most of its contacts and employees seeking help through word of mouth.

“Even though the group is relatively new, people know we are here to help,” said Arnsmeier.  “But if you aren’t familiar with us there is a great website with all our bios and backgrounds and you can find one of us that can not only relate to your situation but be there for you and likely have had a similar experience.”

Arnsmeier, who is in his 13^th year at ODF, also mentions in his bio on the website he worked for a county.

“I was a deputy sheriff for 10 years,” said Arnsmeier. “Unfortunately, I experienced a lot of deaths—suicides, crashes, children, and no one really wants to talk about those, but I will if it helps someone deal with their incident. The one that impacted me the most was an in the line of duty death of one of my coworkers in a car crash. After the incident we all kind of looked at each other with an implied ‘now what do we do?’ I think a lot of folks ask that ‘now what do I do’ question and this group can help.”

The Support Team is there to help anyone who needs it including full-time, seasonal, and those from other agencies and states battling an Oregon wildfire.

“Our seasonal firefighters work hard to keep fires small and are a valuable component to the program. They are highly valued in the agency and by the communities they serve, and are often part of a tight-knit group of firefighters with good camaraderie at their local office,” said Behling. “Come fall when fire season ends, they’re laid off and life may look drastically different having less daily structure and lack of a tight-knit work group. This could be a tough adjustment, and we are here for them.”

Others work through the impacts of life-changing events in addition to or apart from wildfire challenges: divorce, substance abuse, domestic violence, step-parenting, children with disabilities, and they often just need someone to talk to.

“We are here for you,” said Behling. “I’ve had personal or someone close to me experience in battling anxiety, panic attacks, stress management/feeling overwhelmed and more. No issue is too small if it impacts your work and personal life. I would look forward to understanding where you are, and how I could assist you to get you back on track. There is value in knowing you have someone to reach out to, and an even higher value in actually reaching out. If more is needed, we help with referrals to all sorts of resources and professionals.”

For those involved with firefighting the ODF has a contract with the Responder Life for additional support. There are also contacts for the employee assistance program and the ODF employee health insurance providers that have mental health benefits on the Peer Support Team webpage.

(Salem) – Christopher Brayton (child), age 11, went missing with his father Christopher Brayton (father) from Redmond on Aug. 18. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that Christopher Brayton (child) may be at risk and is searching for him to assess his safety.

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

They are believed to be traveling in a maroon Toyota truck with license plate 335NEC. They may be traveling towards Disneyland.  

Name: Christopher Brayton
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Feb. 1, 2014
Height: 5-foot-8
Weight: 184 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Brown
Redmond Police Department Case #25-25538
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2059189

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

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

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Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Revenue is encouraging Oregon taxpayers to participate in an anonymous IRS feedback survey on tax preparation and filing options, which will run through September 2, 2025.

Oregon is one of 25 states that partnered with the IRS to provide a free option for taxpayers to file tax year 2024 returns electronically directly with the IRS and the state. More than 13,000 taxpayers filed their 2024 Oregon state income tax returns with Direct File Oregon, including almost 4,700 who first filed their federal returns with IRS Direct File.

“It’s important for Oregon taxpayers to take this opportunity to provide their valuable feedback to the IRS on free tax filing options,” said Oregon Department of Revenue director David Gerstenfeld. “Oregon counts on us to create a clear and easy experience for our customers and free tax filing options help us meet that mission.”

The Oregon Department of Revenue, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS encourage taxpayers to share their perspectives and help inform this important congressional report.

To participate, visit the Free Online Tax Preparation Feedback Survey or the IRS.gov landing page. Participation is anonymous.

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SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) has adopted new fees for the Removal-Fill Program, which helps protect wetlands and waterways by requiring permits for projects that add or remove material from rivers, lakes, wetlands, and streams, and other waters throughout Oregon.

The updated fees take effect January 1, 2026. Applications received on or before December 31, 2025 will be charged current 2025 rates.

Key changes include:

• A five-year fee schedule with annual increases, starting in 2026.
• Fees that begin covering 60% of program costs in 2026 and rise to 80% by 2030.
• A tiered structure will set fees according to project size, complexity, and whether the project is for-profit or not.
• A five percent annual inflation adjustment.

Oregon’s Removal-Fill Program protects waters by reviewing projects such as bridge and boat ramp construction, culvert installation, or filling wetlands for development. When wetlands or waters are present, applicants must submit a wetland delineation report to identify the boundaries of the protected area.

Currently, permit fees cover only 21% of program costs. The remaining costs come from the interest accrued by the Common School Fund, which supports Oregon’s public schools. The new fee structure reduces this subsidy while giving applicants a clear schedule of costs for the next five years.

The new fees were developed with input from a rulemaking advisory committee and two rounds of public comment. DSL adopted the rules after considering feedback from communities, Tribes, industry, and other partners.

More information and the full fee schedule are available at oregon.gov/dsl/wetlands-waters,

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www.oregon.gov/dsl

August 20, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Hells Canyon Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Hells Canyon Reservoir due to the presence of elevated microcystin levels. The reservoir is in Baker and Wallowa Counties.

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

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

Drinking water

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

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

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

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

Symptoms

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

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

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

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

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August 20, 2025

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

Recreational use advisory issued for Thief Valley Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Thief Valley Reservoir due to the presence of elevated microcystins. The lake is in Baker and Union Counties.

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

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

Drinking water

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

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

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

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

Symptoms

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

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

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

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

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August 19, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459.

PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Ross Island Lagoon and for the Willamette River south of the lagoon downriver to Wapato Bridge and Kelley Point Park

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Ross Island Lagoon and for the Willamette River south of the lagoon downriver to Wapato Bridge and Kelley Point Park in Multnomah County.

OHA issued the advisory August 12.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Ross Island Lagoon and the Willamette River south of the lagoon downriver to Wapato Bridge and Kelley Point Park are below recreational guideline values for people.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

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

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

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

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SALEM, Oregon— The Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program (LWCF) will start accepting applications Sept. 15 for the approximately $8 million in funds for the 2025 grant cycle.

Applications are due by Nov. 17. The LWCF is a federally funded reimbursement grant program that provides matching grants to state and local governments for land acquisition, development and rehabilitation for public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

Eligible applicants are cities, counties, metropolitan service districts, park and recreation districts, port districts, federally recognized tribal governments and certain Oregon state agencies.

An optional webinar is scheduled 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 10 to provide information on the program and how to navigate the application process. Register for the live workshop at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4z-v0Hu-RnuaWfDOQjv_8Q.  

A recording of the webinar will be posted on the LWCF web page after September 10.

Access to the LWCF application will be available online at oprdgrants.org when the grant cycle opens. New applicants must first request an account via the website before they are granted application access.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program is funded through the National Park Service and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Since 1964, this national grant program has awarded more than $80 million in grant funds for Oregon recreational areas and facilities.

Additional information about the LWCF program, including the grant manual, application instructions and program schedule, is available on the Land and Water Conservation Fund web page.

For information, contact Nohemi Enciso at nohemi.enciso@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-480-9092.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Warm Springs, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today for assaulting his girlfriend with a pistol on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.

Henry Jonathan Andrews, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.

According to court documents, in October 2024, Andrews was driving with the victim on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Andrews became angry and pulled out a pistol. He struck the victim multiple times in the head with the pistol. Fearing for her life, the victim jumped from the moving car to escape him. She suffered extensive and life-threatening injuries as a result of the assault.

On November 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Andrews with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

Andrews faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on November 13, 2025, before a U.S. District Judge.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Pamela Paaso and Charlotte Kelley, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

Domestic violence is a serious crime that can include both physical and emotional abuse, and it is frequently hidden from public view. Many survivors suffer in silence, afraid to seek help or not knowing where to turn. The traumatic effects of domestic violence also extend beyond the abused person, impacting family members, friends, and communities.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you need assistance or know someone who needs help, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Many communities throughout the country have also created support networks to assist survivors in the process of recovery.

The StrongHearts Native Helpline offers culturally specific support and advocacy for American Indian and Alaska Native survivors of domestic violence. Please call 1-844-762-8483 or visit www.strongheartshelpline.org for more information.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury in Portland found Peter Igwacho, 64, a Cameroonian national residing in Anchorage, Alaska, guilty Thursday for wire fraud.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between April 2020 and October 2021, during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Igwacho filed at least five fraudulent applications for pandemic stimulus funds through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The information on those forms, in support of his request for stimulus funds, was fraudulent. The applications submitted by Igwacho were filed on behalf of a sole proprietorship that did not, in fact, have actual business operations, payrolled employees, or the reported gross revenues. 

Further, upon receipt of the stimulus funds, Igwacho did not spend those funds on approved pandemic-related expenses but instead spent the money on personal expenses. The PPP and EIDL programs were designed to help small businesses facing financial difficulties during the Covid-19 pandemic.

On July 23, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count superseding indictment charging Igwacho with wire fraud.

Igwacho faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on November 18, 2025, before a U.S. District Judge.

This case was investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. It was prosecuted by Robert Trisotto and Meredith Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

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EUGENE, Ore.— Jesus Paul Zazueta, 28, of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced today to 90 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release for trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents, on October 4, 2021, Zazueta was a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident in Deschutes County, Oregon. Officers from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police responded to the accident and received consent to search the vehicle. The officers located two bags in the trunk containing approximately five pounds of fentanyl pills and a semi-automatic firearm.

When questioned by officers, Zazueta admitted to trafficking the fentanyl and owning the firearm. Zazueta also admitted to packing the bag containing fentanyl and the firearm and expected to be paid for trafficking the fentanyl to Washington.

On July 20, 2023, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Zazueta with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On May 21, 2025, Zazueta pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Adam Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

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EUGENE, Ore.—A North Bend, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually exploiting an Oregon child using the social media application Facebook Messenger.

Chistopher Jay Young, 40, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and 15 years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on January 20, 2024, Young, using Facebook Messenger, persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, record the conduct, and send it to him.

On April 11, 2024, federal and state law enforcement officers from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oregon State Police, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office executed federal search warrants on Young’s home and vehicles. Young was arrested and investigators seized his devices.

During a search of Young’s devices, investigators learned that Young used the minor’s social media account to communicate and request the child sexual abuse material and that Young had the minor’s Facebook login credentials saved in his phone.

On April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Young with attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual conduct. 

On May 6, 2025, Young pleaded guilty to attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from HSI. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Contractor, GAME, Inc., has notified the City of Richland that construction on the Dallas Road Roundabouts Project will resume on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Beginning tomorrow, Trowbridge Boulevard will be closed at its intersection with Dallas Road to support ongoing roundabout construction activities. Eastbound and westbound traffic along Trowbridge Boulevard will be detoured via Gateway Avenue. In addition, a lane shift will be in place at the intersection of Ava Way and Dallas Road.

The Trowbridge Boulevard closure is to last approximately three weeks.

For questions related to the status of the labor dispute that previously delayed progress on this project, please contact the IUOE Local 302 office directly.

Motorists are reminded to use caution when traveling through the construction area and to expect delays.

For additional project information, please visit www.ci.richland.wa.us/DallasRoad.

August 21, 2025, Pasco, WA – Columbia Basin College (CBC) and Eastern Washington University (EWU)  signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration and expand access to four-year degree opportunities for students in the Mid-Columbia region. The signing took place Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 3 p.m. in the H Building on CBC’s Pasco campus.

The agreement affirms both institutions’ shared commitment to supporting the academic success of students and to improving educational pathways that benefit the community. Through the Destination Eastern Program (DEWU), the MOU outlines efforts to provide more efficient access to baccalaureate degrees for students who begin their post-secondary education at CBC.
 

“This partnership is about reducing barriers to ensure students have the support they need to pursue their educational and career goals,” said Dr. Rebekah Woods, President of Columbia Basin College. “By working together, we are creating more opportunities for students in our region to access higher education and build a strong future.”

Eastern Washington University President Dr. Shari McMahan added, “Our community colleges play such a pivotal role in the larger educational ecosystem. EWU is proud to partner with our two-year institutions to provide students a positive path to baccalaureate success.”

As part of the agreement, EWU will waive the $60 undergraduate admissions application fee (subject to annual change) for eligible DEWU students. The partnership also emphasizes supporting students in completing their associate’s degree at CBC before transferring to EWU, strengthening completion rates and ensuring a smooth transition. This MOU reflects the institutions’ shared vision that expanded access to baccalaureate education serves not only students but also the economic and workforce needs of the broader region.
 

About Columbia Basin College
Columbia Basin College (CBC) serves the residents of Benton and Franklin counties with comprehensive educational opportunities, including academic transfer, workforce training, and basic skills programs. CBC is committed to student success and to fostering an inclusive learning environment.
 

About Eastern Washington University
Established in Cheney, Washington, in 1882, Eastern Washington University is the longest tenured post-secondary institution in the greater Spokane area. Serving as the region’s polytechnic, EWU educates about 11,000 students annually, while boasting over 123,000 alumni, including more than 90,000 who work in Washington state.

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RICHLAND, Wash. – A new art exhibit at Washington State University Tri-Cities revisits a surprising moment in Washington state history, when Seattle artists rallied in support of a nuclear reactor once located at Hanford. The exhibit, Load the Reactor: A Study for the New Nuclear, opens Sept. 4 at the Art Center in the Consolidated Information Center on the WSU Tri-Cities campus and runs through Feb. 27, 2026.

The exhibit is inspired by a 1992 collaboration between artists and nuclear energy proponents, sparked by sculptor James Acord, who moved from Seattle to the Tri-Cities and immersed himself in Hanford’s nuclear community. Acord’s influence led a group of Seattle artists—calling themselves “YIMBYs” (Yes In My Backyard)—to advocate for the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), a prototype breeder reactor located at Hanford. Their campaign culminated in a series of performances called Load the Reactor at Seattle’s Fremont Fine Arts Foundry, which brought together artists, scientists and the public to discuss the future of nuclear energy.

“The idea of pro-nuclear Seattle artists might seem counterintuitive,” said Brian Freer, co-curator of the exhibit and research fellow at the Hanford History Project. “But the collaboration that unfolded was visionary—an early example of how artists can help shape conversations around energy, technology and policy.”

The exhibit features works by artists James L. Acord, Arthur S. Aubry, Warren Dykeman, Joe Feddersen, Etsuko Ichikawa, Paul Korsmo and Jay Needham. Through a range of multimedia installations, visitors are invited to explore themes including past, present and future reactor technologies, public engagement with nuclear energy, the role of artificial intelligence and data centers, and the evolving relationship between art and science.

A free public opening will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4 at WSU Tri-Cities in the Art Center (2770 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354) and will feature talks by curator Rachel Allen of the Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC); Bruce Hevly, professor of history at the University of Washington; and Jay Needham, artist and professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

“On behalf of the Hanford History Project, we are thrilled to bring this exhibit to the Tri-Cities community,” Freer said. “My co-curator, Rock Hushka, and I are excited to showcase the intersection of nuclear history and artistic interpretation.”

Freer said additional programming will accompany the exhibit, including a roundtable discussion and community events focused on today’s energy challenges.

“Our goal is to create a forum for exploration, reflection and dialogue,” he said. “With renewed interest in nuclear energy driven by the need to decarbonize and power a growing digital economy, this exhibit invites the public to consider what a ‘new nuclear’ future might look like—and how art can help us get there.”

The exhibit is sponsored by the WSU Tri-Cities Hanford History Project.

College Place, WA – College Place Public Schools is excited to welcome students and families back as the 2025–2026 school year begins on Monday, August 25, 2025.

The first day of school will start with Davis Elementary students arriving at 8:00 a.m., while Sager Middle School and College Place High School students will begin their day at 8:35 a.m.

To help families get ready, the district has created a “First Days of School” page at www.cpps.org. This resource provides everything parents and guardians need to start the year strong, including schedules, supply lists, and helpful reminders.

“The first day of school is always special,” said Superintendent Jim Fry. “We’re excited to welcome back our students and families for another great year.”

College Place Public Schools is proud to open its doors for a year filled with opportunity, discovery, and community.

WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ben Gauyan has launched a new recognition program, the Coin of Excellence, to honor staff, students, and community members who go above and beyond in supporting the district.

Dr. Gauyan, who grew up in a military family with his father serving in the U.S. Navy, was inspired by the tradition of Challenge Coins—symbols of excellence, commitment, and service. He shared that the program is designed to celebrate and recognize those making a meaningful impact on the district.

The first recipient of the Coin of Excellence is longtime district employee Susie Golden, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent. Golden has served Walla Walla Public Schools in a variety of roles for 27 years and will retire at the end of this month.

“Susie embodies dedication and service to our schools, and it is an honor to recognize her with the inaugural coin,” said Dr. Gauyan.

Dr. Gauyan plans to make the Coin of Excellence a lasting tradition in Walla Walla Public Schools, strengthening the district’s culture by highlighting the people who make a difference every day.

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WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla High School has earned recognition in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best High Schools rankings, placing in the top third of schools statewide and nationally. The announcement, released this morning, highlights Wa-Hi’s strong performance in college readiness, access to college-level coursework, state assessment proficiency, and graduation rates.

Walla Walla High School Profile on U.S. News - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/washington/districts/walla-walla-public-schools/walla-walla-high-school-21276

“We ranked in the top one-third of all high schools in the state and nation, boasting especially high marks on our college readiness and breadth index, in addition to our strong graduation rates and reading and science scores,” said Principal John Schumacher. “This recognition is a direct reflection of the dedication of our students, staff, families, and community.”

By earning a national ranking in the top 40%, Wa-Hi achieved status as a U.S. News Best High School, making it eligible to display the official 2025 Best High Schools award badge. This distinction also places Wa-Hi among the top-rated high schools in the region.

The U.S. News Best High Schools rankings include data on nearly 25,000 public high schools across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Of those, nearly 18,000 schools were ranked based on six key factors: performance on state assessments, college readiness, curriculum breadth, graduation rates, and success in preparing students for postsecondary education.

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Yakima School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2025

Garfield Elementary Staff to Visit Student Homes on August 20

Yakima, WA – On Wednesday, August 20, Garfield Elementary School staff will take to the community for a day of home visits, personally welcoming students and families as they prepare for the start of the school year.

From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., teachers and staff will travel in teams to greet families at their doorsteps, provide key school materials, and offer a warm introduction ahead of the new year. Each family will receive a folder that includes a parent-student handbook, a Garfield ROAR bracelet, a school magnet, a personalized calendar, and a volunteer application.

“This event is all about building connection,” said Garfield Elementary Principal Steve Brownlow. “For many of our students, seeing their teacher show up at their home sends a powerful message—that school is a welcoming place where they are seen and valued.”

The visits are designed to be short—two to five minutes each—but meaningful. Families are encouraged to connect with staff, ask questions, and know that support is only a call away.

Local businesses are also showing their support by providing lunches for Garfield staff during the day. Participating restaurants include Major’s Restaurant, JJ’s Birrieria and Antojitos, Ay Caramba, Anita’s, and Sweet Bees.

“This is one of Garfield’s most special traditions,” said Assistant Principal Michele. “It’s a chance for our staff to meet families where they are, strengthen relationships, and start the year with trust and partnership.”

The Garfield Booster Club is also supporting the effort by providing coffee and donuts for staff as they assemble folders in the morning.

The annual home visits have become a beloved tradition, reinforcing Garfield Elementary’s commitment to family engagement and student success.

SEASIDE, Ore. – It’s heartbreaking to see Providence close Seaside’s birth center. For nearly 50 years, nurses and healthcare professionals have been here to help newborns draw their first breath and provide trusted care before and after birth for families on the Oregon Coast. This abrupt closure sets our community up for failure and abandons expectant parents at one of the most important and vulnerable times of their lives.

Minutes matter for parents and newborns. Providence is forcing families to travel more than 30 minutes to Astoria or more than 75 minutes to Tillamook just to deliver babies.

This closure is devastating for young families but it will negatively affect everyone in our community. With no other options, moms will be sent to the ER leading to longer waits for everyone. This will affect people suffering from heart attacks and broken bones to COVID and car crashes.

Providence’s pattern of cuts will harm caregivers and the health and safety of communities up and down the coast; leaving us all with fewer choices, longer waits and worse healthcare. 

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Closing birth centers has become a dangerous trend in Oregon and across the U.S. More than 500 hospitals in the U.S. have closed their labor and delivery departments since 2010; contributing to rising maternal mortality rates. Since 2019, Oregon health systems closed birth centers at hospitals in Redmond, Baker City and Gresham and threatened to close birth centers in Lebanon and Lincoln City. 

Following public outcry and state intervention, Legacy was forced to reopen its birth center at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham. Nurses, community leaders and elected officials are all actively pushing back against plans to close family birth centers at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital and Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City. 

While the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) recognizes that Medicaid cuts and broader attacks on our healthcare system from the Trump administration are serious issues, Providence and other healthcare systems must confront their priorities as profit-driven businesses that dole out lavish executive salaries.  

 
Providence is a $30 billion corporation whose top executives take home millions each year. Patients and caregivers should not be forced to pay the price for corporate greed or political decisions beyond their control.  
 
It’s time for Providence to live up to its mission and make real investments in our communities and provide Oregonians with the care they deserve.  

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MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Sunday, August 17

Noon

WHAT: Advanced practice providers (APPs) from Legacy Health System will host a summer solidarity event on the beach at Cathedral Park in North Portland Sunday, Aug. 17 starting at noon. The event includes a barbeque, music and a float on the river to show their unity as they bargain their first union contracts. 

The APPs work in Legacy’s adult and pediatric specialty departments throughout the Portland metro area. They are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).

WHEN: Sunday, August 17 beginning at noon.

WHERE: The public beach at Cathedral Park, 6635 N. Baltimore Ave., Portland, OR. 

WHO: ONA represents more than 250 APPs (physician associates, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and clinical nurse specialists) in the Legacy Health System. Surgical residents from Legacy, who are represented by AFSCME, will join in support along with APPs from other Portland area health systems. Everyone is welcome!

WHY: Legacy APPs decided to form a union after years of feeling undervalued, unrecognized and excluded from decision-making, despite the fact that they make up about one third of the providers in the Legacy Health System. They are frustrated that their ongoing contributions to patient care and programmatic development—and to the multidisciplinary teams they serve—remain invisible to senior leadership.

The key issues at the bargaining table include: 

• Retention of APPs to prevent burnout and improve morale 
• Respect for the work APPs do within Legacy Health System 
• Input in decision-making and recognition of the skill/experience/perspective of APPs 
• Maintain high standards for patient safety 
• Investment in APPs so they can continue to thrive and grow in their careers 

There are 11 ONA bargaining units in negotiations for first contracts. That amounts to almost 3,200 frontline health care workers. An additional 400 RNs from two bargaining units are trying to secure successor agreements. 

This is a rain-or-shine event. Water activities may change based on health and safety information.   

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The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities.

Peter Starzynski, Starzynski@OregonRN.org, 503-960-7989

Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential!

Ever wondered what it takes to start your own business and become your own boss? WorkSource Columbia Basin invites you to a Small Business Info Session designed for future entrepreneurs on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 815 N. Kellogg St., Suite D, Kennewick, WA 99336.

This session will be led by a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully owned multiple businesses, this dynamic session will provide:

• Tools and resources to kickstart your business
• Real-world insights from someone who’s been there
• Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals

All job seekers are welcome, though the session will primarily focus on resources for veterans and military spouses. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable knowledge and take the first step toward your entrepreneurial journey. We look forward to seeing you!

For questions, contact Jose Sandoval at Jose.Sandoval@esd.wa.gov or call (509) 734-5298.

WorkSource and the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council are an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay 711.

WorkSource Columbia Basin programs receive support and funding from US Department of Labor grants. Read more about USDOL grant funding at Stevens Amendment | Benton-Franklin WDC (bentonfranklinwdc.com)