SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. The meeting is open to the public.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Review annual board governance performance evaluation
• Review updated new board member orientation packet
• Work on agenda development document
• Plan for future meetings

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov.

This standing board committee recommends policies (or policy changes) to the board pertaining to governance issues and processes including the oversight and management of the Board Policy Manual, orientation and training of new board members, the evaluation and improvement of the board, the repository of board materials, and oversight of the written conflict of interest policies, procedures, and review of annual or special statements of board members. Read more information about the committee.

REMINDER: Virtual media availability today on West Coast Health Alliance decision to continue endorsing AAP-recommended immunization schedule 

Editors: Dr. Sidelinger will be available to answer questions about the WCHA’s statement during a virtual media availability at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6. Reporters can join the Zoom call at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1613203232?pwd=fE7eEbtMQ264uQOVMVgUunF0EgKsII.1; members of the public can view the livestream on OHA’s YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/live/u_Vv_BcO70A.

January 5, 2026

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

OHA statement: West Coast Health Alliance continues to endorse AAP-recommended child, adolescent immunization schedules

• What you need to know: 

  • CDC’s Jan. 5 decision to revise the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule did not follow established procedure.

  • The West Coast Health Alliance continues to recommend vaccination in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics-recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.

  • The Alliance will continue to review available vaccine science and ensure continued access to recommended vaccines.

PORTLAND, Ore.— On Jan. 5, 2026, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) signed a decision memorandum to revise the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and significantly reduce the number of vaccinations routinely recommended for all U.S. children. This decision did not follow established procedure for vaccine policy recommendations and threatens an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases in children nationwide. Children getting sick from the diseases prevented by recommended immunizations leads to missed school for children, missed work for parents, and even hospitalization and death in some children.  

The current American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule is based on established vaccine safety and effectiveness evidence. AAP recommendations consider:  

• When children are most vulnerable to diseases;  
• When vaccines work best with children’s immune systems;  
• The safety of vaccinations being recommended;  
• The risk of diseases in the United States;  
• Our current access to health care and immunizations; and 
• Cost effectiveness of implementing national recommendations for a particular vaccination.  

While the first three concerns are similar across countries, the last three concerns may differ considerably between countries. The AAP-recommended immunization schedule serves as a starting point for discussions between families and their providers, as it always has. Parents should continue to make informed decisions about the vaccines that their children receive based on discussions with their child’s health care provider.  

Prior to 2025, AAP had endorsed the CDC recommendations, based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which followed a rigorous review of data on risk of disease and safety of vaccination in the United States. Changes in the newly released recommended immunization schedule are not based on changes in vaccine safety and effectiveness data. The changes were based on a comparison of the number of routine vaccinations recommended in the United States versus select other countries. It did not consider the different conditions in each country. These changes were also not vetted by experts from medical and public health organizations, health care providers, or the public before they were published.  

We do not expect these changes to affect insurer coverage for vaccines for this plan year. All child and adolescent immunizations recommended as of Dec. 31, 2025, will remain available and covered by public and private insurers however the changes create confusion and will put more children at risk of preventable diseases.   

The West Coast Health Alliance will continue to review available vaccine science and ensure continued access to recommended vaccines. Each state is examining the impact of these federal changes on vaccine access in our respective states. WCHA and AAP continue to support these longstanding recommendations including informed parental decisions for the best protection of their children. 

West Coast Health Alliance

The West Coast Health Alliance was formed to ensure that public health recommendations are guided by science, effectiveness and safety at a time when CDC leadership changes, reduced transparency and the compromise of key advisory panels have called into question the federal government’s capacity to address the nation’s public health challenges.

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December 31, 2025

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

Six tips to support 2026 health and well-being goals

PORTLAND, Ore. - Making New Year’s resolutions or setting goals for 2026? Oregon Health Authority is here to help with six quick ideas.   Whether choosing to get vaccinated against respiratory diseases or quitting tobacco, the decisions you make about your health affect not only longevity and quality of life, but the health of the entire state. When it comes to health, we’re all connected.

Here are six ways to prioritize your health and well-being in 2026:

1. Quit tobacco

Nearly seven in 10 Oregonians who smoke want to quit. If you or someone you know is ready to quit tobacco, free help is available. Contact the Oregon Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or at https://quitnow.net/oregon or in Spanish at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA or online at https://quitnow.net/oregonsp.

2. Get vaccinated for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pertussis

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can be dangerous, particularly for infants, older adults, pregnant people and individuals with chronic medical conditions. Each year, RSV leads to significant numbers of hospitalizations nationwide and Oregon health care systems routinely experience increased strain during RSV season. 

The vaccine for pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is called DTaP, and it’s a combination of vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. For pertussis, talk to your health care provider about vaccination, which is required in Oregon for children and adolescents and recommended for adults.

3. Get vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19

It’s still important to take precautions against influenza and COVID-19 — common respiratory viruses that can cause mild to severe illness. The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, while the seasonal COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for children under 2 years, adults over 64 years, and anyone 2-64 years at increased risk for severe illness such as people with underlying medical conditions and those who live in congregate facilities. Both vaccines are widely available through pharmacies and health providers.

4. Eat better

Shared and family meals not only improve nutrition but also build stronger family bonds and emotional health. CDC offers ideas for having healthier meals and snacks, and tips for healthy eating to maintain a healthy weight.

5. Rethink the drink

Raising awareness of the effects of excessive alcohol use across Oregon and giving people tools to start conversations about alcohol’s role in their lives - including during the holiday are goals of OHA’s Rethink the Drink initiative. RTD resources can help people cut back on their drinking or reduce the impact that excessive drinking has in their communities.

6. Reach out for help when you need it

In Oregon, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The easy-to-remember 988 number is available for people experiencing any type of mental health challenge, substance use crisis or thoughts of suicide or self-harm.  Anyone who needs support can call, text or chat in English and Spanish (interpretation services and American Sign Language are also available) and connect with trained crisis counselors. The 988 Lifeline is also a resource for friends and families concerned about a loved one.

Online resources from Sources on Strength - Sources of Strength has two online resource packets. The first is Resources for Practicing Strength at Home, and the second is a shorter version that also offers a wellness plan. Any resource in these packets can be used in classrooms, staff meetings, in individual or group counseling, or to practice strength wherever you are.

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The previous version of this press release contained an error in one of the links. Please refer to this release for the correct link.

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public feedback on proposed rules governing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) takeoff and landing in Oregon’s state parks and along the ocean shore.

The proposed rules establish where and how UAS may take off and land on state park property, to balance recreational opportunities with protection of natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources.

Public comments on the proposed rule changes will be accepted beginning January 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and can be submitted:

• Online:
  • https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2025-Drones-Take-off-and-Landing.aspx
• By email:
  • D.PublicComment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.PublicComment@oprd.oregon.gov
• By mail:
  • Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
    Attn: Robert Ellison
    725 Summer St. NE, Suite C
    Salem, OR 97301

A public hearing will be held to allow members of the public to provide testimony.

• Virtual hearing
  January 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X3ChSlJkTE-Y3FRh3WIy-Q

The draft rules focus on regulating takeoff and landing locations, which are within the department’s authority, while recognizing that UAS flight is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Under the proposal, UAS use would generally be limited to designated areas for drone operations, with additional requirements for commercial or research purposes.

The proposed rules were developed in response to Senate Bill 109 (2021), which directed OPRD to create a regulatory framework that provides recreational UAS access while protecting sensitive park resources and minimizing conflicts with other visitors.

OPRD convened a Rule Advisory Committee made up of recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists, commercial operators and other stakeholders. The committee reviewed draft rules and provided recommendations that helped shape the proposal now open for public comment.

Once the public comment period closes, OPRD staff will review all feedback, revise the draft rules as appropriate, and present a final proposal to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration later in 2026.

If adopted, the rules would be implemented in phases, allowing the department to adapt management strategies over time, based on resource conditions, visitor use and operational experience.

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SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has approved new rules and interim actions designed to continue expanding protections for residential utility customers, especially those facing financial hardship, medical needs, or severe weather conditions. These changes apply to customers served by Oregon’s investor-owned utilities, including Avista, Cascade Natural Gas, Idaho Power, NW Natural, PacifiCorp, and Portland General Electric (PGE).

The new and updated rules are aimed at making utility services safer, more affordable, and easier to access. They also expand protections during emergencies, such as extreme weather, air quality, and wildfire evacuations, and help prevent unnecessary disconnections.

Below is a list of key customer protection expansions as a result of new and updated rules.

• Easier access to utility service – Utilities will now accept additional forms of identification to initiate service.
• Lower reconnection costs – No reconnection fees when utilities can do so remotely or for income-qualified customers and those with medical certificates at any time. Additionally, no reconnection fee or outstanding balance payment required for income qualified or medical certificate holders seeking reconnection after a wildfire evacuation or severe weather event.
• More time to pay past-due bills – Customers seeking reconnection now have up to six billing cycles to catch up on overdue utility balances, expanding on the previous two billing cycles.
• Stronger weather-related shutoff protections – Disconnections will be paused during and for 48 hours after a severe weather event for all residential customers.
• Clearer Information about customer protections – Utilities will offer simple explanations of available protections in bill inserts, online, and through community action agencies and customer service teams.

In addition to the new and updated rules, the PUC also approved additional temporary measures following growing concern about energy insecurity and the need for stronger customer protections from Oregon legislators, energy justice advocates, and PUC staff, in light of federal policy changes and ongoing uncertainty.  

The approved temporary actions directing Avista, Cascade Natural Gas, Idaho Power, NW Natural, PacifiCorp, and PGE to:

• Temporarily submit monthly reports that will regularly track and monitor energy burden metrics for residential customers.
• Provide the option for 24-month Time Payment Arrangements for customers with overdue balances on their utility bills who request additional flexibility through at least May 1, 2026.
• Provide a minimum 30-day pause on disconnections for customers who self-report economic hardship through March 1, 2026.

Additionally, Idaho Power, PacifiCorp and PGE are directed to:

• Implement a temporary disconnection moratorium for bill discount program participants and customers with medical certificates through March 1, 2026, with no late fees assessed during this time.
• Provide a one-time arrearage forgiveness grant of up to $500 for eligible low-income customers, automatically applied to past-due balances on March 2026 bills.

“These rules and temporary measures reflect months of collaboration among utilities, community organizations and advocates, and PUC staff,” said PUC Chair Letha Tawney. “They provide some of the strongest customer protections in the country and are critical steps to protect our most vulnerable neighbors by reducing unnecessary disconnections, protecting health and safety during emergencies, and supporting low-income households.”

For more information about available customer protections, residents are encouraged to contact their electric or natural gas utility service providers directly.

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The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.           

Salem, OR – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved a modest rate decrease for PacifiCorp customers effective January 1, 2026. The reduction is a result of PacifiCorp’s annual forecast for the costs required to purchase power to meet customer demand in the coming year. The updated rates reflect an agreement reached among PUC staff, PacifiCorp, and consumer advocates.

A typical residential customer using 900 kWh is expected to see their monthly bill decrease by $0.96 or 0.7%, resulting in a new average monthly bill of about $153.28. Actual bill impacts will vary based on energy usage and customer type, including single-family or multi-family residential, commercial, or industrial.

The primary drivers for this decrease include PacifiCorp’s forecast of fuel costs, purchased power, and wholesale sales, among other anticipated power cost expenses for 2026 when compared to rates collected in 2025.

“We appreciate the hard work of PUC staff, stakeholders, and PacifiCorp in this case, which resulted in a slight decrease for customers to start 2026,” said Commission Chair Letha Tawney. “Thanks to House Bill 3179, customer rates cannot increase during the winter heating season, helping families manage utility bills when they need it most.”

Additional rate adjustments are expected to take effect April 1, 2026. The PUC will announce those impacts in March.

Resources for Pacific Power Customers
To help manage energy usage and reduce future bills, customer can explore Energy Trust of Oregon’s current incentives and opportunities, including income-qualified offers and learn more about low-cost and no-cost tips.

For information on bill payment assistance, support for past-due balances, utility discount programs, weatherization services, or the Equal Pay Program that spreads energy costs evenly throughout the year, call Pacific Power at 888-221-7070 or visit the company’s website. Customers may also reach out to their local Community Action agency to learn about available assistance programs and how to apply.

Pacific Power serves more than 620,000 customers in Oregon.

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PLEASE NOTE THE UPDATED TERM OF SERVICE HIGHLIGHTED BELOW:

The Richland City Council is accepting applications from qualified residents interested in serving on the City Council to fill a vacancy in Position No. 4.

The individual appointed by Council will serve until the candidate elected in the November 3, 2026, General Election takes office.

The appointment and service of councilmembers is governed by the Richland City Charter.

Eligibility Requirements, 

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a registered voter
• Have resided within the City of Richland for at least two continuous years prior to appointment
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Not hold any other public office (with the exception of service in the National Guard, organized reserves, or as a Notary Public)
• Not be employed by the City of Richland

Council Meetings

The Richland City Council meets regularly on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Richland City Hall, 625 Swift Boulevard. Council workshops are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. All meetings are televised.

Application Process

Interested individuals must submit a completed application and resume through the City’s website no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 16, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications are available on the City’s website under richlandwa.gov/bccvacancies. Interviews will be scheduled following review of submitted materials.

For more information, visit richlandwa.gov or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 509-942-7389.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of Richland does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status.

The City of Richland will begin construction on the Columbia Point Marina Shoreline Retaining Wall Repair Project starting January 5, 2026, following the holiday season. This project will require a temporary detour and impact a portion of the Riverfront Pathway Trail near Columbia Point Marina.

The project includes demolition of an existing, failed basalt column shoreline retaining wall and replacement with a new mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) precast concrete modular block wall. Additional work includes installation of wall drains, backfill, handrailing, traffic control measures, and restoration of asphalt and concrete pavement surfaces.

Construction is expected to last approximately eight weeks, weather permitting.

Pathway Impacts and Detours

During construction, sections of the Riverfront Pathway will be impacted, and a signed detour will be in place to safely route pedestrians and cyclists around the work area. A map showing the project location and detour route is available for public reference.

To accommodate winter conditions, the contractor will place cold mix asphalt as a temporary surface during construction. Hot mix asphalt will be installed in the spring to complete the pathway restoration.

Project Purpose

This project addresses shoreline stabilization needs and improves long-term safety and durability along the marina waterfront, helping preserve this popular recreational area for future use.

The project has already been awarded to a contractor, and work is anticipated to begin as scheduled on January 5, 2026.

The City of Richland appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during construction and encourages residents to plan ahead when using the Riverfront Pathway this winter.

For more information about this project and other City construction updates, visit www.richlandwa.gov/projects.

Registration is open for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K

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.  You must register by April 1^st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event.

Participants can walk, run, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 18 and 26 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. Last year, we had to close registration early due to higher than anticipated participation, so register as soon as possible.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15, or earlier if more participants sign up than we have available swag.

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.  This year’s tree plantings will be placed in the Santiam Canyon.

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 sixth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include fifteen other states. Together, all sixteen states will help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

“We are thrilled to honor Bob Ross and continue our efforts to plant at least One Million Trees in Oregon.” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.  “To date, we have funded the planting of 850,000 trees.”

“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.”

Participants can register at www.orparksforever.org.

For more information, contact Seth Miller at 503/966-1053 or seth@orparksforever.org