Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a house fire north of Bend at 65295 76^th Street. 911 callers reported a manufactured home fully engulfed in fire. Crews found a house and adjacent camp trailer on fire. Crews from Cloverdale and Alfalfa Fire Department’s provided water tenders to assist Bend crews extinguishing the fire. Crews kept the fire from spreading to other structures on the property. The house and trailer are a complete loss, and three cars were damaged as well. Losses estimated at $200,000 for all structures, vehicles, and contents.
 

The fire cause is still under investigation. The occupants in an adjacent trailer were home at the time of the fire and noticed the fire burning through their front window. After calling 911 they evacuated the area. The home was not occupied at the time of the fire.
 

One of the potential causes being investigated is hot the ash from the woodstove was disposed of. As we’re seeing nighttime temperatures get down to freezing as we head towards November, this is a good time to ensure you’re ready for wood burning this winter. Always have your chimney cleaned at least annually by a professional to prevent creosote buildup. Ensure you have a metal bucket with a tight-fitting lid to put ash into when you clean out the fireplace. Ash can stay warm for days after a fire and if disposed of improperly, can reignite. If the ash is in a metal can with a lid, that reignition is limited in where it can go. Place the metal can on a non-combustible surface and allow it to cool before disposing of. Never put hot ash in your trash can or in a combustible container. For more information about home heating safety, please visit: https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/home-heating.aspx

A passerby called 911 just before 4am Friday morning after noticing smoke coming from a storage complex that backs up to Bear Creek Rd at Janalee Pl. Crews responded to the area and searched both storage complexes in the area until finding smoke coming from a building in the Storage Solutions complex on Twin Knolls Dr. Fire was found in one unit and spreading to adjacent units in that building. The fire was quickly extinguished, and crews began removing contents from adjacent units to prevent further damage to property.  
 

The owner of the storage complex and the managers assisted in identifying the owners of the individual units and notification will be on going. The fire is still under investigation but appears to be accidental. The building damaged consisted of seventh (17) 10ft x 30ft large storage units, all but 2 were occupied with storage. Three units were damaged by fire and the rest have differing levels of smoke damage. Estimated loss to the building is $25,000 and content loss is $100,000.
 

Most storage locations require, or at least suggest, occupants obtain insurance coverage for your contents. Check with your insurance provider to see if storage items are covered under your current policies or if additional coverage may be needed. The design of these storage complexes does limit damage to just the single building, one of 16 buildings in the complex. Any storage outside of the building that burned was not affected.

DPSST PRIVATE SECURITY HB2183 IMPLEMENTATION

WORKGROUP MEETING

SCHEDULED

CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on November 12, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Amended Agenda Items:

1.  Introductions

2. Approve August 12, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Shane Bond; DPSST No. 59946; Union County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Cindy Park

4. John Deardorff; DPSST No. 42771; DOC/Oregon State Correctional Institution
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

5. Emily Fisk; DPSST No. 61817; DOC/Deer Ridge Correctional Institution
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

6. Jesus Gutierrez, DPSST No. 61908; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

7. Michelle Hubbard, DPSST No. 31820; DOC/Oregon State Correctional Institution
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

8. Bonnie Kessell; DPSST No. 46671; Umatilla County Community Corrections
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

9. August Lowthian, DPSST No. 61677; Washington County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

10. Administrative Revision Request: Parole and Probation Training Programs
    Presented by Chris Enquist

11. Agency Updates

12. Next Corrections Policy Committee Meeting: February 10, 2026, 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.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE MORAL FITNESS

WORKGROUP MEETING

SCHEDULED

Salem – October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) reminds everyone that cybersecurity is a hot topic for the insurance sector today and a growing concern for many businesses.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), uniting the public and private sectors to encourage behaviors that reduce online risks. The campaign emphasizes that fundamental actions can make a big difference in defending our nation against cyber threats and protecting our critical infrastructure.

Businesses, large and small, should consider cyber insurance as part of their risk management process. Cybersecurity is a risk that all insurance carriers should take seriously from an operational resilience perspective, as cybersecurity events can disrupt your business, costing you money.

Most commercial property and general liability policies do not cover cyber risks, and cyber insurance policies are highly customized for clients. Insurers and insurance producers must protect the highly sensitive consumer financial, health and nonpublic personal information collected as part of the underwriting and claims processes. Reports show that sectors such as health care and financial services are experiencing higher cybersecurity incidents and claim costs, partially due to the data they manage.

CISA has tips to protect your business. Cybercriminals look for easy targets. Businesses without basic precautions are vulnerable. Start with these four essential steps to safeguard your data and enable employees to stop attacks before they happen:

1. Teach employees to avoid phishing: Phishing tricks employees into opening malicious attachments or sharing sensitive information. Train employees to recognize and report suspicious activity. 
2. Require strong passwords: Strong passwords are a simple but powerful way to block criminals from accessing your accounts through guessing or automated attacks. Make them mandatory for all users. 
3. Require multifactor authentication (MFA): MFA – also known as two-factor authentication – adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords. Require it to make accounts significantly more secure. Use phishing resistant MFA where available. 
4. Update business software: Outdated software can contain exploitable flaws. Promptly install security updates and patches to keep your systems protected.

CISA also recommends businesses back up all their business data and encrypt it. Encrypting your data and devices strengthens your defense against attacks. Even if criminals gain access to your files, information stays locked and unreadable. Make encryption part of your security strategy.

“We see a complicated landscape in cybersecurity, which remains a priority for us,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator and acting insurance commissioner. “We are seeing increasing calls for legislation nationwide and regulation for enhanced cybersecurity measures to address risks including identity theft, business interruption, data repair costs, and more.”

More companies are entering the market each year. According to the most recent report on the Cyber Insurance Market from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, issued in fall 2024, shows a cyber insurance market of roughly $9.84 billion in direct written premiums.

The U.S. cyber insurance market accounts for 59 percent of the $16.66 billion in premiums written for cyber coverages globally in 2023. This indicates a growing demand for cyber insurance coverage. The number of claims has also gone up with more than 33,000 in 2023. This increase reflects the rising frequency of cyber incidents.

###

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

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has reached a multi-state settlement with E Mortgage Capital, which is based in Irvine, Calif., resolving allegations of unlicensed lending activity and other violations.

Oregon joined Hawaii, Idaho, and Texas in the multi-state settlement agreement, which imposed fines totaling $669,000.

In their examinations, mortgage regulators determined E Mortgage allowed unlicensed mortgage loan originators (MLOs) in their states to originate and earn commissions on 50 different transactions. Idaho and Texas officials also claimed unlicensed loan processors performed functions that should have been prohibited in their states in over 125 instances.

Additionally, Oregon regulators determined that E Mortgage’s remote work-from-home plan lacked adequate inspections and insufficient supervision of MLOs. There were 27 instances in Oregon where E Mortgage engaged in a remote work-from-home plan that was insufficient to adequately inspect remote work locations. Participating states view this as having an inadequate supervision plan and supervision of MLOs.

Regulators also found E Mortgage, in the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, engaged in unlicensed activity by allowing unlicensed MLOs to conduct origination activity. E Mortgage paid these unlicensed MLOs commissions when the MLOs were not licensed to originate loans in the participating states. Each state’s number of violations were Hawaii (7), Idaho (16), Oregon (13), and Texas (14).

The participating regulators determined that E Mortgage failed to cooperate or respond to examiners’ request for information and refused to provide examiners access to its Loan Origination System.

The company agreed to cease mortgage originations coming via unlicensed loan officers and processing activity involving ineligible employees.

“Protecting Oregon consumers means ensuring mortgage companies play by the rules,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “When firms fail to supervise their employees or cooperate with examiners, we take action to safeguard consumers and the integrity of the lending system.”

###

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

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

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Riparian pilot study updates
• Review of roads and steep slopes pilot study methods
• Compliance Monitoring Program symposium take aways
• Review 2026 Compliance Monitoring Program Committee meeting schedule

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. 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 Frias-Bedolla.

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.

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for northwest Oregon will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 at the ODF Forest Grove District office, 801 Gales Creek Road. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

The committee’s agenda includes:

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

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

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

Under Oregon law, a majority of the committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

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

Stayton, Ore. – Every Saturday over the last month, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) North Cascade District hosted Scouting America troops from Eugene, Oregon to Seattle, Washington and in between. The district helped 80 scouts earn their Wildland Fire Management merit badge, a new merit badge being tested this year with the hopes it will become an official merit badge next summer at the National Jamboree.

“The scouts learned that it’s more than putting out a fire,” said Scott West, ODF Molalla Unit Forester for the North Cascade District.

In the classes, scouts, ages 11-17, learned how to make their homes, camps, and communities more wildfire resilient and resistant while also understanding wildfire’s role in nature. They also learn about the history, prevention, science, tools, and equipment of wildland fire management. The new merit badge gives the scouts the opportunity to explore different career opportunities in wildland fire management.

“I wanted kids to see the larger picture when it comes to wildfire and learn what they can do in terms of that picture,” said West. “By the end of the course, we even had a few 17-year-olds interested in applying to be a wildland firefighter once they graduate.”

The investment in wildland firefighting’s future doesn’t just encompass this one month but years of work. Scott West not only facilitated the courses in ODF’s North Cascade District but also helped create the curriculum for the new merit badge with Scouting America, a process that began in 2018.

“When on an assignment with ODF Complex Incident Management Team 2 in 2017, I met Mike Huneke with the U.S. Forest Service out of Maryland. Mike is also a volunteer with Scouting America and chairs the National Conservation Committee. We discussed the need for a merit badge that focuses on wildland fire management and the impact a merit badge like this could have on our field’s future. So together we built out the curriculum, presented it to Scouting America and now get to see the finished product in action right here in Oregon,” West said.

Understanding and managing wildland fire is a complex undertaking, especially for young scouts, but their willingness to learn and explore the field of wildland fire management means that the future of the career is bright.

Oregon and the Internal Revenue Service are once again recruiting people to assist in the free preparation of taxes as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

“Oregon needs more VITA sites and volunteers. For low- and moderate-income families, claiming the tax credits available to them can be a starting point on the path to stronger financial security. But too often those tax credits go unclaimed,” said Codi Trudell, Oregon’s Taxpayer Advocate. “The cost and complexity of filing a tax return is a hurdle for too many people. By volunteering to help them file their returns and claim their credits, Oregonians can make a difference for people in their local community.”

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.

Including free tax help offered by AARP, so far in 2025, free tax assistance has been made available to nearly 38,000 taxpayers at 108 sites across the state. That’s up from 104 sites and 33,000 taxpayers at this point in 2024. Every year, however, the sites are forced to turn away people who need assistance due to a shortage of volunteers.

In addition to the need for volunteers, the IRS is also seeking organizations to sponsor VITA and TCE clinics.

The VITA and TCE programs train volunteers to help low- to moderate-income families prepare their tax returns. Across the country, thousands of people volunteer each year and prepare millions of tax returns at thousands of tax sites nationwide.

Volunteers are assigned to work with a sponsoring organization, first to receive training and then to begin volunteering at a location in the community. Training is offered both online and in the classroom. Tax sites are generally open nights and weekends, and the hours are flexible.

Additional information is available on the IRS website. Interested persons can submit an inquiry now using the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up moving them one step closer to becoming a VITA or TCE tax volunteer and giving back to their community. The IRS will share information about those interested in volunteering with sponsoring organizations for follow-up contact.

Organizations with an interest in partnering with the IRS to sponsor or host a free tax preparation site in Oregon can also complete and submit the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up form.

To find a VITA site near them, Oregonians can use the IRS Site Locator tool or check the DOR’s Free Tax Help map with VITA sites marked in blue.

VITA sites at 15 locations in Oregon receive funding from the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. Those interested in volunteering at one of these sites should contact the organizations below in December.

Beaverton, Eugene, Gresham, Portland: 

CASH Oregon

503-461-7388

volunteer@cashoregon.org

Bend, Redmond: 

Latino Community Association

541-382-4366

info@latinocommunityassociation.org

Bend, Corvallis, Eugene:

Oregon State University

541-737-3371

vita@oregonstate.edu

Coos Bay, Roseburg:

Moneywise Oregon

541-670-5054

dan@moneywiseoregon.org

Medford:

United Way Jackson County

541-864-5092

office@unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org

Ontario, Portland:

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization

 971-331-9811

ethz@irco.org">elizabethz@irco.org

Woodburn:

Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos

503-902-0367

biec@centrodspc.org">debbiec@centrodspc.org

- 30 -

Oct. 28, 2025

Media contact: Max Sprague, 971-288-9420, ague@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">max.sprague@oha.oregon.gov

OHA announces Oregon Health Forward Champions and new Move Oregon Health Forward Pledge

SALEM, Ore. -Today, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced a list of Champions for its Oregon Health Forward (OHF) effort and launched a new Move Oregon Health Forward Pledge, with a call to organizations across the state to sign the pledge and consider what commitment they can make to advance health for all.

The cornerstone of Oregon Health Forward, launched earlier this year, is the statewide Call to Action -- OHA’s initiative to galvanize a “whole of society” commitment to its 2030 strategic goal by building new public-private partnerships and cross-sectoral investments to address health disparities. OHA is proud to announce a list of Champions from across sectors and across the state who are leveraging their positions to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees, students, patients, and communities.

Each Champion brings to this effort a founding commitment to Move Oregon Health Forward, described below:

• Marin Arreola, President, Advanced Economic Solutions Inc.

Advanced Economic Solutions will expand access to equitable and affordable behavioral health services across Oregon by investing in community-based workforce development, supporting and elevating Traditional Health Workers, strengthening culturally responsive care, and advancing integrated health navigation.

• Julia Banks, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo Foundation will invest $250,000 in housing stability, with grants to five organizations across the state focused on helping renters avoid eviction and stay housed.

• Dr. Adrien Bennings, President, Portland Community College

Portland Community College has launched and will continue to refine a Behavioral Health Career Pathway, offering a clear and structured journey for students in the field, and diversifying Oregon’s behavioral health workforce for long-term growth.

• David Drinkward, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hoffman Construction Company

Hoffman Construction Company will build out a Recovery Ready Workplace substance use prevention program, working with Care for Construction, a provider of a full range of prevention, awareness, and treatment services custom-built for people in construction.

• Clarissa Etter-Smith, Health Care Executive Director, Genentech

Genentech will expand pathways into STEM education and careers for underrepresented youth in collaboration with community-based programs and continue to remove barriers to care by providing patient assistance, conducting inclusive clinical trials, and supporting patient advocacy organizations and other patient-serving social services nonprofits

• Peggy Maguire, President, Cambia Health Foundation

Cambia Health Foundation will award $200,000 in grants in 2025 focused on innovative whole-person primary care models, early intervention for young children and caregivers, and building a diverse primary care workforce with a focus on behavioral health.

• Gustavo Morales, Executive Director, Euvalcree

Euvalcree will provide technical assistance and strategic support to organizations engaged in economic development activities in Eastern Oregon, seeking to improve regional health and wellbeing through shared economic advancement.

• Dr. Jayathi Murty, President, Oregon State University

Oregon State University will invest in rural health, through placements for public health students, STEM and job readiness for high school students, and expand chronic disease and mental health programming in rural and underserved communities.

Now, for the first time, organizations interested in joining this effort may sign on to the Move Oregon Health Forward Pledge, which asks signatories to commit to the following principles:

1. Hold firm. In a time of rising demand and growing uncertainty, we commit to staying the course: Advancing health and opportunity is a smart investment in stronger communities and a more resilient future.
2. Act where we can. We will take steps — large and small — to strengthen the health and wellbeing of the people we employ, serve and impact.
3. Consider health in all decision-making. We will weigh how our policies, budgets, products, and services affect people’s ability to live well — especially those who face systemic barriers.
4. Support solutions. We will use our voice and resources to back efforts that help more Oregonians thrive.
5. Stand together. By adding our name publicly, we join a growing statewide network committed to Oregon’s health.

Organizations may also continue to make Oregon Health Forward commitments, which may take the form of financial investments in health, programmatic changes, or new partnerships.

All pledge signatories and partner commitments will be recognized and elevated by OHA and celebrated publicly in an end-of-year celebration.

“Now more than ever, it is the responsibility of all of us who care about health and wellbeing in Oregon to demonstrate to our communities that we are committed to making this state a place where everyone can thrive,” said OHA Director Sejal Hathi, M.D., MBA. “I’m proud to sign the Oregon Health Authority onto to the Move Oregon Health Forward Pledge and to announce commitments from our Champions Council that embody these principles. I hope that others see these actions and ask what their organizations can do – no matter their sector – to make it easier for all Oregonians to achieve their full potential for health and wellbeing.”

The first iteration of this work was supported by the CDC Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization that mobilizes philanthropic and private-sector resources to help extend the lifesaving work of the nation’s public health system.

To sign the pledge, make a commitment, or find out more information about the Call to Action, visit our web page here.

Oct. 23, 2025

Media Contact: Franny White, anny.L.White@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">Franny.L.White@oha.oregon.gov (media requests)

Meeting Contact: Summer Boslaugh, .h.boslaugh@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">summer.h.boslaugh@oha.oregon.gov, 503-753-9688 (meeting information or accommodation)

Primary Care Payment Reform Collaborative to meet Wednesday, Oct. 29 via Zoom

What: A public meeting of the Primary Care Payment Reform Collaborative

When:  Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 2 to 4 p.m. Public comment will be taken at 3:45 to 3:55 p.m.

Where: Virtual Meeting Only. The public can join remotely via Zoom or a conference line. To join via Zoom: Zoom link

Phone number: (669) 254-5252 │ Meeting ID: 160 512 8256 │ Passcode: 858909

Agenda Goals:

• Review and discuss a draft Primary Care Challenges in Oregon document.
• Achieve consensus on the document.
• Learn about the results of the Oregon Primary Care Spending Report.

For more information, please visit the Primary Care Payment Reform Collaborative’s website. The Primary Care Payment Reform Collaborative welcomes hearing from community members on the matters discussed by the committee and its other bodies, and other topics the public wishes the committee to consider.  If you wish to offer public comment, we appreciate you letting Summer Boslaugh know in advance of the meeting, at .h.boslaugh@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">summer.h.boslaugh@oha.oregon.gov. Advance notice is not required in order to offer public comment at the meeting.  

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Summer Boslaugh, 711 TTY, .h.boslaugh@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">summer.h.boslaugh@oha.oregon.gov, 503-753-9688.

Oct. 27, 2025

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

OHA issues alert for Cannon Beach at Gower Creek

Sewage spill could increase risk of exposure to fecal bacteria

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) at Oregon Health Authority is issuing an alert for Cannon Beach at Gower Creek due to a sewage spill that could raise the risk of exposure to fecal bacteria.

OHA is issuing an alert because OBMP staff do not have test results confirming the presence of bacteria in the Gower Creek outfall, where it spills into Cannon Beach. Therefore, they are not able to determine risk to human health and issue a formal beach advisory.

However, because of the potential health risk due to the presence of sewage, the OBMP is encouraging visitors to the Gower Creek area of Cannon Beach to take precautions. They should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean.

The City of Cannon Beach reports it has cleaned up the spill and is taking samples for fecal bacteria testing to confirm the clean-up was successful. The city has also posted warning signs along the affected areas on Cannon Beach and have issued communications via Facebook and its local listserv.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly persons and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

While OHA has issued this alert, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk.

For more information about OBMP, visit the program website at healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

Oct. 27, 2025

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

Time-Sensitive Medical Emergencies Advisory Committee meets Nov. 5

What: The Oregon Time-Sensitive Medical Emergencies Advisory Committee will be holding its quarterly public meeting. The Committee has three specialty subcommittees on cardiac, stroke, and trauma care, which will meet in the morning, and the main committee will meet in the afternoon. Public comment periods will be offered at the end of each meeting.

Oregon public meeting law and requirements information

Agenda: Discuss patient definitions and 2026 goals.

When: Nov. 5, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.  

Specialty subcommittees will meet 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Main committee will meet 1:00 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Where:

• Cardiac Subcommittee: Teams
• Stroke Subcommittee: Zoom
• Trauma Subcommittee: Zoom
• Main Committee: Zoom

Committee Vacancies:

• Cardiac Subcommittee:
  • Cardiothoracic surgeon or cardiac intensivist
  • Patient advocate / educator / injury prevention coordinator
  • Hospital administrator
• Stroke Subcommittee:
  • Stroke neurologist (primary stroke center)
  • Patient advocate / educator / injury prevention coordinator
• Trauma Subcommittee:
  • Rehabilitation specialist
• Main Committee:

No vacancies at this time.

Those interested in filling a vacant position should complete the application form. Questions about the positions and application process can be sent to ogram@odhsoha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">ems.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Background: The Oregon Time-Sensitive Medical Emergencies Advisory Committee was established under the 2024 EMS Modernization Act (HB 4081 | 2024, OL Ch 32) to guide creation and implementation of statewide systems of care for time-sensitive medical emergencies. The Time-Sensitive Medical Emergencies Advisory Committee advises the Oregon Health Authority’s Emergency Medical Services Program on regionalization and improvement of care, analysis of time-sensitive emergency data, and identification and resolution of inequities in provision of care.

Contact: Stella Rausch-Scott, EMS Program Committees Coordinator, OHA Public Health Division, 503-490-3717 or ausch-scott@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">stella.m.rausch-scott@oha.oregon.gov.

###

For people who speak a language other than English or people with disabilities, OHA provides free help to attend the meeting. Some examples include:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• CART captioning
• Braille
• Large print
• Transcripts
• Virtual platform change

If you need help with these or other related services, please contact Stella Rausch-Scott at 503-490-3717 (voice/text) or ausch-scott@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">stella.m.rausch-scott@oha.oregon.gov at least 48 business hours before the meeting.

All relay calls are accepted.

To best ensure our ability to provide an accommodation, please contact us even if you are only considering attending the meeting. The earlier you make a request, the more likely we can meet the need.

Oct. 27, 2025

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

Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee meets Nov. 4

What: The Oregon Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board will be holding its quarterly public meeting. A public comment period will be offered at the end of the meeting.

Agenda: Updates from advisory committees; presentations on EMS Program ambulance service plans work; discussion of patient definitions for time-sensitive medical emergencies.

Oregon public meeting law and requirements information

When / Where: Nov. 7, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. via Zoom

Board Vacancies:

• Third-party payer of health care insurance
• Emergency medicine physician

Those interested in filling a vacant position should complete the application form. Questions about the positions and application process can be sent to ogram@odhsoha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">ems.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Background: The Oregon Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board was established under the 2024 EMS Modernization Act (HB 4081 | 2024, OL Ch 32) to oversee systems of emergency medical care statewide. The Board comprises 19 members, chaired by the State EMS Medical Director. The Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board advises Oregon Health Authority’s Emergency Medical Services Program on evidence-based practices and standards for defined patient types, emergency medical services workforce needs, and coordination of care between health care specialties.

Contact: Stella Rausch-Scott, EMS Program Committees Coordinator, OHA Public Health Division, 503-490-3717 or ausch-scott@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">stella.m.rausch-scott@oha.oregon.gov.

###

For people who speak a language other than English or people with disabilities, OHA provides free help to attend the meeting. Some examples include:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• CART captioning
• Braille
• Large print
• Transcripts
• Virtual platform change

If you need help with these or other related services, please contact Stella Rausch-Scott at 503-490-3717 (voice/text) or ausch-scott@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">stella.m.rausch-scott@oha.oregon.gov at least 48 business hours before the meeting.

All relay calls are accepted.

Oct. 27, 2025

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

Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee meets Nov. 4

What: The Oregon Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee will be holding its quarterly public meeting. A public comment period will be offered at the end of the meeting.

Oregon public meeting law and requirements information

When / Where: Nov. 4, 2025, 9 a.m. to noon via Zoom

Agenda Items: Update bylaws, discuss requirements for EMS medical direction and goal-setting for 2026.

Committee Vacancies: No current vacancies

Those interested in filling future vacancies should complete the application form. Questions about the positions and application process can be sent to ogram@odhsoha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">ems.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Background: The Oregon Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee was established under the 2024 EMS Modernization Act (HB 4081 | 2024, OL Ch 32) to oversee emergency medical service provision statewide.

The Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee advises Oregon Health Authority’s Emergency Medical Services Program on regionalization and improvement of EMS, including coordination and planning of emergency medical services efforts and on adoption of rules related to emergency medical services.

Contact: Stella Rausch-Scott, EMS Program Committees Coordinator, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division, 503-490-3717 or

ausch-scott@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">stella.m.rausch-scott@oha.oregon.gov.

###

For people who speak a language other than English or people with disabilities, OHA provides free help to attend the meeting. Some examples include:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• CART captioning
• Braille
• Large print
• Transcripts
• Virtual platform change

If you need help with these or other related services, please contact Stella Rausch-Scott at 503-490-3717 (voice/text) or ausch-scott@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">stella.m.rausch-scott@oha.oregon.gov at least 48 business hours before the meeting.

All relay calls are accepted.

To best ensure our ability to provide an accommodation, please contact us even if you are only considering attending the meeting. The earlier you make a request, the more likely we can meet the need.

Oct. 22, 2025 

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

Lincoln County’s first residential substance use disorder treatment facility opens 

Newport, Ore.—Samaritan Health Services has opened the new Samaritan Treatment & Recovery Services facility, the first substance use disorder (SUD) residential treatment center in Lincoln County and a critical step forward in expanding access to behavioral health services in the region.  

"This facility is a game-changer for a community that has needed expanded treatment capacity for nearly a decade," Governor Tina Kotek said. "Since 2016, local leaders have been calling for stronger support in addressing behavioral health needs in the area. Now, that call is being answered — and it will save lives. Let’s keep going." 

The new 16-bed inpatient and outpatient treatment center, located at 5840 NW Biggs Street in Newport was funded in part by a $2.95 million investment from Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Investments program.  

With the new facility, Samaritan Pacific Health Services plans to assess hundreds of individuals annually for substance use disorders, provide case management and recovery support, and help people secure stable housing. On-site staff will include a nurse, drug counselors, peer support specialists and care coordinators who connect patients with wrap-around services.  

"This project fills a long-standing gap in our region's behavioral health infrastructure," said Ebony Clarke, behavioral health director at Oregon Health Authority (OHA)."It’s a transformative investment in recovery, stability and community health."

At the Oct. 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by the Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, community members and project partners participated in guided tours of the facility. 

Aimee Thompson, Pacific Communities Health District board member and past chair and Dr. David Simmons, Medical Director, Samaritan & Recovery Services speak at the ceremony.

Here’s a compilation of video clips from the grand opening for media use.

“Health care transformation doesn’t happen in isolation,” said Samaritan Health Services President Marty Cahill.  “It takes people and organizations — public, private, philanthropic and governmental — working side by side, united by a shared goal to make care more accessible and more human. Every square foot of this facility tells a story of community partnership.”

Residents can get a referral from a doctor or may inquire for treatment on their own, though they must meet medical criteria. The facility will open for services on Oct. 27. 

Oct. 22, 2025

Contact:

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

Committee staff .Affordability@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">OHPB.Affordability@oha.oregon.gov (meeting information or accommodation)

Committee on Health Care Affordability meets Oct. 28

What: A public meeting of the Committee on Health Care Affordability

When:  Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: This is a virtual meeting via Zoom.

Join ZoomGov Meeting

Meeting ID: 161 107 3718

Passcode: 687992

Agenda:

• Welcome
• Creating a shared vision for affordability
• Criteria for developing policy recommendations
• Public Comment

Public comment will be heard at 3:45 p.m. Please submit any public comment in writing prior to the meeting at .Affordability@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">OHPB.Affordability@oha.oregon.gov.

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

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Melisa Otrugman at 503-689-5238, 711 TTY, ugman@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">melisa.z.otrugman@oha.oregon.gov at least 48 hours before the meeting.

SALEM - The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet via zoom at 1:00 p.m. on November 3. Its agenda includes approval of 2025 Oregon Heritage Grants.
 

This meeting is open to the public and there is an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting for public comment. Public comment can be made online or by written submission. For online attendance, registration is required. To view the full agenda, register for the virtual meeting, or learn more about public comment options, visit here.
 

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. 

PORTLAND, Ore.— The owner and operator of La Popular, a money service business with locations in Oregon and Washington, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to launder drug trafficking proceeds.

Brenda Lili Barrera Orantes, 40, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

According to court documents, Barerra Orantes operated La Popular stores in Hillsboro, Beaverton, Woodburn, Odell and Canby, Oregon, as well as in Vancouver, Washington. From August 1, 2024, through November 1, 2024, La Popular stores sent over $4.2 million dollars in wire transfers to places in Mexico. During this same time period, Barrera Orantes and other co-conspirators accepted $49,500 in cash represented as drug proceeds and laundered the funds through La Popular stores. Barrera Orantes charged a ten percent commission to help launder the money. Barrera Orantes admitted that when she wired these funds she used false sender information, structured wire transfers into smaller amounts, and used different La Popular stores to help conceal the drug proceeds.  

On April 16, 2025, investigators executed federal search warrants at Barrera Orantes’ Beaverton residence and three La Popular stores in Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Vancouver and arrested Barrera Orantes. During the warrants, agents seized $316,542 in cash, a 2021 Cadillac Escalade, jewelry, and high-end clothing.

On May 13, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 23-count indictment charging Barrera Orantes with money laundering and conspiracy, failure to file a currency transaction report, and failure to file a suspicious activity report.

Barrera Orantes pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. She also agreed to forfeit her Beaverton residence and all the seized property involved in her money laundering offense.

Barrera Orantes faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on January 21, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team. It is being prosecuted by Christopher L. Cardani and Julia Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— Temika Gardner, 40, of Portland, made her first appearance in federal court today after being charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on October 23, 2025, Gardner was near the vehicle of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deportation Officers after they made a lawful arrest. After an escape attempt, officers were able to gain control of the arrestee. As they were escorting the arrestee back, Gardner placed her hands on officers multiple times to impede their movement. Gardner struck one officer in the face, grabbing ahold of his face covering and throwing it to the ground. She swung at a second officer at least two times, knocking off his sunglasses. While officers were focusing on the arrestee, Gardner pulled the face mask of a third officer with enough force to pull him back. Gardner was arrested after she swung at a fourth officer, striking the left side of his jaw.

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

Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.— A Eugene, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for using social media platforms, including Snapchat and Instagram, to exploit and coerce children in Oregon, New York, and Florida.

Vincent Alan Elder, 32, was sentenced to 288 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to each of his three victims.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Elder used social media to meet and communicate with three identified minors in 2022 and 2023. He sent online payments to encourage a minor victim in Florida to make and send nude photos. To obtain the same from a minor victim in Oregon, he sent vape pens, food delivery orders, and left bags of cash near the victim’s house. When a minor victim in New York tried to cease contact with him, Elder threatened to tell the victim’s mother or even involve that victim’s younger sibling—an act known as sextortion.

After learning of the allegations, in November 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed search warrants for Elder’s person, devices, and motel room. On December 1, 2023, the FBI arrested Elder. A search of his devices showed chats with some of the minor victims, the Oregon victim’s personal information, and nude images of the Florida victim.

“I am thankful for the brave victims who came forward, and I am grateful to the law enforcement agencies who helped bring this dangerous predator to justice,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “We will continue to seek significant prison sentences for anyone who targets our communities’ children.”

“Investigating crimes against children is some of the most important work we do at the FBI,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “The crimes committed in this instance were egregious, and we moved swiftly to stop the predatory behavior. Even one child subjected to such abuse is one too many, and we continue to work with our local law enforcement partners to find instances of abuse and protect our communities.” 

On January 18, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a seven-count indictment charging Elder with Using a Minor to Produce a Visual Depiction of Sexually Explicit Conduct and Attempt, Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Attempt, and Possession of Child Pornography. 

On July 29, 2025, Elder pleaded guilty to two counts of Using a Minor to Produce a Visual Depiction of Sexually Explicit Conduct with regard to the New York and Florida victims and one count of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor with regard to the Oregon victim.

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

This Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

PORTLAND, Ore.— On Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in collaboration with nearly 4,000 law enforcement partners across the United States, will host DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at locations across the country. DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

For sixteen years, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans safely dispose of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—to prevent drug misuse and abuse.

Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at nearly 4,500 drop-off locations nationwide.

What:              National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

When:              Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where:            18 collection sites in Oregon

“Take Back Day provides a safe and anonymous way to properly dispose of expired or unused prescription medications,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Unused prescription medication in the home pose serious risks of misuse, addiction, and overdose. We encourage all community members to participate and help reduce the potential for abuse and addiction in our communities.”

“All too often, drug abuse starts with prescription pills in the family medicine cabinet,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day offers an easy way to rid your home of these unwanted and potentially dangerous medicines before they can harm your children or grandchildren. Drop off your unneeded medicine this Saturday and take a step to keep your family safe from drug harm.”

In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 19.8 million pounds (10,000 tons) of medication from circulation since its inception.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging a Portland resident with damaging cameras affixed to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building on June 12, 2025.

Alistair Sidener, 20, made an initial appearance in federal court last Friday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Sidener was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.

Depredation of federal property in an amount exceeding $1,000 is a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Since June 13, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged 37 defendants with offenses committed near ICE facilities, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

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

# # #

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

Lisa Miyamoto, 56, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on October 19, 2025, federal officers deployed outside the gates of the ICE facility to clear the vehicle entrance for vehicles to exit the facility. Miyamoto forcefully struck an officer with a wooden tambourine and was arrested by officers.

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 36 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed near ICE facilities, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

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

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

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

# # #

On Monday, October 27, the City of Richland will start the next phase of work on the South George Washington Way (GWW) Intersection Project. This phase includes the installation of underground conduits to support a new traffic signal system. The work will require temporary lane reductions and short-term street closures at key points around the intersection of George Washington Way, Aaron Drive, and Columbia Point Drive.

Crews will be working in stages to minimize impacts and maintain access to nearby businesses.

Traffic Schedule and Detours

Monday, October 27 – Columbia Point Drive Closure

• Start: 5:00 a.m.
• Location: Columbia Point Drive closed at George Washington Way
• Access: Businesses along Columbia Point Drive will remain open via the east from Bradley Blvd.
• Detour: Comstock Street to Bradley Boulevard for both inbound and outbound traffic.
• Expected Reopening: By 10:00 a.m.

Monday, October 27 – Aaron Drive Closure

• Start: Approximately 10:00 a.m.
• Location: Aaron Drive (Adams) closed at George Washington Way
• Detour: Goethals Drive to Comstock Street back to George Washington Way.
• Expected Reopening: By 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 28 – Lane Reductions on George Washington Way

• Start: 6:00 a.m.
• Location: Southbound GWW at the Aaron Drive/Columbia Point Drive intersection reduced to one lane.
  • Access to Columbia Point Drive from the southbound turn lane will be closed.
• Mid-Morning: Northbound GWW reduced to one lane.
• Expected Reopenings:
  • Southbound lanes by early afternoon.
  • Northbound lanes by 4:00 p.m. or once conduit crossings are complete.

Motorists should expect brief delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes where possible. Electronic reader boards have been placed along George Washington Way to alert drivers of the upcoming work and lane restrictions.

The City appreciates the community’s patience as this important infrastructure upgrade is completed. Once finished, the new signal system will improve safety, traffic flow, and accessibility through one of Richland’s busiest intersections.

For more information and updated detour maps, visit richlandwa.gov/SouthGWay.

The City of Richland is pleased to share an update on the Dallas Road Roundabouts Project. During the week of October 27, 2025, the contractor will complete paving work between Trowbridge Boulevard and Ava Way, marking a major milestone in the project’s progress. This phase will complete three of the four legs of both the Dallas Rd. & Trowbridge Blvd. and Dallas Rd. & Ava Way roundabouts.

Following the paving and striping work, crews will begin constructing a splitter island along Ava Way between Dallas Road and Gateway Avenue. During this time, Ava Way will be closed between Dallas Rd. and Gateway Ave. for approximately two to three weeks, with traffic detoured via Trowbridge Blvd. Both intersections will continue to operate as active roundabouts during this phase.

Once the Ava Way work is complete, construction will pause for the winter months due to anticipated cold temperatures. During this time, Dallas Road and both intersections will remain open to traffic under new roundabout conditions. Construction activities within the roadway are expected to resume in early spring 2026, weather permitting.

The City reminds drivers to travel carefully through the area and to anticipate minor delays during ongoing work. Project schedules remain subject to change based on weather and site conditions.

The Dallas Road Roundabouts Project will improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance traffic flow in one of Richland’s key transportation corridors. The City appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as crews work to complete these significant roadway improvements.  For more information, visit richlandwa.gov/DallasRoad.

The City of Richland’s online Customer Service utility portal will be unavailable from October 24–27, 2025, as the City implements its new and improved utility billing portal, MyAccount. This planned outage is part of the transition from the current E-Care system to MyAccount.

“MyAccount represents an important upgrade to our customer experience,” said Irma Bottineau, Customer Experience Manager. “This system will offer residents and businesses a more intuitive, mobile-friendly, and flexible way to manage their utility accounts.”

During the planned outage, customers will not be able to access online utility services. However, the City has implemented several measures to minimize impacts during the transition:

• No utility disconnects or late fees will be applied during this time.
• In-person payments can be made at Richland City Hall (625 Swift Blvd., Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) by cash or check.
• Autopay customers will have their payments processed as soon as the transition is complete.
• Staffed kiosks will be available in the lobbies of City Hall, the Richland Public Library, and the Richland Community Center the week of October 27^th to assist customers with accessing the portal on-line.

The City has distributed additional email notices to current E-Care customers about the portal outage. The notices appear in inboxes addressed from “Customer Service” with the subject line “Important Portal Transition”. In addition, in the coming days emails will be sent with detailed instructions guiding customers through the MyAccount sign-in process. 

Please note: Outage dates are subject to change depending on the progress of the implementation and any unforeseen technical issues.  Real time updates will be made on the City’s Facebook page and on the home page of the City’s website (richlandwa.gov).

Key features of the new MyAccount portal include:

• A user-friendly interface with streamlined navigation.
• The ability to manage and view multiple accounts with a single login.
• A downloadable mobile app with customizable push notifications.
• The option to receive SMS text alerts about your account.
• Tools to view account details, compare usage rates, and make payments conveniently.

“We appreciate our customers’ patience as we make this important transition,” Bottineau added. “MyAccount is designed to enhance convenience and transparency while providing better tools for managing utility services.”

More information including a detailed MyAccount User’s Guide can be found by visiting richlandwa.gov/MyAccount. 

What: The Student Entertainment Board of Washington State University Tri-Cities is hosting a Trunk or Treat event. 

• The event is free and families from the Tri-Cities community are invited to attend.
• Students will decorate their cars and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. Plus, attendees can get their face painted, have tinsel added to their hair, find their way through a hanunted maze and enjoy warm drinks from Ground Support Coffee.

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30
 

Where: the Consolidated Information Center parking lot on the WSU Tri-Cities campus (2770 Crimson Way, Richland, WA 99354)

Mazama Energy’s technological innovations prove ideal for powering AI

DALLAS, October 28, 2025 – Mazama Energy, Inc., a company incubated by Khosla Ventures and backed by Khosla Ventures and Gates Frontier, today announced a technologically significant leap for clean energy: the creation of the world’s hottest Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) at its pilot site in Newberry, Oregon – at an unprecedented 629 °F (331 °C) bottomhole temperature.  This breakthrough sets a new global benchmark for geothermal technology and marks a critical step towards delivering low-cost, carbon-free baseload power at terawatt-scale, targeting less than 5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). 

A New Era for Data Center Energy: Always-On, Anywhere, Carbon-Free

As data centers and AI workloads surge, the world faces an unprecedented demand for continuous, high-density power. Traditional renewables such as solar and wind are intermittent, while natural gas and coal are carbon intensive. By developing geothermal resources at temperatures above 300 °C, Mazama can deliver power 24/7 from virtually anywhere in the world, regardless of weather or time of day. This makes Mazama’s geothermal platform the ideal solution for hyperscale data centers and industrial electrification.

“With geothermal, you get global, round-the-clock energy that is carbon-free, cost-stable, and grid-independent,” said Sriram Vasantharajan, CEO of Mazama Energy. “Our team’s accomplishments expand the frontiers of geothermal power into significantly hotter and more heterogeneous rock regimes than ever before. The Newberry pilot provides a blueprint for unlocking baseload, utility-scale, carbon-free energy from the Earth’s crust worldwide, which is what the next generation of AI and cloud infrastructure requires.”

Dr. John McLennan, Reservoir Management Lead at Utah FORGE, said, “This is a validation of an integrated development program that has successfully interconnected two slightly deviated wells and circulated a representative working fluid – a fulfillment of a vision from nearly fifty years ago to create a full scale EGS reservoir which was initiated by Los Alamos National Laboratory at Fenton Hill, New Mexico. This proof of concept opens the door to deeper and hotter opportunities at Newberry and beyond.” 

Unlocking SuperHot Geothermal: Toward Terawatt-Scale Clean Energy

Mazama will next advance to commercial projects with horizontal wells, beginning with a 15 MW pilot in 2026 and then scaling to a 200 MW development project at Newberry. The company will also extend its drilling into the SuperHot Rock regime (>400 °C range), leveraging proprietary high-temperature materials, cooling solutions and stimulation technologies. Harnessing SuperHot Rock resources will allow Mazama to extract up to 10x more power density, use 75% less water and drill 80% fewer wells than current approaches. Mazama aims to deliver terawatts of competitive and dispatchable power globally.

Located within the Cascade Range, Newberry is one of the largest geothermal reservoirs in the U.S. At the demonstration site, Mazama’s engineers first completed and stimulated a legacy well to serve as the water injector.  Mazama then successfully drilled a new, 10,200-foot deviated producer well within six feet of its planned trajectory achieving optimal alignment with the injector. Initial circulation tests and diagnostics confirm comprehensive connectivity between the two wells and the creation of the hottest-ever EGS.  

Mazama’s team successfully deployed a spectrum of innovative technologies – including directional drilling, high-temperature well construction, and proprietary stimulation -- to deliver performance under conditions far beyond traditional oil and gas industry limits. The team operated year-round at a remote, high-altitude site, with zero lost-time incidents.

During the technical demonstration, Mazama achieved:

• Peak drill penetration rates of 100 feet/hour
• Average 76 feet/hour across diverse rock types: granite, basalt, and granodiorite
• Record-breaking bit runs up to 2,760 feet through volcanic formations
• Zero downhole failures of motors or measurement tools
• Well integrity and cement stability at ultra-high temperatures

At the heart of this success is Mazama’s proprietary Thermal Lattice™ stimulation, which is a patented process, purpose-built for enhanced geothermal environments.  Building on conventional hydraulic fracturing, Thermal Lattice™ enables complex fracture creation and improved connectivity. The Newberry project also demonstrated the successful use of crosslinked fracturing fluid systems, sliding sleeves, chemical and nano tracers, and fiber-optic diagnostics for real-time fracture mapping and temperature monitoring. 

About Mazama Energy

Mazama Energy is pioneering Enhanced Geothermal Systems and SuperHot Rock technologies to deliver low-cost, dispatchable, and carbon-free power at a global scale. Through its proprietary MUSE™ technology platform, Mazama is redefining geothermal performance and unlocking the world’s largest untapped renewable resource deep heat from the Earth’s crust.

For more information about Mazama, visit www.mazamaenergy.com.

Portland, OR — July 4, 2026 — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the foundational document of American democracy — is exactly 250 days away. To commemorate this milestone, the America 250 Oregon Commission, in partnership with Oregon Heritage and the Oregon Historical Society, are pleased to announced the recipients of 13 grants awarded to museums, historical societies, local governments, veterans organizations, and community nonprofits across Oregon. 

The Oregon 250 Grant Program was established to help organizations create inclusive, community-focused projects that highlight Oregon’s diverse histories, traditions, and cultures. The grants, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 each, will support programs that align with the mission of America 250 Oregon and one or more of its seven guideposts, which are:

• To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
• To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
• To highlight the work of Oregon’s many history and heritage organizations.
• To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
• To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
• To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon’s veterans.
• To celebrate the power of place through Oregon’s remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.

The following organizations were awarded grants in the Oregon 250 Grant Program’s first funding cycle:

Benton County Historical Society, Benton County
Grant funding will support two exhibits for the 250th anniversary: Centuries of Celebration at its Philomath museum site and Strength, Struggle, Survival: Our Community’s Response to 250 Years at its Corvallis museum site.

Cape Blanco Heritage Society, Curry County
Grant funding will support the creation of a scale model of a historic house and ranch that tells a local, regional story that will enhance the visitor experience and support local tourism.

City of Sweet Home, Linn County
Grant funding will support a year of events, enhancements to existing traditions, and public history displays to honor the 250th anniversary while showcasing the community’s rich local history.

Coos County Historical Society, Coos County
Grant funding will support Waves of Tradition, an exhibit that will celebrate the diverse maritime traditions and scenic beauty that shaped Oregon’s South Coast in honor of the 250th anniversary.

Embrace Bend, Deschutes County
Grant funding will support the CivicLab Project, a community-centered initiative designed to spark civic engagement and inclusive dialogue in Central Oregon.

Garibaldi Maritime Museum, Tillamook County
Grant funding will support the Port of Garibaldi: The Story of a Coast Guard City exhibit at the museum, which features the city’s relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard and honors active duty and retired Coast Guard veterans.

McMinnville Downtown Association, Yamhill County
Grant funding will support the creation of placemaking projects to enhance the community, support the city’s economic vitality, and encourage dialogue and connection.

Oregon Firearms Safety Coalition in partnership with Rogue Cell Recon, Clatsop County & Tillamook County
Grant funding will support the Veterans Stories Project, which honors the service and sacrifice of Oregon’s veterans by collecting and sharing their stories through a series of short interviews conducted across the North Coast region of Oregon.

Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, Multnomah County
Grant funding will support digitizing collections that will be featured in an interactive component in Practicing Democracy: Jewish Civic Leadership and Engagement in Oregon, the museum’s forthcoming exhibition to commemorate America 250.

Sandy Historical Society, Clackamas County
Grant funding will support a collection survey and assessment to facilitate a deeper understanding of collection holdings, gaps, and further work that needs to be completed in order to better represent all the diverse members of the community.

Santiam Heritage Foundation, Marion County
Grant funding will support history presentations in several heritage organizations in Marion County during 2026 to highlight local history and the organizations preserving local history.

Warrior Impact, Deschutes County
Grant funding will support the development of a cohort in Central Oregon to support veterans, police officers, firefighters, and first responders through small-group experiences that foster trust, growth, and lifelong connections.

Woodburn Museum, Marion County
Grant funding will support the Sapper: Sgt. Wayne Woodruff and the Great War exhibit, which shares the history of the combat engineer during World War I who later settled in the Woodburn area.

Kerry Tymchuk, chair of the America 250 Oregon Commission and executive director of the Oregon Historical Society, said, “We are grateful to the Oregon State Legislature for providing funds that will encourage Oregonians across our state in marking this once-in-a-generation opportunity to commemorate our nation’s past while also looking forward to a brighter future.”

A second funding cycle will open on Monday, January 5, 2026, and will remain open until March 1, 2026, or until funds are depleted. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible projects.

More information about the Oregon 250 Grant Program can be found at oregon250.org, including the grant guidelines.

Submit Your Event to the America 250 Oregon Community Calendar

The America 250 Oregon Commission invites individuals, organizations, and communities across the state to participate in our state’s official 250th commemoration by hosting events that reflect the diversity, creativity, and history of Oregon. Whether you’re planning a lecture, festival, exhibition, performance, community conversation, or something entirely unique — the commission wants to hear from you!

To be featured on the America 250 Oregon community calendar, your event must align with at least one of the commission guideposts — the foundational values guiding our semiquincentennial commemoration effort in Oregon.

Fill out the Event Submission Form if you would like your event included on the America 250 Oregon community calendar. All submissions will be reviewed and could take up to 3 weeks for response. Please submit a separate form for each program, project, or event you plan to host. Approved events will receive the “America 250 Oregon Official Event” logo for inclusion on promotional materials.

America 250 Oregon Traveling Exhibitions

The America 250 Oregon Commission is currently offering two traveling exhibitions that are available to rent at no cost!

The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries.

The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state. 

Both exhibitions are also available to view for free online here.

Get Involved

If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact egon.250@ohs.org">oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.