FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2026
Contact: Kari Goodheart, Chief Petitioner
Initiative Petition 2028-025 — Oregon Freedom Amendment
www.oregonfreedomamendment.org

Chief Petitioner Will Not Appeal Certified Ballot Title; Campaign Turns to Funding and Circulation

SALEM, Ore. — The Attorney General certified a ballot title for Initiative Petition 2028-025, the Oregon Freedom Amendment, on September 25, 2026. Electors have until October 9 to petition the Oregon Supreme Court for review of that title. Chief Petitioner Kari Goodheart will not file an appeal.

“The fight over wording is not worth the cost — in money, in time, or in the energy this campaign needs for the work that actually puts a measure in front of voters,” Goodheart said. “The real battle is funding this petition and printing the resources volunteers need to collect signatures.”

The certified summary tells voters the measure’s “effect on current law is unclear.” That line is the core omission. Oregon’s highest court has already said what current law is.

In State v. Pulos, 64 Or. 92, 95 (1913), language the Oregon Supreme Court has repeated since, the Court wrote that “no person has an absolute property right in game or fish while in a state of nature and at large; … the taking of them is not a right, but is a privilege, which may be restricted, prohibited, or conditioned, as the law-making power may see fit.” Title to wildlife is held by the state in its sovereign capacity, in trust for the people — not as an individual right belonging to Oregonians themselves. Today the legislature can ban or severely restrict hunting without surviving heightened constitutional review.

The Freedom Amendment would change that legal category. It would give the people of Oregon an individual, fundamental right to hunt, fish, trap, farm, ranch, raise livestock, cultivate crops, harvest natural resources, and engage in generally accepted practices of agriculture, animal husbandry, and scientifically based wildlife management. It would constrain how the state may regulate those rights. Regulations would have to be reasonable and necessary — narrowly tailored to conservation, public safety, or the protection of public health and property rights, and consistent with sustainable, science-based practices.

The measure would not abolish seasons, tags, hunter education, or trespass laws. The change is the legal floor: hunting and the other listed activities would be protected rights the state must justify restricting, instead of privileges the state may withhold. Courts would treat them more like other enumerated individual rights than like a license. That is a solid constitutional defense for the people’s rights in Oregon — not an uncertain one.

Goodheart submitted detailed comments during the public-comment period. Those objections are on the record. She will not spend the campaign’s limited resources litigating a title that still leaves voters with the impression that the legal effect of a constitutional right is a mystery.

Supporters who want this measure on the November 7, 2028 ballot are asked to help with funding and printing so signature gathering can move forward as soon as circulation is authorized.

Donate and volunteer: www.oregonfreedomamendment.org

Outdoor debris burning will open at sunrise tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 1 in the Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2.  

Central Oregon fire agencies work collaboratively to determine the best time to open burning based on weather and fire safety factors. Currently the region is in Moderate fire danger and with cooler temperatures and the precipitation we have seen, burning has been determined safe to conduct.  

As a reminder, debris burning within Bend city limits remains permanently banned by City ordinance. Open fires are also prohibited on public land owned by City of Bend, Deschutes County or the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Campfires, recreational fires, warming fires and cooking fires are permitted within the city of Bend and the surrounding rural area if the proper safety precautions are followed.   

If you choose to burn, Bend Fire & Rescue wants you to remember: 

• Know if burning is allowed at your location. Debris burning regulations may vary between governmental jurisdictions within the Central Oregon area. Please contact your local fire agency for specific requirements and closures. 

• Call before you burn. Weather conditions can change quickly and burning can be closed as needed. If you are within the rural area, please call 541-322-6335 before lighting a fire to ensure burning is open for the day.   

• Obtain any permits needed for your outdoor fire. Large fires (greater than 6 feet in diameter), agricultural fires and special fires like bonfires or pit fires may need a permit.  

• Follow all local burn regulations and have a copy on hand. Failure to comply with burning regulations may result in a citation and/or being reported to Department of Environmental Quality.  

• Prep the area before you burn and have water and tools nearby. Maintain a 10-foot clearance around the fire and ensure water or a hose and tools are close in case of the fire escaping.  

• Fully extinguish your fire when you are done and leaving the area. The ground needs to be cold to the touch to prevent unwanted rekindling of the fire.  

Learn more about burn permits and regulations at bendoregon.gov/burninginfo.  

September 30, 2026

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

Sunset Bay State Park Beach health advisory issued Sept. 30

High bacteria levels prompt OHA recommendation to avoid water contact

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing a public health advisory today for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Sunset Bay State Park Beach in Coos County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted.

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

Visitors 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. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including:

• Stormwater runoff
• Sewer overflows
• Failing septic systems
• Animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife

Even if there is no advisory in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted.

While this advisory is in effect at Sunset Bay State Park Beach, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.

For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

###

Media resources

Instead of conducting individual interviews for this announcement, ODHS will host a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 1:30 to 1:50 p.m. Members of the media will have an opportunity to ask questions about SNAP work or activity rules and exemptions for college students. RSVP for the media availability by emailing Sara Campos at a.k.campos@odhs.oregon.gov">sara.k.campos@odhs.oregon.gov.

An statement from the ODHS interim Oregon Eligibility Partnership Director will be available after the event: https://vimeo.com/showcase/12330638

A Spanish-language video summarizing the key messages will also be available on Vimeo. Spanish-language media may request interviews or submit questions in Spanish by contacting Adriana Taylor at ma.A.Taylor@odhs.oregon.gov">Irma.A.Taylor@odhs.oregon.gov.

SALEM, Ore. — As students return to colleges and universities across Oregon this fall, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is reminding students about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

SNAP can help eligible students afford groceries while they pursue their education. Eligibility rules for students can be complicated, and students should not assume they do not qualify. Help is available from ODHS to understand the rules and apply.

Student eligibility

SNAP has special rules for students ages 18 through 49 who attend an institution of higher education at least half time (as defined by their school). These students are referred to as “students of higher education.” To be eligible for SNAP, students of higher education must meet at least one exemption.

Exemptions for students of higher education

In addition to regular SNAP rules, students of higher education are required to meet at least one student exemption to qualify for SNAP. The exemptions include students who:

• Participate in a state or federally funded work-study program.
• Work for pay an average of at least 20 hours per week.
• Are responsible for the care of a young child or meet certain requirements as a parent attending school.
• Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or unemployment benefits.
• Participate in certain employment and training programs, including SNAP Employment and Training or qualifying Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs.
• Are enrolled in an undergraduate course of study intended to be completed in four years or less that leads to employment. This can include students beginning at a community college and planning to transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Other exemptions may also apply depending on a student’s circumstances.

“Students are working hard to build skills, complete their education and prepare for their future careers,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, interim director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Program. “SNAP can help eligible students afford food while they pursue those goals. The eligibility rules can be complicated, so we encourage students who need help to reach out rather than assume they don’t qualify.”

Benefits Navigators can help students find support

Students at Oregon’s public colleges and universities can also connect with a Benefits Navigator for help identifying resources that may support their basic needs.

Oregon funds a Benefits Navigator at every public college and university. Navigators work alongside students to understand their needs, develop strategies and connect them with campus, community, state and federal resources.

During the 2025–26 school year, Benefits Navigators served more than 30,000 students statewide and made more than 45,000 referrals to campus and community resources.

Work or activity rules

The SNAP rules for students of higher education are different from the federal work requirements for adults who are required to follow Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work rules. ABAWD work rules apply to people who are 18 through 64 and do not receive SNAP with children under the age of 14.

Students of any kind (including higher education) enrolled in school at least half time are exempt from the ABAWD work requirements. However, students of higher education must first meet a student exemption to receive benefits.

Because several rules can affect eligibility, ODHS encourages students to ask for help rather than assume they do not qualify.

How to get help

Students interested in SNAP can:

• Contact a Benefits Navigator at their college or university
• Apply or manage benefits online at benefits.oregon.gov.
• Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075.
• Visit an ODHS office: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx
• Learn more at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon: https://oregonhunger.org/snap-for-students/

If a student was previously denied SNAP because they did not meet the higher education student eligibility requirements, they can reapply if their student status or circumstances have changed.

New Oregon SNAP data webpage

ODHS has launched a new Oregon SNAP data webpage to make current SNAP participation data easier to find. The page includes monthly statewide and county-level data on the number of people and households receiving SNAP in Oregon.

The page will be updated regularly to provide partners, media, public officials and the public with a single source for current, verified SNAP caseload data.

Learn more at Oregon SNAP data: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/data/Pages/snap-data.aspx

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging three Oregon men with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Cody James VanWinkle aka COUNTUPCODY, 30, Gresham, and Kei-Jian Buckley, 32, Beaverton, had their initial appearances and arraignments today. Bruce Edward Jones, Jr. aka Juice, 30, Eugene, had his initial appearance and arraignment on September 24, 2026.

According to court documents, VanWinkle, Buckley, and Jones stole or obtained stolen checks and altered the payee line and dollar amount so that the check could be deposited by them instead of the intended payee. VanWinkle and Buckley formed an LLC called Pacific Swift Logistics, which was a sham business, to assist in their fraud. VanWinkle, Buckley, and Jones, along with others they recruited, deposited or transferred via wire the fraudulent and forged checks into the accounts controlled by VanWinkle, Buckley, or Jones. VanWinkle, Buckley, Jones, and others they recruited, withdrew, attempted to withdraw, or otherwise transferred the money before the financial institutions were able to flag the deposit as fraud and halt the withdrawals or transfers. When the recruits received money, they provided a portion of the stolen money to VanWinkle, Buckley, and Jones.

At their arraignments, VanWinkle and Buckley pleaded not guilty. Jones previously pleaded not guilty. All defendants are scheduled for trial November 24, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigations are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Sax is prosecuting the case.

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

# # #

Oregon physicians discuss 2026-2027 respiratory virus season at virtual media briefing Wednesday

ODHS will host a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 1:30 to 1:50 p.m. to share information about SNAP eligibility for higher education students, including work or activity rules and exemptions.

A news release with more details will be issued Wednesday morning.
 

Members of the media will have an opportunity to ask questions. Instead of conducting individual interviews for this announcement, ODHS is encouraging reporters interested in the topic to attend the media availability.

To RSVP and receive the meeting link, please email a.k.campos@odhs.oregon.gov">sara.k.campos@odhs.oregon.gov.

A recorded statement from the ODHS interim Oregon Eligibility Partnership Director and a Spanish-language video summarizing the key messages will be available after the event on Vimeo. Spanish-language media may request interviews or submit questions in Spanish by contacting Adriana Taylor at ma.A.Taylor@odhs.oregon.gov">Irma.A.Taylor@odhs.oregon.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power Foundation awards $29,500 to Walla Walla and Yakima area organizations

WALLA WALLA AND YAKIMA, Wash. (September 29, 2026) — The Pacific Power Foundation is proud to support eight Washington organizations working to protect the environment and strengthen their communities.

Funding will help provide hands-on outdoor education for students, expand volunteer initiatives and support career training programs that create opportunities for the community.

“Across the region, these organizations are empowering their neighbors to learn new skills and care for the environment around them,” said Ryan Flynn, director of the Pacific Power Foundation and president of Pacific Power. “We are pleased to support this meaningful work and the positive impact it has on our communities.”

These funds were awarded through the Pacific Power Foundation’s Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect grant cycle. Organizations interested in applying for the Foundation’s next grant cycle, Safety and Wellness, may apply by December 15.

The following organizations in Washington received funding during this grant cycle:

• The Blue Mountain Community Foundation in Walla Walla received $4,000.
• Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington in Yakima received $4,000.
• Heartlinks in Yakima received $7,500.
• The Palouse Valley Community Center in Waitsburg received $1,500.
• Recovery Career Services in Yakima County received $1,500.
• Skyline Adventures in Dayton received $1,000.
• The STEM Bridge Center received $5,000.
• Yakima Valley Trolleys received $5,000.

###

About the Pacific Power Foundation:   

 
The PacifiCorp Foundation, doing business as the Pacific Power Foundation in Oregon, Washington and California, is one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The foundation was created by PacifiCorp, an energy company that serves over 2 million customers across a diverse six-state region as Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho) and as Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power. Since it started in 1988, the PacifiCorp Foundation has awarded more than $80 million to nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit PacificPower.net/Foundation.  

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs invites Oregonians to join in honoring all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces at the Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Oregon State Capitol State Park in Salem.

The annual ceremony will feature remarks from state leaders and special guests, along with traditional ceremonial elements honoring the service and sacrifice of Oregon veterans. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.

The ceremony will be held on the Capitol Mall, directly across Court Street from the front entrance of the Oregon State Capitol. The event is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/odvavet.

Statewide Veterans Day Events

ODVA also maintains a Statewide Veterans Day Events Calendar highlighting local observances and community celebrations throughout Oregon. To find an event near you, visit oregondva.com/event-calendar.

Organizations hosting Veterans Day events are encouraged to submit their event for inclusion on the calendar using the “Add Your Event” link on that page.

If you have any questions, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.

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

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

Pacific Power Foundation awards $7,500 to Eastern Oregon organizations

PENDLETON, Ore. (September 29, 2026) — The Pacific Power Foundation is proud to support five Eastern Oregon organizations working to protect the environment and strengthen their communities.

Funding will help provide hands-on outdoor education for students, expand volunteer initiatives and support career training programs that create opportunities for the community.

“Across Oregon, these organizations are empowering their neighbors to learn new skills and care for the environment around them,” said Ryan Flynn, director of the Pacific Power Foundation and president of Pacific Power. “We are pleased to support this meaningful work and the positive impact it has on our communities.”

These funds were awarded through the Pacific Power Foundation’s Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect grant cycle. Organizations interested in applying for the Foundation’s next grant cycle, Safety and Wellness, may apply by December 15.

The following organizations in Eastern Oregon received funding during this grant cycle:

• Building Healthy Families in Enterprise received $1,000.
• Safe Harbors in Enterprise received $1,000.
• The Sherman County Soil & Water Conservation District in Moro received $2,000.
• Sweet Potato’s Closet in Hermiston received $2,500.
• The Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness in Enterprise received $1,000.
   

###

About the Pacific Power Foundation:   

 
The PacifiCorp Foundation, doing business as the Pacific Power Foundation in Oregon, Washington and California, is one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The foundation was created by PacifiCorp, an energy company that serves over 2 million customers across a diverse six-state region as Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho) and as Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power. Since it started in 1988, the PacifiCorp Foundation has awarded more than $80 million to nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit PacificPower.net/Foundation.  

$50,000 Cash Prize Awarded to Dedicated Solution-Makers in the American West

BEND, Ore. — The High Desert Museum is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Jordan Schnitzer Prize of the West (the Prize), an award that celebrates and honors uncommon collaboration and innovation in solving the legacy challenges of the American West. Launched in partnership with Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, nominations will be accepted on the High Desert Museum’s website through Dec. 31, 2026. For more information on the Jordan Schnitzer Prize of the West, nomination eligibility, and selection process, visit highdesertmuseum.org/schnitzer-prize.

In a moment when the American West is confronting unprecedented ecological challenges, the Prize seeks to highlight innovative responses to urgent issues such as water scarcity, wildfire, tribal sovereignty, land stewardship, ecosystem change, best ranching practices and more—offering models that can be replicated in other areas of the country facing similar pressures.

 “The Prize celebrates and honors those leaders who are working collaboratively on these complex issues to demonstrate how to work toward the common good,” said Jordan D. Schnitzer, president of Schnitzer Properties and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation. “Inspired by these leaders’ determination, we will continue to award and recognize their tireless work to create solutions that benefit everyone while preserving and enhancing the remarkable Western United States.”

Now in its second year, the $50,000 prize is awarded annually to an individual or a small group of individuals whose work addresses the environmental and conservation challenges of the American West, with a particular focus on innovation, impact, and collaboration. In addition to the $50,000 cash prize, the winner will receive a piece of original artwork during an award ceremony in Portland, Oregon.

Brad Parry, vice chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, was awarded the inaugural prize for his leadership and collaborative work in transforming the site of the 1863 Bear River Massacre in Preston, Idaho, into a place of ecological and cultural healing. As the leader of the Wuda Ogwa Cultural and Land Restoration Project, Parry is recognized for having built one of the most collaborative models of watershed restoration in the American West while successfully restoring the land to its natural state.

An esteemed panel of 13 advisors with deep backgrounds in tribal leadership, ranching and farming, water policy and river restoration, and prominent academic centers focused on the American West selected Parry's nomination.

The Prize advisers also recognized four esteemed finalists in 2026:

• Amy Bowers Cordalis
• Kelley Delpit
• Julie Rentner
• Laura Van Riper
   

Applications and nominations for the Prize will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of advisers composed of former tribal leaders, ranchers and farmers, water policy and river restoration practitioners, a poet laureate and renowned historian, directors of prominent academic centers that focus on the study of the American West, and more.
 

 “The Jordan Schnitzer Prize of the West is an exceedingly timely and relevant effort to shine a light on the innovators, collaborators and visionaries among us,” said Dana Whitelaw, executive director of the High Desert Museum. “Their work demonstrates that we can look toward our future together even as we consider the economic and ecological challenges before us.”
 

Since 1982, the High Desert Museum has been dedicated to sharing the stories of the American West through wildlife, art, cultures, history, and interdisciplinary experiences, creating a shared connection and dialogue among its community.

ABOUT JORDAN D. SCHNITZER AND THE HAROLD & ARLENE SCHNITZER CARE FOUNDATION
Jordan Schnitzer has a vibrant legacy supporting the High Desert Museum. He is the visionary and sponsor of the Schnitzer Prize of the West. Through the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Schnitzer carries on the legacy of his late parents and their belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the CARE Foundation and its leaders have given over $300 million to fund hundreds of nonprofit projects that touch lives and enrich communities.
 

Schnitzer is also a prominent West Coast businessman. He is President and CEO of Schnitzer Properties, one of the West Coast’s Top 10 private real estate owners with offices in six Western states. Schnitzer is also an ARTnews Top 200 Art Collector globally and shares his vast contemporary art collections at no charge to museums and institutions and supports accompanying programming, educational opportunities and publications.
 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM  

The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2025 recipient of the Autry Public History Prize from the Western History Association and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.  

###

PORTLAND, Oregon—The Oregon Department of Revenue’s Portland and Gresham regional offices will be closed Tuesday, October 6, 2026 for staff training.

A secure drop box is available for taxpayers to deliver any necessary payments or documents. Office staff will mail receipts directly to customers.

The offices in Portland, 800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 505, and Gresham, 1550 NW Eastman Parkway, Suite 220, will return to normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

Additionally, district offices in Bend, Medford, and Eugene and the department’s main office in Salem will also be closed October 6, 2026.

Agency contact centers for most general inquiries will also be closed on October 6, 2026; though contact centers handling debt collection or payroll and withholding inquiries will remain open.

The Department of Revenue continues to expand features available through Revenue Online. Individuals can view letters sent to them by the department, initiate appeals, make payments, and submit questions. Visit Revenue Online to learn more.

To get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make payments, visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov. 

Salem, OR — Today, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) published the annual maximum rent increases allowed by law for calendar year 2027.

The maximum allowable rent increase percentage in 2027 for tenancies subject to ORS 90.324(b) is 10%.

Per ORS 90.324, “no later than September 30th of each year, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall calculate the maximum annual rent increase percentage allowed for the following calendar year:

• For tenancies subject to ORS 90.600 (1) in facilities with more than 30 spaces, as six percent.”
• “For tenancies subject to ORS 90.600 (1) in facilities with 30 or fewer spaces or for tenancy types subject to ORS 90.323, percentage is the lesser of:
  • Ten percent; or
  • Seven percent plus Consumer Price Index (CPI).”

To view the methodology, calculation and Consumer Price Index data, refer to the Maximum Annual Rent Increase 2027 (Excel file).

The allowable rent increase percentage for calendar year 2026 was 9.5%.

Questions related to the administration of the maximum allowable rent increase and other landlord-tenant concerns can be directed to Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).

"Facilities" is defined as manufactured dwellings and marinas.

SALEM, Ore. – Fifteen Oregon arts organizations will receive $10,000 grants to strengthen K-12 arts education for the upcoming year through the Oregon Arts Commission’s Arts Learning grant program.

“Through this grant program, thousands of students will have an opportunity to engage with the arts in the classroom,” said Tiff Harker, Arts Education and Grants Coordinator. “Arts organizations partner with schools and students greatly benefit from the enhancement of cognitive skills, creative problem-solving and self-empowerment.”

Arts Learning grants support projects that provide K-12 students with responsive learning opportunities in and through the arts. These projects also foster the exchange of knowledge between artists and educators and positively impact the achievement, skills and attitudes of learners. Learn more about the program on our website.

Applications were evaluated by a community review panel. The panel’s funding recommendations were then approved by the Oregon Arts Commission.

Funds for this grant program are provided by the state of Oregon general fund through its support of the Oregon Arts Commission and by a federal grant to the Arts Commission by the National Endowment for the Arts.

FY2027 Arts Learning Grants Awardees:

Pendleton Arts Center, Pendleton
To support the sequential learning, over a four-month period, of book and paper arts skills, including papermaking, printmaking, paper engineering and book making for 250+ kindergarteners at the Pendleton Early Learning Center, culminating in a public reception for community members and students' families.

Art Center East, La Grande
To support offering eight residency weeks of the Artists in Rural Schools Improv Program to four of the eight Title 1 elementary schools in Union County, blending sequential arts and social and emotional learning for underserved rural youth.

Future Prairie, Portland
To support a six-month sequential vocal arts learning project for students in grades 6-12 across rural coastal Oregon. Produced by Future Prairie and co-developed with educators at Fire Mountain School (Arch Cape, Clatsop County) and Neah-Kah-Nie High School (Rockaway Beach, Tillamook County), and led by Portland Opera tenor Emmanuel Onry Henreid, monthly intensive workshops will take place at the partner schools and a culminate with a public recital.

Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre Northwest, Portland
To support Heidi Duckler Dance Northwest's teaching artists with creative movement classes for children Pre-K through seventh grade, fostering creativity, confidence, physical coordination and social-emotional growth and culminating in a student performance for families, school staff and the broader school community.

#Instaballet, Eugene
To support #instaballet's onsite, accessible youth workshops in Life Skills classrooms across Springfield and Eugene public schools in partnership with the Lane Education Service District.

Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph
To support arts education in rural, economically distressed Wallowa County, the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture seeks funding for three interconnected programs: the Charter Art Program, afterschool arts education and the Youth Arts Festival that together provide K-12 students with high-quality, professional arts instruction.

Native Performing Arts Network, Hillsboro
To support Native Performing Arts Network's expansion of its arts education programming with Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA)'s Many Nations Academy, with McDermitt Combined School, serving Oregon residents of the McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe, and adding programing with other Oregon Tribal nations.

Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Otis
To support a Rural Photography Outreach initiative that expands access to Sitka's proven photography curriculum, helping K-8 students in underserved rural communities explore creative expression and visual storytelling through photography.

The Open Arts Center, Bend
To support equitable access to arts education for students at Bear Creek Elementary, a bilingual Title I school in Bend that recently lost dedicated arts instruction, The Open Arts Center will partner with school educators to provide three sequential six-week artist residencies during the 2026-2027 school year, engaging approximately 75-90 students in hands-on visual, performing and interdisciplinary arts experiences led by professional teaching artists. It will culminate with public showcases of student learning.

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, Newport
To support sequential arts learning for sixth grade students at Newport Middle School, a Title 1, rural school in economically distressed Lincoln County, while providing a paid opportunity for local teaching artists. Due to budget cuts, Newport Middle School has just lost its art program. Through this project, Oregon Coast Council for the Arts will help fill the gap, bringing mediums of art instruction to the school, including ceramics, painting, print making and fiber arts.

Oregon East Symphony, Pendleton
To support 45 hours of sequential, standards-based afterschool classical strings instruction (violin, viola, cello) for 4th and 5th grade students in the rural Pendleton School District, providing foundational music literacy, ensemble experience and equitable access to instrumental music education.

Parrott Creek Child & Family Services Inc., Oregon City
To support the expansion of our successful Tilt/Shift Photography Program at our residential facility. The program engages at-risk youth in photography as a means to connect with their creativity and self-expression, providing educational and professional opportunities and bolstering coping skills.

SCRAP Creative Reuse, Portland
To support the next chapter of Mend to Extend, SCRAP's established mending and textile-arts program. The effort will deepen our ongoing work with returning school partners into a sequential, iterative year in which cohorts of students learn in and through the arts, building real mending and sewing skills while developing their own creative voice and aesthetic through free, hands-on sessions.

Sticks and Stones Studio, Jacksonville
To support the reintegration of K-5 art programming into the Ruch Outdoor Community School’s lasting curriculum through the transformation of their existing classroom space into a self-sustaining Teaching for Artistic Behavior studio. This will equip students and educators with the creative autonomy and artistic thinking skills to thrive independently, ensuring the program continues long after direct nonprofit involvement ends.

Theatre 33 at Willamette University, Salem
To support free art, design and animation workshops at Title I and rural high schools in economically distressed regions of Oregon, providing sequential arts education and meaningful creative professional development opportunities to approximately 150 students grade 9-12.

About the Oregon Arts Commission

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, arts programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Commissioners appointed by the Governor establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. Nested within Business Oregon, the Arts Commission works to support the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state. The Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at oregonartscommission.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Independent, provider-led network across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho confirms its 2027 carrier lineup well ahead of Open Enrollment, as insurer exits and shifting contracts reshape coverage nationwide.

OREGON – As Open Enrollment approaches on October 15, Praxis Health is confirming which insurance carriers it will be in-network with for 2027, ahead of the usual timeline. The move comes amid a wave of disruption across the health insurance industry, marked by payer exits and shifting contracts among both national and regional insurers. Praxis Health's goal is straightforward: give patients the time and clarity they need to choose coverage that keeps their care team in place, rather than leaving them to navigate a surprise mid-year.

Recent examples include Providence's move to wind down most of its health insurance business, Health Net's exit from parts of the market, and continued network narrowing among national carriers. Employers, health systems, and patients across Oregon are all navigating similar decisions right now. Against that backdrop, Praxis Health chose to finalize its 2027 network today rather than wait.

“Insurance is changing all around us and we'd rather not wait for the market to settle before making a clear decision about our insurance network. Every insurer we work with has real strengths and real limitations. We cannot control those factors, but what we can control is being decisive, transparent, and early, so our patients have enough time to plan”

— Dr. Jessica Morgan, Chief Medical Officer, Praxis Health

No insurance partner is perfect. Network strength varies by community, coverage differs between Medicare Advantage and commercial plans, and factors like prior authorization and referral approval all shape a patient's real-world access to care. Praxis Health weighed all of these factors before finalizing this decision, and its goal, and its obligation to patients, is to ensure every decision supports access to care.

The shift is landing differently in every community Praxis Health serves, and local providers are already navigating it with their own patients. In Portland, Chris Aichele, ARNP, has been direct about what network changes mean in daily practice.

"I've had patients lose access to specialists they had been seeing for years. Not because their condition changed but because their insurance plan no longer is contracted with their specialist. I've had planned surgeries get cancelled when a specialist and insurance company can't negotiate with one another and the contract ends with little notice. Leaving these decisions until the last minute hurts patients. We want our patients choosing their next plan on their own terms, with enough time and information to do it right.”

— Chris Aichele, ARNP, Pacific Medical Group North Portland, Praxis Health

Praxis Health CEO Dan McCarthy echoed that commitment. “We built this organization to be a reliable primary care leader in this state, and we want to align with insurers who are equally invested in a sustainable care network for our communities. That means finalizing our carrier lineup now, ahead of open enrollment, so our patients have enough time to make an informed decision about their healthcare.”

Patients enrolled in an affected plan will receive direct notice, access to a dedicated support line, and in-clinic help evaluating their options. Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7; ACA marketplace and employer benefits enrollment periods follow later this fall, and Medicaid and CCO members should also confirm their coverage with their clinic. Because an insurance carrier's own provider directory isn't always current, Praxis Health recommends checking GoPraxisHealth.com/insurance-updates for the most accurate 2027 coverage information rather than relying on a carrier's listing alone. Medicare Advantage members will be presented with the full range of in-network plans; Praxis Health does not recommend a specific replacement plan and encourages members to consult a licensed insurance broker, a SHIBA/SHIP counselor, or 1-800-MEDICARE for personalized guidance.

Praxis Health's focus is on making this easier for our patients. Patients have the final say in choosing their own insurance and care team; our job is simply to give them the time and information to choose well.

We're Here to Help

Praxis Health will continue to be in-network with Aetna, Cigna, First Choice, PacificSource, Moda, and Regence BlueCross BlueShield in 2027, with additional partnerships expected to be announced soon. United Healthcare is available in Washington, but negotiations are currently ongoing for Oregon & Idaho and termination could occur if an agreement is not reached. Patients with questions can call their clinic, for a full list of our clinics, click here or visit GoPraxisHealth.com/insurance-updates.

Providence and Health Net are no longer offering insurance in 2027.

About Praxis Health

Praxis Health is a provider-led, independent primary care organization with more than 30 clinic locations across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Built on the belief that independent, whole-person primary care leads to better outcomes and stronger communities, Praxis Health partners with patients, employers, and reliable insurance carriers to deliver consistent, relationship-based care. Learn more at GoPraxisHealth.com.

Former CEO sentenced to 48 months’ incarceration for $24,000,000 Embezzlement Scheme

CORRECTION:

A total of 1,706 notices were sent beginning Sept. 16 to SNAP households that need to provide updated income information. The information below has been updated. ODHS apologizes for the error.  

SALEM, Ore. — As part of ongoing efforts to improve accuracy of benefits, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is asking some people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits to provide updated income information by the end of the month.

ODHS began mailing notices Sept. 16. About 1,706 people will receive the notices by the end of the week. As of August 30, 2026, there are 639,261 individuals in Oregon who receive SNAP.

If you received a notice, please read it and respond by the deadline listed in the notice. Providing the requested information gives an ODHS eligibility worker a chance to review your case and make sure your benefits are correct.

If ODHS does not receive the requested information by September 28, your benefits may be reduced or your case may close, beginning with October benefits.

“We know SNAP rules and reporting requirements can be complicated, and receiving a notice asking for more information can be concerning,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, Oregon Eligibility Partnership interim director. “The most important thing people can do is respond so that our eligibility staff can review the case, answer questions and make sure people receive the benefits they are eligible for.”

What to do if you receive a notice

If you receive a Missing Information notice:

• Read the notice carefully. It explains what information ODHS needs and when you need to respond.
• Provide the requested income verification as soon as possible, by Sept. 28. If you do not respond by Sept. 28 you should still contact ODHS, a worker may be able to help.
• Respond even if you think the information is wrong. An ODHS eligibility worker can review the information with you and help resolve differences.
• Contact ODHS if you have questions or need help.
• You do not need to contact your employer to respond to the notice. Send the information requested by ODHS.
• Do not ignore the notice. If ODHS does not receive a response, SNAP and TANF benefits, if applicable, will close on the date listed in the notice.

ODHS expects to conduct additional income checks over the next 12 to 15 months. The timing of future checks is still being finalized.

Why ODHS is doing the income check

ODHS is checking income to help families receive the right amount of benefits at the right time. The check is one of many steps Oregon is taking to improve accuracy and to lower the SNAP payment error rate: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/pages/snap-per.aspx.

This check compares income reported to ODHS with earnings information available through The Work Number, an employment and income verification database.

Some SNAP households received a notice because the income reported to ODHS was below 130 percent of the federal poverty level, while information from The Work Number showed that the household’s income may be at or above that level. If a household also receives TANF, the notice includes information about both SNAP and TANF.

Receiving a notice does not automatically mean someone will lose their benefits. People who receive a notice should provide the requested income information by September 28 so ODHS can review their case and determine whether their benefits should change.

How to Get Help

You can talk with an ODHS eligibility worker if you have questions or want help understanding the notice.

• Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075
• Use the ODHS office finder to find a local office.

ODHS also has information online about what SNAP changes need to be reported and how to report them. The page explains different ways to report changes and includes guidance for reporting income and other household changes.

Learn more about reporting SNAP changes:
https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/Pages/report-snap-changes.aspx#how

People do not need to contact their employer to respond to the notice. They should submit the information requested by ODHS.

The Downtown College Place Association (DCPA) is excited to launch a new Downtown Improvement Matching Grant designed to support local businesses, property owners, and eligible organizations investing in the College Place downtown corridor.

The grant provides up to $1,000 in reimbursement funding for approved projects that help make downtown College Place more welcoming, attractive, and vibrant. Eligible projects may include exterior painting, signage, awnings, lighting, windows, landscaping, benches, storefront improvements, and other enhancements.  The program is open to eligible applicants located along the College Avenue downtown corridor, from “C” Street to Highway 125.

“This is really about investing in the people and businesses that make College Place special,” said a Downtown College Place Association board member. “Small improvements can make a big difference, and we want to encourage our community to continue investing in a downtown we can all be proud of.”

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing businesses and property owners to apply when they are ready to move forward with a project.

For more information about the Downtown Improvement Matching Grant, visit www.downtowncpassociation.com or email downtowncollegeplace@gmail.com.

The Downtown College Place Association is also always looking for community members who want to get involved in building a stronger downtown. Anyone interested in learning more about serving on the DCPA Board of Directors is encouraged to email downtowncollegeplace@gmail.com.

Downtown College Place Association
Helping local businesses thrive.

Embargoed until Friday, September 25, 2026, 11:30 a.m.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Nels Swenson as one of Oregon’s 17 2026-27 Regional Teachers of the Year! Swenson teaches CTE/Agriculture at Sherman County School in Moro.  

Media members are invited to the surprise announcement at Sherman County School, on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:30 a.m., when Swenson will be honored in an all-school assembly.  

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12.

Swenson was nominated by a colleague who said, “[Swenson] is a selfless teacher who spends countless hours working to help his students feel more confident and prepared for their futures.” They added, “He fully embodies the philosophy that there is always room to improve and is very open minded and encouraging to all he meets.” 

In his nomination, Swenson noted, “Learning happens best when it is organic, captivating and inquiry based.” He further explained, “Knowing the students in the class, their backgrounds, experiences and interests, I tailor lessons to the individual to best make the lesson suitable to them.” 

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development. 

“We are so proud of this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year who consistently demonstrate hard work, build strong relationships, empower their students, and create classroom environments that lead to student success,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “As mentors, advocates, and community leaders, they show us all that the best is on display in schools large and small, rural and urban, from the first years of schooling to the final preparations for a student’s next steps beyond high school. We thank them for their inspiration and can’t wait to see what they do next.” 

Thanks to a partnership with Oregon Lottery, each Regional Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,000 award and is considered a semi-finalist for the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year, which will be announced later this fall. 

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, over $150,000 of Oregon Lottery funding went to Sherman County. 

“These are exceptional educators who inspire students daily across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are honored to celebrate their dedication and the lasting impact they have on our students and families.”    

On Friday, September 25, 2026, once all 17 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. 

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2027-28 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org. 

Shortly following the event, photos from the regional surprise announcement for Swenson will be available HERE.  

Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2026-27 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.