UPDATE 5/18/26: Sheriff’s Office releases names of victim and suspect.

The victim of Saturday morning’s hit-and-run fatality is Justin David Hannaford, 47, of Gold Hill. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested the hit-and-run suspect at approximately 6 PM Saturday evening in the 7100 block of West Evans Creek Road. The suspect, Shavon Marie Walker, 44, of Gold Hill is charged with failure to perform duties of a driver to injured persons, a Class B felony if a person dies as a result of the collision. She is lodged in the Jackson County Jail. This case is under further investigation.
 

Original Release: 

JCSO Case 26-2466

GOLD HILL, Ore. - Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and detectives are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian that occurred early this morning in the Gold Hill area. Detectives are looking for the public’s help to provide information on a potential suspect. 

JCSO deputies responded to a call for a man down on Access Road Saturday, May 16 at 3:12 AM near Jackson County Fire District 3 Gold Hill Station and Blackwell Road. Medics were dispatched but the 47-year-old man died from injuries before they arrived. Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team responded to assist the investigation. 

The crash occurred sometime between 1:30-3:12 AM early Saturday morning. The involved vehicle is believed to have been traveling north on Access Road (off Interstate 5 exit 40) toward the intersection with Blackwell Road. 

The suspect vehicle’s make and model are unknown at this time. Investigators believe there will likely be damage to the headlight, hood, and or windshield of the suspect vehicle.

If you have any information about the crash, suspect, or involved vehicle please call the ECSO Dispatch non-emergency number at 541-776-7206 and reference case 26-2466. 

Next-of-kin has been notified. Our condolences go out to the victim’s family and friends. At this time we are not releasing decedent information. This case is active and ongoing. There is no further information available at this time. 

The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement will hold a press conference to discuss the disruption of criminal activity targeting local Asian American business owners in the Eugene area. Please see attached media advisory for details. 

Video Available for Download: https://vimeo.com/1193414348?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

JCSO Case 26-2500

ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – A drunk driver is in the hospital after driving the wrong way on I-5 before crashing head-on into an oncoming SUV. The suspect, Ivan Grover Barber Jr., 43, of Grants Pass, is charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, third-degree assault, reckless driving, recklessly endangering, felony elude, and second-degree criminal mischief. He is in a local hospital with serious injuries.

On Sunday, May 17 at 10:39 PM, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputy attempted to pull over a speeding Toyota pickup in the 6400 block of Rogue River Highway. The truck eluded east at high speed towards the city of Rogue River. Due to safety concerns, JCSO terminated the pursuit prior to the city limits.

A Rogue River police officer deployed spike strips and disabled the truck, but Barber continued driving the wrong way onto Interstate 5, traveling northbound in the southbound lanes. Barber crashed head-on into an oncoming SUV, totaling both vehicles and causing minor injuries to the other driver. Jackson County Fire District 1 and American Medical Response medics arrived on scene to extricate and transport the wrong-way driver.

This case is open and ongoing. There is no further information available for release. Oregon State Police is conducting the crash investigation.

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DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (18 May 2026) – On Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 1:11 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 126 near milepost 107 in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a green Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Lee Glenn Bernard (63) of Lebanon, was traveling eastbound on Highway 126 near Redmond when it crossed into the westbound travel lane for an unknown reason. A westbound blue Subaru Outback, operated by Scott Macleod Nicol (77) of Redmond, attempted to avoid the Chevrolet; however, the two vehicles collided head-on.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Bernard) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Chevrolet’s passenger, Sandra M. Kronour (66) of Lebanon, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The operator of the Subaru (Nicol) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELLED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for May 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.

The next Applicant Review Committee meeting is scheduled for June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2026

MEETING NOTICE

Noxious Weed Advisory Board Meeting

May 21, 2026

(Douglas County, Ore.) The next Douglas County Noxious Weed Advisory Board meeting will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm in Room 216 of the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon.

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to watch the meeting.  To view the live stream or post meeting recording, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov. 

The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at  https://www.douglascountyor.gov/.  The meeting notice has been posted on the Douglas County website.

For additional information about this meeting, please contact Tracy Pope, Douglas County Natural Resource Specialist by calling (541) 440-4348 or email at acy.pope@douglascountyor.gov">tracy.pope@douglascountyor.gov.   

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Media Contact:   Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 Email: a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov  

For Immediate Release in English and Spanish: May 18, 2026

Media Contacts: Communications@employ.oregon.gov;

English – Jason Payton, editor, Jason.m.payton@employ.oregon.gov;

Spanish – Sarah Cunnigham, projections economist, ah.e.cunningham@employ.oregon.gov">sarah.e.cunningham@employ.oregon.gov

Oregon Careers magazine gives students and job seekers practical information to plan for their future

OED’s annual publication features articles, practical tips, and useful labor-market data to help Oregonians of all ages make informed career decisions

SALEM, Ore. —  The Oregon Employment Department has released its 2026 Careers magazine in English and Spanish to help students and job seekers explore possible careers, research educational and training options, map out potential career paths, and prepare to apply and interview for jobs. Educators, school and occupational counselors, and educational institutions can order free print copies and download a student activity guide.

Produced by OED’s Workforce and Economic Research Division, the annual publication features 40 different articles, including in-depth breakdowns of career pathways, practical tips, and success stories. It’s designed to help Oregonians choose which profession they want to go into, perfect for graduates and those looking for something new.

“Our goal is to highlight real career pathways where Oregonians can connect their interests and skills to occupations that are in demand across the state,” said Workforce and Economic Research Division Director Bob Uhlenkott. “No matter which industries or job fields you’re interested in, this information provides valuable insight into what opportunities exist in Oregon and how to pursue them.”

The magazine is broken down into five sections: career planning, education, job search, career guide, and resources. Article topics this year include:

• Build a Good Foundation Through a Pre-Apprenticeship Program
• Tips for Job Shadowing
• Help Paying for College
• A Recruiter’s Advice for Finding Your Next Job
• Five Steps to a Successful Interview

Drawing on the Oregon Career Information System (CIS), the Career Guide section provides detailed information about 240 occupations, including wage ranges, the availability of apprenticeships, educational and licensing requirements, total annual employment, and average annual job openings in the state.

OED also publishes Career Aware, a two-part version designed for elementary-age students.

“This information is for Oregonians of all ages - whether you’re figuring out what you want to be when you grow up, considering a career change, or looking for your next position,” Uhlenkott said. “Having access to reliable information and guidance can make a huge difference for people when exploring the many opportunities available to them.”

About Workforce and Economic Research

The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department develops and distributes quality economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and support a thriving economy. Staff collect data from state and federal records and surveys; analyze the available information; and share insights with the public in a variety of ways, including regular reports, publications, and the website, QualityInfo.org.

Para difusión inmediata: 18 de mayo de 2026

Contactos de prensa:  Communications@employ.oregon.gov;

Inglés – Jason Payton, editor, Jason.m.payton@employ.oregon.gov;

Español – Sarah Cunnigham, economista de proyecciones, ah.e.cunningham@employ.oregon.gov">sarah.e.cunningham@employ.oregon.gov

La revista Carreras de Oregon ofrece a estudiantes y personas en busca de empleo información práctica para planificar su futuro

La publicación anual del OED presenta artículos, consejos prácticos y datos útiles sobre el mercado laboral para ayudar a los habitantes de Oregon de todas las edades a tomar decisiones profesionales informadas

SALEM, Ore. —  El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) ha publicado su revista Carreras 2026 en inglés y español para ayudar a estudiantes y personas en busca de empleo a explorar posibles carreras, investigar opciones educativas y de capacitación, trazar posibles trayectorias profesionales y prepararse para solicitar empleos y asistir a entrevistas. Las y los maestros, consejeros escolares y ocupacionales, y las instituciones educativas pueden solicitar copias impresas gratuitas y descargar una guía de actividades para estudiantes.

Elaborada por la División de Investigación Económica y de la Fuerza Laboral del OED, esta publicación anual presenta 40 artículos diferentes, que incluyen análisis detallados de trayectorias profesionales, consejos prácticos e historias de éxito. Está diseñada para ayudar a los habitantes de Oregon a elegir la profesión a la que desean dedicarse, lo que la convierte en una herramienta ideal tanto para graduados como para quienes buscan un nuevo rumbo.

“Nuestro objetivo es destacar trayectorias profesionales reales en las que los habitantes de Oregon puedan conectar sus intereses y habilidades con ocupaciones que tienen demanda en todo el estado”, afirmó Bob Uhlenkott, director de la División de Investigación Económica y de la Fuerza Laboral. “Independientemente de las industrias o campos laborales que le interesen, esta información ofrece una perspectiva valiosa sobre las oportunidades existentes en Oregon y la manera de aprovecharlas”.

La revista se divide en cinco secciones: planificación profesional, educación, búsqueda de empleo, guía profesional y recursos. Los temas de los artículos de este año incluyen:

• Construir una base sólida mediante un programa de preaprendizaje
• Consejos para la observación laboral
• Ayuda para financiar la universidad
• Consejos de un reclutador para encontrar su próximo empleo
• Cinco pasos para una entrevista exitosa

Basándose en el Sistema de Información Profesional de Oregon (CIS por sus siglas en inglés), la sección de la Guía Profesional (Career Guide) ofrece información detallada sobre 240 ocupaciones, incluyendo rangos salariales, disponibilidad de programas de aprendizaje, requisitos educativos y de licencia, el total de empleo anual y el promedio anual de vacantes laborales en el estado.

El OED también publica Career Aware, una versión dividida en dos partes diseñada para estudiantes de primaria.

“Esta información está dirigida a los habitantes de Oregon de todas las edades: ya sea que estén definiendo qué quieren ser de grandes, considerando un cambio de carrera o buscando su próximo puesto”, afirmó Uhlenkott. “Contar con acceso a información confiable y a orientación puede marcar una enorme diferencia para las personas al explorar las numerosas oportunidades que tienen a su alcance”.

Acerca de la investigación sobre fuerza laboral y economía

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

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Oregon State Parks joins Oregon Department of Forestry and other local, state and national partners in recognizing May as Wildfire Awareness Month.

(SALEM, Ore.) – Campfires are a beloved tradition when visiting Oregon State Parks, and staff encourage visitors to enjoy them safely when and where permitted.

Everyone at the campsite should be familiar with campfire safety, including children. Always keep an eye on campfires; accidental fires can start even when campers leave their fire unattended for a short time.

Three tips for safer campfires

1. Build them only where allowed. Check online to see if campfires are allowed where you’re going or ask a park ranger. In some cases, even propane fire rings may not be allowed.

2. Build them safely. Only build campfires in the existing fire ring at your campsite, which are put in specific areas away from vegetation. If using a propane fire ring, keep it away from vegetation and overhanging branches. At the beach, only build campfires where permitted on open sand. Keep water close and keep flames below knee height, about two feet.

3. Put them out completely. Pour water over the flames and stir it into the embers to make sure everything is wet. Repeat this until you no long feel heat coming from the embers. Do not use sand to put out fires; it can insulate the coals and keep them hot for days.

Education is the top priority for rule enforcement, but rangers also have the option of issuing a Class A violation for significant violations or for multiple violations with a presumptive fine of up to $400.

In addition, explosives and fireworks are not allowed in state parks or the ocean shore because they pose a danger to visitors, wildlife and the landscape. High winds, flammable vegetation and the unpredictability of fireworks create a unique hazard particularly in crowded areas.

Resources

Websites

• Oregon State Parks campfire rules and current campfire bans. Campfire regulations in Oregon Administrative Rules.
• Oregon Department of Forestry’s wildfire information web page.
• Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention web page.
• Oregon Department of Emergency Management Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery website.
• Oregon Department of Environmental Quality smoke advisories.
• Oregon Department of Transportation TripCheck website for road conditions.

Social media

For breaking news and information, follow the social media accounts for Oregon State Parks, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of Transportation, and Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

About OPRD

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s mission is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. The department houses the State Historic Preservation Office and manages Heritage Programs, the state’s ATV Program, Recreation Grants and Community Programs, and Oregon State Parks.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to ORS 163A.215, which authorizes Community Corrections to inform the public when the release of such information will enhance public safety and protection.

The individual listed below has been convicted of a sex offense requiring registration with the Oregon State Police. Based on their criminal history, this person has been classified at a level indicating a potential to re-offend.

This notification is not intended to increase fear, but rather to support public awareness and safety.

NAME: Herrera, Julian Ivan
SID#: 18104153
DOB: 11/01/1984
Current Age: 41
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 125lbs
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown

Residence:

699 LOST LN N

KEIZER, OR  97303

Supervision Status:

Julian Ivan Herrera is on Supervised Probation for the crimes of: Harassment and Sex Abuse 3. His prior convictions include: Contributing to the Sexual Delinquency of a Minor, Attempted Assault IV, and Public Indecency.  

This person was granted supervision on: 03/23/2026

Supervision expiration date is: 03/22/2031

Victim Information:

Victims of Herrera include a minor female known to him and an adult male known to him.   

Special Conditions:
☒ No contact with minors
☒ Do not frequent places where minors congregate

☒ No alcohol or other intoxicating substances

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2026

NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE

Memorial Day Holiday - Monday, May 25, 2026

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman, would like to remind citizens that government offices in the Douglas County Courthouse, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, as well as the Douglas County Justice Building, Douglas County Courthouse Annex in Reedsport, Douglas County Landfill and Transfer Stations, Douglas County Fairgrounds and All External Douglas County Government Offices will be closed to the public on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.

Even when Douglas County government offices are closed, many officials and public employees continue working on special, routine, or emergency projects, those include our Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Department, Public Works Department, Emergency Management Department, Museums, Parks Department and Salmon Harbor Marina.  Please note the following: 

• The Douglas County Museum of History and Natural History and the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum will be OPEN on Monday, May 25, 2026, for normal business hours.
• All Douglas County operated Parks, Campgrounds and Boat Ramps will be open and accessible to the public.  For reservation information at Douglas County operated Campgrounds, please call (541) 957-7001 or go online to https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks.  As a reminder, the Douglas County Parks Office will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.
• Salmon Harbor Marina and the Winchester Bay RV Park will be open and accessible to the public.  For harbor or reservation information at Salmon Harbor, please call (541) 271-3407 or go online to https://douglascountyor.gov/448/Salmon-Harbor-Marina.  As a reminder, the Salmon Harbor Marina Office will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.
• Even though the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office lobby entrance will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, our Deputies, 911 communications and various staff will continue to provide law enforcement protection and emergency assistance for our residents.  If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.  If you need to reach dispatch for a non-emergency, call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 440-4471. 

Memorial Day is about remembering, and this year it will be observed for the 158^th time.  Memorial Day started during the Civil War when women began decorating the graves of soldiers who had died in that war. In 1868, May 30^th was designated as ‘Decoration Day’, a day for placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers throughout the United States.  ‘Decoration Day’ gradually became known as Memorial Day, and soldiers who died in other wars were honored. It quickly became a day to remember all people who had died in defense of our country. In 1971, the United States Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May.  The month of May was believed to have been chosen because flowers would be in bloom across the country. That humble and meaningful tradition of honor is what matters most today.

This day remains a time to set aside differences, stand-together, support one another and honor the sacrifices that have been made to preserve our way of life.  Locally you can find these and many other events honoring our heroes this Memorial Day Weekend:

• Reedsport will be hosting their annual Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 24 at 1:00 pm with a War Memorial Ceremony at Hahn Park at 2:30 pm and a Veterans Dinner at 5:00 pm.  A Salute in Remembrance will be held Monday, May 25 at 11:00 am at Reedsport Masonic Cemetery.  For more information visit www.reedsportmemorialparade.com.

• The Vietnam Veterans of America & Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Umpqua Chapter 805 will host a wreath ceremony at the Douglas County War Memorial on Monday, May 25 starting at 8:45  am.  The memorial is located on the front lawn of the Douglas County Courthouse under the beautiful canopy of our 128-year-old heritage elm tree.  It honors the more than 250 residents from Douglas County who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  Then at 10:00 they will be at the original Roseburg VA National Cemetery on Harvard Avenue in Roseburg for another wreath ceremony.

• The Roseburg VA National Cemetery will host its annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25, starting at 11:00 am, featuring a flyover by the 173^rd Fighter Wing an Oregon Air National Guard unit based at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base in Klamath Falls, Oregon.  They will also be placing U.S. flags on all graves of our heroes at both Roseburg VA National Cemeteries.

• Roseburg Memorial Gardens and Wilsons Chapel of the Roses will have their annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25 starting at 10:00 am.

• A Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 25 in Sutherlin at the Veterans War Memorial in Central Park at 9:00 am hosted by the Sutherlin Lion’s Club. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/central-park-sutherlin-oregon/memorial-day-wreath-laying-ceremony/1334698468576495/.

• The Glide Veterans Memorial on Highway 138E will host its 25^th Annual Memorial Day Tribute at 10:00 am which is co-located at the Glide Community Center at 20062 North Umpqua Hwy in Glide.  For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/glideveteransmemorial/.

• In Myrtle Creek, Tri-City and Canyonville you can drive through the community and across the bridges to see a patriotic display of over 200 American flags displayed along roads and key areas.  This event is coordinated by American Legion Fallin Post #123 in Myrtle Creek with support from the City of Myrtle Creek and MSK Building Supply.   

• We understand that there will be wreaths, flowers, and flags placed at many other veteran memorials and individual grave sites around the county.  Be sure to check your local listings for additional Memorial Day events and ceremonies happening in your area.

• In keeping with tradition, U.S. flags will be flown at half–staff from sun-up to sun-down at institutions across the nation on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Commissioners Kress, Boice, and Freeman encourage all citizens to take part in Memorial Day events that honor the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our nation. Help us honor, remember, and never forget the sacrifices made for our freedom, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on May 17, 2026, at approximately 9:17 a.m., the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a call of a head-on crash on Stayton Scio Road, near Stayton.  It was reported the vehicles were blocking the bridge and occupants were trapped in the vehicle.

Deputies responded and found the bridge leading into Stayton from Linn County was blocked and fire personnel were extricating Daniel Harnden, 77 of Stayton, from his black Chrysler 300. Harnden was soon transported to Salem Hospital for serious injuries. Deputies then contacted the second operator, Christian Ramon-Carbajal, 31, of Woodburn, who was operating a Hummer H3. Ramon-Carbajal showed signs of impairment.

During the initial investigation, deputies learned Ramon-Carbajal was traveling south on Stayton Scio Road, when he struck a curb, then veered into the opposite lane of travel, striking Harnden head-on. Both vehicles sustained heavy front end damage.

Although serious, Harnden’s injuries appear non-life threatening.

Ramon-Carbajal sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Santiam Hospital for treatment. Deputies’ investigation showed Ramon-Carbajal was impaired while driving and was a contributing factor to the crash. Once released from the hospital, Ramon-Carbajal was transported to the Linn County Jail where he was lodged and charged with Assault II, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and Reckless Driving. He also received citations for Driving Without an Operator’s License and Fail to Use Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by Stayton Police Department, Stayton Fire District, Sublimity Fire District, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Road Department, Santiam Hospital Paramedics and Linn County Road Department.

(Salem, OR) – Each May, Older Americans Month honors the contributions of older adults and highlights the importance of strong community connections. This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, encourages older adults to take action to support their health and prevent health issues, advocate for their needs and make informed choices that support their well-being.

U.S. Census Bureau estimates indicate that there are now more Oregonians aged 65 and older than 18 and under. As the population ages, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) continues to explore how it can strengthen its programs and resources to support older adults.

“When older adults have the information they need and timely access to resources to take charge of their well‑being, they can continue to contribute to their families and communities with strength and purpose,” said Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) within ODHS. “Our role is to ensure the systems around them make that possible.”

Several ODHS initiatives and programs reflect this commitment and support older Oregonians in championing their well-being:

• ODHS partners with Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state to help older adults access nutritious meals, connect with others and reduce loneliness. Home-delivered meals, often called Meals on Wheels, provide ready-to-eat meals delivered directly to people’s homes. Congregate meals for adults aged 60 and older are served in locations such as senior centers, community centers, churches and schools. To learn more about home-delivered meals, congregate meals and other food resources, visit NeedFood.Oregon.gov.
• The Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) of Oregon is a statewide information and referral network that helps older adults and people with disabilities access long term services and community resources such as food, transportation and family caregiving resources. Call 1-855-673-2372 (toll-free) or visit the ADRC website at www.ADRCofOregon.org to find help or learn more.
• The ODHS Brain Injury Program provides resources, connections to services and advocacy to help individuals better understand and navigate the effects of brain injuries. The program, which launched in 2025, is designed to help people access the support that best fits their needs. The Brain Injury Program can be reached at 1-833-685-0848 (toll-free). Help is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• ODHS licenses and inspects settings that offer long-term care for older adults and people with physical disabilities. The recently updated licensed long-term care settings search website provides provider profiles, inspection reports, and information on substantiated violations and regulatory actions so people can make informed choices about their long-term care and where they choose to live.

Governor Tina Kotek’s 2026 proclamation honoring Older Americans Month also reaffirms Oregon’s commitment to ensuring that older adults are valued, visible and connected to the supports they choose. As Oregon recognizes Older Americans Month, ODHS encourages community members to learn more about the many ways older adults enrich our state and the resources available to support their well-being and independence.

To explore this year’s theme, Champion Your Health, visit the federal Older Americans Month website.

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. (18 May 2026) – On Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 4:14 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian fatal crash on Highway 97 near milepost 264 in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Freightliner commercial motor vehicle, operated by Shawn Christopher Kunze (43) of Yreka (CA), was traveling southbound on Highway 97 near Klamath Falls when it struck a pedestrian in the roadway. The pedestrian, Modoc Shadley (18) of Klamath Falls, is reported to have been wearing dark clothing and walking in the southbound travel lane for an unknown reason.

The pedestrian (Shadley) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the commercial motor vehicle (Kunze) was transported to an area hospital for evaluation.

The highway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

UNION COUNTY, Ore. (18 May 2026) – On Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12:31 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 82 near milepost 24 in Union County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a green Toyota Highlander, operated by a 17-year-old male from La Grande, was traveling westbound on the eastbound shoulder of Highway 82 near Elgin for unknown reasons. The vehicle left the highway and rolled multiple times before the operator was ejected from the vehicle.

The operator and lone occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver is not believed to have been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The highway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Elgin Quick Response, La Grande Fire and Rescue, Life Flight, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Experienced arts leaders from Pendleton and Mosier join state efforts to foster creative expression and community connections

SALEM, Oregon — The Oregon Arts Commission is pleased to announce that Governor Tina Kotek has reappointed Roberta Lavadour of Pendleton to the Commission and has newly appointed Elizabeth Quinn of Mosier—both of whom are distinguished artists and administrators.

Oregon Arts Commissioners play an important role in the state’s cultural vitality. These volunteer leaders oversee a state agency that provides dynamic arts programs, critical financial and technical support for cultural organizations and artists, and meaningful leadership around arts and culture needs. They work to ensure that the arts remain a vibrant part of Oregon’s economy, education system and community identity.

Roberta Lavadour (Pendleton)

Roberta Lavadour, an artist and arts administrator based in Pendleton, returns to the Commission for a new term. Lavadour has served as the executive director of the Pendleton

Center for the Arts for 20 years and is also a member of the City of Pendleton’s Art Commission. As an active studio artist, her artist’s books and design bindings are exhibited nationally and globally and are held in prestigious national and international collections.

“Oregon’s culture is defined by both the making of art and vigorously supporting that work,” Lavadour said. “Fostering a culture of creative expression unlocks problem-solving skills that energize our public spaces, our economy and our families.”

Lavadour’s deep connection to the Oregon arts community is evidenced by her previous recognition as an Oregon Arts Commission Individual Fellow (2002). A graduate of Oregon State University with a focus on communications and community development, she brings a unique perspective that blends professional artistry with a commitment to local growth.

Elizabeth Quinn (Mosier)

Elizabeth Quinn joins the Commission with 25 years of leadership in the arts nonprofit sector. Currently a fiber artist, Quinn began her career as the Executive Director of The Dalles Art Center before founding the High Desert Journal. Her extensive resume includes roles as Program Director at Caldera and Interim Executive Director of PLAYA in Summer Lake. Through her work with Fieldworks Consulting, she has helped guide prominent institutions such as the Portland Art Museum and the Pine Meadow Ranch in Sisters.

Quinn is driven by the belief that “when we engage through the arts, meaningful, exceptional and innovative connections and opportunities arise.” She noted that “supporting and tending to these connections, especially among our most under-resourced communities in Oregon,” is her primary motivation for serving.

In 2016, Quinn was selected for the National Guild for Community Arts Education’s Leadership Institute, further solidifying her reputation as a leader dedicated to the intersection of art, education and community advocacy.

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. The Arts Commission is part of Business Oregon in recognition of the vital role the arts play in supporting 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 the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at oregonartscommission.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Eugene, OR — [May 18] — May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With depression affecting millions of individuals nationwide, Dr. Erik Bayona, a psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente in Eugene and medical professional in mental health and well-being, is available for media interviews to discuss how individuals can better support loved ones who are struggling.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 21 million adults in the U.S. experienced at least one major depressive episode. In Oregon, the National Alliance on Mental Health reports more than 900,000 adults live with a mental health condition Despite its prevalence, many people feel unsure of how to recognize the signs or how to respond when someone they care about is suffering.

“When someone you care about is struggling with depression, you don’t need the perfect words, you just need to show up,” said Dr. Bayona. “Simple, genuine connection can make a powerful difference. At the same time, it’s essential to remember that supporting someone else doesn’t mean neglecting your own well-being. Taking care of yourself is part of being able to help others.”

Interviews available May 19

Dr. Erik Bayona, a psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente in Eugene, is available on Tuesday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Zoom interviews. Contact erly.mounts@kp.org">Kim Mounts to schedule.

Dr. Bayona is available to discuss:

• How to recognize early and ongoing signs of depression
• What to say when you don’t know what to say
• How to support a loved one without overstepping or causing harm
• Strategies for maintaining your own mental and emotional health while caregiving

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. (18 May 2026) – On Friday, May 15, 2026, at 1:47 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 30 near milepost 34 in Columbia County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gold Nissan Pathfinder, operated by Gary Michael George (69) of Rainier, was traveling eastbound on Highway 30 near Columbia City when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with a loaded white Freightliner commercial motor vehicle, operated by Kulwinder Singh (36) of Auburn (WA). The Nissan was reported to have been observed passing traffic in the oncoming travel lane prior to the crash.

The operator of the Nissan (George) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Freightliner (Singh) was reportedly not injured. He remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia City Police Department, Rainier Police Department, Columbia River Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

 

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Benton County’s Natural Areas, Parks & Events Department is preparing for a Memorial Day tradition: placing flags on the graves of military veterans laid to rest at Crystal Lake Cemetery. Members of the Oregon National Guard, alongside Benton County leaders, local veterans services providers and community partners, will place U.S. flags on veterans’ graves during a ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 20.

Crystal Lake Cemetery is a historic pioneer cemetery, with roots dating back to 1860. The land was deeded to Corvallis Masonic Lodge #14 and has been managed by Benton County since 2001.

Today, the cemetery reflects the region’s history, with generations of Benton County individuals and families laid to rest there. These include military veterans who served in conflicts across the nation’s history.

“It’s a historic cemetery with almost every aspect of our county’s history represented, including the veterans who were laid to rest here,” said Shane Galloway, the County’s Natural Areas, Parks & Events maintenance manager. “We manage this with a very small budget, and it takes quite a bit of work. Volunteers spend hundreds of hours each year helping care for the site.”

County staff and volunteers work year-round to maintain the grounds, ensuring the stories and service of those buried there are remembered.

This Memorial Day, the flag placement serves as a visible reminder of service and sacrifice, connecting the community to its past while honoring those who served.

Watch a drone flyover of Crystal Lake Cemetery | View photos from Memorial Day 2023

KING CITY, Ore. – Oregon’s extremely mild winter and warm spring days have caused larvae of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) pest to mature faster and emerge weeks earlier than usual.

Oregon Dept. of Forestry Invasive Species Specialist Wyatt Williams has confirmed that in early May after peeling back bark from a section of a Raywood ash tree in King City in southeast Washington County he saw a fully formed emerald ash borer adult that looked ready to emerge.

In the four years since EAB was first found in Oregon in 2022, adults in northwest Oregon have always begun emerging from inside tree trunks sometime in the first two weeks of June. EAB continues maturing and emerging for several weeks into July.

“The very mild winter and the many warm spring days we’ve had in Oregon this year has allowed EAB larvae to develop more rapidly into adults,” said Williams.

He wasn’t completely surprised by finding an adult so early in May. “When we looked at the updated models that accounted for warmer than expected temperatures this spring, the models pointed toward an earlier emergence of adults. That’s exactly what we’re seeing,” he said.

King City is within the existing Washington County EAB quarantine zone. However, Williams’ discovery of the pest there was the first time it had been seen inside the city of about 5,000 people southeast of Portland.

Williams came upon the adult when he was following up on a hotline report made by Warren Tickner of Pacific Landscape Management. Tickner is contracted by the city to look after the publicly owned trees. He reported that Raywood ash trees in King City looked to be declining, a classic sign of EAB.

Williams said he found several of King City’s ash trees suffering dieback from verticillium wilt, a soilborne fungal disease. “Peeling back bark from a section of trunk of one of the trees, I found larval galleries and an EAB adult ready to take flight.”

He also found two of the ash trees had the characteristic twisting galleries made by EAB larvae under the bark. Since then an adult EAB has been seen at a new site in Woodburn, a place less than a mile from Wyffels Park where the pest was found last year.

Erin Carey is Public Information Officer for King City. She said in response to the discovery of EAB in the city, “we appreciate our residents’ patience as we navigate the proper way to address and remove any trees infested with the emerald ash borer as soon as possible. We would also like to commend our landscape contractor for taking swift action when reporting his suspicion of the EAB to the appropriate authorities.”

Williams noted that the rate of growth of EAB larvae is closely tied to outside temperatures. This past winter in western Oregon was tied with 1934 as the warmest on record, followed by record-breaking or near record-breaking high temperatures this spring.

ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl said, “these changes in climate favor insect pests. It gives EAB adults more time to find a mate and then find an ash tree to infest with their eggs. At the same time, hotter temperatures and drought stress trees. This makes them less able to resist infestation and they may decline and die sooner.”

Since it can be hard to see EAB adults, ODF suggests the public learn to identify ash trees and monitor for signs of EAB infestation, such as dieback in the upper canopy. More information about identifying ash trees or emerald ash borer and what signs to look for can be found at OregonEAB.com.

If you suspect an ash or olive tree is infested, report it to the Oregon Invasive Species Council at https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org/reports/create. Or phone in a report at 1-866-INVADER (1-866-468-2337).

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The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) honors national Foster Care Month in May to thank Oregonians across the state who support children and young adults experiencing foster care and share the many ways people can get involved.

The month also highlights the contributions of resource (foster) parents, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), caseworkers, respite providers and relatives who provide care and connection for children during a difficult time.

As Governor Tina Kotek’s proclamation in honor of National Foster Care month says,  “There are many ways to help our children, including by providing respite care, volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, and taking a role as a caseworker; and individuals and public and private organizations can help by increasing public awareness of the need for more resource families, caregivers, and community support of children experiencing foster care.”

First steps to get involved

ODHS partners with Every Child to help recruit and support resource parents throughout the certification process. Oregonians interested in supporting children and young people in foster care can learn about different ways to help by visiting the Every Child website. To become certified, resource parents must complete ODHS training and background checks. Every Child also prepares experienced resource parents to serve as peer mentors, offering guidance and support to new resource parents.

Paid Leave Oregon can support eligible resource parents as they prepare to welcome a child into their home. This includes paid time off from work to complete necessary activities before a foster care child joins their home, or to care for and bond with a child during the first year.

Helping children and young adults stay connected to their biological families and communities is an important part of being a resource parent. Many children reunite with their families, and resource parents often stay connected to the child and family, becoming part of their support network. Supportive and responsive relationships can help children build resilience, improving long-term outcomes related to health and well-being, according to Harvard’s Center for the Developing Child.

“Resource parents play an essential role for children and families, providing nurturing homes during a difficult time. We are grateful for their commitment and dedication which can make a big difference in a child’s life,” Child Welfare Interim Director Rolanda Garcia said.

Resource parent Jessica Howell encourages interested Oregonians to take the next step. “Anyone who is going to become a parent doesn’t feel ready, but if you feel that desire to learn more, the best thing you can do is start,” Howell said. “Being a resource parent has challenged me and made me more compassionate. It has been beneficial to my life to open our home to be of service to our community, and to be aware of what people are going through.”

Respite care, youth advocacy and other opportunities

Respite care is another way to contribute. Certified Respite Providers provide short-term care to children, giving resource parents time to recharge. Volunteer opportunities through Every Child include creating care packages for children, launch boxes for youth aging out of foster care and providing a break for resource parents during the monthly Foster Parents’ Night Out event. Every Child also posts the current needs of families impacted by foster care through the MyNeighbOR program. Oregonians can select and donate items posted such as strollers, furniture or educational materials.

Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASAs, are another critical volunteer role in supporting children and young adults in foster care. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for a child’s best interests through written reports at court hearings. They spend time with children throughout their child welfare case until the child is in a safe, permanent home. CASA volunteers must complete a 35-hour training and commit to volunteering until the child’s case is closed.

To learn more, visit the ODHS website, Foster.Oregon.gov, or call 1-800-331-0503 to get involved.

Other resources

Learn about becoming a resource parent

Learn about becoming a Certified Respite Provider

Hear from resource parents and teens (videos)

• Foster Care 101: Common questions and answers
• Resource (foster parents) talk about fostering
• Teens on what makes a good resource (foster parent)

Paid Leave Oregon for new resource parents

Learn about Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs)

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking two volunteers to serve three-year terms starting in January 2027 as trail user representatives on the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants Advisory Committee. Current openings are for a Biking Representative and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Representative.
 

The ten-member committee evaluates grant proposals for statewide trail projects. The committee meets once or twice a year, virtually or at locations throughout the state.
 

The time commitment varies and includes reviewing and evaluating 25 to 40 grant applications per year. Committee members serve three-year terms and are eligible to serve a second term.
 

Ideal candidates representing the interest of biking or OHV trail users can live anywhere in Oregon with experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Land management
• Recreation planning
• Trail planning or design
• Trail related volunteerism, or
• A trail enthusiast who is uniquely qualified to evaluate statewide project proposals through other experience and involvement.

Strong candidates should demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreational trail needs for their respective user group, other broad recreational issues or trends, and the importance of providing accessible and inclusive recreational opportunities.
 

Those interested in serving must submit an RTP advisory committee interest form by June 30, 2026. The form is available online and includes more detailed information about serving on the committee: https://form.jotform.com/232364818278162

 

The competitive grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and administered by OPRD. Grants are awarded to non-profits and government entities for motorized and non-motorized trail projects, including building new trails, improving existing trails and developing or improving trail facilities. Learn more about the program on our website: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Pages/GRA-rtp.aspx. 
 

For more information about the advisory committee or application process, contact Jodi Bellefeuille, program coordinator, at ellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov">Jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-856-6316.



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BENTON & LINCOLN COUNTIES, Ore.— May is Wildfire Awareness Month. Benton and Lincoln counties are highlighting the health impacts of wildfire smoke and the importance of evacuation planning, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Wildfire smoke can have serious health impacts for everyone, but especially for pregnant people, young children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and for people who live or work outdoors.

“Smoke from wildfires is often a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning materials that can be harmful when inhaled,” said John Pegg, Environmental Health Program Coordinator for Benton County Health Department (BCHD). “If you need to be outdoors, using a NIOSH-approved N95 mask can help filter out these particles.”

Staying indoors is ideal when air quality is poor. People should check the air quality conditions using the airnow.gov Air Quality Index (AQI).

It is important to keep indoor air as clean as possible by closing windows and doors, using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce indoor air pollution, and avoiding activities that can worsen indoor air quality, such as smoking, using wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, burning candles or incense, and vacuuming. Watch this short video to learn how to make a DIY indoor air filter using a box fan.

People can also limit smoke exposure when driving by keeping windows closed and setting the air system to recirculate. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce symptoms like scratchy throat and coughing.

Evacuating an area with thick smoke may be the safest option for those with health conditions that put them at higher risk for illness from wildfire smoke. People should consider making a plan in advance to stay with friends, family, or at shelters if smoke becomes thick where they live.

“With experts predicting a higher risk for wildfires this season, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared,” said Daniel Norton, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Lincoln County. “Make sure you have plans and some supplies for your kids, pets, and any required medications ready to go in case you need to evacuate quickly.”

For a printable list of essential emergency kit items, view the flyer on BCHD’s webpage.

Wildfires and the smoke they produce can increase  stress and worsen mental health conditions, making it especially important to take care of each other and check on friends and neighbors. Benton and Lincoln counties offer mental health counseling, substance use disorder treatment, and crisis services. Learn more about Lincoln County Behavioral Health Services and Benton County Behavioral Health Services.

People can learn more about the health impacts from wildfire smoke on this Oregon Health Authority webpage.

Benton County Health Department

The Benton County Health Department is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Benton County. The Benton County Health Department focuses on preventing health problems before they occur. Their programs strive to create community conditions that help reduce health disparities, so all people have an equal chance for a long and healthy life. 

Lincoln County Health Department

Lincoln County Public Health is a division of Health and Human Services working to prevent illness and injury and promote well-being in our community. Lincoln County Public Health focuses on health for the whole community, so that fewer people get sick, hurt, or harmed in the first place.

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Los condados de Benton y Lincoln destacan la salud y la seguridad durante la temporada de incendios forestales

CONDADOS DE BENTON Y LINCOLN, Oregón — Mayo es el Mes de Crear Conciencia sobre los Incendios Forestales. Los condados de Benton y Lincoln están destacando los impactos en la salud del humo de los incendios forestales y la importancia de la planificación de evacuaciones, particularmente para las poblaciones vulnerables.

El humo de los incendios forestales puede tener graves repercusiones en la salud de todas las personas, pero especialmente de las personas embarazadas, los niños pequeños, los adultos mayores, las personas con problemas de salud crónicas y aquellas que viven o trabajan al aire libre.

“El humo de los incendios forestales suele ser una mezcla de gases y partículas finas provenientes de materiales en combustión que pueden resultar nocivos al ser inhalados”, afirmó John Pegg, Coordinador del Programa de Salud Ambiental del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton (BCHD por sus siglas en inglés). “Si necesita permanecer al aire libre, el uso de un cubrebocas N95 aprobada por el NIOSH puede ayudar a filtrar estas partículas”.

Permanecer en interiores es lo ideal cuando la calidad del aire es deficiente. Se recomienda consultar las condiciones de la calidad del aire utilizando el Índice de Calidad del Aire (AQI por sus siglas en inglés) de airnow.gov.

Es importante mantener el aire interior lo más limpio posible cerrando ventanas y puertas, utilizando un filtro de aire de partículas de alta eficiencia (HEPA) para reducir la contaminación del aire en interiores y evitando actividades que puedan empeorar la calidad del aire interior, tales como fumar, utilizar estufas de leña o chimeneas, quemar velas o incienso y pasar la aspiradora. Vea este breve video para aprender a fabricar un filtro de aire interior casero utilizando un ventilador de caja.

Asimismo, las personas pueden limitar su exposición al humo al conducir manteniendo las ventanas cerradas y configurando el sistema de aire para que recircule. Beber abundante agua puede ayudar a aliviar síntomas como la irritación de garganta y la tos.

Evacuar una zona con humo denso puede ser la opción más segura para aquellas personas con problemas de salud que las sitúan en mayor riesgo de enfermarse debido al humo de los incendios forestales. Se recomienda a las personas hacer un plan con anticipación para quedarse con amigos o familiares, o acudir a refugios, en caso de que el humo se vuelva denso en su lugar de residencia.

“Dado que los expertos pronostican un mayor riesgo de incendios forestales para esta temporada, es fundamental planificar con anticipación y estar preparados”, afirmó Daniel Norton, Coordinador de Preparación para Emergencias de Salud Pública del Condado de Lincoln. “Asegúrese de tener listos los planes y algunos suministros para sus hijos, sus mascotas y cualquier medicamento indispensable, por si fuera necesario evacuar rápidamente”.

Para obtener una lista imprimible de los artículos esenciales para un kit de emergencia, consulte el folleto disponible en la página web del BCHD.

Los incendios forestales y el humo que generan pueden aumentar el estrés y agravar los problemas de salud mental; por ello, resulta especialmente importante cuidarnos mutuamente y estar atentos a nuestros amigos y vecinos. Los condados de Benton y Lincoln ofrecen servicios de asesoramiento en salud mental, tratamiento para trastornos por uso de sustancias y servicios de intervención en crisis. Obtenga más información sobre los Servicios de Salud Mental del Condado de Lincoln y los Servicios de Salud Mental del Condado de Benton.

Las personas interesadas pueden conocer más sobre los efectos del humo de los incendios forestales en la salud visitando este sitio web de la Autoridad de Salud de Oregón.

Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton

El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton está comprometido a proteger la salud y el bienestar de todas las personas que viven, trabajan o visitan el Condado de Benton. El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton se centra en prevenir los problemas de salud antes de que ocurran. Sus programas se esfuerzan por crear condiciones comunitarias que ayuden a reducir las disparidades en salud, para que todas las personas tengan las mismas oportunidades de llevar una vida larga y saludable.

Departamento de Salud del Condado de Lincoln

El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Lincoln es una división de Salud y Servicios Humanos que trabaja para prevenir enfermedades y daños, y para promover el bienestar en nuestra comunidad. Salud Pública del Condado de Lincoln se centra en la salud de toda la comunidad, con el fin de que menos personas se enfermen, se lesionen o sufran daños en primer lugar.

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El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Election results will be made available to the public starting at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, May 19, and updated throughout the evening. Elections results can be obtained at:

 www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Elections

Ballots returned by mail and postmarked by May 19 must be received by May 26 in order to be counted. Ballots returned via mail and postmarked by May 19 may take several days to arrive at Lane County Elections, which means that the outcome of some races or ballot measures may not be known as quickly as in past elections. The Lane County Elections Office will continue to periodically update election results after May 19 until all ballots have been counted. The full results reporting schedule is available online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Elections.

Election results will be certified on June 25, 2026.

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The Elections Office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

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Lane County has designated Marcola Road and Clear Lake Road as Safety Corridors, which doubles traffic fines, to reduce the number of people killed and injured due to impaired driving and excessive speeding. The designation on Marcola Road is from Hayden Bridge to Parsons Creek Road. The designation on Clear Lake Road is from Territorial Highway to Green Hill Road. The doubled fines will be effective May 25, 2026, through May 25, 2028.

In recent years, multiple people have been killed and seriously injured in traffic crashes on Marcola Road and Clear Lake Road. Most of those crashes involved excessive speed or driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol (DUII). Increased fines are intended to deter people from violating traffic laws.

One of Lane County’s top priorities is to ensure people can get where they’re going safely on County-maintained roads. That’s why, when the state established a pilot program to test safety corridors aimed at improving rural traffic safety, Lane County was one of two counties in Oregon that chose to participate. The London Road Safety Corridor pilot program was a success: from 2021 to 2023, fatal and serious injury crashes were significantly reduced, demonstrating that doubled traffic fines, coupled with road signs and outreach, can save lives.

Based on the success of the London Road Safety Corridor, the Oregon Legislature amended state law (House Bill 2154) in 2025 to enable counties to designate up to two safety corridors at a time. Previously, the safety corridor designation was only available to state highways. The new law became effective January 1, 2026.

On February 10, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners approved a permanent Lane County Safety Corridor program, consistent with the new law. County roads with two or more fatal or serious injury crashes within the last five years are now eligible for safety corridor designation. Active safety corridors will have “Safety Corridor / Fines Double” signs. After two years, the signs will be moved to two other roads with high rates of fatal and serious injury crashes, and new signs saying “Our Community Values Safe Driving” will be installed to replace the safety corridor signs. The goal is to rotate the Safety Corridors every two years to roads with the most fatal and serious injury crashes.

We need everyone to make safety a priority. To prevent speeding, please plan travel times realistically. Traveling at lower speeds makes the roads safer for our friends and family. To prevent driving under the influence, coordinate with friends and family to designate a sober driver. We all want to get home safely. Together, we can prevent traffic crashes.

For more information, visit LaneCountyOR.gov/TowardZeroDeaths

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UPDATE: Randall Thompson has been located. He is safe and in good health. 

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (15 May 2026) – The Oregon State Police has issued a Missing and Endangered Person Advisory for 74-year-old Randall Thompson who was last seen on Highway 199 near Hubbard Lane in Grants Pass.  

Thompson is an Alzheimer’s patient and was last seen at 1:23 p.m. driving home in a dark gray Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with Oregon license plate 311KBC. He was following his wife home who was in separate vehicle when he failed to turn off onto their street. He is a white male, 6 ft. 2 inches tall, weighs 260 pounds, and has gray hair. Thompson was last seen wearing a green plaid jacket, a blue shirt, and black pants.

He is known to have ties to northern California. A statewide MEPA has been issued. Anyone who sees Thompson is asked to contact the Oregon State Police at 800-442-2068 or call OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-157009.

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About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

PORTLAND, Ore.— Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has appointed U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon to serve on this Administration’s inaugural Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). Established in 1973, the AGAC is composed of 18 U.S. Attorneys from across the country, providing geographic, operational, and subject-matter representation in advising the Attorney General and senior Department of Justice leadership on national priorities and other critical issues.  

“I am deeply honored to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and advance the Department of Justice’s priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “I look forward to working alongside my distinguished colleagues on the AGAC’s important mission and making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”

Mr. Bradford joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and served in a variety of leadership roles within the office, including Chief of the White Collar Unit, Chief of the Economic, National Security, and Cyber Crimes Unit, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

In 2022, Mr. Bradford served as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia where he trained justice sector partners within the region to combat cybercrime. Prior to his return to Oregon as the U.S. Attorney, Mr. Bradford was the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section in the National Security Division in Washington, D.C.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (15 May 2026) – On Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 4:33 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 39 near milepost 4 (South 6^th Street) in Klamath Falls.

The preliminary investigation indicated a blue Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by Sebastian Bufardeci Jr. (75) of Klamath Falls was traveling westbound on South 6^th Street near Wiard Street in Klamath Falls when it veered into the turn lane for an unknown reason. The Jeep clipped the driver side of a westbound silver Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Benjamin Duval (45) of Klamath Falls. The Jeep then continued into the eastbound travel lane collided head-on with an eastbound white Toyota Tundra, operated by Alejandro Ruelas (33) of Klamath Falls.

The operator of the Jeep (Bufardeci) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Toyota (Ruelas) was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Duval) was reportedly not injured.

 The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County Fire District 1, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

PORTLAND, Ore.—In honor of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year’s commemoration is observed from Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16, 2026.

“National Police Week is about gratitude for and remembrance of those men and woman who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We are grateful for our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners and their families for their daily service, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping our community safe,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

The names of 363 officers killed in the line of duty were added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. These names were read on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the 38^th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C.  

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

To learn more about National Police Week, please visit www.policeweek.org. 

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.—A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Culver, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for traveling hours across state lines to sexually abuse a minor victim.

Leonias Juber Ramos-Garcia, 26, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in February 2025, Ramos-Garcia gave the minor victim a note with cash and professed his affection for the minor. In March 2025, Ramos-Garcia sent sexually explicit messages to the minor victim and secured a hotel in Central Oregon where he sexually abused the victim. In April 2025, Ramos-Garcia traveled from Oregon to Washington and booked a second hotel where he again sexually abused the victim.

On November 18, 2025, Ramos-Garcia pleaded guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

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

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI, with assistance from the DEA and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

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

# # #

May 15, 2026

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

OHA kicks off 2026 Oregon beach monitoring season

Agency shares safety tips for coastal beach visitors

Editors: A media kit with videos of Linda Novitski, Ph.D., recreational waters specialist at OHA, discussing beach monitoring, is available on our media resources webpage. You can also watch a video about Oregon’s beach monitoring effort on our YouTube channel.

PORTLAND, Ore.—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program is kicking off the 2026 beach monitoring season, a joint effort between Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality that monitors about two dozen of Oregon’s most used beaches for fecal bacteria between May and September.

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

Through the Beach Monitoring Program, DEQ regularly samples marine water and freshwater at 25 beaches along Oregon’s 360 miles of coastline between May and September. To protect public health, OHA issues advisories at beaches where bacteria levels in marine waters are high.

The following Oregon beaches are being monitored during 2026, including beach name, and the city and county in which they are located:

• Seaside Beach – Seaside, Clatsop County
• Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Tolovana Beach State Park– Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park) – Arch Cape, Tillamook County
• Manzanita Beach – Manzanita, Tillamook County
• Rockaway Beach – Rockaway, Tillamook County
• Twin Rocks Beach – Twin Rocks, Tillamook County
• Oceanside Beach – Oceanside, Tillamook County
• Cape Kiwanda Beach – Pacific City, Tillamook County
• Neskowin Beach – Neskowin, Tillamook County
• D River Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Siletz Bay Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Beverly Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Agate Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Nye Beach – Newport, Lincoln City
• Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln City
• Roads End Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Seal Rock Beach – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Heceta Beach – Florence, Lane County
• Bastendorff Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Sunset Bay State Park Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Hubbard Creek Beach – Port Orford, Curry County
• Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, Curry County
• Mill Beach – Brookings, Curry County
• Crissey Fields State Recreation Site – Brookings, Curry County

Monitored locations include beaches where the Beach Monitoring Program has found bacteria in the past, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns.

When visiting the Oregon Coast, the Beach Monitoring Program encourages visitors to remember the following tips to protect :

• Check for advisories before you head to the beach.
• If a beach is under advisory:
  • Avoid swimming and swallowing ocean water.
  • Avoid swimming 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 can be higher in these types of water sources.
  • Shower after playing at the beach.
  • Wash your hands before eating or drinking.
  • Enjoy activities such as picnicking, beach walking and kite flying.

Note: Beach advisories are only issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within the May to Sept. sampling window. However, 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 no advisory is in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

For more information and current beach monitoring conditions please visit: www.healthoregon.org/beach, or contact the Beach Monitoring Program at each.Health@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">Beach.Health@oha.oregon.gov or 1-877-290-6767.

For immediate release: Friday, May 15, 2026                                  

Media Contact: communications@employ.oregon.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY

Open House for Mobile WorkSource Oregon Center Monday, May 18, 10 a.m., in Grand Ronde

Who: WorkSource Oregon, Oregon Employment Department, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Willamette Workforce Partnership

What: Open house for Grand Ronde and surrounding communities to tour one of the new mobile WorkSource Oregon centers

Where: Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Employment Services Center 9615 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR 97347

When: Monday, May 18, 10-11:30 a.m.

Opening remarks will run from 10-10:25 a.m. They will be followed by a tour of the mobile WorkSource Oregon center and time for the public and partners to ask questions and learn more about WorkSource Oregon services.

Speakers include Harris Reibach, director of the Tribal Employment Rights Office; Michael Herrin, employment programs manager for Vocational Rehabilitation and 477 Employment and Training; Andrew R. Stolfi, director of the Oregon Employment Department (OED); Kim Parker-Llerenas, executive director of Willamette Workforce Partnership; and Jim Pfarrer, director of OED’s Workforce Operations Division.

Mobile WorkSource Oregon Centers

Three new mobile WorkSource Oregon centers now bring career support directly to job seekers in rural communities across Oregon. Job seekers can check the public schedule for regular stops in rural communities across Central, Southern, and Western Oregon, including Grand Ronde.

These mobile centers are vans equipped with workstations, computers, and secure internet access. WorkSource Oregon staff drive the vans to communities that do not have a brick-and-mortar WorkSource Oregon center nearby. They provide personalized career support, help finding job and training opportunities, and referrals to benefits programs. Services are offered at no cost to customers, and no appointments are required.

About WorkSource Oregon

About WorkSource Oregon

The Oregon Employment Department’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services to job seekers, employers, and businesses, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, job search strategies, support for job postings and hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information.

WorkSource Oregon (WSO) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. WSO proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1680. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a Services@oregon.gov" target="_blank">EmployerServices@oregon.gov. 

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Salem, Ore. (15 May 2026) – Every year, the names of officers killed in the line of duty are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The memorial stands as a tribute to the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the commission of their duties, helping to make their communities safer.

This year, 363 names were added to the memorial wall, including 109 officers who died in the line of duty in 2025. Among the 254 names added for those who died in previous years is Arthur Stephen Hubbard, a warden with the Oregon Fish and Game Commission who was killed in 1914.

Game Warden Arthur S. Hubbard was shot and killed on December 17, 1914, while serving a search warrant alongside a local constable near Trail in Jackson County. The warrant had been issued in connection with a suspected game violation. The officers encountered the individual outside his cabin. Following a brief exchange, the suspect raised his rifle and fatally shot Game Warden Hubbard.

Warden Hubbard had served for three years prior to his death. He was 37 years old and was survived by his wife and two children.

The suspect, Loris Martin, was taken into custody by the county sheriff; however, he claimed he shot the warden in self-defense and was eventually acquitted of Hubbard’s murder. At the time, state game warden W.L. Finley called the verdict a travesty and refused to appoint another game warden to Jackson County.

The Fish and Game Commission served as an independent agency until it was consolidated with the State Highway Commission, Prohibition Commission, and State Fire Marshal to form the Oregon State Police in August 1931. Today, the Oregon State Police continues its service as a multi-disciplined organization charged with protecting Oregon’s people, wildlife, and natural resources.

Earlier this year, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund contacted OSP to request information about Hubbard’s death so his name could be added to the memorial wall. Members of OSP’s Honor Guard traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the annual remembrance and honor Oregon’s fallen heroes.

Captain Kyle Kennedy, who completed the application for the addition of Game Warden Hubbard on the national memorial and was a long-time honor guard member said, “The Oregon State Police has always honored Arthur Hubbard as one of our fallen. We are thankful to see the inclusion of his name on the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Every peace officer knows they may pay the ultimate price. For those who do, we are obligated to the fallen and their family to remember their legacy.”

The Oregon State Police has lost 34 members to line-of-duty deaths. These brave individuals made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of Oregon, and we honor their heroism today and every day.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

SALEM, Ore. — The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee meets virtually at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 22. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

Agenda items will include:

• Discussion of changes to draft Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan
• FTLAC upcoming meetings

Public comment is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting. To submit written comment, email ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov. Written comments sent at least 48 hours before the meeting will give the FTLAC time to review and consider information. Comments submitted after that window of time will be sent to the FTLAC after the meeting, entered into the record and posted online. Comments are not accepted after the meeting concludes.

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF. View more information on the FTLAC webpage.

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 ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov.

At 11:47 PM on Thursday, May 14th crews from Central Douglas Fire and Rescue and Sutherlin Fire Department were dispatched to the report of a fire in the bag house at Douglas County Forest Products.  The fire was confined to the bag house and did not spread to any nearby structures.  CDFR and SFD responded with four engines, one ladder truck, two command units and 17 personnel.

Video of arrest available here: https://vimeo.com/1192423580?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

JCSO Case 26-2328

MEDFORD, Ore. – A Jackson County Grand Jury indicted a man today May 14, on 10 charges including stalking, attempted kidnapping, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.  The charges stemmed from a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) investigation involving a 42-year-old man posing as a utility worker attempted to kidnap a 25-year-old woman from a mobile home park in rural Medford.

The suspect, Matthew Hokulii Aranda, 42, a Medford area transient, is charged with two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of first-degree attempted kidnapping, second-degree attempted kidnapping, two counts of stalking, unlawful use of a global positioning system device, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing.  

On the morning of May 8, the victim was working as a caregiver at a mobile home park in the 3900 block of South Stage Road. The investigation revealed Aranda, posing as a utility worker, waited for his victim for several hours before using a taser to incapacitate and physically attack her. An 85-year-old resident heard the victim screaming and confronted the armed suspect, allowing the victim to escape to her vehicle.

Aranda then tased the “Good Samaritan” for his efforts and chased his victim with a large hunting knife. She was able to get to the safety of her car. Aranda jumped onto the hood, but fell off as the victim drove away, suffering injuries in the process.

Law enforcement located Aranda injured and hiding in a nearby bush where he was arrested without further incident. JCSO was assisted by Oregon State Police, Medford Police Department, and Jacksonville Police Department.

This case is under further investigation. There is no additional information available for release at this time.

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YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. (14 May 2026) – On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 5:48 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 18 near milepost 38 in Yamhill County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Philip Andrew Estes (61) of Lincoln City, was traveling westbound on Highway 18 near SW Oldsville Road when it left the lane of travel for an unknown reason. The vehicle entered the westbound ditch, struck a culvert, and rolled over. The operator was ejected from the vehicle.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Estes) was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.  

 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2026

Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team Announces New Board Chair

The Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) Advisory Board has selected Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman to serve as the new Chair of the DINT Board.

DINT is a long-standing interagency narcotics task force serving Douglas County and is comprised of representatives from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, Oregon National Guard, Oregon State Police, and the Bureau of Land Management.

Established in 1989, DINT has remained operational since its inception, continuing its mission through a collaborative approach that combines personnel, expertise, and resources from multiple partner agencies. The participating agencies continue to play a critical role in supporting DINT’s efforts throughout Douglas County.

In addition to agency support, DINT receives funding assistance from the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.

The DINT Advisory Board is comprised of Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin, Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg, Roseburg Police Captain Jeremy Sanders, and Oregon State Police Roseburg Area Command Lieutenant Jim Andrews.

Commissioner Tim Freeman was nominated and unanimously selected by the DINT Advisory Board this week to serve as Board Chair.

DINT also wants to recognize and thank Roseburg Police Captain Jeremy Sanders for his leadership and contributions while serving as Chair of the DINT Board during the past year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 14, 2026

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Peace Officer Memorial Day and Police Week in Douglas County

Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman were honored to be invited to take part in Douglas County’s Annual Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office honoring all law enforcement agencies & officers, families, and fallen law enforcement officers today, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Douglas County Courthouse. 

The special Peace Officer Memorial Day Ceremony takes place annually to honor and remember our Douglas County law enforcement officers that perished while in the line of duty.  The event started with Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin welcoming everyone to the Courthouse for the memorial service.  Commissioner Chris Boice then read a proclamation on behalf of all three of the Douglas County Commissioners proclaiming Friday, May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week in Douglas County.  The proclamation pays special tribute to our law enforcement officers who have lost their lives while in the line of duty, while standing up for the safety and protection of others and honors all members of our law enforcement community in Douglas County, who unceasingly provide a vital public service and play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of our citizens.

Boice called upon all citizens of Douglas County to “observe May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day in memory of our law enforcement officers, who through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, and asked them to also recognize and pay respect to the families of our fallen heroes.”  He further proclaimed “May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week in Douglas County, and called upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies in which all of our people may join in commemorating our law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to their profession, have rendered immeasurable service to their communities.”

Additionally, the Commissioners pledged their support in the proclamation to all past, present, and fallen law enforcement officers and their families by Turning the Night Blue in their honor, as they have directed Facilities to light the exterior of the front of the Douglas County Courthouse with Blue lights during the week of May 10-16, 2026.   

Our Interagency Honor Guard commenced with their annual Douglas County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony with a call to attention by the Honor Guard lead. It was followed by a bagpipe performance of "The Green Hills of Tyrol" by an official Honor Guard bagpiper.  The Honor Guard presented the colors and raised then lowered the Peace Officer Memorial Flag to half-staff on a special commemorative flagpole that was placed between our United States, POW, and State of Oregon flags.  Following the ceremony the United States Flag, POW, and State of Oregon flags were honorarily placed at half-staff.  Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin and Roseburg Police Captain Jeremy Sanders placed ceremonial wreaths on either side of the Douglas County Fallen Police Officer Memorial.  A Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Dispatcher conducted a special radio end of watch broadcast in honor of our six fallen officers:

•    Officer Donald DeSues - Roseburg Police Department - EOW August 7, 1959

•    Special Deputy Ronald H. Terwilliger - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

•    Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr. - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

•    Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985

•    Deputy Morris L. Taylor - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW September 14, 2002

•    Deputy S. Allen Burdic - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW March 11, 2021

The radio broadcast was followed by a 21-gun salute and the ceremonial playing of taps on the cornet, performed by members of the Interagency Honor Guard.  The ceremony concluded with the traditional playing of "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes, followed by a final call to attention, and dismissal. 

Following the ceremony, Commissioners provided proclamation certificates to attending law enforcement agencies including Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, Winston Police Department, Myrtle Creek Police Department, Roseburg VA Health Care System Police Department, Oregon State Police, Interagency Honor Guard, and special guest retired California Highway Patrol Officer Don Ling.  The Commissioners would also like to acknowledge and thank our law enforcement agencies that were not able to attend Sutherlin Police Department, Reedsport Police Department, Cow Creek Tribal Police Department, Roseburg BLM Rangers Office, US Forest Law Enforcement, and all law enforcement agencies and officers that keep our communities safe.  A special thank you to the Roseburg Fire Department, DINT, Douglas County Parole and Probation, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement families, and the many community members for their support and attendance today. 

  A copy of the video presentation of the entire ceremony can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.  To learn more about the National Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week visit https://nleomf.org/.

###

Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Chief Public Information Officer | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Proclamation Attached. Photos © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County.

The Oregon State Marine Board will hold a public hearing on May 21 on proposed rule language for motorboat operations on the Siletz River in Lincoln County. The meeting will be a hybrid format, where members of the public can attend in person at the Marine Board office, located at 435 Commercial St. NE., Suite 400, in Salem, or virtually.  

At its April 23, 2026, meeting, the Marine Board approved opening the rulemaking process and directed agency staff to hold a public hearing, public comment session, and work session, in addition to a written comment period, before July’s quarterly meeting. The Board will then have its next opportunity to approve, modify, or deny final rules.

The hearing is an open format, from 11 am to 2 pm, where the public can provide comments online or visit the Marine Board office, with minimal impact on their day.

The written comment deadline is June 30, 2026, at 11:55 pm. Written comments can be submitted by email to .cooper@boat.oregon.gov">jennifer.cooper@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. mail to: Jennifer Cooper, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.

To view the proposed rule and the hearing details, visit the Marine Board’s Public Meetings page.

-End-

Shady Pines Festival, the immersive, community-built campout hosted by Shady Pines Radio, returns July 16 – 19, 2026, to Camp Tasty’s in Sandy, Oregon. Now in its fifth year, the beloved festival continues to bring an eclectic, genre-spanning lineup to the woods just outside Portland—this time with a special artistic collaboration to mark the milestone.

To celebrate its 5th anniversary, Shady Pines Radio has teamed up with Portland-based artist Wokeface to create its official festival artwork. Known for her psychedelic, joy-forward illustrations, Wokeface’s work explores themes of self-love, connection, and the magic of being alive. Since launching her practice in 2016, her colorful, surreal characters have appeared across murals, street art, and playful merchandise designed to delight the inner child and soften the edges of reality.

“Shady Pines has always been about lifting up Portland’s creative community, so teaming up with Wokeface for our 5th anniversary just felt right,” says founder Brian Bauer. “We’ve loved seeing her work around town for years, and her playful, heartfelt style really matches the spirit of the festival and the community that’s grown around it.”

Produced by Shady Pines Radio, the festival is shaped by volunteers, artists, and attendees who believe in connection over consumption. It’s the kind of place where strangers become campmates, musicians become collaborators, and everyone plays a role in creating the experience.

This year’s lineup features a wide range of local and regional favorites, including Jonny’s Day Out, Hippie Death Cult, Jujuba, Federale, Family Worship Center, Haley Johnsen, Mic Crenshaw, Small Paul, Night Heron, and Los Mal Hablados, with dozens more artists spanning indie, psych, folk, funk, punk, rap, and beyond. In addition to the music, attendees can expect interactive art installations, workshops, local food and craft vendors, and signature Shady Pines moments like the Thursday night Open Mic, Saturday morning kazoo parade, pop-up performances, and delightfully weird surprises around every corner.

Known for keeping things intentionally accessible, Shady Pines offers affordable tickets, food, craft brews and opportunities to attend for free through volunteering. The event is also family-friendly – kids 12 and under get in free, and this year also features kid-centric activities and performances by artists such as Red Yarn.

Weekend and day passes are available now, as well as special group discounts for purchases of 4 or more adult tickets. Prices will rise as the event date grows closer, so now is the best time to secure a spot at one of the Pacific Northwest’s most welcoming and creatively charged festivals. Volunteer sign-ups and Visual Artist applications are available on the festival’s website for those looking to get involved behind the scenes.

For tickets, volunteer opportunities, or more information, visit www.shadypinesfestival.com.

About Shady Pines Radio
Shady Pines Radio is an online community radio station broadcasting 24/7 via app, website, and smart devices. Home to nearly 100 Portland-area DJs, the station features local and under-the-radar music, comedy, interviews, and experimental programming. Its mission is to energize and support the local arts scene by connecting people through broadcast and in-person events like Shady Pines Festival.

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports at 11:30 a.m. this morning, searchers found Jerry Highsmith alive near a trail system around Duffy Lake.  Mr. Highsmith was experiencing symptoms of exposure and was unable to walk. A helicopter from the Oregon Army National Guard is currently on scene as a plan to get Mr. Highsmith to an area hospital is underway.

The efforts to find Mr. Highsmith involved over fifty searchers, including ground searchers, drones, K-9’s and aircraft.  The Linn County Search and Rescue Team was assisted by the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Incident Management Team, Mary’s Peak Search and Rescue, Corvallis Mountain Rescue, Deschutes County Search and Rescue, Marion County Search and Rescue, Lane County Search and Rescue, Albany Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, United States Forest Service, Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplains, Oregon Department of Emergency Management, and the Oregon Army National Guard.

Sheriff Duncan would like to thank all the agencies and organizations that helped in the search for Mr. Highsmith.  Finding Mr. Highsmith alive would not be possible without their assistance.

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports last night at 5:25 p.m., dispatch received the report of an overdue hiker in the area of Big Meadows Road, east of Idanha. The caller reported her father, Jerry Highsmith, 80, from Lebanon, went backpacking near Fir Lake and planned to return home by Tuesday at 5:00 p.m., ahead of anticipated incoming weather.

Deputies responded to the area and located Mr. Highsmith's vehicle parked at the Fir Lake trailhead off Big Meadows Road. A deputy and a Search and Rescue volunteer hiked into the Fir Lake area while additional Search and Rescue resources were being activated. Despite a thorough search of the trail and area around the lake, deputies were unable to locate Mr. Highsmith.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office activated its full Search and Rescue team, deploying searchers on the trail, who conducted a search through the night under heavy rain and thunderstorm conditions. Search operations have continued without interruption and additional support from neighboring counties has been requested to assist with additional search assignments today.

Mr. Highsmith is described as an experienced hiker, and likely well prepared for a couple of nights. He’s described as 5’10”, 200 lbs with medium length gray hair. His clothing description is unknown.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help. If you were in the Big Meadows Road area or near Fir Lake at any point over the last several days and may have seen or spoken with Jerry Highsmith, please contact us immediately at (541) 967-3950.  Please reference case number 26-01799. Any information, no matter how small, could be critical to bringing Mr. Highsmith home safely.

UPDATE: Levi F. Wallace of Colton was indicted and arraigned on a total of 19 charges on Friday, May 8, 2026, in Clackamas County.

Wallace is being held in the Clackamas County Jail on $500,000 bail for the following charges:

• Attempted using a child in display of sexually explicit conduct (four counts)
• Attempted luring a minor (nine counts)
• Online sexual corruption of a child in the second degree
• Attempted unlawful contact with a child (two counts)
• Luring a minor
• Encouraging child sexual abuse in the second degree
• Failure to report as a sex offender

The Oregon State Police wants to remind parents to set strict guidelines with their children and internet access, along with access to different applications. Unrestricted internet access for children increases the risks of exposures to online predators.

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. (17 April 2026) – An Oregon State Police Internet Crimes Against Children operation recently led to the arrest of a Clackamas County man.

On March 31, 2026, an Oregon State Police detective portraying a 16-year-old female was contacted through an online application by Levi F. Wallace (44). Wallace carried on a weeklong sexually explicit conversation with the detective and sent sexually explicit photos.

On April 16, 2026, with the help of the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, Molalla Police Department, and Milwaukie Police Department, Wallace was arrested at his home in Colton.

Wallace was lodged at the Clackamas County Jail on four felony warrants, including child luring, online sexual corruption of a minor, and encouraging child sex abuse in the second degree for a similar operation that occurred in 2024. Wallace was also lodged in Clackamas County on additional charges for the current case of luring a minor, online sexual corruption of a minor in the second degree, and failing to register as a sex offender.  

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact OSP’s Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-0779 or by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-108600.

Oregon State Police reminds parents to help keep their children safe by monitoring online activity, setting strict privacy settings, and ensuring personal photos are not shared online. 

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Weekend Train Rides Return to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center for the 2026 Season

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is excited to announce the return of its popular weekend train rides beginning May 23, 2026. Running every Saturday and Sunday through October 11, 2026, these family-friendly excursions offer passengers a memorable rail adventure through the heart of Portland aboard historic diesel locomotive BNSF 3613.

Perfect for families, visitors, and train enthusiasts of all ages, the scenic rides provide a unique opportunity to experience Portland from the rails. Guests can choose between riding in an open-air car or relaxing in a vintage air-conditioned coach while enjoying views of Portland’s skyline, the Willamette River, local wildlife, and the timeless charm of Oaks Park.

Each train ticket also includes admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, where visitors can explore Portland’s rich railroad history and get an up-close look at historic locomotives and rail equipment.

Event Details:

• When: Saturdays & Sundays, May 23 – October 11, 2026
• Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
• Train Departure Times: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm
• Tickets Prices:
  • Adults (14+) – $17
  • Seniors (65+) – $15
  • Military (with ID) – $15
  • Children (3-13) – $12
  • Infants (Under 3) – Free
  • Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) – $50
• Tickets & Registration: https://orhf.org/

About Oregon Rail Heritage Center:

The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) provides for the preservation, operation and public enjoyment of Portland’s historic locomotives, railroad equipment, and artifacts, and educates the public about Oregon’s rich and diverse railroad history. ORHC is open to the public on Thursdays-Sundays from 1:00pm-5:00pm. Seasonal train excursions are offered most weekends. For additional information, visit https://orhf.org/. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact:

Renee Devereux, Executive Director

Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Phone: (503) 233-1156
Email: devereux@orhf.org">rdevereux@orhf.org

Website: https://orhf.org/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend with a Special Steam Train Ride at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Historic Polson #2 Steam Locomotive Returns for a Memorable Family Experience

PORTLAND, Ore. — Families, train enthusiasts, and dads of all ages are invited to celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a one-of-a-kind steam train experience at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21.

Guests will enjoy a nostalgic excursion powered by the legendary Polson #2 steam locomotive, offering the sights, sounds, and excitement of classic rail travel. Riders can feel the rumble of the locomotive, hear the iconic whistle, and experience the magic of traveling behind a living piece of railroad history.

This Father’s Day themed event includes festive décor and an onboard bar featuring snacks and refreshments available for purchase, making it the perfect outing for families looking to create lasting memories together.

Whether celebrating Dad, introducing children to historic trains, or simply enjoying a unique Portland experience, these special rides offer something for everyone.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, June 20 & Sunday, June 21
• Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
• Train Departure Times: 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm
• Tickets Prices:
  • Adults (14+) – $24
  • Seniors (65+) – $21.50
  • Military (with ID) – $21.50
  • Children (3-13) – $17
  • Infants (Under 3) – Free
  • Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) – $74
• Tickets & Registration: https://orhf.org/

Train tickets include admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center—making it the perfect outing for train lovers, families, and visitors of all ages.

Seats are limited and advance reservations are encouraged. Families are invited to secure their tickets early and make this Father’s Day weekend one to remember aboard Portland’s beloved historic steam train.

About Oregon Rail Heritage Center:

The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) provides for the preservation, operation and public enjoyment of Portland’s historic locomotives, railroad equipment, and artifacts, and educates the public about Oregon’s rich and diverse railroad history. ORHC is open to the public on Thursdays-Sundays from 1:00pm-5:00pm. Seasonal train excursions are offered most weekends. For additional information, visit https://orhf.org/. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact:

Renee Devereux, Executive Director

Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Phone: (503) 233-1156
Email: devereux@orhf.org">rdevereux@orhf.org

Website: https://orhf.org/

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A meeting of the Board of Directors of Central Douglas Fire & Rescue Authority will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday May 18, 2026 at 5:30 pm. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 pm on Monday May 18, 2026 for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1. Badge Pinning

   2. Monthly Financials

   3. Resolution No. 2026-01 Amending Emergency and Non-Emergency Rates,  Appendix A

       of Ordinance No. 2024-01

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to administration at 541-673-5503.

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Douglas County Fire District No. 2 will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St. Winston, OR 97496 on Monday May 18, 2026 at 5:30 pm. A supplemental budget adjustment will be considered at this meeting. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-673-5503 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 pm on Monday May 18, 2026 for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1.  Monthly Financials

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to administration at 541-673-5503.

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Winston Dillard Fire District will hold its meeting at its headquarters located at 250 SE Main St., Winston, OR on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. A supplemental budget adjustment will be considered at this meeting. To comply with House Bill 2560, those that wish to participate can attend through videoconferencing or telephonically. If you plan on attending the meeting, please call the business office at 541-679-8721 during normal business hours prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday May 18, 2026 for instructions.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:

   1. Monthly Financials

   2. Appointing of Civil Service Committee Members

   3. SB1068 Annexation Approval Request for Property ID: R47425

The meeting location is accessible to person with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to administration at 541-679-8721.

May 14, 2026

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

Opioid Settlement Board allocated $90 million for prevention, treatment, recovery services across Oregon

What you should know: 

• The Oregon Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board allocated more than $90 million over the past two years to support substance use and recovery services and supports.
• Thirty percent—more than $27 million—went to the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon.
• Eighty-one Oregon cities and counties received more than $71 million.

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board (OSPTR) has allocated more than $90 million statewide for substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services and supports statewide over the last two years, according to a new report that details spending in 2024-2025.

“These investments will create lasting, positive change in Oregon's prevention, treatment and recovery systems, supporting vital programs for those impacted by the overdose and substance use disorder crisis,” said OSPTR Co-Chair Annaliese Dolph. “Together, we are seizing a historic opportunity to build and strengthen high-impact initiatives that reach those who need them most.”

During the 2023–2025 biennium, from July 2023 to June 2025, the OSPTR Board allocated 30% of the state portion of opioid settlement funds— $27.7 million—to the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon.

A total of 81 cities and counties received 55% of Oregon’s opioid settlement funds. Local jurisdictions spent the funds primarily on supporting people in treatment and recovery (29%) and connecting people who need help to care (26%).

The OSPTR Board funds have paid for a range of care around the state, including:

• $14.3 million to expand existing Oregon opioid treatment programs in high-needs areas, including The Dalles, Klamath Falls, Redmond, Oregon City, Gresham, NE Oregon, rural Linn County, East Lane County, Florence and the North Coast, and for training and technical assistance to jails to improve access to medications for opioid use disorder.
• $13.7 million for the Save Lives Oregon Clearinghouse to distribute naloxone and other life-saving supplies to organizations statewide.
• $13.7 million to support primary prevention programs—those that help prevent substance use before it starts—through counties and community-based organizations, and to replenish and strengthen the statewide substance use disorder prevention workforce.
• $13 million to establish new recovery community centers in Coos Bay, Roseburg, Grants Pass and in the Gorge, and for expansions of existing recovery community centers in Klamath Falls, Portland and Medford, with a focus on expanding access to culturally specific services across the state.

About the OSPTR Board

Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreements several companies for their roles in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, more than $700 million will be awarded to Oregon by 2039.

Settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).

The state’s share is deposited into the Opioid Settlement, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Fund as it becomes available. This fund is controlled by the 18-member OSPTR Board. OHA provides administrative support to the fund and board.

To learn more about Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement.

###

May 14, 2026

Media Contact: Amber Shoebridge, 503-931-9586

New Bend recovery center expands support for young adults in recovery

BEND, Ore.— Community and state officials recently joined local partners to celebrate the opening of a new center that will expand recovery resources and provide a welcoming space for peer connection, mentoring and youth-focused activities in Central Oregon.

4D Recovery celebrated the opening of its new Recovery Community Center, at 1841 NE Lytle Street, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This opening highlights the important work happening across Oregon to provide more help for people who are struggling,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “Peer services are critical to the continuum of care, and I’m excited for Central Oregon to have this new support for their community.”

The center will provide peer-led recovery support services and programming for young adults navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. The Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) program, based in Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Division, awarded 4D Recovery in Bend approximately $2 million over four years.

Abbey Stamp, executive director of the Behavioral Health Resource Networks, emphasized the importance of community-based recovery services and peer support for young people in recovery during the event.

“Recovery happens in community,” Stamp said. “Creating spaces where young people can access support, build connections and feel a sense of belonging is critical to long-term recovery and well-being.”

4D Recovery is a peer-led recovery organization that serves young adults through recovery community centers, peer mentoring, recovery housing and other support services in Oregon and Washington.

"Our Deschutes County ribbon cutting had a strong turnout, with a great mix of community partners, representatives, and local leaders in attendance,” said Gabrie Ward, 4D Recovery Deschutes County Community Center Manager. “One of the standout moments was hearing from the speakers, who highlighted the importance of community, collaboration and continued support for young people and the work being done."

The organization will host another ribbon cutting ceremony next week for its Young Adult Recovery Center in Medford.

###

Starting June 1, 2026, all SNAP households must complete an interview when they apply for or renew their monthly food benefits.

This change returns SNAP to standard federal rules, which require interviews for all applications and renewals. These rules help make sure benefits are accurate and reflect each household’s current situation. An interview must be completed before benefits can be approved.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some households were allowed to skip renewal interviews. This temporary flexibility ends May 31, 2026.

This includes households that previously did not need an interview, such as those where:

• All adults are age 60 or older or meet the SNAP definition of disability, and
• No one in the household has income from work

For some people, this may be the first time they complete a SNAP interview when renewing their benefits.

Interviews are a standard part of SNAP. They help:

• Confirm information
• Prevent errors
• Make sure people receive the correct benefit amount
• Connect people to the full benefits and services they may qualify for

What this means for people

People applying for or renewing SNAP benefits will need to complete an interview before their benefits can be approved or renewed.

“These updates help make sure people receive the correct SNAP benefits for their current situation,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, SNAP Director at ODHS. “We know adding another step may be challenging. Our staff are here to help answer questions and support people in the way that works best for them. Completing the interview and providing documents when requested helps us process benefits correctly and connect people to the full amount they qualify for.”

What people can do now

• Make sure ODHS has your current contact information
• Watch for mail, email, text messages or phone calls from ODHS about your interview
• Respond to messages from ODHS to avoid delays
• Connect with ODHS in the way that works best for you—online, by phone or in person

Learn more about SNAP at Oregon.snap.gov

Ways people can contact ODHS

• Online: Through a ONE Online account
• By phone: Call 800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome
• In person: Visit a local office (find one online)
• By Mail: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309

About SNAP in Oregon

SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year. But even with SNAP benefits, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs, especially amid the rising cost of food and housing. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to making sure people in Oregon receive the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.

OUTDOOR GRILLING SAFETY 
 

Grilling season is here and there's nothing like grilling outdoors on nice day. A BBQ or grilling party can be the perfect way to celebrate or bring the neighborhood together. There are many different types of grills and some unique tips for each. For your next cookout, use these tips from the National Fire Protection Association.

• Propane and charcoal grills should ONLY be used outdoors. They should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and overhanging tree branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area. This helps prevent grills from being knocked over and helps prevent burns and other injuries.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grill and trays below the grill.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using your grill each year. You can do this by applying a light soap and water solution to the outside of the hose. If there is a leak, the gas will cause it to release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, turn off the grill. If the leak does not stop, get it serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If you smell gas while you're cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do NOT move the grill.
• If you use starter fluid with your charcoal grill, use only charcoal starter fluid; always keep it out of the reach of children and pets and keep it away from heat sources.
• When you are finished grilling, let the charcoals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container. Do not put hot coals in your garbage bin or another container. This can start a fire.
• Most importantly: NEVER leave your grill unattended.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 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.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve February 4, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Applicant Review Committee Nominations

4. Criminal Justice Fee Implementation

     Presented by Chris Enquist

5. Review of Telecommunications Curriculum Advisory Committee Membership

     Presented by Chris Enquist

6. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-008-0300 and 259-008-0310

     Denial and Revocation Processes for Professional Standards Cases Involving Student Dismissals or Employment Arbitration Findings

     Presented by Jennifer Howald

7. Review of Public Comments for Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-008-0005, 259-008-0290, 259-008-0300, 259-008-0310, 259-008-0320, 259-008-0340, and 259-008-0400

     Amending Public Safety Professional Certification Denial and Revocation Standards and Processes

     Presented by Jennifer Howald

8. Agency Updates

9. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: August 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Telecommunications 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.

Lane County has been recognized as the #1 healthiest employer in Oregon (1500-4999 employees) for the sixth year in a row by the Portland Business Journal.

This recognition reflects Lane County’s deep, long-standing commitment to supporting the health, well-being, and resilience of its workforce. The County’s wellness strategy is comprehensive and forward-thinking, offering high‑value benefits that promote physical fitness, mental health, financial stability, and chronic disease prevention for employees and their families.

These wellness investments also help manage taxpayer costs by reducing the likelihood of high‑cost medical claims. For example, access to and encouragement for screening can help catch cancers early, when treatment is less invasive, more effective, and significantly less expensive.

“This award is a testament to the employees and their families who actively engage in their well‑being and help sustain Lane County’s culture of health,” said County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky. “We are proud to consistently rank at or near the top of employers across Oregon and will continue to invest in our employees, while seeking to steward taxpayer resources.”

In 2017, 2018 and 2019, Lane County was ranked third healthiest large employer in Oregon, and in 2018 was listed within the top 100 healthiest employers nationally. In 2020, Lane County was ranked second healthiest larger employer. In 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, Lane County was ranked the #1 healthiest larger employer and in 2022 was listed sixth on the healthiest 100 workplaces in America.

Employers are ranked on six categories which include: culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analytics. There are five employer size categories: small (2-99 employees), medium (100-499), large (500-1499), larger (1500-4999), and largest (5000+).

See the announcement from Portland Business Journal.

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Salem, Oregon – Twenty-six Oregon artists will access meaningful career development opportunities through the second round of 2026 Career Opportunity Program grants from the Oregon Arts Commission and The Ford Family Foundation.
 

Over $91,000 was awarded, including $46,665 from the Oregon Arts Commission for all artistic disciplines and $44,338 in supplemental funding for 12 established Oregon visual artists, visual arts writers and curators of visual arts through a partnership with The Ford Family Foundation’s Visual Arts Program. Grant funding received ranges from $1,041 to $7,000.
 

Career Opportunity grants support individual Oregon artists by enabling them to take advantage of timely opportunities that enhance their artistic careers. Most grants support the artists’ participation in residencies, exhibitions or performance opportunities.
 

"The creativity of Oregon artists and makers is so inspiring,” said Commission Vice Chair Jenny Stadler, who served as a panel chair. “I always look forward to learning more about the wonderful opportunities they are invited to participate in around the country and world."
 

“Artists are anchors of Oregon towns and cities,” said Kara Carlisle, president and CEO of The Ford Family Foundation. “By investing in artists’ research, training, dedicated work time and new exhibition opportunities, we’re not just amplifying their careers, we’re reinforcing the cultural fabric of our communities. We’re proud to join the Oregon Arts Commission in this shared commitment to impact.”

FY2026 Career Opportunity Program round two grant award recipients are:

Christian Burchard, Ashland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,664

To support the transportation of Burchard’s sculpture “Never Again II” from Ashland to the Wharton Esherick Museum in Paoli, Pennsylvania, for the exhibition “Breaking Ground.”

William Buckley Borden, Eugene

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $5,000

To support the creation of an immersive art installation about forest ecology for the upcoming exhibition “Lookout Landscape” at the World Forestry Center in Portland, opening in fall 2026.

Adrian Chavez, Medford

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $5,000

To support the creation of a new mural in downtown Phoenix, Oregon, celebrating local people, wildlife, and culture.

Srijon Chowdhury, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $5,000

To support the production and presentation of a new large-scale installation and paintings for Chowdhury’s upcoming exhibition at Converge 45 in Portland.

Teah Cory, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support the development of industry-level skills in stop-motion animation through an online intensive with Aardman, the studio behind “Wallace and Gromit.”

William Cravis, Sisters

The Ford Family Foundation $4,000

To support a 13-week residency at the European Ceramic Work Center in Oisterwijk, Netherlands.

Joel Fisher, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $5,000

To support the production of “Framework,” a solo exhibition in Los Angeles, including preparatory costs for printing, mounting, framing, and shipping.

Kristina Foley, McMinnville

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $4,000

To support Foley’s participation in the 2026 XTANT Leadership Program and Textile Marketplace, a community gathering to celebrate the art of craft in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Heather Goodwind, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $1,655

To support a solo exhibition in Seattle, Washington, at LIC Gallery and participation in the Seattle Art Fair.

Marisa Grattan, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support Portland-based post-production finishing, color grading and delivery for Grattan’s approximately 20-minute documentary short film "ho‘oka‘awale / 疏离 (shūlí)."

Garrick Imatani, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $4,050

To support the creation of work for both a group exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine, as well as a monthlong artist residency in Mexico City that concludes with an exhibition.

Emilie Kelly, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,041

To support Kelly’s endeavors as a writer, illustrator and comics creator at the Alaska Robotics Comics Camp.

Charlie Kralin, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support the purchase of equipment and software to complete an experimental stop-motion film for a solo exhibition at the Pacific Northwest College of Art’s Cauduro Gallery in Portland.

Shawna Lipton, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support the completion of a nonfiction manuscript of literary criticism at the Literary Journalism Residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

Alexandra Lewis, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support the wider release of Lewis’s documentary “IROKO: Sacred Roots” through film festivals and in-person presentations.

Karina Lomelin Ripper, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support Mexican-American writer and director Ripper in attending the Latino Film Institute Inclusion Fellowship workshop: LALIFF Connect in Los Angeles.

William Morrow, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $2,500

To support travel and on-the-ground expenses to participate in the International Association of Curators of Contemporary Art Congress in Turin and Milan, Italy.

Andrew Myers, Albany

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support an artist residency at Centrum in Port Townsend, Washington, as well as a solo exhibition at Linfield University.

Celeste Noche, Portland

The Ford Family Foundation $4,000

To support travel and production costs during the Interlude Artist Residency in Livingston, New York– the first major residency dedicated exclusively to supporting artists with families.

Brian Parham, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,960

To support a series of live “RISE: The Legacy of Black Guitar Heroes in Rock & Metal” performances.

Aejoo Park, Beaverton

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support Naomi Dixon's opportunity to coach and perform with Ooh La La, a BIPOC and queer all-women improv team, at the London Improv Festival in London, England, May 21-24, 2026.

Sara Parker, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support the premiere of “The House of the Heart,” a full evening-length interdisciplinary dance work at A-WOL Dance Collective, marking the culmination of a three-year research arc.

Ido Radon, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $2,000

To support the production and presentation of a major installation in the 2026 Converge 45 triennial at the Center for Contemporary Art and Culture at the Pacific Northwest College of Art.

Aubrey Sloan, Willamina

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support “A Year and a Day,” a solo exhibition at Stark Street Studios and Gallery in Portland centering American working-class mothers through new ceramic works, invited collaborators, and public dialogue.

Mike Vos, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $2,133

To support Vos’s first solo exhibition at Laura Vincent Design & Gallery in Portland of photographs and audio pieces made throughout Iceland.

Amber Whitehall, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support Whitehall's refinement of the historic dance work “Trio A” by Yvonne Rainer.

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. The Arts Commission is part of Business Oregon in recognition of the vital role the arts play in supporting the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state.
 

The Oregon 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 artscommission.oregon.gov and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Ukrainian national was extradited from Thailand to the United States last Friday to face charges for her role in a global Ponzi and pyramid scheme.

Olena Oblamska, 42, has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to court documents, Oblamska and her co-conspirators advertised Forsage as a decentralized matrix project based on network marketing and “smart contracts,” which are self-executing contracts on the blockchain. The defendants falsely promoted Forsage to the public as a legitimate, low-risk, and lucrative investment opportunity through Forsage’s website and various social-media platforms, but, in reality, the defendants operated Forsage as a Ponzi and pyramid investment scheme that took in approximately $340 million from victim-investors around the world.

Consistent with a Ponzi scheme, as soon as an investor invested in Forsage by purchasing a “slot” in a Forsage smart contract, the smart contract automatically diverted the investor’s funds to other Forsage investors, such that earlier investors were paid with funds from later investors.

Oblamska made her initial appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. She was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a 4-day jury trial scheduled to begin on July 14, 2026.

If convicted, Oblamska faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

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

The FBI Portland Field Office, U.S. Secret Service, HSI New York, and HSI Bangkok are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Sara Hallmark and Tian Huang of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine A. Rykken and Meredith Bateman are prosecuting the case.

The Justice Department thanks its Thailand law enforcement partners, including the Royal Thai Police and the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand.

All investor victims of the Forsage scheme are encouraged to visit the webpage https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-vladimir-okhotnikov-et-al to identify themselves as potential victims and obtain more information on their rights as victims, including the ability to submit a victim impact statement.

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

# # #

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating every May 15th as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week in which it falls, National Police Week. 

Across the United States, ceremonies are held to remember those serving in law enforcement who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office will host a local Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 9:00 am on the front lawn of the Courthouse. This ceremony, which is open to members of the community, will pay tribute to the six Douglas County law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty:

•    Officer Donald DeSues - Roseburg Police Department - EOW August 7, 1959
•    Special Deputy Ronald H. Terwilliger - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985
•    Corporal Virgle D. Knight Jr. - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985
•    Sergeant Gerald G. Chirrick - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW July 23, 1985
•    Deputy Morris L. Taylor - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW September 14, 2002
•    Deputy S. Allen Burdic - Douglas County Sheriff's Office - EOW March 11, 2021

The tribute will include a proclamation reading by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, a police honor guard, wreath laying ceremony, bagpipes, a 21-gun salute and a county-wide radio broadcast.

Jackson County, Ore. (11 May 2026)- On Monday, May 11, 2026, at 9:38 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Highway 62, near milepost 3, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Dodge Ram pickup, operated by Kristin Michelle Cowan (35) of Medford, struck the rear of a westbound Kawasaki Eliminator motorcycle, operated by John Daren Stribling (56) Central Point.

The operator of the Dodge (Cowan) was reportedly uninjured.

The operator of the Kawasaki (John Stribling) and passenger, Bobbie Lynn Stribling-King (44) of Central Point, were declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately seven hours during the on-scene investigation. Impairment is considered a primary cause of the crash and the investigation is on-going.

Cowan was arrested and lodged in the Jackson County Jail for DUII, Reckless Driving, and Manslaughter charges.

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the Jackson County District Attorney's Office.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

State of Oregon v. John Raymond Alatorre

Marion County Circuit Court Case 26CR02578

Salem, OR – May 11, 2026 –  Last week, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Natasha Zimmerman sentenced John Raymond Alatorre (age 29) to 75 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections. He was convicted based on a no-contest plea of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and Attempted Sodomy in the First Degree. He will be required to register as a sex offender.

In November 2025 Salem Police received a report of suspected child abuse in the three thousand block of Hawthorne Ave., NE.  A mother reported that her 8-year-old daughter had ended up inside Alatorre’s apartment after playing outside in the courtyard with other neighborhood children. While inside the apartment Alatorre exposed himself and sexually abused the child.

A forensic interview was conducted by Liberty House, and on January 13, 2026, Salem Police interviewed Alatorre. He was arrested at that time. He was charged with Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, which carries a presumptive prison sentence of 75 months Deparmtent of Corrections pursuant to Oregon sentencing laws. 

“Crimes against children will always be our priority as our office remains committed to ensuring children are safe,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. “Children deserve to be safe in their homes, neighborhoods and throughout their entire community.”

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple.  The Marion County DA’s Office wishes to acknowledge the critical and delicate work of Liberty House and the investigation by the Salem Police Department. Their excellent work led to justice in this case.

Due to the involvement of child victims and the nature of criminal behavior, no additional details will be released.

####

Salem, OR – May 12, 2026 – Today, Marion County Deputy District Attorney Mae Orawiec was announced as a winner of the Willamette Law School 2026 Mentor of the Year Award. Orawiec was nominated by her mentee, Olivia Sciumbato.

The Willamette Law Office of Career Planning and Development partners first year law students with an attorney mentor who fits them best.  This long-running program, which was established in 1991, is designed to promote the professional development of students and help guide them into the legal profession.  Mentors are encouraged to create teaching moments to help students learn professionalism, how to address emails, how to respond to clients, and try out their arguments. Students often highlight the experience as being an instrumental part of their success both during their time at school, and as they begin their career.

In response to the announcement, Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy said “Mae is a well-deserved recipient of this award. She is extremely compassionate, is a pleasure to work with, and obviously an excellent mentor. Our office is grateful for her hard in our community.”

After graduating from the University of Richmond Law School in 2018, Orawiec moved to Oregon and worked as a tax law consultant.  She passed the Oregon State Bar in 2020. She currently works as a DDA on the Complex Felony Trial Team within the DA’s Office. She was one of two mentors selected this year, out of approximately 100 attorneys. Sciumbato is a rising third year law student, she is slated to graduate in 2027.

The award will be presented this Fall during the Attorney-Mentor Kick-Off Reception at Willamette’s Putnam University Center.

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office prides itself in running one of the most robust law clerk programs in the state.  Students are hired for a two-year commitment in their second year of law school, where they review case files, prepare cases and documents for court and work internally within the office with prosecutors and staff on a multitude of matters.  As third year law students, the same law clerks are then assigned a caseload of low-level criminal prosecutions to learn litigation and hone courtroom skills.  As such, they are highly sought by prosecutor offices around the state after they graduate and pass the Bar.

Current Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson, Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy, Trial team Supervisor Dave Wilson, and other DDAs within the office were all former law clerks. 

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office employs approximately 30 lawyers who handle over 10,00 cases annually in Marion County. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for seeking justice through promoting accountability for criminal offenders; interpreting, enforcing, and executing law; responding to the concerns of victims and the public; and working cooperatively with members of the justice system.

####

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports last night at 5:25 p.m., dispatch received the report of an overdue hiker in the area of Big Meadows Road, east of Idanha. The caller reported her father, Jerry Highsmith, 80, from Lebanon, went backpacking near Fir Lake and planned to return home by Tuesday at 5:00 p.m., ahead of anticipated incoming weather.

Deputies responded to the area and located Mr. Highsmith's vehicle parked at the Fir Lake trailhead off Big Meadows Road. A deputy and a Search and Rescue volunteer hiked into the Fir Lake area while additional Search and Rescue resources were being activated. Despite a thorough search of the trail and area around the lake, deputies were unable to locate Mr. Highsmith.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office activated its full Search and Rescue team, deploying searchers on the trail, who conducted a search through the night under heavy rain and thunderstorm conditions. Search operations have continued without interruption and additional support from neighboring counties has been requested to assist with search assignments today.

Mr. Highsmith is described as an experienced hiker, and likely well prepared for a couple of nights. He’s described as 5’10”, 200 lbs with medium length gray hair. His clothing description is unknown.

The Linn County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help. If you were in the Big Meadows Road area or near Fir Lake at any point over the last several days and may have seen or spoken with Jerry Highsmith, please contact us immediately at (541) 967-3950.  Please reference case number 26-01799. Any information, no matter how small, could be critical to bringing Mr. Highsmith home safely.

SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries and the Oregon Heritage Commission will meet online May 27. These meetings are open to the public.
 

• The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet online May 27 at 1pm. The primary agenda item is approval of the 2026 Oregon Historic Cemeteries grants. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. View the agenda and register for the meeting here to receive online access information.

• The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet online May 27 at 9am. The primary agenda item is approval of the 2026 Oregon Museum grants. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. View the agenda and register for the meeting here to receive online access information.

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For more information about the commissions, visit www.oregonheritage.org.
 

About the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC)

The OCHC is comprised of seven citizens. It is empowered by the Legislature to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries in Oregon, make recommendations for funding, seek legislative appropriations for historic cemeteries, and assist in the coordination of restoration, renovation and maintenance of historic cemeteries statewide. The commission develops online resources, offers workshops, and promotes the value of historic cemeteries through storytelling.

The group meets four times per year in different locations around the state and online. There may be an occasional additional meeting for extra projects, programs, and grant selection. Commissioners are also asked to organize informal meetings in their regions or work on other projects outside of meeting time. Travel costs are reimbursed.
 

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about OCHC commission activities or to attend in person, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov.
 

About the Oregon Heritage Commission (OHC)

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. 
 

# # #

May 13, 2026 

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

Oregon overdose deaths declined in 2024, 2025

New data show fewer fentanyl overdoses, but continued strain on emergency services

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon’s overdose deaths have decreased over the past two years, according to provisional federal data and a new report released by Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

Preliminary data show there were around 1,100 deaths in 2025, representing a continued downward trend, although the total is likely to increase slightly as more data from 2025 is processed. A total of 1,544 people died of a drug overdose in 2024, down from 1,833 in 2023.

The decline marks the first year-over-year decline since 2016, according to a legislatively mandated report on the ongoing statewide overdose crisis.

“This improvement is the result of deep partnerships between state agencies, behavioral health providers, local officials and law enforcement and shows what is possible when all of us work together,” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said. “We have to stay on track. Together, we can save the lives of our neighbors, friends and family members.” 

John W. Mcllveen, Ph.D., Oregon’s State Opioid Treatment Authority, said that while all overdose deaths are tragic, and historically underserved communities and populations still bear the brunt of the opioid crisis, the data show Oregon’s investments in prevention, treatment and harm reduction are helping save lives.

“But with fentanyl and methamphetamine still involved in most deaths, continued collaboration is critical to sustaining this progress,” he said, noting that more than 90% of the reported overdose deaths involved fentanyl, methamphetamine or some combination of both.

There were 4,193 in-patient overdose-related hospitalizations, and 10,365 overdose-related emergency room visits in 2024, according to the report. Those totals do not account for overdoses that are reversed in the community, using opioid-reversing medications such as naloxone.

In 2024, 62.2% of Oregon overdose deaths involved multiple substances (polysubstance), with the majority (70%) of polysubstance overdose deaths involving fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Addressing this issue requires a cross-agency, multisector response to simultaneously address factors contributing to substance use and overdose.

Some investments contributing to Oregon’s decrease in overdoses include:

• Funding the Save Lives Oregon Harm Reduction Clearinghouse, which partners with community-based and front-line organizations to provide direct services to people experiencing fentanyl addiction and other substance use issues.
• Expanding investments in opioid treatment programs and services throughout the state.

• Funding Behavioral Health Regional Networks (BHRNs). This statewide network of services and supports, available in every Oregon county, serves people with substance use disorders regardless of their ability to pay.
• Funding prevention programs and peer services and supports around the state.

“The sustained decline in overdose deaths is encouraging to see, but we still have a long way to go,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., MPH, deputy state health officer and deputy state epidemiologist at OHA. “Continued investment by the state and community partners across the full spectrum of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery is needed to keep overdoses on a downward trajectory.”

You can see Jeanne’s complete interview here.

Ways to save lives in your community:

• Learn how to administer naloxone with this Save Lives Oregon video
• Connect with your regional overdose prevention coordinator to learn about local overdose prevention activities and resources.
• Find more overdose and prevention resources on OHA’s website.

###

(Salem, OR) - Oregon’s draft 2026-2030 State Plan on Aging — which shapes how older adults, people with disabilities, their families and other unpaid care providers are served — is available for review. The public is asked to provide comments on the plan to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) by 5 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026. To review the draft State Plan and a summary of the plan, visit the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) community engagement webpage.

The plan is developed by APD in consultation with a variety of ODHS councils and commissions, Area Agencies on Aging, Tribal Elders programs and community-based organizations. Community member input was also gathered through a community input session and a community needs survey. The plan is required under the Older Americans Act of 1965. It is a contract with the Administration on Aging, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living and enables Oregon to receive funds under the Older Americans Act.

Oregon’s draft State Plan on Aging for 2026-2030 has four focus areas:

• Older Americans Act (OAA) Core Programs, which include supportive services, nutrition, disease prevention/health promotion and caregiver programs as well as the OAA’s programs for Tribal members and communities including  supporting elder rights.
• Populations with the greatest economic need and greatest social needs
• Access to home and community-based services; and
• Caregiving.

Public input will be used as APD finalizes its proposed State Plan on Aging, which it submits to the federal Administration for Community Living. A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. Information about the public hearing is posted to the APD community engagement webpage.

To submit comments on the draft State Plan on Aging:

• Email comments to SUA.email@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Mail comments to:

ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities

Attn: Debbie McCuin

500 Summer St., N.E., E-12

Salem, OR 97301

Learn more about the State Plan on Aging

• Oregon's current State Plan on Aging
• https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/about-acl/2020-04/Older%20Americans%20Act%20Of%201965%20as%20amended%20by%20Public%20Law%20116-131%20on%203-25-2020.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Older Americans Act federal statute
• Federal https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/AoA_Form_Grants_State_Plan_Guidance_508_final.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Guidance for Developing State Plans on Aging
• https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-01913.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.">Older Americans Act Final Rule: 2024 final rule to update regulations implementing its Older Americans Act (OAA) programs for States, area agencies on aging and Tribal organizations.

About the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities

APD’s vision is to ensure Oregon’s older adults, people with disabilities and their families experience person-centered services, supports and early interventions that are innovative and help maintain independence, promote safety, wellbeing, honor choice, respect cultural preferences and uphold dignity.

SALEM, Ore. (13 May 2026) – Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) and the Oregon Wildlife Foundation (OWF) are holding a retirement celebration for OSP Fish & Wildlife Conservation K-9, Buck, at noon on May 20, 2026, in the Commission Room at ODFW headquarters in Salem.

WHAT: Media is invited to attend a retirement celebration for K-9 Buck—Oregon’s first Fish & Wildlife Conservation K-9—jointly hosted by ODFW, OSP, and OWF. This is also an opportunity to meet the division’s newest K-9, Drake, who is succeeding Buck as Senior Trooper Josh Wolcott’s partner. Troopers and agency leaders will be on hand to field questions about the Fish & Wildlife Conservation K-9 program immediately following the retirement celebration. Due to space limitations, this event is limited to media and invited guests.

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 20, 2026

11:30 a.m. to noon — Guests arrive

Noon to 1 p.m. — Program

WHERE:
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Headquarters, Commission Room, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive, Salem, OR

WHY:
The OSP Fish & Wildlife Conservation K-9 program is a collaborative effort that supports investigations into the illegal take of birds, wildlife, and fish across Oregon. The program started with Senior Trooper Josh Wolcott and K-9 Buck in 2018, who are stationed in Springfield and expanded to Bend in 2023 with the addition of Trooper Shae Ross and K-9 Scout.

Senior Trooper Wolcott and K-9 Buck have assisted with poaching investigations and enforcement actions across Oregon, logging hundreds of hours in the field. The pair graduated from a specialized Fish & Wildlife K-9 academy in Indiana in 2019, where they trained alongside other conservation officers and K9s from around the country.

Buck is trained in wildlife detection, area searches, and human tracking. He has been scent trained to detect deer, elk, bear, turkey, waterfowl, salmon and sturgeon, as well as firearms, shell casings and other items containing gunpowder residue.

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation K-9 program is partially funded through donations. OWF partnered with OSP to cover that portion of program startup costs only associated with the K-9 member of the team. That manner of partnership continues as the program grows to include other regions of the state. The Foundation maintains a dedicated fund to receive gifts of support that help offset the costs of K-9 training, equipment, veterinary care, and grooming.

New K-9 Drake is assigned to Senior Trooper Wolcott and Buck will remain with the Wolcott family following his retirement.

MEDIA RSVP:

Please RSVP to OWF External Communications Manager, Mo Montgomery by emailing mo@myowf.org or calling (559) 313-9442.

To learn more about the OSP Fish & Wildlife Conservation K-9 program or support the teams, visit OSP Conservation K-9 Team | Support Wildlife Protection — Oregon Wildlife Foundation

PORTLAND, Ore. – On May 14, fire restrictions will go into effect for all Bureau of Land Management administered lands throughout Oregon and Washington. The BLM and U.S. Wildland Fire Service leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as warmer, drier weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest.

These fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires. Starting May 14, the use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns is prohibited.

"We are increasingly concerned that 2026 could rival the most extreme years on record for heat and dryness in the Pacific Northwest,” said Jeff Fedrizzi, U.S. Wildland Fire Service, Assistant Chief of Operations, for the Pacific Northwest.

“Every visitor must understand that even one small spark can lead to a costly and destructive fire in these high-impact conditions.”

People who violate the prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service manages wildfire prevention, response, and recovery across lands administered by the Interior Department. It conducts these operations in close coordination with Interior’s land management agencies. Together, we are fostering fire-resilient landscapes and safeguarding communities.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

State of Oregon v. Kenneth Kolarsky

Marion County Circuit Court Case 25CR25205

Salem, OR – May 12, 2026 –  Yesterday, Marion Circuit Court Judge Courtland Geyer sentenced Kenneth Kolarsky, age 59, to 13 months in the Department of Corrections and 36 months of Post-Prison Supervision. The conviction is based upon a guilty plea of Attempted Failure to Perform Duties of Driver to an Injured Person.

On the evening of December 26, 2024, Nicolas Hernandez-Mendoza was struck by a vehicle as he crossed North Pacific Highway near Williams Avenue in Woodburn, Oregon. Hernandez-Mendoza had activated the crosswalk safety lights as he began crossing the street and was hit by a vehicle operated by the defendant, Kolarsky.  Upon striking Hernandez-Mendoza, the defendant stopped the vehicle, drove around his unconscious body in the roadway, and then fled the scene.

Hernandez-Mendoza was transported to Salem Hospital where he was diagnosed with a fracture of the cervical vertebra and pelvic fractures.  He died during emergency surgery when surgeons were unable to stop his spleen from bleeding.

Woodburn Police Detectives requested and reviewed footage from dozens of nearby businesses and residences to establish the license plate number, make and model of the defendant’s vehicle. After further investigation and review of surveillance video, Kolarsky, who was an emergency room physician, can be seen entering his place of employment approximately 20 minutes after striking the decedent. He was on his way to work at Silverton Hospital from his residence in the Portland area on the night of the incident.

On May 17, 2025, after a considerable investigation, the defendant was arrested by Woodburn Police Officers.

Of note, the criminal charges at issue were limited to Kolarsky leaving the scene. There was insufficient evidence to conclude that the collision itself was the result of criminal activity.  

“Regardless of why the accident occurred, to leave a scene after striking someone with your vehicle is a callous disregard for human life” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. “That’s intolerable, and especially offensive when it is committed by a professional who takes an oath to ‘do no harm’”.

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Tyler Hopkins. In addition to the incident itself, Hopkins pointed to defendant trying to repair his vehicle with cash, and his dishonesty in the investigation as additional justifications for an 18-month prison sentence. The defendant had no prior criminal history and had a presumptive prison sentence of 16-18 months in the Department of Corrections.

During his ruling, Judge Geyer acknowledged that the defendant left “a community member fallen and in the dark” and with an “absence of dignity.”    Judge Geyer imposed a downward durational departure and imposed 13 months with 26 months of post-prison supervision.  

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office wishes to acknowledge the Woodburn Police Department, and in particular Detectives Devoe and Ellis, along with Lieutenant Stewart, for their outstanding investigatory work.  Their partnership with other jurisdictions, both in and out of state, led to the resolution of this case.

 ###

(Portland, Oregon) The Travel Information Council and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee, along with Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry, the Vanport Placemarking Project, and the Vanport Mosaic Festival, invite the public to participate in the induction of the Vanport Cottonwoods into the Oregon Heritage Tree Program. The event will take place on Friday, May 29 at 10 a.m. at the trees, which can be accessed from the parking lot at 1810 N Broadacre Rd, Portland OR 97217 near the entrance to the Portland International Raceway.

The Vanport Cottonwoods, scientific name Populus trichocarpa, are collectively Oregon’s 86^th Heritage Tree, a designation that recognizes trees with statewide or national significance. The trees range from 75-100 ft tall with an average crown spread of 34 ft. The stand is estimated to be approximately 90 years old.

Speakers at the event include Vanport survivors and descendants, Indigenous community leaders, professional arborists, and the chair of the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee.

Vanport was among the largest wartime housing projects in the United States, housing over 40,000 people at its peak during World War II. From 1942 to 1948 it was also the second largest city in Oregon. It was built in one year to house workers and families in war industries, primarily at the Vancouver and Portland shipyards. Vanport was wiped out by Columbia River floodwaters on Memorial Day weekend, May 30, 1948.

Today, there are few remnants of this community on the landscape. Thanks to a collaboration between Nidus Consulting, Outdoor History Consulting, and the Vanport Placemarking Project, several cottonwood trees have been identified that likely survived the Vanport Flood. The team utilized aerial photos from the City of Portland’s Archives to track images of the same stands of trees in the same locations over decades to provide strong evidence.

Oregon Heritage Tree Committee Chair Dave Hedberg emphasizes how the cottonwoods aid us in connecting to Oregon’s past. “These trees were likely younger trees growing among clusters of larger trees during the time of Vanport. For over 75 years, they have grown while the landscape transformed. Imagine what these trees have witnessed: construction equipment building a city from farmlands, workers leaving for shifts at the shipyards, kids playing in and around the banks of the slough, and the violent and sudden destruction of the 1948 flood.”

Vanport is also significant because of diverse populations who called it home, particularly Black and Indigenous communities. When displaced after the flood, many Vanport residents remained in Portland and have helped shape the culture and history of the city. 

Vanport Placemarking Project helped prepare the nomination for the heritage trees. Their goal is to install signage in strategic locations to highlight Vanport’s history and share how it has shaped and impacted the environment and people. Thomas Meinzen, operations director of Vanport Placemarking Project notes, “As living monuments, these cottonwoods help anchor the stories of Vanport survivors and their families to this place.”

The dedication will take place under the umbrella of the Vanport Mosaic Festival, a 10-day event that amplifies, honors, and preserves the silenced histories that surround us in order to understand our present, and create a future where we all belong.

The Oregon Heritage Tree Program is the first state-sponsored heritage tree program in the country. It was established in 1995 to increase public awareness of the important contribution of trees to Oregon’s history and the significant role they play in the quality of our daily life. The program is administered by the Oregon Travel Information Council and a committee of dedicated volunteers from across the state. For more information regarding the Heritage Tree program visit www.oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees.

SALEM, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking its next Artist-in-Residence at the breathtaking Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, and this year’s opportunity is something special. The selected artist will help capture and share the rugged beauty, cultural stories, and coastal magic of Oregon during a milestone year: the Nation’s 250th anniversary and the BLM’s 80th birthday.

“We welcome any applicants who want to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of Yaquina Head,” said Ricardo Escobar, Yaquina Head Manager. “Creativity and art provide an engaging opportunity to share the value of public lands and their connection to local communities and beyond.”

The residency runs Sept. 11– 27, 2026, offering artists an immersive opportunity to explore, create, and connect with the landscape. Applications are open through June 14. Selections will be based on portfolio strength, resume, a proposed community event, and the artist’s creative vision.

Perched on the Oregon coast in Newport, just 2.5 hours from Portland, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a dramatic meeting of land and sea. Towering cliffs, vibrant tide pools, sweeping ocean views, and abundant wildlife make its 100 acres a living canvas for inspiration.

Full details and the application form are available on the Yaquina Head Artist-in-Residence webpage. For additional information, contact Sabrina Gorney at gorney@blm.gov">srgorney@blm.gov.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.