FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 1, 2025

Fair Time is Fun Time - See You at the 2025 Douglas County Fair!

(Douglas County, Ore.) As the sun blazes high in the August sky and familiar aromas fill the air like the sticky sweet cotton candy, fried bread dripping with honey butter, and hand-dipped corn dogs swirled with mustard - we all know what this means - it’s time for fun, food, and unforgettable memories as the pinnacle of summertime fun rolls its way into Douglas County (it’s the fair, it’s the fair!).  Douglas County Commissioners, along with Fair Director Ciera Keith and our Douglas County Fair Board all agree, there’s just something about fair time that brings back all the warm, nostalgic vibes of the good old days. Often dubbed, "Best County Fair on Earth", the 2025 Douglas County Fair is sure to deliver that classic experience once again this year.   

The 2025 Douglas County Fair starts in less than a week!  We encourage everyone to head on out to the 2025 Douglas County Fair - Wednesday. August 6 through Saturday, August 9, 2025.  The Douglas County Fair is open daily: Main Gate: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm; Carnival Gate: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm; and Exhibit Buildings:11:00 am – 10:00 pm. 

For more information about the 2025 Douglas County Fair click here, or to download the 2025 Douglas County Fair Schedule click here or download the easy to use Douglas County Fair App on your smart phone or tablet using Apple App Store or Google Play.  The fair theme this year is Sew it, Grow it and Show it!

Whether it’s your family’s first visit or you’re a longtime fairgoer, get ready for a clean, safe, and fun-filled week at the 2025 Douglas County Fair! All entertainment—from exciting national acts to talented local performers—is FREE with your gate admission.  This year’s action packed fair will offer headline entertainment including Challenge of the Champions Bull Riding; Alternative rock bands Lit and Fuel; Country, rap, and Southern rock artist Colt Ford; and nostalgic American rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot.  Reserved tickets are still available click here for more information.  You’ll enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, and all the classic fair favorites: delicious food vendors, unique commercial booths, 4-H and local exhibits, and of course, barns filled with our beloved 4-H and FFA horses, cows, rabbits, goats, sheep and pigs, oh my!

Across the fairgrounds, the sounds and sights of fiddles, bass guitars, hoola hoops, carnival rides, and barking dogs can be heard with engaging attractions including Dock Dogs; Master Gardeners Exhibits and Demonstrations; Model Railroad Exhibit; BINGO; Garden Park Stage entertainment Scotty Rich, local bands, senior talent show and diaper derby; and roaming artists Sterling the Bubblesmith, Slim & Curly, Hillia Hula, and Washboard Willy – all FREE with your fair gate admission.  Then there is the fantastic midway with thrilling rides featuring a giant Ferris wheel, carnival games and kiddie cars, Rainer Amusement Carnival keeps the fun rocking down the midway for young and old alike.  Advance carnival ride bracelets are available until Tuesday, August 5.  Let’s not forget the delicious fair food! From classic hot dogs to fried bread, churros, jumbo curly fries, BBQ, deep-fried Twinkies, grilled cheese, ice cream, and caramel apples - you’ll find all your fair favorites (and a few surprises) waiting for you in the food court and all around the fair.  Don’t forget to check out the nightlife.  When the sun goes down behind the mountains you can experience a cool patchwork of glowing lights, music, and sounds.

The first recorded fair in Douglas County occurred in 1860 when an agricultural fair was held in Oakland.  During the 1880s Roseburg was the site of the Southern Oregon District Fair, encompassing Jackson, Josephine, Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties. People came from all over the state by train, buggy and horseback to explore the fair.  Most of the activity back then was around the Harness Races that were run on the Frank Alley Ranch located on East Douglas Avenue. Residents brought flowers, handiwork, baked goods, and crafts to display and sell at the event.  In 1920 there was finally enough support generated for a County Fair, which was held in Reedsport for about $750.  However, during the Great Depression fair activity died out and for nearly twenty years no events were held. 

In 1937, Earl Britton, who was head of the local 4-H Clubs, worked to revive interest in a local County Fair and began hosting 4-H displays in the Roseburg Armory. In 1944, the County Court signed an order for the purchase of land where the present Fairgrounds Complex is located. Voters approved a $30,000 tax levy to buy the property. An advisory board was appointed, followed by the first Fair Board. In 1945 the first Douglas County Fair was held with one display building where 4-H and FFA activities were held.

As you can see, the true lifeblood and backbone of the Douglas County Fair continues to be our kids—their passion, hard work, and dedication are what make our county fair so special.  For the kids involved in 4-H and FFA, fair time isn’t just fun— it is the best time of the year. Months of dedication, hard work, and learning all come together in this one exciting week. With one of the most actively supported 4-H and FFA programs in the entire state, Douglas County takes immense pride in showcasing the talents and efforts of its youth. From showmanship and market classes to animal care and community service, these young participants represent the heart of the fair.  Mark your calendar! On Friday, August 8, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., the “Roseburg Rotary Auction” will take place in the Beef Ring. Come be part of the excitement and help support the outstanding projects of Douglas County’s youth. It’s a great way to give back—and have some fun while you're at it! 

Speaking of 4-H kids, we had the pleasure of catching up with Urijah Kennon of the Tenmile Cow Tippers 4-H Club to hear about his experience in the local 4-H program—and, of course, his market steer, Cheeseberger.  Urijah is 16 and will be starting his junior year at Roseburg High School this fall. He joined 4-H about three years ago after expressing an interest in raising animals. With encouragement from friends and family, he found his place in the Tenmile Cow Tippers and hasn’t looked back since.  This year marks the second time Urijah has raised a market steer for the Douglas County Fair. In addition, he’s also raised and shown a market pig through the Tenmile 4-H partner club, humorously named Bacon Bits.  Raising a market steer is no small task. Urijah says it’s a big commitment, but one that’s absolutely worth it. "You learn so much—not just about animals, but about responsibility and forming a bond with the animal," he shared. On average, he spends 8–10 hours each week feeding, bathing, walking, and training Cheeseberger in preparation for the fair.  Urijah hopes to do well in both the judging competition and the Junior Livestock Auction, which takes place on Friday.  Like many 4-Hers, the money he earns from selling his steer will help cover the cost of next year’s animal, feed, and hay—but he’s also saving for college. After high school, Urijah plans to pursue a career in Fire Science.  If you’re visiting the fair, be sure to stop by the cow barn and say hello to Urijah and all of our dedicated 4-H and FFA kids. And if you’re attending the Junior Livestock Auction, consider placing a bid on Cheeseberger or another steer or a pig, you’ll be supporting a dedicated young person with big goals and an even bigger heart.

In addition to the youth competitions, the Douglas County Fair is also home to some of Oregon’s finest Open Class Exhibits, giving adult livestock exhibitors; photography, craft and artists; and gardeners, bakers and food preservers a chance to shine as well.  Open Class entries and judging start this Saturday, August 2, 2025.  Together, these programs ensure that our local community is not only well represented but celebrated, making it one of the most anticipated and meaningful aspects of our fair. 

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention our fairgrounds mascot Dougy. He is of course the iconic, lovable cartoon dressed as a logger that has been the face of advertising campaigns for the Douglas County Fairgrounds since 1965.  That’s right, our beloved Dougy celebrates 60 years as our mascot this year!  Join Washboard Willie and fairgoers of all ages at 3:30 pm on Saturday, August 9, 2025, as they stroll through the fairgrounds with a festive parade honoring Dougy’s 60^th birthday!  

The Douglas County Fair is rich in tradition and nostalgia, and there is absolutely something for everyone to enjoy.  At our county fair, animals shine, kids grow, food has no calories, music fills the air, and one thing is always true: Fair time is fun time!  See you at the 2025 Douglas County Fair!

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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

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Fair announces a change in the Main Stage lineup for Friday, August 1. Completely Unchained, the Van Halen tribute band scheduled to take the stage at 8:30 p.m., is unable to appear. Local band The Raven Kings will fill the headliner spot, with Skynny Lyzyrd opening at 7 p.m.

Concerts and rodeos are included in the cost of Fair admission.

The Raven Kings won the Battle of the Bands competition held at the Fair on Thursday, and Skynny Lyzyrd was the runner-up. As winners, The Raven Kings were expecting to play on August 1 at 7 p.m. to open for Completely Unchained. When Fair organizers found out late Thursday night that the scheduled musicians would not be able to get to Corvallis in time to perform, they extended an invitation to The Raven Kings to take the headliner spot.

“Both of the bands were thrilled at the opportunity to play the Main Stage at the Fair, and we’re happy to turn this into a paying gig for them,” said Jesse Ott, the County’s director of Natural Areas Parks & Events. “We’re excited to support local musicians, and the crowd at Battle of the Bands really liked them.”

The Raven Kings are a heavy blues and rock band based in Salem, Ore. They play covers and original songs, so Ott says, “There will probably be some Van Halen covers in their set Friday night. Fans who were looking forward to hearing Completely Unchained should still consider turning out.”

Co-lead singer Ish Phoenix shared the band’s enthusiasm about the change in lineup. “With a heart full of gratitude, I am beyond excited to get the opportunity to play the Main Stage at the Benton County Fair & Rodeo with The Raven Kings. There is nothing better than turning music into memories.”

The members of Completely Unchained were stranded in an airport when all flights out of the Washington, D.C. area were grounded on July 31 by thunderstorms and flash flooding along the Eastern seaboard.

The 2025 Benton County Fair continues through Saturday, August 2. Find more information at bentoncountyfair.net.

SALEM, Ore. – Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed August 2025 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon, recognizing the vital work of emergency managers and the role they play in helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

The proclamation supports a national campaign spearheaded by the International Association of Emergency Managers to increase public awareness and appreciation for the emergency management profession. In Oregon, the campaign is being led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with local, Tribal, regional, and state emergency management agencies.
 

“Emergency management is often invisible until something goes wrong—then it becomes essential,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “We’re proud to spotlight the field of emergency management and the dedicated professionals who work every day to protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and coordinate help when it’s needed most.”
 

OEM’s Role in Supporting Emergency Management Statewide

OEM plays a key leadership role in supporting and strengthening emergency management across the state. Through its Regional Emergency Management Coordinators Program, OEM employs specialized field staff to support all 36 counties and Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes. These coordinators provide on-the-ground guidance and technical assistance across all phases of emergency management—from preparedness to long-term recovery.
 

Additionally, OEM’s Tribal Liaison works closely with Tribal Nations to coordinate emergency management initiatives and ensure Tribal needs are represented in state planning and response efforts. The OEM Public Private Partnership Program Manager coordinates and collaborates with business and industry stakeholders across emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations, serving as a liaison between the private sector and local and state agencies. This collaboration is further reinforced by the Private Sector Security and Resilience Seminar Series; a recurring program of educational sessions designed to inform and engage private sector participants and better equip them to navigate crises effectively and recover swiftly. 

OEM also manages the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), which is activated during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The ECC serves as a central hub for coordination and communication among state agencies and emergency support partners, ensuring that local needs are met efficiently and effectively.

With responsibility for coordinating Oregon’s 18 Emergency Support Functions and supporting more than 50 local and Tribal emergency management offices, OEM is dedicated to building a resilient and well-coordinated emergency services system.

How to Celebrate Emergency Management Awareness Month

There are many simple ways Oregonians can show support for emergency managers and become more prepared:

• Find out who your local emergency manager is—reach out to learn how your community prepares for disasters.
• Say thank you to your emergency management staff, volunteers, or CERT team members.
• Get prepared: Make or update your emergency kit, sign up for local alerts at ORAlert.gov, review your household emergency plan, and take the next step by becoming Be 2 Weeks Ready.
• Share your story: Use social media to highlight how you or your community prepares and tag #EMAwarenessMonth.

 Follow OEM throughout August for resources to help celebrate and share the value of emergency management.
 

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It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters regardless of cause. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.  

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports this morning at 3:05 a.m., deputies responded to an Armed Robbery at the Trio Tavern located in Mill City. The victim, an employee at the tavern, reported as she left the tavern men with guns stole the cash deposit from the tavern with an undisclosed amount of money and her vehicle.  The victim’s vehicle was later located by deputies in the Lyons area.  In order to not compromise the investigation, no other details are being released at this time.

Detectives are continuing to investigate and anyone with information should contact Detective Scott Tennant at 541-967-3950. 

At 6:30 p.m. on July 31, 2025, crews from the Roseburg Fire Department, Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA), Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Roseburg Police Department, Oregon Department of Transportation, and Pacific Power responded to a reported fire on the hillside near Interstate 5, Milepost 124 Southbound. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a wind-driven, rapidly spreading dry vegetation fire alongside burning railroad ties on the hillside of Mount Nebo. 

Intermittent lane closures at exit 124 on Interstate 5 Southbound for firefighting operations were issued but have been safely reopened to through traffic. For firefighter safety, power was shut off to the area overnight and has been restored as of 7:26 a.m. today. Aerial operations were intermittently grounded during the initial firefighting efforts due to the unauthorized use of drones within the active fire zone, which posed a significant threat to firefighters.

The 50-acre fire is 100% lined, 100% plumbed, and 40% of mop-up operations have been completed as of 5:30 a.m. this morning. This fire poses no threat to structures or homes. The cause of the fire is under active investigation.

Resources from the Roseburg Fire Department included eight firefighters, two chief officers, two Type 6 wildland fire engines, three Type 1 fire engines, and two incident command vehicles.  In addition, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue provided incident command staff.  Resources from the Douglas Forest Protective Association included thirty-five firefighters, three Type 3 engines, six Type 6 engines, overhead personnel, one Type 2 helicopter, and air attack.

Command of the fire was transferred at 10:00 p.m. from the Roseburg Fire Department to the Douglas Forest Protective Association. DPFA crews will continue mop-up progress on the fire for several days. Please use caution when driving in the area, as firefighters continue to work. Smoke will continue to be visible in the area as crews work to extinguish the fire and railroad ties burn out.

“Once again, Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) showed swift and effective firefighting capabilities in responding to the fire on Mt. Nebo last night. Just as vital is the strong working relationship DFPA maintains with other fire agencies, which played a key role in the response effort.  We are deeply grateful for the dedication and coordination demonstrated by DFPA, the Roseburg Fire Department, and all other responding agencies as they worked to contain the fire and prevent further spread,” stated Chair Tim Freeman on behalf of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.  “This incident posed significant challenges due to difficult terrain and the potential threat to numerous homes and businesses in the area. Our community is fortunate to have benefited from the kind of coordinated, tireless response and ongoing cleanup efforts that remain clearly visible today.”

The Roseburg Fire Department, Douglas Forest Protective Association, and Central Douglas Fire & Rescue want to remind everyone that there is a high fire danger across Douglas County. Please follow all current restrictions in place for the safety of everyone. 

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is updating some visitor fees at select parks as part of a broader, proactive effort to build a more resilient financial future for Oregon State Parks. 

Starting Oct. 1, 2025, Oregon State Parks will no longer waive the parking fee at 21 additional day-use parks. The parking fee is currently $10 for in-state visitors and $12 out-of-state visitors.  

The parking fee does not apply to visitors who walk, bike, use public transportation, have a valid hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a 12 or 24-month parking permit. Currently, OPRD charges for parking at 25 parks and waives parking fees at over 225 parks across the state.   

The 21 additional parks include some of the busiest parks in the system such as Harris Beach State Park, which experienced an estimated 2 million day-use visits last year. Visitor fees help pay for maintenance and operation.  

Some overnight camping rates will also see updates for visits beginning May 1, 2026: 

• Overnight rates at our 29 busiest parks will increase to the top of the current rate range from May 1 through September 30. This increase will apply year round on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (Top rate is $29 for tents and $52 for full hook-up RV) 

• At all parks:  

• Cabin and yurt prices will increase to the top of the rate range year round. (Top rates vary from $72 for rustic yurts to $129 for deluxe cabins/yurts)
• Boat moorage fees will increase from $15 to $20.  
• Overnight parking, overflow camping and primitive camping fees will increase from about $10 to at least $15 per night.  

The park system faces a projected 14% budget shortfall due to increasing costs, impacts from record visitation and a reduction in lottery funds for operations. These targeted fee adjustments, along with internal efforts to reduce costs, modernize procurement and explore new revenue, will help maintain current service levels and ensure the system remains strong and accessible now and in the future.  

“State parks are some of the most beloved spaces in Oregon, but we have struggled as a state to sustainably fund them. We’re working to reimagine the future of Oregon State Parks as financially resilient system that will serve generations to come,” said Director Lisa Sumption.  

State parks has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. It is not funded by general fund taxes. 

For visitors looking to save on parking, there are annual and 24-month parking permits available for Oregon State Parks. The 12-month parking permit costs $30 and the 24-month permit costs $50. You can buy them online.  

Oregon State Parks is also collecting feedback to help guide its effort to reimagine a stronger resilient park system. The survey includes priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options.  

On July 29, Kevin Ryan, the Neutral appointed as part of the settlement of the Wyatt B. v. Kotek lawsuit, provided the U.S. District Court and the parties with his “Initial Review” as outlined in the settlement agreement. The review identifies measures that will be used to track Oregon’s progress related to six areas in Child Welfare noted in the settlement agreement.

“We are pleased to be at this point in the Wyatt B. v. Kotek settlement and appreciate Kevin Ryan’s expertise in improving outcomes for children and young adults,” said Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “We are carefully reviewing the initial report, including assessing the feasibility of the reporting expectations defined. We look forward to continued collaboration to make improvements that better the lives of children in foster care.”

Over the past nine months, Ryan reviewed Oregon’s child welfare data and worked with the ODHS and the plaintiffs in the lawsuit to determine the most appropriate measures to track improvement around the six items noted in the lawsuit. These areas include:

• Reducing the number of children and young adults who are harmed after they enter foster care.
• Improving communication with state courts, attorneys, ​children and young adults, and their families when harms do occur.
• Making sure children and young adults get medical and mental health assessments, and timely referrals for medical and mental health care.
• Improving the quality of placements and services for children and young adults.
• Lowering the number of children and young adults who come back into foster care.
• Improving how quickly children and young adults get case plans after entering care. Case plans outline the expectations for the child's parents and other family members, services and referrals Child Welfare will provide, routine contact with the child's parents, preparation of reports to the court and other service providers, and timelines for each part of the plan.

ODHS worked with Ryan to identify 14 measures that Oregon will report on regularly to show progress toward goals specified in the report.

“Keeping children safe and supporting families and communities is our top priority, and I look forward to the work ahead,” said Interim Child Welfare Director Rolanda Garcia.

Read the Initial Review by Neutral Kevin M. Ryan here.

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During Overdose Awareness Month, Benton County Health Department will hold free community events to increase awareness and prevention of drug overdose.

The events coincide with International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), the world’s largest campaign to end overdose by raising awareness and reducing stigma. International Overdose Awareness Day occurs every year on August 31. This year’s theme is, “One big family, driven by hope,” highlighting the community’s shared power to reduce overdose-related deaths. Overdose can affect anyone, and the Health Department encourages community members to lean into the power of working together.

“Death from drug overdose impacts not only the loved ones of the person lost, but it can have ripple effects on the entire community,” said Sara Hartstein, Public Health Division Director at Benton County. “This month, we are reminded of the many ways we can all show up, organize, and take action to help prevent future overdose deaths in our community.”

Community members are invited to attend a vigil in Monroe or Corvallis to remember those who have died from overdose and acknowledge the grief of families and friends left behind. The Health Department’s Harm Reduction Program will also offer free trainings in Monroe and Corvallis on how to recognize and respond to an overdose. Free naloxone with be distributed at each event. All four events are open to the public. Details can be found below.

• Corvallis Overdose Recognition and Response Training: August 13, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at 4500 SW Research Way
• Monroe Overdose Awareness Vigil: August 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 648 Orchard Street
• Monroe Overdose Recognition and Response Training: August 22, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at 648 Orchard Street
• Corvallis Overdose Awareness Vigil: August 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 602 SW Madison Avenue

Events will be held in English. For language interpretation services, please email healthdeptcommunications@bentoncountyor.gov.

For more information and resources on overdose prevention visit  bit.ly/BentonCoHealthDeptHarmReduction

Learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day: overdoseday.com

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

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At 5:25 on Thursday evening, crews from Central Douglas Fire & Rescue responded to the report of a structure fire on Brozio Rd. off of Del Rio Rd.  Initial reports were that the house was fully engulfed and the fire was spreading to the surrounding vegetation.

Upon our arrival, we found a structure that was heavily involved in fire.  All occupants of the house were able to get out on their own.  We were able to extinguish the fire and contain it to the structure with minimal extension to the wildland thanks to DFPA.  Unfortunately, it is considered a total loss.  One occupant of the home was injured and transported by Umpqua Valley Ambulance to Mercy Medical Center for further care and evaluation.

CDF&R responded to this incident with 3 fire engines, 2 tenders and a command unit. The cause of the fire is currently undetermined.  Crews were assisted by Douglas Forest Protective Association, Sutherlin Fire Department, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Avista and PP&L.

SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to sound and safety equipment rules for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use on public lands in Oregon.

House Bill 2232 was signed on March 19, 2025 and became effective upon passage. The bill transfers rulemaking responsibility for ATV safety equipment and noise emissions from Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

State Parks has temporarily adopted ODOT and DEQ’s rules for 180 days under ORS 183.335(5)(a). OPRD is taking public comment on proposed permanent rules.

Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Augus 31, 2025, and can be submitted:

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-ATV%20Sound%20and%20Equipment%20Rules.aspx
• Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
• Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments.

• Virtual Hearing: 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 19. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_paGjkSkARcOqJMH1zv5MDA

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in September for possible adoption.

July 31, 2025

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8843, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Eckman Lake

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Eckman Lake due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom. The lake is in Lincoln County.

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

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

Drinking water

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

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

Children and pets

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

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

Symptoms

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

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

Fishing

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) today reiterated its dedication to continuous improvement and readiness across the state in the wake of recent emergency response activities. 

“Our agency recognizes that every incident is an opportunity to assess, learn and enhance our systems. Continuous improvement is baked into our organizational DNA,” OEM Director Erin McMahon said. 

What Went Right During the Recent Tsunami Advisory 

• State, local and federal partners acted quickly to evaluate risks and communicate with the public, working in close coordination with the National Tsunami Warning Center  
• Timely and accurate public messaging was issued via multiple channels to inform coastal communities and ensure situational awareness  
• Our partnerships with county emergency managers, Tribal governments, and other agencies were essential to a united response effort  

“We acknowledge there is always room for improvement,” McMahon said. “As lawmakers and others have noted, this event shed light on areas where our emergency systems, critical infrastructure, and communication protocols could benefit from refinement and funding. This includes a need for robust federal mitigation funding and technical assistance.  We are committed to working collaboratively with partners statewide to address those gaps—especially as we review readiness for low-notice, high-impact events.” 

Staffing, ECC Activation, and Organizational Development 

OEM is not staffed 24/7 under normal operating conditions, but staffing is scaled up immediately when an emergency or threat arises—a common practice among states. Emergency Coordination Centers (ECCs) are routinely activated in response to significant incidents, including natural disasters, major public events, or other large-scale emergencies. 

Activation decisions are guided by incident complexity and statewide coordination needs. When warranted, OEM launches its ECC and deploys necessary personnel—including state agency liaisons—to implement the state’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. 

Since legislative changes in July 2022 established OEM as a standalone department, the agency has continued to evolve. One notable change from the last legislative session was the transfer of oversight for the Oregon Statewide Communication Interoperability program from the State Chief Information Officer to OEM. This program ensures emergency responders maintain effective communication during crises and supports the ORAlert.gov system. 

OEM has also been tasked with launching the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) by next summer, aimed at establishing a 24/7 statewide watch capability.  

“This program marks a significant advancement in readiness,” McMahon said. “Although not fully funded in the last session, we are actively identifying the equipment, systems and personnel needed to sustain this enhanced function. Once operational, OERS will strengthen Oregon’s ability to provide 24/7 monitoring and improve our ability to respond to and coordinate during emergencies—boosting statewide resilience.” 

While OEM does not currently maintain 24/7 monitoring or staffing, programs such as the emergency duty officer system and the current version of OERS do play critical support roles by maintaining on-call duty officers that enable activation and coordination around-the-clock. These systems are not the initial point of contact; that responsibility remains with 911 call centers, law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel—who provide direct, front-line service at all times.

However, when local resources are overwhelmed—whether by evacuation needs or technical support requirements—local emergency operations centers (EOCs) and emergency managers activate to coordinate wraparound services and leverage mutual aid agreements. If the incident escalates further and regional capacities are exceeded, OEM steps in to mobilize support from across the state, and when necessary, from national or international sources.  

Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) Activation Levels and What They Mean 

Level 4: Normal Operations / Steady State  

• No emergency or disruption.  
• ECC is not activated.  
• Agencies operate under routine conditions.  

Level 3: ECC Regional Response  

• A regional emergency is anticipated or occurring.  
• May affect community lifelines or public safety.  
• ECC is activated virtually or in-person as needed.  

Level 2: ECC Limited Activation  

• A significant emergency is underway.  
• Requires multi-agency coordination and additional resources.  
• ECC is activated virtually or in-person, directed by the ECC Manager.  

Level 1: ECC Full Activation  

• A major emergency or disaster impacting multiple lifelines.  
• Full-scale coordination and resource deployment needed.  

“OEM will always remain committed to improving preparedness and building resilience throughout Oregon,” McMahon said. “And we value feedback from communities, policymakers and partners. We strongly encourage people to connect with the emergency management offices in their county to learn more about how they can help advocate for emergency preparedness in their area.” 

EUGENE, Ore.—Two suspected drug traffickers face federal charges after they were caught transporting approximately 120 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine on Interstate 5 in Linn County, Oregon.

Jesus Campos Roman, 29, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Washington, and Eduar David Freites-Mosquera, 27, a Bolivian national unlawfully residing in Washington, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

According to court documents, on July 30, 2025, an Oregon State Police officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Roman and occupied by Freites-Mosquera. After a drug detection dog alerted to the presence of narcotics, investigators searched the vehicle and found numerous packages in the trunk containing more than 110 pounds of methamphetamine, five pounds of cocaine, and four pounds of fentanyl pills.

Roman and Freites-Mosquera made their first appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and were ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Joseph Huynh, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

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CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Benton County Planning Commission met on July 29 to adopt their findings of fact and conclusions of law, finalizing their decision to deny LU-24-027 — Republic Services’ application to expand the Coffin Butte Landfill. After about an hour of discussion on the document, the members of the Planning Commission voted unanimously to adopt the final written decision.

The Planning Commission had already met on July 22 to deliberate and come to a decision following more than 20 hours of presentations and verbal testimony by Benton County Planning Division staff, consultants, the applicant and community members in a series of in-person meetings that began on April 29. The July 22 meeting lasted nearly four hours.

The Planning Commission also received and reviewed thousands of pages of application materials, reports, exhibits and written public testimony and evidence.

Following the close of deliberations on July 22, the County created a final written document containing findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Before adopting the document on July 29, Planning Commission members discussed and voted on corrections. According to the quasi-judicial land use application process, only minor changes like corrections could be made without reopening deliberations. A motion to reopen deliberations, which would have extended the process, was made but not seconded, so deliberations remained closed during the meeting.

All parties have 14 days from the date of final decision (July 29) to file an appeal. The appeal deadline is 5 p.m. (close of business) on Tuesday, August 12. An appellant is charged the full cost to the County of the appeal, starting with a $5,000 deposit due when the appeal is filed. Appeals are heard by the Benton County Board of Commissioners.  

Learn more:

• Final Planning Commission Decision on LU-24-027.
• Video recording of the July 29 Planning Commission meeting. Recordings of all previous meetings are available in the County’s YouTube channel.
• Understanding the Benton County land use application process
• View the application, exhibits, reports, written testimony and other documents related LU-24-027 on the Munidocs platform.

Updated to include photo.

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 31 July 2025 – Oregon State Police traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Linn County yields a significant drug seizure.

On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 9:47 a.m., an Oregon State Trooper stopped a passenger vehicle on I-5 southbound near Albany for multiple traffic violations. With the assistance of an OSP drug detection K-9, approximately 112 pounds of methamphetamine, 5.6 pounds of cocaine, and 4.4 pounds of fentanyl were located within the vehicle.

Both the vehicle operator, Jesus Compos Roman (29) of Everett (WA) and passenger Eduar Freites Mosquera of Mill Creek (WA) were arrested for possession and delivery of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl and lodged at the Linn County Jail.  

The case remains under investigation and no additional information is available for release at this time.

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OSP Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative
The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement (OSP-DHE) Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamations for National Coast Guard Day and National Lighthouse Week

            (Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice were on location in Winchester Bay, Oregon on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, for a special presentation for National Coast Guard Day and National Lighthouse Day - Week.  They issued proclamations and called upon all citizens of Douglas County to honor National Coast Guard Day and National Lighthouse Day/Week in Douglas County.  A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: //www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

History celebrates August 4, 1790, as the official birthday of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). On that day President George Washington signed the ‘Tariff Act’, which authorized the Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, to build the first ten cutter vessels to protect the new nation's revenue. Following the Act, the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, U.S. Life Saving Service, U.S. Bureau of Lighthouses, and Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation were created and eventually came together to form the USCG. President Woodrow Wilson signed the “Coast Guard Act” into law on January 28, 1915.  Commissioners recognized the brave men and women of our USCG who protect the personal safety and security of our people; the marine transportation system and infrastructure; our natural and economic resources; the territorial integrity of our nation–from both internal and external threats, natural and man-made and the interests of our navigable waters including U.S. ports, inland waterways, coastlines and international waters.  Commissioner Boice presented National Coast Guard Day proclamation certificates to USCG Air Station North Bend, USCG Base North Bend and the USCG Station Umpqua River.  Guests at the presentation were treated to a special ‘flyby’ from a MH-65 Short Range Coast Guard Recovery Helicopter that joined us as a part of a training mission from USCG Air Station North Bend. 

In attendance representing the United States Coast Guard were USCG Base North Bend Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Ron Elliott; USCG Station Umpqua River Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge Jared Meloro, Executive Petty Officer and Boatswain's Mate Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Corcoran, Engineer Petty Officer and Machinery Technician Senior Chief Petty Officer Timothy Labar and E-3 Danielle Layton.  USCG operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and locally they are part of the U.S. Coast Guard Northwest (formerly District 13).  The headquarters of USCG Air Station North Bend and USCG Base North Bend are in North Bend, Oregon and support 153 Active-Duty Personnel, 9 Reserve Personnel, and 5 Civilian Personnel.  USCG Station Umpqua River is located in the fishing community of Winchester Bay and boasts 43 Active-Duty Personnel & 5 Reserve Personnel.  If you are interested in learning more about a career in the USCG and perhaps a tour of the facilities, contact Station Umpqua River at (541) 271-2138 or Base North Bend at (541) 756-9220. 

Commissioners also recognized National Lighthouse Day and Week.  National Lighthouse Week and National Lighthouse Day are celebrated in August each year during the week of August 3-7, and on August 7.  236 years ago on August 7, 1789, Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouse, beacons, buoys and public piers in the United States.  We are honored to have the 129 year old, 65 foot-tall Umpqua River Lighthouse, with its first-order, rare and iconic, red and white Fresnel lens, handcrafted in 1890 by Barbier & Cie of Paris, France with twenty-four bullseye panels, consisting of 616 glass prisms proudly shining as a beacon above the coastal shores of Douglas County in Winchester Bay.  The Umpqua River Lighthouse is one of 11 historical lighthouses that have guided ships to safe passage along the Oregon Coast for over 100 years.  The Umpqua River Lighthouse and corresponding lighthouse grounds stand as a testament to the commitment of our community members, County Commissioners, museum employees, foundation members and volunteers, who have all worked painstakingly and passionately over the years to preserve our lighthouse and coastal history.  Commissioner Kress presented National Lighthouse Day and Week proclamation certificates to the staff, volunteers and foundation members that work to keep our Umpqua River Lighthouse, Coastal History Museum, Gift Shop & Café, Art Gallery and Whale Watching Station open, preserved, and beautiful. 

In attendance representing the Umpqua River Lighthouse were: Douglas County Museum Director James Davis; Lighthouse Museum Gift Shop - Kitchen Lead, Ok Calsoyas, Lighthouse Museum Gift Shop – Gift Shop Lead, Ethan Van Syoc; Lighthouse Museum Gift Shop – Assistant, Josie Schmidt; Lighthouse Museum Operations Manager, Dave Carver; Lighthouse Museum Manager Terry Carver and Douglas County Museum Foundation President Matt Hill.  Volunteers are the backbone of our museum operations, for more information about  how you can volunteer at our museums check out our website at https://umpquavalleymuseums.org/ or call the Douglas County Museum at (541) 957-7007.  Also in attendance at the event were City of Reedsport Mayor Linda McCollum and Reedsport City Manager Deanna Schafer, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and Douglas County Facilities Steve Pierson.  

“I want to extend my appreciation to the members of our U.S. Coast Guard in North Bend and Umpqua River for everything you do and for allowing us to celebrate you. The flyover was fantastic!” commented Commissioner Freeman.  “Also, to the Museum Foundation, Staff and Volunteers here at the Umpqua River Lighthouse and Coastal History Museum, thank you.  What an amazing facility we have here in Winchester Bay!  The investments and progress we have made in the last several years at our Lighthouse, Museum and in our coastal communities has been remarkable.  I look forward to many more exciting things happening over here in the future!”

We had an unexpected but meaningful visit at the Umpqua Lighthouse Museum from Melanie Smiley-Ybarra, who stopped by to donate a special quilt honoring her family’s long-standing connection with the U.S. Coast Guard. The quilt, lovingly crafted by her mother, Lira Fox Hibbon-Owen, with help from other Fox family members, has been passed down through generations. They felt the museum was a fitting final home for this heirloom. Melanie’s grandfather, Myron L. Fox, was stationed at USCG Umpqua River during the 1940s–50s. Her mother, Lira, grew up in the nearby Coast Guard barracks and recalled helping to clean the red and white glass prisms of the lighthouse. The family's service continued through Myron’s grandson, Petter Hibbon, and nephew, Norn Chapman, who also served in the USCG. The quilt now stands as a heartfelt tribute to their legacy.

The proclamations presented in Winchester Bay are a reminder to our residents to thank the brave men and women of our United States Coast Guard for their valued service to our country and our citizens, and to ask that you check out our “gem” on the coast, the Umpqua River Lighthouse, Coastal History Museum, Gift Shop & Café, Art Gallery and Whale Watching Station in beautiful Winchester Bay.

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

Proclamations and Photo Collages Attached.  Photos ©K.Tate /Douglas County. Individual photos available upon request

OnPoint celebrates 18^th year supporting the KGW School Supply Drive, sends students back to school with the tools they need to learn

PORTLAND, Ore., –  July 31, 2025 – To support local students heading back to school in the fall, OnPoint Community Credit Union announced today that it will be accepting school supply donations during the month of August to help local teachers and students, and distributed with the help of Schoolhouse Supplies. The credit union will also give an additional $5 for every $1 donated to the KGW School Supply Drive at any OnPoint branch between August 4-9, 2025.

The drive, which runs from August 1-28, 2025, aims to send 15,000 students across Oregon and Southwest Washington back to school with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. All donations will stay in the community in which they are made.   

"More than half of the students in our community start the school year without necessary supplies, and that affects their confidence," said Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "We know how critical education is to future success, and the School Supply Drive gives our students what they need to keep learning and growing. We’re proud to support the drive again this year and encourage everyone in our community to join us.”

As part of this year's drive, OnPoint will host a collection event where the community can drop off new school supplies and cash donations at its Clackamas Promenade Branch (8854 SE Sunnyside Rd. Clackamas, OR 97015). To learn more or review other drop-off locations, please visit KGW.com/School.

OnPoint Collection Event:

• Friday, August 15, 2025
• 11:00 – 2:00 PM
• Drop-off location: Clackamas Town Center
  Look for the Schoolhouse Supplies/OnPoint table in the parking lot outside the branch.

"Getting ready for a new school year can be stressful enough for families and teachers without also having to worry about kids missing critical supplies. Schoolhouse Supplies works to level the playing field and create education equality by providing supplies to students across Oregon and SW Washington," said Alice Forbes, executive director, Schoolhouse Supplies. "OnPoint has been a longstanding partner in these efforts, and we are grateful for their commitment to education and supporting the School Supply Drive."

Learn more about Schoolhouse Supplies and its mission to equip as many local families as possible with the school supplies they need to succeed.

OnPoint donation not to exceed $20,000.

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ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 613,000 members and with assets of $9.7 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

(Corvallis, Ore.) – More than 700 nurses in the Mid-Valley successfully reached tentative contract agreements at two Samaritan Health Services hospitals. Nurses at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis came to a tentative agreement (TA) July 29 while nurses at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital reached a TA July 16. Both agreements include key wins for patients and providers including improvements to hospital safety, staffing, healthcare costs, and a stronger voice for providers around hospital closures. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents frontline nurses at both hospitals.

“I became a nurse because I wanted to help people heal. This agreement helps me and my colleagues do that,” said Tyler McCarty, ONA bargaining unit chair at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. “Investing in staffing, safety and retention pays off for our patients. It allows providers to focus on the patient in front of us so we can give everyone in our community the time, attention and care they deserve.” 

“We knew what our community needed, we fought for it and we won a contract that delivers for patients and providers,” said Mary Crawford-Seekatz, ONA bargaining unit chair at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved but our work isn’t done. This is a critical moment for our community’s healthcare. We must continue speaking truth to power and fighting to save our birth center and emergency surgery team. Our community puts their trust in us, and we will not let them down.” 

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT HIGHLIGHTS: 

• Enhanced staffing incentives to help fill critical hospital needs. 
• Safety improvements unique to each hospital ranging from increased hospital security and training to employer support following assaults.  
• Equal pay for nurse case managers. 
• Fair wage increases for all frontline nurses including cost-of-living adjustments of at least 22% over the life of the contract.   
• Increases healthcare affordability by limiting health insurance premium increases.  
• Prevents Samaritan from closing hospital departments without prior notice.  

Nurses at both hospitals had been bargaining since March to reach fair contracts that include safe staffing; safe workplaces; fair wages; affordable healthcare; and a stronger voice for providers to improve local healthcare and prevent job cuts and department closures. These agreements meet nurses’ goals and offer a promising path forward for healthcare providers, patients and their communities. 

Nurses at both facilities will begin voting on their respective tentative agreements next week.

Nurses’ previous contracts at Good Samaritan and Samaritan Lebanon expired June 30, 2025.

Despite reachin tentative agreements, ONA nurses at Samaritan plan to continue rallying public support to save local birth centers and emergency surgery teams at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital and Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital.

Nurses, doctors, patients, fire chiefs, U.S. Senators and local elected officials are among those publicly calling on Samaritan Health Services to maintain rural and coastal Oregonians’ full access to labor and delivery services. 

• Supporters can visit www.SaveOurBirthCenters.com to email Samaritan decisionmakers and ask them to save local birth centers and preserve access to essential care.  

Fire season is in full swing and has reminded us to stay vigilant and cautious. Fire season is the time of year where wildfires are more likely to occur. There are precautions we can all take to reduce the risk of becoming the victim of a fire.

Many resources and status updates can be found at Wildfire.Oregon.gov or KeepOregonGreen.org. This week we want to share the following tips that can help keep you and your family safe.

Preventing Fires and Fire Damage

Protect your home

Embers are the leading cause of home loss during a wildfire. They can travel up to three miles ahead of the main flame front. Creating a 30-foot defensible space around your home can increase its chance of surviving a wildfire. To start:

• Remove combustible materials like dried pine needles and leaves from gutters, eaves, and around your chimney.
• Limb trees several feet off the ground to help prevent fire from reaching the tree crowns.
• Keep patios clear of dry, combustible materials.
• Remove flammable items like outdoor furniture cushions.
• Get a free defensible space assessment and learn more from your local fire agency or by visiting https://oregondefensiblespace.org/.

Campfires

First, call or check with your local forestry office or fire district to learn if there are any current campfire restrictions. Only light campfires when it’s safe and permitted.

When safely having a campfire:

• Select a flat, open location away from flammable materials such as logs, brush or decaying leaves and needles. 
• Scrape away grass, leaves and needles down to the mineral soil.  
• Cut wood in short lengths, pile it within the cleared area and then light the fire. 
• Stay with your fire.
• Extinguish it completely before leaving.​​

When using equipment

Before you start: 

• Check with your local fire agency for equipment use restrictions. 
• Make sure gas-powered equipment has spark arrestors. 

Always: 

• Use gas-powered equipment early in the day when the fire risk is lower. 
• Avoid starting equipment near dry grass and plants. 
• Avoid rocks and other solid objects that could cause a spark if a metal blade strikes them.  
• Keep a fire extinguisher or hose nearby in case of a fire. 
• Wear eye/ear protection and gloves. 
• Use caution when welding or grinding metal, be aware of your surroundings. 

When traveling

While you are packing and preparing to explore Oregon, it’s important to stay up to date on road closures with Tripcheck.com and have emergency supplies in case you get stranded. 

• Check out the resources at Car Safety | Ready.gov/Car
• Extinguish all smoking materials completely and never in dry grass.  Don’t toss it out your window.
• Carry a shovel, bucket and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle to put out fires.
• Avoid parking or driving on dry grass; your vehicle can start a wildfire. Park on gravel surfaces or developed roadside pull-outs to avoid a vehicle's hot exhaust system touching dry grass.
• Ensure all parts of your vehicle, from mufflers to chains, are secure and not dragging.
• Check tire pressure, wheel bearing lubrication, and the possible metal-on-metal contact of worn-out brakes.
• Maintain and clean exhaust systems and spark arrestors.
• ATVs are required to be inspected when in use on public lands. Operate ATVs only on established roads and trails on public lands.

If There is a Fire or Threat of Fire

Power Outages

In certain cases, utilities may implement public safety power shutoffs (PSPS). A PSPS is a safety measure designed to help protect people and communities in high fire-risk areas by proactively shutting off electricity during extreme and dangerous weather conditions that might result in wildfires. Utilities may also need to deenergize lines to protect equipment from nearby fires, or to protect personnel fighting fires. What you can do:

• Contact your electricity provider or log in to your account and make sure all contact information is current so you receive alerts and messages.
• For individuals with a medical condition that requires power, contact your electricity service provider in advance of an outage to register a Medical Certificate. This certification provides added benefits and helps the utility ensure they meet your needs in the event of an outage.

Natural gas tips

• If required to evacuate, no need to shut off natural gas.
• If natural gas appliances do not operate properly once electricity is restored, call your natural gas service provider.
• If natural gas service is shut off, do not turn on yourself. Call your natural gas service provider to restore service.
• If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately and call 911.

In case of evacuation

Make, practice, and review your housefire and wildfire evacuation plans with your household. Help children learn the fire exits in each room of the house, where to go, and how to get help if you are not home. Remember to include pets and livestock.

Know the evacuation levels and what to do.
 

Level 1 (Green) – Be Ready for potential evacuation.

Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor your devices and telephones, local media sources, and Sheriff’s Office website to receive updated information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets, and livestock. If conditions worsen, public safety will issue an upgrade to a level 2 or 3 for this area.
 

Level 2 (Yellow) – Be Set to evacuate.

You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger in your area, and residents should either voluntarily evacuate now to a shelter or to a family/friend’s home outside of the affected area. If choosing to remain, residents need to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items but doing so is at their own risk.

This may be the only notice you receive.
 

Level 3 (Red) – GO NOW! Evacuate now.

Leave immediately! Danger in your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this notice, you must understand that Public Safety Officials may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.

This may be the last notice you receive until the notice is cancelled or downgraded.

Visit https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/708/Emergency-Management to sign up for or update your existing Lincoln Alerts profile, find active wildfires, or see recent emergency alerts. 

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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July 31, 2025

Contact: Amy Coven, (503) 943-0164, amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov

Community groups and insurance agents awarded grants to support Oregonians with health coverage enrollment

Navigating health insurance options can be confusing and overwhelming. To help Oregonians get the coverage they need, the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace is awarding more than $1.8 million in grants to 37 community-based organizations and licensed insurance agents across the state for the 2025–2027 grant cycle.

These Marketplace partner grantees will offer free, expert help to people enrolling in health coverage through OregonHealthCare.gov, especially those who don’t qualify for job-based coverage or public programs like the Oregon Health Plan or Medicare.

“This support is critical to ensuring all Oregonians—regardless of income, location, or language—have access to the coverage and care they need,” said Marketplace Director Chiqui Flowers.

The Marketplace has partnered with community-based organizations and licensed insurance agents across Oregon for many years to help people access health coverage through outreach and enrollment assistance. This support is made possible through grant programs funded by a modest administrative fee paid by Marketplace plan carrier.

Trusted local help for all Oregonians

Grantees are selected for their strong community ties, ability to serve diverse and harder-to-reach populations, and commitment to offering culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Many offer support in multiple languages, including Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Somali, and more.

These partners will focus on helping people:

• Enroll during the next open enrollment period, which will run Nov. 1, 2025 - Jan. 15, 2026;
• Understand their health insurance options and financial assistance; and
• Transition from the Oregon Health Plan to private coverage after life changes or eligibility shifts.

Meet the 2025–2027 grantees

Community partner organizations:

• Arcoiris Cultural - Lincoln county
• Asian Health and Service Center - Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties
• Cascade AIDS Project - Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties
• Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) - Baker, Clackamas, Malheur, Multnomah, and Washington counties
• Interface Network - Marion county
• Northeast Oregon Network (NEON) - Baker, Union and Wallowa counties
• One Community Health - Hood River and Wasco counties
• Oregon L.E.A.D. - Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties
• Oregon Latino Health Coalition - Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties
• Project Access NOW - Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties
• Tayas Yawks - Deschutes, Klamath and Lake counties
• Waterfall Clinic Inc. - Coos, Curry and Douglas counties
• We Care - Benton, Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties

Licensed insurance agents:

• Aaron Burns Insurance - Eugene
• Abel Insurance - Coos Bay, Florence, Gold Beach, and Newport
• Bancorp Insurance - La Pine
• Boone Insurance Associates - Eugene
• Chehalem Insurance - Newberg
• Gordon Wood Insurance - Roseburg
• Grace Insurance - Portland
• HE Cross Company - Portland
• Health Plans in Oregon - Beaverton and Portland
• Healthwise Insurance - Portland
• Healthy, Wealthy & Wise - Tualatin
• High Desert Insurance - Bend
• Highstreet Insurance Services West - Hermiston, Klamath Falls, Medford, Oregon City and Sandy
• Hillock Insurance Agency - Enterprise
• iCover Oregon - Albany
• Insurance By Design - Wilsonville
• K Insurance Group - Independence
• Linda Dugan Insurance - Astoria
• Littlejohn Insurance - Eugene
• Matthew Woodbridge Insurance - Salem and Woodburn
• Next Step Benefits - Pendleton
• RJS & Associates - Philomath
• Saldivar Insurance - Hood River and The Dalles
• Valley Insurance - La Grande

To connect with a local Marketplace partner or insurance agent, visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp or call 855-268-3767 (all relay calls accepted).

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PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

To view the Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve February 18, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Thorston Erik Hartmann, PSI No. 055208

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Carissa White

4. Melinda Norush, PSI No. 109757

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Carissa White

5. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-059-0010, 259-059-0020, 259-060-0010, 259-060-0201, and 259-060-0450

   Related to SB 300 Changes to the Definition of Private Security Entity

   Presented by Jennifer Howald

6. Agency Update

7. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – November 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.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 Private Security/Private Investigations 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.

SAVE THE DATE - On Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office will be hosting a "Shred Day" at the Lincoln County Courthouse parking lot located at 225 W. Olive Street, Newport, OR 97365. The event is being held in an effort to combat identity theft and financial fraud for our citizens and assist them in protecting their personal privacy. 

Shred Day is a free event open to the public. This event is not intended for significant amounts of shredding for private businesses or other government entities. 

Feel free to bring your paper documents, files, canceled checks, or any other document that contains your personal or sensitive information. We also accept CDs and DVDs that contain personal or sensitive information. The shredding is 100% secure and will be conducted by an iSecure truck on site. 

There is no limit to the amount of shredding that you may bring; however, once the truck is full, we will not be able to accept any more documents.   

Shredding is one of the most important things you can do to prevent identity theft. Below are just a few examples of items you should shred and not place in your trash can. 

- Expired or unused credit and debit cards 
- Credit card statements 
- Pre-approved credit card offers and applications 
- Checking and savings account statements 
- Canceled checks 
- Investment account statements 
- Pension account statements 
- Paycheck stubs 
- Phone and utility bills 
- Tax returns and statements 
- Medical records or bills 
- Insurance policy or claim information (auto, health, life) 
- Expired identification documents (driver licenses and passports) 

Questions? Call 541-265-4912 

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Submitted by: 
Lisa Combs, Support Services Director 
s@co.lincoln.or.us">ecombs@co.lincoln.or.us 
Ph: 541-265-4912

[Eugene, OR]—Community Health Centers of Lane County is proud to celebrate National Health Center Week (NHCW) 2025, taking place August 3-9. The annual event highlights the essential role Community Health Centers (CHCs) play in improving public health and providing Americans equal opportunity to access critical healthcare services. CHCs represent the nation’s largest primary care network, serving 32.5 million patients nationwide.

This year’s NHCW celebration, launched by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), focuses on the theme: “America’s Health Centers Celebrating 60 Years of Improving our Nation’s Health.” CHCs nationwide are marking the week with resource fairs, health screenings, and visits from local, state, and national leaders. Here in Lane County, Community Health Centers will celebrate all week with activities that include patient portal enrollment support, a diabetes education session, and a spotlight to their board members.

With a mission to make high-quality, affordable care available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status, CHCs save lives and healthcare costs on the front lines of our nation’s most pressing public health challenges. They are powered by a workforce of over 310,000 dedicated professionals who reach beyond the exam room to address the social and environmental factors that influence health.

As Dr. Madhavi Murthy, Medical Director of Community Health Centers of Lane County, explains:
“Community Health Centers of Lane County are not just providers of integrated and comprehensive care—they are trusted spaces where people feel valued, supported, and truly cared for.”

CHCs are racing against a September deadline as our federal funding expires, creating unprecedented financial strain. The recently enacted "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" is also projected to cost CHCs $7 billion annually in higher uncompensated care costs and jeopardize coverage for 4 million patients. While CHCs never turn patients away, anticipated Medicaid coverage reductions will force impossible budget choices. NACHC projects these combined pressures could lead to workforce cuts and site closures, resulting in up to 6,000 preventable CHC patient deaths annually.

Over 1,500 CHCs nationwide are the health care home to: 

• One in 5 uninsured people 
• One in 3 people living in poverty 
• One in 5 rural residents 
• 9.4 million children 
• 419,000 veterans  

CHCs serve 10% of the U.S. population but represent roughly only 1% of total annual healthcare spending nationwide. Keeping people healthy by providing comprehensive primary care doesn’t just save lives – it saves money.

As the Community Health Centers of Lane County join the nationwide celebration, Dr. Murthy adds: “This National Health Center Week, and every week, we celebrate that commitment to connection and healing.”

To learn more about the mission and accomplishments of CHCs, visit www.nachc.org. You can learn more about NHCW and view a listing of events at www.healthcenterweek.org.

Correction note: This alert has been updated to add that Brittan went missing from Gresham on July 29.  

Date: 7/30/25

Missing child alert – BRITTAN ARRINGTON is missing and is believed to be in danger

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Brittan Arrington (Female/She/Her), age 13, a child in foster care who went missing from Gresham on July 29. Brittan Arrington is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Brittan Arrington and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Brittan Arrington.

Brittan Arrington is suspected to be in Portland, Gresham or could be traveling to California

Name: Brittan Arrington
Gender identity: Female/She/Her
Date of birth: 8/6/2011
Height: 5’ 4”
Weight: 125
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Blonde dyed black
Other identifying information: Nose piercing, wears fake lashes
Gresham Police Department Case #PG 25-29955
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children  #2056772

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

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

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Keizer, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for trafficking more than 17 pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Oregon and Washington.

Caden Jay Christman, 28, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on February 21, 2024, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, law enforcement officers in Powell County, Montana, conducted a traffic stop and arrested Christman and his co-conspirator. Officers searched the vehicle, which had multiple hidden compartments, and seized nine pounds of methamphetamine, over 5,000 fentanyl pills, approximately $17,000 in cash, and two loaded firearms.

On February 22 and 26, 2024, investigators executed search warrants on Christman’s residence and seized 15,000 fentanyl pills, four pounds of fentanyl powder, two pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, $21,600 in cash, and twelve firearms.

On April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Christman with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On February 4, 2025, Christman pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Nicole M. Hermann, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

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

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LANE COUNTY, Ore. (July 30, 2025) – On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 8 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 186.  

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Dodge Caravan, operated by Kennith James Nelsen (56) of Coos Bay, was traveling southbound on I-5 when it attempted to turn into the emergency vehicle turnaround from the slow lane and struck the side of a gray Dodge Charger, operated by Timothy Brian Smith (59) of Springfield. The Charger attempted to avoid the crash by swerving towards the median. The Caravan impacted the Charger while it was in the emergency vehicle turnaround, sending the Charger into the northbound travel lanes of I-5, where it went beneath a white Kenworth dump truck, operated by Jaison William Karow (44) of Coos Bay, towing a loaded trailer.
 

A passenger in the Dodge Charger, Kenneth Nicholas Thomas (61) of Springfield, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Charger (Smith) was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The operator of the Dodge Caravan (Nelsen) was not injured.
 

The operator of the dump truck (Karow) was not injured.

Following the initial crash, a secondary collision occurred on the southbound side of I-5 involving three vehicles. No injuries were reported as a result of the secondary crash.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation, and the crash remains under investigation.
 

OSP was assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Pleasant Hill Rural Fire Protection District, Eugene Springfield Fire, South Lane Fire and Rescue, Lane County District Attorney’s Office, Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, 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.

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire is on a gas leak in Downtown Eugene near East Broadway and Oak St.  101 East Broadway is evacuated wile NW Natural is doing their work.  Traffic in the area will be impacted for the next hour or so.  

PORTLAND, Ore.—Gildardo Rivera Garcia, 45, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Salem, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin for trafficking more than 43 pounds of illicit drugs in Oregon.

According to court documents, on July 27, 2025, as part of a drug trafficking and fatal fentanyl overdose investigation, investigators from the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed a federal search warrant on Garcia’s residence in Salem. Investigators located and seized approximately 32 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of heroin, an automated money counter, and cash.

Garcia made his first appearance in federal court Tuesday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

This case was investigated by the FBI, HSI, DEA, and WIN. It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

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

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07/30/2025 Distant Tsunami Talking Points

What Caused the Tsunami Advisory?

The evening of July 29^th, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami watch which included the Oregon Coast due to an earthquake about 80 miles off the coast of Russia. The watch was then upgraded to a tsunami advisory.
 

What do you need to know now?
As of this morning, July 30, 2025, the advisory remains in effect. This means you need to stay out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets. Our team continues to monitor information from the National Weather Service (NWS) and tsunami.gov, but you also want to continue to be alert and watch for updates.

What is the difference between a watch, advisory, and warning?
A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or another event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. This is why the NWS originally issued a distant tsunami watch. It is intended to provide enough time for people in the potentially impacted areas to set their plans in motion. A watch means hazardous weather is possible. People should have a plan of action in case the situation develops further and they should listen for updated information and possible warnings.

An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or another event is occurring, imminent or likely. Advisories are used for less serious conditions than warnings, but still cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property. This is why we were upgraded to an advisory last night, there was and still are dangerous conditions on our beaches, marinas, harbors, bays, and inlets.

A warning is when hazardous weather or events are occurring, imminent, or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property. People in the affected area need to take protective action when a warning is issued. For a tsunami warning, which is not active for the Oregon Coast as of 7am on July 30, 2025, this means moving to higher ground and out of the tsunami inundation zones.

What is the difference between a distant tsunami and a local tsunami?

A distant tsunami, such as this one, is caused by an earthquake or other event that is not in our area. This means there is time for responders to get information, assess the situation, and get information out to impacted areas, including information on if they need to evacuate.

A local tsunami is caused by a local earthquake or event. With a local tsunami, the earthquake is the notification that you need to evacuate to higher ground. There is not time for local responders to get information out to the affected areas. If you are ever on the Oregon Coast and feel the ground shake, evacuate to higher ground.
 

How do I know if I am in the tsunami inundation zone?

Nanoos.org has an interactive map where you can enter any address and see what areas are in the known distant and local tsunami inundation zones. That’s nvs.nanoos.org/TsunamiEvac

What did the response look like last night?

Our small Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team was activated at about 5:20pm yesterday, July 29, 2025. We quickly called back some team members that had left at the end of their shift and put additional staff on standby in case the situation escalated quickly. We continued to monitor developing information and put together public information and information for Lincoln County Cooperators. Traditionally, during local events and disaster response, the Lincoln County communities do an incredible job coming together. One piece of this puzzle is making sure responders and similar organizations have information about the situation, are communicating with each other, and have a good grasp on the action plan or activities already in motion. Another really important piece of this puzzle is our community members doing one of the things they do best, which is helping keep each other informed and prepared for any action that may be needed such as evacuations. Our team and partners work very hard to get information out in a timely manner, but some of our community members don’t have access to some forms of communication; this is one area community members make a big impact by checking on neighbors, friends, and vulnerable populations.  
 

Our team continued to monitor the situation through the night and continues to do so this morning.

During those initial phases of activation there are a lot of moving pieces. Team members are working on assessing developing information -which can change quickly, managing public information and notifications, making plans for evacuations and shelters or assembly points, and so much more. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and cooperators are incredibly dedicated to our communities’ safety and wellbeing and reflect that in our coordinated responses to events.

What is the Sheriff’s Office currently doing?

Continuing to monitor the situation and sending relevant updates to our community.

What about expected impacts?

The National Weather Service has information on anticipated impacts. In one of their messages they shared the following:

Impacts will vary at different locations in the warning and in the advisory areas.

If you are in a tsunami warning area:

• A tsunami with damaging waves and powerful currents is possible.
• Repeated coastal flooding is possible as waves arrive onshore, move inland, and drain back into the ocean.
• Strong and unusual waves, currents and inland flooding can drown or injure people and weaken or destroy structures on land and in water.
• Water filled with floating or submerged debris that can injure or kill people and weaken or destroy buildings and bridges is possible.
• Strong and unusual currents and waves in harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets may be especially destructive.

If you are in a tsunami advisory area:

• A tsunami with strong waves and currents is possible.
• Waves and currents can drown or injure people who are in the water.
• Currents at beaches and in harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets may be especially dangerous.
   

If you are in a tsunami warning or advisory area:

• Some impacts may continue for many hours to days after arrival of the first wave.
• The first wave may not be the largest so later waves may be larger.
• Each wave may last 5 to 45 minutes as a wave encroaches and recedes.
• Coasts facing all directions are threatened because the waves can wrap around islands and headlands and into bays.
• Strong shaking or rolling of the ground indicates an earthquake has occurred and a tsunami may be imminent.
• A rapidly receding or receded shoreline, unusual waves and sounds, and strong currents are signs of a tsunami.
• The tsunami may appear as water moving rapidly out to sea, a gentle rising tide like flood with no breaking wave, as a series of breaking waves, or a frothy wall of water.

What can I do to prepare for future events or disasters?

• Stay updated with current information and alerts:
  • National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/
  • Tsunami.gov: tsunami.gov/
  • Lincoln County Emergency Alerts and Information - Lincoln Alerts
    • Sign up for or update your existing account to receive messages directly: member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/new
    • View sent messages and local alerts: member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/notif
  • Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Media Releases - FlashAlert: flashalert.net/id/LCSO
• Make an Emergency Plan
  • Review NVS Tsunami Evacuation Zones
    • Learn what tsunami evacuation zones your home, work, school, and other areas you frequent are in.
    • Learn the Tsunami Message definitions and appropriate actions.
  • Talk with family and friends about what you will do, including if you’re not together during an emergency.
  • Practice your plan at different times and on different days. What will you do if you are at home, work, school, or another location?
  • Plan to check on your neighbors or vulnerable community members and offer assistance if possible.
  • Build an Emergency Kit
    • Create an emergency kit or update your existing one.
    • Some supplies include:
      • at least 4 weeks supply of food and water for each person and any pets. Remember to include water for drinking, sanitation, and preparing meals
      • battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
      • flashlight
      • first aid kit
      • extra batteries
      • whistle (to signal for help)
      • dust mask (to help filter contaminated air) and face coverings
      • plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
      • moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
      • wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
      • manual can opener (for food)
      • local maps
      • cell phone with chargers and power banks

Our Public Information Officer is working through media requests this morning. Additional questions and requests can be sent to LCSheriff@co.lincoln.or.us

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind urban homeowners that now is the perfect time to remember to water your trees.

“By the end of July, soils in Oregon are very dry. Coupled with long, hot days, this puts trees under a great deal of stress. Drought-stressed trees are vulnerable to pests, at risk from losing their leaves early, and even dying,” said ODF Community Assistance Forester Brittany Oxford.

Oxford advises that trees three years and younger need about 15 gallons of water once a week, possibly more during heat waves.

“What’s harder for many in western Oregon to grasp is that even older trees benefit from a deep watering at least a few times during the summer,” said Oxford. “That’s why the last week of July and the last week in August have been designated as Soak It Weeks, to serve as reminders for urban homeowners to deeply water their older trees at least once during those times.”

Oxford points out that rainfall in western Oregon is no longer reliable enough in spring and fall to get trees through the dry summer months in good shape. ”Higher average temperatures are especially hard on the many trees in Oregon cities that are native to places where it rains a lot in summer, such as eastern Asia or the eastern U.S.,” she said.

While some trees native to dry areas of the world might not need or even want watering in the summer, most other trees will grow faster, look better and be healthier if watered in the summer.  

“Get to know what species of tree you have and adjust the watering needs according to how drought-tolerant it is, your soil type, and how exposed to sun your tree is,” says Oxford. “A tree in full sun may need more water than one growing in shade.”

She recommends that trees four to 10 years old may need anywhere from 20 to 30 gallons every other week. Trees older than that may only need a deep soaking once a month.

In all cases, water should be given close to the tree’s trunk. “Apply it slowly so it soaks down into the roots and doesn’t run off,” advised Oxford. “Drilling small holes on one side of a five-gallon bucket near the bottom can be a convenient way to water. Just refill the bucket from a hose as many times as needed.”

Watering in the morning or evenings is advised to reduce water loss from evaporation.

“Mulching around a tree also cuts down on water loss, but keep it from touching the tree’s trunk,” said Oxford.

Find more guidance on watering trees at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/fact-sheet-watering-your-trees.pdf

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Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a brush fire on Gillespie Butte in Eugene early Wednesday morning.  Just after 2:30 AM a driver on I-105 reported a smoke column and what looked like orange lines on the hillside. Arriving firefighters found an approximately 1 acre area burning.  The fire was contained without any damage to nearby homes.  Cool night time air and high humidity aided in a slow rate of spread, which would not have been the case in the middle of the day.  The cause is under investigation. 

DISTANT TSUNAMI ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT
Updated at 5:50am on 7/30/25

The Tsunami Advisory remains in effect from the National Weather Service.

What to do now in Lincoln County:
- Stay out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets.
- Be alert to and follow instructions from your local emergency officials.
- If you feel a strong earthquake or extended ground rolling take immediate protective actions such as moving inland and/or uphill preferably by foot.

Continue to monitor for updates:
- National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/
- Tsunami.gov: tsunami.gov/
- Lincoln Alerts: member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/notif
- Lincoln County Sheriff's Office FlashAlert: flashalert.net/id/LCSO

We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops or the tsunami advisory is downgraded.

On July 29, 2025, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake occurred at 4:25 p.m. PDT, approximately 74 miles SE of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, at an estimated depth of 12.9 miles. The earthquake was determined by the U.S. Geological Survey to be a thrust event resulting in vertical deformation (uplift) of the sea floor, which has produced a tsunami.

The Tsunami Warning Center of the National Weather Service has issued a Tsunami Advisory for the Oregon Coast that remains in effect. Tsunami forecasts indicate that wave amplitudes of 1 to 2 ft. may impact the Oregon coast, with the waves forecast to arrive at 11:35 p.m. at Port Orford on the southern Oregon Coast, and 11:55 p.m. in Newport (central coast) and Seaside (northern Oregon coast). People should stay away from open coast beaches, estuary mouths, marinas, and harbors. Dangerous currents are possible even without significant wave activity. Do not go to the beach to watch the waves. Remain in a safe location away from the coast until the advisory is lifted.

Per the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, do not call 9-1-1 for general updates or tsunami information. Only call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies. Contact local non-emergency numbers for inquiries. Additionally, sign up for OR-Alert for local emergency notifications and visit https://tsunami.gov for official tsunami updates and arrival times.

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PORTLAND, Ore.— Edis Odalis Centeno Banegas, 45, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Portland, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release Monday for possessing and distributing fentanyl in Oregon.

According to court documents, on September 6, 2023, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Banegas and his co-conspirator. During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized fentanyl and Super Mannitol, a cutting agent used to mix with fentanyl for further distribution, and arrested Banegas and his co-conspirator.

Later the same day, investigators executed search warrants on Banegas’s residence and storage unit. Investigators located and seized additional fentanyl powder, counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, Super Mannitol, three firearms, ammunition, and equipment to process fentanyl including vice presses, a scale, masks, and a blender. In total, more than ten pounds of fentanyl and Super Mannitol were seized. 

On September 19, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Banegas with conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On February 5, 2025, Banegas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, Portland Police Bureau, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

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

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: July 29, 2025

Two arrested in ATM jackpotting attempt

Salem, Ore. — Felony Crimes Unit detectives arrested two men this afternoon for their involvement in the breaching an automated teller machine (ATM).

Just before 3:00 a.m. this morning, Umpqua Bank security personnel reported two men tampering with an ATM at 550 Center ST NE. The surveillance recording showed the suspects used a key to access the inside of the machine and then took photographs of the internal components. The suspects then left the scene.

Approximately 30 minutes later, officers apprehended the suspects, Brandon Lee Ramirez, age 26 of California, and Jhonathan Vargas-Yanten, age 31 of Washington, who had returned to the bank. Inside the suspect vehicle, officers recovered a functional ATM key, several smart phones, computer devices and adapters, tools, and license plates.

Ramirez and Vargas-Yanten were arrested, each on the following charges:

• Aggravated theft, first-degree (attempted)
• Criminal mischief, third-degree
• Computer crime (attempted)
• Possession of a burglary tool or theft device

Both suspects are in custody at the Marion County Jail and await arraignment at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

The investigation is ongoing, and all inquiries into the case must be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

The Salem Police Department extends its thanks to the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Portland Office for lending their expertise to this jackpotting investigation. Jackpotting is a term for the unlawful installation of malware to bypass the authorized transaction process, prompting the ATM to dispense money on command. Although jackpotting does not directly affect consumer accounts, banks are the primary victims in this scheme.

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Springfield, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to back to back brush fires in Springfield on Tuesday afternoon.  Just after 2PM, fire crews were called to the area of Glenwood Blvd and Henderson Ave to a fire in the bush along Glenwood.  Glenwood Blvd was closed down for about an hour.  The fire was about 1/2 acre in size. Crews dealt with a couple of spot fires due to the wind kicking up but we got on them quick preventing fire spread. This fire is under investigation. 

In July, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office conducted online child luring investigations using decoy social media accounts as part of its ongoing commitment to proactive policing and the protection of vulnerable community members—especially children.

As part of the operation, deputies posed as underage children on various social media platforms. During the investigation, they were contacted by adult males who engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange in-person meetings for illegal sexual encounters.

On July 28, 2025, a Lincoln County detective traveled to Albany, Oregon, and arrested Jimmy Smith, 45, of Albany, on charges of Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree.

While enroute back to Lincoln County with Mr. Smith in custody, deputies operating decoy accounts were contacted by Kyle Carter, 34, of Sweet Home, Oregon. Based on the nature of the interaction, probable cause was established for Mr. Carter’s arrest.

On July 29, 2025, Mr. Carter traveled to Lincoln County to meet with the decoy persona and was subsequently arrested. He was charged with Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree.

These arrests underscore the effectiveness of proactive, targeted enforcement strategies designed to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit children online—before harm can occur. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its mission to protect children and hold offenders accountable.

Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to monitor their children’s online activity and maintain open, ongoing conversations about the risks of communicating with strangers on the internet. Through community awareness, education, and enforcement, we can work together to ensure a safer environment for all children.

Salem, OR – Oregon Chief Information Officer Terrence Woods, Director of Enterprise Information Services (EIS), has appointed Nik Blosser as the state of Oregon’s first Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategist. The CPO will be charged with crafting the strategic vision for the state of Oregon relating to privacy, data protection, and AI. As the first-of-a-kind position in Oregon state government, the CPO must make strategic judgements and decisions relating to developing policy and as the AI Strategist, Nik will play a pivotal role in shaping Oregon’s AI landscape. 

“Adding a Chief Privacy Officer and AI Strategist to the team at EIS has been a goal of mine for a few years and I am excited to bring Nik onboard,” said Woods. “Nik will significantly enhance our ability to safeguard data, ensure compliance with privacy regulations, prioritize workforce AI literacy, and lead efforts to promote a culture of awareness across all state agencies, ultimately making Oregon a leader in data protection, privacy management, and AI Governance.”

Blosser brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career to his new role. A Stanford University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Aeronautical Engineering and English, he has a diverse educational background.

He has worked in both private and public sectors, with his career highlights including serving as Chair and Board Member of Sokol Blosser Winery for 22 years, one of the oldest family-owned and operated wineries in Oregon. Blosser also held significant roles in the Executive Office of the President, Portland General Electric, The White House, and served as Chief of Staff for Oregon Governor Kate Brown. 

Blosser co-founded Celilo Group Media, Inc., a company focused on sustainable products and services, and has been actively involved in numerous volunteer roles, including board memberships with Literary Arts, Oregon Business & Industry, and the Oregon Environmental Council. 

Nik Blosser’s leadership and dedication to public service and sustainability make him an invaluable asset to EIS and the state of Oregon. 

On July 24, 2025, Governor Kotek signed Senate Bill 95 into law.  Senate Bill 95 creates new judicial positions for Douglas, Lane and Clackamas Counties. 

The number of elected judges in Douglas County has not been increased in at least four decades (OJD records go back to 1985, with no new judges).  A request that Douglas County receive a new judge has been included in proposed legislation consistently since 2017. 

At the time Senate Bill 95 was proposed, Oregon Judicial Branch’s Judicial Workload Study showed that Douglas County needed three additional judges in order to properly adjudicate the number of cases being filed.

The judges of the Douglas County Circuit Court extend our appreciation to those legislators who recognized the need for additional judicial resources in our County and voted in favor of Senate Bill 95.

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (July 29, 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person(s) responsible for the illegal take and waste of a buck deer in Grants Pass.

On the morning of July 23, 2025, a dead buck deer was found on private property on NW Vine Street near NW Highland Avenue in Grants Pass. The property owner recalled hearing a single shot on the evening of July 21, 2025, but had not noticed the deceased animal until later.
 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number #SP25347008.
 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitters and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.
 

The TIP program offers cash rewards or preference point rewards to individuals who provide information leading to the arrest or citation of those responsible for the unlawful killing of wildlife and/or waste of big game. When making a report, provide as much of the following information as possible:

• Description of suspicious activity or violation
• Date, time, and location of activity
• Description of any vehicle involved
• Name and/or description of suspect(s)

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

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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.— The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Scott E. Bradford has taken the oath of office—administered by U.S. Circuit Court Judge Danielle J. Forrest on Monday—to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. On July 28, 2025, United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Mr. Bradford to serve as interim U.S. Attorney.

The District of Oregon serves approximately four million people and covers more than 98,000 square miles. Our expansive region hosts a wide variety of cultural and geographic diversity and is home to nine federally recognized Tribes. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon has approximately 100 employees, with the main office located in Portland, where nearly half the population of the state lives, and two branch offices in Eugene and Medford, Oregon.

“I am honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and thank Attorney General Bondi for placing her trust in me. It is a privilege to lead this great office, serving alongside such dedicated public servants. I look forward to working with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the public and defend the interests of the United States,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Bradford is an 18-year veteran of the Department of Justice, joining the Department in 2007 through the Attorney General Honors Program and the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an Assistant United States Attorney in 2009. He has held several leadership positions in 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, Bradford was the Department’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia. Bradford returned the Department of Justice in 2024 in Washington, D.C., most recently serving as the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Bradford clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman.

Bradford received his bachelor’s degree from Bringham Young University and his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.

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LINN COUNTY, Ore. (July 29, 2025) – On Monday, July 28, 2025, at approximately 7:47 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 226 near Albany.

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Buick Envoy, operated by Jarri Lynn Saul (55) of Lebanon, was traveling eastbound on Highway 226 near milepost 1.5 when it attempted to turn north onto Old Bridge Drive. The Buick turned into the path of a westbound blue Kenworth commercial motor vehicle, operated by Douglas Edward Ahlberg (49) of Aumsville. The vehicles collided nearly head-on.
 

The operator of the Buick (Saul) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
 

The Buick’s front passenger, a 15-year-old female Japanese exchange student, was also pronounced deceased at the scene.
 

The Buick’s rear passenger, another 15-year-old female Japanese exchange student, sustained serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to a local hospital.
 

The operator of the Kenworth (Ahlberg) was not injured.
 

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

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Fire 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.

Earlier this year, DOC hired the Falcon Group, a national consulting firm specializing in correctional healthcare. Falcon conducted a comprehensive review of DOC’s healthcare delivery system including policies, practices, and the overall quality of care. Falcon arrived at 67 findings and key observations reflecting convergence among sources of information and stakeholders that were unprecedented in Falcon’s experience. The key findings in “State of Oregon Department of Corrections Healthcare Delivery System Assessment,” included Falcon noting that DOC impressed them as authentically committed to studying and improving healthcare for AICs. The report also noted that Pharmacy Services and Dental Services both emerged as best practice models, and that Behavioral Health Services has many best-practice approaches.  

Salem, Ore. – Oregon Lottery’s efforts to educate and support responsible gaming initiatives are being recognized nationally with four top awards. Each year, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) honors individuals and organizations from around the world for their significant impact in the fields of problem gambling awareness, research, and responsible gambling.

Oregon Lottery earned awards in the following categories: 

• Corporate Social Responsibility Award for Oregon Lottery’s overall program
• Corporate Public Awareness Award for Oregon Lottery’s “Safer Play” PSA campaign
• Corporate Multicultural Communications Award for Oregon Lottery’s “multicultural digital/print media marketing campaign” 
• Don Feeney Award for Responsible Gambling Excellence (individual honor) - Stacy Shaw, Oregon Lottery senior manager for product marketing

"These awards reflect how deeply safer play is woven into everything we do," said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. "It's more than just a requirement. It's a shared commitment for the entire agency and is rewarding to be recognized as a national leader."

The awards ceremony took place on Friday, July 18, in Columbus, Ohio, during the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling 2025. 

“Over the past year, we have invested in our Safer Play Program to conduct research, offer marketing outreach, and provide resources that let us reach more people on their help seeking journey,” said Shaw. “Receiving these awards shows that our peers and colleagues see the impact of this important work, which we are excited to continue." 

Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery profits have funded problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts throughout Oregon. Since that time, over $148 million in Lottery funds has supported those services.

Oregonians can access online tools and connect with free, professional counseling by going to the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) website. 

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery, visit www.oregonlottery.org.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has reached a milestone in strengthening its unit that regulates long-term care.

As part of a broader strategy to improve safety, the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) in July began implementing recommendations from an independent consultant’s external assessment of its unit that oversees nursing, assisted living and residential care facilities as well as adult foster homes. 

The consultant’s report provides recommendations for how the unit can build a stronger foundation to support its regulatory work, which has grown in size and complexity in the past decade. It includes an overarching framework for processes to: realign staff with the workload; update practices for efficiency; clarify procedures for state and federal regulations; implement new legislation and provide ongoing training for staff. 

These changes will help address work backlogs and measure the unit’s performance in improving safety. 

As the unit strengthens its operations, APD will also incorporate the consultant’s recommendations into existing safety projects underway. These projects range from adopting a statewide protocol for responding to suspicious deaths in licensed long-term care to developing improved training tools to support staff in implementing regulatory changes. 

 
Independent consultant Alvarez and Marsal (A&M) conducted the external assessment and produced the Final Report for ODHS. 

“We are committed to continually improve what we do to ensure the safety of older adults and people with disabilities in Oregon,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D. “Our goal is to make changes that will continue to improve our operations today and will equip us to meet Oregonians’ needs in the future.” 

PORTLAND, Ore. – A Portland man made his initial appearance in federal court today after committing various offenses – including aggravated assault of a federal officer and damaging federal property – during a violent protest at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Robert Jacob Hoopes, 24, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offenses of aggravated assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, and depredation of federal property in an amount exceeding $1,000.

According to court documents and information shared in court, on June 14, 2025, Hoopes was present at a protest at the ICE building.  He was seen throwing large rocks at the building.  He threw one of those rocks at an ICE officer and struck the officer in the head, causing a significant laceration over the officer’s eye.  Later that same day, he and two other individuals were seen using an upended stop sign as a makeshift battering ram, which resulted in significant damage to the main entry door to the ICE building.  Hoopes was identified from a photo online later that same day.  Hoopes was arrested by FBI agents on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Hoopes made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.  Hoopes was ordered released pending trial.

Aggravated assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon that results in bodily injury is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.  Depredation of federal property in an amount exceeding $1,000 is a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison.

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

Since June 13, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged 23 defendants with offenses committed at the ICE building including assaulting federal officers, arson, possession of a destructive device, and depredation of government property.

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

# # #

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. (July 28, 2025) – On Saturday, July 26, 2025, at approximately 3:11 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 213 near Oregon City.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a black Ford F-250 pickup truck, operated by Bryce Montplaisir Ainslie (28) of West Linn, was traveling southbound on Highway 213 near milepost 2.5 when it left the travel lane for an unknown reason, crashed into a guardrail, and went down an embankment.

The operator (Ainslie), and sole occupant of the Ford, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Fire District, the Clackamas County Medical Examiner’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.

Springfield, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of a house fire in the 500 block of 17th St in Springfield.  Firefighters were called around 10:40 AM on July 28th to reports of smoke from the roof of a home.  Engine 4 arrived 4 minutes after the call and found fire in the garage that extended to the attic.  Firefighters quickly contained the fire and are working to eliminate remaining hot spots. There were no injuries and the cause is under investigation.  

SAIF offers tips on how to keep your workers safe from hazardous wildfire smoke.

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With several fires already burning across the state, it’s important for businesses and individuals to be prepared for wildfire smoke. 

As with any emergency, having a plan in place before there is a need could help prevent injuries and illness, and potentially save lives. 

Know the risks

Smoke travels much farther than the fire itself and contains chemicals and particles that, when breathed in, can cause severe health issues, including: 

• Reduced lung function 
• Fatigue 
• Eye irritation 
• Worsening asthma and other existing heart and lung conditions  
• Coughing 
• Sore throat 
• Wheezing  
• Difficulty breathing 

Keep in mind certain workers may be more susceptible to the impact of smoke due to their age, health history, and how much they work outside.

“Smoke is complex. It could be made up of trees and other organic matter and may contain biotoxins like poison ivy or poison oak,” says Kim Henry, an industrial hygienist at SAIF. “But it can also contain fumes and vapors from burned items such as car tires, metal equipment, and other human-made materials. Smoke can travel hundreds to thousands of miles and impact communities far away.”

Know which fires are burning

Employers should have current information on active wildfires, even the ones that aren’t in their immediate area or community. Monitoring weather forecasts, fire conditions, and air quality reports can help you make more informed decisions.

Know your plan 

Before wildfire smoke hits your area or community:

• It’s crucial to provide annual wildfire smoke training to all employees and include wildfire smoke events in your emergency plans.
• Prepare production schedules and work assignments with potential business interruptions in mind and identify the risk of smoke exposure for each type of employee. 

During a wildfire or smoke event:

• Communicate frequently with employees and make it easy for them to communicate with you.
• Conduct an exposure assessment at the start of each shift to determine air quality.
• Offer the appropriate filtering facepiece respirators based on the air quality index (AQI). Find out more about respirators in SAIF's online training. 
• For those working inside: shut down outside air intakes and allow air-conditioned buildings to operate on recirculated air. Change filters on HVAC units and keep windows and doors closed. 
• For outside workers, relocate or re-assign work activities away from the smoke zone. Stop work when air quality and/or visibility present health and safety hazards. 

After a wildfire or smoke event:

• Talk about what you learned: what went well and what could have gone better?  
• Cleaning up after wildfire smoke impacts requires a thoughtful response. Make sure whoever conducts the cleaning has the correct equipment and guidance. 

You can find more details and prepare your business for wildfire season. 

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, we’ve been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: July 28, 2025

Victim identified

Update published at 1000:

The person who died in the Saturday morning train collision is identified as Robert Ivar Jeffers, age 66, of Salem.

# # #

Originally published 07/26/2025 | 1455

Moving train strikes, kills man on tracks

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police officers responded to the area of McGilchrist ST and Pringle RD SE at approximately 11:00 a.m. after Union Pacific personnel called to report a collision with a person on the railroad tracks.

A rail crew traveling southbound on the line reported a man walking on the tracks in front of the oncoming train. The rail crew used various measures to get the man’s attention and stop the train, but the collision could not be avoided as the man did not move for unknown reasons.

The 66-year-old man was declared deceased at the scene. His name is not being released pending notification to his family.

Streets were closed to east and westbound traffic between McGilchrist ST and Mill ST SE until approximately 2:30 p.m. when the train released from the scene.

# # #

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Brittan Arrington.

Brittan, age 13, is a child who went missing from Gresham on July 22. She was found on July 27.

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

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

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The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is now accepting applications for its 2025–27 Campus Veteran Resource Center (CVRC) Grant Program. This competitive grant opportunity is designed to support Oregon’s student veterans by expanding and strengthening Campus Veteran Resource Centers at the state’s public colleges and universities.

The Oregon Legislature has approved up to $800,000 in funding for this biennium’s grant cycle. The CVRC Grant Program is funded in part by Oregon Lottery dollars, made possible through the passage of Measure 96, which directs a portion of Lottery proceeds to support Oregon veterans.

Campus Veteran Resource Centers are vital to ensuring student veterans have the tools and support they need to thrive in college and beyond. These centers help veterans successfully transition from military to academic life, navigate the challenges of higher education, and prepare for meaningful careers in the civilian workforce. Services offered at many CVRCs include academic advising, peer mentoring, mental health and wellness resources, and connections to VA and community benefits.

“Oregon’s Campus Veteran Resource Centers, along with their dedicated coordinators and staff, serve as a critical cornerstone to support student veterans’ environmental, intellectual, and social well-being while earning a post-secondary degree or certification,” said ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Daniels.

“This grant program underscores our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of student veterans across the state by supporting campus resources and services that promote student veteran personal growth and academic success.”

Oregon’s 17 community colleges and seven public universities (not including Oregon Health & Science University) are eligible to apply for these grant funds.

To be eligible for grant funds, a community college or public university needs to currently have a Campus Veteran Resource Center, a Campus Veteran Resource Coordinator (or intends to hire one prior to the distribution of grant funds), or both.

The window for applications for the Oregon Veteran Campus Resource Center Grant Program will open Monday, July 28, 2025, and will close Monday, September 22, 2025. Grant requests may be up to $100,000.

A webinar will be hosted at 10:00 a.m. August 1 to provide additional information about the application process. To register for the webinar, visit CVRC Grant 2025 - 2027 Intent to Apply.

For more information about this grant or to apply, visit www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/grants/pages/campus-grant.aspx or contact ODVA Grants Coordinator Brenna Bandstra at renna.bandstra@odva.oregon.gov">brenna.bandstra@odva.oregon.gov or 971-388-8204.

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

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Salem, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is gathering public comments on proposed procurement and contracting rule updates now through Aug. 31.

The proposed rule updates seek to implement changes based on SB 838B. That legislation provided OPRD a limited exemption from the state’s Public Contracting Code to better serve park visitors and support local businesses. The exemption does not apply to surplus property, information technology, photogrammetric mapping or telecommunications.

This rulemaking opened for public comment on July 28, 2025. The public is invited to comment on the proposed updates through 5 p.m. Aug. 31, 2025:

• Submit comments online on the rules webpage
• Attend a public hearing 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20
  • Registration required to provide public comment: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Mg-QQFOLQ8OhHW4SqSEmeg
  • Watch the hearing: https://www.youtube.com/@oprddirectorsoffice5783/streams

Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Jo Niehaus at least three days in advance of the meeting at jo.niehaus@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-580-9210.

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in September for possible adoption and implementation.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred just before 9:00 p.m. on Saturday,

July 26, 2025, near the 14000 block of Butteville Road NE, just outside of Woodburn.

Deputies responded to reports of a head-on collision and, upon arrival, located a two-vehicle crash with significant impact.

One of the drivers, Angel Moreno-Cano, a 26-year-old man from Gervais, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second driver sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

That driver has been cooperative with investigators, and no charges have been filed at this time.

The Marion County CRASH Team responded to document the scene and conduct a full investigation.

Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones impacted by this tragic incident.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Woodburn Fire, Woodburn Ambulance, Marion County Public Works, the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Marion County CRASH Team.

EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University is honored to announce that it has been selected to host an upcoming NetVUE regional gathering Oct. 2–4. The event, titled “The Purposeful University,” will convene faculty, staff, and thought leaders from across the region to explore the role of purpose, vocation, and calling in higher education.  

This gathering is part of the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education and is funded through a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges. The funds will cover event costs, including pre- and post-event gatherings. The grant is made possible through NetVUE member dues and generous support from the Lilly Endowment Inc. 

An Opportunity for Purposeful Reflection 

“This gathering is more than a conference — it is a vital conversation about meaning making and purpose in the work of colleges and universities”, said Dr. Agam Iheanyi-Igwe, Bushnell Associate Dean and Professor of Bible, Theology, & Ministry. “We are grateful for the opportunity to host this event on our campus and to join colleagues from across the region in reflecting on the future of higher education through the lens of vocation.” 

Building on NetVUE executive director Dr. David Cunningham’s assertion that colleges, like individuals, have callings, the gathering examines how institutions discern, articulate, embody, and live out their institutional callings. This examination will also explore how institutional vocation contributes to the flourishing of the broader communities that colleges and universities serve. 

Planning is already underway for the three-day gathering, which will include keynote presentations, facilitated discussions, and breakout sessions designed to spark meaningful dialogue, provide practical tools for furthering purposeful education, and foster collaborative relationships among participants. 

Three Days of Engaging Conversations 

Opening the event, Cunningham will present the first keynote address, “The Importance of Vocational Reflection for Colleges and Universities in the Present Landscape,” in which he
will explore how the framework of vocation and purpose can be applied at the institutional level. He’ll explain why this approach is particularly vital in the current landscape and compare it with alternative models. 

On Friday morning, Bushnell President Dr. Joseph Womack will lead the first panel session with fellow staff to discuss the university’s journey through institutional vocational reflection. The panel will discuss Bushnell’s Saga Project, the Presidential initiative on creating Becoming Beloved Community, and how this has played out in institutional interactions with visitors during regional accreditation visits.  

Several other excellent sessions follow throughout the day and into Saturday. There will also be meals, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. The gathering will close with a call for “Institutional Purpose and Courage” in Dr. Matthew Hartley’s keynote address. Hartley is an internationally recognized expert on academic governance, leadership, and reform in higher education, and he serves as professor and board of advisors chair of Education at University of Pennsylvania.  

To learn more about the NetVUE regional gathering at Bushnell, including ticket prices and the schedule, visit bushnell.edu/netvue-regional-gathering. 

If you have questions about the event, please contact Dr. Agam Iheanyi-Igwe at aiheanyi-igwe@bushnell.edu. 

To learn more about NetVUE, visit www.cic.edu/netvue.