In recent weeks, detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) had received reports that Robert Dennis, of Riddle, was dealing fentanyl throughout Douglas County.
Detectives began a weeks long investigation in which they compiled evidence of multiple suspected drug sales committed by Dennis. The case was brought to conclusion on the evening of July 24, 2025. Detectives, with the help of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, made a traffic stop on 60-year-old Robert Dennis on First Avenue in Riddle.
A search of Dennis’ vehicle revealed suspected fentanyl, a digital scale and baggies consistent with the presumed distribution of controlled substances.
Detectives followed up with a search warrant that was executed on Dennis’ residence in the 1000 block of Yokum Road in Riddle. The search yielded additional drug related items including baggies, spoons, scales and suspected methamphetamine.
In total, DINT seized 18.9 grams of suspected fentanyl and 1 gram of suspected methamphetamine.
Dennis was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Schedule II (4 counts), Unlawful Delivery of Controlled Substance Schedule II (4 counts), Unlawful Manufacture of Controlled Substance Schedule II (4 counts), Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine and Felony Driving While Suspended.
Dennis was the subject of two recent DINT investigations in which he was arrested and charged on suspicion of several drug related crimes. Those cases are still pending prosecution within the court system.
The Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. DINT is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. DINT is composed of members from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, Oregon State Police, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Land Management.
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 DINT.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an apartment fire in South Eugene on Friday morning. Fire crews were dispatched to the fire just before 11AM on July 25th. Engine 15 from the South Hills station arrived about 3-1/2 minutes after dispatch reporting smoke from an apartment in single story building. Crews quickly contained the fire to a single room and searched for victims. A dog named Taquito was rescued and attended to by medics on scene. There were no other injuries reported and the cause is under investigation. Willamette St was shut down for a period of time due to fire apparatus and a 5” water supply line in the street.
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.
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:
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:
When using equipment
Before you start:
Always:
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.
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:
Natural gas tips
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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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
07/30/2025 Distant Tsunami Talking Points
What Caused the Tsunami Advisory?
The evening of July 29th, 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:
If you are in a tsunami advisory area:
If you are in a tsunami warning or advisory area:
What can I do to prepare for future events or disasters?
Our Public Information Officer is working through media requests this morning. Additional questions and requests can be sent to LCSheriff@co.lincoln.or.us
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.
The Tsunami Watch from the National Weather Service has been upgraded to a Tsunami Advisory.
What to do now: Recommended actions from the National Weather Service are listed below.
Impacts
This message was last updated at 7:53pm on 7/29/25
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
LINN COUNTY, Ore. (July 23, 2025) – On Sunday, July 20, 2025, at approximately 9:13 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 99E near Harrisburg.
The preliminary investigation indicated a green Toyota Tacoma, operated by Laura Marie Howard (48) of Corvallis, was traveling westbound on Cartney Drive when it entered the intersection of Highway 99E without stopping at the stop sign. The Toyota was struck by a southbound white Freightliner semi-truck and trailer, operated by Barret E. Morrison (31) of McMinnville.
The operator of the Tacoma (Howard) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Freightliner (Morrison) was not injured. A passenger in the commercial motor vehicle, Eric Sean Fisher (56) of Newberg, was also not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by 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.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. (July 25, 2025) – On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at approximately 3:59 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 30 in Columbia County.
The preliminary investigation indicated that a gray Chevrolet Cruze, operated by Gary Ronald Thomas (90) of St. Helens, was traveling eastbound on Highway 30 near milepost 39 when it crossed into the westbound lane for an unknown reason. The Chevrolet struck a westbound purple Saturn SL1, operated by Kyler Warren Rinck (20) of Longview, WA, and a blue Toyota Camry, operated by Cori Marie Mack (61) of Rainier.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Thomas) was transported to an area hospital by Life Flight with serious injuries. He later died at the hospital as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.
The operator of the Saturn (Rinck) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
The operator of the Toyota (Mack) was transported to an area hospital in a private vehicle with minor injuries.
The highway was closed for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Rainier Police Department, Columbia County Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU)
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in documenting, investigating, and analyzing complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in using advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR-accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.
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:
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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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.
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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.
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PORTLAND, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management sold 47.7 million board feet of timber across 1,673 public acres for $13,489,277 in revenue in western Oregon in July. These sales will feed local mills and support jobs in western Oregon communities, producing enough timber to build roughly 3,000 homes.
“Timber from BLM-managed forests is fueling jobs, industry, and economic growth across western Oregon,” said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. “These sales reflect our commitment to managing public lands in a way that strengthens rural communities, supports working forests, and ensures the responsible use of America’s natural resources.”
These timber sales align with the Trump administration’s emphasis on maximizing the use of domestic resources, supporting rural economies and promoting American energy and materials independence. By accelerating active forest management and increasing access to public lands for responsible resource development, the BLM is helping meet national goals for job creation, reduced regulatory burdens and stronger supply chains for critical industries like homebuilding and timber production.
The Roseburg District offered two sales near Oakland in Douglas County, the Mean Mustard timber sale (2.2 million board feet, 132 public acres) sold to Diamond J Timber Services of Drain for $333,176; and the Sternbreaker timber sale (6.9 million board feet, 247 public acres) sold to Rosboro Company, LLC, of Springfield for $1,725,397.
The Northwest Oregon District sold the Mary Ellen timber sale (12.7 million board feet, 284 public acres) near Molalla in Marion County to Hampton Tree Farms, LLC, of Salem for $4,295,589. The district also offered a sale in Lane County, the Linebacker timber sale (6 million board feet, 191 public acres) near Marcola sold to Freres Lumber Co., Inc., of Lyons for $1,999,983.
The Medford District sold the Big Dog timber sale (5.3 million board feet, 396 public acres) near Butte Falls in Jackson County to Murphy Company of Eugene for $693,102.
The Coos Bay District sold the Blue Elk timber sale (14.6 million board feet, 423 public acres) near Scottsburg in Coos County to Boulder Creek Timber Co. of Roseburg for $4,442,030.
In western Oregon, the BLM manages 2.4 million acres of some of the most productive forests in the world, and is committed to supplying a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber. BLM forestry supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, conserves fish and wildlife habitat, and decreases costs of energy production. Local communities rely on jobs that come from BLM forests, and timber from public land feeds local industry.
Each year, sales managed by the BLM’s forestry program in Oregon and Washington support approximately 2,000 local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies. Revenue from timber sold on O&C lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon counties. This funding provides local communities with the means to construct new county buildings; develop fairgrounds and museums; support libraries, schools, and jails; and build flood-control dams and reservoirs.
-BLM-
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
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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PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE
MEETING SCHEDULED
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.
News Release from Oregon Arts Commission;
Travel Oregon to collaborate on invitation to explore the collection
Salem, Oregon – In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Oregon’s Percent for Art in Public Places Program, the Oregon Arts Commission presents “50 for 50,” an invitation for Oregonians to rediscover the state through the lens of public art. Oregon was among the nation’s first states to establish a percent for art program; the state’s public art collection now includes close to 3,000 artworks.
Supported in part by Travel Oregon, “50 for 50” encourages exploration of 50 selected works located in state buildings and public spaces from the Oregon Coast to Eastern Oregon. The artworks exemplify the program’s mission to make art an integral part of daily life while reflecting the state’s landscape, communities and people. Each work was selected for its artistic excellence, accessibility, geographic representation and connection to place.
“Travel Oregon is pleased to promote and support ‘50 for 50’ in partnership with the Oregon Arts Commission,” Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson said. “Art in public places enriches experiences for visitors and strengthens the economies of local communities while improving quality of life for residents. Arts and culture travelers visit throughout the year, stay longer and spend more on travel, solidifying the arts as a critical economic driver across the state of Oregon.”
Works by more than 900 artists are currently in the state collection, housed in over 280 state buildings occupied by more than 25 state agencies—including the Department of Administrative Services, the Department of Transportation, Oregon’s public universities, the Department of Forestry and others—reflecting the broad reach and collaborative spirit of the program.
To see the 50 selected works, visit the “50 for 50” website. Here are a few examples:
Clayton Binkley and John Grade’s “Orphan,” a 2022 steel sculpture in front of the Oregon State Treasury’s Resiliency Building in Salem;
“This campaign is a tribute to Oregon’s open-air museum—a living collection shared by the people, places and stories of our state. For 50 years, public art has transformed ordinary spaces into sites of memory, reflection and wonder. It reminds us that art is not separate from daily life but threaded through it—grounding us in who we are and where we are.”
– Ryan Burghard, Public Art and Artist Programs Coordinator
“What makes public art so special is that it’s always accessible, whether you’re finding solace, gathering with friends, or learning about the collection in your own backyard, public art is for you. It enriches our communities and lives in the shared spaces we inhabit.
“This project has not only deepened my appreciation for public art but has also brought me tremendous joy in witnessing the pride and admiration Oregonians have for this collection. We look forward to that connection continuing to grow and thrive over the next 50 years.”
– Sarah Baylinson, Art Collection & Artist Services Specialist
Oregon’s Art Acquisition legislation, commonly called “Percent for Art,” guides the acquisition of artwork for the state’s collection of art in public places, which includes close to 3,000 works. It mandates that 1% of direct construction costs for new or remodeled state buildings be allocated to the purchase or commissioning of artwork. The policy aims to integrate art into the built environment and enhance public spaces. Oregon was among the first states to pass percent for art legislation.
Artists and artworks are selected for each qualifying state building project through a facilitated process that brings together artists, architects and members of the public. Artworks may be of any media, indoors or outdoors, temporary or permanent, purchased or commissioned.
“50 for 50” is a featured exhibition on Creative West’s Public Art Archive, where visitors can explore the collection through interactive maps, learn more about each artwork, and access historical materials that reflect the program’s impact over the past five decades.
About the Oregon Arts Commission
The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development.
The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at: artscommission.oregon.gov.
About Travel Oregon
The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, is a semi-independent state agency whose mission is to inspire travel that uplifts Oregon communities. Collaborating with stakeholders to align as stewards of Oregon, they work to optimize economic opportunity, advance equity and respect the ecosystems, cultures and places that make Oregon… Oregon. Travel Oregon aims to improve Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening the economic impacts of the state’s $14.3 billion tourism industry, which employs more than 121,000 Oregonians.
Photo Caption
Large-scale Cor-Ten steel sculpture by Lee Kelly consists of interconnected thick rectangular columns, some of which are curved. Commissioned in 1983 through Oregon's Percent for Art in Public Places Program, managed by the Oregon Arts Commission as part of Oregon State University’s Crop Science Building project.
Photo attached - alternate photos available upon request.
Who: |
Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) in partnership with the Wilsonville Rotary |
What: |
Through A Child’s Eyes (TACE) TACE is a carnival-style event held inside the prison, where incarcerated mothers and their children come together for a day of joy and connection. Families enjoy BBQ, games, arts and crafts, back-to-school haircuts, and a variety of activities.
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When: |
Saturday, August 9, 2025 Media is invited to attend this event from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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Where: |
Coffee Creek Correctional Facility 24499 SW Grahams Ferry Road Wilsonville, OR 97070
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RSVP: |
RSVP to Amber Knight er.N.Knight@doc.oregon.gov">via email no later than 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025. |
Contact Information: |
Amber Knight, Public Information Officer 503-507-3567
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Additional Information: |
To learn more about this event, visit: Through A Child’s Eyes: A Weekend of Connection and Joy | Rotary Club of Wilsonville
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Background: |
TACE is Coffee Creek Correctional Facility’s largest annual event, made possible through a continued partnership with the Wilsonville Rotary and community volunteers. Now in its 22nd year, TACE has grown to be one of CCCF’s most meaningful and cherished traditions, creating lasting memories for incarcerated mothers and their children.
Those wishing to attend will be required to complete a criminal background check. |
Press availability scheduled at 1:00 p.m., July 29
Salem, OR -- The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) has taken major steps to improve healthcare services for adults in custody (AICs), following a thorough investigation conducted by the Department of Justice at DOC Director Michael Reese's request. In February, DOC's two top Health Services leaders were terminated following whistleblower allegations. The Director responded quickly by bringing in an expert-led consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare system and assigned the incoming Health Services Assistant Director to act on its findings. Efforts have since focused on evaluating systems, strengthening staffing, and making operational improvements.
The largest area of reform has focused on AIC access to offsite specialty care. Improvements in this area include an overhaul to the Therapeutic Levels of Care (TLC) system and scheduling process – removing delays in accessing care. Changes include:
Allowing for use of individual provider’s clinical judgment regarding outside referrals for all levels of care.
Modifications to allow for a range of clinical requests to be referred by providers without needing TLC approval.
Ensuring TLC meetings are not canceled.
Centralized scheduling for offsite care under one clinical structure. Additional schedulers and transport staff have been hired to help address the backlog of needed outside medical trips.
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.
The Falcon team has also provided a series of recommendations as part of their report, ranging from no-cost process changes to full replacement of a prison. DOC will take the next 120 days to review the report and determine recommendations to move forward. DOC will then create an implementation plan based on recommendations in Falcon’s report.
Other areas of focus have included hiring for critical positions and pushing through the final stages of electronic health records implementation.
DOC is in the beginning stages of developing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) office for Health Services. This team will use data-driven processes to identify gaps, implement best practices, and ensure compliance with medical standards and regulatory requirements.
From Director Michael Reese, “As part of our commitment to improving the quality, accessibility, and efficacy of care for adults in custody, this report will serve as a strategic guide for prioritizing actions within the implementation plan being developed by our incoming Health Services Assistant Director. We are committed to ensuring that the implementation plan will be completed within 120 days, and we value Falcon’s willingness to assist in prioritizing and refining the report’s recommendations.”
The Oregon Department of Corrections will hold a press availability July 29, at 1:00 p.m., to answer questions regarding the report. DOC officials will be joined by representatives from the Falcon Group.
Members of the media must RSVP by 11:30 a.m., July 29, by emailing DOC Communications Manager, Amber Campbell at er.R.Campbell@doc.oregon.gov" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Amber.R.Campbell@doc.oregon.gov. DOC is using an MSN Teams-based platform for the press conference, and log-in information will be provided to reporters who RSVP. Members of the media are asked to log in a few minutes early.
UPDATE: The Tsunami Advisory is canceled for the coastal areas of Oregon and Washington from The Oregon California Border to the Washington Border.
However, OEM is still urging visitors to the coast to exercise cuation as large debris washes ashore during the next few days. This is also a good time for people to reflect on their
tsunami preparedness plans and learn their evacutaion routes and warning levels.
Salem, OR – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging residents and visitors along the Oregon Coast to use caution following a Tsunami Advisory issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center. The advisory follows a magnitude 8.8 earthquake that occurred near the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, on July 29, 2025, at approximately 4:25 p.m. (PST).
Small tsunami waves— the largest being between 1 to 2 feet in height—reached parts of the Oregon coast last night starting at around 11:50 p.m. on July 29, 2025. Although this is not a major tsunami, hazardous conditions including dangerous currents and strong wave action remain possible in coastal and harbor areas. At this time there have been no major damages or injuries reported to OEM from local municipalities.
Areas potentially affected include:
Port Orford
Charleston
Brookings
Newport
Seaside
Surges are expected to continue for several hours, and people should as always exercise caution near the ocean.
Public Safety Guidance
Residents and visitors are urged to take the following precautions:
Beware of increased debris washing up during the next few days, especially large logs that can shift and pin people.
Tsunami waves, even small ones, are more intense than normal waves, and can be impossible to escape even for strong swimmers.
Until the advisory is lifted:
Stay off beaches, harbors, and marinas
Do not go to the shore to watch for waves
Remain in a safe location away from the coast
Even minor tsunami activity can pose a significant danger to people near the water. Strong, unpredictable currents can injure or sweep individuals into the ocean.
911 Guidance
OEM is reminding the public:
Do not call 9-1-1 for general information or updates.
Please use local non-emergency numbers for questions.
Call 9-1-1 only for life-threatening emergencies.
Stay Informed
To stay updated on this advisory and future emergencies:
Sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov
Visit tsunami.gov for official forecasts, advisories, and wave arrival information
Follow OEM on social media (@OregonOEM on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads)
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with the National Weather Service, the National Tsunami Warning Center, and local jurisdictions to ensure the safety of Oregonians.
What Do Tsunami Alerts Mean?
Tsunami messages are issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center to alert local authorities and the public of potential danger. The Weather Service outlines four levels of tsunami alerts used in the United States:
Tsunami Warning – “Take Action”
A tsunami that may cause widespread flooding is expected or occurring. Dangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents are possible and may continue for several hours or even days after the initial wave arrival.
Tsunami Advisory – “Take Action”
A tsunami with the potential for strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or very near the water is expected or occurring. There may also be flooding in beach and harbor areas.
Tsunami Watch – “Be Prepared”
A distant earthquake has occurred, and a tsunami is possible. People in coastal areas should stay alert and prepare to take action if conditions change.
Tsunami Information Statement – “Relax”
An earthquake has occurred, but there is no threat, or it was very far away and the potential threat is still being assessed. In most cases, no destructive tsunami is expected.
For a full explanation of tsunami alert levels, visit U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers.
Reminder: Tsunamis can happen at any time—without warning. Take time now to prepare for any emergency.
Be 2 Weeks Ready (B2WR): Have water, food, medications, and emergency supplies to sustain yourself and your family for at least two weeks.
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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TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST, Ore.—The quick actions of Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) crews and rural fire departments have put out five fires just since May connected to target shooting.
“These fires are all preventable,” said Stephanie Beall, acting District Forester for Forest Grove. “Thanks to timely reporting and quick response times by firefighting resources, these fires have been kept small so far, with the largest fire reaching only 1.5 acres, but it only takes a little bit of wind to quickly expand a fire if the fuel conditions are right.”
There is a long list of state forest shooting regulations and simplified dos and don’ts while target shooting that are good to follow for any area of the state. They are all important but there are some critical ones during fire season.
“The two most pressing problems are people bringing out and shooting exploding targets and shooting into stumps, logs or other debris,” said Beall
Exploding targets are banned year-round in all of Oregon’s state forests. Materials such as Tannerite can scatter hot debris in a large area quickly igniting dry fuels. But it’s not only exploding targets that are a concern, the hot lead of regular rounds that hits stumps and other natural backstops or targets can smolder for hours leading to fire starts long after the shooter has left the area. To minimize this hazard shooters should not put targets on or in front of logs, stumps or grassy areas.
“People are required to use manufactured targets on all state forests, with the exception being paper targets printed at home.” said Ben Burns, ODF’s Recreation Operations Manager. “Do not place targets on live trees, stumps, logs or in any dry brushy areas.”
The department has built several shooting lanes throughout the state forest system but even those can be a fire hazard if not used properly.
“The Wolf Creek shooting lanes have ranges from 20 – 70 yards,” said Burns. “It is important that people use the designated backstops and do not shoot beyond these borders into the vegetation beyond.”
Another rule of which many recreational users are not aware, is that anyone using a vehicle in state forests during the regulated use portion of fire season must have a shovel and either a gallon of water or a 2.5-pound (or larger) fire extinguisher in that vehicle.
Although not following the rules can endanger people and the forest itself, ODF’s emphasis is on education before enforcement.
“You can ask our recreation staff or any ODF employee to clarify the rules if you are unsure,” said Burns. “We are here to help everyone safely enjoy the forests no matter what activity they choose from hiking, biking, OHV riding, target shooting, camping and many other outdoor opportunities.”
However, for repeat offenders and forest users who put people in imminent danger, local law enforcement officers do patrol state forests and can issue citations on the spot and more.
“The Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office has three dedicated officers to patrol the Tillamook State Forest thanks to funds that come from the state’s ATV registration fees and matching grant funds from ODF,” said Burns. “We meet regularly with them to discuss issues and areas to patrol more frequently, and target shooting is an area of emphasis right now.”
But the emphasis remains on education and compliance.
“As someone who enjoys target shooting, I keep fire in mind as part of shooting safety,” said Beall. “I buy manufactured targets, lay down a tarp to catch my brass and check the area for garbage when I’m done.”
Taking fire risk into consideration as part of any recreation activity is one of ODF’s education focuses when talking to the public.
“Every year 70 percent or more of our wildland fires are started by people—all of those are preventable,” said Beall.
For more information on target shooting safety and rules go here.
For current fire danger levels and restrictions go here.
For a list of shooting lanes and other recreational site locations and details go here.
If you see a fire call 911. Also if you are a witness to the start of a fire and can provide information, eye-witness statements, video, photos or any other data, you can assist investigators by emailing them to etips@odf.oregon.gov">odf.firetips@odf.oregon.gov. This information helps our investigators in creating a full picture of what happened and identify a responsible party if there is one.
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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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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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.”
(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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Update July 27: Oregon Department of Human Services announces that the three children from the Bend area have been found
July 25, 2025
Contact: odhs-media@odhs.oregon.gov
(Salem) – Dale Beaver, age 2, Isabella Beaver, age 1, and Ethan Biven, age 3, went missing with their mother, Desirae Gross, from Bend on July 22, 2025. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that they may be at risk and is searching for them to assess their safety.
ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find the children. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of the children or the mother should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).
The family is believed to be in the Bend area, potentially at a houseless encampment along N Hwy 97.
Name: Dale Beaver
Pronouns: he/him
Date of birth: 11/16/2022
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Report #25-40500
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2057007
Name: Isabella Beaver
Pronouns: she/her
Date of birth: 1/9/2024
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Report #25-40500
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2057007
Name: Ethan Biven
Pronouns: he/him
Date of birth: 12-15-2021
Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Report #25-40500
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2057007
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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Correction note: This alert has been updated to clarify that Brittan is known to frequent 82nd avenue in Portland and the city of Hillsboro.
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Brittan Arrington, age 13, a child in foster care who went missing from Gresham on July 22. Brittan is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Brittan and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.
Brittan is known to frequent 82nd avenue in Portland and the city of Hillsboro.
Name: Brittan Arrington
Pronouns: she/her
Date of birth: August 16, 2011
Height: 5-foot-4
Weight: 125 pounds
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Blonde/dyed black
Other identifying information: nose piercing
Law Enforcement Agency 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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July 31, 2025
Contact: Amy Coven, (503) 943-0164, amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov
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.
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:
Community partner organizations:
Licensed insurance agents:
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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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:
"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.
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:
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.
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.
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Planning Commission will meet virtually on July 29 at 6 p.m. to adopt the decision and findings on LU-24-027, Republic Services’ application to expand the Coffin Butte Landfill. Community members can view the meeting through Zoom. Those who wish to watch the virtual proceedings in a County location can go to the Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis.
The Planning Commission met July 22 for deliberations. Following nearly four hours of opening statements and discussion, the seven participating Commission members voted unanimously to deny the application.
The County is creating a final written decision document including findings and justification for the decision. The Planning Commission will reconvene on July 29 at 6 p.m. in a Zoom meeting room to adopt the written decision and findings, making the decision final.
The public hearing on LU-24-027 began on April 29. In total, the Planning Commission heard more than 20 hours of presentations and verbal testimony by Benton County Planning Division staff, consultants, the applicant and community members. The Commission also received and reviewed thousands of pages of application materials, reports, exhibits and written public testimony and evidence.
The Planning Commission opted for a virtual meeting on July 29 to make the best use of commissioner time and County resources. With just one item of business on the agenda, the meeting is expected to be short. The Commission also met virtually on June 17, in a meeting that lasted about five minutes, to continue the public hearing to a later date (July 8). All other meetings related to LU-24-027 were held in person in the Kalapuya Building.
Once the decision on the application is final (expected July 29), all parties have 14 days to file an appeal, setting the appeal deadline at 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:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2025
(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice along with the Douglas County Parks Department are pleased to announce the completion of repairs to eight County-operated boat ramps located along the Umpqua River system. These repairs were necessary due to damage sustained during the March 2025 flood event. While crews were mobilized and onsite, the opportunity was also taken to complete some much-needed maintenance that had been previously postponed. Construction began in mid-June 2025 and was successfully completed by June 30, 2025.
The work was done in partnership with the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) which contributed $64,590 to completing this work through their Boating Facility Grant program. They offer grants to improve and develop boating facilities and promote boating safety and education. OSMB grants are funded by user fees from boaters and help to maintain and enhance public access to Oregon's waterways. The total cost of the repair project was $92,894. The grant from OSMB accounted for 70%, while the remining 30% came from the County Parks Department budget.
Work was completed at the following Douglas County operated boat ramps:
The Douglas County Parks Department was established in 1949 and was the first County Park system to be developed in the state of Oregon. From the Pacific Ocean to the Cascades and throughout the 100 Valleys of the Umpqua, the Douglas County Park system encompasses 69 properties, including 23 boat ramps, 11 campgrounds and 42 day-use parks. For more information, or to locate a park, campground, or boat ramp near you, visit the Douglas County Parks Department’s webpage at: https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks.
The Douglas County Commissioners recently highlighted the amazing upgrades, renovations, and improvements made at in our park system in the last ten years in a series titled, “A Decade of New Direction. The ongoing collaboration, creativity, and dedication of our Commissioners, Parks Directors, Parks Staff and our Parks Advisory Board were instrumental in preserving, revitalizing, and transforming the Douglas County Parks system, efforts that ultimately saved our Parks from certain demise. If you have not had a chance to read the series celebrating the transformation of our Douglas County Parks titled, “A Decade of New Direction,” visit our Douglas County website at https://www.douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks.
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Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | (541) 670-2804 cell | (541) 957-4896 office | a.howell@douglascountyor.gov.">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2025
(Douglas County, Ore.) On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Douglas County Public Works Director, Scott Adams, requested and received approval from the Douglas County Board of Commissioners to declare an Emergency Drought Order for Douglas County at the Board of Commissioners Weekly Business Meeting. The Commissioners determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of citizens and livestock and to protect or mitigate economic loss, as well as be responsive to the threat of wildfires. Click here to read the Emergency Drought Order.
Douglas County is the third county to declare an emergency drought order in Oregon this year. Oregon’s Governor has already declared State of Drought Emergencies in Lincoln and Baker Counties. The order formally declaring a drought in Douglas County has been officially recorded, and Douglas County has submitted a signed copy of the order along with an urgent request letter to Oregon’s Governor, requesting an official executive order from the State for an Emergency Drought Declaration for Douglas County pursuant to ORS 526.740. The Emergency Drought order is a direct result of severe and continued drought conditions, and that such an emergency threatens the availability of essential services and jeopardizes the peace, health, and welfare of the people of Douglas County. The Governor's executive order will allow increased flexibility in how water is managed to ensure that limited supplies are used as efficiently as possible and authorize state agencies (including the Water Resources Commission) to expedite water management tools to users who would not otherwise have access.
The order cited that Douglas County agricultural, livestock, forest products industries, and related businesses are experiencing economic hardship and potential serious injury and losses resulting from extreme weather conditions within the county. The above conditions will result in the loss of economic stability, decreased feed, and pasture production, shortened growing season and decreased water supplies for Douglas County agricultural, livestock, and vineyard producers. In addition, the multi-year cumulative drought has resulted in decreased fuel moisture and early onset fire danger.
As of July 10, 2025, the Oregon Water Resources Department Water Conditions Report states that Douglas County stream flows were 63% of average for the month of June 2025. The report also states that soil moisture levels are very low. The most recent three-month outlook prepared by NOAA Climate Prediction Center indicates "conditions are likely to continue or worsen, as probabilities favor above average temperatures and near average precipitation.” Also as of July 10, 2025, U. S. Drought Monitor for Oregon illustrates the majority of Douglas County is already in Moderate Drought. Further, the South Umpqua River and multiple smaller tributaries have already been regulated by the State Watermaster in favor of senior rights, and it is anticipated that further reductions will take place in the weeks ahead. Due to dry soil and low stream flows, basin water managers expect to regulate surface water right users much earlier and to older priority dates than normal. The lack of surface water resources will negatively impact consumptive water users including irrigators, industrial, and domestic users resulting in economic losses and hardship. Groundwater resources will also be affected by a lack of sufficient recharge resulting in reduced spring and well water supplies for household uses. The extended weather forecast for Douglas County projects higher than normal temperatures, and below average precipitation.
Although the drought declaration has not resulted in any residential use restrictions, it is a good reminder that water conservation is always a good idea, and that fire danger is already high in Douglas County right now.
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Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | (541) 670-2804 cell | (541) 957-4896 office | a.howell@douglascountyor.gov.">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov
Attached: Drought Order/Request Letter
[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:
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.
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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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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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.
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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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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.
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OnPoint celebrates 18th 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:
"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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
(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:
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.
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:
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:
During a wildfire or smoke event:
After a wildfire or smoke event:
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.