See attached document with corrected dispatch time. 

09/03/2025 11:36 am

Media Contact:

Lt. Ben Harvey, Corvallis Police Department

(541) 766-6556 / cpdpio@corvallisoregon.gov

Corvallis Police Statement Regarding Federal Immigration Enforcement Action

On September 3, 2025, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the Corvallis Police Department became aware of an incident in the 1500 block of NW Division St where an individual was taken into custody by persons who appeared to be federal agents. Follow-up confirmed the incident was part of a federal enforcement action conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Corvallis Police Department had no prior knowledge of this operation and was not involved in any way. We did not participate in, assist with, or provide support for this action.

Under Oregon law, local law enforcement agencies — including the Corvallis Police Department — are prohibited from using public resources to support or assist federal immigration enforcement. This includes the use of facilities, property, personnel, funds, equipment, or technology.

There are no ICE detainees housed at the Corvallis Law Enforcement Center, and ICE is not operating from or using our facility.

The Corvallis Police Department remains committed to transparency, community trust, and full compliance with state law.

UPDATE 09/05/2025 3:30 PM
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - On Friday, September 5, 2025, Douglas County Sheriff's Deputies located Jessica Lynn McGrew. Ms. McGrew is safe and is no longer considered missing. The Sheriff's Office would like to thank the community for their assistance and attention to this investigation. No further information is expected to be released. 

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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is attempting locate 44-year-old Jessica Lynn McGrew. 

McGrew was reported as missing to the Sheriff's Office on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Deputies learned that she was last seen at the Tenmile Community Methodist Church on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Since that time, McGrew has not had no contact with family or friends, which is unusual for her. 

McGrew is a white female, approximately 5'7" tall and weighing 130lbs, with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is associated with a dark gray 2012 Nissan Xterra with Oregon license plate 072DUA.

Anyone with information regarding McGrew's whereabouts or her vehicle is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at (541) 440-4471 referencing case #25-3084.

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of a suspected lightening fire on the north east corner of Spencer Butte in South Eugene.  ESF was first called just after 11AM and has been on scene for the last two hours working with Oregon Department of Forestry to access the small moving fire. A helicopter has been ordered to aid in suppression.  We are not expecting the fire to spread much thanks to the rainfall and cooler weather. Expect a closures on the Ridgeline Trail during the response. 

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire responded to two fires in west Eugene Tuesday night.  Just before 10 PM on September 2nd, crews were dispatched to a possible brush fire in the 2200 block of W 6th Ave.  Firefighters arrived to find a large fire burning pellets of wood shavings at Coastal Farm.  It took two engines and a water tender about 90 minutes to extinguish the fire.  The cause is under investigation. (Photo credit: Jamie’s Fire Scene Photography) 

JCSO Case 24-4928

PROSPECT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives and Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel continue to search for a woman missing out of Prospect, Ore. since September 2024. Deenah Padgett, 69, was reported missing on Sunday, September 8, 2024. She was last seen camping in the Prospect area on September 4, 2024. She is described as a white woman with brownish-red, partially gray hair, standing 4’8” tall and weighing 90-100 lbs.

JCSO detectives and SAR personnel have searched the area extensively and are looking for the public’s help. If you see Deenah or know her whereabouts, immediately call ECSO Dispatch at (541) 776-7206 and reference case 24-4928. If you have any information that might help the investigation, call Detective Friend at (541) 864-8774.

Video Interview available for download: https://vimeo.com/1115649861?share=copy#t=0

Interview Namekey: Oregon Department of Justice Special Agent Steven Bohn, Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team Investigator

JCSO Cases 23-4725, 23-4751, 24-0008, 24-2212, 24-2249, 24-2380, 24-3127

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force arrested five suspects today, September 3, on a total of 39 encouraging child sexual abuse felony charges. Investigations led to arrests throughout Jackson County including addresses in Medford, Ashland, White City, and Eagle Point. Although the cases are not connected, total felony charges included 30 counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and nine counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. In total, SOCET discovered more than 800 images of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) during search warrants of the five suspects.

Each investigation began when SOCET received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led to subpoenas, followed by search warrants at the respective residences. Investigators seized digital devices during the searches and applied for additional warrants to examine the devices. Once the additional search warrants were signed, the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF) forensically examined the devices for further evidence of child exploitation. At that point SOCET took each case through a Grand Jury hearing and the courts issued warrants for each suspect’s arrest.

The first arrest came in Eagle Point when SOCET went to a residence in the 400 block of Stevens Road in Eagle Point. The task force located and arrested Kevin Lee Bratton, 46, of Eagle Point, on 10 felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged in the Jackson County Jail. During the course of the investigation SOCET found Bratton had more than 100 CSAM images.

Next, the task force located a suspect at his residence in the 80 block of Pine Street in Ashland. The task force arrested Shale Tiercel Pagel, 34, of Ashland, for five felony counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged in the Jackson County Jail. SOCET found Pagel had 682 CSAM images.

The task force then located and arrested David Richard Lubina, 40, of Medford, during a traffic stop in White City. Lubina is charged with six felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail. Investigators initially served a search warrant at his former residence in the 1100 block of Gate Park Drive in Medford. The investigation revealed Lubina had 13 images of CSAM.

The next arrest came when SOCET investigators located Brandon Scott Matlock, 39, of Eagle Point, at his residence in the 6500 block of Shadow Glen Road in rural Eagle Point. Matlock is charged with nine felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged in the Jackson County Jail. During the SOCET investigation Matlock was found with 15 CSAM images in his possession.

The final arrest for the sweep came when investigators contacted Margarito Baldazo Banuelos II, 19, of Medford, at his residence in the 200 block of Ivy Street in Medford. Banuelos is charged with four felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and three felony counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged in the Jackson County Jail. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to a residence in the 500 block of Talent Avenue in Talent where evidence was located. SOCET found Banuelos had 12 CSAM images.

One suspect is currently in custody at Taney County Jail in Missouri. Erik Thiel Rowe, 45, will be extradited back to Oregon to face two charges of first- and second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. Investigators initially served a search warrant in a converted school bus on a property in the 6500 block of Rogue River Highway in rural Grants Pass near the town of Rogue River. SOCET discovered Rowe had two CSAM images in his possession. Rowe also has an outstanding felony warrant for a probation violation for second-degree sex abuse.

Many local and federal law enforcement agencies assisted SOCET with today’s arrests. These agencies included Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ODOJ ICAC), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, Oregon State Police (OSP), Medford Police Department (MPD), Ashland Police Department, Central Point Police Department, Eagle Point Police Department, Talent Police Department, and SOHTCTF.

SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO, MPD, ODOJ ICAC, and HSI, as well as prosecutors from our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County. SOHTCTF is a joint inter-agency task force that consists of investigators from JCSO, HSI, and MPD.

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On August 21^st, 2025, Dylan Wright, age 32 of Otis, was arrested after attempting to pick up a minor at an undisclosed location in Lincoln City. Wright is accused of sending sexually graphic messages and offering to sell/bring marijuana to an undercover Officer posing as a minor. A search warrant was executed on Wright’s vehicle. Officers located many individually packaged Ziploc bags of marijuana bud, large bags/moving boxes of marijuana trimmings, a digital scale, and marijuana pipes. Wright was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for Luring a Minor, Online Sexual Corruption of a Child 1^st Degree, Delivery of Marijuana, and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. His bail was set at $150,00.

On August 30^th, 2025, Joseph Dunn, age 36 of Colton, was arrested after attempting to pick up a minor at an undisclosed location in Lincoln City. Dunn is accused of sending sexually charged messages and images through social media to an undercover Officer posing as a minor. Dunn was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for Luring a Minor, Online Sexual Corruption of a Child 2^nd Degree x2, and Sexual Corruption of a Child 1^st Degree. His bail was set at $250,000.

LCPD Officers were assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

The Lincoln City Police want to encourage parents to monitor their children's social media activity and discuss with them the possible dangers of communicating with strangers online. These investigations are conducted in a continuing effort to protect our children from predators who target children for sexual exploitation and to reduce crime and further enhance the safety of our community.

September 1, 2025 – Newport, Ore

September is National Preparedness Month. This year’s theme is “Preparedness Starts at Home”. This is a great time to make or update your emergency plans, work with family members and neighbors to help your household be more prepared and think about ways to protect your family and property during a disaster.

In promotion of National Preparedness Month, Lincoln County Emergency Management and the City of Newport will host the annual Lincoln County Readiness Fair. The event is free and open to the public – no registration required.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Newport Recreation Center

225 SE Avery St, Newport, OR 97365

Vendors and Exhibitors

Local public safety and preparedness vendors will host preparedness booths and be available to answer questions. They will provide example readiness kits, wildfire safety, nutritional items, and more to help inspire your preparedness efforts. Some activities include:

• Bring your NOAA Weather Radio and learn how to operate it.
• Sample preparedness products to decide which to include in your own go bag.
• Learn about bucket toilet systems and how to manage water purification after disaster.
• Ask Community Emergency Response Team members about their role in an emergency and how to prepare
• Talk with a geologist about local earthquake, landslide and other hazards.
• Learn what the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians are doing to build food resilience.

Local Media and Community Partners

Local Media and community partners are encouraged to visit the National Preparedness Month website to find outreach tools for promotion of National Preparedness

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

School is back in session, and you may be seeing more traffic, students walking or biking, and busses on the road. Drivers have a responsibility to stop for school buses displaying red flashing lights. Because buses are large vehicles, it is very difficult to see around them. The outcome of illegally passing a school bus can be devastating for children and drivers.

Law enforcement agencies receive reports each year from bus drivers and community members about motorists failing to stop for school buses. With nearly 6,000 school buses operating in the State of Oregon, motorists need to be alert.

When a bus is flashing amber lights, motorists should prepare to stop. When the red lights begin to flash, motorists traveling in both directions must stop before reaching the bus andmust remain stopped until the red lights are turned off. The same rules apply to church or work buses equipped with amber and red flashing lights. Be aware when following any type of bus, it may make frequent stops.

Oregon law requires motorists to stop whenever the red lights on a school bus are flashing, regardless of the direction they are traveling. The law applies to any roadway with two or more lanes of traffic, including multi-lane highways such as Highway 101. The only exception to the law is for divided highways with two roads separated by an unpaved median strip or barrier, such as in the Lincoln and Gleneden Beach areas. In this case, only drivers on the same side of the road as the bus must stop. A painted median strip or a center lane used only for left turns does not create two separate lanes. Where this situation exists, all lanes of traffic must stop.

By staying alert and following traffic laws, you reduce the risk of traffic crashes and pedestrian injuries in our community. Please do your part to make our roads safe.

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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SHERIFF’S OFFICE HOSTING OCTOBER HIRING EVENT
 

We are looking for individuals with strong character, motivation, and integrity to join our Sheriff’s Office team. With multiple positions open, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a hiring event on Saturday, October 11, 2025. This event is a great opportunity to get an inside look at the rewarding careers our team has to offer and accelerate your application process.

All applicants are welcomed to attend; deputy applicants ages 21 years and older are invited to complete the written and physical testing requirements for free. Participants in this event experience a significantly expedited application process. In addition to completing required tests for free, participants also have the opportunity to meet our team, ask questions, receive more information on perks, and enjoy free lunch and snacks. All participants need to bring ID and deputy applicants need to bring athletic clothes and shoes.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to complete an application before the event. To submit an application, visit www.co.lincoln.or.us/748/Join-the-Team. Join us at this hiring event to jumpstart your successful career in Law Enforcement. 

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm
              10:30am - 11:00am Check in and Meet and Greet
              11:00am – 1:00pm Written Exam (tests for applicants interested in deputy positions)
              1:00pm – 1:30pm Networking (and time to change clothes for physical testing)
              1:30pm – 4:00pm Physical Test, Lunch, and Networking (physical testing for applicants interested in deputy positions. Testing takes less than 30 minutes per participant.)
Location: Search and Rescue Building, 830 NE 7th St., Newport
 

What to Bring:

• Government Issued Identification
• Athletic clothes and shoes if applying for a deputy position
• Interest in joining our team as a Corrections or Patrol Deputy, Corrections Nurse, Corrections Nurse Supervisor, or Animal Care Specialist.

Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. For questions or to register, contact Jess Palma at 541-265-0652 or jpalma@co.lincoln.or.us

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Denise has been located and is safe. Thank you for the community assistance. 

Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies are currently searching the Jefferson area for a missing woman, 70-year-old Denise Epps Parrent.

Denise was last seen around 8:00 p.m. this evening near the 14000 block of Ananonda Ln SE, just outside of Jefferson.

She is described as a white female, approximately 5’3” tall, 135 lbs., with medium-length brown hair. Her clothing description is unknown at this time. Denise is known to have medical issues.

If you see Denise, please keep her in sight and call 911 immediately.

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 9, 2025)- On Monday, September 8, 2025, at 2:18 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 99, near milepost 12, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Subaru Legacy, operated by Cody Austin Jenkins (26) of Gold Hill, veered across the northbound lanes, broke through a fence, and entered the Rogue River. The vehicle was quickly submerged with no occupants observed escaping the vehicle. The Jackson County Search and Rescue Team responded and assisted with removing the vehicle from the river.

The operator of the Subaru (Jenkins) was declared deceased at the scene. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Jackson County Search and Rescue, Rogue River Fire Department, and ODOT.

# # #

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

LANE COUNTY, Ore (Sept. 9, 2025) - On Friday, September 5, 2025, at 8:43 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 126E, near milepost 21, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Suzuki GXR motorcycle, operated by Lucas Charles Thomas (38) of Springfield, struck a deer around 3:00 a.m.. The collision caused the rider to lose control, leave the roadway, and travel down an embankment.

The operator of the Suzuki (Thomas) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by McKenzie Fire and ODOT.

# # #

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

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 5, 2025) - On Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 6:05 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 99, near milepost 6, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Mazda MZ3, operated by Tristan Mitchel Donaldson (21) of Rogue River, was travelling at a excessive speeds when it lost control, left the roadway, rolled multiple times, and came to rest against a tree.

The operator of the Mazda (Donaldson) was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Fire District 1, and ODOT.

# # #

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

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 5, 2025)- On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 9:25 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 62 Expressway, at the intersection with Highway 62, in Jackson County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Honda CRV, operated by Anthony Ruben Graham (19) of Eagle Point, failed to negotiate a turn, lost control, and struck a concrete barrier. The vehicle caught fire with two occupants entraped. First responders arrived on scene and extricated the occupants.

A passenger in the Honda, Michael R Graham (20) of Eagle Point, was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Honda (Anthony Graham) was transported to an area hospital with life threatening injuries. 

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation with excessive speed considered as a primary contributor to the crash.

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Medford Police, Fire District 3, and ODOT.

# # #

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: September 6, 2025

Shots fired – SWAT and Crisis Negotiators Secure Safe Resolution in Salem Standoff

Salem, Ore. —   At 1:33 p.m. today, officers responded to a reported burglary near the 4300 block of 25th Avenue NE. As officers arrived, a subject fired shots toward the responding officers. One round struck a ballistic shield held by an officer. While no officers were hit, one sustained minor injuries from debris caused by the gunfire. All involved personnel are expected to recover fully.

The Salem SWAT Team, including crisis negotiators, responded and assumed tactical command. Following a period of negotiation, the adult male subject surrendered and was taken into custody.

The subject, identified as Vincent Mendoza Chavez of Salem, 33, will be lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges of attempted aggravated murder, attempted assault on a public safety officer, and unlawful use of a weapon. The investigation is ongoing.

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office will release any additional information.

A special thanks to the Oregon State Police for providing assistance with additional personnel and equipment, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Keizer Police Department for responding to other calls for service in Salem during the incident.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: September 5, 2025

Caught at the door – Robbery suspect nabbed leaving bank

Salem, Ore. — A 75-year-old Salem man was arrested this afternoon, September 5, for robbing a downtown bank.

Just before 1:45 p.m., staff at the Willamette Valley Bank in the 100 block of High ST NE reported that a man handed a note to a teller demanding $200. After receiving the money, he walked out of the building.

A Salem officer at the Marion County Courthouse, heard the radio call, walked out, and saw the man outside the bank. When approached by responding officers, the suspect, Richard Kenneth Gorton, from Washington, laid down on the sidewalk and was arrested without incident.

Gorton was taken to the Marion County Jail and lodged on the charge of robbery.

For questions about this case, contact the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

# # #

VANCOUVER, Wash. — PeaceHealth today announced the appointment of Imelda Dacones, MD, FACP, as president of care delivery and value. Following the promotion of Mike Dwyer to president of strategy and business value, Dr. Dacones joins the organization as part of a comprehensive senior leadership team realignment aimed at accelerating PeaceHealth’s three-year transformation strategy.

A long-time strategic partner to PeaceHealth, Dr. Dacones is a nationally recognized physician executive and healthcare leader with more than two decades of experience driving business and cultural transformation.

“In her new role, Dr. Dacones will help accelerate PeaceHealth’s bold journey to become a truly integrated health system that delivers a person-first, value-driven and highly trusted care and employment experience for all,” said Sarah Ness, PeaceHealth incoming president and CEO. “Dr. Dacones has a proven track record of driving strategic transformation and will help break down care delivery silos, streamline decision-making, elevate the caregiver experience and advance the performance excellence needed to shape the PeaceHealth of the future.”

Effective Sept. 15, Dr. Dacones will lead and evolve the full scope of PeaceHealth’s clinical operations with renewed emphasis on physicians and clinicians, care teams and care models, ensuring we deliver value with every care encounter. She will partner closely with Richard DeCarlo, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Michelle James, RN, senior vice president and chief quality, patient safety, risk and nursing officer, and other ambulatory, acute and shared services leaders to evolve PeaceHealth’s care delivery system.

“As a longstanding strategic partner to PeaceHealth, I am excited to now join this incredible organization from within,” said Dr. Dacones. “I am deeply committed to working alongside our physicians, clinicians and care teams to build on PeaceHealth’s legacy of healing and evolve our care delivery model to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.”

The first woman and first person of color to chair The Permanente Federation’s National Executive Council, Dr. Dacones has been widely recognized for her vision, including being named one of Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Minority Leaders and a “Most Admired CEO” honoree by the Puget Sound Business Journal.

PeaceHealth will announce additional leadership team updates in the coming weeks as part of its broader effort to accelerate progress to deliver a person-first, value-driven and highly trusted experience for all.

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, nearly 3,200 physicians and clinicians, more than 160 clinics and 9 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

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The Oregon National Guard welcomed home the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) in a demobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, September 6, 2025, in Salem, Ore. The 41st IBCT returned in July from a year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission.

The 41st IBCT served as part of KFOR's 34th rotation, contributing to what the 41st IBCT commander Col. Peter Helzer described as, "the longest and most successful NATO mission in the history of the alliance." 

The deployment to Kosovo was crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the region, a mission that has been ongoing since 1999. 

“The 41st mission supporting Operation JOINT GUARDIAN directly supported our national interests and security, bringing value and pride to our state and our nation,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General, Oregon.

The brigade's support was widespread, encompassing security forces, logisticians, medical professionals, intelligence analysts, and a command team stationed at various locations, including Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Pristina, Kosovo; and Bondsteel, Kosovo.

They completed more than 4,000 security patrols, 13,000 public engagements, and 5,000 volunteer hours supporting communities in Kosovo.

Gronewold expressed his gratitude to the families and loved ones of the 41st IBCT Soldiers, thanking them for their resilience. “While your loved ones were deployed, you carried the weight of the home front with grace and courage,” said Gronewold. “Your sacrifices made their mission possible, and we recognize that their service is truly a family commitment.”

The 41st IBCT continues its long legacy of service, tracing its lineage back to the 41st Infantry Division that served in World War I and performed the longest overseas service of any division in the U.S., in the Pacific during World War II.

- 30 -

Photos released:

250906-Z-UZ129-1009 Soldiers of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) stand at attention during their demobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, September 6, 2025, in Salem, Ore. The 41st IBCT returned home from a year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office)  

250906-Z-UZ129-1014 Col. Peter Helzer, commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), salutes the flag during their demobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, September 6, 2025, in Salem, Ore. The 41st IBCT returned home from a year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office) 

250906-Z-UZ129-1036 Soldiers of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) are welcomed home by their loved ones during their demobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, September 6, 2025, in Salem, Ore. The 41st IBCT returned home from a year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office) 

250906-Z-UZ129-1040 Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General, Oregon, shakes hands with Soldiers of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) during their demobilization ceremony at the Salem Armory Auditorium, September 6, 2025, in Salem, Ore. The 41st IBCT returned home from a year-long deployment to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Simonson, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office)

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard will host a demobilization ceremony for the 41st Infantry Battalion Combat Team (IBCT) at the Salem Armory Auditorium, 2310 17th St NE, Salem, Ore., on September 6, at 4:00 p.m.

Gov. Tina Kotek and Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General, Oregon, will officially welcome home the 41st IBCT after their year-long deployment in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission. 

The 41st IBCT deployed in 2024 in support of Operation JOINT GUARDIAN, a 28 country alliance to deter hostilities in the region and provide a secure environment. They provided stability, safety and security, as part of a NATO international peacekeeping force, deterring aggression abroad and on our homeland.

The ceremony is free and open to the public. Media entities are encouraged to RSVP with Lt. Col. Stephen S. Bomar, Director - Public Affairs, Oregon Military Department at 971-355-3527.  

Released Video:

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/968195/kosovo-regional-command-east-end-tour-video 

Released Photos: 

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9105903/us-soldiers-assigned-nato-led-kfor-mission-conduct-routine-security-patrol

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8835906/us-kfor-contingent-hosts-multinational-cls-course-camp-novo-selo

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is now accepting proposals for a new round of Veteran Services Grant funding aimed at expanding outreach and services available to veterans throughout Oregon’s rural, urban and Tribal communities.
 

The 2025 Legislature approved $972,653 to fund organizations that provide direct services at no cost to veterans. The Veteran Services Grant Program awards grants up to $250,000 to organizations through a competitive grant process.

The purpose of the Veteran Services Grant Program is to fund eligible proposals that help improve outcomes in areas such as health or behavioral health care, housing security and houselessness, employment opportunities or stability, education and training opportunities, transportation accessibility and availability, or other critical services within a community, region, or statewide basis.

Organizations eligible to apply for this grant include Tribal, regional or local governments, Oregon quasi-public agencies, Oregon intergovernmental entities formed under Oregon Revised Statute 190, and private nonprofit organizations designated as a federal 501(c)(3), 501 (c)(19) or 501(c)(23) tax exempt organizations with at least a one-year operational history.
 

“Partnering with diverse organizations throughout Oregon is crucial to ensure that every veteran in our state has access to the full range of earned benefits, services and resources they need in their own homes and communities,” said ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels. “This grant is an invitation to collaborate on community-led projects that improve veterans’ lives, promoting their health and wellbeing, secure housing, stable employment, educational opportunities, accessible transportation, and other critical services.”

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will host a webinar at 10 a.m. on September 11, 2025, to provide additional information about the application process. Submit an Intent to Apply to register for the webinar and to receive additional information and any updates about the Veteran Service Grant during this open proposal opportunity.

The 2025 Veteran Services Grant application window closes at 11:59 p.m. October 13, 2025.

For more information about this grant or to apply, visit Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs : Veteran Services Grant : Grants : State of Oregon or contact ODVA Grants Coordinator Brenna Bandstra at renna.bandstra@odva.oregon.gov">brenna.bandstra@odva.oregon.gov or 971-388-8204.

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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 services office online at oregon.gov/odva. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 8, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT
Sam Tenney, Communications Coordinator

sam.tenney@dpsst.oregon.gov

503-931-4069

Public invited to visit September 11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) invites the public to visit the September 11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem this Thursday, Sept. 11, to commemorate the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The academy hosts a permanent display of artifacts from the attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, including 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers and 55 military personnel. In addition to the lives lost in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, thousands of first responders have succumbed to illness as a result of their heroic rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

Guests are welcome to view the memorial to honor the victims and all whose lives were impacted by the attacks. The gates of the academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy. SE in Salem, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for drop-in viewing. The memorial is located in the lobby of the academy; guests should follow the signs for the main entrance.

Artifacts displayed at the 9/11 Memorial include:

• A floor beam from either 5 or 6 World Trade Center, both of which sustained heavy damage in the September 11 attacks as the towers fell.
• A beam from the base of 1 World Trade Center, also known as the North Tower.
• A strap used to support mechanical systems in the towers
• A smaller floor beam from above the 50th floor of one of the Twin Towers
• A piece of aluminum used in the outer “skin” of one of the towers
• A piece of limestone facade from the outer wall of the Pentagon, taken from near where the aircraft impacted the building

The artifacts are accompanied by a video tribute to the first responders and victims, a painting by artist Ricardo Salazar which depicts the attacks on the World Trade Center, and the flags of New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, which are displayed in memory of the lives lost in each of those states.

In addition to the 9/11 Memorial, the Oregon Public Safety Academy campus is home to memorials honoring the state’s fallen law enforcement officers and fire service professionals. The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial honors 199 officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s, and the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial honors 182 fire service personnel who have died in the line of duty since 1881. DPSST holds annual memorial ceremonies to honor the officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.

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About DPSST

The mission of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is to pursue excellence in training and accountability for public safety professionals.

DPSST certifies and licenses police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, as well as regulatory specialists, emergency telecommunicators and medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, fire service professionals, and polygraph examiners in the state of Oregon.  

DPSST works with public and private safety agencies around the state to provide basic, leadership and specialized training at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

Salem – On average, Oregon employers will pay less for workers’ compensation coverage in 2026, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) announced today. The decline in costs marks 13 years of average decreases in the pure premium rate – the base rate insurers use to determine how much employers must pay for medical costs and lost wages.

Underpinning the cost decreases is the success of Oregon’s workers’ compensation system, which includes programs to control costs and encourage early return to work, maintain good worker benefits, ensure employers carry insurance for their workers, resolve disputes, and improve workplace safety and health.

The numbers illustrate positive, long-term trends, including:

• Employers, on average, would pay 87 cents per $100 of payroll for workers’ compensation costs in 2026, down from 91 cents in 2025, under a proposal by DCBS. That figure is referred to as loaded pure premium and covers workers’ compensation claims costs, assessments, and insurer profit and expenses.
• The pure premium rate would drop by an average 3.3 percent under the proposal. In fact, the pure premium per $100 of payroll will have declined by 46.5 percent from 2017 to 2026.

The reduction in costs is due to fewer claims entering the system over time, along with claims being generally less severe, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). NCCI is the U.S. rate-setting organization whose recommendation DCBS reviews as part of its annual public process to decide rates.

Employers’ total cost for workers’ compensation insurance includes the pure premium and insurer profit and expenses, plus the premium assessment. Employers also pay at least half of the Workers’ Benefit Fund assessment, which is a cents-per-hour-worked rate.

The decrease in the pure premium of 3.3 percent is an average, so an individual employer may see a larger or smaller decrease, no change, or even an increase, depending on the employer’s own industry, claims experience, and payroll. Also, the pure premium does not consider the varying expenses and profit of insurers or modifications based on policyholders’ claim experience.

The stability of Oregon’s workers’ compensation system helps sustain the trend in lower costs. The system includes the Workers’ Compensation Division; Oregon OSHA; the Workers’ Compensation Board, which resolves disputes over the state’s workers’ compensation and workplace safety laws; the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers, an independent advocate for workers on workers’ compensation and workplace safety and health; and the Small Business Ombudsman, an independent advocate for small business owners on workers’ compensation.

The premium assessment funds those successful programs.

The premium assessment, which is a percentage of the workers’ compensation insurance premium employers pay, is added to the premium. It would remain at 9.8 percent in 2026, the same as 2025, under the DCBS proposal. In fact, 2026 would mark the fifth-straight year the premium assessment remained at 9.8 percent.

“The continued decline in workers’ compensation costs shows the resiliency in making Oregon a safe place for workers,” said Sean O’Day, interim DCBS director. “That resiliency allows for good benefits for workers and reduced costs for employers.”

Meanwhile, the Workers’ Benefit Fund assessment funds return-to-work programs, provides increased benefits over time for workers who are permanently and totally disabled, and gives benefits to families of workers who die from workplace injuries or diseases.

The fund’s revenue comes from a cents-per-hour-worked assessment. The assessment would lower to 1.8 cents per hour worked in 2026. It would be the lowest rate since the inception of the cents-per-hour assessment in 1996.

The decrease in the pure premium will be effective Jan. 1, 2026, but employers will see the changes when they renew their policies in 2026.

Oregon’s workers’ compensation premium rates have ranked favorably compared to other states for many years. Oregon had the nation’s 14th least expensive rates in 2024, according to a nationally recognized biennial study conducted by DCBS.

The public hearings for the workers’ compensation assessment and the Workers’ Benefit Fund assessment are Thursday, Sept. 18, at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.

Written testimony will be accepted through 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, by the Director's Office of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, P.O. Box 14480, Salem, OR 97309-0405.

The following cost chart summarizes the changes:

https://www.oregon.gov/DCBS/reports/cost/Documents/wc-summary.pdf

More information about Oregon workers’ compensation costs is at https://www.oregon.gov/DCBS/cost/Pages/index.aspx.

The loaded pure premium includes insurer costs, known as expense loading factors. Historic figures are adjusted to reflect the 2025 mix of employment and payroll.

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About Oregon DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. The department administers state laws and rules to protect consumers and workers in the areas of workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, financial services, insurance, and building codes. Visit dcbs.oregon.gov.

Salem – The FBI is seeking information from potential victims as part of a health care fraud investigation against Bene Market Group or any of the companies it operates, one of which the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) issued a cease-and-desist order against in 2024.

The division revoked the licenses of Seguro Medico LLC (doing business as Quick Health) and Arthur Walsh, who was Seguro’s partial owner, for violations of the Oregon Insurance Code. The order also permanently barred Walsh, Seguro Medico, and any related entities from getting an insurance license in Oregon.

DFR’s investigation found that Seguro enrolled consumers in insurance plans without their knowledge, sent inappropriate and inaccurate text communications, used false statements in sales scripts, used Walsh’s credentials to submit applications for other agents, and forged a former employee’s signature to submit applications. Seguro and Walsh also failed to report to DFR on orders against them in other states, did not reply truthfully to division inquiries, and did not update their address with DFR.

In May, the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania charged Walsh and three others, as well as corporate defendants Seguro Medico LLC and Bene Market LLC with conspiracy and wire fraud offenses in connection with their execution of a nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme.

The FBI asks that anyone victimized by the Bene Market Group or any of the companies it operated (Seguro Medico, Nation Insurance Brokers of America [NBOA], Benefits Now LLC, Bene Market LLC, Quickhealth, Q Health, and Express Benefits) or who has information relevant to the investigation to complete a short form at https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/phhcftvictims.

To help with the investigation, the FBI also asks consumers to email a copy of any documents they received from the Bene Market Group, as well as any prior complaints they made, to phhcft@fbi.gov and include their first and last name in the subject line.

The DFR order against Seguro Medico LLC and Walsh is available on the DFR website.

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

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Ralph Stout Pettefer, died the morning of September 9, 2025. Pettefer was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Pettefer entered DOC custody on June 28, 1996, from Clatsop County with an earliest release date of November 12, 2032. Pettefer was 73 years old.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Michael Anthony Panarites, died the morning of September 7, 2025. Panarites was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Panarites entered DOC custody on May 12, 2025, from Multnomah County with an earliest release date of June 13, 2073. Panarites was 40 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Douglas Edward Mulloy, died the morning of September 3, 2025. Mulloy was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Mulloy entered DOC custody on December 6, 2021, from Washington County and with an earliest release date of June 15, 2030. Mulloy was 82 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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Prineville, Ore. – Today, the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 2 was deployed to the Marks Creek Fire located 21 miles northeast of Prineville. This fire is burning on the Ochoco National Forest and is impacting ODF-protected lands. Combined with a lack of available regional complex incident management teams, ODF’s CIMT 2 was ordered to support the fire.

“Central and eastern Oregon have had a very active fire season so far,” said Brian Pew, Eastern Oregon Area Director. “ODF works with federal and local government partners daily to provide coordinated protection for Oregon’s forests.”

The Marks Creek Fire was reported yesterday and is currently estimated to be 2,000 acres. Crook County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 3 (Go Now) and Level 2 (Be Set) evacuations. For more evacuation information, follow the Crook County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Ground and air resources from ODF, Ochoco National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and local fire departments have been actively engaged, and firefighters are working to establish control lines. Fire activity is expected to remain high over the next several days due to challenging weather conditions.

ODF CIMT 2 will in-brief today at 7 p.m. and will take command of the fire tomorrow at 6 p.m. after a day of shadowing with the current Type 3 team from Central Oregon Fire Management Service.

“Oregon’s complete and coordinated fire protection system is what makes our state so successful when it comes to wildfire,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief. “We recognize that wildfire isn’t just one agency’s problem. Fire doesn’t respect jurisdictional boundaries, so it’s a problem and priority for every agency. We all share responsibility for protecting Oregonians, communities, and our natural resources.”

Fuels in Oregon remain extremely dry while warm and windy weather conditions persist. The best way Oregonians can support their local wildland firefighters is by practicing wildfire prevention and following local fire regulations. One less human-caused fire can make a difference and reduce strain on Oregon’s firefighting resources.

Salem, Oregon. Cinco años después de los devastadores incendios forestales que ocurrieron el Día del Trabajo del 2020, el Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon (ODHS, por sus siglas en inglés) está rindiendo homenaje a los sobrevivientes, recordando a quienes perdieron la vida y sigue apoyando a las comunidades que continúan recuperándose. Los incendios forestales (en inglés) impactaron a 20 condados de Oregon y quemaron más de un millón de acres, destruyeron 5,000 estructuras y, lamentablemente, causaron la muerte de nueve personas. No todos se ha recuperado por completo, y ODHS mantiene su compromiso de darles apoyo mientras continúan con su recuperación.

“Los incendios forestales del 2020 dejaron claro que no solo debemos responder a los desastres, sino también construir resiliencia en todo lo que hacemos”, afirmó Liesl Wendt, subdirectora del ODHS que ayudó a crear la Oficina de Resiliencia y Manejo de Emergencias (OREM, por sus siglas en inglés) después de los incendios. “Hemos visto lo importante que es mantener a las personas en el centro de la planificación de emergencias”.

Los incendios destruyeron hogares, desplazaron familias y dejaron cicatrices profundas en todo el estado. Aunque muchas personas y familias todavía están recuperándose, hoy ODHS está más preparado para proteger a la población y responder a las emergencias.

Construyendo resiliencia después de los incendios

Los incendios forestales del 2020 mostraron que Oregon tenía deficiencias urgentes en sus sistemas de protección y respuesta a emergencias. Por esta razón, ODHS creó OREM para mejorar su capacidad de asistir a los habitantes de Oregon antes, durante y después de los desastres.

“En mi primer día como director de OREM, el 8 de septiembre del 2020, los incendios ocurridos el Día del Trabajo arrasaban el paisaje del oeste de Oregon. Más de 500,000 personas en Oregon estaban bajo órdenes de evacuación de nivel 1, 2 o 3. Eso es casi uno de cada ocho habitantes de Oregon”, dijo Ed Flick, director de OREM desde su creación. “Era mucha gente la que necesitaba refugio. Pero por el COVID, los refugios colectivos, como los gimnasios de las escuelas, no eran una opción”.

El equipo de OREM actuó rápidamente y comenzó a crear una red de refugios y proveedores de alimentos anticipando que la Cruz Roja le daría la responsabilidad del manejo de los refugios a ODHS.

ODHS es responsable de dar atención colectiva, que incluye alimentos y refugio, en el plan de respuesta a emergencias del estado.  Lo más importante es que OREM comenzó a establecer relaciones con las comunidades locales, siguiendo la idea de que todos los desastres se sienten primero a nivel local. “Los gobiernos estatales y federales están aquí para ayudar, pero movilizarse lleva tiempo. Las comunidades locales son las primeras en llegar y actuar durante las emergencias”, dijo Flick.

En el 2025, OREM cuenta con personal en todo el estado, incluyendo una alianza con las Nueve Tribus Reconocidas Federalmente de Oregon. Este personal conoce a sus comunidades y trabaja cada día para fortalecerlas y desarrollar la capacidad local.

Para mejorar la planificación en evacuaciones, OREM ha puesto a disposición de todo el estado un sistema de manejo de evacuaciones. OREM también ha mejorado la capacidad de ODHS para identificar y localizar a las poblaciones vulnerables que reciben servicios de ODHS. Cuando se anuncia una evacuación de emergencia, la red de oficiales de seguridad de OREM puede identificar a las personas que se encuentran en la zona de evacuación y asegurarse de que tengan un plan para llegar a un lugar seguro. Este sistema se utilizó recientemente en el incendio Flat Fire.

Después de los incendios del 2020, pasaron meses para poner en marcha el sistema de manejo de casos de desastre. Gracias a la Legislatura de Oregon, OREM ahora cuenta con una red de socios locales para el manejo en casos de desastre y con sus propios administradores de casos de desastre, que trabajan con las comunidades y las oficinas de ODHS para identificar cómo fueron afectadas las personas y ponerlas en contacto con los recursos.

Acerca de OREM

En los últimos cinco años, OREM ha dirigido los esfuerzos del estado en atención colectiva y recuperación de servicios sociales, así como la continuidad de las actividades de los programas de ODHS. Como parte de ODHS, la OREM trabaja en cuatro áreas principales:

• Agencia estatal principal para la función de apoyo de emergencia 6, que incluye la atención colectiva, ayuda de emergencia, vivienda y servicios humanos. OREM coordina el apoyo que las personas necesitan cuando son evacuadas de sus hogares.
• Agencia estatal principal para la función de recuperación estatal 4, enfocada en los servicios sociales. Esto ayuda a las comunidades a recuperarse de una forma más rápida y equitativa cuando hay una crisis.
  • Puede ver más información sobre las ESF (Funciónes de apoyo en casos de emergencia; Emergency Suppport Function) y los SRF (Fondos Rotatorios Estatales; State Revolving Fund) en el Plan Integral de Manejo de Emergencias de Oregon.
• Continuidad de las operaciones, garantiza que los servicios de ODHS sigan siendo accesibles para los habitantes de Oregon durante las emergencias y las interrupciones.
• Agencia estatal principal en el desarrollo de centros y redes de resiliencia y centros de calefacción, enfriamiento y aire limpio. OREM colabora con comunidades y organizaciones locales para crear capacidad para abrir centros que mantengan a las personas de Oregon a salvo.

Mirando hacia un Oregon más resiliente

“Cinco años después, seguimos acompañando a los sobrevivientes y honrando la resiliencia de las comunidades más afectadas”, dijo Wendt. “Oregon no se ha recuperado por completo, pero estamos mejor preparados que en el 2020. OREM está en el centro de ese esfuerzo por parte de ODHS, garantizando que los clientes y todos los habitantes de Oregon tengan el apoyo que necesitan cuando hay emergencias”.

ODHS mantiene su compromiso de mejorar continuamente. Para las personas que aún están reconstruyendo sus vidas, ODHS seguirá ayudando y conectando a las personas con los recursos que necesitan. OREM también seguirá ampliando las asociaciones, reforzando los sistemas de evacuación y atención e invirtiendo en iniciativas de resiliencia basadas en la comunidad, para que Oregon esté preparado para afrontar los retos del futuro.

Todos deberían inscribirse en el servicio de notificaciones de emergencia OR Alert para el condado en el que viven o los que visitan seguido. Visite listo.gov para aprender a prepararse para las emergencias.

Salem, OR – Five years after the devastating 2020 Labor Day wildfires, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is honoring survivors, remembering those who were lost and lifting up the communities that continue to recover. The wildfires impacted 20 Oregon counties and burned more than 1 million acres, destroyed 5,000 structures and tragically took nine lives. Not everyone is fully recovered, and ODHS remains committed to supporting them as recovery continues.
 

“The 2020 wildfires made it clear that we must not only respond to disasters but also build resilience into everything we do,” said Liesl Wendt, ODHS deputy director who helped create the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) in the wake of the fires. “We have seen firsthand how critical it is to keep people at the center of emergency planning.”
 

The fires destroyed homes, uprooted families and left lasting scars across the state. While recovery is still underway for many individuals and families, ODHS is better prepared today to protect people and respond to emergencies.

Building resilience after the fires

The 2020 wildfires revealed urgent gaps in Oregon’s emergency response and client protection systems. In response, ODHS launched OREM to strengthen its ability to serve Oregonians before, during and after disasters.
 

“On my first day as OREM director, September 8, 2020, Labor Day fires were sweeping across the Western Oregon landscape.  Over 500,000 Oregonians were under a level 1, 2 or 3 evacuation orders. That is nearly one in eight Oregonians,” said Ed Flick, director of OREM since its inception. “That is a lot of people who needed shelter. And because of COVID, congregate shelters such as school gyms were not an option.”
 

The OREM team quickly took action and began building a shelter and feeding vendor network in anticipation of the American Red Cross handing sheltering over to ODHS. ODHS is responsible for mass care, which includes food and shelter, in the state emergency response plan.  Most importantly, OREM began to build relationships in local communities, putting into practice the adage that all disasters are local. “The state and federal governments are here to help, but that takes time to mobilize. Local communities are the first on scene during emergencies,” Flick said.
 

Fast forward to 2025, OREM has staff located across the state, including a liaison to Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes. These staff know their communities and work every day to strengthen relationships and build local capacity.
 

To improve evacuation planning, OREM has made an evacuation management system available statewide. OREM has also improved ODHS’ ability to identify and map vulnerable populations served by ODHS. When an emergency evacuation is announced, OREM’s network of safety officers can identify clients in the evacuation zone and ensure they have a plan to get to safety. This system was used as recently as the Flat Fire. After the 2020 fires, it took months to stand up disaster case management. Thanks to the Oregon Legislature, OREM now has a network of local disaster case management partners and its own disaster case managers who work with communities and ODHS offices to identify how people were impacted and connect people with resources.

About OREM

Over the past five years, OREM has led the state’s efforts in mass care and social services recovery, as well as business continuity for ODHS programs. On behalf of ODHS, OREM operates in four primary areas of work:

• Lead state agency for emergency support function 6, which covers mass care, emergency assistance, housing and human services. OREM coordinates the supports people need when they are evacuated from their homes.
   
• Lead state agency for state recovery function 4, focused on social services. This helps communities recover more quickly and equitably when crisis strikes.
  • Read more about ESFs and SRFs in Oregon’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.
     
• Continuity of operations, ensuring ODHS services remain accessible to Oregonians during emergencies and disruptions.
   
• Lead state agency for developing resilience hubs and networks and warming, cooling and cleaner air centers. OREM partners with local communities and organizations to build capacity to open centers that keep Oregonians safe.

Looking ahead to a more resilient Oregon

“Five years later, we continue to grieve with survivors and honor the resilience of the communities most deeply affected,” Wendt said. “Oregon is not fully recovered, but we are better prepared than we were in 2020. OREM is at the center of that effort for ODHS, ensuring that clients and all Oregonians have the support they need when emergencies strike.”
 

ODHS remains committed to continuous improvement. For those who are still rebuilding their lives, ODHS will continue providing assistance and connecting people with the resources they need. OREM will also keep expanding partnerships, strengthening evacuation and care systems and investing in community-based resilience initiatives so that Oregon is ready to meet the challenges of the future.
 

Everyone should sign up for OR Alert emergency notification for counties they live and frequent. Visit ready.gov to learn how to prepare for emergencies.

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

Sophia Alonzo, age 11, is a child who went missing from Portland on Aug. 28. She was found Sept. 2.

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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Agency invests nearly all LIFT funding in record time

Oregon Lottery will join the owners of Alvadore Gas & Store to present a bonus check for selling the winning $8.1 million Oregon Megabucks jackpot in the August 16 drawing.

WHEN: Thursday, September 11, 11 a.m.  

WHERE: Alvadore Gas & Store, 90828 Railroad St, Alvadore, OR 97409

WHAT: Oregon Lottery’s External Communications Program Manager Melanie Mesaros and store owner Chandni Sharma will be available to answer questions. Media can obtain video/b-roll of retailer and owners with the giant check. 

The player who won the jackpot prize is not interested in media interviews and will not be attending.

Store owners Hukam and Chandni Sharma earn a bonus of $81,000 for selling the winning ticket. Oregon’s Game Megabucks has some of the most favorable big prize jackpot game odds in the world.

Salem, Ore. – For the first time since Portland made headlines last April with its $1.3 billion jackpot win, Powerball players have a chance to win a ten-figure jackpot. Wednesday’s drawing surged to an estimated $1.4 billion - ranking as the fourth largest in Powerball game history and the sixth largest ever among U.S. lottery jackpot games.

Three $50,000 winning tickets were sold in Oregon from Powerball’s Labor Day drawing in Westport, Clackamas, and Damascus. Since the last winning jackpot drawing and reset on June 1, Oregon has sold 679,594 winning tickets and approximately a third of all game sales are returned to Lottery beneficiaries.

Last year, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, his wife, and friend shared a Powerball jackpot worth $1.3 billion. The prize was life changing for Saephan and by far the biggest prize ever won in Oregon. A Beaverton man also won a Powerball jackpot in January worth $328.5 million. The biggest Powerball ever won in history was a $2.04 billion jackpot in 2022 by player in California.

Oregon Lottery retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for jackpot wins. For instance, a retail location that sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus.

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot game offered in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.

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.

COOS BAY, Oregon— The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 25-27.

Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including JR Ranger programs, a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 25 and a star party each night.

“Places like Sunset Bay and Shore Acres offer visitors a chance to see the natural world not only during the day but also at night. They’re special because they show us what the sky looked like everywhere before light pollution. Seeing the night sky in its full brilliance is powerful and, for many, even emotional,” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.

The astronomy festival gives visitors a chance to see and learn more about the night sky.

NOTE: Outdoor events are weather dependent.

Thursday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Our Star, The Sun JR Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email Kenneth.Page@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
• 7:30 p.m.: Navigating by The Stars program at Shore Acres Gardens
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Thursday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

Friday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Constellation Station Junior Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
• 6-7 p.m.: Jellyfish: The Alien Next Door guided hike (meet at Shore Acres Observation Building for 1-mile hike)
• 7:30: How to Talk to Aliens Even if You’re Shy evening program at Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Friday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

Saturday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Guided hike (Meet at Interpretive Center at Sunset Bay Campground for 1-mile hike)
• 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
• 7:30 p.m.: Imagining Other Worlds Night Program at Shore Acres
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Saturday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

SILVERTON, Oregon— Earlier this year, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department selected a new business partner to operate Smith Creek Village cabins, South Falls Café and two historic ranches at Silver Falls State Park.

Silver Falls is one of the most popular parks in the state with an estimated 1.5 million day-use visits per year and features the nationally recognized Trail of Ten Falls.

The contracts to operate Smith Creek Village, the historic ranches and the café expired, opening them up for new proposals. The top proposal came from Guest Services, Inc., a hospitality management company and concessionaire for parks across the United States.

“Silver Falls’ stunning waterfalls, rugged trails and towering forests remind us all what’s worth protecting,” said JJ Condella, general manager for Guest Services, Inc. “We are honored to have the opportunity to elevate the experience through thoughtful stewardship, warm hospitality and locally driven experiences.”

Guest Services, doing business as Visit Silver Falls, is now up and running with existing lodging, café dining, event spaces and a new retail space. There are 17 cabins and two ranches, perfect to serve everyone from solo hikers to large families to wedding parties year-round.

Accommodations include:

• Four family-sized cabins for up to 12 guests each
• Eight tiny cabins accommodating two to three visitors each
• Four duplex-style cabins for two guests per unit
• One private cabin for four people.
• Two ranches, including the historic 1880s Davidson Ranch (known locally as Old Ranch) for event rentals for up to 100 guests during the day and 75 bunk-style accommodations for overnight.

The South Falls Café, a fast-casual eatery located near the South Falls trailhead, is now open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and the Big Leaf Market & Grill is open for grab-and-go food and beverages 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Guest Services also opened a new retail space, Ten Falls Supply Co., near the South Falls Lodge, featuring hiking gear including trekking poles, backpacks, water bottles and trail snacks as well as sustainable, locally made goods, such as soaps, apparel and Silver Falls Coffee Co. products.

In the future, Guest Services plans to add a full-service, family-friendly restaurant within Smith Creek Village at the Big Leaf Market & Grill.

“This business partnership is a good example of how we can enhance the visitor experience through additional opportunities while also maintaining the beauty of the park and generating revenue for park operations,” said Park Manger Chris Gilliand.

“Not everyone has the gear or the ability to tent or RV camp. Partnerships like this expend overnight opportunities year-round without the need for outdoor equipment.”

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking additional business partners including concessionaires like Guest Services as well as sponsorships and public-private partnerships at parks around the state to increase opportunities for recreation and build a more sustainable financial future.

OPRD launched an online form for businesses that are interested in future partnerships. The opportunities must align with OPRD’s mission of stewardship and not take away from the purpose of the land. 

Currently, there are approximately eight concessionaire agreements like the one at Silver Falls, including agreements to run marinas and overnight historic hotels, and dozens of partnerships running everything from kayak rentals to guided hiking. Businesses are encouraged to share new ideas online.

For more information about the amenities at Smith Creek Village, the historic ranches and the café, visit the website at https://visitsilverfalls.com/

Photos of Smith Creek Village and more are available for download.  

(Cedar Mill, Oregon) The Travel Information Council and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee, along with Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District and Treekeepers of Washington County, invite the public to participate in the induction of the JQA Young House Fruit Trees into the Oregon Heritage Tree Program. The event will take place on Sunday, September 21 at 2:15 p.m. at the John Quincy Adams (JQA) Young House during the annual Cedar Mill Cider Festival: 12050 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, Oregon, 97229.

Three fruit trees- a Shellbark Hickory, a Bartlett Pear, and a Gravenstein Apple- are landscape features of the historic Young House and estimated to be around 150 years old. These trees represent an example of early home management and food production, typical of an early farm or residential property of the period. Collectively, they are Oregon’s 85^th Heritage Tree Designation.

Speakers at the event include Friends of the JQA Young House and the chair of the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee.

Built between 1863 and 1869, the Young House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its association with the early growth and community development of Cedar Mill in Washington County. The house served as the residence of the Young family from 1869-1874 and then as the first post office and a community store from 1874-1881. It is the oldest remaining historic resource in Cedar Mill.

Treekeepers of Washington County prepared the nomination for the heritage trees. Their mission to protect and advocate for trees in Washington County underscores the importance of raising awareness about exceptional trees, stating that "bringing special trees to the attention of others is a key aspect of our goals." This approach not only enhances community appreciation for trees but also fosters a stronger commitment to their preservation.  

Oregon Heritage Tree Committee Chair Dave Hedberg encourages the public to visit the JQA Young House Trees: “Visiting an Oregon Heritage Tree is a chance to engage your senses and learn about local history in the real world – not just in books and on screens. It’s a way to honor the role trees play in our lives and Oregon’s history. When you visit the Young House, consider the proximity and relationship of the trees to the house. There are few remaining structures over 150 years old where you can see a house still standing next to the original fruit trees.” 

Keith Watson, support services manager with Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) adds, “The JQA Young House is the last remaining above-ground resource associated with the cedar mill for which the community was named. THPRD is pleased that the remaining fruit trees are part of the state Heritage Tree Program.” 

Sponsored by THPRD, the Cedar Mill Cider Festival runs from noon-4 p.m. and includes free fresh-pressed cider, live music, history, vendors, hot food, and kids’ activities on the grounds of the John Quincy Adams Young House. Michael Panhorst with the Friends of the Young House says, “The Cider Festival is a community event that brings history, entertainment, and family fun together. We invite everyone to join in the 17^th year of the festival and a chance to view these trees.”

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

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency wants your input as they develop an updated environmental impact statement (EIS) and implementation plan for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Public comments can be submitted through October 6.  

The draft implementation plan will impact the cost of building structures, septic systems, driveways, parking areas and more in floodplain areas. Community members can learn about FEMA’s proposed options and share verbal comments at a series of virtual public meetings throughout September. There are also several ways to share written comments.  

FEMA is analyzing the effects of proposed changes to the implementation of the NFIP in Oregon. The changes will incorporate mitigation requirements to comply with the Endangered Species Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.  

The changes are meant to limit the negative impacts of development on habitat in floodplains. Floodplains are areas of land next to a river or stream that experience periodic flooding when the water level rises. Development includes building and renovating homes, garages, shops or barns and improving riparian habitat. It also includes use of the land for businesses, agriculture, forestry, recreation or transportation. 

The proposed changes will protect three natural floodplain functions: 

• Storing flood water 
• Acting as natural filters that improve water quality and help replenish groundwater aquifers 
• Supporting vegetation that provides essential habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species, including fish 

FEMA’s proposed changes 

Potential changes proposed in FEMA’s draft documents include: 

• “No net loss” standards for development to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts to the three floodplain functions. Complying with these standards requires that adverse impacts must be avoided or offset through mitigation so that there is no net loss in the habitat function. 
• Additional vegetation requirements for non-water dependent uses in the Riparian Buffer Zone (the land within 170 feet of the ordinary high water mark of a waterbody).  

The original implementation plan was developed by FEMA between 2016 and 2021 with input from the State of Oregon and public stakeholders. FEMA has now released an updated draft that includes new information, definitions and examples for implementation. The draft implementation plan offers communities four possible paths for compliance and provides examples of how to apply the proposed changes to a variety of development projects. 

Draft plans affect the Willamette Valley 

The proposed changes will affect all development in areas mapped as Special Flood Hazard Areas — often called 100-year floodplains — on FEMA’s flood insurance rate maps. 

People living and working in the Willamette Valley, including Benton County, are in the Implementation Plan Area. It includes the six NOAA Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Domains within the State of Oregon: Willamette River, Oregon Coast, Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast, Lower Columbia River, Middle Columbia River and Snake River. 

How to comment 

Communities, agencies and the public are encouraged to review and comment on the draft documents by October 6. FEMA invites comments on the alternatives and their potential benefits and impacts on people, endangered species and the environment. Comments should be specific and inform FEMA’s selection among the three alternatives.  

There are several opportunities for public engagement: 

• Visit the virtual open house to learn more about the Draft EIS and the Draft Implementation Plan for NFIP-ESA Integration. 

• Submit a written comment online or by 10-or-nfip-esa-integration@fema.dhs.gov" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(35, 72, 123); background-color: transparent; transition: 300ms;" target="_blank">email. 

• Mail: NFIP OR-EIS, FEMA, Region 10, 130 – 228th Street SW, Bothell, WA 98021  

• Fax: 425-775-7560 Attention: FEMA NFIP OR EIS   
   
• Participate in a targeted public meeting. Email 10-OR-NFIP-ESA-Integration@Fema.dhs.gov">FEMA-R10-OR-NFIP-ESA-Integration@Fema.dhs.gov to request the registration link. 
  • Thursday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. – special interest meeting for environmental & nonprofit groups
  • Thursday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. – special interest meeting for business & industry (contractors, surveyors, realtors, insurance agents, business owners, etc.)
     

• Comment verbally at a virtual public meeting or just listen in to find out what’s going on. Use one of these links to register (required): 
  • Thursday, Sept. 11, 6 to 8 p.m. PDT – meeting for general public 
  • Wednesday, Sept. 30, 6 to 8 p.m. PDT – meeting for general public

FEMA will consider all input received during the Draft EIS public review and comment period. Following the public review and comment period on the Draft EIS, FEMA will develop a Final EIS, identify a preferred alternative, and publish a Record of Decision to conclude the NEPA process. 

More information is available on the FEMA website: https://www.fema.gov/about/organization/region-10/oregon/nfip-esa-integration 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2025

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for National Preparedness Month

            (Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice issued a proclamation at the Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe the month of September 2025 as National Preparedness Month.  The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “We know that preparedness is a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of individuals, families, businesses, and local government to ensure that our communities are ready to respond to and recover from emergencies of all kinds.” A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.

“Wow, what a remarkable turnout.  I hope everybody takes a second to note all the different organizations that are represented here today.  During these big emergencies we have in our communities the number of people that come forward to help is incredible.  But it is you that are here today and the organizations that you represent that take the time to prepare and be ready - so you can help others in times of need.  Our history of several once-in-a-lifetime emergencies demonstrates that you never know what you need until the emergency strikes.  By building a wide variety of relationships, contacts, and a list of people willing to step up is what makes us get through these emergencies as a community and come out the other end stronger.  Thank you all for what you do,” stated Commissioner and Board Chair Tim Freeman. 

Today, the Commissioners celebrated National Preparedness Month by recognizing Douglas County’s commitment to building a safer, more resilient community. From emergency response planning to public safety education, Douglas County has taken proactive steps to ensure residents are prepared for whatever challenges may come. Today we  highlighted the people, programs, and partnerships that work together to make preparedness a priority all year long in our communities.  Commissioner Freeman presented National Preparedness Month proclamation certificates to Emily Ring, Douglas County Emergency Manager; Tyler Conners, Douglas County Assistant Emergency Manager; Leslie Wilson, ARES Community Commander and CERT Central Douglas Coordinator; Tracy Stott, CERT Lead Trainer; Jamie Winning, ARES Radio Operator ad CERT Lower Umpqua Trainer; Christine Morgan, Canyonville Mayor; Dawn Bennett, Canyonville City Administrator; Sandra Donnelly, Reedsport City Councilor; Chief Gary Klopfenstein, City of Roseburg Police; Chief Tyler Christopherson, City of Roseburg Fire; Patrol Lieutenant Jim Andrews, Oregon State Police; Richard Brock, Oregon State Police; Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; Chief Marty Case, Cow Creek Tribal Police; Paul Crase, Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians Emergency Manager; Pat Skrip, Douglas Forest Protective Association District Manager; Battalion Chief Mitch Doss, Central Douglas Fire and Rescue; Chief Brian Burke, North Douglas Fire and EMS and Oakland Volunteer Fire Department; AC Clough, Glide Rural Fire Department; Eli Metz, Glide Rural Fire Department; Ron Young, Glide Rural Fire Department; Ed Flick, ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management Director; Terra Ralph, ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management SSEL; Jeff Gilbert, ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management Rec; Edith Dye-Mabie, Captain Roseburg Salvation Army; Kendall Melvin, Glide Revitalization Program Director; Jeana Beam, Glide Revitalization Executive Director; Teresa Mutschler, Douglas Public Health Network Executive Director and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; Rob Gandy, Douglas Public Health Network Outreach Specialist; Michael Hansen, Douglas Public Health Network Community Outreach; Kellen McKinney, Mercy Medical Center Emergency Preparedness Manager; Alyson Pinkelman, Aviva Health Public Health Program Coordinator; Jessica Hand, Thrive Umpqua; Thomas McGregor, Peace at Home, Project Manager; Jared Cordon, Roseburg Public Schools Superintendent; Russell Winterstein, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; and Wendy Patterson, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Commissioners would also like to acknowledge and thank all of the community partners, cities, agencies and volunteers who dedicate their time to making sure our communities are prepared for the next emergency.   Several agencies, volunteer organizations, and community groups were then invited to speak about their roles in promoting preparedness and supporting emergency response efforts in our community.

“Grateful is the word that comes to mind.  Grateful that we have all these partnerships. Grateful that we can leverage these partnerships in times of need – and we do - in order to get the resources, we need.  So, all of you are the pieces of the pie that make the whole thing work,” - Chief Gary Klopfenstein, Roseburg Police Department

“Commissioners I want to thank you for the recognition this morning.  When I look out across the room, I see a room full of partners.  These are individuals and organizations that we have worked with on a number of occasions.  I think that really is testament to our community and resiliency.  Here we have partnerships that work.  We have tested them.  We have tweaked the processes.   But again, as I look out through the room I see just partners from all kinds of different disciplines, organizations, volunteerism and we couldn’t  have emergency preparedness without every one of you at the table.  There is another component of National Preparedness Month and that is where the community is part our preparedness.  Making sure that individuals are prepared and ready for those emergencies.  To be self-sufficient until resources can get to them.  I encourage our community to have those discussions with their families and be prepared for whatever may come,” - Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

“Douglas County has two CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) groups.  One in Lower Umpqua and one in Central Douglas.  My understanding is that Commissioner Freeman is a twenty-year member and is the one responsible for initiating the first CERT Team in Douglas County.  We want to thank you, Commissioner Freeman, for that, and also thank all the Commissioners for your support.  CERT is made up of all citizen volunteers that are FEMA trained.  We provide services to all citizens – your neighbors, your family members, everyone in the time of community need, “ - Leslie Wilson, ARES Community Commander and CERT Central Douglas Coordinator 

“Commissioners, it is an honor to be here.  I really appreciate the direction you are going in your County by  creating a separate Emergency Management Department.  The work we have done here is similar to what we do all over Oregon.  My first day in this job was September 8, 2020.  That was a big day across Oregon.  Our office is responsible for supporting communities with food, water, shelter, family reunification, evacuation assistance and long-term recovery disaster case management.  We really enjoyed supporting groups like Glide Revitalization. We are honored to support the County and all the partnerships here,” - Ed Flick, ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management Director

“It is a privilege to be here.  A privilege to live, work, support, and serve this community in times of need.  Thank you, Commissioners and Emergency Manager Emily Ring, for all you do.” - Edith Dye-Mabie, Captain Roseburg Salvation Army

“I just want to thank everyone here for all you do.  The County and our Commissioners have stepped up again and again to offer support.  Glide being unincorporated people sometimes think they are out there on their own.  But that has never been that case through these disasters - County, State and Federal agencies, as well as all our community partners have all been there.  Again, I can’t say enough how much it has meant to have all this support and help from our community.  All we have to do is pick up a phone and there is usually more stuff than we can use at the drop of a hat,” Jeana Beam, Glide Revitalization Executive Director

“We represent and work with a lot of members of faith-based organizations here in Douglas County.  We are a lot of helping hands that are willing to step up to be volunteers and offer a lot of resources – not just monetary or spiritual, but also in offering classes on financial stability, emotional preparedness and how to make an emergency plan.  The County has a wonderful book on preparedness that helps people understand the steps and checklists they need to get prepared.  We also have a Facebook page called “Umpqua Together” and we encourage people to utilize that for information about preparedness.  It is incredible to be part of the group that is engaging the community in preparedness – so we are all ready for whatever may happen.  We are so grateful to be here and lend our support however we can.  Thank you, Commissioners, for the opportunity to be a partner,”- Wendy Patterson, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

National Preparedness Month has been observed since 2004 and aims to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies.  The month of September is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared.  The Commissioners’ proclamation this week is a reminder for our residents and businesses to be proactive and develop their own emergency preparedness plan, while working together toward creating a more prepared, safer, and more resilient community.

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

Proclamation & Photo Collage Attached. Photos K.Tate/Douglas County.

Road Name: High Pass Road

Road Location: East of Triangle Lake near the communities of Horton and Blachly

Closure Location: Milepost 14.7 at the Swartz Creek crossing

Closure Dates and Times: Tuesday, September 9, through Tuesday, October 7

Reason for Closure: Construction of a fish passage culvert at Swartz Creek

Alternate Routes: West of the closure: Horton Road to Highway 36. East of the closure: Highpass Road to Junction City

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Lane County is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 Community & Economic Development (CED) Grant Program. This competitive grant opportunity is designed to support high-impact projects that build resilient local economies, expand access to workforce training, and revitalize commercial districts across Lane County.

The CED Grant Program provides funding to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and municipal entities serving Lane County communities. With $200,000 available through state video lottery funds, individual awards will range from $5,000 to $30,000. Priority will be given to proposals that foster inclusive economic growth and align with the County’s strategic development goals.

Priority areas include:

• increasing family-wage employment in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, food and beverage production, biosciences, technology, and childcare;
• supporting business innovation and development through accelerators, incubators, or apprenticeship programs;
• delivering technical assistance, training, and mentorship for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses; and
• revitalizing Lane County’s Main Streets and downtown districts.

This year, the program aims to expand participation across the region by limiting applications to organizations not funded during the previous cycle (2024–2025). Lane County encourages new applicants with creative, high-impact, community-based approaches to economic development.

“We’re excited to support initiatives that strengthen our communities, whether through workforce training in rural towns or small business support in downtown cores,” said Jason Harris, Lane County’s Community and Economic Development manager. “Funding from the 2024-2025 cycle demonstrated how support for our local communities can make a big difference in our regional economy.”

Applications are due by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Submissions must be sent via email to CED@LaneCountyOR.gov. Only one application per organization will be accepted. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Each application will be evaluated based on economic development impact, performance outcomes, program clarity, budget justification, and ability to serve underserved or rural populations. Additional points may be awarded for projects that demonstrate measurable economic value or serve unincorporated and economically disadvantaged areas.

More details, including application materials and FAQs, are available now at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CEDGrant or by contacting CED@LaneCountyOR.gov.

Las solicitudes y aplicaciones también están disponibles en Español.

About Lane County Community and Economic Development
Lane County Community and Economic Development is your Oregon Video Lottery dollars at work! Community and Economic Development programs support building vibrant communities by partnering with local business support organizations, cities, special districts and economic development agencies to facilitate community development and create economic prosperity. This program fosters economic opportunity across Lane County with a specific focus on rural and unincorporated communities.

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The Lane County Clerk’s Office is ready to help couples walk down the aisle again, resuming marriage ceremonies after a hiatus.

Couples who wish to be married at the Lane County Clerk’s Office can now schedule a ceremony with County Clerk Tommy Gong. Ceremonies will be held at the Lane County Public Service Building in downtown Eugene on most Fridays.

“We are excited to once again be part of such a meaningful moment in people’s lives,” Gong said. “We can offer couples a simple, joyful way to begin their future together. All of us at the Clerk’s Office are happy to see these ceremonies return.”

Couples must first obtain a valid marriage license from the Clerk’s Office (125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene) before a ceremony can be performed. To obtain a marriage license, couples fill out the online Marriage License Application and then must visit the Clerk’s Office at least three days before the ceremony to complete the license process.

The marriage license fee is $60 and a marriage officiated by the County Clerk is $117. Additional details, including license requirements and scheduling information, can be found on the Lane County Clerk’s website.

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State of Oregon v. Nathaniel McCrae, Jr.

Marion County: 24JU01361 and Marion County Circuit Court Case 25CR49762

Salem, OR – September 5, 2025 – Today Nathaniel McCrae Jr., admitted in Marion County juvenile court case number 24JU01361 to Murder in the Second Degree for the March 7, 2024, Bush Park shooting death of Josue Vasquez-Valenzuela, 16.  In addition to his admission to Murder, McCrae also pled guilty in Marion County Circuit Court 25CR49762 (“adult court”) to Unlawful Use of a Weapon with Firearm.

McCrae was 16 years old at the time the shooting occurred.   

On March 7, 2024, at 1:44pm, two large, but separate groups of young adults approached each other at Bush Park in Salem, Oregon.  A confrontation ensued, which led to Defendant drawing a gun and intentionally shooting at the victims’ crowd.   Vasquez-Valenzuela received one gunshot wound to the left chest and died on scene.  Two additional minors suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds.

Pursuant to a stipulated agreement between the parties, Defendant was sentenced to the legal custody of the Oregon Youth Authority for the maximum period allowed by law, which is up to his 25th birthday.   In addition, he will serve a minimum of 60 months in the Department of Corrections (to be served at OYA) for the adult conviction. Those sentences will be served concurrently.

Senate Bill 1008 was passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2019 and drastically changed how youth that commit violent felonies are charged under Oregon law.  Now, the state must prove that at the time of the conduct, that youth have an “adult-like” understanding of the nature and quality of their conduct and that the juvenile justice system has no reformative value, among multiple other factors.  See e.g., ORS 419C.349.  This exceedingly high legal standard makes adult convictions for youth rare and incredibly difficult to obtain.

Even if they are waived into adult court, waived defendants are eligible for release after 15 years and halfway through their sentences, regardless of the crime of conviction or number of victims.

Conversely, if an adult conviction cannot be obtained, the maximum sentence any youth can serve under Oregon law for any juvenile conviction (“adjudication”) is until their 25^th birthday, regardless of the nature of the offense and the number of incidents or victims they offend against.

Rather than risk the case being resolved solely in juvenile court, here, the state agreed to a bifurcated resolution in which Defendant admitted to murder as a juvenile and received an adult felony firearm conviction. This structure prohibits Defendant from possessing firearms in the future. [1]

“Oregonians deserve a fix regarding how we deal with juveniles who commit murder and other violent offenses,” said Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson.  “The loss to the victim’s family is immeasurable and the impact on our community in this case was severe.  The current law only serves to traumatize these victims further and is contrary to common sense and public safety.”

Understanding that the Defendant could be released after only eight short years, the victim’s family expressed dismay at Oregon’s law, telling the judge they did not feel the system was fair and they did not receive a just result.

The case was prosecuted by Chief DDA Brendan Murphy, DDA Rachel Klein and DDA Tim O’Donnell.   The case was investigated by Salem Police Detective Anothony Vandekoppel.

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About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for seeking justice through promoting accountability for criminal offenders; interpreting, enforcing, and executing law; responding to the concerns of victims and the public; and working cooperatively with members of the justice system.

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Marion County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison on Multiple Counts Including Rape in the First Degree

State of Oregon v. Pablo Salazar-Ramirez

Marion County Circuit Court Case 24CR32015

September 4, 2025 - On September 3, 2025, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Hart sentenced Pablo Salazar-Ramirez, age 73, to 25 years in prison.  He was charged on three counts of Rape in the First Degree, two counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, two counts of Extortion, and one count each of Coercion, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Assault in the Fourth Degree constituting Domestic Violence. Mr. Salazar-Ramirez will also be required to register as a sex offender.

These convictions stem from approximately 14 years of the defendant sexually abusing a minor and committing domestic violence against his intimate partner. These acts came to light in June of 2024 when the defendant punched his domestic partner in the face and her daughter - the victim of the sexual violence – called 911.

Marion County Sherriff’s deputies arrived and separated the victims from the defendant. When contacted by a female deputy, the younger disclosed the sexual violence. She explained that she had remained silent for years out of fear of the defendant’s threats. 

Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple, who prosecuted the case, argued that a sentence of 30 years was appropriate for the defendant’s repeated violent acts against both women despite the defendant’s age.

The defense requested a 10-year sentence, citing the defendant’s age and health issues.

During the sentencing when Judge Hart imposed the 25-year prison sentence, he told Salazar-Ramirez that what he had done was horrendous and the consequences for his bad actions had finally caught up to him.

The Marion County District Attorney acknowledges the hard work of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and their arrest of Salazar-Ramirez. 

About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for seeking justice through promoting accountability for criminal offenders; interpreting, enforcing, and executing law; responding to the concerns of victims and the public; and working cooperatively with members of the justice system. 

Today, former Oregon Youth Authority employee Cherie MacDougall (3/31/1983) was arraigned in Marion County Circuit Court on a Grand Jury Indictment charging her with:

• three counts of supplying contraband;
• three counts of conspiracy to supply contraband;
• two counts of custodial sexual misconduct in the first degree, and;
• two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. 

The charges stem from a co-investigation between the Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Justice for conduct that occurred in 2022.   According to a court exhibit, MacDougall was paid by incarcerated individuals to provide them with vaping devices.  She later provided that same person with two firearms after that individual was released from custody on conditional release in the community. The grand jury also indicted MacDougall for engaging in a sexual relationship with that same person.

The case is Marion County Circuit Court case 25CR47112. Based on the seriousness of the conduct, the state requested $500,000 bail. Marion County Judge Pro Tem Matthew Tracey imposed bail at $100,000.  The next scheduled date is September 11, 2025 at 8:30AM at the Marion County Annex at 4000 Aumsville Highway SE, Salem, Oregon.

MacDougall’s employment with the Oregon Youth Authority ended on May 10, 2023.

This indictment is only one of several criminal indictments issued by the Marion County Grand Jury during the inquiry regarding the conditions and managements of MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, a closed custody facility run by the Oregon Youth Authority.  See June 16, 2025, release: “Marion County District Attorney Opens Grand Jury Inquiry Regarding MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility.”

The case is being prosecuted by Marion County Deputy District Attorney Kylie Kuhns and Special Deputy District Attorney Kurt Miller.  Miller is a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Oregon Department of Justice assisting with the MacLaren inquiry.  The Marion County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police and Department of Justice for their collaboration on this investigation.

Due to the pending criminal prosecution of MacDougall, no further information will be released at this time.

Inquiries can be sent to Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy PMurphy@co.marion.or.us">BPMurphy@co.marion.or.us

About Marion County District Attorney’s Office

The Districty Attorney’s Office is responsible for seeking justice through promoting accountability for criminal offenders; interpreting, enforcing, and executing law; responding to the concerns of victims and the public; and working cooperatively with members of the justice system. 

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting a federal officer during ongoing protest activity near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

Devin P. Montgomery, 49, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

According to court documents, on the afternoon of September 4, 2025, Federal Protective Service (FPS) observed Montgomery operating an Unmanned Aircraft System, also commonly described as a “drone,” in a temporary flight restricted area near the ICE facility in Portland. The FPS advised Montgomery that flying a drone above or around the federal facility was prohibited due to the restriction imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Montgomery ignored FPS’s instructions and continued to operate the drone in the restricted area. Federal officers approached Montgomery, who became belligerent with the officers and began cursing at them. After his arrest, Montgomery spit in an officer’s face.

Since June 13, 2025, a total of 26 defendants have been charged with federal offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, arson, possession of a destructive device, and depredation of government property.

Montgomery made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.

Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to 8 years in federal prison. 

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Hillsboro man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison Thursday afternoon after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting a child and cyberstalking. 

According to court documents, Jorge Rosales, 29, met a young child who lived outside of the United States on “Musical.ly,” an online social media application that later became TikTok.  After interacting with the child online, Rosales convinced the child to send him sexually explicit images and videos.  Once he received those files, Rosales demanded more, threatening to send the sexually explicit images to the child’s family and friends.  Rosales stalked the child online for months on TikTok and Snapchat, harassing the child and the child's online friends using various social media accounts he created.

Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at Rosales’s residence, seizing various electronic devices.  Searches of those devices revealed a cache of child pornography that included videos depicting the child Rosales had exploited online.  The searches also revealed some of the social media accounts Rosales used to exploit and stalk the child.

This case was investigated by HSI, with assistance from law enforcement officers in the child’s country of residence and the Hillsboro Police Department.  It was prosecuted by Gary Sussman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—Joseph David Emerson, 46, of Pleasant Hill, California, an off-duty commercial airline pilot, pleaded guilty today for attempting to shut down the engines of a passenger plane in flight.

According to court documents, on October 22, 2023, Emerson, an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot seated in a cockpit jump seat, attempted to shut down the engines of a commercial passenger plane traveling from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California. After a brief physical struggle with Emerson, who quickly left the cockpit, the pilots diverted from their route and landed at Portland International Airport. Once on the ground, Port of Portland police officers placed Emerson under arrest.

On October 23, 2023, Emerson was charged by criminal complaint with interfering with flight crew members and attendants.

Emerson faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

As part of the plea agreement, Emerson has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victims.

Emerson will be sentenced on November 17, 2025, before a U.S. District Court Judge.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, and Port of Portland Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Parakram Singh is prosecuting the case.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— Luis Antonio Beltran Arredondo, 35, a Mexican National residing in Las Vegas, was sentenced today to 135 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin in Oregon, and for conspiring to launder drug proceeds through a Tualatin Beauty Salon. Arredondo is expected to be deported following his prison sentence.

According to court documents, in the fall of 2021, special agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Portland began investigating a drug trafficking organization suspected of transporting counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and heroin from California into Oregon and Washington for distribution. Between October 2021 and February 2022, agents interdicted couriers and seized drugs and proceeds from locations across three states. In sum, agents seized approximately 41 pounds of methamphetamine, 26 kilograms of heroin, 115,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, as well as more than $348,000 in cash.

A parallel financial investigation led by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) revealed that Arredondo and his fiancé, Jacqueline Paola Rodriguez Barrientos, laundered money generated by the drug trafficking organization through the Mazatlán Beauty Salon in Tualatin, Oregon and by buying real estate that they converted into income-generating rentals. The real estate purchases were made with cashier’s checks funded by large cash deposits. Bank records showed that Barrientos made frequent cash deposits ranging from $10,000 to more than $373,000 into accounts held in her name or the name of her salon. These deposits totaled more than $3.5 million during a 9-month period in 2021.

Since February 2021, members of the drug trafficking organization purchased a total of nine residential properties in Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, mortgage free, totaling more than $4.6 million in value. Arredondo directed the purchase of these properties with laundered funds. Barrientos then used third-party property management companies to rent these properties and earned approximately $10,000 per month in rental income.

On February 17, 2022, DEA agents arrested Arredondo and Barrientos at their Las Vegas residence. Agents found and seized two luxury vehicles, several loose receipts documenting high-end retail purchases, credit card statements documenting more than $16,000 spent on tickets to attend a professional boxing match, and other evidence memorializing the couple’s high-end lifestyle.

On June 2, 2025, Arredondo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and to conspiracy to launder drug proceeds.

Arredondo is the 12th and final member of the drug trafficking organization charged in this case to be sentenced. Barrientos was sentenced in October 2024, and is currently serving a sentence in federal prison for her role in laundering the organization’s drug proceeds.

The government has sought forfeiture on all nine residential properties used to launder the drug money. Five of the properties have been forfeited and sold. Four of the properties remain in forfeiture proceedings.

This case was investigated by DEA with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS-CI, Tigard Police Department, and Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Peter D. Sax, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Forfeiture proceedings are being handled by Katie De Villiers, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.— Anthony D’Montrez Crawford (Crawford), 29, and Kaytlynn Ann Crawford a/k/a Alderman (Alderman), 27, of Eugene, Oregon, have been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with violations of sex trafficking of children by force, fraud, or coercion, transportation for prostitution, persuading or coercing to travel to engage in prostitution, use of an interstate facility to induce or coerce a minor to engage in prostitution, transportation of a minor for prostitution, and conspiracy.

According to the criminal complaint, Crawford forced individuals to engage in prostitution in the Eugene and Springfield area. Crawford advertised online for sexual services, coordinated prices and services with customers, rented hotel rooms for prostitution, and collected money from the victims through intimidation, threats of violence, and actual violence. Crawford also transported victims using rental cars to other cities, including Portland, to engage in these services. 

Alderman facilitated Crawford’s sex trafficking criminal venture. Alderman opened a car rental account and rented vehicles for Crawford, allowed hotel bills to be paid with her bank card, and allowed payments from customers to be received through a CashApp account in her name.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Seattle rescued a minor victim who was forced to engage in prostitution there as well as in Portland and the Eugene and Springfield area. An adult victim was also identified as being forced to engage in prostitution in Portland and the Eugene and Springfield area. 

Crawford and Alderman made their first appearances in federal court today. Crawford was ordered detained pending further court proceedings. Alderman was released pending further court proceedings.

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case.

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

If you or someone you know are victims of human trafficking or have information about a potential human trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also submit a tip on the NHTRC website.

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— Today, Pamela J. Kahut, 68, of Wilsonville, Oregon, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for stealing money from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) health benefit trust account. At the time of the offense, Kahut was PSMFC’s Chief Financial Officer. PSMFC is an interstate agency that conserves, develops, and manages Pacific Ocean fishery resources.

Kahut was also ordered to pay $211,083.27 in restitution to PSMFC and to pay a $10,000 fine.

According to court documents, Kahut, as Chief Financial Officer of PSMFC, had access to and controlled PSMFC’s health benefit trust account that was created to pay benefits, fees, and other charges for PSMFC employees covered under its self-funded health care benefit program. The health benefit trust account was funded, in part, through federal grant money issued to the PSMFC. 

Between about October 2014 and September 2020, Kahut stole $211,083.27 from the health benefit trust account. Kahut used the funds to pay for her spouse’s long-term care annual premiums, pay off her pension loans, and to pay her credit card bills.

On April 8, 2025, Kahut was charged by information with Theft in Connection with Health Care.

On June 5, 2025, Kahut pleaded guilty to Theft in Connection with Health Care.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Robert Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

The Umpqua Community College Board of Education will meet on September 10, 2025. The Regular Meeting is at 5:00 pm in room 17 of Tapʰòytʰa Hall (TAP 17). Pertinent meeting information can be found at umpqua.edu/board-meetings

North Bend School District Public Meetings – September 2025

Below are North Bend School District public meetings currently scheduled for September:
 

September 4, 2025

Executive Session (Amended)

North Bend School District at 5:00 p.m.

1913 Meade Ave., North Bend, OR

To consider the dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent who does not request an open hearing. ORS 192.660(2)(b).

To consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection. ORS 192.660(2)(f) 

Representatives of the news media and designated staff shall/shall not be allowed to attend. All other members of the audience are asked to leave the room. Representatives of the news media are specifically directed to not report on any of the deliberations during the executive session, except to state the general subject of the session as previously announced. No decision may be made in executive session, except for a student expulsion. At the end of the executive session, we will return to open session.

"Shall not" refers to the four exceptions: student expulsions, consultation with labor negotiators, discussing student medical or educational records, and cases in which they or their media organization are involved in litigation with the district that will be discussed during the executive session.

September 4, 2025

 Regular Board Meeting

North Bend City Hall Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m.

835 California Ave., North Bend, OR

September 18, 2025

Regular Work Session

North Bend School District at 5:00 p.m.

1913 Meade Ave., North Bend, OR

DOORS WILL OPEN AT 5:45PM

The schedule is subject to change.

Please email rix@nbend.k12.or.us">mbrix@nbend.k12.or.us or visit the NBSD Website: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1573 for agenda information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 9, 2025

BEND, OR — The 2025 High Desert Rendezvous—the High Desert Museum’s largest annual fundraising event—has set a new record, grossing over $700,000 to support the Museum’s exhibitions and programs.

The event, now in its 36^th year and considered one of the longest-running fundraisers in Central Oregon, took place at the Museum on Saturday, August 23. Attendees met wildlife, explored the Art in the West exhibition, enjoyed living history activities and gathered for a sumptuous dinner and live auction. The previous record-setting Rendezvous was in 2024.

The 2025 Rendezvous Honoree, the Tykeson Family Foundation, contributed to the event’s success. The Foundation makes a profound impact in Central Oregon through its steadfast dedication to education, health care and the arts. Led by Amy Tykeson, the former CEO of BendBroadband, the Tykeson Family Foundation supports the Museum’s many programs and initiatives.

“The Museum continues to make a tremendous impact in the region. We were honored to be recognized and are proud to play a role in furthering the important work underway for all of us to learn, convene, reflect and understand,” said Tykeson, who serves as managing trustee for the Foundation.

“We’re extraordinarily grateful to the Rendezvous attendees, the Tykeson Family Foundation, our Board of Trustees and this amazing community who have contributed to the ongoing work of this museum,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “This generosity helps us continue to grow our amazing exhibitions, educational efforts and programs to serve this dynamic region.”

Founded in 1982, the High Desert Museum brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum every year opens up to nine new temporary exhibitions, cares for over 100 animals and welcomes thousands of school children for field trips. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, nearly 220,000 people visited the Museum.

The 2025 High Desert Rendezvous was presented by Bonta Gelato and Ferguson Wellman Wealth Management with support from Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Vista Capital Partners.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Thursday, September 4, 2025

BEND, OR — Place is at the heart of everything artist Joe Feddersen creates. Plateau imagery, such as mountains and animals, is juxtaposed with chain-link fences, high-voltage towers, and power lines. Indigenous themes and contemporary life intertwine on baskets, prints, ceramics and glass.

A new exhibition opening September 27, 2025, at the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon, shares close to 100 pieces from Feddersen’s (b. 1953, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation) prolific career. Joe Feddersen: Earth, Water, Sky encompasses four decades of his career, from wall-sized installations to miniatures and baskets.

The collective richness of this body of work is a testament to Feddersen’s love for the land, water, and sky that have bound his world, both physically and metaphorically. Moving fluidly between media, Feddersen cultivates a visual vernacular that draws upon recognizable signs, symbols, and forms. In everything he creates, Feddersen communicates his Plateau-Native viewpoint of the powerful landscape and our interconnected relationship with it. 

“By sharing 40 years of Joe Feddersen’s creativity, from basketry to ceramics to prints, this exhibition provides an inspiring and poignant portrait of Feddersen’s respect for the power of place,” said Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. 

Originally from Omak, Washington, Feddersen began his career at Wenatchee Valley College, where he studied with Robert Graves, and then later attended the University of Washington under the tutelage of renowned printmaker Glen Alps. There, Upper Skagit elder Vi taqʷšəblu Hilbert inspired Feddersen to incorporate Indigenous stories into his artwork. When he earned his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Truman Lowe encouraged him to explore the surrounding landscape through various artistic mediums.

From 1989 to 2009, Feddersen taught art at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where he is now Emeritus Faculty. While in Olympia, he learned from and was inspired by mentors such as Elizabeth Woody, the former Oregon Poet Laureate and Museum at Warm Springs Executive Director, who taught him how to basket weave. Throughout his career, his love of printmaking, photography, and ceramics expanded to include large-scale multimedia installations, weavings, and glass.

Feddersen regularly exhibits both regionally and nationally, including at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. His work is part of numerous private, corporate, and museum collections, such as the Seattle Art Museum; the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene, Oregon; the Portland Art Museum; and the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona.

Feddersen is partial to telling stories, once writing that Native art cannot be separated from the stories themselves. His hometown lies on the western edge of the Colville Indian Reservation. His work recreates the layers of people, animals, and ancestors that have traveled the land throughout time.

Museum visitors will be inspired by the vast creativity on display. In the center of the exhibition is a grand presentation of close to 50 of Feddersen’s baskets, a term he uses for both traditional weavings and glass vessels. Consisting of materials such as linen, wool, hide, ceramics, and blown glass, the baskets offer one of the clearest examples of Feddersen’s layering of images, a testament to his past life in printmaking. Petroglyphs appear alongside traffic sign icons and pickup trucks, prompting visitors to confront how we see, use, and treat the natural world.

A vibrant collection of prints and ceramics surrounds the baskets. A 20-foot paneled mural titled Okanagan V (2006) blankets the back wall of the Spirit of the West Gallery. Hanging nearby, Charmed (Bestiary) (2023) dances in a soft breeze created by nearby fans. Made of fused glass and filament, each charm links back to various ideographical languages in history — from Indigenous petroglyphs to modern logos.

As visitors walk further into the gallery, a playful collection of ceramic figures tell their story. Since 2015, Feddersen has created this series called Canoe Journeys — figures in various canoes, catamarans, rafts, and inner tubes made from low-fire ceramic.

While the figures travel the river together, they each have their own story to tell. Canoe Journey: Coyote in Inner Tube (2016) presents a joyful and whimsical personification of the legendary Plateau animal, ubiquitous in Indigenous stories.

Throughout the exhibition, Feddersen invites art enthusiasts and visitors alike to view place as more than just a swatch of forest or a river. There are layers of stories to tell, reminding us of our relationship with and our interconnectedness to nature. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/feddersen.

Joe Feddersen: Earth, Water, Sky is on view through January 18, 2026. The exhibition is organized by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Washington, and curated by heather ahtone, director of curatorial affairs, First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City, and Rachel Allen, curator of modern and contemporary art at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

The exhibition is accompanied by a 200-page, fully illustrated exhibition catalogue published by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and distributed by University of Washington Press.

Major support is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation, Terra Foundation for American Art, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The presentation at the High Desert Museum is made possible by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and Visit Central Oregon Future Fund with support from Cascade A&E.  

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: 

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Contact: Colin Fogarty 

Director of Communications 

ty@oregoncf.org">cfogarty@oregoncf.org  

Oregon Community Foundation Invests Another $120,000

in Disaster Readiness and Recovery

Grants Mark Five-Year Anniversary of Labor Day Fires with Focus on Preparedness

PORTLAND, Ore. — Five years after the Labor Day megafires devastated parts of Oregon, 11 nonprofits are receiving new funding to help communities continue to recover and prepare for future disasters. Oregon Community Foundation today announced $120,000 in new grants from its Disaster Readiness and Response Fund.

The fund is an initiative that emerged from the 2020 wildfires. It provides rapid-response grants for immediate recovery and supports preparedness programs that help build more resilient communities. As a collective giving fund, anyone can contribute to it. An earlier fund to support wildfire recovery after the 2020 fires distributed $10.8 million over several years.

"The fires of 2020 changed Oregon forever — but they didn’t define us,” said Kim Koenig, Director of Statewide Community Programs and Disaster Resilience at OCF. “Oregonians came together then, and we’re coming together now to prepare for the future. We’re not just remembering what happened five years ago. We’re reimagining how Oregon shows up for each other long into the future.”

Devastating Megafires

The Labor Day fires that began on September 7, 2020 were fueled by high winds and dry conditions that resulted in 1.2 million acres burned, more than 4,000 homes destroyed and 11 deaths. The fires displaced thousands of Oregonians and left widespread destruction across the state, with major impacts in the Santiam Canyon, the McKenzie River corridor and southern Oregon's Rogue Valley.

The new grants support collaborative, community-based organizations that coordinate resources and services for long-term readiness and resilience in seven Oregon counties affected by the 2020 wildfires: Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Linn and Marion.

Recovery Continues

The funding also reflects the ongoing impact of the Almeda Fire in southern Oregon. Grants will support nonprofits that continue to serve survivors, including Talent Maker City, Rogue Food Unites, Firebrand Resiliency Collective, Coalición Fortaleza and United Way of Jackson County.

One person who experienced the devastation firsthand and worked on multiple fronts to respond is Dee Anne Everson, President and Executive Director of United Way of Jackson County. Everson, who also sits on the Board of Directors of Oregon Community Foundation, says funding partners responding to the 2020 wildfires had to collaborate closely to serve communities effectively. Everson adds that those partnerships yielded critical lessons for the future.

"We have to be prepared together,” Everson said. “I think we certainly learned that. It's really important in the world of philanthropy to talk to people on the ground who are doing the work. You want to make sure that all of us — wherever we are on the ground doing the work — stay deeply interconnected."

Earlier this year, OCF issued grants to support recovery from flooding in Harney and Douglas Counties and wildfires in the Columbia River Gorge, along with disaster preparedness efforts in Douglas, Lake and Harney counties.

Learn more and donate to the Disaster Readiness and Response Fund of Oregon Community Foundation.

Full List of New Disaster Readiness and Response Grantees

Clackamas County Voluntary Organization's Active in Disaster | Oregon City | $10,000

Coalición Fortaleza | Medford | $10,000

Firebrand Resiliency Collective | Ashland | $10,000

Glide Revitalization | Glide | $10,000

Jackson County Community Long Term Recovery Group | Talent | $10,000

McKenzie Valley LTRG of Lane County | Blue River | $10,000

Rogue Food Unites | Ashland | $10,000

Santiam Memorial Hospital | Stayton | $20,000

Talent Maker City | Talent | $10,000

United Way of Jackson County | Medford | $10,000

United Way of the Klamath Basin | Klamath Falls | $10,000

About Oregon Community Foundation

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF strengthens communities in every county in Oregon through grantmaking, scholarships and research. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.

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SAIF’s board of directors has declared a $50 million dividend. This marks the 16th consecutive dividend given to policyholders, and the 28th instance since 1990. 

“Our commitment to serving our customers will always be our most important focus,” said Chip Terhune, president and CEO of SAIF. “This year we carefully considered the current economic uncertainty and the rising trends we see in medical costs. Despite those challenges, SAIF’s strong fiscal position, effective claims handling, and proactive safety programs make this year’s dividend possible.” 

SAIF is proud to be one of the few insurance providers in Oregon that consistently returns dividends to its customers. It aligns with our public mission to make workers’ compensation coverage available, affordable, and accessible. 

“Dividends are an important value to our customers, but it’s only part of what make SAIF unique.” added Terhune. “We have the largest network of safety professionals of any insurance company in the state. Our vision is to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. We couldn’t do that without the partnership and dedication of our policyholders, agents, and association partners.” 

This October, 50,757 policyholders will receive the dividend, which will be calculated based on the premium for policies that ended in 2024. 

About SAIF  

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. For more than 110 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.