YACHATS, OR – The Yachats Lions will host their Labor Day Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, August 31, from 7:30am – 11:00am at Yachats Lions Hall at 344 4^th Street, Yachats OR 97498. There's a $10 suggested donation to welcome folks for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast (pancakes, sausages, ham, scrambled eggs, milk, OJ & coffee/tea)! No one will be turned away from a hot meal. Please see attached flyer.

All funds raised go to support our Scholarships at Waldport High School and are also open to all home-school students within the High School’s footprint. We offer two $2500 scholarships a year, one for four-year programs and one for two-year programs.

Proceeds from Yachats Lions Club's annual fundraisers and their Yachats Lions Thrift Store makes giving back to their local community possible. They support Lions community service projects, which include scholarships to graduating seniors, food pantries, school programs, Yachats Youth & Family Services, South Lincoln Resources, Yachats Fire Department, and eyeglasses & exams for children & adults. With the motto “WE SERVE,” Yachats Lions Club is celebrating 75 years of service to Yachats and South Lincoln County.

Together, the Lions Clubs of Oregon, the statewide nonprofit OLSHF, and partners offer access to people for critical sight-saving surgeries and treatments, secure new eyeglasses, help people who can’t afford eyeglasses and hearing aids, and manage the largest vision screening program in the US. 

To learn more about the Yachats Lions Club and their work in the local community, you can visit yachatslionsclub.org.

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Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Revenue is encouraging Oregon taxpayers to participate in an anonymous IRS feedback survey on tax preparation and filing options, which will run through September 2, 2025.

Oregon is one of 25 states that partnered with the IRS to provide a free option for taxpayers to file tax year 2024 returns electronically directly with the IRS and the state. More than 13,000 taxpayers filed their 2024 Oregon state income tax returns with Direct File Oregon, including almost 4,700 who first filed their federal returns with IRS Direct File.

“It’s important for Oregon taxpayers to take this opportunity to provide their valuable feedback to the IRS on free tax filing options,” said Oregon Department of Revenue director David Gerstenfeld. “Oregon counts on us to create a clear and easy experience for our customers and free tax filing options help us meet that mission.”

The Oregon Department of Revenue, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS encourage taxpayers to share their perspectives and help inform this important congressional report.

To participate, visit the Free Online Tax Preparation Feedback Survey or the IRS.gov landing page. Participation is anonymous.

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MALHEUR COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 22, 2025) - On Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 7:52 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 95, near milepost 47, in Malheur County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Subaru Legacy, operated by Barry Thomas Hostler (48) of Truckee (CA), struck the rear of a northbound Case International 7220 (tractor), operated by Jesse Dean White (67) of Jordan Valley, that was moving at slow speeds.

The operator of the Subaru (Hostler) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Case International (White) was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in 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. (Aug. 22, 2025)- On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 9:36 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 58, near milepst 48, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Nissan Sentra, operated by Joseph Bowers Luker Sr. (74) of Eugene, left the roadway for unknown reasons, traveled down an embankment, and rolled to its side.

The operator of the Nissan (Luker) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in 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.

HILLSBORO, Ore. - Oregon National Guard senior leaders and elected officials break ground for the new Hillsboro Readiness Center in a ceremony, August 21, 2025, in Hillsboro, Ore.

The new Hillsboro Readiness Center is located just one mile east of the original armory, which was built in 1954. The new facility will extend the National Guard’s capabilities in Hillsboro for the next 50 years. 

“As we break ground for the wonderful new readiness center, we look forward to continuing this legacy of connection and collaboration with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment and Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment,” said Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace. “We are excited for the future and remain deeply committed to the Hillsboro community.”

The 45,000 square-foot facility will include a drill floor, unit administrative areas and offices, storage, classroom space, and a kitchen. These updates will give the Oregon National Guard proper space to accomplish their mission. 

The project will also include a 20,000 square-foot storage facility for the M777 howitzers with pass-through bay doors, allowing the field artillery Soldiers to safely store and protect their equipment.

“This new readiness center will allow our Guard members to have a continued presence in the Hillsboro community, the same community in which they work and live,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon.

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On August 21, 2025, Jordan Hall Fernandez (17) pled guilty to Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm as an adult and admitted to an allegation of Robbery in the First Degree with a Firearm in juvenile court for an armed robbery committed when he was 16-years-old.  At the time of the robbery, Hall-Fernandez was on parole from the Oregon Youth Authority.  Therefore, he also admitted to a probation violation in that separate case. The resolution of these cases were part of a stipulated negotiation by the State and Hall Fernandez to resolve the matter jointly in both Criminal Court and Juvenile Court.

For the adult conviction, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Lindsay R. Partridge sentenced Hall Fernandez to 60 months Department of Corrections. On the juvenile matter, Judge Partridge committed Hall Fernandez to the custody of the Oregon Youth Authority for placement at a closed custody youth correctional facility.

For juvenile adjudications, offenders may be held in custody or be paroled by the Oregon Youth Authority until they’re 25. If waived into adult court, however, individuals who commit crimes while under 18 receive adult-length sentences but are also automatically eligible for a “second look” (release hearing) halfway through their criminal sentence due to the 2019 legislative changes to Oregon law under Senate Bill 1008 (“SB 1008 (2019)”).

Sente Bill 1008(2019), changed the way Oregon charges youth that commit violent felonies, requiring that their cases begin in Juvenile Court.  Here, through stipulated resolution, the State and the defense agreed to the waiver into adult court and the sentence described above, avoiding a lengthy and expensive hearing in which the State has to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the youth had an “adult-like understanding” of the nature of his actions at the time of the offense, and that it is in his and the public’s “best interests” that he be waived into adult court.

Youth’s co-defendant, Barry Johnson, plead guilty to Robbery in the First Degree and Felon in Possession of a Firearm for the same incident on June 30, 2025, in Marion County Circuit Court case 24CR32532 and awaits sentencing before Marion County Circuit Court Judge Courtland Geyer on September 5, 2025.

 The other involved, co-defendant juvenile remained in juvenile court and has been adjudicated for Robbery in the First Degree with a firearm. He was also committed to the Oregon Youth Authority.

This case was investigated by Salem Police Department, with special thanks to Salem Police Detectives Pence Hodges and Griffin McDowell, as well as Officer Alicia Gomnes, who located the stolen vehicle used in the robbery. The criminal and juvenile matters were prosecuted by Marion County Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan P. Murphy and Deputy District Attorney Tim O’Donnell.

Since the passage of SB 1008 (2019), Hall Fernandez remains part of a very small number of youth in Oregon who have committed significant, violent criminal acts who have been waived by either agreement or hearing into adult criminal court. “This is an appropriate outcome” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy.  “It accounts for the seriousness of the offense with an adult conviction, which will prohibit him from possessing firearms in the future, but it also provides the defendant with the rehabilitative services of the Oregon Youth Authority.  Furthermore, it avoids an incredibly costly, lengthy and complicated waiver proceeding for Marion County taxpayers.” 

The September quarterly meeting of the Veterans Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will be held virtually and in person on Wednesday, September 3, in Room M-100 of Morrow Hall on the campus of Blue Mountain Community College, located at 2411 NW Carden Avenue in Pendleton. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a town hall meeting at 11 a.m., which is open to the public.

Established in 1945, the Veteran Advisory Committee holds a distinct and fundamental role in advising the director and staff of ODVA. The nine members of the Veteran Advisory Committee are military veterans from all corners of the state, appointed by the governor to serve and act as advocates for veteran issues and veteran concerns across Oregon.

Following every quarterly business meeting, the committee holds a town hall inviting the public to raise questions or concerns about broad veteran issues or to share information with the committee and agency director.

Members of the community are also invited to submit written public comments to the committee by emailing odva_vaac@odva.oregon.gov. The Advisory Committee meets quarterly on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Please register at events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/479e2265-6efc-43ec-b092-48d6b1917213@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf to attend the business or town hall portion of this meeting. Attendees will be allowed to participate during the town hall portion only and will be invited to turn on their camera and unmute mics during a recorded meeting that will be posted online at a later date.

The September 2025 Veterans Advisory Committee Quarterly Meeting Report is available on ODVA’s website here: oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Documents/September%202025%20VAC%20Quarterly%20Meeting%20Report%20FINAL.pdf. More information about the Veteran Advisory Committee can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx. 

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

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SALEM, Ore.—When the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) deploys its people to a wildland fire they battle more than just the flames.

“It’s not hard to imagine the typical challenges that firefighters face – long shifts, hot and dry conditions, working in steep and brushy terrain, snags, poison oak, blisters - the list goes on,” said Chet Behling, Assistant District Forester for ODF’s Western Lane District.   “Firefighters have been accustomed to these conditions and have found creative ways to mitigate the physical challenges in order to focus on the job, and the mission of the assignment. However, there are mental strains to the work as well, and although they may be harder to see or imagine, we’re learning ways to better recognize, understand, and mitigate them.”

Firefighters’ work requires a sense of urgency, performance at high levels for long periods of time, and often includes high-stress environments such as mitigating hazards, protecting homes and communities from fire, and working around large fires’ unpredictable behaviors.

“All those elements add to the mental stressor component of the job,” said Behling. “Mental stressors combined with the physical challenges can certainly have a cumulative impact on a person’s mental or physiological health, especially on longer assignments or during lengthy fire seasons.”

To help staff navigate through these cumulative effects, Behling and fourteen other ODF employees were selected to be part of the department’s Peer Support Team. The team is an official internal resource with a focus on mental health awareness, better understanding and mitigating its effects, and ultimately building employee resiliency.  Each team member receives in-depth training and is required to maintain confidentially in all their interactions.

The Peer Support Team was officially launched before the 2022 fire season but had its beginnings in 2020, in the aftermath of the massive and destructive Labor Day fires, a non-fire related ODF employee death, and the impacts of the COVID pandemic.

There was no formal contact or program at ODF to help employees mentally process and navigate their recovery from these on-the-job traumatic experiences. There is now.

“Don Everingham, who worked closely with those impacted by the Labor Day fires, and Teresa Williams along with her coworkers in Klamath who had to overcome the unexpected death of a coworker, were instrumental in forming the group,” said Bob Arnsmeier a Peer Support Team member and the training coordinator for the Southern Oregon Area. 

All Peer Support Team members receive Critical Incident Stress Management training, and training specifically tailored to ODF by Responder Life. The department also covers travel costs for team members to talk with employees about the help available and respond to any area of the state after a critical incident. All team members are covered under Oregon statue to maintain confidentiality.

“The training, travel and confidentiality allows us to be more effective when helping our peers,” said Arnsmeier. “However, a main component to success is trust. We are naturally more comfortable with people we know, people who have similar experiences and people who have survived and then thrived after overcoming something really bad.”

The Peer Support Team gets most of its contacts and employees seeking help through word of mouth.

“Even though the group is relatively new, people know we are here to help,” said Arnsmeier.  “But if you aren’t familiar with us there is a great website with all our bios and backgrounds and you can find one of us that can not only relate to your situation but be there for you and likely have had a similar experience.”

Arnsmeier, who is in his 13^th year at ODF, also mentions in his bio on the website he worked for a county.

“I was a deputy sheriff for 10 years,” said Arnsmeier. “Unfortunately, I experienced a lot of deaths—suicides, crashes, children, and no one really wants to talk about those, but I will if it helps someone deal with their incident. The one that impacted me the most was an in the line of duty death of one of my coworkers in a car crash. After the incident we all kind of looked at each other with an implied ‘now what do we do?’ I think a lot of folks ask that ‘now what do I do’ question and this group can help.”

The Support Team is there to help anyone who needs it including full-time, seasonal, and those from other agencies and states battling an Oregon wildfire.

“Our seasonal firefighters work hard to keep fires small and are a valuable component to the program. They are highly valued in the agency and by the communities they serve, and are often part of a tight-knit group of firefighters with good camaraderie at their local office,” said Behling. “Come fall when fire season ends, they’re laid off and life may look drastically different having less daily structure and lack of a tight-knit work group. This could be a tough adjustment, and we are here for them.”

Others work through the impacts of life-changing events in addition to or apart from wildfire challenges: divorce, substance abuse, domestic violence, step-parenting, children with disabilities, and they often just need someone to talk to.

“We are here for you,” said Behling. “I’ve had personal or someone close to me experience in battling anxiety, panic attacks, stress management/feeling overwhelmed and more. No issue is too small if it impacts your work and personal life. I would look forward to understanding where you are, and how I could assist you to get you back on track. There is value in knowing you have someone to reach out to, and an even higher value in actually reaching out. If more is needed, we help with referrals to all sorts of resources and professionals.”

For those involved with firefighting the ODF has a contract with the Responder Life for additional support. There are also contacts for the employee assistance program and the ODF employee health insurance providers that have mental health benefits on the Peer Support Team webpage.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) has adopted new fees for the Removal-Fill Program, which helps protect wetlands and waterways by requiring permits for projects that add or remove material from rivers, lakes, wetlands, and streams, and other waters throughout Oregon.

The updated fees take effect January 1, 2026. Applications received on or before December 31, 2025 will be charged current 2025 rates.

Key changes include:

• A five-year fee schedule with annual increases, starting in 2026.
• Fees that begin covering 60% of program costs in 2026 and rise to 80% by 2030.
• A tiered structure will set fees according to project size, complexity, and whether the project is for-profit or not.
• A five percent annual inflation adjustment.

Oregon’s Removal-Fill Program protects waters by reviewing projects such as bridge and boat ramp construction, culvert installation, or filling wetlands for development. When wetlands or waters are present, applicants must submit a wetland delineation report to identify the boundaries of the protected area.

Currently, permit fees cover only 21% of program costs. The remaining costs come from the interest accrued by the Common School Fund, which supports Oregon’s public schools. The new fee structure reduces this subsidy while giving applicants a clear schedule of costs for the next five years.

The new fees were developed with input from a rulemaking advisory committee and two rounds of public comment. DSL adopted the rules after considering feedback from communities, Tribes, industry, and other partners.

More information and the full fee schedule are available at oregon.gov/dsl/wetlands-waters,

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www.oregon.gov/dsl

CORVALLIS, Ore. — September is National Preparedness Month, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Emergency Management team invites the community to its annual Preparedness Fair on Sunday, September 7, from 1-5 pm, at the Philomath Frolic & Rodeo Grounds. The event will run alongside the highly anticipated Public Safety Chili Cook-Off, making it a day full of education, fun, and community spirit.

Admission to the Preparedness Fair is free and located just outside the Chili Cook-Off gates. Families, students, and community members of all ages are encouraged to attend.

The Preparedness Fair offers hands-on opportunities to learn how to prepare for a wide variety of emergencies, including wildfires, floods, earthquakes, winter storms, and extended power outages. Visitors can explore interactive displays, pick up valuable preparedness materials, and meet face-to-face with local emergency response experts.

Featured preparedness topics include:

• Building an emergency “go-kit” for your family, pets, and livestock
• Long-term food and water storage techniques
• Wildfire awareness and home hardening strategies
• Emergency communication and alert systems
• Power outage and utility safety
• Community volunteer opportunities in emergency response

Participating partners include:

• BCSO Marine Patrol
• BCSO Emergency Management Volunteer Corps
• Benton County Community Development
• Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit
• Oregon Department of Emergency Management
• Oregon State Fire Marshal
• HazAdapt
• Pacific Power
• Oregon Livestock Council
• Oregon Department of Forestry
• Corvallis Emergency Management
• American Red Cross
• City of Philomath Police Department
• Oregon State University Public Safety

Attendees can collect free emergency preparedness swag, resources, and toolkits to take home. In addition, kids will enjoy hands-on activities designed to make learning about safety fun and engaging.

“Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere,” said BCSO Emergency Manager Bryan Lee. “The Preparedness Fair is a chance for residents to gain practical knowledge, connect with experts, and take small but important steps toward keeping their families and neighbors safe.”

The event provides a unique opportunity to prepare while also enjoying the community atmosphere of the Chili Cook-Off, where local agencies compete for the best recipe while raising funds for public safety programs.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Many families find themselves getting ready for back to school. With many public and private schools throughout Lincoln County, motorists need to remember to slow down near neighborhoods and schools.

How do I know when the school zone speed limit is active?

A school speed zone is in effect each morning and afternoon when school is in session, when children are walking to and from school, and when there’s a chance they may be present. The speed limit is 20 mph in a posted school zone between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on schooldays. If the school zone is equipped with a flashing yellow light(s), the speed limit is in effect when flashing.

These speed limits help keep children safe. Many of our schools include students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. With varying ages, heights, and abilities, a parked car can obscure students’ view of traffic and your view of them. Students may be distracted while stepping onto the roadway or forget to look before crossing the street. Driving at 20 mph will give you more time to react and avoid a collision. The following chart reveals the distance required to stop at specific speeds.

Traffic crashes are one of the deadliest hazards our children face. Let's do our part when we pass schools by slowing down, watching, and expecting the unexpected. Everyone needs to do their part to ensure the safety of our children.

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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Starting today, the Lane County Deeds & Records Office has relocated from the Elections Office at 10^th and Lincoln in Eugene back to the County’s Public Service Building at 8^th and Oak in Eugene.

The services that returned to the Public Service Building (125 E. 8^th Avenue) are:

• Real property recording (including deeds, titles or interest to real property located in Lane County)
• Marriage licenses and ceremonies
• Domestic partnership declarations
• Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB)
• Public research library

Deeds & Records will be open Monday–Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, including the public research library.

The Elections Office will remain at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene.

About the County Clerk’s Office

The County Clerk and his staff are responsible for conducting elections, recording real property, issuing marriage licenses and domestic partnership registrations, and coordinating the Property Values Appeal Board. Services are being relocated to 125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday.

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SALEM, Oregon— The Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program (LWCF) will start accepting applications Sept. 15 for the approximately $8 million in funds for the 2025 grant cycle.

Applications are due by Nov. 17. The LWCF is a federally funded reimbursement grant program that provides matching grants to state and local governments for land acquisition, development and rehabilitation for public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

Eligible applicants are cities, counties, metropolitan service districts, park and recreation districts, port districts, federally recognized tribal governments and certain Oregon state agencies.

An optional webinar is scheduled 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 10 to provide information on the program and how to navigate the application process. Register for the live workshop at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4z-v0Hu-RnuaWfDOQjv_8Q.  

A recording of the webinar will be posted on the LWCF web page after September 10.

Access to the LWCF application will be available online at oprdgrants.org when the grant cycle opens. New applicants must first request an account via the website before they are granted application access.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program is funded through the National Park Service and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Since 1964, this national grant program has awarded more than $80 million in grant funds for Oregon recreational areas and facilities.

Additional information about the LWCF program, including the grant manual, application instructions and program schedule, is available on the Land and Water Conservation Fund web page.

For information, contact Nohemi Enciso at nohemi.enciso@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-480-9092.

COTTAGE GROVE, OR - Community Health Centers of Lane County (CHCLC) is hosting the grand opening of its South Lane Clinic. The event will take place on Thursday August 28 from 9:00am to 12:00pm, at 1275 South River Road, Cottage Grove.

Although the clinic has been serving patients since fall 2024, this is the first opportunity to officially open the doors to the public for tours, introductions, and celebration. Attendees will have the chance to explore the clinic, meet staff, and learn about the health services available.

The grand opening will include remarks from Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch, Lane Community College President Dr. Stephanie Bulger and members of the Community Health Council.

The South Lane Clinic is the ninth CHCLC site and represents a major expansion of health care access in rural Lane County. Developed in partnership with Lane Community College, PeaceHealth, Be Your Best, South Lane School District and South Lane Mental Health, the clinic was established to better serve residents who often face long travel times and limited access to care.

“Residents of South Lane County often must take time off work and travel to Eugene or Springfield to receive services,” said Lane County Health & Human Services Director Eve Gray. “This clinic is about bringing quality health care closer to home and helping families meet their health needs in their own community.”

Media are welcome to attend. Providers and staff will be available for interview. Journalists should RSVP to Jason Davis, Lane County H&HS PIO, at 541-510-6257 or jason.davis@lanecountyor.gov.

EUGENE, Ore.— Jesus Paul Zazueta, 28, of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced today to 90 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release for trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents, on October 4, 2021, Zazueta was a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident in Deschutes County, Oregon. Officers from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police responded to the accident and received consent to search the vehicle. The officers located two bags in the trunk containing approximately five pounds of fentanyl pills and a semi-automatic firearm.

When questioned by officers, Zazueta admitted to trafficking the fentanyl and owning the firearm. Zazueta also admitted to packing the bag containing fentanyl and the firearm and expected to be paid for trafficking the fentanyl to Washington.

On July 20, 2023, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Zazueta with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On May 21, 2025, Zazueta pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Adam Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

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

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August 20, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Hells Canyon Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Hells Canyon Reservoir due to the presence of elevated microcystin levels. The reservoir is in Baker and Wallowa Counties.

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

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

Drinking water

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

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

Children and pets

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

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

Symptoms

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

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

Fishing

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

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 20, 2025

Position of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners on UPTD

(Response to Misinformation Circulating from Other Local Elected Officials)

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice are issuing the following statement after a discussion held during their Weekly Business Meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, regarding the Umpqua Public Transportation District (UPTD). The discussion, brought forward as an off-agenda item by Board Chair Commissioner Freeman, was in response to numerous false rumors currently being circulated by other local elected officials.

“We recognize that UPTD is currently undergoing a period of transition, including a possible delay in funding.  However, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners are not involved in any aspect of the district, nor would it be appropriate for us to be involved.  We wish UPTD the best during this time. We continue to believe that the most effective government is that which remains closest to the people. A dedicated transportation district, focused solely on managing local transit services, represents a strong and responsive model for meeting community needs,” stated Commissioner Freeman on behalf of the board.

Commissioner Freeman began the discussion by correcting misinformation regarding the formation of the independent transportation district. In 2017, the Board of Commissioners was approached by representatives from several local agencies, along with community members, who advocated for the creation of a separate transportation district in Douglas County. They believed that establishing an independent district, separate from county government, would better serve the community’s interests. One key reason cited was the expectation that a standalone district would have greater leverage in securing additional grant funding.  On August 15, 2018, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners held the first public hearing and signed an order initiating the formation of an independent Douglas County Transportation District. A follow-up public hearing was held on September 12, 2018, to consider finalizing the district’s creation. After hearing public testimony, the Commissioners unanimously approved an order officially establishing the district, with boundaries generally aligned with those of Douglas County.

The newly formed Douglas County Transportation District was established as an independent, non-taxing entity, meaning it would not collect local tax dollars. Instead, funding would be allocated directly to the district and would not come through the county.  Governance of the district was assigned to an elected board, responsible for managing and overseeing the use of millions in funding.  The next step   in the process was the election of the board of directors. In November 2018, Douglas County voters elected seven board members from a field of 16 candidates. Following the election, the legal transition of the transportation program began, with all actions carried out in accordance with state statutes to formally transfer operations to the newly independent district.  The final responsibility of Douglas County Government in this process was to oversee the initial board meeting in January 2019, during which board positions and term lengths were determined. Since that time, the district, now known as the Umpqua Public Transportation District, has operated independently of county government.

To help set the record straight and address the misinformation being circulated, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued the following key points today:

1. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners were NOT involved in the last election of officers for UPTD.
2. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners are NOT involved in the current issues involving UPTD.
3. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners DO NOT want to take over managing UPTD.
4. The Douglas County Board of Commissioners want to make it clear that if for some reason the current UPTD district fails, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners will NOT take the local transportation program back under county authority or management. 

Citizens can watch a recording of the Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Weekly Business Meeting containing the discussion about UPTD on Douglas County Government’s YouTube Channel for meeting broadcasts at https://www.youtube.com/@douglascountyoregongov. 

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

August 20, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Thief Valley Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Thief Valley Reservoir due to the presence of elevated microcystins. The lake is in Baker and Union Counties.

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

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

Drinking water

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

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

Children and pets

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

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

Symptoms

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

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

Fishing

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

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

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, James William Parrott, died the morning of August 20, 2025. Parrott was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away in the infirmary. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Parrott entered DOC custody on April 26, 2007, from Klamath County serving a life sentence. Parrott was 84 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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On August 18th, 2025, at approximately 1:50 PM, an officer with the Roseburg Police Department, along with an animal control deputy from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a report of two large dogs fighting a puppy in the backyard of a residence in the 1400 block of SE Stephens.  The investigation led to the identification of the owner, Edward Andrew Whitely (66), and the discovery of a large illegal dog breeding operation. During the initial incident, Whitely was arrested on Animal Neglect charges, and the injured dog was transported to Saving Grace where it received further care. 

On August 19th, 2025, at about noon, a search warrant was served on Whitely's residence.  During the execution of the warrant, the remaining 16 dogs were seized and removed from the residence with the assistance of Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Winston Police Department, and members of Saving Grace. In addition to the removal of the animals, firearms, ammunition, and other evidence of animal neglect was seized pursuant to the warrant.

Whitely was charged with Animal Neglect II x17, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm x2, Felon in Possession of Body Armor, as well as being issued citations for multiple city ordinance violations related to the operation. 

The Roseburg Police Department would like to thank our community partners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Winston Police, and Saving Grace for their assistance in this case and the recovery of animals for their safety.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Executive Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on August 27, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve April 4, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Temporary and Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-030-0005

    Presented by Jennifer Howald

4. Next Meeting – TBD

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting subject to the public meeting laws and will be recorded. 

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 20, 2025)- On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 2:50 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 99, near milepost 8, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Ford Ranger, operated by Katrina Ann Knight (59) of Grants Pass, left the roadway for unknown reasons, rolled, and struck a utility pole.

The operator of the Ford (Knight) was declared deceased at the scene. 

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

OSP was assisted by 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.

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 20, 2025)- On Monday, August 18, 2025, at 1:03 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 26, at the intersection with Orient Drive, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound GMC Savannah, operated by Ivan Bahena (46) of Gresham, reportedly experienced a mechanical failure and rear ended a Honda Fit, operated by Bryan Ray Robinson (48) of Sandy, that was slowing to stop for the traffic light at the intersection with Orient Drive. The collision pushed the Honda into an eastbound Infinity QX5, operated by Cassandra Lea Bellingham (52) of Portland, that was stopped at the traffic light. 

The operator of the Honda (Robinson) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the GMC (Bahena) suffered reported minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The operator of the Infinity (Bellingham) suffered reported minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by 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.

Good Morning,

Haley Ellison here with the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA).

As you may have seen, La Salle’s Vance Sheffield was recently named the Gatorade Oregon Boys Soccer Player of the Year. As part of the award, Vance was given the opportunity to select a community organization to receive a $1,000 Gatorade Player of the Year Community Grant — and we are honored that he chose NWABA! 

This grant will directly support our mission to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity for youth and adults who are blind or visually impaired.

We’d love to connect you with NWABA Founder & CEO Billy Henry, Vance, and/or his father, CS Sheffield, for interviews to share more about this meaningful recognition and the impact it will have locally.

Full details are included in the press release below. Please let us know if you’re interested in covering this story or scheduling interviews.

At around 1523 this afternoon, Sweet Home Fire District was dispatched to a structure fire near the 3200 block of main st. Crews found heavy smoke and fire consuming roughly fifty percent of the structure and spreading to the adjacent structures on either side. A 2nd alarm was utilized which brought additional man power and additional fire apparatus from our mutual aid partners. Two of the the three structures sustained heavy fire damage and the third structure sustained minimal damage to the interior.  Crews worked hard and were able to bring the blaze under control in about an hour. In total 3 Command officers, 43 firefighters and 16 apparatus responded to the fire including crews from our mutual aid partners from Lebanon Fire District, Brownsville Rural Fire District, Oregon department of forestry, PP&L, and the Sweet Home Police dept. Sweet Home Fire would like to thank those partners for their assistance. The cause of the fire is undetermined. During the incidents no firefighters or civilians were injured.

Photo credit: Wild Feathers Photography

SEASIDE, Ore. – It’s heartbreaking to see Providence close Seaside’s birth center. For nearly 50 years, nurses and healthcare professionals have been here to help newborns draw their first breath and provide trusted care before and after birth for families on the Oregon Coast. This abrupt closure sets our community up for failure and abandons expectant parents at one of the most important and vulnerable times of their lives.

Minutes matter for parents and newborns. Providence is forcing families to travel more than 30 minutes to Astoria or more than 75 minutes to Tillamook just to deliver babies.

This closure is devastating for young families but it will negatively affect everyone in our community. With no other options, moms will be sent to the ER leading to longer waits for everyone. This will affect people suffering from heart attacks and broken bones to COVID and car crashes.

Providence’s pattern of cuts will harm caregivers and the health and safety of communities up and down the coast; leaving us all with fewer choices, longer waits and worse healthcare. 

-------

Closing birth centers has become a dangerous trend in Oregon and across the U.S. More than 500 hospitals in the U.S. have closed their labor and delivery departments since 2010; contributing to rising maternal mortality rates. Since 2019, Oregon health systems closed birth centers at hospitals in Redmond, Baker City and Gresham and threatened to close birth centers in Lebanon and Lincoln City. 

Following public outcry and state intervention, Legacy was forced to reopen its birth center at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham. Nurses, community leaders and elected officials are all actively pushing back against plans to close family birth centers at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital and Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City. 

While the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) recognizes that Medicaid cuts and broader attacks on our healthcare system from the Trump administration are serious issues, Providence and other healthcare systems must confront their priorities as profit-driven businesses that dole out lavish executive salaries.  

 
Providence is a $30 billion corporation whose top executives take home millions each year. Patients and caregivers should not be forced to pay the price for corporate greed or political decisions beyond their control.  
 
It’s time for Providence to live up to its mission and make real investments in our communities and provide Oregonians with the care they deserve.  

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EUGENE, Ore.—A North Bend, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually exploiting an Oregon child using the social media application Facebook Messenger.

Chistopher Jay Young, 40, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and 15 years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on January 20, 2024, Young, using Facebook Messenger, persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, record the conduct, and send it to him.

On April 11, 2024, federal and state law enforcement officers from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oregon State Police, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office executed federal search warrants on Young’s home and vehicles. Young was arrested and investigators seized his devices.

During a search of Young’s devices, investigators learned that Young used the minor’s social media account to communicate and request the child sexual abuse material and that Young had the minor’s Facebook login credentials saved in his phone.

On April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Young with attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual conduct. 

On May 6, 2025, Young pleaded guilty to attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from HSI. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, they re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

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

BAKER COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 19, 2025)- On Monday, August 18, 2025, at 5:48 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 26, near milepost 221, in Baker County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Kawasaki Ninja, operated by Michael Allen Klaus (74) of Stanfield, lost control and slid into the westbound ditch. 

The operator of the Kawasaki (Klaus) was declared deceased at the scene. 

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

OSP was assisted by 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.

LINN COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 19, 2025)- On Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 9:22 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 20, near milpost 4, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Toyota 4Runner, operated by Ryker Thomas Pittam (19) of Albany, swerved to avoid another vehicle attempting to make a left turn into a driveway. The Toyota lost control and rolled, ejecting the operator in the process.

The operator of the Toyota (Pittam) was transported to an area hospital and was later declared deceased.

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

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff's Office 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.

The Umpqua Community College (UCC) Board of Education will meet on August 26, 2025. They will be holding an update session from 9:00am-1:00pm at UCC in room 17 of Tapʰòytʰaʼ Hall (TAP). Pertinent meeting information can be found at umpqua.edu/board-meetings.

August 19, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459.

PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Ross Island Lagoon and for the Willamette River south of the lagoon downriver to Wapato Bridge and Kelley Point Park

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Ross Island Lagoon and for the Willamette River south of the lagoon downriver to Wapato Bridge and Kelley Point Park in Multnomah County.

OHA issued the advisory August 12.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Ross Island Lagoon and the Willamette River south of the lagoon downriver to Wapato Bridge and Kelley Point Park are below recreational guideline values for people.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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North Bend School District Public Meetings – August 2025

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

August 7, 2025

Executive Session

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

1913 Meade Ave., North Bend, OR

To consider records 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.

August 7, 2025  (DOORS WILL OPEN AT 5:45PM)

Regular Board Meeting

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

835 California Ave., North Bend, OR

August 21, 2025 (Updated/Added 8/19/25)

Regular Board Meeting

North Bend School District at 4:00p.m.

1913 Meade Ave., North Bend, OR

August 21, 2025

Regular Work Session

South Coast ESD at 5:00 p.m.

1350 Teakwood Ave., Coos Bay, OR

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

August 19, 2025

MEETING NOTICE

Noxious Weed Advisory Board Meeting

August 21, 2025

(Douglas County, Ore.) The next Douglas County Noxious Weed Advisory Board meeting will take place on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 2:00 pm in Room 216 of the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon.

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

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

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

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

JCSO Case 25-4391

RURAL EAGLE POINT, Ore. - Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) 911 Dispatch received a distress call Saturday, August 16 for a missing kayaker who disappeared into Agate Lake outside Eagle Point. The 911 call came in at 7:48 PM and reported a 27-year-old Medford man fell in the lake while kayaking without a life jacket. 

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Marine deputies responded with both Fire District 3 and Fire District 4. First responders searched the water until after 10 PM but were unable to locate the man. 

The next morning, Sunday, August 17, JCSO Marine units along with Search and Rescue (SAR) Dive Team members resumed the search. Klamath County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived to assist.  At 7:34 AM SAR divers located the body of the missing man in the lake. Our condolences go to his family and friends. We will not be releasing the man’s name out of respect for his family’s privacy in this difficult time. There is no further information available for release.
 

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In August 2025, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies conducting ongoing online child luring investigations posing as underage children on various social media platforms were contacted by 48-year-old Eric White of Corvallis, OR.

On 08/04/2025, Mr. White contacted an LCSO decoy account and engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange an in-person meeting for illegal sexual encounters.

Then on 08/15/2025, Mr. White contacted a second LCSO decoy account and engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange an in-person meeting for illegal sexual encounters.

On 08/18/2025, Lincoln County Deputies arrested Mr. White after he traveled to Newport, OR to meet with both decoy accounts in a hotel room. Mr. White is charged with three counts of Luring a Minor and three counts of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree and remains in custody at the Lincoln County Jail.

This arrest highlights the continued success of focused enforcement efforts aimed at identifying and stopping individuals who seek to exploit children online before any harm is done. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office remains deeply committed to safeguarding children and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.

We urge parents and guardians to stay actively involved in their children’s online lives and to foster open, ongoing conversations about the dangers of interacting with strangers on the internet. By combining education, awareness, and strong law enforcement, we can build a safer community for every child.

ROSEBURG, Ore., Aug. 18, 2025 — Umpqua Community College (UCC) officially launched construction of its new Welcome Center and Medical Careers Hub on August 14 with the demolition of the Del Blanchard Administration Building and a celebration ceremony.

The $21.5 million project will serve as both a new front door to campus and a vital hub for healthcare workforce training in Douglas County. The facility is scheduled for completion in December 2026, with a grand opening in early 2027.

“This is so much more than a building project —it’s a commitment to student success and to meeting critical workforce needs in Douglas County,” said UCC President, Dr. Rachel Pokrandt. “When completed, the Welcome Center and Medical Careers Hub will open doors—literally and figuratively—for generations to come.”

The building’s first floor will house UCC’s new Welcome Center, a one-stop resource for prospective and incoming students. This welcoming “front door” will streamline enrollment, advising, and support services.

The second floor will feature the Medical Careers Hub, expanding UCC’s medical training programs with state-of-the-art simulation labs, skills training rooms, and technology-rich classrooms. This space will address the region’s shortage of trained healthcare professionals and create pathways to family-thriving-wage careers. Equipment for the Medical Careers Hub is funded through Congressionally Directed Spending championed by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden.

This investment in the future of Douglas County is made possible through the generosity of lead donors and partners, including:

Aviva Health

Mercy Medical Center

Umpqua Health Alliance

City of Roseburg

John and Jean Loosley Charitable Foundation

The Ford Family Foundation Fund of OCF

Jillian Bruce

Briggs Loosley Foundation

Crane Creek Family Fund of OCF

These donations helped secure an $8M matching grant from the Oregon legislature, bringing the fundraising total to more than $18M, and fundraising efforts continue.

“This project has resonated with so many community members and partners who understand the criticality of access to training and healthcare for our community. We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support we have received so far,” Pokrandt added.

The Welcome Center and Medical Careers Hub is part of a broader UCC investment in facilities that serve students and the community. Additional projects on the UCC main campus include the renovation of an existing building into an Advanced Manufacturing & Forestry Hub, an interdisciplinary facility that will bring together high-demand programs in mechatronics, computer science, forestry, and engineering. Completion of additional housing facilities in Downtown Roseburg and a new track and field complex that will serve UCC athletics, community stakeholders, and host local, regional, and national events.

About Umpqua Community College
Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities. For more information, please visit us online at www.umpqua.edu

Contact:
Suzi Pritchard, Exec. Dir. Marketing & Communications, Umpqua Community College
keting@umpqua.edu">marketing@umpqua.edu

Download additional photos and video of the demolition: umpqua.edu/newsroom

 

Group Photo:
A group of supporters are pictured in front of the location of the new UCC Welcome Center & Medical Careers Hub building under construction. UCC supporters include CHI Mercy Health, Umpqua Health Alliance, Aviva Health, City of Roseburg, The Ford Family Foundation, John and Jean Loosely Charitable Foundation, Jillian Bruce, Briggs-Loosely Foundation, and the Crane Creek Family Foundation.

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 18, 2025)- On Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 2:21 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 224, near milepost 45, in Clackamas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Suzuki GSXR-1000, operated by Tony James Gonzalez (52) of Molalla, failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway for unknown reasons and struck the guardrail. 

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

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

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Estacada Fire, and ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in 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’s 2025–2026 Community & Economic Development (CED) Grant Program solicitation will officially open for applications on September 3, 2025, with a submission deadline of October 8, 2025 at noon. Application materials are available now to give interested agencies a chance to prepare.

The CED Grant Program offers competitive funding to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities that serve Lane County. The program supports projects and initiatives that strengthen our local economy, foster innovation, support entrepreneurs and small businesses, invest in workforce training, and revitalize Main Streets and downtowns across the region.

With a total of $200,000 available for the 2026 grant cycle, individual grant awards will range from $5,000 to $30,000. Priority will be given to proposals that:

• grow employment or wages in key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, technology, food and beverage, biosciences, and childcare;
• support small businesses and entrepreneurs through technical assistance and incubation;
• foster innovation and industry engagement; and
• enhance Lane County’s downtowns and commercial corridors.

“We are really excited to launch this program again,” said Jason Harris, Community and Economic Development manager for Lane County. “These grants enable us to support innovative projects in our community that might not otherwise have funding. We encourage potential applicants to begin preparing their proposals and take full advantage of this year’s offerings.”

More details, including application materials and FAQs, are available now at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CEDgrant or by contacting CED@LaneCountyOR.gov. Applications will be accepted via Lane County’s procurement site, Bidlocker, between September 3, 2025 and October 8, 2025.

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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ROSEBURG, Ore., Aug. 18, 2025—The Art Gallery at Umpqua Community College presents a series of assemblage art pieces by Ralf Huber about the atrocities of child labor, past and present, in “Turning the/into Tools.“

The show will be on display at the Whipple Fine Arts Center at UCC from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15. Gallery hours are Mon. – Fri., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

A reception and artist talk will take place on Sept. 25 from 5-6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Ralf Huber was born in Laufenburg, Switzerland and lived in Germany until he moved to the United State in 2003, he has lived in Eugene, Oregon since 2010. Huber spent almost 30 years designing commemorative coins before he started creating his own art in 2020.

Huber’s mixed media assemblage art draws heavily from the time of the industrial revolution of the 19th century into the early 20th century and addresses the issue of industry using children as human capital. 

About The Art Gallery

The UCC Art Gallery is located in the Whipple Fine Arts Building at Umpqua Community College, 1140 Umpqua College Road, Roseburg, OR, 97470. The Art Gallery is a 1100 square-foot exhibition space that features six exhibitions per year, showcasing a variety of media from emerging to established artists. The primary focus of the Art Gallery is to exhibit high-quality artwork for the education and cultural benefit of the students of UCC and the residents of Douglas County.

On Sunday around 1pm, firefighters were dispatched to a pickup truck fire threatening a travel trailer and starting a grass fire on the 32000 block of Berlin Rd. Crews quickly deployed hose lines down a steep driveway, knocked down the flames, and prevented major damage to the trailer. Two propane tanks were damaged, venting flames; firefighters used a protective fog hose pattern that shielded them from the flames so they could turn off the valves. The family escaped with most of their pets prior to our arrival, but there were still two cats missing. Firefighter entered the trailer to check on the cats and found them doing what cats do best- hiding, but safe and unharmed. The trailer itself sustained minimal interior damage.  The fire appears to have started near a portable generator in the bed of the truck.  The cause is still under investigation. 

Three hours later, firefighters assisted Lebanon Police with a person in distress in the canal near Oak Street and South Main Street. The individual, who was experiencing medical and cognitive challenges, had jumped in the water and was unable to get out. Rescuers entered the water and brought the man safely to shore. He was treated and transported to Lebanon Community Hospital.

No responders were injured in either incident. Lebanon Fire would like to thank Albany Fire and Sweet Home Fire for covering the district and responding to calls while LFD was engaged in these two incidents.

The Lebanon Fire District reminds everyone to use caution around rivers and canals, as cold water, even in summer, can quickly lower the body’s temperature.  Life jackets should be worn in the water and can be borrowed and returned at LFD’s kiosks at Gill’s Landing and Waterloo Park.

Portland, Ore. – More than two years after forming their union and after 21 months of bargaining, 400 registered nurses (RNs) at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, citing Legacy Health’s refusal to make meaningful investments in recruiting and retaining frontline caregivers, patient care, and fair wages and benefits.

Frontline nurses at Legacy Mount Hood are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). 

“Mount Hood nurses have been more than patient. After nearly two years at the bargaining table, Legacy executives still refuse to address critical issues like fair pay and caps on insurance premiums—changes we need to recruit and retain the skilled nurses our patients rely on,” said Lillie Charron, a nurse at Legacy Mount Hood and ONA vice-chair of the bargaining team. “We don’t want to strike, but if management continues to slow-roll negotiations, we are united and ready to act.”

Nurses at Legacy Mount Hood are demanding: 

• A voice in decision-making about patient care and workplace conditions 
• Fair compensation that is competitive with other health systems to recruit and retain more nurses
• Quality, affordable healthcare
• Protections against shifts being unilaterally shortened by management 
• Appropriate compensation for RNs who work during times of crisis including inclement weather. 

“We’re the ones at the bedside every day — we know our patients best,” Charron said. “We formed our union to speak up for the people we care for. A fair contract will help recruit and retain the nurses our community depends on, so every patient gets the safe, quality care they deserve.”

The vote does not set a strike date. Nurses are hoping upcoming mediation sessions on August 22 and 28 will result in a fair agreement and avert a strike. If a deal is not reached, nurses say they are prepared to act—and they have the support of RNs and frontline caregivers across the Legacy system.

Background on Legacy Mt Hood RNs 

In January 2023, Legacy announced plans to close Mount Hood’s Family Birth Center—a move nurses, and the community successfully opposed, prompting the Oregon Health Authority to block the closure. The center reopened in April 2023. Nurses say the fight underscored the need for a strong union voice in patient care decisions. They won their union election and joined the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) that same month, with bargaining for their first contract beginning in December 2023. 

Background on Legacy Health 

Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, located in Gresham, is part of Legacy Health, the Portland metro area’s second-largest healthcare system, serving hundreds of thousands of patients and employing more than 14,000 people.

The strike authorization comes amid a broader push for frontline caregivers at Legacy Health to unionize. Eleven ONA bargaining units—representing nearly 3,400 caregivers—are currently negotiating with Legacy, seeking improvements in staffing, wages, benefits, transparency, and workplace safety. ONA’s sister union, Northwest Medicine United (NWMU), represents another 475 healthcare professionals, including physicians, who are also bargaining their first contracts with Legacy.

In recent years, Legacy executives have dramatically increased their own compensation—with executive spending growing by 90% from 2019-2023—even as they delay fair contracts for nurses and frontline caregivers.

Despite executives’ claims of financial hardship, Legacy reports having “a strong balance sheet,” more than 180 days of cash on hand, and a $1.3 billion investment portfolio that has generated $436 million in returns since 2019 — profits not counted in operating income.

Interviews are available upon request. 

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DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 16, 2025) – On Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 9:49 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 97 near milepost 145 in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a silver Honda Accord, operated by Felicia Devin Nicholson (33) of Bend, was traveling northbound on Hwy. 97 near milepost 145 when it drifted across the center line for an unknown reason and struck a southbound silver Honda Odyssey, operated by Earl Leone Christison IV (46) of Oregon City.

The operator of the Accord (Nicholson) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Odyssey (Earl Christison) was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Odyssey passenger Erin Ruth Christison (45) of Oregon City was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Four female juvenile passengers (ages 17, 14, 11, and 9) in the Odyssey were also transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

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

OSP was assisted by the Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Sunriver Police Department, and multiple area emergency medical service responders.
 

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