SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 8 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in downtown Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding efforts to sustain and enhance historic downtowns across the state. This year's edition saw the acknowledgment of 11 remarkable projects, activities, and individuals, among which is The Holly Theater nominated by the Downtown Medford Association in addition to a Standout Volunteer recognition for Phyllis Nelson.
 

2025 Main Street Bricks and Mortar Rehabilitation Award: The Holly Theater, Medford

The 2025 Bricks and Mortar Award recognizes the restoration of the Holly Theatre in downtown Medford, the largest historic preservation project in the city’s history. This $13 million, 13-year effort returned the 1930 theatre to its original grandeur while upgrading systems to meet modern performance and accessibility standards. Supported by more than 3,300 donors, 30 foundations, and grants including a $200,000 Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, the project overcame challenges such as the pandemic and rising costs to reopen in 2024. Now the largest indoor performing arts venue between Redding and Eugene, the Holly draws audiences from across the region, boosts local businesses, and stands as a powerful example of how historic preservation can drive economic development and community pride.
 

Standout Volunteer Certificate: Phyllis Nelson, Downtown Medford Association

In addition to the Excellence on Main Awards, Phyllis Nelson was one or six recipients who was recognized as a Standout Volunteer for contributions to their local main street organization. Phyllis Nelson is the beating heart of the Downtown Medford Association, a tireless storyteller and dedicated volunteer whose passion and persistence bring the community’s revitalization to life. As the creative force behind the DMA Monthly Newsletter, Phyllis crafts 60 original, deeply engaging articles a year—connecting businesses, residents, and stakeholders through stories that celebrate downtown Medford’s spirit. Beyond writing, she leads with thoughtful board service, event participation, and unwavering support for local merchants. Her commitment—devoting over 100 hours annually—has boosted community engagement, strengthened communication, and inspired countless neighbors. Simply put, Phyllis embodies what it means to be a Standout Volunteer: passionate, empathetic, and indispensable.
 

“Through its support of projects like the Holly Theatre restoration and the dedication of volunteers like Phyllis Nelson, the Downtown Medford Association is helping downtown Medford thrive,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street. “Their teamwork, passion, and commitment to community bring people together and make Main Street a vibrant, welcoming place for everyone.”
 

The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives.
 

The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street, which is part of Oregon Heritage, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners during the annual Main Street conference on October 8^th in Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding accomplishments, activities, and people making a difference in historic downtowns across the state. A total of 11 projects, activities and people were recognized with an Excellence on Main Award and six certificates were given in recognition of volunteer service. Videos of the award winners can be found here.  
 

The 11 individuals, projects, activities, and businesses honored are:

• Business of the Year: Wildflour Public House, North Bend
• Business of the Year: No Dinx, Albany
• Best New Building: Houlton Hollow, St. Helens
• Bricks and Mortar: The Holly Theater, Medford
• Main Street Resiliency: Monteith Square, Albany
• Open Door: Carina’s Bakery, Beaverton
• Economic Vitality: Highwater Café & Market and Highwater Offices, Reedsport
• Leadership on Main: Kirsten Agard, Beaverton
• Outstanding Partnership: City of West Linn and Historic Willamette Main Street, West Linn
• Outstanding Promotional Event: North Bend Main Street Community Art Walk
• Statewide Leadership: Lise Grato, Albany

In addition, six individuals were acknowledged with certificates recognizing them as Standout Volunteers for their above and beyond contributions to their communities, including:

• Brian Dalton, Dallas Downtown Association
• Barb Dunham, North Bend Main Street
• Denise Emmerling-Baker, Main Street Cascade Locks
• Mayor Linda McCollum, Reedsport Main Street
• Phyllis Nelson, Downtown Medford Association
• Beth Walker, Albany Downtown Association

"What inspires me most is the heart behind each of these award winners,” said Sheri Stuart, State Coordinator, Oregon Main Street. “Whether it’s a business or property owner, a volunteer, or a city partner, each honoree represents the dedication and passion that keep Oregon’s downtowns thriving. By honoring their achievements, we’re also celebrating the future of Oregon’s Main Streets and the opportunities that come when we work together to reimagine what’s possible.”
 

The wide range of Oregon Main Street’s Excellence on Main awards is reflective of the comprehensive Main Street Approach™ to downtown revitalization developed by the National Main Street Center. This model is used by the communities participating in the three-tier Main Street Track of Oregon Main Street Network.
 

Oregon Main Street strengthens community networks, bolsters local economies, generates tax revenues, and fosters social connections across the state. OMS leads a network of local Main Streets that oversee a wide range of programmatic efforts to build community, support local businesses, and create an attractive and vibrant environment for workers, visitors, and residents. The Oregon Main Street network generates significant value for local communities and for the State of Oregon overall. Learn more about the impact of the Oregon Main Street program by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

In late September, 2025, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) began receiving information regarding specific individuals involved in the sale and purchase of fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout Douglas County.

 

During this investigation it was discovered that 47-year-old Clinton Reed of Roseburg, was the person sending this information, and the information implicated himself in the illegal activity. 

 

On the afternoon of October 7, 2025, Clinton Reed was contacted in the 1400 block of Vine Street in Roseburg by detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT).  Reed admitted to sending the information to DCSO and advised detectives that he was on his way to sell fentanyl at that time.

 

A search of Reed’s backpack and home led to a total of 48.3 grams of suspected fentanyl, 11 grams of suspected methamphetamine and baggies consistent with presumed delivery of controlled substances.

 

Reed was lodged on charges of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a schedule II-controlled substance, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine, unlawful manufacturing and unlawful delivery of a schedule II-controlled substance.                                                                                                                              

 

The Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach.  DINT is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.  DINT is composed of members from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, Oregon State Police, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Land Management.

 

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

EUGENE, Ore.— A Turner, Oregon, man was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison today for drug trafficking following a multi-agency investigation led by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO).

 

Ryan Gossett, 39, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, on April 26, 2024, Gossett was apprehended in Bend, Oregon after fleeing prosecution in Marion County, Oregon for armed robbery. When apprehended, Gossett was in possession of a handgun and small amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Two days later, investigators with the DCSO Criminal Detectives Division executed a search warrant on Gossett’s vehicle, locating over 900 grams of methamphetamine, 330 grams of fentanyl, and firearm magazines.

 

Gossett has multiple prior convictions for delivery of a controlled substance.

 

Gossett was indicted on June 20, 2024, and pled guilty on July 9, 2025, to a single count of Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 500 grams of Methamphetamine.

 

The case was investigated by the DCSO with assistance from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, and the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Andrew R. Doyle, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. 

 

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PORTLAND, Ore. – A Portland, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today after robbing a KeyBank branch with a loaded gun.

 

James Michael Wallace, 55, is a career offender and was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,437 for losses associated with this and other robberies.

 

According to court documents, on February 28, 2025, Wallace entered the KeyBank branch located on Woodstock Avenue in Portland. Wallace approached a teller and pressed a loaded gun to the teller’s torso demanding the teller open the cash drawer. Wallace left the bank with $856 in cash, leaving behind his gun. At the time of the robbery, Wallace was on federal supervision for a prior federal bank robbery conviction.

 

On August 27, 2025, Wallace pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with Armed Bank Robbery.

 

This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken.

 

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 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 (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov

The meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

 

Amended Agenda Items:

 

1. Introductions

 

2. Approve August 6, 2025, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Kathleen Williams, DPSST No. 43028; bureau of Emergency Communications

     Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

4. Applicant Review Committee Nominations

 

5. Agency Updates

 

6. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: February 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

 

 

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Telecommunications Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL FUND BOARD

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a regular meeting on October 23, 2025, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting that begins at 9:00 am. at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

 

Agenda Items:

 

1. Introductions

 

2. Approve July 24, 2025, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Budget Update

   Presented by Marie Atwood

 

4. Sergeant Brian Gaunt (DPSST #37820); Beaverton Police Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

   Presented by Marie Atwood

 

5. Battalion Chief Michael Merlino (DPSST #08324); Sutherlin Fire Department; Initial Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

    Presented by Marie Atwood

 

6. Next meeting – January 22, 2026, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting at 9:00 a.m.

 

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. 

JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. (8 Oct. 2025) – On Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at about 8:46 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a report of a person down in the roadway in the 100 block of Hogue Drive, in Selma, Josephine County.

 

Responding law enforcement determined the person had been struck by a vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer on scene. 

 

The pedestrian, Ray Arnold Wilder (62) of Selma, was declared deceased at the scene.
 

Detectives conducted witness interviews and learned a red truck and a white 4Runner (or similar vehicle) with a black canopy were seen speeding away from the area after the crash. The vehicles reportedly drove past the scene several minutes later. The suspect vehicle is believed to have front-end damage and may have a broken windshield.
 

Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP’s Southern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-2068 or by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP25-422785.

 

 

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

Oct. 8, 2025

Media contact: Franny White, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539

OHA partners with Medicaid members to improve durable medical equipment access

Ombuds Program, member concerns lead OHA to clarify policy, increase oversight

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority has reduced barriers that make obtaining medically necessary motorized wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment a challenge for the state’s approximately 1.4 million Medicaid members.

These challenges were brought to light by members who contacted OHA’s Ombuds Program, according to the program’s 2024 report. The report also recommends additional steps to further improve medical equipment access.

Durable medical equipment, or DME, includes a variety of tools that help people maximize their independence while living with health conditions. Wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, blood sugar monitors and infusion pumps are examples of DME.

In recent years, the Ombuds Program has received inquiries from people enrolled in Oregon’s Medicaid program, the Oregon Health Plan, or OHP, who had difficulty obtaining coverage for DME – with many specifically needing motorized wheelchairs. In 2024, more than 80 individuals contacted the program with DME concerns.

Members inspire change

The program’s case workers partnered with the Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Disability Commission and others to organize a group called the DME Think Tank. The group – which included 12 Medicaid members as well as caregivers, providers and representatives of advocacy groups – shared their personal experiences with OHA Medicaid policy and program staff.

During one listening session, a young woman with intellectual and developmental disabilities explained that her seven-year-old motorized wheelchair was beyond repair. Her local Medicaid network – also known as a coordinated care organization, or CCO – had denied her request for a replacement because it said staff at her group home could push her in a manual wheelchair instead. Unable to move on her own, the young woman could no longer interact with her neighbors or contribute to her household by collecting the mail every day.

One member of the DME Think Tank was a young man who became paralyzed after an accident. The report notes that he “felt dehumanized by the year-long struggle to get a mobility device that enabled him to do something as simple as navigate from his bed to the bathroom.”

After hearing these and other stories, OHA Medicaid staff committed to making changes. OHA took several actions as a result of the members’ feedback, including:

• Oregon Medicaid policy was clarified to note having a caregiver is not a reason to deny coverage of motorized wheelchairs.
• DME coverage was improved through regulatory rulemaking
• OHA issued a verbal noting that the rules improvement process is continual and will be informed by Medicaid members’ experiences.
• OHA increased its oversight by tracking prior authorization requests for DME as well as CCO denials of those requests

Ongoing improvement

The Ombuds Program’s efforts to improve access to DME is ongoing. After several DME Think Tank members reached out in late 2024, the program worked with the Oregon Disabilities Commission and the Disability Services Advisory Councils to host three meetings during the first half of 2025 to discuss new or continued challenges and also recommended next steps.

Moving forward, the report recommends that OHA do more, including:

• Formalize member involvement in an established DME advisory workgroup that hasn’t had regular member participation
• Collaborate with community members to review data from Medicaid member complaints and grievances
• Evaluate Medicaid policies and rules to identify opportunities to advance health equity, including for policies and rules related to DME coverage

Throughout 2024, the OHA Ombuds Program worked with 1,939 people who raised a total of 2,085 concerns about Medicaid. About 37% of those concerns were related to care access. Of all health service types, behavioral health was the focus of the largest share of concerns.

Since 2010, OHA Ombuds staff have helped Oregon Medicaid members obtain the care they need by helping OHA understand their voices and consider their perspectives while making decisions. To date, the program has received a total of 8,708 Medicaid concerns

OHP members who encounter barriers to receiving care are encouraged to first work directly with their CCO to resolve any concerns. OHP members who are not able to receive the support they need from OHA or their CCO can contact the Ombuds Program by sending an email to udsOffice@odhsoha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">OHA.OmbudsOffice@odhsoha.oregon.gov or calling 1-877-642-0450. The program’s phone message line is available in 14 languages. More information is on the OHA Ombuds program website.

Jointly funded by states and the federal government, Medicaid provides no-cost health coverage to adults, children, pregnant people, older adults, people with disabilities and others with lower incomes.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has finalized the 2026 health rates for the individual and small group plans following months of federal uncertainty that delayed the normal review timeline.

 

Five insurers – Moda, Bridgespan, PacificSource, Providence, and Regence – will continue to offer plans statewide. Kaiser Permanente will provide coverage in 11 counties, giving consumers six options to choose from in major portions of the state.

 

Average changes for 2026

• Individual market: In the individual market, six companies submitted rate change requests ranging from an average increase of 3.9 percent (PacificSource) to 12.9 percent (Kaiser), for a weighted average increase of 9.7 percent. That average increase is slightly higher than last year’s requested weighted average increase of 9.3 percent.

• Small group market: In the small group market, eight companies submitted rate change requests ranging from an average increase of 5.2 percent (PacificSource) to 21.5 percent (Providence), for a weighted average increase of 11.5 percent, which is lower than last year’s 12.3 percent requested average increase.

 

Federal policy shifts add pressure to 2026 rates

 

Consumers will see the costs of premiums rise next year due to the scheduled expiration of federal Affordable Care Act tax subsidies that helped offset costs for many Oregonians. Those expanded subsidies, known as Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, will expire on Dec. 31, 2025, unless Congress acts to reauthorize them.

 

Without reauthorization of the subsidies, people who buy their own health coverage through the federal marketplace will receive smaller tax credits to lower their monthly premiums. For some households, especially those in middle-income brackets or in rural parts of the state, this may translate into substantial increases in premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

 

Although this federal change is beyond the state’s control, the state anticipates most who buy plans from the marketplace (about 126,000 as of the end of the second quarter this year) will see increases, some as much as 300 percent to 400 percent.

 

Even with increased premiums, it is important for consumers to maintain health insurance coverage to protect their health and guard against unexpected financial losses. To assist in selecting a plan or to compare plan costs, the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace has a calculator tool to help consumers make an informed decision on which plan is best for them.

 

Despite national cost pressures, Oregon’s reinsurance program continues to play a major role in holding down premiums. Since its creation eight years ago, the program has lowered individual-market premiums by at least 6.5 percent annually and by 9 percent this year alone, compared to what rates would have been without it.

 

The finalized rates and map are on DFR’s website.

 

###

 

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.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A man made his first appearance in federal court today after pointing a laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter in the Portland metro area.

 

Hector Miranda-Mendoza, 35, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft.

 

According to court documents, on the evening of September 27, 2025, law enforcement identified Miranda-Mendoza as an individual who targeted multiple aircraft with a laser pointer, including a CBP helicopter. Lasers can cause blindness and spotting in vision, making it a challenge for pilots to identify other aircraft and obstacles, which could lead to a catastrophic event. CBP used an on-board mapping system to locate the origin of the laser at a Portland residence.  Investigating officers contacted the defendant who admitted he recently purchased the laser and knew it was strong. Defendant reported he thought the helicopter was a drone and he remembered flashing the helicopter four or five times. Law enforcement seized the laser pointer and referred this matter for federal prosecution.   

 

“Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft endangers lives and is a federal crime. This conduct put the lives of CBP personnel and the community directly at risk, and my office will aggressively pursue those who engage in this illegal activity,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

“The laser strike on a CBP helicopter over the skies of Portland put our community at risk and endangered the lives of federal law enforcement officers. This activity is unacceptable, and FBI Portland will aggressively pursue anyone anywhere targeting federal agents, especially those currently holding the line at the Portland ICE facility,” said Douglas A. Olson, FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge.

 

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 29 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

 

Miranda-Mendoza made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was detained pending further court proceedings.

 

Aiming a laser pointer is punishable by up to five 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.

 

# # #

On October 22, 2025 the Oregon Heritage Grant Review committee will meet to score and rank the applications for the Oregon Heritage Grant program. The recommendations from the committee will be forwarded to the Oregon Heritage Commission for final review and approval on November 3, 2025. The review committee meeting will be held by teleconference at 9:00 a.m. interested parties must register through Zoom to receive access information. The meeting agenda includes grant information and discussion, the process is not open to public comment.
 

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon's heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The mission of the Oregon Heritage Commission is to secure, sustain, and enhance Oregon's heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity.
 

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services and a listening room – may be made by calling 503-986-0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: i.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Warm Springs, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for using online social media and messaging platforms to coerce and sexually exploit a 15-year-old minor victim.

 

Leonard Polk, 25, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.

 

According to court documents, in December 2024, Polk met the minor victim through Snapchat, an online messaging application. Using Snapchat and Facebook Messenger, Polk persuaded the minor victim to send sexually explicit images. Polk then picked up the minor victim and brought her to his house on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, where he sexually abused her on multiple occasions.

 

Polk was arrested in Washington on January 21, 2025, and the minor victim was rescued, after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received information that Polk had brought the minor victim from Oregon to Washington.

 

“Protecting children remains our highest priority. This case serves as a stark reminder of the very real dangers that exist on social media and the predators who use these platforms to exploit our youth,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Let there be no doubt: if you target children in our community, we will use every resource at our disposal to protect them and ensure you are held fully accountable.”

 

On February 11, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Polk with sexual abuse of a minor and sexual abuse – incapable victim.

 

On July 14, 2025, Polk pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor.

 

This case was investigated by the FBI Portland’s Bend Resident Agency and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlotte Kelley.

 

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, 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 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. 

 

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LA GRANDE, Oregon— The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Grant Subcommittee will meet in person Oct. 21 and 22 to tour sites partially funded by ATV grants in Baker and Union counties.

 

The meetings are open to the public. Site visits will include tours of staging area facilities and the OHV (off-highway vehicle) trail systems accessible by dirt bikes, ATVs and side-by-sides. Members of the public are responsible for their own transportation.

 

On Tuesday October 21, the ATV Grant Subcommittee will meet 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Depot Inn in Sumpter, 179 S Mill St, Sumpter Oregon. The subcommittee will look at ATV Highway Access Route in Sumpter and roads and trails in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

 

On Wednesday, October 22, the ATV Grant Subcommittee will meet 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Fox Hill OHV Staging Area, located 2 miles north of La Grande, 62747 Fox Hill

Road.

 

The subcommittee with look at Mount Emily Recreation Area, which was purchased with ATV Grant Funds and managed for ATV Recreation.

 

The subcommittee provides recommendations on grant funding to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director for referral to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.

 

The ATV Grant Program provides funding statewide for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) recreation. Grant funds come from ATV user permit sales and a percentage of the gasoline tax revenue.

 

More information about the state ATV program is available at www.OregonATV.gov

 

Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance to improve accessibility by emailing ian.caldwell@oprd.oregon.gov.

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

 

Alexander Jay Boyce, 38, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

 

According to court documents, on the evening of October 5, 2025, Boyce was part of a group of individuals encroaching on the driveway of the ICE building in South Portland. Law enforcement officers gave multiple warnings to the group to stay off federal property and began to clear the driveway. Rather than comply as directed, Boyce spit on the officer’s helmet. Federal officers immediately arrested Boyce. 

 

“Nobody spits on the brave men and women of federal law enforcement and gets away with it. If you spit on a federal law enforcement officer, you will be hit with federal charges,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 31 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

 

Boyce 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 eight 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.

 

# # #

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. (7 Oct. 2025) – On Monday, October 6, 2025, at 5:27 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 38 near milepost 49 in Douglas County.

 

The preliminary investigation indicated a gold Buick Century, operated by Kenneth Shane Garrison (52) of North Bend, was traveling eastbound on Highway 38 near Drain when it left the roadway for an unknown reason. The vehicle traveled down an embankment, struck a tree, and came to rest at the bottom of the embankment.

 

The operator (Garrison), and sole occupant of the vehicle, was declared deceased at the scene.

 

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

 

OSP was assisted by the North Douglas Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

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

SALEM, Ore. – Sumi Wu’s “Watershed,” a stunning new art installation at the Oregon State Police’s renovated Central Point facility, cascades throughout an open stairwell and elevator lobby space in a series of seven waterfalls made from kiln-cast glass.

 

Each waterfall is composed of three colored slabs capturing the textures and hues of the Rogue River Basin’s natural environment, from the earth beneath our feet to the skies above, creating a colorful, calming experience for employees ascending and descending the stairs.

 

“To create interesting textures in the glass, I carved images of natural phenomena from the Rogue River watershed into the original clay shapes that were used as molds to cast the glass,” Wu said.

 

The molds were cast by Bullseye Glass in Portland and fall into seven categories: Earth, Understory, Leaves, Trees, Landscape, Water and Celestial. Each glass waterfall is held by a stainless steel structure, which Wu says symbolizes the safety structure that OSP provides to the community.

 

“I hope people will notice the details and think about how everything in nature is interconnected. Every living thing depends on the life and natural forces surrounding it. When we know we are connected, we find compassion for each other,” the Portland-based artist added. 

 

The Art Selection Committee chose artwork that would align with the OSP’s core values of compassion, honor, integrity, loyalty and dedication. Wu’s work was chosen for its focus on the core value of compassion. Wu designed the piece to be restorative and evoke empathy and a sense of connection. Renee Couture coordinated the artwork project. DLR Group of Portland completed the Central Point building renovation.

 

“The intentional variation of colors, movement and textures of each glass piece affixed by steel are indicative of delicacy, beauty and strength in harmony. It is a joy to walk these stairs and enjoy this handiwork, especially when the sun joins the atrium!” said Tawnya Meyer, OSP Telecommunicator II.

 

Wu works in a variety of media. Her public and private permanent installations can be seen throughout the Pacific Northwest, with nine public artworks in Oregon and Washington. In addition to her sculptural work, Wu creates abstract, interactive set designs for dance and opera, and has performed as a dancer and musician herself.

 

Fifty years ago, Oregon was one of the first states in the nation to pass Percent for Art legislation, placing works of art in public spaces throughout the state. Since then, the Percent for Art in Public Places program has maintained a commitment to the placement of permanent art of the highest quality in public places. Committees of local residents across Oregon make selections. The overall collection, numbering almost 2,700 works, enhances the state’s public spaces and contributes to Oregon’s well-recognized quality of life. The “50 for 50” public art series, in celebration of the Percent for Art in Public Places program’s 50^th anniversary, highlights some of the state’s many fine public artworks.

                   

 

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at artscommission.oregon.gov.

WASCO COUNTY, Ore. (7 Oct. 2025) – On Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 4:39 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 197 near milepost 37 in Wasco County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Isuzu Rodeo, operated by Howard Mcloud Mansfield (60) of Maupin, was traveling northbound on Highway 197 near Maupin when it left its lane of travel for an unknown reason. The vehicle crossed into the southbound lane, struck the hillside, rolled over, and ejected the operator from the vehicle.   

The operator of the Isuzu (Mcloud) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately 30 minutes during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Southern Wasco County Ambulance, Juniper Flat Rural Fire Protection District, Tygh Valley Rural Fire Protection District, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

 

# # #

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

Oct 7, 2025

 

Contact:

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

 

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates
Head Start Awareness Month

 

SALEM, ORE. –The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) and the Oregon Head Start Association (OHSA) visited a Head Start of Lane County preschool classroom located at Lane Community College.

 

“For over 60 years, Head Start has provided children and families with more than quality early childhood education; it has become a generational building block that has touched the lives of more than 40 million children and families across the United States,” said Charleen Strauch, Executive Director, Head Start of Lane County. “The crucial work of Head Start is knowing that when the family and child succeed then the community succeeds. Head Start changes lives for the positive.”

 

Earlier this month Governor Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating October as Head Start Awareness Month. The month is celebrated annually across the country as a way to honor the legacy and current work of Head Start in positively impacting the lives of communities, families, and young children.

 

Education is only one component of the impactful work of Head Start. In addition to early childhood education, Head Start programs support family well-being by connecting families to medical and dental care while helping parents achieve family goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Oregon also offers Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool supports for children from Migrant and Seasonal working families along with additional Tribal Head Start programs administered by the federal government.

 

DELC also administers the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten program with programming available across all 36 Oregon counties. OPK is the state equivalent of the successful federal Early Head Start program that serves children from prenatal to five years old. Since OPK’s establishment in 1987, tens of thousands of children and their families have benefited from the program.

 

“Head Start Awareness Month has never been more important,” said Kate Gonsalves, DELC Communications Director. “At a time of federal instability, this is an important moment to draw awareness to the strong historical roots of Head Start along with the current positive impact Head Start makes for thousands of families across Oregon. DELC joins in celebrating the transformative impact of Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start during Head Start Awareness Month.”

 

These free, high-quality early care and education services and wrap around social supports are available to families including pregnant people and expectant families. Eligible participants include children aged birth through five whose families meet the federal low-income guidelines whose incomes are at or below the federal poverty guidelines or who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program public assistance services. Other eligible participants include children who are in the foster care system or experiencing homelessness. Some families with special circumstances are also eligible to receive support regardless of family income status. To find a head start center visit: Head Start Center Locator | ECLKC (hhs.gov)

 

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About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

 

 

 

COOS COUNTY, Ore. (7 Oct. 2025) – On Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 12:59 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 42 near milepost 23 in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver Ford Mustang, operated by Isaiah Michael Osbon (23) of Myrtle Point, was traveling westbound on Highway 42 when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound gray Honda Civic, operated by Christian Anthony Percell (26) of Medford.

A passenger in the Honda, Autumn Ruby Bishop (25) of Medford, was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Honda (Percell) was transported by Life Flight to an area hospital with serious injuries.

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

Fatigue is believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash.

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

OSP was assisted by the Myrtle Point Police Department, Fire Department, and Ambulance Service, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

 

# # #

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

PROSPECT, Ore. – A man is alive today thanks to the swift response of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) Technical Rope Rescue Team after he fell nearly 300 feet down a Rogue River canyon cliff near Prospect. Jackson County Fire District 3 Technical Rescue Team assisted with the operation.

 

At 2:19 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, ECSO 911 dispatch received a call reporting that a man had gone over the cliff in the 1100 block of Mill Creek Drive. Witnesses told dispatchers they could hear the man calling for help from below.

 

Responding personnel from Jackson County Fire District 4 and JCSO deputies quickly determined that a high-angle rope rescue would be required due to the sheer canyon walls and lack of access from below.

 

The JCSO SAR Technical Rope Rescue Team, working alongside FD3, conducted a complex rope operation. Using 400 feet of rope and a litter, SAR volunteers lowered rescuers and then raised the injured man back to safety from the bottom of the canyon.

 

Due to the seriousness of his injuries, Mercy Flights transported the man by air ambulance to the hospital, where he remains in stable condition. This life-saving operation required 42 combined volunteer hours from SAR personnel.

 

JCSO reminds the community that our Search and Rescue program depends heavily on dedicated volunteers. If you are interested in serving our community as a SAR volunteer, visit: https://www.jacksoncountyor.gov/departments/sheriff/services/volunteer_programs/index.php

Oct. 7, 2025

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

Oregon Cannabis Commission meets via Zoom Oct. 15

What: A Zoom meeting for the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: The full agenda will be available at healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Zoom Meeting. Members of the public may join remotely by phone at 1-669-254-5252; Meeting ID: 160 016 6803 Passcode: 721911

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate.

The commission provides advice to Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission regarding Oregon Administrative Rules that govern medical cannabis as well as retail cannabis as it pertains to patients and caregivers. 

Additionally, the commission is tasked with developing a long-term strategic plan for ensuring that cannabis will remain a therapeutic and affordable option for patients and monitoring federal laws, regulations, and policies regarding cannabis.

Visit healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Division and field updates
• Operator of the Year decision
• Forest Practices Technical Guidance update
• Forest practices rulemaking: Post-disturbance rules, tethered logging
• Habitat Conservation Plan status
• Forest Resources Division Training Team summary
• Forest Practices Compliance Monitoring Program update

The public may attend online via Teams. Public comments will be accepted. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

 

Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law – that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry and may assist the Board of Forestry in developing appropriate forest practice rules. The committees are comprised of citizens qualified by education or experience in natural resource management. In 1971, the legislature enacted Oregon’s Forest Practices Act which includes three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Eastern, Northwest, and Southwest regions of the state. Under Oregon law, a majority of the committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

Oregon’s forests are among the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic, and social benefits. View more information on the RFPC webpage.

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

 

Jairin Anzaldua-Ervin, 29, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

 

According to court documents, on October 4, 2025, Anzaldua-Ervin was part of a group of individuals trespassing on the driveway of the ICE building in South Portland. Law enforcement officers gave multiple warnings to the group to clear the driveway. Rather than move as directed, Anzaldua-Ervin forcefully threw a water bottle at a law enforcement officer, hitting the officer in the chest. Anzaldua-Ervin was then taken into custody for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. 

 

“Throwing water bottles, or any object for that matter, at federal law enforcement officers is not protesting – it’s a crime – and perpetrators will be arrested and federally prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I thank the brave members of federal law enforcement who have protected federal employees and the ICE building for more than 110 consecutive nights.”

 

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 30 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

 

Anzaldua-Ervin 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 eight 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.

 

# # #

SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 10 a.m. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Update our Board Policy Manual to get in line with SB 1051

• Make a plan for other clean up in the BPM

• Start working on the various appendices to the BPM that have not been completed yet  

• Future BGC meeting dates

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

 

This standing board committee recommends policies (or policy changes) to the board pertaining to governance issues and processes including the oversight and management of the BPM, orientation and training of new board members, the evaluation and improvement of the board, the repository of board materials, and oversight of the written conflict of interest policies, procedures, and review of annual or special statements of board members. Read more information about the committee.

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

 

Kylie Rubio, age 15, is a child who went missing from Eugene on Oct. 1. She was found Oct. 5.

 

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.

 

###

Oct. 6, 2025

Contact: Kim Lippert, erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov (media inquiries)

The Behavioral Health Committee, a committee of the Oregon Health Policy Board, to hold a public meeting Oct. 20, via Zoom meeting

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Health Policy Board’s Behavioral Health Committee

When: Monday, October 20,  10:05 to 11:55 a.m.

Where: The public can join remotely via Zoom 

Join ZoomGov Meeting 

Meeting ID: 160 527 5690 

Passcode: 532404 

Dial by your location: 

+1 669 254 5252 US (San Jose) 

+1 646 828 7666 US (New York) 

Live Captioning will be provided.

The meeting will include time for public comment. Comments may also be sent ahead of time to HC@odhsoha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">BHC@odhsoha.oregon.gov  

Purpose: In 2021, the Oregon State Legislature passed House Bill 2086, which established the Behavioral Health Committee of the Oregon Health Policy Board. The committee will assist in establishing quality metrics for behavioral health services provided by coordinated care organizations, health care providers, counties, and other government entities; and establish incentives to improve the quality of behavioral health services. As directed by House Bill 2086, the quality metrics and incentives shall be designed to: 

• Improve the integration of physical and behavioral health care, 
• Improve timely access to behavioral health care, 
  • Ensure individuals are supported in the least restrictive environment that meets their behavioral health needs, 
• Reduce hospitalizations, and 
• Reduce overdoses.

The Behavioral Health Committee will prioritize and lead work of the committee to advance health equity in Oregon’s behavioral health system. It will center those with lived experience, community members impacted by health inequities and disparities, and members of the community with behavioral health care needs. 

Read more about the Behavioral Health Committee.

Everyone is welcome to the Behavioral Health Committee meetings.  For questions about accessibility, alternate languages, or to request an accommodation, please contact Ali Najera at 971-388-2046, 711 TTY, a@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);" target="_blank">Ali.Najera@oha.oregon.gov, at least two business days before the meeting.  

Available formats include:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

For more information and meeting materials please visit the Behavioral Health Committee website. 

Questions? Email questions to:  HC@odhsoha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);" target="_blank">BHC@odhsoha.oregon.gov

DPSST PRIVATE SECURITY HB2183 IMPLEMENTATION

WORKGROUP MEETING

SCHEDULED

 

SALEM, Ore. – Thirty-one Oregon arts organizations will receive $10,000 grants to strengthen K-12 arts education during the 2026 fiscal year. The awards are part of a $310,000 investment from the Oregon Arts Commission’s Arts Learning grant program. Every funded project is a collaboration with local schools and communities across Oregon.

 

“Through this grant program, thousands of students will have an opportunity to engage with creative practices that enhance cognitive skills, problem-solving and self-empowerment through the arts,” said Tiff Harker, Arts Education Coordinator. “We congratulate these awarded arts organizations that partner with educators to make these new learning projects possible for Oregon students.”

 

Arts Learning grants support projects that provide K-12 students with responsive learning opportunities in and through the arts. These projects also foster the exchange of knowledge between artists and educators and positively impact the achievement, skills and attitudes of learners.

 

Applications were evaluated by a community review panel, based on project quality and responsiveness, project support and project impact. Priority for funding is given to projects that primarily impact schools in one or more of the following categories: Title 1 participation, location within a county with more than 16.9 percent of the population experiencing poverty, or location in a rural community.

 

FY2026 Arts Learning Grants Awardees:

 

Architectural Foundation of Oregon, Portland
To expand the outreach of the Architectural Foundation of Oregon’s Architects in Schools (AiS) program into more low income, underinvested urban and rural schools around the state, including a free design residency that integrates what children are learning in school and connects to the community and world around them.
 

Art Center East, La Grande
To support offering six residency weeks of the Artists in Rural Schools improv program to the three Title 1 elementary schools in the La Grande School District to blend sequential arts and social and emotional learning for underserved rural youth.

Astoria Arts and Movement Center, Astoria        
To support providing dance instruction twice a week during Physical Education classes to students at Hilda Lahti Elementary (grades K-8) and Knappa High School (grades 9-12) in partnership with the Knappa School District and the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology for the entire academic year.
 

Beaverton Symphony Orchestra, Beaverton       
To provide a month-long music appreciation curriculum to Title 1 schools in Washington County that corresponds to the timing and programming of the Beaverton Symphony Winter 2026 Family Concert. The culmination of the program provides free tickets to all participants and their families.
 

Crossroads Creative and Performing Arts Center Inc., Baker City       
To support a new teen pottery program and offer a high school summer residency at Crossroads for outstanding Baker High School seniors. Students will work with Pottery Studio Manager, Ryan Kitson, for six weeks and conclude with a gallery show.

 

Dalles Art Association, The Dalles
To support a two-week watercolor artist residency at Colonel Wright Elementary, providing hands-on instruction for K-5 students and professional development in visual arts for classroom teachers.

 

Echo Theater Company, Portland 
To support Cesar Chavez School’s 3rd - 5th graders through a personalized 10-week residency to empower students to collaborate, tell their own story, explore new skills and build confidence as they learn common core adapted curriculum through circus theater creation and performance.

Empowered Movement Aerial, Hood River          
To support 120 hours of aerial arts education to the after-school programs at four Hood River County schools.

Ethos Inc., Portland 
To support more than 200 youth in the Music Corps program that provides after-school and summer music education to schools and neighborhoods where Ethos reaches low-income and historically underserved youth, at a low cost to school sites and at no cost to students.

Fishtrap Inc., Enterprise     
To support the continuum of Arts Learning opportunities that Fishtrap offers to youth across Eastern Oregon. In 2025-2026, Fishtrap hopes to reach 700 young rural writers ages 5-18 through its youth writing programs.
 

Illinois Valley Community Development Organization, Cave Junction
To support RiverStar’s sequential education in dance and theatre for youth ages 5-18 in the rural Illinois Valley of Josephine County.
 

Lane Arts Council, Eugene
To support Creative Link Arts Integration in the Bethel School District, pairing artists with educators to serve an estimated 60 students across four schools, including serving low-income, migrant and other vulnerable students, while providing training to approximately 16 educators.

Literary Arts, Inc., Portland
To support bringing 20-25 professional writers to classrooms at 13 public high schools to provide dynamic creative writing instruction during the school day in 30-40 semester-long writing residencies to increase student engagement with writing, build writing/editing skills and serve 1,050+ students.

Maxtivity, Philomath
To support a yearlong artist residency exploring three visual art forms at Blodgett Elementary, uniquely designed to celebrate and amplify the cultural assets of the Blodgett-Summit community while dynamically responding to the specific needs of the small rural school.

MetroEast Community Media, Gresham   
To serve 200 K-12 students at East Multnomah County schools, and another 100 at community events and summer workshops, with hands-on digital media and filmmaking education, encouraging youth to integrate arts and technology to create their own unique work.

Miracle Theatre Group, Portland
To support the UNIDAD arts-integrated residencies for schools, which includes the creation and presentation of a bilingual puppet performance and classroom instruction highlighting the contributions and importance of puppetry as an innovative pedagogical tool in educational work within schools.

Montavilla Jazz Festival, Portland
To support an 8-week Latin Jazz residency led by Carmelo Torres and local artists at Vestal Elementary, a Title 1 Portland school, where all K-5 students engage in 60+ hours of music, cultural learning and performance, culminating in a student-led Social Justice Night.

Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland
To support OBT’s Learn About Ballet (OBT LAB), a program bringing the educational, social and emotional benefits of dance to under-resourced schools in the Portland area.

Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival Association, Newport           
To support the organization’s efforts to give Toledo High School and Waldport High School students real-world internship experiences in arts administration and management in these underserved coastal and rural communities.

Oregon Symphony Association in Salem, Portland        
To support the second year of a Side-by-Side concert series in partnership with the Salem-Keizer School District, encouraging artistic growth and strengthening retention in music programs for 600+ Willamette Valley K-12 students.
 

Play It Forward, Beaverton 
To support free, weekly 45-minute group lessons in piano, keyboard, guitar and ukulele at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary in Portland, serving up to 130 K-5 students in 2025-26 who perform in a year-end recital.

Portland Playhouse, Portland        
To support the planning, implementation and evaluation of the 2025-26 Social Justice Theatre Program and bring the power of creating live performance to 425 students at 8-10 elementary, middle and high schools in the Portland metro area.
 

Rainbow Dance Theatre, Monmouth         
To support up to 12 hours of dance and coding integration residencies at eight middle schools in Polk, Lincoln, Curry, Coos, Linn, Malheur, Marion and Tillamook counties.

Rex Putnam Music Boosters, Milwaukie  
To support basic program needs for the Rex Putnam Indoor Percussion program, such as uniforms, equipment, competition and clinician fees and transportation costs to Northwest Association for Performing Arts and WGI Sport of the Arts winter percussion competitions in the Pacific Northwest.

Riverbend Live!, Winston   
To support a free, six-week Summer Youth Theater Camp serving 48 children ages 8-17 in rural Douglas County, integrating acting, singing, choreography and set design, culminating in two public performances of “Seussical the Musical” at Riverbend Park.

Rogue Valley Art Association, Medford   
To support the Elementary Arts Outreach program that provides visual art instruction to up to 900 5th grade students attending underserved schools in Jackson County, through either a comprehensive arts programming option or a one-time field trip option.

Ross Ragland Theater, Klamath Falls       
To support 102 youths in Klamath County public schools to attend summer camp programs, including younger students (ages 6-10), who will explore the basics of acting, music and movement, and older youths (ages 10-18), who will learn the different aspects of theater life.

STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy, Hillsboro    
To support 172 hours of theater arts education after-school residencies and “no-school day” workshops, serving up to 250 students at Hillsboro School District elementary and middle schools in Washington County, including three Title I schools and two schools outside the urban growth boundary.

The High Desert Museum, Bend    
To support the High Desert Museum’s Kids Curate program, which will partner with La Pine Elementary to provide 50 hours of engaging learning experiences in and through the arts to more than 50 underserved 4th grade students over the course of the school year.

Willamette University - Pacific Northwest College of Art, Salem          
To support free art and design workshops and an after-school creative professional development cohort, serving approximately 200 Roosevelt High School students in grades 9-12.

Wordcrafters in Eugene, Eugene  
To support 77 creative writing residency sessions (with the proven ability to improve academic skills, creativity and school engagement) for five Lane County schools educating underserved urban and rural, low-income and at-risk students.

 

                   

 

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at artscommission.oregon.gov.

 

Coos County, Ore. (Oct. 6, 2025) - On Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10:44 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 42, near milepost 27, in Coos County.

 

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Chevrolet 1500, operated by Heather Renee Leach (37) of Reedsport, lost control and spun into the westbound lane. The Chevrolet struck a westbound Ford F-350, operated by Nicholas Glenn Taylor (56) of Grants Pass, head-on.

 

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

 

The operator of the Ford (Taylor) and a passenger, Holly Helene Taylor (53) of Grants Pass, were injured and transported to an area hospital.

 

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

 

OSP was assisted by the Coos County Sheriff's Office, Myrtle Point Police Department, Coquille Police Department, Myrtle Point Fire Department, and Bridge Fire.

 

# # #

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.

Tillamook County, Ore. (Oct. 6, 2025) - On Friday, October 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 6, near milepost 32, in Tillamook County.

 

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Mazda 3, operated by Brissa Guadalupe Olivarez Garcia (27) of Vancouver (WA), entered the eastbound passing lane for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Scion Xd, operated by Deanna Kay Bollinger (57) of Garibaldi, head-on.

 

The operator of the Scion (Bollinger) was declared deceased at the scene.

 

The operator of the Mazda (Olivarez Garcia) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

 

The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

 

OSP was assisted by Tillamook Fire, the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Banks Fire, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

 

# # #

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—A man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting two Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents following his arrest on federal drug distribution charges.

 

Ezequiel Ramos Hernandez, 28, has been charged by criminal complaint with multiple felony crimes including Assaulting Federal Agents and Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.

 

According to court documents, on October 1, 2025, the FBI, along with the Woodburn and Salem Police Departments, executed a search warrant at Ramos Hernandez’s Woodburn hotel room. Agents seized distributable quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. FBI agents arrested Ramos Hernandez and began driving him to be lodged on federal drug distribution charges. During the transport, Ramos Hernandez managed to escape from the moving vehicle while handcuffed. Two FBI agents chased Ramos Hernandez who actively resisted and was observed kicking one of the FBI agents in the face multiple times.  Ultimately, FBI agents were able to subdue Ramos Hernandez with the assistance of multiple civilian witnesses. Ramos Hernandez later told an FBI agent that he tried to escape from agents because he thought he was being deported. 

 

Defendant Ramos-Hernandez made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was detained pending further court proceedings.

 

Assaulting a federal officer is punishable by up to eight 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.— Defendant Julie Winters, 47, of Portland, pleaded guilty yesterday to Felony Intimidation of a Federal Officer and Resisting Arrest.

 

According to court documents, on June 24, 2025, Winters brandished a large knife and swung it back and forth at officers in an attempt to intimidate the officers when they engaged with Winters at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

 

On August 20, 2025, Winters reported to the Pretrial Services Office after violating the conditions of her pretrial release. As federal law enforcement attempted to arrest Winters on a federal warrant, she resisted arrest by causing forcible contact with U.S. Deputy Marshals after the U.S. Marshals attempted to place the defendant under arrest.

 

Winters will be sentenced in December 2025 before a U.S. District Court Judge.

 

These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Protective Service, ICE, and the United States Marshals Service. These cases are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

 

# # #

Health Care Workforce Committee to host an Educational Webinar Oct. 8, via Zoom meeting

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Kylie Rubio, age 15, a child in foster care who went missing from Eugene on Oct. 1. She is believed to be in danger.

 

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

 

Kylie is suspected to be in Canby or between the Eugene and Portland area.

 

Name: Kylie Rubio
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Jan. 9, 2010
Height: 5-feet
Weight: 176 pounds
Hair: Black
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: She usually wears baggie clothes
Eugene Police Department Case #25-250988
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2063294

 

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.

 

###

 

SALEM, Ore. – Nearly 200 Oregon National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment will return home to Oregon on Friday, October 3, 2025. The Soldiers were mobilized on October 20, 2024, during a ceremony in Medford and served as part of the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt.

 

The 1-186th Infantry Regiment, with headquarters in Southern Oregon, is preparing for a significant homecoming as approximately 150 soldiers from the unit return to Medford, while an additional group of approximately 50 service members will also arrive in Portland.

 

“These returning Soldiers are not part of the ongoing Portland Force Protection mission,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, Director of Public Affairs, Oregon Military Department. “These Citizen-Soldiers stepped up when called upon, serving overseas for nearly a year, away from their families and loved ones. Thank you for your sacrifice, and welcome home.”

 

While deployed, the unit supervised the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace, preventing any violation of its terms.

 

The 1-186th Infantry Regiment previously mobilized to support security for the 2021 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., the COVID-19 response in Oregon, and overseas operations in the Horn of Africa from 2019-2020, in Afghanistan from 2014-2015, and in Iraq from 2009-2010.

 

-30-

 

File Images:

 

241020-Z-CH590-1005: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment stand in formation as their mobilization ceremony begins on October 20, 2024, on the campus of Southern Oregon University, in Ashland, Oregon. The 1-168th Infantry Regiment is scheduled to deploy to the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. The unit’s primary mission will be to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace and employ best efforts to prevent violation of any of its terms. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

 

241020-Z-CH590-1140: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, render a hand salute during the playing of the National Anthem as they take part in their formal mobilization ceremony on October 20, 2024, held on the campus of Southern Oregon University, in Ashland, Oregon. The 1-168th Infantry Regiment is scheduled to deploy to the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. The unit’s primary mission will be to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace and employ best efforts to prevent violation of any of its terms. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

 

241020-Z-CH590-1170: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, delivers formal remarks to the Soldiers, family members, and others in attendance as the presiding officer for the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment during their formal mobilization ceremony held on the campus of Southern Oregon University, in Ashland, Oregon, on October 20, 2024. The 1-168th Infantry Regiment is scheduled to deploy to the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. The unit’s primary mission will be to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace and employ best efforts to prevent violation of any of its terms. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

 

RELEASE DATE: October 3, 2025

 

REPORTING DEPUTY: Undersheriff Snyder

 

DETAILS: Over the last few weeks, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports regarding attempted telephonic scams.  In the reoccurring attempts, persons identify themselves as members of the Sheriff’s Office, often times as Undersheriff Travis Snyder. The scammers are commonly calling about a family member who has been arrested and are soliciting bail money.  The Sheriff’s Office does not and will not call you with this suggestion.  If you feel you are being scammed, hang up and call the Sheriff’s Office at 541-474-5123.   

 

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind you that law enforcement does not operate in this fashion.  The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens to remain vigilant and report any potential scams that come their way.  Persons should never provide financial or personal information to anyone until they are certain who they are speaking to.

 

As with any of these sorts of scams, it is always a good idea to hang up and NOT provide any information over the phone.  If you think it could be legitimate, search for the business’s phone number yourself and call to verify any information that was relayed to you.

 

Please share this information with your friends and family who do not have social media or access to regular news sources.

Oct. 3, 2025

Contact: Amy Bacher, 503.405.5403, acher2@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov (media inquiries)

Kiari Chao, 503.931.3053, i.chao@oha.oregon.gov" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(6, 66, 118);">kiari.chao@oha.oregon.gov (meeting information or accommodation)

Health Information Technology Oversight Council to meet Oct. 9

What: The regular public meeting of Health Information Technology Oversight Council.

When: Oct. 9, 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Where: By webinar and conference line only. The public may join remotely through a webinar and conference line:

• Join the webinar here
• Conference line: 669-254-5252, Meeting ID: 161 482 2499, Passcode: 127281

Agenda:

• Welcome, Introductions and HITOC Business (12:30 – 12:45)
• Health IT and Behavioral Health Survey Results and Activities for 2026 (12:45 – 1:25)
• 2025 CCO Health IT Roadmap Summary: Health IT to Support SDOH Needs (1:25 – 1:55)
• 10 Minute Break (1:55 – 2:05)
• Patients & Consumers: August Recap (2:05 – 2:10)
• Introduction to Rural Health Transformation Program (2:10 – 2:20)
• 2026 Work Planning (2:20 – 3:10)
• House Bill 2940 Implementation Update: ED Alerts for Hemoglobinopathies (3:10 – 3:20)
• Health IT Policy & Program Updates (3:20 – 3:25)
• Public Comment, Closing Remarks, and Meeting Adjourn (3:25 – 3:30)

For more information, please visit the committee's website.

# # #

Public comment is an important part of OHA’s committee work and is an opportunity for members of the public to provide input and feedback to HITOC.

• If you know before a meeting that you’d like to provide public comment at a HITOC meeting, you can email INFO@odhsoha.oregon.gov to sign up.
• If you’d like to provide public comment during the meeting, please message Shannon Cengija to sign up. If you are unable to message, please speak up during the open public comment period.
• Members of the public are asked to comment or post in the chat only during this period, and to keep verbal comments to about 2 minutes.
• Committee members are unlikely to ask questions or respond to public comment directly but give consideration to public comments during committee work.
• You can also send written public comment to INFO@odhsoha.oregon.gov at any time. To be included in a meeting please submit the comment no less than 2 business days before the intended meeting. Written comment is emailed out and posted as part of meeting materials.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• CART (live captions)
• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Kiari Chao or HITOC.INFO@odhsoha.oregon.gov at least 48 hours before the meeting. OHA will make every effort to provide services for requests made closer to the meeting.

MARION COUNTY, Ore. 03 Oct. 2025 – On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11:00 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 22 near milepost 59 in Marion County.   

 

The preliminary investigation indicated a silver Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Richard Wayne Braxling (85) of Redmond, was traveling westbound on Highway 22 near Idanha when it left the roadway for an unknown reason and rolled over.

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

 

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

 

OSP was assisted by the Idanha-Detroit Fire District, Lyons Ambulance, the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

 

# # #

 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

PORTLAND, OCTOBER 2, 2025 — During Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11), the American Red Cross reminds everyone of the dangers of home fires, which claim seven lives every day in the U.S. Home fires claim more lives in a typical year than all natural disasters combined. To help protect your household, test your smoke alarms each month and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes.

 

“Home fires can occur any time, any place,” said Priscilla Fuentes, Red Cross Cascades Region CEO. “The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. This is critical because fire experts say you may have less than two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late.”

 

 

Tips for creating your home fire escape plan and practicing your 2-minute drill:

• Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home.
• Smoke is dangerous. Get low and go!
• Decide where to meet once you get outside. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as a neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.
• Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets or things.
• If a fire starts, you may have less than two minutes to get to safety. Time your fire drill and find out: what’s your escape time?
• While practicing your escape plan, teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.

 

Smoke alarm safety:

• Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• In addition to testing your alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.
• Also check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers provide emotional support, financial assistance, and information to help families begin the process of recovery. Most of the 65,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year nationwide are home fires. This year alone, local Red Cross Disaster Action teams have responded to more than 490 fires in Oregon and SW Washington.

 

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,479 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. 

 

Sign up for a FREE smoke alarm installation and education by going to Redcross.org/cascades.http://redcross.org/cascades

 

 

B-Roll:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hlg6k5twd9gbr79cmqrf9/Video-Dec-14-2024-11-22-41-AM.mov?rlkey=hliy3ryq8mf90gvhz0x4lz06t&st=j0ayzquo&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/k4pdhvu014q6x9c1k759q/Video-Dec-14-2024-11-11-01-AM.mov?rlkey=ybev2amngbsmfp159q8m6klda&st=e4zot0vn&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mstowptrpny5vz4uezkcb/Video-Dec-14-2024-11-17-00-AM.mov?rlkey=nyj3oa7h7lqxsk73uylklyh3o&st=t8kxi3jg&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lp33zg8p67cgw316n0546/IMG_1651.MOV?rlkey=v79udkxvqk3b8j8f67wtz8id3&st=cxfwihr4&dl=0

 

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 

# # #

 

 

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Mia Thomas, age 17, a child in foster care who went missing from Albany on May 27. Mia is believed to be in danger.

 

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

 

Mia is suspected to be in the Albany area and is known to frequent Sunrise Park and Eleanor Hackleman Park.

 

Name: Mia Angel Nevaeh Thomas 
Pronouns: she/her
Date of birth: January 9, 2008
Height: 5-foot-7
Weight: 215 pounds
Eye color: Brown
Hair: Dyed dark red
Other identifying information: Mia’s left nostril is pierced and she often wears a fake septum ring.
Albany Police Department Case #25-03027
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2052167 

 

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.

 

###

 

Clackamas County, Ore. (Oct. 2, 2025) - On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 6:05 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 212, near the intersection with SE Richey Road, in Clackamas County.

 

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Ford F-150, operated by Anthony Cyrill Koenig (77) of Lake Oswego, left the roadway for unknown reasons and crashed into the front of the Timber Bar & Grill. The collision caused significant damage to the building.

 

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

 

An occupant of the Timber Bar and Grill was not injured.

 

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

 

OSP was assisted by the Sandy Police Department, Clackamas County 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.

Oct. 2, 2025

Media Contact: Amber Shoebridge er.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov">amber.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov 503-931-9586

New behavioral health crisis stabilization center opens in Polk County

Dallas, Ore. – The doors will open soon at the Polk CARES Center, a behavioral health crisis stabilization facility, thanks in part to strategic funding and support from Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The center held its grand opening on Sept. 30 and will offer walk-in care for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. The center leverages state investment to expand behavioral health crisis services across Oregon.

“This center is a result of our state’s ongoing work for more spaces and places for Oregonians to get the help they deserve,” Governor Kotek said. “This is the type of capacity that we need across the state so someone in crisis can stabilize and get the help they need.”

The Polk CARES Center, which stands for Connect, Assist, Respond, Empower, Support, provides walk-in crisis care at 182 SW Academy Street in Dallas.

The center provides a range of critical services, including suicide prevention, safety planning and referrals to longer term behavioral health care. Individuals can also get support on their recovery journey from substance use disorder including referrals to treatment and overdose prevention education.

The center is funded through an investment of nearly $2.5 million from House Bill 5202, directed to Polk County by OHA. Additional funding came from a Measure 110 grant supporting the statewide Behavioral Health Resource Network and from Senate Bill 5506. 

"I'm very proud to finally open the doors of the CARES Center,” said Jennifer Lief, Polk County Health Services division manager. “The CARES Center means so much to our team, our agency and to me personally because we all know how critical it is for people to have somewhere to turn in a moment of crisis. We've built this center for our community members — family, friends, and neighbors — so they can walk in and find immediate support, whether through our crisis services or our welcome center for substance use and peer support. No appointment needed, no judgment given — just compassionate care and a pathway to recovery and healing."

The opening of the Polk CARES Center embodies the broader vision from OHA and its partners to ensure behavioral health services are responsive, accessible and equitable across Oregon.

“The Polk CARES Center reflects a powerful commitment to ensuring every person in Oregon has access to timely, compassionate and lifesaving behavioral health care,” said Ebony Clarke, behavioral health director at OHA. “By investing in community crisis response, we are supporting recovery, preserving dignity, and building stronger, healthier communities.”

All services are available to individuals of all ages, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Oct. 2, 2025

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

Conference of Local Health Officials Health Promotion and Prevention Committee meets Oct. 4 via Zoom

What: The monthly public meeting of the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO) Health Promotion and Prevention Committee (HPP).  

Agenda: Review of previous months minutes, Public Health Advisory Board Health Promotion and Prevention Accountability Metrics, TPEP Workplan overview, Suicide Px Program check-in, federal changes that affect the work, strategic planning around legislation and discuss next meeting agenda topics.

Agenda is subject to change and is posted with meeting materials on the CLHO website at http://www.oregonclho.org/ prior to meeting.

There is no public comment period during this meeting.

When: Thursday, Sept. 4, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: This meeting will be a virtual via Zoom.  Members of the public must register for the meeting here.  

Background: The Conference of Local Health Officials provides recommendations to Oregon Health Authority on the foundational capabilities and programs and any other public health program or activity under ORS 431.340.

Program contact: Liz Hunt, 503-756-5678, liz.a.hunt@oha.oregon.gov

# # #

For people who speak or use a language other than English, people with disabilities or people who need additional support, we can provide free help.  Some examples are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages or transcript
• Braille
• Real-time captioning (CART)
• Large print
• Virtual platform change
• Audio and other formats

This meeting will be virtual only.  This meeting will screen share and use Word documents, PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations.

Please contact Liz Hunt at 503-756-5678 (voice or text) or liz.a.hunt@oha.oregon.gov by Monday, September 1 to request an accommodation. We will make every effort to provide services to requests after September 1.  We accept all relay calls. If you need an accommodation, please contact us right away even if you are only considering attending. The earlier you make a request the more likely we can meet the need.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Adalberto Garcia Montelongo, died the night of October 1, 2025. Montelongo 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.

 

Montelongo entered DOC custody on June 26, 2008, from Yamhill County with an earliest release date of May 13, 2027. Montelongo was 75 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.

 

####

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom 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.

 

To view the Board's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

 

Agenda Items:

 

1. Introductions

 

2. Meeting Minutes

Approve the July 24, 2025, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Fire Policy Committee

 

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – Chris Heppel, Chair

 

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

 

A. Andrew Lawrie, DPSST No. 42329; Cannon Beach RFPD – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 27, 2025.

 

B. Shawn Mullen, DPSST No. 21394; Clackamas County Fire District #1 – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 27, 2025.

 

C. Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-009-0005, OAR 259-009-0062, and OAR 259-009-0065

Minimum Standard on Professional Qualifications for NFPA Apparatus Driver/Operator

 

D. Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-009-0005, OAR 259-009-0062, and OAR 259-009-0065

Housekeeping Removal of Certifications That Are No Longer Issued

 

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

 

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair

 

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

 

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Jennifer Cameron, Vice-Chair

 

d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

 

A. Michael Kendoll, DPSST No. 53144; Oregon State Police – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 21, 2025.

 

B. Samuel McKenzie, DPSST No. 63038; Prineville Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the TPC on August 6, 2025.

 

C. Katherine Mood, DPSST No. 61760; Marion County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

 

D. Chance Oxnam, DPSST No. 54580; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

 

E. Herlet Padilla, DPSST No. 63118; Clatsop County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

 

F. Jared Paul, DPSST No. 57056; Oregon State Police – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 21, 2025.

 

G. Brian Scharbach, DPSST No. 61981; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

 

H. Matthew Smart, DPSST No. 38451; Reedsport Police Department – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 21, 2025.

 

I. Kyle Stott, DPSST No. 58027; Deschutes County Adult Parole & Probation – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

 

J. Timothy Trabosh, DPSST No. 49653; Marion County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Eleven (11) to one (1) recusal vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

 

K. Dustin Wann, DPSST No. 45182; Salem police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 21, 2025.

 

L. Justin White, DPSST No. 53769; DOC/Two Rivers Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 12, 2025.

 

M. Jordan Williams, DPSST No. 58995; Ontario Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 21, 2025.

 

N. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-006-0010

Criminal Justice Applicant Review Committee Membership.

 

O. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085

Codifying Board Approval of the Revisions to the Basic Parole and Probation Academy Curriculum

 

P. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085 (20)

Absences and Remediation of Missed Training.

 

Q. Approval of Changes to the Basic Parole and Probation Curriculum

 

R. Committee Appointments

Corrections Policy Committee

• • Matthew Phillips – Oregon State Sheriffs' Association. Appointment to the CPC, 1st term effective January 22, 2025.

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

 

a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Dan Lenzen, Chair

 

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote).

 

A. Thorston Hartmann, PSID No. 055208 – Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 19, 2025.

 

B. Melinda Norush, PSID No. 109757 – Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 19, 2025.

 

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

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

 

7. Agency Updates – Agency Director, Phil Castle

 

9. Next Meeting Date: January 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

 

 

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Board members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland woman made her first appearance in federal court yesterday after assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.

 

Katherine Meagan Vogel, 39, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.

 

According to court documents, on the evening of September 30, 2025, federal officers detained Vogel after she applied red paint to the driveway of the ICE facility. Federal officers escorted Vogel to the ICE facility to interview her for conduct related to depredation of government property. While federal officers processed her, Vogel struck one of the federal officers in the jaw with a closed fist. Officers then arrested her for the additional charge of assaulting a federal officer.

 

“Violence and property damage at the ICE building or any other federal building will not be tolerated. If you assault a federal law enforcement officer or damage federal property, you will be arrested and federally prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 28 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.

 

Vogel made her first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.

 

Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight 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.

 

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