SALEM, Ore. - Oregon National Guard service members participated in ceremonies across Oregon and Southwest Washington to honor individuals who died in defense of the nation on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Memorial Day takes on heightened significance, as the country pauses each year to honor those who sacrificed their lives to secure the nation's pursuit of liberty and cherished freedoms.

 

During the nation’s 200th anniversary in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford’s speech at Arlington National Cemetery on May 31 paused to honor the service members whose sacrifices spanned the nation’s history, linking their courage to the anniversary celebrations.

 

“As we mark this milestone of our national independence, however, we must not forget the lessons of history. Other nations have risen to great heights only to weaken in their resolve. We must not repeat their error. We must remain strong in our defense and steadfast in our resolve to uphold the principles with which we began two centuries ago.”

 

Speaking at the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Memorial Day celebration in Salem, Governor Tina Kotek highlighted that Memorial Day unites Americans in remembrance of the sacrifices made by service members.

 

"Memorial Day is not simply a tradition, it's a responsibility — a responsibility to remember the human cost of war, to honor those who never came home, and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten,” she said.

 

Following Governor Kotek's remarks, Oregon Army National Guard Col. Russell Gibson, Government and Legislative Affairs Director and Commander, 82nd Brigade Troop Command, represented the Oregon Military Department and the State’s military community. He emphasized that the sacrifices made by Oregon’s sons and daughters should always be remembered.

 

"The men and women we honor today are not just names on a wall or statistics in a history book — they were sons and daughters, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers," Russell said.  "Their stories are our stories, and it is our sacred duty to preserve their memory and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten."

 

Meanwhile, at a Memorial Day event at FirLawn Cemetery in Hillsboro, Oregon, Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Bertilson highlighted that when Oregon Soldiers deploy, "The impact is felt here as the families sacrifice when their loved ones are far from home."

 

Culminating the day is one of the major Memorial Day events at Willamette National Cemetery. Oregon Army and Air National Guardsmen, along with Navy, Marine Corps, and other military members, served as Color Guard and performed military duties for the ceremony.  A patriotic flyover conducted by the Oregon Air National Guard at the cemetery was one of nearly a dozen flyovers in cities and towns across the region, where the F-15 Eagles from the 142nd Wing flew in support of Memorial Day events.

 

“We are standing on Hollow ground,” said Wendall Pelham, the Keynote speaker and a Gold Star Father. “Men and women have given their lives so that we could spend this beautiful day together, sharing their legacies. Americans who answered their nation’s call, not because it was easy, not because it was safe, but because they believed there were things greater than themselves worth defending.”  

 

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Released Images:

 

260525-Z-ZJ128-1001: Carla Buyes (left), Gold Star mother of Cpl. Adam J. Buyes, U.S. Marine Corps, and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek stand with a memorial wreath at Oregon Capitol State Park in Salem, Oregon, on May 25, 2026, prior to the Oregon Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs. Cpl. Buyes, of Salem, Oregon, was assigned to the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and died Nov. 26, 2011, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was 21. (Oregon National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne)

 

260525-Z-ZJ128-1002-1005: Oregon National Guardsmen joined Oregon state and community leaders at Oregon Capitol State Park in Salem, Ore., May 25, 2026, for the Oregon Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs. The ceremony honored fallen service members through a posting of the colors by North Salem High School JROTC, a reading of "In Flanders Fields," a flyover, and keynote remarks from Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. Chaplain Col. Jacob Scott, Oregon Army National Guard, delivered the invocation and benediction, and Col. Russell Gibson, commander of the 82nd Troop Command Brigade and government and legislative affairs director for the Oregon Military Department, delivered remarks on behalf of the Guard and the state's military community. The ceremony concluded with the laying of a wreath by Gov. Kotek, ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, and Carla Buyes, a Gold Star mother. (Oregon National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne)

 

260525-Z-LM216-1001-1004: A Memorial Day ceremony was held at Fir Lawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Hillsboro, Ore., to honor and pay tribute to all U.S. service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, May 25, 2026. Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Bertilson, Oregon Army National Guard, was the guest speaker during the ceremony. (Oregon National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Zachary Holden)

 

260525-Z-CH590-1056: Military members of a Joint Service Honor Guard team post the Colors to begin the Memorial Day Observance held at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260525-Z-CH590-1261: Wendall Pelham, a Gold Star Father, delivers the keynote address during the Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260525-Z-CH590-1594: Family, friends, visitors, and other mourners of the fallen move among the thousands of American flags displayed at the gravesites at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, following the Memorial Day Observances held on May 25, 2026. Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring all those who died in service to the United States during both peacetime and war. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260525-Z-CH590-1379: Military members of a Joint Service Honor Guard team perform a rifle salute during the Memorial Day Observance held at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260525-Z-CH590-1402: Oregon Army National Guard Chaplain (Maj.) Wesley Moldogo delivers the Benediction at the conclusion of the Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

260525-Z-CH590-1329: Two Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagle jets assigned to the 142nd Wing at Portland Air National Guard Base conduct a patriotic flyover during the Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JCSO has issued a LEVEL 2 BE SET to evacuate for zone JAC-229 and a LEVEL 1: BE READY to evacuate for Zone JAC-231 both near the 8000 block of Blackwell Road in Central Point.

 

Evacuation Map: Genasys Protect

Level 2 - BE SET to evacuate means:

• There is significant danger in your area - be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.   
• Time to act - follow your emergency plan. Grab your go-kit of essential supplies for health, safety, and identification. For more info, visit ReadyJackson
• Stay informed and be alert. Continue to check for updates through local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio.
• Relocate to a safe place outside of the affected area. Inform loved ones of your plans.
• If you need emergency shelter, call 211 or 1-866-698-6155, visit 211info.org, or text your zip code to 898211. TTY: dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155. Language interpreters are available by phone. Text is available Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., in Spanish and English.

This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. Conditions can change rapidly. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.

Do not call 911 unless experiencing an immediate life safety issue.

 

Nivel 2 - ESTÉ LISTO para evacuar de las siguientes zonas: JAC-229.

Nivel 2 - ESTÉ LISTO para evacuar significa:

• Hay peligro significativo en su zona -esté listo para partir en cualquier momento.  
• Tiempo de actuar - siga su plan de emergencia Agarre su kit de suministros escenciales para salud, seguridad e identificación. Para mayor información, visiteReadyJackson
• Mantengase informado y esté alerto. Continue consultando los sitios de web locales de la cuidad y del condado, medios sociales, televisión y radio para actualizaciones. 
• Reubíquese a un lugar seguro afuera del área afectada. Informe a sus seres queridos de sus planes.
• Si usted necesita un refugio de emergencia, llame al 211 o al 1-866-698-6155, visite 211info.org, o envié su código postal por texto al 898211. TTY: marque 711 y llame al 1-866-698-6155. Interpretes de idiomas están disponibles por teléfono. Mensajes por texto están disponibles Lunes - Viernes 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., en español e inglés.

Está puede ser la única notificación que reciba. Si usted se siente inseguro, no se espere para evacuar. Las condiciones pueden cambiar rapidamente No necesita esperar a otra notificación de evacuación. Tome la mejor decisión para su seguridad.

 

Level 1 - BE READY to evacuate means:

• Be aware of danger in your area and stay informed. Check local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio for updates. 
• Make plans and prepare to evacuate. Gather necessary supplies for health, safety, and identification. For preparedness tips, visitReadyJackson
• Act early if you are older, have children, disabilities, or limited access to transportation. Consider moving pets and livestock early.
• If you can do so safely, check with your neighbors and share information. Ask for help if you need it. Offer help if you can give it.
• If you need emergency shelter, call 211 or 1-866-698-6155, visit 211info.org, or text your zip code to 898211. TTY: dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155. Language interpreters are available by phone. Text is available Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., in Spanish and English.

This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. If conditions change, you may receive a Level 2 - BE SET or Level 3 - GO NOW evacuation notice. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.


Nivel 1 - ESTÉ PREPARADO para evacuar significa:

• Esté consciente del peligro en su zona y manténgase informado. Consulte sitios de web locales de la cuidad y del condado, medios sociales, television y radio para actualizaciones. 
• Haga planes y prepárese para evacuar. Reúna suministros necesarios para salud, seguridad e identificación. Para mayor información, visite ReadyJackson
• Actúe temprano si es mayor de edad, tiene hijos, discapacidades, o acceso limitado a transportación. Considere mover mascotas y ganado temprano.
• Planifique posibles rutas de evacuación. Utilice TripCheck.com o llame al 511 para información de cierres de carretera.
• Si usted necesita un refugio de emergencia, llame al 211 o al 1-866-698-6155, visite 211info.org, o envié su código postal por texto al 898211. TTY: marque 711 y llame al 1-866-698-6155. Interpretes de idiomas están disponibles por teléfono. Mensajes por texto están disponibles Lunes - Viernes 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., en español e inglés. 
• Si puede hacerlo de manera segura, consulte con su vecinos y comparta información. Solicite ayuda si la necesita. Ofrezca ayuda si la puede dar.

Está puede ser la única notificación que reciba. Si usted se siente inseguro, no se espere para evacuar. Si las condiciones cambian, usted podrá recibir una notificación de evacuación Nivel 2 - ESTÉ LISTO o notificación de evacuación Nivel 3 - VAYASE AHORA. No necesita esperar a otra notificación de evacuación. Tome la mejor decisión para su seguridad.

Media Contact: 503-934-3310  |  licinfo@oem.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; color: rgb(0, 42, 92);" target="_blank">OEM_Publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov

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2026 Wildfire Awareness Month: Have a Plan, Build a Go-bag, Get Insured, Be Ready to Evacuate 

 

SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon is going to be a tinderbox this wildfire season. With counties across the state already declaring drought emergencies, we are heading into what will be one of the driest seasons in more than a decade. As a result, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is asking you to get ready now: 

1. Pack your go-bags 
2. Know your evacuation routes – have a plan 
3. Sign-up for emergency alerts 
4. Be prepared if cell service goes down 
5. Know the evacuation levels 
6. Make sure you have enough wildfire insurance – have a recovery plan 

Pack Your Go-bags 

A go-bag contains essential items you may need to take with you in a hurry. Each household member (human and animal) should have an easy-to-carry emergency bag:  

In an easy to pack tote: 

• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation) 
• Food:non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation) 

In individual backpacks: 

• Large bottle of water 
• Non-perishable snacks or meals ready to eat (MREs) 
• 7-day supply of medications (if possible) 
• A basic first aid kit
• Flashlight (hand-cranked or with extra batteries)  
• Back-up power cell (for charging your phone and electronics) 
• Extra charging cables 
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio(NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) 
• Extra clothing and personal items 
• Digital or printed copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.) 
• Multi-purpose tool 
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items 
• Printed copy of family and emergency contact information 
• If possible, extra cash 
• Emergency blanket
• Printed map(s) of the area (make sure everyone knows how to read them) 

Know Your Evacuation Routes – Have a Plan 

Create an evacuation plan and make sure everyone in the family knows what it is. Visit OEM’s Be2WeeksReady page to find tips on how to prepare for evacuation or shelter in place. OEM also offers a wildfire evacuation checklist at wildfire.oregon.gov/prepare. 

Your plan should include: 

• A list of emergency contacts (printed and in every go-bag) 
• A safe meeting place in case family members get separated 
• Multiple evacuation routes from home, work, or school. comcan help with this, but everyone should also know how to read a paper map and how to get to safety. 
• Transportation arrangements, including pets and livestock. 
• A discussion with loved ones, friends and neighbors to ensure everyone understands the plan. 

Individuals with disabilities should plan ahead for transportation, equipment and service animal needs. Visit the Red Cross for tailored resources. If you have special medical needs, make sheltering arrangements some place that can accommodate your needs, because not all standard shelters can. 

For pet and livestock evacuation planning, visit Ready.gov/pets. Prepare a pet emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, identification and medical records. Livestock owners should arrange transportation and shelter options in advance—resources are available at Oregon Department of Agriculture. 

Sign-up for Emergency Alerts   

Visit ORAlert.gov to sign-up to receive alerts based on your zip code. If you're already registered, take a moment to log in and update your contact information. Also, check your phone settings to ensure wireless emergency alerts are enabled. 

Know where to find local emergency information, such as your county’s emergency management website and TripCheck.com. Follow local emergency services on social media, including the sheriff’s office, fire agencies and city or county pages. 

Be Prepared If Cell Service Goes Down  

Have a back-up plan for how you will communicate if cell towers burn in your area. Developing a family PACE plan (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) is key to staying connected during a disaster. Many cell providers offer a Starlink add-on for a nominal fee, which allows your cell phone to access the internet and make web-based phone calls and texts, or send Facebook and WhatsApp messages even if you can’t connect to a cell tower.   

An example of a PACE plan for individuals: 

• Primary: Cell Phones 
• Alternate: Starlink service on your cell phone. 
• Contingency: Satellite communicators, separate from the satellite function on your phone (which prioritizes first-responder traffic) 
• Emergency: Short-range communication radios for talking to family, and a hand-cranked NOAA weather radio to receive alerts. 

Know the Evacuation Levels in Oregon 

Oregon uses a three-level evacuation system to keep residents informed and safe. Be familiar with “Be Ready, Be Set, Go Now!” notifications: 

1. Level One – BE READY (Green): Stay aware of the wildfire threat and get prepared. Pack your go-kit, check emergency contacts, and ensure those in vulnerable situations (older adults, children, individuals with disabilities, and livestock owners) are ready to evacuate if needed. 
2. Level Two – BE SET (Yellow): Be prepared to leave at any moment. This indicates significant wildfire danger. Voluntary evacuation is encouraged—especially for those needing extra time to relocate safely. 
3. Level Three – GO NOW! (Red): Evacuate immediately! This means extreme danger is present, and it is unsafe to remain in place. Emergency responders may not be able to assist further. Leave immediately without gathering belongings and check TripCheck.com or call 511 for evacuation routes. 

After evacuating, do not return until officials declare it safe. You can find additional wildfire preparedness resources at wildfire.oregon.gov. 

Make Sure You’re Insured – Have a Recovery Plan 

Finally, whether you rent or own, now is the time to make sure you have wildfire insurance and enough coverage to replace your house. If the worst happens, you will need to rely on insurance, savings, loans and donations to replace what was lost. Have a plan for how you will recover. Your standard renter’s or homeowners' policy doesn’t cover floods, landslides or wildfires. Talk to your agent to make sure you have the right kind and amount of insurance. 

• Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety – Wildfire Ready
• Division of Financial Regulation – Wildfires Insurance Resources
• Filing a homeowners claim after a fire(English) 
• Filing a homeowners claim after a fire(Spanish) 
• Division of Financial Regulation – Wildfires Messaging Toolkit

Additional Wildfire Preparedness Resources 

• OEM's Wildfire Alert Graphics
• OEM's Evacuation Level Graphics
• How to Talk About Wildfires
• Prevent Wildfires
• Stay Safe While Driving During Smokey Conditions
• Vehicles can cause wildfires so make sure yours doesn't 

On May 23, at about 0915 hours, Sean Washburn, a 59-year old male, confronted Grants Pass Police Officers at the corner of NE 6th and NE A Street. The officers were setting up barricades to secure the Boatnik Parade route.

 

Washburn demonstrated a strong hostility toward the parade and made other concerning statements. He then drove away in a reckless manner.

 

The officers securing the parade route coordinated with patrol officers to locate Washburn. His statements had caused alarm and the single most important task in the moment was to locate Washburn.

Within minutes, Washburn's car was located several blocks aaay. He was then located walking toward the parade in the area of SE 4th and SE J Street. He was immediately taken into custody and Grants Pass Police Detectives responded to help with the investigation.

 

Washburn was lodged at the jail on charges of Reckless Driving and Disorderly Conduct.

 

The investigation determined there was no further risk to the public. As with any major event, the Grants Pass Police Department took measures to protect the public. We have numerous meetings with the Active Club, Grants Pass Fire/Rescue, and all other stakeholders leading up to the parade. The goal is to have a safe and fun community event.

We would like to thank the Medford Police Department for their assistance in the Washburn arrest and securing the parade route.

 

FIRE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

The Fire Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Madison Mancuso at (971) 433-7899 or madison.mancuso@dpsst.oregon.gov.

 

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

 

Agenda Items:

 

1. Introductions

 

2. Approval of Minutes of February 25, 2026 Minutes

 

3. Discretionary Case Review Quick Sheet
    Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe

 

4. Gail F. Freer; DPSST No. 28436

Presented by Chantel Goettsch

 

5. Jakob K. Brandt; DPSST No. 40180

Presented by Chantel Goettsch

 

6. Logan M. Wigham; DPSST No. 38345

Presented by Chantel Goettsch

 

7. Fire Certification Review Task Force - Update

Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe

 

8. Agency Updates

 

9. Next Fire Policy Committee Meeting - August 26, 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 Police 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.

GRANT COUNTY, Ore. (22 May 2026) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking information regarding the killing of a collared wolf in Grant County.

 

On the morning of May 18, 2026, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife contacted Fish and Wildlife troopers regarding a mortality signal from a collared wolf from the Desolation Pack. ODFW and OSP responded to the scene and located the deceased male wolf which died from an apparent gunshot wound. The location of the deceased wolf was on public land adjacent to USFS Road 10, at Desolation Meadow. This location is approximately 3.25 miles northwest of Olive Lake. 

 

The preliminary investigation indicated the wolf was likely shot from the roadway sometime during the late evening of May 14, 2026, through the early morning hours of May 15, 2026.

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP Fish and Wildlife through the Turn In Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or by calling OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-160166. TIP reports may be anonymous.

 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

 

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

 

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

 

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

 

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

 

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

 

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

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

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

For more information visit the Oregon State Police Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) web page.

 

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About the Oregon State Police

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

SALEM, Ore. — The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) will meet at 10 a.m. on June 2 in the Tillamook Room, Building C, Oregon Department of Forestry at 2600 State Street in Salem. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Financial status of the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF)
• Weather update
• Executive report
• Administrative Branch report
• Status of large fire cost collection efforts
• Mitigation planning and implementation
• Status reports on EFCC work groups
• Protection Division report
• Administrator report

The meeting is open to the public to attend in-person or virtually via Teams. Public comments will be accepted near the end of the meeting. 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 503-881-8292 or by email at na.m.hobbs@odf.oregon.gov">lorna.m.hobbs@odf.oregon.gov.

 

The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) oversees the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF), established by the Oregon Legislature as a fund with the purpose of providing funds for fiscal year budgets of forest protection districts, investments in supplemental fire prevention, detection or suppression resources that enhance fire protection in the state and issuing loans to the Oregon Department of Forestry or forest protection associations that relate to wildfire costs. View more information on the EFCC webpage.

Effective May 22, 2026, Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) will enforce a closure on all open burning within District boundaries due to increasing fire danger and the onset of fire season conditions.

 

This closure applies to all areas within KCFD1’s jurisdiction, including the City of Klamath Falls and surrounding suburban and rural areas of the District.

 

Residents may view a detailed map of KCFD1 response areas by visiting:
https://kcfd1.com/fire-stations

 

Burn Closure Restrictions

 

The burn closure includes the following activities:

• All backyard and open debris burning, including branches, leaves, yard debris, and vegetation.
• Agricultural and commercial burning operations without a specifically approved non-typical burn permit issued by KCFD1.
• Land clearing, slash, waste, and debris burning operations.

Activities Allowed During the Burn Closure

 

The following activities are permitted during the closure period when conducted safely and in accordance with all applicable regulations:

 

Barbecues and Cooking Appliances

• Barbecues and cooking appliances used for food preparation are permitted.

Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplaces & Manufactured Fire Pits

 

The following regulations apply to commercially manufactured outdoor fireplaces and fire pits:

• Fires are prohibited during periods of high or extreme fire danger as declared by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
• Appliances must be commercially manufactured and operated according to manufacturer instructions.
• A safety screen is required.
• Only dry wood or charcoal briquettes may be burned.
• Fires shall not be operated within 15 feet of structures or combustible materials.
• Fires must be attended by an adult at all times and completely extinguished when unattended.

In-Ground Recreational Fire Pits

 

The following requirements apply to in-ground recreational fire pits:

• Fires are prohibited during periods of high or extreme fire danger as declared by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
• Only dry wood or charcoal briquettes may be burned.
• Maximum fire size shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
• Fires must be a minimum of 25 feet from structures or combustible materials.
• Safety screens are strongly encouraged and recommended.
• Fires must be attended by an adult at all times and completely extinguished when unattended.

KCFD1 reminds the public that outdoor fires in violation of this closure may be immediately extinguished by fire personnel.

 

Additionally, pursuant to Oregon law (ORS 478.965), any person responsible for a fire started or allowed to spread in willful violation of this burn closure may be held financially responsible for all associated suppression costs, including firefighting response, patrol operations, equipment use, and applicable legal expenses.

 

Importance of Safety Screens

 

One of the leading causes of escaped outdoor fires is embers or burning material being carried by the wind into nearby combustible vegetation or structures. Safety screens play a critical role in reducing this risk by containing embers and airborne burning debris.

 

Outdoor ambiance or warming fires may still be enjoyed with a screen in place. When cooking over an outdoor fire, the screen may be temporarily removed during cooking and immediately replaced afterward to help control sparks and embers.

 

As temperatures rise and vegetation continues to dry, even small fires can spread rapidly and threaten homes, property, and lives. KCFD1 asks all residents and visitors to remain vigilant, exercise caution with outdoor activities, and help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires throughout the community.

 

The public will be notified when burn restrictions are modified or lifted.

 

For additional information and updates, please visit:
https://kcfd1.com

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Lake Oswego, Oregon, man has been charged with sexually exploiting minor victims online and in person across multiple states and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

 

Alex Miller Eldridge, 36, has been charged by criminal complaint with sexual exploitation of children and possession and distribution of child pornography.

 

According to court documents, since May 2025, Eldridge used multiple online accounts to sexually exploit minors in multiple U.S. states and at least one foreign country. In December 2024, Eldridge flew from Hawaii to Pennsylvania to sexually abuse a minor victim he met on the Discord application. Eldridge recorded his sexual abuse of the minor victim and later sent those videos to multiple other minor victims.

 

Eldridge used the Discord and Session applications to engage in sexually themed chats with additional minor victims in 2025 and 2026. He directed one minor victim in Colorado and another in Greece to send him videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct, which he then threatened to distribute online. Discord also reported him for distributing multiple files of CSAM in November 2025.

 

Investigators executed a search warrant at Elridge’s home on May 20 and located additional evidence of sexual exploitation of minors and CSAM activity. Evidence found on Eldridge’s cell phone showed that he distributed CSAM on Discord the day before his arrest.

 

Eldridge made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge, who detained Eldridge pending further court proceedings.

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick is prosecuting the case.

 

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

 

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.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 www.justice.gov/psc.

 

# # #

Salem, Oregon – Twenty-six Oregon artists will access meaningful career development opportunities through the second round of 2026 Career Opportunity Program grants from the Oregon Arts Commission and The Ford Family Foundation.
 

Over $91,000 was awarded, including $46,665 from the Oregon Arts Commission for all artistic disciplines and $44,338 in supplemental funding for 12 established Oregon visual artists, visual arts writers and curators of visual arts through a partnership with The Ford Family Foundation’s Visual Arts Program. Grant funding received ranges from $1,041 to $7,000.
 

Career Opportunity grants support individual Oregon artists by enabling them to take advantage of timely opportunities that enhance their artistic careers. Most grants support the artists’ participation in residencies, exhibitions or performance opportunities.
 

"The creativity of Oregon artists and makers is so inspiring,” said Commission Vice Chair Jenny Stadler, who served as a panel chair. “I always look forward to learning more about the wonderful opportunities they are invited to participate in around the country and world."
 

“Artists are anchors of Oregon towns and cities,” said Kara Carlisle, president and CEO of The Ford Family Foundation. “By investing in artists’ research, training, dedicated work time and new exhibition opportunities, we’re not just amplifying their careers, we’re reinforcing the cultural fabric of our communities. We’re proud to join the Oregon Arts Commission in this shared commitment to impact.”

 

FY2026 Career Opportunity Program round two grant award recipients are:

 

Christian Burchard, Ashland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,664

To support the transportation of Burchard’s sculpture “Never Again II” from Ashland to the Wharton Esherick Museum in Paoli, Pennsylvania, for the exhibition “Breaking Ground.”

 

David Buckley Borden, Eugene

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $5,000

To support the creation of an immersive art installation about forest ecology for the upcoming exhibition “Lookout Landscape” at the World Forestry Center in Portland, opening in fall 2026.

 

Adrian Chavez, Medford

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $5,000

To support the creation of a new mural in downtown Phoenix, Oregon, celebrating local people, wildlife, and culture.

 

Srijon Chowdhury, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $5,000

To support the production and presentation of a new large-scale installation and paintings for Chowdhury’s upcoming exhibition at Converge 45 in Portland.

 

Teah Cory, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support the development of industry-level skills in stop-motion animation through an online intensive with Aardman, the studio behind “Wallace and Gromit.”

 

William Cravis, Sisters

The Ford Family Foundation $4,000

To support a 13-week residency at the European Ceramic Work Center in Oisterwijk, Netherlands.

 

Joel Fisher, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $5,000

To support the production of “Framework,” a solo exhibition in Los Angeles, including preparatory costs for printing, mounting, framing, and shipping.

 

Kristina Foley, McMinnville

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $4,000

To support Foley’s participation in the 2026 XTANT Leadership Program and Textile Marketplace, a community gathering to celebrate the art of craft in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

 

Heather Goodwind, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $1,655

To support a solo exhibition in Seattle, Washington, at LIC Gallery and participation in the Seattle Art Fair.

 

Marisa Grattan, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support Portland-based post-production finishing, color grading and delivery for Grattan’s approximately 20-minute documentary short film "ho‘oka‘awale / 疏离 (shūlí)."

 

Garrick Imatani, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $4,050

To support the creation of work for both a group exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine, as well as a monthlong artist residency in Mexico City that concludes with an exhibition.

 

Emilie Kelly, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,041

To support Kelly’s endeavors as a writer, illustrator and comics creator at the Alaska Robotics Comics Camp.

 

Charlie Kralin, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support the purchase of equipment and software to complete an experimental stop-motion film for a solo exhibition at the Pacific Northwest College of Art’s Cauduro Gallery in Portland.

 

Shawna Lipton, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support the completion of a nonfiction manuscript of literary criticism at the Literary Journalism Residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

 

Alexandra Lewis, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support the wider release of Lewis’s documentary “IROKO: Sacred Roots” through film festivals and in-person presentations.

 

Karina Lomelin Ripper, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support Mexican-American writer and director Ripper in attending the Latino Film Institute Inclusion Fellowship workshop: LALIFF Connect in Los Angeles.

 

William Morrow, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $2,500

To support travel and on-the-ground expenses to participate in the International Association of Curators of Contemporary Art Congress in Turin and Milan, Italy.

 

Andrew Myers, Albany

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support an artist residency at Centrum in Port Townsend, Washington, as well as a solo exhibition at Linfield University.

 

Celeste Noche, Portland

The Ford Family Foundation $4,000

To support travel and production costs during the Interlude Artist Residency in Livingston, New York– the first major residency dedicated exclusively to supporting artists with families.

 

Brian Parham, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $1,960

To support a series of live “RISE: The Legacy of Black Guitar Heroes in Rock & Metal” performances.

 

Aejoo Park, Beaverton

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support Naomi Dixon's opportunity to coach and perform with Ooh La La, a BIPOC and queer all-women improv team, at the London Improv Festival in London, England, May 21-24, 2026.

 

Sara Parker, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support the premiere of “The House of the Heart,” a full evening-length interdisciplinary dance work at A-WOL Dance Collective, marking the culmination of a three-year research arc.

 

Ido Radon, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $2,000

To support the production and presentation of a major installation in the 2026 Converge 45 triennial at the Center for Contemporary Art and Culture at the Pacific Northwest College of Art.

 

Aubrey Sloan, Willamina

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support “A Year and a Day,” a solo exhibition at Stark Street Studios and Gallery in Portland centering American working-class mothers through new ceramic works, invited collaborators, and public dialogue.

 

Mike Vos, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

The Ford Family Foundation $2,133

To support Vos’s first solo exhibition at Laura Vincent Design & Gallery in Portland of photographs and audio pieces made throughout Iceland.

 

Amber Whitehall, Portland

Oregon Arts Commission $2,000

To support Whitehall's refinement of the historic dance work “Trio A” by Yvonne Rainer.

 

                   

 

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, arts programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Commissioners appointed by the Governor establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. The Arts Commission is part of Business Oregon in recognition of the vital role the arts play in supporting the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state.
 

The Oregon Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at artscommission.oregon.gov and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

SALEM, Ore. — The Certified Burn Manager Advisory Committee will meet virtually at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 1. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Welcome, introductions, new members
• Updated charter review and chair election
• CBM website - Directory
• Public comment
• Training deliveries - Updates and feedback
• Briefing on certified CBMs and trainees
• CBM for cultural burning
• CBM rule revision suggestions
• Updates
  • National CPBM Forum
  • Liability Pilot Program
  • ODF Prescribed Fire Manual

The meeting is open to the public to attend virtually. There will be a period for public comment. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting y.berry@odf.oregon.gov">Shelby Berry at 503-949-5181.

 

View more information on the CBMAC webpage.

 

Oregon's 2021 Legislature passed Senate Bill 762 requiring the Oregon Department of Forestry to establish a Certified Burn Manager Program. It is the duty of the Certified Burn Manager Advisory Committee to advise the Oregon Department of Forestry on the program.

 

The following is a Memorial Day message by Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, Director, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

 

Memorial Day is among the most solemn days on our national calendar and in the hearts of millions of veterans and military families, this day is also personal.

 

It is not simply the beginning of summer or a long weekend. It is a national day earmarked for remembrance and a day for us — as a community, as Oregonians, and as Americans — to pause together and reflect on the extraordinary cost of the freedoms we enjoy every day.

 

Across generations, millions of men and women have answered the call to serve.

 

Too many never returned home.

 

Today, we remember and honor every life given in service to this nation.

 

Memorial Day grew out of the pain and loss of the Civil War — a conflict that deeply scarred our young nation and forever changed countless families.

 

In the years that followed, families and communities continued to gather in cemeteries to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, ribbons, and flags. They came not as part of a national holiday, but as grieving parents, spouses, children, friends, and community determined to ensure those who died for this nation would never be forgotten.

 

Those humble acts of remembrance became what was first known as Decoration Day - the foundation of what we now observe as Memorial Day.

 

And nearly 160 years later, we continue that same tradition of honoring and remembering.

 

We gather to remember those who gave their lives in service to this nation and to honor not only the fallen, but also those still missing in action and the families who continue carrying the enduring weight of that loss.

 

More than 81,000 Americans remain missing in action from conflicts dating back to World War II. For many families, remembrance carries not only grief, but decades of unanswered questions and enduring hope.

 

Their absence reminds us that remembrance is not passive.

 

It requires acts.

 

And here in Oregon, we continue to demonstrate that commitment in visible and meaningful ways.

 

In 2015, Oregon law established that the POW/MIA flag be displayed in a place of honor alongside the United States and Oregon state flags at public buildings across our state. Two years later, that commitment was expanded to ensure the POW/MIA flag would continue flying indefinitely at public buildings, including public schools.

 

The POW/MIA flag serves as a reminder that our nation and our state will never forget those who have died in service to this nation and those who remain missing.

 

Today, more than 260,000 veterans call Oregon home. Many still carry the visible and invisible burdens of service. Some continue grieving brothers and sisters in arms lost decades ago. And military families across our communities continue carrying the weight of sacrifice every single day.

 

That is why Memorial Day is still observed today. Not simply as a tradition, but as a civic responsibility. A responsibility to remember the lives behind the names. To preserve their stories. To teach future generations the true cost of freedom.

 

As communities across Oregon gather this Memorial Day, I hope each of us takes a quiet moment to reflect on those who never returned home and on the families who continue carrying that loss forward.

 

May we honor them not only with ceremonies and words, but through service to one another, compassion for veterans and military families, and a continued commitment to building a nation worthy of their sacrifice.

 

Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels is a proud U.S. Army veteran and the Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA), overseeing services for more than 260,000 veterans.

Oregon’s waterways are therapeutic, no matter the activity. For mental health, physical fitness, angling, and spending time with friends and family. That is why recreational boating is one of the best ways to create memories. The Oregon State Marine Board advocates that all boaters be aware of their surroundings while on the water, have all the required safety gear, and ensure others know their recreation plans in case of an incident.
 

“Part of the boating experience is planning ahead, preparation of all the necessary gear, and ensuring your boat is ready for the water,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Manager for the Oregon State Marine Board. “And most importantly, wearing a properly fitted life jacket while boating should be at the top of everyone’s minds.”

 

The Marine Board has many resources to help boaters have a safe and enjoyable experience on all of Oregon’s waterways. The agency advises boaters to take the time to plan, including learning how to use the Marine Board’s interactive Boat Oregon Online Map. The map displays public boat ramps, local rules for boat operations and other information about a facility, like the facility owner and amenities. Make sure to check the weather forecast, water levels, and tides. Additionally, see if there are any reported waterway obstructions using the agency’s obstructions dashboard map. Boaters can also check the Marine Board’s website to find out what equipment is required based on the size and type of boat.

 

The Marine Board would like to remind ALL boaters and their passengers to:

• Boat Sober. Abstain from consuming marijuana, drugs, or alcohol, which impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination and contribute to dehydration. Boating demands sharp situational awareness. Pay attention to your surroundings and enlist the help of passengers to keep a lookout as well.
   
• All children 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket when underway on all boats (motorized and non-motorized). All boaters operating in Class III and higher-rated whitewater rivers are required to wear a life jacket.
   
• Be courteous to other boaters and share the waterway. Stage your gear in the parking lot or staging area regardless of your boat type. This makes launching faster and everyone around you happier.
   
• In Oregon, all motorboat operators with propulsion greater than 10 horsepower must take a boating safety course and carry a boating safety education card when operating the boat. Paddlers of non-motorized boats (kayaks, canoes, rafts, stand up paddleboards and their inflatable versions) are required to purchase a Waterway Access Permit. The Marine Board also offers a free, online Paddling Course (also available in Spanish) for boaters new to paddling activities.
   
• Fill out a float plan and leave it with friends and family. This way, they can call for help if you are overdue.

This information and more can be found at Boat.Oregon.gov. Use the search bar for the fastest content results.

 

May is traditionally the month recreational boating starts to pick up. Governor Kotek acknowledges how vital boating safety outreach is for educating visitors and Oregonians about safe boating and water recreation practices, aiming to decrease preventable deaths. May 16-22, 2026, has officially been proclaimed National Safe Boating Week.

 

The agency also invites boating and water enthusiasts to check out its “Welcome to the Water” flagship video, showing Oregon’s abundance and diversity of boating opportunities around the state.

 

-End-

EUGENE, Ore.— A Coos Bay, Oregon, man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court for causing a child to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM), attempting to cause an adult to produce CSAM with his minor child, and distributing CSAM to others.

 

Thomas Owen Barnett, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. 

 

According to court documents, between September and December 2023, Barnett encouraged a minor victim to create and send him CSAM.  In September 2024, Barnett distributed CSAM of that minor victim on Kik, an online chat platform, and sought money in exchange. The same month, Barnett posed as the minor victim online and asked a man in a foreign nation to make and send him CSAM depicting the man’s very young child.

 

On February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a four-count indictment charging Barnett with sexual exploitation of a child, attempted sexual exploitation of a child, as well as possession and distribution of child pornography.

 

Barnett faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a supervised release term of five years to life. He will be sentenced on September 1, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge. Additionally, Barnett has agreed to pay restitution to the victim and forfeit certain property. 

 

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

 

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the North Bend Police Department and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is 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 as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

 

# # #

EUGENE, Ore.— Two Colombian nationals unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty in federal court for their roles in a multi-state burglary conspiracy that targeted Asian American small business owners in Oregon and Washington.

 

Derinson Martinez-Grandas, 34, and Steven Alexander Quiroga-Solano, 27, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods.

 

According to court documents, in early October 2025, Martinez-Grandas, Quiroga-Solano, and their co-conspirators burglarized four homes belonging to victims in multiple states, including Oregon and Washington.

 

Martinez-Grandas, Quiroga-Solano, and their co-conspirators traveled state to state and targeted homes for burglary by performing internet research on potential Asian American targets. They stayed in short-term rentals and identified and surveilled potential burglary victims, all Asian American small business owners, and then performed reconnaissance on the victims’ residences.

 

When they carried out the burglaries, the defendants employed signal jamming technology, perimeter countersurveillance, and communicated on seven-way group calls. They entered their victims’ homes by shattering glass doors. Once inside, they ransacked residences, stealing United States and foreign currency, jewelry, designer handbags, purses, wallets, travel documents, and other valuables. After the burglaries, the crew returned to their short-term rental to package the proceeds for transport, transfer, or transmittal.

 

Following a burglary in Salem, detectives learned that the defendants returned to their rental in Eugene and executed a search warrant at the rental that night. Investigators recovered money and property, believed to be stolen from the various residences, more than a dozen cell phones, believed to be used by the burglary crew, evidence of money wires to Bogota, Colombia, and various Colombian travel documentation, including passports. They also located commercial-grade Wi-Fi signal jammers that were plugged in and charging following their suspected use during the burglary that day.

 

A search of their devices revealed additional evidence of the conspiracy, including sending and receiving coordinates for the houses they burglarized, surveillance communications, and shared messages highlighting the burglary targets from the preceding days.

 

For instance, Quiroga-Solano researched Chinese restaurants two days before the burglary crew victimized a family owning a Chinese restaurant. He was in the vicinity of a victim’s home in Gresham the night before it was burglarized, which authorities believe was in preparation for the following day’s burglary. Martinez-Grandas secured short term rentals for the crew in Auburn and Eugene and mapped the address of the Salem home on the day of that burglary. Both Martinez-Grandas and Quiroga-Solano returned to the Eugene rental to package stolen property the night of the Salem burglary.

 

Martinez-Grandas and Quiroga-Solano each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. They will be sentenced on July 14, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eugene Police Department with assistance from the Salem Police Department, the Auburn Police Department, and the Gresham Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren.

 

# # #

Salem, OR – State Chief Economist Carl Riccadonna and Senior Economist Michael Kennedy presented the latest economic outlook and revenue forecast to the Senate Interim Committee on Finance and Revenue, and House Interim Committee on Revenue on Wednesday, May 20. 

What is different about this forecast?

At the beginning of the year, many economists forecasted the U.S. economy to grow faster in 2026 than it did in 2025. Stronger growth was expected to help improve a stagnant national labor market. However, tensions in the Middle East resulted in a severe energy price increase that is putting strain on consumers and businesses. As a result, economic growth forecasts for 2026 have been downgraded.

From a revenue perspective, ongoing financial market gains and resilient corporate profit trends are offsetting employment-related weakness.

 

Revenue Forecast

This quarter’s General Fund revenue forecast is now projected to be $345 million higher than the prior forecast. The increase is due to the Legislature’s action during the 2026 legislative session, which includes disconnecting from various provisions of the 2025 federal tax cuts (H.R. 1). These actions made up for some unexpected weakness in the economy and tax receipts to date. Without these actions, the forecast would have been down by $23 million.

About the Office of Economic Analysis

The state chief economist oversees the Office of Economic Analysis, within the Department of Administrative Services, and provides objective forecasts of the state’s economy, revenue, populations, corrections population and Youth Authority population. These forecasts are used across state government, and by the public for a variety of reasons, notably to inform the state budgeting process. For more information about the Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) and recent forecasts, visit the OEA website. 

 

###

 

For Immediate Release: May 20, 2026

Media Contacts: 

umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist, (971) 301-3771

Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. PT

David Cooke, Economist, (971) 375-5288

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was Unchanged at 5.2% in April

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in each of the first four months of 2026. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.3% in both March and April.

 

In April, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 500 jobs, following a loss of 4,300 jobs, as revised, in March. April’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,900 jobs) and construction (+800). Losses were largest in professional and business services (-1,000 jobs); financial activities (-900); and retail trade (-800).

 

Health care and social assistance grew rapidly in the past 12 months, adding 12,500 jobs, or 4.0%. During the past four years, the sector grew rapidly and consistently, adding a total of 58,100 jobs, or 21.7%, since April 2022. In the past 12 months, each of its component industries grew quickly: social assistance (+5,500 jobs, or 6.6%); nursing and residential care facilities (+2,800 jobs, or 4.7%); ambulatory health care services (+2,500 jobs, or 2.3%); and hospitals (+800 jobs, or 1.2%).

 

Professional and business services continued to shed jobs at a pace similar to the past three years. This major industry cut 9,300 jobs, or 3.6%, in the past 12 months. Losses were large in each of its three component industries: administrative and waste services (-4,300 jobs, or -4.4%); professional and technical services (-3,200 jobs, or -2.9%); and management of companies and enterprises (-1,800 jobs, or -3.7%).

 

Manufacturing employment dropped 400 jobs in April, following steep losses over the prior three years. In the past 12 months, durable goods manufacturing cut 5,500 jobs, or 4.4%, while nondurable goods manufacturing cut 1,500 jobs, or 2.7%.

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the April county and metropolitan area unemployment and jobs data on Wednesday, May 27, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for May on Wednesday, June 17. 

About Workforce and Economic Research

The Workforce and Economic Research Division of the Oregon Employment Department develops and distributes quality economic and workforce information to help Oregonians make informed decisions and support a thriving economy. Staff collect data from state and federal records and surveys; analyze the available information; and share insights with the public in a variety of ways, including regular reports, publications, and the website, QualityInfo.org.

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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

 

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

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SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3. The meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. The meeting is open to the public and will also be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel.

 

The board’s business agenda includes:

• Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan
• Forest Protection Association Budget
• Rangeland Fire Protection Association Budget

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage.

 

Signing up for live testimony is required. Instructions are available online. Written testimony will also be accepted. Written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day by mail to the Board Support Office, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310 or email to oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. Please include the appropriate agenda item and topic with the submission.

 

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-302-6344 or by email at oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov" target="_blank">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. 

 

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. Learn more about the board.

(SALEM, Ore.) – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) is offering digital 12-month parking permits starting May 21. For the same price as a physical parking permit – $60 for in-state residents and $75 for out-of-state residents – you can always have your parking permit with you.

 

“The digital parking permit check one more item off your packing list,” said Deputy Director JR Collier. “This is a modern, convenient and accessible way to visit Oregon’s state parks.”

 

Both daily and 12-month digital parking permits will be available on the Oregon State Parks website starting May 21. Some parks also have signs with QR codes that link to the website. Digital permits can also be ordered by phone at 1-800-452-5687. The phone line is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

 

You can register up to two license plates under your 12-month digital parking permit. No proof of permit is required to park; your registered license plate is your permit. These permits are good for 365 days from the purchase date at all Oregon State Park day-use parking lots. You will get a reminder by email 30 days before the permit expires.

 

If you’ve already purchased a physical 12-month parking permit, it is still valid until it expires. You cannot exchange a physical permit for a digital one.

 

Learn more about getting a digital parking permit online.

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About OPRD

 

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s mission is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. The department houses the State Historic Preservation Office and manages Heritage Programs, the state’s ATV Program, Recreation Grants and Community Programs, and Oregon State Parks.

 

 

 

 

 

What:

 

The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence through three public events across Oregon in 2026. The events foster a deeper appreciation of our nation’s past, the beauty and value of public lands, and the work it takes to sustain the health and productivity of these lands for the use and enjoyment of generations to come.

 

The events are part of the national Freedom 250 commemoration and also recognize the BLM’s 80th anniversary of public land stewardship.

 

Media interviews and on-site visuals will be available at all three events.

Featured Freedom 250 Events:

 

1. Oregon Trail Days – Baker City, Ore.

 

When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT

 

Where: Geiser-Pollman Park, Baker City, Ore.

The signature Freedom 250 event for BLM Oregon/Washington, Oregon Trail Days transforms Geiser-Pollman Park into an immersive Oregon Trail experience featuring wagon rides, storytelling, live demonstrations, music, crafts, and games.
 

The free, family-friendly celebration highlights the role public lands play in preserving the landscapes and stories tied to America’s westward expansion. Additional programming will also take place at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center throughout the weekend.

 

2. Wood River Wetland Volunteer Day – Near Klamath Falls, Ore.

 

When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT

 

Where: Wood River Wetland, approximately 30 miles north of Klamath Falls, Ore.

 

This Freedom 250 volunteer event invites the community to assist with invasive weed removal and restoration work on public lands.

The event highlights the continued role Americans play in caring for public lands through volunteerism and stewardship.

 

3. Victorian Holiday Celebration – Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

 

When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT

 

Where: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, near Newport, Ore.

This coastal Freedom 250 event connects visitors to Oregon’s maritime history through a Victorian-themed holiday celebration at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

 

Activities may include caroling, historical parlor games, ornament crafts, interpretive storytelling, and live music.

 

Why:

 

As a dedicated custodian of America’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington proudly celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence with the nation.

 

From iconic landmarks like Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area to the historic Oregon Trail, BLM-administered public lands represent the spirit of the nation’s foundational principles. These events honor stories of exploration, resilience, stewardship, and public service woven throughout America’s history.

 

RSVP:

Media interested in attending any Freedom 250 event should contact Samantha Ducker at LM_OR_WA_Press@blm.gov">BLM_OR_WA_Press@blm.gov 

 

-BLM-

 

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

 

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27 at the WorkSource Oregon – Pendleton Classroom, 408 SE 7th St., Pendleton. To join 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:

• Agency updates
• Abandoned roads inventory
• Forest Practices Technical Guidance update
• Fish survey protocol
• Perennial stream model development
• Committee discussion topics

The public may attend in-person or 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 estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@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.

 

 

 

UPDATE: 5/19/26 10:30AM - DAMEIAN HAS BEEN LOCATED SAFELY.

 

 

CASE: 26-13225

NAME: Dameian Ray

AGE: 14

SEX: Male

RACE: Caucasian

HEIGHT: 5'11"

WEIGHT: 120

HAIR: Brown

EYES: Brown

 

INFORMATION: Dameian left his home in the Murphy area on May 3rd, 2026, at midnight. Dameian was wearing sweats and a sweater; he is also known to always wear a hat.

 

Please call the Josephine County Sheriff's Office with any information, 541-474-5123.

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SUB-COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Investigator Sub-Committee of the Private Security/Investigators Policy Committee for the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

 

The meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

 

Amended Agenda Items:

 

1. Introductions

 

2. Approve the February 17, 2026, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Private Investigator Summit Survey Results

Presented by Suzy Herring

 

4. Agency Update

 

5. Round Table

 

6. Next Scheduled Meeting - TBD

 

Administrative Announcement

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

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal finalized Oregon’s defensible space model code, completing a multi-year effort directed by the Oregon Legislature to give communities clear, research-based guidelines for increasing wildfire resiliency. The code is available for voluntary adoption by cities, counties, and fire agencies.

 

The model code outlines straightforward steps property owners can take to create and maintain defensible space. Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home and the surrounding grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area. Proper defensible space can slow or stop the spread of wildfire and help protect your home.

 

These practices include maintaining a five-foot noncombustible zone next to structures, clearing dead vegetation, spacing trees appropriately, and removing ladder fuels that can carry flames from the ground into tree canopies.

 

What the Model Code Does

• Gives Oregonians a consistent and practical approach for reducing wildfire dangers around homes, businesses, and communities.  
• Provides Oregon‑specific guidance, such as how to space trees, remove dead vegetation, and maintain landscaping to slow the spread of fire.
• Uses nationally recognized wildfire safety standards as its foundation, ensuring the guidance is reliable and based on established best practices.

With wildfires affecting more communities across Oregon each year, the defensible space model code gives practical tools to support community preparedness.

 

Jurisdictions considering adoption of the model defensible space code will notify the OSFM using the notification form at defensiblespace.oregon.gov. More technical guidance is available from the OSFM upon request.

 

The OSFM offers free defensible space assessments to all Oregonian homeowners, renters, and businesses. These assessments are advisory only and offer customized defensible space recommendations to your home or business by the OSFM or your local fire agency.

 

For more information about defensible space and wildfire preparedness, or to request a free defensible space home assessment visit defensiblespace.oregon.gov and preventwildfires.oregon.gov. 

 

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal

 

The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The Oregon State Fire Marshal works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

 

 

BEND, OR — From canvas to photographs to sculptures, the annual Art in the West exhibition and online auction features the very best of art inspired by the High Desert. On Saturday, July 18, the High Desert Museum will unveil this year’s Art in the West exhibition featuring a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary artworks.

 

The exhibition celebrates the people, wildlife, landscapes, cultures and history of the region that stretches from the eastern slope of the Cascades and the Sierra to the Rockies. 

 

“The diverse artistry that continues to captivate our community in this exhibition, and the 2026 Art in the West collection in particular, is exceptional,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “These pieces reveal fresh, unique perspectives of the High Desert, challenging us to see the region's landscapes and cultures through a modern lens and deepening our collective appreciation for the West.”

 

Visitors to the Museum will be awed by the vast array of artworks ranging from landscapes to abstracts to baskets and photographs. Two artists’ works are recognized each year as part of the exhibition, one as Jury’s Choice and another as Curator’s Choice. 

 

The 2026 Jury’s Choice winner is Peter Dawson’s Infinity #3363, Eastern Oregon, a captivating and dramatic photograph of an expansive western sky above a stark High Desert landscape. Dawson is a photographer of the American West. His work has been featured at Modern West Fine Art in Salt Lake City, Utah, and The Oregon Center for Photographic Arts in Portland. His signature style has attracted commercial clients like Land Rover, Subaru, and Nike, as well as editorial features in The New York Times Magazine.

 

Growing up in Seattle, he became the self-assigned documentarian of every Dawson family adventure, captivated by the unique character of new places and people. He later honed his craft at Brooks Institute of Photography and now lives in Eugene, Oregon.

 

Natalie Kirk (Warm Springs) was taught basketry by master weaver and Warm Springs resident, Eraina Palmer. Both women worked together at The Museum at Warm Springs. Kirk’s work, Yamash in Thunderbird of Nch'I Wana, is the 2026 Curator’s Choice award winner. Made of yarn, smoked elk hide and seed beads, the colorful basket depicts the thunderbird against a bright blue sky. Kirk holds various awards for her basketry including Judges Choice awards for the years 2000 and 2026. She considers herself a contemporary weaver and artist, with her baskets included in collections at The Hallie Ford Museum in Salem, Oregon and The Autry Museum in Los Angeles, California. Kirk has taught basketry to many eager students throughout her years.

 

Those artists are just the tip of the iceberg, though. The 2026 exhibition boasts nearly 130 pieces crafted by acclaimed painters, sculptors, photographers and more, hailing from across the country.

 

Visitors and art enthusiasts can look forward to seeing works by national artists such as Arturo Garcia and local favorites like Judy Hoiness, Taylor Manoles, and Stuart Breidenstein. Garcia’s Nine Chiefs oil on canvas is a testament to the artist’s love for color, giving a unique perspective on both the subject and his preference to create depth to figures by applying layers of paint using palette knives. Manoles’ oil painting, Assurance, depicts a peaceful sunset over a dark forest, bright oranges and yellows blending into the blue of night.

 

Another artist returns to the Museum for Art in the West. Frank Buffalo Hyde’s GLHF - How the west was won #2 (acrylic on canvas) continues the renowned Indigenous artist’s use of color and graphic style to blend modern reality with Indigenous history. Boise, Idaho artist Miguel Almeida, whose exhibition Las Manos que dan de Comer (The Hands That Feed) is on view at the Museum, shares two pieces in Art in the West, both with his signature style of bright and bold colors inspired by his Mexican roots.

 

The entire 2026 collection will be on exhibit at the High Desert Museum and available for viewing through the Museum’s online auction page at highdesertmuseum.org/aiw. The 2026 Gallery Guide will go live beginning Monday, July 13, and online bidding will start on July 18 at 9:00 am, with the opportunity to purchase artwork outright. The auction is exclusively online, and shipping is available.  

 

The bidding concludes and the exhibition closes on Friday, October 2, at the Art in the West Closing Party at the Museum. Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with participating artists, watch live demonstrations and enjoy food and libations. The event begins at 6:00 pm and the auction closes at 7:00 pm. Register today at highdesertmuseum.org/events/aiw-closing-party-2026.

 

Art in the West is made possible by Western Art Collector and American Art Collector magazines and Campfire Hotel, with support from High Desert Frameworks, 1859 Magazine and Willamette Valley Vineyards.  

 

 

 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:  

The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2025 recipient of the Autry Public History Prize from the Western History Association and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.  

 

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