PORTLAND, Ore.—A Washington man was sentenced to federal prison today for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and endangering the welfare of a minor.

Guadalupe Escamilla, 63, was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and 12 months in custody and one year of supervised release for endangering the welfare of a minor, to be served concurrently.

According to court documents, in December 2023, Escamilla transported a minor victim from Washington to Oregon and checked into a hotel room with her at the Wildhorse Resort and Casino on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). On December 4, 2023, the Umatilla Tribal Police Department found drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine on the minor victim. The minor victim reported that Escamilla told her to hold onto the drugs. An additional search of her belongings revealed two small bags of rainbow-colored fentanyl pills, also attributable to Escamilla. Officers also found approximately 95 gross grams of methamphetamine in the hotel room that Escamilla and the minor victim were staying in.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant on Escamilla’s Facebook account and phone, finding numerous messages involving selling fentanyl and methamphetamine in Eastern Oregon and Washington.

On April 8, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Escamilla with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

On September 10, 2025, Escamilla pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and endangering the welfare of a minor.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Umatilla Tribal Police Department with assistance from the CTUIR Department of Children and Family Services and the CTUIR Tribal Prosecutor Victim and Witness Assistance Program. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady A. Adams.

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SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has virtually activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) to Level 3 – Regional Response as of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in response to an incoming atmospheric river expected to bring heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and increased landslide risk across western Oregon. The ECC will be supported with representatives from key state agencies to ensure streamlined communication, coordination, and resource support for impacted communities. 

Flood Watch and Landslide Risk Across Western Oregon 

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through Thursday night for multiple counties, including Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill. The heaviest rainfall is expected Thursday and Friday, with conditions shifting south over the weekend. Saturated soils and steep terrain, especially in areas recently affected by wildfires, may lead to landslides and debris flows. This will be accompanied by high wind gusts along the coast, in the coastal mountains and some inland areas. 

Stay alert and take precautions: Turn Around, Don’t Drown 

• Be aware of limbs that may have come loose in the windstorm and be cautious of falling branches. Make sure outdoor furniture and decor is secured. 
• Listen for unusual sounds such as cracking trees or rumbling rocks. 
• Watch for sudden changes in water flow or color. 
• Travel cautiously, especially at night. Assume roads may be compromised. 
• Do NOT drive or walk through flood waters. There are unseen hazards like open storm drains and metal debris, and cars can be swept away in even a few inches of water. 
• Understand the additional burn scar risks. 
• The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office urges you to be careful using alternative power sources during power outages. 

Stay Informed 

OEM also reminds Oregonians to prepare for future flooding and landslide risks: 

• Sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov and ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on mobile devices. 
• Stay alert to changing conditions. Monitor weather updates via radio, TV, or weather.gov/pqr. 
• Create and review your evacuation plan and understand the evacuation levels (1. Be Ready, 2. Be Set, 3. GO NOW!). 
• Stay informed through trusted sources like local emergency managers, county sheriffs’ offices, and public land agencies. 
• Check road conditions at TripCheck.com or by calling 511.  
• Check out OEM’s Real-time Assessment and Planning Tool for Oregon (RAPTOR) and GIS to see up to the minute hazard updates. 
• See flooding inundation maps for your area on the NOAA website. 

Stay Connected 

Sign up to receive the latest updates from OEM and explore preparedness tips, including how to Be 2 Weeks Ready for any disaster, at Oregon.gov/OEM.

MEDFORD, Ore.—An Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison today for embezzling more than $250,000 from her employer and evading over $50,000 in federal taxes.  

Notja Michelle Brower, 53, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $310,106 in restitution to her victims.

According to court documents, in July 2018, Victim Business 1 (VB1) hired Brower as a bookkeeper and office manager. Within one month of her hire, Ms. Brower began defrauding VB1 by issuing herself unauthorized company checks and pocketing thousands of dollars in cash payments. She then altered VB1’s business records to conceal her thefts as business expenses and payroll draws. Brower also fraudulently opened a credit card in the personal name of a VB1 owner and used that card to purchase over $20,000 in travel, casino, restaurant, and exotic car rental expenses. Brower then made payments to that credit card using VB1’s business checking account.

Also, for tax years 2018 and 2019, Brower willfully failed to report the embezzled funds as income, resulting in over $250,000 in unreported income and a total tax due and owing of $57,705.

On April 4, 2024, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a twelve-count indictment charging Brower with bank fraud, wire fraud, unauthorized use of an access device, aggravated identity theft, and tax evasion.  

On March 10, 2025, Brower pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of tax evasion.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and Medford Police Department. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.  

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Klamath County, Ore. (Dec. 17, 2025)- On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 6:40 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 255, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Chevrolet Silverado 2500, operated by Gordon Travis Gilmer (37) of Sacramento (CA), lost control, entered the northbound lane, and struck a Toyota Hilux, operated by Triston Charles Morrow (26) of Chiloquin, head-on.

The operator of the Toyota (Morrow) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Gilmer) and passenger, Christian Octavio Rodriguez (28) of Rosamond (CA), suffered reported minor injuries. A second passenger of the Chevrolet, James Devon Cozart Jr. (19) of Rancho Cordova (CA) was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by Chiloquin 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.

A Tualatin company intentionally kept a faulty system in place for storing raw materials, exposing employees to struck-by and crushing hazards, an inspection by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has found.

Avalon International Aluminum, a maker of metal door and window framing, willfully violated a safety rule by refusing to follow the installation and maintenance requirements set by the manufacturer of its industrial storage racks.

The decision allowed hundreds of pounds of raw materials to sit atop unanchored cantilever storage racks, some with damaged or upside-down baseplates, rising as high as 18 feet. The situation left employees, who reached the raw materials by hand and forklift, exposed to potential bodily harm.

Oregon OSHA issued a citation to the company for two violations: one “willful,” involving the storage racks, and the other “serious,” for failing to guard a belt sander at a nip point where hands and fingers could get mangled or cut off. The violations amounted to a total penalty of $28,478. The company remains under an order by Oregon OSHA to correct the willful violation. During the inspection, the company corrected the belt sander violation.

A willful violation occurs when an employer knowingly violates a workplace safety or health requirement. It is a type of violation rarely cited by Oregon OSHA.

“Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, employers are responsible for understanding and following the safety and health requirements that apply to their industries,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “To knowingly disregard those requirements can only be described one way: inexcusable.”

A complaint prompted Oregon OSHA to open the inspection of Avalon International Aluminum. Oregon OSHA completed its inspection in November. The division’s examination of the company’s operations included interviews with employer representatives and employees, conversations with a manufacturer of the storage racks, walk-throughs of the company’s warehouses, measurements, and photo documentation. Among the findings: an estimated 40 baseplates for the storage racks were unanchored to the concrete floor; an estimated four baseplates were damaged; and an estimated three baseplates were installed upside down.

Employers have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal. Avalon International Aluminum filed an appeal of its citation. Oregon workers have a right to safe and healthy working conditions. They have a right to speak up when those conditions are lacking or absent. Employers must create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces. Oregon OSHA offers nonenforcement resources to employers that want help with improvements or that have questions about requirements:

Consultation services – provides free help with safety and health programs including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Field offices
• Online
• Email: consult.web@dcbs.oregon.gov

Technical staff – helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites

• Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
• Online
• Email: tech.web@dcbs.oregon.gov

Oregon OSHA also offers free online training services and publications in English and Spanish, and key information for workers and employers.

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Deschutes County, Ore. (Dec. 17, 2025)- On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 5:34 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a four-vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 127, in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Chrysler Pacifica, operated by William Longhway Sargent (79) of Bend, crossed into the northbound lanes for unknown reasons and sideswiped a northbound Landrover Range Rover, operated by John Bowman Browning III (18) of Redmond, and a Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by Joseph Anthony Russo (25) of Terrebonne, before striking a northbound Freightliner commercial motor vehilce and trailer, operated by Johnny Edward Jantzen Jr. (61) of Red Bluff (CA), head-on. 

The operator of the Chrysler (Sargent) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Landrover (Browning III), Chevrolet (Russo), and Freightliner (Jantzen Jr.) were reportedly uninjured.

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

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

# # #

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

Josephine County, Ore. (Dec. 17, 2025)- On Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11:53 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 199, near milepost 9, in Josephine County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Ford Econoline, operated by Dakota Mcleod Palmer (27) of Ashland, lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway, and struck a utility pole. 

The operator of the vehicle (Palmer) was transported to an area hospital with reported minor injuries.

A passenger of the vehicle, Kyle Dewayne King (50) of Elgin (TX), was declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Rural Metro Fire Department, and ODOT.

# # #

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

PR 16-25                                                           

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

CONTACT: Kevin Wingert, 971-207-8390

BPA responding to widespread weather-related outages
Region-wide weather system posing challenges on lower-voltage BPA lines, utility distribution lines

Portland, Ore. – Bonneville Power Administration experienced over 40 transmission outages across its service territory due to extreme weather experienced in the early morning of Dec. 17.

Bonneville crews are at various stages of identifying outage causes and making repairs as needed with several points of delivery serving BPA’s utility customers out of service.

On Tuesday night, a strong cold front collided with much warmer than average air, resulting in widespread gusty winds that coupled with already saturated soils and trees.

Impacts to BPA’s electric grid were mostly felt in lower voltage ranges of 115-kilovolt lines and below. BPA crews are responding to outages across our service territory, with a heightened focus on outages impacting communities along the Oregon northern coast and southwestern Washington, including Driscoll, Astoria, Tillamook and Forest Grove. BPA is working in conjunction with PacifiCorp and local impacted utilities such as Wahkiakum Public Utility District, Tillamook People's Utility District, City of Forest Grove, Western Electric Co-op and others.

BPA crews have identified numerous off-right-of-way trees in both transmission and distribution lines across our service territory.

To enable as many resources and crews as possible in response to this event, BPA suspended all non-critical, life-safety related maintenance outages across its service territory. Additionally, any lines that were out of service for routine maintenance were returned to service to ensure transmission capacity and availability to reroute power as needed.

Many of BPA’s customer utilities are experiencing significant impacts on their own distribution systems, and BPA is actively working through mutual assistance aid agreements to provide help where needed.

About BPA: BPA is a federal non-profit power marketing administration that delivers reliable, affordable and carbon-free hydropower produced in the Columbia River Basin to communities across the Northwest. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage transmission lines and administers one of the largest, most comprehensive fish and wildlife conservation programs in the United States. More information about these and other activities is available on our Media Relations page.

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Columbia County, Ore (Dec. 17, 2025)- On Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11:42 P.M., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 47, near milepost 58, in Columbia County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Dodge Ram, operated by Todd Alan McCarthy (60) of Vernonia, left the roadway for unknown reasons, struck a utility pole and trees before coming to a rest off the roadway.

The operator of the Dodge (McCarthy) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Vernonia Police Depertment, Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Vernonia Fire Department, and ODOT.

# # #

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

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon fire service, road crews, and power companies are busy cleaning up after a strong windstorm that swept across the Pacific Northwest. The storm knocked out power to thousands of Oregonians. The Oregon State Fire Marshal would like to remind everyone of the danger of carbon monoxide when heating or temporarily powering your home. The deadly gas can build up quickly in your home.

“Carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless and tasteless gas produced by generators, propane heaters, and other carbon burning sources,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Having working carbon monoxide alarms in your home and taking a few simple steps can mean the difference between life and death.”

Carbon monoxide safety tips:

• Only use heaters intended for indoor use.
• Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home.
• Always use generators outdoors in a well-ventilated space, at least 20 feet from any building or opening.
• Ensure proper ventilation for all fuel-burning appliances, including fireplaces, water heaters, furnaces, and dryers.
• Keep vents and chimneys clear of debris and check for any gaps, leaks, or rust.
• Never leave a car running in the garage.
• Always use barbecue grills outside away from all doors, windows, vents, and any building openings.

Oregonians should also know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• headache
• dizziness
• nausea
• confusion

If you experience these symptoms, leave the area, get to fresh air, and call 9-1-1.

First responders see an increase in calls related to carbon monoxide during the winter months. It is important to practice these carbon monoxide tips as more storms are forecasted over the coming week. For more tips, please check out the fire safety section of our website at oregon.gov/osfm or the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association.

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.  

BEND, Ore. — A Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputy has been recognized with one of Oregon law enforcement’s highest honors. JCSO Corporal Cynthia Mallari was named the 2025 Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association (OSSA) Deputy of the Year during an awards ceremony held Thursday, December 11, in Bend.

Corporal Mallari exemplifies leadership, dedication, and professionalism in every aspect of her law enforcement career. She embodies the JCSO core values — character, competence, courage, and compassion — and consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her colleagues and the community she serves.

Corporal Mallari has been with JCSO for 13 years. She began her career as a Corrections Deputy in 2012 before transferring to the Patrol Division in 2019. She was promoted to Corporal in 2022 and has continued to distinguish herself as a leader and mentor. In addition to her patrol and supervisory responsibilities, Corporal Mallari serves as a Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Crisis Negotiator, bringing extensive expertise and experience to each role.

Known for her positive attitude and strong work ethic, Corporal Mallari approaches every shift with professionalism and enthusiasm. Over the past year, she has worked across three separate patrol shifts, earning the respect and appreciation of every sergeant and deputy she has worked alongside. Her leadership and energy consistently set a high standard and inspire those around her.

As a member of the Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT), Corporal Mallari has proven herself dependable and highly capable. She responded to every CNT callout over the past year, demonstrating composure, sound judgment, and effective communication in high-stress situations. Her ability to listen, assess complex circumstances, and clearly relay critical information up and down the chain of command has made her an invaluable member of the team.

In addition to her regular duties, Corporal Mallari volunteered to assist the Special Victims Unit during a period of overwhelming caseloads. She was one of a select group of deputies asked to take on additional child sex abuse investigations. Despite the demands of patrol work and supervisory responsibilities, she investigated ten child sex abuse and Karly’s Law cases over the past year. She frequently worked on her days off to support victims and their families, attend interviews, locate suspects, and participate in Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.

Corporal Mallari’s exceptional work ethic, leadership, and problem-solving abilities have made her an indispensable part of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Her contributions this year — and throughout her career — exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement service, making her a deserving recipient of the OSSA Deputy of the Year award.

December 17, 2025

Media contact: Kim Lippert, erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-323-3831

Oregon Health Authority responds to Measure 110 audit from the Oregon Secretary of State

PORTLAND, Ore. — Historically, Oregon’s behavioral health system has gone underfunded and overburdened. Today, with renewed focus and broad alignment, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), is working to change that, reimagining what treatment can look like across the state when accountability meets action. An audit released by the Secretary of State shows that the agency has taken significant steps to strengthen program oversight and ensure responsible, effective use of Measure 110 dollars.

This important work is underway and producing meaningful results. As of today, there are 234 Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) grantees across the state, with one in each county. These services include culturally and regionally specific care that connects or re-connects patients with the communities they call home. With each step taken to improve Oregon’s behavioral health system, lives are saved, bonds are rebuilt, and barriers to care are lowered for those who need it most.

“OHA appreciates the results of this audit and is acting with urgency on the findings,” said OHA’s Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “We are committed to ongoing work to strengthen oversight, responsible stewardship of Measure 110 dollars, and ensuring that every person in Oregon has access to the behavioral health services they need.”

OHA acknowledges initial implementation of Measure 110 was challenged by tight timelines and insufficient staffing. However, in the last year OHA has significantly grown and stabilized the Measure 110 program through improved leadership, management, and staffing.

As noted by the SOS Audits Division, regular legislative changes since 2020 have impacted OHA's ability to establish and stabilize BHRN programming and oversight.

OHA acknowledges past Measure 110 data limitations and has invested in Measure 110 data improvements. The data collected by the 234 grantees and submitted to OHA has increased dramatically. Through implementation of the Strategic Data Plan, OHA is already charting a forward-looking evaluative approach that emphasizes ongoing performance measures and BHRN provider-reported indicators. This method better captures program outcomes through programmatic and client-level metrics collected quarterly. These metrics will be publicly available via the BHRN program quarterly dashboard, which will provide aggregate data on program activities and service level metrics.

History of What Was Audited

Measure 110 was a ballot measure passed by Oregonians in 2020 to expand addiction services and social supports through redirected marijuana tax revenue and law enforcement savings.

As noted by the Secretary of State’s Audits Division, several legislative changes since 2020 have impacted OHA’s ability to establish and stabilize the Behavioral Health Resource Network’s (BHRN) programming and oversight. During its first years, these changes altered timelines, expectations and funding formulas. Most notably, HB 4002 (2024) shifted one of the foundational tenants of the original legal framework by recriminalizing drug possession and changed how people access BHRN services. Declining cannabis tax revenue and criminal justice cost savings have also reduced available funds.

Despite these shifts, OHA remains focused on maintaining statewide access to treatment, harm reduction and recovery services. Even with funding instability for Measure 110’s BHRNs, OHA has ensured available funds are used efficiently and effectively to support essential behavioral health services statewide.

OHA Implementation and Program Improvements

Following two previous audits, OHA continues to take clear action – responding to past findings and addressing key issues raised in the most recent review. From 2022-2025, programs receiving Measure 110 funding reported 3 million encounters with people in need of addiction and social support services. , More than 80% of the funded BHRN providers performed outreach at least once per week and approximately 40% of these providers performed outreach five or more times weekly, resulting in thousands of new clients accessing critical BHRN services.

This work is made possible in part by OHA’s substantial process improvements, including:

Leadership and Structure

• Hiring a dedicated Measure 110 Executive Director (October 2024), program manager (February 2025) and additional leadership staff (2025).
• Expanding the M110 program team from three to 18 full-time positions, providing stability and expertise.
• Embedding project management, grant administration and cross-division coordination into daily operations.

Governance and Oversight

• Reorganizing the program to ensure alignment with the OHA Director, Behavioral Health Division Director and Governor’s Office priorities and strategies.
• Successfully completing the 2025 grant process and incorporating lessons learned for the upcoming funding cycle.
• Preparing for the shift of grant-making authority from the Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC) to OHA in 2026 under Senate Bill 610 (2025).

Data and Accountability

• Launching enhanced Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) grant reporting in 2025, including client-level reporting.
• Implementing standardized expenditure and staffing reporting to ensure the responsible use of every Measure 110 dollar.
• Utilizing a public facing dashboard to ensure robust data is collected and shared, including plans for additional data reporting for the current grant cycle.

Additionally, while the Audits Division recommends OHA conduct a baseline study to determine the impact of Measure 110 funded services, data limitations and the availability of appropriate data comparisons significantly hinder OHA’s ability to conduct such a study, possibly to the point of rendering it impossible. However, OHA has invested in many data improvements that will allow the agency to report out on BHRN program impact and client outcomes by 2027.

Work to Improve Access to Behavioral Health Services Continues

“We have built a responsive high performing team overseeing M110 implementation to help build a system that is coordinated, evidence-based and responsive,” Clarke said. “OHA is committed to collaborating with partners to ensure we are leading with stability, collaboration and compassion.”

OHA continues to advance the equity goals at the heart of Measure 110 by improving culturally specific services, strengthening funding processes and ensuring that communities disproportionately harmed by past drug policies have access to care.

Substance use disorder is a long-term public health challenge. OHA will continue strengthening Measure 110 implementation and ensuring that public funds are used effectively to support treatment and recovery to reduce harm and save lives across Oregon.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2025
MEDIA CONTACTS

• Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Public Information: LCSheriff@co.lincoln.or.us
• Oregon Department of Emergency Management:
  licinfo@oem.oregon.gov">oem_publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov. 971-304-3310
• Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries: dogami-info@dogami.oregon.gov

___________________________________________________________________________ 

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), and the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant as landslide hazards increase across western Oregon, particularly in Lincoln County, where a significant landslide event continues to pose serious safety risks.

The landslide, which began on December 12, has destabilized the terrain in the affected area. The ground remains highly unstable, and the approaching atmospheric river is expected to worsen conditions. Oregon Department of Transportation geologists and engineers have been conducting aerial assessments using LIDAR and drone technology but have not been able to safely enter the site due to ongoing ground movement.

Public Safety Warning for Lincoln County:

• Stay out of the landslide area, including the slope above and surrounding terrain. The ground is still settling and may shift without warning.
• Do not approach or disturb debris washing ashore along the Siletz River, Siletz Bay, or nearby beaches. It may be unstable and dangerous.
• If you find debris of a personal nature, please contact local law enforcement via non-emergency lines:
  • Lincoln City Police Department: 541-994-3636 
  • Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office: 541-265-0777
• Please follow all evacuation alerts (1. Be Ready, 2. Be Set, 3. GO NOW!) and know your evacuation routes.

Emergency Response Updates:

• Lincoln County Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains active and is coordinating with local and state partners.
• Highway 229 is closed between Milepost 14 and 15. No detour is available. Travelers should avoid the area and check TripCheck.com for updates.

Flood Watch and Landslide Risk Across Western Oregon: 

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through Thursday night for multiple counties, including Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill. The heaviest rainfall in Oregon will be Thursday and Friday, then will shift further south during the weekend. Heavy rainfall may trigger landslides and debris flows, especially in steep terrain and areas affected by recent wildfires. 

Debris Flow Safety Tips:

• Stay alert to changing conditions. Monitor weather updates via radio, TV, or weather.gov/pqr.
• Listen for unusual sounds like cracking trees or rumbling rocks.
• Watch water sources for sudden changes in flow or color.
• Travel cautiously, especially at night. Assume roads may be compromised.

Be Prepared: 

Oregon communities can reduce landslide risks through land use planning and hazard mitigation strategies. Property owners in low lying areas in and around the landslide area may wish to consider purchasing flood insurance, as it is not normally a part of standard renters or homeowners insurance. It is important to note flood insurance applies only in limited cases involving certain debris flows. It generally does not cover landslides. 

However, officials do expect the atmospheric river to cause flooding in parts of Oregon, and it is a good time to make sure you have insurance coverage for both flooding and landslides. Contact your insurance agent, or connect with an insurance advocate at the Division for Financial Regulation’s.(DFR) Consumer Hotline 1-888-877-4894 or visit their Disaster Insurance Resources page.

•  Preparing for Landslide Hazards: A Land Use Guide for Oregon Communities
• Quick Reference Sheet
• Homeowners Guide to Landslides for Oregon and Washington
• DOGAMI landslide publications and maps
• Anyone (whether you rent or own) can obtain a National Flood Insurance Program quote
• Contact your local insurance agent or visit FloodSmart.gov for additional information on flood insurance.

Stay Informed:

• Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
  • Sign up for Lincoln Alerts to receive emergency notifications: 
  • Receive County Media Releases
  • Facebook Pages: https://www.facebook.com/lincolncountysheriff/  or www.facebook.com/lcemergencymanagement/
• Sign up for OEM Press Releases or Alerts in your area at ORAlert.gov
• Stay up to date on road conditions by calling 511 or visiting TripCheck.com.
• Visit DOGAMI’s home page and debris flow page for more information.
• Photos and video of the slide can be found on ODOT’s Flickr Album.

For video of woodstoves in use and battery-backed -up carbon monoxide alarms, click here.

December 16, 2025

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

Oregon Health Authority urges caution to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning during winter months

Salem, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Hazards Lab at the University of Oregon (OHAZ) have entered a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formally establishes a statewide collaboration to improve early detection, monitoring, and response to natural hazards across Oregon.

The agreement aligns operations, research, and practices between the two organizations, supporting shared goals of reducing risk, protecting communities, and building a more resilient future for the state. The agreement also represents a direct outcome of the Oregon Wildfire Detection Camera Interoperability Committee that serves Oregon by coordinating a broad consortium of fire agencies, first responders, utility companies, and technology operators.

Under the MOU, ODF and OHAZ will coordinate efforts on legislative strategy and funding pursuits, expand access to emerging tools and scientific expertise, and develop collaborative pilot projects. The partnership emphasizes interoperability, training, exchange of data and best practices.

“This collaboration advances Oregon’s ability to respond to wildfire, seismic threats, floods, and other natural hazards with the best tools and information available,” said Leland O’Driscoll, the Director of OHAZ. “By partnering with ODF, we can strengthen statewide systems that protect lives, property, and natural resources.”

The partnership reflects a broader vision: that clear, coordinated arrangements among Oregon’s public agencies and research institutions enhance transparency, accountability, and reliability during critical events. By integrating scientific innovation with on-the-ground operational expertise, ODF and OHAZ aim to improve hazard monitoring and early detection statewide.

“Oregonians benefit when universities, government agencies, and public partners work from a shared understanding and aligned goals,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief. “This agreement enables meaningful collaboration—from research to real-time operations—to help communities prepare for and respond to hazards more effectively.”

As Oregon continues to face increasing risks from wildfire, extreme weather, and geological hazards, this collaboration will help advance proactive strategies and better equip the state with timely, actionable information.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is launching the OEM Grants platform on December 16, 2025. This new, statewide system is designed to simplify how organizations approved for grants manage and track Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) funding after disasters. The platform will improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in Oregon’s long-term recovery efforts.

Under the new process, subapplicants will continue to use FEMA’s Public Assistance Grants Portal (GP) to apply for funding, upload required documentation for project development, and work through eligibility and requirements with FEMA. Once FEMA approves a project, management will transition to the OEM Grants platform.

Within the new system, grant recipients will be able to:

• Manage projects from grant award through closeout
• Submit and track reimbursement requests
• Track and report grant finances
• Communicate and collaborate directly with OEM staff

“Oregon communities depend on timely and transparent access to disaster recovery funding, and this new platform helps ensure we can meet that responsibility,” Erin McMahon, Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, said. “By modernizing how we manage Public Assistance grants, we are strengthening our partnerships with certain nonprofits, as well as local and Tribal governments. We are also improving how we support communities throughout their recovery.”

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It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters regardless of cause. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email licinfo@oem.oregon.gov">OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.

December 16, 2025

Media Inquiries: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov" style="color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov  

Oregon reduces barriers to birth control for Medicaid members

Oregon Health Plan members will be able to obtain birth control and emergency contraception without a prescription and at no cost starting Dec. 16

SALEM, Ore. – Starting today, Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid) members will be able to get over-the-counter birth control pills, including Opill, and emergency contraception at no cost at pharmacies in the state. Oregon Health Authority (OHA), in collaboration with the Oregon Board of Pharmacy, made this possible through a standing order, which allows pharmacists to provide these medications to OHP members and bill OHP.

“Access to reproductive health care should not depend on how much money you make or what kind of insurance you have,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “This step ensures that Oregon Health Plan families can get timely, affordable birth control. I will keep working to make sure every Oregonian can access the care they need to make the decisions that are right for them.”

In Oregon, these medications are already covered without a prescription for people with private insurance. Federal law, however, requires that all medications for Medicaid enrollees be prescribed by a licensed practitioner who is enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program. Oregon’s new standing order means that OHP members will no longer have to get a prescription to access these contraceptives at no cost.

“This change removes a real and unnecessary barrier to care,” said OHA Director, Dr. Sejal Hathi. “By allowing Oregon Health Plan members to get safe, effective contraception directly from pharmacies – without a prescription and at no cost to themselves – we are closing a longstanding gap between private insurance and Medicaid and ensuring all people in Oregon have greater control over their own reproductive health.”

Over-the-counter emergency contraception has been widely available for several years, and the FDA approved Opill as the first birth control pill for over-the-counter use in 2023. Previously, however, OHP members were required to pay out of pocket or else seek out a doctor’s appointment for a prescription to get these medicines covered.

Oregon’s Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) requires that many health plans offered in Oregon, including all plans offered through the Marketplace, cover over-the-counter contraceptives at no cost. Some private insurance plans that are not subject to Oregon insurance laws may not include this coverage, so people with private insurance should contact their insurance company for more information about their coverage. Additional information can be found on the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) web page.  

How OHP members can get access:

• OHP members can go to their approved pharmacy and request emergency contraception or Opill, and for it to be covered by OHP.
• Most OHP members get their benefits through a local Coordinated Care Organization (CCO); OHP members can call their CCO and ask which pharmacy to go to.
• OHP members not in a CCO (known as OHP Open Card), or who do not know which CCO they’re in, can call OHP Client Services for help at 800-273-0557. 
• OHP members will need to provide their OHP ID number, which is on their OHP ID card or CCO ID card, or by providing personal information that enables the pharmacy staff to search for and confirm enrollment in OHP. 

Additional information is available on the OHP member webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — For the ninth year, members of the Northwest Attractions Alliance (formerly the Portland Attractions Marketing Alliance or PAMA) will offer reciprocal admission benefits to its members. The program was created as a way to show appreciation for each attraction’s loyal members as well as highlight the important role that cultural organizations play in their communities. The program has grown from 12 participating attractions to now include 29 regional attractions throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

From January through December 2026, membership to one of the participating organizations is the key to free admission for a member and three guests of any age to different featured attractions each month.

Memberships provide critical funding that allows each participating organization to further its mission. Join one (or more!) of the participating organizations to show your support for these immersive educational institutions. Or, purchase a gift membership as the perfect holiday gift!

Mark your calendar for the 2026 reciprocal admission schedule. Offer applies to all membership levels. Valid proof of membership and photo ID required. 

2026 Reciprocal Admission Schedule

January

Albany Regional Museum
Oregon Zoo

February

Clark County Historical Museum

Columbia River Maritime Museum
Japanese American Museum of Oregon
Leach Botanical Garden

March

Cannon Beach History Center
Cascade Locks Historical Museum
Pittock Mansion

April

Deepwood Museum & Gardens
Willamette Heritage Center

May

Architectural Heritage Center
Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education
Two Rivers Heritage Museum

June

Museum at Warm Springs
Shelton McMurphy Johnson House

July

Benton County Historical Society
Hallie Ford Museum of Art

August

Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum
Oregon Historical Society
Tamástslikt Cultural Institute

September

Portland Chinatown Museum

Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals
The MAiZE at The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island

Purchasers of MAiZE tickets in September 2026 will have access to the reciprocal membership program through August 2027; please save receipt as proof of purchase to access participating attractions.

October

Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
World Forestry Center

November 

Oregon Coast Aquarium
Seaside Museum & Historical Society

December

Clark County Historical Museum
Lan Su Chinese Garden

Download press images of participating attractions here. 

About the Northwest Attractions Alliance 

The Northwest Attractions Alliance (NWAA) is a professional organization representing major attractions throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. The group connects regularly to explore partnership opportunities and collaborates with regional destination marketing organizations. Many members of NWAA also participate in the annual reciprocal membership program, which offers free admission for a member and three guests of any age to different featured attractions each month.

Be alert for landslides and debris flows across Northwest Oregon

Portland, OR—The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Northwest Oregon from late Wednesday night (12/17/2025) through late Friday night (12/19/2025). Heavy rainfall from a forecasted atmospheric river event may result in landslides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires. The watch area includes all of Northwest Oregon.

Find the latest information here: https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=pqr&wwa=all

Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.

If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area:

• Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio, or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
• Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
• Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.

For more landslide and debris flow information: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx

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Marion County, Ore. (Dec. 15, 2025)- On Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:30 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 99E, at the intersection with Quinaby Road NE, in Marion County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Dodge Charger, operated by Juan Santiago Sandoval (30) of Woodburn, was stopped on Quinaby Road NE at the intersection Highway 99E when it turned northbound onto the highway. The Dodge entered the path of a southbound Yamaha XJ650 motorcycle, operated by Xander Ashton Colter (22) of Kiezer, causing a side impact collision.

The operator of the Yamaha (Colter) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Dodge (Sandoval) and passenger, Ricardo Alvarez Acosta (27) of Woodburn, were reportedly uninjured.

The operator of the Dodge (Sandoval) was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. Impairment is considered a primary contributor to the crash. The investigation is on-going.

OSP was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Salem Fire Department, and ODOT.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 Contact: Scott Simms, ssimms@ppcpdx.org / 503-595-9770

December 15, 2025

Plaintiffs in federal litigation seek actions that would hobble clean hydropower, drive up electricity costs by $152-$169 million annually, increase the risk of blackouts, and add more harmful carbon emissions – all without proven benefits to fish

PORTLAND, OR — The Public Power Council (PPC), representing nearly 100 consumer-owned electric utilities across the Pacific Northwest, today filed its opposition to the motions for a preliminary injunction in long-running federal litigation over operations of the Columbia River System. PPC has been involved in this case since it was initiated almost 25 years ago, when PPC responded to the original Complaint.

PPC’s filing warns that the relief sought by plaintiffs – expanded spill requirements and tighter minimum operating pool limits at eight lower Columbia and lower Snake River dams – would significantly reduce the region’s most flexible carbon-free electricity resource, impose substantial replacement power and capacity costs on consumers, and increase blackout risk during summer heat and other emergency conditions, all without a quantified showing that the requested operations would deliver meaningful incremental benefits for salmon and steelhead beyond current operations.

“Public power utilities and the communities we serve are fully committed to salmon recovery – and we have been steadily paying for it, year after year,” said Scott Simms, CEO & Executive Director of the Public Power Council. “But this motion asks the Court to mandate sweeping operational changes with immediate reliability and affordability consequences, without a quantified demonstration that the requested spill and reservoir operations will actually improve fish survival beyond what is already in place.”

Experts say electricity cost hikes and reliability risks are measurable, but plaintiffs’ claims of fish benefits are not quantified

PPC’s opposition is supported by sworn declarations, including an independent analysis by Energy GPS’s Joshua Rasmussen that evaluated the plaintiffs’ proposed spill and reservoir constraints by applying them to historical hourly hydropower operations and modeling the resulting impacts. Rasmussen concludes that the proposed injunction would:

• Eliminate approximately 2 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of carbon-free hydropower production each year;
• Reduce available summer hydropower capability by approximately 1,200–1,400 megawatts (MW), with even larger losses during the most critical high-demand hours;
• Increase replacement energy and capacity costs in 2026 alone to approximately $152 million to $169 million, based on forward market prices and study assumptions; and
• Increase carbon emissions by roughly 815,000 to 881,000 tons of CO₂ in 2026, as lost hydropower is replaced primarily by natural gas generation.

“These losses come at exactly the wrong time,” Simms said. “The Pacific Northwest is already facing tightening resource adequacy margins and rapid load growth. Reducing flexible hydropower during summer heat events materially increases the risk of emergency conditions and higher costs for consumers.”

Meanwhile, Andrew M. Deines, Ph.D., and Managing Scientist at Exponent (and an American Fisheries Society Certified Fisheries Professional), in a separate declaration, explains that plaintiffs’ fisheries expert does not translate the requested operational targets into numerical spill rates, preventing a scientifically robust comparison between current operations and the requested relief. Deines further explains that:

• At today’s already-high spill levels from federal hydro projects, empirical relationships show diminishing marginal returns, meaning additional spill may yield only small incremental biological gains, if any;
• Predictions become increasingly uncertain when extrapolating beyond historically observed operating conditions; and
• Several requested reservoir operations – particularly on the lower Columbia River – would push the system into largely untested operational territory, effectively creating a system-wide experiment.

“We in public power support science-based salmon recovery,” Simms said. “But if plaintiffs want the Court to impose sweeping mandates, they must quantify what they’re asking for and demonstrate the incremental benefit. That showing has not been made.”

Summary of key findings from PPC’s filing

• Significant cost impacts for ratepayers. Energy GPS estimates $152–$169 million in replacement energy and capacity costs in 2026 alone. Public power utilities are not-for-profit and cost-based – meaning increased wholesale costs flow directly to customers.

• Serious grid reliability risks during summer emergencies. The plaintiffs’ requested operations would reduce hydropower’s summer capability by about 1,200–1,400 MW, with impacts reaching as high as roughly 1,700 MW during the most constrained hours analyzed. These reductions occur during the months most exposed to heat-driven scarcity and emergency conditions.

• Higher greenhouse gas emissions. Energy GPS estimates the proposed injunction would increase regional carbon emissions by approximately 815,000 to 881,000 tons of CO₂ in 2026 through electricity purchases from other power producers, undermining state climate goals while worsening conditions that affect salmon habitat.

• No meaningful showing of incremental fish benefit. PPC’s fisheries expert explains that the plaintiffs’ proposal lacks the numerical spill estimates necessary for standard comparative analysis and relies on assumptions that push into areas of diminishing returns and heightened uncertainty.

Legal and policy context

PPC’s opposition explains that the 2020 Biological Opinion, which governs current Columbia River System operations, was developed through extensive scientific analysis under the Endangered Species Act. PPC argues that plaintiffs have failed to meet the high legal threshold required for mandatory preliminary injunctive relief – particularly given the scale of the requested changes and the substantial reliability and economic impacts identified by PPC’s experts.

“Courts don’t issue mandatory injunctions based on speculation or policy disagreements,” Simms said. “The standard is evidence. The record here does not support imposing sweeping operational mandates with region-wide consequences.”

The filing also underscores that public power utilities already fund one of the largest fish and wildlife restoration programs in the world through Bonneville Power Administration rates.

Advocating for a non-litigation path ahead

Consistent with PPC’s publicly-stated position on this case, the filing urges the Court to deny the requested injunction and encourage a collaborative, science-based path forward.

“After more than two decades of litigation, it should be clear that court-ordered operational mandates are not a durable solution,” Simms said. “The region needs a negotiated approach that supports salmon recovery, respects Tribal treaty rights, protects grid reliability, and keeps power affordable for the people of the Northwest.”

Note to Media: PPC’s news release and filings in pdf form are available upon request at ssimms@ppcpdx.org. For Portland market TV media, PPC can be available with advance notice this week for stand-ups at the Bonneville Lock and Dam:

Bonneville Lock & Dam in North Bonneville, WA United States - Apple Maps

About the Public Power Council

The Public Power Council is a nonprofit association representing consumer-owned electric utilities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Nevada. PPC members include public utility districts, municipal utilities, and rural electric cooperatives that collectively serve approximately 1.5 million electricity consumers. PPC advocates for reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible power supplies, with a strong commitment to fish and wildlife recovery in the Columbia River Basin.

# # #

JCSO Case 23-4725

ALTURAS, Calif. – The United States Marshals Service led Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF) tracked down and arrested a wanted Central Point man hiding out in Alturas, California on November 25. The suspect had a felony warrant following a Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) investigation into possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

U.S. Marshals arrested Larry Lynn James Sr., 64, of Central Point, Ore., for six counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and four counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. James is lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

Investigations led the task force from Central Point to Klamath Falls, and finally to rural Alturas, Calif. U.S. Marshals spotted James’ vehicle and conducted a traffic stop where he was arrested without incident. Modoc County Sheriff’s Office assisted.

The arrest originated from a search warrant SOCET served December 7, 2023, at a residence in the 6500 block of Blackwell Road in rural Central Point. SOCET served the warrant after discovering numerous CSAM images were uploaded from the residence. SOCET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and detectives, and Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF) investigators.

During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which were forensically examined by SOHTCTF for further evidence of child exploitation. A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children started the investigation, which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence, and the U.S. Marshals arrest.

PNVOTF includes personnel from the U.S. Marshals, JCSO, and Central Point Police Department. The task force specializes in locating and arresting fugitives wanted for offenses including, but not limited to, murder, assault, sex crimes, failure to register as a sex offender, firearm violations, and probation violations.

SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO, Medford Police Department, Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County. SOHTCTF is a joint inter-agency task force that consists of investigators from JCSO, HSI, and MPD. There is no further information available for release.

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Update: Direction of Buick LaCrosse changed from westbound to eastbound.

Douglas County, Ore. (Dec. 11, 2025)- On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:20 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 38, near milepost 22, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Buick Enclave, operated by David Michael Lawson (48) of Elkton, entered the westbound lane for unknown reasons and struck a westbound Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Kevin Morgan Leiser (65) of Vancouver (WA). The collision caused the Buick Enclave to spin uncontrollably in the roadway, where it was struck by an eastbound Buick LaCrosse, operated by Krystal Richelle Jacks (53) of Elkton, before rolling and coming to rest on its side.

The operator of the Buick Enclave (Lawson) was declared deceased at the scene.

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

The operator of the Buick LaCrosse (Jacks) was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by Scottsburg Fire and ODOT.

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

Umatilla County, Ore. (Dec. 15, 2025)- On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 5:13 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Highway 395A, near milepost 2, in Umatilla County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Tony James McCorkindale (39) of Pendleton, was struck by a northbound Scion xB, operated by Jose Trinidad Mariano (37) of Hermiston, while crossing the highway in an unlit area.

The pedestrian (McCorkindale) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Scion (Mariano) was reportedly uninjured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Hermiston Police Department, Umatilla County Fire District 1, and ODOT.

# # #

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

SALEM, Ore.--Washington state is currently experiencing major flooding that is impacting multiple communities, and Oregon is stepping up to support its neighbors during this emergency.

At the request of the Washington Emergency Management Division, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) deployed a six-member swift water rescue team from Clackamas Fire District on Dec. 11 to assist with ongoing flood response efforts. The team is on a seven-day mission and is supporting life-safety operations in affected areas.

This deployment was coordinated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, or EMAC — a national mutual aid system that enables states to share resources during disasters. EMAC ensures that assistance is coordinated, reimbursable and that responders are properly credentialed. This marks the first EMAC deployment for Oregon’s swift water rescue team.

“Oregon is proud to stand with Washington during this challenging time,” said Kelly Jo Craigmiles, emergency program coordinator with the OEM Response Team. “These highly trained responders are answering the call to protect lives and support communities impacted by flooding.”

In addition to the rescue team, Oregon also has alerted Washington that the 125th National Guard is ready to deploy if needed, and that there are additional drone resources available with county-level pilots prepared to assist with aerial assessments and situational awareness. The drones are part of Oregon's State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) program.

OEM extends its gratitude to the responders for their professionalism and commitment, and to state and local partners in both Oregon and Washington for their continued collaboration.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Clackamas Fire District Public Information Officer at 971-204-5944 or cfdpio@clackamasfire.com

Oregon Department of Emergency Management Announces FY25 Nonprofit Security Grant Program Grant Applications Open with a Tight Timeline

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is pleased to announce the release of the FY25 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Applications from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This federal grant program is designed to help nonprofit organizations enhance the physical and cybersecurity of facilities that may be at risk of terrorist or extremist threats.

Eligible nonprofit organizations across Oregon are encouraged to submit their application for funding to strengthen their security posture. OEM will provide further instructions to organizations that register and meet eligibility requirements

Key Program Details:

• Maximum Funding: Up to $200,000 per location with no more than $600,000 in FY25 NSGP Funding per organization.
• Application Limit: Up to six locations total, with no more than three in the same designated area: either high-risk Urban Area (UA) or the rest of the State (S).
• Application Deadline: 10 p.m., Thursday, January 15, 2026
• View a prerecorded application training here.
• OEM will hold more in-depth Q&A sessions in early January. To stay informed about NSGP updates and information sessions, subscribe to the email list.

To Apply:

To be eligible for funding, organizations must register with this form and complete the FY25 Investment Justification Form (IJ form must be downloaded to view).

1. After submitting the registration form, a confirmation message will appear—please take a screenshot for your records. 
2. Then send your completed FY25 Investment Justification Form and the screen shot to shspadmin@oem.oregon.gov.

We recognize this is a short timeline to develop grant applications, we were notified of this deadline on December 12, 2025. We must submit prioritized project proposals to FEMA by Friday January 30, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

More information:

• For federal updates on NSGP and other programs, visit our Federal Actions page.
• For grant questions or assistance, please email: shspadmin@oem.oregon.gov

SALEM, Ore. — The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee will hold a special virtual meeting to discuss the proposed draft Forest Management Plan for state forests on Friday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon.  There is no in-person option for this meeting.

To join, use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

 Agenda items will include:

• A public comment period.
• Review of the proposed draft Forest Management Plan for state forests.

Public comment is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting. To submit written comment, email ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov. Written comments sent at least 48 hours before the meeting will give the FTLAC time to review and consider information. Comments submitted after that window of time will be sent to the FTLAC after the meeting, entered into the record and posted online. Comments are not accepted after the meeting concludes.

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF. View more information on the FTLAC webpage.

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 ftlac.comment@odf.oregon.gov.