SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for northwest Oregon will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29 in the Santiam Room, Building D, ODF Headquarters, 2600 State Street, Salem. 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:

• Division and field updates
• Operator of the Year
• Workplan development
• Technical guidance development
• Compliance monitoring update
• Forest Practices Act training update

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.

The Oregon State Marine Board will hold its quarterly board meeting beginning at 8:30 am on October 29 at the Bandon Public Library in the Sprague Room, located at 1204 11^th St. SW. On October 28, the Board will hold a Work Session at 1 pm at the Bandon Community Center, 1200 11^th St. SW. The Marine Board will discuss advancing boating technology during the work session.

Local recreational boaters are encouraged to attend the Work Session on the 28^th and the Board meeting on the 29^th; however, public comment will only be accepted at the beginning of the Board meeting and not the work session.

The following items are on the agenda:

• Director’s Report
• Free Waterway Access Days; informational
• NGO Outreach Programs and Grant Funding Update; informational
• Mini-Jet Boat Update; informational
• Wind Sport Regulations; informational
• Life Jacket Rulemaking; Board Vote
• Snake River Reciprocity for Outfitter Guides Rulemaking; Board vote

Public comments will be accepted in writing or during the meeting’s public comment period before the agenda items. To provide oral testimony, register by 5 p.m. on October 27, with Jennifer Cooper at .cooper@boat.oregon.gov">jennifer.cooper@boat.oregon.gov or by mail: Oregon State Marine Board, Attn: Jennifer Cooper, 435 Commercial St. NE, Suite 400, Salem, OR 97301.

Meeting materials and live stream link are available on the agency’s Public Meetings page.

Marine Board meetings use the Microsoft Teams application, and viewing may require installing the free Teams app.

Visit Boat.Oregon.gov to learn more about the Marine Board, Oregon’s recreational boating agency.

-End-

October 22, 2026

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

As climate hazards increase, Oregon communities fight back

OHA’s annual Climate and Health report shows extreme heat, wildfire smoke, drought are continuing burdens, but local projects are building resilience

PORTLAND, Ore.—Climate hazards are happening with more frequency in Oregon, with more days of extreme heat and wildfire smoke—and, in many areas, combinations of both—than 20 years ago, a new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) report shows.

But communities are fighting back with projects to mitigate the effects on human health, according to the OHA Public Health Division’s Climate and Health in Oregon report for 2025. These efforts are building resilience against worsening climate-related threats that can cause serious illnesses and death.

For example, Marion County is working with local partners to lower energy costs for older adults through home energy assessments and connect residents with contractors to install heat pumps and home weatherization. Jackson and Josephine counties and partners hosted a health fair in 2025 so more than 800 residents could learn about wildfire smoke risks and preparedness strategies.

“This year’s Climate and Health in Oregon report demonstrates that extreme climate effects continue to be a reality of our daily lives in Oregon,” said Public Health Division Director Naomi Adeline-Biggs. “We must continue supporting communities as they identify new, innovative, equitable approaches to adapting to these hazards and limiting health risks.”

Stark findings

Among the report’s starkest findings: between 2006 and 2025, the estimated number of days with extreme heat nearly doubled; wildfire smoke days tripled; and days with heat and smoke more than quadrupled. Rural counties in eastern, central and southern Oregon were hit hardest, racking up the highest number of extreme heat days, and rural southern and central counties with the highest total days with smoke.

However, wildfire smoke days increased fastest in Oregon’s biggest population centers. Even though Multnomah and Washington counties experience less smoke than other areas, the amount of wildfire‑related particulate matter in the air is now rising on average more quickly in these heavily populated areas than in other parts of the state.

In addition, the state experienced multiple drought periods, with widespread drought in 2015. In 2021, extreme drought affected half the state.

Damaging effects

The effects across Oregon have been damaging, the report shows.

From 2016 to 2025, hospital emergency departments saw spikes in visits for heat-related illnesses and smoke-related, non-infectious respiratory illnesses. Southern, central and eastern Oregon experienced some of the highest annual heat-related illness visit rates from 2016 to 2025. Although regions in western Oregon experienced lower annual heat related illness rates overall, all regions experienced increases during periods of extreme heat.

The report highlights impacts that extend beyond extreme heat and wildfires:

• Youth mental health: In 2025, results from the 2024 Oregon Student Health Survey showed 71% of Oregon 11^th-graders reported experiencing stress about the future due to climate change, and 37% said these feelings negatively affected their lives.
• Harmful algae blooms: In 2025, OHA investigated 51 suspected harmful algae bloom events, issued 20 freshwater recreational use health advisories, and detected microcystin and saxitoxin levels that exceeded recreational use values.
• Mosquito-borne disease risk: In 2024 and 2025, routine mosquito surveillance identified Aedes aegypti in Jackson County, a mosquito species predominantly found in tropical and subtropical areas and the primary vector for diseases like dengue and Zika. This species of mosquito had not previously been detected in Oregon.

Communities are adapting

Like Marion, Jackson, and Josephine counties, agencies and organizations are finding new ways to help their communities adapt to climate change.

The Center for African Health and Education, a Portland-based, East African-led organization, used an OHA Public Health Equity grant to hold monthly workshops for the African refugee and immigrant communities on heat, air quality and wildfire smoke safety. It also created a messaging group so people could stay connected and get climate and health-related updates.

Latino Network, an organization focused on culturally specific practices and services, used a Public Health Equity grant to host its annual Conoce tu río, conoce tu comida: Know your river, know your food workshop. Participants exchanged cultural stories, learned about environmental health risks, and discussed ways to protect water and fishing tradition.

Carolina Hernandez, workforce development manager in Latino Network’s Department of Health and Wellness, said culturally specific climate adaptation is critical. “People share the stories of when they were in their counties of origin and how they went to the rivers, how they cook, how they spent days with the entire family sharing their lives and fishing ... We try to give space to the communities so they can do the same here.”

Another climate adaptation project involved OHA’s Youth Advisory Council, a group of 15- to 19-year-olds from across Oregon who provide input on health policies and initiatives related to well-being. Members of the council’s youth data subcommittee analyzed results from the 2024 Student Health Survey to find out how climate change is affecting youth.

Among the findings: stress arises from youth feeling climate change is out of their control and teaching lacks actionable steps or youth-led examples; Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African and Asian youth and those who identify as gender diverse or non-binary reported disproportionate mental health impacts of climate change; and students need mental health support from school counselors and other trusted adults who are knowledgeable about climate change.

“Students were saying the more you understand climate change, the more anxious or stressed you might feel,” said Andres Pineda, who attends Portland State University. “The issue is that students felt like there're not enough resources or different programs available to actually make a difference with climate change, to actually do something about it.”

Olivia Sun, a student at Jesuit High School in Beaverton, said the analysis shows youth are eager to help address climate hazards. “Just an opportunity for youth to be able to learn about it, an opportunity for youth to be able to feel like they're part of the solution,” she said, “would be great in resolving some of the anxiety and helplessness youth feel about climate change.”

Oregon and its partners are taking additional steps to adapt to climate threats. Investments in modernizing the state’s public health system help OHA, the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, local public health authorities and community-based organizations implement programs and policies focused on preparing and responding to more frequent and severe hazards.

Healthy Homes Grant Program funding helped local organizations make home upgrades that reduce health and safety risks, improve indoor conditions and create healthier living environments for low-income individuals and historically underserved communities.

For more information, visit www.healthoregon.org/climate.

OHA publishes final report on health risks from Crook County wells

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has published its final report analyzing health risks related to drinking water from domestic wells near Prineville.

The Environmental Health Assessment Program in OHA’s Public Health Division today published its health consultation report following a two-month public comment period. The report found water in many of the nearly 60 domestic wells tested north of Prineville pose some level of health risk from contaminants—arsenic, nitrates and some coliform bacteria—common in Oregon wells.

In the report, OHA evaluated testing results for water samples and found about half of the wells had detectable levels of lead, which typically is from plumbing. About half also had manganese levels that can cause bad taste, discoloration, and cloudiness. Seven wells had manganese levels high enough to pose health risks to children under 1 year old, were they to drink it.

The report includes recommendations for households to mitigate risk and address well contamination, such as seeking blood lead testing, especially for children; treating their water; and verifying treatment effectiveness with additional testing.

OHA has shared well sampling results and health risk information with affected residents and offered one-on-one consultation with an OHA toxicologist.

The final report is unchanged from the public comment draft OHA released in June 2026, except for the inclusion in the appendix of five comments received during the comment period, along with OHA’s responses to the comments. All the comments were on topics outside the scope of OHA’s analysis and did not result in changes to the report.

OHA recognizes that access to safe drinking water is critical to the health of all people in Oregon. While the agency does not regulate the quality of private well water, it supports domestic well users by directing them to informational resources about well water testing, maintenance, and treatment, and health risks from contaminants.

The Crook County health consultation and supporting materials are on the OHA website at www.oregon.gov/crookcowells.

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SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) wants to congratulate the Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO 911)’s October 6 launch of the new countywide public safety radio system. ECSO 911 is the primary 911 center for Jackson County and Crater Lake National Park.

The new system strengthens radio communications between dispatchers and first responders across Jackson County and portions of Curry, Douglas, Klamath, Josephine, and Siskiyou (California) counties. The upgrade affects internal public safety radio communications and does not impact the ability of residents to call or text 911.

OEM’s statewide interoperability and preparedness teams partnered with ECSO 911, Jackson County and state and federal agencies to help support system planning and ensure compatibility with existing and future emergency communications infrastructure. The team supported technical coordination, grant alignment and statewide interoperability planning in coordination with the State Interoperability Executive Council, as the scope of the project grew to incorporate new technologies and improve redundancy.

“Interoperable, reliable communications save lives,” OEM’s Statewide Interoperability and Coordinator Jon Lee said. “Our interoperability and preparedness teams are proud to support this major upgrade, which strengthens Oregon’s emergency communications network and improves the safety of responders and the communities they serve.”

Project milestones include:

• A 2014 Department of Homeland Security grant awarded to Jackson County Fire District 3 to study public safety radio infrastructure.
• A 2016 conceptual design process that identified the P25 hybrid solution.
• Jackson County voters’ approval of a $28 million general obligation bond in 2019.
• A 2020 contract with Motorola Solutions and construction of 20 new or upgraded radio sites, including solar‑powered remote locations, completed in 2025.
• Deployment of about 1,700 to 1,800 radios to user agencies and extensive testing leading to the October 6 system cutover.

The project received additional support from the Oregon Legislature, the State Interoperability Executive Council, federal grant programs, the Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police and local public safety agencies.

OEM commends ECSO 911, Jackson County, partner agencies and local leaders for their collaboration and commitment to expanding and modernizing emergency communications in southern Oregon. Ongoing coordination among OEM, ECSO 911, fire and law enforcement agencies, and county service departments will help ensure a smooth transition and continued optimization of system performance.

The new system delivers real‑time, interoperable radio communications that enhance daily operations, mutual aid responses and multi‑agency coordination across both urban and remote areas.

PORTLAND, Ore.— U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott Bradford announced today that Eder Fletes Calix, 24, of Beaverton, Oregon, was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing more than 700 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute.

The sentence follows a multi-agency investigation that began in March 2025, when an Oregon State Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Fletes Calix. During the encounter, the trooper observed drug paraphernalia and cash in the vehicle. Both Fletes Calix and a co-defendant fled the scene on foot, prompting the execution of a search warrant that revealed more than 400 grams of compressed fentanyl powder inside the vehicle.

Over the following months, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) continued the investigation and observed multiple drug transactions involving Fletes Calix and his co-defendant. Agents seized additional quantities of fentanyl from buyers during two separate stops in May and June 2025.

On July 2, 2025, federal agents arrested Fletes Calix and executed multiple search warrants, including at a Beaverton residence where he had been renting a room. Agents recovered approximately $22,000 in cash, drug packaging materials, digital scales, and additional quantities of fentanyl.

In total, investigators seized approximately 767.9 grams of fentanyl powder from the defendants’ vehicle, residence, and related transactions.

During a post-arrest interview, Fletes Calix admitted he knew the substance was fentanyl and acknowledged that he and his co-defendant were selling it.

Fletes Calix pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. In determining the sentence, the Court considered the severity of the offense, the volume of fentanyl involved, and Fletes Calix’s lack of criminal history.

The case was investigated by the DEA and the Oregon State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Keefer and Kate Rochat.

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(Salem) — Medicare beneficiaries who would like to discuss plan options can receive free, confidential help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) during Open Enrollment. Help includes comparing and selecting Medicare plans, reviewing their current coverage and assistance with making changes for the upcoming year.

Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 plans began Oct. 15 and will remain open through Dec. 7, 2026.

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program provides free help from certified counselors who can help people understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their Medicare options.

During the Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare,
• Change their Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Change or enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, and
• Review changes in costs, coverage and provider networks.

SHIBA is one of several programs within the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities that provides services to older adults in Oregon regardless of their income. The information SHIBA provides not only supports older adults as they make decisions, but can help them recognize Medicare scams during Open Enrollment.

“Navigating Medicare coverage is complex and Oregonians should not have to navigate Medicare alone,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight, Ph.D. “Our goal is to make that process easy, accessible, and free.”

Even if someone is happy with their current plan, a quick comparison can reveal better options. SHIBA certified counselors can help Oregonians compare plans and explain programs that can save them money on Medicare costs. Counselors can help beneficiaries avoid late-enrollment penalties and unexpected out-of-pocket charges, review annual plan changes, and ensure their prescriptions and preferred providers remain covered. Some Medicare beneficiaries may also qualify for cost-saving programs such as Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help.

SHIBA reports scams to Medicare in addition to educating people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. Common scams include claiming beneficiaries need a new card or offers of free medical equipment. These scams can happen by mail, over the phone, or by text and email. The best way to avoid Medicare scams is to keep Medicare numbers private; anyone who receives a message or email about Medicare from a number or person they do not recognize should not respond.

How to get free help

Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments. To talk to a SHIBA certified counselor or to make an appointment, call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free.)

Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website at SHIBA.oregon.gov.

Online resources include:

• The 2027 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans, which is available on the SHIBA website and will be translated to multiple languages in the coming weeks.
• Medicare frequently asked questions,
• An agent locator tool and
• A list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations

People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.

About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,476,444 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

SALEM, Ore. — The Compliance Monitoring Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Thursday, Oct. 29, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Leadership and staffing updates
• CMP progress and future work
• Roads and steep slopes pilot study updates

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Teams. 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 emailing ta.l.friasbedolla@odf.oregon.gov">Marta Frias-Bedolla.

The CMP Committee assists in efforts to monitor compliance with Forest Practices Rules. The committee advises ODF regarding monitoring projects and procedures. View more information on the CMPC webpage.

(Salem, OR)—Oregon and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are once again recruiting people to assist in the free preparation of taxes as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, and the Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Advocate is encouraging Oregonians to volunteer.

For low- and moderate-income families, claiming the tax credits available to them can be a starting point on the path to stronger financial security.

“Too often those tax credits go unclaimed,” said Codi Trudell, Oregon’s Taxpayer Advocate. “The cost and complexity of filing a tax return is a hurdle for too many people.

“Oregon needs more VITA sites and volunteers. By volunteering to help them file their returns and claim their credits, Oregonians can make a difference for people in their local community.”

Volunteers don’t need to be tax experts. Training is provided by the IRS.

By ensuring that eligible taxpayers claim available tax credits like the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the Oregon Earned Income Credit, and Oregon Kids Credit, volunteers can help taxpayers who need it most receive larger refunds and gain a measure of financial security.

To date, in 2026 volunteers with VITA and AARP free tax assistance programs have jointly prepared 39,135 federal tax returns at 107 sites open throughout the state. Every year, however, the sites are forced to turn away people who need assistance due to a shortage of volunteers.

In addition to the need for volunteers, the IRS is also seeking organizations to sponsor VITA and TCE clinics.

Each tax season, the Oregon Taxpayer Advocate Office offers an interactive map of free tax assistance sites in Oregon on the Department of Revenue website. The VITA sites are represented as blue dots on the map.

“Each blue dot represents an organization that has volunteered to make tax assistance available to the people in their community who need it,” Trudell said. “More volunteers will mean more blue dots and more opportunities for Oregonians to get the tax preparation assistance they need.” 

The VITA and TCE programs include training in a variety of roles, including providing free tax help for low-to-moderate income families who need assistance preparing their tax returns. Across the country, thousands of people volunteer each year and prepare millions of tax returns at thousands of tax sites nationwide.

Volunteers are assigned to work with a sponsoring organization, first to receive training and then to begin volunteering at a location in the community. Training is offered both online and in the classroom. Tax sites are generally open nights and weekends, and the hours are flexible.

Additional information is available on the IRS website. Interested persons can submit an inquiry now using the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up form moving them one step closer to becoming a VITA or TCE tax volunteer and giving back to their community. The IRS will share information about those interested in volunteering with sponsoring organizations for follow-up contact.

Organizations with an interest in partnering with the IRS to sponsor or host a free tax preparation site in Oregon can also complete and submit the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up form.

To find a local VITA site, taxpayers can use the IRS Site Locator tool or check the Oregon Department of Revenue’s Free Tax Help map with VITA sites marked in blue.

October 21, 2026

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

Recreational use advisory downgraded to a precaution for Cullaby Lake

Pet owners should continue to keep their pets away from areas that appear to have a bloom

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has downgraded the recreational use health advisory to a precaution for Cullaby Lake.

OHA issued the advisory Sept. 17.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Cullaby Lake are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from areas with blooms.

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

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

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

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

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DPSST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE WORKGROUP MEETING SCHEDULED

PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon today announced at least 40 people are facing federal charges for conspiring to defraud the United States of more than $3 million in fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases. The schemes involved stealing EBT card data—often through skimming devices—to make unauthorized purchases of large quantities of SNAP‑eligible goods.

In a press conference this afternoon, U.S. Attorney Scott. E Bradford announced multiple new guilty pleas, 11 new indictments, and major federal sentences in two large interstate fraud schemes involving stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account information.

“When SNAP benefits are stolen, real families go without food,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “That is unacceptable. My office will continue pursuing these cases to safeguard the integrity of the program and uphold the trust placed in us to protect Oregon’s communities.”

“This organized criminal scheme not only resulted in the loss of food assistance benefits for needy families whose EBT card data was skimmed or otherwise stolen.  Egregiously, the corrupt enterprise also placed public health and safety – including of babies – at risk by selling products like infant formula on the black market,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.  “I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office, USDA OIG Special Agents, and our law enforcement partners for disrupting this dangerous scheme and bringing the fraudsters to face justice.”

Case Summaries

U.S. v. Ramirez Dumitru et al.

• In October 2024, a federal grand jury in Oregon charged 17 people in a scheme that stole more than $2.4 million in SNAP benefits.
• Investigators say that from August 2023 to October 2024, the group used skimmers and other methods to steal EBT card information, then used the stolen accounts to buy large amounts of infant formula, energy drinks, and other SNAP‑eligible items in Oregon, Washington, and California, including through curbside‑pickup orders.
• More than 120,000 pounds of goods were purchased with stolen benefits, stored in Oregon and Washington, and then shipped to California to be sold on the black market.
• All 17 defendants were arrested in October 2024.
• One defendant, Ana Escalante, who helped transport stolen goods across state lines, was sentenced in September 2026 to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay $2.4 million in restitution.
• So far, 12 defendants have been sentenced to a combined 157 months in prison, and two more have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing in December 2026.

U.S. v. Alexandru Telescu et al.

• In November 2025, Alexandru Telescu and eleven others were charged in a 26‑count federal indictment involving a scheme to steal and use EBT card information.
• Estimated losses total $700,000.
• Starting in in April 2025, the group used stolen EBT numbers and PINs—and skimmers placed on retail payment terminals—to buy SNAP‑eligible items in Oregon, Washington, and California. They repeatedly made purchases with victims’ benefits, stored some of the items in storage units, and shipped others to California in vans and trucks.
• On September 29, 2026, Telescu pleaded guilty to access‑device fraud and aggravated identity theft and is scheduled for sentencing on January 28, 2027.
• Co‑defendants Aramis and Cristina Manolea previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy and were each sentenced in May 2026 to time served plus three years of supervised release.

New Indictments

U.S. v. Kehi

• On October 7, 2026, Bly Gnionsiekan Rodoophe Kehi was indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit access‑device fraud and possession of device‑making equipment, alleging he installed skimming devices on Washington County payment terminals to steal customers’ card data.

Additional Cases

• In September and October 2026, federal grand juries charged ten additional defendants with unauthorized use of access devices and aggravated identity theft.
• Prosecutors allege that each defendant used stolen EBT card numbers and PINs during 2024.
• Each case involves more than $1,000 in merchandise obtained using benefits stolen from SNAP recipients. Estimated losses total $143,000.
   

Coordinated Law Enforcement Effort

A multi‑agency partnership—including USDA Office of Inspector General, IRS‑Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, multiple police departments, and state agencies—is driving the investigation and prosecution of these cases. This coordinated effort targets organized groups responsible for stealing millions in SNAP benefits.

Continued Commitment to Enforcement

The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to identifying, charging, and dismantling networks engaged in SNAP fraud and will continue working with partners across jurisdictions to protect recipients and safeguard taxpayer dollars.

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Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Advisory Committee will meet Nov. 4 to review online and hands-on training stats, incident reporting, legislative updates and other ATV Program updates.

This will be a hybrid meeting with options to attend in person or via Zoom webinar – details below. The public can join as attendees. In the event that an in-person meeting is no longer feasible, the meeting will just be held on Zoom.

The ATV Advisory Committee meeting will begin at 9 a.m. The agenda and schedule are posted online.

Meeting details

Join in person

Best Western Mill Creek Inn

3125 Ryan Dr SE,

Salem, OR 97301

Join virtually via Zoom

Join Zoom webinar

Webinar ID: 844 9135 5047

Passcode: 120548

Join via audio only: 253-215-8782

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

The ATV Grant Program provides funding statewide for ATV recreation. Grant funds come from ATV user permit sales and a percentage of gasoline tax money. Read more about the state ATV program.

The Oregon State Marine Board invites recreational boaters and others interested in the agency’s work to a Town Hall meeting. These informal meetings are a chance for agency staff to meet with local recreational boaters and to learn about area needs. It’s also a chance to gather feedback on the agency’s proposed budget and legislative concepts for the 2027-2029 legislative session. The meetings are family-friendly and casual. 

The goal is to build stronger connections with local boaters, share what the agency does, and explain how boating dollars are used in communities. Staff looks forward to answering questions about boating safety, agency rules, grant funding, boating access, titling and registration, outfitter guides, and any environmental concerns.

The Town Hall meeting times are from 4 pm to 7 pm and are scheduled in an open format, so people can come and go as their schedules allow.

Visit Boat.Oregon.gov to learn more about the Marine Board, Oregon’s recreational boating agency.

-End-

MEDIA ADVISORY 

U.S. Attorney to Announce Major Developments in SNAP Fraud Crackdown

PORTLAND, Ore.— Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, will hold a press conference on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to announce major developments in the office’s ongoing efforts to combat large‑scale theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Recognition highlights strategies to preserve more than 2,200 affordable rental homes  

Improving worker safety and health in Oregon’s pulp, paper, and forest products industries will get the spotlight during a conference held Dec. 1-4 in Portland. Attendees will have opportunities to connect with each other, and to refresh their safety and health knowledge and skills. Topics include confined space safety, effective communication, safety leadership, electrical safety, control of hazardous energy, and fall protection.

Although the 34th annual Western Pulp, Paper & Forest Products Safety & Health Conference focuses on safety and health issues in the pulp, paper, and forest products industries, the event also offers learning opportunities that apply to many other workplaces. Those sessions include nutrition and wellness in the workplace, tools for creating effective safety committees, and resources for improving driver safety.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is one of several partners presenting the four-day conference at the Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront in Portland.

The conference will feature a keynote presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 1, that will highlight the history of the Western Pulp, Paper & Forest Products Safety & Health Conference as well as delve into the many reasons why working safely matters.

Conference sessions include:

• Hazardous Line Breaking: Program Overview and Best Practices
• Process Opening vs. Hazardous-Line Breaking: Definitions, Program Overview, and Best Practices Discussion
• Distractions in the Workplace
• American Heart Adult CPR/AED and First Aid
• Steam Hammer and Water/Condensate-Induced Water Hammer Safety
• Proven Strategies for Improving Interactions
• Hand Safety
• Mobile Equipment and Pedestrian Interaction Safety Improvement
• Synthetic Ropes in the Forest Products Industry

The registration fee is $480 to attend the full conference. The fee to attend one day – Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday – is $160. It is $60 for Friday. To register, go to safetyseries.cventevents.com/wppfp26.

If you have questions or need help registering, call the Oregon OSHA Conference Section at 503-947-7411, or email egon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov">oregon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon OSHA:

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

UPDATE: DANEIAN HAS BEEN LOCATED SAFE.

Name: Dameian Ray

Age: 15

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 120

Hair: Blonde/Light Brown

Eyes: Brown

Case: 26-28405

Information: Dameian ran away from his residence in the Murphy area on October 15th, 2026, around 07:26 PM. Dameian was wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans, black hat, and sandals.

If you have any information, please contact Josephine County Sheriff's Office, 541-474-5123.

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will honor generations of Oregon veterans and their service to our nation during the 2026 Oregon Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony, beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, on the Capitol Mall in Salem.

This year’s ceremony will feature remarks by veterans, service members, state leaders and other dignitaries along with traditional military and patriotic observances, including a bagpipe performance, presentation of the colors and the national anthem.

“For more than a century, Americans have come together on Veterans Day, united in gratitude for those who have served and the families who have stood beside them,” said ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels. “Our nation’s strength lives in the people who step forward to serve with honor and, across generations, bring that same commitment home to their communities. We warmly invite you to join us at the Capitol to honor their service, remember their sacrifices and celebrate the veterans, service members and families who served our nation.”

The Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at Oregon State Capitol State Park on the Capitol Mall, directly across Court Street from the front entrance of the Capitol Building. The event is free and open to the public. Seating will be available, and attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at facebook.com/odvavet.

Veterans Day Events Happening Across Oregon

Communities throughout Oregon will also mark Veterans Day with ceremonies, parades, breakfasts, school programs and other events honoring local veterans.

ODVA’s online Statewide Veterans Day Events Calendar now includes events taking place in communities across Oregon, giving veterans and their families an easy way to find an observance near them. The calendar will continue to be updated as Veterans Day approaches.

The statewide calendar is available at oregondva.com/veterans-day.

ODVA continues to invite cities, counties, veterans organizations, schools, community groups and other event organizers to share their Veterans Day activities for inclusion on the calendar. Events may be submitted using the “Add Your Event” link on the Veterans Day calendar page.

If you have any questions, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.

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

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Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation and 33 other state financial regulatory agencies have reached a $2.5 million settlement with Coinme Inc., a Seattle-based cryptocurrency money transmitter and kiosk operator, for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-money laundering (AML) laws that safeguard the financial system from illicit use.

Under the terms of the settlement, Coinme has agreed to terminate its virtual currency kiosk operations by Jan. 1, 2027, or face an additional $4 million penalty. The settlement amount will be allocated among participating states based on transaction volume. Oregon will receive $101,425.34 as part of the settlement.

In addition, Coinme has agreed to hire an independent consultant to review the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of its BSA/AML program and submit a report to the states within six months. Coinme will have 12 months to correct any deficiencies found in the review after the report is filed.

“State regulation of money services exists to protect consumers from scams and bad actors,” DFR Administrator TK Keen said. “DFR will continue to take action against companies that pose unfair risks to Oregon consumers.”

Cryptocurrency kiosks are frequently used in connection with fraud and other criminal activities, so DFR urges caution before consumers use kiosks.

“Nobody legitimate, be it the IRS, a utility, a bank, or a sweetheart you’ve never met, will tell you to feed money into a cryptocurrency kiosk,” Keen said. “If someone does, stop and call local law enforcement.”

Consumers can visit NMLS Consumer Access to verify that a company is licensed to do business in Oregon and can view if there are past enforcement actions against the company or individual.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or have questions, you can reach out to one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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

October 19, 2026

Contact: Franny White, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539

Oregon Health Plan rates for 2027 released

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the 15 coordinated care organizations (CCOs) that facilitate Medicaid health benefits in Oregon have successfully worked together to confirm 2027 rates for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) that will keep healthcare accessible statewide.

Next year, CCOs will collectively receive an average of 6.1% more per member per month compared to this year.

“Oregon Health Authority remains focused on ensuring people enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan can receive quality healthcare well into the future,” said OHA Chief Financial Officer Rochelle Layton. “Our updated 2027 rates support the financial stability of the coordinated care organizations that help us deliver Medicaid benefits across the state.”

OHP covers about 1.4 million people, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Medicaid is administered by states according to federal requirements, and the program is jointly funded by states and the federal government.

OHA contracts with CCOs to coordinate regional healthcare needs for the vast majority of OHP members. OHA primarily pays CCOs through per-member-per-month payments, which are also known as capitation rates. 

Multiple factors were considered during the 2027 rate-setting process, including people losing coverage due to upcoming federal changes, rising healthcare costs, and ongoing changes to covered benefits and payment policies. State and federal rules require CCO rates to be designed to deliver enough revenue to cover expected costs.

When discussing 2027 rates, OHA is separating out the state’s one-time financial investment in maternity care, which temporarily increased CCO payments in 2026. Showing next year’s overall CCO rates without maternity care enables more accurate rate comparisons over time.

Without the maternity care payments, Oregon CCOs will receive an average of 6.1% more per member per month next year. However, when maternity payments are included, 2027 rates increase an average of 5.6% over 2026. As a result, CCOs will receive an average of $627.68 per member per month in 2027 to coordinate the medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare services for most of the state’s Medicaid enrollees next year.

OHA developed 2027 rates after analyzing CCO financial data from 2025 and early 2026. As was reported earlier, Oregon CCOs collectively had a profit margin of 0.8% in 2025, which was an improvement from just 0.001% in 2024. Preliminary data for early 2026 indicates CCO finances have continued to improve.

During the 2027 rate-setting process, OHA increased its collaboration with CCOs and improved public transparency as required by Oregon House Bill 4039, which became law in March and directed OHA to use a more transparent, data-driven process while developing CCO rates. OHA staff gave two Oregon Health Policy Board presentations before rates had been finalized, increased the amount of time CCOs had to review draft rates, met with CCOs more often during the rate-setting process, and released additional exhibits required by the new law.

OHA has submitted the proposed 2027 CCO rates to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid, which is expected to approve them by the end of this calendar year. For more information, see the draft 2027 CCO capitation rate development & certification report.

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Oct. 19: Bend Police Provide Update on Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting 

The Bend Police Department continues to focus our efforts on the horrific Silver Rail Elementary School shooting that took place on Thursday, Oct. 15. Our investigators, the Tri-County Major Incident Team and many other members of our team here continue to work tirelessly on this case.

We know our community still has a lot of questions, and we appreciate your patience as we conduct a thorough investigation. To that end, at this time we are not sharing additional information about the suspect, the weapon used or other details that are part of that active investigation. When we have news to share on the investigative front, we will share it.

There is a lot of misinformation out there right now. We encourage our community to get their information from trusted sources, namely the Bend-La Pine Schools and the Bend Police Department.

Sometimes, as investigations progress, new information comes out that may be different from what we initially knew and shared. For example, we have received questions from members of the media and the public about how many people were in the classroom where the shooting occurred. Our investigators have confirmed that there were a total of four adults and five children in the classroom at the time of the incident. 

This afternoon, our Department expects to complete its investigative work at the school building, and will turn over the building to the school district. The investigation will continue, but evidence collection at the school will have been completed at that time.

The FBI Victim Services Division is currently helping families collect belongings that were left behind in the unaffected parts of Silver Rail Elementary. Over the weekend, the victim advocates completed this process for staff members. We appreciate you giving families and staff the space to grieve as they take part in this process, which is not taking place at the elementary school.

As most children return to Bend-La Pine Schools on Wednesday, we know you want to know what that’s going to look like. Our team is working with the safety team at Bend-La Pine Schools to ensure you see our officers in and around school campuses on Wednesday and for the foreseeable future.

Please take care of yourselves. Remember that there are many resources available.

• The City of Bend has collected a list of helpful resources: https://bendoregon.gov/community-support-resources/
• Deschutes County Behavioral Health has a list of upcoming opportunities for community support: https://www.deschutescounty.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/339
• The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has created a page with details of community support available as well: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/OEM/Posts/Post/Support-Bend

October 19, 2026

Oregon Community Foundation Shares Ways to Support Bend Community After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting

Donors who want to support the Bend community following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School can do so through two charitable funds at Oregon Community Foundation. Both funds are available in response to requests from local families and community members to help direct resources where they are needed most.

Rapid Response Fund

Oregon Community Foundation's Rapid Response Fund supports communities facing urgent needs that require a coordinated response. Following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, OCF team members in Bend are working with local partners to identify needs and help direct support where it can have the greatest impact, now and in the future.

To Donate: Rapid Response Fund of Oregon Community Foundation

Megan Lambert Memorial Fund

The Lambert Family established the Megan Lambert Memorial Fund to honor her daughter who died in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. The fund will support causes that reflect Megan's values and interests, including education, mental health, services for children with special needs and Oregon schools. The fund may also support youth volleyball programs in Central Oregon.

To Donate: Honoring Megan Lambert

Donations to both funds are tax-deductible.

About Oregon Community Foundation

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Each year, OCF distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships statewide in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.

Media Contact

Colin Fogarty

Director of Communications

Oregon Community Foundation

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

A series of rulemaking advisory committee meetings has been scheduled to discuss updates to the smoke management rules.

This will include multiple work sessions and opportunity for public comment.

The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21. There will be a period for public comment at 2 p.m. To join, please use the Teams video conference information found on the agenda. 

You can view the previous meetings on the website. More may be scheduled in the future. All meetings will be held virtually and are open to the public. 

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.

LANE COUNTY, Ore. (19 Oct. 2026) – On Saturday, October 17, 2026, at approximately 3:31 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 190.5 in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a green Toyota RAV4, operated by Carol Jean King (74) of Springfield, was traveling southbound toward the McVay Highway off-ramp at a high rate of speed when it failed to navigate the curvature of the off-ramp. The Toyota left the roadway, rolled over, and passed through a thicket of trees before catching fire.

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

The highway was impacted for approximately 1.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire & Rescue, Eugene Springfield Fire, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.  
 

# # #

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

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — October 17, 2026 — At approximately 11:21 a.m., Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) was dispatched to a reported structure fire on Lincoln Street.

Fire crews arrived approximately five minutes after dispatch and encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from a garage attached to a residence. All occupants had safely evacuated prior to the arrival of firefighters.

KCFD1 personnel immediately initiated an aggressive offensive fire attack, advancing hose lines into the structure to contain the fire and prevent further extension into the home. Through a coordinated interior fire attack, firefighters were able to contain the fire and limit damage to the living area of the residence.

KCFD1 responded with four fire engines, one ambulance, and two command vehicles, totaling 15 personnel. Kingsley Field Fire Department assisted with one additional fire engine and one command vehicle.

No injuries to occupants or emergency personnel were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Klamath County Fire District 1 would like to thank Kingsley Field Fire Department for their assistance and continued partnership, as well as KC911 dispatchers for their professionalism, clear communication, and coordination throughout the incident. Their efforts play an essential role in ensuring an effective and coordinated emergency response.

KCFD1 remains committed to providing the highest level of emergency services to the citizens and communities we proudly serve.

Update: Humbug Mountain Trail construction delayed. Construction will now start Oct. 26.
 

Trails will be closed starting mid- and late October.

Port Orford, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is conducting several land and forest management projects in October. This is a regular part of OPRD’s stewardship and supports healthy ecosystems.

Check the park pages linked below for updates.

Humbug Mountain State Park

Humbug Mountain Trail will be closed for about two weeks starting Monday, Oct. 19. OPRD is managing a sudden oak death infestation in tanoak. Sudden oak death is an invasive pathogen that causes tanoak to die. The treatment is necessary to remove the infected and dead tanoak to reduce the spread of sudden oak death within the park and surrounding areas.

Within the 21-acre treatment area all tanoak will be cut down and the tree stumps will be treated with herbicide to limit resprouting. This treatment will also reduce the chances of wildfire risk by removing the unhealthy and dead trees. Initially discovered in Oregon in 2001, this pathogen spread within Curry County affecting private, state, and federal landowners.

Cape Blanco State Park

The horse trail system will be closed for about three weeks starting Monday, Oct. 26. OPRD is reducing tree density within this area to enhance habitat, specifically to support the state and federally listed endangered western lily.

This work will take place across 34 acres and include removing tree seedings, saplings and other trees to allow more meadow species to thrive and reduce encroachment in the sensitive western lily area.