SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street (OMS) is now accepting applications for organizations to join at the Designated Main Street or the Affiliated Main Street level of the Oregon Main Street Network. This application round is for organizations who demonstrate the readiness and capacity to implement a comprehensive downtown improvement effort based on the nationally recognized Main Street Approach™.

Applications can be found on our website at www.oregonmainstreet under the “How to Join” dropdown. OMS will host a virtual application workshop on November 12th, from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm. The workshop covers some of the requirements to participate at these tiers and provide tips on completing the application. Participants must register in advance click here.

The Designated Main Street level is a mark of distinction that reflects a demonstrated effort to building, growing, and sustaining a main street organization to support efforts to improve a community’s historic downtown by leveraging partnerships and engaging community members. Organizations participating at this level have a high degree of commitment to using the nationally recognized place-based Main Street Approach™ methodology to create lasting impact in enhancing their historic downtowns.

The Affiliated Main Street level is for communities who are either just starting to form, or are working on strengthening their Main Street structure to harness the powerful main street methodology to create lasting impact in enhancing their historic downtown or traditional commercial neighborhood.

Affiliated Main Street and Designated Main Street level communities must have a cohesive core of historic or older commercial and mixed-use buildings that represent the community’s architectural heritage and may include compatible in-fill. They must also have a sufficient mass of businesses, buildings, and density to be effective, as well as be a compact and pedestrian-oriented district.

The primary emphasis of joining at the Affiliated Main Street and Designated Main Street levels is the provided technical assistance from Oregon Main Street to help strengthen revitalization efforts.  Acceptance at these levels allows communities to participate in training, program evaluations, technical assistance, and receive local capacity building support. Participating in the Oregon Main Street program is free.

The selection process included submitting an application that describes their district, previous efforts to improve downtown, readiness to implement the Main Street Approach™, board development efforts, in addition to other criteria. 

Currently, there are more than 100 communities in Oregon participating in one of the four levels of the Oregon Main Street Network: Accredited Main Street, Designated Main Street, Affiliated Main Street, and Connected Communities. The Connected Communities application is the baseline engagement to our program and is open year-round. The OMS Accredited Main Street designation is achieved by attaining Main Street America™ national accreditation status.

Oregon Main Street is part of Oregon Heritage in Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

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November 5, 2026

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Salem Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Firearms and Controlled Substances

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Salem man associated with the Varrio Catorce Norteño street gang was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison today for trafficking firearms and controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced.

Christopher Hermens, 29, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to transferring firearms to another person while having reasonable cause to believe the recipient intended to use, carry, or possess the firearms in connection with felony offenses.

According to court documents, in July 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating members of the Varrio Catorce Norteño gang in the Salem area. During the investigation, an undercover ATF agent conducted a series of controlled purchases of firearms and controlled substances from Hermens and his associates.

Between January and February 2025, Hermens participated in multiple transactions involving firearms, cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl. During these meetings, Hermens coordinated firearm sales, supplied controlled substances, connected undercover agents with fentanyl suppliers, and discussed obtaining additional firearms, including unserialized “ghost guns.”

On Jan. 23, 2025, Hermens and a co-conspirator sold five firearms and approximately one ounce of cocaine to an undercover agent. During the transaction, Hermens discussed future firearm sales and his ability to obtain additional weapons.

On Feb. 6, 2025, Hermens facilitated the sale of two firearms, approximately two pounds of marijuana, and approximately 32 grams of fentanyl. During the same transaction, Hermens arranged for an additional fentanyl sale through a drug supplier.

Later that month, on Feb. 27, 2025, Hermens coordinated a transaction in which an undercover agent purchased approximately 122 grams of fentanyl from one of Hermens’s associates.

On July 22, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hermens’s residence and recovered 19 firearms, including a rifle found beneath his bed and a pistol located in a neighboring bedroom. Investigators also recovered additional firearms and firearm components from a safe in the residence.

“The defendant repeatedly trafficked firearms and dangerous controlled substances, including fentanyl, while leveraging gang ties and criminal associates to expand his illegal activities,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Individuals who profit from the distribution of illegal firearms and deadly narcotics pose a serious threat to public safety. This sentence holds the defendant accountable for his conduct and reflects our commitment to disrupting the criminal networks that endanger Oregon communities.”

As part of his plea agreement, Hermens agreed to forfeit firearms and other property connected to his criminal conduct.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole M. Bockelman prosecuted the case.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 5, 2026

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Tigard Man Found Guilty of Federal Sex Trafficking Offense After Fleeing to Thailand

PORTLAND, Ore. — A federal jury has found a Tigard man guilty of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion after he attempted to profit from the commercial sexual exploitation of his girlfriend and later fled to Thailand to avoid prosecution, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today.

Selva Delano Mudaliar, 40, was found guilty of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion following a federal jury trial.

According to evidence presented at trial, in December 2021, Mudaliar transported the victim from Portland, Oregon, to a hotel in Vancouver, Washington, where he attempted to arrange for her to engage in commercial sex acts with a customer in exchange for money. Prosecutors proved that Mudaliar fraudulently induced the victim to accompany him and used force, threats, and coercion in connection with the sex trafficking scheme.

Trial evidence showed that after meeting a customer at a Portland nightclub, Mudaliar became interested in the customer after observing that he had substantial funds available in his bank account. Mudaliar directed the victim to introduce herself to the customer and later drove both individuals to a hotel in Vancouver, Washington. Once there, Mudaliar negotiated a deal under which the customer would pay $1,500 in exchange for sexual access to the victim.

When the arrangement failed, Mudaliar became enraged and assaulted the victim. Evidence at trial established that Mudaliar repeatedly struck the victim in the face and head and strangled her until she lost consciousness. The victim suffered severe injuries that required emergency medical treatment and transfer to a Level 1 trauma center.

Following the assault, the Washington County District Attorney's Office charged Mudaliar with multiple state offenses. Shortly before his scheduled state court trial in February 2024, Mudaliar fled the United States and traveled to Thailand. The FBI assisted in locating Mudaliar overseas, and he was arrested by Thai authorities. Mudaliar later consented to extradition and was returned to the United States to face the Washington County charges and additional federal charges. The charges in state court remain pending.

“Sex trafficking is a violent crime that exploits vulnerable victims for financial gain,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “The defendant attempted to sell a woman for sex and then brutally assaulted her when his scheme failed. Today's verdict holds him accountable for that conduct and demonstrates our commitment to prosecuting those who use force, fraud, and coercion to exploit others.”

Mudaliar faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2027.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tigard Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mira R. Chernick and William M. McLaren prosecuted the case.

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GRANTS PASS, Ore. – If you are a small woodland, vineyard, or orchard manager you may know the frustrations of being left with a large amount of woody debris after a harvest or pruning. Trying to decide what to do with all that material is one thing but wait too long and you can accidentally create the perfect habitat for pest insects that can do a great deal of damage to your standing timber or crops. Many landowners are turning to Air Curtain Incinerators (ACI) to help manage the leftover woody debris. An ACI is a specialized piece of equipment that burns woody biomass. Burning in an ACI produces much less smoke and particulate matter than an open burn pile.

On Thursday, Nov. 19 the Oregon Department of Forestry is hosting a live ACI demo. This demo will be held at Valley of the Rogue State Park east of Grants Pass between Rogue River and Gold Hill. Take the 45B exit off the I-5 freeway. Attendees are welcome to drop in from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This demo is perfect for fire departments, local governments, natural area land managers, Firewise communities, prescribed burn associations, nurseries, orchards, vineyards, arborists, landowners, and anyone that has to manage woody biomass looking for alternative to chipping or pile burning. Attendees will learn about what an ACI is and how to operate one, the benefits of using one, and how the biochar produced can be used to improve your soil.

It is free to attend the ACI demo, but attendees are asked to register before attending. To register and learn more about ACI visit http://tiny.cc/ACI-demos. For questions or help registering, contact InvasivePests@odf.oregon.gov.

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PORT ORFORD, Ore. – If you are a small woodland, vineyard, or orchard manager you may know the frustrations of being left with a large amount of woody debris after a harvest or pruning. Trying to decide what to do with all that material is one thing but wait too long and you can accidentally create the perfect habitat for pest insects that can do a great deal of damage to your standing timber or crops. Many landowners are turning to Air Curtain Incinerators (ACI) to help manage the leftover woody debris. An ACI is a specialized piece of equipment that burns woody biomass. Burning in an ACI produces much less smoke and particulate matter than an open burn pile.

On Friday, Nov. 13, the Oregon Department of Forestry is hosting a live ACI demo. This demo will be held at Cape Blanco State Park. 91814 Cape Blanco Road just north of Port Orford. Attendees are welcome to drop in from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This demo is perfect for fire departments, local governments, natural area land managers, Firewise communities, prescribed burn associations, nurseries, orchards, vineyards, arborists, landowners, and anyone who has to manage woody biomass looking for alternative to chipping or pile burning. Attendees will learn about what an ACI is and how to operate one, the benefits of using one, and how the biochar produced can be used to improve your soil.

It is free to attend the ACI demo, but attendees are asked to register before attending. To register and learn more about ACI visit http://tiny.cc/ACI-demos. For questions or help registering, contact InvasivePests@odf.oregon.gov.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 5, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Oregon Man on State Supervision Arrested for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material After Arriving at Portland International Airport

PORTLAND, Ore.— U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today that Alec Joseph Adams, 30, of Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) after federal agents allegedly discovered illicit images and videos on his cell phone during an inspection at Portland International Airport.

“Every image and video depicting child sexual abuse represents a real child victim,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “The Department of Justice remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children from exploitation and aggressively prosecuting individuals who possess, produce, or distribute child sexual abuse material.”

According to court documents, on Oct. 28, 2026, Adams arrived at Portland International Airport on a flight from Reykjavik, Iceland. During a customs inspection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers learned that Adams was serving a term of probation in Lincoln County, Oregon, following convictions for luring a child and online sexual corruption of a child.

Court documents allege that during a basic media examination of Adams' cellphone, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered suspected child sexual abuse material. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were notified and conducted a preliminary review of the device.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, investigators observed multiple images and video thumbnails depicting nude prepubescent and pubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct in a hidden folder on Adams' phone.

Federal investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant for the device. During a more extensive review, agents allegedly located additional videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children. Court documents describe videos showing prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct with adults.

Adams has been charged with one count of possession of child pornography, which is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a lifetime term of supervised release.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The Special Prosecutions Unit for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.

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

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Applications due by Nov. 30

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking volunteers to serve on the Land and Water Conservation Fund grants advisory committee, also known as the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Committee. This nine-member grant advisory committee evaluates public outdoor recreation grant proposals submitted to OPRD for funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The open positions include:

• A member representing the disabilities community
• A member representing cities over 15,000 population
• A member representing counties east of the Cascades

Note: Candidates for the positions representing cities and counties must be professionally affiliated with a city, either through employment or in another professional capacity. OPRD will coordinate with organizations, including the Oregon Recreation and Park Association and the League of Oregon Cities, and the Association of Oregon Counties to designate nominees for these positions.

Those interested in serving must submit an interest form by Nov. 30, 2026.

OPRD will review the interest forms and follow up with potential members for informal interviews. Committee appointments are subject to confirmation by the OPRD director. Committee members serve four-year terms and may be reappointed for a second consecutive term.

Candidate qualities

Ideal candidates may reside anywhere in Oregon and bring experience in at least one of the following areas: public recreation provider, recreation planning or design, recreation-focused volunteerism, or lived experience that uniquely qualifies them to evaluate recreation project proposals. Strong candidates may also demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreation needs, broad recreation issues, and the importance of advancing equitable, inclusive, and accessible recreation opportunities.

Committee member responsibilities

The committee typically meets for a one- to two-day meeting in Salem to review proposals and hear applicant presentations before making funding recommendations to OPRD. Committee members may attend virtually.

Optional project site visits and additional meetings may be scheduled as needed. Time commitment varies and includes independently reviewing and evaluating an average of 15-20 applications prior to the grant meeting, which requires access to a personal computer and internet. State-mandated annual training is also required, generally taking only a few hours per year.

About the grant program

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Program is a competitive grant program funded by the National Park Service and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Grants are awarded to local governments, federally recognized tribal governments and eligible state agencies for land acquisition, development and rehabilitation projects for public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

For more information about the advisory committee or application process, contact Nohemi Enciso, LWCF Program Coordinator, at nohemi.enciso@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-480-9092.

November 5, 2026

Media contact: Kim Lippert, erly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kimberly.l.lippert@oha.oregon.gov

New behavioral health treatment beds open in Marion County

Salem, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) celebrates the opening of nine new residential treatment beds at Sanctuary, LLC, in Turner, expanding access to treatment and strengthening Oregon’s behavioral health system.

The opening creates more placement options for those with mental health needs, including those involved with the forensic behavioral health system, to receive care in a community-based setting that may be closer to home.

“OHA is committed to expanding access to behavioral health treatment so more people can get the care they need, where they need it and when they need it,” said Ebony Clarke, Behavioral Health director at OHA. “A strong behavioral health continuum must support the whole person, addressing individual needs through person-centered, trauma-informed care.” 

Adult bed capacity in the state has expanded through Behavioral Health Investment program funding: 350 new licensed residential beds and 488 new non-licensed beds and units are now open across the state due to dedicated funding.  

OHA provided $239,677 in funding for the facility through House Bill 2059, which passed in the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill provided OHA $65 million to increase residential behavioral health capacity throughout the state.

“Sanctuary was built on the belief that recovery begins with feeling safe, heard, and respected,” said Moses Malibet, director, Sanctuary Agency LLC. “Our commitment is to provide individualized, trauma-informed mental health care that honors each person’s identity, culture, and lived experience. Working alongside OHA and community partners, we want to create a place where belonging is part of care, and every resident has support to pursue a meaningful life.”

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November 5, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Charged with Laundering Drug Proceeds and Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm

EUGENE, Ore.— A Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States has been charged with laundering purported drug proceeds and being an alien in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today.

According to court documents, Esteban Peralta Fragozo, 50, of Springfield, Oregon, owned and operated El Kaiman Western Wear, a Springfield business that sold clothing and provided international money transfer services. Investigators with Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) allege that Fragozo used the business to launder drug trafficking proceeds through wire transfers sent to Mexico and Honduras.

Court documents allege that between January 2018 and July 2026, El Kaiman processed approximately 179,874 wire transfers totaling more than $93 million. Investigators further allege that more than $34 million in suspected drug proceeds were transmitted from Springfield to drug-trafficking corridors in Mexico and Honduras during that period.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement conducted a series of undercover operations using a confidential informant. According to the complaint, Fragozo processed multiple wire transfers after being told the funds were derived from drug trafficking and used false sender information and identification documents to complete the transactions.

The complaint further alleges that drug traffickers used El Kaiman to transmit proceeds derived from narcotics trafficking. In one instance detailed in court records, investigators recovered wire transfer receipts from El Kaiman during a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of approximately 72 pounds of methamphetamine.

On Nov. 4, 2026, federal agents executed search warrants at Fragozo's residence, business, vehicle, and on his person. During a search of the business, agents recovered a Ruger 9mm pistol, ammunition, and bulk currency. According to court documents, Fragozo admitted possessing the firearm and acknowledged that he did not have lawful immigration status in the United States.

“As alleged, the defendant was illegally present in the United States while using his business to launder millions of dollars in drug trafficking proceeds and unlawfully possessing a firearm,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Drug trafficking organizations depend on financial facilitators to move and hide their criminal profits. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify, dismantle, and prosecute the financial infrastructure that supports transnational drug trafficking organizations and fuels the flow of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our communities.”

According to the complaint, investigators have observed a dramatic increase in drug trafficking activity involving Honduran nationals in Oregon. Court documents allege that Mexican drug trafficking organizations increasingly use Honduran nationals to distribute fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics in major metropolitan areas, including the Portland metropolitan area.

Fragozo made his initial appearance in federal court on Nov. 4, 2026, before a U.S. magistrate judge and was ordered detained pending further proceedings.

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

The case is being investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia Jarrett and Christopher Cardani are prosecuting the case.

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Cannabis harms, benefits described in new public health statements

OHA revises, expands statements published after Measure 91 passage in 2014

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority has published updated public health statements offering guidance to clinicians, local public health agencies, legislators and the public on the potential harms and benefits of cannabis use.

Based on extensive review of scientific literature and key reports from around the world, the 2026 Cannabis Public Health Statements expand and revise previous statements an OHA-convened Retail Marijuana Scientific Advisory Committee developed in 2015. The earlier statements, which were updated in 2017, were created following the 2014 passage of Measure 91, which legalized recreational marijuana use, sale, and possession.

Cannabis policy and science has changed considerably since 2017. “We set out to capture as much recent data and evidence as possible, from hundreds of studies and reports, to provide a comprehensive picture of the potential health harms and health benefits of cannabis use,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at the OHA Public Health Division.

The statements are for educational purposes and are not a substitute for medical care or consultation with a health care professional. 

The summary accompanying the statements describes cannabis terminology, cannabis products and potency, how cannabis is consumed, and recommendations for individuals considering cannabis use. The summary also offers guidance on interpreting the public health statements, including cautioning that health outcomes described as “linked to” or having an association with cannabis use or exposure do not prove causation.

The statements’ findings include moderate or strong evidence linking cannabis use and health harms. Those include:

• Respiratory health—Respiratory diseases and symptoms related to particulate matter in smoke; chronic bronchitis from heavy smoking; e-cigarette or vaping product use-related lung injury.
• Cardiovascular and metabolic health—Heart attack and stroke; cancer; pre-cancerous changes in the lungs, related to cancer-causing chemicals present in cannabis smoke (both firsthand and secondhand smoke); testicular cancer.
• Injuries—Motor vehicle crashes when driving after cannabis use; severe burn injuries from vaporizing device failures and home butane extraction of hash oil; toxicity and poisoning, sometimes requiring emergency department visits or hospitalization.
• Neurological health—Impairments in memory, attention, decision making, and learning; up to a month after use for frequent cannabis use.
• Mental health and substance use—Suicide; psychosis, including schizophrenia, especially people with long-term use, adolescents, and people using high-THC products; cannabis use disorder from frequent cannabis use and use of high-THC products; worsening of bipolar disorder.
• Reproductive health and early child development—Fetal health effects from maternal use during pregnancy, including infants being born small for gestational age or with low birthweight; attention problems, reduced cognitive function, and decreased academic ability and IQ scores in children after maternal use during pregnancy.
• Cannabis use in childhood and young adulthood—Low academic achievement, such as not graduating from high school; developing cannabis use dependence or disorder as an adult; high-risk use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs as an adult; increased psychotic symptoms and disorders such as schizophrenia in adulthood, from regular use; depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts; poisoning of children consuming cannabis edibles, causing severe health effects that may require hospitalization.
• Other health topics—Gastrointestinal effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; long-term use is associated with cannabis hyperemesis disorder (severe, re-occurring vomiting).

Findings of moderate or strong evidence linking cannabis use and health benefits included:

• Respiratory conditions—Short-term improvement of airflow in the lungs.
• Cancer—Treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting with pharmaceutical THC (dronabinol).
• Neurological health—Treatment for specific types of seizure disorders or epilepsy (pediatric Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex) with pharmaceutical CBD (Epidiolex); treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity symptoms with pharmaceutical nabiximols; improvements in chronic pain in adults, especially with oral or sublingual cannabinoids (nabiximols, nabilone, dronabinol)

The summary describes limitations with some of the Cannabis Public Health Statements, noting that “A few health statements are listed that have ‘insufficient evidence’ because they were included in other major reviews or prior Oregon health statements.” The summary also points out that “Due to the evolution of cannabis products, and lack of clarity in the research, actual risks could vary by product type (for example, smoked, edible, or vaporized), and by the amount of THC, CBD, and other ingredients or additives in products.”

In addition, according to summary authors, the review was conducted with a small team of OHA staff with limited resources, and as such, “our approach was not as in depth as a very large review, such as reviews by the Cochrane Collaboration or the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.”

“Although we aimed to conduct a comprehensive review, these findings should not be taken to be exhaustive and representative of the entire body of cannabis health effects research, which is constantly expanding,” summary authors wrote.

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TALENT, Ore. – If you are a small woodland, vineyard, or orchard manager you may know the frustrations of being left with a large amount of woody debris after a harvest or pruning. Trying to decide what to do with all that material is one thing but wait too long and you can accidentally create the perfect habitat for pest insects that can do a great deal of damage to your standing timber or crops. Many landowners are turning to Air Curtain Incinerators (ACI) to help manage the leftover woody debris. An ACI is a specialized piece of equipment that burns woody biomass. Burning in an ACI produces much less smoke and particulate matter than an open burn pile.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026 the Oregon Department of Forestry is hosting a live ACI demo. This demo will be held at the Plant Oregon Nursery, 8651 Wagner Creek Road in Talent. Attendees are welcome to drop in from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This demo is perfect for fire departments, local governments, natural area land managers, Firewise communities, prescribed burn associations, nurseries, orchards, vineyards, arborists, landowners, and any anyone who has to manage woody biomass looking for alternative to chipping or pile burning. Attendees will learn about what an ACI is and how to operate one, the benefits of using one, and how the biochar produced can be used to improve your soil.

It is free to attend the ACI demo, but attendees are asked to register before attending. To register and learn more about ACI visit http://tiny.cc/ACI-demos. For questions or help registering, contact InvasivePests@odf.oregon.gov.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 4, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Former Oregon Lumber Company Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Nearly $1 Million From Employer Over Decade-Long Scheme

PORTLAND, Ore.— U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today that Christina Klauda, 53, of Riddle, Oregon, has pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and two counts of making and subscribing false federal income tax returns for a years-long embezzlement and tax fraud scheme that targeted her former employer.

According to court documents, Klauda served as the office manager and bookkeeper for Tower Timber Services, Inc., a lumber company based in Riddle, Oregon, beginning in 2014. In that role, she was responsible for payroll, accounts payable, invoicing, employee dispatch and preparation of employee tax forms.

Klauda admitted that she used her position of trust and control over the company's financial systems to systematically steal from Tower Timber from 2014 through 2023. The government estimates the company's losses at more than $1.08 million, while Klauda acknowledges losses of at least $944,371.97.

According to the plea agreement, Klauda began the scheme by increasing her hourly and overtime rates and overstating her work hours in the company's payroll system. Beginning in 2018, she created a second employee profile in the company's accounting software and arranged to receive duplicate payroll payments. Klauda received one payment through direct deposit and a second payment through paper checks that she concealed by deleting records of the transactions from the accounting software.

Klauda also admitted to using the company owner's signature stamp without authorization to issue additional checks to herself and her personal creditors. She disguised these payments as loans, reimbursements or draws, removed the transactions from company records, and failed to report the income to the Internal Revenue Service.

As part of the scheme, Klauda filed false federal income tax returns for tax years 2018 and 2019 by failing to report income she had stolen from the company. Specifically, she failed to report approximately $38,140 in income in 2018 and $74,144 in income in 2019, causing a total tax loss of $27,985.

The bank fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, a $1 million fine and five years of supervised release. Each tax fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison, a $100,000 fine and one year of supervised release.

Klauda has also agreed to pay restitution to the victims. The parties estimate total restitution will be between approximately $972,356.97 and $1,111,771.56, including losses sustained by Tower Timber and the IRS.

The case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken is prosecuting the case.

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LANE COUNTY, Ore. (4 Nov. 2026) – On Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Highway 36 near milepost 5.2 in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Audi Q3, operated by Jarod Layne Upham (47) of Swisshome, was traveling westbound on Highway 36 near Florence when it left the roadway for an unknown reason and entered the westbound shoulder. The vehicle traveled up an embankment, struck a boulder, and rolled over, causing the operator to be ejected from the vehicle.

The operator of the Audi (Upham) was pronounced deceased at the scene despite life-saving efforts by bystanders. Upham is not believed to have been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

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

OSP was assisted by the Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 4, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Warm Springs Man Indicted for Assaulting Two Children and Strangling Intimate Partner on Warm Springs Reservation

PORTLAND, Ore.— A federal grand jury in Portland has returned a five-count indictment charging Cedrick Bruce Davis, 25, with assault offenses stemming from the alleged abuse of two young children and the strangulation of an intimate partner on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today.

According to court documents, Davis, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to commit murder, two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and one count of assault by strangulation.

“The conduct alleged in this indictment is shocking and deeply disturbing,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “No child should endure this kind of abuse, and no victim should live in fear of violence in their own home. Our office remains committed to working alongside Tribal, local, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate violent crimes in Indian Country and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

The indictment alleges that, between Oct. 19 and Oct. 22, 2026, Davis assaulted two minor victims on the Warm Springs Reservation. Federal prosecutors allege that Davis strangled both children with the intent to commit murder and caused serious bodily injury by striking and wounding them. The indictment further alleges that Davis assaulted and attempted to strangle an adult victim.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, officers with the Warm Springs Police Department responded to a residence on Oct. 22, 2026, after the adult victim called 911 seeking assistance because she did not feel safe. When officers arrived, a responding officer observed substantial injuries to both children, including facial swelling, bruising and visible trauma. The responding officer asked one of the minor victims about an injury to her face, and the child identified “Cedrick” as the person who caused it.

Court documents allege that the adult victim told investigators Davis assaulted her and the two children over several days. She reported that Davis strangled both children, struck them with his fists and a BB gun, bit them, threw them and struck their heads together. The adult victim further reported that Davis strangled her, struck her in the ribs with a BB gun and held a knife to her neck during her attempts to protect the children.

Court documents further allege that Davis waived his Miranda rights and admitted to physically assaulting the victims. Investigators reported that Davis acknowledged slapping the children in the face, striking their heads together and strangling each child on multiple occasions. According to the affidavit, Davis stated that one child lost consciousness during a strangulation assault. Davis also allegedly admitted strangling the adult victim and striking her in the abdomen.

If convicted, assault with intent to commit murder carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Assault resulting in serious bodily injury carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, and assault by strangulation carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Warm Springs Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Arin C. Heinz of the District of Oregon's Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

(Portland, Ore.) - The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) congratulates Governor Tina Kotek and all ONA-endorsed candidates who won their elections.

This election presented a clear choice, and Oregonians made their voices heard. Voters chose leaders committed to protecting and expanding access to healthcare, defending workers’ rights, and putting people—not corporate interests—first. That choice also meant electing a governor who signed Oregon’s landmark hospital safe staffing law over a candidate who opposed it, and rejecting efforts to weaken the critical patient protections the law provides.

Governor Kotek has been a strong champion of these priorities, consistently standing up to corporate interests that put profits ahead of patient care. We look forward to continuing our partnership with her to expand access to healthcare and strengthen Oregon's landmark hospital nurse staffing law, which helps ensure every patient receives safe, high-quality care. Protecting these standards from corporate influence and hospital industry lobbying will remain a top priority for nurses and other frontline healthcare professionals across Oregon.

This election also sent a powerful message beyond Oregon's borders. Across the country, voters elected a new generation of leaders, breaking barriers and making history in states where these victories might once have seemed unimaginable. From local races to the halls of Congress, voters chose leaders who better reflect the diversity of our communities, signaling a changing America and a desire for politics that puts people first.

These results reflect a rejection of the Trump administration's agenda, including policies that threaten to strip healthcare and food assistance from working families and vulnerable communities. By electing leaders prepared to stand up to the attacks from the federal government, voters reaffirmed their commitment to a country—and an Oregon—where everyone can live safely, with dignity, and with access to the high-quality healthcare they deserve.

ONA looks forward to continuing our work with Governor Kotek and elected leaders across Oregon and the country to protect patients, strengthen our communities, and ensure every Oregonian has access to the high-quality healthcare they deserve.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 26,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

In total, ODF brought in 280 resources from 19 states, provinces and territories to support Oregon’s 2026 fire season.

“This season was one of the most demanding fire seasons we’ve ever experienced,” said Kyle Williams, ODF Deputy Director of Fire Operations. “The rapidly-changing and extreme fire conditions again tested the entire system nationwide, but everyone gave it all they had.”

The end of fire season removes ODF-imposed fire restrictions on ODF-protected lands. However, many structural fire departments in Oregon may still require a permit for debris burning, and slash burning requires a permit year-round, so check the Before You Burn website or contact your local ODF office before starting a burn.

As Oregon transitions to fall and winter, ODF districts and fire managers across the state are shifting their attention to wildfire prevention, fuels reduction, mitigation and planning efforts.

For more tips on how to keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe from wildfire at any time of year, visit ODF’s Fire Prevention website or Keep Oregon Green’s website.

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

To view the Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Click or tap if you trust this link.">https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve August 18, 2026, Meeting Minutes

3. Blaine F. England, PS No. 110275

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

4. Herbert L. Horne, PS No. 064597

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

5. Kanoe K. Kaaihue-Braun, PS No. 104217

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

6. Cameron D. Palm, PS No. 065702

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

7. Mailau H. Penitani, PS No. 123223

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

8. Franco J. Pina Vera, PS No. 125176

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

9. Leonardo R. Ugarte, PS No. 113916

   Notice of Intent to Propose Civil Penalty

   Presented by Michael Holsapple

10. Agency Update

11. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – February 16, 2027, at 1:30 p.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

DPSST provides reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access for people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. To request a sign language interpreter, translation services, or other accommodations, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or at nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

DPSST proporciona acomodaciones rasonables para asegurar el acceso igual para personas con descapacidades y para personas con competencia limitada de inglés. Para pedir un interprete de lengua de señas, servicios de traducción, u otras acomodaciones, por favor de contactar a Juan Lopez marcando al (503) 551-3167, o a nandez@dpsst.oregon.gov">juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov, al menos de 48 horas antes de la reunión.

COOS COUNTY, Ore. (4 Nov. 2026) – On Monday, November 2, 2026, at approximately 2:34 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 42S near milepost 13.8 in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Subaru Outback, operated by Joanne Marie Rutland (56) of Hillsboro, was traveling westbound on Highway 42S near Coquille when it failed to negotiate a sharp curve and departed the roadway. The vehicle traveled down an embankment, struck a tree, and continued down a steep embankment before coming to a final rest. The vehicle subsequently caught fire.

The operator of the Subaru (Rutland) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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

OSP was assisted by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Coquille Fire Department, 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.

ST. HELENS, Ore. (4 Nov. 2026) – On Monday, November 2, 2026, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division responded to a report of the unlawful take of a buck deer within the city limits of St. Helens.

 A deceased 4x2 buck with an arrow protruding from its abdomen was found in a green space owned by the City of St. Helens near South 7^th Street. The deer reportedly frequented this area of the city and was most likely shot within the general vicinity of where it was found.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oregon State Police at 800-442-0776 or call OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-359928.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

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

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

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

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

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

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

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

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

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

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

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

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

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

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

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

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

SALEM, Oregon—The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene Nov. 17-18 in Newport.

On Nov. 17, commissioners will tour Beverly Beach State Park and hold a work session from 1:00 to 4 p.m. providing background on recreation grant programs and impacts of park user fees.

On Nov. 18, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. to discuss acquisition priorities and opportunities, and potential litigation. The Executive Session will be held pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e) and (h) and is closed to the public.

A business meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Beverly Beach State Park Meeting Yurt, 198 NE 123th Street in Newport. The business meeting is open to the public. All public commission meetings are streamed live to YouTube.

Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting; instructions on how to listen will be posted on the commission web page prior to the meeting.The business meeting includes time for informal public comment not related to items on the agenda.

Registration is required to speak during the informal public comment portion. Register online by 5 p.m. on Nov. 16 to speak at the virtual meeting. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. Nov. 16 to Cpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRCpubliccomment@oprd.oregon.gov.  

The full agenda and supporting documents are posted on the commission web page. Notable requests:

• Update on acquisition and management of Abiqua Falls properties.
• Request to approve intergovernmental agreement for fire protection.
• Request to approve local government grant recommendations .
• Request to approve name of the Tryon Creek Education Pavilion.

Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Jayme Jones, commission assistant, at least three days in advance at jayme.jones@oprd.oregon.gov or 971-707-2175.

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission promotes outdoor recreation and heritage by establishing policies, adopting rules and setting the budget for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The seven members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. They serve four-year terms and meet several times a year at locations across the state.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is inviting Portland General Electric (PGE) customers and community members to comment on the company’s request to increase customer rates. Comments may be submitted in several ways, including during a virtual public meeting on November 10, 2026.

Comment via Zoom or phone 
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. Pacific Time via Zoom or by phone.

This virtual meeting will include an overview of PGE’s request to increase customer rates and an opportunity for participants to provide comments. To participate, members of the public must have joined the virtual meeting by 6:30 p.m. PT. Spanish translation services are available for Zoom participants.

Join the meeting: https://bit.ly/4jZFMWM   

Other ways to submit comments 
Comments may also be submitted through any of the following methods:

• Online Public Comment Form: https://bit.ly/3TR5Qca

• Email: licComments@puc.oregon.gov">PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov

• Phone: 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 (all relay calls accepted)

• Mail:
  Oregon Public Utility Commission
  Attn: AHD – UE 473 
  PO Box 1088 
  Salem OR 97308-1088 

About PGE's rate change proposal

PGE has proposed increasing the amount of total revenue it collects from Oregon customers by $178.8 million, or about 4.8 percent for all customer types combined. Actual bill impacts will vary depending on customer type (residential, commercial, industrial, or data centers) and energy usage. The company reports this increase is needed to make significant infrastructure investments, and the recovery of operations and maintenance and capital costs related to production, transmission, and distribution. PGE says it is making investments in the transmission and distribution system to advance clean energy in the future and allow energy to flow in more directions to support changing customer needs. PGE has other projects that are addressing the aging infrastructure to better withstand weather events and enhance resilience and reliability.

PGE’s general rate case filing is undergoing a nearly year-long review and will be fully investigated on behalf of customers by the PUC, the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, among others. This public meeting is part of that review. The Commission will issue a final decision in June of next year and any approved rate changes would take effect by July 4, 2027.

Stay informed 
Individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents throughout this case. To be added, email ings@puc.oregon.gov">puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or call 503-378-6678. Please reference Docket No. UE 473 in your request.

# # #

Docket: UE 473

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Oregon Man Charged with Federal Kidnapping Offense After Missing Child Located by Law Enforcement

PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that Vince Edgar Chavez, 36, of Oregon City, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with kidnapping a minor.

According to the complaint, during the early morning hours of October 28, 2026, a 10‑year‑old child was reported missing from her home in Clackamas County. Responding officers discovered signs the child had been taken and immediately initiated a multi‑agency search. Through interviews, investigative leads, and prior contacts, law enforcement identified Chavez as a person of interest.

“The speed with which this child was found is the result of extraordinary teamwork and relentless determination by law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford. “When a child is taken, we act immediately—and we do not stop until that child is safe and the offender is brought to justice.”

Investigators obtained emergency cellular records due to the immediate threat to life. Analysis by the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST), combined with a grid search by the Oregon City Police Department, directed officers to a residence on Pleasant Avenue in Oregon City. A white van associated with Chavez was located nearby.

At approximately 1:46 p.m., FBI agents observed Chavez accessing the vehicle and returning to the residence. Based on probable cause and the risk to the missing child, law enforcement executed an exigent entry into the home. Inside, officers located the child concealed in a bedroom and safely recovered her. Chavez was taken into custody at the scene.

The child was transported for medical evaluation. Other individuals present in the residence were interviewed and indicated they had no knowledge of the child’s presence in the home.

The affidavit further alleges that Chavez transported the child by vehicle across multiple jurisdictions, using public roadways and a cellphone in furtherance of the offense—factors that establish federal jurisdiction under the kidnapping statute.

This case is being investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office, the Oregon City Police Department, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, and other local law enforcement partners. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rochat.

A criminal complaint is only an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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By Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, Director, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs
 

Today, Americans honor all who have worn our nation’s uniform.

Our military history lives in veterans, their families and those serving today.

Today, service members around the world carry that story forward, along with the families who stand beside them. They include Oregon’s future veterans.

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, and now honors all Americans who served in war and peace.

Veterans served in different times and places, but all promised to protect our country and its Constitution.

As our nation turns 250, we honor the people whose service helped carry us here—and what they taught us.

For me, those lessons are personal. Both my grandfathers served during World War II, when the military was segregated. My late grandfather, Bishop James Lot Smith, served honorably in the Army at a time when Black Americans were asked to defend freedoms they did not fully have at home.

He did not talk much about his time in the military. Instead, he showed me what service meant by the way he lived.

He and my grandmother cared for their family, church and community. They fed people, helped neighbors and opened their home to those in need.

They taught me that service does not end when the uniform comes off.

That lesson inspired me to join the Army and still guides me as Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. I see the same spirit in veterans who volunteer, speak up for others and lend a hand.

I see it in my own family, too. One of my sons serves in the Army Reserve, and one of my sisters served in the Army for 30 years and continues to serve today.

As a veteran, a mother and a member of a military family, I understand both the duty of serving and the sacrifice of loving someone who serves.

That is why I often ask myself and my team: Are we caring for veterans as faithfully as they served our country?

We have not always done that. Some veterans came home to silence, hostility or discrimination. Many struggled to get the care and help they had earned.

We cannot change that past, but we can make this promise to every veteran: No matter when or how you served, you belong.

Whether you served decades ago or recently came home, your service matters.

Veterans deserve more than our thanks. For more than 80 years, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has helped them find the benefits and services they earned.

But reaching every veteran takes all of us — agencies, communities, neighbors and families — listening, reaching out and helping.

Veterans Day is a time to say thank you. But honoring veterans must go beyond a ceremony.

We must welcome veterans home, stand with their families, help them find the benefits they earned and support them as they build their lives after service.

My grandfather taught me that service continues after the uniform comes off. We build our legacy by helping others.

May Oregon remember those who served before us, stand with those serving now and welcome every future veteran home with dignity and care.

Our country is stronger because of those who serve, the families who support them and the communities they come home to.

To our veterans and military families: Thank you. And to those serving today: May you come home safely.

God bless our veterans, military families, Oregon and the United States of America.

Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels is a proud veteran of the United States Army and the Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs, ensuring the availability and access of vital veteran services and programs for more than 260,000 veterans and their families across the state.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Conspiracy, Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft Related to SNAP EBT Skimming Scheme

PORTLAND, Ore.— U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today that Andy Robert Perovici, 36, of Portland, has pleaded guilty to federal charges for his role in a multi‑state scheme that targeted public assistance recipients and caused more than $550,000 in losses in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits in Oregon and Washington.

“Public assistance benefits are a lifeline for families who rely on them,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Stealing from these programs harms some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. Today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who exploit federal benefits systems for personal gain.”

According to court documents, between April 2025 and November 2025, Perovici and his coconspirators obtained stolen SNAP and EBT card numbers and PINs and used this information to withdraw cash, purchase goods, and access benefits without authorization.

Investigators determined that on multiple occasions, including August 1 and September 1, 2025, Perovici used stolen EBT account information to make fraudulent withdrawals and purchases totaling thousands of dollars. He also possessed and trafficked device‑making equipment, including skimming devices and other hardware used to capture and clone EBT card data. Skimming devices were installed at retail locations in Portland, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Salem, Oregon.

A forensic review of electronic devices seized from Perovici revealed EBT account information and PINs associated with hundreds of SNAP and TANF recipients. The cumulative value of the compromised accounts was approximately $554,215.

Perovici pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, Unauthorized Use of Access Devices, and Aggravated Identity Theft. The Aggravated Identity Theft charge carries a mandatory two‑year prison term that must run consecutive to any other sentence imposed.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General is investigating the case with assistance from federal and state partners. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey A. Barrow and Nicholas D. Meyers are prosecuting the case.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Washington Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Money Laundering After Defrauding Victim of More Than $330,000 in Romance Scam

PORTLAND, Ore.— U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today that Rithy Ham, 45, of Vancouver, Washington, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering for orchestrating a yearslong scheme that defrauded a Portland resident of more than $333,000.

According to court documents, between September 2020 and May 2024, Ham created fictitious personas of two women and used them to deceive an adult victim. Ham falsely told the victim that the women needed financial assistance for living expenses, nursing school tuition and to escape prostitution and sex trafficking. Believing the women were real and in danger, the victim sent money on multiple occasions.

Ham communicated with the victim both directly and through the fabricated identities to maintain the deception. In November 2022, he falsely claimed one of the fictitious women urgently needed funds to escape sex trafficking, leading the victim to transfer $36,872.35. Ham later used part of those proceeds to write an $18,500 check to his wife. In March 2023, additional misrepresentations led the victim to transfer $20,922 from a retirement account, which was then deposited into accounts controlled by Ham and his wife.

In total, Ham stole $333,249.52 from the victim, much of it from the victim’s retirement savings.

Ham pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Under the plea agreement, he acknowledged the factual basis of the charges and agreed to pay full restitution.

Wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Money laundering carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Both charges also carry potential fines, up to three years of supervised release and mandatory fee assessments. Ham additionally agreed to a forfeiture money judgment of $333,249.52.

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Bateman is prosecuting the case.

###

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) reminds Oregonians who receive or want to apply for individual or family health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, called Explore Health, or directly with an insurance company, to use the open enrollment period from Nov. 1, 2026, to Jan. 15, 2027.

The open enrollment period allows people to apply for, renew, or change health plans for the coming year. Explore Health coverage can begin as soon as Jan. 1, 2027, if people enroll in or change plans by Dec. 31, 2026.

The last day to enroll in or change plans for the 2027 plan year is Jan. 15, 2027. After that date, consumers may enroll in or change plans only if they qualify for a special enrollment period. Coverage starts on Feb. 1, 2027, for those who enroll in or change plans from Jan. 1 to Jan. 15, 2027, and pay their first premium.

For more information on Explore Health or to utilize the open enrollment period, visit ExploreHealthOR.gov. You must go through Explore Health to receive financial assistance.

DFR also advises Oregonians to carefully review any health insurance coverage offered outside of the ACA Marketplace. BridgeSpan, Kaiser, Moda, and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon are the only insurance companies offering ACA-compliant individual and family plans in 2027.

The agency has identified plans that claim they are “self-funded” and refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” in order to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. There are also plans being sold that “share” health care expenses but are not insurance. These plans may not be compliant with the ACA and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being responsible for unpaid medical bills.

DFR encourages Oregonians to use local licensed insurance agents or Explore Health to obtain individual and family health insurance plans that comply with the ACA. Oregonians can find an expert in their area by going to ExploreHealthOR.gov/Help or by calling the Explore Health customer assistance center at 855-268-3767 (all relay calls welcome).​

“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions before enrolling can contact our consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@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.

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs invites all Oregonians to join in honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans at the 2026 Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony, taking place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Oregon State Capitol State Park in Salem.

The annual ceremony will bring together veterans, military families, state leaders and community members to recognize generations of Americans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

This year’s program will feature remarks from ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels and other distinguished guests, along with traditional military and patriotic observances, including a military flyover by the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing, presentation of the colors, national anthem, ceremonial wreath laying and the playing of “Taps.”

Event Details

• What: 2026 Oregon Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at 11 a.m.
• Where: Oregon State Capitol State Park, on the Capitol Mall directly across Court Street from the front entrance of the Capitol Building in Salem
• Admission: Free and open to the public

Seating will be available. The ceremony will take place outdoors, rain or shine, 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 Across Oregon

Oregonians who cannot attend the statewide ceremony in Salem are encouraged to participate in one of the many local Veterans Day observances taking place in communities across the state.

ODVA maintains an online Statewide Veterans Day Events Calendar featuring ceremonies, parades, community gatherings and other events honoring veterans and their families. The calendar is available at oregondva.com/veterans-day.

For more information about the statewide ceremony or other Veterans Day events, contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit 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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Honduran National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to 17½ Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl that Resulted in a Fatal Overdose

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States has been sentenced to 17½ years in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in distributing fentanyl that resulted in the September 2023 fatal overdose of a 30‑year‑old Milwaukie father, fiancé, and son.

“The defendant came to this country illegally and chose to profit from poisoning our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford. “His actions cost a young father his life, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of that choice. This office will continue to pursue significant penalties for those who violate our immigration laws and traffic fentanyl into our communities.”

Cristhian Martinez, 21, pleaded guilty on May 6, 2026, to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and alien in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, Martinez was part of a conspiracy operating a fentanyl manufacturing and distribution hub from his residence in Gladstone, Oregon. On Nov. 16, 2023, he was stopped while driving back from California with more than a kilogram of fentanyl in his vehicle. A subsequent federal search warrant at his residence led to the seizure of additional fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills, a pill‑press operation, cutting agents, thousands of dollars in cash, and nine firearms.

As part of his plea agreement, Martinez admitted supplying fentanyl to another dealer who later sold the drug to the victim, who consumed it and died on Sept. 26, 2023, from acute fentanyl toxicity. At sentencing, loved ones described the victim as a loving and devoted father, fiancé, son, and coworker.

The dealer who sold the fentanyl to the victim has also been charged, and his case is pending. The dealer who purchased the fentanyl from Martinez, and then sold it to the victim, told investigators he had purchased between 30 and 50 pounds of fentanyl powder and more than 100,000 counterfeit pills from Martinez over an 18‑month period. Thirty pounds of fentanyl is equivalent to an estimated 6.8 million potentially lethal doses.

Given Martinez’s large‑scale trafficking activity, possession of multiple firearms, and admission that his conduct resulted in the victim’s death, federal prosecutors said the sentence was necessary to send a “clear message to the defendant, other fentanyl dealers, and the community that such conduct will not be tolerated.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott M. Kerin prosecuted the case with investigative support from the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF), the Washington County Interagency Narcotics (WIN) Team, the FBI, and other local law enforcement partners.

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative created under Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a nationwide partnership focused on dismantling criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in the United States and abroad. The task force prioritizes offenses involving children and uses all available legal tools to remove violent criminal offenders unlawfully present in the country.

HSTF Portland includes members from the FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS‑CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Oregon Air and Army National Guard Counterdrug Program, and the Oregon‑Idaho HIDTA, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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November 2, 2026

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

Recreational use advisory downgraded to a precaution for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has downgraded the recreational use health advisory to a precaution for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir.

OHA issued the advisory Sept. 21.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir 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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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 Nov. 4. 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.

TACOMA, Wash., (Nov. 2, 2026) — Columbia Bank ranked as the No. 1 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lender in both Oregon and Washington state for federal fiscal year 2026, based on number of approved loans, according to SBA reporting data.
 

This is the ninth consecutive year that Columbia Bank has been the top SBA 7(a) loan producer in Oregon. Earlier this year, Columbia Bank was named “Outstanding Lender of the Year” in Washington by the SBA Seattle District Office.
 

Nationally, Columbia Bank ranked No. 15 in total SBA 7(a) loan approvals in federal fiscal year 2026, up from No. 18 last year.
 

“Every day, our Columbia bankers are building relationships with local businesses to help them achieve their goals and fuel the local economy,” said Amy Davis, Director of Business Banking and SBA Production at Columbia Bank. “SBA loan programs remain crucial to help local businesses start, accelerate, and expand their operations. We want to help as many entrepreneurs as we can realize their dreams of owning and running a successful business.”
 

In Washington, Columbia Bank approved 235 SBA 7(a) loans in federal fiscal year 2026, with an average loan size of $99,517. In Oregon, Columbia Bank approved 205 SBA 7(a) loans in federal fiscal year 2026, with an average loan size of $53,344.
 

About Columbia Bank
Columbia Bank is an award-winning preeminent regional bank with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. It combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management. Columbia Bank is the principal subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB). Learn more at columbiabank.com and columbiabankingsystem.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2, 2026

USAO-OR.gov | @USAO_OR

Honduran National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to 17½ Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl that Resulted in a Fatal Overdose

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States has been sentenced to 17½ years in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in distributing fentanyl that resulted in the September 2023 fatal overdose of a 30‑year‑old Milwaukie father, fiancé, and son.

“The defendant came to this country illegally and chose to profit from poisoning our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford. “His actions cost a young father his life, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of that choice. This office will continue to pursue significant penalties for those who violate our immigration laws and traffic fentanyl into our communities.”

Martinez pleaded guilty on May 6, 2026, to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and alien in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, Martinez was part of a conspiracy operating a fentanyl manufacturing and distribution hub from his residence in Gladstone, Oregon. On Nov. 16, 2023, he was stopped while driving back from California with more than a kilogram of fentanyl in his vehicle. A subsequent federal search warrant at his residence led to the seizure of additional fentanyl powder and counterfeit pills, a pill‑press operation, cutting agents, thousands of dollars in cash, and nine firearms.

As part of his plea agreement, Martinez admitted supplying fentanyl to another dealer who later sold the drug to the victim, who consumed it and died on Sept. 26, 2023, from acute fentanyl toxicity. At sentencing, loved ones described the victim as a loving and devoted father, fiancé, son, and coworker.

The dealer who sold the fentanyl to the victim has also been charged, and his case is pending. The dealer who purchased the fentanyl from Martinez, and then sold it to the victim, told investigators he had purchased between 30 and 50 pounds of fentanyl powder and more than 100,000 counterfeit pills from Martinez over an 18‑month period. Thirty pounds of fentanyl is equivalent to an estimated 6.8 million potentially lethal doses.

Given Martinez’s large‑scale trafficking activity, possession of multiple firearms, and admission that his conduct resulted in the victim’s death, federal prosecutors said the sentence was necessary to send a “clear message to the defendant, other fentanyl dealers, and the community that such conduct will not be tolerated.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott M. Kerin prosecuted the case with investigative support from the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force (CCITF), the Washington County Interagency Narcotics (WIN) Team, the FBI, and other local law enforcement partners.

This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative created under Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a nationwide partnership focused on dismantling criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in the United States and abroad. The task force prioritizes offenses involving children and uses all available legal tools to remove violent criminal offenders unlawfully present in the country.

HSTF Portland includes members from the FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS‑CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Oregon Air and Army National Guard Counterdrug Program, and the Oregon‑Idaho HIDTA, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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CASE: 26-29994

DETAILS:

On November 1, 2026, at approximately 6:02pm, Josephine County Sheriff's Office Deputies were dispatched to a reported robbery at Shop Smart in Cave Junction. Dispatch advised that the suspect, described as a male riding a bicycle, had reportedly used a hatchet during the robbery.

The investigation determined that the suspect, identified as Wayne Patrick Baker (37), threatened the victim multiple times with the hatchet before fleeing the business with more than $1,000 worth of merchandise.

While responding to the incident , Deputies located Baker riding a bicycle on Highway 199 near Laurel Road near the Lil' Pantry/Sinclair gas station. Deputies attempted to stop Baker, but he refused to comply with commands and continued fleeing on his bicycle.

During the attempt to take Baker into custody, deputies used a patrol vehicle to block his path alongside a highway guardrail. Baker attempted to maneuver around the vehicle and intentionally struck the front bumper, causing damage to the patrol vehicle.

Baker was ultimately taken into custody without further incident.

The following charges have been referred to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office for review:

• Robbery I
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Theft I
• Menacing
• Criminal Mischief I
• Resisting Arrest

At the time of this press release, no further details are being released.

With 62% of Oregon’s carbon monoxide emergencies happening in fall and winter, fire officials urge people to protect their homes before temperatures drop.

SALEM, Ore. — As Oregonians turn on furnaces, light fireplaces, and pull out space heaters for colder months, emergency responders across the state are bracing for a predictable and preventable seasonal threat. November marks Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal urges Oregonians and visitors to be aware of the silent killer lurking in fuel-burning household appliances.

In 2025, 83% of Oregon’s 300+ fire agencies reported responding to 417 carbon monoxide-related calls statewide. Cold weather drives this sharp uptick: 26% of Oregon’s carbon monoxide-related incidents happen in the fall, rising to 36% in the winter months. Oregon Health Authority data show carbon monoxide poisoning kills an average of 18 people and causes nearly 41 hospitalizations or emergency room visits in Oregon every year.

Nationally, the toxic gas leads to more than 100,000 emergency room visits and 1,200 deaths annually.

"Carbon monoxide gives no warning; you cannot see it, smell it, or taste it," State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. "As we enter peak heating season, taking a few minutes to inspect fuel-burning appliances and test your carbon monoxide alarms can mean the difference between life and death."

Why the Hazard Spikes in Winter

Carbon monoxide is produced whenever fuels like natural gas, propane, heating oil, wood, kerosene, or gasoline burn incompletely. During colder months, there are multiple risks:

• Overworked heating equipment: Uninspected furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, and wood or pellet stoves can leak dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide directly into home living spaces.
• Improper generator & tool use: Running portable generators, charcoal grills, or fuel-powered tools indoors or near open windows during power outages traps deadly exhaust inside.
• Vehicle warm-ups in garages: Running a vehicle engine inside an attached garage, even with the garage door wide open, allows toxic gas to rapidly seep into the home.

Recognizing the Flu Impostor

Carbon monoxide poisoning is notoriously difficult to identify because early symptoms closely resemble the flu without a fever. Warning signs include:

• Headache, dizziness, and physical weakness
• Upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting
• Chest pain and mental confusion

Because carbon monoxide exposure directly impairs cognitive function and judgment, those poisoned often lose the ability to recognize the danger before they can self-rescue.

How to Reduce Your Risk: Essential Prevention Checklist

The Oregon State Fire Marshal urges everyone to take these life-saving precautions:

1. Install working alarms: Oregon law requires carbon monoxide alarms on every level with bedrooms in homes sold or rented and installed within 15 feet of bedroom doors.
2. Test monthly & maintain: Press the test button on your carbon monoxide alarms every month. Replace removable batteries as directed and replace the entire alarm unit every 10 years (or per manufacturer recommendations).
3. Keep generators outdoors: Always operate portable generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and building vents.
4. Schedule annual inspections: Have heating equipment, chimneys, and fuel-burning appliances inspected yearly by qualified professionals.

For more carbon monoxide safety resources, educational guides, and home safety toolkits, visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal website at oregon.gov/osfm.

November 2, 2026

Contact: Amy Coven, (amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov, 503-943-0164)

Open Enrollment begins as Oregon launches Explore Health, its new marketplace for private health insurance

People can now shop, compare plans, find savings, and enroll in 2027 health coverage at ExploreHealthOR.gov

SALEM, Ore. — Open Enrollment for 2027 health coverage is now underway, and people in Oregon have a new place to shop for health insurance: Explore Health.

Explore Health, Oregon’s new state-based health insurance marketplace, officially launched Nov. 1. It replaces the federal platform HealthCare.gov as the place for people in Oregon to shop for private health coverage, find out if they can get financial help, and enroll in a health plan.

Open Enrollment for private insurance through Explore Health runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027.

“This is an important milestone for Oregon and for the people we serve,” said Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace,  part of Oregon Health Authority (OHA). “With Explore Health, people can now shop for coverage through a Marketplace designed and operated here in Oregon. Our goal is to make it easier for people to understand their options, find savings, and get the best coverage that works for them.”

What people need to know

People who buy their own health insurance can now visit ExploreHealthOR.gov to:

• Shop and compare health and dental plans available for 2027.
• Find out how much federal financial help (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) they may qualify for to lower the cost of coverage.
• Enroll in a plan for 2027.
• Get free help from trained insurance agents and community partners across Oregon.

People who have 2026 Marketplace coverage through HealthCare.gov are being moved to Explore Health for 2027. They do not need to start over with a new application. During Open Enrollment, they should claim their Explore Health account, sign in to review their information, compare available plans and savings, and choose the coverage that best meets their health care needs and budget.

People who are currently enrolled in Oregon Health Plan (OHP), OHP Bridge, Medicare, employer-sponsored coverage, or other health coverage generally do not need to enroll through Explore Health.

A new Marketplace built for Oregon

The launch of Explore Health marks Oregon’s transition from the federally facilitated HealthCare.gov system and customer service center to a state-based marketplace operated entirely by Oregon. The Oregon Legislature authorized the transition in 2023 through Senate Bill 972.

By operating its own Marketplace, Oregon has more control over the technology and services people use to enroll in coverage, better access to data to understand and respond to the needs of people across the state, and greater flexibility to adapt to changing state and federal policies. It also allows Oregon to better connect the Marketplace with state programs and resources.

Explore Health includes a new online enrollment platform, a dedicated Consumer Assistance Center, and tools for community partners and insurance agents who help people enroll.

“Launching Explore Health is an important step in Oregon’s commitment to helping people get and stay covered,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, interim director of OHA. “Bringing the Marketplace home to Oregon gives us new opportunities to better understand the needs of the people we serve, respond to changes that affect their coverage, and create a more connected experience for people seeking health care coverage.”

Free help is available

People do not have to navigate health coverage on their own. Free, local help is available from certified assisters at community partner organizations and licensed insurance agents.

Visit ExploreHealthOR.gov to get started and find enrollment help.

People can also contact the Explore Health Consumer Assistance Center at 855-268-3767 (all relay calls welcome) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturday during Open Enrollment.

Open Enrollment through Explore Health ends Jan. 15, 2027. People should enroll by Dec. 31 for coverage that begins Jan. 1, 2027.

About Explore Health

Explore Health is Oregon’s health insurance marketplace, operated by the Oregon Health Authority. Explore Health helps people who do not have health coverage through a job or a public program shop for private health insurance, find financial help and enroll in coverage. Learn more at ExploreHealthOR.gov.

 

2 de noviembre de 2026

Contacto: Amy Coven (amy.coven@oha.oregon.gov, 503-943-0164)

La inscripción abierta comienza mientras Oregon lanza Explore Health, su nuevo mercado de seguros médicos privados

Las personas ahora pueden buscar, comparar planes, encontrar ahorros e inscribirse en la cobertura de salud de 2027 en Espanol.ExploreHealthOR.gov

SALEM, Oregon — La inscripción abierta para la cobertura de salud de 2027 ya está en marcha, y las personas en Oregon tienen un nuevo lugar para buscar seguro médico: Explore Health.

Explore Health, el nuevo mercado estatal de seguros médicos de Oregon, se lanzó oficialmente el 1 de noviembre. Reemplaza a la plataforma federal CuidadoDeSalud.gov (HealthCare.gov) como el lugar donde las personas en Oregon pueden comprar cobertura médica privada, averiguar si califican para ayuda financiera e inscribirse en un plan de salud.

La inscripción abierta para seguros privados a través de Explore Health estará disponible del 1 de noviembre de 2026 al 15 de enero de 2027.

"Este es un hito importante para Oregon y para las personas a las quienes servimos", dijo Chiqui Flowers, directora del Mercado de Seguros Médicos de Oregon, que forma parte del Oregon Health Authority (OHA). "Con Explore Health, las personas ahora pueden buscar cobertura a través de un mercado diseñado y administrado aquí mismo en Oregon. Nuestro objetivo es hacer que sea más fácil para las personas comprender sus opciones, encontrar ahorros y obtener la cobertura que mejor funcione para ellos”.

Lo que las personas deben saber

Las personas que compran su propio seguro médico ahora pueden visitar Espanol.ExploreHealthOR.gov a:

• Buscar y comparar los planes de salud y dentales disponibles para 2027.
• Averiguar cuánta ayuda financiera federal (créditos tributarios para primas y reducciones de costos compartidos) podrían recibir para reducir el costo de la cobertura.
• Inscribirse en un plan para 2027.
• Obtener ayuda gratuita de agentes de seguros capacitados y de socios comunitarios en todo Oregon.

Las personas que tienen cobertura del Mercado para 2026 a través de CuidadoDeSalud.gov (HealthCare.gov) serán transferidas a Explore Health para 2027. No es necesario que comiencen una nueva solicitud desde cero. Durante el período de inscripción abierta, deberán crear y reclamar su cuenta de Explore Health, iniciar sesión para revisar su información, comparar los planes disponibles y los ahorros para los que podrían calificar, y elegir la cobertura que mejor se adapte a sus necesidades de atención médica y a su presupuesto.

Las personas que actualmente están inscritas en el Plan de Salud de Oregon (OHP), Puente a OHP, Medicare, cobertura patrocinada por el empleador u otra cobertura de salud, por lo general no necesitan inscribirse a través de Explore Health.

Un nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos diseñado para Oregon

El lanzamiento de Explore Health marca la transición de Oregon del sistema federal CuidadoDeSalud.gov (HealthCare.gov) y su centro de servicio al cliente a un mercado de seguros médicos basado en el estado y administrado completamente por Oregon. La Legislatura de Oregon autorizó la transición en 2023 mediante el Proyecto de Ley del Senado 972.

Al operar su propio Mercado, Oregon tiene más control sobre la tecnología y los servicios que las personas utilizan para inscribirse en la cobertura, un mejor acceso a los datos para comprender y responder a las necesidades de las personas en todo el estado, y una mayor flexibilidad para adaptarse a los cambios en las políticas estatales y federales. También permite que Oregon conecte mejor el Mercado de Seguros Médicos con los programas y recursos estatales.

Explore Health incluye una nueva plataforma de inscripción, un Centro de Atención al Consumidor y herramientas para socios comunitarios y agentes de seguros que ayudan a las personas a inscribirse.

" El lanzamiento de Explore Health es un paso importante en el compromiso de Oregon de ayudar a las personas a obtener y mantener su cobertura médica,” dijo Fariborz Pakseresht, director interino de OHA. "Al traer el Mercado a Oregon nos ofrece nuevas oportunidades para comprender mejor las necesidades de las personas a las que servimos, responder a los cambios que afectan su cobertura y crear una experiencia más integrada para quienes buscan cobertura de atención médica."

Hay ayuda gratuita disponible

Las personas no tienen que navegar solas el proceso de obtener cobertura médica. Hay ayuda gratuita y local disponible por parte de asistentes certificados de organizaciones comunitarias asociadas y agentes de seguros autorizados.

Visita Espanol.ExploreHealthOR.gov para empezar y encontrar ayuda con la inscripción.

Las personas también pueden comunicarse con el Centro de Atención al Consumidor de Explore Health al 855-268-3767 (todas las llamadas de retransmisión son bienvenidas) de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. hora del Pacífico, de lunes a viernes y de 8 a.m. a 1 p.m. hora del Pacífico, los sábados durante la inscripción abierta.

La inscripción abierta a través de Explore Health finaliza el 15 de enero de 2027. Las personas deben inscribirse antes del 31 de diciembre para que su cobertura comience el 1 de enero de 2027.

Acerca de Explore Health

Explore Health es el mercado de seguros médicos de Oregon, administrado por el Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Explore Health ayuda a las personas que no tienen cobertura médica a través de un empleo o de un programa público a buscar y comparar seguros médicos privados, encontrar ayuda financiera e inscribirse en una cobertura de salud. Obtenga más información en Espanol.ExploreHealthOR.gov.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Oregon Freedom Amendment (IP-25) is now authorized for circulation across the state. For the first time, Oregonians can sign a petition that would turn hunting, fishing, trapping, farming, ranching, wildlife management, and agricultural animal husbandry from privileges into individual constitutional rights. The Oregon Supreme Court has held for more than a century that taking wild game and fish “is not a right, but is a privilege, which may be restricted, prohibited, or conditioned, as the law-making power may see fit” (State v. Pulos, 1913; reaffirmed State v. Dickerson, 2015).

A privilege can be narrowed, fee-loaded, or redefined by the next Legislature, the next agency rule, or the next well-funded petition. A constitutional right cannot.  Many Oregonians breathed easier when IP-28 failed to qualify for the 2026 ballot. That relief is premature. Chief petitioner, David Michelson, has founded a non-profit and has made clear the campaign is not finished. The same interests that tried to redefine ordinary hunting, fishing, farming, and animal husbandry as abuse or cruelty are organizing to return with more time and more money. 

IP-25 is the permanent shield safeguarding our heritage. It amends the Oregon Constitution to establish an individual fundamental right to hunt, fish, trap, farm, ranch, manage wildlife, and engage in agricultural animal husbandry. It safeguards these rights from being redefined as animal abuse, neglect, or cruelty. It prohibits the state from imposing undue or excessive fees, permitting requirements, or unnecessary burdens. It limits regulation to laws or rules that are reasonable, narrowly tailored, and necessary to promote sound wildlife conservation and management, public safety, or the prevention of substantial harm to public health or private property—and consistent with sustainable, science-based practices. 

The campaign is currently running on grassroots support. Every signature and every dollar moves the petition closer to a town near you so Oregonians can sign and make history.  Future generations deserve the same ability to put healthy food on the table and pass down the Oregon way of life without the next out-of-state campaign erasing it. Match the chief petitioner's $50 donation — or whatever you can donate today — securely at www.oregonfreedomamendment.org.  Share the word. Volunteer. Help put the Freedom Amendment on the ballot before the next petition does the opposite.