FBI Proposed Statement:

The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist mailings sent to individuals and organizations in Lincoln County, Oregon. 

The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people and uphold the U.S. Constitution. Actions outside a lawful process infringe on everyone’s rights and law enforcement’s collective ability to keep people safe, regardless of their race.

Community members who feel they are being physically threatened should report those concerns to their nearest local law enforcement agency.

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Please avoid the area of Cloverlawn and Hamilton in the 2000 blocks while police search for a man. Please call 911 if you live in the area and see anyone suspicious. 
 

Both males located and the scene is safe. We appreciate the cooperation during the operations.

Multnomah County, Ore 21 Dec 2024- On Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:35 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 25, in Multnomah County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Subaru Forester, operated by John Erik Andersson (59) of Portland, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes when it struck a westbound Toyota Rav4, operated by Nathan David Pederson (24) of Mulino, head-on.

The operator of the Subaru (Andersson) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Toyota (N. Pederson) and a passenger, Claudia Pederson (25) of Mulino, reportedly suffered minor injuries and were transported for evaluation.

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

OSP was assisted by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Corbett Fire, and ODOT.

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

Linn County, Ore 22 Dec 2024- On Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 12:04 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Century Drive NE, at the intersection with Murder Creek Drive NE, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Toyota 4Runner, operated by Kyle Gene Lucas (41) of Albany, left the roadway for unknown reasons, began to roll and ejected three of the four occupants.

The operator of the vehicle (Lucas) was declared deceased at the scene.

A passenger, Justin Shaun Bottcher (36) of Albany, was declared deceased at the scene.

Two passengers, Joy Diana Cavatorta (41) of Philomath and Toby Alan Mello (40) of Albany, were transported with injuries to an area hospital.

The roadway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation. Speed is being considered as the primary cause of the crash. The three occupants who were ejected were not wearing seatbelts.

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

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

Klamath County, Ore 23 Dec 2024- Oregon State Police Investigating Officer Involved Shooting in Klamath County.

On Monday, December 23, 2024, at 9:45 a.m., Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were involved in a critical incident that resulted in an Officer Involved Shooting at Collier State Park. A 35-year-old male subject was critically injured after being struck by gunfire and was transported to an area hospital where he is receiving medical care. No Klamath County Sheriff Deputies were injured during the incident.

The Oregon State Police is currently leading the investigation with the assistance of the Klamath Falls Police Department. Any additional information will be released by the Oregon State Police.

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon's people, wildlife, and natural resources. 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. 

Clackamas County, Ore. 23 Dec 2024 – The Oregon State Police recently concluded a months long investigation into poaching involving thermal devices. Troopers served several search warrants and made multiple arrests during the investigation with more expected.

The use of infrared or thermal devices to hunt, locate, or scout wildlife provides a person with a significant unfair, unethical advantage over other unethical hunting behaviors as it completely voids the animal’s natural ability to hide or conceal itself. Use of thermal and infrared devices is prohibited by law. 

Over the last two years, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division has received an increasing number of complaints regarding the unlawful use of infrared thermal imaging devices, commonly known as Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), to hunt or scout for big game animals with several complaints originating in the Clackamas County area. 

In the fall of 2024, Fish and Wildlife Troopers began investigating several individuals who were reportedly using infrared technology to kill deer and elk. Some of the suspects shared a connection while some were working individually. 

On December 15 and 16, 2024, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division executed search warrants at nine residences in Clackamas County. As a result of this investigation, 14 infrared thermal imaging devices, four deer, and one rifle were seized related to the use of FLIR devices for scouting and hunting wildlife. 

Criminal wildlife charges will be forwarded to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office on 13 individuals for the use of infrared thermal imaging while scouting or hunting big game animals.  In connection to this investigation the Oregon State Police contacted three individuals while in the field hunting or scouting for wildlife who were criminally cited and released. In those cases, two infrared thermal imaging devices were seized.

The Oregon State Police works diligently to protect Oregon’s wildlife by pursuing leads and investigating infrared thermal device and other wildlife poaching cases. Captain Kyle Kennedy said, “This case highlights the Fish and Wildlife Division’s ability to adapt to modern poaching threats and effectively investigate and seek criminal prosecution of poachers.”

Due to the on-going status of these cases, no further information is available for release.

Those with information regarding a wildlife and/or habitat law violations or suspicious activity can call OSP dispatch directly at OSP (677) or 1-800-442-0776. Callers can remain anonymous and a cash reward or preference point reward may be offered for information leading to a citation or arrest in a qualifying case. 

TIP qualifying cases can include: Unlawful Take/Possession or Waste, Habitat Destruction, Illegally Obtaining Hunting/Angling License(s) or Tag(s), Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s), Spotlighting (Including Thermal/IR, Night Vision Optics), and Snagging/Attempting to Snag Game Fish.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon's people, wildlife, and natural resources. 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.

Clatsop County, Ore 19 Dec 2024- On Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 6:04 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy-30, near milepost 77, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Mazda 3, operated by August Aleksander Crawford (26) of Clatskanie, attempted to pass an eastbound Freightliner CMV and trailer, operated by Steven Rabon Skripsey II (42) of Astoria, in a no passing zone. The Mazda entered the westbound lane and encountered a westbound Mack fuel tanker and trailer, operated by Taranjot Panglia (32) of Vancouver (WA). The Mazda attempted to reenter the eastbound lane, side swiped the Freightliner, lost control, and struck the Mack tanker head-on.

The operator of the Mazda (Crawford) was transported to an area hospital and was later declared deceased.

The operator of the Freightliner (Skripsey II) declined medical attention.

The operator of the Mack (Panglia) declined medical attention.

The highway was impacted for approximately eight hours during the on-scene investigation. The primary cause of the crash is considered unsafe passing.

OSP was assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, Knappa Fire, Astoria Fire, Clatskanie Fire, and ODOT.

# # #

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

Deschutes County, Ore 20 Dec 2024- On Friday, December 20, 2024, at 4:12 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 128, in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Ford Town & Country, operated by Steven Thomas Lakey (54) of Bend, struck a pedestrian, Glenn Curtis Watkins (28) of Bend, who was on the roadway for unknown reasons.

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

The operator of the Ford (Lakey) was not injured.

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

OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Redmond Police Department, and ODOT.

# # #

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Portland, OR (Dec. 23, 2024) – Pacific Power is monitoring an approaching winter storm that could impact customers across our Oregon and northern California service area this holiday week. The forecast weather indicates the potential for high winds beginning tonight, with peak gusts Wednesday night, which could cause power outages along the coast, south Willamette Valley and Grants Pass.  

Pacific Power’s meteorology team is closely monitoring the storm and crews are on standby ready to respond to weather-related outages. 

Pacific Power encourages customers to always be prepared for outages and supports state and local emergency management organizations, recommending Oregonians have an emergency plan for up to 72 hours without essential services. 

Here are some simple steps customers can take to prepare and stay informed:   

• Update your contact information so we can reach you. 
• Sign up to receive outage alerts by text, email or phone. 
• Restock your outage kit. 
• Keep mobile devices charged so that they may be used in an emergency. 
• Track outages, update contact info and do more with our free app. 
• Text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.  

Visit PacificPower.net/Outages for restoration estimates. 

As a reminder, stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Customers should avoid both downed trees and powerlines as well as keep pets far away from those areas. 

Call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.                                                                        

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About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net. 

Salem – On April 30, 2024, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) revoked the money transmitter license of BAM Trading Services Inc., dba Binance.us, a cryptocurrency exchange. The revocation followed felony convictions of Changpeng Zhao, the majority beneficial owner and control person of Binance, for violations of anti-money laundering laws. Other states that have taken similar actions to revoke, suspend, or accept the surrender of Binance’s money transmitter licenses include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, and Washington. 

Following the revocation of Binance’s Oregon license, the company and DFR negotiated an orderly wind down of the business, including prohibiting Binance from accepting new fiat (U.S. dollar) or cryptocurrency funds from Oregon consumers as of the date of the order. In May, Binance began notifying customers residing in Oregon that held fiat or cryptocurrency on its platform of the need to withdraw or transfer their funds off of the Binance platform. The Oregon users had until Dec. 9 to complete any withdrawals or transfers, and were notified by Binance that any crypto assets remaining on the platform after such date would be converted to fiat and, along with any other remaining funds, transferred to the Oregon State Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program. The transfer of funds from Binance to the Unclaimed Property Program occurred on Dec. 20.

Oregon consumers who believe they had a fiat or cryptocurrency balance on the Binance platform as of Dec. 9 should search the Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program and follow the instructions therein to submit a claim to recover their funds. Oregon consumers should also consult with their tax professionals to determine what, if any, tax consequences there might be relating to any transfer of their funds off the Binance platform. 

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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.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) advises filers who use the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) Electronic Filing Depository (EFD) that the system will be offline and unavailable to all filers and regulators Jan. 1-5. If your filing is due during those dates, DFR advises you to file before 9 p.m. Pacific Time Dec. 31, 2024.

• The EFD will be updated and migrated to a new website, nasaaefd.org.
• EFD services will be offline and unavailable to all filers and regulators after 9 p.m. Pacific Time Dec. 31, 2024, through 6 a.m. Pacific Time Jan. 6, 2025.
• NASAA will migrate all usernames and passwords to the new site. EFD users will not need to update or change their credentials.
• Starting Jan. 6, 2025, EFD support staff can be reached at 1-800-378-5007 (toll-free) or t@nasaaefd.org">support@nasaaefd.org.

More information is available in the NASAA news release: NASAA announces upcoming changes to the electronic filing depository.

If you must make a filing during this timeframe that you would otherwise file through EFD, you may still file using paper filings. Forms are available on the Division of Financial Regulation’s applications, forms, and reports webpage. If you have questions or concerns, send an email DFR’s securities registration unit at ities.registrations@dcbs.oregon.gov">securities.registrations@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.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Vernon Louis Woodall, died the evening of December 20, 2024. Woodall was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Woodall entered DOC custody on August 31, 2012, from Washington County with an earliest release date of August 12, 2039. Woodall was 65 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet for hybrid public meetings on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 9 a.m. and Thursday, Jan. 9 at 9 a.m. The meetings will be held in the Tillamook Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. The meetings will also be livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel.

The board’s business agenda for Jan. 8 includes:

• Final Order – Douglas County, by and through the Douglas County Public Works Department
• John Krause 45 Year Service Award
• 2024 Forest Practices Operator of the Year Awards
• Legislative session information and Wildfire Funding Workgroup update
• Board planning calendar overview
• Annual update on the Adaptive Management Program (AMP)

The agenda for Jan. 9 includes:

• Board of Forestry Governance Committee update
• Oregon State University College of Forestry panel
• Climate Change and Carbon Plan implementation update
• State forester review process overview

The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage. Live testimony is available on both days. Sign-up for live testimony is required and instructions are available online. Written public testimony will also be accepted. Written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day by mail to the Board Support Office, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310 or email to oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov with the appropriate agenda item and topic included with the submission.

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

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

SALEM, Ore. — The Board of Forestry Governance Committee will meet virtually on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 1 p.m. To join, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Review proposed addition to the Board Policy Manual
• Identify any additions, deletions or edits to the Board Policy Manual

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

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

December 23, 2024

Media contacts: 

• Franny White, Oregon Health Authority, anny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov">franny.l.white@oha.oregon.gov, 971-349-3539
• Jake Sunderland, Oregon Department of Human Services, land@odhs.oregon.gov">Jake.Sunderland@odhs.oregon.gov, 503-877-0170 

Oregon continues high Medicaid renewal rate following pandemic 

Benefit reduction rate increasing as more complex cases reviewed in final phase of state’s renewal process 

SALEM, Ore. — Four out of five Oregonians have kept their Medicaid health insurance coverage since COVID-related continuous enrollment ended in 2023, according to updated data from Oregon Health Authority.  

While the overall number of people maintaining coverage has remained high, the rate of benefits being reduced or ended has recently grown as more complex cases are considered during the final phase of Oregon’s Medicaid renewal process. 

Jointly funded by states and the federal government, Medicaid provides no-cost health coverage to low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, people with disabilities and others. The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is the state’s Medicaid program, which is also available to Oregonians regardless of their immigration status. About 1.4 million people — including a third of Oregon’s adults and half its children — are covered by OHP. 

States were required to keep nearly all Medicaid members enrolled between 2020 and 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting in March 2023, the federal government ordered states to resume normal processes to verify enrolled members meet Medicaid eligibility criteria.

Between March 2023 and Dec. 13, 2024, a total of: 

• 1,442,038 people — 98.8% of all OHP and Medicaid members — have completed the renewal process.
• 1,161,226 people (80.5%) have kept their benefits.
• 245,259 people (17.0%) were found ineligible and ended benefits.
• 35,553 people (2.5%) had benefits reduced. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue Medicare Savings Programs, which help pay Medicare costs.
• 15,784 people are in the middle of the renewal process.
• 1,485 people have not started the renewal process and are expected to complete it by the end of 2025.

Since June, when Oregon began the final phase of its Medicaid renewal process: 

• 126,212 people have completed the renewal process.
• 79,014 — 62.6% of OHP and Medicaid members who have undergone the renewal process since June — have kept their benefits.
• 22,534 (17.9%) were found ineligible and ended benefits.
• 24,664 (19.5%) have had benefits reduced.   

The rate of people having benefits reduced or ended has grown since June 2024. This is largely because the final phase of renewals has involved more people who have Medicare, including both older adults and people who have disabilities. Given current eligibility criteria and policy constraints, OHA and Oregon Department of Human Services staff have been working hard to improve outcomes for members during the state’s final phase of Medicaid renewals, including: 

• A special outreach effort where state customer service staff call members to help them understand it’s time to start the renewal process and schedule eligibility interviews. Members who have a case manager also received calls to encourage them to participate in the Medicaid renewal process.
• Renewals for this population was spread over four months to give people more time and to ensure staff had capacity to provide additional support.
• Eligibility notices received a major update in May 2024 to provide more information and make them easier to understand. 

Helping people stay covered

Concerted efforts have helped many Oregonians keep insurance coverage, resulting in a Georgetown University study finding that Oregon had the nation’s highest rate for Medicaid renewals as of July. The many reasons for the state’s high Medicaid renewal rate include: 

• OHP Bridge, a new category of OHP with higher income limits, launched July 1. As of the beginning of December, 31,436 people were enrolled in OHP Bridge.
• During the unwinding, Oregonians have up to 90 days to respond and 60 days’ advance notice of any closure. People who do not respond can also reopen their case up to 90 days after closing. Oregon gave members longer to respond than any other state.
• A robust, statewide network of community partners, combined with tools like earned media and paid advertising, helped spread awareness of the renewal process.
• After having their medical benefits renewed, most adults have two years of continuous eligibility for Medicaid benefits. While this does not directly affect Oregon’s renewal rate, it prevents the churn of on-and-off benefits between renewals and allows staff to provide more support to people during the unwinding process. Oregon is the only state to give most adults two years of continuous eligibility for Medicaid benefits, and offers young children benefits until their sixth birthday. 

Need help renewing your benefits?

1. Learn more about how to renew your OHP coverage. You can log into your ONE Online account and complete your renewal at benefits.oregon.gov.
2. Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages. Wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m. Pacific Time.
3. Visit or call a local Oregon Department of Human Services office. People can find their local office at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx.
4. Visit a community partner for free, in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda (Spanish).
5. Download the Oregon ONE Mobile app via the app store to keep track of your renewal, find a local office, or upload a document. 

What to do if your OHP is ending:

First, review your notice to make sure the information used to make the decision was correct, and report any changes. You can also reapply for OHP at any time. Go to benefits.oregon.gov to apply or report changes online, call 800-699-9075 or contact a local office for help. 

• If you have questions about financial resource limits, medical eligibility workers will explain the rules and your options. However, they cannot provide legal advice or tell you what to do with your finances. 
• If you lost OHP but are keeping a Medicare Savings Program that helps pay Medicare costs, make sure you understand your new benefits because they can affect your other Medicare plan decisions.
• If you disagree with a decision about your benefits, you can ask for a hearing . An OHP ombuds person can help with the hearing if desired. 

Second, take action to sign up for other coverage as soon as you receive a notice your benefits are closing because there are time limits to enroll in other coverage. Anyone losing OHP can get free help from community partners, insurance agents or for Medicare recipients, Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) counselors across the state. Health insurance coverage options are described at OregonHealthCare.Gov/GetHelp. Some scenarios include: 

• If you are offered coverage through an employer, loss of OHP gives you a special enrollment period to sign up. Contact your employer’s human resources department for more information and assistance.
• If you qualify for Medicare (or will soon qualify), you should consider Medigap/Medicare Advantage/Part D plan options. Members should contact a SHIBA counselor or Medicare insurance agent for help deciding between Medicare options.
• If you do not qualify for employer coverage or Medicare, you likely qualify for a private health insurance plan through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, which offers financial assistance to 80% of enrollees.  This includes Social Security Disability (SSDI) recipients who are not receiving Medicare or other full coverage and earn too much to qualify for OHP and OHP Bridge. Members can visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to find out how much coverage may cost. 

Dec. 23, 2024

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has been awarded $13.75 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) Main grant. This grant will fund two existing OHCS programs to help manufactured housing residents stay in their homes at an affordable cost, make repairs, or replace the homes. These programs are the Manufactured Home Replacement Program (MHRP) and Manufactured Dwelling Park Preservation (MDPP).

“We are grateful to HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman’s leadership. Preserving manufactured parks is essential for strengthening housing opportunities and the legacy we leave for future generations,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “By protecting the affordability of these communities, individuals, and families can foster community and create an environment that supports their long-term well-being.”

The MHRP provides funds to help residents make significant repairs or replace their manufactured home. This program fully expended its $2.5 million allocation within the first six weeks of launch in 2023 showing the great need for this type of resource.  

MDPP helps current manufactured parks stay affordable to residents by providing funding for resident co-ops and nonprofits to obtain park ownership when it goes up for sale and keep land rents affordable. CASA of Oregon, a leader in cooperative park ownership transitions, has identified eight parks in Oregon that currently meet program requirements and eligibility. This program helps residents who would be displaced due to large increases in housing costs from a market rate sale to stay in their homes at an affordable cost.  

Most homeowners that OHCS has helped through these programs are those who have few or no other resources or alternative housing options.  

OHCS is one of 17 state housing agencies awarded more than $225 million in HUD PRICE grant funding. Learn more about OHCS’ PRICE grant application and plan on the OHCS website.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs. 

NEHALEM, Oregon— Nehalem Bay State Park will extend its campground reservation closure through at least July 2025 and possibly longer if needed to complete construction work. The park will reopen sooner if possible.

“We’re still hoping to open July 1 if possible, but we will not know for certain until we get closer to that date. As a precaution, we’re closing reservations to avoid needing to cancel them later if the project goes longer,” said Park Manager Ben Cox.

The park closed last fall for improvements including upgrading utilities, adding a new restroom/shower building, renovating accessible campsites and repaving and adding traffic calming features. 

If the work is finished sooner, the park will reopen campground reservations for any remaining closure dates.

Nehalem Bay State Park is one of the nine GO Bond projects at Oregon State Parks supported through Oregon-issued general obligation bonds approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021. 

Please continue to monitor the Oregon State Park website for up-to-date information about the Nehalem Bay State Park GO Bond project and closures.  For more detailed information, visit the GO Bond web page. 

FORT KLAMATH, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is offering a free guided First Day Hike at Jackson Kimball State Recreation Site on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1.

It's part of the annual First Day Hikes in partnership with America’s State Parks for free guided hikes in state parks across Oregon on New Year’s Day.

Information about the hike hosted at Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site:

• Join us for a brisk morning 3-mile hike to the headwaters of the Wood River. We’ll enjoy scenic views, and maybe see wildlife.
• The path will travel over easy to medium-graded roads with little to no elevation gain. Plan for possible snow and ice on the ground. Traction devices for shoes are recommended.
• Please register for the hike online.
• The hike starts at 11 a.m. Meet at the Klamath Outdoor Science School, across from the entrance to Jackson F. Kimball. 
• Friendly dogs are welcome on six-foot leashes. 
• Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy hiking boots, bring water and snacks, as well as a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. If there is enough snow, bring snowshoes.

If you have questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations needed for your participation, please email Park Ranger Josh Doeleman. Requests must be submitted at least three days prior to January 1.

The day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open. 

Share photos of First Day Hikes via social media by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, promote exercise and encourage connecting with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has participated since 2012.

The Oregon State Marine Board opened a public comment period on proposed rule language for boat operations in early November for the Upper Rogue River in Jackson County, with a comment deadline of December 20, 2024. During that timeframe, the agency learned more about issues related to boating in this area that have led to proposing further revisions to the rule language. To be thorough and transparent, the agency is opting to reopen the public comment step in the rulemaking process to ensure ample time for comments on the updated proposed rule language. 

The agency is filed a Notice of Rulemaking with the Oregon Secretary of State on December 23rd, which will be published in the January 1st Oregon Bulletin, to modify the rule language on the proposed new rule for the Upper Rogue River:

Oregon Administrative Rule 250-020-0151, Boat Operations in Jackson County

(9) Upper Rogue River and its Tributaries: (c) Between the above dates, in the event that the river flow rate drops below a three day average flow of 1350 cubic feet per second, ("CFS"), or equivalent water level of 3.20 feet, as measured by the United State Geological Survey - USGS 14339000 Rogue River at Dodge Bridge, near Eagle Point, OR, all boating activities shall be restricted until the three day average flow increases above 1350 CFS.

The rule aims to preserve traditional boating uses along the Upper Rogue River while also aiming to reduce conflicts and enhance safety between other river recreators. The horsepower restrictions will limit the size and speeds in which boats may operate on sections of the river to preserve habitat. 

Public comments from the December 4 hearing or submitted via email by the original December 20 written comment deadline are already included for the record for the Marine Board’s consideration. Therefore, only new comments pertaining to the addition are being solicited. 

The Board will meet on January 23, 2025, and may make a motion to adopt, amend, or take other action on the proposed rulemaking. 

Written comments will be accepted until January 21, by 11:55 pm. Comments can be submitted by email to .rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov">osmb.rulemaking@boat.oregon.gov  or by U.S. Mail to Jennifer Cooper, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. Testimony will not be accepted by telephone.

To view the public hearing notice and proposed rule language, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Rulemaking-and-Public-Notices.aspx.

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MEDFORD, Ore.—A Josephine County, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for illegally manufacturing marijuana and filing false tax returns with the IRS.

Steven Shirley, 52, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $290,291 in restitution to the IRS and $12,896 in restitution to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for damage the marijuana grows caused to the environment on BLM land.

According to court documents, beginning in 2012, Shirley began purchasing properties in Cave Junction, Oregon as president and minister of Earth Peoples Park (EPP), an Oregon nonprofit religious organization. After purchasing a property, Shirley leased the land to third parties and used profits from the lease to purchase additional properties. By 2019, Shirley, through EPP, owned or co-owned 21 properties in Josephine County, Oregon, and received at least $400,000 per year through property leases.

“We thank the dedicated law enforcement officers for their commitment to disrupt the defendant’s scheme that damaged public lands and circumvented his tax responsibilities,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. 

“Mr. Shirley tried to profit from the abuse of nonprofit exemptions and illegal drug operations,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “Wednesday’s ruling acknowledges that he’s no spiritual leader.”

In September 2019, investigators from the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET ) identified sixteen of the properties had large scale, unlicensed marijuana grows. On October 1, 2019, law enforcement executed search warrants and seized more than 15,000 marijuana plants and nine firearms and determined that a portion of BLM lands were used for these grows. Investigators learned Shirley not only employed and directed staff to illegally grow and harvest marijuana, but he also sold and delivered the marijuana. On June 14, 2021, BLM agents with the assistance of JMET executed search warrants on eleven EPP properties and discovered Shirley continued to illegally manufacture and sell marijuana on lands owned by EPP and the BLM. Agents also seized additional firearms.

As part of the investigation, IRS agents reviewed EPP’s religious organization tax exempt status and Shirley’s personal tax records from 2015 to 2018. They determined EPP did not qualify as a religious organization and that Shirley used EPP as a for-profit land management company, which is a non-exempt purpose under IRS code. In addition, agents learned Shirley intentionally underreported lease income by more than $1 million, resulting in more than $290,000 in unpaid taxes. 

On August 2, 2023, Shirley was charged by criminal information with illegally manufacturing marijuana and filing a false tax return. He pleaded guilty on March 12, 2024. 

This case was investigated by the BLM, IRS Criminal Investigation, and JMET, with assistance from the IRS Tax-Exempt and Government Entities Division, Oregon State Police, Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. It was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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EUGENE, Ore.—A Redmond, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for using a stolen identity to open more than 30 bank accounts and credit cards and evading payments on his $1.1 million tax debt.

Michael David Anastasia, 69, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $777,899 in restitution to his victim. Restitution to the IRS will be determined at a later date. 

According to court documents, from 2002 until January 2020, Anastasia knowingly and intentionally used the social security number of a victim to open numerous bank accounts and credit cards. In addition, between 1991 and 2003, Anastasia received $1.4 million from another victim after convincing them of a fabricated agreement with the United States to secure access to allegedly seized funds. In 2007, Anastasia was convicted of tax evasion for failing to pay federal income taxes on the funds received from the victim.

In November 2015, following his release from prison, Anastasia entered into an agreement with the IRS whereby he would make payments towards his tax debt if he received more than $4,526 per month. Rather than pay his taxes, Anastasia convinced the victim to send funds over this amount to his roommate. Anastasia instructed his roommate to withdraw the overage in cash, which Anastasia stored in a safe in his residence. Between March 2016 and September 2018, Anastasia evaded paying more than $180,000 to the IRS. 

On February 15, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a nine-count superseding indictment charging Anastasia with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, tax evasion, and making false statements to financial institutions. 

On September 4, 2024, Anastasia pleaded guilty to tax evasion and identity theft.

This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS. It was prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce and William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

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“Cooling-off period” ends December 26, opening the door for strike notice issuance  

(Portland, Ore.) - Despite five days of intense expedited mediation, Providence Health & Services failed to reach a contract agreement with nearly 5,000 frontline doctors, nurses and other caregivers, represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), at 11 hospitals and clinics across Oregon. The expedited mediation process ended on Friday, December 20, 2024, without a deal and the parties entered a five-day “cooling-off” period during which strike notices cannot be issued. ONA and Providence will be back at the table today.

After the cooling-off period concludes on Thursday, December 26, ONA will be free to escalate further actions, including issuing a 10-day strike notice, if a deal is not reached.  

Last week’s intensive mediation marks another chapter in a prolonged negotiation process that, for some units, has dragged on for more than 15 months. Providence’s refusal to address critical concerns such as dangerous understaffing, patient safety, and competitive wages and benefits, has stalled progress and forced healthcare workers to consider all options to protect their patients and their professions.  

ONA has been clear; we are ready to bargain for a fair contract at any time but, if Providence is unwilling to address the serious concerns of our members, we will go on strike.  

The caregivers affected by Providence’s inaction include doctors, nurses, physician associates, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners (among others) working at Providence Portland, Seaside, St. Vincent, Providence Women’s Clinic, Milwaukie, Willamette Falls, Medford, Newberg, and Hood River. Physicians and advanced practice providers at Providence St. Vincent, represented by the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA) and serviced by ONA, are also part of these negotiations.  

ONA’s members have done everything possible to reach a fair agreement that ensures patient safety, adheres to Oregon’s staffing law, and provides competitive wages and benefits to recruit and retain staff. Providence has ignored its responsibilities to caregivers and the Oregonians they serve by refusing to make meaningful movement towards a fair contract.  

Community members who want to support these frontline caregivers can visit oregonrn.org/patientsbeforeprofits to learn more about the ongoing negotiations and stay informed about potential next steps, including a strike.