In the early morning hours of Thursday, December 4th, 2025, deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office investigated a suspicious death that occurred in the 5000 block of Grange Road in the Green District.  34 year old Zachary Slaymaker was found deceased in his residence.  Evidence at the scene led deputies to believe the cause of death was likely a drug overdose, and fentanyl was the suspected culprit.

Detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) were called in to investigate and were able to largely determine Slaymaker's whereabouts and activities during the previous 24 hours.  Detectives developed evidence leading them to believe Slaymaker purchased fentanyl from 39 year old Roseburg resident George Perez a short time before his death.

As the investigation focused on Perez, detectives developed reason to believe he was in the Roseburg area and was still selling small quantities of fentanyl.  At approximetaly 4:00 PM on Friday, December 5th, detectives located Perez in the parking lot of a business in the 3300 block of NW Aviation Drive in Roseburg.  Detectives contacted Perez and took him into custody without incident.  Detectives located a small amount of suspected fentanyl on Perez, and believe he was intending to sell it at the time of his arrest. 

Perez was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:
 

• 2 counts of Unlawful Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
• 2 counts of unlawful Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance

This investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and/or charges are possible.  

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl, equal to 10 to15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose.  

The Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach.  DINT is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.  DINT is composed of members from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, Oregon State Police, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Land Management.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including DINT.

MPD Case 25-5748

MEDFORD, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force and Medford Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect Thursday, December 4 at the Jackson County Parole and Probation Office in Medford. The suspect, Brennan Alan Humes, 47, of Medford, is charged with 10 counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and a parole violation for first-degree possession of materials depicting sexually explicit conduct of a child. He is lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

The arrest followed a search warrant served by SOCET after investigators discovered images of child exploitation had been uploaded from a residence in Medford. Detectives interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties, and continued their investigation. According to witness statements, the suspect moved to Oregon due to the sex offender laws.

SOCET, MPD, and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives served the search warrant Thursday, May 8, at a residence in the 300 block of Golf View Drive. SOCET and MPD began the investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence. While investigators served the search warrant, Jackson County Parole and Probation assisted with the suspect interview.

The Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF) also assisted in the investigation. During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which were forensically examined by SOHTCTF for further evidence of child exploitation. During their examination, SOHTCTF located numerous Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) images and videos on multiple devices.  

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

###

Lincoln County, Ore. (10 Dec. 2025) – Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to locate the person(s) responsible for the waste of one cow elk in Lincoln County near Waldport.

On November 28, 2025, Fish and Wildlife troopers responded to a report of a dead cow elk in the Alsea Unit within the Siuslaw National Forest. The cow elk was found in a remote area near the end of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Road 3462, off the main USFS 58 Boundary Road. The entire cow elk had been shot and left to waste. Additionally, the intestinal remains of a bull elk were discovered nearby, indicating that someone had likely shot and taken a bull elk from the same area around the same time.

The investigation determined the elk were most likely shot sometime between November 22 and November 24.   

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, call OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number SP25-482212.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information that leads to an arrest or 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 that leads to an arrest or 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 a 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. 

Update- Hyundai operator name updated related to arrest.

Jackson County, Ore. (Dec. 9, 2025)- On Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 6:13 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Highway 99 (Rogue River Highway), near milepost 7, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Hyundai Elantra, operated by Bobbie Rae Stinson-Payne (28) of Grants Pass, struck a pedestrian, Jarrod Edward Garwood (43) of Rogue River, as the pedestrian was pushing a go-kart on the highway. The Hyundai fled the scene and the operator later contacted law enforcement to report their involvement.

The pedestrian (Garwood) was declared deceased at the scene. An occupant of the go-kart, James Eric Johannes (41) of Grants Pass, suffered reported minor injuries.

The operator of the Hyundai (Stinson-Payne) and passenger, Dillon Edward Gasser (33) of Grants Pass, were reportedly uninjured. 

The operator of the Hyundai (Stinson-Payne) was arrested for Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, and Manslaughter 1.

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

OSP was assisted by the Rogue River Police Department, Rogue River Fire Distrist 1, Grants Pass Fire Rescue, 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.

Lane County, Ore. (Dec. 8, 2025)- On Friday, December 5, 2025, at 2:14 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 58, near milepost 51, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Audi Q5, operated by Jessica Nicole Ingoglia (37) of Klamath Falls, left the lane of travel for unknown reasons, crossed the eastbound lane, and struck a dirt embankment.

The operator of the Audi (Jessica Ingoglia), who was not wearing a seatbelt, was declared deceased at the scene.

A passenger in the vehicle, Clifford Gary Ingoglia (37) of Klamath Falls, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

A female juvenile (8) passenger suffered critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

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

OSP was assisted by Oakridge Fire and EMS.

# # #

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.

Douglas County, Ore. (Dec. 8, 2025)- On Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11:13 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 138E, near milepost 12, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Chrysler 200, operated by Domonik Randsome Wright (30) of Roseburg, left the roadway for unknown reasons, went airborne, landed in a field, and rolled before becoming fully engulfed in flames. 

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

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Glide Volunteer Fire Department and Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

# # #

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.

RE-SENT FOR AN UPDATED VERSION

New fee reductions and expanded cutting areas offer meaningful savings for families this winter

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management has announced a series of holiday affordability measures that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention efforts across Oregon and Washington during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits. Local BLM offices are also opening new cutting areas in overstocked woodlands to provide families with more opportunities to gather their own firewood and Christmas trees, while also supporting forest thinning and hazardous fuel reduction.

 “Here in Oregon and Washington, families rely on public lands for tradition, recreation, and essential resources,” said Barry Bushue, BLM OR/WA State Director. “These fee reductions and expanded access make it easier for people to gather firewood and Christmas trees close to home, all while helping us reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.”

These actions align with the Trump administration’s mission to lower costs for American families and will contribute to national savings estimated at more than $9.4 million this holiday season.

Effective immediately, the BLM will:

• Reduce fees for personal-use Christmas tree and firewood permits.
• Increase household limits to up to 10 cords of firewood and up to three Christmas trees, with flexibility to adjust limits in areas with abundant resources.

These steps will help reduce household costs, expand access to local woodlands, and improve forest conditions by removing overstocked or hazardous fuels. The BLM will continue coordinating with community partners, tribal governments and local organizations to share information about permit availability and new cutting areas.

Residents can find up-to-date information on permit locations, cutting area maps, and safety guidance at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/forests-and-woodlands/forest-product-permits/oregon-christmas-trees

-BLM-

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

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) is pleased to announce it has awarded grants totaling $800,000 to expand campus veteran resource centers and enhance services for student veterans at Oregon’s public universities and community colleges.

These centers play a key role in helping veterans make the transition from military service to college life and pursue their educational and career goals.

The purpose of the Campus Veteran Resource Center Grant Program is to strengthen existing campus resources by funding innovative and impactful projects that improve the lives of student veterans and support their success.

A record 19 of Oregon’s 24 eligible public universities and community colleges applied for grants during this cycle, reflecting a broad commitment to serving student veterans across the state. All 19 institutions that applied received a portion of the available funds.

This level of participation demonstrates the strong, continued partnership between ODVA and Oregon’s higher education community in ensuring that veterans have access to the tools and support they need to thrive.

Awardees include Blue Mountain Community College, Central Oregon Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Clackamas Community College, Columbia Gorge Community College, Eastern Oregon University, Klamath Community College, Lane Community College, Linn-Benton Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Portland Community College, Portland State University, Rogue Community College, Southern Oregon University, Southwestern Oregon Community College, University of Oregon, and Western Oregon University.

The proposed projects were evaluated by a committee composed of veterans service officers, current and former student veterans, education partners, and others who provide direct services to veterans.

“Student veterans enrich our campuses and our communities with their leadership, discipline, and life experience,” said Dr. Nakeia Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Yet we know that navigating higher education after military service can bring unique challenges. Veteran resource centers provide a place where student veterans can connect with one another, access benefits and support, and build the foundation for success—both in school and beyond the uniform.”

Highlights of funded projects include:

• Support for campus veteran coordinator and outreach positions to help ensure student veterans can access the benefits and services they have earned.
• Creation of peer mentor programs and other peer support services to strengthen connection and retention among student veterans.
• Purchase of technology and electronic equipment for student use.
• •Programs to address student veteran food insecurity, mental health, transportation, and other urgent needs.
• Veteran-focused events, ceremonies, career fairs, and skill-building workshops.
• Marketing and outreach to engage historically underrepresented and underserved student veteran populations.

More information about this grant program can be found on ODVA’s website at www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/grants/Pages/Campus-Grant.aspx.  

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 services office online at oregon.gov/odva. 

###

2025 Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

 and Policy Committee

Open Vacancy – Recruitments

The Board on Public Safety Standards & Training (BPSST) and established Policy Committees have open vacancies looking to be filled before the end of the year! The current vacancies are as follows:

BPSST: All Board applications must be submitted through Workday.com 

• One member who is a representative of the collective bargaining unit that represents the largest number of individual workers in the DOC
• One member of the Oregon State Fire Fighters Council recommended to the Governor by the executive body of the council
• One member who is a representative of nonmanagement law enforcement
• One member recommended by and representing the private security industry
• Public Member

Policy Committees: All Policy Committee applications must be submitted by December 18, 2025.

Corrections Policy Committee:

• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a corrections officer

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

• One person representing the retail industry
• One person who is a private investigator licensed under ORS 703.430, and is recommended by the Oregon State Bar (will also serve on the PI Sub-Committee upon appointment)
• One person representing the public who has never been employed or utilized as a private security provider or investigator
• One person representing the manufacturing industry
• One person representing the hospitality industry

Private Investigator Subcommittee:

• Currently licensed private investigator

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• One person representing Emergency Medical Services & Trauma 

To inquire about a vacancy, please visit Department of Public Safety Standards & Training : Board on Public Safety Standards & Training and Policy Committees : Boards and Committees : State of Oregon.

If interested in applying for a Policy Committee position, please complete and submit the Policy Committee Interest Form found under the ‘Board and Committee Resources’ section of the website listed above.

If interested in applying for a BPSST position, please complete the online application at Workday Board and Commission Opportunities. (Please note that an account may need to be created if not already in Workday)

For further information regarding the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training or its respective Policy Committees, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Thank you,

DPSST Board & Committees Staff

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez (503) 551-3167.

To view the Applicant Review Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve October 22, 2025, Meeting Minutes

3. Taylor Babb, DPSST No. 66836; Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

    Presented by Cindy Park

4. Anthony Mazzola, DPSST No. 66886; Douglas County Sheriff's Office

    Presented by Cindy Park

5. Davon Taylor, DPSST No. 66344; ODOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution

    Presented by Cindy Park

6. Inquiry Closure Memos – Information Only

    Presented by Cindy Park

7. Next Applicant Review Committee Meeting – January 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Applicant Review 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.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined a Medford contractor $128,345 for safety violations after an inspection found the company exposed employees to multiple hazards, including a potentially deadly fall from heights.
 

The division completed its inspection of Shrader Homes Inc. in November, citing the company for five violations of requirements to protect workers from serious injury or death. The inspection focused on a jobsite in White City, where employees were doing framing work on a two-story residence.

One of the violations was a fourth repeat infraction for failing to provide fall protection. Another was a second repeat violation of a ladder safety rule. Falls are one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry. Oregon OSHA significantly increases penalties for repeat violations. The division ordered the company to correct the violations.
 

“Any employer that directs workers to do jobs at elevations must take action beforehand to make sure protective systems are in place,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “Workers have a right to safety and health under the law. Employers are responsible for making that right a reality.”
 

Oregon OSHA conducted the inspection of Shrader Homes under its prevention-based emphasis program addressing fall hazards in all industries.

The division cited the company for the following violations:  

• Protection systems were not implemented where employees were exposed to a hazard of falling 6 feet or more to a lower level. The serious violation was rated as “death,” because the typical result of the hazard would be the death of an employee. It was a fourth repeat violation. Penalty: $110,309.
• The side rails of a ladder were not extended at least 3 feet above an upper landing. The serious violation was a second repeat offense. Penalty: $13,800.
• Protection systems were not implemented where employees were exposed to a hazard of falling from a wall opening on the second-floor decking to a lower level. It was a serious violation. Penalty: $1,412.
• A ladder with a broken anti-slip safety device was used when it should have been tagged as defective or removed until it was repaired. It was a serious violation. Penalty: $1,412.
• Eye protection was not used while running a pneumatic nail gun. It was a serious violation. Penalty: $1,412. 

The total penalty issued to Shrader Homes included a standard reduction based on the size of the company. Employers have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal. Shrader Homes filed an appeal of its citation.
 

Oregon OSHA offers employers free resources – involving no fault, no citations, and no penalties – to help protect their employees from job hazards:

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

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

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

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

The division also offers free fall protection video training in English and Spanish, and key information for employers and workers.

###

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

Salem – Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) consumer advocates continue to work to help Oregonians. In the third quarter of this year – July through September – the advocates helped recover $1,836,127, bringing the year-to-date total to $5,658,813 that is back in the pockets of Oregonians.

DFR’s consumer advocates have extensive knowledge across many areas of regulation, including helping those experiencing difficulties with insurance, mortgages, banking products, securities, student loans, and a variety of other financial services DFR regulates.

“Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation makes sure every day Oregonians get a fair shake,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “Their work is a powerful reminder of what effective consumer protection looks like in action.”

In the most recent quarter, the consumer advocates received 1,422 total complaints and, much like previous quarters, insurance continues to be the leading topic with 890 complaints – the most of any quarter in 2025. Credit union complaints were the next highest with 53, followed by mortgage servicers (44) and student loans (32). In the first and second quarters of 2025, more than $3.8 million was recovered through nearly 2,800 complaints.

Examples of consumer complaints successfully resolved by DFR advocates in the third quarter include:

• A consumer’s home caught fire from an errant firework over the July 4 holiday. The claim was not progressing to the consumer’s satisfaction, so they filed a complaint. The insurer completed a subsequent review, which led to an increase in the scope of work for the repairs. This resulted in an additional $40,872.18 being paid to the consumer. This additional review also consisted of a reinspection of the overall claim, which opened more negotiations on the costs for plumbing and windows.

• A consumer had an upcoming surgery scheduled. She called the insurance company to find out how much she would owe out of pocket due to the facility being out of network, but the insurer could not provide her the information. She received a bill for $42,009.82, which was a shock, so she filed a complaint. After reviewing the complaint, the insurer negotiated a single-case agreement with the facility. The claim was then reprocessed and the consumer’s responsibility changed to $3,316.55.

• A consumer’s husband has a long-term care policy. As the husband is disabled and qualifies for benefits under his policy, his wife called the company to make a claim and asked about providers for his care. She was told by a company representative that as long as the independent provider is licensed, she can choose the provider they want. An independent caregiver was hired based on the advice given. Claims were filed, but were denied, as the information provided was incorrect. After the consumer filed the complaint, and the company listened to the phone recording that provided misinformation, the insurer overturned its decision and approved the provider and agreed to pay the claims.

“I am very proud of the level professionalism and expertise our consumer advocates display every day to help Oregonians,” said Sean O’Day, director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes the Division of Financial Regulation. “They are helping people with issues that have real impacts on the daily lives of Oregonians and they often bring positive resolutions to those families.”

Anyone who may need a consumer advocate can call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for insurance-related issues and .finanicialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.finanicialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for financial-related issues.

“Our team of industry experts continues to put its knowledge to work for the benefit of Oregonians,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator and Oregon insurance commissioner. “They deal with many cases that are highly complex and take a lot of time to navigate, but their work does not go unnoticed and I am happy to see so much money going back to hard-working people.”

Here is the list of complaints through the first three quarters of 2025:

###

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, Geoffrey Don House, died the morning of December 5, 2025. House was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

House entered DOC custody on May 22, 2020, from Clackamas County with an earliest release date of July 9, 2039. House was 64 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 approximately 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.

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Corrections can be found at www.oregon.gov/doc.

###

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Hannah Linn Bazzi, died the evening of December 3, 2025. Bazzi was incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Bazzi entered DOC custody on May 29, 2020, from Washington County with an earliest release date of December 20, 2032. Bazzi was 32 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.

CCCF is a multi-custody prison located in Wilsonville. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Corrections can be found at www.oregon.gov/doc.

####

EUGENE, Ore. – The many ways trees protect human health will be the focus of the 2026 Oregon Urban and Community Forestry Conference to be held June 4 in Eugene at Venue 252.

Registration for the conference—We Thrive When Trees Thrive—is now open at https://www.oregoncommunitytrees.org/2026-conference

This annual conference is put on by the non-profit organization Oregon Community Trees in partnership with the Oregon Department of Forestry and USDA Forest Service. It is open to anyone interested in urban tree issues and their impact on people and communities.

Keynote speaker will be Geoffrey Donovan, a natural resource economist with the private consultancy firm Ash and Elm Consulting, LLC. When he was a researcher based at the USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station, Donovan published a ground-breaking study that found each tree planted in Portland by the non-profit Friends of Trees was associated with significant reductions in non-accidental and cardiovascular human deaths. Donovan had access to years’ worth of tree planting data from Friends of Trees. Specifically, he used the planting data from the nearly 50,000 trees that organization had planted in Portland neighborhoods since 1990. Donovan was able to rule out other possible explanations for the lower death rate like race, education, and income, by using the statistical models using data from the American Community Survey. The findings were published in December 2022 in the journal Environmental International.

Donovan’s work has also shown a strong correlation between sudden tree canopy loss and higher death rates using data from the Midwest where ash trees were suddenly killed by emerald ash borer, leaving residents exposed to air pollution, noise, and other stressors. He has also investigated how pregnant women in Portland who live near large shade trees are less likely to give birth prematurely.

Continuing education credits will be available for conference attendees.

Opportunities to be a speaker, panelist or poster presenter are open until Jan. 31. Visit www.oregoncommunitytrees.org/2026-conference to apply.

Early-bird registration pricing remains $150. Students can register for $80. Ticket includes entry, lunch, snacks, and networking social hour following the conference. Scholarships are available for those with an expressed financial need.

About Oregon Community Trees

The mission of this non-profit, Oregon-based organization is to promote healthy urban and community forests through leadership, education, awareness and advocacy. OCT serves as the advisory committee to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program.

                                 # # #

RICKREALL, Ore. - The Oregon Tree Farm System (OTFS) recently honored Roje Gootee from northern Grant County as Oregon’s 2026 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. The honor was bestowed at the organization’s annual meeting held Nov. 15^th at the Polk County Fair Grounds in Rickreall.

Gootee, owner of Rush Creek Ranch, was recognized for her 28 years spent restoring and managing her property for a wide range of conservation objectives, as well as for her leadership in promoting the health of forest and rangelands in the Blue Mountains of Northeast Oregon.

Gootee first purchased 1,962 acres of forest and range in 1997.

“As a 17-year-old freshman studying Forestry at Utah State University, I began saving so I could one day own my own forest,” she said.

Over an 18-year period she expanded her ranch to 3,345 acres, of which approximately 2,000 acres are forested, the rest in range.

She has restored ponderosa pine forests that were over-harvested by the previous owner, restored abandoned farm fields to forests, improved water quality through restoring riparian habitat and protecting upland springs, controlled invasive weeds, reduced the risk of wildfire, and removed invasive Western juniper encroaching on rangeland and forests.

Gootee has done much to improve the long term health of her property and its watershed. She said, ”For me it’s just such joy to see the land respond.”

Beyond her own property, she has helped neighbors develop stewardship plans for their properties and has played key roles in promoting the management of all private and public lands in Oregon’s Blue Mountain region.

In 1976, Gootee earned a B.S. degree in Forest Resource Management with a minor in Range Management from Utah State University, and in 2009, a PhD in Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences from Washington State University.

Through her natural resource academic studies, USDA Forest Service career in forest and range management, and managing her own property, Gootee has developed invaluable insights on how best to manage Oregon’s dryland forests.

She continues to share her insights through serving on numerous local, state and national private and public natural resource-related boards and commissions. She also works with local landowners and resource professionals.

“Roje is so humble for a person that has done so much for our forests,” reported Bob Parker, the local forester who recommended that she be honored for her land management and community accomplishments.

In addition to honoring Gootee, OTFS awarded Dell and Linda Jensen a Silver Award for management of their 185-acre John Downing Tree Farm near Marcola in Lane County. While the property has been in the family since 1908, the Jensens took charge of its management when inheriting it in 2022. They have spent a tremendous amount of time and energy in developing a sustainable timber harvest, improving its road system for active management, and converting brushy areas back to Douglas-fir forest.

Others who were recognized include:

Additional County Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year

•     Laird-Shepherd Family of Columbia County, and

•     Allan and Kathleen Crandall of Yamhill County

Oregon Inspector of the Year – Tim Gurton

            Oregon Tree Farm inspectors are volunteer foresters who visit family forest landowners providing insights on how they can meet their forestland goals, and to certify that their forest meets the American Tree Farm System’s standards. Gurton visited and certified 25 landowners.

Pollinator Award – Mary Chamness

            This award is given to an individual whose volunteer efforts played a key role in the management of the organization.

Hagenstein Family Forestlands Achievement Award - Steve and Wylda Cafferata

This award is presented to an individual(s) for outstanding contributions in promoting, supporting, and sustaining Oregon’s family owned forestlands.

About the Oregon Tree Farm System

OTFS is a chapter of the American Tree Farm System which operates an internationally recognized forest certification program overseen by and for family forest landowners to promote sustainable forest management through education, recognition, and assistance.

For 59 years, OTFS has recognized family forest landowners who provide forest benefits and products using sound forestry management. Along with the Oregon Dept. of Forestry they work to promote sustainable forestry in Oregon.

For more information on the Oregon Tree Farm System, visit www.otfs.org

                                                          # # #

Portland, OR – DOGAMI and other state permitting agencies have issued draft permits for the Grassy Mountain project; DOGAMI is accepting public comments through February 6, 2026, as outlined in the public notice.

The public notice and related documents are available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/mlrr/Pages/Calico-GrassyMtn_projectDocuments.aspx 

For further information, contact the DOGAMI Albany office at (541) 967-2083 or email: information.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Tyler Shoop, age 15, a child in foster care who went missing from Clackamas on Dec. 10. Tyler Shoop (he/him) is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Tyler Shoop and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Tyler Shoop.

Tyler Shoop is suspected to be in Clackamas or Portland Metro area.

Name: Tyler Shoop
Pronouns: he/him
Date of birth: 3/3/2010
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 148 pounds
Hair: Blonde
Eye color: Blue Eyes
Other identifying information: Tyler’s hair is cut short and is a reddish tint. He typically wears jeans that are really stained and a hat.
Molalla Police Department # 25-024563
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2070863

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

###

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Tyler Shoop.

Tyler Shoop, age 15, is a child who went missing from went missing from Molalla on Dec. 8. He was found Dec. 9.

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

###

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Chayton Owings, age 13, a child in foster care who went missing from Portland on Oct. 02. Chayton is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find him and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see him.

Chayton is suspected to be in the outlying areas of the Portland Metro area and is known to frequent forest areas.

Name: Chayton Owings
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: Feb. 1, 2012
Height: 4-foot-9
Weight: 94 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Blue gray
Portland Police Bureau #25-272053
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2063587

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

###

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on its normal monthly schedule in December, following disruptions in November due to the federal government shutdown. SNAP plays a major role in Oregon’s food security and economy. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, contributing an estimated $1.6 billion to Oregon’s economy each year.

“Every month hundreds of thousands of children, older adults and hard-working families and individuals depend on getting their SNAP food benefits on time to get enough food,” said ODHS Director Liesl Wendt. “After last month’s uncertainty and disruptions, we are grateful to be able to return to issuing SNAP food benefits when and how people expect us to. We also recommend that people take simple steps today to protect their EBT cards. By changing your PIN, locking your cards and blocking online and out-of-state purchases you can keep your benefits safe.”

SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, about 18 percent of households, buy groceries, including children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities.

At the same time, with a significant amount of theft by skimming of EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards in Oregon and nationwide, ODHS is doing everything it can to protect people. This week, ODHS turned off and replaced more than 1,300 EBT cards after detecting card-skimming activity in the Coos Bay and North Bend area.

EBT cards compromised by skimmers were turned off and replaced to protect benefits.

On Dec. 2, ODHS turned off 1,350 EBT cards from the Coos Bay and North Bend area that were known to be compromised by EBT card skimming due to devices being attached on payment machines. ODHS automatically sent new EBT cards to households whose cards were turned off to prevent fraud and they should be received by mail in five days. People who need a new EBT card urgently can visit their local ODHS office to get a replacement card right away.

If your EBT card suddenly stops working:

• Check your EBT balance at https://ebtEDGE.com or using the ebtEDGE mobile app. If you see a balance amount that is different than what you expected, your benefits may have been stolen. ODHS does not support any other EBT management apps or websites.
• If you see a balance, but your EBT card is still not working, it may have been turned off to prevent fraud. You can call the ONE Customer Service Center (800-699-9075) or your local ODHS office (https://bit.ly/ODHSoffices) to determine if that was the case.

Most theft occurs in the beginning of the month immediately after SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are issued to EBT cards. Criminals use methods like skimming devices, internet scams and fake websites to steal card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). Once they have this information, they use online or out-of-state purchases to drain SNAP food and TANF cash benefits from a person’s card.

ODHS recommends that everyone with an EBT card take these steps to keep their benefits safe:

• Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
• Freeze your card between uses: When you’re not using your EBT card, consider freezing it as an extra layer of protection. Simply unfreeze it when you’re ready to make a purchase. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for "Freeze Card" under "Account Services."
• Block out-of-state and online purchases: You have the option to block transactions made outside of Oregon and online purchases to safeguard your card from unauthorized use. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for “Protect My Account" under “Account Services." You can remove the blocks later.
• Change your PIN regularly: Get into the habit of updating your PIN often. This can help protect your account if someone does gain access to your card number. Here are the ways you can ​change your PIN:​
  • Call 888-997-4447;
  • Log into the ebtEDGE website;
  • Take your EBT card to the closest ODHS benefits office​.
• Keep your PIN secret: Never share your PIN or write it on your card. Cover the keypad whenever entering your PIN in a public setting. Thieves may use small cameras to capture your PIN entry.
• Inspect card readers carefully: Before swiping your card at an ATM or other card reader, check for anything unusual. Skimming devices are often placed on top of existing card readers. If you see anything that looks out of place or tampered with, avoid using it and let the business know.
• Monitor your EBT account activity: Make it a habit to check your account regularly for any unusual charges. If you see a charge you didn’t make, report it immediately, cancel your card and request a replacement. Here are the ways you can ​get a new card:​
  • Call the EBT Replacement Line at 1-855-328-6715;
  • Go to an ODHS benefits office​.​
• Don’t respond to suspicious texts: If you receive a text message asking for your EBT card number or PIN, ignore it. ODHS will never ask for your information this way.
• Avoid social media scams: Only trust posts and messages about your benefits from official ODHS accounts. ODHS will never ask for your benefits case number, PIN or other card information on social media.

More information is available on the Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits webpage. There is a brochure, flyer and wallet card available in many languages. There are also short videos about using an EBT card, how to replace an EBT card and all the ways to protect your EBT benefits. These are posted in the How-to Videos section of benefits.oregon.gov.

How to request replacement for TANF benefits

ODHS can replace TANF benefits that are lost due to fraud. TANF families who believe benefits have been stolen from their EBT card should contact ODHS to request replacement benefits within 30 days of the benefits being stolen. Information on card safety and how to request replacement TANF benefits can be found online here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx

ODHS cannot replace SNAP benefits

The federal funding to replace benefits ran out on Dec. 21, 2024, and ODHS is no longer authorized to replace stolen SNAP benefits.

###

Dec. 4, 2025

Media Contact: Communications@employ.oregon.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY
OED announces release of statewide employment report for September on Dec. 10
 

SALEM, Ore. — After being delayed by the federal shutdown, the Oregon Employment Department (OED) will release the monthly employment report for September at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Video and audio versions of the release will also be published at 10 a.m., and reporters can reach out to state employment economist Gail Krumenauer or economist David Cooke with follow-up questions, but OED will not host a media availability.

County reports for September will be released on Tuesday, December 16th at 10:00 AM.

Revised news release dates are also posted here on the QualityInfo.org website.

###

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

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

West Coast Health Alliance, OHA, leading national medical organizations continue to recommend hepatitis B vaccination for newborns

December 4, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov  

OHA urges vaccinations as flu activity rises, holidays approach  

PORTLAND, Ore – As influenza activity increases over the next two months before its expected peak in early spring, health officials urge everyone to get their flu vaccine, particularly as people gather indoors to celebrate the holidays. 

So far, hospitalizations remain low. But the percentage of positive flu tests is on the rise.

“The flu season generally continues into the spring, which means flu activity will continue to increase for many months,” said Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division. “That’s why it’s never too late to get the flu vaccine.”

Chiou added that getting vaccinated now is especially important. “People will leave Thanksgiving, not only with leftovers, but also with the flu. It’s not too late to get your flu shot, especially before the upcoming holidays. The flu shot is the best way to help make sure you don’t miss out on holiday festivities or get other people sick.”

Last year’s flu season in Oregon was the worst in the state’s recent history. OHA releases the latest information on the flu season in its weekly FluBites report. Information on flu activity can also be found on Oregon’s Respiratory Virus Data dashboard.

Flu is a contagious, respiratory tract infection caused by the influenza virus.

Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy and runny nose, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. It can result in mild to severe illness, including hospitalization and death.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend seasonal flu vaccination for everyone ages 6 months or older.

Nearly 1 million people in Oregon have been vaccinated so far this year, which is about 5% lower than at the same time last year. The flu vaccination rate has been in decline for several years.

Certain groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant people and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for serious complications from influenza.

The hospitalization rate is highest for people ages 65 and older, but flu seasons are unpredictable and even young and healthy people can develop severe disease.

The best way people can protect themselves and others is by getting a flu vaccine every year.

People can get the COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, county public health clinic or federally qualified health center. Parents and caregivers of children can also search for a clinic by calling 211 or visiting 211info.org. 

This video reminds people not to let influenza take us out of the picture this year. 

###

Salem, Ore. – For the second time this year, Powerball players have a chance to win a jackpot close to $1 billion. Wednesday’s drawing climbed to an estimated $930 million - ranking as the seventh largest Powerball jackpot ever.

Since the current jackpot run began on September 7, Oregon has seen 453,136 winners and more than $2 million in total Powerball game winnings.

"Playing the Powerball when the jackpot is this high gives players the opportunity to dream," said Oregon Lottery’s Player Services Manager Heidi Quiring. "You can imagine what the holiday season would be like with extra money for gifts and surprises."

Oregon Lottery retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, a retail location that sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus.

In 2024, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, his wife, and friend together shared a Powerball jackpot worth $1.3 billion. The prize was life changing for Saephan and by far the biggest prize ever won in Oregon. Previously, the largest Powerball prize won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005. The biggest Powerball ever won in history was a $2.04 billion jackpot in 2022 by a player in California.

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

If you’re planning to gift a boat to a friend or loved one, remember there’s more to boating than just a boat, such as required equipment, including a life jacket and whistle.

Purchasing paddlecraft such as a kayak, canoe, raft, or stand up paddleboard (SUP) is made easy through many retail stores, big and small.

Recreational boating is a great way to connect with the outdoors, stay fit, and give the mood a lift. And human-powered paddlecraft offers a unique experience to be near the surface of the water, to feel every riffle (shallow place in a river where water flows quickly past rocks) and the flow of the current. Wildlife viewing and being fully present are added benefits.

Boats come in all shapes and sizes and have associated required equipment for your safety out on the water. Paddlers need to have on board a properly fitting US Coast Guard-approved life jacket and a whistle, but it’s more practical to just wear them. If paddling at night or during periods of reduced visibility, then paddlers also need to display a white light source, like a flashlight.

So, what does it cost for the additional required equipment? That depends. A comfortable, inherently buoyant vest-style life jacket can range in price, with inflatable belt packs being on the higher end. A whistle costs a few dollars, and a light source varies depending on the model and brand.

The other requirement is having a Waterway Access Permit, which all paddlecraft operators will need in 2026 when using the boat on the water. Permits are transferable to other paddlecraft, and youth under 14 do not need to have one.

Waterway Access Permit options cost $6 for a 7-day permit, $20 for an annual permit, and $35 for a 2-year permit. Your boating dollars are returned to you through improved or new non-motorized access and will help expand boat inspection stations for aquatic invasive species through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Then there’s the gear needed for the activity! Kayak and SUP fishing are booming, as is wing foiling. Just remember, you’re a boater first. Take the time to plan ahead, learn the skills you’ll need for the type of waterway where you plan to boat, and always communicate or write down a float plan with family and friends. Education, planning, and preparation go a long way for you to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Marine Board also offers FREE online paddling courses to help newcomers learn the basic skills and techniques to stay safe. Want to learn how to get started? Visit Boat.Oregon.gov and let your water recreation adventures begin!

-End-

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Wilsonville, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today after a federal jury in Portland found him guilty of transporting and possessing photos and videos depicting child sexual abuse.

Joshan Rohani, 41, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and testimony at trial, between July and December 2021, Rohani participated in at least 34 chatrooms, some of which were focused on sharing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and the sexual exploitation of children, on the New Zealand-based cloud storage and file hosting service Mega. Additionally, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents discovered that Rohani had multiple accounts that had been suspended by Mega due to suspected CSAM.

On May 24, 2022, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Rohani’s residence. Investigators found CSAM on several of the devices seized from Rohani’s residence.

On October 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Rohani with distributing, transporting, accessing with intent to view, and possessing child pornography.

Following a five-day jury trial from December 2 to December 6, 2024, Rohani was convicted of transporting, accessing with intent to view, and possessing child pornography.

“Protecting our children remains our highest priority in the District of Oregon,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s sentence marks an important step to hold this defendant accountable and seek a measure of justice for the victims. Our efforts to combat child exploitation within our community will continue.”

“Securing this lengthy sentence for transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material is a direct result of the incredible partnership between HSI and the District of Oregon to seek justice for the innocent,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “The outstanding outcome of HSI’s investigation reaffirms our commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.”

This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Newberg-Dundee Police Department and the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs. It was prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman and Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— A Portland, Oregon, man appeared in federal court today after being charged and arrested for sex trafficking of a child.

Tyler Matthew Mandera, 25, made his initial appearance in court today after being charged by a federal grand jury for sex trafficking of a child. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on February 3, 2026.

According to court documents, from October 11, 2025, until October 14, 2025, Mandera recruited and enticed a minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts.    

If convicted, Mandera faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, a life-term of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from Tigard Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.

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

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.  

If you or someone you know are victims of human trafficking or have information about a potential human trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also submit a tip on the NHTRC website.

# # #

December 8, 2025 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Paige Parker, Public Relations Manager

Oregon Community Foundation, ker@oregoncf.org">pparker@oregoncf.org  

OREGON NONPROFITS STRENGTHEN THEIR COMMUNITIES WITH FALL FUNDING FROM OCF

Oregon Community Foundation Awards $5.1 Million in Grants to Support Education, Housing, Economic Opportunity, Arts and More

PORTLAND, Ore. — From classrooms and concert halls to food banks and housing services, 260 Oregon nonprofits will get a boost this fall. Oregon Community Foundation is awarding $5.1 million through its Community Grants program to organizations working to expand access to education, health services, economic opportunity, arts and culture and more. Grants awarded in rural towns and urban neighborhoods reflect OCF’s commitment to strengthening communities and tackling urgent needs.

“We are so inspired by the hard work our nonprofits are doing to improve the lives of all Oregonians,” said Marcy Bradley, OCF’s Chief Community Engagement and Equity Officer. “Community Grants is our open door for new ideas and the ‘what if’ dreams of our communities. We are proud to stand with the problem solvers in our state.”

For 28 years, OCF’s Community Grants program has supported nonprofits, Tribal organizations and government agencies in all 36 Oregon counties.  The 2025 Fall Cycle prioritized small capital projects (under $500,000), capacity building and new or expanding programs and projects.

Donors to Oregon Community Foundation make OCF’s Community Grants program possible. Grant applications were reviewed by regional OCF staff and volunteers in every region of Oregon.

The next cycle of Community Grants from OCF will prioritize general operating support for small rural organizations, culturally specific organizations and culturally responsive organizations. Program applications opened on December 2, 2025, and will close on January 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. PST.  Grants will be awarded in May 2026. Learn more here.

Find the full list of 2025 Fall grantees here.

Fall 2025 Community Grants Will Support

• 99 first-time OCF nonprofit grantees
• 22 housing-related nonprofits
• 23 food and nutrition service organizations
• 5 library projects
• 14 nonprofits that work with immigrants and refugees
• 14 nonprofits that work in economic development
• 11 environment nonprofits
• 8 mobile programs such as mobile clinics, laundry trucks, libraries and food hubs

Community Grants Breakdown by Region with Representative Nonprofits

Central Oregon | 21 Nonprofits | $366,768

• Columbia River Institute for Indigenous Development Foundation will expand the Kuskuspum program and launch a full-day, year-round early learning center designed by and for the Warm Springs community.
  
  “Language classes helped me mentally in many different ways, such as helping me learn more about my culture, and really made me feel closer to my grandma and helped come out of my bubble and talk to more people and get closer to new people.” — Cassidy Dixon, CRÍID youth participant
   
• Council on Aging of Central Oregon will grow its Caring Connections program that matches a volunteer with a client who has been identified as lonely or isolated.

“If it weren’t for this program, I would feel totally alone.” — Prineville client Kay B.

Bend client Pam T. says she and a volunteer “have been talking for two and a half years. He keeps me going, he listens to me, we laugh together and get along great ... I don't know what to do without him, I've never had a friend for this long.”

Eastern Oregon | 17 Nonprofits | $265,889

• Four Rivers Community Radio will purchase equipment to launch a community radio station in the Western Treasure Valley.
  
  "Four Rivers Community Radio is much more than a radio station providing passive listening opportunities. We are a medium for community members to connect to one another, build a shared identity across the region, and begin to understand and meet the varying needs of one another. Our service area is a region that has been under-resourced and ignored for many years, contributing to the deepening divisions we see spreading across the country. Through the dedication and support of our volunteers and local community members, we believe FRCR can change these trends and are deeply grateful to the Oregon Community Foundation for supporting that critical vision." — Andi M. Walsh, Board Secretary 

• Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness will create a Wellness Park and Community Garden.

Metro Portland | 100 Nonprofits | $2,225,112

• Centro Cultural will increase access to culturally specific wellness services and free meals for low-income seniors through its Edad de Oro program.
   
• New Narrative will modernize its commercial kitchen, which serves 2,000 meals weekly to residents in transitional and permanent housing.
  
  “It’s been a major challenge, but New Narrative has been a huge part of the positive experience through [my son's mental health] journey. Having a clinician involved on-site, talking about his goals and medications with him, it made an incredible difference. For New Narrative’s staff, this is their passion.” — Father of a New Narrative participant
  
  “New Narrative's decades of experience position us as an expert in what works and what doesn't. We are seeing more people in the region with a serious and complex set of mental health needs, and we are determined to meet those needs. No one deserves to be ostracized or stigmatized because of their mental health situation. Everyone deserves dignity, community and a roof over their heads.” — Julie Ibrahim, CEO

• Workforce Investment Council of Clackamas County will expand legal services for criminal and eviction expungement and immigration needs in rural areas.
  
  “Through Clean Slate Clackamas, it is our role to educate the population and help to create a more equitable workforce and true system change. Now a fully expunged ‘graduate’ of Clean Slate Clackamas, Mike has access to doors he thought were closed forever – better employment opportunities, access to housing, even a better credit score. Mike credits Clean Slate Clackamas with helping turn his life around and giving him the tools he needed to overcome this barrier.” – Amanda Wall, Communications Director, Clackamas Workforce Partnership

North Coast | 12 Nonprofits | $211,535

• Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association will replace lighting for a community soccer field serving more than 600 youth.
  
  “The amount of growth that we have seen our daughter make is remarkable. (Coach) Danielle‘s positive attitude, correct level of competitiveness and love for the game is contagious, and it shows in the joy that her players exhibit on the field. We’ve seen the game of soccer finally click for many of these girls this year, and it’s due to the support and effort Danielle puts in every week.” — Player's parent
   
• Amani Child Abuse Assessment Center will expand outreach across Columbia County.

Northern Willamette Valley | 32 Nonprofits | $583,682

• St. Francis Shelter will become fully powered by solar energy and plan to reinvest savings into programs for houseless individuals.
  
  “Our work makes a difference because it works. Last year, 27 of the 29 families who lived at St. Francis transitioned into permanent housing — and remain housed today. When families have a safe place to live, consistent support, and the chance to rebuild the skills and confidence stolen by trauma and homelessness, they are able to create the stability their children deserve.” — Kim Lemman, Executive Director
   
• Salem for Refugees will expand employment and student support services for refugee families.
  
  “My name is Anina, and I am from Syria. When I arrived, everything was new and overwhelming, but Salem for Refugees welcomed me like family. They didn’t just help me with housing and basic needs, they supported me emotionally, encouraged me, and made me feel safe again. Their help gave me hope for my future.” — Amina, Salem for Refugees client
  
  “Since launching in 2016, Salem for Refugees has walked alongside thousands of newcomers from nearly every region of the world. Today, we serve more than 2,000 refugee and immigrant clients across the Salem and Corvallis areas. We provide initial resettlement, case management, housing, employment and education services. Our mission is far more than providing services — we strive to create a community of belonging, safety and opportunity for families who have endured immense hardship.” — Luke Glaze, Executive Director, Salem for Refugees

South Coast | 8 Nonprofits | $152,500

• Bay Area Enterprises will launch a landscaping program to help rural Oregonians with disabilities access paid employment.
   
• Camp Myrtlewood will complete the Dogwood Cabin, a year-round bunkhouse serving low-income and under-resourced people through outdoor school and retreats.

Southern Oregon | 24 Nonprofits | $419,500

• Klamath Falls City Schools will pair high school students with downtown businesses to provide marketing services and career experience.
  
  “KU Digital Media turns classrooms into creative studios and our city into a campus. Students design real campaigns for local nonprofits and small businesses, learning professional skills while strengthening the community they call home.” ─ Dan Stearns, CTE Digital Media Teacher and Program Lead, Klamath Union High School
  
  “Working with real clients taught me how to listen, design to a brief, and deliver on deadline. I now see a creative career path that feels possible — and local partners cheer us on every step of the way.” ─ Isabella Armijo, KU Digital Media student
   
• A Greater Applegate will support a mobile food hub delivering local produce to rural pantries and neighborhoods in an isolated area.
  
  “A Greater Applegate's mission is to build community by sustaining and enhancing the local connections that promote the environmental, economic and social vitality of the Applegate Valley. We are building networks that expand access to local food and business resources and facilitating all-ages fairs and markets that bring families of the Applegate Valley together and help small businesses thrive.” — Megan Fehrman, Executive Director

Southern Willamette Valley | 46 Nonprofits | $848,700
 

• Calapooia Watershed Council will hire an eco-wellness instructor for its freshwater snorkeling program serving youth involved with the Juvenile Department.
  
  “As an environmental science teacher, I can think of few programs that have been as valuable and impactful on so many levels as the snorkeling program. The evolution of their understanding of the connections between the life below the surface, the surrounding forest and themselves in the city of Albany is exactly what environmental science is about.” ─ Gareth Engler, West Albany HS teacher
  
  “After we got back to school, everyone could not stop talking about how great it was!” ─ Gracie, fifth grade student
   
• PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation will expand its Telestroke Program to connect rural hospitals with neurology experts.
  
  “You never know when or where a medical emergency may occur or who will be there to assist. Time is of the essence.” — Sally Hampton, PeaceHealth Sacred Heart patient and aneurysm survivor

About Oregon Community Foundation

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 million in grants and scholarships in every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.
 

    ###

Two new groups of healthcare providers declare strikes against Legacy and pledge to join APPs on the picket line 

PORTLAND, Ore. — In a major escalation, advanced practice providers (APPs) from Legacy Go Health clinics and Legacy Pediatric have voted to launch solidarity strikes to join the 140 APPs from Legacy’s hospitals and clinics already on strike. The 80 members launching the solidarity strikes are also represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). 

Late last week, the two APP groups at Legacy Go Health and Legacy Pediatric APPs—representing nurse practitioners and physician associates across the Portland Metro area and SW Washington—voted overwhelmingly to stand with their striking colleagues. 

Both groups cited concerns about patient care, staffing, equity across the healthcare system and Legacy management’s refusal to bargain fairly as key reasons for joining the strike line. 

“We didn’t take this vote lightly,” said Sara Lopez, a physician associate (PA) at Legacy Go Health clinics. “Our patients rely on us every day, but we also rely on a system that treats providers fairly and ensures care is safe and sustainable. Standing with our colleagues is the only way to move Legacy toward a solution that supports both providers and patients.” 

“APPs across Legacy provide excellent medical care to Legacy patients but many of us feel that our contributions go unrecognized. We unified to address compensation that is below market value, inadequate staffing, and workload demands that impact patient safety and provider well-being,” said Jordyn Luttrell, DNP, a Legacy Pediatrics APP. “We’re joining the strike because the problems affecting our colleagues today will affect all Legacy APPs tomorrow unless something changes.” 

Striking APPs at Legacy’s hospitals and clinics welcomed the show of unity from APPs at Go Health and Pediatrics. 

“This is what solidarity looks like,” said April Callister, a physician associate who is currently on strike. “Legacy has been counting on divisions between clinics and specialties to maintain the status quo. By standing together, we are sending a clear message: we want a fair contract, safe staffing, and a system that respects the work we do.” 

What is a solidarity strike? 
A solidarity strike is a legally-protected work stoppage in which a group of employees refuse to work in order to support another bargaining unit engaged in a labor dispute. 

Background
Legacy Go Health APPs won their NLRB election in January 2025. The ONA-represented bargaining unit includes about 50 nurse practitioners and physician associates working in immediate care clinics across the state. The Legacy Pediatric APP bargaining unit, which unionized in August 2025, represents about 30 nurse practitioners and physician associates delivering specialized pediatric care in the Portland area and SW Washington.

ONA leaders say the expanding strike reflects widespread frustration with Legacy’s bargaining approach and with APPs' working conditions systemwide. When Legacy management finally returned to the bargaining table on Monday, December 8, they showed little interest in meaningful mediation and announced they would not meet again with striking APPs until December 18. 

No notice has been given, and the length of the strikes has not been determined. The work stoppages will coincide with the strike already underway by 140 APPs represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).

###

Interviews available upon request. 

Contact Peter Starzynski - 503-960-7989, zynski@oregonrn.org" style="text-decoration-line: none;">starzynski@oregonrn.org to schedule interviews

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) strongly condemns the recent decisions to close Vibra Specialty Hospital in Portland and to eliminate inpatient surgical services and the birthing center at Asante Ashland Community Hospital. These closures represent a devastating loss of critical healthcare access for Oregonians, forcing patients to travel farther for care, increasing risks in emergencies, and placing additional strain on an already overburdened health system.

Vibra Specialty Hospital, Oregon’s only long-term acute care facility, is slated to shut down on February 1, 2026. This closure will eliminate 310 jobs, including positions for nurses, therapists, and support staff, while forcing medically complex patients who require extended, specialized care to remain longer in traditional hospitals or seek treatment out of state. Similarly, Asante’s Ashland Community Hospital closure threatens essential services in Southern Oregon, compounding the impact of rural hospital closures statewide and forcing patients to travel farther for necessary care.

These closures are part of a broader crisis fueled by healthcare funding cuts under the Trump administration and the increasing corporatization of healthcare, which prioritizes profit over patients and community needs. The result is fewer local options for patients and a strained healthcare system.

Oregon’s patients and healthcare workers deserve a system that prioritizes public health over profit. We need robust, long-term investments in healthcare—not hospital closures and funding cuts. 

###