Aug. 7, 2025 (Portland, Ore.) - Providence’s announcement today about their latest round of layoffs marks another step in its troubling pattern of disinvestment in Oregon’s healthcare system. These cuts don’t just affect workers, they directly threaten the quality and safety of care in our communities. Layoffs will worsen Providence’s ongoing staffing issues which leads to unsafe patient loads and burned-out caregivers. At a time when our healthcare system is under immense strain, Oregon needs bold investments in patient care—not more cuts. 

 

Providence’s attempt to justify these layoffs, in part, on “labor costs” is dishonest, unfair, and dangerously misguided. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) recognizes that Medicaid cuts and broader attacks on our healthcare system from the Trump administration are serious issues, but Providence must also confront its own priorities as a profit-driven business model that doles out lavish executive salaries.  

 

Providence is a $30 billion corporation whose top executives take home millions each year. Patients and caregivers should not be forced to pay the price for corporate greed or political decisions beyond their control. 

 

It’s time for Providence to live up to its mission and make real investments in our communities and provide Oregonians with the care they deserve. 

 

Caregivers deserve respect and reinvestment—not pink slips. Oregonians deserve a strong, accessible healthcare system that puts quality care before profits. 

 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

 

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The Oregon Department of Human Services’ (ODHS) seeks public comment on proposed changes to two Medicaid-funded services.

 

These amendments will allow ODHS to implement an Agency with Choice service option for in-home consumers and will update the Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) rate methodology for Adult Foster Homes and Residential Care Facilities. These amendments are proposed with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026.

 

More information, including the public notice, amendment summary and available drafts of the proposed amendments, are posted on the APD website.

 

How to comment:

 

To submit feedback and comments, the public may take one of the following actions:

1. Send an email to Beth.Jackson3@odhs.oregon.gov
2. Send written comments addressed to Oregon Department of Human Services, Attn: Beth Jackson, 500 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.
3. Send a fax to 503-947-4245, Attn: Beth Jackson

Deadline: To be considered, feedback must be received by Sept. 1, 2025.

 

About the amendments

• APD was directed by House Bill 4129 (2024) to create an Agency with Choice (AwC) service model for in-home service options. This model will be added to APD’s in-home service options in Jan. 2026. The detailed requirements for AwC will be in Oregon Administrative Rules. The 1915(k) language will be amended to reference those rules. The 1915(k) will also include a description of how the AwC rates will be developed. Because HB 4129 limits the number of AwC providers to two, APD will specify that limit in the 1915(k). APD will also add AwC to APD’s 1915(b)(4) for case management services.
• APD is also proposing a new way to calculate rates for APD Adult Foster Homes and Residential Care Facilities. The rate methodology for these providers was created in the 1980s and no longer captures the complexity of individuals served in these settings. The new rate methodology will more accurately account for individuals’ needs. The 1915(k) will define the methodology and provider requirements.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Tigard, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for traveling from Oregon to Washington in hopes of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a nine-year-old child.

 

Andrew Sterling Hilliker, 47, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

 

According to court documents, on January 28, 2024, Hilliker used Kik Messenger, an online messaging application, to contact an undercover law enforcement officer posing as the parent of a nine-year-old child as part of a broader investigation into online child exploitation. Hilliker engaged in sexually explicit communications with the undercover officer and expressed his interest in sexually abusing the child. Soon after, Hilliker planned to meet the undercover officer and purported child at a hotel in Vancouver, Washington.  

 

On January 31, 2024, Hilliker traveled from Oregon to Washington to meet the purported parent and engage in illicit sexual conduct with the child. Hilliker was arrested when he arrived at the hotel and had condoms in his pocket. When questioned by investigators, Hilliker admitted that he believed he was communicating with the parent of a nine-year-old child and engaged in sexually explicit communications about the child.

 

On February 22, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Hilliker with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

 

On January 14, 2025, Hilliker pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

 

This case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by Eliza Carmen Rodriguez, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

 

The FBI Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) conducts sexual exploitation investigations, many of them undercover, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering and assisting victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.

 

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 as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

 

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Ciara D. Mercado, 32, of Tacoma, Washington, has been charged by information with failing to obey a lawful order.

 

According to court documents and information shared in court, on August 4, 2025, Mercado entered the grounds of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland. Mercado failed to comply with the lawful direction of federal officers and was arrested.

 

Mercado made her first appearance in federal court Tuesday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was ordered released pending further court proceedings.

 

Failure to obey a lawful order is a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 30 days in prison.

 

The case is being investigated by the Federal Protective Service and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

 

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

 

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CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

 

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on August 12, 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 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

 

The meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

 

Amended Agenda Items:

 

1.  Introductions

 

2. Approve May 13, 2025, Meeting Minutes

 

3. Administrative Closures Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

    a) Steven Bashon; DPSST No. 45048

        Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Corrections and Instructor Certifications

 

    b) Richard Hathaway; DPSST No. 37239

        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Supervisory Corrections Certifications

 

    c) Ezequell Pedroza; DPSST No. 64608

        No Certifications (Administrative Correction Only)

 

    d) Michael Richards; DPSST No. 53297

        Basic Corrections Certification

 

4. Bonnie Kessell, DPSST No. 46671; Umatilla County Community Corrections

    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

 

5. Katherine Mood; DPSST No. 61760; Marion County Sheriff’s Office
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

6. Chance Oxnam, DPSST No. 54580; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

7. Herlet Padilla, DPSST No. 63118; Clatsop County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

8. Brian Scharbach, DPSST No. 61981; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility

    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

9. Kyle Stott, DPSST No. 58027; Deschutes County Adult Parole & Probation
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

10. Timothy Trabosh, DPSST No. 49653; Marion County Sheriff's Office
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

11. Justin White, DPSST No. 53769; DOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution
    Presented by Jennifer Levario

 

12. Corrections Policy Committee Chair and Applicant Review Committee Nominations

    Presented by Marie Atwood

 

13. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-006-0010

Criminal Justice Applicant Review Committee Membership

Presented by Jennifer Howald

 

14. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085 (20)

Absences and Remediation of Missed Training

Presented by Jennifer Howald

 

15. Overview & Summary of Changes to Basic Parole and Probation Curriculum

Presented by Christy Hess

 

16. Approval of Changes to the Basic Parole and Probation Curriculum

Presented by Christy Hess and Jason Ridgeway

 

17. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085

Codifying Board Approval of the Revisions to the Basic Parole and Probation Academy Curriculum

Presented by Jennifer Howald

 

18. Agency Updates

 

19. Next Corrections Policy Committee Meeting: November 12, 2025, at 10:00am

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 Corrections Policy Committee members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

August 6, 2025

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, 503-871-8843, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

As summer heat continues, health officials share reminder about law protecting breastfeeding at pools

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon’s public and private pools are great places for families to escape the summer heat, so Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program share a friendly reminder that state law protects the rights of people to breastfeed in public.

Shelby Sayer-Cameron, a public health lactation consultant at Linn County Health Services, says support for the state breastfeeding law from pool operators helps reduce the stigma some people feel when trying to breastfeed their children in public places. And she knows this from personal experience.

“I was less comfortable breastfeeding in public with my oldest child, and I was new to it,” recalls Sayer-Cameron. “I would get so worked up trying to make sure to bring a cover to use and I cared what other people thought of it. By the time my second child came around, I realized how much of a hassle the ‘breastfeeding cover-up’ was and how much more awkward it was for me.”

August is a good time to remind the public about Oregon’s breastfeeding law, officials say. Summer temperatures can be at their highest this month, prompting people to head to swimming pools to cool off. It’s also National Breastfeeding Month, which Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has recognized with this proclamation: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYPEOPLEFAMILIES/WIC/Documents/bf/State-of-Oregon-Proclamation-Office-Of-The-Governor-National-Breastfeeding-Month-Aug-2025.pdf.

Since 2012, OHA’s Public Health Division has distributed guidance that breastfeeding an infant or small child is acceptable in swimming pool areas.

A link to the directive, including the section on breastfeeding, is available at http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/Recreation/PoolsLodging/Documents/InfoSheetBreastfeedingatPools12062012x.pdf.

For many parents, breastfeeding provides a quick and accessible way to feed their children, and they shouldn’t have to worry about where they’re doing it, Sayer-Cameron explains. It’s also more cost-efficient for parents who may not be able to afford formula or a breast pump that would allow them to collect and store breast milk for when it’s needed. Hear more from Shelby Sayer-Cameron, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxhSV6fBXig

OHA has long supported and promoted breastfeeding because of the many health benefits, including building babies’ immune systems to fight diseases and reducing mothers’ risk of chronic illnesses such as ovarian and breast cancer and type II diabetes.

WIC agencies still receive complaints each year from breastfeeding parents asked to stop breastfeeding, cover up, or breastfeed behind closed doors in a bathroom or other private area. As a result, Oregon Revised Statute 109.001 protects a mother’s right to breastfeed in public and has been in place since 1999.

Korina Skaff, Oregon WIC breastfeeding coordinator, says parents have the legal right to breastfeed in any public space and don’t have to nurse in a private place unless they choose.

“Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition for infants and is legally protected under Oregon law. Spreading the word to employees and patrons is a key step to creating comfortable places for parents with babies,” says Julie A. Reeder, Ph.D., a manager at Oregon WIC.

About WIC

The Oregon WIC Program improves nutrition security for families by providing healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and connections to community resources for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding individuals, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC serves families in all 36 Oregon counties through more than 100 clinics.

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LAKE COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 6, 2025) – On Friday, August 1, 2025, at 12:31 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle fatal crash on Highway 395 near milepost 157 in Lake County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a bicyclist, Robert Patrick McGee (69) of New Pine Creek, was traveling southbound on Hwy. 395 near milepost 157 when a white GMC 3500 HD pickup truck, operated by Greg Alan Stiles (64) of Guernville (CA), attempted to pass and struck the bicyclist.

The bicyclist (McGee) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the GMC (Stiles) was determined to have been impaired at the time of the collision and was arrested for DUII and lodged at the Lake County Jail.  

A passenger in the GMC, Diego Rosas Ojeda (48) of Santa Rosa (CA), was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #

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

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 6, 2025) – On Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 2:27 a.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus bicycle fatal crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 133 in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Toyota Tundra, operated by Thomas Lee Sodders (66) of Roseburg, was traveling southbound on I-5 near Sutherlin when it struck a bicyclist, Justin Jay Little (42) of Cypress (CA), who was in the fast lane for an unknown reason.

The bicyclist (Little) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Tundra (Sodders) had reported minor injuries and was not transported.

A passenger in the Tundra, Christine Ann Graham (62) of Roseburg, was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

 

The highway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Central Douglas Fire and Rescue, Sutherlin Fire Department, Sutherlin Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
 

# # #
 

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

UPDATE: The suspects have been identified. No additional information is needed at this time.

---

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 4, 2025) – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking the public’s assistance to identify persons of interest in the vandalism of a cellular trail camera and taking of salmon from a fish trap at the Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery in Trail, Oregon.

The two individuals were first spotted by a trail camera at the hatchery on August 12, 2024, and returned on August 27, 2024, wearing motorcycle helmets, when they entered the stream around the fish trap at about 8 p.m., attempting to spear or gaff salmon. Trail camera photos showed one individual operating a red Harley-Davidson or similar motorcycle and the second operating a black sport bike. The subjects were accompanied by a black German Shepherd.

 

On July 5, 2025, at approximately 5 a.m., two masked individuals, matching the description and build of the two subjects from the prior year, were captured on a trail camera approaching the outflow fish trap wearing masks and baggy clothing. They were again accompanied by a black German Shepherd. One individual waded across the river and ripped the antenna off the cellular camera while the second individual remained on shore holding what looked like a large salmon net.
 

The following day, responding fish and wildlife troopers found the broken antenna and the trail camera pushed to the side. Personnel from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife later found the lock to the fish trap had been cut to gain access to the fish inside the trap. An unknown number of salmon were netted from the fish trap.

 

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number #SP25-355670.

 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

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

 

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

 

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

 

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining 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: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

 

# # #

 

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. 

PORTLAND, Ore.—Manuel Antonio Souza Espinoza, 27, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Portland, was sentenced today to 157 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a Portland teen and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

 

According to court documents, the investigation that ultimately led to Espinoza’s arrest began after the tragic overdose death of a Portland teenager who, on March 7, 2022, ingested a counterfeit “M30” Oxycodone pill manufactured with fentanyl. The investigation revealed that Espinoza—a known, high-volume Portland area drug dealer—was the third-level supplier of the counterfeit pills. On March 31, 2022, using a confidential informant, investigators arranged a controlled purchase of 1,000 pills from Espinoza. When Espinoza arrived at the agreed upon location, he was immediately arrested on federal charges. Investigators located and seized 1,000 pills in Espinoza’s vehicle along with a loaded .40 caliber handgun with extended magazine.

 

On April 21, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Souza Espinoza with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

 

On March 5, 2025, Souza Espinoza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In the plea agreement, Souza Espinoza admitted that the counterfeit M30 pills containing fentanyl he sold to the victim resulted in the fatal fentanyl poisoning of the victim.

 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Portland Police Bureau’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Interdiction Team (HIT), and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office with assistance from the Clackamas County Inter-Agency Task Force. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

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.

 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

 

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

 

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

 

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EUGENE, Ore.—A Lynwood, California man was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison Monday for trafficking 11 pounds of methamphetamine from California to Oregon.

 

Luis Banuelos, 34, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

 

According to court documents, on February 28, 2021, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, officers from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team arrested Banuelos after he transported methamphetamine from California to deliver to a customer in Prineville, Oregon. Officers searched Banuelos’s vehicle and seized two boxes containing more than 11 pounds of methamphetamine. When questioned by investigators, Banuelos admitted to transporting drugs from California approximately seven times for distribution in Oregon.

 

On August 4, 2022, Banuelos was charged by criminal information with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On October 31, 2022, Banuelos pleaded guilty to the charge.

 

The case was investigated by the CODE team and the Drug Enforcement Agency. It was prosecuted by Adam Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.— Ermin Izaguirre-Estrada, 22, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Oregon, was sentenced Monday to 70 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for trafficking fentanyl in downtown Portland and San Francisco, California.

 

According to court documents, on August 9, 2023, as part of a fentanyl enforcement mission targeting fentanyl dealers in downtown Portland, officers observed Izaguirre-Estrada holding what appeared to be blue fentanyl pills in his hand. The officers arrested Izaguirre-Estrada and seized a loaded firearm, more than 6,000 fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and cash.

 

On August 16, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Izaguirre-Estrada with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and alien in possession of a firearm.

 

On September 26, 2023, a federal grand jury in the Northern District of California returned a two-count indictment charging Izaguirre-Estrada with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, based on a prior arrest in April 2023.

 

On April 30, 2025, Izaguirre-Estrada pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, resolving both of his criminal cases.

 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HITDA) Interdiction Team (HIT), the PPB Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team and PPB Bike Squad. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

 

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.

 

The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

 

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

 

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

 

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

Aug 5, 2025

 

Contact:

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292, delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Michelle Klampe, 541-737-0784, michelle.klampe@oregonstate.edu

 

New Report Shows State Child Care Investments Are Paying Off

Supply boosted to pre-pandemic levels and the majority of Oregon counties are no longer considered child care deserts for preschoolers

 

SALEM, ORE. - The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) celebrates the progress being made to provide high quality early learning to children across the state. A new report commissioned by DELC was released the by Oregon State University Child Care Research Partnership titled “Oregon’s Child Care Deserts 2024,” which found a significant decrease in child care deserts for preschool-aged children, with just nine counties in that category in 2024 compared to 27 in 2018.

 

Child care deserts exist when there are three or more children for a single regulated child care slot. Regulated care includes child care centers and home-based providers that are licensed by the state, which meet and maintain required health and safety standards. Without public funds, all 36 Oregon counties would still be considered child care deserts for infants and toddlers, and 28 counties for preschoolers.

 

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see state investments delivering real results for Oregon families,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, Director of the Department of Early Learning and Care. “The fact that more communities are no longer child care deserts for preschoolers means more children are accessing the early learning experiences they deserve—and that’s a win for our entire state.”

 

“We’re seeing state and community investments making a difference in the available supply,” said Megan Pratt, the report’s lead author and an associate professor of practice in the OSU College of Health and the Extension Family and Community Health Program. “There’s more child care available than there has been in the recent past.”

 

 

This is the fourth biannual report commissioned by DELC, providing a snapshot of the availability of child care following similar analysis released in 2018, 2020 and 2022, and now 2024. Important findings include:

 

• While all but two counties remain deserts for infant and toddler care, 25% of counties are child care deserts for preschool age children. This is a continued declining trend with 27 counties in being preschool deserts in 2018, 25 counties in 2020, 18 counties in 2022, and nine counties in 2024.
• Without public slots, all counties would be a child care desert for infants and toddlers, and 28 counties would be a child care desert for preschoolers.
• 1 in every 3 children age five and under have access to a regulated childcare slot statewide.
• Of the non-metropolitan counties, 32-100% of slots are publicly funded compared to 16-50% of slots publicly funded in non-desert metropolitan counties.

 

Many in-home providers are women owned and operated small businesses. Pratt points to the growth of registered family home slots as a bright spot in this year’s report. “This is the first increase for small home care since 2016,” said Pratt.

 

The report does not account for all public investments in child care, including those supported by local school districts or counties that are not licensed by the state. This analysis also does not include the use of vouchers such as with the Employment Related Day Care program. Publicly funded programs examined in the analysis include Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten, Preschool Promise, and Baby Promise programs along with federal Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

 

“With continued federal uncertainty, it’s even more important for Oregon to maintain the remarkable progress being made. Thanks to sustained investment from the Legislature, Oregon’s child care supply is rebounding after the pandemic,” said Chatterjee. “These gains show what’s possible when we prioritize early learning—it’s helping families access quality, affordable child care and building a stronger foundation for our future.”

 

The report’s coauthor is Michaella Sektnan of OSU’s College of Health. To read the full 2024 report including county maps and infographics, please visit the Oregon State University website at: health.oregonstate.edu/early-learners/supply

 

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About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

SALEM, Ore.—Oregon’s wildfire response continues to evolve with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) recent addition of regional air attack and ongoing investment in severity aircraft.

 

Deputy Director of Fire Operations, Kyle Williams, explained, “the severity aircraft and regional air attack gives us a huge advantage, both are excellent investments. These help us fight wildfires with surgical precision, quickly cutting off wildfires in critical locations.”

 

In terms of geographical scope, ODF is the state’s largest fire department. The department typically responds to more than one thousand fires each year. Most fires you never hear of because ODF’s fast, effective response keeps most wildfires under 10 acres.

 

Chief of Fire Protection, Michael Curran, explained, “this takes a coordinated effort using aircraft and on-the-ground firefighters to quickly stop these fires. ODF has hundreds of firefighters and multiple aircraft strategically located across the state to do this work.”

 

What is air attack?

 

Air attack is the airplane and crew that fly above a wildfire to coordinate aircraft and groundwork to stop a wildfire—a flying air traffic control center. Air attack has three primary responsibilities—keeping firefighters safe, ensuring accurate drops of water or retardant, and giving incident commanders a full, clear picture of the fire.

 

Safety takes priority. Keeping firefighters and air crews safe requires maintaining space between aircraft and coordinating precise water drops. Air attack monitors and directs flight paths based on multiple factors. The key factors are spacing and whether the pilot can drop the water on target while keeping on-the-ground firefighters safe.

 

Hitting the target keeps fires smaller. Accuracy depends on clear communication from the firefighters to air attack about target coordinates and timing. The firefighters determine the spot to hit, which can change quickly based on the speed that a fire spreads, winds, and aircraft.

 

Air attack calculates and coordinates based on how soon the aircraft can be on location, whether it is an airplane or helicopter, where the firefighters are, and how many parts around the fire need help. Air attack looks at the whole picture, triages the requests and details, determines which aircraft are best used where and when, then directs drops to stay on target.

 

While an aircraft drops water or retardant on the leading edge of the fire to check it, this allows on-the-ground firefighters to suppress the fire’s push by digging and creating a fireline, a non-flammable, mineral soil buffer around the fire. This early stage takes clear communication and coordination for precise water drops and keeping firefighters safe and out of the drop zone. Keeping everyone safe and maximizing the effectiveness of this oft called “airshow” on a wildfire takes calm disposition, clear communication, strategic thinking, and decisive action—that’s air attack.

 

Why does it matter?

 

Historically, when a wildfire started, aircraft, let alone air attack, were not readily available. When the wildfire grew to a size that warranted air attack, then the dispatcher would order it from a central location. The response time slowed the effectiveness, because of the limited air response and support. Even if an aircraft and firefighters arrived, the lack of big-picture coordination stifled the work.  

 

Recent investments by Oregon’s legislature gave ODF two regional air attack teams.

 

Williams explained, “now, dispatchers can send air attack during the initial attack phase of emergency response. It’s a game changer.”

 

The regional air attack builds on the “severity aircraft” program to better use state resources. Over the past couple of decades, the legislature has continued investing in firefighters and technology that return great results.

 

Curran concluded, “we’re seeing a huge return on investment using these aircraft early—cutting costs, keeping wildfires small, and better protecting natural resources and the public.”

The September quarterly meeting of the Veterans Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will be held virtually and in person on Wednesday, September 3, in Room M-100 of Morrow Hall on the campus of Blue Mountain Community College, located at 2411 NW Carden Avenue in Pendleton. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a town hall meeting at 11 a.m., which is open to the public.

 

Established in 1945, the Veteran Advisory Committee holds a distinct and fundamental role in advising the director and staff of ODVA. The nine members of the Veteran Advisory Committee are military veterans from all corners of the state, appointed by the governor to serve and act as advocates for veteran issues and veteran concerns across Oregon.

 

Following every quarterly business meeting, the committee holds a town hall inviting the public to raise questions or concerns about broad veteran issues or to share information with the committee and agency director.

 

Members of the community are also invited to submit written public comments to the committee by emailing odva_vaac@odva.oregon.gov. The Advisory Committee meets quarterly on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December.

 

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Please register at events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/479e2265-6efc-43ec-b092-48d6b1917213@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf to attend the business or town hall portion of this meeting. Attendees will be allowed to participate during the town hall portion only and will be invited to turn on their camera and unmute mics during a recorded meeting that will be posted online at a later date.

 

Information about the Veteran Advisory Committee and meeting materials can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.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 service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

 

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LINN COUNTY, Ore. (Aug. 5, 2025) – On Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 8:48 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Highway 228 near milepost 2 in Linn County.

 

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Dodge Ram towing a utility trailer, operated by Justin Cane Clark (39) of Junction City, was traveling westbound on Highway 228 near milepost 2 when the trailer struck a pedestrian. The pedestrian, Elijah A. Copeland (46) of Eugene, had left a red Toyota Tacoma and entered the westbound lane on foot for an unknown reason.
 

The pedestrian (Copeland) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
 

The operator of the Dodge Ram (Clark) was not injured. The Ram’s passenger, Mikala Frances Craigmiles (38) of Junction City, was also not injured.
 

The highway was impacted for approximately 2.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Halsey Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

 

# # #

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

A two-day event in Bend will offer employers and workers a comprehensive set of learning opportunities designed to upgrade their skills in creating and maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. The Central Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference – scheduled Sept. 15-16 at the Riverhouse Lodge – will address everything from prevention of heat illness and mitigation of noise and inhalation hazards to best practices for safety committees and effective strategies for building a culture of safety.

 

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (Oregon OSHA) encourages employers and workers to attend the conference, which also provides networking opportunities, exhibits of safety and health products and services, and sessions that will help any organization improve its safety and health performance.

 

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, the conference will feature a keynote address by Hoan Do, an international speaker, author, and finalist on the TV show “American Ninja Warrior.” With his high-energy presentation, “Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities,” Do will deliver practical insights into how attendees can reframe setbacks and move forward with a focus on improving as individuals and as teammates.

 

The Central Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference is a joint effort of Oregon OSHA and the Central Oregon Safety & Health Association.

 

The Oregon Fire Chiefs Association’s Safety and Health Section helped create the conference’s emergency services/first responder track. The track’s topics include lithium-ion battery safety considerations, Bend Fire & Rescue’s approach to addressing mental health, and how fire service leaders can help build a strong safety culture.

 

Other conference topics include:

• Hazard Identification
• Respiratory Protection Programs
• Incident Analysis 101: Turning Data into Prevention
• Recordkeeping and Reporting
• Fall Protection Training
• Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Safety
• Understanding Hand and Eye Safety Standards and Best Practices for Testing and Implementing Personal Protective Equipment. (PPE)
• Practical Strategies for Preventing Same-Level Slips, Trips, and Falls
• Welding Fumes: Health Impacts and Prevention Strategies

 

Registration for the two-day event is $240. The cost to attend only one day is $120. For more information or to register, go to safetyseries.cventevents.com/central25.

 

 

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

Salem - The Oregon Heritage Commission is offering grants for qualified projects for the conservation, development, and interpretation of Oregon's cultural heritage. Awards typically range between $3,000 and $20,000. Projects can include anything related to Oregon heritage, and priority will be given to projects that preserve, develop or interpret threatened heritage resources or heritage resources of statewide significance. The grant application deadline is October 2, 2025.
 

Projects funded by the Oregon Heritage Grant may include collections preservation and access, exhibits, oral history projects, public education events, organizational archives projects, films theatrical performances, teaching traditional practices, public history interpretation, organizational planning that supports heritage resources, and more. Previously funded projects included a variety of projects around the state.
 

“We hope to see projects from a variety of types of organizations that engage Oregonians with heritage resources across the states and encourage the documentation, preservation, and sharing of diverse perspectives of Oregon’s story.” states Katie Henry, Oregon Heritage Commission coordinator.
 

Applications are submitted online. There is plenty of support for preparing them. “Our goal is to support organizations of all sizes all over the state in their valuable work. We provide assistance in the application process,” notes Kuri Gill, grants and outreach coordinator. Oregon Heritage grants programs staff is happy to discuss projects and review applications in advance in addition to assisting with the online application system and providing translation services on request.
 

Registration is required for a free online workshop, Tuesday, August 19, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. which addresses the application questions and explores the online application system. A recording will be available for two weeks following the workshop with registration.
 

The grant directly supports the four Oregon Heritage Plan goals:

• Include More Voices: Expand the narrative of history told and preserved in the state to capture previously excluded or marginalized voices for a more complex and accurate depiction of Oregon’s historical events.
• Increase Access to Heritage: Strive to engage more community members and visitors in local heritage by increasing awareness of resources and making them available to diverse audiences and potential stakeholders.
• Promote the Value of Heritage: Share the economic, cultural, and educational value of heritage with the public and decision makers to inspire awareness, funding, and respect for long-term preservation of Oregon’s heritage.
• Pursue Best Practices: Pursue professional standards and best practices related to heritage processes, standards, and organizational management to ensure healthy, sustainable heritage organizations.

The Oregon Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon’s heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The commission’s mission is to secure, sustain, and enhance Oregon's heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity.
 

To learn more about the grants or for translation assistance, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.Gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

 

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Pacific Power to describe wildfire protection efforts

 

WHAT:	Pacific Power is inviting members of the media to tour its new Wildfire Intelligence Center to share key elements of its efforts to respond to wildfire events.   Representatives from the company will give a brief presentation, followed by an opportunity for media members and guests to walk through the facility and view demonstrations of wildfire intelligence activity. Members of the media interested in attending are asked to RSVP by emailing rez@pacificorp.com">simon.gutierrez@pacificorp.com.   Additional footage and photos will be provided upon request.
WHEN:	Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
WHERE:	Pacific Power Wildfire Intelligence Center        2045 N. Foothill Rd. Medford, OR 97504
WHO:	Pacific Power Representatives

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UPDATE: 8/4/25 Nathan has been located safely.

 

Missing Person: Nathan Howard

Age: 17

Sex: M

Race: Caucasian

Height: 5' 6"

Weight: 135

Hair: Blonde

Eyes: Green

Case: 25-17383

 

Information: On 07/31/2025 Nathan Howard was reported as a runaway/missing person. Nathan was last seen on 07/30/2025 at 4:30 pm in the area of F and 5^th St. in Grants Pass, Oregon. Nathan is believed to be in the area of Grants Pass in and around city parks. 

 

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

Salem, Ore. – As Oregon heads into its peak wildfire months, August and September, Oregon’s public safety services and natural resource agencies want to remind Oregonians to practice wildfire prevention, prepare their home and a go-bag for evacuation and know where to sign up for alerts.

 

“As Oregonians and visitors enjoy the beauty of an Oregon summer, we have to remember that we are still in the middle of wildfire season,” Governor Kotek said. “Ignition risks present a real threat to our parks, forests and coastal areas – and it’s on us to act responsibly, doing our part to prevent wildfires wherever we recreate.”

 

According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center’s predictive services, the Pacific Northwest area is anticipated to be at elevated risk of significant fires from August to October. With fire crews responding to new fire starts every day, now is the time for Oregonians to be prepared for wildfires and help prevent future ignitions.

 

How can people help prevent wildfires?

 

The Oregon Department of Forestry is urging the public to actively practice wildfire prevention as the state continues to put out new fires every day. Additional human-caused fires on the landscape will draw the firefighting efforts away from the lightning-caused fires and put extra strain on ground and aviation resources, which are already spread thin. YOU can help prevent wildfires by:

• Checking and following your local fire regulations. The majority of the state is either in high or extreme fire danger right now, meaning even the smallest of sparks could start the next large wildfire.
• Debris burning may be prohibited where you live.
  • Check local restrictions or contact your local ODF office.
  • Return to check on your burn site if you burned earlier in the year.
• Make sure your car has been recently serviced to avoid faulty parts throwing sparks.
• Don't drag tow chains.
• Avoid parking vehicles on tall, dry grass.
• Recreate responsibly. Where campfires are allowed, make sure your campfire is DEAD OUT before leaving it by drowning it with water, stirring it with a shovel and repeating that process until it is cold to the touch. If there is heat coming off it, there are still embers that could reignite.

Take Simple Steps Now to Protect Your Home from Wildfire

 

The Oregon State Fire Marshal reminds Oregonians that summer is not the safest time to tackle large landscaping or defensible space projects. Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of starting a fire with tools or equipment. But there are still small, safe steps you can take now to reduce wildfire risk around your home. The Oregon State Fire Marshal encourages everyone to plan ahead and do light cleanup tasks that protect your property without increasing fire danger.

 

Here are a few easy tasks to reduce risk in the first five feet around your home:

 

• Clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your roof, gutters, and under decks.
• Cut back plants and bushes that are touching your home or growing under roof eaves. Give trees and shrubs space from each other and from structures.
• Remove dead plants and wood mulch. Use nonflammable materials like rocks or gravel near your home. Avoid bark mulch or dry grasses right next to buildings.
• Move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable items at least five feet away from your home.
• Cover attic vents, soffit vents, and spaces under decks with 1/8-inch metal mesh to block embers.

 

Avoid using power tools or equipment that could spark a fire, especially during the heat of the day. Summer is a good time to plan defensible space projects so you're ready to work safely once wildfire season ends.

 

For more tips or help with defensible space, visit www.oregondefensiblespace.org or https://preventwildfires.oregon.gov.

 

How can I prepare myself in case I need to evacuate?

 

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urges everyone to prepare for wildfires and other emergencies by knowing evacuation levels, staying informed, having a plan, and having a go-kit ready.

 

Evacuation Levels

• Oregon follows a three-level evacuation notification system, each structured around safety threat level.
• Oregonians should become familiar with "Be Ready, Be Set, Go!" evacuation levels to make informed decisions when receiving evacuation notices.
• OEM urges people to evacuate whenever they feel unsafe, conditions can change rapidly; individuals should always make the best decision for their safety.
• Following evacuation, people should not return to the area until public safety officials state it is safe.

Stay Informed

• Stay informed sign up to receive evacuation at, ORAlert.gov remember to update information if need be.  
• Find the websites for your county emergency management, sheriff's office, or tribal police and follow them on social media.
• Check your phone settings to ensure wireless emergency alerts are turned on.
• Build redundancy into how you can access alerts. Have a personal P.A.C.E plan for what you will do if your cell phone stops working. A good place to start is a hand-cranked NOAA radio.
• If you use a third-party app for alerts and situational awareness and notice a discrepancy information, default to the information provided by your local emergency management office.

Have a Plan

• Do you know what to do during an evacuation? This evacuation checklist explains what to do before, during and after an evacuation.
• Establish a communication plan with a list of important contacts and a safe place for loved ones to meet if they are separated during an emergency.
• Identify multiple evacuation routes from home, work, or school and plan for transportation needs.
• People with disabilities should consider individual circumstances and specific needs when planning for evacuation, such as special equipment, transportation, and service animals. Then plan extra time, when possible, this may mean treating a level 2 notice like a level 3 notice.
• Have an evacuation plan for pets, make a pet evacuation kit in a tote bag or pet crate, and plan for transportation and sheltering of large animals such as horses and other livestock.

Make a Go-Kit

• Assemble an emergency kit of essential supplies that can be grabbed quickly.
• Pack an easy-to-carry backpack or bag for each household member with health and safety items such as food, water, medication, flashlights, phone chargers, clothing, and important documents. Visit American Red Cross to learn more.

Find more information and resources at Wildfire.Oregon.gov.

 

Recreate Responsibly

 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) encourages visitors to know before they go when it comes to campfire restrictions. Due to the continued risk of wildfires, OPRD has banned campfires at all Oregon State Parks in high-risk areas around the state until conditions improve. Most Oregon State Parks currently have a campfire ban. Please check park webpages or the wildfire feature story at stateparks.oregon.gov/ before your next visit. Thank you for helping to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Oregon's wildlife has evolved alongside fire, with many species adapted to periodic burns. However, the increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires, influenced by climate change, are creating new challenges for both animals and ecosystems. Oregon Wildlife Foundation would like to remind the public that wildfire season is here, and multiple effects to wildlife and wilderness come with it. 

 

Immediate and Long-Term Effects

Wildfires cause immediate habitat loss and alter ecosystem structures. While some species thrive in post-fire environments, others face significant challenges. For instance, species dependent on mature forests, like the Northern Spotted Owl, may experience population declines due to the destruction of their habitat.

 

In the aftermath, wildlife often seeks refuge in urban areas, increasing human-wildlife interactions. As natural resources are depleted, the search for food and water drives this behavior.

 

Aquatic Ecosystems

Wildfires also impact aquatic habitats. Runoff from burned areas can increase water murkiness and alter water chemistry, making environments uninhabitable for fish and other aquatic organisms. This can lead to fish die-offs and disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

 

Adaptations and Resilience

Some species are better equipped to handle the changes brought about by wildfires. For example, certain birds and mammals benefit from the new growth in young forests post-fire. Additionally, species like the pyrophilous beetle are adapted to thrive in burned areas, utilizing the resources available in the aftermath.

 

How You Can Help

If you encounter wildlife displaced by fire, it's important to:

• Avoid feeding them, as this can lead to dependency and potential conflicts.
• Provide fresh water away from your home to prevent attracting multiple animals.
• Drop gates and fences temporarily so wildlife can move more freely.
• To report sick or dead wildlife, call your local ODFW office or the Wildlife Health Lab toll-free number (866-968-2600). You can also contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center. For a list of Oregon Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers, visit the link ODFW Wildlife Rehabilitation.
   

Supporting organizations dedicated to habitat restoration and wildlife conservation can also aid in the recovery of affected species. OWF coordinates its restoration efforts with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) and land managers as needed.

 

While wildfires are a natural part of Oregon's ecosystem, the changing climate alters their frequency and intensity, posing new challenges for wildlife. Understanding these impacts and taking proactive measures can help mitigate the effects on Oregon's diverse species.

 

For more information, visit our post about reporting injured animals Who do I contact if I encounter injured or orphaned wildlife? — Oregon Wildlife Foundation

 

Oregon Wildlife Foundation

Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon. Since 1981, OWF has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information, visit www.myowf.org.

August 4, 2025

Media contact: Timothy Heider,971-599-0459, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Brownlee Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a recreational use health advisory for Brownlee Reservoir in Baker County, due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Brownlee Reservoir and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 1-877-290-6767, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. - Approximately 230 members of the Oregon Army National Guard 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment (FA) returned to Oregon, August 2, 2025, after a yearlong deployment to the Middle East. 

 

The 2-218th FA deployed to Iraq and Syria in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE, to advise, assist, and enable partner forces to secure lasting defeat of terrorist elements across the Central Command Area of Responsibility. This mission helped protect regional stability while supporting overall U.S. national security.

 

While awaiting the return of their Soldiers, family and friends gathered in the Camp Withycombe gymnasium, making welcome home signs and connecting with other military families. 

 

The Forest Grove Police Department and Clackamas Fire Department joined in the homecoming celebration, providing support for their return. 

 

The Oregon National Guard command team greeted Soldiers when they arrived at Camp Withycombe to congratulate them on their hard work overseas.

 

“It’s an honor to welcome this group back,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Adrian Gonzales, command sergeant major for the 2-218th FA rear detachment. “They did an outstanding job out there.”

 

After a year of waiting, the Soldiers of the 2-218th FA collected their loved ones and bags, and went home.

 

“We couldn’t be more proud of what they accomplished,” said Gonzales.

 

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Double Fatality in Prospect Collision Under Investigation

PROSPECT, OREGON – July 31, 2025 – JCSO Case # 25-4070

 

Two individuals were tragically killed last night when their disabled pickup truck was struck on Mill Creek Road in Prospect. The fatal collision, which occurred around 10:04 p.m., is now under investigation by the Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team.

 

The victims have been identified as 67-year-old Arthur Rowden and 51-year-old Gary Tate, both of Prospect. Both men were outside of a 1987 Toyota pickup, which was disabled and had its lights off in the eastbound lane of Mill Creek Road, when it was struck by a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer driven by an 18-year-old Prospect resident. Sadly, both Mr. Rowden and Mr. Tate died at the scene.

 

Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO 911) received the initial crash report, dispatching Jackson County Sheriff's Deputies to investigate. Prospect Fire Department personnel were first on scene and confirmed the two-vehicle collision involved fatalities.

 

The surviving driver is cooperating with the investigation. At this time, investigators do not believe speed or impairment were factors in the crash, and no criminal charges have been filed.

 

Our deepest condolences are with the families and friends of those impacted by this tragic event. Next of kin have been notified.

 

The STAR Team is a multi-agency group of investigators comprised of personnel from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Medford Police Department, Ashland Police Department, Central Point Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.