The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
Thanksgiving Day is shaping up to be pleasant, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 46 degrees. However, patchy fog may return before 9 a.m., potentially delaying morning travel plans. The sunny trend will continue through Friday, with highs reaching 46 degrees and clear, dry roads expected.
Weekend travelers can expect calmer conditions, with temperatures warming slightly and minimal precipitation in the forecast. However, early-morning fog may linger through Saturday and Sunday, making vigilance crucial during holiday commutes.
Plan your Thanksgiving week accordingly and stay updated with local forecasts. Travelers should remain alert for fog advisories and allow extra time when driving during early hours. As always, check Trip Check when heading out
Check Weather Forecasts Here: https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/pacnorthwest.php?element=Wx
Be Prepared for Winter Weather and Thanksgiving Travel
As winter storms and extreme weather events impact communities, Oregon residents are reminded to be prepared for potential power outages, the Oregon Public Utility Commission says.
Heavy snow, ice, and high winds can damage power lines and disrupt electricity, sometimes leading to extended outages. Weather conditions in specific geographies may also cause electric utilities to adjust system settings, which can result in more frequent or longer outages.
Prepare your home and business in case a winter storm leads to a power outage: Be two weeks ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, and other essentials needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks.
Learn more about what supplies to consider. Charge your devices – Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation
of an outage. Consider a car charger for phones and other electronic devices. And, Use generators safely – Never operate a generator inside your home or garage, or near windows or vents, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. https://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx
Snow in Mountain Passes
Travelers should bring chains when headed over the Cascade, Willamette and Santiam Passes.
ODOT urges drivers to follow several key tips to stay safe:
- Turn on your windshield wipers and headlights
- Slow down and avoid cruise control
- Increase your stopping distance and steer clear of standing water
- Carry chains and check road conditions before traveling
using TripCheck.com or by calling 511. - Pack an emergency kit with a flashlight, phone charger, warm clothes, food, and water in case you get
stuck. - Be aware of the dangers of black ice, which can be even more hazardous than snow.
- Drivers should always be prepared for sudden weather changes—especially in higher elevations.
Multiple winter storm warnings have been issued across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, urging people to avoid travel due to heavy snow expected in these states. In Oregon, warnings cover various counties, including portions of highways 97, 58, 230, 138, 62, 140, and 66. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Medford and Portland emphasized the potential for very difficult driving conditions and advised extreme caution if travel is necessary.
U.S. Forest Service – Willamette National Forest – Traveling on Forest Service Roads this week
Some winter driving tips: 
Bring a map. Don’t rely on your phone for navigation or communication as coverage may be unavailable. Drivers should exercise caution as Forest Roads may not be maintained for winter travel. Winter weather can quickly alter driving conditions. Turn around if conditions warrant or your vehicle is not equipped to continue. Stay safe out there!
Here are some trip tips for #TurkeyDay travel:
This week is one of the busiest travel times of the year, regardless of conditions. Expect delays, plan ahead, and allow extra travel time.
Be careful when traveling over mountain passes. Check TripCheck.com for road conditions. Many camera displays include temperature and other helpful information.
Pay attention to roadside message signs. They contain critical information about conditions on the road ahead, like chain requirements.
Be ready for wintry road conditions. Carry chains and know how to use them. In case of major delays, pack supplies for you and your passengers such as food, water, blankets, warm clothes and medications.
Drive for conditions. Rain, snow, or extra traffic – slow down and give space for more stopping time, especially if the road is slick.
Give snowplows extra space and never pass on the right. Be patient. The safest place to be when it’s snowing is BEHIND a plow.
Don’t be a turkey! Make sure there’s a sober, focused and alert driver behind the wheel to help you get to and from your destinations.
Watch out for the whole flock and keep a lookout for pedestrians and cyclists who are often less visible in wintery weather.No matter how or where you travel in Oregon, be prepared for changing conditions. Let’s look out for each other, our crews, and emergency responders on the road. Everyone deserves a safe holiday weekend.
Thanksgiving gives us the chance to gather around a beautiful meal, spend some quality time together, and count all the things we’re grateful for. It’s also a time to think about others in our communities and share our blessings.
This holiday season it’s time to focus on whatever makes your heart happy. That good feeling can be found by hosting dinner, spending time with friends or spreading joy by giving back in your community. No matter how you decide to celebrate, food — specifically turkey — remains at the center of all the good that comes with the holiday season.
2024 Winter Holiday Resources for Lane County – Food Boxes and Meal Sites
Free holiday meals available across Lane County on Thursday, November 28 Thank you to these amazing community partners for making sure everyone has a warm meal and a seat at the table 
UPDATE: Veneta Kiwanis Meal will start at 12pm.
MORE INFORMATION: https://arclane.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Winter-Holiday-Resource-List-2024-English.pdf
FOOD For Lane County is with Eugene Light the World Giving Machine at Valley River Center.
Get ready to give back in the most festive way! 
The Light the World Giving Machine open this weekend at Valley River Center — just like buying your favorite snack, but for a great cause! Support FFLC and make a real impact in our community. Best part? 100% of your donation goes directly to FFLC! 
Donations sought for annual community holiday meal
The 15th annual MLK Holiday Meal will return on Wednesday, December 18. Organizers with Lane County’s MLK Education Center are seeking donations in order to serve as many people as possible during the event.
The MLK Holiday Meal provides a free lunch of turkey, ham and side dishes open to all community members. The food is prepared and served by youth enrolled in the MLK Culinary Arts Program at the Serbu Youth Campus in Eugene. The program is part of the MLK Education Center – an alternative education program providing academic and vocational services for youth involved with Lane County Community Justice and Rehabilitation Services.
Event organizers welcome donations of food, services, and financial contributions. The event includes free raffles to give people products or gift certificates that provide extra support during the holiday season. Interested donors are encouraged to contact the MLK Education Center at 541-682-4715. Donations are tax deductible.
Displays at the MLK Holiday Meal will recognize contributions made by businesses, organizations, and individual donors.
More about the MLK Culinary Arts Program – MLK Culinary Arts is one of the school’s vocational programs where students are taught a wide variety of culinary, catering, and workplace skills. Youth work alongside professionals who mentor and supervise them to prepare meals and cater a variety of events. A crucial piece of this program is connecting students with the community. The MLK Holiday Meal is one opportunity for the youth to give back to their community and demonstrate the skills they are developing. Our youth served more than 400 community members during last year’s event. Lane Co. Government
The Annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt
It’s time once again for one of the Willamette Valley’s most beloved traditions: the seventh annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt, taking place across the Willamette National Forest and Umpqua National Forest.
Between November 15 and Dec. 25, 2024, two hundred locally-crafted wooden ornaments will be hidden along two-dozen trails in both forests—where eagle-eyed hikers can seek them out and register to win this year’s grand prize, which includes a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley. Here’s more information: https://www.willamettevalley.org/ornament
Exhibits for 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵
There are great exhibits at the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History, but this year we encourage you to look north to Salem and Willamette University’s Hallie Ford Museum of Art.
The HFMA’s permanent exhibition 𝘈𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴: 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘳𝘵 is certainly worth a visit in person, but is also available as a virtual tour 
https://bit.ly/48gwbmwAdditionally, check out a film series featuring three Native American artists from the Pacific Northwest whose work is exhibited at HFMA https://bit.ly/48m5Y63
Holiday Express Steams Up Nov. 29
The countdown is on! The first day of the highly anticipated Holiday Express is almost here, and it’s your chance to ride a train pulled by a historic steam locomotive—an unforgettable experience like no other.
Santa’s nearly ready—list checked, elves prepped, lights sparkling, and candy canes in hand. The only thing missing is YOU!
Get your tickets now for this beloved annual tradition. Create lasting memories with friends and family aboard the Holiday Express. Rides begin Nov. 29 and run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.
Special Offer: Get 10% off select rides from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8! But don’t wait, tickets are selling fast.
Be part of the magic this holiday season. Reserve your seat today! Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will once again offer free day-use parking the day after Thanksgiving to encourage Oregonians to enjoy the outdoors.
Popularly known as “Green Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on Nov. 29 this year, has become a tradition for many families. State parks will waive day-use parking fees in the 23 parks that are open and charge for parking. (Fall Creek and Nehalem Bay charge for parking but are closed.)
“We’re excited to continue this tradition and offer everyone the opportunity to get outside and explore,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Parking is free year-round at almost all of Oregon’s approximately 250 state parks; the waiver applies to the parks that charge for parking. The current $5 daily fee is going up to $10 starting Jan. 2, 2025, but the prices for 12-month and 24-month permits are staying the same at $30 and $50, respectively. Learn more about the increasing fees on our website.
The parks that charge parking fees include popular destinations such as Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Silver Falls, Champoeg, L.L. Stub Stewart, Smith Rock and Milo McIver. A complete list of the 25 parks that require day-use parking permits is available online.
The fee waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 29, except at Shore Acres State Park where it expires at 4 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
Use #OregonStateParks and #GreenFriday on social media to share your adventures.
The day after Thanksgiving is one of three days a year that Oregon State Parks waives the day-use parking fees. Other days include First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day and Oregon State Parks Day the first Saturday in June, which also includes free camping.
Free Fishing Days in Oregon Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29-30
Make fishing part of your Thanksgiving weekend plans with friends and family. Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30.
No fishing/shellfish licenses or tags (including a Combined Angling Tag, Columbia River Basin Endorsement or Two-Rod Validation) are required those two days. Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free.
All other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. See the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for rules and remember to check for any in-season regulation updates too, especially for salmon and steelhead fishing. Click on the zone where you want to fish to see regulation updates.
The Recreation Report is updated weekly and features the best bests for fishing for the upcoming week. Depending on water levels and conditions, fishing could be good for Chinook or coho salmon; again be sure to check regulations first because not all rivers are open. Trout will also be stocked the week before Thanksgiving at several popular lakes in the Willamette Valley.
For beginners, Easy Angling Oregon is a great guide to getting started fishing in Oregon, https://myodfw.com/articles/easy-angling-oregon-introduction. And if you live near Portland, Bend, Medford, Roseburg or in Lane County, there are lots of nearby options.
Prefer to crab or clam instead? MyODFW.com has all the information you need to get started clamming or crabbing. Remember to check ocean conditions and take safety precautions—always clam with a friend and never turn your back on the ocean.
Call the ODA Shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or check their Shellfish Closures page before you go clamming or crabbing. The Oregon Department of Agriculture regularly tests shellfish and closes areas when naturally occurring biotoxins get to levels that make crabs and clams unsafe to eat.
Currently, crabbing is open in bays, beaches, estuaries, tide pools, piers and jetties along the entire Oregon coast. Crabbing is closed in the ocean due to the annual closure from Oct. 16-Nov. 30 each year.
As of mid-November, razor clamming is closed from Cascade Head to the California border due to high levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid, but closures may change by Thanksgiving Weekend so check before you go. (SOURCE)
Tips To Purchase a Permit to Cut Your Christmas Tree From an Oregon National Forest
The holiday season is right around the corner, which means the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree is on. For those looking to bring home a real tree, permits are available now for all Oregon national forests.
Christmas tree permits are available for purchase online at recreation.gov (with an added $2.50 processing fee charged by the website) and at local U.S. Forest Service offices or from local vendors.
Permits are $5 each, and each permit allows the cutting of one Christmas tree. Households can purchase a maximum of five permits.
For downloadable maps of tree-cutting areas and a list of local vendors selling tree permits, go to bit.ly/WNFtree .
Fourth-grade students can receive a free tree permit by getting their Every Kid Outdoors pass and entering the voucher or pass number when prompted on Recreation.gov or by visiting a Forest Service office.
Tips to Help You Avoid a Cooking Fire on Thanksgiving
COOKING SAFETY TIPS Follow these safety tips and visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including a fire escape plan to practice with your family.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling
,or broiling food. - Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
- Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
- Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
- Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
- Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
- Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
- Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.
Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for more information.
When the big feast comes around, don’t forget what Thanksgiving is all about. Being thankful is an important part of being happy and sharing this joy with others will only elevate your holiday. Oh, and remember to give your compliments to the chef, it is Thanksgiving after all.
We’ll be back in the office on Monday 12/1 – Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Willamette Valley Magazine
Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving Weekend
Oregon’s Missing Persons
Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.
In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.
Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced
Oregon State Police are reminding parents and students of the SafeOregon hotline.
It takes reports of potential threats against students and schools. The tips can be made anonymously. They can include safety threats, fights, drugs, weapons on campus, cyberbullying and students considering self-harm or suicide. A technician reviews the reports and assigns them either to police or school administrators. Tips can be made by phone, text, email or on the website https://www.safeoregon.com
