Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 12/18 – Candlelight Vigil Held for White Bird Clinic’s Front Rooms Program Closure, Lane County Youth Services Free Community Holiday Meal Today & Other Local and Statewide News…

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, December 18, 2024

Willamette Valley Weather

Candlelight Vigil Held for White Bird Clinic’s Front Rooms Program Closure

A candlelight vigil was held on Tuesday evening to mourn the recent closure of the White Bird Clinic’s ‘Front Rooms’ program and the loss to our community.

Hosted by the Eugene Housing and Neighborhood Defense organization, the vigil started at 5 p.m. on December 17 near Skinner Butte Park. White Bird workers from different departments spoke in support of ‘Front Rooms’ workers and then lead a funeral procession into the White Bird Board Meeting at 252 Lawrence Street. Volunteers continued the work of ‘Front Rooms’ workers by handing out food throughout the vigil, according to organizers.

White Bird Clinic’s ‘Front Rooms’ program closed last Friday, after five decades of providing low-barrier services to homeless people. The program provided a combination of food, supplies, and services to those individuals with the most urgent of needs, including mail-in message services for those without an address and warm clothes.

New Senior Leadership Closes Down White Bird Clinic’s Front Room

White Bird Clinic’s Front Rooms, permanently closed on Friday, December 13 — allegedly due to budget deficits. This critical resource for thousands of vulnerable people in Eugene is just another blow to care in the city.

This unexpected development, officially announced by White Bird’s Executive Director on November 18th, has left employees and clients uncertain about how essential services will be sustained.

The announcement of the closure of White Bird Clinic’s Front Rooms department by the new Senior Leadership Team is leaving staff and community members in shock, particularly during ongoing union negotiations.

Front Rooms is a key entry point for low-barrier services at the clinic and has been a staple in the Eugene community, serving some of the most vulnerable people for 50 years.

Some of the Front Rooms’ services will be absorbed by other White Bird departments, but the closure will leave gaps in accessibility for hundreds of vulnerable clients.

Nine employees were layed off. The organization says it’s committed to supporting those employees through severance packages, counseling services, and job placement assistance.

Front Rooms employees describe losing Front Rooms as heartbreaking, its closure leaving behind a legacy that has shaped Eugene’s social services landscape for decades.

White Bird released the following statement :

The decision to close our Front Rooms program was not made lightly. It reflects the difficult reality of a significant and unexpected reduction in funding. The PacificSource Per Member Per Month (PMPM) funding, which has been a cornerstone of our budget and accounts for over 20% of our revenue, will expire on December 31.

While this change is challenging, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the support and care our community relies on. No services are ending and will continue through our programs like CAHOOTS, NEST and our Harm Reduction Treatment Center.

Key Services:

• Mail service will continue at our main location (341 E. 12th).
• Eyeglass voucher program will continue at our main location (341 E. 12th) and will soon be available at all physical White Bird locations.
• Food distribution will continue at our NEST location (323 E. 12th).
• Gear distribution will move to our Harm Reduction Treatment Center, where clients can access not only supplies but also additional resources and support.

Our priority during this transition is twofold: to support the incredible team members impacted by this change and to ensure the community experiences as little disruption as possible.

This decision, though painful, is part of a larger effort to use our resources in the most effective way to meet the greatest needs of the people we serve. White Bird Clinic remains unwavering in its mission to care for our community with compassion and respect.

White Bird Clinic’s employees are now grieving the loss of their jobs and the mission of the organization.

You can Follow @wbfrnestunion to stay up to date on the workers’ struggle. SOLIDARITY WITH WHITE BIRD WORKERS!SOLIDARITY WITH WHITE BIRD CLIENTS! https://www.instagram.com/p/DClWeGAxcWW/

You can find information on White Bird Clinic’s budget at Pro Publica Nonprofit Explorer. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/930585814

Lane County Youth Services hosting free community holiday meal on Wednesday, December 18

The free 15^th Annual Community Holiday Meal with Lane County Youth Services is coming up on Wednesday, December 18. All community members are invited and welcome to join Lane County Youth Services in celebrating the holiday season with food prepared by students in the Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Education Center Culinary Arts Program. The meal includes turkey, baked ham, several traditional side dishes, and dessert. 

“Our annual Holiday Meal is something our students look forward to all year,” said Senior Juvenile Justice Supervisor Shellye Reynoso. “It’s a chance for them to demonstrate their skills and to do something wonderful for their community. We’re all looking forward to inviting people back this year and feeding them really well while we celebrate the holiday season.”

The meal will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, in the Lane County Youth Services Carmichael Room (2727 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Eugene). 

The meal is free and open to everyone. It also includes a free raffle for prizes and free food boxes to take home. No reservation is required. 

About the MLK Education Center: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Center serves middle and high school students who have an active case with Lane County Youth Services. This program is a collaboration between Youth Services and the Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). In addition to academics, the MLK Education Center provides vocational opportunities, including in the culinary arts. The Culinary Arts Program offers youth the opportunity to learn different jobs involved in food service and catering. Students gain skills and learn to safely use the equipment in an institutional and commercial kitchen that prepares meals for youth in detention, a residential treatment program, and more. Students may participate in all aspects of catering including preparing foods, serving, and customer service.

Albany Apartment Fire Under Investigation

Multiple families were displaced and are now living in hotels after a large fire engulfed an apartment building in Albany.

Albany Court Apartments located on Oak Street and 35th Avenue in Southeast Albany is where one of the second-story units was seen with flames shooting out of a window.

Albany Fire Department did not comment on a possible cause for the fire, but the fire marshal is still actively investigating all of the rooms affected by the fire.

Lane County Sheriff’s Office receives several awards from the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association and Oregon State Marine Board

Each year, the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA) recognizes employees and volunteers from the 36 sheriff’s offices around the state for exemplary work. The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) also honors those who have gone above and beyond. This year, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received several awards, all in service to the community we call home.  

Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) Instructor of the Year – Deputy Eric Churchill 

Deputy Churchill (4th from the left), is an asset and is very committed to the OSMB education training program. “He consistently goes above and beyond to engage students and peers, making a tremendous impact on their learning through varying training methods that are thorough, professional, and exciting,” according to Eddie Persichetti, Marine Law Enforcement Training Coordinator. 

OSSA Jail Deputy of the Year – Deputy Guadalupe Torres 

Deputy Guadalupe Torres exemplifies the highest standards of dedication and professionalism within the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. Her exceptional work ethic and positive attitude set a gold standard, inspiring colleagues to strive for excellence. 

As a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team and the only female member of the Special Operations Response Team, she plays a pivotal role in managing high-risk situations and mental crises.

Additionally, she co-founded the Corrections Crisis Intervention Team and is bilingual in Spanish, frequently assisting with translation needs across the agency.

Deputy Torres’ lifesaving actions during a critical event further demonstrate her commitment, earning her a nomination for a lifesaving award. Her dedication, leadership, and willingness to serve make her an invaluable asset to the agency. 

OSSA Region 3 Volunteer of the Year – Nick Wedmore 

Nick Wedmore has been a dedicated volunteer with the Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team for many years, beginning his service in the mid-1960s with Explorer Post 178. After a break to pursue other endeavors, Nick returned to Lane County SAR in 2001, where he quickly became a key advisor and leader.

Over the past 22 years, he has played a vital role in hundreds of search operations, including high-profile cases like the Kyron Horman and Shawn Higgins searches and the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire. 

Since 2015, Nick has volunteered over 5,000 hours, and his calm demeanor and extensive experience have made him one of the few volunteers trusted to manage search operations independently. Nick’s positive attitude and dedication have had an immeasurable impact on SAR, earning the respect of the Sheriff’s Office Command Staff. 

OSSA Meritorious Service Award  – Communications Network Coordinator Brian Greig  

During his six years with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Brian Greig has exemplified exceptional dedication as a radio network coordinator, playing a vital role in ensuring continuous communication for emergency responders.

Brian’s contributions extend beyond routine duties, as he has been instrumental in maintaining and improving the county’s radio system, ensuring its reliability during critical incidents like the 2017 snowstorm, the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire, and the 2024 ice storm. 

Brian transformed the Sheriff’s Office’s radio system from a patchwork of verbal agreements to a robust, sustainable network, a change that has been crucial in emergencies. His commitment to keeping emergency responders connected is evident in his readiness to respond at any hour, often sacrificing personal time with his family to prevent communication failures. Whether it’s assisting the Lane Regional Interoperable Group (LRIG) or troubleshooting complex system issues, Brian is the go-to expert for technical questions, underscoring his deep understanding of this complicated system. 

A prime example of Brian’s extraordinary service occurred on January 14, 2024, during an ice storm that knocked out power to a crucial radio site. Brian’s quick thinking and action—working with public works teams to clear roads and coordinating with technicians to restore power—prevented a catastrophic communication failure for emergency personnel across Lane County, Eugene, Springfield, and beyond. 

Brian’s tireless dedication and expertise have saved the radio network multiple times. His strong relationships with state agencies, including ODOT, further illustrate his value, as he was trusted to fix their equipment and restore statewide communications. 

OSSA Life Saving Award  – Deputy Bradley Kaye, Deputy Jason Guilford and Oregon State Police Sergeant Justin Lindquist 

On August 8, 2024, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a distressing 911 call from a woman at her residence in Mapleton, who had discovered a suicide note from her husband and feared he was deceased in their garage.

Deputies Jason Guilford and Brad Kaye, along with Oregon State Police Sgt. Justin Lindquist, promptly responded to the scene. Upon entering the residence, they found a note on the door leading to the garage that read, “I love you, please do not enter, toxic gas.” 

When firefighters arrived, Deputy Guilford and Sgt. Lindquist, equipped with SCBA breathing apparatuses provided by the fire department, entered the garage. Inside, they found the man semi-conscious on the ground, lethargic from the gas exposure.

Acting quickly, the deputies lifted the man and carried him out of the garage, placing him into the care of paramedics who transported him to a nearby hospital, where he made a full recovery. 

Inside the garage, deputies discovered a dangerous setup: a seven-gallon propane tank was connected to a cook stove with its valve open, allowing propane to fill the room. A towel had been placed under the door to prevent ventilation, increasing the risk of a fatal incident. The propane posed not only a severe asphyxiation threat but also an extreme risk of explosion, as even a small spark could have ignited the gas. 

Thanks to the swift, selfless actions of Deputy Guilford, Deputy Kaye, and Sgt. Lindquist, the man was saved from almost certain death. By putting themselves at risk, the responders prevented a tragedy, averting both asphyxiation and a potential explosion that could have endangered everyone nearby. 

OSSA Supervisor of the Year – Detective Sergeant Chad Rogers 

Sergeant Chad Rogers, with nearly 28 years of service, became the supervisor of Lane County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Section (CIS) in 2023.

Overseeing a team of seven detectives, he expertly manages Measure 11 crime investigations and collaborates closely with Oregon State Police to lead the Interagency Deadly Force Investigation Team.

During an intense period in April 2024, his leadership was crucial as the team handled multiple high-profile cases, including two homicides and an officer-involved shooting within 24 hours. 

Known for his dedication, Rogers works tirelessly to ensure thorough investigations and is deeply committed to the success of his team and the safety of Lane County residents. 

OSSA Lifetime Achievement Award – Sergeant Tami Molony  

Sergeant Tami Molony’s 30-year career with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office began as an explorer in 1987, and she was hired as a Deputy Sheriff in 1994. Early in her career, she served in Jail Security, became a member of the Communication Team, and worked as a Field Training Officer.

In 2004, she joined the Defendant/Offender Management Center, where she handled offender classification, special reviews, and alternative program placements, becoming a leader and subject matter expert.

In 2006, Sgt. Molony made history as the first deputy in Oregon with release authority through the Circuit Court’s Pre-Trial Services office, helping create a groundbreaking program to manage jail populations that remains in use today. 

Promoted to Sergeant in 2013, she returned to Jail Security and later began overseeing the Corrections Division’s Alternative Programs, including the Sheriff’s Work Crew and Electronic Monitoring. Her leadership strengthened relationships with community partners and ensured quality service. 

Throughout her career, Sgt. Molony has received multiple awards, contributed to preventing escape attempts, and amassed over 2,100 training hours, including a supervisory certification from DPSST. She has mentored countless colleagues and played a key role in recruiting female staff into law enforcement. 

Sgt. Molony’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence have made her an invaluable member of LCSO, and her impact on the department will be felt for years to come. She is known not only as a leader and mentor but as a caring and dependable colleague. 

OSSA SHERIFF OF THE YEAR  – The Sheriff of the Year Award recognizes a Sheriff who has made outstanding contributions to the objectives and efforts of the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association (OSSA) during the current year. This prestigious award is not limited to committee chairmanship but highlights exemplary service that goes above and beyond regular duties. It acknowledges the Sheriff’s active participation, leadership, and significant impact in advancing OSSA’s mission and enhancing public safety across Oregon. The recipient of this award demonstrates exceptional dedication, innovation, and service that positively affects the association and the communities they serve. 

Sheriff Cliff Harrold – This sheriff has devoted his life to serving his community, beginning his law enforcement journey as a cadet while still in high school. Demonstrating early commitment, he convinced his high school to allow him a work-study program to gain hands-on experience. He later worked as a 911 dispatcher, all while volunteering as a cadet and attending Community College with a focus on criminal justice. 

In 1995, on his 21st birthday, he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff. Throughout his nearly 30-year career, he has served in numerous roles, including Corrections, Patrol, SWAT, Drug Recognition Expert, and Traffic Safety Team Member.

He advanced through the ranks, serving as Patrol Sergeant, SWAT Commander, Patrol Lieutenant, and Corrections Captain before being appointed Sheriff in 2019. He was elected to the position of sheriff in 2020. Facing a significant budget deficit, he worked tirelessly to secure the renewal of the county’s public safety levy, which funds 70% of the County Jail’s operations. Over several weeks, he held over 40 town hall meetings, explaining the importance of the levy to residents across the county. His dedication and clear communication helped secure nearly 80% voter approval, the highest in the levy’s history. 

He has made staff wellness a central focus of his leadership. He created the Health and Wellness Center which provides resources for the physical, mental, financial, and spiritual well-being of his staff. Additionally, he has supported alternative work schedules, such as a 4-10 shift for the Corrections Division, reducing overtime and sick leave while allowing more training and wellness opportunities. 

Known for his personal connection with his team, he prioritizes a family-like atmosphere at his office. His leadership has strengthened relationships with county leaders, secured funding for additional deputies, and ensured that the Lane County Sheriff’s Office continues to provide exceptional public safety to the community. 

“I am truly humbled,” said Sheriff Harrold, “and know that I am only one among many who endeavor to serve this community with dedication and commitment. Thank you for making it such a privilege to be your Sheriff.” 

Sheriff Harrold was recognized along with Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel. 

OSP seeking witnesses to early morning crash – Linn County

– The Oregon State Police (OSP) is seeking witnesses to an early morning Linn County crash involving a pedestrian who was struck and killed. The crash occurred at about 6:32 a.m. on Interstate 5 near Exit 216 (Halsey/Brownsville). 

Investigators are asking any motorists who saw the pedestrian in the area or witnessed the crash to contact OSP’s Northern Command Center at 800-442-0776 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number #SP24408534. 

Smoke In West Eugene Business Draws Large Response

Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of a possible structure fire at 4065 W 11 Ave in West Eugene.  At 8:47 AM on December 17th, Firefighters were called to smoke in a commercial/industrial strip mall type building.  

The caller reported smoke in their occupancy thinking it may be emanating from one of the other occupancies.  Bailey Hill’s Engine 10 arrived to find an odor of burning and forced the door of a business to find heavy smoke.  

The balance of a first alarm response was called.  Upon further investigation, an oven full is brownies had been burning for a long period of time.  There was no structural damage and no injuries.  Crews remained on scene to ventilate the involved occupancy and their neighbors.  

Former Teacher Arrested for Sex Crimes

On Wednesday, December 11, 2024 an inappropriate sexual relationship between a former high school teacher and high school student was brought to the attention of a School Resource Officer. Officers investigated the allegations and on Friday, December 13, 2024 arrested Duece Keey Loi Phaly, age 28, of Albany. He was arrested for 10 counts of Sex Abuse II and 1 count of Sex Abuse III. 

The inappropriate sexual relationship began in 2022 when Phaly was working as a math teacher and wrestling coach at South Albany High School while the juvenile victim was a student. Phaly was a teacher and coach from 2018-2022. He is currently lodged at the Linn County Jail. 

Sex crimes against children are especially heinous and require an extremely thorough investigation. The Greater Albany Public School District has worked cooperatively with the Albany Police Department to ensure a complete examination into this matter is completed. We believe there may be additional victims and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Gina Bell at 541-791-0070. 

Man arrested for DUII and unlawful use of a weapon after shots fired

At 12:43 a.m. on December 15, Mazama’s security at 1055 Bailey Hill Road saw a person, later identified as 24-year-old Matthew John Buhman Jr. in the parking lot and told him he couldn’t be there and asked him to leave. There was a verbal exchange, and then Buhman is reported to have gotten into his vehicle and driven it recklessly toward the security employee, who drew a firearm and pointed it at Buhman. Buhman and the employee, who is in his early 70s, argued verbally again, and then Buhman is reported to have driven around the parking lot and shot rounds from his vehicle before driving off and threatening to come back.

Responding Eugene Police officers searched the area and at 1:24 a.m., a lieutenant conducted a traffic stop near 1055 Bailey Hill Road on a vehicle with a matching description. Buhman was the driver. He was taken into custody without incident and had a concealed rifle in his waistband. While officers were speaking with Buhman, they began to suspect intoxication. After further investigation, he was determined to be under in the influence. He was transported to Lane County Jail on charges including Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Reckless Endangering, DUII, and Reckless Driving. 24-19065

LCSO Case #24-6603 Deputies arrest Cottage Grove man after assault, dog bite

On December 13th at about 4 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 37200 block of Row River Road for a reported assault. Deputies learned two people had been assaulted and menaced by Ronald Cameron Boss Jr., of Cottage Grove. Boss had also encouraged his dog to bite one of the residents, who had since left.

Deputies located Boss on the property a short time later, and arrested him for Assault 2, Assault 4 APA, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141 and reference case #24-6603.

5th Street Holiday Festivities:

🎄 5th Street Public Market: Snow shows every Friday & Saturday at 6pm

🎄 5th Street Market Ally: Light Shows to Music Tues-Sun at 6:45pm

🎄 5th Street Market Ally: Movies in the Market- Mondays at 6pm: December 9th – HOME ALONE December 16th – THE GRINCH December 23rd – ELF

Tips To Purchase a Permit to Cut Your Christmas Tree From an Oregon National Forest

The holiday season is upon us, 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.

𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀: 𝗟𝗮𝘇𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗰. 𝟭𝟭

The Lazy Days Mobile Home and RV Park, rebuilt by Homes for Good after the Holiday Farm Fire, has 20 2-bedroom modular homes that are available to rent for Holiday Farm Fire survivors.

You may be eligible if: You were a renter who lost your primary residence in the Holiday Farm Fire. You lost the home you owned in the Holiday Farm Fire and you either did not own the property it was on or you owned the property but it is now unbuildable.

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘀. Applicants should be at no more than 80% of the Area Median. For example, 80% AMI means:2 people = $57,050 annual income 4 people = $71,300 annual income Rent is $1000 per month and includes utilities (water, sewer, garbage). Two ADA-accessible units are available.

Funding to provide the modular homes to fire survivors is provided by Oregon Housing & Community Services. Homes for Good is property owner and has led construction on the site. Lane County is assisting with the application process. Learn more: http://www.homesforgood.org/…/lazy-days-rv-and-mobile…Apply starting December 11: www.cognitoforms.com/LaneCounty1/LazyDaysApplication

12/16 – LRAPA BURN ADVISORY #lanecounty – Burning prohibited until Spring 2025 based on LRAPA info below.

BURNING OVERVIEWThe Lane Regional Air Protection Agency is responsible for overseeing burning programs in Lane County. LRAPA administers a Home Wood Heating advisory program and an Outdoor Burning advisory program.

Home Wood Heating is the burning of wood in fireplaces and wood stoves for heat. Wood burning creates particulate matter, which is Lane County’s most common form of pollution, and can dramatically degrade air quality during periods of air stagnation when many home wood heating devices are in use. LRAPA issues daily green, yellow, and red burn advisories from October 1 2024 through May 31, 2025 based on air quality conditions. These advisories permit, limit, or restrict the use of fireplaces and wood stoves.Home Wood Heating Advisory Line: (541) 746-4328

Outdoor burning is the disposal of woody yard material by burning it. Burning rules vary throughout Lane County depending on location, size of property, weather forecast, and fire danger conditions. LRAPA rules also limit the type and quantity of debris which can be burned. LRAPA issues daily burn advisories during burn season. Always check this page or call the advisory line before burning. Outdoor Burning Advisory Line: (541) 726-3976 Coastal Outdoor Burning Advisory Line: (541) 997-1757 https://www.lrapa.org/air-quality…/burning-overview/

Declutter and donate to reduce holiday waste: BRING now collecting reusable materials at Lane County’s Glenwood Transfer Station to reduce holiday season waste

With the holiday season here, BRING encourages residents to clear out their old, reusable items to make room for the new. This year, Lane County residents can donate directly at the Glenwood Transfer Station, where BRING recently opened a donation site in partnership with Lane County Waste Management and St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County. This site offers residents a convenient one-stop solution for donating, recycling, and disposing of household and building materials, promoting reuse while reducing landfill waste.

With increased holiday activities, waste generation can increase by as much as 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. BRING and Waste Wise Lane County—a part of Lane County Waste Management—encourage the community to consider sustainable practices like reuse, especially during high-waste times of the year. BRING’s new collection site allows residents to easily donate gently used building materials, garden supplies, furniture, tools, and more, helping these items find new life and reducing their environmental impact.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that construction and demolition (C&D) debris accounts for more than twice the amount of municipal solid waste, with 600 million tons of C&D debris generated annually in the United States. BRING’s efforts at the Glenwood site and its main location are part of a larger initiative to help Lane County achieve its goal of recovering 63 percent of its waste stream through reuse, recycling, and composting.

Since the Glenwood donation site opened in August, BRING has already diverted 32,579 pounds of reusable materials from the landfill. By donating at this auxiliary location, community members can contribute to BRING’s Planet Improvement Center, which provides affordable, environmentally-friendly options for local DIYers, contractors, and residents looking to repurpose quality materials.

Residents planning renovations or holiday declutter projects are encouraged to gather reusable materials for donation and save a trip by combining it with their visit to the transfer station. For a full list of accepted items or to learn more about the waste reduction initiative, visit www.bringrecycling.org.

About BRING: BRING is a Eugene-based home and garden thrift store committed to recovering construction waste and building materials from the waste stream, providing environmental education to Lane County communities, and highlighting the importance of reuse. Today, we focus on the urgent issues of consumption, climate change, and community resiliency. Through these initiatives we fulfill our mission to provide vision, leadership and tools for living well on the planet we share. BRING has consistently been voted one of the “100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon.”

About Waste Wise Lane County: Waste Wise Lane County— a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—empowers residents, schools, and businesses with education, tools, and resources that can be used to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. For more information, visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise.

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

Eugene Police Department –  Embrace the season of giving by donating hoodies to high school-aged kids!

As temperatures drop, let’s wrap our community in warmth and kindness. Clean out those closets and drop off your gently used or new hoodies at our designated collection points.For those who prefer a convenient option, consider donating gift cards that will be used to purchase hoodies.

Send your gift cards to the Eugene Police Department:Community Engagement Supervisor, Cherie Nelson300 Country Club Rd. Eugene, OR 97401 Your contribution will ensure teenagers stay snug and stylish this winter. Let’s come together to make a difference—one hoodie at a time!

Lane County Government — Part of being prepared for an emergency is knowing how you will receive emergency alerts and life safety information. Lane County uses several tools to alert residents.

Watch the video below to learn more about those tools and decide which ones you will rely on in the event of an emergency or disaster. https://vimeo.com/565852770Sign up to receive Lane Alerts emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org#NationalPreparednessMonth

“When It Hits The Fan”: Podcast by Lane County Emergency Management

This month on Lane County Emergency Management’s 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼𝑡 𝐻𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐹𝑎𝑛, Emergency Manager Tiffany Brown shares essential tips on what to do when staying home isn’t an option.

Tiffany dives into how to prepare your Go Bag, with everything you need to sustain yourself for 72 hours: water, medications, warm layers, and more. She also breaks down the 𝟲 𝗣𝘀 – the must-haves when you need to evacuate:People & Pets Prescriptions Personal Computer Papers Pictures Plastic (credit cards, important IDs)Get ready, stay informed, and make sure you’re prepared for anything! Listen now: www.LaneCountyOR.gov/fan or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube

About Lane County Emergency Management – Lane County Emergency Management is committed to preparing the community for emergencies and disasters through education, planning, and response coordination. Listen at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/fan. 

White Bird Clinic – · Crisis intervention is a 24/7 need in our community, and CAHOOTS, as part of White Bird Crisis Intervention programs, responds.

White Bird CAHOOTS Springfield Coverage: 11 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week (541-726-3714) — Eugene Coverage: 24/7 (541-682-5111)

Starting in the new year, White Bird Dental Clinic will offer more walk-in clinic times. Currently, we offer walk-in clinics at 1415 Pearl St. every Monday and Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. In January, we will also add every other Friday at 7:30 a.m. Find more information at whitebirdclinic.org/dental

Operation Winter Survival Stockpile

Lane County Health & Human Services, in partnership with the First Christian Church today announced the launch of Operation Winter Survival Stockpile. The operation is an effort to create a stockpile through donations of clothing and other supplies that will help those in our community experiencing homelessness better brave the elements. 

“Every winter those in our community who are without shelter are faced with life-threatening temperatures and weather,” said Maria Cortez, Lane County Human Services Program Coordinator. “These donations will be absolutely crucial to helping these community members stay warm and stay alive.”

To help kick off Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, First Christian Church is hosting a one-day donation drive event where community members can drop-off donations and enjoy refreshments Monday, November 25^th from 1 pm to 5 pm. After the donation drive, items can continue to be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. Items can also be purchased on Amazon and sent to 1166 Oak St., Eugene OR 97401. 

The Operation’s Amazon Wish List can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XR33GS1ULV8Z?ref_=wl_share

Distribution of items will be prioritized to homeless outreach providers such as CAHOOTS that come into direct contact with individuals who are unhoused and unsheltered.

For more information on Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, please contact Maria Cortez at  ia.Cortez@lanecountyor.gov“>Maria.Cortez@lanecountyor.gov

Youth Empowerment Programs, City of Eugene – We’re thrilled to announce that our Winter-Spring 2025 Youth Empowerment Programs will be launching soon! 

 Registration opens on December 10th for our FREE programs.
 Some programs are drop-in, so no registration is required—just show up and get involved!

For more information and links to register, visit our website: https://www.eugene-or.gov/4888/Youth-Empowerment-Program

Holiday Shipping Guide: Your Last-Minute Dates for USPS, FedEx, UPS and Amazon Shipping

Doing some last-minute shopping? Don’t wait. As of today, you still have time to ship your gifts so they’ll arrive before Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. You’re going to need to act quickly, though. The first deadlines that will guarantee on-time delivery are coming up this week, and you need to be prepared. 

FedEx shipping deadlines to arrive by Dec. 25, 2024

With Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year, you’ll be able to take take advantage of overnight shipping from FedEx on Monday, Dec. 23. In a pinch, you can also ship FedEx SameDay on Tuesday, Dec. 24, to get your package delivered by Christmas. FedEx Express Saver, 2Day and 3Day deadlines are all the week before Christmas, and the FedEx Ground deadline is two weeks before, on Dec. 17.

Here are the dates FedEx recommends you ship by (PDF) to have your packages arrive on or before Dec. 25 in the US.

FedEx holiday shipping deadlines

Domestic service	Ship date
Ground	Dec. 17
Express Saver	Dec. 19
2Day and 2Day AM*	Dec. 20
First Overnight and Priority Overnight*	Dec. 23
SameDay	Dec. 24

*You can send FedEx 2Day and FedEx 2Day AM one day later on Saturday, Dec. 21, with an optional Saturday Delivery surcharge for $16 per package. 

UPS shipping deadlines to arrive by Dec. 25, 2024

As with FedEx, UPS shipping deadlines are a little more reasonable this week, with the holiday landing on a Wednesday instead of a Monday, as it did in 2023. You’ll need to send your very last packages by Dec. 23 to make sure they arrive by Dec. 25. Here are UPS’ recommended shipping dates (PDF) for Christmas 2023.

UPS holiday shipping deadlines

Domestic service	Ship date
Ground	Check the UPS website for deadlines
3-Day Select	Dec. 19
2nd Day Air	Dec. 20
Next Day Air	Dec. 23

USPS shipping deadlines for Dec. 25, 2024

The US Postal Service deadlines for shipping Christmas packages also a bit more favorable for last-minute shopping this year. Here are the dates the US Postal Service recommends you circle on your calendar if you want packages to arrive before Dec. 25, including for Alaska and Hawaii.

USPS holiday shipping deadlines

Domestic service	Date (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)	Date for Alaska	Date for Hawaii
USPS Retail Ground	Dec. 18	Dec. 16	Dec. 16
First-Class Mail	Dec. 18	Dec. 18	Dec. 18
Priority Mail	Dec. 19	Dec. 19	Dec. 19
Priority Mail Express	Dec. 21	Dec. 20	Dec. 20

Amazon estimated shipping deadlines for Dec. 25, 2024

You may be able to streamline the shopping and mailing process by ordering straight from Amazon and shipping the package directly to your giftee. But heads up: Amazon has a habit of waiting until much closer to Christmas before it lists its holiday shipping deadlines. We can extrapolate the deadline this year from shipping dates for preceding holiday seasons. 

Note that these are estimated delivery dates. If it were us, and Christmas was close, we might not risk everything on those one-day and same-day delivery dates and instead send an electronic gift certificate. All shipping dates except for e-gift cards and free shipping in five to eight days are exclusively for Prime members. 

One thing to look for: Amazon said Same-Day Delivery is available in more than 90 metro areas, so check whether your area has Same-Day Delivery. You can also look for “free delivery today” next to the product name. And each Amazon product listing page will also provide an estimated shipping date.

Amazon holiday shipping deadlines

Shipping type	Deadline to buy	Date delivered
Free shipping	Dec. 14	Dec. 24
2-day shipping (Prime)	Dec. 22	Dec. 24
1-day shipping (Prime)	Dec. 23	Dec. 24
Same day delivery (Prime)	Dec. 24	Dec. 24
e-Gift card delivery	Dec. 25	Dec. 25

How to ship packages to arrive in time for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa this year

Shipping companies don’t generally list specific deadlines for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. However, since both holidays mostly align with Christmas this year, you can use the same deadlines.

Hanukkah starts on the evening of Dec. 25 this year, and Kwanzaa begins the next day on Dec. 26. If you want any Hanukkah or Kwanzaa packages to arrive before the holiday begins, use the shipping deadlines for Christmas.

Nothing is guaranteed, and storms and package supply shortages may result in shipping delays, as happened a few years ago.

To make sure your packages are safely delivered, here’s how to guard against porch pirates. (SOURCE)

New facial illustration released in Clatsop County cold case – Public assistance sought to identify remains

With the assistance of a new facial re-approximation from Parabon NanoLabs, a 25-year-old Oregon State Police (OSP) cold case is receiving new attention. Working closely with Oregon State Police Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Nici Vance, Parabon used the individual’s genetic phenotype to create the latest illustration.

On Nov. 3, 1999, mushroom pickers reported the discovery of human skeletal remains in rural Clatsop County. The unidentified partial remains were located in a wooded area off Hwy. 26 near milepost 29. At the time, searchers located remains over a wide area, including a skull and lower jaw with all the teeth present.

A forensic examination of the skeletal remains indicated the deceased is female, 16-30 years of age, about 5 ft. 2 in. tall, and weighing between 108-117 pounds. Forensic anthropologists believe the individual had given birth some time prior.

Investigators also found white athletic socks, Levi’s blue jeans size 33×34, a medium-sized black leather jacket, and a silver-colored “peace symbol” belt buckle in the same wooded area.

Investigators hope the new illustration will help renew interest in the case to determine the young woman’s identity. “This new illustration created by Parabon NanoLabs may be the key to unlocking her identity; we hope someone may recognize her now. We also know her ancestry includes relatives from Western Europe, West Africa, and Central America, which are huge clues to her origins and family. Everyone deserves the dignity of a name; through our partnership with Parabon NanoLabs, we will continue to search for her family and ultimately identify her.”

Since 2019, Parabon and the Oregon State Police have partnered to identify more than 30 previously unidentified individuals in Oregon using Parabon’s groundbreaking technology and investigative genetic genealogy research.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Derek Rose through OSP’s Northern Command Center at 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677) on a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP99433623.

AAA expects 119 million Americans including nearly 1.7 million Oregonians to travel for the holidays

– AAA projects 119.3 million Americans (35% of the population) including 1.68 million Oregonians will travel 50 miles or more for the Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year holidays. This year’s travel volume narrowly beats the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers. AAA expects an additional three million travelers this holiday season compared to last year. 

The year-end holiday travel period is defined as Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

“With Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year, many are taking the entire week off or working remotely so they can extend their holiday break,” says Doreen Loofburrow. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and now we’ll finish 2024 setting a new record for holiday travel,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

“AAA expects travel volumes to soar this holiday season, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers, as Americans drive, fly and cruise to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah and ring in 2025. Expect busy roads and crowded airports, pack your patience, and have a plan B as weather is always the wildcard this time of year,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Most travelers will drive – About 90% of travelers or 107 million Americans will drive to their holiday destinations. This is 2.5 million more than in 2023 but just shy of 2019’s record of 108 million. In Oregon, about 1.5 million will drive. Driving is often the most flexible and affordable way to travel, which is why it’s the number one mode. It’s especially appealing for families with small children.

Air travel to soar to record high – Air travel sets a record this holiday season, with 7.85 million Americans including 160,000 Oregonians taking to the skies. This surpasses the previous record of 7.5 million air travelers last year. In all, about 6.6% of all holiday travelers will fly to their destinations. Find AAA’s tips and advice for air travelers below.

Other modes will see highest volumes in 20 years – Travel by other modes, including cruises, trains and buses, will be the highest in 20 years with nearly 4.5 million travelers including about 62,000 Oregonians. This is up nearly 10% from last year. Domestic cruise bookings are up 37% compared to last holiday season. In all, about 3.7% of all travelers will go by these modes. Cruises are very popular over the holidays because they appeal to multiple generations and there’s something for everyone on board.

Top holiday destinations – These are the trending destinations for regional, domestic and international travel for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho based on bookings by our AAA travel agents and at AAA.com. 

Theme parks, beaches and European cities are among the most popular spots. Bend tops the list as the most popular regional destination again this year.

Gas prices are cheapest for the holidays in four years

Those taking a holiday road trip will find gas prices at their cheapest since 2020. The current (as of Dec. 17) national average for regular unleaded is $3.03 and the Oregon average is $3.47. These prices are at or near the year-to-date lows for 2024. Visit the AAA Fuel Prices website for current gas prices and EV charging rates.

AAA members can fill up for less at Shell stations when they join the Fuel Rewards® program at AAA.com/Shell. Save 30¢/gal on your first fill-up at Shell when you join the Fuel Rewards® program by 12/31/25 and make your first transaction within 30 days of joining. After that, save 5¢/gal every day on each individual fill-up of up to 20 gallons from participating Shell stations.  Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.

Best and worst times to drive; Peak traffic expected December 22 and 29 – The busiest days for road trippers are expected to be Sunday, December 22 as folks head out to their Christmas destinations, and again on Sunday, December 29 as people return home. But roads will be busier than usual throughout the holiday season with a record number of travelers going by car. The afternoon and evening hours from December 19 through December 23, and from December 26 through January 2, will all have more congestion, especially on the weekdays in urban areas as commuters mix with holiday travelers, The lightest traffic is expected on December 24 and 25.

Some metro areas across the U.S. could have travel times that are two to three times longer than typical drive times, especially in larger urban areas. In Oregon, drivers can expect that their trips will take 8% to 50% longer than a normal commute, assuming no additional delays from crashes or winter weather.

“Leave early if you can. Mornings during the holiday season are the times with the least congestion. You can also avoid the heaviest traffic by traveling on the actual holidays – December 24, 25, 31 and January 1. But with a record number of travelers taking a holiday road trip, assume traffic will be heavier than usual and that it will probably take you longer to get to your destination,” says Dodds.

AAA also recommends using traffic apps, local Department of Transportation notifications, 511 services, and local news and traffic reports to get real-time updates.

Here are projected travel times in and out of Portland at the peak times for driving:

AAA’s tips for a safe drive:

• Get your car road-trip ready. Breakdowns are always a hassle, and you don’t want to be stranded during the holidays. Find a trusted mechanic nearby at AAA.com/repair.
• Be sure your vehicle and passengers are ready for winter driving conditions. Get tips and advice, including what to put in your emergency kit, at AAA.com/winterprep.  Bring enough water, provisions and warm clothing so that you can keep everyone safe if you are stranded for several hours or even overnight.
• Please let family members or friends know your itinerary, so authorities have an idea where to start looking for you if you don’t make it to your destination.
• Don’t blindly follow your GPS. If a road looks remote and not well traveled or maintained, don’t proceed!
• Slow Down, Move Over. A roadside worker is killed every other week in the U.S. To help prevent these tragedies, AAA asks drivers to Slow Down, Move Over. When you see an emergency responder on the side of the road assisting a stranded driver, reduce your speed and, If possible, change lanes to give those crews room to do their jobs safely. All 50 states, including Oregon, and the District of Columbia have Move Over laws in place.
• Drive only when alert and refreshed. Driving on four to five hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a 0.08 BAC. Less than 4 hours of sleep? The risk doubles. Travel during hours you’re normally awake and avoid overnight drives. Take a break every couple of hours. If needed, park at a safe location and take a 20-to-30-minute nap to recharge.
• Of course, if you’re driving, don’t get impaired. If you’re impaired, don’t drive.

AAA has advice for air travelers:

• Download the airline’s app on your phone and set it up for push notifications so that you’ll be notified about departure and arrival information as well as any flight changes, delays or cancellations. FlightAware and other sites let you track your incoming flight so you can find other options if that flight is late or cancelled.
• Get to the airport early – two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. The increase in travelers can make for longer than usual wait times to get through security. If you’re flying out of PDX, arrive early if you haven’t been in the new terminal which opened in September after four years of construction. You may need extra time to find your way around.
• If you need to park at the airport, book a parking spot in advance or at least check on availability before you go. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking.  Better yet, take transit, use a ride sharing service, or get a ride from a friend to the airport.
• Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items in your carry on bag. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using an Apple AirTag, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, or another tracker if you do check your bags.
• Plan ahead for meals and snacks. Full airports can mean long lines and wait times at restaurants. Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
• Consider signing up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR to expedite the security screening process. Do make sure the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports.

What to do if your flight is cancelled

• If your flight is canceled by the airline or there are significant delays, they will try to accommodate you on a later flight; however, you are entitled to a full refund under federal law.
• Weather is considered an “act of God”. Airlines will rebook you on flights that are available but are not required to do much more. The issue is when flights are full, rebooking passengers can be a challenge and could be days later.
• If you do call your airline, expect long wait times if you call the customer service number. You may have better luck dialing the international or rewards phone number. If you’re already at the airport, use a three-pronged approach: while waiting in line to speak to an airline representative at the gate or ticket counter, use the airline’s app to try to book a new flight and/or call the airline.

Tips on booking flights:

• Book the first flight of the day or early morning flights if you can. They are less likely to be cancelled or delayed.
• Try not to book tight connecting flights – you’ll want enough time to change flights in case your originating flight is late.
• If you really need to be at your destination on a certain day, book flights a day or two early so that you have a buffer. A winter weather event can wreak havoc on airlines’ schedules.
• If possible, avoid airports for connecting flights where winter weather can lead to delays, including Denver, Chicago O’Hare, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and JFK.
• Don’t book more than one flight. Duplicate bookings will not only cost you a non-refundable ticket but could also cause both reservations to be canceled. Many carriers have algorithms in place to spot dupes and cancel both itineraries which could leave you with no flights at all.

Holiday travel costs – This holiday season, AAA finds that travelers are generally paying more for domestic and international trips compared to last year. But travelers are paying less in some categories.

Costs of overall year-end holiday travel (average of all categories)

• Domestic year-end travel bookings are up 36% compared to last year.
• Domestic year-end vacations are 12% more expensive this year with an average cost of $1,000.
• International year-end travel bookings are up 13% compared to last year.
• International year-end vacations are 7% more expensive this year with an average cost of $1,500.

Here’s a breakdown of average booking prices, according to AAA data.

Flights

• The average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $830, up 4% this holiday season compared to last year.
• The average price for an international roundtrip flight is $1,630, up 13% over last year.

Hotels

• The average price for a domestic hotel stay (typically a few nights) is $690, up 1% from 2023.
• The average price for an international hotel stay (typically a few nights) is $1,125, down 15% from last year.

Rental cars

• The average price for a domestic rental car (typically for several days) is $630, down 8% from 2023.
• The average price for an international rental car (typically for several days) is $790, up 1% from last year.
• AAA partner Hertz says the busiest pick-up days will be Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21. The busiest time for rental returns is expected to be the weekend and Monday after Christmas. The average length of rental is one week. 
• Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Oahu, Orlando, Phoenix, and Tampa are the cities displaying the highest rental demand for the holidays.
• See AAA’s rental cars do’s and don’ts for advice.

Cruises

• The average price for a cruise departing from domestic cities is $1,315, up 33% compared to 2023.
• The average price for a cruise departing from international cities is $2,120, up 5% from last year.

Tours

• The average price for a domestic tour is $1,015, the same as last holiday season.
• The average price for an international tour is $1,155, up 4% from last year.

What to know before you go – AAA tips for holiday travelers

• Take all necessary travel documentation, including your Real ID, driver’s license, and/or passport, as well as health insurance cards.
• Consider working with a travel agent to help plan your trip. They can help you plan the trip that meets your needs and comfort level this holiday season, provide the best value for your vacation dollars, explore travel insurance options, assist with any last-minute changes to travel plans, and act as an advocate if the unexpected happens.
• Travel and medical insurance. AAA strongly recommends travel insurance to cover unexpected delays or trip interruptions. Travel insurance provides a safety net should something unexpected happen ahead of or during your trip. Travel insurance can cover expenses associated with flight cancellations, travel delays, lost luggage, and trip cancellation. Medical travel insurance can provide coverage for illness and injuries and that may not be included in your regular health insurance plan. Travel agents can also advise on what travel insurance policy makes the most sense for your trip.

AAA to the Rescue – Before you head out on a holiday road trip, be sure your vehicle is ready to avoid a breakdown along the way. AAA expects to respond to 869,000 calls including 15,000 Oregonians at the roadside over the holidays. Dead batteries, lockouts, flat tires and extrications are the top issues.

AAA makes it easy to request assistance – by phone (800-222-HELP), app or online – and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Before any long trip, AAA suggests getting an inspection to check key components such as the battery, fuel system, tires, brakes and fluid levels. Have your vehicle inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.

Be sure that your vehicle and passengers are ready for winter driving conditions. This includes having proper traction—snow tires, chains and/or tire socks—and an emergency kit in your vehicle. Also bring warm clothing as well as water and snacks in case you get stranded. Find all the info and tips at AAA.com/winterprep.

Forecast Methodology – In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM. The PERFORMANCE/MonitorSM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of November 4, 2024.

Because AAA forecasts focus on domestic leisure travel only, comparisons to TSA passenger screening numbers should not be made. TSA data includes all passengers traveling on both domestic and international routes. Additionally, TSA screens passengers each time they enter secured areas of the airport, therefore each one-way trip is counted as a passenger tally. AAA focuses on person-trips, which include the full round-trip travel itinerary. As a result, direct comparisons of AAA forecast volumes and daily TSA screenings represent different factors. 

Year-End Holiday Travel Period  – For this forecast, the year-end holiday travel period is defined as the twelve-day period from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1. AAA’s year-end holiday travel period can range from 10 to 13 days, depending on which day of the week Christmas and New Year’s Day fall. This year’s holiday travel period is two days longer than last year. While a longer holiday travel period can offer more options for departures and return trips, all the year-end holiday periods contain two weekends. 

About AAA — Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 65+ million members across North America, including nearly 58 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app.

DOJ Survey Finds Most Oregonians Care About Privacy, Curious About New Law

Historically, most Americans have little control over their private data, but the new Oregon Consumer Privacy Act has changed that by giving power back to the people.

Keep Personal Information LOCKED

In terms of the new Privacy Act, Oregonians can now protect their personal information by keeping it L.O.C.K.E.D:

• List – ask businesses for a list of third parties that bought their private data.
• Opt-out by disallowing business enterprises to sell, profile, and use advertising targeted to personal information.
• Copy – obtain a copy of personal and sensitive data held by businesses.
• Know the scope of personal information collected.
• Edit any inaccuracies shown by the data.
• Delete personal and sensitive information.

A survey of 344 consumers about attitudes on privacy and perceptions of the new Oregon Consumer Privacy Act that became effective at the beginning of July 2024, was undertaken by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The survey found that 80% of the respondents were concerned about privacy, particularly regarding information about children. Few respondents were aware of the new Consumer Privacy Act to help them keep private information hidden from prying eyes.

The survey also found that more than one-third of the respondents had experienced a data breach of their private information in the last year, while more than a quarter experienced acts of fraud on their bank accounts.

But that should all change with the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act which imposes new restrictions on the collection of personal data by businesses.

The Oregon Attorney General, Ellen Rosenblum urges businesses to become acquainted with the new Consumer Act on how the law expects those that qualify to treat customer data,

Special protections to protect the privacy of children and teens are also addressed in the new Consumer Act.

Rosenblum says parents and caregivers should pay special attention to protections for children under 13. The Attorney General focused her initiative as president of the National Association of Attorneys General this year on the online protection of America’s youth. (SOURCE)

** Drug Lab Investigation in Bandon **

Through the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team’s (SCINT) investigation into an illegal marijuana organization starting in November 2024, SCINT identified Matthew Houglum (50) as a suspect. SCINT identified Matthew’s address to be 50280 Highway 101, Bandon, located within Coos County Oregon.

On December 9th, 2024, SCINT Detective B. Davis applied for and was granted a search warrant for Matthew’s residence.On December 11th, 2024, a multi-jurisdictional operation including: SCINT, Oregon State Police, Coos County ERT, Bandon Police, Coquille Police, North Bend Police, Coquille Tribal Police, Coos County Parole and Probation, and the U.S Coast Guard drone unit executed the search warrant.

Matthew and other co-conspirators were found to have an illegal psilocybin mushroom lab, marijuana processing center, and an arsenal of firearms.Detectives seized over two thousand mushrooms containing suspected amounts of psilocybin, forty-nine firearms including short barreled rifles and shotguns many of which are suspected to be obtained illegally, various grenades, and marijuana processing equipment.

The FBI and ATF are being briefed on this illegal psilocybin lab. Under the Controlled Substance act, psilocybin is a schedule 1 substance, which also includes heroin, meth and LSD. Charges for this case are pending, as it is an ongoing investigation.”Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law”

10 staff now on leave in connection with St. Helens School District sex abuse scandal

The district said each case is “in connection with ongoing investigations related to allegations of sexual misconduct or for failing to report sexual misconduct.”

A total of 10 employees of the St. Helens School District have now been placed on paid administrative leave stemming from a teacher sex abuse scandal that began with the arrest of two teachers a month ago. More cases have come to light since then, but it appears that at least four of the 10 cases were not previously known.

Each case is either “in connection with ongoing investigations related to allegations of sexual misconduct or for failing to report sexual misconduct,” according to a Friday news release from the district. The news release did not identify any of the 10 staff on leave, and the district declined to name any of them when asked.

“We’re going to need to affirm what information is legally releasable and we will do that and get back to you with that information,” said J. Marie, a newly hired crisis communications expert.

During a Friday media briefing, the district introduced Marie, with J. Marie and Associates, and said she will help guide the district’s public response following the sex abuse scandal that has rocked the small Oregon town. Marie said her contract is open-ended with a rate of $180 an hour and said, “I work as efficiently as I possibly can.”

“For the last 20 or so years, I have had a small business supporting school districts in crisis communications and have worked closely with the Washington Association of School Administrators to support districts in a variety of critical issues,” Marie said.

Current St. Helens High School teacher Eric Stearns and retired teacher Mark Collins were both arrested on Nov. 12 after a two-month investigation into what police described as allegations of “historic sexual abuse” at the school. The arrests triggered a wave of outrage from students and parents, many of whom accused district officials of covering up the allegations.

“That trust is not going to be, you know, rebuilt based on words,” Marie said. “It’s going to be rebuilt based on actions.”

St. Helens High School Principal Katy Wagner and district Superintendent Scot Stockwell were both placed on leave a few days after the arrests, and Wagner was indicted on Nov. 26 on criminal charges of mistreatment and official misconduct for allegedly withholding care from students and failing to comply with mandatory child abuse reporting requirements.

Days before Wagner’s indictment, the Oregon Department of Human Services confirmed that it had opened investigations into six staff members at St. Helens High School: Stearns, Collins, Stockwell, Wagner and two others whom KGW has not named because to date they have not been charged with crimes (Stockwell has not been charged either, but was publicly identified by the district when he was placed on leave).

Around the same time, St. Helens police announced an investigation into a St. Helens Middle School teacher for alleged criminal conduct “involving a student,” and that unnamed teacher was also placed on leave.

“It’s critical, ultimately, for the community to have confidence in what is learned. the investigations need to be impartial. they need to be thorough, and they need to be allowed to run their course without interference or undue speculation.” Marie said.

At least some of those seven previously reported cases appear to be among the 10 paid leave cases confirmed by the district Friday, although it’s unclear if they all are, especially since Collins is retired.

The district news release states that two of the staff members were placed on leave at some point before Nov. 13, three were placed on leave on Nov. 13 due to arrests, two were placed on leave at some point after Nov. 13 due to DHS reports or tip line reports, and three were placed on leave at some point after Nov. 13 due to an internal report.

The district announced last week that it was launching an internal investigation into the sex abuse scandal, but it’s unclear if the “internal report” referenced in Friday’s news release is connected to that investigation, which was expected to take 45 to 60 days to produce a final report.

In the past few weeks, the district has appointed an interim principal to step in for Wagner and an interim superintendent to step in for Stockwell. The district school board director also resigned after the scandal broke, and the district said Friday that has posted an application for the position, with an appointee to be named Jan. 8. (SOURCE)

Lawmakers Preview Housing Bills as Many Oregonians Face Unaffordable Rent or Mortgage Payments

Oregon lawmakers this week previewed some of their ideas to build more homes and lower rents and home prices for Oregonians struggling with the high cost of housing.

During committee hearings at the state Capitol on Tuesday and Wednesday, lawmakers discussed proposals to limit rent increases for mobile home parks, build more condos and crack down on landlords pocketing deposits. All are aimed at easing pressures that result in more than half of all renters and a third of homeowners spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs, according to a recent report from the Oregon Housing and Community Services. 

Here’s a look at some of the housing bills lawmakers plan to introduce next year:

Rent control for mobile home parks

Current state law limits annual rent increases for buildings older than 15 years to no more than 10% or 7% plus inflation, whichever is less. Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland and chair of the House Housing and Homelessness Committee, plans to introduce a bill to further limit rent increases in manufactured home parks and marinas.

Oregon has 1,328 manufactured home parks with more than 72,000 spaces, according to Lane County legal aid attorney and Oregon State Tenants Association vice president John VanLandingham. Most people living in those parks own their homes but rent the land. The roughly 25 marinas in the state that have floating homes operate similarly — people rent boat slips, like parking spaces on the water and live in houseboats. 

“Our focus is entirely on rent increases, because that is the issue that is scaring the pants off of all manufactured home park tenants across the state,” VanLandingham said. 

Marsh’s proposal would limit rent increases on manufactured home parks and marinas to no more than the rate of inflation. That, VanLandingham said, would bring potential rent increases more in line with the cost of living increases manufactured homeowners on fixed incomes see from Social Security. Many manufactured homeowners are seniors or farmworkers.

Easier path to building condos

Unlike traditional single-family homes, condominiums let people buy an individual unit in a building. They’re typically cheaper than other types of homes: The median cost of a condo in Oregon was $341,000 in 2023 compared to the median price of $552,460 for a single-family home.

But condo construction has plummeted from a peak of about 4,200 new units in 2006 to just 309 last year — a 92% drop. 

“​​We aren’t building condos in Oregon anymore, and we haven’t for years,” said Sen. Mark Meek, a Gladstone Democrat and real estate agent.

He attributed that decrease in large part to restrictive state laws that give property owners more time to file complaints or lawsuits against construction companies than they have in other states. A 2018 report from ECONorthwest found that Oregon’s 10-year time limit for property owners to file claims over construction defects  was higher than other West Coast states. Between the risk of lawsuits and apartment rents increasing, developers and lenders have seen regular apartment buildings as a safer and more profitable option compared to condos. 

Meek’s proposed bill would decrease that limit from 10 years to six years and require more robust inspections of condo exteriors, which he said would reduce the risk of defects. He said the proposal, backed by developers and Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, the Republican vice chair of the House Housing and Homelessness Committee, was the kind of bold but practical solution demanded by the state’s housing crisis. 

Cracking down on ‘hold deposits’

Many landlords charge “holding” deposits, typically at least several hundred dollars and sometimes as high as a month’s rent, to future tenants to secure an apartment while working out lease details and a move-in date. If a tenant moves in, that deposit is usually credited toward their first month’s rent, security deposit or other move-in costs — but if a tenant can’t move in, they often lose that money. 

Rep. Annessa Hartman, D-Gladstone, plans to introduce a bill to limit landlords’ ability to keep those deposits. Hartman’s measure would require landlords to immediately refund the deposit and pay a penalty equal to the amount when they fail to provide a lease, such as by overbooking a rental unit or trying to rent a unit that doesn’t meet state standards for habitability. 

Air conditioning apartments

After changing state law two years ago to require landlords to allow tenants to use air conditioning units, lawmakers are looking at requiring indoor cooling in all apartments with 10 or more units.

The Senate Housing and Development Committee will introduce a bill to require landlords to provide central air, portable air conditioning devices or other passive cooling to keep each bedroom at a temperature 15 degrees below the outdoor temperature and not higher than 80 degrees. Otherwise, landlords would have to provide tenants with access to a community cooling space on or near the apartment premises that maintains a temperature below 80 degrees.

Oregon and other states have long required that landlords provide heat in rental properties so tenants can have a minimum indoors temperature of 68 degrees. Debates over landlords’ responsibilities for cooling units have taken off in recent years as Oregon experiences more extreme heat tied to climate change. About 100 Oregonians died during a 2021 heat dome event, and Salem, Eugene and Hillsboro broke record high temperatures in a heat wave this July.   (SOURCE)

Pilots Report Mysterious Lights ‘Moving at Extreme Speeds’ Across Oregon Skies

At least four commercial pilots encountered mysterious lights over the weekend. Researchers theorize they could be flares from numerous Starlink satellites.

At least four commercial pilots encountered mysterious lights zipping through the skies above Oregon this past weekend. 

One pilot flying an air ambulance reported a bright light streaking toward his Life Flight plane, with it suddenly reversing back toward the Pacific Ocean.  

“Red in color — moving at extreme speeds. I don’t even know how to describe how fast it was moving,” the pilot told air traffic control.

On Sunday night, Dec. 8, the pilot of a United Airlines flight described unexpected lights in the sky above the Eugene area. 

“We’re seeing three or four targets. They’re all altitudes. Up and down. It’s pretty crazy,” the pilot told air traffic controllers, who confirmed there was no military activity in the area.

The Life Flight pilot reported one of the lights was going in circles in a “corkscrew pattern” and showed up on his aircraft’s collision avoidance system.  

“You are cleared to maneuver as necessary — a left or right to avoid the UFO out there,” an air traffic controller responded in the audio clip posted online.

Several brief video clips taken by pilots and their crew showed lights in the night sky, although objects are difficult to see because of the dark conditions.

“It’s weird. It’s red, circular shape, and it keeps zipping out towards the ocean and then coming back about 20 miles or closer to us — then it zips back to the ocean,” the Life Flight pilot told air traffic controllers on Sunday night.

Two Horizon Airlines pilots also reported seeing mysterious lights, according to an air traffic controller.

The flights each continued without further incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged that a pilot saw unidentified lights but did not provide further comment.   

So, what could it be?

“That appears to be Starlink satellites, most likely,” explained scientist and researcher Douglas Buettner, who led a study examining a case of five pilots who saw several bright moving objects over the Pacific Ocean in 2022. 

The pilots, flying in two commercial aircraft, took photos and video of unrecognizable objects reported as unidentified aerial phenomena. Buettner and his colleagues determined the bright lights were flare from numerous Starlink satellites, launched by SpaceX to provide broadband internet.

“Literally all it is — it’s the sun hits the satellite just right, and it is being reflected back into your eye,” explained Buettner, deputy chief scientist of the Acquisition Innovation Research Center, led by the Stevens Institute of Technology. 

He believes the eye-catching lights spotted by pilots over Oregon were most likely satellite flares — although without better data and clear video, he hasn’t ruled out other possibilities.

“I’ve had two other people look at it, and they say it is consistent with Starlink,” Buettner explained.

In August 2022, people in Oregon witnessed a string of Starlink satellites moving dramatically across the night sky.

Last month, the Pentagon director overseeing unidentified anomalous phenomena told lawmakers the Defense Department has seen an increase in reported UAP sightings, especially since satellite constellations such as Starlink were launched.

“We do have one example that I’m aware of where we were able to correlate a number of observations of interesting lights in the sky, and eventually, we concluded that it was multiple people observing Starlink flares,” Jon Kosloski testified at a Senate hearing. (SOURCE)

The Red Cross is in need of blood donations. During the holidays, regular donors are on vacation and the supply of blood declines. Winter weather can also increase demand from people injured in traffic crashes. They need donors with all types, but they especially need people with type O negative. Platelet donations are also important. Donors giving blood through January 3rd will also get an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt.

Thirty-five-percent of food produced or imported in the U.S. is never eaten, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is working to reduce that. The Bad Apple campaign has a goal of minimizing food waste. One family of four saved 200 dollars a month. Food waste is the second largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions behind transportation. The website don’t let good food go bad dot org has tips on how to reduce food waste.

If you have someone on your holiday gift list that enjoys the outdoors, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has gift ideas.

If they hunt or fish, you can buy them a license. If they kayak or raft, you can buy a waterway access permit. For wildlife viewers or hikers, the wildlife area parking permit costs 30 dollars. You can also make a donation in someone’s name to the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund. https://myodfw.com/articles/gift-outdoors

Oregon State Parks Offering Discounted Parking Passes – Give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during December.

Shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25 (regularly $30) from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase at the 25 parks that currently charge for parking.

The annual permit is an even better option for frequent park visitors in 2025 when day-use parking fees will increase from $5 to $10 on Jan. 2, 2025.

Purchasing permits is easy. Visitors can buy them online at Oregon State Parks store. They’re also available at select park stores operated by friends’ groups, park visitor centers and local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.

The daily parking fee is required at the 25 parks that charge for day-use parking unless visitors have a 12-month or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The parking fee does not apply to those who hike, bike or use public transportation.

The 24-month permit is $50 and is also available at OregonStateParkStore. The cost for the 12-month and 24-month permits is not currently increasing. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.

Ways to get and give help this holiday season

‘Tis the season for connection and caring for one another. But we also know this time of year can be challenging for many families. So whether you need a little extra support, or are looking for ways to give back to your community, we’ve got some suggestions to make the holiday season special.

Ways to get holiday help:

1. Visit the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) holiday resources webpage

Our 2024 holiday resources webpage has a list of local organizations that can provide hot meals, toys, winter clothes and more for families and individuals this holiday season. The page is available in English and Spanish, and you can sort the list by county to find resources in your area.

2. Connect with 211info

Not seeing anything near you on our list? Dial 2-1-1 to connect with someone who can guide you to the support you need. You can also visit 211info.org, enter your zip code, and search for “Holiday Gifts/Toys,” “Christmas Baskets,” or “Christmas Meals.”

3. Reach out to your local ODHS office

We’re here to help! Our local office staff often know about upcoming events and resources in your community. We can also help you learn more about services that be accessed year-round, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and more.

Ways to give holiday help:

1. Donate to ODHS or a community organization

ODHS partners with many community organizations that collect donations, like food, clothes, and toys, that support children in foster care, older adults, families in need, and more. For 2024, we’ve compiled a list with some of the ways you can donate to help the families ODHS serves. Don’t see anything on the list in your area? Contact your local ODHS office for more suggestions. You can also make a financial contribution to ODHS and specify how you want it to be used by emailing dhs.volunteerservices@odhs.oregon.gov.

2. Volunteer

Your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. At ODHS, we have several temporary volunteer opportunities this holiday season for things like wrapping donations, delivering gifts, and helping at holiday parties for children in ODHS care. Email dhs.volunteerservices@odhs.oregon.gov to learn about holiday openings or to get involved longer-term. If that’s not for you, we also recommend reaching out to local nonprofits or community centers with missions you believe in to see how you can help.

3. Build community connections

Sometimes, the best way to give back is by simply showing up. Attend local events, check in on your neighbors, and spread the word about the ways to get help that we listed above. A little kindness and connection can go a long way!

Winter Whale Watch Week returns to the Oregon Coast Dec. 27-31

OREGON COAST, Oregon— Oregon State Parks will host Winter Whale Watch Week on the Oregon Coast Friday, Dec. 27 through Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Trained Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help visitors spot gray whales on their southward migration to the calving lagoons in Mexico. 

The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online at the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

“Now is a perfect time to see the whales as their population rebounds on the Oregon Coast,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales. Since then, the estimated population has increased by roughly 30% from 14,530 last year to 19,260 this year, according to NOAA. The numbers are on the rise overall, but the calf count is still low as the population continues to rebound.

“While there are more gray whales to see now on the Oregon Coast, the calves remain a rare and important sight,” said Michael Milstein, public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries.

Winter Whale Watch Week provides an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife including birds and other marine mammals with help from trained volunteers and rangers. 

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27-31. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and always keeping an eye on the surf. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch Week on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch24.

Holiday Express Steams Up – Rides run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.

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 

Guided First Day Hikes at 30 Oregon State Parks on New Year’s Day

— Whether you prefer a sunset hike along the coast or a paved wooded trail inside city limits, First Day Hikes has a hike for you on New Year’s Day, Wednesday Jan. 1. 

Rangers and volunteers will lead 37 guided First Day Hikes at 30 parks around the state with distances ranging from a quarter-mile stroll to a 5-mile trek. Hikes are free, and the $5 day-use parking fee is waived on that day at the state parks that charge for parking.

America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.

“First Day Hikes has become a fun tradition for both visitors and staff on New Year’s Day. Rangers and volunteers get a chance to share park history, geology, wildlife and plants, and visitors get to experience an adventure with friends and family to start the new year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration including Champoeg, Detroit Lake, Emigrant Springs and Smith Rock. 

If you have questions about accessibility or to request reasonable accommodations needed for you to participate in a hike, see contact information for each of the hikes.

Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife. 

Share photos of First Day Hikes on Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikesor tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook. 

About America’s State Parks
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With collectively more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 9 million people annually, state park systems across the country are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more about America’s State Parks at stateparks.org.

Media contest invites Oregon high school students to promote young worker safety; entries due Feb. 21, 2025

Salem – High school students across Oregon are encouraged to put their video or graphic design skills on display by competing for cash prizes as part of a larger cause: increasing awareness about workplace safety and health for young workers.

The 2025 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, calls on participants to create an ad – through a compelling graphic design or video – that grabs their peers’ attention and convinces them to take the Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.

Participants get to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believe will go furthest in capturing their audience and moving it to act. The target audience? Teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time. The contest is now open for submissions. To compete, participants may submit either a graphic design or a video that is no more than 90 seconds in length.

Participants are expected to choose their key message, theme, or tagline in a wise and positive manner, including constructive and effective messages and language.

The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school, club, or organization will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.

While they carry out their projects, participants must ensure the health and safety of their team. No one should be endangered while creating their video or graphic design project.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. 

Participants are encouraged to submit entries online. Submissions may also be mailed on a USB thumb drive or delivered in person. 

For more information about the entry form and rules, contest expectations, and resources – including previous contest winners  – visit the O[yes] online contest page.

The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the Oregon Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Alliance.

### 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.

About the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]): (O[yes]) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.

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