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, January 22, 2025
Willamette Valley Weather


They are saying a mix of rain and snow is expected in Eugene late Thursday into Friday, bringing potential travel disruptions to the area.
According to the National Weather Service, light rain and snow showers could begin Thursday night after midnight, with snow levels dropping to 2,000 feet and lowering further to 700 feet by Friday morning. No significant accumulation is expected, but slippery road conditions are possible, particularly during early morning hours.
Friday will see a continuation of the rain and snow mix before transitioning to rain later in the day. Highs are forecast near 41°F, with overnight lows around 28°F.
Residents should prepare for cooler temperatures and patchy frost earlier in the week before the rain and snow system moves in. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, especially on elevated surfaces, bridges, and mountain passes where snow may accumulate.
The weather is expected to clear by Saturday, with sunny skies and highs reaching the low 40s.
Residents should secure outdoor pipes and ensure pets remain indoors overnight. If snow does arrive, it would mark a rare late-January occurrence for the Eugene area.
Stay updated on weather changes and travel conditions as this late-week system approaches, and plan accordingly for potential impacts.
Stay updated with the National Weather Service for the latest information on evolving conditions.


Egan Warming Centers in Lane County In Need of Volunteers
Egan Warming Centers in Lane County are setting up another night of activation. Volunteers are still hard at work staffing the multiple warming centers after a lack of volunteers this week.

On Monday evening, one of the warming centers could not open because of staffing issues on the late-night shifts. The center was located at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, which serves the South Eugene community. John Craig is the Volunteer Shift Lead at the center and said although small, they are still a vital part of the Egan Warming Center network.
Because of the small size of the facility, officials felt it was better to utilize the volunteers that they already had at their larger locations than the smaller one. Director of Homeless and Shelter Services at St. Vincent De Paul Blaze Kenyon said the number of volunteers needed to provide a safe environment for the volunteers and the visitors was not met, hence the reasoning behind the closure.
“We didn’t have enough volunteers and staff to run it,” Kenyon said. “It has a small capacity anyways so we condensed the volunteers. We had to keep the other sites open.”
Kenyon said that they have already started finding ways to make the volunteering training easier while enticing long-term staff to continue working. He added that for the first time, they are paying the long-term volunteer leads who have invested time into their leadership roles at the centers.
“This is actually the first year that we have been paying some of our shift lead volunteers. They just have to go through the hiring process and those positions are posted,” Kenyon said. “Today we just revised a way to expedite the process where people will be able to come and help wherever they are needed and they’re going to be trained on the site.”
Until the winter season is over, volunteers are still encouraged to sign up and help as the weather continues to stay low. Scott Buttingheusen is one of the volunteers who has been working since the frigid temperatures have come into the area. Buttingheusen said it has been all go for himself and his other volunteers.
“The people respond to the weather change obviously, and not only is it cold but it’s extra cold once you get into the 20’s,” Buttingheusen said. You can find out how to help here: https://www.facebook.com/EganWarmingCenters
Power Outage Affects Thousands of Customers Across Douglas County Including Downtown Roseburg
Utility work crews worked to restore power following an outage that affected approximately 36,000 Douglas County residents on Tuesday morning, according to Pacific Power officials.

Pacific Power said that the outage, which was announced shortly before 6 a.m. on January 21, affected 35,779 customers in the communities of Glide, Myrtle Creek, Oakland, Roseburg, Sutherlin, Winchester, and Winston. Work crews were dispatched to investigate the cause of the outage and make repairs with power estimated to be restored by 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, according to the utility company.
Pacific Power said that power had been restored to all its customers as of 10:13 a.m. on January 21.
The power outage has led to the delayed opening of state offices in all Douglas County cities except Canyonville and Reedsport, according to state officials. State authorities said that state offices, which do not include courts or legislative offices, will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning. UCAN Head Start and Glide Preschool Promise are operating on a two-hour late start for all sites with no morning preschool. Douglas County Circuit Court will open two hours later than normal at 10 a.m.
Roseburg School District announced that classes were canceled for the day due to the outage.
Deputies Arrest Veneta Burglary Suspect on Multiple Charges and Warrants
On January 20th, a Lane County Sheriff’s sergeant stopped a vehicle in the area of Suttle Road and Territorial Highway, Elmira, for several traffic violations. The vehicle was being driven by Lacey Rae Hadley, 33, who was believed to be associated with Charles Guy Younkin-Stec. Younkin-Stec had warrants for his arrest and deputies had probable cause to arrest him on several recent cases. He was also being investigated for similar crimes in other jurisdictions.

A male passenger refused to identify himself, but with assistance from LCSO dispatchers, the sergeant determined he was Younkin-Stec. He was arrested without incident and lodged at the Lane County Jail on the following charges: – Five counts of Burglary in the 2nd Degree – Four counts of Theft in the 1st Degree – Theft in the 2nd Degree – Springfield Municipal Court warrant for Theft in the 2nd Degree
Younkin-Stec was also cited for a Cottage Grove Municipal Court warrant for Theft in the 2nd Degree. Additional criminal charges are expected in cases from neighboring counties as well. Thank you to our community for your assistance in resolving these cases.
Previous News Release: Lane County Sheriff’s deputies attempt to locate prolific burglar in Veneta area
In October of 2024, a restaurant, residence, and market in the Veneta area were all burglarized within a two-week period. Deputies identified one of the suspects as Austin James Blaylock, 30, of Veneta.
Deputies served search warrants at two residences associated with Blaylock in the Veneta area and located evidence linking him to the crimes. Blaylock was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on two counts of Burglary in the 1st Degree, four counts of Burglary in the 2nd Degree, five counts of Theft in the 1st Degree, Theft in the 2nd Degree, and Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree. Blaylock is still in custody as of January 14th.
Deputies identified Charles Guy Younkin-Stec, 33, of Veneta, as an additional suspect in the burglaries. Deputies applied for and were granted a search warrant at his trailer, located in the 88300 block of Ridiculous Road. Before deputies served the search warrant, Crow High School was burglarized. More than $10,000 dollars worth of items were stolen.
Deputies served the warrant on Younkin-Stec’s trailer. Evidence was discovered linking him to each of the previous burglaries, including the burglary of the high school, as well as a recent burglary of an RV storage facility and an older burglary of Crow High School. Deputies learned Linn County discovered evidence linking Younkin-Stec to a residential burglary from earlier in the summer.
Deputies have been unable to locate and arrest Younkin-Stec for the seven listed burglaries, in part because of the lack of cooperation from area residents associated with him. Younkin-Stec has caused substantial hardships and financial loss to Veneta-area businesses, residents, and our students. Anyone with information on Younkin-Stec’s location is asked to call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141.
Eugene Police Department · My PD Connect

–A user-friendly online reporting system from Eugene Police Department! https://epd.mypdconnect.com/CSOs, our trained, unarmed, civilian officers, handle non-emergency calls, assisting patrol and focusing on property crimes and traffic incidents. My PD Connect is a game-changer in community safety!
Man Arrested in City Nights Shooting

Desmond Boris Washington, age 39, has been arrested in connection with the December 8 shooting as City Nights. He is being held at the Lane County Jail on charges including: Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Unlawful Use Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Tampering with Evidence
PREVIOUS INFORMATION: EPD investigating shooting at City NightsAt 2:02 a.m. on December 8, Eugene Police Patrol was downtown and called in shots fired at City Nights, 77 W. Broadway. Initial information is that a suspect fired inside the bar and struck two patrons. One has critical injuries and one was treated and released. EPD investigations is continuing to follow up.
LCSO Case #25-0260 Deputies arrest wire thieves reported by observant resident
On January 16th at about 7 a.m., a resident in the Triangle Lake area of Highway 36 observed three people who had started a fire on private property. They reportedly matched the description of suspects in a recent wire theft in the area. Deputies responded and contacted them.
Two of the subjects had warrants for their arrest. The third person, Craig Leon Beaty, 56, left the area. A Lane County Sheriff’s detective joined the investigation. Deputies soon located the stolen wire and developed probable cause to arrest all three subjects for a recent wire theft in the area.
The subjects with warrants were lodged at the Lane County Jail on the following charges:

Kenneth Lee Wilson, 50, of Florence: – Theft in the 1st Degree – Burglary in the 2nd Degree – Failure to Report as a Sex Offender – Three Lane County Circuit Court warrants, one Eugene Municipal Court warrant
Kolby Timmothy Vandehey, 37, of Eugene: – Theft in the 1st Degree – Burglary in the 2nd Degree – Four Eugene Municipal Court warrants
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the third suspect, Craig Beaty. He is believed to be in the Triangle Lake area. Anyone with information on his location is asked to call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141.
LCSO Cases #25-0216, #25-0218 – Deputies serve search warrant to recover two stolen trailers
On January 14th, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies learned two trailers had been stolen from a storage facility in the 86200 block of College View Road, Eugene. They determined the trailers had been stolen by renters, identified as Joshua Adam Hemion, 46, and Kimberly Ann Hemion, 48, both of Fall Creek.
A Lane County Sheriff’s detective applied for and was granted a search warrant for a suspect property in the 38800 block of Fall Creek. Detectives and deputies served the search warrant on January 16th. Both trailers and much of the property they had contained were recovered.
Joshua Hemion and Kimberly Hemion were both arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for two counts each of Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle and Theft in the 1st Degree, as well as Theft in the 2nd Degree. Joshua Hemion also had a warrant for his arrest from the state of Washington.
Help Create A New Strategic Plan For Lane County Online Survey

Lane County is updating its three-year strategic plan for 2025–2027 and wants residents to give input through an online survey.
“Our Strategic Plan is the blueprint for where we focus our efforts to improve lives in Lane County,” said County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky. “We want feedback from our residents so we can be sure our priorities align with our communities’ needs and expectations.”
Community members are invited to take an online survey at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/StrategicPlan. It should take 10–15 minutes. Responses are anonymous.
This survey will help Lane County:
- Understand its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities as a community.
- Identify areas where Lane County can better serve residents.
- Shape a shared vision for the next three years and beyond.
Your feedback will directly influence Lane County’s strategic priorities, ensuring they align with the needs and aspirations of our residents.
The Strategic Plan was last updated in 2022 and focuses on four priority areas:
- Safe, Healthy County
- Vibrant Communities
- Robust Infrastructure
- Our People & Organizational Health
Examples of successful initiatives under the most recent Strategic Plan include renewal of the 5-year public safety levy; investment in new Permanent Supportive Housing projects through partnership with Homes for Good; progress toward the Lane Stabilization Center to increase behavioral health resources in our local community; and passing the levy to support investment in Lane County’s parks. — Review the current Strategic Plan at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/StrategicPlan.
Two women stabbed near W. 2nd and Madison

At 7:49 p.m. on January 11, Eugene Police officers responded to W. 2nd Avenue and Madison Street after two women in their 20s were reported to have been stabbed. Eugene Springfield Fire also responded and transported both victims to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The two women reported they were walking north on the west side of Madison Street. A man standing next to a large tree began to follow them. During this, he attempted to rob them, making punching motions toward them, stabbing them. The victims ran and hid inside one of their vehicles.
The suspect is described as a white male adult approximately in his 40s, 5`06” tall, with a medium build and broad shoulders. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, beanie, and black jacket and tan cargo pants. He had curly blonde, shoulder-length hair, and a brownish blonde beard. None of the victims recognized the man. Eugene Police Violent Crimes Unit is investigating the case. Case 25-00592
Federal Funding Of $30 Million Goes Towards Highway 126 Improvements Near Veneta and Elmira
Oregon U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (D-Ore.) said on Thursday that $30,259,024 in federal funding was allocated to construction work on a two-mile section of OR 126 between Huston Road and Lakeside Drive near Veneta and Elmira.

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) indicated that the decision was made to give rural Oregonians quality and dependable roads.
Officials indicated that the U.S. DOT’s Rural Surface Transportation Grant program, which is funding this project, was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support rural infrastructure projects nationwide, state officials said.
The federal funds will go towards roundabout construction, widening the road between the intersections from two to four lanes, construction of wider shoulders, a new left-turn lane at Lakeside Drive, and railroad crossing improvements at the Huston Road intersection. Rep.
Voyle confirmed that the funding is critical to improving the safety of the highway and ensuring the infrastructure remains dependable for Oregonians. She said, “The project is critical to ensuring safe driving conditions for motorists.”
City of Eugene Invites Proposals for New Affordable Housing
The City of Eugene is seeking proposals for the creation of new affordable housing to be funded by $709,879 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). The AHTF supports the development of housing affordable to low- and moderate-income residents in Eugene. Applications are open now, with a submission deadline of March 5, 2025.
About the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
The AHTF is funded by a 0.5% construction excise tax on new construction in Eugene and a contribution from the City’s General Fund. Since its inception, the fund has supported affordable housing developments that address local housing needs. In 2024, the City invested $1 million in three developments:
- Rosa Village: 52 cooperative-ownership homes by SquareOne Villages.
- The Lucy: 36 rental homes by Cornerstone Community Housing.
- Williams Place: 10 transitional apartments for veterans, by St. Vincent de Paul.
Available Funding and Priorities
This year, $709,879 is available through the Request for Proposals (RFP). Proposed rental or home-ownership developments should:
- Be located in Eugene city limits;
- Include at least 4 dwellings;
- Meet affordability and other criteria outlined in the application; and
- Submit a letter of interest by February 5 and a complete application by March 5.
Preference will be given to developments that:
- provide accessible housing for people with mobility and sensory challenges,
- demonstrate innovation through project design, financing, or management structure,
- are in areas underserved by Affordable Housing, and
- serve populations disproportionately impacted by housing cost burden and historically excluded from housing opportunities.
The full list of award criteria, priorities, and detailed application instructions can be found in the RFP available on the AHTF website.
Proposals will be reviewed, scored, and ranked by community representatives on Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee. Recommendations will be presented to the Eugene City Council for final funding decisions.
For more information on the RFP process, visit the AHTF website. (https://eugene-or.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6886)
Help Us Keep Lane County Warm!
We’re launching the Cold Weather Shelter Drive to support our unhoused neighbors this winter. Donate new or gently used tents, blankets, sleeping bags, and tarps to ensure no one faces the cold alone.

Donation Locations: Visit our website for a full list of drop-off locations. http://www.ccslc.org/cwsd
Or donate directly at our Springfield Service Center:
Catholic Community Services
1025 G Street, Springfield, OR.
Together, we can make a difference! Call 541-345-3628 ext 1317 for more information
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.”
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
Registration open 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

Oregon and Washington January 6 rioters Walk Free After Trump Pardons
President Donald Trump granted clemency to roughly 1,600 people charged in connection with the attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021.

Two men from the Pacific Northwest serving prison sentences for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot have been released from federal custody, less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump granted clemency to roughly 1,600 people charged in connection with the attack on the Capitol.
Reed Christensen walked out of the federal detention facility in Forrest City, Arkansas early Tuesday morning, according to his lawyer. The Hillsboro man thanked President Trump as “a politician who keeps his word” in a statement provided through his lawyer.
Christensen was serving a 46-month sentence after being convicted by a federal jury in September 2023 of one felony and seven misdemeanors, including civil disorder, and three misdemeanor counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers.
Prosecutors claimed the 66-year-old was pepper sprayed after he breached a barrier of bike racks set up to prevent rioters from moving closer to the Capitol building. After receiving aid from police, prosecutors claim Christensen charged through the perimeter and struggled with officers.
Christensen, a U.S. Army veteran and former Intel employee, ran for Oregon governor in the 2022 Republican primary.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons also confirmed that Benjamin Silva of Yacolt, Washington was released on Monday after being pardoned by President Trump. The 37-year-old had been serving four months in federal prison in Lompoc, California.
Silva pleaded guilty in September 2024 to a felony charge of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. Federal prosecutors claimed Silva was part of a group of rioters who participated in a “heave-ho” push against a line of police inside a tunnel entrance to the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021.
Several other Jan. 6 defendants from Oregon will avoid prison time thanks to President Trump’s pardons.
Last week, a federal judge sentenced Andy Steven Oliva-Lopez to 51 months in prison after the Milwaukie, Oregon man pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers.
Federal prosecutors claimed the 37-year-old wore a full-face respirator mask when he sprayed orange bear spray at the faces and heads of police officers outside the Capitol building.
A pair of brothers from Pendleton were also pardoned. Jonathan Peter Klein was supposed to serve nine months in federal prison after pleading guilty to assaulting law enforcement and other offenses. His brother Matthew Klein of Pendleton was sentenced to 90 days in prison for felony and misdemeanor charges.
Their pardons will prevent them from having to serve any time behind bars for their role in the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. (SOURCE)
UPDATE: Two Oregon Residents Were Arrested for Impersonating Firefighters at the Palisades Fire
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐬
We are aware of the recent arrest of two individuals in Southern California for impersonating firefighters at the #LAFires.
We encourage community members to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement or fire officials immediately. Your vigilance helps protect the safety of our communities and the reputation of fire service professionals.

A man and a woman from Oregon were arrested over the weekend for reportedly impersonating firefighters as they attempted to enter a Palisades Fire evacuation zone in what appeared to be a legitimate fire engine, officials announced Sunday.

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau investigators were contacted regarding an arrest of two suspects for impersonation of firefighters. An LAPD patrol unit was driving through the Palisades Fire area with fire personnel and observed a fire truck that did not appear to be legitimate. They relayed the information, and Sheriff’s deputies contacted the individuals in the fire truck as they attempted to enter an evacuation zone.
Upon contacting the two occupants of the truck, deputies noticed they were both wearing turnout gear. The occupants claimed to be from “Roaring River Fire Department” in Oregon. Upon further investigation, the deputies learned that the department name was not a legitimate agency, and the truck was purchased at an auction.
The two occupants were wearing CAL-Fire t-shirts under the turnout gear, helmet, and radios.The two admitted to being in the evacuation zone on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Deputies arrested Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, for Impersonating a Firefighter and Entering an evacuation zone, and the truck was impounded. Suspect Dustin Nehl has a criminal history in Oregon for criminal mischief and arson. Neither have a criminal history in California.
Authorities did not provide a motive for why the man and woman were attempting to enter the evacuation zone allegedly posing as firefighters or if they were facing any charges in addition “impersonating firefighters.”
Investigators will be presenting the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration on Tuesday. Attached are photographs of the vehicle and gear recovered.Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7893. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
Woodburn Gas Station Hid High Prices – Charging Customers $6.70 per gallon

Drivers in Oregon feel scammed after visiting the gas station pumps at an ARCO in Woodburn and learning the store was charging double the state average for filling up their tanks. Now, there are a relatively widespread number of complaints
Most people know which stations near them have cheap gas prices. This is the case because they become familiar with the signs and perhaps pass by them often. However, according to KOIN News, an ARCO fuel station in Oregon hid its prices from buyers. However, once using the gas station pumps, the drivers learned that the store was charging far more than they expected.
One driver, Jay Harries, had this to say about the lack of cheap gas prices, “You know, ARCO, historically, has reasonable prices — I assumed it would be a reasonable price.” He went on to say that he planned to spend $30 on fuel and only being able to get four gallons caught him off guard. Jay continued, “I was shocked, you know, honestly, and a little bit befuddled. And I felt like I had been kind off ripped off.”
Specifically, the ARCO station was charging customers $6.70 per gallon. As for why the drivers feel ripped off, they say this station, which usually has cheap gas prices, had the signs covered up. However, they do admit that the station displayed the prices at the pumps. Still, the store’s reputation caused many to begin fueling with the assumption that they weren’t charging double the state’s average.
So far, there have been about 234 complaints to the Oregon Department of Justice from people who were looking for cheap gas prices. The Better Business Bureau has so far received 14 complaints, 12 of which they rejected. (SOURCE)
Providence’s Striking Continues

Despite negotiations currently underway, the ONA healthcare workers strike at multiple Providence locations across the state is now on day 13 with both sides continuing to blame the other.
The hospital system and 5,000 union represented frontline healthcare workers have returned to the bargaining table through federal mediators.
However, the union claims Providence is not taking negotiations seriously, offering what they call regressive proposals to supposedly punish caregivers for exercising their right to strike.
5,000 frontline caregivers from eight hospitals and six clinics across Oregon went on strike for reasons beyond fair compensation, but a systemic crisis affecting patient care, staffing safety, health insurance benefits, and healthcare delivery. At the core of negotiation will be key issues that include:
- Resolution of systemic unsafe staffing issues documented across facilities
- Addressing health insurance and benefits disparities
- Implementation of necessary patient safety measures
- Market-competitive wages that will attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals.
A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers: If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you’ve received the care you need. Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.
Klamath Falls Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Kidnapping and Sexually Assaulting Two Women and Holding One in Cell
MEDFORD, Ore.— Negasi Zuberi, 31, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, was sentenced to life in federal prison today for kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women, and holding one in a cell he constructed in his garage.

“There is no place in civil society for this type of terrifying violence,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I sincerely hope Zuberi’s life sentence will bring some measure of comfort to his victims. Their courage and perseverance are an inspiration to us all.”
According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, while in Seattle, Zuberi posed as a police officer and used a taser and handcuffs to detain his victim in the backseat of his vehicle. Zuberi then transported the victim approximately 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, stopping along the way to sexually assault her.
At his residence, the victim was moved from his vehicle into a cell he had constructed in his garage. The woman repeatedly banged on the cell door until it broke open and she escaped. The victim retrieved a handgun from Zuberi’s vehicle, fled his garage, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911.
On July 16, 2023, Reno Police Department officers and Nevada State Patrol officers located Zuberi in a parking lot in Reno, Nevada. After a short standoff, Zuberi surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody.
While investigating Zuberi’s crimes, federal agents discovered that approximately six weeks prior to the kidnapping in Seattle, on May 6, 2023, Zuberi kidnapped and sexually assaulted another victim. While being held by Zuberi, his first victim observed stacked cinder blocks in his garage that he later used to construct the cell where he detained his second victim.
On August 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Zuberi with kidnapping and transporting a victim with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Later, on February 15, 2024, a second kidnapping charge and charges for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.
On October 18, 2024, a federal jury found Zuberi guilty of all charges.
This case was investigated by the FBI Portland and Reno, Nevada Field Offices, Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon State Police with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada; Klamath County District Attorney’s Office; Reno, Nevada Police Department; Washoe County, Nevada District Attorney’s Office; Nevada State Police; and Klamath Falls Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Nathan J. Lichvarcik, and Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from Appellate Chief Suzanne Miles, also of the District of Oregon.
First Winning Powerball Jackpot of the Year Sold in Oregon
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The first Powerball jackpot of 2025, worth $328.5 million, was sold in Beaverton. The ticket for Saturday’s drawing was purchased on January 17 in the 97006 zip code.
The winner has a year to come forward and claim their prize. Once a claimant comes forward, it will take time before a winner can be identified due to security and payment processes.
Per state law, players in Oregon, with few exceptions, cannot remain anonymous. The largest Powerball prize previously won in Oregon was last year’s $1.3 billion jackpot split between a Portland man, his wife, and friend.
Approximately a third of sales from the game will be returned to state beneficiaries to support economic development, education, veteran services, state parks and more.
Retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, an Oregon retailer who sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus. The location of the retailer where the current ticket was sold will not be revealed until a winner has come forward due to security protocols.
The Powerball jackpot was last won in December when a ticket sold in New York that was worth $256 million. Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
Columbia County Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Wire Fraud Conspiracy and Illegally Dispensing Animal Drugs
A Columbia County, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison Thursday for her role in a conspiracy to defraud customers seeking to adopt pets and illegally dispensing prescription animal drugs without a lawful order of a veterinarian.
Samantha Miller, 55, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. The sum of restitution Miller must pay to her victims will be determined at a later date.
“Today’s sentence should make it clear to others engaged in unconscionable conduct that it will not be tolerated and they will be held responsible for their crimes,” said Hannah Horsley, Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit for the District of Oregon.
“The FDA regulates animal drugs as part of its mission to protect the public health, which includes ensuring that prescription animal drugs are lawfully obtained, distributed, and dispensed,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who criminally attempt to evade the law.”
According to court documents, between November 2019 and January 2021, Miller and her co-conspirators, through their animal rescue business Woofin Palooza, LLC, conspired to obtain animals with health and behavioral problems from out-of-state shelters at no cost to offer for adoption to paying customers in Oregon. Once animals were transported to Portland, Miller did not provide the care needed by these animals through a licensed veterinarian. Instead, their medical issues were either ignored or Miller attempted to treat the animals herself by administering prescription animal drugs without supervision of a veterinarian.
As part of the scheme, Miller used the alias “Mandy Myers” to hide her true identity. Miller advertised animals for adoption on Woofin Palooza and Petfinder websites with misleading or false statements of the known medical and behavioral issues. When victims adopted a pet, Miller misrepresented the extent of health and behavioral issues in communications and contracts with the victims. In some instances, Miller dispensed prescription animal drugs to victims that she had repackaged with false or misleading labels and without the order of a licensed veterinarian. As a result, victims unknowingly adopted unhealthy and aggressive animals and were forced to seek veterinary care and training, including euthanasia, often incurring significant expenses.
On February 7, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 4-count superseding indictment charging Miller with conspiring to commit wire fraud, conspiring to misbrand drugs, and misbranding animal drugs by dispensing them without a lawful order of a veterinarian and by repackaging and relabeling them.
On October 24, 2024, Miller pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and misbranding drugs by dispensing prescription animal drugs without a lawful order of a veterinarian.
This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto and Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
Over $1.4 million is coming to Oregon, in order to help homeless veterans secure affordable housing.
Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden made the announcement of $1,449,067 in funding on Tuesday. As the funding will come from federal housing assistance.
“These federal housing vouchers will help homeless veterans across Oregon, helping us deliver on the promise of necessary resources and support for those men and women who wore the uniform.” said Senator Merkley.
The federal investment from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program will be distributed as follows:
- Housing Authority of Washington County: $615,090
- Housing Authority of Clackamas County: $321,675
- Housing Authority of the City of Salem: $233,001
- Northwest Oregon Housing Authority: $103,535
- Marion County Housing Authority: $57,656
- Housing and Urban Renewal Agency of Polk County: $39,660
- Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority: $39,234
- Housing Authority of Lincoln County: $39,216
“Too many of these heroes struggle to find affordable housing in Oregon, and I’ll keep fighting to deliver critical resources to help ease the burden on veterans searching for a place to call home.”
Oregon joins lawsuit over Trump attempt to end birthright citizenship
Washington, Arizona and Illinois are also part of the case, while other Democratic states filed a separate lawsuit

Oregon joined Washington, Arizona and Illinois on Tuesday in suing President Donald Trump and several cabinet officials over his attempt to withhold citizenship from babies born in the United States to immigrants.
For more than 150 years, the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has guaranteed that all people born in the country are citizens.
Hours after he took office on Monday, Trump signed an executive order to reinterpret that amendment to exclude from citizenship any children born to undocumented immigrants or to people who are legally in the country on a temporary basis, such as with a student, work or tourist visa.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield Trump’s attempt to “sidestep” the Fourteenth Amendment a “clear violation of the United States Constitution.”
“If allowed to stand, this order would break decades of established law that has helped keep kids healthy and safe,” said Rayfield. “While the President has every right to issue executive orders during his time in office, that power does not extend to instituting policies that infringe on our constitutional rights.”
Rayfield, a Democrat elected in November, signed onto a lawsuit led by newly elected Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and filed in the U.S. District Court in Western Washington. The Democratic attorneys general of Arizona and Illinois joined the suit, which requests a temporary restraining order blocking Trump’s executive order from taking effect.
The suit follows a separate, similar complaint filed earlier Tuesday by 18 Democratic states, the District of Columbia and the city and county of San Francisco in federal district court in Massachusetts. California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin were part of that lawsuit.
Both lawsuits argue that Trump’s order will result in tens of thousands of children losing rights and the ability to access services, and that states would lose federal funding they now rely on to provide essential services including foster care and basic health care for low-income children.
Fourteenth Amendment — In Oregon, for instance, about 2,500 children were born in 2022 to mothers who lacked legal status, and about 1,500 of those children were born to parents who both lacked legal status, the lawsuit said. Those children would remain citizens under Trump’s order, which isn’t retroactive, but babies born after Feb. 19 would not.
“The individuals who are stripped of their United States citizenship will be rendered undocumented, subject to removal or detention, and many will be stateless — that is, citizens of no country at all,” the Western states’ lawsuit said. “They will lose eligibility for myriad federal benefits programs. They will lose their right to travel freely and re-enter the United States. They will lose their ability to obtain a Social Security number (SSN) and work lawfully. They will lose their right to vote, serve on juries, and run for certain offices. And they will be placed into lifelong positions of instability and insecurity as part of a new underclass in the United States.”
Much of the 85-page court filing describes the history and precedent of the Fourteenth Amendment, one of the three Reconstruction amendments passed in the wake of the Civil War to expand voting rights and citizenship to formerly enslaved people. The Fourteenth Amendment spells out that anyone born or naturalized and subject to its jurisdiction — i.e. not the child of a foreign diplomat or an enemy combatant — in the U.S. is a citizen, with no further action required.
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld that interpretation in an 1898 case, United States v. Wong Kim Ark, cited in the lawsuit. It held that Wong, born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrants, was a citizen because he was born in the U.S. and thus could not be barred from returning to the U.S. because the Chinese Exclusion Acts passed by Congress to prevent Chinese laborers from coming to the country could not apply to citizens.
Registering to vote — The suit also notes that a U.S. birth certificate has long been considered adequate proof of citizenship for the Social Security Administration and for state-run voter registration.
Arizona, one of the plaintiffs, is the only state in the country that requires proof of citizenship to register to vote in state elections — all others follow the federal requirement that potential voters swear under penalty of perjury that they’re citizens. If being born in the U.S. is no longer a guarantee of citizenship, the state would need to develop a new and more complex set of procedures to determine which voters are eligible, the lawsuit said.
Oregon’s automatic voter registration system, likewise, uses birth certificates as proof of citizenship. If someone brings a U.S. birth certificate to Driver and Motor Vehicle Services to apply for a driver’s license or state-issued ID, state workers send their information to the Secretary of State’s Office to register that person to vote.
The states also argued that stripping citizenship from newborn babies would place a financial burden on states. The federal government covers much of the cost of health care for low-income children who are citizens through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. But the states that sued pick up costs for all or some health care for undocumented children who would be eligible for Medicaid if they were citizens.
In Oregon, for instance, the Oregon Health Plan covers all children and teens younger than 19 and whose families earn up to about three times the federal poverty level, regardless of immigration status. If thousands of children are blocked from citizenship, the state’s costs would increase.
The states also anticipate losing federal funding for foster care and spending more to train health care workers to collect citizenship information from parents at a child’s birth, the lawsuit says.
Rayfield has joined other lawsuits, including intervening last week in suits seeking to preserve federal gun regulations and health insurance for children of undocumented immigrants. Gov. Tina Kotek has requested that the Oregon Legislature increase his office’s budget by $2 million in anticipation of more federal litigation against Trump policies. (SOURCE)
Oregonians looking to renew their vehicle registration and get new tags can now do so at a handful of Fred Meyer stores around the state
The self-service express kiosks from Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services are designed to give Oregonians another way to renew their registration besides at a DMV office, online or by mail, according to a news release.
The kiosks are located in Fred Meyer locations in Salem and Eugene as well as in Beaverton, Bend, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Medford, Oak Grove and Tualatin. A location in Portland is coming soon and the DMV said it plans to offer more kiosks around the state in the future.
In Salem, the kiosk is at the Fred Meyer located at 3740 Market St. NE and allows users to pay by cash, credit or debit card. In Eugene, it’s located at the Fred Meyer at 3333 W 11th Ave. and will only allow payment via debit or credit card.
“We see these kiosks as a way to improve customer service, access and equity,” DMV administrator Amy Joyce said in the news release. “This program is the latest effort aimed at improving the DMV experience for our customers.”
The kiosks are ADA-accessible and registration renewal can be completed in English and Spanish. Users will be charged a $4.95 vendor fee for each transaction.
Customers will need to bring identification (license, permit, or ID card), insurance information and registration renewal notice. — Vehicle registration cards and license plate stickers will be printed after the transaction.
Registration Is Now Open For The Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K Run for the Trees
Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests. Registration is now open for the 2025 Run for the Trees at www.orparksforever.org.

Participants can run, walk, hike, skate, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day). Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15.
For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks. Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.
Gather your friends, family and/or colleagues and create your own walk or run. Make it fun!
Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.
As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its fifth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include ten other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland and Virginia will “lock arms” as they help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.
“We are thrilled to partner with Bob Ross, Inc. and these other ten states on the Happy Little 5K concept as a way to honor the late Bob Ross and create a legacy event to plant trees,” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.”
Oregon Parks Forever joined this event as an expansion of our efforts to fund the replanting of trees killed by wildfires, heat domes and invasive insects. Over the past three years, Oregon Parks Forever has been able to fund the replanting of more than 800,000 trees across Oregon.
“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.”
Learn more about the program at www.orparksforever.org.
IRS Direct File, Direct File Oregon Will Be Available When Income Tax Return Processing Begins January 27
Salem, OR— Free electronic filing through the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon will open January 27 when both the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue begin processing e-filed 2024 federal and state income tax returns. Paper-filed return processing will begin in mid-February.
The IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own tax returns in 2025 will have the option to electronically file both their federal and state income tax returns for free by filing directly with the IRS and the state.
Taxpayers are encouraged to use the IRS Eligibility Checker to see if they qualify to file directly with the IRS and the state.
E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received. However, as in years past, the department won’t be issuing personal income tax refunds until after February 15. A refund hold is part of the department’s tax fraud prevention efforts and allows for confirmation that the amounts claimed on tax returns match what employers and payers report on Forms W-2 and 1099.
E-filing is the fastest way for a taxpayer to get their refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.
The department reminds taxpayers that taking a few easy steps in the next few weeks can make preparing their 2024 tax return easier in 2025.
Free filing options open January 27 — In addition to IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon, other free filing options will also open January 27. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Free fillable forms are available for all income levels. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.
Free and low-cost tax help — Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.
Voluntary self-identification of race and ethnicity information — New for 2025, Oregon taxpayers and Oregonians can voluntarily provide information about their race and ethnicity on Form OR-VSI when they file their 2024 taxes. Providing this information may be done separately from a tax return through Revenue Online. The information will be confidential. It can only be used for research purposes to analyze potential inequities in tax policy. The new option is a result of Senate Bill 1 in 2023.
Use Revenue Online to verify payments — Taxpayers can verify their estimated payments through their Revenue Online account.
Through Revenue Online, individuals can also view letters sent to them by the department, initiate appeals, make payments, and submit questions. Visit Revenue Online on the Revenue website to learn more.
Those who don’t have a Revenue Online account can sign up on the agency’s website.
To check the status of their refund after February 15, or make payments, taxpayers can visit Revenue’s website. You can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls.
Department Of Revenue Volunteers Will Help Taxpayers Use Direct File Oregon To E-file Their Taxes For Free At Libraries Across The State
Salem, OR—Oregonians looking for assistance in electronically filing their taxes for free, could find help as close as their local library this tax season.
Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will be traveling to libraries in 17 different communities across the state in February, March, and April to assist taxpayers in using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to complete their returns.
The one-day tax help clinics are planned at libraries in:
Bandon | North Bend |
Burns | Prineville |
Coquille | Pendleton |
Cornelius | Roseburg |
The Dalles | Salem |
Klamath Falls | Seaside |
Lebanon | Sweet Home |
McMinnville | Toledo |
Tualatin |
Dates, times, and addresses for each clinic can be found on the Free Direct File assistance at local libraries webpage.
Last year, more than 140,000 taxpayers in 12 other states filed their federal tax returns using a limited IRS Direct File pilot program while nearly 7,000 Oregon taxpayers filed their state returns using the free, state-only Direct File Oregon option.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in May that it would make IRS Direct File a permanent option for taxpayers and invited all 50 states to participate. Oregon was the first of 13 new states to accept the invitation from the IRS in June creating a seamless free e-filing system for both federal and state taxes.
With the two direct file systems connected, the IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon taxpayers will be able to e-file both their federal and state returns for free in 2025.
The department believes that offering free assistance will help maximize the number of Oregonians who choose to use the new free option and make it possible for many who don’t have a filing requirement to file and claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families.
For example, the IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.
Taxpayers should use the IRS eligibility checker to see if they’ll be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Eligible taxpayers should set up an IRS online account and an account with Oregon’s Revenue Online before they come to an event. Taxpayers attending an event should bring the following information with them.
- Social security card or ITIN for everyone on your tax return
- Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (such as driver’s license or passport)
Common income and tax documents
- Forms W2 (wages from a job)
- Forms 1099 (other kinds of income)
- Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)
Optional documents to download
- Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
- Last year’s tax return
Taxpayers can signup for the new “Oregon Tax Tips” direct email newsletter to keep up with information about tax return filing and how to claim helpful tax credits.
You’ll need a Real ID to fly domestically, starting in May of 2025, that’s unless you have a passport or enhanced driver’s license issued by several states.

The deadline is May 7, 2025, but you probably don’t want to wait until the last minute to get your Real ID. You can apply for your Real ID driver’s license or ID card through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Real IDs are marked with a star on the top of the card. Real IDs will also be needed to access certain federal facilities. Congress mandated the real IDs in 2005 on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.
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
