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
Friday, February 28, 2025
Willamette Valley Weather
Stay updated with the National Weather Service for the latest information on evolving conditions.
New Code Allowing the Placement of Rental RVs for Rural Lane County Properties
Beginning Thursday, February 27, properties in unincorporated Lane County (meaning outside city limits and urban growth boundaries) that are zoned Rural Residential may be able to add a rental recreational vehicle (RV) to their property.
“We know access to affordable housing is a critical need throughout Lane County,” said Board of County Commissioners Chair David Loveall. “This new code, made possible by recent changes to state law, allows us to open up long-term housing opportunities in rural communities while at the same time providing guardrails to ensure that it doesn’t negatively affect the character of our rural areas.”
The new code was passed by the Board of County Commissioners in January. It can be found in Lane Code Chapter 16.290 (9).
To take advantage of this new program, properties must meet the following criteria:
- Only one RV is allowed on lots zoned Rural Residential in conjunction with a primary single-family dwelling.
- The single-family dwelling must be the primary residence of the property owner.
- No other dwelling units may exist on the property, including a temporary medical hardship or an ADU, and no portion of the single-family dwelling may be rented for residential tenancy. The property may not be in an urban reserves area.
- Rental RVs are not allowed in the regulatory floodplain.
- The RV must be licensed and ready for highway use.
- The RV cannot be used for vacation occupancy, meaning the stay must exceed 45 days.
- The property owner must provide essential services (sewage disposal, water, electric, and if required by applicable law, a drainage system) to the RV space.
- The RV must contain a toilet and sink or the property owner must make these facilities available to the tenant.
- The RV must be located on a paved or graveled parking pad.
- There are special setbacks of 30 feet from the RV and resource zoned properties.
- There must be a rental agreement between the owner of the property and the tenant of the rental RV and the RV must be owned or leased by the tenant.
Interested property owners can contact Lane County Land Management at 541-682-3577 or stop by the Customer Service Center at 3050 N. Delta Highway in Eugene between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. More information is also available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/LMD.
Salem Police investigate officer involved use of deadly force incident near Kulongoski Army Aviation Training Center
–The Salem Police Department is conducting an officer use of deadly physical force investigation from an incident that occurred earlier today near the security gate at the Governor Ted Kulongoski Army Aviation Training Center off Turner Road in Salem, Oregon, on February 27, 2025.
The incident began when the Oregon State Police responded to an individual who provided a threatening note to the guard stationed outside the airfield. Specifically, the computer aided dispatch report available to the responding Trooper stated that a “male subject is at the guard shack in the front handed a note to RP [reporting party] saying I will give you 10 minutes to decide, something about laying down arms[.] This is the second time subj [subject] has appeared at the loc [location] in the last 3 days[.]” The trooper contacted the suspect outside the guard station. A confrontation ensued and shots were fired.
The suspect’s open knife was located at the scene. A photograph of the knife is attached to this release.
The suspect has been identified as Matthew Walter Wong, 22, of Salem, Oregon. He was declared deceased at the scene. At the time of his death, Mr. Wong had an active warrant for his arrest in Marion County Circuit Court case 24CR12276 for Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
The Marion County District Attorney’s Office, in coordination with the Salem Police Department, has contacted next of kin and are providing the decedent’s family services through a Marion County District Attorney’s Office family support liaison.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The involved law enforcement officer is Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Justin Oxenrider. He has been a Trooper with the Oregon State Police for 18 years. Senior Trooper Oxenrider is a K9 Trooper and his K9 partner was present and in the Trooper’s vehicle during the incident, however his K9 partner detects explosives and is not used for enforcement purposes.
In accordance with Marion County’s Law Enforcement Intentional Use of Deadly Physical Force Response Plan (“SB111 plan”), which outlines investigatory standards for deadly force investigations, the Salem Police Department was requested to conduct the use of deadly force investigation because they were not involved in the incident. Salem Police detectives are working with the Marion County District Attorney’s Office to complete the investigation.
Once the investigation is concluded it will be sent to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office for presentation to a Grand Jury. No further information will be released at this time to preserve the Grand Jury’s official inquiry, and all future information will be released by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office after the presentation to the Grand Jury.
LCSO Case #25-0960 – Deputies arrest male with warrant after house fire near Jasper
Lane Co. Sheriff’s Office – 02/26/25 9:40 AMJasper Arrest On February 26th at about 3:30 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded with fire personnel to a house fire in the 85900 block of Edenvale Road, west of Jasper. Fire personnel determined no one was inside.
Deputies contacted a person associated with the residence, Fred Lemuel Bunge, 54, walking away from the area. Deputies determined there was a Lane County Circuit Court warrant for Bunge’s arrest for Attempt to Elude by Vehicle and Reckless Driving. Bunge was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail without incident.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. Thanks to the multiple fire agencies who responded to the incident and prevented the fire from spreading to nearby residences.
Man arrested after slapping a mother and spitting on her baby while holding a gun
At 4:41 p.m. on February 26, Eugene Police responded to Valley River Center for a menacing with a firearm incident inside the mall. The suspect, 22-year-old Reeson Darrell Cofey was reported to have slapped a mother and spit on her baby while holding a firearm in his waistband. Eugene Police Patrol officers and detectives saturated the area.
Investigations worked with Springfield Police Department and found a possible location for Cofey in Springfield. SPD watched a vehicle associated with Cofey arrive at the location and observed Reeson enter the residence. EPD SWAT, Crisis Negotiation Team, K9, and Drone Team were activated and responded to assist. The primary officer, with the assistance of an EPD Violent Crimes detective, applied for a search warrant.
Hails were conducted and Cofey came out of the house and officers safely took him into custody. He was transported to Lane County Jail on charges including Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, Harassment, and Assault in the Fourth Degree.Eugene Police appreciates SPD’s assistance with this case. Case 25-03217
Water Obstruction – Upper McKenzie River just below Belknap Hot Springs
There is an obstruction on the upper McKenzie River just below Belknap Hot Springs at an area known as Fish Rock. A large tree trunk and smaller debris are completely blocking the river. It cannot be passed safely, and there are no safe portage options. Please avoid this section of river or navigate with extreme caution.
The blockage coordinates are 44.19185, -122.06500. Marine Patrol deputies are coordinating with the U.S. Forest Service on a plan to mitigate the hazard. Visit www.oregon.gov/osmb for the latest information on water obstructions within Oregon.
The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce has filed a referendum petition challenging the Eugene City Council’s decision to implement a new fire service fee.
The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce is challenging the Eugene City Council’s decision to implement a new fire service fee without a public vote. The fee would see Eugene residents having new charges on their monthly bills starting in July after the Eugene City Council chose to implement a new fire service fee in a 5-3 vote, saying the new charge would minimize cuts in the city’s 2025-27 budget.
With projections for cost and revenue, the city budget has an $11.5 million gap, which the city manager and chief financial officer attributed to property tax value and collection rate and state funding growing slower than inflation, Oregon Public Employees Retirement System rates and personnel costs as contracts get renegotiated. Supporters say the fee is necessary to prevent deep cuts to city services, while opponents argue it should be put to a public vote.
The chamber said it believes “voters should have a voice in decisions that create permanent fees for core government services” and that instead of passing a new fee, the city should “create a sustainable financial plan that prioritizes core services while ensuring the city lives within its means.”
Chamber President Brittany Quick-Warner emailed chamber members to inform them that a survey showed 70% of respondents opposed the fee and supported the chamber’s efforts to get a new vote on the issue. The chamber has until March 13 to collect 5,817 valid signatures to qualify the fee for a citywide election.
World War II Memorial Plaques Stolen From Eugene Church Memorial
Two historic metal war memorial plaques were reported stolen from a memorial area at Bethesda Lutheran Church in the Bethel-Danebo area of Eugene on Wednesday. Church and community members are hoping these will be returned.
Pastor Tom Welch is urging the community to keep an eye out for the plaques. Some community members online are also chiming in, offering cash rewards for the return of the plaques no questions asked.
Pastor Welch says “The plaques that were stolen were metal, and those were World War II. And then the other one was up until 1953 and included post-war and Korea. We’ve placed calls to our closest scrappers, you know, and they all will keep an eye out. I think I suspect that the reputable ones will keep an eye out and the disreputable ones will say so. And it’s really up to them.”
Eugene Police Department confirmed they are aware of the theft and a case has been opened. Security cameras in the area could have possibly captured some of the theft, but Pastor Welch is still working to review the video.
Lane Arts Council is actively seeking six new board members to join us in cultivating belonging, learning and investment to engage all of Lane County in the transformative power of the arts. Applications due March 9th; details at lanearts.org.
Computer kiosks now available in Revenue regional offices to help taxpayers with free electronic filing
Oregon Dept. of Revenue
-Oregon taxpayers preparing their own taxes can now file their returns using computer kiosks set up in public spaces in Department of Revenue regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, and Portland during business hours.
The kiosks can be used to file taxes through the free fillable forms and Direct File Oregon e-file options.
Office located in Eugene
1600 Valley River Drive
Suite 310
Eugene, OR 97401-2160
Monday — Friday 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. — 1:30 p.m.)
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 computer kiosk offers a way to file electronically for those without a computer or those who fill out paper forms and want to transfer their data into one of the two available options to receive their refund sooner,” said Megan Denison, administrator of the department’s Personal Tax and Compliance Division.
Federal Funding Update From Lane County
Lane County is closely monitoring changes at the federal level and any effect they may have on the services we provide to our community. At this time, there are no changes to our services, including at our Community Health Centers of Lane County.
At Lane County, we are guided by values regularly reaffirmed over the past 25 years by the Board of County Commissioners as part of our strategic plan: integrity, excellence, equity and respect.
Lane County continues to comply with federal and state law. Please remember, state law prohibits local governments and law enforcement agencies from sharing information with federal agencies regarding immigration enforcement without a signed judicial order. Lane County continues to ensure all medical privacy laws are enforced to fullest extent of the law.
Patients of the Community Health Centers of Lane County are encouraged to keep existing appointments and continue making future appointments. For patients enrolled in a Medicaid health plan, all insurances are still available and paying for services. Telehealth services are available in many cases. If a patient has questions about their individual care, they should contact their provider directly or reach out to the call center at 541-682-3550.
As we continue to learn more about how current and future executive orders and rule-making might affect Lane County services, information will be available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/ServiceLevels. We remain committed to improving lives in our community.
Catholic Community Services of Lane County · 
Urgent Call for Donations
Our **No-Cost Clothing Closet** is running low on supplies, and we need your help to keep serving our community! 
We’re looking for:
Gently used or new clothes for all ages and sizes Coats, sweaters, sweatshirts Socks, gloves
**Drop-off Location:** 1025 G Street, Springfield, OR
**Hours:** M – F 9a-12p
Every item you donate brings warmth, dignity, and hope to someone in need. Let’s make a difference together!
Please share this post to help us spread the word!
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 in an emergency.
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 Launches Official Website to Commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary
The America 250 Oregon Commission is excited to announce the launch of Oregon’s official U.S. Semiquincentennial website, oregon250.org. In this digital space, the public can browse a community events calendar, explore online exhibitions, and access resources for getting involved in this nationwide commemoration. The site also includes links to all nine of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes.
The America 250 Oregon Commission was created by Senate Bill 1531, signed into law on March 27, 2024, by Governor Tina Kotek. Chaired by the Oregon Historical Society’s executive director, Kerry Tymchuk, the 27-member commission has been tasked to coordinate and provide guidance for Oregon’s official observance of the United States Semiquincentennial. To date, the commission has met three times and has developed its mission and guideposts.
The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is “to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial.”
The commission’s official guideposts are:
- To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
- To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
- To highlight the work of Oregon’s many history and heritage organizations.
- To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
- To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
- To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon’s veterans.
- To celebrate the power of place through Oregon’s remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.
“As we commemorate our nation’s history at a time when Americans seem deeply divided, I believe that by celebrating our successes and honestly reckoning with our setbacks, we can improve and deepen public understanding of our history, increase public appreciation of service to our state and country, and inspire Oregonians to participate in and shape the ongoing American experiment,” said Kerry Tymchuk, chair of the America 250 Oregon Commission.
While guidelines for community event submissions are currently in development, the America 250 Oregon Commission encourages the public to explore two online exhibitions created in honor of the U.S. Semiquincentennial.
Oregon’s beauty and spirit are as diverse as its landscape and its people, and to celebrate the state’s bounty, the commission contracted with photographer Peter Marbach on two digital photographic exhibitions that showcase the essence of Oregon and its vibrant communities. The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries. The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state. Both exhibitions are being made into physical traveling exhibitions, which will soon be available to organizations and heritage sites statewide.
If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact egon.250@ohs.org“>oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.
About the America 250 Oregon Commission – The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.
Company Petitions to Revive Jordan Cove LNG Project in Southern Oregon
On February 24, 2025, OA Partners LLC – a LNG transportation startup based in Arizona – filed a petition with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to retroactively revive the Jordan Cove LNG Terminal project in Coos County, Oregon.
The project was canceled in 2021 after failing to secure the necessary environmental permits and years of opposition from local residents.
The petition cites President Trump’s Executive Order to unleash American energy and expedite permitting for LNG export projects, and asks the court to waive Oregon’s state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act.
If built, the Jordan Cove terminal would have been able to export up to 7.8 million metric tons of LNG every year; natural gas would have been supplied to the facility by a new 229-mile-long pipeline. (SOURCE)
DAS Office of Economic Analysis Presents the March Revenue Forecast
Oregon’s forecast remains strong
Salem, OR – Carl Riccadonna, state chief economist and Michael Kennedy, senior economist of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), presented the latest economic outlook and revenue forecast to a joint meeting of the Oregon Legislative Revenue Committees. The quarterly revenue forecasts serve to open the revenue forecasting process to public review and is the basis for much of the Oregon state government budgeting process.
What is different about this forecast? The Office of Economic Analysis provides quarterly forecasts for the State of Oregon’s major revenue sources, including all sources contributing to the General Fund (Personal and Corporate Income Tax, etc.), Lottery and the Corporate Activity Tax. In May of odd years, OEA’s revenue forecast establishes the resource levels for the next biennium’s adopted budget.
The March 2025 economic outlook is much like was presented in December 2024, with optimism toward a “soft landing” scenario but with widening variability in risk factors. Key points include:
- State economy is increasingly bound to national trends for growth and inflation
- Heightened sensitivity to trade tensions given geography and industry composition
- Labor conditions are healthy, but hiring has sputtered and breadth of job creation is weak
- Magnitude of demographic rebound will be critical to growth outcome
Revenue Forecast – The March revenue forecast projects the 2023-25 General Fund ending balance to be $2.59 billion, with revenues decreasing by $89 million and appropriations up $110 million since the December forecast.
In the 2025-27 biennium, General Fund available resources are forecast to increase by $350 million, and revenues increasing by $551 million from the December forecast. This results in a total of $38.2 billion projected available resources.
About the Office of Economic Analysis – The state chief economist oversees the Office of Economic Analysis within the Department of Administrative Services and provides objective forecasts of the state’s economy, revenue, populations, corrections population and Youth Authority population. These forecasts are used across state government, and by the public for a variety of reasons, notably to inform the state budgeting process. For more information about the Office of Economic Analysis and recent forecasts visit https://www.oregon.gov/das/oea/pages/index.aspx.
March Is “Home Improvement Month” at Oregon Construction Contractors Board
The Construction Contractors Board (CCB), the state agency that licenses contractors in Oregon, follows a mission to protect consumers from unlicensed contractor activity. This is a time of year when homeowners and consumers plan home improvement projects. To support consumers at this time, CCB is making this month “Home Improvement Month”.
For home improvement month, CCB has created a webpage where consumers can find helpful information to support them during their home improvement project. On this page, CCB addresses topics like why checking the license is important, signs of an unlicensed contractor scam, and how to report unlicensed contractors. Consumers can see the webpage at: https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/Pages/Home-Improvement-Month.aspx
During the month of March, CCB will also offer three free webinars to the public on different topics.
Door-to-Door Sales Webinar: What to Do When the Home Improvement Comes to You – March 4, 2025, 11:00
During this talk about door-to-door sales, the CCB presenter will explore the question: when is it a scam and when is it legit? Speakers will discuss how to protect yourself from scams and hire the right contractor for you.
Fire Hardening Webinar – March 18, 2025, 11:00
In this webinar, Building Codes Division will present about how to harden your home against fires. A speaker from the Oregon State Fire Marshal will present on creating defensible space. At the end, CCB will present on how to hire a contractor to do the work.
Choosing a Real Estate Agent, their Duties to You, and What to Do If Things Go Wrong Webinar – March 27, 2025, 11:00
This presentation will feature a speaker from Oregon’s Real Estate Agency (REA), providing tips for choosing an agent and what to do when things go wrong. At the end, CCB will present on working with contractors to repair a home during the buying and selling process.
Anyone who would like to attend can register on CCB’s Home Improvement Month webpage.
“Empowering consumers through education is a core mission of the CCB,” said Chris Huntington, CCB Administrator. “CCB’s Home Improvement Month line-up of educational webinars and resources are designed to help consumers go into a construction project with the knowledge they need to help them protect their most valuable investment.”
### About the CCB – The CCB is the state agency licensing over 42,000 contractor businesses. Anyone who is paid to repair, improve or build a home must be licensed. Learn more about how to have a successful project at www.oregon.gov/ccb.
More than 3,400 use Direct File Oregon in opening weeks of tax season
Salem, OR–Through the first month of the 2025 tax season, more than 3,400 Oregon taxpayers have electronically filed their income tax returns directly with the state using Direct File Oregon. More than 1,400 of those state returns were filed in combination with federal tax returns using IRS Direct File.
The option to use the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to file both federal and state income taxes is new this year.
“Direct file is interview based,” said Megan Denison, Personal Tax and Compliance Division administrator at the Oregon Department of Revenue. “You’ll start at the IRS website and sign-in to your IRS account through ID.me. You will be asked to answer a series of questions and enter your tax information. Once you complete your federal return, you’ll sign in to your Oregon Revenue Online account and your federal tax information will be loaded into Direct File Oregon. A few more questions and you’ll be done.”
The department has released a helpful video with tips for using the federal and state direct file combination, she said.
Taxpayers using the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon have been completing their Oregon returns in about 16 minutes, she said. Taxpayer response has been positive with survey feedback averaging 4.5 on a five-point scale.
IRS Direct File does not support all return types. Specifically, taxpayers with dividends reported on Form 1099-DIV and capital gains or losses are not supported. Income from pensions, reported on Form 1099-R, won’t be supported until later in March.
“The IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon taxpayers will be among 32 million taxpayers nationally who will be able to use the new free option,” Denison said. “The IRS expanded eligibility this year to cover more tax situations. To find out if they qualify, taxpayers can use the eligibility checker on the IRS website. They’ll be asked a few simple questions about the types of income they report on their tax return and a few more about credits and deductions they claim.”
To use IRS Direct File taxpayers must have an IRS online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have IRS online account should sign up with ID.me and create an account before beginning the filing process.
Taxpayers who want to import their federal return information into Direct File Oregon must have a Revenue Online account to file their state income tax return. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website.
Denison also pointed out that taxpayers who aren’t eligible to use IRS Direct File to file their federal return may still be able to file their state return with Direct File Oregon.
“The IRS first offered a direct file option as part of a pilot program in 12 states last year,” Denison said. “The Treasury Department announced in May that it would make IRS Direct File a permanent option for taxpayers and invited all 50 states to participate to create a seamless free filing system for both federal and state taxes. Oregon was the first of 13 new states to accept the invitation from the IRS in June.
“In 2024, we offered Direct File Oregon as an option to file Oregon income taxes directly with the state through our online portal, Revenue Online. By connecting Direct File Oregon and IRS Direct File, we now offer an option to seamlessly e-file both state and federal income taxes for free.”
Public computer kiosks for use filing taxes with Direct File Oregon and free fillable forms are available in department regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, and Portland.
In addition, volunteers from the department are traveling to libraries in 18 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. More information, including dates, times, and locations, can be found on the department’s website.
Oregon DMV resumes Motor Voter program after mistakenly registering hundreds of noncitizens to vote
Kotek had paused the program last year after the Oregon Secretary of State’s office revealed that hundreds of noncitizens had been mistakenly registered to vote.
The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) will resume sending records to the Oregon Secretary of State for automatic voter registration, after mistakenly registering noncitizens to vote last year.
The Oregon Motor Voter Act automatically registers Oregonians that apply for or renew their state driver’s license, permit or ID to vote by sending their information sent to Oregon’s Secretary of State.
Gov. Tina Kotek had paused the program in October after the Oregon Secretary of State’s office revealed that hundreds of noncitizens had been mistakenly registered to vote over a period of three years through said Motor Voter program. Subsequent reviews brought the number of improper registrations up to about 1,600.
Despite the hundreds of mistaken registrations, state officials last said that only 17 people had actually cast ballots in an election for which they were ineligible. All of the registrations were inactivated once they were caught, and none of those votes could have impacted an outcome of an election, according to the Secretary of State. Many of those 17 people were citizens, the Secretary of State added.
The problem, Oregon officials concluded, was a combination of human error and a lack of failsafes. In many cases, DMV staff selected “U.S. passport” from a dropdown when they were given a foreign passport. Others may not have presented proper documentation at the time they visited the DMV but were listed as having done so. And some had U.S. passports but were from U.S. territories and should not have been eligible to vote.
Kotek also directed ODOT to initiate a data integrity review of DMV on Oct. 7; the audit is currently underway and is expected to be finished by April’s end, according to ODOT’s Chris Crabb.
The DMV continued to collect and hold records throughout the pause, and those will now be sent to the Secretary of State.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, the DMV has made efforts to make sure last year’s error does not happen again, including hiring a voter registration integrity analyst; adding a third review at the end of each day; which involves a manager verifying all files before information is sent to the Secretary of State’s Elections Division; and changing the user interface to make it less likely for DMV staff to select the wrong document, including separating foreign documents from U.S. documents that prove citizenship onto completely different screens. (SOURCE)
Join Us for the 2025 Women in Public Safety Event hosted by Portland Police Bureau. 
Explore exciting career opportunities in law enforcement! Whether you’re a recent graduate, considering a career change, or simply curious about public safety, this event is for everyone—people of all ages are welcome!
Date: Saturday March 8, 2025 
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM Location: PPB Training Facility, 14912 NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon 97230
Meet representatives from over 20 metro agencies and discover the diverse paths available in public safety. Bring your friends, family, and anyone interested in learning more about a fulfilling career serving the community!
Join us for an inspiring day filled with information, networking, and empowerment. We can’t wait to see you there!
The Providence Strike Is Over: Historic Contracts Ratified at Eight Hospitals Across Oregon
(PORTLAND, Ore.) – In a major victory for the nearly 5,000 ONA-represented frontline nurses at Providence, all eight registered nurse (RN) bargaining units voted overwhelmingly to ratify their contracts and end the strike. The historic agreements come after 46 days on the strike line and more than a year of bargaining, and will set a new standard for wages, staffing, and patient safety at one of Oregon’s largest healthcare systems.
“These contracts represent a major victory for frontline caregivers, but more importantly it’s a victory for Providence patients and the communities we serve,” said Virginia Smith an RN from Providence Willamette Falls and leader of the ONA bargaining unit. “As RNs, we believe that these contracts will lead to greater recruitment and retention of frontline nurses as wages become more aligned with other health systems, and we have staffing language that will allow us to spend more time with the patients that need the most care.”
Key Highlights of the Contracts Include:
- Major Wage Increases: Nurses will receive substantial wage increases ranging from 20% to 42% over the life of the contract, with an immediate 16% to 22% raise upon ratification.
- Smarter Staffing for Safer Care: Patient acuity will now be factored into staffing plans, helping to improve nurse workloads and the quality of patient care.
- Retroactive Pay and Bonuses: For nurses at bargaining units with contracts that expired before December 2024, retroactive pay will cover 75% of all hours worked in 2024 (including education, meetings, PTO and vacation used for low census). Nurses at Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence Seaside will receive a $2,500 bonus.
- Unified Contracts for Stronger Solidarity: An overwhelming majority of contracts (10 bargaining units) now align with expiration or wage reopener dates within three months of each other; strengthening ONA’s collective voice.
- Stronger Health Benefits Advocacy: A new Statewide Health Benefits Workgroup will be established to evaluate current plans and explore the creation of a statewide health benefits trust, ensuring comprehensive coverage for nurses.
- Guaranteed Break & Meal Pay: Nurses will now automatically receive penalty pay–equal to one hour of wages–for every missed break or meal, with payment included in the next paycheck.
These hard-won contracts reflect the dedication and determination of ONA nurses who stood strong on the strike line in their fight for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and better healthcare for all Oregonians.
“This is a transformative victory, not just for Providence nurses but for healthcare workers the length and breadth of this country,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “These dedicated and determined frontline caregivers stood up for fair wages, safer staffing, and better care for their patients–and this contract proves that when we unite and fight, we raise standards for everyone. It underscores, once again, the power of solidarity and of collective action. I am proud to have had these workers’ backs, and the 1.8 million members of their national union salutes them.” Nurses will return to work starting on the night shift of Wednesday, February 26.
ODF proposes revised state forest implementation plans, opens 30-day comment period
SALEM, Ore.–The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) opens a 30-day comment period on proposed Implementation Plan revisions for the Astoria, Forest Grove, Tillamook, North Cascade, West Oregon, and Western Lane (including the Veneta and Southwest units) state forest districts. Implementation plans describe forest management activities such as timber harvest targets, road construction and maintenance, reforestation and young stand management, recreation, aquatic habitat restoration and protection strategies for species of concern.
The comment period begins Feb. 20 and ends March 21 at 5 p.m. The implementation plans are available on ODF’s website. Comments can be submitted online by using this form, emailing ODF.SFComments@oregon.gov, or mailing comments to ODF Public Affairs, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310.
State forests by law must provide social, economic, and environmental benefits to Oregonians, and are managed under long-range forest management plans, mid-range implementation plans, and annual operations plans.
At the direction of the Board of Forestry, ODF is continuing the development of a draft Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan and Forest Management Plan for Western Oregon State Forests. The draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is currently going through the National Environmental Policy Act process. Finalization of this process and issuance of Incidental Take Permits is expected to occur within fiscal year 2026. Revising the current implementation plans allows the agency to continue operations during this time of transition and further align with the draft HCP while focusing resources on developing a new forest management plan and accompanying implementation plans required to implement the draft HCP.
The revisions to the current Implementation Plans include new information on the district land base and forest resources, updated Species of Concern strategies and associated Forest Land Management Classification map, clarified timber harvest target descriptions, and changes to the mapped landscape design of the desired future condition. These changes align with Division policy, current Forest Management Plans and draft HCP objectives. In order to cover the HCP approval timeline, the new Forest Management Plan and new Implementation Plan development timelines, the revised Implementation Plans have been extended through June 30, 2027.
A Bend couple and their daughter have been placed in custody after hiding out at a hotel in Coos County, after being indicted on a sweep of child abuse charges, including attempted murder.
A nationwide warrant for their arrest had been issued, law enforcement thanks the public with their assistance in locating the trio, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said. After a lengthy investigation, a grand jury in Deschutes County indicted the family on a combined total of 28 charges, relating to alleged abuse of a minor relative.
Sarah Session, 33, has been charged with 19 of those counts, which includes attempted murder, assault and criminal mistreatment. The alleged crimes took place between June 2023 and February 2024, when the child was under the age of 10. The 33-year-old was professionally responsible for the child who has specialized education and training required for care, which the court documents said Session disregarded.
On multiple occasions, Session allegedly knowingly caused harm to the child through physical injury by hitting them on the head or leg, and in some cases, involving a curtain rod and window stopper. In one instance, Session is accused of compelling the child to eat their own vomit in fear of physical harm, according to the court documents. Other charges relate to Session’s allegedly withholding medication, treatment and food. In many instances, the court documents call Session’s actions “deliberately cruel.”
A Lakeview woman appeared in court Tuesday afternoon after being accused of causing the death of her 17-year-old son.
38-year-old Amanda Joy Edwards and her boyfriend, 31-year-old Nathaniel Cullins, are facing charges of criminally negligent homicide, second-degree abuse of a corpse and first-degree criminal mistreatment. Cullins is also being charged with unlawful use of a weapon.
Lake County Circuit Court documents say Edwards “did unlawfully and knowingly withhold necessary and adequate food, physical care and medical attention” from her son. The state is also saying Edwards’ charges are connected or part of a plan.
Edwards’ bail is set at $750,000. The Lake County Major Crime Team started an investigation last Tuesday, Feb. 18 into a juvenile death on the 300 block of South G St in Lakeview. The death of the 17-year-old boy, Thomas Strong, was announced by the Lake County School District last Tuesday.
Seasonal flu is causing a second peak of illness and hospitalizations in Oregon this month, in what may end up being the worst flu season in the past decade. That’s part of a national trend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is classifying this flu season as high severity overall for all age groups for the first time since 2017-2018.
That means flu is responsible for a higher-than-usual percentage of doctors visits, hospitalizations and deaths so far this season. Flu can cause previously healthy people to become extraordinarily sick, according to Dr. Wendy Hasson, medical director of the pediatric ICU at Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Portland.
Hasson said that during her shifts this month, she’s treated several children who were critically ill due to the flu “that I have had to put on a ventilator, and on heart support, and sit bedside to manage them moment-to-moment.”
In Oregon, the flu season started out normally. Transmission appeared to peak, as it often does, in late December. Public health officials use the percentage of flu tests ordered by hospitals and doctors that come back positive as an indicator of how widespread a virus is in the community.
The week of Christmas 2024, 31.5% of Oregonians tested for the flu got a positive result back — a high percentage indicating lots of community transmission.
Following directives from President Trump, thousands of U.S. Forest Service employees have received termination letters in the mail last week, in some cases ending decades-long careers.
The firings are part of a wave of federal cost-cutting measures, which have caused uncertainty for many. Here in Southern Oregon the Siskiyou Mountain Club lost more than $400k of federal funds which had previously been assigned for trail maintenance work in the Marble Mountain Wilderness and along portions of the Pacific Crest Trail One former Forest Service employee who spent the last six years working in the Rogue River – Siskiyou National Forest said the termination came as a shock. The lack of maintenance also raises concerns for fire danger in the coming years.
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.
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
