Willamette Valley News, Monday 3/24 – Sunday Rally to Support United States Postal Service Letter Carriers & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com

Monday, March 24, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

Stay updated with the National Weather Service and NOAA for the latest information on evolving conditions.

Sunday Rally Around Oregon to Support United States Postal Service Letter Carriers

As part of an ongoing nationwide effort to rally support, United States postal workers around Oregon held a march Sunday to decry any potential move to privatize the mail service. “Public mail is not for sale,” “It is the United States Postal Service, not the United States Postal Business”

Cottage Grove residents supporting letter carriers and the U.S. Postal Service gathered along Main Street adjacent to the U.S. Post Office location Sunday afternoon, March 23.

Those at the Hell No to Dismantling the Postal Service rally held signs that read, Keep Postal Service Public, U.S. Mail Not for Sale, and Hands Off Our Postal Service.

Organizers of the local rally handed out a flyer that stated: “Any effort to privatize or restructure USPS is a direct threat to millions of households and businesses, especially in rural America.”

The flyer said the protests held across the nation are to protect the jobs of 640,000 USPS employees, including 73,000 veterans. The protest in Cottage Grove coincided with a similar rally and march held in Portland to support postal workers. (SOURCE)

Salem Man Arrested for Manslaughter Following Deadly Crash Outside of Stayton

Last night, around 9:50 p.m., first responders were called to the 17000 block of Fern Ridge Rd, just outside of Stayton. Upon arrival, they found a single-vehicle crash with extensive damage. Tragically, one passenger, a 16-year-old juvenile, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Three other juvenile passengers, aged 16, 14, and 12, were transported to area hospitals with serious injuries.

The driver, 33-year-old Christopher Atkinson of Salem, was arrested and booked into the Marion County Jail on charges of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Endangering (x4), Assault in the Second Degree, and Assault in the Fourth Degree (x2). Mr. Atkinson is scheduled for arraignment today, March 24th, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Court Annex.

We offer our deepest condolences and thoughts to the families affected by this tragic crash.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Santiam Ambulance, Stayton Fire Department, Sublimity Fire Department, Marion County Crash Team, Lyons Fire Department, and Marion County Public Works for their assistance in this case

There’s still a lot of snow in the hills! Deep snowpack and slushy spring conditions require extra caution in the mountains

On Sunday, March 23rd, Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue volunteers responded in the evening to assist a stranded motorist whose all-wheel-drive Honda CR-V slid off the road and became stuck in deep snow on Forest Service Road 17, east of Cottage Grove. SAR located the vehicle and assisted the driver back down the mountain.

Please follow these tips to stay safe when you explore the outdoors in our county: Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Know conditions before you leave – rain in the valley can mean ice up high! Be prepared to stay out overnight – even if you don’t plan to get out of your car. Bring maps for offline navigation – cell service can be spotty!

Nearly every week, Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue volunteers assist our residents and visitors in all types of environments. Learn more about our Search & Rescue program or donate to their work at: http://www.lanecounty.org/…/volunteers/search_and_rescue

Vehicle Crashes Into River With Entrapment

On Saturday March 22 at approx 11:23 am a report of a Motor Vehicle Crash prompted a multi-agency response including Sweet Home Fire, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation.  

The single vehicle was heading East on Highway 20 near the Yukwah Campground when the vehicle plummeted off the roadway approx 30 feet down an embankment striking a tree before landing on its wheels with chest high water rushing into the vehicle.  The vehicle sustained heavy damage to the passenger compartment and was considered unstable due to the high water level.  Early reports told crews the victim was pinned in the vehicle with water up to their head. 

Two off-duty firefighters from Crook County Fire and Rescue and the Ochoco Forest Service came upon the wreck and determined the victim was in a life-threatening situation.  They quickly jumped into action, freeing the victim from the vehicle and ultimately getting them safely to shore.  While we don’t normally encourage bystanders to put themselves in harm’s way, these rescuers were able to use their training and knowledge to make a significant difference in the victim’s outcome. 

These individuals selflessly risked their own safety to prevent the victim from further harm, ensuring that the victim was not swept down the river and helping to prevent hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the frigid water. Responding crews then packaged the victim and set up a rope system to bring them safely to the roadway and the waiting ambulance. The victim appeared to have non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Responding crews from Sweet Home Fire included a Rescue Unit, Medic Unit, Support unit and 2 Command vehicles with a total of 4 on-duty personnel and an additional 9 off-duty personnel responding from home.  We would also like to thank the agencies initially dispatched but cancelled prior to arrival including Lifeflight, Linn County Search and Rescue, Lane County Search and Rescue.

5 Escape House Fire on Marks Ridge Rd

At approximately 07:11 AM on March 21, 2025, Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District responded to a structure fire at 41900 Marks Ridge Rd. Upon arrival of the first responding units there was heavy fire and smoke coming from a bedroom window and through the roof near the back of a manufactured home on the property.

5 residents were outside and stated that they were in the structure when the fire started in a back bedroom. Two of the residents state that there was no power to the home and they were in the living room when one noticed flames and smoke coming from the unoccupied bedroom. They woke up the other residents in the house, gathered their pets and made their escape before the structure was completely filled with heavy smoke.

After firefighters were assured that there was no one in the home, they checked that all doors and windows were closed and started extinguishing the main fire through the burned out window of the bedroom from outside. Once a water tender arrived on scene and the majority of the fire was knocked down, firefighters made entry through the front door and fully extinguished the remainder of the fire.

While there was heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the structure, the most severe fire damage was kept to the corner of the home where the initial fire started and was successfully prevented from extending through the attic space to other rooms. A total of 10 firefighters responded on 3 firefighting apparatus and one medic unit.

The extent of the fire spread could have been much worse had the residents not closed all of the doors after escaping the structure, helping to limit the oxygen available to the fire. The specific cause of the fire remains undetermined but is possible to have been started by a faulty portable charging device in the bedroom. 

Lane Events Center Hosting April 3 Open House for Long Range Planning Effort

Lane Events Center (LEC) is updating its Master Plan to help guide investment in the property over the next 10 to 20 years and hosting an open house to explore initial concepts, discuss emerging values, and help shape a shared vision for the Lane Events Center.

Community Open House
Thursday, April 3 | 5–7 p.m.
Lane Events Center
796 W 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402
Convention Center, Meeting Room 4

“This is our first open house for the Master Plan and the feedback people give will help us keep refining our vision for the future and look for ways to make Lane Events Center an even more integral part of the community,” said Lane Events Center Manager Corey Buller. “We had a great response to our earlier survey and now we’re hoping to see a lot of neighbors and community members here on April third.”

LEC is a multi-purpose site on 52 acres near downtown Eugene. It includes a 100,000 sq. ft. convention center, 18 rentable spaces and facilities, and 20 acres of outdoor event space. In a typical year, LEC accommodates up to 1,250 event days, drawing approximately 785,000 visitors to a variety of events including the Lane County Fair, trade shows, concerts, sporting events, community festivals, and educational programs.

The Master Plan process will help Lane County:

• Conduct an engagement process that gathers diverse perspectives and ideas
• Identify community needs, values, and priorities
• Shape a shared vision for Lane Events Center
• Develop community-guided designs concepts to bring the vision to life

The proposed plan will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for possible adoption this summer.

Stay up-to-date by signing up for email updates at www.LECMasterPlan.org.

About Lane Events Center Master Plan — The Master Plan is a comprehensive, long-term planning document that provides a strategic framework for the development, improvement, and management of LEC. An updated master plan will help guide investment in the property and help us prioritize infrastructure updates. This plan will support LEC as it continues to grow and adapt, serving as a hub for events, programs and emergency services that reflect the evolving needs and priorities of our community. https://www.laneeventscenter.org/

Officers address criminal trespassing by 14 people at Hwy. 99 location

At noon on March 19, an officer conducted a patrol check at the shutdown Porky`s Palace, 769 Highway 99. There were 14 people trespassing on the west side of the posted “No Trespassing” location, which has had continuous issues of trespassing, open drug use, littering, illegal burning.

The officer observed multiple files of feces and trash littered across the property. There has been an active letter of trespass on file for the site. Multiple EPD officers arrived on the scene and all 14 people were issued a Citation in Lieu of Custody for Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree. Those with confirmed warrants were taken into custody and lodged at Lane County Jail. Case 25-04429

Lane and Douglas County Rural Reach Project Secures $8.5 Million for Broadband Expansion

(Eugene, Ore.) — Lane Council of Governments (LCOG), Lane County, and Douglas Fast Net (DFN) jointly announce $8.5 million from the Oregon Broadband Office to complete the Lane and Douglas County Rural Reach Project to bring high-speed, reliable broadband internet to thousands of rural residents by 2026.

This funding will bring affordable and reliable, high-speed internet access to more than 1,900 homes across rural Lane County and parts of rural Douglas County.  A total of 11 project sub-areas are slated for funding across both counties. Of the locations, 1,485 are currently unserved by “broadband” (i.e. they have no service, or service below 25 Mbps upload and 3 Mbps download).

“Because the scoring criteria of the BDP [Broadband Deployment Program] weighted lack of service heavily, the priority areas in Lane County were identified almost exclusively based on their concentration of unserved and underserved locations,” noted Interim LCOG Planning Manager, Jacob Callister. “We are thrilled with how many locations will get improved service through this BDP award, but we know that it does not fully close the digital divide for everyone in Lane County.”

The project will begin in 2025. All awarded funds must be utilized, and projects must be operational by December 2026.

“We are thrilled to expand on our broadband deployments in both Lane and Douglas Counties thanks to this award,” DFN CEO Todd Way said. “Founded in 2001 by Douglas Electric Cooperative, DFN’s mission has always aimed to ensure that our rural friends and neighbors have access to essential broadband services. This award significantly advances our mission, helping us bring reliable internet connectivity to more communities.”

“Access to highspeed broadband is a literal lifeline for rural communities,” said Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch, whose district covers rural communities in south and east Lane County. “Connecting thousands more rural families through this project will continue to help them access critical job-related, educational, and other resources that often give more connected communities a competitive edge.”

“Broadband isn’t just about gaming and movies; it has become as essential as running water and electricity. It’s about whether rural communities can survive. The challenge in rural areas is it’s just not economical for private parties to invest there alone. LCOG has the ability to coordinate partnerships so projects like this become reality,” said Brenda Moore, Lane Council of Governments Executive Director.

Project History — In November and December 2024, the Oregon Broadband Office announced that it had issued Notices of Intent to Award a total of nearly $141,000,000 through the Office’s Broadband Deployment Program (BDP), part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF). This funding will support the construction and deployment of high-speed, reliable wired broadband internet at speeds of 100/100 Mbps to unserved and underserved locations across the state.

As part of its application for funding, Lane Council of Governments, in partnership with Lane County, identified priority internet service areas, and competitively secured private Internet Service Provider DFN in late 2023. DFN, which has operated in rural markets in southwestern Oregon for over 20 years, will be the formal recipient of the BDP funds.

The Oregon Broadband Office received 62 applications requesting approximately $445 million for broadband infrastructure projects around the state. The total program allocation is $157 million. This oversubscription shows the demand to bring reliable broadband to all Oregonians.

Awardees of BDP funds were ranked based on a composite score that prioritizes outcomes:

• Social Vulnerability Index – Applicants receive a 5% score bonus if 80% or more of their proposed project service locations are located within areas designated as “Moderate to High” or “High” on the state of Oregon’s Social Vulnerability Index.
• Unserved Locations – 5 points for other eligible locations where wired 25/3 service already exists.
• Affordability – Applicants with projects that can offer service at $30/month or less receive an additional 5 points per location. Applicants with projects that can provide service at $50/month or less receive two additional points per location.

To learn more about the Lane and Douglas County Rural Reach Project, including whether specific locations are included in the project, DFN, LCOG, and Lane County have jointly developed a BDP project webpage at www.lcog.org/broadband.  Additional context, contact info, and other resources are available at that site.

For more information about the Oregon Broadband Office, visit www.broadband.oregon.gov.

About Lane Council of Governments — LCOG’s mission is to coordinate and provide high quality public services in Lane County. Lane Council of Governments is dedicated to serving the public interest and enhancing the quality of life for citizens of Lane County. LCOG serves as a regional planning, coordination, program development, and service delivery organization in local communities across Lane County. Learn more at www.lcog.org.

SPRING INTO ACTION: DONATE TO OPERATION REFILL THE STOCKPILE

Operation Fill the Stockpile at First Christian Church- where community members can drop off donations and enjoy refreshments.

Donations will be accepted Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 2 PM at First Christian Church. Items can also be purchased from the Amazon Wish List and shipped directly to 1166 Oak St., Eugene, OR 97401.

Lane County Health & Human Services, in partnership with First Christian Church, is calling on the community to Spring into Action by donating essential items for those experiencing homelessness. Operation Fill the Stockpile is an effort to collect much-needed clothing and survival gear to help our unhoused neighbors stay safe and warm during the colder months, as well as in the warmer months ahead.

“Spring is a time when many people clean out their homes and refresh their spaces. Instead of discarding unwanted items, consider giving them a second life by donating to those in need,” said Amy Wilson, Lane County Human Services Program Coordinator. “With unpredictable weather this time of year, these donations can be the difference between safety and hardship for those without shelter. Your generosity can make a life-saving difference for someone facing the elements.”

Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XR33GS1ULV8Z?ref_=wl_share

Donated items will be distributed to local homeless outreach providers who directly support unsheltered individuals.

Zadeh Kicks Fraud Scheme In Eugene Court

Two Eugene residents, Michael Malekzadeh, 42, the owner of the now-defunct Zadeh Kicks, and  Bethany Mockerman, 42, its Financial Officer, pleaded guilty to criminal charges on Thursday relating to the Zadeh Kicks fraud scheme.

The scheme cost customers over $65 million in unfulfilled orders. Zadeh also defrauded financial institutions out of over $15 million.

Zadeh Kicks LLC sold limited edition and collectible sneakers online. Court documents indicate that Malekzadeh started the sneakers business in 2013.

He bought limited edition and collectible sneakers to resell online. From January 2020, the company offered preorders of sneakers before their public release dates, and Malekzadeh collected money upfront before fulfilling orders.

He advertised and sold sneakers before collecting payments from customers for preorders, despite knowing he could not satisfy all orders placed. Over $65 million was owed to customers for undelivered sneakers by April 2022.

As CFO at Zadeh Kicks, Mockerman conspired with the owner to provide false and altered financial information to several financial institutions, including altered bank statements on over 15 bank loan applications. Following these applications, $15 million in loans were paid out.

On Thursday, Malekzadeh pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, while  Mockerman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

During the investigation, which involved the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Oregon Intellectual Property Task Force, millions of dollars in cash with luxury goods that Malekzadeh acquired with the proceeds of his fraud were seized, including luxury watches, jewelry and hundreds of handbags.

Approximately $7.5 million was also seized from the sale of Malekzadeh’s residence in Eugene, his watches, and Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche luxury cars luxury cars.

Malekzadeh and Mockerman were charged on July 29, 2022. The pair face:

• Malekzadeh: On the first charge- a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, plus a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release for wire fraud, and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine on the second charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
• Mockerman: A maximum sentence of 30 years in prison plus a $1,000,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

A U.S. district judge will sentence them later this year—on August 12 and August 26, respectively.

In their plea agreements, Malekzadeh and Mockerman agreed to pay restitution in full to their victims and, if necessary, forfeit any criminally derived proceeds and property used to facilitate their crimes identified by the government before sentencing.

Everyone Village in Eugene accepts cans and bottles with no limit

Typically, BottleDrop redemption centers accept a daily maximum of 350 containers per person, but Everyone Village can accept as many as you have, whether it’s 50 cans or 5,000 cans.

Everyone Village, located at 3825 Janisse St., accepts unlimited cans and bottles three days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will be adding an additional day to the schedule in April.

REEL on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1136451074555235 FOLLOW: https://www.facebook.com/everyonevillage WEBSITE: https://everyonevillage.org

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/565852770 Sign up to receive Lane Alerts emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org#NationalPreparednessMonth

Eugene Springfield Fire   · ESF’s Young Women’s Fire Camp is now accepting applications.

The camp will run from June 23rd – June 27th this year. The deadline for sign up is May 1, 2025. You can sign up on our website at: https://www.eugene-or.gov/2983/Young-Womens-Fire-Camp.

“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

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

One-third of Oregonians at risk: Governor warns state can’t cover Trump’s proposed Medicaid cuts

Governor Tina Kotek warned of potential impact to the Oregon Health Plan, which covers a third of Oregonians, if Republicans’ looming cuts to Medicaid go through.

Governor Tina Kotek expressed sharp criticism of the Trump administration’s approach to federal governance thus far during a wide-ranging interview on KGW’s “Straight Talk,” particularly highlighting concerns about potential Medicaid cuts and impacts on housing initiatives in the state.  

In her third year in office, Kotek didn’t mince words when describing how the new administration’s policies are affecting Oregon, characterizing the federal government’s actions as erratic and disruptive to state operations. 

“The federal dynamic has definitely created a lot of uncertainty,” Kotek said. “Governors have day-to-day duties. They need a federal government that’s clear, consistent … What I’m finding as a governor is that that’s very difficult with this administration, because they’re taking on a lot of things and doing it in a very erratic fashion, which is very hard for us.”

While acknowledging that new administrations typically try to implement their campaign promises, Kotek expressed disappointment with the execution. “I was hoping that we’d see some thoughtfulness, some clarity on how things were going to change,” she said. “Even I have been surprised by the kind of haphazard way he’s gone about things and how it’s really caused a lot of uncertainty here in Oregon.”

Specifically, the governor criticized workforce cuts across federal agencies, including the Department of Education, which has so far lost approximately half its staff. Kotek called the federal government’s mass firings “very scattershot” with how jobs are being cut, an apparent lack of understanding of who is being cut, and then the need to add people back.

“I’ve been communicating directly with secretaries in the Trump administration about, ‘Hey, you’ve cut these jobs that are really important for this thing or that thing,’ whether it’s fighting fires or maintaining our electrical grid,” Kotek said. “These are really important things. So, if you’re going to right-size government, you have to do it thoughtfully.”

Medicaid cuts would be ‘devastating’ for Oregon — Kotek expressed particular concern about proposed federal Medicaid cuts, which would significantly impact Oregon, where approximately one-third of residents rely on the program.

Trump is pushing the GOP-led Congress to pass what he calls a “big beautiful bill,” that includes some $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending reductions, which would inevitably require funding to be slashed from Medicaid, which provides health care and other services to millions of Americans.

“I’ve been very vocal about what we’re hearing out of D.C. to cut Medicaid,” Kotek said. “I’m not hearing good proposals. I’m just hearing that they want to take money from Medicaid, which in Oregon is the Oregon Health Plan, to fund tax breaks for billionaires. That is literally what they’re doing.” 

The governor warned that such cuts would have serious consequences for vulnerable populations across the state.

“It’d be devastating if some of the things that I’m hearing from Washington D.C., it will have real impact on people’s lives,” Kotek said. “It’s folks who are already working who don’t get health coverage from their employer that are covered, people with disabilities, folks who aren’t going to be able to work need this care, and then let’s not forget about our seniors. A lot of folks who are in long-term care in nursing homes and other facilities, it’s because they get help from Medicaid.”

According to data from the Oregon Health Authority, as of February, Medicaid covered more than 1.4 million Oregonians, including about 57% of all children in the state. 

If federal cuts are made to Medicaid, Kotek said the state will unlikely be able to pick up the tab, resulting in cuts to the Oregon Health Plan.

“If we don’t have a strong federal partnership with Medicaid to help us fund the Oregon Health Plan, we would have to make cuts,” she said. “There’s just no way around it.”

Climate funding freeze impacts housing projects  — The Trump administration’s recent freeze on climate-related grants includes nearly $200 million in pollution protection funding that Oregon was counting on for various projects.

“We’re going to fight for every dollar that was promised by the federal government,” Kotek said, noting the freeze is already affecting housing development. “We know of a housing complex that is getting built in Tillamook County who was expecting those dollars to help them put energy efficient appliances into the housing that they’re building, and now they’re on hold.”

Kotek called the administration’s withholding of congressionally approved funds as potentially “illegal.”

“When the federal government says you’ve won an award and we have promised you these dollars, they need to come here,” she added. “And frankly, I believe it’s illegal that the Trump administration is holding those things back. Congress approved them. We signed on the dotted line, and we should see those dollars come to Oregon.”

Housing crisis requires ‘all types’ of solutions  — Addressing Oregon’s ongoing housing crisis, Kotek said it remains one of her top priorities, emphasizing the need for diverse housing solutions — including single-family homes, which has become less talked about as the state strives for more affordable and denser housing.

“We need all types of housing,” Kotek said. “More housing lowers the price. It’s a supply and demand issue.”

Some of the ways Kotek said she’s looking to do this is by reducing permitting barriers and streamlining construction processes, noting that “time is money for folks who are building.” 

Kotek set an ambitious statewide goal of adding 32,000 new housing units a year when she first took office. In the interview, she said the goals is now closer to 28,000 units a year over the next 10 years.  “Nothing is more important to me than getting people housed.”

The newest “Straight Talk” episode airs Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and Monday at 7 p.m. “Straight Talk” is also available as a podcast. 

Supporters Rally for Food for All Oregonians Bill

Hundreds of people from across Oregon gathered in Salem for an advocacy day last week, urging lawmakers to pass what’s known as the Food for All Oregonians bill.

Supported by a coalition of more than 180 organizations, it would ensure older adults and children could get food assistance regardless of their immigration status.

Research shows hunger rates are rising across the state, leaving one in six children facing food insecurity.

Oregon Food Bank’s Associate Director Cristina Marquez said access to food benefits supported her family growing up, and made it easier for her to go to college.

“We know that programs like SNAP are the most effective anti-hunger tools we have,” said Marquez, “being able to lift folks out of poverty each year and keeping families stable.”

Food for All Oregonians would create a new, state-run program similar to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Youth and older adults who would otherwise qualify for SNAP except for their immigration status, would be eligible. Opponents of the bill are concerned about its cost.

It is scheduled for a public hearing tomorrow in Salem.

Oregon Food Bank points to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showing every $1 spent on food assistance generates about $1.50 for local economies.

Marquez added that immigrants of all statuses contribute to the state’s functioning, especially in agriculture.

“Many of the folks that would be affected by the passage of Food For All Oregonians are folks that are currently farm workers,” said Marquez, “essential workers, critical to many of the industries here in Oregon.”

Marquez noted that California and Washington have already enacted similar policies extending food benefits to people regardless of immigration status.

Food for All Oregonians is part of an immigrant justice package of bills, which would ensure legal representation for immigrants and create a farm worker disaster relief fund. (SOURCE)

A bill limiting Oregon landlords from increasing rentals more than once a year is under consideration by lawmakers.

Tenants Must Be Given Three Months Notice

If passed, Senate Bill 722 will ensure tenants are given a three-month notice of increases and that rent hikes do not exceed the legal percentage limit set by Oregon state law, linked to the Consumer Price Index.

Landlords exceeding the legal limit will face penalties, while tenants can sue for three months rent plus additional damages where applicable. Every month of violation will be considered a separate offense.

The lawsuit claims that RealPage is an intermediary algorithm that exploits sensitive rental data, enriching compliant landlords by tenants paying inflated prices.

A public hearing of Bill 722 will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 6 March, at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem.

At present, newly built apartments are exempt from rent control for the first 15 years of operation. SB 722 wants to reduce the exemption period from 15 to seven years to allow tenants in newer apartment complexes to receive rent increase protection sooner.

Landlords will be prohibited from using AI software to set rentals and vacancy rates.

The bill will allow tenants to form committees to address issues at their residences. Landlords must meet with the committee within 10 to 30 days of a request. Meetings will be allowed up to twice annually unless both parties agree otherwise.

The chief sponsor of Bill 722 is Oregon Senator Chris Gorsek, who wants to safeguard tenants from losing the roof over their heads.

It originates from a lawsuit against RealPage, a rental pricing software package, by Oregon and seven other states last year.

State Agencies Issue Unpaid Toll Scam Alert

The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are warning residents of a new scam.

“Scammers posing as DMV and ODOT are texting cell phones about unpaid toll fees,” a release from the two state agencies states. “The messages vary, but essentially claim you have a past due toll balance that must be paid immediately to avoid DMV fines or having your license suspended. These are fake messages and phishing scams trying to get payment information from unsuspecting Oregonians.”

ODOT officials said the agency does not have a toll program.

DMV does send text messages for actions initiated by the customer, but the messages never include links to verify personal information, according to the DMV.

“For example, when a customer establishes a DMV2U account, a security code may be sent by text to establish verification,”? the release states. “Customers may also receive a DMV appointment reminder or cancellation notice by text.”

DMV officials recommend that if you receive such a fraud text, you immediately delete the text message and block the number.

“Clicking on a suspicious text message or payment link will take you to a website where you are at a high risk of getting your personal and financial information stolen,” the state agencies warn. “ODOT and DMV staff members are unable to provide technical assistance with a customer’s phone.”

How the scam works

• Urgency and threat. The texts often create a sense of urgency, claiming unpaid tolls and threatening fines or penalties if you don’t pay immediately.
• Links to phishing sites. They include links that, if clicked, lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal and financial information.
• Impersonation. Scammers impersonate ODOT or other tolling agencies, making the texts seem legitimate.

How to protect yourself

• Don’t click links. If you receive a text about unpaid tolls, do not click on any links or provide any information. 
• Verify with ODOT directly. Contact ODOT through their official website or phone number to confirm if you owe any tolls. 
• Report the scam. Contact the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 or file a complaint online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and the Federal Trade Commission. 
• Be cautious of suspicious texts. Be wary of any text message that demands immediate action or asks for personal information or payment. 
• Delete the text: Once you’ve reported the scam, delete the text message and block the number to prevent further potential harm.

If you click a link or provide your information

• Secure your personal information and financial accounts. 
• Dispute any unfamiliar charges.

You can also verify a message’s legitimacy by contacting ODOT directly at 1-888-Ask-ODOT and DMV directly at 1-855-540-6655. For more information about fraud prevention, visit Oregon DMV.

Oregon farmers, others tell U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas about impact of federal cuts

In and around Oregon’s capital city, federal funding cuts, freezes and clawed-back grants since President Donald Trump came back into office are leading to less food for people in need, more pests gnawing on wine grapes and plant cuttings wilting in trucks at understaffed ports.

Those are some of the messages local business owners had for U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, a second-term Democrat whose 6th Congressional District includes Salem and the vineyards, farmland and forests of the northern Willamette Valley. She met with a small group of farmers and other community members in her Salem district office on Thursday to hear stories about how federal funding cuts and uncertainty are affecting people in the district. 

“None of this is about programs,” Salinas said. “It’s not about saving a program. It’s about saving the work on the ground, people who are working and farming and feeding themselves and their families.”

Marion Polk Food Share Executive Director Rick Gaupo, whose nonprofit feeds thousands of people each month and operates Meals on Wheels in Salem and Keizer, said federal cuts are hitting as his agency and food banks throughout the country experience all-time high demand.

Before the COVID pandemic, the network of food pantries served by Marion Polk Food Share had an average of 10,000 visitors each month. Now, that number’s at 18,000.

Grocery prices and rent prices are both about 30% higher than they were pre-COVID, Gaupo said, while income and federal safety nets aren’t keeping up. That puts more pressure on food banks, which feed everyone they can. 

Right now, a freeze on commodity purchases means that truckloads of food that would have gone to hungry families and seniors won’t feed them. And the Marion Polk Food Share had to stop accepting new seniors into its program to deliver food boxes to their homes. 

“That’s less food on somebody’s table,” Gaupo said. “That’s just gone.” 

The cuts come as he fears the number of food bank visitors will continue to rise, especially if cuts to Medicaid and Medicare lead to more people choosing between paying for groceries and medicine.  

Most of the people Salinas spoke with had received grants under the prior presidential administration and made plans based on those grants, only to find the rug yanked out from under them.

That was the case for Todd Severson, chief executive officer of Chapul Farms in McMinnville. He raises black soldier flies, collecting food waste to feed their larva. Their frass, or droppings, then become fertilizer.

Chapul Farms received a $3.9 million grant after Russia invaded Ukraine as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s attempt to produce more fertilizer domestically instead of importing it from Russia. Severson is still waiting to hear whether he’ll receive the last 10% of that grant. 

Another $1.9 million, part of a larger grant awarded in 2024 through the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, was intended for Chapul Farms to work with 16 small farms throughout the country to turn farm waste into fertilizer. Severson hired two employees and expected to be reimbursed through the grant, and now he doesn’t know if their jobs are safe. 

“The people we talked to (in the federal agencies) have been let go,” he said. “Who do we talk to, who do we reach out to?”

Nikita Vincent, owner of Twig & Bloom Flower Farm, fears the $80,000 grant the Monmouth City Council accepted from the U.S. Economic Development Administration late last year to develop a year-round indoor farmers market run by farmers who are Black, Indigenous and people of color in the mid-Willamette Valley is gone for good.

Vincent, who lives in West Salem, organized other BIPOC farmers and artisans and worked with the city of Monmouth to create a popup market. She hoped they had momentum to create a permanent co-op market, but everything feels frozen with a federal administration opposed to anything related to diversity, equity or inclusion. 

“My biggest scare is the fact that BIPOC is literally the first word for that feasibility study proposal,” Vincent said. “Being that it’s a BIPOC effort, I’m afraid that it might be cut due to just the fact that we’re looking to have people like the Grand Ronde tribe and Kalapuya and (the farmworkers union Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste) PCUN.”

The Yamhill Soil & Water Conservation District helps farmers, ranchers and other landowners implement voluntary practices to restore and preserve parts of the prairies and oak savannas that once covered Yamhill County, executive director Andy Bleckinger said. 

It’s a popular program, in part because the wildlife supported by the native habitat is good for Oregon wine country: raptors drawn to the area by oak and prairie will keep rodents away. The natural landscape is also better for limiting fire — oak trees are typically fire-resistant and thinning out the non-native brush and blackberry brambles means that fire burns quickly and at a low intensity. 

At least 20 landowners are on a waiting list for the soil district’s conservation help, and a $6.6 million federal grant announced in December through the USDA’s National Resources Conservation Service would have helped preserve more than 1,000 acres over the next five years. But the grant froze right after the district opened job applications to hire two new full-time employees to expand the conservation program. 

“We were sending emails to various NRCS staff, trying to get communication on signing the contract agreement, and nothing,” Bleckinger said. “Just completely ghosted. We heard from somebody in Colorado that Colorado was technically saying that they were freezing theirs, but they couldn’t speak for Oregon, and we didn’t hear from anyone in Oregon until just last week.”

Ben Verhoeven, president of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, said the $1.2 billion nursery industry is already seeing impacts of tariffs, including cancellations from Canadian customers who buy about 10% of Oregon’s exported plants.

The industry also brings in a lot of plant cuttings from Canada and Mexico, and job cuts affecting USDA inspectors at ports of entry mean those cuttings are wilting in trucks. 

“These come to us in boxes overnight, and if they get delayed, I can’t go right around the corner and get them,” Verhoeven said. 

Employee cuts at the USDA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are also troubling for farmers, who rely on those workers to test and research safe pesticides for specialty crops and provide reliable weather forecasts. 

“As any farmer will tell you, the weather isn’t just small talk, it’s big business,” Verhoeven said. “And I look at my phone and check the weather, the long term forecasts, an embarrassing amount of times a day. And the website I use is NOAA. I would just really love your help, Congresswoman, making sure that that continues to be the gold standard for weather prediction, because it’s crucial to our industry.” (SOURCE)

The Oregon Department of Revenue has added features to the “Where’s My Refund” tool.

Users can learn more about the status of their refund, they can see when additional information is needed, and the website is easier to navigate. To use the tool, taxpayers need to create a login at Revenue Online. https://revenueonline.dor.oregon.gov/tap/_/

Oregon’s newest refundable personal income tax credit put more than $39 million into the pockets of low-income families in its first year in 2024.

The Oregon Kids Credit, created by the Legislature in 2023, is a refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $25,750 or less, the full credit is $1,000 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year—a maximum benefit of $5,000. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $30,750.

So far in 2025, more than 22,000 taxpayers have claimed $25 million in benefits from the Oregon Kids Credit.

When combined with the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Oregon Earned Income Credit, it could help boost the tax refund for the lowest income families by a total of $13,770.

The EITC is for people with an adjusted gross income of up to $66,818 in 2024. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $7,830 on their federal tax return, and a maximum Oregon EIC of $940 on their state tax return.

All three credits are fully refundable, meaning the portion of the credit that is larger than what a taxpayer owes can be refunded. Taxpayers may even be able to claim the credits and receive a tax refund if they don’t normally file a tax return.

To claim the credits, taxpayers must file a return. To assist taxpayers, Oregon offers several free filing options, including free fillable forms and the new Direct File Oregon. Taxpayers who need help filing their taxes can also find free assistance options on the agency website.

Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the refundable Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC), which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they’re working, looking for work, or attending school.

For more information about the federal EITC, the Oregon EIC, the Oregon Kids Credit and other similar credits, go to the Tax benefits for families page.

Taxpayers filing their own 2024 income tax returns can get free assistance using the new combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon when Oregon Department of Revenue volunteers visit libraries across the state this tax season.

OHA urges people to check immunity against measles; get vaccinated

As cases appear in other states, including neighboring California, Oregon health officials recommend measures to stay safe

With spring break and summer travel season approaching, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) encourages people to make sure they are protected against measles. Getting the MMR vaccine — for measles, mumps and rubella — is the most effective prevention tool against the highly contagious virus. 

Twelve U.S. states, including California, Texas and New Mexico, have reported cases of measles since Jan 1. While Oregon has no cases so far in 2025, last year the state recorded 31 confirmed cases — its highest measles count in more than 30 years — during an outbreak among unvaccinated people, including two children younger than 5. 

“Measles is an amazingly contagious virus that unfortunately in recent years has re-emerged in our communities, primarily due to a declining percentage of people who are getting vaccinated,” said Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. 

“Measles is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection for individuals who haven’t received immunity through the MMR vaccine,” said Dawn Nolt, M.D., M.P.H., professor of pediatrics (infectious diseases) in the OHSU School of Medicine.

“The good news is that we have a highly safe and effective vaccine – it is our strongest line of defense and the best way to keep yourself, your children and your community safe. If you have questions about the vaccine, we encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns.” she said.

Cieslak said anyone planning travel to countries or states where measles is circulating should get the MMR vaccine before they go. “Getting the vaccine now will allow you to start building immunity prior to your trip,” he said.  

Cieslak addresses common questions about measles, symptoms, the vaccine and more in this week’s Oregon Health News newsletter, published Thursday. 

Symptoms — Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. 

Symptoms begin seven to 10 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. 

About 20% of people who contract measles are hospitalized. In developed countries in recent years, one or two of every 1,000 measles cases have been fatal.  

Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. People who are infected can be unknowingly contagious for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. 

That means someone with measles can be unaware they are infected and can easily spread the virus before noticing any symptoms. 

During the 2024 outbreak in Oregon, OHA worked with local public health officials to share information about specific locations where known measles cases had spent time so that members of the public were aware they may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. 

What families of school-age children should know — In addition to reducing risk of transmission, getting the vaccine can help families avoid having to isolate at home for several weeks if they are exposed to measles. 

Additionally, state law requires an unvaccinated child exposed to the virus to be excluded from school or childcare during the period when they could become sick, which is usually for 21 days after exposure. 

This exclusion period can be extended if there are more measles cases. 

What people born before 1957 should know — People born before 1957 do not need to be vaccinated against measles—they are presumed to be immune. 

That’s because, before the measles vaccine was first available to the public in 1963, virtually all children would contract measles by their teenage years, making them immune for life. 

What people born in 1957 or later should know — People born in 1957 or later, however, could still benefit from the vaccine because they would have been at least 6 years old in 1963. At that age, there was still a meaningful chance they hadn’t been exposed to measles yet and could benefit from the new vaccine. 

People who can document receiving the measles vaccine series at some point in their lives or have documentation showing a previous measles diagnosis or laboratory evidence of immunity can be confident they are immune and do not need to receive the MMR vaccine.  

What anyone traveling should know —

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following measles prevention measures for anyone traveling, especially internationally:  

• Babies ages 6 through 11 months can receive an early dose of the vaccine to protect them for travel; but they should then receive another dose at 12 through 15 months and a final dose between ages 4 and 6.
• Children older than a year who have not been vaccinated should immediately receive one dose and follow with a second dose at least 28 days later.
• Children older than a year with one prior dose should receive an early second dose of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
• Teenagers and adults previously vaccinated with one dose should consider getting a second dose if they are traveling to an area where measles is circulating.
• People preparing to travel internationally who have not been immunized should get the vaccine prior to departure. 

More CDC recommendations can be found here. 

In recent years, OHA has bolstered its tracking of communicable diseases, such as measles, with the development and modernization of data reporting tools, including an interactive, web-based dashboard that visualizes data on communicable disease incidence in Oregon. The dashboard’s data are disease, month, demographic group and county. 

Increasing awareness and education about primary prevention, public health risks and preventive health services are among actions OHA is taking as part of its 2024–2027 Strategic Plan. 

The plan further supports expanding access to vaccines and other health resources for children, parents and families in all communities in Oregon.   — To learn more about measles and to receive daily status updates of measles outbreak data, visit OHA’s Measles and Rubeola web page. 

Oregon State Representative Pam Marsh introduced a bill Tuesday that would create a fund to help those who lose their property to utility-caused fires. 

HB3917 would allow utilities companies to create a fund of $800 million that would pay property damage claims arising from wildfires caused by their equipment.  The fund will be managed by the Public Utilities Commission.

Another bill introduced by Marsh addressing utility companies’ roles in fire is HB3666, which requires utility companies to apply for a wildfire safety certification, meeting a requirement that she said isn’t currently set. If they meet the standard, the PUC will award them a wildfire safety certificate.

HB3917 doesn’t stop the ability to pursue civil action against a utility commission, but it does entail a caveat, that if you gain funds from a claim with the fund, you will not be able to pursue action against the utility provider.

Oregon’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs are grappling with significant funding challenges after Congress passed a federal budget on March 14, 2024, eliminating all community project funding for FY 2025.

The Oregon CASA Network, which was slated to receive a critical $1.7 million earmark, now faces difficult decisions that could have far-reaching impacts on their ability to advocate for children in foster care. The national funding from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding trickles down to support CASA programs across Oregon to support services for the state’s most vulnerable children. CASA volunteers, who are trained to advocate for children in foster care due to abuse or neglect, . rely on these funds to perform their essential work. However, the recent federal budget cuts threaten programs and staffing.

Oregon bill to give striking workers unemployment pay passes Senate

The pioneering bill squeaked through one chamber of the Legislature in Salem, but there were some Democratic dissenters.

Striking workers in Oregon are a step closer to being eligible for weekly unemployment checks, after a tight vote in the state Senate on Thursday.

Senate Bill 916 passed by the bare minimum 16 votes in the 30-member chamber, with two Democrats bucking the rest of their party over concerns the policy could harm cash-strapped cities and counties.

The razor thin-vote followed more than an hour of debate, in which most Democrats insisted unemployment pay would be comparatively rare, but give striking workers the stability to hold out for a fair contract.

“They make it so that every day we have clean water, safe roads, safe everything,” Sen. Kathleen Taylor, D-Portland, said of union workers. “We owe them the respect of allowing this provision.”

Opponents said the policy risked hiking costs for governments and businesses alike. And they argued the promise of at least some pay would inspire longer and more frequent strikes that could ultimately harm the state’s unemployment fund.

“The unemployment insurance fund is an institution in this state,” said Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles. “Oregonians trust that we, the Legislature, will protect the sanctity of this fund so that it’s there in their time of need — not their time of want, not their time of desire.”

They make it so that every day we have clean water, safe roads, safe everything. We owe them the respect of allowing this provision.

– Sen. Kathleen Taylor, D-Portland

Unemployment payments in Oregon range from $196 to $836 a week and are currently available only to employees who are out of work through no choice of their own.

SB 916 would change that, making Oregon the first state in the country to grant unemployment benefits to striking workers in both the public and private sectors. New York and New Jersey, the only two states that offer unemployment pay to striking workers, don’t permit public employees to strike.

The bill was proposed by labor unions, and has been championed by majority Democrats who typically receive political support from labor.

Under the bill, workers who strike for at least two weeks become eligible for weekly checks. Exactly how much the new law would increase unemployment payments in Oregon has been a key point of debate.

The Oregon Employment Department has acknowledged it cannot predict that number. If the trends of the past 10 years hold, however, the department said Oregon would pay out around $4.7 million in unemployment payments to striking workers over the next two years.

But if the future is more like the recent past, which has included weekslong strikes by Portland teachers and Providence nurses, the number shoots up. The employment department says a continuation of strike trends from the past three years would lead to $11.2 million in payments to striking workers.

Those increased payments would not be enough to force the state to hike employer taxes that pay for unemployment insurance, the department said. But such payments are only part of the equation. Public employers reimburse the state unemployment fund for any money paid to former employees.

SB 916 aims to ensure public employers won’t see employment costs increase during a strike, but that might not always be possible. Cities have said they could be forced to hire temporary workers in some strike scenarios, meaning they would pay for that labor on top of unemployment pay.

Worries over what the bill might mean for school districts and local governments led two Democrats to oppose the bill.

State Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, said he was sympathetic to the argument that large corporations may have too much power in labor negotiations. But he didn’t see the same problem at the city and county level.

“It is true that especially billion-plus dollar corporations have the resources to starve workers into bad deals,” Golden said. “That doesn’t mean it’s true for the public sector.”

Sen. Janeen Sollman, a Hillsboro Democrat, voiced similar concerns. She noted Washington County is facing a possible $20 million deficit. She and another senator, Dundee Republican Bruce Starr, warned lawmakers against passing a pioneering law with unclear impacts.

“Counties, cities and schools are scrambling to just maintain current services,” Sollman said. “Now is not the time to be adding more uncertainty and more expenses.”

I was told walking out on the job and holding the entire state hostage wasn’t fair to the people of Oregon. I was told Oregonians who do not show up to work don’t get paid.

– Sen. Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, comparing his experience walking out of the Senate in 2023 to a bill to give striking union members unemployment benefits

Republicans unanimously opposed the bill, and offered their own suggestion. The party introduced a “minority report” on the floor — essentially a counter-proposal the GOP urged senators to adopt in place of the original bill.

The proposal would have required unions to maintain their own funds to pay workers for strikes lasting up to four weeks. If striking workers received state unemployment benefits after that time, they would be required to pay back the money with interest. The minority report bill also would have barred public employees from striking.

Republicans knew their idea was dead in the water, but used the minority report to accuse Democrats of hypocrisy.

A lengthy preamble in the Republican proposal contained more than a dozen quotes from Democrats and their allies, who in recent years have railed against Republican lawmakers walking away from the Capitol in protest.

One example: A 2022 voter’s pamphlet statement from the state’s largest labor union, Service Employees International Union Local 503, urging voters to create penalties for walkouts. “If we don’t show up to work, there are real consequences,” it said. “Not just for us — such as losing pay, being fired, or other discipline — but also for the people we serve.”

In 2023, during the longest Republican walkout in state history, Bonham said he heard arguments diametrically opposed to the law Democrats approved Thursday.

“I was told walking out on the job and holding the entire state hostage wasn’t fair to the people of Oregon,” he said. “I was told Oregonians who do not show up to work don’t get paid. There’s a lot to unpack here.”

SB 916 now moves to the House. — This article was originally published by Oregon Public Broadcasting. 

Oregon Humane Society Warns about Scam Regarding Medical Bills for Your Lost Pet

Scammers are targeting the owners of lost pets pretending to be the Oregon Humane Society, the real Oregon Humane Society said on Friday.

In a so-called “spoofing” scam, the callers tell pet owners that their missing pet is injured and needs medical care. Then they demand payment.

“This scam preys on vulnerable people who are searching for their lost pet, which makes it particularly cruel,” Laura Klink, public information officer for the Oregon Humane Society said in a news release.

The calls even look like they are coming from the Oregon Humane Society’s main number, Klink said.

The humane society uses online payment portals including ezyVet and PayJunction, Klink said, so it’s a red flag if the caller asks for money through services like Zelle or Venmo.

If pet owners are concerned they’re being targeted by this scam, they should hang up and call the Oregon Humane Society directly at (503) 285-7722, Klink said.

Spring Whale Watch Week returns to the Oregon coast for spring break 2025

OREGON COAST, Oregon— Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast Saturday, March 22 through Sunday, March 30.

Trained Oregon State Park volunteers and rangers will be stationed at 14 sites along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot whales and their calves and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily March 22-30.

The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast.  Cape Foulweather will not be included this year because it is closed due to construction.

“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whales are usually closer to shore on their return trip, typically around a mile or so out, and they might have calves in tow,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

An estimated 19,260 gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as part of their annual migration back to Alaska.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales in 2023. Since then, the estimated population has increased by roughly 30% from 14,530 in 2023 to 19,260 last year, according to NOAA. The numbers are on the rise overall, but the calf count is still low as the population continues to rebound.

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

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 22-30. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

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

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Spring Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch.

Northwest Digital Heritage reaches one million digital records of cultural heritage collections available to view online

Salem, OR – People around Oregon and the world now have free access to search over one million digitized photographs, letters, documents, and more from around the Pacific Northwest. These historic and cultural materials are available in Northwest Digital Heritage, a website that searches the collections of over 300 regional libraries, museums, and cultural heritage organizations.

Northwest Digital Heritage is an online search portal that gathers records from the online collections of libraries, museums, universities, historical societies, and other organizations in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The site was created in 2021 through a partnership between the Oregon Heritage Commission, State Library of Oregon, and Washington State Library. 

Items available through Northwest Digital Heritage span topics, from football and women’s suffrage to Tribal treaties, Black history and culture, Crater Lake, and much more. The content has proven valuable to educators and students doing classroom projects, genealogists researching family connections, scholarly researchers, historians, cultural heritage organizations making exhibits, and other lifelong learners. 

The over one million materials include over 60,000 photos from Oregon State Archives’ Oregon Scenic Images Collection, 20,000 items from the Oregon Historical Society Research Library, 5,000 records from the Harney County Library, 13,000 images from the Salem Public Library, and nearly 2,000 materials from the Five Oaks Museum in Washington County. 

The collections in Northwest Digital Heritage are also included in the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA), which helps bring this unique and local Northwest content to a national audience. More than 5,000 institutions throughout the nation have contributed over 50 million records to the DPLA to date. 

“Being able to search one million records for primary sources documenting the human experience in the Pacific Northwest is an incredible opportunity for those interested in history,” says Katie Henry, Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator. “The three Northwest Digital Heritage partners know these are only a fraction of cultural materials held by hundreds of organizations across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. We look forward to working with existing and new partners to continue growing this incredible resource.” 

In addition to helping make this resource available, the Oregon Heritage Commission, State Library of Oregon, and Washington State Library assist heritage organizations across the Pacific Northwest. Such assistance includes:

• Training, resources, information, and guidance on digitizing and making collections accessible online;
• Grants and funding opportunities; and
• Hosting organizations’ online collections.

Northwest Digital Heritage is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the State Library of Oregon and Washington State Library. To learn more visit https://www.northwestdigitalheritage.org.

OREGON DIVISION OF FINANCIAL REGULATION CREATES COMMERCIAL INSURANCE GUIDES FOR BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) recently released a series of new consumer guides focused on commercial property and casualty insurance. The five new guides can be found on DFR’s website:

• Guides to commercial property and casualty insurance
• Shelters – Guide to commercial property and casualty insurance
• Nonprofits – Guide to commercial property and casualty insurance
• Child care providers – Guide to commercial property and casualty insurance
• Restaurants – Guide to commercial property and casualty insurance

These guides explain key features of commercial insurance policies, how to plan for and purchase coverage, and what to do if you are having difficulty finding insurance for your business. It also includes useful descriptions of different types of coverage and what factors insurers use to determine what premium you pay. Individual guides are also available that define special considerations for shelters, nonprofits, child care facilities, and restaurants. These provide tips for overcoming distinct challenges encountered with these types of organizations and businesses. 

“By taking proactive measures, business owners and nonprofits can better manage their risks and ensure they have the necessary protection in place,” said Andrew Stolfi, Oregon’s insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “We are hopeful these guides can help people navigate the intricacies of insurance and better understand terminology, technicalities, and how to get coverage if a commercial entity is struggling to obtain coverage in traditional markets.”

DFR has a variety of other publications to help consumers with auto insurance, health and life insurance, disaster resources, student loans, managing your finances, and more on its website.

If you have questions about your insurance, contact your insurance company or agent, or you can contact one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or at dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

Every year, the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honors the state’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

This year’s ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 6th at 1 p.m. at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.

The annual event commemorates the more than 190 fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the state of Oregon since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is proud to host the ceremony in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and various statewide law enforcement associations.

Registration is closing soon for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K

Oregon Parks Forever — 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.

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.  You must register by April 1^st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event.

Participants can walk, run, 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.  This year, the trees will be planted in the Santiam Canyon.

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 eleven other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia and Tennessee 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 eleven 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 is joining 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 two 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.

Indigenous Speakers Series Returns to the Museum in April with Three Inspiring Events

BEND, OR — This coming April, explore identity, cultures and how to live the good life when the High Desert Museum’s Indigenous Speaker Series returns. Promising a vibrant showcase of Indigenous voices, the series features an array of Indigenous artists, storytellers, scholars and more who share their unique perspectives with the community.

“We are honored to once again collaborate with Indigenous knowledge holders to bring vital conversations to our visitors,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “The April events are a continuation of an effort to elevate Indigenous voices to share the issues and cultures of the High Desert.”

The three April events explore topics such as identity, creativity, community and portraiture. Two of the events are connected to an exhibition open now at the Museum, Frank S. Matsura: Portraits from the Borderland. Featuring 20-plus enlarged portraits taken by Matsura of Native peoples in the early 1900s, the exhibition provides visitors a unique look at life in Okanogan County in Washington state during a time of transition. The exhibition originated at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Wash.

On April 1, Michael Holloman (Colville Confederated Tribes), a Washington State University associate professor and a curator of the original exhibition, will lead a panel discussion that looks deeper into Matsura’s life. “Frank S. Matsura: His Life and Portraits” also includes film and media scholar Glen Mimura and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Beth Harrington. The event will consider Matsura’s experiences as a Japanese-born photographer and his nuanced imagery of Native communities. Tickets are $5, with a 20% discount for Museum members and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/matsura-portraits. 

Then, on April 25, the Museum will host LaRonn Katchia (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), the director of Pathfinders, for a discussion of the short film. Katchia, a Warm Springs/Wasco/Paiute filmmaker and storyteller, will be joined by Thyreicia Simtustus, Kahmussa Green and Kiahna Allen (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), who are featured in the film. Part of the Matsura exhibition at the Museum, the film explores how the three young leaders are finding their own paths in balancing Native and non-Native worlds. Tickets are $5, with Members receiving a 20% discount and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/pathfinders. 

In between those two events, on April 17, the Museum will host Chris La Tray, Métis storyteller and award-winning author of Becoming Little Shell. La Tray will discuss the Anishinaabe word Mino-bimaadiziwin, meaning “the good life.” The concept emphasizes the importance of community well-being and living in harmony with the world around us. At its simplest, it is living a life in balance, but how?

Montana’s Poet Laureate from 2023-2025, La Tray is a descendent of the Pembina Band of the mighty Red River of the North and a member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. His first book, One-Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays from the World at Large, won the 2018 Montana Book Award and a 2019 High Plains Book Award. The event includes light refreshment and a no-host bar. Tickets are $12, with members receiving a 20% discount and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/the-good-life.

The Indigenous Speakers Series is made possible by The Roundhouse Foundation, with additional support from Author’s Unbound for the April 17 Chris La Tray event. For more information and to purchase tickets for Indigenous Speakers Series events, visit highdesertmuseum.org/indigenous-speakers-series.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The long-delayed deadline for REAL ID is now less than 2 months away. There’s a chance that full enforcement may get gradually rolled out, but May 7, 2025, is the changeover deadline.

Starting then, state-level ID cards, such as driver’s licenses, won’t be accepted for federal purposes, namely getting through airport security, unless it’s REAL ID-compliant.

If you plan to catch a domestic flight on or after May 7, you will be required to use a REAL ID. A little gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner is one of the easiest ways to know you’re holding a REAL ID.

In Oregon, it’s a black star. A REAL ID is an identification card that serves all of the same purposes of a standard drivers’ license or state-issued identification card. A federally-mandated switch to REAL ID for federal purposes, such as flying domestically, was originally signed into law by Congress in 2005.

The purpose is to establish “minimum security standards for license issuance and production,” according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website. The law, established four years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, came in response to federal calls for higher security standards in the U.S. Originally, the law mandated the switch to REAL ID by 2008, but it has been pushed back for various reasons due to logistical hurdles and later the COVID-19 pandemic.

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