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, April 4, 2025
Willamette Valley Weather
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4J School District Names Next Superintendent
The Eugene School District 4J Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Miriam Miralles Mickelson as the district’s next superintendent, following a comprehensive national search and community-informed selection process.
Dr. Mickelson brings more than two decades of public education experience, having served as a teacher, high school principal, executive director, and superintendent in multiple Washington state school districts. A values-driven leader with a deep commitment to student success, she is known for her relational approach, instructional leadership, and unwavering focus on creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Dr. Mickelson immigrated to the United States at the age of 22 and has since dedicated her life to public education. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Seattle Pacific University, and her career has been marked by improved graduation rates, expanded early learning access, strengthened multilingual family engagement, and partnerships that reflect the needs and strengths of diverse school communities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mickelson to 4J,” Board Chair Jenny Jonak said. “She brings a wealth of professional and life experience and a heart centered on students. From the start of this process, the board has been guided by our community’s desire for a leader who is visible, collaborative, and deeply grounded in 4J’s values. Dr. Mickelson embodies these qualities. We are extremely excited for the future we will build together.”
Dr. Mickelson’s selection follows a robust search guided by deep community engagement, with students, staff, families, and local partners helping shape the leadership qualities and criteria the district was seeking. This engagement included surveys, facilitated focus groups, and panels that represented a wide range of lived experiences and perspectives at every step, ensuring the final decision reflected the hopes and values of the entire 4J community.
Dr. Mickelson joins 4J following her recent departure from the Sedro-Woolley School District in Washington, where she served as superintendent for four years. Her separation was a mutual, no-cause agreement following a shift in board composition shaping the district’s direction. She remains proud of the work accomplished during her tenure, which will inform her collaborative, values-driven leadership in 4J. Dr. Mickelson becomes just the third female superintendent in the district’s 171-year history, following Margaret Nichols (1984-98) and Cydney Vandercar (interim superintendent 2020-22).
“I am deeply honored to join Eugene School District 4J,” Dr. Mickelson said. “Public education changed the course of my life, and I carry that responsibility and privilege with me into this role. Eugene is a community that deeply values education, and I’m excited to listen, learn, and work together to ensure every student is prepared for a future filled with hope and possibility.”
Dr. Mickelson will officially begin her tenure as superintendent on July 1, 2025, and she looks forward to meeting students, staff, families, and partners across the district this fall. (SOURCE)
First Sundays – Native American Arts & Crafts Makers – Starts This Sunday April 6
First Sundays – Native American Arts & Crafts Makers
Sunday, April 6 mm 10am to 4pm
Farmers Market Pavilion
85 E. 8th Ave, Downtown Eugene
Free & open to the public
Authentically made Native American arts & crafts makes this event unique. We transform the Pavilion into an event of Native American & Indigenous cultural sharing and a gallery of Fine Art, beadwork, Navajo made jewelry, crafts, beautiful wood carvings, and more. Featuring: Native American Cultural Performance at 1pm — www.naacm.org
Visit us at the First Christian Church – 1166 Oak St.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9-1 Sunday 12-4
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572229470271
| Help Volunteers Fill Gap left by closing of White Bird Front Room In response to the December closing of the White Bird Front Room, some volunteers (laid off staff and volunteers) are providing services limited days from the parking lot of First Christian Church on Oak Street. Read Eugene Weekly article: eugeneweekly.com/2025/03/06/raven-takes-flight |
| These volunteers are fundraising to form a nonprofit to replace the services more days per week. If you would like to contribute to this effort, RAVEN volunteers have created a GoFundMe with a goal of $25,000 to achieve nonprofit status and work toward providing services seven days a week. To donate, go to GoFundMe at: www.gofundme.com/f/help-raven-continue-services-for-vulnerable-neighbors |
Disorderly man with a knife taken into custody for Robbery, Unlawful Use Weapon
At 3:11 a.m. on April 1, while a group of Eugene Police officers were tied up responding to an armed suicidal subject call in another part of town, another unrelated call came in about a man with a knife acting disorderly at the 7-Eleven, 1107 S. Bertelsen Road.
Several officers were dispatched despite the limited staffing and when they arrived at 7-Eleven, they spotted a man matching the suspect’s description sitting in front. He was reported to have gone into the store, asked about a lighter and when an employee showed him one, he walked out without paying for it. When the employee challenged him, the suspect, Matthew Anthony Marks, age 43, threatened to kill the employee and pointed a knife at him.
The responding officers kept a distance away from Marks due to the information about his having a knife, gave him commands, and advised him he was under arrest. Marks covered himself with a blanket. Additional officers responded to assist with less lethal options. Officers used a heavy dose of patience and gave Marks admonishments regarding the use of less lethal equipment but Marks refused to comply and the deployment did not meet with success.
It took a team of officers moving in to remove the blanket, and a brief struggle, to get Marks into custody. Marks was armed with the knife in his hand at this time. Marks was lodged at Lane County Jail on charges including Robbery in the First Degree, Unlawful Use Weapon, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct. 25-05148
Fire Crews Mitigate Eugene Gas Leak
At 847 on Thursday morning, Eugene Springfield Fire responded to reports of a possible natural gas leak at 525 High Street in Eugene. Northwest Natural arrived and found a potential gas leak inside the building. Due to the building housing multiple commercial occupancies, ESF responded with 4 engines, 2 trucks, 2 battalion Chiefs, and an ambulance.
Upon arrival, crews located natural gas coming from inside the building. ESF initiated a complete evacuation of the buildings’ six occupancies while moving business to business ventilating gas from multiple businesses within the structure. Working with NWN and EWEB over the course of 90 minutes, crews were able to remove the remainder of gas from the building. Thanks to NWN and EWEB for their assistance with controlling utilities and EPD for their support with traffic control.
4/2/25 – LCSO Case #25-1559 Deputies arrest male hiding in residence after less lethal pistol shooting
On April 2nd at about 3:30 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a property in the 25800 block of Sundown Drive east of Crow for a report of a person who had been shot. eputies were able to determine the victim was in a travel trailer on the property and contacted him for medical care.
The victim had been shot multiple times by a self-defense less lethal pistol, causing significant injury. Deputies then contacted multiple people at a residence on the property before finally locating the suspect, Morgan Dakoda Barnum, 26, of Eugene, hiding inside.
After further investigation, Barnum was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for: – Assault in the 4th Degree – Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Menacing
Cultural Services, City of Eugene — · Come join the village on wheels!
Skate right in the heart of downtown Eugene at the Farmers Market Pavilion and Plaza.
@eugene_roller_village has two more Thursday Skate sessions confirmed. DJ Smuve (@datboismuve) brings the music & lights with @northwestskateland providing rental skates & support.
Next date: April 10, 5-8 p.m.
Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E 8th Ave) 
$10 admission, $5 skate rental. REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/623809767134231
Church vandalized, police seeking tips
Eugene Police is seeking tips to identify a person of interest in a burglary and the extensive vandalization of the Wesley United Methodist Church, 1385 Oakway Road.
Overnight the church was broken into and thousands of dollars of music equipment and religious items were destroyed, and excrement was left in the worship area. Church belongings were recovered on Oakway Road near St Andrews Drive just to the south of the church.
The church’s camera system caught a person exiting at about 5:30 a.m. today, April 1, and would like to identify them. Police are asking neighbors along Oakway Road please check home camera systems for footage of the pictured individual. If you have tips in this case, please contact Officer Brandon Rathje, 541.359.6423, or Brathje@eugene-or.gov.Case 25-05163
3/31/25 – LCSO Case #25-1540 – Driver killed in single vehicle crash on Territorial Road
Lane Co. Sheriff’s Office – 04/01/25 8:16 AMTerritorial Road Fatal Crash On March 31st at about 9:30 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded with fire personnel to a single vehicle crash on Territorial Road near Doane Road, south of Crow.
The vehicle, a 2005 Chevy Malibu, left the roadway for an unknown reason and struck a tree. The driver was the only occupant and was killed in the crash. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and the identity of the involved is being withheld until next of kin are notified.
LCSO Case #25-1277 Search continues for Eugene man missing in the Hall Road area west of Cheshire
The Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (SAR) continues looking for 63-year-old Jonathan Allen House of Eugene. House was last known to be in the 25600 block of Hall Road, west of Cheshire, as recently as March 15th.
Search efforts over the past 9 days have included: – 5 days of drone aerial search by deputies – 4 days of K9 searches by SAR K9 volunteers – 6 days of ground searches by SAR volunteers – 1 day of Eugene Mountain Rescue assisting in steep areas
The search has spanned a large, rugged area complicated by steep terrain and dense vegetation: – 50 miles of roadways – About 500 acres by ground – Far more area by drones Deputies and detectives have also spent about 40 hours analyzing cell phone data and combing through area security and game camera photos and videos.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the FBI and MMIW Search & Hope Alliance for their assistance on this case. Thanks also to Lane Fire Authority for allowing SAR to use their area fire station as a base of operations during ongoing searches, and to area landowners for their cooperation.
House is described as a white male adult, standing approximately 5’10” tall and weighing about 150 pounds. He has gray hair, blue eyes, and a mustache and stubble. He was last seen wearing glasses, a black or brown hooded coat, t-shirt, blue jeans, and work boots. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141.
65 Year Old Woman Arrested for Murder in Eugene – Now facing a second-degree charge in connection with the stabbing death of a 63-year-old man on Saturday evening, according to the Eugene Police Department.
Police responded to reports of a stabbing just before 7 p.m. on March 29 in an apartment near 1522 W. 6th Avenue. Officers confirmed that one person was dead and an individual, identified as 65-year-old Cynthia Christine Fletcher, was initially detained at that time but later arrested and booked into the Lane County Jail on a second-degree murder charge. Police said that Fletcher and the victim, identified as 63-year-old David James Valentine, lived together in the apartment. According to court records, Fletcher has a previous criminal history that includes charges of fourth-degree assault and harassment.
Motorcyclist Killed in Crash at River Road and Irvington During Memorial Ride
The motorcyclist is identified as Brandon Allen Goodeve, age 42, of Springfield. Previous Information:Eugene Police Major Collision Investigation team is following up on a fatal crash that occurred around 10 a.m. March 29. The crash involved a vehicle and a motorcycle, which was with a memorial ride that had just left the American Legion on River Road.
The name of the deceased motorcyclist is being withheld to give family time to notify family and friends. During the on-scene investigation, all northbound River Road was blocked, as well as one lane of southbound River Road, and Irvington eastbound and westbound Lanes. Those were reopened to normal traffic around 2:05 p.m. Case 25-05015
Eugene Public Library – GIANT BOOK SALE!
Coming up Sat., April 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun., April 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Lane Events Center (Fairgrounds). See you there!.Shop for fun and a good cause with thousands of gently-used and like-new books for all ages and interests, most at the bargain price of only $2.
Find fiction and nonfiction in paperback and hardcover, all genres, recent bestsellers, and rare and specialty books. Plus DVDs, audio books, music CDs, novelties and a large selection of children’s books, DVDs and CDs.
The book sale is a project of the all-volunteer Friends of Eugene Public Library. Proceeds help support library activities and events including Summer Reading books and programs for children and teens. For more information, to volunteer or to join the Friends: visit friendseugenelibrary.org
Re-Imagine Earth Day: A Collaborative Celebration of Sustainability in Eugene
A coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to sustainability–with major financial support from the City of Eugene Cultural Services Downtown Program Fund Grant–is proud to announce Re-Imagine Earth Day, an inspiring, action-oriented community event.
Join community members on Sunday, April 13, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E. 8th Ave., Eugene) for a unique celebration designed to empower individuals and communities to live more sustainably.
This dynamic indoor/outdoor event, hosted by the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA), BRING, Shift Community Cycles, City of Eugene Waste Prevention, and Waste Wise Lane County–a part of Lane County Waste Management–will foster tangible behavior change and provide opportunities to engage, learn, and take meaningful steps toward a healthier planet.
What to Expect at Re-Imagine Earth Day
Re-Imagine Earth Day is more than just a gathering—it’s a call to action. Attendees will have the chance to:
- Connect with organizations, nonprofits, agencies, and businesses promoting sustainable behaviors, programs, products, and services.
- Explore eco-friendly products and services from local vendors.
- Discover artisans who incorporate recycled, upcycled, or sustainable materials into their work.
- Enjoy performances by artists whose creations inspire environmentally responsible themes.
Event Details
- When: Sunday, April 13, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Where: Farmers Market Pavilion, Downtown Eugene
For questions, please contact Mitra Gruwell, Community Engagement Coordinator at MECCA, at a@materials-exchange.org“>mitra@materials-exchange.org, or visit www.wastewiselane.org/earth.
About the Organizers:
This event is brought to you by a coalition of sustainability-focused organizations, including MECCA, BRING, Shift Community Cycles, City of Eugene Waste Prevention, and Waste Wise Lane County, with funding provided from a City of Eugene Cultural Services Downtown Program Fund Grant and the Lane Council of Governments.
Early registration ticket pricing for Oregon’s largest Urban and Community Forestry Conference has been extended to midnight on Sunday, April 13.
The one-day conference will be held again this year on Thursday, May 15 at Venue 252 in downtown Eugene. It is put on by the non-profit organization Oregon Community Trees in partnership with the Oregon Department of Forestry and USDA Forest Service. Co-presenting sponsors are OUR Community Forestry and Portland Urban Forestry.
The conference’s theme – Growing Together: Collaboration and Diverse Voices in Urban Forestry – will feature speakers and panelists providing insights into:
- How those working to extend the many benefits of shade-tree canopy more widely can do so in a more equitable manner by collaborating with communities.
- How people currently under-represented in urban forestry and arboriculture can be recruited into the profession and helped to flourish within it.
Keynote speaker Christine Carmichael, PhD, will be flying in from Michigan to share historic, current, and future trends in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the urban forestry field.
There will also be panels discussing workforce development and collaborating with diverse communities, including Oregon’s Tribal nations. OUR Community Forestry, which is co-sponsoring this year’s conference, will also share its experience working with communities in southern Oregon, including Talent, a large portion of which was destroyed by the 2020 Almeda Fire. Continuing education credits are being sought for the conference.
Early registration is $150 until April 13 and $180 after that date ($170 if the person registering lives or works in a Tree City USA community). Students can register for $80 at any time before registration ends May 8. Price includes a boxed lunch and a social hour beverage and snacks following the conference. To register, go to Growing Together: Collaboration and Diverse Voices in Urban Forestry
About Oregon Community Trees – The mission of this non-profit, Oregon-based organization is to promote healthy urban and community forests through leadership, education, awareness and advocacy.
Amtrak’s “Horizon” railcars have been pulled from service due to corrosion concerns, affecting nearly all trips on Amtrak Cascades daily service between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Eugene.
Amtrak is pulling its fleet of “Horizon” railcars from several lines, including the Amtrak Cascades route, after a routine inspection revealed safety concerns, according to a statement on its website Wednesday morning.
The rail service has scheduled buses to transport passengers on the impacted Cascades trips through the end of the month. The “Talgo VI” railcars, which were previously used on the Cascades route, were pulled after derailing on a bridge over Interstate 5 in DuPont, Wash., in 2017. Three people were killed in the crash.
The Horizon cars were then brought in from the Midwest for the Cascades run, which moves up and down the I-5 corridor. But now they’ve been canceled due to the corrosion issue. The Cascades route is scheduled to get new “Airo” railcars in 2026. In a separate notice on its website Wednesday, Amtrak said a total of 70 passenger cars across the country are affected, including 26 cars on the Amtrak Cascades route. In the short-term, buses have been secured to transport passengers to their destinations through March 30.
The Cascades route is a different route than the Coast Starlight and is unaffected as they use different railcars to transport passengers. The Coast Starlight will remain on its current schedule with no changes whatsoever from Southern California to Seattle, including their stop in Klamath Falls.
Lane County Government
Our friends at Eugene Water & Electric Board are hosting an in-person and online Financial Preparedness for Disasters Seminar in April. Learn more about how to document your home, review your insurance coverage, and be better prepared to recover financially from a natural disaster.
EWEB and the City of Eugene are working together to enhance community resilience by helping residents “Be 2 Weeks Ready”—not just with emergency supplies, but financially, too.Whether you attend in person or online, this free seminar is an opportunity to take control of your financial future and gain peace of mind.Now is the time to take action and be financially prepared for disaster. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation will share simple steps to help you recover more quickly and completely from disaster.
Learn how to create a home inventory, organize financial records, review your insurance coverage, and get the most out of the claims process.Planning ahead can minimize stress, reduce financial hardship, and make recovery smoother and more manageable. Take advantage of this opportunity to protect your financial future.
Join the event in person at:
EWEB Roosevelt Operations Center
4200 Roosevelt BLVD
Eugene, OR 97402Or register to attend virtually at:
https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/…/6c5e9c79-a82b…
Presented by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation. Hosted by Eugene Water & Electric Board
HYGIENE DRIVE STARTS APRIL 1st! 
Mark your calendars! Beginning April 1st, we’re collecting essential items to help restore dignity to local families in need:• Razors & shaving supplies • New socks • Feminine hygiene products • Toothbrushes, toothpaste & floss • Shampoo & conditioner • Soap & body wash • Cleaning supplies • Tissues • Diapers & baby wipesFind a complete list of needed items and all drop-off sites at http://www.ccslc.org/squeaky-clean-hygiene-driveYour donations create ripple effects of hope throughout our community. Get your items ready now—together, we’ll make a real difference for our neighbors in need.
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.
Eugene Springfield Fire · Eugene Springfield Fire is now a regional training center in EMS.
We will be hosting several opportunities for continuing education and certification in a wide array of EMS disciplines. The upcoming NAEMT courses available at ESF are listed in the graphic. Contact Scott Edinger at sedinger@eugene-or.gov or (541)682-7100 to learn more and sign up.
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
A mistake by the Oregon Employment Department means up to 12-thousand people who received unemployment last year might need to file updated tax forms.
The problem happened during the switch from the old computer system to Frances Online. Incorrect 1099-G forms were sent to some people who received unemployment benefits last year.
The department is going through a process to identify all errors, validate tax forms and contact affected customers. The Oregon Employment Department has details on its website: https://www.oregon.gov/employ/NewsAndMedia/Press%20Releases%20Archives/2025-03-27-Errors-to-Unemployment-Insurance-Tax-Forms.pdf
Oregon AG Joins Effort to Block Trump’s SAVE Act as New Voter Rules Risk Minority Rights and Decades of Progress
Despite studies that show that only 0.0001% of votes cast in areas with high immigration populations are by non-citizens, the Trump administration is changing the SAVE Act which will pose onerous burdens on voters to prove their eligibility.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has joined a coalition of 17 AGs who oppose H.R. 22 – the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE Act – arguing that the proposed legislation will add unnecessary and complicated hurdles for millions currently eligible to vote.
Writing to House Speaker Michael Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the coalition warns that the change in legislation requiring proof of citizenship before registering to vote will create unnecessary obstacles. The legislation will mainly affect minority and low-income communities.
The SAVE Act will amend the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) by requiring voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship before registering to vote.
The coalition believes the requirement will reverse 30 years of progress made under the NVRA. The NVRA was designed to remove barriers to voter registration and promote greater participation in the democratic process.
The coalition says providing proof of citizenship in the form of a passport or birth certificate is an expensive exercise, further complicated by the fact that names appearing on the documents must be a perfect match.
The AGs point out that more than 21 million voting-age citizens do not have a passport, birth, or naturalization record. Furthermore, 80% of married women have chosen to adopt their partner’s last name, so will not have a valid birth certificate under the SAVE Act.
The coalition is also opposing in-person presentation of citizenship documentation, effectively eliminating online voter registration in use in 42 states. The AGs also believe that the legislation will jeopardize active-duty servicemen.
In a news release from the Oregon Department of Justice, AG Rayfield says that the integrity of elections can still be protected while ensuring that every legitimate voter has the equal right to cast a ballot ‘without obstacles or discrimination.’
A public hearing by the Senate Committee on Rules held on Monday to discuss a Bill that will revert Oregon to in-person voting was opposed by 81% of respondents who submitted written testimony, according to information obtained by a news source.
Known as SB 210 , the bill would end mail-in voting, require voter ID and ensure in-person voting on Election Day in the state of Oregon. According to information, 81% of the written testimony was against the bill, with 19% in favor.
The Oregon Legislature first approved mail-in voting in 1981 and it was adopted by a majority of counties by 1987. But it wasn’t until 1998 that Oregon voters approved a measure requiring that all elections be vote by mail. The state then became the first to conduct a presidential election by mail in 2000.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the rate of voter turnout in the 2020 presidential election was among the highest in over a century across the U.S. with almost 67% of eligible voters casting their ballots on Election Day.
Further, Oregon and Washington have seen over 75% average voter turnout in the last few presidential elections, according to the University of Florida Election Lab . Oregon state legislators invited the public to submit testimony on SB210 either online, remote, or in-person.
Oregon voters would be asked to reconsider vote-by-mail under a bill in the Legislature. If voters approved it, voting would have to be in-person with state issued photo identification.
Voters could request a ballot in the mail 21 days in advance for each election, with photo identification. Postage would no longer be paid by the state. More than nine-thousand comments were received online. 81 percent of the comments opposed the bill and nine percent were in support.
Oregon Lawmakers Push Food for All Program as Hunger Hits Great Depression Levels and 62,000 Lose SNAP Benefits
In the face of new information from the Oregon Food Bank that shows hunger in the state is at its worst level since the Great Depression, a group of lawmakers want to establish a Food for All Oregonians program.
If the bill is enacted, food distribution will begin in the New Year to feed more than 62,000 Oregonians who are no longer eligible for federal SNAP benefits because of their immigration status. The Department of Human Services (DHS) will manage the program.
Presently, Green Card holders only become eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after a waiting period of five years, subject to meeting certain criteria. The proposed program will feed people under 26 and older than 55 – the age groups identified as most needing assistance.
According to the latest hunger report by the Oregon Food Bank (OFB), 2.5 million people visited food distribution centers last year, representing a 31% increase compared to 2023.
The food bank says that historic inequities and systemic exclusions have created a scenario in which Black, and Indigenous Colored communities, refugees, immigrants, caregivers, single mothers, and trans and gender expansive communities are up to three times more likely to face poverty and hunger.
‘Today, 1 in 8 people and 1 in 6 kids in Oregon and Southwest Washington face food insecurity — from Ontario to Portland to Clark County,’ states the report, pointing out that food is a basic human right.
A public hearing to discuss the bill raised some opposition from people who said that they do not want their tax dollars spent on ‘non-citizens.’
If the Food for All Oregonians program is passed, an advisory group will be formed between the DHS and the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement.
Hundreds of families remain displaced following severe flooding in southeast Oregon’s Harney County – How to Help Those Affected by Flooding in Harney County
The sheriff’s office announced last night the floodwater blanketing the city of Burns has tested positive for multiple bacteria, including E. coli. Residents are urged to keep children and pets out of the water and use PPE when possible. Level 3 evacuation notices remain in effect for over 12-hundred people.
Oregon is experiencing historic flooding that has deeply impacted Harney County. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from individuals who want to help.
FINANCIAL GIFTS ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO HELP
- Financial support to voluntary agencies is the most efficient and flexible way to help those impacted.
- Cash donations allow organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when and where it’s needed—without delay.
- Unsolicited food and clothing donations slow the aid and recovery process, as organizations are left sorting and disposing of unusable items instead of providing support to survivors.
- To make a financial gift visit redcross.org/cascades or go to https://www.orvoad.org/current-members/ for a list of trusted organizations.
- You can also check an organization’s GuideStar rating to see how they rank among their peers and ensure they are a reputable organization.
- Be careful around donating to individual fundraiser accounts like GoFundMe. GoFundMe has some tips and best practices to avoid common scams and to protect yourself.
- The Oregon Department of Financial Regulation also has some guidance to protect yourself from fraud and exploitation, including for those needing to hire contractors for repair work.
VOLUNTEERING
- Please do not respond by self-deploying yourself to the disaster area. The arrival of uncoordinated volunteers can interfere with response efforts and create safety issues.
- Volunteers will be needed most during the recovery phase—your help will be vital, but timing and coordination are key.
- To register your interest in volunteering, contact the Harney Hub by calling 541-573-6024. You may also volunteer with the American Red Cross Cascades Region through their volunteer portal at redcross.org/volunteer.
- Local organizations will provide training and placement as needs are identified.
MATERIAL DONATIONS (CLOTHING, FOOD, HYGIENE ITEMS, ETC.)
- Unsolicited in-kind donations, while generous, can overwhelm local resources and logistics systems.
- Only donate items that are specifically requested by officials. Items not needed may go to waste and slow down relief efforts.
- If you have already collected goods but cannot find an agency in need, consider donating them to a local charitable organization.
- For local coordination of approved donations, contact Burns Christian Church, which is working with the American Red Cross.
- Call Melissa Albertson, Donation Coordinator – 541-573-7176 for more information.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
- Host a fundraiser, donation drive, or community event to raise funds for voluntary organizations actively supporting the flood response.
- Before taking action, check local official websites and social media channels for real-time updates on what’s needed.
- Financial contributions remain the fastest and most impactful way to help flood survivors recover.
FOR THOSE AFFECTED
A shelter is open and providing hot meals, safe shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, health services, information and other services to impacted individuals and families at: Harney County Fairgrounds 69660 South Egan Road, Burns, Oregon.
Thank you for your compassion, patience, and support. Working together, we can continue to help people in this time of need.
State releases free permit-ready building plans for decks
Salem – The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) has published its first permit-ready plan under the state’s updated Permit-Ready Plans Program. The building plans, available free to the public, are for a code-compliant residential deck.
The Permit-Ready Plans Program creates an efficient pathway for the state to develop and make publicly accessible building plans under Oregon Revised Statute 455.062 that meet the requirements of the state building code. Plans are published to the BCD website. BCD is a division of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services.
The first plan published is a single-level, wood-framed, exterior deck attached to a building regulated by the Oregon Residential Specialty Code. BCD anticipates publishing more permit-ready plans for other residential accessory structures such as pole buildings, detached garages, patio covers, and carports later this year. The division will start developing plans for smaller detached dwelling units by the end of 2025.
Once a permit-ready plan has been published, it will be available for use by the public. To use a permit-ready plan, download the plan, supply any project-specific details required by the plans (dimensions used, site-specific design criteria, selected options, etc.), and then contact the local building department for details about how to submit the plan for its review.
“The Permit-Ready Plans Program is one part of the state’s broad approach to foster increased housing production in Oregon,” said Alana Cox, administrator of the Building Codes Division. “Permit-ready plans are able to be processed by building departments more efficiently, which streamlines the specific project using the provided plans. Also, this streamlined process frees up building department resources to process other permit applications more efficiently.”
### About Oregon BCD: The Building Codes Division administers the statewide building code, which provides uniform standards that ensure newly constructed residential and commercial buildings are safe for people to occupy. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit oregon.gov/bcd and dcbs.oregon.gov.
Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed April 2025 to be Oregon Arbor Month throughout the state.
This year’s proclamation recognizes the importance to neighborhoods of urban trees as cities add housing and rapidly densify. The proclamation states that “Trees play an integral role in fostering healthy communities,” adding that urban development and the preservation of trees demands a careful balance.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager Scott Altenhoff said “Replacing those trees will require us to pick up the pace not only of planting but also of ensuring nurseries have the capacity to grow the numbers and types of trees needed that are resilient to climate change and resistant to serious pests and diseases.” He added that it is equally important to grow and diversify the workforce in urban forestry.
Altenhoff said there is growing recognition, as cited in the proclamation, that the benefits of tree canopy have been unevenly distributed in the state. “Many low-income areas and those with large populations of people of color have fewer large shade trees than more affluent neighborhoods. Research has shown that having fewer large shade trees in those lower-canopy neighborhoods is strongly associated with increased deaths from heart disease and poor health outcomes.”
Looking to swim or take a boat tour at Crater Lake National Park? This summer is your last chance to do so for a while.
The National Park Service announced that the Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only allowed access to the lakeshore, is undergoing maintenance until summer 2029. The NPS said the project “proposes to rehabilitate the trail and related infrastructure to ensure safe access to the lake, provide needed visitor services, and to protect the environment.
Every year, thousands of park visitors hike this trail to gain access to lakeshore. The Cleetwood Cove Marina is the launch point for the concession-provided boat tours of Crater Lake and the park’s boats. This project proposes to rehabilitate the trail and related infrastructure to ensure safe access to the lake, provide needed visitor services, and to protect the environment. This project will address critical safety issues with the Cleetwood Cove Trail and Marina.
Work proposed includes, rehabilitation of the entire 1.1 mile trail including improvements to trail tread and retaining walls. Rockfall scaling and mitigation along identified high risk zones. Removal and replacement of the failed bulkhead/dock with a structurally stable marina. Replacing the outdated and undersized composting toilets located near the marina.
The planning, design, and compliance are completed for this project. The next step is solicitation of the construction contract. Construction is set to start in 2026, with trail closures planned for the duration of the 2027 and 2028 summer seasons. The NPS says boat tours will not be provided during this time. The renovated trail has a slated reopening of summer 2029.
It’s molting season for elephant seals, and Oregon beachgoers are being urged to “share the shore.”
Signs have recently gone up in Seaside advising residents to remain at least 100 yards away from the seals after a young elephant seal was found sunbathing there yesterday. The molting process requires elephant seals to rest on land for multiple weeks while they shed their old coats and grow new ones. Elephant seals can be extra irritable during the molting process.
Time is running out: Tax Day is just two weeks away
But with just two weeks before taxes are due, April 15, more than 1 million Oregonians have yet to submit their tax year 2024 returns.
“Taxpayers are slightly ahead of the pace from 2023, the most recent non-kicker year. We still expect to see a rush of returns as we get closer to Tax Day,” said Megan Denison, Personal Tax and Compliance Division administrator with the Oregon Department of Revenue.
“Our best advice for taxpayers is to get their returns in as soon as possible.”
In addition, to filing sooner rather than later, the department offers the following information for taxpayers who still need to file their state return.
File electronically – E-filing is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their tax refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks. Taxpayers should file just once. Sending a paper return through the mail after e-filing will a delay a refund.
Free filing options – Revenue provides several options for taxpayers to e-file their returns for free. Oregon Free Fillable Forms performs basic calculations and is ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. The IRS offers a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically.
New this year, taxpayers can file their federal return directly with the IRS using IRS Direct File and their Oregon return directly with the state through Direct File Oregon for free. Videos are available to show how to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.
Information about all available free tax preparation software options is available on the Revenue website, along with a list of organizations providing free assistance.
Where’s my refund? tool and video – Revenue has issued nearly 850,000 refunds already this year, most within two weeks of filing. Taxpayers wondering about the refund on their tax year 2024 return, can use the Oregon Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check its status and, if they want more information, watch a video outlining the refund timelines to better understand the process.
Filing an extension – Individuals who are not able to file by April 15, 2025 can file an extension directly with the Oregon Department of Revenue or with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If the IRS extension is granted, the Oregon extension is automatically granted. A timely filed extension moves the federal tax filing deadline and the Oregon filing deadline to October 15, 2025.
Only request an Oregon extension if you:
- Don’t have a federal extension.
- Owe Oregon taxes.
- Can’t file your return by April 15, 2025.
Remember that having a filing extension is not an extension to pay any tax owed. Taxpayers who can’t pay the full amount they owe, should pay what they can to avoid late payment penalties.
Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, see a list of approved tax preparation software products, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments. For questions not answered on our website, call 800-356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times.
Even as April 15 Tax Day approaches – if you don’t owe, you have more time to file to get your refund
Salem, Ore. – Here comes the April 15, 2025 deadline to file your taxes — but wait, there’s good news. If you don’t owe any taxes, you have three years to file your tax return without any penalty and still get your refund. Plus, thanks to the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program, there are many places to get free help in filing your taxes.
For many people, particularly those with lower incomes or who work part-time or seasonally, a refund is due thanks to withholding and refundable tax credits.
But why wait three years if you are due a tax refund? Don’t let the April 15 deadline stop you from getting your tax return this year. It may be too late to find an appointment before April 15, but many free tax filing places take some time off after April 15 and then start up again in May and work through October 15.
Also, it is fairly common to get a letter two or three months after filing your taxes from the Oregon Department of Revenue or the Internal Revenue Service asking for more information. The free tax filing services can help you respond to the letter including translating into other languages if needed.
Learn more about credits, deadlines and where to find free help: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/tax-help.aspx
The Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds culturally relevant or culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments and rural community organizations to help educate and provide free tax filing help for people with low incomes. Help is available in multiple languages. The grant money is also used to increase the number of certified tax preparers in Oregon.
Where to get free help filing taxes
- 211Info: Call 2-1-1 or email help@211info.org for a list of all the free tax filing help.
- Oregon State University; vita@oregonstate.edu; 541-737-3371; Corvallis, Bend, Eugene OSU VITA website: https://business.oregonstate.edu/volunteer-income-tax-assistance
- Western Oregon University; wouvita@wou.edu; 503-751-4132; Monmouth, Independence, Falls City; WOU VITA website: https://wou.edu/business-economics/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita/.
- CASH Oregon: info@Cashoregon.org; 503-243-7765; Portland, Beaverton, Gresham
- Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO); TAX@irco.org; 971-427-3993; Portland, Ontario
- Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos; biec@Centrodspc.org“>debbiec@Centrodspc.org; 503-982-0243; Woodburn
- Latino Community Association; info@latinocommunityassociation.org;
541-382-4366; Bend, Redmond
- Moneywise Oregon; dan@moneywiseoregon.org; 541-670-5054; Coos Bay, Roseburg
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/_/
The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission has announced a recall for cannabis edible cookies.
They were sold from 2023 through this year at 37 marijuana retailers. Lissa’s Fresh Baked Cookie Bites contained milk, which can lead to allergic reactions, that wasn’t on the label. The recall applies to the Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Chip versions of these cookies. The OLCC has not received any health-related complaints about the cookies.
Seeking public comment on proposed changes to day-use parking permits
SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on a proposal to expand the 25% out-of-state camping surcharge to parking permit fees and eliminate the two-year parking permit.
The out-of-state camping surcharge was enacted by state law in 2022 for RV campsites, and OPRD expanded it to all site types for out-of-state campers for stays beginning July 1, 2025.
The proposed rule change would add the 25% out-of-state surcharge to parking permit fees. Based on current rates, out-of-state visitors would pay $12.50 per day or $37.50 for an annual parking permit. If approved, the change would begin July 1, 2025.
Oregon residents would continue to pay the same parking permit rate of $10 per day or $30 for an annual permit.
The proposed rule change would also eliminate the sales of 24-month parking permits starting in 2026. Existing permits would be honored until they expire. The 12-month annual permit will continue to be sold.
These changes would help parks more consistently implement the surcharge as well as track annual revenue and budgets for parks in the future. It’s part of an ongoing effort to help keep pace with rising costs while continuing to provide exceptional outdoor experiences.
Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. April 30, 2025:
- Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx
- Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
- Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov“>OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov
A public hearing will also be held 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025:
- Register to attend the virtual hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__1Zw_JurTy-PYpxWhGra2w#/registration
Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in June for possible adoption.
With the belt tightening of the federal government, according to the Oregon Health Authority, every county in Oregon and all nine federally-recognized tribal communities will feel the $117 million in funding cuts for OHA programs from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The OHA says the funding is being pulled through the Center for Disease Control and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Some of the COVID-era funding and grants were supposed to continue for another year or more.
The OHA says grants to support vaccine-preventable disease work as well as five grants that helped establish the 988 crisis line and were intended to aid in community substance use treatment, prevention, and recovery are among the programs experiencing a loss of funding in Oregon.
Nationwide, over $11 billion of pandemic-response funds are being pulled back by the CDC.
Fraud Fighter Summit and Resource Fair set for April 12 in Medford
– The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) and Oregon AARP are hosting the Fraud Fighter Summit and Resource Fair on Saturday, April 12, in Medford.
The free event, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will be at the Smullin Health Education Center, 2825 E. Barnett Road, in Medford. Doors open at 9 a.m. Parking is available on site and a light lunch will be provided.
Joining DFR and AARP will be representatives from the Federal Trade Commission and the Construction Contractors Board, who will provide insights on current scams. Attendees will learn tips on how to protect themselves against fraud.
They will hear from DFR Administrator TK Keen; Oregon AARP State Director Bandana Shrestha; Oregon AARP Director of Advocacy and Outreach Carmel Snyder; Construction Contractors Board Communications and Outreach Coordinator Tori Garcia; Federal Trade Commission Regional Director Chuck Harwood; and Doug Shadel, a national expert, author, and columnist on fraud prevention.
Keen will be speaking about spotting and recovering from scams and steps to follow while working with your insurance company. This information, which will accompany Garcia’s presentation, will provide consumers with tips and resources for scam and fraud avoidance, resources for recovery, and how to report.
“It is important for people to do their due diligence so that they do not become a victim of scams and fraud,” Keen said. “This is especially true when they are in a vulnerable position, including after a natural disaster. Unfortunately, not everyone who rushes in after a flood or fire is there to help.”
If you believe you may have been scammed related to an insurance or financial product or claim, DFR has resources to help you. Consumer advocates are available by calling 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or emailing .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov or .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. More information is also available at dfr.oregon.gov/help.
It’s molting season for elephant seals, and Oregon beachgoers are being urged to “share the shore.”
Signs have recently gone up in Seaside advising residents to remain at least 100 yards away from the seals after a young elephant seal was found sunbathing there yesterday. The molting process requires elephant seals to rest on land for multiple weeks while they shed their old coats and grow new ones. Elephant seals can be extra irritable during the molting process.
Registration Now Open for the Annual Oregon Spring Cleanup
– Registration is live for the annual Oregon Spring Cleanup presented by Portland General Electric! With over 100 events already posted on the SOLVE website, now is the time to get involved. Litter cleanups and habitat restoration projects span Portland and SW Washington, the entire Oregon Coast from Astoria to Brookings, the Willamette National Forest, Southern Oregon—including Medford—and all the way to Baker City in Eastern Oregon.
The Oregon Spring Cleanup, celebrating Earth Month, takes place from April 12 to 22, 2025, culminating on Saturday, April 19. Individuals, families, community and corporate groups are encouraged to participate in this collective effort to keep our region clean and beautiful. Volunteers can sign up for existing projects or host their own events with support from SOLVE.
Longtime community partner, Portland General Electric continues to champion environmental volunteerism through SOLVE. As part of PGE’s commitment to environmental stewardship, they partner with SOLVE to bring communities together to provide clean and healthy environments for all.
“Earth Month is great reminder to take action and continue to enhance our communities,” said PGE’s vice president of policy and resource planning, Kristen Sheeran. “This Earth Month, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves with SOLVE and all of the volunteer partners to make a lasting impact on Oregon’s natural spaces.”
How to Get Involved
- Sign up: Find a volunteer event near you and register yourself or a group at volunteer.solveoregon.org/
- Lead your own event: SOLVE provides all the necessary resources, including supplies and disposal funds, to make hosting a project easy for you.
- Join the challenge: Rally your school, company, or community group to take part in the Trash Bag Challenge. Participants challenge others to either join an existing SOLVE cleanup or lead their own, sparking friendly competition and community pride – solveoregon.org/challenge
Supply Hubs: Making Coastal Cleanups More Sustainable
At SOLVE, we make it easy to lead a cleanup event. This year, new coastal supply hubs provide an additional way to access event materials, making it even easier to host litter cleanups along the Oregon Coast.
Through a partnership with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and generous support from Knife River, SOLVE has established seven supply hubs along the Oregon Coast. These hubs—located at Cape Lookout, Fort Stevens, Port Orford Heads, South Beach, and Sunset Bay within OPRD parks, along with Heart of Cartm in Nehalem and Washed Ashore in Bandon—are stocked with supplies to support cleanups of up to 20 volunteers, reducing the shipment of single-use plastics to these areas.
Join the Trash Bag Challenge
New this year, SOLVE is also launching the Trash Bag Challenge, inviting schools, businesses, community groups, and organizations to challenge others to either join an existing cleanup or lead their own. This initiative is designed to spark friendly competition and community pride while making a tangible difference in local areas.
The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2025 is made possible by the generous support of Portland General Electric and other event sponsors, including AAA, CareOregon, Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Holman Enterprises, KOIN 6, The Oregonian, Lam Research Corporation, Metro, Lithia Driveway, Intel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Swire Coca-Cola, The Standard, and PepsiCo.
For more information and to sign up, visit www.solveoregon.org/oregon-spring and be part of the collective effort to create a cleaner, greener Oregon.
About SOLVE
SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs
No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.
The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.
In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.
If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.
A new bill on the Oregon house floor is taking wide swings at allocating funding to pay for anticipated wildfire costs in the next biennium including a proposed surcharge on bottles and cans.
State Representatives John Lively and Bobby Levy introduced HB 3940, a bipartisan proposal aimed at funding wildfire prevention and suppression in Oregon. The bill creates new provisions, directing multiple funding sources towards the State Fire Marshal’s office to make up for a projected shortfall of about $300 million.
Sources include insurance and forest harvest taxes, the Oregon Rainy Day Fund, and a 5¢ surcharge on each beverage container sold in the state. Representative John Lively from Springfield says not every recommendation from the bill is meant to pass, but rather a combination of solutions.
Ashland Senator Jeff Golden says his own plan to hold back Oregon’s Kicker would help fund wildfire needs if HB 3940 doesn’t get through the legislature, or fails to raise enough money. The bill was sent to the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment, but has not yet been scheduled for a public hearing.
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 1st 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
