Willamette Valley News, Monday 4/14 – Community Can Support CAHOOTS Efforts to Keep Emergency Services in Eugene at City Council Meeting Today, Tax Day is Tomorrow 4/15 & 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, April 14, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

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

Community Can Support CAHOOTS Efforts to Keep Emergency Services in Eugene at City Council Meeting Today

CAHOOTS union members and former employees are looking for a new way to keep their emergency services alive in Eugene after the city ended its contract last Monday. Today, 4/14 the community can stand up and fight back to keep these vital services.

Leaders with CAHOOTS hosted a town hall Thursday night at the University of Oregon to get the public’s feedback following the City of Eugene’s decision to end its partnership with the mental health crisis outreach program.

A CAHOOTS medical crisis worker, Michelle Perin, says they were all caught off guard when the city abruptly ended their contract because of budget constraints.

CAHOOTS offers medical care, welfare checks, and much more with its mobile units, receiving nearly 17,000 calls last year alone.

CAHOOTS Services No Longer Available in Eugene Due to Funding

Monday, CAHOOTS and the City of Eugene issued a joint press release announcing they didn’t have the financial sources to continue providing CAHOOTS in Eugene, and that service were ending immediately. CAHOOTS, which stands for Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets, will continue to be available in Springfield from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

The announcement is a stunning development for a service that’s been recognized nationally, especially in the wake of the social justice protests that followed the 2020 murder of George Floyd, which renewed the national conversation about the role of armed officers in responding to mental health crises.

CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets) will still provide mobile crisis intervention in Springfield, 7 days a week from 11:00 am–11:00 pm. CAHOOTS is dispatched within the Springfield urban growth boundary, dispatched through the Springfield non-emergency number. Each team consists of a medic and a crisis worker.

CAHOOTS provides immediate stabilization in case of urgent medical need or psychological crisis, assessment, information, referral, advocacy and, in some cases, transportation to the next step in treatment. Any person who reports a crime in progress, violence, or a life-threatening emergency may receive a response from the police or emergency medical services instead of or in addition to CAHOOTS.

31 years ago the City of Eugene, Oregon developed an innovative community-based public safety system to provide mental health first response for crises involving mental illness, homelessness, and addiction. White Bird Clinic launched CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets) as a community policing initiative in 1989.

The CAHOOTS model has been in the spotlight as our nation struggles to re-imagine public safety. The program mobilizes two-person teams consisting of a medic (a nurse, paramedic, or EMT) and a crisis worker who has substantial training and experience in the mental health field. The CAHOOTS teams deal with a wide range of mental health related crises, including conflict resolution, welfare checks, substance abuse, suicide threats, and more, relying on trauma-informed de-escalation and harm reduction techniques. CAHOOTS staff are not law enforcement officers and do not carry weapons; their training and experience are the tools they use to ensure a non-violent resolution of crisis situations. They also handle nonemergent medical issues, avoiding costly ambulance transport and emergency room treatment.

CAHOOTS offers a broad range of services, including but not limited to:

• Crisis Counseling
• Suicide Prevention, Assessment, and Intervention
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• Grief and loss
• Substance Abuse
• Housing Crisis
• First Aid and Non-Emergency Medical Care
• Resource Connection and Referrals
• Transportation to Services

The power of White Bird’s CAHOOTS program lies in its community relationships and the ability of first responders to simply ask, ‘How can I support you today?’ White Bird Clinic is proud to be a part of spreading this type of response across Oregon and the rest of the United States.

Contact for Services — Phone: CAHOOTS is dispatched within the Springfield urban growth boundary through the non-emergency number, 541-726-3714.

Please Note: Services are only provided through the dispatch numbers, not the main clinic line or email.

Adult in Custody apprehended after fleeing Oregon Department of Corrections Central Distribution Center in Salem

An adult in custody (AIC) left an offsite work crew Friday, April 11, 2025, from the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) Central Distribution Center (CDC) located in Salem. Steven Timothy Gant fled on foot and was promptly apprehended by the Oregon State Police nearby on Mission Street at 12:25 p.m. Oregon State Police are investigating.

Gant was housed at the Santiam Correctional Institution in Salem. He entered DOC custody on December 24, 2024, on two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle out of Douglas County. His earliest release date was May 14, 2026.

SCI is a minimum-security prison in Salem that houses approximately 440 adults in custody who are within four years of release. The facility concentrates on work opportunities, most of which are in the form of work crews contracting with state agencies, local organizations, and private industries within a 60-mile radius of Salem. SCI provides a range of other correctional programs and services including education, transition programs, and religious services. The building that is now SCI was constructed in 1946 and was originally used as an annex to the Oregon State Hospital for mental health patients. Over the years it was used for a variety of correctional purposes until, in 1990, it opened as SCI.

Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest of Armed Felon in possession of Methamphetamine

On April 10, 2025, at approximately 9:07 p.m., a Corvallis Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop near SW Pickford Street and SW Leonard Street for traffic violations. The driver, identified as 36-year-old Samuel Josiah Hunt III of Washington, exhibited signs of intoxication and was asked to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.

During the stop, Hunt became uncooperative and returned to his vehicle to retrieve a travel bag, which he refused to relinquish. When the officer attempted to place him under arrest, Hunt fled on foot and actively resisted. Additional officers responded, and Hunt was safely taken into custody.

A search of the bag Hunt had retrieved revealed a loaded handgun and a quantity of methamphetamine exceeding the felony threshold. Hunt was later confirmed to be a convicted felon.

He was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital, where a search warrant was executed for a DUII blood draw. Hunt continued to physically resist and required the use of a WRAP restraint device to ensure the safety of himself, medical staff, and officers.

Samuel Josiah Hunt III was lodged at the Benton County Jail on the following charges:

• ORS 813.010 – Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII – Alcohol)
• ORS 811.140 – Reckless Driving
• ORS 162.155 – Escape in the Second Degree
• ORS 162.315 – Resisting Arrest
• ORS 475.894 – Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony Amount)
• ORS 166.270 – Felon in Possession of a Weapon
• ORS 166.250 – Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Homeland Security visa crackdown: More UO international students must leave or risk deportation

This article originally appeared in The Oregonian/OregonLive and is republished here with permission as part of an effort by Oregon news outlets to more thoroughly cover the state impact of federal actions.

University of Oregon administrators have uncovered more international students whose visas were abruptly revoked by federal authorities in recent weeks, with the total number of terminated student visas rising to four.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security terminated each student’s visa due to “unspecified criminal charges,” according to the university. The loss of the F-1 visa means each student must leave the country within 15 days. Staying longer risks arrest or deportation.

“We are working closely with the students directly impacted to gather all relevant information, connect them with legal advice, provide academic and personal life advising, and otherwise help them navigate next steps,” university spokesperson Eric A. Howald said in a statement.

Howald declined to identify the students, citing student privacy laws, but said each was in “good academic standing.” Administrators were not informed or involved in the visa revocation process, he said.

National media reports have been replete with examples of similar visa revocations over the past few weeks, with estimates that at least 150 international students have lost permission to remain in the U.S.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said some of the students were pro-Palestinian activists, but said that others simply had criminal records.

“We’ve also identified people that have criminal charges and even while in the country, and still have active visas,” he said, noting that he signs each revocation personally. “My standard: If we knew this information about them before we gave them a visa, would we have allowed them in?  And if the answer is no, then we revoke the visa.”

Immigration attorneys, however, have said the Trump administration’s crackdown on international students runs counter to decades of precedent and has swept up students with long-resolved charges as well as those arrested for pending driving offenses, like DUII.

Student visas were sometimes revoked due to criminal charges in the past, but typically with warning and a chance to appeal, according to reports in Inside Higher Ed and The New York Times.

At the University of Oregon, administrators only discovered the four revocations while checking the national student visa database, known as SEVIS.

Howald said the university is not required to check the database regularly, but began doing so as a “matter of professional commitment” and in order to give international students advance warning.

Howald said the school’s 800 international students are paying about $55 million in tuition this year, the same amount the school would get from out-of-state students paying full price.

The UO international students hail from roughly 90 countries, with the largest cohort of about 130 coming from east Asia.
International enrollment peaked at the university with nearly 3,500 such students in 2015, but has declined over the past decade due to various travel bans and the pandemic, the spokesperson said.

Representatives from Portland Community College and the Oregon Institute of Technology reported no visa revocations so far this year. (SOURCE)

International Students at 3 Oregon Universities Have Visas Revoked in Federal Crackdown

Officials at other public and private universities across the state say they’re monitoring the situation.

Nineteen international students attending Oregon’s three largest universities have had their visas revoked by the Department of Homeland Security, according to university officials.

They include 13 students from Oregon State University, four from University of Oregon, and two at Portland State University. In addition, one recent PSU graduate has lost visa eligibility, according to university officials.

Portland State University President Ann Cudd called the situation “deeply troubling.”

“International students are vital contributors to Portland State’s campus life and have been for decades,” Cudd shared in a Thursday afternoon message.

“We will continue to support international students and protect their ability to study here.”

According to KLCC, visas for the four UO students were revoked based on “unspecified criminal charges.” KLCC reports UO is providing guidance to students on how to proceed.

Hundreds of student visas have been revoked nationally from over 100 colleges and universities as the Trump administration targets higher education and its constituents. An Inside Higher Ed map shows colleges across the country have been affected, with federal officials investigating several students for activism efforts or criminal charges.

On Thursday, a group of 86 universities signed on to an amicus brief from the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration in support of American Association of University Professors v. Rubio, a lawsuit against the federal government’s arrests and deportations of students based on their political views. Oregon State, Reed College, Western Oregon University and Eastern Oregon University all signed in support.

Lewis & Clark College, Reed College and University of Portland are among private colleges in Oregon with significant international student numbers. Officials at the Lewis & Clark and Reed colleges say they have not had any student visas revoked, but that they are monitoring the situation.

“We continue to provide support to international students, recognizing the impact of the current political climate on their physical and mental wellbeing,” said Reed chief communications officer Sheena McFarland in an email to OPB.

Citing student privacy protections, University of Portland, who has 139 international students enrolled this semester, declined to provide information about whether any students have been affected.

At Lewis & Clark College in Portland, international undergraduate students make up 7.4% of the student population, coming to the school from 83 countries. Officials there report that none of their 158 international students have had any visas canceled, though students are concerned due to national reports.

“A number of Lewis & Clark students remained on campus during spring break rather than leave the country and risk not being able to return,” Lewis & Clark officials said in an email. (SOURCE)

Lane County mowers are rolling out—clear roadsides help keep them (and you) moving

It’s that time of year again: Lane County’s mowers are gearing up to trim back tall grass and brush along rural County-maintained roads. But before the blades start spinning, crews need a clear path—free of signs, fencing, and other roadside obstacles.

“Mowing helps reduce wildfire risk and ensures drivers can see clearly around curves and intersections,” said Chad McBride, Lane County vegetation supervisor. “When signs, fencing, or landscaping show up in the right-of-way, it slows down the work, damages our equipment, and creates unnecessary hazards.”

To prep for mowing, County staff will begin removing obstructions from the road rights-of-way in the coming weeks.

“Election season brings a spike in illegally placed signs,” said McBride. “This year, we’ll be doing a cleanup sweep ahead of the mowers to keep things running efficiently.”

Here’s how you can help:

• Remove signs – Political signs, business signs, or any other type of sign don’t belong in the road right-of-way. Signs placed near rural roads should be on private property and behind any utility poles, sidewalks, or other public infrastructure. Removed signs will be stored at Lane County Public Works for 30 days before disposal.
• Clear rocks and objects – Rocks over 3 inches in diameter and fixed objects, such as decorative lights or posts, need to be cleared from the mowing area.
• Fix or remove old fencing – Fencing that has fallen into the right-of-way can become entangled in mowing equipment or block access completely.
• Trim or relocate plantings – Ornamental plants in the right-of-way will be mown low to keep vegetation in check.

By keeping roadsides clear, property owners can help reduce public costs, protect County equipment, and keep roads safer for everyone—including the crews doing the work.

In rural areas, the road right-of-way typically extends from the edge of the pavement to the property line (usually where fences are placed). In unincorporated parts of Eugene or Springfield, it’s the area between the sidewalk and the curb.

And a quick reminder for drivers: You may pass a mower on the left when it’s safe to do so, but always yield to oncoming traffic.

For more information about right-of-way maintenance, contact Lane County Public Works at 541-682-6900.

Bushnell University School of Music and Performing Arts Spring Performances and Events

EUGENE – Bushnell University’s School of Music and Performing Arts is pleased to invite the community to spring performances and events offered by the students in University Choir, Bushnell Chorale, and Bushnell Jazz Ensemble.

Join us as we close the season with our energizing Spring Concert, April 26 at 7 p.m., at First Baptist Church in Eugene, bringing all the music students together in a program of exciting gospel music, cultural celebrations, utilizing a selection of classic and contemporary jazz repertoire.

At the end of April, we will announce the winner of ‘Song of the Year’—chosen from the five featured songs of Bushnell University’s 2024-25 Songwriters Contest. A professionally recorded EP of these fantastic songs will be released later in the year.

See more at bushnell.edu/events. The Bushnell events are free to the public and open to all ages.

Program subject to change. LOCATIONS: Bushnell’s Ross Evans Chapel and First Baptist Church of Eugene —- Tickets: Free

Oregon Nurses Association –  “Patients at one of the Eugene-Springfield area’s two hospitals are being treated in a former call center and a former vending machine room. ”

Yeah. You read that right. A vending machine room. Unsuprisingly, since the closure of University District hospital in Eugene nearby Riverbend Medical Center has had an overwhelming number of patients.

Ever since the University District closure was announced nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers have anticipated these needs and have called on PeaceHealth to hire additional caregivers and restore or add care spaces. Read more https://ow.ly/xqt150Vv7fi

Junction City Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Repeatedly Possessing and Distributing Child Pornography

—A Junction City, Oregon man with two prior child pornography convictions was sentenced to federal prison today for repeatedly possessing and distributing child pornography online.  

Christopher Lyn Sparks, 59, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release.

According to court documents, in 2006 and 2013, Sparks was convicted of federal child pornography charges and violating the terms of his supervised release. In November 2023, following his second release from prison, Sparks was required to serve a lifetime term of supervised release.

In May 2024, officers with the Portland Police Bureau alerted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents to a series of CyberTipline reports related to child sex abuse material from several online social media and messaging platforms including Google, X (formerly Twitter), Tumblr, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Telegram, and TikTok.

Investigators traced multiple accounts from those CyberTips to Sparks and learned he had resumed distributing child sexual abuse material online through these platforms while still under federal supervision. An HSI agent, posing as a person interested in these materials, contacted Sparks through his Telegram account. Sparks exchanged messages with the agent and discussed sexually exploiting children. The agent discovered that Sparks was openly offering to trade and advertising child pornography using his Telegram account.  On June 11, 2024, Sparks was arrested after agents executed a federal search warrant and seized his phone, which contained child pornography.

On July 9, 2024, Sparks was charged by criminal information with possessing and distributing child pornography. On December 11, 2024, he pleaded guilty to both charges.

This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the FBI and the Portland Police Bureau. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

LCSO Case #25-1277 Search continues for Eugene man missing in the Hall Road area west of Cheshire

Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue continues to search for Jonathan Allen House west of Cheshire. Yesterday, SAR K9 Mercy and her people searched additional areas.

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.

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

Are you ready to vote, Lane County?

Election Day is quickly approaching, and the Lane County Elections Office would like to encourage voters to register to vote, or update their voter registration, now to be election-ready for the May 20, 2025 Special Election. Voters in Lane County must register to vote or make changes to their registration no later than Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

“We want all people who are eligible to vote ready to participate in the May election,” said Acting County Clerk Lorren Blythe. “So, it’s really important to get registered by the April 29 deadline. For voters who are already registered it’s still a good idea to double-check your registration and correct any errors ahead of time – that helps us make sure the voting process goes as smoothly as possible for voters.”

If a voter registration form is hand delivered, it must be received no later than 5:00 pm at the Election Office (275 W 10^th Ave., Eugene) on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. If mailed, it must be postmarked no later than April 29, 2025. If registering via www.oregonvotes.gov, it must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 29, 2025.

Local ballots will be mailed starting on May 1, 2025.  To track the status of a ballot, visit www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

Voters may return their ballot by regular mail, ballot drop box, or at the Elections Office. For ballot drop box locations, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.  

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

Catholic Community Services of Lane County is seeking donations of new men’s underwear and gently used pants for men and women to support our neighbors in need.

Your generosity can make a real difference in someone’s life. If you have items to give, please consider donating today! Drop-off Location: 1025 G Street | Springfield, OR Hours: M-F 9a-12pThank you for helping us serve our community with dignity and care!

Mark your calendars! 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.

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

First Sundays – Native American Arts & Crafts Makers

First Sundays – Native American Arts & Crafts Makers 

1st Sundays of the month 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

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)

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

Tax Day is Tomorrow 4/15 — have you filed yet?

Whether you do your taxes yourself, hire an accountant or receive help online, it’s important that you either file before the April deadline or have a plan to request an extension.

Here’s what to know if you’re down to the wire and need help with your income-tax return this year

The IRS outlines three ways you can request an extension on your tax return, which gives you until Oct. 15:

• Pay online and indicate that you’re filing for an extension.
• Request an extension using the IRS Free File tool online.
• Request your extension by mail by filling Form 4868.
• Remember, you’ll still need to pay taxes you owe by April 15. The extension gives you more time to file.
• For more information visit the IRS website.

The Department also says electronically filing(e-filing) your taxes and requesting a refund through direct deposit is a quicker way to get your return. Anyone looking to track their return in Oregon can use the Department’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check Taxpayers can file their federal return directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) using their Direct File software, and file their state return using Direct File Oregon.

Both programs are free. Other services offering free tax preparation assistance can be found on the Revenue website.

How to check tax return status — To check the status of your refund, use the IRS refund tool.

Status updates are to appear:

• Within 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return.
• Three or four days after you e-file a prior-year return.
• Four weeks after you file a paper return.

To check your status, you will need:

• Your Social Security Number or individual taxpayer ID number.
• Your filing status.
• The exact refund amount on your return.

How will I get my tax refund? — You can choose how you’d like to receive your refund, and certain options may bring you your money faster. A direct deposit is the quickest way to receive your refund by having it sent to a checking, savings or retirement account. You can also split your deposit among three accounts.

America 250 Oregon Commission Encourages Participation in Two Lights for Tomorrow – Oregon Historical Society 

— On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere, William Dawes, and others rode to Lexington, Massachusetts, warning minutemen and households about the approach of British forces. Behind him, lanterns in the steeple of the Old North Church were shining the agreed upon code made famous by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “One if by land, and two if by sea.” The next day, April 19, were the battles of Lexington and Concord — and the colonists were well prepared.

As part of the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the America 250 Oregon Commission joins semiquincentennial commissions across the country in Two Lights for Tomorrow, a multi-state initiative that reminds citizens everywhere that our shared history is grounded in coming together to build a more perfect union.

Oregonians are called to participate by shining two lights on April 18, 2025, in their homes and community spaces.

“The America 250 Oregon Commission hopes that communities across the state will join us in Two Lights for Tomorrow to kick off the semiquincentennial commemorations,” said Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society and Chairman of the America 250 Oregon Commission. “Any kind of light can be used in any size building, be it a home, office, museum, community center, or government building. Using the imagery of shining lights as a uniting call to action, Two Lights for Tomorrow reminds us of the importance of working together for a promising future.”

If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact egon.250@ohs.org“>oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.

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About the America 250 Oregon Commission – The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.

Another Missing Woman in Oregon Who’s Car Has Been Found But She is Still Missing

Search and rescue teams are looking for a 29-year-old Klamath Falls woman reported missing out of Harney County last week. The Harney County Sheriff’s Office says Kaylee Birt was last seen leaving The Fields Station in Fields, Oregon around 8:30 a.m. on Friday.

Reports indicate Kaylee was on a trip from Klamath Falls headed to Iowa, driving a golden colored 2008 Chevy Malibu with Oregon whale license plate #GW21073.

According to an update from the sheriff’s office, her car was found in a remote part of Harney County on Sunday, but she has not yet been located.

Search efforts are resuming Monday morning with the assistance of Lake County Search & Rescue, local ranchers on horseback, side-by-sides and four wheelers, as well as Oregon State Police and Grant County Search & Rescue with K-9s.  

Kaylee is described as 5 feet 2 inches and 120 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. She has green and brown glasses and was last seen wearing a long-sleeve green shirt and white sweatpants with a Christmas tree design on them. She has a tattoo on her right wrist of a lighthouse and another one on her foot of a Christian fish and cross with Romans 8:31 Bible verse.

Anyone who has seen Kaylee or knows where she might be is asked to call 911 or contact the Harney County Sheriff’s Office at 541-573-6156.

There are a string of these cases in Oregon where the missing women’s vehicles are found, but they are still missing to this day.

Oregon labor official indicated on Friday that the state’s minimum wage will increase by 35 cents an hour starting July 1.

The annual increase, intended to keep pace with the Consumer Price Index,  varies as Oregon has three different minimum wages to address variable living costs in other parts of the state.

Oregon minimum wage increases from July 1, 2025:

REGION	NEW HOURLY WAGE	INCREASE %
Eastern Oregon and most of Southern Oregon	$14,05	2.55%
Areas around Medford, Bend, and most of the Willamette Valley and the northern coast	$15,05	2.31%
Portland and its suburbs	$15,05	2,09%

High inflation rates since the 2020 pandemic have pushed the minimum wage up sharply. Still, Oregon’s minimum wage is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage, which remains unchanged at $7.25 an hour since 2009.

Oregon GOP chair resigns after ‘deeply troubling’ revelations

The newly minted chair of the Oregon Republican Party stepped down Wednesday, amid revelations of ongoing personal financial woes and troubling allegations from a 16-year-old divorce.

Jerry Cummings, a pastor from Columbia County, said in a letter to party members Wednesday that the negative publicity from those matters would undercut his ability to help his party win back ground in the state.

“My position as chairman is not more important than my position as a dad,” Cummings wrote. “Given the choice between resuming a heated battle of mudslinging with the mother of my children in order to ‘hold on to the gavel’ or stepping down from party leadership to protect my children: that’s not even a hard call.”

The quick fall from party influence comes less than two months into Cummings’s tenure atop the Oregon GOP. It follows a story from the Oregon Journalism Project on Tuesday that detailed a litany of court proceedings that cast him in a negative light.

One of those is a 2009 divorce case that contains allegations Cummings’ ex-wife used to obtain a restraining order against him. They include claims of sexual violence, among other things.

Cummings has denied the allegations and wrote Wednesday that he has been “on record defending against these things for a decade and a half.” Court records show he was never charged with a crime based on his ex-wife’s account.

More recent legal troubles involve two 2024 civil filings that call Cummings’ fiscal responsibility into question. One case suggests he deposited invalid checks at OnPoint Community Credit Union, then withdrew more than $17,000 that didn’t actually exist. The other accuses Cummings of taking out $93,000 in business loans that he failed to make payments on.

The financial cases present a significant concern for a person at the helm of a political party. Cummings’ responsibilities as GOP chair included fundraising, and donors were unlikely to trust him with their checks after the lawsuits came to light.

With his departure, Oregon GOP Vice Chair Connie Whelchel has been elevated to the role of chair. In a statement, Whelchel called the new information about Cummings “deeply troubling.”

“These revelations were not known to the Executive Committee or Party leadership prior to their publication, and they are in no way reflective of the values or standards we hold,” said Whelchel, who lives in Deschutes County. “While these developments are deeply unfortunate, they will not derail our mission.”

The state GOP has churned through party leaders in the last five years, and Cummings’ resignation comes with a familiar twist: He blames his demise on fellow party members.

“I can’t honestly say that stepping down as chairman will be what is best for the party as it may embolden enemies from within and without to keep doing this to us,” Cummings wrote. “It was a Republican who called [reporter Nigel] Jaquiss with the story.”

Whelchel is now the sixth person to helm the Oregon GOP since 2021. That year, then-state Sen. Dallas Heard won election to the role, toppling long-time chair Bill Currier.

But Heard’s time as chair was short-lived. A year into his term, he stepped down, complaining of “communist psychological warfare tactics” within the party.

In Heard’s place, party vice-chair Herman Baertschiger assumed the leadership role, but he stepped away after roughly three months. That elevated Justin Hwang, who was the GOP’s vice-chair under Baertschiger.

Hwang became the party’s first-ever Korean American leader, and offered a measure of stability. He decided against running for re-election at the last minute this year, following an election where Republicans gave up supermajorities in the Oregon House and Senate and lost a congressional seat in the state.

Cummings won election to the chair role in February, in a competitive race that also featured current party secretary, Jo Rae Perkins; Gabriel Buehler, chair of the Washington County GOP; Angelita Sanchez, a city councilor in Sweet Home; and Ben Edtl, a recent state House candidate. (SOURCE)

Oregon Delegation Urges Reversal of Cuts, Planned Layoffs at Social Security That Hurt State’s Seniors

Letter from Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Hoyle, Salinas, Bynum, Dexter cites disastrous decisions in Social Security field offices in Warrenton, La Grande and The Dalles

Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation – Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) – in urging the Social Security Administration to reverse its severe layoffs and threats of worse to come for services to the state’s seniors and people with disabilities.

In their letter to the Social Security Administration’s Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, the Oregon lawmakers cited agency data showing staff in the Warrenton and La Grande field offices declined by at least 25 percent as a result of agency decisions to reduce its workforce. They also noted the field office in The Dalles has experienced a substantial drop in workers.

“These three rural field offices already faced staffing shortages before these cuts, with just twenty combined employees serving more than 232,000 Oregonians in ten counties and parts of Washington and Idaho,” the lawmakers wrote, noting how nearly every American interacts with the agency at pivotal moments in their lives.

“Access to in-person services is especially important for each of those moments, especially for people who have difficulty speaking by phone, who lack reliable internet access, and who have difficulty understanding program rules,” they wrote. “Any disruption in service, especially interruption of benefit payments, can be financially devastating for families. For many of these Oregonians, field offices are often their only channel of service. These field offices are located in predominantly rural areas, with the nearest field office more than 50 miles away from many users.”

“Additionally, more than 400,000 Oregonians lack internet access at home because the state’s size and rugged terrain make it costly and difficult to build broadband infrastructure,” the lawmakers continued.  “Without in-person services, if those Oregonians have difficulty using a phone they are 100 percent cut off from their benefits.”

Nearly 1 million Oregonians collect Social Security benefits, and the lawmakers’ letter noted that the agency’s reckless actions have already inflicted a devastating toll on those Oregon beneficiaries and tens of millions more across America.

“Simply put, your decisions jeopardize Oregonians’ access to their Social Security benefits without providing any substantive plans to provide quality service to these communities,” they wrote. “We urge you to immediately reverse these changes and work to rebuild SSA’s workforce so it can serve the millions of Oregonians and Americans who depend on Social Security.”

A copy of the entire letter is here.

Central Oregon cultural events canceled over safety concerns

In Central Oregon, cultural groups are pulling back from organizing large public events due to concerns of participants being detained or deported by the Trump administration, with community organizers citing fears of violence against Black, Latino and Asian people.

This week, organizers announced separately that two marquee cultural events have been canceled. Press releases for both Latino Fest and Juneteenth cited concerns over safety for participants.

“There is heightened fear among immigrant community members due to recent immigration enforcement actions, anti-immigrant rhetoric, or rumors of raids or targeting,” Latino Community Association Executive Director Catalina Sánchez Frank said in a statement.

The nonprofit organizes Latino Fest in Madras every September, except for 2020 and 2021, when COVID paused nearly all community events.

The Father’s Group released a separate statement announcing Juneteenth would also not take place this year. The Black cultural event usually takes place in Bend’s Drake Park.

“In today’s increasingly volatile political climate, with rising incidents of racial aggression and threats—particularly toward Black and Latino communities—safety must come first,” according to a statement from the group. (READ MORE)

Oregon rejects Trump administration’s school funding threat over DEI policies

Top officials in Oregon are refusing to sign off on a demand from the U.S. Department of Education that requires states to abandon policies related to diversity, equity and inclusion if they want to keep receiving federal funding for schools.

The four-page letter from the federal education department says “the continued use of illegal DEI practices may subject the individual or entity using such practices to serious consequences,” such as eliminating federal funding for state education departments or school districts.

Earlier this week, Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal pushed back against the letter. Now, Gov. Tina Kotek and Director of the Oregon Department of Education Charlene Williams are doing the same.

“The Trump Administration’s threat to shortchange Oregon students hurts children and families and undermines the dedication and work of our educators,” Kotek wrote in a statement Thursday. “We will not tolerate this unwarranted and unlawful attempt to take away resources promised to Oregon students and paid for by the tax dollars we send to the federal government.”

In its letter demanding an abandonment of DEI policies, the U.S. Department of Education cites the Supreme Court ruling in SFFA v. Harvard. While that case involves race-conscious admissions policies at colleges and universities, leaders in the Trump Administration are using the decision as a basis for outlawing diversity policies “more broadly.”

Both Oregon and Washington officials argue that the states have already submitted the certifications and affirmations as required by federal law. In Oregon’s response letter, Williams argues that the demands in the April 4 letter from the U.S. Department of Education are “duplicative, unnecessary, and unduly burdensome.”

Williams’ response continues: “Oregon remains fiercely committed to its values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and we celebrate our differences and common humanity.” The letter claims a “moral and ethical obligation” to defend public education, and to ensure “children can learn and thrive in safe, welcoming, and supportive environments.”

Oregon’s response cites a handful of court cases that officials say suggest the need for regulatory processes to validate the sudden shift in education policy implied by the federal government’s letter. The state’s letter also says the demand from the federal government is “unclear” because terms such as “illegal DEI” are not defined.

In emphasizing the abrupt change underway since President Donald Trump returned to office, ODE’s letter noted a different attitude from education leaders during Trump’s first term. The letter said “former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos informed USDOE staff in 2020 that ‘[d]iversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of high organizational performance.‘”

Last month, Trump initiated an effort to close the education department entirely, on the heels of starting the process of firing numerous federal education staff.

The response from state leaders comes as local school officials in Oregon have been reaching out to parents and staff. In a message to the North Clackamas School District community Thursday, Superintendent Shay James reinforced support for values that “build relationships with students that honor their cultural heritage, foster their well-being, and engage each student to reach their full potential.”

James encouraged teachers to “continue focusing on what we can control: building trusting relationships with students and families, providing excellent instruction, and modeling calm and care.” (SOURCE)

Oregon could lose millions in childhood vaccine funding

Federal funds for childhood vaccines in Oregon could be cut by nearly $9 million, part of more than $2 billion in broader cancellations of pandemic-era federal public health spending, per government data.

Why it matters: Federal money helps fight preventable and sometimes deadly diseases like measles, which is now spreading in several parts of the country.

Zoom in: The cuts would amount to $8.9 million out of nearly $53 million total in public health grants awarded to the state by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

What they’re saying: “We’re talking about contractors losing their contracts and not being able to get paid, people who were working on vaccination programs not there anymore, and all of the supporting infrastructure that these funds provided evaporated in an instant,” says Josh Michaud, associate director for global health policy at health policy research and news organization KFF.

• States also get separate federal money for immunization efforts through programs like Vaccines for Children, Michaud notes — though many were counting on these grants as well.

Yes, but: A federal judge temporarily blocked the cuts last week after nearly two dozen states, including Oregon, filed a lawsuit against HHS. (SOURCE)

OHA empowering communities to reduce tobacco harms statewide 

New report chronicles more than 25 years of progress — though work remains 

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority is making steady progress in reducing harmful effects of tobacco use through education and community partnerships, according to a new report. 

The 2023-25 Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) annual report shows gains have been made in lowering tobacco use over more than a quarter century, through ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting public health.  

However, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Oregon, claiming more than 8,000 lives each year and contributing to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

“Our commitment to reducing tobacco use is unwavering,” said Naomi Adeline-Biggs, director of the OHA Public Health Division. “Through the Tobacco Prevention and Education Program, we have made significant strides in protecting the health of Oregonians, and we will continue to build on this legacy.”

The report shows that the tobacco industry “focuses its ads, offers and store displays toward specific groups.”

For example, about one in five people targeted in this strategy have household incomes of less than $20,000 per year. An identical percentage of targeted tobacco users report being in poor mental health.

Widespread evidence shows that tobacco marketing causes youth tobacco use and makes it harder for people who are addicted to nicotine to quit.

Another marketing strategy involves the addition of menthol – a flavor additive in cigarettes — that creates a cooling sensation in the throat when the user inhales, making cigarettes feel less harsh, more appealing and easier to smoke, especially for youth and young adults. Tobacco companies manufacture menthol cigarettes to attract potential smokers, especially among communities of color and youth.

Menthol cigarettes contribute to greater nicotine dependence in youth and young adults than non-menthol cigarettes. About 61% of African Americans in Oregon who smoke report using menthol cigarettes, compared to 17% of White residents.

The tobacco industry has been marketing menthol products to African Americans through targeted campaigns since the 1970s. They advertise and promote menthol-flavored tobacco in African American neighborhoods and use campaigns that exploit cultural hallmarks and stereotypes.

For example, Newport, a menthol-flavored cigarette brand, is commonly cheaper to buy in areas with more African American residents.

Youth and teenagers are especially attracted to the flavored products. Roughly 75% of eighth graders and 11th graders who use these tobacco products report using flavored tobacco or vaping products.

Other report findings include:

• Sustained reduction in tobacco use—Oregon has experienced a 46% decrease in adult smoking rates and a 70% reduction in per-capita cigarette sales since TPEP’s inception in 1996.
• Community-centered solutions—TPEP has focused on addressing health inequities by investing more than 65% of its funding directly into local communities, supporting culturally relevant prevention and cessation programs.
• Youth-focused initiatives—The program has implemented strategies to reduce youth tobacco use, including anti-vaping education, mentorship programs and alternatives to suspension for nicotine use.

In 2021, the Oregon Legislature created the Tobacco Retail License Program to ensure compliance with sales laws. Since its inception, youth tobacco use has dropped from 26% in 2022 to 14% in 2024.

This video shows how Youth Adult Inspectors with OHA’s Tobacco Retail Licensing Program are getting involved in reducing retail sales to minors.

OHA’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program has further implemented initiatives that have significantly decreased tobacco use among Oregonians.

This latest report underscores the program’s achievements and outlines ongoing initiatives aimed at improving health.

Key to the momentum behind the state’s tobacco reduction efforts has been the development of collaborative efforts with community partners to further reduce tobacco-related harm and promote health equity across the state.

One such partner, AntFarm, a community-based organization in rural Clackamas County, has a robust mentorship program to help youth quit tobacco. It does this by creating spaces and projects that give youth a sense of belonging.

Youth-created videos highlight the organization’s work.  

Kim Wheeler, director of Youth and Family Services at AntFarm, emphasized the importance of these efforts: “We empower youth and families to breathe freely, live strong and healthy lives while building a future without tobacco or vaping through bringing awareness and education to our communities,” she said. 

Quitting tobacco makes a difference – and quitting is different for everyone. That’s why there are a variety of free options across Oregon. 

• You can get free counseling with a coach by visiting the Oregon Tobacco Quitline, or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or texting “READY” to 34191.
• You can visit a pharmacist near you who will work with you to build a personalized treatment plan and provide follow up to see how the treatment plan is working.
• You can also learn how to quit in your own way, with or without the help of a coach or pharmacist, by visiting this

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.  

For more information about tobacco prevention visit the OHA website. 

Easter Bunny Express, April 19th! Get your tickets now

It’s spring, the flowers are blooming and the bunnies are hopping—time for a delightful spring train ride behind a steam locomotive!

Polson #2 is coming out of the Enginehouse to pull all three runs of the Easter Bunny Express Saturday, April 19. Trains leave at 1pm, 2:30pm and 4 pm. Come along to smell the flowers and take selfies with our Easter Bunny. Enjoy a scenic 45-minute ride along the Willamette River in Portland to Oaks Park and back.

Hop aboard the first ride of the season! Get your tickets at https://orhf.org/saturday-train-rides/.

Enterprise Information Services is actively looking into a cyberattack that has affected the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

A department spokesperson stated, “We are currently shutting down networks to isolate the agency’s servers and network until the attack is fully contained and possibly eliminated.” The agency expressed its apologies for any disruptions this may cause, adding, “DEQ will share further information as it becomes accessible.”

Officials from the Oregon DEQ indicated that an update might be provided by the end of the day or as significant developments occur.

New information has surfaced regarding the tragic deaths of a 37-year-old woman and her three children, aged 2, 5, and 7, which occurred on Tuesday in a residence in Cornelius.

As of Wednesday, the property located on a cul-de-sac in the 300 block of North 15th Avenue was free of police tape. Additionally, Cornelius Elementary School, where the two older children were students, continued to hold classes. Cornelius, a city with a population of approximately 12,000, is situated between Hillsboro and Forest Grove in Washington County.

The circumstances surrounding the incident on Tuesday remain unclear. Authorities have not released the names of the victims or provided further details about their investigation, although they have indicated that there is no perceived threat to public safety.

More than six months after being listed for sale, Oregon’s renowned Mt. Bachelor will remain unsold.

Various reports indicate that POWDR, the resort’s parent company, has opted not to proceed with the sale. Mt. Bachelor, recognized as one of the most favored ski destinations in the United States, was put on the market last August.

The Utah-based company has owned the resort since 2001 and also listed Eldora Ski Resort in Colorado and SilverStar Mountain Resort in British Columbia for sale through JP Morgan Chase last year.

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.

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.

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.

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 will close on April 15 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