The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
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Two Young Runners Die Just After Finishing Oregon Half Marathons This Month
Two young adults collapsed and died shortly after crossing the finish lines of half marathons in Oregon this month — apparently from unexplained cardiac arrest.
Sunday morning, steps after completing the Eugene Half Marathon, 23-year-old Mateo Cruz collapsed on the track of Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. Race organizers said he received “immediate medical attention” from medics on an event team and from Eugene Springfield Fire.
Medics gave Cruz chest compressions, and he was taken to a nearby hospital but didn’t survive. Though his family couldn’t be reached for comment by The Oregonian/OregonLive, The Register-Guard in Eugene quoted his aunt as saying he had no known heart conditions. She said he also loved running and was looking forward to training for a marathon next.
Cruz lived in Eugene. Event results showed he finished the 13.1-mile race in just under two hours, clocking a pace of sub-nine-minute miles. He finished ahead of roughly two thirds of about 4,500 participants.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Mateo Cruz,” said Becky Radliff, events director. “This loss hurts us to the core. The entire running community who ran alongside Mateo yesterday mourns with his family.”
On April 5, another runner — Camryn Morris, a 19-year-old Oregon State University sophomore — died of cardiac arrest after completing the Corvallis Half Marathon. Moments after crossing the finish line, she “collapsed into the arms of her friends,” according to her obituary.
She was rushed to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis and then Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland, but doctors couldn’t save her, said her father, Jeff Morris. He said his daughter had no known history of heart problems and doctors haven’t been able to explain why her heart suddenly stopped.
“We asked ‘How could this happen? What happened?’” Jeff Morris said. “They couldn’t really give us any information.”
Camryn Morris grew up in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. She was captain of the Southridge High School varsity tennis team for two years and a valedictorian for the class of 2023. She was studying environmental engineering and adored the outdoors and hiking.
She’d also trained hard for the Corvallis Half Marathon with multiple runs of more than 10 miles, said her father. Her friends also reported that she seemed fine throughout the race.
“We were grateful that it didn’t happen on some training run where there was no one around,” Jeff Morris said, “because we felt like at least she got help right away.”
He said his family plans to travel to Corvallis soon to pick out a spot to place a memorial bench along a hiking trail in the McDonald and Dunn forests, a 15-minute drive from OSU’s campus and where his daughter had enjoyed hiking and doing coursework. A GoFundMe page has raised $6,300, which is more than double the amount needed for the bench.
A March study of the U.S. Race Associated Cardiac Event Registry shows that the risk of suffering cardiac arrest during or after a half marathon or marathon was less than one in 100,000, with 176 such incidents documented among more than 29 million runners from 2010 to 2023.
Most victims were men. About one-third of victims died. Researchers also have found that while the prevalence of cardiac arrests has stayed relatively steady since 2000, the dangers of dying have dropped. That’s likely, they believe, because of better planning for medical responses on race courses. (SOURCE)
Linn County Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Juvenile on charges related to threats of a school shooting
Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on April 29, 2025, deputies arrested a 17-year-old juvenile, from Scio, on charges related to threats of a school shooting.
The incident was reported to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office on April 28, 2029, at 5:23 p.m., after the principal of Scio High School received an email from a teacher reporting the incident.
Staff from the Scio High School, deputies from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and family of the 17-year-old juvenile worked together to ensure nobody was in immediate danger due to the threat.
It was determined there were firearms at the juvenile’s residence, but they had been locked in a safe that the juvenile did not have access to and were eventually removed entirely from the residence. The juvenile admitted to making statements about shooting people at school, but stated they were not serious about the statements. The juvenile was arrested and taken to the Linn Benton Juvenile Detection Center for charges of Disorderly Conduct in the First Degree.
They may be the youngest strikers in Oregon history. On April 28, as many as 4,000 undergraduate student workers at University of Oregon went on strike, shutting down university dining halls — and an active construction site.
Student workers voted to unionize in October 2023. The bargaining unit includes undergraduate workers all over campus, including dorm resident advisors, library and research assistants, tutors, and dining hall workers. Their union University of Oregon Student Workers (UOSW) — a local of United Auto Workers — negotiated for more than 11 months without reaching agreement on a first contract.
At the end of the final bargaining session April 27, the two sides were still far from agreement, bargaining team member Izzie Marshall told the Labor Press. UOSW wants a minimum starting wages of $18.50 to $19.50 an hour, depending on the job, and across-the-board annual raises of 5%. UO is proposing starting wages of $15.44 to $16.44 an hour and annual raises of 3%. As of July 1, the lowest wage under UO’s proposal would be just 39 cents above the $15.05 area minimum wage in high-cost Eugene. University rules limit student workers to 25 hours a week.
The two sides also differ about the length of the contract: UOSW wants a two-and-a-half-year agreement, and UO wants a three-and-a-half-year deal. Most students attend just four years, and it can take a year or more for new students to find their way to getting active with the union, so a three-year contract could cripple the union’s continuity.
A third sticking point is UO’s refusal to agree to arbitration as the last step in a grievance process for enforcing the contract. Marshall says that would leave an anti-harassment clause in the contract unenforceable.
Other campus unions have contract clauses that obligate members to cross strike picket lines of other bargaining units. That includes professors as well as SEIU Local 503, which represents permanent support workers including some cafeteria workers.
But striking undergraduate student workers appealed to construction workers for solidarity, and they got it. Pickets went up as early as 5 a.m. outside a massive new science building that’s under construction. According to a construction union representative, union construction workers honored the pickets and stayed off the job.
The two sides were set to meet again today, April 30. (SOURCE)
Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies arrest three suspects day after break-in at Blue Sky Market in McKenzie Bridge
On April 27th at about 2 a.m., the Blue Sky Market in McKenzie Bridge was burglarized by three males. Surveillance video showed one of the suspects threw a large rock through the glass front door to gain entry. The same suspects returned at about 10:45 p.m. and again forced their way into the store.
Surveillance video was shared widely on social media by the victim, which generated several tips. On April 28th, based on the information shared, deputies located the suspects at a campsite at the south end of Cougar Reservoir. They were still wearing the same clothing shown in the videos.
All three suspects were arrested. Two were determined to be juveniles and were lodged at SERBU on the below charges. The third, identified as Anders Miley Disla, 18, of Blachly, was lodged at the Lane County Jail on the below charges: – Two counts of Burglary in the 2nd Degree – Two counts of Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree – Theft in the 1st Degree
Deputies contacted five additional teenagers at the campsite, and located numerous items with Blue Sky Market price tags on them. Thanks to our community for providing information to our deputies to solve this case. – LCSO Case #25-2010, 25-2013
Lane County Sheriff’s deputies peaceably resolve call with armed suicidal person
On April 27th at about 8 a.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suicidal subject in the Creswell area who was likely armed with a handgun. Deputies soon located the subject on the second floor of a warehouse in the 33400 block of E. West Lane, Creswell. The person was confirmed to be armed with a handgun and made suicidal statements.
Deputies and officers assigned to the Lane County Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responded and spoke with the subject over the next several hours. Deputies assigned to the Lane County Sheriff’s Special Response Team (SRT) also responded. The call was unique as the person had committed only a low-level misdemeanor crime, but was armed and on someone else’s property.
At one point the subject fired a round from the handgun toward an area inside where SRT deputies had staged earlier in the incident. Deputies remained calm and continued working towards a peaceful resolution. It was later determined that the round was fired on accident. No one was injured.
After approximately 9 hours of negotiation, the subject followed instructions to be safely detained. The person was then transported to an area hospital for further assistance. Their name is being withheld as no criminal action was taken.
Thanks to Coburg Police Department and Junction City Police Department, who have officers assigned to CNT, and the property owners for their assistance during this incident. —-LCSO Case #25-2011
— If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, there is help available. Call the Lane County Crisis Line at 541-682-1001, call or text 988, or call 911.
Big congratulations to Eugene Police Department’s Crisis Negotiation Team!
This week, members of our team took part in the 39th Annual Western States Hostage Negotiators Association (WSHNA) Challenge, a scenario-based competition in Sunriver, Oregon, bringing together top negotiation teams from across the western U.S.
We’re proud to announce that EPD’s team earned 3rd place overall! This achievement highlights their dedication, skill, and the power of communication in resolving critical incidents.Great job, team and thank you for the work you do every day to help keep Eugene safe.
UO Student Workers Go On Strike
Thousands of undergraduate student workers at the University of Oregon will strike on Monday.
The University of Oregon Student Workers Union declared its intent to strike weeks ago as it bargained with the Eugene university over student pay, the worker grievance process and the employee pay cycle. The student union and university negotiated through the weekend, but had not reached an agreement as of Sunday evening, the university said.
The union was formed just a few years ago and represents roughly 4,000 students who work as resident assistants, dining hall workers, memorial union employees and more. When it was formed, University of Oregon students believed it was the largest majority undergraduate student worker union in the country.
Pay remains a key sticking point between the students and university as the two sides work out a contract. The average student salary at the university is $15.34 an hour, spokesperson Angela Seydel said. The lowest pay starts at $14.70 and the highest positions start at $18. In a news release on Sunday night, student worker representatives said they want a minimum pay of at least $18.50 an hour. MORE INFO: https://dailyemerald.com/164723/campus/uosw-to-strike-tomorrow-morning/
Three of four University of Oregon students whose visas were revoked on “unspecified criminal charges” have now been reinstated. Final visas are expected to be reactivated soon
As of noon today, three of four University of Oregon students who have had their student visas revoked have officially been reinstated, with the remaining student’s visa status expected to be reinstated as part of federal action, according to UO Spokesperson Eric Howald.
On March 28, one UO student’s visa was revoked for “unspecified criminal charges.” On April 8, The Daily Emerald reported that three additional students’ visas were revoked for the same reason. However, The Emerald later learned that one of those students, who goes by Jane Doe due to ongoing litigation, had her visa revoked on April 4.
Doe’s visa was revoked because of 2019 criminal charges that were later dropped the same year. The Emerald was unable to verify any specific criminal charges against the remaining three students.
“Since that time, and with the help of outside legal counsel, all four students have found pathways to remain in the U.S. legally. Additionally, as of noon on April 25, three students have had their visas reactivated, one via legal action,” Howald said in an email statement to The Emerald.
According to Howald, the federal government revoked the visa status of students who appeared in criminal records checks, but did not do further research into the allegations of the students’ involvement. The students who were employed by the university will now also be able to resume work, according to Howald.
“The university will continue to communicate with students, faculty and staff as concerns rise,” Howald said. “This ensures the affected students and communities will receive timely information from someone with expertise and previously established relationships.” (SOURCE)
Oregon Heritage Commission to meet May 4-5 in Eugene, Coburg and online
Coburg – The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet May 4 in Eugene for a tour of the Museum of Natural and Cultural History and May 5 in Coburg for the Business Meeting.
The agenda includes an update on the 2026 Oregon Heritage Plan process, a presentation by the Lane County Parks Advisory Committee on the County covered bridges, a presentation by the Oregon Museums Association on the updated strategic plan, a report on the historic resources survey work in Cottage Grove, a tour of downtown Cottage Grove by Coburg Main Street, and more.
This meeting is open to the public and there is an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting for public comment. Public comment can be made in person, online, or by written submission. For online attendance, registration is required. To view the full agenda, register for the virtual meeting, or learn more about public comment options, visit here.
Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0690 or y.Newcomb@oprd.oregon.gov“>Mary.Newcomb@oprd.oregon.gov at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.
The Heritage Commission’s nine Governor appointed members represent a diversity of cultural, geographic, and institutional interests. The Commission’s nine advisory members include representatives from the Oregon State Library, Oregon State Archives, State Historical Records Advisory Board, Higher Education Coordinating Committee, Travel Oregon, Oregon Historical Society, Department of Education, State Historic Preservation Office, and the Department of Land Conservation and Development.
The Commission is the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in the state. This includes carrying out the Oregon Heritage Plan, increasing efficiency and avoiding duplication among interest groups, developing plans for coordination among agencies and organizations, encouraging tourism related to heritage resources, and coordinating statewide anniversary commemorations. —- More information about the Oregon Heritage Commission is available online at www.oregonheritage.org
Lane County Government · 
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭!
Lane County’s 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 is here to help rural property owners reduce wildfire risk. Eligible projects include clearing vegetation, replacing wood shake roofs, installing fire-resistant landscaping, and more. 𝗨𝗽 𝘁𝗼 $𝟭𝟱,𝟱𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆!
𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆? First-time applicants, projects to replace wood shake roofs, homes outside fire districts, properties affected by the Holiday Farm Fire, high fuels areas, and applicants who received a letter from Oregon Department of Forestry about wildfire risk on their property. Find out if your property is eligible and apply online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/firewise
Silver Falls hosts Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival May 10-11
SILVERTON, Oregon— Silver Falls State Park welcomes visitors to its annual Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10 and 11.
Activities include a wildflower show, a native plant sale, guided bird watching and wildflower walks, educational discovery tables and live raptor presentations.
“Spring is in full swing at Silver Falls,” said Ranger Matt Palmquist. “More flowers are blooming every day – while the snow-white trilliums are starting to fade, we are seeing sunny yellow violets, delicate and subtle fringe cups, and enchanting fairy slipper orchids. The birds are in the midst of their courtship and nesting displays, and migratory species are joining our resident ones to fill the forest with birdsong. It’s a fantastic time of year to visit and learn about it all!”
Festival activities take place in South Falls Day-use area unless noted:
- Native plant sale, wildflower show, and educational discovery tables including potting a native plant to take home
- 7:30 a.m. Early Bird Walk at South Falls: 2.6 miles on Saturday and 2 miles Sunday, 3 hours
- 10:30 a.m. Budding Birders Junior Ranger Program both days and again 12:30 p.m. Sunday
- 11 a.m. and noon Wildflower Walk ½ mile, 1 hour, on both days and again at 2 p.m. Saturday
- Noon and 1 p.m. Live Raptor Presentation in the field behind the Stone Circle (no dogs please)
- 1 p.m. Family Birding Walk ½ mile, 1 hour, meet at the Stone Circle
- 3 p.m. Family Birding Walk ½ mile, 1 hour, (Saturday) meet at Smith Creek Village, 1.5 miles from the South Falls day-use area and (Sunday) meet at Camp Silver Creek.
The event and activities are free, but there is a $10 daily parking permit fee required at Silver Falls. The full schedule will be posted online at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=things-to-do.event&eventId=48881
Whole Community News Report on CAHOOTS:
Since December of 2023, Eugene lost the University District hospital and the Hourglass Crisis Center, and as of last week, CAHOOTS. These were no-barrier treatment access points for our most vulnerable neighbors to receive care when experiencing a mental health crisis. READ MORE: https://wholecommunity.news/2025/04/20/public-comments-ask-city-not-to-lose-cahoots-too/
Eugene’s 2025-2027 Proposed Budget reflects commitment to stewardship and fiscal sustainability
Eugene City Manager Sarah Medary will present the City of Eugene’s 2025-2027 Proposed Budget to the Eugene Budget Committee on Wednesday, April 30, at 5:30 p.m. Information on how to access the meeting is available on the City’s Budget Committee website. The 2025-2027 Proposed Budget Document is available on the City’s website.
“This year’s budget stands out as one of the most challenging in my career,” said Medary. “After so many years of pursuing efficiencies, consolidating services, and making difficult reductions, the room for further cuts without significant service impacts has narrowed considerably.”
“As we enact these budget strategies and investments, our organization remains committed to long-term stability and is implementing several strategies to build a strong foundation for the future. These include collaborative long-range financial planning across all departments, the next community survey, strategic plan review, and hosting a long-term financial stabilization strategies workshop with the City Council later this year,” said Medary.
Over the past five years, the City has worked to align resources more closely with community priorities. This began with the return of the Community Survey in 2022, which informed the City’s first Strategic Plan. The City also shifted to a two-year budget cycle, enabling greater flexibility, more effective long-term planning, and increased efficiency. At the same time, the City adopted a priority-based budgeting approach to better understand program-level costs and support more informed decision making. These process improvements allowed the City to continue making meaningful community investments, even while implementing necessary reductions across all service areas.
Despite progress, like other cities across Oregon, the City’s General Fund (GF) continues to face a structural imbalance, as service costs outpace revenue. Contributing factors include property tax limitations, inflation, economic uncertainty, and growing demand for services. Assuming several of Council’s priority programs and services—funded on a one-time basis for the 2023–2025 biennium—are added as ongoing costs in the coming biennium, the GF gap totals $11.5 million per year or $23 million for the 2025–2027 biennium.
City Council adopted a Fire Service Fee on February 10, 2025, as a new revenue source to stabilize the City’s fire services and reduce the General Fund gap to $3.5 million per year over the next biennium. The 2025–2027 Proposed Budget, released today, assumed this new revenue would be collected in the upcoming biennium. However, the Fire Service Fee has been referred to the ballot by petition, and the City will not be able to approve a budget that relies on revenue from the Fire Service Fee. As such, an amended budget addressing the full $11.5 million annual gap will be released Friday, April 25 and the City Manager will present a budget with $11.5 million in annual General Fund reductions to the Eugene Budget Committee on April 30, 2025.
The Budget Committee is a standing committee that reviews the proposed operating and capital budget each biennium and makes a recommendation on the budget to the City Council for final adoption. The Committee is composed of an equal number of City Council members (8) and appointed citizen members (8). In addition to the April 30 meeting, the Committee will meet in-person at City Hall in the Council Chambers on the following dates (with virtual options available):
- 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 14: Budget Deliberation and Public Comment
- 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 21: Budget Deliberation and Public Comment
- 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 28: Public Hearing and Recommendation to Council
- 5:30 p.m., Monday, June 23: City Council Public Hearing and Action
- https://eugene-or.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7053
Historic Preservation Month activities connect present with past in Benton and Linn Counties
CORVALLIS, Ore.—Benton County invites all community members to dive into the past during Benton-Linn Preservation Month 2025. The Benton County Historic Resources Commission (HRC) and partner organizations will host more than 30 events for the May commemoration, starting April 24, that highlight the history of our area.
Established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month is co-sponsored by local preservation groups, state historical societies, businesses and civic organizations across the country. Events throughout May promote historic places for the purpose of instilling national and community pride, promoting heritage tourism and showing the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.
Participants don’t have to be history buffs to appreciate the events in Benton and Linn Counties. These opportunities can be enjoyed by people with all levels of prior experience and historical knowledge. Scheduled events include:
- Exploring local restoration and renovation projects that will delight fans of HGTV and This Old House.
- Neighborhood and district walking tours that combine history with outdoor activity in the glorious spring weather.
- Opportunities to learn about early Benton County residents who don’t appear in history books, like people of color, women, queerfolk and immigrants.
- Hands-on project workshops: cleaning headstones at Crystal Lake Cemetery, repointing chimney brick, and restoring historic windows.
The Benton County HRC coordinates with the State Historic Preservation Office and property owners to promote the preservation of local historic sites, objects and culture. The group aims to inspire celebration of the rich history of our structures and places, and the people connected to them, encouraging interest in preserving them for future generations.
“Historic preservation benefits communities, socially and economically,” said Morgan Driggs, Benton County planner and Historic Resources Commission liaison. “It builds local pride, keeps historic commercial areas vital, emphasizes what is unique about each place, and creates strong feelings of connection with the areas where we live and work.”
Most events are free and open to the public; some require reservations as space is limited. For a complete schedule visit bit.ly/bentonhpm.
Filmed By Bike Film Festival Coming to Eugene
The exciting Filmed By Bike Film Festival is coming to Eugene on Friday, May 16. Based in Portland, Filmed By Bike showcases independent short films from around the globe, all centered around the themes of cycling and the great outdoors.
The public is invited to join the City and community partners for an engaging event featuring 90 minutes of Filmed By Bike short films, local film submission winners, a raffle, and a community group ride to the venue. The theme for this year is Celebrate Cycling, Eugene! Cycling is a catalyst for personal growth and community building. An entry ticket purchase includes one raffle ticket, complimentary pizza, free bike valet provided by Cascadia Mobility, and free bike tune-up services from Shift Community Cycles.
This event is part of the May is Bike Month celebrations. This event is also a fundraiser for Shift Community Cycles, whose mission is to remove barriers and empower more individuals and communities to join the world of bicycling. All ticket sales benefit their cause and the bicycle community.
When: Friday, May 16. Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.
Where: Straub Hall, University of Oregon campus
Who: University of Oregon Transportation Services, Shift Community Cycles, Cascadia Mobility, the City of Eugene and Lane Council of Governments
Tickets: https://webikelane.org/filmedbybike2025
About the local bicycle film contest: Event organizers are now accepting entries for short films (under three minutes) for the local bicycle film contest. The top two films will win a cash prize ($400 for first place, $100 for second place). Entries are due on April 26. Please see the webpage for film eligibility criteria and to submit a film: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTrgOtiVN-LjL-s9s0n-S3elXR6BcNSDgBMOaBkRqU-5VqjA/viewform
Note that films can be made with any type of camera (cinematic, phone, etc.). For more information about Filmed By Bike Festival Eugene 2025, visit: https://webikelane.org/filmedbybike2025
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.
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.
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 10th 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. 10th 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)
Contact for Services — Phone: CAHOOTS is dispatched within the Springfield urban growth boundary through the non-emergency number, 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
Drought, beetles, and tree diseases continue to threaten Oregon’s forests according to latest aerial survey
– A new report on the state of health of Oregon’s forests is now available. Based on an extensive aerial survey of Oregon’s forests completed last year by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service, the report shows that drought, insect pests, and tree diseases continue to be the biggest threats to the state’s trees. The full report is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/forestbenefits/documents/forest-health-highlights.pdf
“A large part of this report is devoted to looking at the impact from climate change, specifically drought. Drought is often paired with rising temperatures, and together these are often the underlying causes for tree mortality across our landscape. Drought reduces tree growth and increases susceptibility to insect pests and some diseases, which healthy trees may otherwise resist or tolerate,” said ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl, who helped produce the report.
Buhl said the report also measures other causes of trees being injured or killed, such as insect pests, diseases, storms, and wildfires.
Last year a record 1.9 million acres were affected by wildfire. However, some of those acres contained sections that were not damaged, not all of the burned areas were forested, and not all forests burned with the same intensity. Some areas that experienced low-intensity wildfires, in many places because of fuel-reduction work, may see a majority of their larger-diameter trees survive.
Areas hardest hit by drought, such as the eastern foothills of the Cascades and some parts of northeastern Oregon, saw the largest amount of non-wildfire tree damage—some 2.26 million acres. Within those 2.26 million acres is a mosaic of unaffected and current-year affected acres of forest. In 2024, 580,000 affected acres of damage from these agents were recorded. Damage consisted of 496,000 affected acres of tree injury, most of which (463,000 acres) was caused by Swiss needle cast, a foliar disease from which trees may recover. But 84,000 acres showed tree deaths.
“We may be under-reporting the impact of many tree-killing diseases, because the signs can often be missed from the air. For example, root diseases require ground-based assessment, such as excavating roots, to verify the presence of disease. This is labor intensive so is not done routinely across all forestlands,” said Buhl.
Buhl emphasized the importance of on-the-ground collaborators to help round out the full picture of forest health in Oregon. “In addition to information ODF and the USDA Forest Service gather, we rely on Oregon State University Forestry Extension staff from across the state, and collaborate with other natural resource agencies, universities, public and private forest landowners, and members of the public to gather information,” she said.
In the aerial survey, trained observers fly over all forested lands in the Pacific Northwest in fixed-wing aircraft and record damage to trees from all sources. Flights are staffed with one observer on each side of the aircraft. Survey flights typically fly between 1,500 to 2,500 feet above ground level, following a systematic grid four miles apart and traveling at 90 to 140 miles an hour.
The Pacific Northwest Aerial Detection Survey is the longest continuous survey of its kind in the United States, having been established in 1947 and flown every year since, except 2020 when it was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Tina Kotek has announced a $10 million investment aimed at developing the artificial intelligence (AI) workforce, in conjunction with a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State of Oregon and chipmaker, NVIDIA.
This initiative seeks to enhance AI education and skill development. The announcement was made during her speech at the Northwest Breakfast Forum, organized by SEMI, an association representing the semiconductor, electronics design, and manufacturing supply chain sectors.
The MOU creates a partnership framework for Oregon and NVIDIA to promote entrepreneurship and expand AI-centric education and skill development, preparing Oregonians for future opportunities while assisting state agencies in identifying responsible AI applications to enhance government services. As part of this collaboration, NVIDIA will partner with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) and Oregon’s higher education institutions to establish an AI Ambassador Program, which will deploy trained ambassadors across campuses to offer practical training and mentorship to students. This initiative will be guided by a steering committee comprising representatives from both the state and industry.
In addition to the MOU, the Governor is allocating $10 million from the Oregon CHIPS Act funding to the Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund, aimed at cultivating a strong technology workforce in Oregon. This investment will support workforce development initiatives related to the semiconductor and AI industries, with an emphasis on training Oregonians, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, for lucrative career opportunities.
Oregon hits recycling milestone: 10 million gallons of paint
Oregonians have recycled more than 10 million gallons of leftover paint through the nonprofit PaintCare.
The PaintCare program allows people to recycle paint for free, by dropping off leftover cans at sites across the state, mostly in paint and hardware stores.
Lauren Scher, Oregon and Washington Program Manager for PaintCare, which was established by paint manufacturers, said the first step is to always consider if paint can be reused. If not, recycling is the next best choice.
“Taking all that paint and making it into a new product, which then could be sold at a price point that is available to everybody,” Scher explained. “What we can’t recycle, we’ll make sure that it’s properly disposed of.”
Last year alone, Oregonians recycled nearly 650,000 gallons of paint, keeping it out of the waste stream and giving it a second life through recycling and reuse.
PaintCare has recycled almost 78 million gallons of paint through 11 programs nationwide since it launched in 2012. Scher noted PaintCare’s drop off sites are placed strategically throughout the state, with almost all Oregon residents living within 15 miles of one.
“By setting up more than 200 drop-off sites throughout the state, PaintCare made it easily accessible to all Oregonians,” Scher added.
To find the drop-off site nearby, visit PaintCare.org. Each site accepts up to five gallons, and some will take more. The program also offers free pick-up for businesses with 100 gallons or more of extra paint. (SOURCE)
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 Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Trails Coalition will host eight virtual focus groups in May to better understand the needs of different types of trail users who use land and water trails throughout Oregon and not just at Oregon State Parks.
OPRD launched an online survey this month to collect feedback through April 30. The focus groups expand that effort and take a deeper dive into the needs of different trail users including mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers and adaptive equipment users.
The information from the survey and focus groups will help inform the Oregon Statewide Trails Plan, which provides guidance to OPRD as well as other federal, state, and local agencies and private sector partners. It outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails over the next 10 years.
Participants can join the 90-minute Zoom sessions to provide feedback. Anyone interested in joining, can register in advance using the links below:
- May 5: OHV / ATV Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 7: BIPOC Nature Network Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 8: Mountain Biking and Bikepacking Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
- May 14: Adaptive Equipment Users and Disability Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 15: Winter/Snow Trail Focus Group (Non-motorized and motorized) Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 27: Hiking, Trail Running, Backpacking, Equestrian User Focus Group 4:30- 6 p.m.
- May 29: Paddling (Flat water and Whitewater) Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
- Agency Partners Trails Plan Focus Group Meeting TBD.
Check the website for more information including updates such as the time and link for the agency partners trails plan focus group: https://www.oregontrailscoalition.org/post/oregon-state-trails-plan-share-your-trail-user-experience-in-focus-groups-this-may
A state-funded matched savings program has helped low-income Oregonians for more than 25 years and backers said it needs more funding to continue.
Participants in the Oregon Individual Development Account Initiative save money toward specific goals like buying a home or vehicle, or going to college, while working with local nonprofits. Once they reach their savings goal, the state matches it at a 5-1 ratio, helping build long-term financial stability.
Abi Brambila, a first-generation college graduate and small business owner, credits the program for the financial support to make college possible, and its budgeting classes for giving her confidence.
“These skills are going to take you further than any amount of money,” Brambila pointed out. “For me, it really has been life-changing, and I do believe that other people deserve to get into a program like this.”
Despite rising costs for goals like education and homeownership, program funding has remained flat for 15 years. Advocates are asking the legislature to update the funding to reflect inflation.
Cameron Herrington, director of policy and advocacy for the nonprofit Neighborhood Partnerships, which helps distribute the funds, said lawmakers have two options to shore up the program’s funding: raise the cap on its main tax credit or dedicate some lottery revenue.
Herrington noted the program has helped more than 19,000 low-income Oregonians since it started, but cannot continue at its current pace without more support. He added both bills have bipartisan backing statewide.
“It’s a matter of the budget writers at the legislature stepping up to the plate now and fixing the funding,” Herrington emphasized. “It’s overdue but we’ve set it up for them to make an easy decision to keep this program strong for the future.”
Both bills to increase funding are in committee. Backers of the initiative said it helps bridge the growing income gap in the state, as well as the racial wealth gap. Data show the top 1% of earners in the state have more income than the bottom 50% of Oregonians combined. (SOURCE)
The Oregon House has unanimously approved legislation aimed at enhancing confidentiality protections for mental health services.
Proponents argue that the inclusion of peer support services will benefit firefighters, law enforcement personnel, and 9-1-1 dispatchers in need of trauma assistance.
This bill has garnered support from various first responder organizations, such as the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association and the Association of Chiefs of Police, and is now set to be reviewed by the Senate.
The state of Salem may impose severe penalties on Oregon’s power companies if they are determined to be negligent or responsible for igniting a wildfire.
Senate Bill 926 seeks to prohibit private electric companies from recouping costs associated with wildfire lawsuits if a court finds them negligent in causing a fire.
State Senator Jeff Golden, a Democrat from Ashland and a proponent of the bill, asserts that electric companies must provide compensation to the affected parties before addressing any financial obligations to their shareholders. Senator Golden emphasizes that numerous Oregonians continue to face challenges stemming from the 2020 wildfires, and this legislation prioritizes the needs of wildfire victims.
Senate Bill 926 enjoys bipartisan support and had a public hearing last month, although it has yet to be scheduled for a vote.
In Jackson County, a mother and daughter from California were apprehended on Saturday following reports from multiple local businesses about counterfeit $20 bills.
The individuals, identified as 42-year-old Samantha Jo Ann O’Neil and her 18-year-old daughter Jamie Aileen O’Neil, both residents of Walnut Grove, California, were arrested and taken to the Jackson County Jail.
They face multiple charges, including three counts of first-degree forgery, three counts of third-degree theft, ten counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument, and three counts of criminal possession of a forgery device.
Furthermore, Samantha was found in possession of 7.2 grams of methamphetamine and a meth pipe, leading to an additional charge of unlawful possession of meth.
On Saturday morning deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) received two reports regarding an unidentified woman wearing an orange sweatshirt who was passing counterfeit $20 bills at various businesses in White City. Surveillance footage revealed the suspect’s vehicle to be a silver 2005 Toyota Camry with a California license plate.
At 10:05 AM, JCSO deputies discovered the vehicle unoccupied in the parking lot of Hobby Lobby in Medford. They initiated surveillance and subsequently arrested the suspects as they approached the car. Following the arrest, JCSO deputies executed a search warrant on the suspects’ vehicle, uncovering numerous counterfeit bills along with printed sheets of uncut counterfeit currency.
The businesses identified as victims thus far include Medford Hobby Lobby, as well as the White City locations of Dutch Bros., McDonald’s, and Starbucks. The two women traveled from Lodi, California, on Wednesday, April 23, and deputies suspect there may be additional victims along their route. If you believe your business has received counterfeit money from either of the women depicted, please contact the JCSO Dispatch Non-Emergency number at (541) 776-7206.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has reinstated the commercial rock crab fishery along the northern coastline, extending from the California/Oregon border to the entrance of Humboldt Bay.
This decision follows a closure that lasted nearly ten years due to a domoic acid outbreak. The fishery was initially shut down in 2015 as a precaution during the most significant domoic acid outbreak recorded on the west coast.
Recent testing has verified that the levels of domoic acid in rock crabs are now below federal action thresholds, permitting the fishery’s reopening. Over the years, commercial fishermen have submitted rock crab samples, which contributed to this decision. The last reopening in this region took place in May 2019.
The CDFW advises fishery participants to refrain from setting gear in the presence of whales to reduce the risk of entanglement and encourages best fishing practices, such as minimizing slack surface line.
Deliberately using a drone to obstruct first responders would constitute a Class C felony, according to legislation approved by the Oregon House.
Conversely, unintentional disruption of police, firefighting, or search and rescue efforts would be classified as a Class B Misdemeanor. The bill received unanimous approval from Oregon’s House and has been forwarded to the state Senate.
Next year, the average inflation-adjusted student tuition cost for Oregon residents attending the state’s seven public universities is projected to be nearly 30% higher than it was ten years ago, due to proposed or approved increases by each university board for the upcoming academic year.
The seven public universities in Oregon—Eastern Oregon University, Oregon State University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Portland State University, Southern Oregon University, University of Oregon, and Western Oregon University—are all expected to implement tuition hikes ranging from 3% to 5% for the 2025-26 academic year.
This follows a trend of annual tuition increases at each institution over the past decade. Any tuition hikes exceeding 5%, including mandatory fees such as student health fees, necessitate approval from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
Ben Cannon, the commission’s executive director, indicated via email that the commission does not anticipate any tuition increase proposals surpassing 5%, based on the information received from the universities.
The tuition increases are attributed to rising labor costs and inflation affecting various expenses, including teaching materials, utility costs, and insurance, as stated by university representatives. Cannon further noted that inadequate levels of state funding are also contributing to the rising costs of enrollment.
The Oregon Department of Transportation is in the process of revising curve warning signs.
According to ODOT, advancements in vehicle technology, along with updated national standards, necessitate a reassessment of Oregon’s curve signs and advisory speed limits. Consequently, some signs may be deemed unnecessary, while others may be enlarged.
OHA to issue algae warnings when dog deaths reported
As summer approaches, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reminds people heading outdoors to enjoy the state’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs to be on the look-out for potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms.
To help, OHA is adding a tool reporting the possible presence of cyanobacteria in freshwater lakes and rivers statewide. Starting immediately, OHA will issue pre-emptive public warnings following reports of dog illnesses or deaths possibly resulting from cyanotoxin exposure.
“Each year, we receive reports about dog illnesses or deaths linked to a water body that may be affected by cyanobacteria, but the deaths are often unexplained, or the cause of the death isn’t immediately known,” said Linda Novitski, Ph.D., a recreational waters specialist in OHA’s Environmental Public Health Section.
“These pre-emptive warnings will help us immediately takes steps to inform the public about the possible presence of cyanobacteria in a water body,” she said.
Toxin testing is only possible for certain types of cyanobacteria. When testing is done, results are typically available within two weeks.
Cyanobacteria are beneficial bacteria found in all fresh water worldwide. The bacteria can multiply into blooms in any water body under the right conditions—warm weather, sunlight, water temperature, nutrients and water chemistry.
Many blooms are harmless, but some can produce cyanotoxins that make people and animals sick. Exposure to cyanotoxins occurs when water or algae mat material is swallowed while swimming, or when people inhale water droplets during high-speed activities such as water-skiing or wakeboarding. Symptoms of exposure to cyanotoxins include:
- Diarrhea
- Cramps
- Vomiting
- Numbness
- Dizziness and fainting
Although cyanotoxins are not known to be absorbed through the skin, people with sensitive skin can develop a red, raised rash when wading, playing or swimming in or around a bloom.
Some species of cyanobacteria live in the water or float on the top of the water surface. Other cyanobacteria, called cyanoHAB mats, anchor themselves to the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or grow on rocks or aquatic plants can release toxins into clear water. These bloom mats contain toxins that, if ingested, can be fatal to dogs and can make people sick.
Dogs can get extremely ill, and even die, within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water. Problem signs include licking their fur or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore.
If, after swimming in a lake or stream, a dog exhibits symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, breathing problems, difficulty walking or standing, or loss of appetite, owners should get their pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
“Enjoying lakes and rivers is such an important part of the Oregon experience,” said Novitski. “To have fun and stay safe this season, protect small children and dogs by avoiding anything you think might be a cyanobacteria harmful algae bloom in the water or in a mat attached to the bottom of the lake or river.”
Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins it released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind.
OHA advises recreational visitors to always be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms in the water and in mats attached to the ground or rocks. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.
Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.
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.
The tenth anniversary season of ‘In a Landscape, Classical Music in the Wild’ commences in May and continues until September.
This season will feature 50 concerts showcasing classical music at two locations in Lake County: Summer Lake and Fort Rock, as well as the Alvord Desert. The Summer Lake concert is titled ‘Dark Sky Concert,’ as Summer Lake is recognized as an Oregon Dark Sky Park.
The performance at Fort Rock State Park is scheduled for September 13, followed by the Summer Lake Hot Springs concert on September 14.
Additionally, a performance near Jacksonville at Applegate Lake will take place on May 30, and another at the Alvord Desert on June 21.
The Fort Rock concert will start at 4 p.m. and conclude around 5:30 p.m., while the Summer Lake Hot Springs concert will begin at 9 p.m. and last approximately 1.5 hours due to the Dark Sky designation.
Tickets for individual concerts are priced at $50, or $135 for both performances, which includes two nights of camping at Summer Lake Hot Springs, with the camping fee charged per person. ‘Good neighbor’ tickets are also available for residents of Lake County.
Pianist Hunter Noack is curating a new program for this tour, which will encompass 50 concerts across six Western states: Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.
The performances will take place at 10 new venues, including the recently reopened Kah-Nee-Ta in central Oregon. Noack will perform on a 9-foot Steinway concert grand piano.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to sit near the stage, and wireless headphones will allow them to explore the surroundings while enjoying the music, creating a unique experience in the wild, particularly at Fort Rock, the Alvord Desert, and Summer Lake Hot Springs.
The series will kick off on May 10 in Goldendale, Washington, at the Maryhill Museum of Art. Tickets for the public can be purchased through the In A Landscape website at https://inalandscape.org.
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
