The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Friday, May 2, 2025
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Second Bargaining Session Ahead of Day Four of UO Student Work Strike
According to a bargaining team member, striking residential assistants have had their meal plans cut, ahead of the second bargaining session
MAY 1 — Updated 6:30 p.m. According to Victoria Robison, a UOSW organizer, the university ended today’s bargaining session early over continued disputes over wage increases.
Updated 5:45 p.m Around 4:20 p.m., around 75 picketers entered the Ford Alumni Center where a “Conversation on Democracy’s Future,” event was being held 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Picketers entered the room and briefly interrupted the event with chants and a speech before leaving the event around 4:35 p.m.
“We (UOSW) wanted to disrupt the event that would usually, under other circumstances, if we weren’t on strike, would be organized and run by student workers and we’re disappointed that they’re continuing to run things as normal while a unit of almost 4000 workers is on strike,” Victoria Robison, a UOSW organizer, said. “It’s not OK to continue to have events while we’re on strike.”
The event proceeded as scheduled.
“The audience was there to listen to a talk about the future of democracy and they came in and wouldn’t let anyone else speak, that doesn’t seem very democratic to me,” an event attendee Rick Varnum said. “I wish them well but I think these tactics are misguided.”
Over 150 picketers were gathered outside of Unthank Hall ahead of a scheduled 6:00 p.m UOSW General Assembly meeting at Global Scholars Hall.
Updated 3:00 p.m. According to UO, Resident Assistants on strike had their meal plans and room compensation revoked.
“Resident assistant compensation includes room and board in addition to a stipend. The RAs who choose to withhold labor are responsible for the costs of their meals while on strike. The union and RAs were notified of these changes prior to the strike,” UO Spokesperson Eric Howald said in a statement to The Emerald.
Striking RAs are being charged the “general student rate” for living on campus unless they fully vacate their room, according to Howald.
According to Resident Assistant and bargaining team member Ryan Campbell, RAs have already started incurring housing fees.
Campbell said the charges are “a scare tactic.” The union is helping striking RAs pay for their living expenses through the UOSW’s strike hardship fund, according to Campbell.
This morning, UOSW also reported RA bulletin boards being cleared of photos and pamphlets.
At 3:30 p.m., UOSW is expected to hold a May Day rally in front of the Student Welcome Center.
At 5:00 p.m. some picketers are expected to head to a “downtown community rally” and some picketers will be attending a teach-in at Unthank Residence Hall.
At 6:00 p.m. a general assembly meeting will be held on the lawn of Global Scholars Hall and at 7:45 p.m. an executive meeting will be held outside of the Museum of Natural and Cultural History.
Updated 11:00 a.m. On the fourth day of the University of Oregon Student Workers union strike, Ryan Campbell, a resident assistant and UOSW bargaining team member, said that striking RAs have had their meal plans terminated.
At 9:30 a.m., UOSW’s bargaining team met with UO administration for their second scheduled bargaining session since the start of the strike.
It is unclear when today’s bargaining session will end.
Roughly 75 picketers continued to march in a circle outside Johnson Hall.
A May Day event is planned for 10 a.m. outside of Johnson Hall.
Yesterday, April 30, UOSW had their first scheduled bargaining session with UO..
According to Victoria Piñeiro and Ashton Pressman, bargaining team members, yesterday’s session was “productive.”
Both bargaining teams reached an agreement to increase sick pay for all student workers, and there were also discussions on arbitration, RA roles and compensation.
An agreement over wages and probationary period was not met during yesterday’s bargaining session. UO could not be reached in time for comment. (SOURCE)
Lane County Sheriff Cliff Harrold Announces Retirement
Lane County Sheriff Cliff Harrold has announced his retirement effective May 16, 2025. Sheriff Harrold has served in the Lane County Sheriff’s Office for 35 years and was appointed sheriff in 2019 before being elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024.
“It is with much thought and consideration that I have decided to retire from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office effective May 16. After 35 years, I am ready to step back and contemplate what the future looks like for myself and my family,” said Sheriff Cliff Harrold. “It has been an honor to work with all the incredible men and women who make up the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. Their dedication to serving our community is unparalleled and I could not have asked to serve alongside better people.”
Harrold began his career in law enforcement as a cadet in the Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 35 years ago and briefly served as a dispatcher for the Cottage Grove Police Department. He was hired as a full-time deputy in 1995. During his career, Harrold served in nearly every assignment available at the Sheriff’s Office, including the Corrections Division, Court Transport, Traffic Safety Team, Patrol, Field Training Officer, SWAT operator, Marine Patrol, and so many more.
“I congratulate Sheriff Cliff Harrold with tremendous appreciation and admiration for his decades of service to Lane County,” said Lane County District Attorney Chris Parosa. “Sheriff Harrold’s sound and steady leadership has made our community safer, modernized our local jail, and improved the lives of countless Lane County residents. His charm, thoughtfulness and collaborative nature have been a powerful model for a new District Attorney. Congratulations Sheriff Harrold, friend.”
Sheriff Harrold announced his retirement with a letter to the Lane County community that was shared online today. The letter is attached.
Chief Deputy Carl Wilkerson will fill the role of Sheriff until the Board of County Commissioners determines the process to appoint the next Sheriff. The Board is expected to begin that discussion next Tuesday, May 6, during its regular business meeting.
Hundreds gather at court house in Eugene as part of nationwide ‘May Day Strong’ protests against Trump
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Lane County Circuit Court in Eugene Thursday afternoon for a “May Day” protest, which was part of a large coordinated effort across the state and the country to champion working class people.
The “May Day Strong” event is the latest anti-Trump protest organized by the 50501 Movement. There was a 5051 March in Creswell. More than a thousand events in as many U.S. cities were announced. There are more events planned in the future.
Eugene Weekly has Activist Alert — Protests, activism and more around Lane County — Upcoming Rallies, Marches, Trainings and Protests – You can find info here: https://eugeneweekly.com/2025/05/01/activist-alert-28/
Turning Mental Health Awareness into Action: The Benton County Crisis Center
Corvallis OR – May is National Mental Health Month and Benton County is celebrating with an announcement about the new Benton County Crisis Center, set to open this summer.
Every year in May, people and organizations across the nation celebrate Mental Health Month as an opportunity to increase public understanding of the importance of mental health, to promote mental health resources, and to destigmatize mental health conditions.
This year’s theme, “Turn Awareness into Action,” emphasizes transforming understanding into tangible support, compassion into concrete steps, and intentions into real-world impact.
“The new Benton County Crisis Center is a perfect example of turning awareness into action,” said Damien Sands, Behavioral Health Division Director for the Benton County Health Department. “It took the hands of many to help make this dream a reality, and we are grateful to our state and local leaders, contractors, community partners, Benton County residents, and dedicated staff for the roles they played.”
The Benton County Crisis Center
The Benton County Crisis Center will be a voluntary, walk-in, mental health treatment center for people experiencing mental health crises. The center will offer a safe and supportive space for people who need a break from stressors along with referrals and support for ongoing behavioral health services.
The new facility, with more available space, will expand Benton County’s existing mental health crisis services to add additional staff and services, including:
- 24/7 walk-in (no appointment needed), face-to-face crisis counseling services
- Crisis, Outreach, Response, and Engagement (CORE) Co-Response team connecting people in crisis to the new facility for stabilization and support
- The Mobile Crisis Team’s dispatch center responds to calls from community service providers
“Our mobile crisis team is very active in the community responding to crisis calls from key partners such as law enforcement, the hospital, and schools” said Ricky Garcia, Project Manager for the Benton County Crisis Center. “Our crisis center will improve access by allowing people to come to us when they need support, avoiding any unnecessary entanglements with law enforcement, and freeing up higher levels of care such as the emergency room.”
The facility will also add two new services for adults aged 18 years or older who need more time and support in a trauma-informed, treatment-centered environment to stabilize from crisis and be connected to resources:
- Stabilization: Up to 23 hours voluntary stay in a calm and quiet area that will include reclining chairs separated by dividers for privacy.
- Respite: Up to 29 days voluntary stay in a residential space on the second floor that will include private rooms, a shared kitchen, and common areas.
“When someone is struggling with their mental health, it can be a challenge to immediately enter the real world and all the stress and responsibility that comes with our daily lives,” said Sands. “Our local area currently has very limited resources for short-term stabilization and respite. The new crisis center will expand our capacity to serve people who do not require medical attention, hospitalization, or longer-term residential care. All services are voluntary, so people can come and go as they please.”
2025 Phased Opening Schedule for Benton County Crisis Center
A chart depicts the phased timeline for services at the Benton County Crisis Center.
The facility is planned to open this June with a phased approach:
- Phase 1 (approx. Spring 2025): All existing Benton County Crisis Services will move from their current locations into the new building.
- Phase 2 (approx. Summer 2025): Services will expand to include daytime stabilization services.
- Phase 3 (approx. Fall 2025): Services will expand to include swing shift stabilization services.
- Phase 4 (approx. Winter 2025): Services will expand to include 24/7 stabilization.
- Phase 5 (date to be determined): Services will expand to include 29-day respite.
“We recognize the challenges facing the mental health workforce right now,” said Garcia. “This phased opening enables us to expand services as soon as we are able to, allowing time to recruit and train new staff while maintaining a healthy work environment for our existing staff.”
The crisis center will be available to any community member experiencing a moment of need. While stabilization and respite are for adults only, youth experiencing crises can still access counselors who can help them get the appropriate referrals and services. No one will be turned away from the crisis center due to inability to pay.
Benton County is planning to host an upcoming open house once the crisis center is ready to be opened to the public. More details will be shared as they are available. For more information on the Benton County Crisis Center, please visit: https://health.bentoncountyor.gov/benton-county-crisis-center/
Crisis Services Available Now
For anyone experiencing a mental health crisis now, you are not alone. Help is available 24/7:
- For the National Suicide Hotline, call or text 988, or chat at: 988lifeline.org
- For the Benton County Crisis Team, call 1-888-232-7192
- For the Crisis Text Line, text OREGON to741741
More Mental Health Month Events
Additional local events that help turn awareness into action this Mental Health Month:
- May 3 – Hello There Corvallis Speed Friending Even with Corvallis Parks & Recreation
- May 3 – Oregon State University’s Pet Day
- May 6 – Board of Commissioners proclaim Mental Health Month in Benton County
- May 10 – Free Mandala Rock Painting at The Arts Center in Corvallis
- May 18 – Corvallis Spring Roll
- May 24 – QPR Suicide Prevention Training at South Benton Food Pantry in Monroe
- May 27 – QPR Suicide Prevention Training in Corvallis
- May 30 – Mental Health First Aid Training at Benton County Sunset Building
- May 31 – Get Outdoors Day
- May 31 – Corvallis Pride
### Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
Lane United FC is kicking off the 2025 season with a match that’s close to the heart and the badge!
Presented by Deployed Logix, first responders from the Eugene Springfield Fire Department and Police Department will face off in a friendly soccer game to honor the past and celebrate the future. These teams were first on scene during the 2015 Civic Stadium fire, and now they’ll take the field together to mark the opening of the brand-new stadium built on that very site. Find tickets at: https://tickets.laneutd.com/…/first-responders-match…
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
Lane County Government · We’re working to create a long-range plan for the Lane Events Center.
Join us on Thursday, May 15, for an open house where we’ll share refined site concepts, guiding principles and strategic priorities for the property. Come share your thoughts and ideas—we want your input!
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞
Thursday, May 15 | 5–7 p.m.
Lane Events Center, Convention Center, Meeting Room 4 (796 W. 13th Ave.) We look forward to seeing you there! www.LECMasterPlan.org
May 20, 2025 Special Election ballots in the mail
The Lane County Elections office has placed ballots in the USPS mail stream for the May 2025 Special Election.
Lane County’s 21 ballot drop boxes will remain open until 8:00 pm on Election Day, May 20, 2025. Drop boxes are open 24/7. A list of drop box locations is included with every ballot.
“Most voters generally receive their ballots within a couple of days,” said Acting County Clerk Lorren Blythe. “The Lane County Elections Office is ready to assist voters with questions or those who need help casting their ballot.”
Voters can track the status of their mail ballot by visiting www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.
Voters may return their voted ballots in one of the following ways:
- Regular mail. Ballots must be postmarked no later than May 20, 2025 and received no later than May 27, 2025 to be counted.
- A 24/7 ballot drop box.
- Lane County Elections. Ballots can be turned in by May 20, 2025 directly to the Lane County Elections Office during business hours (open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day).
Ballot drop box locations can be found online at 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.
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.
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.
Donate a Bouquet, Spread Some Love!
This Mother’s Day, you can make a mom’s day even brighter!For just $15, you can donate a surprise bouquet to a hardworking mom who uses the Lane County Diaper Bank. 
https://givebutter.com/l85Kta
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
“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
Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony to Honor Fallen Officers
The annual Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. The ceremony honors the state’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
The names of three fallen officers were added to the memorial last month as an honor guard stood watch: Patrolman Andrew J. Laugeson of the Portland Police Bureau, end of watch May 12, 1917; Policeman George M. Lowe of the Ashland Police Department, end of watch March 3, 1919; and Assistant Chief Merle W. Bethscheider of the Silverton Police Department, end of watch May 29, 1965.
Patrolman Laugeson, Policeman Lowe, Asssistant Chief Bethscheider, and 196 previously fallen officers will be honored during the ceremony at the academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Highway SE in Salem.
The ceremony is a significant event that the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is proud to host each year in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and Oregon’s various statewide law enforcement associations.
### About DPSST – The mission of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is to pursue excellence in training and accountability for public safety professionals.
DPSST certifies and licenses police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, as well as regulatory specialists, emergency telecommunicators and medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, fire service professionals, and polygraph examiners in the state of Oregon. DPSST works with public and private safety agencies around the state to provide basic, leadership and specialized training at the 237-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.
For more information on the Oregon Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/Memorials/LawEnforcement/Pages/default.aspx.
The long-delayed deadline for REAL ID is now 5 days 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.
New report: High costs, low pay from insurers, and onerous regulation push Oregon hospitals to the brink
A new Hospital Association of Oregon report shows that hospitals are financially unstable, threatening the future of patient care in Oregon communities. Almost half of the state’s hospitals operated at a loss in 2024, and others barely broke even.
“Oregon’s hospitals are on the brink,” said Becky Hultberg, Hospital Association of Oregon president and CEO. “They face a perfect storm of soaring expenses, complex and costly regulations, and payments that don’t cover the cost of care. And federal Medicaid changes contemplated by Congress could tip some hospitals over the edge.”
The report highlights that while hospitals across the country were challenged during the pandemic and are now stabilizing, Oregon hospitals remain on unstable footing.
“It’s becoming clear that Oregon hospitals operate in one of the most challenging environments in the country, shaped by a tough regulatory landscape and payments that don’t come close to covering the double-digit increases we’ve seen in expenses from salaries and benefits,” she said. “Patients are struggling to find doctors, wait times to see a doctor are long, and emergency departments are overcrowded. This is a result of the policy choices the state has made and insufficient payment from insurers.”
In this challenging environment, Oregon hospitals have been pushed to make difficult decisions including cutting more than 800 jobs, seeking partnerships to shore up operations, reducing or divesting from services, and fundraising to replace broken or outdated equipment. This is a trend that is likely to continue without shifts in health policy and increasing payments to hospitals to cover the cost of providing care.
Medicaid—the state’s largest insurer—is contributing to hospitals’ financial distress. The state only pays hospitals 56 cents on the dollar for caring for Medicaid patients. Additionally, hospitals are subject to onerous state rules and regulations that demand resources for compliance, reduce revenue, and increase operating expenses for hospitals.
Hospitals’ financial instability not only jeopardizes access to care but also threatens the economic stability of communities statewide. Oregon’s 61 hospitals serve as a crucial economic engine, generating $32.4 billion in economic impact and supporting 160,000 jobs—including 70,000 direct hospital employees.
“In this pivotal moment for hospitals, policymakers and community leaders cannot afford to ignore what’s happening in Oregon,” Hultberg said. “The choices the state makes are forcing the trade-off of services that our families, friends, and neighbors depend on.”
Read more about the state of Oregon’s hospitals in the Hospital Association of Oregon’s new report: Oregon Hospitals on the Brink.
Media availability:
- Hospital Association of Oregon President and CEO Becky Hultberg will be available to speak to the media between 1-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1
- PNGs of graphics from the report are also available upon request
About the Hospital Association of Oregon
Founded in 1934, the Hospital Association of Oregon Association (HAO) is a mission-driven, nonprofit trade association representing Oregon’s 61 hospitals. Together, hospitals are the sixth largest private employer statewide, employing 70,000 employees. Committed to fostering a stronger, safer, more equitable Oregon where all people have access to the high-quality care they need, the hospital association supports Oregon’s hospitals so they can support their communities; educates government officials and the public on the state’s health landscape and works collaboratively with policymakers, community based organizations and the health care community to build consensus on and advance health care policy benefiting the state’s four million residents.
Oregon Declares May 18–25, 2025, Volcano Awareness Week in Recognition of the 45th Anniversary of the Mount St. Helens Eruption
SALEM, Ore. – On May 18, 1980, the ground shook, the sky turned black, and Mount St. Helens exploded in what remains the most destructive volcanic eruption in U.S. history. Fifty-seven lives were lost, thousands of animals perished, entire forests were flattened, and over 200 homes were destroyed. The eruption caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damage. The eruption reshaped landscapes sparked years of scientific study and reinforced the importance of disaster readiness.
Now, 45 years later, Oregon’s Governor Tina Kotek is commemorating this significant event by proclaiming May 18–25, 2025, Volcano Awareness Week — a time not only for remembrance, but for readiness.
Led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), the proclamation seeks to educate residents and visitors about volcanic hazards and preparedness efforts across the state and serves as a crucial reminder: the Pacific Northwest is still very much an active volcanic zone.
“Oregon is home to several active volcanoes, and awareness is key to protecting communities and ensuring public safety,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “Volcano Awareness Week serves as an opportunity to learn about preparedness, mitigation, and response strategies while recognizing the ongoing monitoring efforts that keep people informed.”
Living in a Land of Fire: Understanding Oregon’s Volcanic Risks
The Cascade Range — the snow-capped mountains many Oregonians and Washingtonians know and love — is part of a 1,300 km (800 mile) chain of volcanoes stretching from northern California to southern British Columbia. These dramatic peaks, formed by the slow collision and subduction of tectonic plates, include some of the most well-known and still-active volcanoes in the country.
In Oregon alone, we have five potentially active volcanoes:
- Mount Hood
- Mount Jefferson
- Newberry Volcano
- Three Sisters
- Crater Lake (Mount Mazama)
They are among the ten active Cascade volcanoes monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Volcano Early Warning System — a program designed to detect and alert officials to signs of volcanic unrest before an eruption occurs.
DOGAMI, in coordination with the U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory, plays a critical role in providing scientific data to support disaster preparedness. “Oregon’s rocks record a long-lived legacy of volcanism. Volcanoes offer stunning beauty, but also present potential risks to nearby communities”, said DOGAMI Geological Survey and Services Program Manager Jason McClaughry. “Creating detailed geologic and hazard maps combined with data from modern monitoring tools allows both DOGAMI and CVO to understand the volcanic history of Oregon and to help communities prepare for future volcanic hazards.”
Why Volcano Awareness Week Matters
This week is a joint effort between the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), and partners like the USGS and the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Together, they’re working to raise public awareness about volcanic hazards — and more importantly, how Oregonians can prepare for them.
OEM and DOGAMI, in collaboration with local governments and scientific organizations, will conduct public outreach efforts, social media campaigns, and educational initiatives throughout the week, including:
- Understanding volcanic hazards such as ashfall, landslides, lahars, and pyroclastic flows.
- Reviewing evacuation routes and emergency response plans (visit TripCheck.com)
- Monitoring volcanic activity through USGS alerts and OR-Alerts.
- Preparing emergency kits with food, water, respiratory protection, and communication devices.
Upcoming Anniversary Related events:
- Wednesday, May 7 | 6:30 p.m.
45th Eruptiversary Views & Brews: Voices of the Volcano (In-Person AND Virtual) - Saturday, May 10 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cascades Volcano Observatory Open House - Thursday May 15 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A Reddit Ask-Me-Anything session with experts from USGS and the states of Oregon and Washington - Sunday, May 18 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
45th Anniversary Event with USFS at the Coldwater Science and Learning Center - Saturday, May 24 | 3:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
OPB Event at OMSI – Sharing of OPB Field Guide episode and panel discussion - The official web cam for Mount. St. Helens is also back online, with its power restored for the first time in a nearly two years.
- See more historic photos of the eruption on the US Forest Service’s Historic Mount St. Helen’s Flcker page.
Even though volcanic eruptions are rare, their impacts can be swift and widespread. Awareness and preparedness can mean the difference between chaos and calm in the face of an eruption.
“Preparedness saves lives,” McMahon added. “By learning about volcanic hazards and response measures, Oregonians can help protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Be 2 Weeks Ready
Emergency preparedness starts at home. OEM encourages all residents to Be2WeeksReady — a campaign that promotes having enough supplies, water, food, and critical items to survive on your own for two weeks after a disaster. This is especially important during volcanic events, when roads may be impassable and air quality may be hazardous.
Here are some key preparedness tips for volcanic hazards:
- Know your local hazards. If you live near any of Oregon’s volcanoes, understand what type of hazards might affect your area. DOGAMI and OEM offer resources and maps to help you assess risk.
- Stay informed. Sign up for USGS volcano notifications sign-up for OR-Alerts, and make sure the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled on your phone.
- Follow evacuation levels. Oregon uses a three-level evacuation system:
- Level 1: Be Ready – Stay aware and prepare to leave.
- Level 2: Be Set – Be packed and ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
- Level 3: Go Now! – Leave immediately for your safety.
- Make a plan. Know your evacuation routes and how you’ll communicate with loved ones if you become separated. Learn more with OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready Toolkit.
- Help others. Check on neighbors, especially those who may need extra assistance.
For more details on how to prepare for volcanic hazards, visit the U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards page. Residents are encouraged to follow OEM and DOGAMIonline for up-to-date information, safety resources, and emergency alerts.
Explore More:
- USGS Volcano Hazards Program
- National Volcano Early Warning System
- DOGAMI – Oregon Geologic Hazard Resources
- OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready Toolkit
- Make Preparedness Fun: Engaging Kids in Emergency Readiness
- Making Preparedness Fun: Explaining Volcano Evacuations to Kids
- Kids Volcano Activity Guide
- Social Media Toolkit
- US Forest Service’s Historic Mount St. Helen’s historic photos
# # # It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.
You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email licInfo@oem.oregon.gov” target=”_blank” title=”Email OEM Public Affairs”>OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.
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.
The 80th anniversary commemorating the tragic event in which a pregnant woman and five young children from Bly lost their lives due to a Japanese balloon bomb will be observed through a series of events.
This incident marks the only fatalities on the continental United States during World War II, occurring when the group was picnicking near Gearhart Mountain, approximately 13 miles from Bly, and accidentally triggered the bomb.
K.C. Winters, the author of “One Balloon: Silent Attack on the American Homeland,” will present about her family and her book at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 2, at the Klamath County Museum. The next day, May 3, at 1 p.m., Winters will further discuss her book at the Oberchain Community Center in Bly, with the program being facilitated by David Prantner from the Standing Stone Church.
On Monday, May 5, the actual anniversary of the incident, a memorial program will take place at the Mitchell Monument, located 13 miles from Bly, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
This event, organized by the Fremont-Winema National Forest’s Bly Ranger District, aims to remember and pay tribute to the six individuals who perished due to the bomb, with Winters expected to be in attendance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
