Willamette Valley News, Monday 5/19 – McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center Releases Plans to Build Emergency Department in West Eugene, KEZI Off Air Outage, Important Issues at City Council Budget Meeting Wednesday & Other Local and Statewide News…

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

Monday, May 19, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

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

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center Releases Plans to Build Emergency Department in West Eugene

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center’s much-anticipated freestanding emergency department in Eugene will go on a vacant parcel just west of Chambers Street. The preliminary plans show the single-story 19,000-square-foot building would go on a large parking lot between West 6th and West 7th avenues.

The vacant lot between west 6th and 7th Ave, just west of Chambers street, and across the street from the KIA dealership, may soon be home to a new emergency department for the McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center.

Many Eugene residents have been awaiting news after the Springfield hospital’s CEO declared eight months ago that McKenzie-Willamette would open an emergency department somewhere in Eugene, without providing specifics. The lack of updates since then led some Eugene residents to fear the project stalled.

McKenzie-Willamette’s September announcement followed PeaceHealth’s bitterly criticized decision to close the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart University District hospital near the University of Oregon, including the emergency department, and consolidate emergency operations at PeaceHealth’s RiverBend hospital in Springfield. The move left Springfield (population 62,000) with two emergency departments and Eugene (population 178,000) with none.

Nonprofit PeaceHealth cited persistent financial losses at the University District complex. But for-profit McKenzie-Willamette saw the closure left an emergency services void in Eugene, especially in the city’s fast-growing west and northwest neighborhoods.

McKenzie-Willamette still faces hurdles. It needs city planning approval. The targeted parcel is zoned community commercial, and McKenzie-Willamette is seeking confirmation its medical building is allowed there. The hospital is also consulting with city staff over parking, traffic issues, landscaping and more. Plus, McKenzie-Willamette needs approval from the Oregon Health Authority, which reviews new medical capital construction projects.

The west Eugene site is owned by John and Corinne Kiefer of Reno, Nevada, owners of the Mazda and Kia car dealerships in Eugene, property records show. The lot is across West 7th Avenue from the Kia dealership.

Freestanding emergency departments — EDs that are not within a hospital complex — are uncommon. It’s unclear whether there are any in Oregon. Nationwide, there are about 700, out of a total of roughly 5,000 emergency departments, research reports show. About half the freestanding ones are in Texas.

Last September, McKenzie-Willamette CEO David Butler announced his hospital had an investor, a developer and a site for a 12-bed Eugene emergency department. He provided no location specifics.

Many hospitals in Oregon complain they are losing money. But McKenzie-Willamette reaped spectacular profits pre-pandemic, and has eked out slender profits the last few years.

Historically, McKenzie-Willamette had one of the highest profit rates among Oregon’s 60 acute-care inpatient hospitals. During the pandemic, it incurred an operating loss in only a single year, 2020. Last year, it had a profit of $5.4 million on revenues of $274 million. Pre-pandemic, the hospital had eye-popping profits — for example, $32 million in 2019 and $50 million in 2015, according to its filings with the OHA.

The hospital is owned by privately held for-profit Tennessee-based Quorum Health Corp., which owns 12 hospitals in nine states. Quorum doesn’t disclose financials for the group as a whole. Available data indicate McKenzie-Willamette is one of its most profitable facilities. (SOURCE)

KEZI Off Air Outage Due to Downed Translator

KEZI working to fix outage caused by downed translator. They have been off the air most of Sunday and of this morning at 10am still down.

Oakridge Fire & EMS Medic Unit Involved in Rollover Crash on Highway 58

Oakridge, OR – 5/17/25 Shortly before 2:00 PM Saturday afternoon, an Oakridge Fire & EMS medic unit was involved in a rollover accident along Highway 58 near milepost 30, while returning from a patient transport. Three responders were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Mutual aid crews from Lowell Rural Fire Protection District Fire, Dexter Rural Fire Protection District, and Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District responded quickly to the scene and successfully extricated all occupants. Medic units from Eugene Springfield Fire provided immediate transport for the injured personnel.

One responder is currently listed in critical, but stable condition. Two additional responders sustained minor injuries and were transported for further evaluation. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. There were no patients in the ambulance at the time of the incident. Eugene Springfield Fire will be providing ambulance coverage for Oakridge while recovery efforts and next steps are assessed.

Oakridge Fire & EMS is a small, primarily volunteer department with only three paid staff. We ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate this difficult time. This incident has deeply impacted our department and community.

Upper Mckenzie RFPD responded to a water rescue call at approximately 2:12 am on Sunday May 18th

A person was reported screaming in the water by local residents. Upon arrival the first unit was able to set up scene lights from the last known point.

This enabled the person in water which had been swept down Horse Creek after falling into creek to find a clearing on the bank and contact responders on the opposite side of the creek.

At the same time as the first responders arrived the caller reported a medical emergency due to the stress of trying to find the missing person.

Due to the velocity and volume of water in Horse Creek, crews needed to find a way in from the opposite side of the creek.

This entailed a roughly 700 yard walk through densely wooded area with a creek crossing.

With help from McKenzie Fire and Rescue the patient was packed out to Eugene Springfield Fires ambulance for transport.

In all 10 volunteers responded to the emergency and 2 additional units from Mckenzie Fire helped as well. We thank our volunteers for selflessly serving the community to protect its people.

Eugene Springfield Fire  · Curious about how best to prepared for wildfire season?

Stop by our table at the Lane County Farmers Market to learn about defensible space, home hardening, evacuation preparedness, safe recreation, and other topics. We would love to see you on the following dates: May 17 & May 31 from 10 am – 2 pm and May 20 from 11 am – 2 pm

Lane Events Center Virtual Session 5/21 to Get Feedback on Site Design Concepts

Lane Events Center (LEC) is updating its Master Plan to help guide investment in the property over the next 10 to 20 years. After reviewing initial input from a community survey and an earlier open house, Lane Events Center is sharing early site design concepts, strategic priorities and guiding principles for further refinement.

The project team is hosting an in-person open house on Thursday, May 15, and an virtual session on Wednesday, May 21.

Virtual Session — Wednesday, May 21 | 6–7 p.m. Zoom: Register to participate in advance.

“We are excited to share our progress with the community and get their help in refining our work further,” said Lane Events Center Manager Corey Buller. “At the Lane Events Center, we take pride in being a place where people gather and create memories with friends and family. It’s exciting to be talking about how we can do that even better in the future.”

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

The Master Plan process will help Lane County:

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

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

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

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

Help refine Lane County’s new strategic plan in person or online this week

Lane County is updating its three-year strategic plan for 2025–2027. This spring, insights gathered through surveys and focus groups with Lane County employees and the community were used to create a preliminary draft of the new strategic plan.

Now, community members are invited to help refine and enhance the draft plan before it is presented to the Board of County Commissioners for adoption. There are three opportunities to help this month:

• Online Survey: Open May 12–25 and available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/StrategicPlan. Responses are anonymous.  

Your feedback will directly influence Lane County’s strategic priorities, ensuring they align with the needs and aspirations of our residents.

The Strategic Plan was last updated in 2022 and focuses on four priority areas:

• Safe, Healthy County
• Vibrant Communities
• Robust Infrastructure
• Our People & Organizational Health

Examples of successful initiatives under the most recent Strategic Plan include renewal of the 5-year public safety levy; investment in new Permanent Supportive Housing projects through partnership with Homes for Good; progress toward the Lane Stabilization Center to increase behavioral health resources in our local community; and passing the levy to support investment in Lane County’s parks.

Review the current Strategic Plan at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/StrategicPlan.

The County Administrator’s full proposed budget message can be found online.

The Budget Committee, which is comprised of five appointed residents and the five county commissioners, began its review of the proposed budget with a meeting and public hearing on May 6. A recording of the proposed budget presentation and public hearing is available online.

The Budget Committee will meet multiple times during the next three weeks to receive information from each County department. The Budget Committee will have the opportunity to approve the proposed budget and any recommended changes on May 20. Written public comment can be submitted to the Budget Committee at UPL@lanecountyor.gov“>LCGABUPL@lanecountyor.gov. The approved budget will then appear before the Board of County Commissioners for potential adoption in June.

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

All meetings are broadcast live on Metro TV (Comcast Cable channel 21). Meetings can also be watched live online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/webcasts.

Learn more about Lane County’s budget process at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/budget or view the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 proposed budget document online.

City of Eugene’s Draft Budget Proposes The Entire Elimination of Eugene’s Animal Services Program

You may have seen that multiple news outlets have reported on the City of Eugene’s draft budget. The current draft proposes the entire elimination of Eugene’s animal services program, including their two animal welfare officers and our contract to provide animal sheltering and essential services for the residents and animals of Eugene.

This proposal is dangerous for public safety and puts vulnerable animals at risk.

We ask you to join our efforts to ensure that funding for Eugene’s animal services program and sheltering contract is restored.

Cutting the animal service program and sheltering contract would mean:

– Eugene Police will no longer be able to impound animals when necessary.

– Eugene residents will no longer be able to bring stray animals to us.

– Centralized animal lost/found reporting for Eugene residents will no longer be maintained.

– There would be no capacity for animal cruelty and neglect complaints.

– No animal law enforcement presence in the City of Eugene.

– No patrols for off-leash or aggressive animals.

– No capacity to enforce rabies mandates and other public health protections.

– No capacity for investigations of bites or potentially dangerous dogs.

Greenhill Humane Society shelters and cares for animals from all of Lane County. While the proposed budget won’t change the high-quality care that we provide for animals in our shelter or what we do for other communities, this elimination is a direct threat to public safety in Eugene.

Last year, we sheltered and cared for nearly 1,600 animals from Eugene, protecting both animals and people.By leveraging donations, volunteers, and animal welfare expertise, we have helped build this community into a compassionate, safe place for animals and people.

How you can help: encourage the City of Eugene to fund their animal services program and the sheltering contract here: http://www.eugene-or.gov/…/Send-an-Email-to-the-Budget…. Learn more here: http://www.green-hill.org/call-to-action-city-of-eugenes….

As of now, there is no active CAHOOTS service in Eugene. Cahoots workers are also encourage community members to attend the City Council Budget meeting this Wednesday at 5:30 pm to show their support for a worker run CAHOOTS 2.0

The City of Eugene has suspended its contract with White Bird Clinic. In response, the CAHOOTS workers—who have long been the heart of the program—are working to establish a new, worker-managed version of CAHOOTS with a different fiscal sponsor.

This is a critical moment. The window to create a sustainable, community-backed, worker-led CAHOOTS is short. To help coordinate support, ESSN will be hosting a Networking Zoom at 4:30 PM on Thursday, May 22nd to assess capacity and interest in launching a strategic campaign to Save CAHOOTS.

CAHOOTS has been a vital and beloved program in our community for decades because of the dedicated frontline workers who respond to mental health crises with compassion and care. If we fail to act now, we risk losing them to other jobs and allowing county or other stakeholder replacements that will only resemble CAHOOTS in name, not in impact.

Now is the time to step up in solidarity.

Topic: Save CahootsTime: May 22, 2025 04:30 PM — Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6075416208… Meeting ID: 607 541 6208 Passcode: 232425

Dial by your location{669} 900-6833 Meeting ID: 607 541 6208 Passcode: 232425 Cahoots workers are also encourage community members to attend the City Council Budget meeting this Wednesday at 5:30 pm to show their support for a worker run CAHOOTS 2.0 https://solidaritynetwork.org/2025/05/13/save-cahoots/…

Annual test for subscribers of Lane County’s local emergency alert system on Wednesday, May 21, at 1:15 p.m.

Lane County Emergency Management will test the subscriber-based local emergency alert system – Lane Alerts – on Wednesday, May 21, at 1:15 p.m. The test will include emails, recorded voice calls and text messages depending upon each subscriber’s provided contact information.

“We do this test each year for two reasons,” said Lane County Emergency Manager Tiffany Brown. “First, it’s a great reminder to double-check our Lane Alerts registrations to make sure the location and contact information is up to date. It’s also a good opportunity to review the wildfire preparedness information we include in the test message and ready ourselves ahead of the summer season.”

Residents should go to www.LaneAlerts.org to create a free Lane Alerts account and select where and how they would like to receive emergency alerts.

Lane Alerts allows people to opt-in to receive notifications via phone call, text message and email based on locations they care about. At minimum, people signing up must provide their name and one method of contact. Residents can provide multiple addresses to receive notifications about emergency events that may affect their home, workplace, child’s school, etc. The types of emergencies that people may receive alerts about include evacuations, severe weather, flooding, police activity, and more.

More about Lane Alerts:
When will Lane Alerts be used?
Lane Alerts will be used to notify people about imminent threats to their safety, as well as informational notifications that affect locations they choose to include in their profile.
Who should sign up for Lane Alerts?
Everyone living or working in Lane County should sign up for Lane Alerts. 
Should everyone in my household have their own Lane Alerts profile?
Yes. If multiple household members need to be notified, each person should have their own profile.
Will I still get emergency notifications if I don’t sign up?
There are multiple types of emergency alerts. Some do not require residents to sign up, including landline phone calls or alerts that appear on television screens and radio broadcasts. Signing up for Lane Alerts will provide emergency responders with more and better ways to reach people with emergency information, including text messages. 

Learn more about the different types of emergency alerts by watching a short video.

Lane Alerts partner agencies include Lane County Emergency Management, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, and Central Lane Communications Center.

The system is powered by the State of Oregon’s OR-Alert program and Everbridge. Learn more about OR-Alert at www.oralert.gov. 

Applications reopen May 15 for Holiday Farm Fire survivors interested in Lazy Days Mobile Home Park

The Lazy Days Mobile Home and RV Park, rebuilt by Homes for Good after the Holiday Farm Fire, has 13 2-bedroom modular homes that are still available for Holiday Farm Fire survivors to own or rent-to-own. A new round of applications will be accepted starting at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, until all units are filled. An ADA-accessible unit may be available.

Applicants may be eligible if they qualify based on the following prioritization:

• Priority 1 – They lived at Lazy Days in September 2020.
• Priority 2 – Their manufactured home, which was their primary residence, was in a manufactured housing park affected by the Holiday Farm Fire. Applicants must have owned the home.
• Priority 3 – They lost the home they owned in the Holiday Farm Fire and either did not own the property it was on or owned the property but it is now unbuildable.
• Priority 4 -They were renters who lost their primary residence in the Holiday Farm Fire.

Applications open on May 15 and will be reviewed for eligibility on a first come, first served basis, and according to the ordered priority criteria listed above. Eligibility is limited to people who lived in Lane County during the 2020 Labor Day Fires; some exceptions may be made for people who lost their homes in one of the other 2020 Labor Day Fires.

Applicants should be at no more than 80 percent of the Area Median Income. For example:

• 2 people = $57,050 annual income
• 4 people = $71,300 annual income

Applicants eligible to receive a modular home under the ownership program must have owned their home at the time of the fire. They will not pay for the mobile home itself but would be responsible for renting the space for the modular home. Rent for the modular home spaces is $600 per month and includes utilities (water, sewer, garbage).

Applicants eligible for a rent-to-own modular home should have been renters at the time of the fire. They would pay rent of $1000 per month for the home and space. Rent includes utilities (water, sewer, garbage).

Funding to provide the modular homes to fire survivors is provided by Oregon Housing & Community Services. Homes for Good is property owner and has led construction on the site. Lane County is assisting with the application process.

Learn more: www.homesforgood.org/about/real-estate-development/projects/lazy-days-rv-and-mobile-home-park

Apply starting May 15: www.cognitoforms.com/LaneCounty1/LazyDaysApplication

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden Announces Upgrades for Eugene and Corvallis Airports

Infrastructure upgrades are on the way as more than $22 million in federal grants are announced for seven Oregon airports. On Wednesday, Oregon lawmakers announced the funding that’s set to bring improvements to taxiways, drainage, and snow removal equipment.

$1.66 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will go to the Eugene Airport to build new airfield drainage for wetland mitigation. More than $260,000 will go to Corvallis Municipal Airport to build a new taxi lane.

“These federal investments to modernize and improve airports large and small throughout our state benefit Oregonians relying on these facilities for their communities’ economic health and for everybody’s safety during wildfires and other emergencies.” ~ Senator Wyden

Airports in Portland, Hillsboro, Bend, Burns, and Joseph will also get a share of the grant funding.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲?

Consider the benefits of locating in one of our 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬! These zones offer up to five years of property tax abatement for new business investments—helping businesses grow while keeping costs down!

Want to learn more? Connect with our Community & Economic Development staff today to explore how an Enterprise Zone can support your next big move. www.LaneCountyOR.gov/EcoDev

Board of Commissioners to seek applicants for appointment to Lane County Sheriff

The Lane County Board of County Commissioners will be accepting applications from people interested in being considered to fill the role of Lane County Sheriff from Friday, May 16, at 12:01 a.m. to Tuesday, May 27, at 11:59 p.m.

Current Lane County Sheriff Cliff Harrold announced his retirement earlier this month after 35 years in law enforcement. Sheriff Harrold’s retirement is effective on Friday, May 16. Read more about his announcement.

Candidates can apply online starting Friday. Interviews will be conducted by the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, June 11.

The person appointed will serve as the Lane County Sheriff through 2026. To remain in office, the appointee must run for election in 2026. The person elected in 2026 would then serve the traditional four-year term beginning in 2027.

To qualify for the position of sheriff in Lane County, a person must:

• be 21 years of age or older.
• be a legal Oregon voter.
• be a resident of Lane County for at least the two years immediately preceding the beginning of the term in office.
• have at least four years’ experience as a full-time law enforcement officer or at least two years’ experience as a full-time law enforcement officer with at least two years of post-high school education.
• have or be eligible to obtain certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

The Board of County Commissioners has the authority to fill the position of sheriff under ORS 236.325(3).  Learn more and get the link to apply at: https://bit.ly/3YFfTAg

Chambers St. Seismic Bridge Retrofits – Efforts to upgrade an aging bridge have been delayed by the need to secure additional permits and research.

–The project has been under a Stop Work Order and is not performing any work besides maintaining/adjusting traffic control and pedestrian accessible routes, as necessary. Work may resume later in the month of May, if required railroad flaggers can be coordinated.

Vehicles will remain on the west side of the structure. No turns are permitted onto Roosevelt from Chambers, and Roosevelt Blvd is closed to through traffic east of Garfield St to ensure safe pedestrian crossing of Roosevelt Blvd at Chambers St while the traffic signal is shut down. A detour has been set up for Roosevelt Blvd utilizing W 2nd Ave.
 
Expect traffic delays during peak hours, alternative routes are highly recommended. Pedestrians and people rolling are encouraged to follow detours through the work zone. 

Franklin Boulevard Transformation enters design engineering phase

This year brings major progress in moving the Franklin Boulevard Transformation forward. In March, the City of Eugene began the engineering phase with WSP, a top international engineering and project delivery company.

Planning to redesign Franklin Boulevard began in late 2018, aimed at creating a street that reflects the vision of a mixed-use neighborhood that is busy with commercial activity, a university, denser residential development, and is safe for all road users.

The first phase of construction—scheduled to begin in early 2027—will include continuous, separate infrastructure for walking, biking, and rolling, dedicated lanes for EmX bus rapid transit, and two new roundabouts at Franklin/Walnut and 13th/Moss.

The engineering process will bring contractors out along the street to perform site work, such as utility exploration, pavement investigation, soil sampling and more. People using Franklin Boulevard may see workers on the street or experience minor disruptions to traffic flow. This work is part of the engineering phase and not a sign of construction, which isn’t expected to begin for nearly two more years.    

Additionally, the City has contracted with Kittelson & Associates, a nationally recognized transportation engineering firm, to conduct a third-party review of the proposed roundabouts. The analysis will include traffic modeling, crosswalk and bus movement studies, and a full-scale, temporary field test known as a “roundabout rodeo” to assess large vehicle maneuverability. Kittelson will provide their expert opinion regarding whether roundabouts are viable on Franklin Boulevard.   

“Our goal is to ensure that the final design works well for everyone—whether you’re walking, biking, driving or taking the bus,” said Rob Inerfeld, transportation planning manager for the City of Eugene. “By working with experienced engineers and continuing to engage the community, we’re taking a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to transforming Franklin Boulevard into a safe and accessible corridor.”

More information, including project background, design illustrations, and the community engagement poll, is available on the Franklin Boulevard Transformation website.

Lane County voters: remember to sign the return envelope and return your ballots early

Voters are urged to return their ballots as early as possible to ensure they are received at Lane County Elections in time to be counted.

In order to be counted, ballots must be received at Lane County Elections by:

• 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).

“Thanks to vote by mail, we have several ways voters in Lane County can return their ballots,” said Acting County Clerk Lorren Blythe. “Voters just need to be aware of the deadlines so they can make the decision most convenient for them.”

Voters must also remember to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or returning their completed ballot to Lane County Elections.

The signature is a security measure used to verify identity. Signatures are compared to those in the voter registration record. A ballot may only be counted if the signatures match.

If you forget to sign the envelope or your signature does not match, you will receive a notice from Lane County Elections advising you of the issue and how to fix or “cure” it. You have until the 21^st day after the election to cure your signature issue and have your ballot counted.

What can you do to ensure your signature matches?

• Sign your natural signature. If you don’t usually sign with a middle initial don’t sign your ballot envelope with it.  Election workers are trained to look for specific characteristics within each signature. If you think your signature has changed significantly, contact Lane County Elections.
• Don’t sign another person’s name. Even if someone gives you permission to sign, or you have power of attorney, it is against the law in Oregon to sign another person’s name on a return envelope.
• Request help if you have difficulty signing.  If it is difficult for you to sign, on either a temporary or permanent basis, you can complete a signature attestation form and return it to Lane County Elections.  Completing this step will allow you to use a signature stamp or other indicator that represents your signature.  
• Correct a mistake if you accidentally sign your name on someone in your household’s envelope. If you and another person in your household sign each other’s return ballot envelopes, simply place a line through the incorrect signatures and sign the correct envelopes.  

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

About the Lane County Elections Office:

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

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

“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)

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/

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

Armed Forces Day Celebration at the Rees Training Center

HERMISTON, Ore. – The Oregon National Guard hosted an Armed Forces Day celebration on May 17, 2025, honoring current military members and veterans of the United States military during a community event held at the Rees Training Center near Hermiston.

“The Oregon National Guard has a long history of supporting Armed Forces Day celebration,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon. “Being able to support events like these makes the Oregon National Guard the Service of Choice for Oregonians.”

This was the first time that the Oregon National Guard had hosted an Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center. Activities include a vast array of static displays of military vehicles, local food and community vendors, a climbing wall, as well as music provided by the Hermiston High School Band.

Welcoming those in attendance to open the celebration was Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Training, Readiness and Mobilization from 2014 to 2019, and as the Adjutant General of Oregon. He also served as the director of the Army National Guard and acting chief of the National Guard Bureau during his distinguished career.

In September of 2022, the Umatilla Chemical Depot was officially renamed the Raymond F. Rees Training Center in his honor and for his contributions to the Nation and State.

“This is certainly an opportunity to thank all our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen for their service,” Rees said. “I also want to thank the contributions of the Oregon Army and Air National Guard on this day, for their dedication and contributions to the security of the people of Oregon.”

Umatilla County Commissioner Cindy Timmons also gave opening remarks, saying, “I just want to ask you to have fun today and enjoy visiting the vendors and recruiting attractions.”

The annual Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or ‘TAG Match,’ took place from May 15 to 17 at the weapons ranges of the Rees Training Center, where the best marksmen in the Oregon Army and Air National Guard competed. Gronewold seized the opportunity to present the winners in each category during a late afternoon ceremony.

“Whether you’re in the National Guard, active duty, or Reserves, when called upon, those who wear our nation’s uniform rise to the occasion and challenge,” Gronewold said.

Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman to honor Americans serving in all military branches, replacing the separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days. President John F. Kennedy officially designated the holiday in 1962.

Federal chaos leaves Oregon’s economic outlook sluggish, uncertain, short hundreds of millions

Oregon lawmakers will have nearly $756 million less than they anticipated to spend in next two years, according to state’s May revenue forecast

Uncertainty from President Donald Trump’s tariffs have thrown a wrench in state revenues previously expected to grow by hundreds of millions of dollars, state economists report.

Forecasted growth in the national and state economy has deteriorated in the last few months, leaving Oregon lawmakers to craft a two-year state budget with nearly $756 million less than they anticipated, according to the latest revenue forecast from the state’s Office of Economic Analysis. About two-thirds of that is due to a reduction in expected revenue, while the remainder is due to additional spending needs in the current budget cycle.

This comes on top of uncertainty around the federal budget and as Congressional Republicans debate cutting hundreds of billions that states rely on to provide healthcare and social services.

State economist Carl Riccadonna and senior economist Michael Kennedy, presented the quarterly forecast Wednesday to House and Senate revenue committees, and previewed some of their findings on a call with reporters Tuesday evening.

Riccadonna said the rest of 2025 will be characterized by sluggish economic growth due to existing tariffs and uncertainty around the future of tariffs, especially in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Tariffs disproportionately hurt coastal states and states with large ports like Oregon, he added.

Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama, D-Portland, said in a news release that the forecast shows reckless federal actions are harming Oregon’s economy.

“Tariffs amount to a sales tax on shoppers here and act as headwinds against shipping products overseas. These policies threaten to push our state and the nation into an economic recession,” he said.

Oregon Republicans said state Democrats are to blame.

“It’s no surprise that Democrats who’ve spent years passing policies that weaken our economy are quick to blame anyone but themselves,” Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, said in a news release.

“What’s needed now isn’t higher taxes, but smarter budgeting, real accountability, and a renewed focus on growing the private sector,” he said.

At the beginning of the year, economists expected the national economy would grow by about 2% in 2025. The consensus now among economic forecasters is that it’s likely to be less than half that — about 0.8%.

Slower economic growth leads to higher unemployment, lower wages and consequently the state taking in less corporate and personal income tax revenue, which make up the bulk of the state’s general fund.

“It is a sluggish growth period, which will lead to instability in the labor market,” Riccadonna said.

He and other economists do not yet forecast a recession, though he said the risk is “certainly elevated.”

The state’s Office of Economic Analysis puts the risk of a recession in the next 12 months at about 25%. In a typical year, the risk is 10% to 15%.

“You will see the unemployment rate drifting higher over the course of the next several quarters,” Riccadonna said.

Gov. Tina Kotek in a news release said she would, “refuse to let Oregon be knocked off of our game.”

“We know the problems we need to solve here at home regardless of the chaos coming out of Washington, D.C.,” she said. “There are still too many people sleeping outside. There are not enough houses. There are not enough places to go for care or people to provide that care. Our kids must be served better by our schools. The cost of living is on the rise. These crises don’t take an intermission, so neither can we.”

The next two years — The quarterly revenue forecasts take into account all of Oregon’s major revenue sources, including personal and corporate income taxes — which make up the bulk of the state’s general fund — as well as lottery revenues and the Corporate Activity Tax.

In February, Riccadonna and Kennedy told Oregon lawmakers they could expect to have about $38.2 billion to spend in the state’s next two-year budget. That was $350 million more than they thought they would have at the last forecast in November 2024.

Now, Oregon lawmakers can expect to have about $37.4 billion to spend in the state’s next two-year budget. That’s the result of both a reduction in expected revenue, mostly from income taxes, and additional spending in the current budget cycle, primarily on higher-than-expected caseloads for Medicaid and the state department that provides services to seniors and people with disabilities.

“I can’t remember more tumultuous circumstances just going into producing this particular forecast,” Kennedy, who started working for the state in 2002, told lawmakers at the revenue committee meeting Wednesday. “I mean, we’ve had a pandemic, a Great Recession, but those happen within the biennium, not at the point in time when you’re trying to forecast two years ahead.”

House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, D-Tigard, said in a news release the latest forecast shows lawmakers will need to make “hard choices.”

“This forecast means we will have fewer resources available in order to support our education priorities, human services, and the many other priorities throughout the state,” he said.

The state’s “kicker” tax refund is also expected to be about $87.5 million lower than expected. The refund, now projected to return about $1.64 billion to Oregon taxpayers, is triggered when actual revenues come in at least 2% higher than lawmakers projected.

Riccadonna was more optimistic about growth and revenues in 2026 and the first half of 2027 than the current fiscal year, assuming tariffs are lower, the Federal Reserve reduces interest rates and Congress passes a budget that includes extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — which reduced personal and corporate income taxes intending to stimulate spending and economic growth.

He said hard economic statistics impacted by tariffs, like unemployment or the nation’s GDP outlook, are not likely to show up in federal reports until June and July, leaving forecasters at the moment with heightened uncertainty in terms of understanding how all of Trump’s tariffs and cuts to federal agencies and the workforce plays out.

Trump cuts to the federal workforce have so far not caused the state’s unemployment rate to tick up, but have hit local economies, Riccadonna said, mostly in eastern Oregon.

“We should make no bones about it. This is a very dynamic situation that is very sensitive to policy being set at the federal level, policies which are not clearly defined at this point in time, in terms of where the end point or the ultimate consequence will be, where that effective tariff rate will ultimately settle, how the restructuring at the federal level ultimately pans out,” Riccadonna said. (SOURCE)

Proposed federal SNAP cuts would leave Oregon families hungry, governor and senators warn

More than 700,000 Oregonians receive aid from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Oregonians will go hungry if congressional Republicans plow forward with plans to cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and shift costs to states, senators and Gov. Tina Kotek warned on Tuesday.

Kotek and Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley joined a press call Tuesday with three other Democratic senators and the head of a Vermont anti-hunger group to discuss proposed cuts to SNAP, the food benefits used by 42 million Americans and more than 700,000 Oregonians. 

Congressional Republicans on Monday night unveiled a plan to cut federal SNAP spending by at least $230 billion, mostly by shifting costs to states. But states including Oregon can’t afford those shifts, Kotek said.  

“We just do not have the kind of money that it would take to maintain the program at the current level if these cuts go through,” Kotek, also a Democrat, said. “It will just not happen, and people will go hungry in Oregon.” 

The details of congressional Republican’s budget reconciliation proposal arrived just before Wednesday’s release of Oregon’s May revenue forecast, which state budget-writers will use to craft the next two-year budget. Lawmakers are bracing for a downturn tied to tariffs, federal funding cuts and economic instability. 

The federal proposal means that the taxes Oregonians pay to the federal government will not return to the state to help their neighbors in need, Kotek said. Kotek, who started her career as a policy advocate for the Oregon Food Bank, said she saw firsthand what it means for people to skip meals to afford rent or medicine and knows how fragile food security is for many. 

“When you cut SNAP, you’re not cutting bureaucracy,” she said. “You’re cutting a child’s dinner. You’re cutting their breakfast. You’re cutting their family’s dignity.”

Every dollar spent on SNAP generates another $1.50 to $1.80 in economic activity at grocery stores, farmers’ markets and other local businesses, Kotek said. Without that money, stores could close and people could lose their jobs. 

Merkley said Oregon stands to lose about $400 million under the proposal to shift costs from the federal government to states. And Wyden decried potential cuts to SNAP and Medicaid as a  “double whammy” for health care. 

About 1.4 million Oregonians are covered by Medicaid, or the Oregon Health Plan. Republicans proposed instituting work requirements and withholding funding from states like Oregon that cover health care regardless of immigration status and cover gender-affirming care. 

“The combination of less food assistance for seniors and kids, and then Republican cuts in Medicaid, is a prescription for a sicker America,” Wyden said. “What we’re talking about is health care 101: You need access to food to be healthy, and you need access to timely healthcare when you’re ill.”  (SOURCE)

In April, Oregon’s unemployment rate increased to 4.7%, up from 4.6% in March, having gradually risen from 4.1% in April 2024.

This rate is 1.1 percentage points above the recent low of 3.6% recorded in spring 2023. In comparison, the national unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2% for both March and April. During April, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment saw an increase of 1,200 jobs, following a revised increase of 6,200 jobs in March.

Oregon’s Congressional Democrats propose leveraging federal Job Corps to train more firefighters

To combat chronic and growing shortages of wildland firefighters, Oregon’s Congressional Democrats propose leveraging an existing federal jobs program to boost the workforce needed.

The Civilian Conservation Center Enhancement Act would direct the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to offer specialized training in wildland firefighting for teens and young adults each year who are enrolled at the Job Corps’ Civilian Conservation Centers, and get them directly hired into firefighting jobs.

The Jobs Corps was established in the 1960s to offer education and apprenticeship opportunities to low-income 16- to 24-year-olds, and nine of the Corps’ 24 Civilian Conservation Centers train students in work on public lands, including fire prevention and response. Three of them are in Oregon — in Yachats, Glide and Estacada.

The act is sponsored by Oregon’s U.S. Reps. Andrea Salinas and Val Hoyle and U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, as well as Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky and Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana.

The bill would also create a pilot program within the Job Corps to pay students to help build housing for wildland firefighters in areas experiencing shortages of available housing, a barrier to recruiting more people into the profession. Corps members make less than $200 per month while enrolled at a Civilian Conservation Center, and can qualify for housing, food, health and dental care while in the program.

Bill sponsors said in a news release the goal would be for the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to hire at least 300 graduates of the Civilian Conservation Centers’ wildfire training programs each year, and get them directly into permanent and seasonal wildland firefighting jobs across the U.S.

Salinas said in the news release the need for wildland firefighters is greater than it’s ever been.

“Wildfires are getting bigger, more dangerous, and more destructive every year due to climate change,” she said. “It’s a commonsense bill that will keep our communities safe from deadly blazes, and at the same time, create more job opportunities for Oregonians.”

The future of the Corps is uncertain, however. Trump’s May 2 budget request to Congress proposes eliminating the program entirely, calling it “a failed experiment.”

Merkley has tried to push the act for years, according to the senator’s spokesperson, Molly Prescott.

“The idea originated after Trump tried to eliminate CCCs in his first term,” Prescott told the Capital Chronicle in an email. “But as the Trump Administration is jeopardizing how we can prepare for and respond to wildfires amid deep cuts to federal funding and our workforce in public lands, it’s never been more needed to boost Job Corps CCC programs and get more wildland firefighters in the pipeline.”

Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers students do millions of dollars worth of public works and land management projects, according to agency reports, and hundreds of thousands of hours of wildland fire prevention and response work, including firefighting, prescribed burns and removing flammable materials. Students also construct and maintain buildings on public lands, build trails, and restore wildlife habitat and watersheds year round.

The National Job Corps Association, National Federation of Federal Employees, Wildland Firefighter Foundation and Western Fire Chiefs Association are also endorsing the bill. (SOURCE)

OHA seeks your help to make health care more affordable

New committees, public hearing provide opportunities to brainstorm solutions

SALEM, Ore. – Are you concerned about paying for a health emergency or routine care? Do you have an idea that could make health care more affordable? Oregon Health Authority (OHA) wants to hear from you.

“Everyone deserves quality health care, but growing medical costs make that increasingly challenging,” said Antonio Germann, M.D., a family physician who is vice-chair of the Oregon Health Policy Board, a citizen-led body that oversees OHA. “We need to tackle this complex issue to ensure our future health, and we’re inviting people to share their personal experiences and expertise with us to help us address it.”

About 83% of Oregon adults worry about being able to afford health care in the future, and 43% have struggled to pay their medical bills, according to a 2024 survey. Concerning statistics like this prompted OHA to make strengthening affordable health care for all a pillar in its strategic plan. It also led the Oregon Health Policy Board to seek the public’s help in identifying a broad range of solutions by serving on committees and participating in a June 10 public hearing.

Oregonians are invited to submit applications to serve on two new committees focused on health care affordability. May 16 is the extended deadline to apply for both committees. Applications and more information are available on the Committee on Health Care Affordability and Industry Advisory Committee webpages. Once their members are chosen, the committees plan to meet beginning this summer. Additional details are below.

The Committee on Health Care Affordability, also simply called the Affordability Committee, is seeking diverse voices. Its members may include people who receive health care, employers that purchase insurance, health economists and health policy experts.

The Affordability Committee will be supported by the Industry Advisory Committee, which also aims to include a variety of perspectives, ranging from health insurers to providers, hospitals and health industry leaders. Health care professionals in small or independent practices, and those who specialize in primary care, behavioral health, oral health or pediatrics are particularly encouraged to apply to the industry committee.

Comment at public forum

Both committees will build on the work of OHA’s Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target program, which seeks to limit Oregon’s health care cost increases to 3.4% per person annually. Between 2021 and 2022, the state’s health care spending grew by 3.6%, slightly more than the target.

Every year, the Health Care Cost Growth Target program holds a legislatively required public hearing to discuss recent trends in health care spending and highlight what’s driving health care cost growth. The 2025 public hearing will specifically explore behavioral health and pharmacy spending trends and will also focus on policy ideas to improve health care affordability. Information and potential solutions discussed at the event will help inform the new committees’ future work. People are also encouraged to share their personal stories and ideas about health care affordability during the hearing. See below for details on how to participate.

What: Health Care Cost Growth Public Hearing

When: 10 a.m.-Noon PT Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Details: Hybrid virtual and in-person meeting to discuss health care costs in Oregon, including recent trends, their causes and ideas for slowing cost growth.

Get involved: Consumers, clinicians and businesses are invited to share their concerns about and experiences with health care costs. Email written testimony or sign up to provide spoken comment at e.CostTarget@oha.oregon.gov” style=”color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;”>HealthCare.CostTarget@oha.oregon.gov.

Webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP/Pages/cost-growth-target-public-hearings.aspx

Zoom meeting: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610883159?pwd=PAveuaEZgsT4KLXVPXm8WduVGatWCa.1

Meeting ID: 161 088 3159 — Passcode: 371696 — One tap mobile: +16692545252,1610883159# US (San Jose)​

In-person meeting: Salem, Oregon (details will be added to Oregon Health Policy Board meeting webpage)

Wyden Announces Town Halls in Coos, Curry and Jackson Counties

U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle will co-host senator’s upcoming open-to-all town halls in Coos and Curry counties

– U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today announced he will hold town halls on Saturday, May 24 in Coos and Curry counties with U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, and one more on Sunday, May 25 in Jackson County.

Heading into these three open-to-all town halls, Wyden has held 1,117 open-to-all town halls in keeping his promise to hold at least one town hall each year in each of Oregon’s 36 counties. 

“As we remember our fellow Americans over Memorial Day weekend who made the ultimate sacrifice, I know Oregonians are always grateful for the freedoms of speech and assembly these heroes fought to preserve,” Wyden said. “And as a senator proud to represent all Oregonians, I believe it’s more important than ever to exercise those freedoms statewide with direct open-to-all conversations to hear Oregonians’ opinions and answer their questions. I’m glad Congresswoman Hoyle will be joining me in Coos and Curry counties, and look forward very much to those discussions on May 24, as well as my town hall in Jackson County on May 25.”

“I’m proud to join Senator Wyden for town halls on Memorial Day weekend to remember those who lost their lives in service to our country and to hear directly from south coast residents on issues of importance to them,” said Hoyle. “Their opinions help us to better represent their interests in Washington, D.C., which is essential for a healthy democracy.”

The schedule for the town halls with both Wyden and Hoyle on Saturday, May 24 is as follows:

• Coos County, 2:30 pm, North Bend Middle School Gym, 1500 16^th St, North Bend
• Curry County, 6 pm, Driftwood Elementary School Gym, 1210 Oregon St., Port Orford

The schedule for the town hall just with Wyden on Sunday, May 25 is as follows:

• Jackson County, 4 pm, Medford Armory, 1701 S Pacific Hwy, Medford

Although these were the largest venues available for these three town halls on these dates, space may still be limited. Doors will open one hour before the town hall start times for attendees. For everyone’s security, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed in the town hall.

Free Camping, Day-Use Parking & Activities On State Parks Day June 7 

—Every year Oregon State Parks begins the busier season with a small thank you to its visitors — free camping and day-use parking on State Parks Day.

State Parks Day has been a tradition since 1998 to thank Oregonians for their long-standing support of the state park system. It falls on the first Saturday of June, which is June 7 this year.

“We are honored to steward and share these places with Oregonians and all our visitors. We appreciate their commitment to preserving and maintaining Oregon’s special places. We would not have the park system that we have today without their support,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive day-use parking fees at the 25 parks that charge them and camping fees for all tent, RV and horse campsites on June 7. State Parks Day also includes free events at many state parks.

Park staff have worked hard over the last few months getting parks ready for the busier season and State Parks Day. The list of projects includes everything from clearing storm damage, with as many as 180 downed trees near Nehalem, to moving mountains of muck or sand to re-open camp loops. Now parks are ready to welcome visitors for State Parks Day and the busier season.

State Parks Day Events

• The Cove Palisades will host a free festival that celebrates the diverse history, food and culture of Central Oregon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Festival of the Land, includes Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, kids’ games and activities, petting zoo, educational displays, mini farmers market and more.
• L.L. Stub Stewart will host a star party in partnership with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers at 9:30 p.m. in the Hilltop Day-Use Area. Visit OMSI’s website on the day of the party for possible weather-related cancellations: https://omsi.edu/whats-on/
• Carl G. Washburne will host a free State Parks Day BBQ from noon to 1 p.m.
• Spring Valley Access will host a trail work party from 9 a.m. to noon. The event includes clearing brush, raking debris and picking up trash.
• Tryon Creek State Natural Area invites visitors to explore its Interpretive Nature Center, navigate its extensive trail system and attend a guided hike.
• Prineville Reservoir will host a free State Parks Day BBQ from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. near the Dark Sky Observatory.
• Silver Falls will host an exhibit about the emerald ash borer (EAB) and its role as a threat to Oregon’s ash trees 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oregon State Parks and Oregon Department of Forestry staff will be on hand to share information about the importance of ash trees and this destructive invasive beetle.
• Collier: will offer a guided tour through Collier Logging Museum 11 a.m. to noon so visitors can learn about old logging camps and what machines they used to make life easier.
• Fort Stevens will host disc golf lessons 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Stevens State Park-Historic Area Columbia Shores Disc Golf Course.
• Harris Beach we have a multi-park scavenger hunt where visitors can seek natural formations, unique flora and historical locations. Pick up scavenger hunt cards at Harris Beach registration booth or from ranger or host at Alred Loeb.

For a list of events, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/

For camping availability, please check oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com or visit first-come-first served sites: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=reserve.first-come

—– State Parks Day began in 1998 to celebrate the support of visitors around the state. It’s one of three days a year that Oregon State Parks waives the day-use parking fees. Other days include Green Friday the day after Thanksgiving and First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day.

Mental Health Awareness Month Spotlight: Loneliness line supports seniors

– When Carli Cox picks up the phone, she never knows who will be on the other end, but she knows why she’s answering.   As a Crisis Intervention Specialist at Lines for Life, Cox is one of the voices providing support to people facing behavioral health challenges including loneliness.

For Mental Health Awareness Month, Oregon Health Authority is highlighting its partnership with Lines for Life. OHA provides funding for six crisis and support lines, including the Senior Loneliness Line.  This service offers older Oregonians connection and emotional support amid growing concerns about social isolation in aging populations.

“The Senior Loneliness Line is unique,” Cox said. “It functions both as a warm line for friendly conversation and as a space for crisis support when needed. We get calls from people who just want to start their day with a voice on the other end, to others who are dealing with isolation, loss, aging related issues, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.”

About 15% of Oregonians are ages 65 years or older, and by 2030 that number will increase to 20%. This age group is experiencing many behavioral health struggles, with one in five individuals experiencing depression at any given time. Males ages 75 and older have the highest suicide rate of any age group and gender.

With more than three years of experience and 4,000 crisis calls under her belt, Cox plays a critical role in helping the aging population.  Older adults often face stigma seeking mental health support, and Cox wants them to know that no problem is too small.

“Many seniors didn’t grow up in a time when talking about mental health was encouraged. We want them to know this line is here for them—it’s safe, confidential, and there’s no need to be in crisis to call.”

The Senior Loneliness Line sees a wide range of callers, from those facing estrangement from family to those who’ve outlived loved ones. Even a single phone call can bring meaningful change.

“Sometimes, you can hear a shift in someone’s voice by the end of a conversation,” said Cox. “Making that connection is so rewarding.”

If you are a senior or know someone who might benefit from the Senior Loneliness Line, please call 1-800-282-7035 or visit https://seniorlonelinessline.org/. For other mental health needs, call, or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

OSP investigation leads to search warrant service at West Coast Game Park Safari near Bandon

COOS COUNTY, Ore. 15 May 2025 – This morning, May 15, 2025, the Oregon State Police, in coordination with local, state, and federal partners, served multiple search warrants at the West Coast Game Park Safari near Bandon.

The search warrants are the result of a lengthy criminal investigation into the facility’s operations. Investigators are searching the property for additional evidence related to the investigation, including animal care and welfare, permitting, licensing, and business practices.

Oregon State Police is working in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Coos County District Attorney’s Office, Oregon Department of Justice, and the IRS Criminal Investigation. Participating agencies provide regulatory oversight or bring specialized expertise in animal care to assist investigators with evaluating evidence gathered during the property search. 

Limited information is available for release during the ongoing criminal investigation. OSP is the primary contact for questions regarding today’s search warrants. 

The park is closed while police activity is present. Community members and visitors are encouraged to avoid the facility.    — A follow-up news release is planned sometime on Friday, May 16, 2025. 

Klamath County Fire District 1  · Engine 3111 responded to a downed tree and soon discovered the tree was the home to a family of hawks.

3111 crew consulted with Badger Run Wildlife Rehabilitation to determine the best course of action for the hawks since their nest was no longer habitable. A new nest was then constructed in hopes to reunite the hawk family.

Mama Hawk supervised the rescue from above. Badger Run is confident mama will resume care of her baby. Thank you to the crew of 3111 for going the extra mile!

Kyron Horman disappearance investigation continues 15 years later as police digitize case files

Law enforcement is scanning and documenting thousands of pages of reports, photos and evidence to be digitized, 15 years after Kyron’s disappearance.

As the 15th anniversary of Kyron Horman’s disappearance approaches, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) says its investigation into his disappearance remains ongoing, announcing that case files will be digitized. 

The MCSO and Gresham Police detectives are scanning and documenting thousands of pages of reports, photos and evidence to be digitized. When the case is digitized, the file will be reexamined by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, laying out the foundation “for a fresh and comprehensive review of the entire investigation,” according to MCSO. 

MCSO detectives in the coming months will meet with Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez and his team to further evaluate.

Kyron was last seen on the morning of June 4, 2010, at a science fair at Skyline Elementary School in Portland. 

Kyron’s stepmother dropped the 7-year-old off at Skyline that morning and reported that she saw him walking toward his classroom at 8:45 a.m., but he didn’t come home on the school bus. In 2012, a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge referred to Kyron’s stepmother, Terri Horman, as a “prime suspect,” but she has denied any wrongdoing, and no charges have been filed, though Kyron’s mother, Desiree Young, has accused Horman of giving multiple versions of events for the morning of Kyron’s disappearance. 

Young has long campaigned to make sure the investigation keeps going, telling KGW last year, “I can’t even explain it. He’s a part of me. There’s just something in there that yearns to touch him and hold him.”

At the time, he was wearing a black T-shirt with “CSI” in green letters and a handprint graphic, along with black cargo pants, white socks and black Skechers sneakers with orange trim. He may have been wearing his glasses.

Kyron has brown hair, blue eyes, wears glasses and has a distinct V-shaped strawberry birthmark on his forehead, police said. 

“We have never stopped searching for Kyron,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell in a statement Friday. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to bring resolution to this case, for Kyron, for his family and for the community. With the support of our partners and the public, we are actively pursuing every credible investigative opportunity. Kyron and his family are at the heart of our work.”

A $50,000 reward remains available for information leading to the resolution of Kyron’s disappearance. Anyone with information is asked to call MCSO’s tipline at 503-988-0560, email tips@mcso.us or reach out to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) via 1-800-THE-LOST or online at the NCMEC CyberTipLine. (SOURCE)

BLM announces fire restrictions to protect Pacific Northwest communities

 —On May 15, fire restrictions will go into effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as warmer, drier weather is forecasted around the Pacific Northwest. 

These fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires. Starting May 15, the use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns will be prohibited. 

“The number of human-caused fires has only increased over the years,” said BLM Oregon and Washington State Fire Management Officer, Jeff Fedrizzi.  

Grasses and other fuels dry out quickly in the summer months, making them highly susceptible to catching fire. It just takes one spark. 

“Our first responders, local communities, and public lands will be safer if everyone follows fire restrictions and practices fire safety while out on public lands,” he continued. 

Those who violate the prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression. 

For the complete order and more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire. 

May is also ‘Wildfire Awareness Month’. Visit NIFC.GOV for wildfire prevention tips: https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/fire-prevention-education-mitigation/wildfire-prevention. 

To learn more about fire careers with BLM Oregon-Washington, please see https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire/state-info/oregon-washington/careers. 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

OREGON STATE POLICE COLD CASE UNIT IDENTIFIES VICTIM FROM 1980 MURDER CASE – MARION COUNTY

Almost 45 years ago, in the early morning hours of July 18, 1980, Oregon State Police responded to a report of a deceased, unidentified male along Interstate 5 near Woodburn.

A homicide investigation was opened and while extensive efforts were made to identify the victim, he remained a John Doe until April 2025.

In cooperation with the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office and the Orange County (California) Sheriff’s Department, OSP’s Cold Case Unit was able to positively identify the victim as Larry Eugene Parks. Parks was 30 years old at the time of his death and a Vietnam veteran. His family had lost contact with him in 1979, and was last seen in Pensacola, Florida. Until his identification last month, the circumstances of his disappearance were unknown to the Parks family

The discovery of Parks’ body came a day after the body of Michael O’Fallon was found along I-5 near the Talbot exit, also in Marion County. Due to similarities in the evidence, investigators at the time suspected the two murders were related. Unfortunately, both investigations went cold as investigative leads dried up

In 1983, Randy Kraft was arrested in Orange County, California, for murder. Kraft was ultimately convicted of 16 murders in California, although he’s suspected of committing more than 60 murders across the West Coast and Michigan. During Kraft’s trial and sentencing, evidence from the O’Fallon and Parks murders was transferred to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to be used in court. The evidence remained in Orange County until 2024

In January 2024, an investigator from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reached out to the Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit regarding evidence related to the John Doe (Parks) case from 1980 and offered to help identify the remains using Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy.  John Doe’s blood sample was sent to Parabon Nanolabs and a genetic profile was developed. Investigators were able to use this information to locate possible family members. The family members submitted DNA samples for comparison which led to the positive identification of John Doe as Larry Parks.   

With Parks’ identity confirmed, investigators are now working to bring resolution to the 45-year-old case.

About the Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit — The Cold Case Unit consists of investigators in OSP’s Criminal Investigation Division dedicated to resolving the agency’s unsolved homicide, missing persons, unidentified human remains, and suspicious death investigations. The unit is maximizing the use of forensic analysis and genetic genealogy in multiple cases. The unit has made tangible progress on cases as old as 50 years and is actively investigating 37 cold cases. 

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FIELDS ARTIST FELLOWSHIP 

Four Oregon Artists to Receive $150,000 Each Over Two Years 

— Oregon Community Foundation, in partnership with Oregon Humanities, is now accepting applications for the Fields Artist Fellowship, which awards $150,000 to Oregon-based artists working to address community issues through creativity and cultural expression.  

The two-year fellowships will go to four artists to advance their artistic practice and honor and sustain their commitment to create social change within their community. Eight more finalists will receive a one-time award of $10,000. The 12 fellows will receive professional development, networking, and community-building opportunities throughout the program.  

“As an individual artist, receiving these funds was huge in terms of interrupting and creating social change in my rural town,” says Crystal Meneses, who received one of the inaugural Fields fellowships in 2019. “It opened doors for me that would never and have never been open.” 

Applications from Oregon artists will be considered between May 6, 2025 and June 13, 2025. A selection committee will review applications and award the fellowships by December 2025. The Fellowship term will begin in May 2026 and run through May 2028. 

“It is an honor to recognize the power that a single artist can have in their community through this program,” says Jerry Tischleder, Senior Program Officer for Arts and Culture at Oregon Community Foundation. “We look forward to adding another cohort of individuals into this growing network across Oregon.” 

Artists of all disciplines and artistic media are encouraged to apply, including writers, filmmakers, visual artists, multimedia artists, culture bearers, and performance artists. Eligibility requirements include the following: 

• At least five years of professional practice in an artistic discipline or combination of disciplines 

• At least three years of residence in Oregon (non-continuous) and the intent to reside in Oregon for the majority of the fellowship term (May 2026 to May 2028) 

• Demonstrable evidence of artistic practice that can engage with community groups and organizations and/or address community concerns 

Oregon Community Foundation, in partnership with Oregon Humanities, administers the program and convenes gatherings for the fellows. All funding is provided by the Fred W. Fields Fund of Oregon Community Foundation. 

Proposals must be submitted by June 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. The application portal and full request for proposals can be found here.  

Find more information here. An informational webinar will be held on May 22, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Sign-up to attend using this link. A recording will be posted on this page after the webinar date. For questions, contact Program Administrator Aimee Craig. 

About Oregon Community Foundation  – Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 million in grants and scholarships in every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org. 

About Oregon Humanities – Oregon Humanities connects people and communities through conversation, storytelling, and participatory programs to inspire understanding and collaborative change. More information about our programs and publications—which include Consider This, Conversation Project, Humanity in Perspective, The Detour podcast, Facilitation Training, and Oregon Humanities magazine—can be found at oregonhumanities.org. Oregon Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust. 

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. 

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

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.

A performance near Jacksonville at Applegate Lake will take place on May 30, and another at the Alvord Desert on June 21.

The performance at Fort Rock State Park is scheduled for September 13, followed by the Summer Lake Hot Springs concert on September 14.

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