Willamette Valley News, Friday 5/30 – Lane County Human Services Releases Point In Time Count Data, Eugene Scottish Festival & 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

Friday, May 30, 2025

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Lane County Human Services Releases Point In Time Count Data

Annually on the last Wednesday of January, Lane County Human Services Division, in partnership with numerous agencies and groups, conduct the annual one-night county-wide Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. As a known undercount, the PIT count is most valuable to track trends among the number of people who are experiencing homelessness in the region, including those who are unsheltered and sheltered. The PIT Count is comprised of surveys, coupled with data from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) collected when people who are unhoused engage for assistance. The 2025 PIT Count was conducted the night of January 29, 2025.

The Point-In-Time Count (PIT) is a useful tool for understanding year-over-year trends among those who are unhoused in Lane County. PIT Counts are required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Oregon Housing and Community Services (State of Oregon) which provides funding for outreach, shelters, housing and supportive services related to homelessness. The PIT Count data and trends are used year-round by planning boards, nonprofits, community organizations, and policy makers on local, state, and federal levels to inform their work on this issue.

Trends – The number of people who are unhoused in Lane County continues to grow. This was particularly apparent during the very cold 2025 PIT count night where nearly 500 cold weather shelter beds were provided with a focus on saving lives. As a result, many people who may not have typically sought out shelter may have accessed shelter because there were additional shelter beds to be found and transportation was available to and from the facilities. This reality created the opportunity to more accurately count the number of people who are unhoused across the region and was the primary driver for the PIT count increase.

While each household likely had a different path to homelessness, the increase in homelessness can be directly attributed to the scarcity of housing in the region, particularly for those with low incomes. Based on the PIT Count only 35% of those counted were also counted in 2024 and only an additional 15% (50% total) were counted in the last five counts (2020-2024). This is similar to the local 2024 By Name List, which indicates 5,161 households moved into homelessness throughout the year, joining 5,704 people who were already unhoused in the region. With the assistance of supportive housing programs, housing navigators, diversion assistance and self-determination, 5,160 of those households exited the homeless services system.

In the cities of Springfield and Eugene, 33,210 units of housing are needed in the next 20 years to accommodate the current and predicted population of people who are housed and unhoused in the community.1 Coupled with Eugene/Springfield regional rental vacancy rates of 3.5%2 currently the lowest in Oregon among large metropolitan areas,3 identifying new housing is a challenge for anyone. This is especially true for those who face steeper challenges to obtaining housing, like no or poor credit, conviction histories, criminal justice involvement and/or low incomes. Those with housing challenges face far fewer housing options and higher move-in costs.

In alignment with the January 10, 2023, Governor’s Executive Order Due to the Crisis of Homelessness, from January 10, 2024, through May 12, 2025, Lane County in partnership with a robust group of service providers supported 650 households to transition from homelessness to permanent housing. This includes providing street outreach, short-term supports like help with move-in costs, or long-term supports like rent assistance and case management. In addition, 787 households were prevented from falling into homelessness through the payment of rent arrears and supportive services. Track progress toward outcomes on the regularly updated ALL IN dashboard.

Key Takeaways of the Count

The night of January 29, 2025:

· 3,509 were experiencing homelessness in Lane County. Based on previous PIT Counts, this is a 14% (3,085 people) increase from 2024 and a 24% (2,824 people) increase from the 2023 count.

· 52 percent more people were sheltered and slightly fewer were unsheltered than during the 2024 count. The majority of the increase is a result of 495 additional cold weather shelter beds being available due to the extremely cold temperature. The beds include the St. Vincent DePaul Egan severe weather sites and Catholic Community Services motel vouchers for families.

· 209 people were provided alternative shelter accommodations. This means an individual slept in a program that provided a roof over their head but that did not meet the technical definition of “emergency shelter.” These are mostly safe parking locations and sites that do not provide electricity and/or heat to individual units.

Of the 3,509 people counted during one night:

· 914 individuals were staying in formal Emergency Shelters.

o The number of Emergency Shelter beds remained similar to last year thanks in part to the Governor’s continuation of the Executive Order funding, having created 304 additional emergency shelter beds in 2024.

· 96 individuals were living in Transitional Housing, which is a program that offers temporary housing (up to 24 months) with supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness with the goal of interim stability and support to successfully move to and maintain permanent housing. Transitional Housing beds increased by 27 due to additional Veteran Affairs investments.

· 2,004 individuals were without formal shelter

o 209 of these individuals were staying in alternative shelter programs like Rest Stops, Microsites, and sanctioned vehicle camping. While these provide much-needed safe places to sleep, they do not meet the HUD definition of emergency shelter.

· The percentage of individuals who are chronically homeless and sheltered increased from 2020 to 2024, from 25% to 46%. In Lane County, we are seeing people remain unhoused for a longer period of time.

o There has been a greater focus across emergency and alternative shelter providers to reduce barriers to access and lower shelter requirements in order to effectively support people who are chronically homeless and have greater vulnerabilities.

Point In Time Counts 2024-2025

2024 PIT 2025 PIT

Chronically homeless 1500 1630

Individuals in households with children 425 419

Veterans 151 210

Unaccompanied youth 198 237

Individuals Aged 65 or older 301 264

Domestic Violence Survivors 681 3404

Total Sheltered 989 1505

Total Unsheltered 2096 2004

Total Count 3085 3509

System Context

Information about the Count: The 2025 PIT unsheltered count was primarily conducted by generating a report from Lane County’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). The report, a version of Homelessness By-Name Lists utilized across the nation, was used, which identifies the number of people who are unhoused in any HMIS-participating program. The over 110 programs that enter data include emergency shelters, street outreach, day access centers, food pantries, and other services for people experiencing homelessness. This is the fifth year Lane County has been approved by HUD to use this method, which results in a more accurate count.

Recognizing there are people who do not access homeless services for many reasons, trained outreach staff collected surveys in areas where it was most likely that people who are unsheltered are not engaged in other services. Youth under 25 who are unhoused are also less apt to access mainstream supports, so many youth providers came together on January 29, and held a resource connection event. Over 30 youth were counted as a result of this event. In addition, a small number of specialized providers who do not participate in HMIS, like domestic violence service providers, sent their own anonymous sheltered counts to be included in the Point-in-Time Count.

The Homelessness By-Name List Each month, Lane County uses HMIS data to publish an estimate of the number of people experiencing homelessness in the county at some point during the month. This is published on the Homelessness in Lane County, OR Tableau page. The criteria for this report is more expansive than what is used for the HUD PIT Count, because it looks at all services and data collected during the month rather than on one night.

Eugene Police response to armed dispute on River Road

At 11:39 a.m. on May 29, Eugene Police were called after a dispute involving a group of juveniles at 2080 River Road, where one was reported to have been armed. There were reports shots had been fired into the air. Multiple police units responded and contacted involved individuals.

Nearby North Eugene High School was informed of the incident and recommended to take security measures as a precaution while police searched for suspects. During the incident police contacted multiple juveniles and the investigation is ongoing. The juvenile with the reported firearm has not yet been contacted. Case 25-08575

The driver accused of fatally striking a woman out for a jog last month on Amazon Parkway has finally been formally charged

Court records show that Scott Shawn Stolarczyk, 51, was charged Thursday with second-degree manslaughter in connection with the April 23rd crash that killed Sharon Schuman, a respected University of Oregon literature professor, author, and accomplished musician.

According to authorities, Stolarczyk was driving a Toyota RAV4 on the morning of the incident when his vehicle veered off the roadway and struck Schuman. She died as a result of her injuries.

Court documents filed last week reveal that Stolarczyk had a blood alcohol content of 0.23 — nearly three times the legal limit — shortly after the crash. He reportedly told police that he believed a coughing fit caused him to pass out behind the wheel, and that he did not remember the crash.

Stolarczyk is not currently in custody at the Lane County Jail. Instead, he has been ordered by the court to appear for his arraignment on June 17th.

A car crashed into the Springfield post office off Gateway Wednesday afternoon

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)

Waste To Taste  Got an Extra Can or Two? Let’s Fill the Little Free Pantries Together!

Our Little Free Pantries are running low—and for some neighbors, these are their only source of food right now.

If you’ve got: A few extra cans A box of pasta Unopened hygiene items Kid-friendly snacks…you can make someone’s day a little easier. Just place your donation directly into any Burrito Brigade Little Free Pantry around town. No sign-up, no questions—just community caring for community. Find a pantry near you: BurritoBrigade.org/pantriesIt’s a simple act with a big impact.Support our Mission: BurritoBrigade.org

Eugene City Council Public Hearing and Action – 5:30 p.m Monday June 23

Eugene’s current budget proposal would close the downtown library 2 days a week, end the city’s contract with Greenhill Humane Society, and close the Amazon Pool and Sheldon Community Center in the fall. Not to mention ending CAHOOTS and there are cuts to Eugene/Springfield Fire. It’s important to be part of the process and voice your concerns.

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., Monday, June 23: City Council Public Hearing and Action 
• https://eugene-or.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=7053

SALARY SCHEDULE of City of EUGENE: https://www.eugene-or.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2387/City-of-Eugene—Salary-Schedule?bidId=

Current and former CAHOOTS workers have started a new organization: Willamette Valley Crisis Care! Check ’em out on instagram (here) and facebook (here) and share the news that they’re ready to bring back CAHOOTS as CAHOOTS 2.0.

How can you help? 

Wednesday 5/28 is your chance to tell the City that we need a fully-funded CAHOOTS program back ASAP. to speak, you need to sign up here anytime on Wednesday before 5:30. Tomorrow is special because you can either tell them in-person at City Hall (500 east 4th st.) or on zoom (here Passcode: Budget25). Even if you can’t give testimony, showing up still helps show that the community cares!  

If you can’t make it at either of those times, send ’em a message here, but get it in BEFORE 5/28. That’s when the budget committee is going to be actually voting on the budget!

For your testimony, you don’t need to have a whole speech ready if you don’t want to (they’re only giving us 2.5 minutes anyway), you can just share how important CAHOOTS is to you and that they should be fully funded.

Eugene city budget committee looks to be allocating some money towards supporting getting a CAHOOTS-style program back in Eugene, but we need full funding. Our estimate is that 2 years of a fully funded CAHOOTS 2.0 program would cost $4.5 million. They’ve allocated $.5 million, which wouldn’t even get us through half a year. The police budget, for example, is set at ~$172 million!

For how to pay it, some easy places to cut would be:

$1.016 million in ALREADY VACANT EPD police positions 
$1.015 million in the EPD Housing Support officer program$0.600 million of the planned expansion to the Neighborhood Service officer program$0.527 million in the EPD “Drone as first responder” program$0.306 million in the EPD Volunteers in policing unit, and$0.326 million in the EPD Community Engagement unit
These programs alone would cover $3.790 million. 

A fully-funded CAHOOTS 2.0 is worth losing EPD’s expensive surveillance drone program and already-vacant positions. CAHOOTS took ~10% of the calls in Eugene while, even if fully funded, costing just 3% of the police budget. CAHOOTS-style programs bring true public safety, compassion, and saves the city money doing so.

Willamette Valley Crisis Care is ready to go. FULLY FUND CAHOOTS 2.0!

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….

Drain Couple Dies in Tyee Crash, Teams Work to Recover Bodies

TYEE, Ore. – A Drain couple perished in a rollover motor vehicle accident on Weyerhaeuser timber company property west of Tyee sometime in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 24, 2025. Douglas County Search and Rescue volunteers assisted in recovering the remains from the hillside Sunday morning.

Douglas County 9-1-1 was alerted to the accident at about 5 pm Saturday via satellite assisted Text-to-911. The texter, who had been scouting prior to bear hunting season, said two people had been spotted from a distance on a very steep embankment in the Brush Creek area and they both appeared deceased.

Deputies from Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area and located marks in the roadway consistent with a westbound vehicle leaving BLM road 24-8-35 1 and rolling down the hill.

Using ropes, deputies traversed the embankment and located the bodies of Anthony W. Forbes, 55, and Mandi S. Forbes, 50 about 215 feet down from the roadway. Records indicate the Forbes’ were married and both lived in Drain.

Their vehicle, a 1986 Suzuki Samuri, continued to roll past where the Forbes’ had been ejected. It eventually came to rest, heavily damaged, about 500 feet from the roadway in a small ravine.

Search and Rescue volunteers and members of Central Douglas Fire and Rescue’s Steep Angle Rescue Team were assembled Saturday but determined it was unsafe to recover the bodies until daylight. Several personnel remained in the area overnight and teams regrouped Sunday morning.

According to responders, the slope angle in this area was between 27 and 50 degrees. This was previously clearcut area, had low vegetation growth and very thick brush. Nearly 15 responders worked together to complete the strenuous recovery.

Evidence on scene showed the Forbes’ had a permit to be on Weyerhaeuser property and that alcohol may have been a factor in the crash. Seatbelts were not used. Deputies believe the crash occurred several hours before the bodies were discovered.

Salem Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl

—A Salem, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison Friday for possessing and trafficking more than 40 pounds of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin.

Rico Anthony Russell Rigutto, 46, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on December 14, 2021, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, investigators arranged a controlled buy of counterfeit oxycodone pills from Rigutto. Investigators observed him arrive and depart the meeting location, after which they conducted a traffic stop on Rigutto.  

Investigators searched Rigutto’s vehicle and seized approximately 3,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and a firearm with a machine gun conversion switch. Machine gun switches, sometimes referred to as “Glock switches,” are small attachments used to convert firearms from semi-automatic to fully-automatic.

Later the same day, investigators obtained and executed a search warrant on Rigutto’s residence. During the search, investigators located and seized 20,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, 28 pounds of methamphetamine, six pounds of heroin, approximately $100,000 in cash, and fifteen firearms, including an AR-15 rifle and another handgun with a conversion switch.

On January 19, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Rigutto with possessing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin with the intent to distribute and possessing a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On April 18, 2023, Rigutto pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. However, on March 5, 2024, Rigutto failed to appear for his sentencing and an arrest warrant was issued.

On August 2, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) located and arrested Rigutto for failing to appear. USMS also found a firearm during the arrest.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Salem Police Department. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

Eugene 4J School Board approves budget with staff cuts, taps reserves to avoid deeper reductions

On May 21, the Eugene School Board voted five to two to approve the district’s 2025-2026 budget, moving forward with a proposal to reduce 38.25 full-time positions. 

The district’s nearly $561 million adopted budget for the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year includes roughly $15.86 million in reductions. The 2025-2026 fiscal year begins on July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2026. 

Earlier this month, district officials proposed that the board cut 65.80 full-time positions as part of what would have been roughly $20.78 million in budget cuts. After community and school board feedback, some positions, including seven licensed full-time positions at the elementary school level, three licensed full-time positions at the middle school level, 3.5 full-time positions at the high school level and 92 hours of educational assistant time in 46 first-grade classes, were restored and added to the now-adopted budget. 

In addition to those positions, the budget also restores the equivalent of one full-time district-wide library services position, 4.5 classified full-time district-wide positions and 6.3 classified full-time positions at the high school level.

The approved staffing reductions will impact schools. While district officials say that 92% of the staffing reductions next fiscal year will occur “outside of” schools, they say that 8% will occur “inside schools.” (READ MORE)

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.

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 May 31 from 10 am – 2 pm

Applications open 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

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

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. 

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

Families: Need help with groceries this summer?

The Oregon Summer EBT (electronic benefit transfer) program helps families buy food for their school-aged children when school is out. Each summer, eligible families will get one yearly payment of $120 to buy groceries.

Learn who is automatically eligible and who needs to apply at sebt.oregon.gov. Questions? Please contact the Summer EBT Call Center at 1-833-673-7328 or summerebtinfo@odhs.oregon.gov.

Oregon Department of Emergency Management Unveils Comprehensive Homeland Security Strategy 

– The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) today released the 2025-28 Oregon Homeland Security Strategy (HSS), a three-year roadmap to strengthen the state’s ability to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from the full spectrum of threats and hazards facing Oregonians. 

“Oregon’s risks—whether natural, technological, or human-caused—demand a coordinated, data-driven approach,” said Erin McMahon, OEM Director and Oregon Homeland Security Advisor. “This strategy reflects months of collaboration with local, tribal and state partners, and it positions Oregon to share intelligence faster, protect critical infrastructure better, and respond to crises more effectively than ever before.” 

Strategy Highlights  

Approved by the Governor’s multi-agency Oregon Homeland Security Council, in April 2025, the strategy prioritizes seven strategic goals that align with FEMA’s National Preparedness System: 

1. Strengthen Intelligence and Information Sharing Capabilities  
2. Enhance Critical Infrastructure Resilience  
3. Enhance Cybersecurity Resilience  
4. Strengthen Counterterrorism Capabilities  
5. Strengthen Public Health and Medical Emergency Preparedness  
6. Advance Interoperable Emergency Communications  
7. Strengthen an All-Hazards Preparedness and Response Capabilities at the Local, Tribal, and State Level 

Key to all these goals is a 24/7/365 common operating picture. OEM is working with legislators to deploy a next-generation data-management system that fuses threat intelligence while honoring Oregon’s privacy and civil-rights laws.   

OEM will accomplish this through a whole-community approach. The plan leverages councils and workgroups—including the Oregon Homeland Security Council, Cybersecurity Advisory Council, and Homeland Security Advisory Workgroup—to coordinate resources across government, private industry, nonprofits and academia. This collaboration with our partners, and the integration of data tools, will help us track, manage, assess and share threat information while adhering to our state laws regarding civil rights and privacy protection. 

Why Now? 

• Escalating natural disasters. Wildfires, ice storms and earthquakes now occur with greater frequency and intensity. 
• Evolving human-caused risks. Domestic violent extremism, fentanyl trafficking, ransomware and disinformation campaigns all pose growing threats to public safety and economic security. 

This strategy provides a comprehensive framework for Oregon which will identify, unify, guide, and streamline homeland security efforts over the next three years, 2025-2028, with revisions occurring in the spring of 2027 for the next 3-year cycle. 

Some of the Next Steps Include: 

• Developing the disaster preparedness stockpile program. 
• Improving the common operating picture and information sharing across agencies and sectors. 
• Expanding education and awareness efforts through outreach activities including newsletters, community messaging, and webinars.  
• Aligning with the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan. 
• Strengthening private sector partnerships. 
• Securing funds for infrastructure protection, cybersecurity efforts, and mitigation efforts. 
• Developing a prevention and protection framework through the update of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan CEMP Volume II: Preparedness Plan. 

Learn More 

The full Homeland Security Strategy is available here. More information about the Homeland Security Council can be found on the OEM website. 

# # # 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”>OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.

First Lady of Oregon Joins Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for Storytime at Jackson County Public Library (Photo)
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Oregon – 05/29/25 3:55 PMFirst Lady with Dolly Cut Out at Jackson County Library Services – Medford Branch

Medford, OR – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Oregon in conjunction with the United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon and Jackson County Library Services hosted a special read-along event featuring the First Lady of Oregon at the Jackson County Public Library in Medford. On May 21st, families with young children attended a special morning of storytelling and celebration of early literacy. The First Lady read “The Rabbit Listened,” written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld.

“Reading aloud to children is one of the most powerful ways to nurture a love of books and build essential literacy skills,” says Oregon’s First Lady. “I’m thrilled to participate in this special event at Jackson County Public Library and support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which is making such a meaningful difference for Oregon’s children and families. When we invest in early literacy, we’re investing in our state’s future.”

The program provides free, high-quality books mailed directly to children from birth until their fifth birthday and is now available to children in every county and zip code across Oregon. The United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon, in partnership with the Jackson County Library Services, have been instrumental in bringing the Imagination Library to local families. The event featured interactive storytelling led by the First Lady, followed by information for families on how to register their children for the book gifting program.

“We were honored to welcome the First Lady to our library for this special read-along event,” says Kari May, Jackson County Library Services Library Director. “The partnership between our library and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library perfectly aligns with our goal to inspire curiosity and nurture learning at every age. This program has already touched the lives of so many children in our community, and we’re excited to help more families discover this wonderful resource.”

“Events like this highlight the power of community partnerships in promoting early literacy,” says Kaylee Chrystal, Community Engagement Coordinator, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Oregon. “The Imagination Library is about more than just delivering books—it’s about creating joyful moments between children and their caregivers that inspire a lifelong love of reading. We’re grateful to the First Lady for her support and to the Jackson County Public Library and United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon for their dedication to reaching every child in their community.”

Currently, over 66,000 Oregon children—approximately 30% of all children under age five in the state—receive books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library each month. The program is completely free for families, with costs covered through a partnership between local program partners, The Dollywood Foundation, and the State of Oregon through the Department of Early Learning and Care.

## About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 270 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community Partners.  The Imagination Library mails more than 3 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five – at no cost to families.  Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More(™).

The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.

This past weekend marked the onset of the wildfire season, with over 1,776 acres ablaze in Central Oregon. The Butte Creek Fire is situated nine miles north of Clarno, on the eastern bank of the John Day River in Wheeler County.

Fire crews from the Central Oregon Fire Management Service responded to the fire after receiving the initial report on Sunday at approximately 2:47 p.m.

Within twenty-four hours, the Butte Creek Fire was reported to have expanded from 300 to 2,000 acres, ultimately reaching 3,000 acres by the last update on Monday evening. However, this figure was later adjusted to 1,776 acres on Tuesday afternoon due to enhanced accuracy in on-site mapping. The affected land comprises both private and federal territories managed by the Bureau of Land Management. While some structures were reported to be at risk, none were confirmed as damaged or destroyed as of Tuesday.

As per the latest updates from Central Oregon Fire Info, fire crews are “actively engaged in active fire suppression activities,” with two interagency hotshot crews present at the location as of Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Central Oregon Fire Info issued a warning via the X social media platform, advising boaters on the John Day River to exercise caution, as helicopters were drawing water from the river to fill buckets for use in combating the fire.

OHA kicks off 2025 Oregon beach monitoring season

Agency lists monitored beaches for May-September

—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is kicking off the 2025 season by announcing the coastal recreation areas it will be keeping an eye on for bacteria during summer and early fall.

The OBMP, based at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division, monitors some of the most frequently visited beaches in the state. The list includes beaches where the program has found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution.

• To see a video about Oregon’s beach monitoring effort, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82GVixgeGsM

The following beaches are being monitored this season, including name, and the city and county in which they are located:

• Seaside Beach – Seaside, Clatsop County
• Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Tolovana Beach State Park– Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park) – Arch Cape, Tillamook County
• Manzanita Beach – Manzanita, Tillamook County
• Rockaway Beach – Rockaway, Tillamook County
• Twin Rocks Beach – Twin Rocks, Tillamook County
• Oceanside Beach – Oceanside, Tillamook County
• Cape Kiwanda Beach – Pacific City, Tillamook County
• Neskowin Beach – Neskowin, Tillamook County
• D River Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Siletz Bay Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Beverly Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Agate Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Nye Beach – Newport, Lincoln City
• Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln City
• Seal Rock Beach – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Heceta Beach – Florence, Lane County
• Bastendorff Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Sunset Bay State Park Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Hubbard Creek Beach – Port Orford, Curry County
• Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, Curry County
• Mill Beach – Brookings, Curry County
• Crissey Fields State Recreation Site – Brookings, Curry County

The OBMP season runs from mid-May to mid-September.  Advisories are issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within this sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in upcoming seasons.

The OBMP works with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to determine beaches that need monitoring based on several criteria. These criteria include pollution hazards present; previous monitoring data that identify water quality concerns; type and amount of beach use; and public input.

As part of an adaptive sampling plan, beaches and sampling locations are routinely re-evaluated to ensure available resources best protect public health. A copy of DEQ’s beach evaluation is available upon request.

For more information and current beach monitoring conditions please visit: www.healthoregon.org/beach, or contact OBMP at each.Health@oha.oregon.gov” rel=”noopener” style=”color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;” target=”_blank”>Beach.Health@oha.oregon.gov or 1-877-290-6767. 

A 44-year-old Coos Bay gym owner is accused of sexually abusing teen girls and court records show that he has a history of similar behavior in other communities

The owner of Northwest Fitness in downtown Coos Bay has been arrested for alleged second degree sex abuse. Henry Delaney, III, of Bandon, is the head trainer and founder of Northwest Fitness in Coos Bay.  Court records show that the 16-year-old victim reported months of inappropriate behavior, including touching masked as unauthorized massage or physical therapy sessions, as well as forcing her to cuddle with him, groping and sexual conversations that she tried to avoid but lasted for hours.

Additional girls also came forward with similar stories, including an allegation he would lay on top of the girls to “stretch them out,” according to court documents. A search warrant affidavit was filed earlier this month.

Delaney was initially arrested for second-degree sexual abuse but has since been released, according to court records. His case is pending and court records show that he told the detective he was not surprised he was being investigated but eventually declined to speak, and said he just wanted to go to jail.

Delaney is a registered sex offender and has a history of similar conduct, including an alleged victim in Medford when he allegedly kept a scrapbook of Polaroid photos of the victim to “remember her,” according to court documents. Court records show he was convicted in Washington of sexual abuse against a female student of his gym in Seattle in 2009.

Delaney’s father, Henry Delaney, Jr., was also forced to resign from his Oregon teaching job in the 1990s for, among other things, sexually abusing an eighth-grade student, court documents said.

59-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 12+ Years for Online Crimes Against Children

On May 29, 2025, Lincoln County Circuit Court Senior Judge Thomas Branford sentenced Danny Hicks (59-year-old Polk County resident) for eleven counts of felony sex crimes that were discovered during several undercover law enforcement child luring investigations. During these investigations, officers used online social media platforms to pose as 5 different underage children to investigate online crimes involving children.

A Lincoln County jury listened to evidence presented during a three-day trial and on May 16, 2025, found Danny Hicks guilty of five counts of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree, five counts of Luring a Minor, and one count of Purchasing Sex with a Minor. The jury also found the conduct included five separate incidents or criminal episodes which occurred over the course of three months. This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jenna Wallace. Following the guilty verdict, Senior Judge Branford held Danny Hicks in custody pending sentencing.

Hicks was previously convicted in 2021 of Online Sexual Corruption in the Second Degree and Luring a Minor (Lane County) and was placed on three years of supervised probation. Hicks’ probation ended in July 2024 and he began chatting with the Lincoln County undercover law enforcement profiles in September 2024. Through the course of the communications, Hicks repeatedly expressed his desire to meet up and engage in sexual conduct with individuals he believed were children under the age of 16. Hicks also sent sexually explicit photos and videos, including videos of others engaged in sexual acts, bestiality, and home-made masturbation videos. In one chat thread, Hicks offered to pay the minor to engage in group sex with Hicks and two of his friends at a local hotel. Ultimately, the evidence showed that Hicks communicated sexually with five different undercover law enforcement profiles in Lincoln County, and he was arrested in November 2024.

At sentencing, DA Wallace emphasized the need to hold Hicks accountable with a significant prison sentence given his prior conviction for similar conduct and his persistent sexualized engagement with five separate purported children. Defendant asked the Court to sentence him to the minimum sentence of 2 years, arguing that because the accounts were controlled by law enforcement and not real children, the harm was not as great.

Senior Judge Branford disagreed stating, “Yes, it wasn’t a 14-year-old-girl, but [you] thought it was and [you] thought it was on five different occasions.” Senior Judge Branford went on to state, “Children need to be protected from this type of behavior because it is terribly harmful to children…You knew there were police stings out there, you alluded to that in your statements to police, but this behavior was enticing enough to you that disregarded that because you needed the thrill”. He then sentenced Hicks to a total of 12.6 years in prison. Hicks will not be eligible for any alternative incarceration program and will have to register as a sex offender upon his release.

These crimes were investigated by Lincoln City Police Sergeant Hayden Tolzman, as well as Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Detective Christopher Marks and Deputy Garret Brawdy. The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge and thank both agencies for recognizing the importance of these undercover operations in protecting our children from online predators and dedicating already limited resources to proactively fighting crime. 

The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office encourages parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and discuss with them the possible dangers of communicating with strangers online. These investigations are conducted in a continuing effort to protect our children from predators who target children for sexual exploitation and to reduce crime and further enhance the safety of our community.

Oregon currently has a greater number of residents aged 65 and older than it has individuals under the age of 18, marking a significant demographic shift with substantial consequences for the state’s economy.

As recently as 1985, Oregon had more than double the number of children compared to seniors. However, the state’s birth rate has dramatically decreased — ranking among the lowest in the nation — and the majority of baby boomers have now reached retirement age.

Consequently, the population of older adults has surpassed that of children. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis projects that in 2024, there will be nearly 900,000 individuals over 65, in contrast to 832,000 under 18, with an estimated 821,000 currently.

State economists anticipate that the senior population will continue to grow while the number of children declines. By 2035, they predict that Oregon will have 40% more seniors than children. See report here: https://www.oregon.gov/das/oea/Documents/OEA-Forecast-0525.pdf

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Signs Agreement with Coquille Indian Tribe to Assist Tribal Veterans

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs signed a formal agreement with the Coquille Indian Tribe last week that will provide a framework for collaboration and increased resources dedicated to supporting the Tribe’s veterans in accessing their earned federal and state veterans’ benefits.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed Tuesday, May 13, by ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels and Tribal Council Vice Chair Jen Procter Andrews, with Tribal government leaders and representatives, Tribal veterans and ODVA staff gathered to commemorate the historic partnership.

The formal signing was hosted on the Tribe’s sovereign land in North Bend in a ceremony that honored both the significance of the partnership and the traditions of the Coquille Indian Tribe.

The agreement will pave the way for the establishment of the Coquille Indian Tribe’s first Tribal Veterans Service Officer (TVSO), which will be jointly funded by ODVA and the Coquille Indian Tribe to serve Tribal veterans and their families.

“Tribal Veteran Service Officers play a vital role in ensuring Oregon’s Tribal veterans are seen, heard, and supported — not only as veterans, but as members of sovereign nations with deep cultural roots and histories,” said Dr. Daniels.

“This agreement marks a meaningful step forward, creating space for trusted advocates who understand both the federal VA system and the unique needs of their communities. Today isn’t just about a signature — it’s about the shared commitment we’re building together to honor and serve all who have worn the uniform, and we’re proud to mark that step forward in a way that reflects the meaning of ceremony for the Coquille Indian Tribe.”

“Native Americans continue to serve at a higher rate than any other ethnic group and have enlisted to protect their lands as far back as the Revolutionary War,” said Vice Chair Procter Andrews. “This partnership shows Oregon’s dedication to ensure that our veterans receive the benefits and respect they deserve, in a way that works for them. We hope this partnership is the first step towards a better relationship with the state and increased services for our vets!”

This Memorandum of Understanding is ODVA’s fifth with Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes, including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.

Oregon’s statewide network of County and Tribal Veteran Service Offices are collaborative partnerships between the state and counties or Tribal governments to provide free, local expertise and assistance to veterans and their families in accessing their earned benefits.

Tribal Veteran Service Officers (TVSOs) are trained by ODVA and then accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. TVSOs assist veterans and their families with access to a wide variety of benefits and services that were earned through military service.

To learn more about veteran benefits, resources and services near you, or to schedule an appointment with your local Veteran Service Officer, visit the website of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs at www.oregon.gov/odva/Services/Pages/Tribal-Veteran-Services.aspx.

About the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

About the Coquille Indian Tribe – The Coquille Indian Tribe flourished in Oregon’s southwestern corner for thousands of years, cherishing the bountiful forests, rivers and beaches of a homeland encompassing more than 750,000 acres. In 1954, Congress declared the Coquille Tribe “terminated.” 35 years later the Tribe was formally restored to federal recognition in 1989. Today the Tribe numbers more than 1,200 members and it has regained more than 10,000 acres of ancestral homeland, proudly managing the bulk of it as sustainable forest. The Tribe provides education assistance, health care, elder services and (where needed) housing assistance to its people, while contributing substantially to the surrounding community’s economy. Its various enterprises employ approximately 1000 people, and its community fund is the region’s leading local source of charitable grants. For more about the Coquille Indian Tribe, visit coquilletribe.org.

Oregon’s prohibition on plastic grocery bags is set to intensify with a bill that is on its way to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk. Starting in 2027, Senate Bill 551 will mandate that retailers and restaurants are prohibited from providing any type of plastic bags to customers during checkout.

This regulation is already applicable to most single-use plastic bags due to legislation enacted by lawmakers in 2019. However, the previous law allowed stores to provide slightly thicker plastic bags deemed reusable, which critics argue are frequently discarded. Senate Bill 551 eliminates this loophole, designating bags made from recycled paper as the sole option available to stores and restaurants. The legislation does not affect grocery stores’ ability to supply plastic bags for bulk items, raw meat, or certain other products.

The bill, which was approved by the Senate with a vote of 22-8 on Tuesday, is significantly more restricted than an earlier version of SB 551 that the chamber passed in March. In addition to prohibiting plastic bags, the earlier bill would have prevented restaurants from providing customers with plastic utensils or single-serving condiments in plastic packaging unless specifically requested.

Furthermore, it would have prohibited hotels and Airbnb hosts from automatically supplying guests with shampoo and other amenities in single-use plastic containers.

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. 

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)

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)

Summer EBT for school-aged children returns for second year

Need to know:

• Oregon Summer EBT is a federal benefits program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer.
• Oregon expects to provide up to 370,000 school-aged children with around $40 million in Summer EBT food benefits this year.
• Each eligible child receives a one-time payment of $120 in food benefits.
• About 341,500 eligible children received Summer EBT automatically on May 22, 2025 but some families need to apply.

(Salem, OR) – Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) is a food benefits program that helps shrink the hunger gap when children are on summer break and don’t have easy access to healthy meals at school. Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible child to buy food. 

This is the second year of Oregon’s Summer EBT program. On May 22, 2025, about 336,000 children got the benefit on an Oregon EBT card. Families should check their EBT card balance at www.ebtedge.com to confirm receipt.

Families who didn’t automatically get Summer EBT on May 22, 2025 should check program requirements before applying. Families can check requirements at sebt.oregon.gov or by contacting the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328. The Call Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., PDT. Apply online in English and Spanish or with a paper application in multiple languages at sebt.oregon.gov. 

“When school doors close for the summer, the need for regular, healthy meals doesn’t disappear. Last year, the summer EBT program bridged a critical gap for thousands of Oregon families, helping to replace those essential 10 meals per child, per week, that they receive when school is in session,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). “We are proud to continue this partnership with ODHS to not only feed children, but to nurture their potential during crucial developmental months. Our continued commitment ensures that summer can be a season of growth and opportunity for all children, regardless of their economic circumstances.”

In 2024, about 362,000 children participated and received $43 million in Summer EBT food benefits their families spent in their local grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places.

“Summer EBT is one more way we can prevent kids from going hungry when school is out. Summer EBT is an evidence-based program proven to reduce child hunger and support healthier diets,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director. “Child hunger can have lasting impacts on health and academic achievement. Getting every eligible child connected to Summer EBT will help Oregon’s children thrive year-round and as they grow up.”

Who is eligible for Summer EBT food benefits? Families can find details about Summer EBT at sebt.oregon.gov. 

Your school-age child may be automatically eligible if:

• Your family received Summer EBT benefits through an approved application in 2024.
• Your family gets SNAP, TANF or Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) and meets income rules.
• Your child gets free or reduced-price school meals and meets income rules.
• Your child is in foster care, in migrant education, in a qualified Head Start, experiencing homelessness, or part of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).

Children who are automatically eligible received Summer EBT on May 22, 2025.

Your school-age child may be eligible by application if:

• Your family meets the federal income requirements for free or reduced-price meals at school, and
• Your child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Families must apply by Sept. 3, 2025.

Receiving Summer EBT does not impact participation in other summer meal programs.

Summer EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test and are available to children regardless of immigration status. 

How will families receive Summer EBT food benefits?

The benefits will be placed on an Oregon EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and more.

Families that need a new card should call 855-328-6715, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT).

Families that think their children may be eligible and didn’t get benefits on May 22 must apply by September 3. If approved, they will receive an Oregon EBT card by mail.

Stolen Summer EBT benefits can’t be replaced.

You can protect your Oregon EBT card and benefits from electronic theft by following a few simple tips.

Where can families get more information? To learn more, or to apply, visit sebt.oregon.gov.

Call the Oregon Summer EBT Call Center at 1-833-673-7328 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT) on weekdays. All relay calls accepted.

More about Summer EBT – Summer EBT became a permanent program for states and certain Indian Tribal Organizations through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Most states began providing Summer EBT in June 2024. Oregon’s participation was made possible through an investment from the Oregon State Legislature of $12 million. That investment will draw $83 million in federal funding to Oregon, mostly in the form of food benefits families will spend in their communities. 

Additional resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
• Find summer meal sites:  https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or https://www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
• Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: https://www.caporegon.org/find-help

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.

Father’s Day Train Rides on June 14th

Are you looking for a unique way to celebrate Dad this year? Climb aboard for a train ride that promises fun for the whole family! On Saturday, June 14th, Oregon Rail Heritage Center is rolling out a special pre-Father’s Day celebration.

Trains will depart at 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM. Each ride lasts approximately 45 minutes and takes passengers on a round-trip journey down to Oaks Park and back along the beautiful Willamette River. Tickets are priced at $24 for adults, $16 for children, and $21.60 for seniors and active or retired military.

Whether you’re surprising Dad with a family adventure, or simply enjoying the charm of traveling by railroad, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. 

Tickets are available at https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/orhf/items/548042/calendar/2025/06/?flow=469974 

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