Willamette Valley News, Friday 6/20 – Fire at Junction of Hwy 126 and Hwy 36 at Mapleton, Summer Solstice & 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, June 20, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

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

Summer Solstice — Friday Jun 20, 2025, 7:42 PM

After the sun arrives at its solstice point, it will begin to migrate back toward the south and the amount of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere will begin to decrease. While it’s often believed that the summer solstice is an event that spans an entire calendar day, the solstice actually lasts just a moment.

As the fire season progresses in Oregon, emergency responders are advising residents, particularly those residing in high-risk wildfire areas, to familiarize themselves with the State’s three-tier evacuation system.

This system is intended to assist residents in taking prompt and suitable actions in response to swiftly changing fire conditions. Local authorities emphasize the importance of situational awareness during the fire season.

Wildfires can escalate quickly, and conditions may shift with minimal notice. Residents are urged to enroll in local emergency alert systems, keep abreast of reliable news outlets, and maintain communication through official emergency websites of their respective counties or cities.

Furthermore, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management suggests that individuals prepare a go-bag at all times, equipped with necessities for a minimum of 72 hours, which should include food, water, clothing, and contact details for family members.

Firefighters from Multiple Agencies Working to Stop a Fire at Junction of Hwy 126 and Hwy 36 at Mapleton in Lane County — Oregon Dept. of Forestry 

– Firefighters engaged on a fire burning at the junction of Highway 126 and Highway 36 at Mapleton. The Rice Road Fire has caused the Oregon Dept. of Transportation to close both highways at the junction in both directions. Motorists are asked to avoid the area for their safety and that of firefighters working to put out the fire.

UPDATE: 6/20 7:50am – The following areas are NOW under a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice due to wildfire: All areas of Rice Road near Mapleton. All areas of Hillcrest Road near Mapleton. All areas of 1st Ave. near Mapleton Level 1 means: Be aware of danger in your area.

The fire was reported at 1:42 p.m. Firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Western Lane District responded as well as firefighting units from the Coos Forest Protective Association, the USDA Forest Service and several rural fire districts. The fire is estimated at five to six acres in size. The cause is under investigation.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 3 Go Now evacuation order at 2:10 p.m. for residents on Rice Road, Hillcrest Road and First Avenue in Mapleton. Questions about evacuations should be directed to the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 541-520-2646, option 1.

ODF has six fire engines, a hand crew of 20, two fallers, a dozer and a Type 2 (midsize) helicopter working on the fire today.

Although temperatures in the area were in the 60s today, dry conditions across much of western Oregon highlight the increasing risk of fires starting from almost any source.  That’s one reason almost all of ODF’s districts are already in declared fire seasons, with various restrictions in place to reduce possible fire starts. To find restrictions in your area, go to https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/pfr.html

As wildfire season gets underway crews from our area are heading around the state to assist.

Just before 5 p.m. Wednesday, Lane County deployed a third task force to help with the ongoing Upper Applegate Fire in southern Oregon.

Local resources from Mohawk Valley, Eugene Springfield Fire, McKenzie Fire and Rescue, Western Lane, and Lane Fire Authority were all deployed.

Recreational Use Advisory Issued for Fern Ridge Reservoir

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Fern Ridge Reservoir due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom. The lake is in Lane County.

The decision to issue the advisory is based on a report of a toxigenic bloom from a partner agency. Results of testing in the days to come will either confirm the advisory or allow us to lift.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Fern Ridge Reservoir and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing, and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water – Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets – Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from mats attached to the bottom of the lake, floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms – Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing – Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 877-290-6767, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

Early Morning House Fire in West Eugene

At approx 1:18 AM the Eugene Springfield Fire (ESF) responded to a reported house fire in the 1000 block of W 3rd Ave in Eugene. Neighbors reported heavy fire showing from the roof of the involved structure with possible victims inside. ESF Engine 2, from the Whiteaker station, responded as part of a full fire response of 4 engines, 1 ladder truck and 2 chiefs.

When crews arrived, they reported heavy fire involvement and immediately went to work on the fire attack. When Tower 2 arrived, they made entry to search for victims in all searchable spaces. During initial suppression and search operations, crews encountered high heat and zero visibility and it was determined there was too much fire involvement to safely operate inside. The decision was made to withdraw from the structure and water was applied from the exterior with Engine 2’s deck gun.

After the bulk of fire was knocked down, crews re-entered the building to complete the search for potential victims. An additional engine and truck were called along with Support 1 due to the extended operations. No victims (human or animals) were found, and the fire was extinguished. There were no reported injuries and fire is being investigated by the ESF Fire Marshals and Eugene Police.

Cottage Grove Police Department – 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞: Internet Crimes Against Children

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞/𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭: June 19, 2025 / 12:30 PM

𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Cottage Grove, Oregon𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 #: 2025-0253

𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝: Cory M. Aslin – Age 61 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Cottage Grove, OR

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬: ORS 163.684 Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First Degree – 88 CountsORS 163.686 Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the Second Degree – 88 CountsORS 163.688 Possession of materials depicting sexually explicit conduct of a child in first degree – 88 Counts

On June 19, 2025 at about 12:30 pm, a Cottage Grove Police Detective and Police Officers arrested 61 year old Cory M. Aslin at his residence in Cottage Grove. The arrest was the result of an ongoing investigation into allegations that Aslin possessed sexually explicit images of children during which a search warrant had previously been executed at his residence. The investigation is ongoing and no further details are available at this time.

The Cottage Grove Police Department was assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI during this investigation and we thank them for their assistance. The arrest is part of a partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and protect the children in our community. Thank you to the agencies who participate in the Lane County ICAC Task Force and work together to make our community safer. If anyone has any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Cottage Grove Police Department at 541-942-9145 and reference case # 2025-0253.

Man Arrested After Woman Assaulted Downtown

At 7:57 a.m. on June 17, Eugene Police officers responded to the 800 block of Pearl Street after a Eugene woman in her early 40s reported an assault. She was walking in the area and a man who had been asking other individuals for money, asked her as well.

When she replied she did not the suspect grabbed her tote bag off her shoulder and then threw her on the ground. The victim hit her face, knee, and wrists on the sidewalk and the suspect ran away.

Officers working the case identified the suspect as 29-year-old Joel Cox-Lopez and arrested him today. He was transported to Lane County Jail on a charge of Assault in the Fourth Degree. Case 25-09605

Lane County Veterans Services to Host 3rd Annual Women Veterans Day Celebration – Saturday June 21

Lane County Health & Human Services’ Veterans Services Program invites women veterans, their families, and the broader community to the 3rd Annual Women Veterans Day Celebration on Saturday, June 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the American Legion, 3650 River Road in Eugene.

This free, family-friendly event honors the service and sacrifices of women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It commemorates the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of June 12, 1948, which granted women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. military.

The event is open to all and offers an opportunity to recognize the contributions of women veterans while connecting with others in a welcoming, community-centered space.

Event Highlights:

• Live music, food, and entertainment
• Activities for all ages
• Veteran resource booths
• Information on employment, education, housing, and health services
• Parenting resources
• Local vendors and community organizations

Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or a community supporter, this is a chance to come together, celebrate, and uplift the voices of women who have served.

Event Details:

3rd Annual Women Veterans Day Celebration
Saturday, June 21, 2025
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
American Legion, 3650 River Road, Eugene, OR

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

2025 Mid-Willamette Valley Interagency Wildland Fire School begins June 23 in Sweet Home, Oregon

—Approximately 200 wildland firefighters and instructors will convene in Sweet Home, beginning on June 23, to take part in the annual five-day Mid-Willamette Valley Interagency Wildland Fire School. Officials from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) host the yearly training to prepare new firefighters for the rigors of fighting fire, both in Oregon’s forests and in wildland-urban interface areas. 

The training culminates with a live fire exercise on Friday, June 27 just outside of Sweet Home. This presents trainees with a final challenge: applying their newly acquired skills and techniques to suppress and mop-up a real fire under controlled conditions. 

“Cascade Timber Consulting, a local forest landowner, provides a new field site each year and we are very grateful,” said Craig Pettinger, Incident Commander of the Mid-Willamette Valley Interagency Fire School. “The live fire exercise provides an invaluable training experience—working in smoke, hiking through uneven terrain, and working closely with crew members to dig fireline—these are all things they’ll experience this season as wildland firefighters.” 

Safety principles of fire training include wearing protective gear, safe use of tools and looking out for hazards.  

“Safety is paramount in every aspect of wildland firefighting, and it begins with our training exercises,” continued Pettinger. “Working together in a collaborative training setting improves communication and builds effective relationships for all agencies to draw upon during fire season.” 

This year, the field site that will be used for the live fire exercise is located approximately six miles northeast of Sweet Home. Fire officials urge the public to use caution as there will be increased fire traffic in the area and the potential for visible smoke on Friday, June 27.  

Carl Wilkerson has been unanimously appointed Lane County Sheriff by the Board of County Commissioners.

Sheriff Wilkerson will serve in his appointed capacity through 2026 and, if elected by voters in 2026, would begin a full four-year term in 2027.

“I am both honored and humbled to continue to serve the Sheriff’s Office and our community in this new capacity,” said Sheriff Wilkerson. “I am very proud of the men and women who make up the Sheriff’s Office. I appreciate how hard they work and their passion to serve the Lane County community.  I want to thank the Sheriff’s Office staff, the community, and most importantly, my family in supporting me throughout my career.”  

Sheriff Wilkerson has served as Chief Deputy of the agency since 2019 but began his career with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office more than 30 years ago as a cadet in the Explorer Post, a Marine Patrol boat aid, and as a reserve deputy sheriff before being hired as a deputy with the agency in 1996. During his tenure with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Wilkerson has worked in nearly every assignment available in the agency, including Corrections, Patrol, Criminal Investigations, the Metro SWAT Team, Traffic Safety Team, and Special Response Team.

As the Chief Deputy, Sheriff Wilkerson supervised the division commanders of the Police and Corrections divisions and was the Division Commander for the Operations Support Division.  He was responsible for personnel, labor relations, budget, training, the Office of Professional Standards, the radio network, and a variety of other tasks, including serving as incident commander of Lane County’s emergency operations center during the Holiday Farm Fire and other wildfires.

Sheriff Wilkerson is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, Class 277.  He has attended the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Command College, the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Sheriff’s Institute, and he holds an executive police certification through the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.  Sheriff Wilkerson earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Bushnell University. 

Sheriff Wilkerson’s appointment follows the retirement of former Sheriff Clifton Harrold who served as Sheriff from 2019 to 2025.

Salem Detectives search for suspect in two sexual assaults

— Salem Police Special Victims Unit detectives are looking for a suspect wanted in two sexual assaults that occurred in the last two days in southeast Salem.

The first incident occurred on Sunday, June 15, at about 4:30 p.m. in the area of Commercial ST and Barnes AV SE. A woman reported walking in the area when the suspect approached, and he assaulted her. The victim was able to escape, and the suspect fled.

A general description of the suspect is as follows: a Black male adult with dark hair, a thin to medium build, between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 7 inches tall, and approximately 20 to 30 years of age.

Detectives believe the same suspect was involved in another assault in the same area the next day, June 16. On Monday, shortly after 4:00 a.m., a teenager was walking and approached and assaulted by a similarly-described man. A passerby intervened and confronted the suspect, who then ran away.

In each incident, an immediate and extensive search for the suspect was conducted, but he was not located.

Detectives are following up on all available leads. Anyone with information about the cases is asked to call the Salem Police tip line at 503-588-8477.

The Springfield Public Library launches nine weeks of multicultural music, dancing and storytelling events at its outdoor plaza this week. 

Every Wednesday morning, from June 18 to August 13, the library is hosting free, public programs with diverse artists and organizations from around Oregon. MORE INFO: https://wheremindsgrow.org/events/summer FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/springfieldpubliclibrary

Burrito Brigade needs to expand so we may better serve the food challenged and the best option is to buy our own building.

Please help us reach our goal for a permanent home. https://www.zeffy.com/…/raise-the-roof-from-warehouse…

This new space will help us rescue and redistribute more food, operate more efficiently, and better serve our community. We’ve already raised $7,500 toward our $10,000 match challenge!Help us unlock the full $10,000 by June 10th! Every dollar you give today = DOUBLE the impact. Give here: https://www.zeffy.com/…/raise-the-roof-from-warehouse… Let’s raise the roof—literally and figuratively.

The OG Corner Market — We are launching a Go Fund Me to raise the needed funds to save The OG Corner Market.

The Lane County Fair – Tickets On Sale

  ·  Big news, Fair fans! Concert tickets AND all other Lane County Fair tickets go on sale JUNE 6 @ 9am!

HAVE A BLAST WORKING FOR THE FAIR! Multiple Positions Open: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lanecountyor/jobs/4932327/fair-worker-multiple-positions?keywords=extra%20help&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Let the countdown to fun begin! Mark your calendars! JULY 23 – 27, 2025 https://www.atthefair.com/

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

Willamette Valley Crisis Care

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.

The city budget meeting was a huge success. Thanks to the community for showing up for us! Your powerful testimony and our hard work have earned us a huge nod from the city as the budget passed with a one time allocation of .5m for alternative response transition, and a recommendation for city council to direct the city manager to investigate how a cahoots-like service could be provided and allocate up to 2.2m annually which could be taken from the CSI.

What does this mean for WVCC? It means our city leadership acknowledges our value and sees this work as critical. It means we get to work with the city to measure our impact and further define our role as an essential part of public safety. And, with grit and collaboration, it means you all, our neighbors, can look forward to annual funds from the city that contribute to stability for non-forced, person-led care with funds, potentially from the Community Safety Initiative.

THIS IS COMMUNITY ACTION ACTUALIZED!!! We absolutely couldn’t have done it without you, and we are filled with gratitude, moving closer day by day to getting wheels back on the roads of our beloved Eugene!

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.

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….

Road Closure: Old Mill Road (Office Covered Bridge)

Reason for closure: Mountain Bike Oregon event

Road name: Old Mill Road

Location: Westfir

Closure location: Office Covered Bridge

Dates and times: Thursday, June 26, at 12:00 p.m. through Sunday, June 29, at 4:00 p.m.

Alternate routes: None.

Celebrating 20 years as Oregon’s Favorite Annual Mountain Bike Camp!

Get hyped for Mountain Bike Oregon, the all-inclusive three-day mountain biking festival featuring Oakridge’s best singletrack.

Come ride in the mountain bike capital of the Pacific Northwest, one of six IMBA Gold Level trail center sites.

MBO includes 3 days of riding sweet & technical singletrack, onsite camping & bike vendors, evenings in the Hydro Flask beverage garden with free Deschutes Brewery & Oakshire beer, 2 Towns cider, wine, & Humm Kombucha & opportunities to demo the industry’s best mountain bikes also for free! MORE INFO: https://www.mtboregon.com/

 Back to School Drive – June 1 to July 31! 

Help CCS support over 200 kids enrolled in our programs — most of whom will start the school year without the supplies they need. Together, we can change that!

From June 1 to July 31, we’re collecting NEW school supplies to give these students a strong start.

 Most Needed Items (New Only):
 Pencils & pens
 Notebooks & paper
 Watercolors & markers
 Backpacks
 Scissors & erasers
… and more

Your donation can make a direct impact in a child’s life.  Find a complete list of supplies and a donation site near you and give today! www.ccslc.org/back-to-school-drive Let’s make sure every student walks into school confident, prepared, and ready to learn. 

June is National Camping Month!

It’s the perfect time to unplug, unwind, and reconnect—with nature and the people you love. Whether you’re pitching a tent at a local campground or setting up under the stars in your own backyard, get outside and make some memories this month.

Lane County Parks manages 5 campgrounds: Harbor Vista in Florence Archie Knowles near Mapleton Richardson on Fern Ridge Reservoir Armitage near Coburg Baker Bay on Dorena Reservoir —- Reserve a spot at: LaneCountyOR.gov/parks

Oregon Health Authority –   · Evacuations can be challenging and stressful. It can be even more stressful if you were unable to grab your prescriptions.

If your prescriptions were lost, left behind or ran out after you evacuated, you may be able to get an emergency refill.

Running into issues with your insurance? The Oregon Prescription Drug Program offers a state-sponsored drug discount card program called Array Rx, open to any resident in Oregon, has no income limitations and does not have membership fees or requirements: https://ow.ly/SlaU50Wb80N

Not sure what to take with you during an evacuation? Check out this emergency packing list: https://ow.ly/vpC250Wb80O

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.

Millions of acres of public land in Oregon could be sold under a new proposal

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and Sen. Jeff Merkley have called attention to a new provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Donald Trump’s administration claims would lead to America’s “largest tax cut in history.” As part of the bill, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has proposed the offloading of several assets owned by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service.

But not every state would be impacted. The drafted legislation lists 11 Western states with land that would be eligible for sale: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

The Wilderness Society has created a map that estimates more than 21.7 million acres of Oregon land would be up for sale. In Washington, conservationists have estimated more than 5.3 million acres would be available.

“If you’re wondering what billionaires will do with all their avoided tax in the Republicans’ bill, then look no further than this insane idea to sell off massive amounts of public lands for ‘housing,’” Sen. Wyden said of the proposal. “Read that as housing for billionaires, not nurses and firemen who will get stuck paying more taxes, more for food, more for utilities. There are no do-overs when it comes to selling off public lands. Once they’re sold, they’re lost forever.”

These are not disposable places as some proponents of land sales have claimed, they are some of the most significant intact landscapes in the United States. The Arctic, Otero Mesa, the Owyhee Canyonlands, Snoqualmie forest—these places are vital not only to the human communities in and around them but also to vulnerable wildlife struggling to survive in an increasingly developed world.

This effort is in and of itself entirely destructive—especially when considered with other provisions in the bill that will mandate oil lease sales in the Arctic Refuge, force construction of a mining road through a national park and more than double the amount of logging in western national forests—but it also sets a dangerous precedent that members of Congress can simply liquidate our public lands to fund their pet projects. (SOURCE)

Contact your senators — Tell your senators to oppose the current reconciliation bill! send a message

2025 JoCo Missing Person Rally – Friday June 20 – Josephine County Court House

Join us for our third annual Missing Person Rally, an event designed to raise awareness for our locally missing and their loved ones. Come hold a sign, take some flyers, learn about our locally missing from the people who love and miss them.

State fire marshal mobilizes two task forces through Immediate Response to Upper Applegate Fire in Jackson County

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing two structural task forces from Lane and Marion counties through Immediate Response to the Upper Applegate Fire in Jackson County. The fire was reported on Wednesday off Upper Applegate Road south of the town of Ruch.  

Firefighters and resources from the Applegate Fire District, other Rogue Valley fire agencies, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Oregon Department of Forestry are on scene working to stop the fire. As of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the fire was estimated to be 120 acres in size and growing. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, several air resources have been ordered including several helicopters and two large air tankers. 

Resources assigned to the Upper Applegate Fire have nearly reached their goal of lining the entire perimeter of the incident by the end of Thursday’s dayshift, completing 95% of the fire line. The portion that is remaining on the north side of the fire has a high amount of conifer mortality. Tree fallers have been removing dead trees, fire-weakened trees, and snags throughout this area, and are continuing this work to allow firefighters to complete the line safely.

These two task forces being mobilized will be added capacity for the Applegate Fire District to provide added structural protection. 

“This is our third mobilization this month, a clear signal that wildfire season is here,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We need to do everything we can as Oregonians to be wildfire aware. This fire season has been devastating already with the tragic loss of homes in the Gorge and a second conflagration earlier this week in Jefferson County. Please help our firefighters by following local restrictions.” 

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has issued levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices for those living near the fire. Evacuation information can be found here.   

The Oregon State Fire Marshal can send resources through Immediate Response without having the Emergency Conflagration Act invoked. The goal of this response tool is to surge resources to prevent costly wildfires.  

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal  
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.   

At least 56 homes destroyed by Rowena Fire; more than 3,600 acres burned, 24% contained

The Rowena Fire near The Dalles remains burning at over 3,600 acres and 24% containment after igniting Wednesday afternoon.

We have been made aware that FEMA has diverted funds to the Rowena Fire. We want to be clear that this is specifically for firefighting efforts, not for individual and family needs.

We are not aware of any FEMA funds available for individuals or families at this time, but will update if things change. In the meantime, we have the Multi-Agency Resource Center (flyer in the comments) to help start the recovery process.

There is also a Disaster Case Management (DCM) hotline that can connect you with a dedicated case manager. They’ll help you navigate immediate needs like food, water, and shelter, while also guiding you through long-term recovery and connecting you with vital resources. Call the DCM hotline at 1-833-669-0554 for personalized support and advocacy

Oregon Emergency Coordination Center Activates to Level 3 for Wildfire Response

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) to Level 3 – Regional Response as of 8:00 a.m. on June 17, 2025, in response to increasing wildfire activity across the state.

Several active wildfires—including the Rowena Fire in Wasco County, the Alder Springs Fire in Jefferson County, and the Ferry Fire in Grant County—have prompted coordinated response efforts to support impacted communities and local emergency management agencies.

“Wildfire season is here, and these fires are a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can change,” said Curtis Peetz, ECC Manager. “By activating to Level 3, we are proactively engaged with our tribal, local, state, and federal partners to coordinate resources and information to help protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.”

The ECC is activated between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and is staffed with representatives from key state agencies to ensure streamlined communication and resource support.

OEM encourages all Oregonians to prepare for wildfires:

• Sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov and make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts are activated on their phones.
• Make a wildfire evacuation plan and review evacuation levels.
• Stay informed via trusted sources such as local emergency managers, county sheriff’s offices, and public land agencies.
• Check road conditions on TripCheck.com and air quality at Oregon DEQ.

For more information about how OEM supports wildfire preparedness and response, visit wildfire.oregon.gov

Sign up to receive the latest news directly from OEM. To find more preparedness tips, like how to Be2Weeks Ready for disasters, visit Oregon.gov/OEM.

OHCS seeks public input on Substantial Action Plan Amendment for disaster recovery infrastructure funding

Public hearings scheduled for June 23 and 25

– Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) published a draft Action Plan Amendment for a $422 million disaster recovery grant and is seeking public input on the changes. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) is administered through a suite of programs, also known as “ReOregon.” These programs support individuals, households, and communities as they continue to recover from the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds.

The draft Action Plan Amendment would reallocate program funds to support the Gates Wastewater Collection System project in Marion County so it can meet the grant’s timelines and streamline construction. This project is critical for wildfire recovery and increasing housing supply. A short summary of the key elements of the plan and the entire draft Action Plan Amendment is available for review on OHCS’ website at https://re.oregon.gov.

Public comment on the draft Action Plan Amendment will be taken for 30 days through public hearings, online form, email, mail, or telephone. The hearings will include a short presentation by Marion County representatives and OHCS officials, followed by public feedback. Printed copies of the plan will be available by request.

Public hearing details:

When: Monday, June 23

Doors open: 5:30 p.m.

Public hearing: 6 p.m.

Where: Marion County Board of Commissioners Board Room, 555 Court St. NE, Suite 5232, Salem

For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual hearing on Zoom will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 25. Please register to attend.

Information presented at the public hearings will be available on the ReOregon website at re.oregon.gov. Spanish translation services will be available at all the public hearings. Please email hcs_housinginfo@oregon.gov if you need special accommodations.

In addition to providing comment at the hearings, the public will be able to do so by:

• E-mail: hcs_housinginfo@oregon.gov
• Online form:
  • English: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01973bb258ac77e3a4fdb47a0bc601f2
  • Spanish: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01973cd96f8a7b50b47661f3d5c4d016
• Phone: 877-510-6800
• Mail: OHCS, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite B, Salem, OR 97301-1266

All comments must be submitted to OHCS no later than 11:59 p.m. July 9, 2025.

After the 30-day public comment period, feedback will be incorporated into the plan before OHCS submits it to HUD for review and approval, which can take up to 45 days. As required by HUD, OHCS will address all comments received.

To learn more about ReOregon programs, visit re.oregon.gov or sign up to receive e-mail notifications.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services 
OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs. 

Oregon Department of Forestry staff again take to skies to survey forest health

If you look up this month and see a slow-flying plane crisscrossing the skies over Oregon it’s likely just researchers looking for signs of damage in Oregon forests from insect pests and other threats. The Pacific Northwest Aerial Detection Survey of Oregon’s forests has been conducted by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service since the 1940s, except during the 2020 pandemic. It is the longest continuous annual survey of its kind in the United States.

To complete the survey, airborne researchers take off in fixed-wing aircraft with one on each side of the plane. They use laptops to record where trees appear to be in trouble. Survey flights typically fly between 1,500 to 2,500 feet above ground level, following a systematic grid four miles apart and traveling at 90 to 140 miles an hour.

“Oregon has about 30 million acres of forest so flying in a grid pattern over it allows us to find problems even in remote areas hard to reach by vehicle or on foot,” said ODF Forest Entomologist Christine Buhl.

“For several years this survey has identified a trend in increasing tree deaths as a result of drought stress and subsequent opportunistic beetle attack, which finishes off these stressed trees,” said Buhl. “Trees that are most stressed are those that are less drought-tolerant or have spread into fringe habitat and don’t have time to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions. Beetles might be the immediate cause of a tree’s death but the underlying cause is often drought.”

Other causes of trees being injured or killed can also be viewed from the air, such as damage from storms and wildfires.

Last year’s report showed drought, insect pests, and tree diseases continue to be the biggest threats to the state’s trees. That report is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/forestbenefits/documents/forest-health-highlights.pdf.

“Best management practices are to plant the right tree species and seed zone in the right place for projected climate and keep stocking density to a level that can be supported during drought,” said Buhl.

Due to persistent dry conditions, she said she expects the 2025 survey to see more of the same trends in higher tree deaths in Oregon’s driest areas, such as in southwest Oregon and east of the Cascades.

Buhl emphasized the importance of on-the-ground collaborators to help round out the full picture of forest health in Oregon. “In addition to information ODF and the USDA Forest Service gather, we rely on Oregon State University Forestry Extension staff from across the state, and collaborate with other natural resource agencies, universities, public and private forest landowners, and members of the public to gather information on the ground,” she said.

Some lawmakers in Oregon are working to limit when and how the Oregon National Guard can be deployed, following President Donald Trump’s federalization of the National Guard in California to respond to protests in Los Angeles.

Three representatives have introduced a bill that would strengthen state oversight.

The bill would prohibit any deployment that compromises the National Guard’s ability to respond to in-state emergencies, like wildfires and earthquakes. It would also specify what duties National Guard personnel may and may not be called to perform.

Advocates said the bill would help protect state resources, reinforce state sovereignty and community safety.

“Deploying the military against our country’s citizens is an affront to our democratic principles,” Rep. Dacia Grayber, D-Southwest Portland, and one of the chief sponsors of the bill, said in a news release. “Ensuring that the Guard can only be mobilized in keeping with their congressionally-authorized functions is a common-sense safeguard to ensure separation of responsibility between our military and our local law enforcement.”

Lawmakers passed the bill out of the House Rules Committee on Tuesday. The top Republican in the House, Christine Drazan voted no, saying she wanted to discuss with the caucus first.

“Deploying the military against our country’s citizens is an affront to our democratic principles,” Rep. Dacia Grayber, D-Southwest Portland, and one of the chief sponsors of the bill, said in a news release. “Ensuring that the Guard can only be mobilized in keeping with their congressionally-authorized functions is a common-sense safeguard to ensure separation of responsibility between our military and our local law enforcement.”

Lawmakers passed the bill out of the House Rules Committee on Tuesday. The top Republican in the House, Christine Drazan voted no, saying she wanted to discuss with the caucus first.

2025 Chi-Town Family Festival – Chiloquin, Oregon

Friday & Saturday – June 27 & June 28, 2025 Chiloquin Rodeo Event Grounds

Free activities for the entire family ——  Kick-off a summer of fun at the Chi-Town Family Festival! Free admission, free parking, free fun for all!

The City of Chiloquin is excited to extend an invitation to both residents and visitors for the 4th Annual Chi-Town Family Festival, taking place on Friday, June 27 (2–6 PM) and Saturday, June 28 (10 AM–6 PM) at the Chiloquin Rodeo and Event Grounds.

With no admission fee, this family-oriented festival provides entertainment for all—join in the celebration of summer with your community All proceeds will support Chiloquin Visions in Progress (CVIP) and its various community initiatives, including the Chiloquin Community Center and youth programs such as the new Chiloquin Teen Adventure Camp launching this July — MORE INFO: https://chi-townfamilyfestival.com

Oregon Star Party Coming to Prineville: June 24 – June 29 2025

This year’s Oregon Star Party is set to take place June 24th through the 29th on the Big Summit Prairie east of Prineville. This party is not about celebrities. It’s all about looking at the stars, galaxies and nebulas in one of the darkest places in North America.

Barring forest fires and pandemics, some 500 people will trek 50 miles east of Prineville onto the Big Summit Prairie with RVs, tents and telescopes and sit up all night looking at the heavens.

“If you love the night sky and are interested in learning about it, yes, you can definitely come here,” said Marianne Ramona, Oregon Star Party vice president. “You may not want to come for five days. This area, this is just a fraction of the telescopes that we personally bring to the event, and we love to share. We love to teach. We have people that give talks about different things, some that are basic, some that are very complicated. We try to cover that whole realm. We definitely welcome new people.”

People come from all across the country to participate in the Star Party because this remote part of Oregon has some of the darkest night skies in the lower 48 states. Held at Indian Springs on the Big Summit Prairie, it is 5,000 feet above sea level which means less atmosphere and better viewing. MORE INFO: https://oregonstarparty.org

Rangers prepare Oregon State Parks for busy summer camping season

— This weekend kicks off the official summer camping season, but the work to prepare Oregon’s more than 250 state parks and campgrounds has been going all year long.

Behind the scenes, park rangers have moved mountains of sand, cleared thousands of downed trees and repaired roofs, bridges and trails around the state to keep

parks well maintained and ready for visitors.

Visitors might think that parks stay pristine because they look just like they did last year, but maintaining beautiful landscapes in some of Oregon’s harshest climates takes some work:

• Cape Lookout State Park cleared more than 1.5 million pounds of sand after winter winds buried one camp loop in six-inch drifts. The park is not alone. Many coastal parks must dig out campsites, sidewalks and parking lots after the winter season.
   
• Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area removed a dump truck load of slime, algae, branches, leaves and trash, which coated the campground when lake water receded. The lake floods every year, and rangers clean up the muck left behind.
   
• In the Mountain Region and other areas where it freezes, rangers reinstall plumbing components and restart the plumbing to the campgrounds, buildings and picnic shelters, which includes restarting water to thousands of campsite spigots.
   
• At Fall Creek State Recreation Area east of Eugene, rangers cleared eight dump truck loads of fir needles, cones, branches and debris to make the roads passable at Winberry Park when it reopened this spring.
   
• Nehalem Bay State Park cleared nearly 180 downed trees in one winter storm alone. Parks across the state repaired winter storm damage, including clearing downed trees, repairing roads, fixing roofs and mending bridges. 
   
• In the Columbia River Gorge, parks cleared thousands of pounds of woody debris from paved trails. They created chips from the debris and spread it around trees and shrubs.

Overall, Oregon State Parks rangers spend nearly 800,000 hours a year cleaning bathrooms, building and repairing trails and bridges, fixing old and new pipes and wiring, keeping parks safe, preserving Oregon’s history and natural resources and sharing knowledge on everything from mushrooms to the night sky.

“Rangers work tirelessly to keep these landscapes beautiful and accessible for the approximately 56 million visits each year at Oregon State Parks. We’re thankful for the work they do every day,” said Oregon Governor Tina Kotek.

Oregon State Parks welcome as many as 17,000 guests on the busiest nights, which means moving a city roughly the size of Canby in and out of campgrounds on almost a daily basis statewide.

“Oregon State Parks are like small cities. They run sewer, water and electrical systems; maintain roads and structures, all while managing campgrounds. When one system goes down, our staff manage the necessary emergency repairs to keep parks open. I’m proud of the work they do to keep parks safe, welcoming and ready for everyone to enjoy,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Sumption.

Help rangers this season by following all safety signs and barriers; staying on trail and checking campfire restrictions in advance at stateparks.oregon.gov. Interested in what rangers do? Check out the Oregon State Parks episode of “Odd Jobs” by SAIF Corporation at https://youtu.be/NUqCmEe38Uw?feature=shared or the Join Us page on the website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=get-involved.jobs

Press Release: SOLVE Launches Summer with SOLVE Campaign to Take Action and Preserve Outdoor Spaces

– Summer is here, and with it comes more opportunities to enjoy the PNW’s beaches, parks, and rivers. However, the increased outdoor activity also leads to more litter and strain on the environment. To combat this, SOLVE is launching its Summer with SOLVE campaign, designed to take action, connect communities, and celebrate the beauty of our region through environmental action.

“Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s also a time to ensure these spaces remain clean and sustainable for future generations,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “Together, we can create cleaner, more inviting spaces that reflect our pride in our region and our commitment to caring for the environment. By working together, we can make a significant impact and inspire others to join in the effort to protect our natural spaces that we love to enjoy, especially during summer.”

SOLVE kicked off summer with Pick It Up, Portland!, a citywide celebration on World Environment Day, June 5. The event focused on four different locations across Portland: Market Street Downtown, Holladay Park, Sellwood Riverfront Park, and Eastbank Esplanade. This was the first of many volunteer opportunities offered by SOLVE this summer, with more projects planned throughout the season, including the ongoing Waterway Cleanup Series, protecting the health of local rivers, streams and creeks.

What You’ll See This Summer

As outdoor recreation increases, SOLVE volunteers will:

• Remove litter from parks, neighborhoods, beaches, and riverbanks
• Maintain recreation sites and public green spaces
• Mulch around native trees and shrubs
• Remove invasive plant species that thrive in summer months like Japanese knotweed, Himalayan blackberry, and Scotch broom

Key Summer Events:

• Afterglow: Post-4th Cleanups (July 5-6): Volunteers will tackle the debris left behind from holiday celebrations to help restore outdoor spaces and shorelines.
• Willamette River Cleanup (August 9): A focused cleanup of the Willamette River, combating litter both on the water and along the riverbanks.
• Waterway Cleanup Series (ongoing through September): A series of cleanup efforts dedicated to preserving Oregon’s rivers and streams during the peak outdoor season.
• Monthly Detrash Portland Events: Community cleanups in Portland’s business districts, focusing on revitalizing key areas in the city.

Looking ahead, SOLVE is also preparing for its annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 20-28, part of the global International Coastal Cleanup, World Rivers Day and National Public Lands Day initiatives.

Join Summer with SOLVE – This summer, SOLVE invites you to take part in protecting and preserving the natural spaces that make our region special. Whether you’re volunteering at a cleanup event, leading your own group, or taking on a DIY project, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.

Try the Trash Bag Challenge—pick up a bag of litter, then challenge friends or coworkers to do the same. Pass the bag, spread the impact, and inspire others to take action.

Every effort counts. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods, parks, and waterways clean and beautiful for generations to come.

For more information about Summer with SOLVE and how to get involved, visit solveoregon.org/seasons or follow us on social media.

About SOLVE – SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

Oregon Lottery Unveils State Parks Adventures Themed Scratch-its

– For the fourth year in a row, Oregon Lottery is highlighting the natural beauty of Oregon State Parks with new “Adventures” themed Scratch-its. The $5 tickets feature three designs of Oregon State Park landscapes with a top prize of $50,000. The tickets are available at Oregon Lottery retailers statewide.  

Lottery game play helps ensure that our state parks are continuously maintained and improved, with Oregon State Parks receiving more than $1 billion in Lottery funds since 1999.

The tickets were designed by Oregon Lottery staff and highlight the diversity of the region through scenes featuring the coast, high desert, and the forest and mountain ranges. On the back of each ticket, players will find facts and tidbits about parks and natural areas that correspond to each scene.

“Oregon’s state parks offer everyone the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors – whether that’s exploring a challenging trail or a relaxing picnic with a scenic view,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are proud to support Oregon’s park system, which showcases Oregon’s natural beauty.”

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery, visit www.oregonlottery.org.

PUC Approves Customer Protections to Avoid Disconnection of Utility Service When Extreme Heat Warning in Effect

– The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved temporary rules to protect residential customers—especially vulnerable households—from disconnection of electric utility services during extreme high temperatures.

Under the new rules, which will remain in effect through October 24, 2025, all regulated investor-owned utilities including Portland General Electric, PacifiCorp, and Idaho Power, are required to:

• Not disconnect service during peak heat – Utilities are prohibited from disconnecting electric service for 48-hours following a qualifying heat event, such as a heat advisory from the National Weather Service, ensuring households can safely cope with and recover from extreme temperatures.
• Reconnect service required during heat event – Customers whose utility services were disconnected up to 7 days before a heat event can request to be reconnected without delay once the heat event begins to help prevent risk to health and safety of residents.
• Waive reconnection fees – Although previous rules approved by the Commission waive select reconnection fees for any low-income customer, these temporary rules expand to waive all reconnection fees for medical certificate account holders or discount program participants earning less than 10 percent of state median income.
• Improve outreach and communication – The new rules require utilities to improve customer notifications to help ensure eligible customers are informed of their rights and can quickly access reconnection when needed.

“The Commission approved these rules to help ensure customers of the utilities we regulate will not lose power during dangerous heat events,” said Letha Tawney, PUC Chair. “These are critical steps to protect our most vulnerable neighbors and are timely as Oregon is already experiencing the first heat events of the summer.”

# # # The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.       

More Oregon Workers Are Part Time as Labor Market Cools

• Oregon’s labor market weakened in the latest quarter as total jobs fell by 0.2 percent, shedding 25,000 positions across the state.
• This decline followed several years of slower job growth, with the health sector losing 11,000 jobs despite adding over 109,000 in the past year.
• Part-Time employment reached its highest point in a decade, comprising nearly 23 percent of workers, while job openings dropped by more than half since 2022 to about 50,000.
• Fields noted Oregon’s labor market shows less hiring demand and more slack than the national average due to demographics and higher part-time work among older workers.
• These trends indicate a cooling labor market with structural shifts that could challenge private sector growth and require economic adjustments moving forward.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing a reminder to the public that if you encounter a fawn alone, it is not abandoned, and you should refrain from removing the animal.

The agency’s Central Point office has already documented six cases of individuals bringing in fawns or has received calls from people inquiring about fawns they have picked up. It emphasizes that this is the season when deer give birth, and it is crucial to understand that they do not abandon their fawns. Instead, they conceal their fawns while they forage to prevent attracting predators, allowing them to subsequently feed their young.

Experts indicate that removing a fawn can significantly reduce its chances of survival, as stated by Chris Shelton from ODFW’s Rogue District. If you happen upon a fawn alone, it is best to leave it in its location and maintain a safe distance. Does are highly protective of their offspring and have been known to injure humans and even kill small pets.

Additionally, it is important to note that removing wildlife is illegal; it is classified as a class-A misdemeanor, which can lead to a potential year in jail and fines exceeding $6,200.

Victims of child sexual abuse or sexual assault will have an unlimited timeframe to file lawsuits against their abusers, as well as against institutions that facilitated the abuse, according to a bill that received overwhelming and often emotional support in the Oregon House on Thursday.

House Bill 3582 aims to align Oregon with a growing number of states that are either expanding or abolishing statutes of limitations for civil actions related to sexual assault or child sexual abuse.  Currently, under existing law, individuals who experienced sexual abuse during childhood must file claims by the age of 40, or within five years of when they establish a link between the abuse and the harms they have endured, whichever period is longer.

Adult victims of sexual assault have a five-year window from the time they recognize a connection between the assault and the harms they have faced.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking a volunteer to serve a three-year term as the Equestrian Representative on the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants Advisory Committee starting in 2026.

The ten-member committee evaluates grant proposals for statewide trail projects. The committee meets once or twice a year, virtually or at locations throughout the state.

The time commitment varies and includes reviewing and evaluating 25 to 40 grant applications per year. Committee members serve three-year terms and are eligible to serve a second term.

Ideal candidates representing the interest of equestrian trail users can live anywhere in Oregon with experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Land management
• Recreation planning
• Trail planning or design
• Recreation related volunteerism, or
• A trail enthusiast who is uniquely qualified to evaluate statewide project proposals through other experience and involvement.

Strong candidates may also demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreational trail needs, other broad recreational issues and the importance of providing equitable, inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities.

Those interested in serving must submit an RTP advisory committee interest form by June 30, 2025. The form is available online and includes more detailed information about serving on the committee: https://form.jotform.com/232364818278162

The competitive grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and administered by OPRD. Grants are awarded to non-profits and government entities for motorized and non-motorized trail projects, including building new trails, improving existing trails and developing or improving trail facilities.

For more information about the advisory committee or application process, contact Jodi Bellefeuille, program coordinator, at Jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-856-6316.

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)

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

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.

OHA 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. 

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