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 27, 2025
Willamette Valley Weather
Stay updated with the National Weather Service and NOAA for the latest information on evolving conditions.
June 22–28 is #LightningSafetyAwarenessWeek. Lightning strikes can cause fires, injuries, and even death—knowing what to do can save lives.
Download NFPA’s Lightning Safety Tip Sheet for key reminders on how to stay safe during a storm: https://nfpa.social/4dQJEEq
The Legal Sale of Retail Fireworks in Oregon Through July 6
In Oregon, it is illegal to deploy any firework that launches into the air or shoots flames without a permit. Legal fireworks, such as fountains, flitter sparklers, ground spinners and spinning wheels, are sold in the state from June 23 to July 6, but these fireworks are banned from use within Eugene city limits.
Eugene Pride Kicks Off
Jun 28, 2025 11:00 am to 7:00 pm — Lane Events Center – 796 W. 13th Ave, Eugene, Oregon 97402
Equality Rally & March — Our annual Equality Rally & March is back this year, and we have some powerful speakers lined up. Gather at Kesey Square in downtown Eugene at 9am on 6/28. Speakers will begin and 9:30am and the march will leave for the Events Center at 10:15am.
New date, new location, same great festival! — This year we’re celebrating Pride in Pride month at the Lane Events Center. Tickets will be on a sliding scale from $1-$20 with no one turned away due to inability to pay, and they can be purchased at the door or on our website. Tickets are required in order to keep the event secure and attendees safe and free from harassment by out of town agitators.
Join us for a day of love, celebration, organizing, and community at Eugene Springfield PRIDE 2025! This year’s festival takes place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Lane Events Center from 11am-7pm, where we’ll come together to honor and uplift the LGBTQ2SIA+ community.
Expect an exciting day filled with live entertainment, local vendors, delicious food, a community resource fair, and fun activities for all ages. Whether you’re here to celebrate, connect, or show your support, there’s something for everyone at PRIDE!
The festival will feature nearly 300 vendors and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Visitors can expect three performance stages, including a new DJ stage, along with live music, drag shows, and a range of food and drinks. A 21+ after-party will extend the celebration until 10 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
Please take a look at this year’s Community Guidelines before heading to Pride! One big change – attendees will not be able to bring any sign, flag, or banner into the festival grounds that are larger than 11”x14”. This includes Pride flags, unfortunately. This policy is intended to prevent the types of disruptions from aggressive hate-groups that we have experienced during past years’ festival, and the policy is in line with the Lane Events Center’s guidelines. Don’t worry though – we’ll have plenty of flags throughout the festival! Want to help out on Saturday? We still need volunteers! The biggest need is in the late-afternoon/early evening.
Transportation to Pride — There are many great options for getting to Pride this year and ample parking for $5 (donated to HIV Alliance) at our new location. Lane Transit District is proving free bus passes for Pride-goers and we will offer a free bike valet at the festival. The City of Eugene’s Transportation Planning team is offering Gaybale rides from around the parking lots to the entrance gate, too!
After Party — Eugene PRIDE comes together with the producers of CHUB to bring you our first after party and 21+ event! Featuring irresistible dance grooves from DJ ENRIQUEDAMNIT in a kink-inclusive hall we’re call The Hanger just off our outdoor food court from 5pm-10pm.
Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door. Get your ticket today and join in the fun!
We believe PRIDE is for everyone, which is why entrance tickets are offered on a sliding scale of $1, $2, $5, or $10. An entry scholarship will be available, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
We want everyone to feel welcome and included in this special celebration. Your participation helps support Eugene PRIDE and our initiatives, including scholarships for LGBTQ2SIA+ students and programs that empower and uplift our community. — Visit our website to learn more: https://www.eugenepride.org Happy Pride!
Pride Block Party for National HIV Testing Day on Friday, June 27th
Want more Pride fun? HIV Alliance is hosting a Pride Block Party for National HIV Testing Day at Kesey Square in downtown Eugene on Friday, June 27th from 4pm-8pm. Featuring live music, drag, and other entertainment, as well as local artists, artisans, and vendors, the free event is a great way to kick off Pride weekend.
Free HIV testing will be offered throughout the event, and you can find out more on their website. Know your status and get tested!
Governor and Congresswoman Celebrate Benton County Crisis Center – Public Invited to Tour This Weekend
CORVALLIS – Benton County administration, elected officials and behavioral health partners gathered on June 20 to celebrate the completion of the Benton County Crisis Center. Governor Tina Kotek and Congresswoman Val Hoyle joined the Board of Commissioners and other County leaders in a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the new building.
The Crisis Center, located at 240 NW 4th Street in downtown Corvallis, will begin providing walk-in crisis counseling and mobile crisis dispatch on July 7. Stabilization and respite services will be added as part of the phased opening approach.
Behavioral health is a priority for Governor Kotek and has been throughout her career in public service. Kotek is currently focused on building statewide capacity for every Oregonian to have access to behavioral health services and support no matter where they live or what they can afford.
“This center is a result of our state’s ongoing work for more spaces and places for Oregonians to get the help they deserve,” Governor Kotek said. “It is the type of capacity that we need, where someone in crisis can stabilize in a safe space, and for those who need more time, a residential setting where they can stay up to 29 days and receive therapy, life skills training, case management, and connections to long-term care.”
Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse cited an increase in need over the last decade for mental and behavioral health support as well as substance use services. She believes the COVID pandemic exacerbated the problem, and that social and economic pressures also add to the strain.
“There are many stressors affecting everyone in our community —no one is immune to a behavioral health crisis,” said Commissioner Wyse. “Benton County brought together a variety of experts, including health partners, law enforcement and architects, to design this facility that will fill critical gaps in our continuum of care and be a safe, welcoming, therapeutic space for everyone.”
The community is invited to see the new Crisis Center during the public open house and information fair on Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to noon. Visitors can stop at information stations set up throughout the building to learn about its planning, design and construction and the services that will be offered in each space. Partner organizations will be present to share information about other behavioral health supports available in the community. — More information is available at health.bentoncountyor.gov/crisis-center-open-house/.
Springfield Police Department Swears in First Female Police Chief
Jami Resch was sworn in as the new Chief of Police for the City of Springfield on June 25. She has been the interim police chief since March 17 before being officially sworn in.
Resch has 26 years of experience in law enforcement and joined the Springfield Police Department in 2023. She is a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute and has previously served as 49th Chief of the Portland Police Bureau.
Following the resignation of preceding Springfield Police Chief Andrew Shearer in March, Resch has been serving as the interim. Resch is the first woman to hold the position in the department’s history. She said she takes the title with honor and hopes to inspire others.
Lane County Recommends Drug Overdose Prevention Strategies For Summer Events
Lane County Public Health recommends safety precautions around substance use at festivals, concerts, and events. There is a continued prevalence of fentanyl in Lane County’s illicit drug supplies. The effects of fentanyl, a powerful illicit opioid, are seen in increased calls to 911, emergency room visits, and deaths.
In summer months, Lane County residents attend increased outdoor events that may include alcohol and illicit substance use. Because fentanyl is undetectable, public health officials recommend being educated and prepared to save lives.
An overdose from fentanyl can be reversed with the use of naloxone, sometimes known as Narcan, an overdose reversal medication that is safe, legal, and available over the counter for anyone to use in an emergency.
The signs of a fentanyl overdose include being unresponsive, having slowed or no breathing, having gray skin, or making gurgling or snoring sounds. If someone has these symptoms, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone.
Some substances can be tested for fentanyl with fentanyl testing strips. And many festivals and events may offer drug testing services to reduce risk but it’s important to know that no test can be 100% accurate.
You can learn more through Fentanyl Aware Lane County by visiting www.fentanylaware.com
Celebrating 20 years as Oregon’s Favorite Annual Mountain Bike Camp!
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/
Road Closure: Old Mill Road (Office Covered Bridge) for Mountain Bike Oregon event — Old Mill Road , Westfir
Closure location: Office Covered Bridge – Thursday, June 26, at 12:00 p.m. through Sunday, June 29, at 4:00 p.m. Alternate routes: None.
Man charged with DUII, Reckless Driving after single-vehicle crash
At 6:36 a.m. on June 25, callers reported a Chevrolet Colorado pick-up truck had crashed at Green Acres Road and Delta Oaks Drive and was wedged between a pole and a bush.
An officer arrived and helped the driver, 37-year-old Mitchell Allen Gould, out of the vehicle from the front passenger door. The vehicle had crashed into a Eugene City power pole and the front right of the vehicle was inside of a large bush where the vehicle had come to a stop approximately 30 feet from a residence.
The officer suspected impairment and after Gould was checked out by medics, the officer continued the investigation and Gould was arrested for DUII. During a search incident to arrest, officers located some cocaine and called for an assist by Springfield Police for an on-duty Drug Recognition Expert. Gould was cited in lieu of custody for DUII, Reckless Driving, Unlawful Possession Controlled Substance Cocaine Drug Enforcement Misdemeanor. Additionally, Mitchell was cited for the violations Driving Uninsured and Driving While Suspended. Case 25-10037
6/26 – On Wednesday around 6 PM, Lane Fire was dispatched to a grass fire that was later determined to be in Junction City Fire & Rescue’s district.
Junction City Fire was notified, and both departments worked together to quickly contain and extinguish the fire. No structures were lost. Great teamwork by both crews!
Man arrested after 7-Eleven Robbery
At 2:26 p.m. on June 24 multiple Eugene Police officers responded in emergency mode to a robbery at 7-Eleven, 951 W. 6th Avenue.
The suspect, 31-year-old Russell Dalton Ward, was reported to have shoplifted and then when confronted brandished a knife and threatened employees. An employee followed him to a residence in the 400 block of Monroe, but it was believed the suspect left prior to officers getting there.
An officer later knocked on the residence after finishing with his investigation at the 7-Eleven and saw Ward appear from around the house. Ward immediately ran into a nearby backyard and several other officers arrived. Ward eventually came out and turned himself over to police. He was lodged at Lane County Jail on several warrants and a new charge of Robbery in the First Degree. Case 25-10008
ER Wait Times Skyrocket In Springfield After PeaceHealth Closed Eugene’s Only Hospital
PeaceHealth’s decision to wind down operations at the downtown Eugene campus didn’t just eliminate an emergency department. It ended most inpatient care, except for behavioral health services.
At RiverBend, emergency visits jumped from 9,883 in 2023 to 13,687 in 2024. That first quarter of 2024 was its busiest first quarter in six years. (Data for 2025 is not available yet from OHA.) In tandem, the average time patients spent in the emergency department also rose, reaching nearly seven hours.
Union members and staff with the Oregon Nurses Association say the transition from two PeaceHealth emergency departments to one was difficult.
And though PeaceHealth moved staff to RiverBend and maintains a relatively high number of beds there, about 60, that doesn’t replace the physical presence of hospital care in Eugene.
Meanwhile, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center is considering a potential satellite emergency department to expand access for west Eugene residents, many of whom face a 20-minute drive or more to reach either of Springfield’s full-service hospitals. Learn more 
https://ow.ly/9QF050WfGH0
Eugene City Council Public Accepted the budget committee’s recommendation for the next 2 years, including:
- Raising the stormwater fee by 18-percent to free up $4.7-million in general funds.
- Restoring services like park maintenance, library hours, and animal services with Greenhill Humane Society.
- Directing the City Manager to investigate how to relaunch a CAHOOTS-like program for crisis response at an estimated cost of $2.2-million a year.
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).
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!
Recreational use advisory lifted for Fern Ridge Reservoir
—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Fern Ridge Reservoir in Lane County. OHA initially issued the advisory on June 18.
Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Fern Ridge Reservoir are below recreational guideline values for people.
OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. 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.
When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause a person to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities – and keep pets out of the area.
Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.
For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.
Rite Aid’s Echo Hollow Store Closing as Company files bankruptcy
The Rite Aid store on Echo Hollow is preparing to shut its doors. It’s one of more than 30 locations closing across Oregon as the company undergoes its second bankruptcy filing in less than a year.
Rite Aid is re-entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy just seven months after it first emerged from the process. The company now operates just over 1,000 stores nationwide, less than half of what it had two years ago.
Pharmacy services at the Echo Hollow Road location have already stopped, and the store is expected to close entirely in the near future. The closure leaves one fewer pharmacy option for residents in the area.
Executives say the new filing is part of a plan to explore a potential sale and restructure its business model amid what they describe as a rapidly changing retail and healthcare environment.
In a statement, Rite Aid CEO Matt Schroeder said, “While we have continued to face financial challenges…we are encouraged by meaningful interest from a number of potential national and regional strategic acquirors.”
Prescriptions from the Echo Hollow store are being transferred to other Rite Aid locations or partner pharmacies. Rite Aid has not released a timeline for when other Eugene stores will close permanently. We do know the Rite Aid on Coburg Road is also set to close, while locations in Woodfield Station and on Marcola Road in Springfield remain open.
HELP YOUR COMMUNITY BEAT THE HEAT WITH OPERATION SUMMER HYDRATION
Supporting water needs in the community during hot temperatures this summer — Lane County Health & Human Services, in partnership with the Severe Weather Collaborative and First Christian Church, is calling the community to join in helping others to Beat the Heat by donating cases of water to Operation Summer Hydration.
Operation Summer Hydration is an effort to collect much needed water supplies to help our unhoused neighbors stay safe during the high and extreme temperatures we continue to experience during the summer months. This water supply can also be accessed by local area cooling spaces who offer short term respite from the heat to both the housed and unhoused, when temperatures reach 90 degrees and above.
These water donations can mean the difference between safety and hazardous health risks for those exposed to prolonged extreme heat and dehydration. Your generosity can make a life-saving difference for someone facing the elements this summer.
To kick off Operation Summer Hydration, the Severe Weather Collaborative and First Christian Church will host a one-day donation drive on Friday June 27th from 1pm-4pm where community members can drop off water donations. After the event, water donations will be accepted Monday through Thursday from 10am to 2pm at First Christian Church.
Water donations and other essential outdoor survival items to support those experiencing homelessness can also be purchased from the Amazon Wish List and shipped directly to First Christian Church at 1166 Oak Street, Eugene, OR 97401. — Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XR33GS1ULV8Z?ref_=wl_share
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/
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.
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.
Visit us at the First Christian Church – 1166 Oak St.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9-1
Sunday 12-4
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572229470271
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.
The Legal Sale of Retail Fireworks in Oregon – June 23rd to July 6th
- Legal fireworks in the State of Oregon include but are not limited to novelty devices, wheels, flitter sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, and ground spinners.
- The legal sale of retail fireworks in Oregon is from June 23rd to July 6th.
- There is no regulation pertaining to when consumer legal fireworks may be used. Please be courteous to your neighbors and friends.
- There are restrictions as to where fireworks can be used, such as beaches and federal lands. Always check with the local jurisdictions. See the fireworks education page.
- Illegal fireworks include but are not limited to sky lanterns, missiles, rockets, firecrackers, cherry bombs, M-80s, Roman candles, and bottle rockets.
- Should you wish to report the firing of illegal pyrotechnic devices, please contact your local law enforcement via their non-emergency number.
- If you would like to request information about issued permits on a specific location, please submit a Public Records Request.
- For assistance in disposing of your leftover or unwanted fireworks, call your local law enforcement via their non-emergency number or the Oregon State Police non-emergency number at 1-800-452-7888.
Local jurisdictions may further regulate the sale and use of fireworks in their areas. Always check with your local jurisdiction for the legal use of fireworks in your area.
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
Oregon’s first measles case of 2025 confirmed in Multnomah County
Health officials investigating individual’s recent international travel, potential locations of exposure
Oregon Health Authority and county public health officials are investigating a case of measles in an individual who recently returned to the state following international travel. The individual is not vaccinated against measles.
A commercial laboratory confirmed the measles case June 23. The affected individual is an adult who developed measles symptoms—sore throat, weakness, fatigue, headache and fever—on June 16.
The individual was hospitalized in the Portland metro area with a rash and conjunctivitis June 19 and was discharged June 21. County public health officials and hospital staff believe no patients were exposed. The person is recovering.
Health officials believe the individual acquired the disease while traveling abroad the last four to five weeks. This case is not believed to be connected to measles outbreaks in other U.S. states.
“We’re here to tell you that measles is now in Oregon, and if you’re not vaccinated, you are susceptible,” said Paul R. Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division.
“You could get measles if you’re exposed to someone who is contagious, which can be from four days before their rash starts until four days after. After exposure, it can take up to three weeks before you show the characteristic measles rash. So, someone could not even know they have measles and be transmitting it for several days. That’s why it’s extremely important that all adults and children in their household be up to date on vaccinations.”
People might have been exposed if they were in any of these areas during these times:
- Flight UA1832/SN8869 (Brussels Air Operated by United Airlines) on Tuesday, June 17 (economy cabin); departed Chicago O’Hare International Airport at 4:01 p.m. CDT, arrived at Portland International Airport at 6:29 p.m. PDT.
- Portland International Airport arrivals and baggage claim between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17.
- Safeway, located at 401 A Ave., Lake Oswego, in Clackamas County, between 1 p.m. and 3:20 p.m., on Sunday, June 22
How measles spreads and symptoms
Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. The virus particles can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area.
Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. In developed countries in recent years, one or two out of every 1,000 measles cases have been fatal.
Determining your risk of measles
Most people in Oregon have been vaccinated to prevent measles, usually as children. Anyone who received a measles vaccination at any time in their life has a very low risk of getting measles. But the disease is highly contagious, and the risk is high for anyone who has not received measles vaccination and has been exposed to the disease.
Measles poses the highest risk to:
- Unvaccinated pregnant people.
- Infants younger than 1 year old.
- People with weakened immune systems.
You are considered immune to measles if any of the following apply:
- You were born before 1957.
- You’ve been diagnosed with measles at any point in your life.
- A blood test proves that you are immune.
- You have had two doses of measles vaccine.
Traveling internationally
Individuals traveling to places known to have measles should get vaccinated in advance. It is also important to vaccinate infants 6-12 months old who are planning to travel internationally to places where measles is common.
What to do if you suspect measles in your household
Public health officials urge people experiencing symptoms of measles not to arrive unannounced at a medical office if they:
- Have a measles-like rash (see CDC link here for an example: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/photos.html).
- Have been exposed to measles within the previous 21 days, AND have any other symptom of measles (such as fever, cough or red eyes).
Individuals planning to seek medical care should first call a health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.
Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx, and on OHA’s blog at https://oregonhealthnews.oregon.gov/measles-what-you-should-know/.
Report finds Oregon hepatitis C death rates are among the country’s worst
Oregon has clocked in at the top of a nationwide database for rates of hepatitis C, prompting state health officials to call for increased resources aimed at stemming the disease’s impact on Oregon’s most vulnerable communities.
People in Oregon are 2.7 times more likely to die from hepatitis C compared to those who live in other states, according to two annual reports on hepatitis C released by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in April. The most recent data in those reports is from 2023.
That puts Oregon behind only the District of Columbia and Oklahoma, according to the center. The average rate of hepatitis C-related deaths in Oregon stands at 6.76 per 100,000 people, the data shows.
“Hepatitis C is common, causes serious illness and leads to a lot of hospitalizations and deaths,” said Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at the Oregon Health Authority’s public health division, in a Monday news release. “The good news is that we can now treat it and spare people a lot of suffering.”
The viral disease involves liver inflammation, hampering the body’s ability to fight infections and filter its blood after an infection takes hold. Symptoms of hepatitis C include yellow skin, lack of appetite, pain in the stomach or dark urine, which can progress into chronic pain or cancer in extreme cases.
While alcohol use and certain medications can cause the condition, it can also be transmitted through the sharing of drug-injection equipment, unprotected sexual activity and sharing other personal, non-sterile equipment in health care settings or businesses like tattoo parlors.
Who’s most affected? – Health officials’ analysis of the CDC’s data for Oregon found that those who use illicit drugs are most likely to develop an infection. They also pegged those aged 20 to 29 years old as most likely to acquire the disease, with Black and Native American communities around twice as likely to contract the virus “due to systemic challenges.”
The rise of the infection has also been particularly acute in rural areas of Oregon, with a March 2025 study from Oregon Health & Science University finding that peer support and easy access to telemedicine care led to a 63% cure rate, nearly four times higher than those served by their local providers. No such program exists statewide in Oregon.
“My hope is that public health can play the important role of linking people with hepatitis C to appropriate care,” Cieslak said in the release. “We’d love to be able to implement peer support services and telehealth for hepatitis C systematically across the state.”
Efforts to increase access to care and interventions against the disease are underway as part of OHA 2024-27 Strategic Plan, which aims to expand access to vaccines and other health resources for communities throughout Oregon. Vaccines are not available for preventing hepatitis C, but the disease can be cured with treatment and medication, often within eight to 12 weeks, according to the CDC.
The health authority is calling for additional resources to improve local responses to hepatitis C screening, such as more peer-supported services, additional streamlined pathways to life-saving care and monitoring systems for tracking testing and curing rates. (SOURCE)
Growing Demand and Workforce Needs in Oregon’s Health Care and Social Assistance Sector
Health care and social assistance is a large and steadily growing sector of Oregon’s economy. Although overall job growth slowed recently in Oregon, gains have accelerated in the health care and social assistance sector.
In 2024, Oregon employers added 5,700 jobs (+0.3%) to nonfarm payrolls. By comparison, private health care and social assistance added 16,100 jobs (+5.7%) from 2023 to 2024, to reach an all-time high of 301,000 jobs.
From 2001 to 2024, total nonfarm employment in Oregon grew by 24%. At the same time, private health care and social assistance grew by 92%.
Private health care and social assistance employers reported the largest number of job openings among all sectors of Oregon’s economy for most of the past 12 years. As job growth has accelerated, so has the sector’s share of all job vacancies in Oregon.
Prior to the pandemic recession, health care and social assistance generally accounted for one out of every five private-sector job openings.
In 2024, the sector’s share rose to nearly one-third (32%) of all job vacancies. Private health care and social assistance had an average of 18,200 job openings at any given time during the year.
Personal care aides and registered nurses had the largest number of health care job openings in 2024. They also had the largest number of vacancies reported by employers as difficult to fill.
Health care and social assistance will also lead future job growth in Oregon. Total employment is expected to grow by 170,000 jobs (or 8%) between 2023 and 2033. Health care and social assistance is projected to grow by 13%, adding 37,000 jobs.
One out of every five new jobs added in Oregon by 2033 will be in health care and social assistance.
Seven of the 15 fastest-growing occupations in Oregon over the decade are related to health care. They include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical health and services managers, veterinarians, and veterinary assistants and technicians.
Employers will also need to replace workers who retire, otherwise leave the labor force, or make major occupational changes away from health care and social assistance. Adding these replacement job openings to projected growth, health care and social assistance will average nearly 38,000 total job openings each year through 2033. Growth expectations in future years could be hindered by increasing retirements, or an insufficient pipeline of workers into the sector. More details are available in the full report at QualityInfo.org.
A podcast version of the report is also available on the OED YouTube page. — # The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.
The 2025 Hidden Bottle Hunt, Hosted by OBRC and BottleDrop, Returns for its Fifth Year! From June 26-29, daily clues will lead treasure hunters to six commemorative bottles hidden throughout the state in celebration of Oregon’s iconic Bottle Bill
The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, who operates the BottleDrop network, is excited to announce its 2025 Hidden Bottle Hunt, scheduled to take place June 26-29. This annual summer event, now in its fifth year, invites families and communities to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate Oregon’s history of environmental stewardship, all while supporting local charities. Clues for the statewide hunt will be posted daily on BottleDrop’s website, guiding treasure hunters to the final hiding spots.
This year’s commemorative bottle design honors the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary in Lake County. Thanks to the work of DarkSky Oregon, whose mission is to preserve Oregon’s magnificent dark skies and to diminish light pollution for the health, safety and well-being of all life, this majestic southern Oregon sanctuary offers one of the most breathtaking night sky viewing experiences in the country.
“The Hidden Bottle Hunt has always been about discovery and wonder, and this year, we’re taking that spirit to new heights,” said Devon Morales, vice president of external affairs for OBRC. “The 2025 hunt invites participants to explore Oregon trails and parks under skies as timeless and awe-inspiring as the stars themselves. It’s a celebration of Oregon’s Bottle Bill, adventure and the magic that happens when curiosity meets the great outdoors.”
“This year’s Hidden Bottle Hunt is an opportunity for Oregonians to celebrate the outdoors and learn how to light wisely at night,” said Bill Kowalik, chairperson of DarkSky Oregon. “Good luck to all participants! Starry nights for all!”
The 2025 Hidden Bottle Hunt will be comprised of six separate, simultaneous hunts, geographically dispersed in parks, trails or land open to the public across Oregon. OBRC will release clues each day of the hunt, leading treasure hunters to the hidden bottles. The lucky winners will get to keep the commemorative bottle and select a BottleDrop Give nonprofit partner to receive a $1,000 donation through BottleDrop’s Containers for Change program. Thousands of nonprofits across Oregon raise funds for their organizations through the BottleDrop Give program each year.
July marks the 54th anniversary of the Oregon Bottle Bill, which Governor Tom McCall signed into law on July 2, 1971. It established the nation’s first beverage container redemption system and has helped keep Oregon clean and litter-free for more than five decades. Oregon’s Bottle Bill is also the most successful in the nation. In 2024, Oregon’s preliminary redemption rate was 90.4%, with Oregonians returning more than 2 billion containers for Grade-A domestic recycling.
Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative | 17300 SE 120th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015 | bottledrop.com | obrc.com
Participants can learn more about the hunt and sign up for daily clue reminders by visiting
http://bottledrop.com/hunt
About the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative — The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative is the industry steward of Oregon’s nationally recognized beverage container redemption system and the operator of the BottleDrop network. On behalf of the beverage industry, OBRC helps Oregonians conveniently redeem and recycle more than 2 billion containers every year, dramatically reducing litter in Oregon’s special places and boosting the
state’s recycling outcomes. To learn more, visit BottleDrop.com or OBRC.com.
Face Rock Creamery, based in Bandon, Oregon, is recalling two specific batches of its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds over a possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recall is for 6 oz. cups with use-by date of 08292025, which were sold at Trader Joe’s locations in Northern California and Northern Nevada.
According to the Food & Drug Administration:
The Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds was packaged in a clear in a sealed plastic cup with lid and has the UPC 8 51222 00528 7. It has the Lot numbers 20250519VS01 and 20250519VS02, and the Use By date of 08292025.
Listeria can cause serious illness and even death in young, elderly, or groups with weakened immune systems.
“Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women,” the FDA said.
North Entrance to Crater Lake National Park Reopens
The North Entrance to Crater Lake National Park has reopened in time for the summer season.
The following roads are now open:
- Highway 62
- Munson Valley Road
- West Rim Drive
- North Entrance Road
- East Rim from North Junction to Skell Head
The National Park Service is reminding the public that open roads in the park may still have icy areas, even with the sun out. Drivers are asked to take care.
East Rim Drive from Skell Head to Park Headquarters is still closed as plow operators continue to move rocks, snow and debris. https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Lincoln County School District Employee Convicted of Raping Student
On June 24, 2025, Lincoln County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Sheryl Bachart sentenced Angela Schafer (53-year-old) to 18 months in the Department of Corrections for sexually abusing a Taft High School student while Schafer was employed by the school district.
Schafer was employed by the Lincoln County School District in 2022 as a Health Services Advocate serving at Taft High School, Lincoln City, Oregon. In September 2024, Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) initiated an investigation after allegations surfaced regarding an inappropriate relationship between Schafer and a student earlier that year. After an extensive investigation by Detective Bud Lane (LCPD), Schafer was officially indicted by the Lincoln County Grand Jury in November 2024.
On June 24, 2025, Schafer entered a guilty plea to one count of Rape in the Third Degree for knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under the age of sixteen and one count of Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor. Under Oregon sentencing guidelines, Schafer was initially subject to a probationary sentence given her lack of criminal history. However, given the vulnerability of the victim and Schafer’s position of power or trust over the victim, the State planned to seek a prison sentence through enhancement factors after trial.
Ultimately, through plea negotiations, Schafer stipulated to an 18-month prison sentence with an agreement that Judge Bachart would decide whether the prison sentence would be served immediately or held in abeyance while Schafer was supervised locally in the community. At sentencing, DA Wallace advocated for Schafer to be sentenced to an upfront 18-month prison sentence given the role Schafer’s employment played in her crimes and the particular vulnerability of the victim. Defense argued that Schafer should be placed on probation given the viable treatment options in the community.
Prior to sentencing Schafer, Judge Bachart stated, “You never know who is capable of doing this; it can be anybody. Some people are put in positions with greater access to children and you used your position, the access you had to this child, and his vulnerability to sexually abuse him – the aggravating factors are significant.” Judge Bachart sentenced Schafer to 18 months prison and Schafer was taken into custody and began serving her sentence today. Schafer will also be required to register as a sex offender, complete an alcohol and drug treatment program, and pay a $8,500 fine. — This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jenna Wallace.
Oregon’s House of Representatives has approved a reform package aimed at tackling the increasing threats and costs associated with wildfires
According to the Oregon House, House Bill 3940 modernizes wildfire mitigation funding and introduces a new tax on oral nicotine products.
The bill is designed to enhance Oregon’s wildfire finance and response systems. It establishes new funding mechanisms for wildfire mitigation and links them directly to taxes on emerging nicotine products.
Rep. Pam Marsh of Ashland emphasized the need for “21st-century solutions” to prioritize wildfire mitigation and community safety.
“This bill is about prioritizing wildfire mitigation, making our communities safer, and building a funding system that is more sustainable. We’re investing in resilience and taking real steps to reduce the long-term human and economic toll of wildfire,” Marsh said.
One component of the bill is the introduction of a per-unit tax on oral nicotine products, like nicotine pouches, with the revenue directed to the Landscape Resiliency Fund and Community Risk Reduction Fund. House Bill 3940 passed with bipartisan support and now advances to the Oregon Senate for further consideration.
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.
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
