Willamette Valley News, Monday 6/30 – It’s Been Five Years Since Fauna Frey Vanished Without A Trace, Train Trestle Fire Near Sweet Home & Other Local and Statewide News…

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

Monday, June 30, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

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

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.

It’s Been Five Years Since Fauna Frey from Lane County Vanished Without A Trace In The Mountains Of Josephine County

It’s been five years since the disappearance of a Lane County Woman, who was last seen in Grants Pass.

Back in June of 2020, Fauna Frey disappeared. Police said the 45-year-old left her home in Dexter to drive to Grants Pass to visit her brother’s friend after her brother had recently passed away. The last place she was seen was at the Big 5 in Grants Pass. Investigators said her car was found in the Galice area months later.

The circumstances of Fauna’s disappearance remain unclear and her case is currently classified as missing. Her case remains unsolved.

Fauna’s disappearance has been featured on multiple investigative podcasts, including Nowhere to be Found, Here One Minute, Gone the Next, and Detective Perspective, each trying to fill the silence left by law enforcement. New listeners continue to discover her story, hoping a fresh set of eyes or a single loose memory might be the key to finding Fauna.

Have Information on Fauna Frey? Please Speak Up!

If you know anything, no matter how small, please contact:

• Josephine County Sheriff’s Office
• Tip line: (541) 359-5638
• Email: FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com

Currrently there is a $50,000 CASH REWARD for information leading to the location of Fauna Frey. LARGE CASH REWARDS are being offered for any other relevant information, such as any objects that could be identified as Fauna’s, i.e. her wallet, keys, or Indian/Buffalo .999 silver bullion coins.

Find Fauna Frey Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/341658526970132

Busy Afternoon for Sweet Home Fire Department As Another Train Trestle Fire Occurs in the Region

On Saturday, June 28, Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance responded to multiple calls beginning an around 5:00 pm, to include 2 back to back structure fires. The first fire was initially called in by a passing motorist who could see smoke near a shop at 28160 Highway 20. The first responding unit was initially investigating smoke in the area when it was discovered that this was a structure fire in the bay of an unoccupied shop.

A first alarm was dispatched and 4 apparatus responded with 10 firefighters to fight the blaze. The structure is a large shop with a mechanics bay that had an interior fire burning out into the eaves. After ensuring that no one was inside, firefighters took advantage of the building’s construction type and prevented the fire from spreading into the rest of the shop by using a technique that prevents oxygen from getting to the fire and cooling the room of the fire rapidly. The fire was contained to the room of origin but unfortunately everything was lost or severely damaged in that bay. The fire is believed to have started from an electrical issue with an extension cord underneath some tires and rims.

While restoring equipment on scene of the fire on Highway 20, another fire was dispatched near 5191 Redwood Street and was reported as a train trestle bridge over Wiley Creek on fire. Crews quickly responded across town and made access to the bridge, rapidly extinguishing the fire using water and foam. A civilian who worked near the area saw the smoke and responded with a fire extiguisher, diminishing some of the flames prior to firefighters arrival. The railroad ties and some of the strutural members were flame damaged but remained structurally intact and will be inspected by the railroad company to ensure safety. The fire appears to have been started beneath the bridge near a structural member from a pile of trash and remains under investigation.

ODF was quick to respond to both of these fires and readily supported SHFAD with engines, water and personnel. We would like to thank them and our law enforcement partners, SHPD and LCSO, for responding on both of these fires during a very busy evening. In addition to the fires, SHFAD continued to respond to medical emergencies in our district, and were only able to do so with the help from off duty personnel.

Eugene Pride

The Equality Rally and March on Saturday started after a round of speeches, then attendees marched on a the route through downtown Eugene to the Lane Events Center, where the bulk of the day’s events happened in the new location. The festival featured nearly 300 vendors and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, including several performance stages.

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!

The city of Eugene’s public works staff will hold a public hearing next month on the city’s plan to increase stormwater fees — even though councilors already approved the hike as part of the city’s new budget.

Residents can weigh in during a Zoom meeting at noon on Monday, July 7, on the planned 18% uptick to the monthly fee, which would raise $4.7 million annually through 2031. City councilors approved the increase in May to help close the $11.5 million gap in Eugene’s budget, which they approved June 23.

Though originally intended to fund stormwater and wastewater service, the fee’s purpose expanded last June when councilors amended Eugene’s code to allow it to also fund parks and open spaces. 

Earlier this year, they raised the fee to cover $1.1 million in general fund spending on parks. This latest fee increase will free up $4.7 million in general fund money to sustain services like the Sheldon Community Center and Amazon Pool between 2025 and 2027. 

Under the new rates, small-sized residences of 1,000 square feet or less will owe $15.87 monthly, or $2.39 more. Medium-sized residences between 1,000 and 3,000 square feet will pay $23.01 monthly, or $3.48 more each month.

The hearing’s timing sparks questions, given that the council already approved the fee hike and built the budget around it. 

“There is widespread support for this,” said Public Works Public Affairs Manager Marion Suitor Barnes. “There really wasn’t a concern that in the hearing there would be such monumental opposition that it would lead to a change in the direction that the council took.”

Barnes said the city is required to hold a public hearing for comment any time it proposes an administrative order like the fee increase.  (SOURCE)

LCSO Case#25-2889 Sheriff’s Office arrests online sexual predator

In May of 2025 the Sheriff’s Office began an investigation involving an adult male communicating with a minor on-line.  The resulting investigation revealed, Frank Dylan Hendricks, a 39-year-old male, engaged in illicit sexual conduct with the minor child on-line.

On June 25, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Cottage Grove Police Department, served a search warrant at the 2300 Block of East Main Street in Cottage Grove.

Frank Hendricks was contacted and arrested for:

• Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct (ORS: 163.670)
• Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the second degree (ORS 163.432)
• Luring a Child (ORS 167.057)
• Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the second degree (ORS 163.686)

Hendricks was lodged at the Lane County Jail.  The investigation is ongoing.  There are no further details available at this time.  Thank you to the Cottage Grove Police Department, who is a member of the Lane County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

This arrest is part of an ongoing effort by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable members of our community. Thanks to the many agencies who participate in the Lane County ICAC Task Force and collaborate to make this work possible.

If anyone has information regarding this case or additional victims, please contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141 and reference case #25-2889.

102-Year Sentence for Child Molester

In March 2025, Sergeant Caleb Riley and Detective Tracy White began investigating Chad Edward Kastle, 49, of Scio for sexually molesting a minor child over several years in Linn and Marion County.  The minor was known to Kastle.  All crimes were prosecuted in Linn County Circuit Court.  Kastle was convicted of three counts of Rape in the First Degree, four counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, one count of Sodomy in the First Degree, one count of Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the Second Degree, and Attempt to Commit a Class B Felony.

Today, because of Sergeant Riley and Detective White’s investigative efforts and the courage of the victim to speak out, Kastle was sentenced to 102 years in prison.  Sheriff Duncan wants to commend Sergeant Riley and Detective White on their efforts to keep the children in Linn County safe and to find them justice.

Retail theft project results in multiple arrests

Salem, Ore. — Multiple people were arrested Thursday, June 26, during a focused enforcement project at the Willamette Town Center in Salem. Thanks to a grant from the Oregon Department of Justice, this marks the second time detectives from the Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit worked to deter organized retail theft under the grant. The funding covers the overtime costs associated with completing these crime-fighting projects, which are in addition to the team’s normal investigative workload.

The enforcement operation was in collaboration with loss prevention staff from multiple stores located at the Willamette Town Center. During the operation, officers arrested 11 people for varying degrees of theft. Several of those arrested also had existing felony warrants for prior crimes.

Arrested were,

Honee Casterson, 44, Salem
Forrest Dalton, 29, Salem
Sara Dove, 42, Salem
Melissa Holland, 30, Salem
Ashley Hooper, 26, Salem
Juan Irrazary-Rivera, 50, Salem
Stephanie Maestas-Early, 31, Salem
Hilary Mora, 38, Salem
Mikaila Oneill, 30, Salem
Mogan Ryan, 27, Salem
James Wiese, 36, Salem

The previous project, in March 2025, resulted in the arrest of four men and two women, ranging in age from 25 to 46. They were also charged with various degrees of theft.

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.

East Albany Lions Club Invites Community to 2025 Lumberjack Breakfast at Timber Linn Park

– The East Albany Lions Club is proud to present the annual Lumberjack Breakfast, a beloved community tradition returning to Timber Linn Park this summer. The event runs for four consecutive mornings, Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6, 2025, with breakfast served daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

This family-friendly event brings the community together for hearty, lumberjack-style breakfasts in a festive outdoor setting. Guests can enjoy generous portions of eggs, pancakes, sausage, and other favorites, along with bottomless coffee and beverages to fuel the day.

Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children, making it an affordable outing for families, friends, and visitors looking to enjoy one of Albany’s most flavorful summer traditions.

Proceeds from the Lumberjack Breakfast support the local service projects of the East Albany Lions Club, including programs that benefit the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF). These efforts help provide vision and hearing services to individuals and families across the state who might otherwise go without. Learn more about the Foundation’s impact at www.olshf.org.

Event Details:

• Event: 2025 Lumberjack Breakfast
• Dates: Thursday, July 3 – Sunday, July 6, 2025
• Time: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM daily
• Location: Timber Linn Park, Albany, OR
• Admission: $12 Adults | $5 Kids
• Proceeds Benefit: Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation – olshf.org
• More Info: Roger Wylie – rogerb.wylie@gmail.com

All are welcome to attend. Come hungry, bring your friends, and enjoy breakfast with purpose.

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

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!

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. 

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

Our Little Free Pantries are running low—and for some neighbors, these are their only source of food right now.If you’ve got: A few extra cans A box of pasta Unopened hygiene items Kid-friendly snacks…you can make someone’s day a little easier. Just place your donation directly into any Burrito Brigade Little Free Pantry around town. No sign-up, no questions—just community caring for community. Find a pantry near you: BurritoBrigade.org/pantries It’s a simple act with a big impact. Support our Mission: BurritoBrigade.org

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.

OEM Encourages Oregonians to Celebrate the July 4 Holiday in a Fire-safe Way!

The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, filled with fireworks, barbecues, and outdoor fun. But with all the excitement, it’s important to prioritize fire safety to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone. Eighty-five percent of wildfires are started by humans—many times with fireworks and campfires. Whether you are celebrating at home or traveling out of the area, know the latest road conditions, check if you are visiting an area near a wildfire, make sure you are signed up for Oregon emergency alerts, activate Federal Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone, understand the evacuation levels, and make sure you have an emergency kit in your car—stay safe and don’t be the spark this holiday. 

Fireworks—Keep it Legal. Keep it Safe. 

Fireworks are a staple of Independence Day, but they can also be dangerous. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display organized by professionals. There are plenty of places you can see coastal displays, Portland area displays, the southern Willamette Valley, as well as other parts of Oregon. If you choose to use consumer fireworks, follow these precautions – including: 

• Always check local regulations before lighting fireworks in your area. 
• Never give fireworks to small children and keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of emergencies. 
• Light fireworks one at a time and never attempt to relight a dud. 
• Maintain a safe distance from fireworks and never point them at people, animals, or structures. 
• Remember, all fireworks are banned on public lands. This includes state and federal parks. 

Campfire and Outdoor Fire Safety—Don’t be the Spark. 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department maintains a state parks campfire/flame restrictions in page, the Oregon Department of Forestry maintains one for state lands, and the Bureau of Land management maintains a list for federal land. If your celebration includes a campfire or fire pit, follow these guidelines: 

1. Check if fires are allowed where you are camping.  
2. Keep flames small—about knee height—to prevent embers from drifting into trees or dry areas. If the wind picks up embers, put the fire out. 
3. Use designated fire rings—they’re placed in safe areas with buffers of at least 25 feet away from tents and vegetation. Use outdoor fireplaces and fire pits only in well-ventilated areas. 
4. Always have water nearby to fully extinguish the fire—douse, stir the embers, and ensure everything is wet. 
5. Beach fires belong on open sand—keep them away from driftwood and plants. Pour water slowly to avoid spraying hot sand. Never use sand to smother the fire—it traps heat and can cause burns later. 
6. Propane fire rings require the same precautions as wood fires—rules may vary by location. 
7. Never leave a fire unattended—many accidents happen when campers step away for just a minute. Ensure everyone, including kids, understands fire safety. 

Grilling Safety 

Backyard barbecues are a great way to celebrate, but they also pose fire hazards. Keep these tips in mind: 

• Place your grill away from overhanging branches, siding, or deck railings. 
• Never grill indoors and always supervise the grill while in use. 
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill. 
• Use long-handled tools designed for grilling to prevent burns. 

Additional Fire Risks 

• Discarded cigarettes – a single lit cigarette tossed carelessly can spark a wildfire.
• Equipment malfunctions – sparks from machinery, vehicles, or electrical failures can ignite dry vegetation.
• Dragging metal – loose chains or parts dragging on the road can create sparks.
• Exhaust system failures – Worn-out catalytic converters and exhaust components can emit hot carbon particles.
• Brake pad wear – thin brake pads can cause metal-on-metal contact, generating fire-causing sparks. 
• Low tire pressure – driving on exposed rims due to low tire pressure can throw sparks. 
• Parking on dry grass – hot exhaust parts can ignite dry vegetation on contact. 
• Electrical system failures – faulty wiring or damaged electrical components can lead to vehicle fires. 
• Fuel system leaks – gasoline leaks can ignite from heat or sparks. 

By following the above fire safety tips and being aware of all the ways fires can spark, you can enjoy a fun and safe Fourth of July celebration. 

For more fire safety tips, visit FEMA or the U.S. Fire Administration. 

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.

Webinar series to honor 35 years of disability civil rights kicks off July 8

— The public is invited to a series of free webinars featuring conversations with disabilities advocates, experts and influencers who will share the latest information on educational and employment access, challenging perceptions about disabilities, as well as how to remove barriers.

Topics by date are:

• July 8: Striving for educational access and equity for students with disabilities
• July 15: Working toward equal access employment for people with disabilities
• July 22: Hannah and Shane Burcaw, who host YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs on changing perceptions about disabilities
• July 29: Oregon’s journey to accessibility: removing barriers

The free weekly webinar series is being hosted by Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC), Oregon Department of Human Services, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon in recognition and celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“The Americans with Disabilities Act was a landmark victory in the fight for civil rights, laying the foundation for greater equity and independence. The anniversary of the Act is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible Oregon for people with disabilities,” said Mark King, Chair of ODC. “We are grateful to our co-hosts for their partnership in presenting the upcoming webinar series. Their collaboration helps ensure we continue to educate, engage and advocate in ways that honor the spirit and impact of the ADA.”

The series will take place every Tuesday throughout July, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time, beginning July 8. The sessions are open to the public, and registration is now available through the event web page on Zoom.

The series will be accessible to people with disabilities and will be translated into Spanish. Captioning and American Sign Language interpretation will also be provided. For questions about accessibility for the webinar series, or to request an accommodation, contact egonDisabilities.Commission@odhsoha.oregon.gov“>OregonDisabilities.Commission@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

More information about the series, including presenter biographies and shareable flyers, will be shared on the Oregon Department of Human Services ADA event web page.

About the Oregon Disabilities Commission: The Oregon Disabilities Commission is charged by state statute to advise the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving the full economic, social, legal and political equity of individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

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: 

1. Unvaccinated pregnant people.
2. Infants younger than 1 year old.
3. 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: 

1. Have a measles-like rash (see CDC link here for an example: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/photos.html).
2. 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/.

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.

19-Year-Old Falls, Drowns at Local Ashland Area Swimming Hole

JCSO Case 25-3388 — ASHLAND, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to a call for a drowning last night at a swimming hole located off of Dead Indian Memorial Road outside Ashland. Next-of-kin has been notified. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. No suspicious circumstances were observed on scene, we will not be releasing decedent information out of respect for the family’s privacy in this difficult time.  

JCSO deputies responded Thursday, June 26 at 7:19 PM to the rock quarry reservoir in the 500 block of Keno Access Road outside of Ashland. The initial investigation revealed a 19-year-old man reportedly fell from a cliff at the water’s edge and disappeared into the deep water. JCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) responded to recover his remains. JCSO Medical Examiner detectives arrived to investigate. There is no additional information available at this time.

Late last week, Democratic Oregon Governor Tina Kotek enacted legislation that grants unemployment benefits to workers on strike, following the lead of neighboring Washington state, which has implemented similar measures in response to recent walkouts by Boeing factory employees, hospital nurses, and educators in the Pacific Northwest.

Oregon’s legislation marks it as the first state to offer compensation to public employees who are picketing — a group that is generally prohibited from striking in most states, much less receiving benefits for such actions. Under this new law, striking workers will be eligible to receive unemployment benefits after a two-week waiting period, with a maximum benefit duration of 10 weeks. Currently, only three other states — New York, New Jersey, and most recently Washington state — provide unemployment benefits to striking workers.

The legislation in Washington, which was approved in April, allows striking private sector employees to receive benefits for up to six weeks, commencing after a minimum of two weeks on strike.

In contrast, Democratic Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont vetoed a bill on Monday that aimed to offer financial assistance to striking workers, having previously vetoed a similar proposal last year. The passage of Oregon’s bill was marked by significant contention. It initially cleared the state Senate in March and subsequently passed the state House earlier this month.

However, a majority of senators disagreed with the amendments introduced by the House, necessitating the formation of a conference committee to reconcile the differences between the two legislative versions. Ultimately, the bill received final approval after a compromise was reached regarding the 10-week benefits cap. The legislation incited considerable discussion among lawmakers and constituents alike, resulting in the submission of over 1,000 letters of written testimony.

Over 7,000 marijuana plants and 300 pounds of processed marijuana were confiscated during a raid conducted in Cave Junction.

The Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team, collaborating with the FBI, Homeland Security, the IRS, and various other agencies, executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 31000 block of Redwood Highway.

Alongside the illegal marijuana, authorities discovered numerous violations of electrical, water, and solid waste codes, all of which may lead to civil forfeiture of the property. At the time of the search, the suspects were not located and remain at large. They are facing several charges, including unlawful manufacturing and possession of marijuana, as well as unlawful appropriation of water.

As Oregonians confront swiftly rising utility costs, state legislators are advocating for new laws to protect consumers.

The FAIR Energy Act (HB 3179), which has successfully passed the House and is now in the Senate, seeks to reform the method by which utility rates are determined, ensuring enhanced accountability and preventing power disconnections during essential winter months.

Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Southern Jackson County) stated that the primary goal of the FAIR Act is to assess the effects of soaring energy prices on consumers. She detailed significant protections, noting, “One of the provisions of the bill is that utilities are prohibited from disconnecting power during winter months, and they are also barred from implementing rate increases during that time.”

Marsh further discussed the challenges many Oregonians encounter, saying, “I believe you are witnessing genuine calculations for individuals regarding whether to pay a utility bill or to allocate funds for groceries.” The legislation will mandate that utilities requesting rate hikes provide an economic analysis of the impact on their customer base, recognizing the direct repercussions of escalating costs driven by factors such as wildfire management, inflation, and heightened demand due to warmer summers.

This legislation signifies a wider initiative to alleviate the financial strain on residents, with Marsh clarifying that “this bill elevates the community and the ratepayers to a higher threshold than we have experienced in the past, ensuring that our needs and the implications of what the utility proposes will truly be taken into account.

Individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those with disabilities who meet the criteria for assistance in Oregon, are eligible to receive complimentary emergency kits.

The Office of Aging and People with Disabilities has approximately 18,000 emergency kits and 1,200 power stations in stock. Eligibility for these items is granted to those who receive Medicaid in-home support services. For further information, please consult the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities.

Owens Corning has announced the closure of a door components factory located in Prineville, resulting in the layoff of all 184 employees starting on August 25.

This marks the latest in a series of factory shutdowns and layoffs across Oregon, contributing to a significant decrease in manufacturing employment. Previously owned by Contact Industries, the Prineville facility has experienced a series of ownership changes in recent years.

Owens Corning, based in Ohio, acquired the plant as part of its $3.9 billion acquisition of Masonite International last year.

Megan James, a spokesperson for Owens Corning, characterized the closure of the Prineville facility as a “strategic business decision” in an email sent on Tuesday. The company informed state workforce officials that some employees will remain until November to facilitate the winding down of operations.

Since the fall of 2022, Oregon factories have cut nearly 14,000 jobs, leading to an overall decline of 7% in manufacturing employment. These job cuts encompass a variety of sectors, including clean energy, semiconductors, and traditional roles in forest products.

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.

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.

Ways for people to protect their EBT card

Imagine suddenly losing $250 of your monthly budget. What would you have to give up—meals, medication, peace of mind?

For more than 1,500 families in Oregon, this wasn’t a thought exercise. It happened to them in 2024 when they reported their food or cash benefits were stolen, likely through organized fraud.

This theft of food and cash benefits­­—Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)—are a growing and serious problem nationwide and here in Oregon.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is working hard to fight this theft. The agency urges everyone who uses SNAP or TANF to protect their EBT card and benefits. Easy ways to protect your EBT card include:

• Freeze the card between uses
• Block out-of-state and online purchases
• Check EBT account regularly

More information is available on the Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits webpage. There is a brochure, flyer and wallet card available in many languages. There are also short videos about using an EBT card, how to replace an EBT card and all the ways to protect your EBT benefits. These are posted in the How-to Videos section of benefits.oregon.gov.

How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits:

• In your language: Help in Your Language.
• By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075. Some self-service features are available 24/7, such as checking your benefit status or ordering a new EBT card. All relay calls are accepted.
• Online at: benefits.oregon.gov.
• Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores.
• In person at an office near you: Find an office.
• By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309.
• By fax at: 503-378-5628.

Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find food resources.
• 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 adrcoforegon.org.
• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, 211info.org

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

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