Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 8/20 – More Affordable Housing Units Coming to Eugene, Eugene Industrial Project Funding Creating More Jobs & 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

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

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

More Affordable Housing Units Coming to Eugene

Homes for Good, along with partners Head Start of Lane County and Early Childhood Cares will be offering 81 new affordable housing units in Eugene.

The new complex, called Ollie Court, is being built at the intersection of W. 13th Avenue and Chambers Street next to Cesar Chavez Elementary School. The $50 million project consists of two four-story apartment buildings.

Ollie Court features two four-story buildings with 81 affordable residences, an on-site manager residence and a 12,000 square-foot on-site Early Learning Center with six classrooms managed by Head Start for residents and nonresidents.  This unique co-location addresses the need for affordable housing and childcare in our community. 

Bringing Ollie Court to fruition requires funding from various sources including federal, state and local assistance.  

City of Eugene support for Ollie Court includes:  

• 3-acre property on West 13th Avenue
• $2.2 million in HOME Funds 
• $797,000 in City Fee Assistance

The Ollie Court project received an Oregon Legislature direct contribution Early Learning Center facility grant and loan, Local Innovation Fast Track funds and 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from Oregon Housing and Community Services, EWEB incentives and a private bank loan.  

Renderings Courtesy of PIVOT Architecture and Homes for Good.  Photos Courtesy of Homes for Good and City of Eugene.  Construction is expected to wrap up this fall.

Homes for Good Housing Agency   ·Starting Tuesday September 2nd, 2025 Homes for Good will be accepting Project Based Voucher (PBV) wait-list referrals for one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in Eugene

Placement into Ollie Court is currently by Local Preference REFERRAL ONLY, OR to those currently on Homes for Good’s Housing Choice Voucher Wait List. Contact a Local Preference Provider if you believe you qualify for a referral.

Applicants must meet very low-income guidelines (50% area median income) to qualify. Income will be assessed at the time the applicant is served. Residents must meet occupancy requirements for the bedroom size selected. Read the full Communication: https://ow.ly/px2I50WGTV4

State Funding Moves Industrial Project Forward Creating More Jobs

During its 2025 legislative session, the Oregon State Legislature awarded the City of Eugene $6 million for the Clear Lake Industrial Area (named for its location along Clear Lake Road near the Eugene Airport), an infrastructure project that will bring economic development opportunities to Eugene.  

The City estimates that the Clear Lake area alone has capacity for 3,000 new jobs, but providing infrastructure to this area could benefit an even larger area and create greater job capacity – up to 6,000 new jobs. This state funding, along with local System Development Charge funds, will help add key pieces of infrastructure that are critical investments for industrial land readiness and will encourage industrial development that creates new jobs in the manufacturing sector.

This first phase of construction was planned to build a pump station, wastewater system and electrical, water, stormwater and transportation facilities. Engineers are considering how best to maximize the extension of the wastewater system within the awarded first phase funding.

Western Oregon has limited large sites zoned for industrial activity, limiting our state’s ability to grow strategic manufacturing industries, such as semi-conductor, biotech, and other advanced manufacturing, as well as a Lane County sector priority of food and beverage production.

Manufacturing jobs pay 22% more than the average wage in Oregon—increasing this sector is one way to increase the number of high-paying jobs for Oregonians. Seeing this need, the City of Eugene expanded its urban growth boundary (UGB) in 2018 to include the Clear Lake Industrial Area. The 650-acre Clear Lake area includes large lots designated for future industrial activity. This area creates an opportunity for existing local firms to expand operations or for new firms to relocate.

Construction is expected to begin around the summer of 2027 with completion estimated by the summer of 2029.

Background – In the early 2000s, Eugene identified the Clear Lake Industrial Area as an appropriate location to grow the region’s manufacturing sector. The City has worked to ensure that nearby residential neighborhoods are considered when expanding business. The City created a special development framework for the area, implementing City policies that call for fairness and equity in achieving a healthy environment, vibrant community, and improved quality of life for surrounding neighborhoods. The Clear Lake regulations identify certain restricted or prohibited uses. These prohibitions and restrictions are intended to avoid incompatibilities between odorous emissions or particulate discharges and nearby residences, schools, or parks. There is also a large regional park that serves as a buffer between the industrial area and the residential area to the south.

This project works to support City of Eugene Strategic Plan goals to increase wages and job creation and to improve support for local business environments. (SOURCE)

Sweet Home Fire District Structure Fires

At around 1523 Tuesday afternoon, Sweet Home Fire District was dispatched to a structure fire near the 3200 block of Main St. Crews found heavy smoke and fire consuming roughly fifty percent of the structure and spreading to the adjacent structures on either side.

A 2nd alarm was utilized which brought additional man power and additional fire apparatus from our mutual aid partners. Two of the the three structures sustained heavy fire damage and the third structure sustained minimal damage to the interior. Crews worked hard and were able to bring the blaze under control in about an hour. 

In total 3 Command officers, 43 firefighters and 16 apparatus responded to the fire including crews from our mutual aid partners from Lebanon Fire District, Brownsville Rural Fire District, Oregon department of forestry, PP&L, and the Sweet Home Police dept. Sweet Home Fire would like to thank those partners for their assistance. The cause of the fire is undetermined. During the incidents no firefighters or civilians were injured.

Aubrey Mountain Fire Update – U.S. Forest Service – Willamette National Forest 

The Aubrey Mountain Fire, located on the Middle Fork Ranger District, was contained on the afternoon of August 18th. The total fire size was 25 acres. The cause remains under investigation.

A quick, full suppression response by USDA Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry and Oakridge Fire & EMS resources as the fire began on August 7th, assisted by moderated winds on the second day of initial attack allowed firefighters to stop forward progression of the fire early on within the steep, timbered slopes adjacent to Highway 58. At the height of response resources engaged on the fire included nine engines, two hand crews, an interagency hotshot crew, three helicopters, two airtankers, and various overhead supporting logistics, information and other incident response functions.

The availability of resources and strategic pre-positioning of them across the Willamette National Forest ahead of an anticipated increase in fire potential played a key role in the duration of time it took to fully implement the full suppression strategy. Risk-informed decision making was used to safely make gains in suppression from initial attack and handline construction, to mop up, or the cooling of hot areas from the fire perimeter up to a determined depth within the interior of the fire.

Fire season is still here! With a return of warmer and drier conditions forecasted for later this week, please remember to follow all public use restrictions. Report new wildfires to 911.

Lane County to Open 2025–2026 Community & Economic Development Grant Program

Lane County’s 2025–2026 Community & Economic Development (CED) Grant Program solicitation will officially open for applications on September 3, 2025, with a submission deadline of October 8, 2025 at noon. Application materials are available now to give interested agencies a chance to prepare.

The CED Grant Program offers competitive funding to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities that serve Lane County. The program supports projects and initiatives that strengthen our local economy, foster innovation, support entrepreneurs and small businesses, invest in workforce training, and revitalize Main Streets and downtowns across the region.

With a total of $200,000 available for the 2026 grant cycle, individual grant awards will range from $5,000 to $30,000. Priority will be given to proposals that:

• grow employment or wages in key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, technology, food and beverage, biosciences, and childcare;
• support small businesses and entrepreneurs through technical assistance and incubation;
• foster innovation and industry engagement; and
• enhance Lane County’s downtowns and commercial corridors.

“We are really excited to launch this program again,” said Jason Harris, Community and Economic Development manager for Lane County. “These grants enable us to support innovative projects in our community that might not otherwise have funding. We encourage potential applicants to begin preparing their proposals and take full advantage of this year’s offerings.”

More details, including application materials and FAQs, are available now at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CEDgrant or by contacting CED@LaneCountyOR.gov. Applications will be accepted via Lane County’s procurement site, Bidlocker, between September 3, 2025 and October 8, 2025.

Las solicitudes y aplicaciones también están disponibles en Español.

About Lane County Community and Economic Development
Lane County Community and Economic Development is your Oregon Video Lottery dollars at work! Community and Economic Development programs support building vibrant communities by partnering with local business support organizations, cities, special districts and economic development agencies to facilitate community development and create economic prosperity. This program fosters economic opportunity across Lane County with a specific focus on rural and unincorporated communities.

Lane Transit District

 ·In case you missed it, the August issue of Bus Talk is available now. Check it out: https://zurl.co/Ov22p

New Construction Adding Hundreds of Houses in Springfield

Hayden Homes, a Redmond-based development company, acquired the property in 2020 and began construction in 2021. It has built nearly 170 houses so far, and about 150 of those have sold. The development is nearing its halfway mark and is adding needed housing stock in the city.

Hayden Homes marketing director Katie McGowan told Lookout Eugene-Springfield the company has another 180 homesites still to be built on in the neighborhood, which extends from Squirrel Street to Holly Street and South 49th Place to South 53rd Place.

On Wednesday, Aug. 13, construction workers paved new sidewalks on Cedar View Drive in front of homes in various stages of development. Many of the houses had red and white “Sold” signs in their windows. Nearby, a dump truck dropped dirt on lots awaiting construction and a compactor leveled the soil.

Selling prices for the homes range from $395,000 to $545,000. The houses are one to two stories, with three to five bedrooms and two to four bathrooms. They all have a two-car garage. Homebuyers can pick from already built homes, or they can choose a floor plan for a home to be constructed on an empty lot.

According to Zillow, the current median sale price for a home in Springfield is $431,000. 

McGowan said Hayden Homes provides “new homes to price-conscious, value-driven homebuyers in underserved, secondary markets” throughout the Pacific Northwest. She said Woodland Ridge has been attracting a range of buyers, from people purchasing their first house to those “drawn to the peaceful setting and easy-to-maintain homes.”

The development adds needed housing in Springfield. According to a city housing snapshot updated in spring 2025, housing is hard to find in the city due to a low vacancy rate, which was 0.4%. A 2% rate is considered “healthy.” 

Also, Springfield’s housing inventory is aging, with only 4.2% of housing in Springfield being built since 2010, according to the city. Fewer homes were built in the last decade than in any decade since 1940.

The city issued building permits for 1,756 housing units during the last five years (about 350 per year). Springfield needs 470 new housing units every year for the next eight years to meet state housing production targets, according to a 2024 Oregon Housing Needs Analysis. 

Of the 3,760 units that need to be built over the next eight years there needs to be:

• 37% for households earning the least income (0-30% of the area median income)
• 21% for families earning 31-60% of the area median income
• 23% for households earning 61-120% of the area median income
• 19% for families earning greater than 120% of the area median income

Other recent large-scale developments in the city include Marcola Meadows, a large neighborhood of single-family homes built by D.R. Horton in north Springfield, and Alma Apartments, an affordable housing complex being built by Cornerstone Community Housing. (SOURCE)

The Eugene Police Department is ramping up its efforts to curb drinking and driving, launching a no-nonsense DUII high-visibility enforcement campaign starting Wednesday, which will continue through September 1.

This enforcement surge is made possible through an Oregon Impact DUII Grant, which funds the increase of patrols beyond the department’s typical capacity, ensuring the streets are closely monitored for impaired drivers.

Impaired driving poses a real and preventable risk to our community, and the Eugene Police are using the grant to put more eyes on the road and more boots on the ground during a time when celebrations often lead to dangerous driving choices.

According to a press release from the City of Eugene, everyone can play a part in making the roads safer by picking a designated driver before they start drinking, not letting friends drive impaired, or choosing a taxi or ride service after consuming alcohol.

Additionally, if you’re throwing a party where liquor’s flowing, be a good host and arrange for sober rides home for your guests. And while it might seem like a simple act, buckling up your seatbelt remains the most effective defense we have against the unpredictability of impaired drivers on the road.

When you’re out driving and come across a motorist who appears to be under the influence, stay safe and dial 911. By taking these steps, you’re not just avoiding trouble, you’re actively supporting community efforts to reduce harm.

Fatal Crash – Highway 20 – Linn County

On Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 9:22 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 20, near milpost 4, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Toyota 4Runner, operated by Ryker Thomas Pittam (19) of Albany, swerved to avoid another vehicle attempting to make a left turn into a driveway. The Toyota lost control and rolled, ejecting the operator in the process.

The operator of the Toyota (Pittam) was transported to an area hospital and was later declared deceased.
The highway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.

Mount Pisgah Arboretum – Support our all-terrain track chair program!

We host two all-terrain track chairs through the organization David’s Chair, the chairs are free for the public to use. Volunteers are essential to the program, checking out the chairs and orienting users, and then meeting users at the end of their reservation time to put the chairs away. Sign up for an upcoming training on August 27th at 2pm or September 4th at 5:30pm. Learn more and sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/…/20F0B4EADAD2CA3F94…

Search Continures for Elderly man missing in the Raisor Road area south of Cottage Grove Lake

Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue continues to investigate Stout’s disappearance. Stout may have walked away from the area or hitchhiked. Deputies have alerted police jurisdictions where he may be headed.  

Cottage Grove area residents with security cameras in the following areas are asked to check their recordings for video of Stout on August 8th from 9 a.m. to the evening: – Raisor Road – London Road – Weyerhaeuser Road – Cottage Grove Reservoir Road – S. 6th Street   Stout would likely be walking with a cane, in addition to the description below.  

— The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 80-year-old Herbert Elroy Stout of Cottage Grove. Stout was reported missing earlier today from his residence in the 31600 block of Raisor Road, where he was last seen this morning.  

Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue is actively searching the area, however Stout has been known to hitchhike and recently spoke about going to California.   Stout is described as a white male adult, standing approximately 5’6” tall and weighing about 135 pounds. He has gray hair in a shoulder-length ponytail, blue eyes, and a white beard. He was last seen wearing glasses, a maroon shirt, and light blue jeans. Stout suffers from dementia and a seizure disorder.  

Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue and deputies are actively searching for Stout. LCSO Case 25-3729 Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141.

RAVEN-Radical Assistance

Hi Friends! We are really focused on getting indoors before winter comes. We are looking for help buying a building or 1000 to 2000 square feet to rent in the downtown area. Our goal is to buy a big building and provide a lot of services all in one place. Any donations, connections and ideas are appreciated!!! DONATE https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-raven-continue-services-for-vulnerable-neighbors?attribution_id=sl:6046b707-a91c-415b-8197-fe584d6bd2ba&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

Mount Pisgah Arboretum is proud to host two all-terrain track chairs through the organization David’s Chair

These chairs are free to use and can be reserved online or by calling the Mount Pisgah Arboretum office. Visit mountpisgaharboretum.org/visit/accessibility/ or call (541) 747-3817 to learn more or reserve the chairs.

Free repair services coming to Cottage Grove, Florence & Oakridge with new ’Fix-It Booths’

Waste Wise Lane County, a part of Lane County Waste Management, is excited to announce a new initiative to bring free repair services to rural communities through “Fix-It Booths.”

Residents near Cottage Grove, Florence, and Oakridge can now bring their broken household items to scheduled events and work with volunteer fixers to get them repaired—free of charge.

The booths will run from now through early fall.

Unlike larger Fix-It Fairs, which feature multiple repair experts at a single event, the Fix-It Booth model will offer a single fixer at a time, allowing for more frequent repair opportunities. This approach ensures rural communities have ongoing access to repair services, reducing waste and saving residents money.

Event Details

• Where: Cottage Grove, Florence & Oakridge Farmers Markets. See schedules and locations at fixitlanecounty.org/calendar.
• Cost: Free
• What to bring: Small household items in need of repair (e.g., clothing, small appliances, electronics, etc.) Please visit fixitlanecounty.org/calendar for specifics before attending.

Since 2023, Lane County has hosted five Fix-It Fairs, serving hundreds of residents and diverting countless items from landfills. However, rural communities have expressed a need for more frequent repair opportunities. The new Rural Fix-It Booth Project addresses this gap by providing consistent, accessible repair services where they’re needed most.

“We’re thrilled to expand our repair services through this innovative model,” said Jeff Orlandini, Waste Management Division manager. “By setting up at local markets and events, we can help more people fix instead of replace, keeping usable items out of the waste stream and supporting sustainable habits.”

In addition to the Fix-It Booths, Lane County will also host a traditional Fix-It Fair in Springfield later this year on September 21.

For more information, visit FixItLaneCounty.org/calendar or follow Waste Wise Lane County on social media.

About Waste Wise Lane County – Waste Wise Lane County—a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—empowers residents, schools, and businesses with education, tools, and resources that can be used to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. For more information, visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise.

Catholic Community Services of Lane County, Inc. (CCS)

You’re Invited! A Magical Family Morning at the Hult Saturday, August 30th 10:30am – 12pm (Free Event for Families)

Celebrate the end of summer with a free family-friendly event at the Hult Center! On Saturday, August 30th, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, enjoy live entertainment, creative activities, and a sprinkle of magic—perfect for kids ages 5–10 (and fun for all!). Don’t miss Fooble the Dragon’s whimsical performance at 11:00 AM, hands-on games, community partner booths, and a special school supply drive to help local families. Join us in the Hult Center Lobby for a morning full of joy, imagination, and giving back!

https://hultcenter.org/events/magical-family-morning-25/ — Catholic Community Services of Lane County is proud to assist in promoting this free, family-friendly event.

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.

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

Lane County Stand Down

Oakridger Rocks The Park!

Click here for more info, click here!

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

Waste To Taste

 ·  We’re 67% of the way there Can you help us reach our fundraising goal?We’re in the process of buying a new building—and with your help, we can renovate it into a space that stores more rescued food, serves more people, and becomes a true hub for nourishment, connection, and dignity. Every dollar brings us closer.https://www.zeffy.com/…/raise-the-roof-from-warehouse… Support our Mission: BurritoBrigade.org

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

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

Lane County Government   · 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭—𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝.

Lane County residents: Sign up for Lane Alerts and get critical information about emergencies sent to you as a text message, phone call, email, or all three—you choose!

Whether it’s wildfire, severe weather, flooding or another emergency, Lane Alerts keeps you informed and ready. Pick the locations that matter most—like home, school, or work Choose how you want to be contacted—text, call, or email Stay a step ahead 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐮𝐩 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐭 www.LaneAlerts.org — it’s free, easy, and could save lives. 𝐁𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝. 𝐁𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝. 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬.

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)

White Bird Clinic

This year marks 60 years of community health centers transforming care across the U.S. At White Bird Clinic, we’re proud to be part of this legacy – bringing whole-person care to our community’s most vulnerable neighbors for more than 50 years! From medical and dental services to harm reduction and crisis response, we’re here to meet people where they are.Learn more about community health at the link below: https://www.nachc.org/about-nachc/history-of-chc/

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: The deadline for applications to the EBT Nutrition Program for Kids is September 3rd.

Families that meet the eligibility criteria can receive 120 dollars per child to assist with food expenses during periods when school nutrition programs are not in operation. Most qualifying school children received their benefits on May 22nd; however, families that did not automatically receive benefits can apply to determine their eligibility.

To learn more:

• Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Visit sebt.oregon.gov.

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.

Firefighters from Coos Forest Protective Association still actively engaged in suppression efforts on the Doerner Fir tree fire. 

The Doerner Fir, a large and historic coastal Douglas Fir tree, is burning on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land east of Coquille, Coos Forest Protective Association report: Doerner Fire Tree Fire, Update 08/19/2025 8pm – Firefighters worked today to monitor hot spots and improve containment lines on the Doerner Fir Tree Fire, east of Coquille.

An infrared drone flight this morning showed one area of heat approximately 280 feet up the tree, where fire is burning a cavity into the tree. Firefighters monitored this hot spot while exploring options to extinguish the fire in this area of the tree. The flight also showed that yesterday’s helicopter bucket drops successfully cooled the very top of the tree.

As the weather trends hotter and drier this week, crews continue to reinforce containment lines around the base of the tree to reduce the risk of any fire spreading. A helicopter and additional resources are on standby, available to respond if fire activity increases.

The Coos Bay District issued an emergency closure of public lands for the area surrounding active fire suppression activities. The closure includes all BLM-administered lands in T27S R9W Sections 29 and 31, the Doerner Fir Trail, and BLM Road 27-9-21.0.

BLM investigators have ruled out lightning as a cause of the fire based on weather data, and the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.The Doerner Fir Tree Fire was first reported on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. Standing 325 feet tall with a diameter of 11.5 feet, the Doerner Fir is one of the largest coastal Douglas-fir trees in the world.

The fire is burning in the top of the tree and extends down the trunk. Officials say the tree stands over 325 feet high and has an 11.5-foot diameter. “Formerly known as the Brummit Fir, the tree is one of the tallest non-redwood trees in the world and is estimated to be 450-500 years old,” Coos FPA says.

. Visitors should be aware that the area will be closed to public use at this time due to active fire and firefighting efforts. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

ONA Statement on Providence Closing the Family Birth Center at Providence Seaside Hospital

SEASIDE, Ore. – It’s heartbreaking to see Providence close Seaside’s birth center. For nearly 50 years, nurses and healthcare professionals have been here to help newborns draw their first breath and provide trusted care before and after birth for families on the Oregon Coast. This abrupt closure sets our community up for failure and abandons expectant parents at one of the most important and vulnerable times of their lives.

Minutes matter for parents and newborns. Providence is forcing families to travel more than 30 minutes to Astoria or more than 75 minutes to Tillamook just to deliver babies.

This closure is devastating for young families but it will negatively affect everyone in our community. With no other options, moms will be sent to the ER leading to longer waits for everyone. This will affect people suffering from heart attacks and broken bones to COVID and car crashes.

Providence’s pattern of cuts will harm caregivers and the health and safety of communities up and down the coast; leaving us all with fewer choices, longer waits and worse healthcare. 

——-Closing birth centers has become a dangerous trend in Oregon and across the U.S. More than 500 hospitals in the U.S. have closed their labor and delivery departments since 2010; contributing to rising maternal mortality rates. Since 2019, Oregon health systems closed birth centers at hospitals in Redmond, Baker City and Gresham and threatened to close birth centers in Lebanon and Lincoln City. 

Following public outcry and state intervention, Legacy was forced to reopen its birth center at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham. Nurses, community leaders and elected officials are all actively pushing back against plans to close family birth centers at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital and Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City. 

While the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) recognizes that Medicaid cuts and broader attacks on our healthcare system from the Trump administration are serious issues, Providence and other healthcare systems must confront their priorities as profit-driven businesses that dole out lavish executive salaries.  

 Providence is a $30 billion corporation whose top executives take home millions each year. Patients and caregivers should not be forced to pay the price for corporate greed or political decisions beyond their control.  
 
It’s time for Providence to live up to its mission and make real investments in our communities and provide Oregonians with the care they deserve.  

###The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

Support Oregon Wildfire Relief with BottleDrop

Donate through BottleDrop to support nonprofits providing wildfire relief for those impacted by recent, ongoing, and future wildfires in Oregon. We’ll match all donations made via BottleDrop through Oct. 7 (up to $20k!) and then split the total donations between the Red Cross Cascades Region, United Way of the Columbia Gorge, and the Oregon Chapter of the WFF.

You can donate in-person by bringing your redeemable beverage containers into any full-service BottleDrop Redemption Center or donate online with funds from your Green Bag account: https://bottledrop.com/…/obrc-emergency-fund-online…/ Learn more: BottleDrop.com/Wildfire

8/20 – #OregonFires

#OregonFires22 Oregon Wildfires – many are silent fires between 1 to 3 acres. These silent fires can quickly turn into dangerous fires. Please stay alert and ready. One LANE COUNTY Fire (Level 1 evacuation ) 75% contained. Silent Fires and Evacuations could change very quickly, so please stay alert and safe. WILDFIRE MAP: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/portfolio/index.html…

Nearly 80% of all fires this season have been attributed to human or undetermined causes; the rest were determined to be started by lightning. A large fire is considered any wildfire that burns more than 100 acres in timber or 300 acres of grassland and brush. As always, for the latest fire information visit the NWCC fire website.

WILDFIRE MAP: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/portfolio/index.html…

If you see a fire call 911.  Also if you are a witness to the start of a fire and can provide information, eye-witness statements, video, photos or any other data, you can assist investigators by emailing them to etips@odf.oregon.gov“>odf.firetips@odf.oregon.gov. This information helps our investigators in creating a full picture of what happened and identify a responsible party if there is one.

Sign up for emergency alerts Follow evacuation orders immediately Don’t park on dry grass

Keep 30 feet of defensible space around your home No outdoor burning or fireworks

U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

WILDFIRE UPDATE – 08.20.25 – 9:00 AM The Scenic Fire (#280), located near National Creek east of HWY 230 on the High Cascades Ranger District remains at 49 acres and is now contained.

Crews will continue to grid for any remaining heat and mop up towards the interior, where heavy timber may still smolder and produce visible smoke in the area. Please travel with caution along HWY 230 and watch for crews and engines as they continue work on this fire. This will be the last update for this fire unless significant change occurs.

Crews, engines, heavy equipment and other firefighting resources are staged in strategic locations around the forest to be ready for any new fire starts. Air and ground reconnaissance is ongoing. Fire danger on the forest is currently high. Please use caution while recreating and keep our forest and firefighters safe. If you see suspicious or careless behavior while you are out in the forest, please report it. Law Enforcement will be actively patrolling High Cascades Ranger District and other areas of the forest.

WILDFIRE UPDATE – 08.19.25 – 9:00 AM The Peavine Fire (#286), located one mile south of the Winchuck River is now contained. Firefighters on scene will continue to grid for any remaining heat and complete mop up. This will be the last report unless significant change occurs.

Scholfield Ridge Fire, 5 miles south of Reedsport in the Coast Range.

FINAL UPDATE 8/18/2025 8:30pm The Scholfield Ridge Fire saw firefighters continuing aggressive mop up and griding the fires perimeter for heat. Firefighters continued to utilize wet ground conditions to aid this process. The fires perimeter showed no growth holding at 50 acres with containment rising to 57%. This will be the last daily update for the Scholfield Ridge Fire. Firefighters will continue to be in the area daily working toward 100% containment.

Fire Season INFO to Know

All Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts are in fire season. This means that to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, fire restrictions may be in place where you live or at a destination you plan to visit or recreate. 

Here are some links regarding fire info for mainly Oregon.These links are very important and are updated daily.

* Northwest Coordination Centerhttps://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/fire_info.php…

* Central Oregon Fire Info Bloghttps://centraloregonfire.org/

* Lane County/Oregon Fire Updates – FB Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/650665385833845

* Oregon Fires 2025 FB pagehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1481912815460351

* South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership – SCOFMPhttps://www.facebook.com/SCOFMPFIREINFO

* US Forest Service – Deschuteshttps://www.facebook.com/deschutesnationalforest

* Rouge Weather – THE DAILY WILDLAND FIRE BRIEFINGhttps://www.facebook.com/RogueWeatherNow…

* Wildfire Trackerhttps://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map

* Watch Duty websitehttps://www.watchduty.org/

* Watch Duty FB Page –https://www.facebook.com/watchdutyapp

* Pacific Aerial Firefighting Aircrafthttps://www.facebook.com/groups/344050713692737/

Now is the time to brush up on your wildfire prevention knowledge. Tips include:

• Know before you go. Campfires may be banned or only allowed in approved campgrounds.
• Make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before going to sleep or leaving your site. Don’t forget to Drown, Stir, Repeat. 
• Backyard debris burning either requires a burn permit during fire season or is prohibited altogether. If you burned earlier this spring, go back and check on your debris burn site to make sure nothing reignites due to the heat.
• Don’t flick a cigarette onto the ground. It may be just enough to start a fire.
• Don’t park or idle over dried grass.
• Don’t drag tow chains.
• Check local restrictions and fire danger levels.

ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state, and federal land in Oregon from wildfire. For more information on how you can help prevent wildfires, visit keeporegongreen.org. 

Senator Ron Wyden postponed his scheduled Josephine County town hall Monday afternoon after a group of protesters disrupted the event.

The group of protesters were demanding he take action to help end Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The town hall was set for 4 p.m. at Rogue Community College’s gymnasium in Grants Pass. According to a statement provided by Wyden’s office, the decision was made by the college president after it became clear that “a dozen or so protesters would not allow the other 250 attendees to speak.”

“Because keeping the audience safe at any of the senator’s town halls must be paramount, the college president announced that today’s Josephine County town hall was postponed,” the statement read.

This is not the first time Wyden’s town halls have been interrupted. His events in May 2025 and July 2024 also saw protests that disrupted discussion.

Wyden’s office noted the senator has held 1,131 town halls across Oregon and said the forums are intended to give “every Oregonian the opportunity to exercise their First Amendment rights and ask him any question.” A new date for the Josephine County town hall has not yet been announced.

Governor Kotek Announces Effects of Trump Budget Cuts to Oregon$15 billion to be lost from Medicaid, food benefits, other programs

Governor Tina Kotek announced that the budget reconciliation bill backed by the Trump Administration and passed by Republicans in Congress is projected to cut $15 billion in federal funding from Oregon for health insurance coverage, food benefits, and other programs.

The announcement is the result of a preliminary analysis by the State of Oregon’s Chief Financial Officer in coordination with state agencies upon the passage of President Trump’s budget early in July. The analysis may change pending detailed federal guidelines to implement the bill.
In response, Governor Kotek stated:

“The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress have betrayed American children and families, who will become sicker, hungrier, and less prosperous because of President Trump’s budget bill. Oregonians will see less of their federal tax dollars coming back to our state for things they count on. Furthermore, President Trump and Congress knew that state governments cannot pay for this substantial gap in services but went ahead and did it anyway.

“I am going to work with Oregon lawmakers and community partners to do all that we can to stand up for Oregonians and get through this needless, callous hardship. I will continue to hold the line and push back as Oregon values are under threat. I hope Oregonians will stand with me as we fight this together.”
Additional preliminary analyses of impacts to Oregon state agencies can be found here.

The Governor will convene state lawmakers and key stakeholders who work with or represent populations most at risk from the Trump Administration’s budget cuts to consider possible strategies to reduce impact to people, and her office will continue to communicate impacts as they come into focus through implementation.

Oregon Food Bank Says Some Food Warehouses Closing

Food banks in Oregon report reduced programs and food availability, following policy changes by the Trump Administration, and local advocates worry issues will worsen as cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) take effect. 

Oregon Food Bank President Andrea Williams says cuts to federal grant funding, the cancellation of farm contracts and impending changes to SNAP benefits have forced some partners to close food warehouses, “Stories we’re hearing on the ground in the nonprofit sector, especially in rural parts of the state. But also just the numbers we’re seeing in terms of the rise of people coming, and then less food,” she said Wednesday, “We’re hearing partners are having to even ration foods, hold back foods, so that they can provide free food throughout the week and not just during certain time periods. We are extremely worried about the food bank system in the state of Oregon even being able to respond to the increase in need that we will inevitably see.” Williams says 1,200 partners around Oregon saw a 31% increase in visits for food assistance in 2024, compared to the previous year.

David Wieland, with Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon, worries needs will increase as more changes from the OBBB are implemented, “We estimate that up to 100,000 Oregonians will see reduced or removed SNAP benefits if we can’t act. I mean, that’s like the entire population of Hillsboro or Bend.”

SNAP is under attack. Cuts and restrictions will mean more hunger across Oregon — especially for youth, immigrants, veterans and people with disabilities. Food banking can’t replace the scale of federal programs. Hunger is a choice our leaders make. We need policy solutions.Read “Oregon to install ‘executive’ SNAP error watchdogs after new federal aid restrictions” on Oregon Capitol Chronicle:https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/…/oregon-to-install…/

Wieland and Williams met last week with two members of Oregon’s Congressional delegation at the Oregon Food Bank’s northeast Portland warehouse, to discuss what options they can pursue. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR1) admits parts of the GOP bill are unpopular, even with those who voted for it, “There’s at least one Republican who voted for the bill in the Senate who has introduced legislation to reverse the Medicaid cuts, because people are hearing from their constituents saying, ‘wait. We thought you were going to lower costs; we thought this was going to make our lives better. But now you’re cutting programs like Medicaid and SNAP.’” She believes rising food prices from tariffs will push more people toward food assistance in the coming months.

Oregon to install ‘executive’ SNAP error watchdogs after new federal aid restrictions 

The state’s human services department anticipates that the largest chunk of federal cuts estimated to impact the agency will come from new federal cost-sharing measures for food stamps

Oregon’s Department of Human Services is reining in how often the state miscalculates the amount of food stamps enrollees should receive, aiming to comply with new federal restrictions and avert what could be the worst financial strain on the state’s largest agency. 

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek shared details surrounding the effort in a Monday analysis of the federal GOP megalaw from the Department of Administrative Services that also accompanied initial reviews of its impact on different agencies and programs. The more than 740,000 Oregonians using the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, “will see some changes to their benefits,” according to the report. It implores the state to take action in the 2026 legislative session to mitigate the cuts. 

“Reductions at this level mean the current levels of support to community providers serving existing SNAP clients will be insufficient to meet needs once SNAP benefits are reduced or eliminated for a portion of the current caseload,” the analysis reads. “The exemption of certain individuals from SNAP benefits will likely place additional pressure on the food bank system as well as other systems of social support throughout Oregon.”

The findings detail how Oregon faces an overall $15 billion shortfall in federal funding due to reductions in not only SNAP benefits, but also Medicaid funding, education services and transportation projects. The state’s analysis proposes “immediate executive level oversight” to reduce how often SNAP offices across the state either over or underpay benefits to enrolled Oregonians, noting that the human services department is in the midst of assembling a team to do so. 

Oregon’s 2024 SNAP administrative error rate of 14.06% ranks as the eighth highest in the nation, but it must come down to below 6% to avoid increased costs paid to the federal government, according to the analysis. Without that, Oregon would have to pay 75% of administrative costs for running SNAP in the state — about $500 million every two years.

“Oregon will need to assess its options for meeting the new 75% administrative cost-share requirements during 2026. The absence of legislatively authorized funding during 2026 may result in program reductions,” the state’s report reads. “Program reductions will mean more Oregonians will experience hunger or reduced access to foods.”

The federal government historically covered half of those administrative costs. But the Trump administration and congressional Republicans claim that a shift to state funding is necessary because the program is rife with overuse and fraud. Anti-hunger advocates have pushed back, saying administrative error should not be conflated with fraud or abuse of the system. 

Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his spouse, Penny Knight, have contributed $2 billion to the Oregon Health and Science University, marking a record-breaking philanthropic initiative in their ongoing efforts to transform care for cancer patients.

This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Knight Cancer Center at OHSU. The purpose of the donation is to enhance diagnostics and improve access to clinical trials at OHSU, while also simplifying the process for patients and their families by providing additional resources and therapies.

The Knights, along with their foundation, have a long history of supporting OHSU, including the establishment of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. Additionally, the couple is involved in another initiative aimed at funding research known as the Knight Cancer Challenge, which commenced in 2013, where they pledged to match donations in a bid to raise $500 million for OHSU.

Four Year Girl Killed Following Vicious Rottweiler-Pit Bull Dog Attack in Josephine County

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the death of a 4-year-old girl following a dog attack that occurred on Saturday afternoon.

Authorities responded to a 911 call reporting a dog attack on the 1800 block of Laurel Road. Law enforcement, along with AMR and the Illinois Valley Fire District, arrived on the scene and attempted lifesaving measures; however, the child was sadly pronounced dead at the location.

The dog involved, identified as a mix of Cane Corso, Rottweiler, and Pit Bull, has been taken into custody by Josephine County Animal Control. The name of the child will not be disclosed. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is currently available.

27-Year-Old Medford Man Drowns while Kayaking in Agate Lake

JCSO Case 25-4391 RURAL EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) 911 Dispatch received a distress call Saturday, August 16 for a missing kayaker who disappeared into Agate Lake outside Eagle Point. The 911 call came in at 7:48 PM and reported a 27-year-old Medford man fell in the lake while kayaking without a life jacket. 

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Marine deputies responded with both Fire District 3 and Fire District 4. First responders searched the water until after 10 PM but were unable to locate the man. 

The next morning, Sunday, August 17, JCSO Marine units along with Search and Rescue (SAR) Dive Team members resumed the search. Klamath County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived to assist.  At 7:34 AM SAR divers located the body of the missing man in the lake. Our condolences go to his family and friends. We will not be releasing the man’s name out of respect for his family’s privacy in this difficult time. There is no further information available for release.

Disability rights lawsuit leads to homeless camping settlement in Grants Pass

The city of Grants Pass has agreed to provide accessible camping space for at least 150 homeless people for at least one year.

The city also will pay $60,000 in a one-time grant by the end of December 2026 to a nonprofit agency to provide support services for homeless people who are disabled. The terms are part of a settlement agreement reached between the city and Disability Rights Oregon and the Oregon Law Center, which sued Grants Pass in January.

The city also must ensure the camping sites have water for drinking and washing and provide “reasonable accommodation” for people with disabilities who are unable to follow certain city regulations governing the use of city park space.

The settlement followed an order in March by Josephine County Circuit Judge Sarah E. McGlaughlin that barred Grants Pass from enforcing its municipal orders on homeless camping until it made its campsites accessible to people with disabilities and increased available tent spaces to at least 150.

Then in May, McGlaughlin exempted seven different parks from her order, allowing the city to enforce municipal laws there.

”This settlement represents a significant step forward in ensuring people with disabilities experiencing homelessness have places to rest, basic necessities like drinking water, and real opportunity to stabilize their lives,” Jake Cornett, executive director and chief executive officer of Disability Rights Oregon, said in a statement.

City attorney Stephanie Nuttall told city council members on Aug. 6 that the city can contract with others to manage the camping spaces. The camping spaces must be on city-owned property but can be operated by a third-party that contracts with the city, the settlement says.

In a presentation to the council, she also noted that the city does not admit any liability as part of the pact, and the settlement resolves a case with “minimal financial impact.” The city, though, also has to pay Disability Rights Oregon $85,000 as part of the settlement in lieu of attorney fees and costs, according to the settlement.

The suit was filed on behalf of five people, ranging in age from 47 to 66, who are disabled and homeless and who were hampered by city restrictions at its homeless camping sites.

Last year, the city prohibited all camping on city property at all times and in all places, except as permitted by the City Council, after it won afavorable decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Between August 2024 and January of this year, the city provided two camping sites. One on J Street provided room for about 120 tents, while a second location on Sixth Street had room for about 60 tents. People could camp at either site for up to seven days.

The city then made a series of decisions in early January that reduced camping availability and opened unpaved sites that were particularly hard for some disabled homeless to access who use wheelchairs or having difficulty walking.

Disability Rights Oregon, on behalf of five people who are homeless and have disabilities, sued the city after the council in early January restricted camping to one much-smaller unpaved site and only during overnight hours, from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Leaving the one site on Seventh Street with 30 spaces marked a “sharp decrease” from the 150-bed capacity previously allowed by the two original sites, the judge said.

Janine Harris, 57, one of the plaintiffs in the case who suffers from arthritis in her hips and knees as well as asthma, had been forced by the city to leave the J Street lot and collect her belongings in a wagon.

“I often need a cane when I walk to make sure I don’t fall … If there’s no place where I can be, what am I supposed to do?” she wrote in a sworn declaration to the court.

“Requiring people to ‘move along’ everyday doesn’t get people into housing, it just makes life harder and more dangerous,” said Allison Nasson, staff attorney at Oregon Law Center. “When you have been forced to live outside, you still need water, a bathroom, and a place to rest.” (SOURCE)

House Bill 3522 Helps To Remove House Squatters More Quickly

A new state law designed to address the growing issue of squatting in Oregon has been introduced. House Bill 3522, which was signed into law earlier this year, aims to provide law enforcement and property owners with essential clarity and authority in managing illegal occupants.

This legislation will come into effect in January 2026. The new law grants police the ability to take more immediate action in evicting individuals who are unlawfully occupying a property, eliminating the need for the protracted legal procedures that were previously required to differentiate between a squatter and a tenant.

This legislation represents a notable change in Oregon’s approach to illegal occupancy—striking a balance between the rights of property owners and due process, while also addressing loopholes that have permitted squatters to exploit legal ambiguities. As the law is set to be implemented in 2026, homeowners throughout the state are optimistic about achieving quicker resolutions and experiencing fewer legal complications in the future.

Legacy Mount Hood Nurses Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike After 21 Months of Failed Contract Talks. Frontline nurses at Legacy Mount Hood are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association

More than two years after forming their union and after 21 months of bargaining, 400 registered nurses (RNs) at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, citing Legacy Health’s refusal to make meaningful investments in recruiting and retaining frontline caregivers, patient care, and fair wages and benefits.

“Mount Hood nurses have been more than patient. After nearly two years at the bargaining table, Legacy executives still refuse to address critical issues like fair pay and caps on insurance premiums—changes we need to recruit and retain the skilled nurses our patients rely on,” said Lille Charron, a nurse at Legacy Mount Hood and ONA vice-chair of the bargaining team. “We don’t want to strike, but if management continues to slow-roll negotiations, we are united and ready to act.”

Nurses at Legacy Mount Hood are demanding: 

• A voice in decision-making about patient care and workplace conditions 
• Fair compensation that is competitive with other health systems to recruit and retain more nurses
• Quality, affordable healthcare
• Protections against shifts being unilaterally shortened by management 
• Appropriate compensation for RNs who work during times of crisis including inclement weather. 

“We’re the ones at the bedside every day — we know our patients best,” Charron said. “We formed our union to speak up for the people we care for. A fair contract will help recruit and retain the nurses our community depends on, so every patient gets the safe, quality care they deserve.”

The vote does not set a strike date. Nurses are hoping upcoming mediation sessions on August 22 and 28 will result in a fair agreement and avert a strike. If a deal is not reached, nurses say they are prepared to act—and they have the support of RNs and frontline caregivers across the Legacy system.

OSP confirms 5 killed in murder-suicide was man, woman, and their 3 children in Josepine County

According to Oregon State Police, a man killed the mother of his children as well as their three children before turning the gun on himself inside a home near Grants Pass Monday. Now investigators are trying to put the pieces together to learn what lead up to the crime.

It was Josephine County Sheriff’s Office who arrived on the scene at Hussey Lane calling in Oregon State Police after discovering the bodies of the two adults and three children between the ages of seven and 11 — dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

Inside, deputies found five people who had been shot and killed, including 42-year-old Hannah Marie Behee, 40-year-old Chad Scott Behee, and three children, ages 11, 9 and 7.

Oregon State Police said Chad Scott Behee is the suspect in the murder-suicide.

The Sheriff’s Office says they were responding to a welfare check after a woman in the home didn’t show up for work Monday. It’s a scene Sheriff Daniel says his deputies are struggling to come to terms with.

“I’m not going to take away from the family and the friends of the deceased. I feel for them, our hearts go out for them. But there’s also collateral damage here. And my focus right now is to take care of our people. You see it obviously on the world news, you know, national news every day. Unfortunately, it just came to a theater near us,” Daniel said.

The Sheriff’s Office is now taking a collaborative approach with Oregon State Police leading the investigation, with assistance from the Grants Pass Police Department. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Oregon State Police at 800-442-0776 or OSP (677) and reference case number SP25-366471.

Public comment sought on updates to two Medicaid-funded aging and disability services

The Oregon Department of Human Services’ (ODHS) seeks public comment on proposed changes to two Medicaid-funded services.

These amendments will allow ODHS to implement an Agency with Choice service option for in-home consumers and will update the Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) rate methodology for Adult Foster Homes and Residential Care Facilities. These amendments are proposed with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026.

More information, including the public notice, amendment summary and available drafts of the proposed amendments, are posted on the APD website.

How to comment:

To submit feedback and comments, the public may take one of the following actions:

1. Send an email to Beth.Jackson3@odhs.oregon.gov
2. Send written comments addressed to Oregon Department of Human Services, Attn: Beth Jackson, 500 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.
3. Send a fax to 503-947-4245, Attn: Beth Jackson

Deadline: To be considered, feedback must be received by Sept. 1, 2025.

About the amendments

• APD was directed by House Bill 4129 (2024) to create an Agency with Choice (AwC) service model for in-home service options. This model will be added to APD’s in-home service options in Jan. 2026. The detailed requirements for AwC will be in Oregon Administrative Rules. The 1915(k) language will be amended to reference those rules. The 1915(k) will also include a description of how the AwC rates will be developed. Because HB 4129 limits the number of AwC providers to two, APD will specify that limit in the 1915(k). APD will also add AwC to APD’s 1915(b)(4) for case management services.
• APD is also proposing a new way to calculate rates for APD Adult Foster Homes and Residential Care Facilities. The rate methodology for these providers was created in the 1980s and no longer captures the complexity of individuals served in these settings. The new rate methodology will more accurately account for individuals’ needs. The 1915(k) will define the methodology and provider requirements.

BLM seeks input on proposed Grassy Mountain gold mine

VALE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposed gold mine and processing facility in Malheur County. This is the first draft analysis to adhere to the newly streamlined Department of the Interior National Environmental Policy Act procedures. While publications of a draft or final environmental analysis in the Federal Register are no longer required, information for these projects will be available on project websites.

“This Administration is committed to leveraging every available authority to expedite domestic mineral development,” said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. “Our agency is instrumental in driving national economic growth and fostering local employment opportunities.”

The Grassy Mountain gold mine project would be sited on public and private lands approximately 22 miles south of Vale. Construction and processing would occur over 10 years followed by four years of reclamation and 20 years of monitoring.

If approved, Paramount Gold Nevada could develop an underground mine, dedicated mill, and associated storage on approximately 469 acres of BLM-administered land. Additionally, some existing roads would be upgraded to access the operation.

The BLM will hold a public meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. MT Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Vale District Office, 100 Oregon St., Vale. A virtual attendance option is available. Please contact Larisa Bogardus at ogardus@blm.gov“>lbogardus@blm.gov for details.

Additional information, including the draft environmental impact statement, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments may be submitted through the ‘Participate Now’ option (preferred). Comments may also be delivered to Attn: Grassy Mountain Gold Mine Project c/o Malheur Field Office, 100 Oregon St., Vale, OR 97918, or submitted to lm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov“>blm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov. The 30-day comment period will close Sept. 8, 2025.

For more information, please call the Vale District Office at 541-473-3144 or email lm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov“>blm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov.

Oregon awards $1.8 million in grants to help people enroll in private insurance

Nearly $1.8 million in grants are coming to 37 community-based organizations and licensed insurance agents across Oregon to offer free, expert help to people enrolling in health coverage through OregonHealthCare.gov. 

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, the state agency responsible for helping Oregonians understand their private health coverage, is awarding these grants throughout 2025-27 to organizations and insurance agents who focus on reaching diverse populations, including many who offer support in multiple languages. The grantees will help Oregonians understand their health insurance and financial assistance options, transition from the Oregon Health Plan to private coverage and enroll during the next enrollment period beginning Nov. 1 to Jan. 15. 

The grants are especially meant to help people who don’t qualify for job-based coverage, the Oregon Health Plan or Medicare. 

“This support is critical to ensuring all Oregonians — regardless of income, location, or language — have access to the coverage and care they need,” marketplace director Chiqui Flowers said in a news release. To connect with a local Marketplace partner or insurance agent, visit OregonHealthCare.gov/gethelp.  (SOURCE)

The Oregon Department of Justice issued a critical alert to residents last week following yet another incident of an Oregonian falling prey to a “gold bar” scam.

According to officials, the Oregon woman was deceived out of tens of thousands of dollars after scammers persuaded her to convert her funds into gold, alleging that her bank accounts had been compromised.

This incident follows a case from last month in which a woman in her 60s from Eastern Oregon lost $600,000 to scammers after she adhered to their directives to purchase gold bars and transfer their ownership to them, as reported by state officials.

Officials from the Oregon Department of Justice stated that they, along with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, intervened in that situation after the woman’s sister contacted the state agency’s consumer protection hotline for assistance. Authorities were able to prevent the woman from relinquishing an additional $300,000 worth of gold bars, according to officials.

Keep Oregon Green Association – Statewide Billboard Poster Contest

Keep Oregon Green is turning 85 next year. To celebrate, the Association is asking Oregonians of all ages to create and submit artwork for a statewide billboard poster contest. Learn more about it here: https://keeporegongreen.org/kog-billboard-contest/

SOME PARKS TO SEE UPDATES TO PARKING FEES AND SEASONAL CAMPING RATES

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is updating some visitor fees at select parks as part of a broader, proactive effort to build a more resilient financial future for Oregon State Parks. 

Starting Oct. 1, 2025, Oregon State Parks will no longer waive the parking fee at 21 additional day-use parks. The parking fee is currently $10 for in-state visitors and $12 out-of-state visitors.  

The parking fee does not apply to visitors who walk, bike, use public transportation, have a valid hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a 12 or 24-month parking permit. Currently, OPRD charges for parking at 25 parks and waives parking fees at over 225 parks across the state.   

The 21 additional parks include some of the busiest parks in the system such as Harris Beach State Park, which experienced an estimated 2 million day-use visits last year. Visitor fees help pay for maintenance and operation.  

Some overnight camping rates will also see updates for visits beginning May 1, 2026: 

• Overnight rates at our 29 busiest parks will increase to the top of the current rate range from May 1 through September 30. This increase will apply year round on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (Top rate is $29 for tents and $52 for full hook-up RV) 

• At all parks:  
• Cabin and yurt prices will increase to the top of the rate range year round. (Top rates vary from $72 for rustic yurts to $129 for deluxe cabins/yurts)
• Boat moorage fees will increase from $15 to $20.  
• Overnight parking, overflow camping and primitive camping fees will increase from about $10 to at least $15 per night.  

The park system faces a projected 14% budget shortfall due to increasing costs, impacts from record visitation and a reduction in lottery funds for operations. These targeted fee adjustments, along with internal efforts to reduce costs, modernize procurement and explore new revenue, will help maintain current service levels and ensure the system remains strong and accessible now and in the future.  

“State parks are some of the most beloved spaces in Oregon, but we have struggled as a state to sustainably fund them. We’re working to reimagine the future of Oregon State Parks as financially resilient system that will serve generations to come,” said Director Lisa Sumption.  

State parks has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. It is not funded by general fund taxes. 

For visitors looking to save on parking, there are annual and 24-month parking permits available for Oregon State Parks. The 12-month parking permit costs $30 and the 24-month permit costs $50. You can buy them online.  

Oregon State Parks is also collecting feedback to help guide its effort to reimagine a stronger resilient park system. The survey includes priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options.  

New survey gathers feedback to help build a more sustainable future for parks

— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) wants to better understand the public’s values and priorities for the future of state parks through a new survey as it launches a strategic initiative to reimagine how parks are funded, operated and supported.

OPRD faces a potential 14% budget shortfall for park operations by 2027 even with recent fee increases. The gap is due to increasing costs, the impact of higher visitation and changes in lottery funds. The strategic initiative will work to address that shortfall before 2027.

“For more than a century, Oregon’s parks have been a source of pride, joy, and connection for communities across the state,” said Lisa Sumption, OPRD Director. “But the way we fund the system has not kept up with how Oregonians use and value it today. We’re not waiting for the crisis—we’re planning ahead to build a more resilient and relevant park system.”

OPRD launched an online survey this month to collect feedback from visitors and potential visitors about their priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options.

The survey is open to everyone and will help inform decisions about the future of state parks. Those who complete the survey have the option of entering a drawing for a free Oregon State Parks annual parking permit. 

Oregon State Parks continues to experience record visitation with more than 56.6 million estimated visits in 2024. It is one of the most visited park systems in the country.

This level of use significantly increases wear and tear on aging park infrastructure, driving up maintenance needs and long-term operational costs.

Parks’ funding comes from three main sources. A little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from the agency’s share of recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. Oregon State Park operations is not funded by general fund taxes.

“We already operate leanly, but we’re also taking a hard look at costs and spending decisions as we plan the future. We’re building new partnerships with Oregon businesses and growing opportunities for visitors to experience state parks in new and innovative ways,” Sumption said.

In addition to operating more than 250 state parks and maintaining hundreds of historic structures, the agency also manages the ocean shore, the State Historic Preservation Office, ATV safety programs and permits as well as multiple grant programs for trails, ATVs, historic structures and local government projects.

For more information about the survey or to learn about ways to support parks, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/ or take the survey at bit.ly/stateparksurvey.

The Oregon State Fair is set to commence on August 22nd. This year, there will be a total of 11 concerts. Featured artists include the All American Rejects, Wynonna Judd, Cheap Trick, and the Beach Boys.

Attendance to the concerts is complimentary with general admission to the fair; however, reserved seating and VIP Plus Suite Seats can be purchased. Tickets are available for purchase on the Oregon State Fair’s official website. The fair will take place from August 22nd until September 1st.

Buy tickets and learn more at: https://oregonstatefair.org/

Registration Now Open for 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference

Registration is now open for the 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference, the state’s largest gathering dedicated to honoring and supporting women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The biennial event, hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will bring together women veterans from across Oregon for a weekend of connection, resources and recognition.

The event is free and open to all women veterans, but registration is required. The 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference is being held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, which was the planned location of the 2020 event that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together: Community and Connection,’ reflects the heart of what this conference is all about,” said Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Women veterans have long served with distinction, strength and resilience — often in the face of tremendous challenges and barriers.

“This conference is an opportunity to honor our service, share our stories, and ensure every woman who has worn the uniform feels seen, valued and supported. We are stronger when we stand together, and united, we will continue to drive the ODVA mission forward.”

The Oregon Women Veterans Conference began nearly 30 years ago as a grassroots effort by a small group of women veterans seeking connection, support, and resources. Since the first event in 1998, the conference has grown into a unique statewide gathering that brings together women veterans from across Oregon to access benefits, build meaningful connections, and amplify their voices.

The 2025 conference will continue that legacy with inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops, fantastic networking opportunities and assistance for women veterans connecting to the full range of benefits and resources they have earned. It is a supportive space where women who have served can connect, grow, and thrive beyond their military service.

This year’s keynote speaker is Erin McMahon, director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, attorney and combat veteran. During her 24-year career in the U.S. Army, McMahon served as the principal deputy general counsel for the National Guard Bureau, advising senior leaders through a wide variety of domestic disaster responses and serving as the first female Army National Guard general officer in the Office of the General Counsel.

Registration is free and may be completed online at www.eventbrite.com/e/odva-women-veterans-conference-tickets-1407725487829. Community sponsors and donors are the primary sources of funding for this event and help ensure all women veterans can attend the conference free of charge.

Registration for the Women Veterans Conference covers the event only; attendees are expected to make their own lodging and travel arrangements. More information about the Women Veterans Conference, including local lodging, donations and sponsorship opportunities, can be found online at wvc.oregondva.com.

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

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.

August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. – Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed August 2025 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon, recognizing the vital work of emergency managers and the role they play in helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

The proclamation supports a national campaign spearheaded by the International Association of Emergency Managers to increase public awareness and appreciation for the emergency management profession.

In Oregon, the campaign is being led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with local, Tribal, regional, and state emergency management agencies.
 

“Emergency management is often invisible until something goes wrong—then it becomes essential,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “We’re proud to spotlight the field of emergency management and the dedicated professionals who work every day to protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and coordinate help when it’s needed most.”
 

OEM’s Role in Supporting Emergency Management Statewide

OEM plays a key leadership role in supporting and strengthening emergency management across the state. Through its Regional Emergency Management Coordinators Program, OEM employs specialized field staff to support all 36 counties and Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes. These coordinators provide on-the-ground guidance and technical assistance across all phases of emergency management—from preparedness to long-term recovery.
 

Additionally, OEM’s Tribal Liaison works closely with Tribal Nations to coordinate emergency management initiatives and ensure Tribal needs are represented in state planning and response efforts. The OEM Public Private Partnership Program Manager coordinates and collaborates with business and industry stakeholders across emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations, serving as a liaison between the private sector and local and state agencies. This collaboration is further reinforced by the Private Sector Security and Resilience Seminar Series; a recurring program of educational sessions designed to inform and engage private sector participants and better equip them to navigate crises effectively and recover swiftly. 

OEM also manages the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), which is activated during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The ECC serves as a central hub for coordination and communication among state agencies and emergency support partners, ensuring that local needs are met efficiently and effectively.

With responsibility for coordinating Oregon’s 18 Emergency Support Functions and supporting more than 50 local and Tribal emergency management offices, OEM is dedicated to building a resilient and well-coordinated emergency services system.

How to Celebrate Emergency Management Awareness Month

There are many simple ways Oregonians can show support for emergency managers and become more prepared:

• Find out who your local emergency manager is—reach out to learn how your community prepares for disasters.
• Say thank you to your emergency management staff, volunteers, or CERT team members.
• Get prepared: Make or update your emergency kit, sign up for local alerts at ORAlert.gov, review your household emergency plan, and take the next step by becoming Be 2 Weeks Ready.
• Share your story: Use social media to highlight how you or your community prepares and tag #EMAwarenessMonth.

 Follow OEM throughout August for resources to help celebrate and share the value of emergency management.
 

### It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters regardless of cause. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.  

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

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

Oregon’s Missing Persons

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