The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Monday, September 15, 2025
Willamette Valley Weather
Eugene Police Renegotiating Data Sharing Contract with Flock Safety
Discussions have begun with Flock Safety to change contract details about how data is shared. The negotiations come after a growing number of voices have opposed use of its license-plate reader technology in Eugene.
New negotiations have begun over the sharing of data collected by license-plate reader cameras first installed on Eugene streets in May, according to Police Chief Chris Skinner.
“I’m in active negotiations with our vendor, Flock, to adjust the contract around data security and data sharing,” Skinner told members of the city’s Police Commission on Thursday, Sept. 11. He also spoke about possibly having some “civilian audit oversight” over how the technology is used in Eugene.
An Oct. 8 city council work session is scheduled to further discuss the technology, he said.
Citizens opposed to the cameras have dominated public comment at recent city meetings, with 36 speakers at a Eugene City Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 8. Some two dozen others signed up to speak that day, but the council enforced a 90-minute limit on public comment.
Most opponents of the cameras have cited concerns that the technology could be used to target vulnerable groups.
Eugene police have said that only law enforcement agencies in Oregon can access the network of data captured by the mounted cameras. Flock Safety maintains the network.
But many opposing the technology have expressed concerns about other law enforcement agencies, especially federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, getting access to the data. They have cited the aggressive immigration enforcement policies of President Donald Trump, as well as actions taken by his administration considered hostile to the transgender community.
Some also said that data kept and maintained by Flock Safety could potentially be vulnerable to security threats.
Skinner on Thursday did not share full details about his negotiations with Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company that is also working with Springfield on plans to install license-plate cameras.
But he said the purpose of re-opening negotiations is “to tighten up some vagueness in the contract language.” The process has involved “a lot of red lines our attorneys have been involved in,” referring to changes to the contract language. (READ MORE)
Lane County Sheriff’s Office search warrants yield illegal marijuana grows, stolen RV, firearms
On the morning of September 10th, Lane County Sheriff’s detectives and deputies served search warrants at: – A residence in the 89800 block of Armitage Road, north of Eugene – A property in the 89900 block of Coburg Road, north of Eugene – A residence in the 85100 block of Forest Hill Lane, southwest of Eugene
During the service of the search warrants, detectives located and destroyed 7,000 plants and 800 pounds of marijuana bud. Deputies also located a trailer stolen from Springfield and seized 6 firearms including a sawed-off barrel shotgun. Seven people were arrested during the service of the search warrants.
The Lane County Code Compliance Program and Oregon Watermaster will be following up with code violations discovered on the properties, including unlawful sewage dumping, unpermitted structures and other work, unlawful storage of hazardous materials, and an unapproved well.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on this case by the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Oregon Watermaster, and the Lane County Code Compliance Program.
This investigation would not have been possible without the ongoing grant funding from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission’s Illegal Marijuana Market Grant (IMMEG). This grant was created in 2018 by the Oregon Legislature to assist local law enforcement agencies and district attorneys’ offices in their efforts to address the illegal marijuana market in Oregon.
This is an ongoing investigation. Further details may be provided at a later time. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact LCSO at 541-682-4141 and reference case #25-4312.
Pedestrian dies in early morning collision, investigation ongoing
Salem, Ore. — At approximately 2:19 a.m. on September 14, 2025, Salem police responded to the 4400 block of Commercial St SE following the report of a vehicle–pedestrian collision.
According to a preliminary investigation by the Salem Police Traffic Team, a 2011 Mercedes SUV, driven by Cameron M. Smith, 27, of Salem, was traveling in the southbound lanes of Commercial St SE when his vehicle struck a pedestrian, Brittany Jade Hochstetler, 32, of Salem, who was in the roadway just south of Hilfiker Ln SE.
Despite life-saving efforts by nearby witnesses and officers on scene, Hochstetler was pronounced deceased at the scene. Smith remained at the location and cooperated with investigators. Next of kin notification has been completed.
The roadway remained closed during the investigation and reopened at approximately 4:30 a.m. The collision investigation is ongoing, and no additional details are available for release. This incident is Salem’s sixth fatal traffic collision of 2025, resulting in six fatalities.
Suspect in Multiple Bank Robberies Arrested
On September 10th, Lane County Sheriff’s detectives determined the suspect in the bank robberies to be Clarke Chaos Zyz, 37, of Eugene. Detectives determined Zyz likely had a residence in the Eugene area, and Eugene Police detectives and officers began searching. At about noon, while surveilling a possible residence in the area of Green Acres Road, Eugene Police detectives located Zyz in the suspect vehicle. Detectives and police officers contacted and detained the suspect without incident.
After additional investigation, Zyz was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for the following charges related to the robbery in Creswell: – Robbery in the 2nd Degree – Menacing – Disorderly Conduct in the 2nd Degree
Zyz was also arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on the following charges related to the robbery in Cottage Grove: – Robbery in the 2nd Degree – Menacing – Disorderly Conduct in the 2nd Degree
Thanks to the Cottage Grove Police Department for their assistance and the many community members who provided tips during the course of this investigation that led to his identification and arrest. Thanks also to the Eugene Police Department, which assigned considerable resources to the search for the suspect within the city of Eugene. —
———- On September 9th at about 2 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Banner Bank in Creswell for an armed robbery. Deputies learned the suspect had used a note to demand money and threaten the bank teller. The suspect was later confirmed to be the same suspect from an earlier bank robbery that occurred in Cottage Grove the same day.
The suspect is described as a white male adult, about 6’ tall, weighing about 175 pounds, medium build, with a full beard. He was last seen wearing a green ball cap, aviator sunglasses, a black jacket, black sweatpants, grey gloves, and black shoes with white soles. Deputies were also able to identify the suspect’s vehicle, a two-door 1998-2003 gold Ford Escort ZX2 (pictured) with an unknown license plate.
The suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous. Anyone with information his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him. LCSO Case 25-4326
Man arrested for theft of youth league funds, detective seeking tips
On September 10, Eugene Police Property and Financial Crimes Unit arrested a 38-year-old Springfield man after an investigation into theft of a local youth football league’s entire fund balance.
The theft of an estimated $50,000, heavily impacted a Bethel area league, leaving no money for proper gear for the youth participants. At the time, the suspect, Ean Douglas Lynum, was the treasurer of the league. Lynum is being charged with Aggravated Theft in the First Degree and Misapplication of Entrusted Property – Embezzle
Because Lynum has been involved in other sports programs, the detective assigned the case is reaching out to the public for tips in the event there are any other cases that have not been reported. Anyone who has additional information for this case is asked to contact Detective Chris White, 541.682.5376, or Cwhite@eugene-or.gov. Case 23-17545
$8.1 Million Oregon Megabucks Jackpot Won in Alvadore
A Eugene area millwright is the latest winner of Oregon’s Game Megabucks, after claiming an $8.1 million jackpot in the August 16 drawing.
The ticket was sold at the Alvadore Gas & Store, located in the unincorporated community in Lane County, Ore. It’s the first jackpot win for store owners Hukam and Chandni Sharma, who earn a bonus check of $81,000 for selling the winning ticket.
“It’s something I never expected because nothing like this happens here,” said Chandni Sharma. “Our community is so excited for us.”
Sharma said the couple plans to reinvest the bonus money into their family business by adding a kitchen and deli to the store to serve meals. It’s something their customers, many of whom work on nearby farms, have been asking for.
“It’s exciting to see a locally owned business continue to invest in their future,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “The impact of a bonus like this can really have a ripple effect in the community.”
Oregon’s Game Megabucks has some of the most favorable big prize jackpot game odds in the world. In 2024, a Milwaukie man was the winner of an $8.4 million Megabucks jackpot. The jackpot resets to $1 million after someone wins.
The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of a drawing to claim their prize.
Catholic Community Services of Lane County, Inc. (CCS) — Hope, Stability, and a Fresh Start for 25 Families
During the 2024–2025 fiscal year, 25 unhoused families found refuge in our OASIS Emergency Family Shelter—a safe and supportive place to stay until they could transition into permanent housing. Why does this matter?
Because housing is more than just a roof over someone’s head—it’s the foundation for health, stability, and opportunity. When families have a secure home, children can thrive in school, parents can pursue work without fear of where they’ll sleep at night, and the cycle of homelessness is broken.
Thank you to everyone who makes this life-changing work possible. Together, we are creating pathways to stability and hope for families in our community.
U.S. Forest Service – Willamette National Forest
Emigrant Fire Update
Patrol the line with our firefighters along Forest Service Road 2136. REEL: https://www.facebook.com/EmigrantFire/videos/686219560395573
RESTRICTIONS & CLOSURES: Fire restrictions for the Willamette National Forest can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/fire. A closure order for the fire area can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/alerts/emigrant-fire-closure-order.
SMOKE: Smoke and air quality information is available at https://www.oregonsmoke.org/ and https://www.airnow.gov.
SAFETY: More than 850 people are assigned to Emigrant Fire, working out of fire camp near Oakridge and the FOB near Diamond Lake. Please watch for increased traffic on all roads near the camps and accessing the fire.
9/15 – FOLEY RIDGE FIRE 
– 7 miles East of McKenzie Bridge – #lanecounty
Smoke is visible in the vicinity of the fire and is expected to settle into nearby drainages overnight. Smoke and air quality information is available at https://www.oregonsmoke.org/.
Weather: Cooler and wetter weather continues today with isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms. Drier and warmer conditions are expected into the weekend with another low pressure system arriving Sunday.
Win 2 Nights Lodging in Oakridge so you can enjoy “Oakridge Rocks The Park!”! Coming Oct 18th!
Click here to win 2 nights stay in Oakridge!
Click here for more info on the event.
Lane County Clerk says “I Do” to Marriage Ceremonies Again
The Lane County Clerk’s Office is ready to help couples walk down the aisle again, resuming marriage ceremonies after a hiatus.
Couples who wish to be married at the Lane County Clerk’s Office can now schedule a ceremony with County Clerk Tommy Gong. Ceremonies will be held at the Lane County Public Service Building in downtown Eugene on most Fridays.
“We are excited to once again be part of such a meaningful moment in people’s lives,” Gong said. “We can offer couples a simple, joyful way to begin their future together. All of us at the Clerk’s Office are happy to see these ceremonies return.”
Couples must first obtain a valid marriage license from the Clerk’s Office (125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene) before a ceremony can be performed. To obtain a marriage license, couples fill out the online Marriage License Application and then must visit the Clerk’s Office at least three days before the ceremony to complete the license process.
The marriage license fee is $60 and a marriage officiated by the County Clerk is $117. Additional details, including license requirements and scheduling information, can be found on the Lane County Clerk’s website.
FOOD For Lane County is collecting short, anonymous stories from community members about how SNAP or food pantry programs have made a difference in their lives.
The new federal law, known as the “Big Beautiful Bill” will cut SNAP benefits and impact 757,700 Oregonians. Your voice can help raise awareness and defend access to food for thousands of people in our community.
Responses are 100% ANONYMOUS. Please answer one or more of the prompts. https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=udJFysn31UqbRcPRJH0Ew4z62Go4_hdOgeuS7G3tEtpUN0lJNjhQNTdVTkYzMUhPOTFDU1JaQThTSy4u&fbclid=IwY2xjawMUv4NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFUNkRvb053V1hEekJ1NGxLAR4lSe3v8oKwHs-fEr3dB7K6mBieN_ty401pN-OwFrXFhirbDV4i1hJbypW7Bw_aem_gxYIVwPs5kYNC7mhRZR5tQ&route=shorturl
Every story helps us advocate for food access and fight hunger in our community.
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.
Oregon Department of Transportation – As the 2025-26 college football season nears, expect heavy traffic on the weekends of home games for University of Oregon and Oregon State University.
Expect all-day traffic congestion in the #WillametteValley on these dates as thousands of fans travel to and from the games. Remember, there are many ways to get around in Oregon! You can walk or roll, take a bus or train, or share a ride. Learn more, plan a trip, or find a ride at GetThereOregon.org.
Catholic Community Services of Lane County, Inc. (CCS) – Winter Warmth Drive – September & October
As the cold months approach, too many of our neighbors don’t have the essentials to stay warm. You can help! We’re collecting new or gently used jackets, coats, gloves, socks, blankets, hats, and scarves to provide no-cost clothing to anyone in need. Every item makes a difference.
Drop your donations at our Springfield Community Service Center at 1025 G Street, or any of our collection bins this September and October and help spread warmth across our community. To find a collection bin near you, go to http://www.ccslc.org/wwd Together, we can ensure no one faces winter alone.Catholic Community Services of Lane County
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.
TransPonder · Start your engines!
Whether you’re passionate about horsepower or just love a good donut, you’re invited to our Cars & Coffee gatherings!
We meet every 2ⁿᵈ Saturday of the month from 9 to 11 AM at Maxwell Community Hub (440 Maxwell Rd, Eugene OR 97404). This is a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ folks and allies to come together and admire everything from classic cars to hot hatchbacks and old rust buckets covered in sun-bleached stickers. No car knowledge required!
Learn more at the following link: https://www.transponderoregon.org/shifthappensThere will be free coffee, donuts, and great company. We’re excited to see you there!
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
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
Oregon Food Bank
Hunger in Oregon is rising — and federal and state cuts to food assistance are making it worse. In 2024, visits to food programs grew 31%, yet resources to meet this need are shrinking.
Programs like SNAP, which help 1 in 8 Oregonians put food on the table, are facing deep cuts — leaving more families, children, veterans, and elders to make impossible choices between food, safety, and shelter.
We need policies that protect access to food for all our neighbors. Because no one should have to choose between staying safe and going hungry.
Food is available for those who need it and by entering your zip code at OregonFoodFinder.or -You can see each local program’s contact information, hours of operation and what kind of distribution it is.
We partner with 1,200+ free food markets, pantries and meal sites all across Oregon and Southwest Washington — and welcome anyone and everyone who needs food. OregonFoodFinder.org
Oregon Homelessness and Eviction Support Programs Face Layoffs as State Funding Drops
Staff fear the cuts will make it harder to help people as the state’s housing crisis persists.
Homeless services providers and tenant advocacy groups in Oregon are slashing jobs and programs. Leaders are blaming the cuts on reduced funds through the Legislature’s recently passed housing budget.
Courtesy of Church at the Park
The cuts so far span from Portland to Salem to Monmouth to Eugene, and even more are bracing for layoffs. As evictions and homelessness rise in Oregon, staff say they will be able to serve fewer people, potentially increasing the strain on the state’s social services network.
“We’re seeing the most vulnerable folks getting squeezed on both ends,” said Tim Morris, executive director of the Springfield Eugene Tenant Association, which reduced its full-time staff from six to two. It can now support about 2,200 households annually compared to the 4,000 it helped last year, he said.
The cuts come just months after the Oregon Legislature passed its housing budget. While the spending plan surpasses $2.6 billion, it reduced funding for the state Housing and Community Services Department by roughly $1 billion over the next two years.
“The cost of everything, including housing, food, everything is rising, while also prevention dollars, like rent assistance and other preventative services are being reduced dramatically,” Morris said. “We are approaching a future in which tenants are just alone and won’t have folks in their corner able to help support them and defend them.”
Democrats blame the state’s mounting financial problems on the Trump administration, which has moved to dramatically downsize federal spending across the country, with steep cuts to social services programs.
For their part, Republicans have blamed Democratic leadership for passing housing policies with vast amounts of money that Oregonians can’t afford. At the same time, evictions and homelessness increased and the number of housing permits issued last year dropped to the lowest level in more than a decade. (SOURCE)
Oregon Modular Housing Developers Highlight Progress During Site Tours
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) visits recipients of the Modular Housing Development Fund (MHDF) who are increasing the state’s capacity to produce affordable, factory-built housing.
Blazer Industries, Intelifab, PacWall, and Zaugg expand and upgrade facilities to advance affordable modular home production
“These visits highlight how targeted investments can help Oregon manufacturers produce more housing,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “By supporting this work, we are making progress toward increasing affordable housing supply and creating more housing options for Oregonians across the state.”
The grantees – Blazer Industries in Aumsville, InteliFab in Klamath Falls, Pacific Wall Systems in Phoenix, and Zaugg Timber Solutions in Portland – are using MHDF grants to upgrade facilities, adopt new technology, and expand production to deliver homes more efficiently and at lower cost.
The MHDF, supported by Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon legislature, invested in modular and factory-built housing as one strategy to address Oregon’s housing shortage.
Highlights from the Grantees:
- Blazer Industries is using its $5 million grant to upgrade production systems, create ready-to-build home designs, and improve efficiency. The improvements are expected to add 100-200 homes per year, with a priority on disaster recovery units and affordable homes for lower-and middle-income buyers.
- PacWall has added a production line for emergency housing and increased storage capacity to have more units ready to go when needed. They’ve also added powerful equipment to help move wall panels across the factory floor more efficiently.
- InteliFab expanded its Klamath Falls facility, upgraded manufacturing tools, and increased workforce training, allowing them to produce a two-bedroom home every two days. They have also created new modular transit trailers and bought state-of-the-art tools like the Hornet Saw.
- Zaugg Timber Solutions purchased custom equipment to produce to-scale modular mass timber affordable housing.
Videos of these visits are posted on the Modular Housing Development Fund webpage on the OHCS website.
About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)
OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.
Oregon missed out on $48 million in rural school, community funds since act expired, report finds
Congress has failed for more than a year to reauthorize the 20-year-old Secure Rural Schools bill costing western states millions, Center for American Progress finds
Oregon has lost out on more than $48.6 million in federal money for rural roads, public services and schools since 2023 as Congress failed in the last year to renew a federal act that has sent billions to western states in the last 20 years.
Most recently, Congressional Republicans failed to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act in the tax and spending cut megabill they passed in July. The money is meant to compensate counties with large swaths of federal land within their borders for the costs of providing critical services to people and industries using those lands for activities that generate revenue for the federal government — such as animal grazing and timber production.
Oregon, where more than half of the state consists of federal land, has experienced the biggest loss of any state since the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act expired at the end of 2023, according to a new report from the D.C.-based Center for American Progress, a liberal public policy and think tank.
During the 2023-24 fiscal year, Oregon counties and schools got more than $55 million through the act. But in the most recent fiscal year, Oregon has received roughly $8.4 million, an 85% decrease. Overall, states have lost out on more than $207 million in the two years since the act expired, the Center for American Progress found.
Oregon’s senior Democratic U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden co-authored the original Secure Rural Schools Act in 2000 and has tried since November 2024 to reauthorize it with bipartisan Senate support. He said Republicans’ inaction in the U.S. House of Representatives is “gutting rural Oregon counties.”
“I’ve worked on a bipartisan basis to get this vital legislation passed twice in the Senate, and this new report shows just how deeply the House Republican inaction is hurting communities in our state,” he said.
The Senate passed reauthorization bill in November 2024 on a bipartisan vote, but House Republicans’ failure to reach an agreement about how to fund it before the congressional term ended meant the measure died without a vote in December. The Senate passed a bill again in June on a voice vote.
The act’s Republican champion, Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho, “is still working behind the scenes to get this legislation moved in the House after the Senate’s now-twice unanimous passage of the reauthorization language. It remains a priority for him,” Crapo spokesperson Melanie Lawhorn said in an email.
Mark Haggerty, a senior fellow and researcher at the Center for American Progress who worked on the analysis, said for years the Secure Rural Schools Act had bipartisan support among western lawmakers. Their biggest battles were getting east-coast lawmakers, whose states don’t see much funding from the program, to agree to pass it. But that’s not the case anymore.
“I think the problem right now is that we’re taking an issue that has not been partisan in the past, that has had strong bipartisan support, but tough national support,” Haggerty said. “We’re taking that and we’re turning it into a partisan issue, and I think that’s really dangerous for counties and schools.”
In the West, the Secure Rural Schools money has largely helped keep county and school budgets whole following reduced logging and a reduction in timber revenue from federal forests in the 1990s to save imperiled species. The payments have equaled the average amount counties received from timber harvests from the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in the top three timber-producing years of the 1980s.
Oregon counties have received $4 billion in funding from the bill in the last 24 years. It’s declined by more than half in recent years due to reshifting of funds across eligible states and because it was meant to be transitional.
“You do have to reauthorize and fund it on a recurring basis, which means you always have to find an offset. You always need to find something else you’re not going to pay for if you are going to pay for this,” Haggerty said. “And you know, frankly, Congress, the people who are not in Oregon or Idaho or Montana — this comes up every two or three years — and they’re like: ‘Wait, why are we doing this? Why are we paying for that? Do we really need to be doing this?’”
Impact to Oregon schools
The Klamath County School District in southern Oregon has received the most funding from the act among the state’s school districts — between $800,000 and $1 million each year. Superintendent Glen Szymoniak said the money is crucial for small districts like his.
“Oregon’s the most affected state, and I think we’re the school district in Oregon that is most affected in the state,” he said. “That money is very valuable to us to be able to address whatever problems of the day there are, because without strings being tied to it, we can be innovative in addressing the most important issues facing the district.”
Szymoniak said new affordable housing developments in Klamath Falls have shifted the number of students at some of the district’s elementary schools. A few schools have lost students, but two of the elementary schools are now dealing with 200 more students this year than in previous years.
“We could be investing in building additional classrooms,” he said.
Oregon schools have received more than $368 million from the act since 2004, with an average of $9.7 million each year, according to Oregon Department of Education data. Oregon traditionally counted the Secure Rural Schools payments as local revenues for the sake of the statewide school funding equalization formula, so 165 of the state’s 197 school districts ended up seeing some money from the act. That included the two biggest districts, Portland Public Schools and the Salem-Keizer School District, despite the pair having little to no federal forest land within their boundaries.
This changed in 2023, when Oregon made updates to the distribution model and stopped counting Secure Rural Schools funding as local revenue. The Oregon Department of Education in 2024 agreed to provide retroactive payments to districts like Klamath County School District that should have received more direct funding from the Secure Rural Schools Act since 2018.
The agency has until Oct. 1 to make up for millions of dollars in underpayments to 82 school districts, including Klamath County School District, which is owed more than $2.5 million.
Despite these issues with funding distribution, districts in Eugene, Douglas County and Roseburg, Springfield and Albany were among the top recipients of funding in the last two decades. And districts near the Klamath National Forest, such as Klamath County School District, have ultimately received greater payments than most other districts in the last two decades. (SOURCE)
Recent Earthquakes Near Coast Of Oregon
Coast Of Oregon has had: (M1.5 or greater)
- 1 earthquake in the past 24 hours
- 20 earthquakes in the past 7 days
- 25 earthquakes in the past 30 days
https://earthquaketrack.com/r/coast-of-oregon/recent
Governor Kotek signed an executive order on Monday aiming to help the state prepare for earthquakes.
The executive order comes as a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake is looming in the Pacific Northwest.
Monday, Governor Tina Kotek signed Executive Order 25-22 to help make sure the government can respond when Oregonians need help most. The executive order directs the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to develop a plan to ensure new state buildings over 10,000 square feet meet the highest seismic safety standards and establishes.
Oregon faces significant earthquake risk in the next fifty years. When an earthquake hits, state facilities serve as essential staging areas and workspaces for emergency response and recovery efforts. Furthermore, state employees must be able to safely evacuate buildings and continue providing essential services to help communities recover.
“When a devastating earthquake hits Oregon, we need to be able to show up for Oregonians,” Governor Kotek said. “State employees are the backbone of emergency response, and they need safe places as they help families and communities recover. We cannot waver from this responsibility.”
“Oregon is setting an example for how to start building resiliency to large earthquakes,” Dr. Chris Goldfinger, Professor Emeritus at the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University, said. “An M8-9 earthquake in our future is inevitable, and seismically sound state buildings will be crucial. This is the kind of proactive action Oregon needs.”
“In the aftermath of a major earthquake, every minute counts. Safe, resilient facilities are not just buildings—they’re lifelines,” Priscilla Fuentes, Chief Executive Officer of the Red Cross Cascade Region, said. “They allow emergency responders to mobilize quickly, shelter those in need, and coordinate relief efforts that save lives.”
The executive order prioritizes improvements to buildings identified in state continuity of operations plans, office buildings over 50,000 square feet, structures supporting first responders, institutional housing, and strategic regional locations. DAS will develop standards and implementation plans under the existing Statewide Facilities Planning Process.
“Preparing our state for an earthquake is a long game,” Governor Kotek said. “Protecting Oregonians when disaster strikes is too important to delay. We must start now and stay committed to this work for decades to come.”
PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires
9/15 – 8 am – #OregonFires 27 #evacuations#fires 3 FIRES in EVALUATION MODE:27 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.KELSEY PEAK FIRE #josephinecounty#currycounty 1039 ACRES – 68% containment. 
DOWNGRADED to LEVEL 2 (Be set), and Level 1 ( Be set) – ROAD CLOSURES posted below 
PINNACLE FIRE 2105 ACRES –#currycounty 3% containment LEVEL 3 GO NOW EVAC Rogue River Trail under emergency closure.BACKBONE FIRE – 1827.4 ACRES #currycounty 4% containment LEVEL 3 GO NOW EVAC – Rogue River Trail under emergency closure Silent Fires and Evacuations can change very quickly, so please stay alert 
and safe.
https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…—————————————————CLINK FOR FIRES
https://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/ —————————————————-CLINK FOR FIRES National Interagency Fire Center
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/—————————————————
Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.
Due to the Kelsey Peak Fire and the Moon Complex, the Bureau of Land Management Grants Pass Field Office, along with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, has implemented an emergency closure affecting a section of the Rogue River Trail.
The public is strongly advised to refrain from using the entire trail. Entry into closed areas is strictly prohibited for the public, and all activities—including hiking, hunting, and dispersed camping—are not allowed. The Rogue River Trail is closed from Horseshoe Bend to Flora Dell.
For further details, please refer to the map available on the BLM website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions
The Kelsey Peak and Moon Complex fires are currently active in steep and challenging terrain. This closure is necessary to safeguard the public and minimize disruptions to firefighting efforts. Fire managers will evaluate the closure and its implications in accordance with effective risk management practices as conditions permit. Weather and fuel conditions continue to be conducive to the spread of fire. The BLM Medford District is currently experiencing extreme fire danger.
Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily
Please Help Prevent Wildfires!
Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.
Support Wildfire Relief by Recycling
There are 2 ways to donate:
Online with funds from your Green Bag account: https://bottledrop.com/…/obrc-emergency-fund-online…/
In-person by bringing your redeemable beverage containers to any full-service BottleDrop Redemption Center
All funds raised (and matched) will be split between the following nonprofits providing wildfire relief in Oregon: Oregon Chapter of the WFF , Red Cross Cascades Region, and United Way of the Columbia Gorge.Learn more: BottleDrop.com/Wildfire
BLM timber sales to offer nearly 40 million board feet in western Oregon
The Bureau of Land Management will offer six timber sales in September, totalling 39.7 million board feet to be harvested from 3,470 public acres across western Oregon. Timber produced by these sales will provide critical supplies for construction and other industries, and support jobs across local economies.
“Timber harvested from public lands provides essential benefits to our nation, from supporting rural economies and local jobs to ensuring a strong domestic timber supply,” said BLM OR/WA State Director Barry Bushue. “At the same time, timber production plays a vital role in forest health and wildfire risk reduction that protects communities and saves lives.”
The Lakeview District will offer the Clover Butte timber sale (4.8 million board feet, 1,103 acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on Sept. 17 at the Lakeview District Office, 2795 Anderson Avenue, Bldg. #25, Klamath Falls.
The Medford District will offer four sales:
- Holcomb Hollow Salvage & Hazard timber sale (5.6 million board feet, 679 acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on Sept. 25 at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford.
- Chopper Styx Salvage & Hazard timber sale (5.2 million board feet, 437 acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on Sept. 25 at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford.
- Take A Chance timber sale (10.6 million board feet, 383 acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on Sept. 25 at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford.
- Apple Saws Salvage & Hazard timber sale (6.6 million board feet, 629 acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on Sept. 25 at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford.
The Roseburg District will offer the Prince Butte timber sale (6.9 million board feet, 239 public acres) near Oakland in Douglas County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on Sept. 23, at the Roseburg District Office, 777 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg.
In western Oregon, the BLM manages 2.4 million acres of some of the most productive forests in the world, and is committed to supplying a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber. BLM forestry supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, conserves fish and wildlife habitat, and decreases costs of energy production. Local communities rely on jobs that come from BLM forests, and timber from public land feeds local industry.
Each year, sales managed by the BLM’s forestry program in Oregon and Washington support approximately 2,000 local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies. Revenue from timber sold on O&C lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon counties. This funding provides local communities with the means to construct new county buildings; develop fairgrounds and museums; support libraries, schools, and jails; and build flood-control dams and reservoirs.
-BLM-
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
An advocate for the movement to abolish vote by mail in Oregon asserts that it is gaining momentum, while detractors argue that it still has a considerable distance to cover.
Initiative 37 has reportedly collected a minimum of 25,000 signatures since July 25, according to chief petitioner Ben Edtl, a Republican political consultant based in Tualatin.
To qualify for the November 2026 ballot, the initiative requires over 156,000 verified signatures by July 2, as stated by the Oregon Secretary of State. Supporters have raised nearly $9,000 to date but have expended close to $12,000.
Oregon initiated trials of a vote-by-mail system in the 1980s, eventually becoming the first state in the nation to officially implement the system. Since that time, seven additional states and Washington D.C. have adopted similar measures.
Oregon governor says she’s trying to ensure COVID vaccine access amid confusion
Governor Kotek on Thursday said she’s trying her best to ensure affordable access to the COVID-19 vaccine for Oregonians, pushing back on criticism that other Democrat-led states across the nation have been more efficient at providing quick inoculations and support for providers before an expected annual spike in respiratory illnesses.
Kotek’s explanation traces back to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to reshape the federal vaccine advisory panel that pharmacists and doctors prescribing the immunization in Oregon and elsewhere rely on for guidance about safety and risks regarding a particular shot. Kennedy fired all members of the panel in June and has since appointed vaccine skeptics to the committee, which is set to meet on Sept. 18-19 and discuss the shot.
Questions around access to the vaccine came to a peak at the end of August, when the Food & Drug Administration announced tightened restrictions that limited the vaccine to people aged 65 or older or those with an underlying health condition that would risk severe illness. Days later, Oregon joined Washington, California and Hawaii to form a “West Coast Health Alliance” aimed at safeguarding vaccine access regardless of shifting federal policies.
Oregon pharmacies began requiring prescriptions under guidelines from the state’s Board of Pharmacy that defer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s advisory panel in adherence with state policy. But in the meantime, other states such as Massachusetts, Washington and Pennsylvania have offered a variety of solutions, including requiring insurers to cover the shots, allowing pharmacists to defer to mainstream medical groups’ guidance and issuing a standing order allowing pharmacists or nurses to inject the shot.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, Kotek spokesperson Lucas Bezerra said the governor is frustrated with the federal government’s narrower eligibility and lack of clarity, which has created “a patchwork-like environment for something as basic as vaccine access.” He said the current rollout has fomented demand for the vaccine without an efficient way for Oregonians to access it at a pharmacy with no prescription.
Bezerra noted Washington’s standing order guaranteeing vaccine access without a prescription to individuals ages 6 months and older through a pharmacist or nurse, for instance, was not practical to replicate in Oregon, which doesn’t have a state law giving the Oregon Health Authority the ability to issue similar orders.
“Oregon does not have the same authority, but there may be indirect pathways that allow for an action of this kind,” Bezerra said. “The governor has directed staff to urgently develop ways to mitigate this disruption, with all five agencies working diligently with the governor’s office, to come up with solutions that are the least disruptive, and have the lowest cost, for Oregonians hoping to get the pinch this respiratory virus season.”
In the meantime, doctors, pharmacists and patients across the state have remained frustrated as some locations have canceled appointments and walked back promises of not needing a prescription. The Oregon Board of Pharmacy has advised that patients will need prescriptions, but doctors in Oregon are also hesitant to issue them due to a lack of clear guidance and liability protections from the state and federal government, the Oregonian/OregonLive reported Tuesday.
The pharmacy board completed rulemaking by August to be able to respond promptly to forthcoming guidance from the Sept. 18-19 vaccine advisory meeting. The agency told the Capital Chronicle that it was originally set to only be able to meet and respond by December, posing what it called “an impossible timeline for respiratory season.”
“We believe there is a misunderstanding of Board actions and the processes to authorize pharmacist administration of vaccines without a prescription,” agency staff wrote in an unsigned statement. “It is important to understand that no protocol for the 25-26 COVID-19 formulation existed prior to or after FDA approval.” (SOURCE)
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Washington Governor Bob Ferguson have announced the establishment of a new West Coast Health Alliance aimed at ensuring that residents are safeguarded by scientific evidence rather than political influence.
This alliance signifies a coordinated regional effort to counteract the Trump Administration’s undermining of the U.S. CDC’s credibility and scientific integrity.
Since its inception, the CDC has played a crucial role in safeguarding Americans from diseases. However, according to Kotek, recent changes in leadership, diminished transparency, and the exclusion of long-respected advisory bodies have weakened the agency’s ability to prepare the nation for the respiratory virus season and other public health issues. In the absence of clear, evidence-based vaccine guidance, manufacturers are left without dependable information for production planning, healthcare providers find it challenging to deliver consistent care plans, and families are confronted with uncertainty regarding access and coverage.
These three western states continue their political disapproval of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his decision to dismiss all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Ashland Oregon Police Department ·Homicide Investigation Case 25-1588
UPDATE: According to Dan Moulin, deputy chief of the Ashland Police Department, law enforcement officers and Ashland Fire & Rescue responded to an emergency call at 3:38 a.m. to A and North Second streets. There, they found Matthew Mark Vandersande, 40, of Ashland, lying on the ground next to his vehicle, dead from several gunshot wounds.
Moulin said the shooter is still at large. So far, Moulin said investigators have not determined a motive for the crime.
On September 7th, 2025, at 3:38 AM, Ashland Police Officers and Paramedics from Ashland Fire & Rescue (AFR) were dispatched to a report of person laying on the ground next to a vehicle near ‘A’ Street and North 2nd Street, Ashland. Officers arrived to find a male who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics confirmed the male was deceased upon their arrival, and a homicide investigation was initiated.
The Jackson County Major Assault/Death Investigation Unit was activated by Ashland Detectives, which brought personnel from the Medford Police Department, Oregon State Police, Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office, Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab.
At this time, the investigation has revealed that the victim was inside his parked vehicle on ‘A’ Street, near North 2nd Street, when an unidentified suspect approached the vehicle and fired multiple rounds at the victim, striking him several times. The suspect can be seen on security camera footage from nearby businesses fleeing the scene toward North Pioneer Street on ‘A’ Street following the shooting. The suspect appeared to be wearing dark clothing.
It is not believed that this incident was random, as it appears this was a targeted attack on the victim. There is no indication of a specific public threat at this time. The victim has been identified as 40-year-old Matthew Mark Vandersande, of Ashland. Next of kin has been notified.
We are asking for the public’s assistance to identify additional investigative leads. If you have any information that you feel may be helpful to the investigation, or you have surveillance cameras in the area that may have caught footage of the incident or suspect between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM, please contact Detective Sergeant Rick Spence at 541-552-2172 or the Ashland Police Department Tip Line at 541-552-2333.
Investigators have been informed that many people in the Ashland community knew Vandersande mainly by his vehicle, so a photograph of the vehicle has been included.Our condolences go out to the victim’s friends and family in this difficult time. Further information will be provided by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
In a recent announcement from the office of Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama, it was stated that due to Senator Chris Gorsek’s recovery from complications arising from a scheduled medical procedure, the Senate votes on HB 3991 and HB 3992 will be postponed until September 17.
Gorsek has played a significant role in transportation policymaking. In a statement issued by Governor Tina Kotek, Senator Gorsek was wished a swift recovery, and the Senate’s decision received support.
House Republican Leader Christine Drazan expressed her opposition to the recent approval of a $4.3 billion tax package by the Oregon House today. Drazan highlighted that 94% of Oregonians voiced their opposition to the package during public testimony. She condemned the choice to double payroll taxes on Labor Day while simultaneously raising the costs of gas and DMV services.
The Klamath Basin Oktoberfest is set to return on Saturday, Sept. 20th.
This event, organized by the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA), will occur on Saturday, September 20th from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Bill Collier Ice Arena located in the Running Y Resort in Klamath Falls.
The community is encouraged to attend and partake in craft beers, traditional German cuisine, live entertainment, and enjoyable activities for the entire family.
Tickets for individuals aged 21 and over are priced at $25 if purchased in advance and $30 at the entrance. General admission for non-drinkers is $10, applicable both in advance and at the door. Children aged 12 and under can enter free of charge!
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) commends a substantial investment aimed at assisting more low-income households in managing their utility expenses. In June, legislators approved House Bill 3792, which increased funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) from $20 million to $40 million.
Governor Tina Kotek enacted the bill, along with additional energy affordability legislation, into law yesterday. ” OEAP offers energy assistance to eligible customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, determined by household size and annual income.
Since its inception in 1999, OEAP has aided over 85,000 customers, with 92% of participants successfully avoiding energy shutoffs. In light of the federal administration’s announcement regarding possible reductions and the elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Oregon lawmakers took action to protect residents from this uncertainty by broadening the state-funded OEAP.
LIHEAP, which delivers grants and energy efficiency services to millions across the nation, has become a crucial support system for families.
ASTORIA, Oregon — ASTORIA, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene Sept. 16-17 in Astoria, Oregon.
On Sept. 16, commissioners will tour Fort Stevens in the morning and conduct a work session 1 to 3 p.m. about the Reimagine State Parks strategic initiative and a rate review.
On Sept. 17, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. at the Astoria Elks Lodge #180, 453 11th St. in Astoria to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A business meeting will begin at 9:45 a.m. and will be open to the public.
Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting. To watch the business meeting, go to the livestream on the OPRD Director’s Office YouTube channel.
The business meeting also includes time for informal public comments related to any items not on the agenda. Registration is required to speak at the meeting if attending online, and is available online at https://bit.ly/registersep2025commission
The deadline for registering to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., Sept. 12. No advance registration is required to speak in person at the meeting. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. Sept. 12 to OPRC.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov
The full agenda and supporting documents are posted on this webpage and will be posted on the commission web page.
Notable requests:
- Request to adopt recommended grants for 2025 Local Government Grant Program (LGGP):
- Large Grants totaling $15,707,853
- Small Grants totaling $1,101,673
- Planning Grants totaling $450,000
- Request to adopt ATV sound and equipment rules after rulemaking responsibility was transferred from Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).
- Request to adopt Public Contract and Procurement Rules to outline OPRD’s public contracting and procurement requirements. Senate Bill 838 exempts OPRD from the Public Contracting Code except for surplus property and information technology related procurement.
- Request to adopt rules about Special Assessment for Historic Property in response to House Bill 3190, which reauthorizes the program as a 10-year benefit for commercial, income-producing historic properties.
Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance: denise.warburton@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-779-9729.
Astronomy Festival brings star parties, photography, hikes & more Sept. 25-27
COOS BAY, Oregon— The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 25-27.
Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including JR Ranger programs, a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 25 and a star party each night.
“Places like Sunset Bay and Shore Acres offer visitors a chance to see the natural world not only during the day but also at night. They’re special because they show us what the sky looked like everywhere before light pollution. Seeing the night sky in its full brilliance is powerful and, for many, even emotional,” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.
The astronomy festival gives visitors a chance to see and learn more about the night sky.
NOTE: Outdoor events are weather dependent.
Thursday Activities:
- 10 a.m.: Our Star, The Sun JR Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
- 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email Kenneth.Page@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
- 7:30 p.m.: Navigating by The Stars program at Shore Acres Gardens
- 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
- Webpage with complete Thursday schedule
(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)
Friday Activities:
- 10 a.m.: Constellation Station Junior Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
- 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
- 6-7 p.m.: Jellyfish: The Alien Next Door guided hike (meet at Shore Acres Observation Building for 1-mile hike)
- 7:30: How to Talk to Aliens Even if You’re Shy evening program at Shore Acres Garden
- 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
- Webpage with complete Friday schedule
(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)
Saturday Activities:
- 10 a.m.: Guided hike (Meet at Interpretive Center at Sunset Bay Campground for 1-mile hike)
- 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
- 7:30 p.m.: Imagining Other Worlds Night Program at Shore Acres
- 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
- Webpage with complete Saturday schedule
(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)
Register Now for 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference – Saturday, September 27, 2025
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.
ONE YEAR LATER: Sheriff’s Detectives, Search & Rescue Still Searching for Missing Prospect Woman Deenah Padgett; Looking for Public Help
JCSO Case 24-4928 PROSPECT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives and Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel continue to search for a woman missing out of Prospect, Ore. since September 2024. Deenah Padgett, 69, was reported missing on Sunday, September 8, 2024. She was last seen camping in the Prospect area on September 4, 2024. She is described as a white woman with brownish-red, partially gray hair, standing 4’8” tall and weighing 90-100 lbs.
JCSO detectives and SAR personnel have searched the area extensively and are looking for the public’s help. If you see Deenah or know her whereabouts, immediately call ECSO Dispatch at (541) 776-7206 and reference case 24-4928. If you have any information that might help the investigation, call Detective Friend at (541) 864-8774.Aaron Lewis
JCSO Public Information Officer (PIO)
LewisAJ@jacksoncountyor.gov
Desk: 541-864-8773
Cell: 541-531-8203
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.
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.
Oregon’s Missing Persons
Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.
In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.
Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced
