Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 10/1 – Lebanon High School Currently in 2nd Place in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights Contest, Eugene Airport Expanding Non-Stop Services and Adding More Travel Options & 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, October 1, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

Drivers in western Oregon should prepare for a soggy commute as steady rain intensifies by Tuesday night. The wet weather will likely slow traffic on Interstate 5 through Eugene and Springfield, especially during the evening hours.

According to the National Weather Service, rainfall may total a quarter inch by Tuesday, with thunderstorms possible later in the week. Winds will shift south between 6 and 11 mph Tuesday, which could worsen driving conditions on open roadways.

Local residents should avoid unnecessary travel late Tuesday as heavier showers move in. Wet roads and low visibility could make evening driving hazardous, especially on Highway 126 toward Springfield and I-5 north toward Albany. Power outages are possible if thunderstorms develop midweek.

Wednesday’s forecast calls for additional showers, with thunderstorms also possible before noon. By Thursday, the pattern eases slightly, though lingering showers will keep conditions damp heading into Friday. The first days of October will feel cooler, with highs near 60 by Saturday.

Lebanon High School Currently in 2nd Place in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights Contest – You Can Help Them Win!

Lebanon High School is currently in second in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest! We are 4,700+ behind the first place school, but we believe! Remember, out of 2,100+ entries, we are the ONLY high school in Oregon to make it to the top 25! Let’s get that grand prize of $1 million in stadium upgrades.

“Please vote for the LHS stadium. It has been condemned. We are trying to win 1million dollars”

Help our Warriors win: Vote once per day, every day (per email address). Voting is open through Oct. 24. Encourage others to vote! Every vote will help us get across the finish line. Vote here: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights/h

Eugene Airport Expanding Non-Stop Services and Adding More Travel Options

As fall and winter approach, Eugene Airport is expanding its non-stop services and adding more travel options. These changes, plus existing services, give more destinations to choose from. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead, especially with possible schedule changes, busy parking and increased numbers of people travelling.

One of the newest routes is Alaska Airlines’ daily non-stop service beginning Oct. 26, 2025, between Eugene and Hollywood Burbank, Calif. Additionally, Breeze Airways has announced new non-stop service from EUG starting in March 2026 with service to Burbank, and with flights connecting to other cities such as Provo, Utah. Eugene currently offers non-stop flights to 17 destinations via carriers such as Alaska, American, United, Delta, Allegiant and Southwest.

With additional routes available compared to previous years, demand is expected to increase during this fall/winter holiday season. Travelers are urged to check with their airline for any flight status updates before heading to the airport as delays can happen, particularly with changing winter weather. Also, those planning to park at EUG are reminded to verify space availability on the airport’s parking page at flyEUG.com. The airport’s parking lots can reach capacity, especially during peak travel periods.

Finally, passengers, especially those checking baggage, should arrive at the airport early, with airlines suggesting passengers arrive two hours before the posted flight departure time. Early arrival gives time for parking, check-in, TSA security screening and any unanticipated delays. As more flights are added and the holiday travel season draws near, processing times for check-in and TSA screening may lengthen. Travelers, as well as their friends and families, can find updated travel information at flyEUG.com. 

With new flights coming soon, Eugene’s residents and visitors alike have more ways to get where they’re going, but good planning remains key to a successful journey.

Lane County Government  · 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 — 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭.

Lane County Emergency Management is helping people be more prepared for disasters as part of a 6-week readiness campaign. The campaign includes weekly readiness tips and people can 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐮𝐩 𝐚 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩/𝐎𝐊 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧. During a disaster, place the sign in a window facing the street so responders know right away if your household is 𝑂𝐾 or needs 𝐻𝐸𝐿𝑃 .

This simple tool saves precious time, helps first responders prioritize, and gives neighbors an easy way to check on one another. Signs are available to download online or pick up at locations across Lane County through October. Learn more & get your sign: https://bit.ly/3KqfA89

Lane County Emergency Management Promotes 6 Weeks of Readiness

Lane County Emergency Management is helping people be more prepared for disasters as part of a 6-week readiness campaign.

The campaign includes weekly readiness tips, events, and a new program to help residents let first responders know if they need help during a disaster.

“The ‘6 Weeks of Ready’ campaign runs through October and provides a simple, step-by-step approach to becoming more prepared,” said Lane County Emergency Manager Tiffany Brown. “Each week focuses on a different aspect of readiness, making it easier for individuals and families to build resilience before the next emergency. Whether someone is just getting started or already has a plan, the goal is to help everyone take their preparedness to the next level.”

Each week during the campaign, which runs through October, preparedness tips will be released online. The first week’s theme is stocking up and staying safe by building a go-kit and being ready to shelter in place. Other themes throughout the campaign include family communication plans, being prepared with kids and pets, and tsunami readiness, and more.

Lane County Emergency Management will also be participating in the Beat the Wave Disaster Preparedness Expo in Florence on October 11, which is being hosted by the West Lane Emergency Operations Group.

Finally, Lane County Emergency Management is rolling out its new HELP/OK sign program, which provides people with a free window sign that can be used to signal to first responders that they need help during a disaster.

“The HELP/OK sign program is a simple but powerful tool to strengthen community resilience,” said Brown. “During a disaster, every minute counts — and with these signs, first responders can quickly identify who needs assistance and who is safe. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.”

HELP/OK signs are available to download from the Lane County Emergency Management website or can be picked up for free during September and October at the following locations:

Lane County Government Offices

• Assessment & Taxation (125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene)
• Public Works Customer Service Center (3050 N. Delta Highway, Eugene)
• Community Health Centers (map to all 8 locations)
• WIC Office (151 W. 7^th Avenue, Eugene)
• Communicable Disease Clinic (151 W. 7^th Avenue, Eugene)
• Veteran Services (151 W. 7^th Avenue, Eugene)
• Developmental Disabilities Services Reception (2513 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Eugene)
• Reveille Housing (680 Tyler Street, Eugene)
• Parole & Probation (2699 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite A, Eugene)
• Youth Services (2727 MLK Jr. Boulevard, Eugene)

Lane Council of Governments Offices

• 1015 Willamette Street, Eugene
• 3180 US 101, Florence
• 700 E. Gibbs Avenue, Cottage Grove
• 48310 E. 1^st Street, Oakridge

City Halls

• Coburg City Hall (91136 N Willamette Street, Coburg)
• Florence City Hall (250 US 101, Florence)
• Dunes City (82877 Spruce Street, Westlake)
• Springfield City Hall (225 Fifth Street, Springfield)
• Creswell City Hall (13 S. 1^st Street, Creswell)
• Veneta City Hall (88184 8^th Street, Veneta)

Fire Districts

• Western Lane Fire District (410 9^th Street, Florence)
• South Lane Fire & Rescue (233 E. Harrison Avenue, Cottage Grove)
• Coburg Fire District (91232 North Coburg Road, Coburg)
• McKenzie Fire Station (42870 McKenzie Highway, Walterville)
• Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire Station (85880 First Street, Eugene)
• Junction City Fire Station (1755 Juniper Street, Junction City)

Post Offices

• Dorena Post Office (75694 Wicks Road, Dorena)
• Swisshome Post Office (13297 Highway 36, Swisshome)
• Deadwood Post Office (14701 Highway 36, Deadwood)

Other

• Eugene Downtown Library (100 W. 10^th Avenue, Eugene)
• Amazon Community Center (2700 Hilyard Street, Eugene)
• Dorena School (37141 Row River Road, Dorena)
• Oakridge Air (48513 Highway 58, Oakridge)
• Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative (90680 Highway 99 North, Eugene)
• Springfield Library (225 Fifth Street, Springfield)
• LTD Eugene Station Customer Service Center (1080 Willamette Street, Eugene)
• Mapleton Water District (88151 Riverview Avenue, Mapleton)

“We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone in Lane County to get a HELP/OK sign. You can pick one up at libraries, fire stations, and other public buildings across the county,” said Brown.

An Arizona man is facing charges after a burglary and attempted carjacking incident in Creswell on Friday evening according to court records filed in Lane County Circuit Court.

Mark Clark, 47, is currently in the Lane County Jail. He has been charged with burglary, theft, and criminal mischief.

The Oregon State Police reported that troopers responded to a burglary on Camas Swale Road at around 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 26. The burglary victim held Clark at gunpoint until authorities arrived. Clark managed to flee the scene in a vehicle. However, troopers used spike strips to stop him. In a desperate attempt to escape, Clark tried to carjack a family but was unsuccessful. He then backed into a passing car. According to OSP officials, troopers and deputies quickly boxed him in and arrested him.

EWEB Finishes Final Emergency Water Station

The final emergency water station has been officially installed in Eugene as part of the Eugene Water & Electric Board’s disaster preparedness plan.

People came and lined up at Kennedy Middle School Saturday morning to see where they can access water in case of earthquakes, wildfires, or other events that could disrupt or limit access to the city’s water system.

This latest station was made possible by a partnership between EWEB and 4J Schools. Timothy Morris, EWEB Commissioner for Wards 1 and 8, as well as 4J Superintendent Miriam Mickelson, gave remarks about residents and families now being better prepared for disaster preparedness before cutting a large red ribbon stretched in front of the new water filling station.

Initial plans called for five emergency water stations, “but due to community need two additional stations were added,” she said.

Other locations are the Eugene Science Center, Howard Elementary School, Prairie Mountain School, Amazon Park-YMCA, the Sheldon Fire Station, and the Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds.

As part of the event, organizers gave free 3-gallon containers to people and showed them how to use the filling station. All seven locations across the city of Eugene draw their water from underground wells. The intent is to provide individuals up to two gallons of water a day during an emergency. MORE INFO at EWEB: https://www.eweb.org/projects/emergency-water-stations

Wildfire Prompts Level 3 Evacuations in Northeast Corvallis

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, at approximately 3:00 PM, the Corvallis Fire Department and multiple cooperating agencies responded to a fast-moving wildland fire in the area of NE Granger Avenue and NE Pettibone Drive. The incident prompted Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations for residences in the immediate vicinity.

Fire crews acted quickly to contain the fire, and by approximately 4:15 PM, forward progress of the fire was successfully stopped. The swift and coordinated efforts of responding agencies were instrumental in preventing further spread and protecting both life and property.

Level 3 evacuations were issued for homes in the immediate vicinity of the fire. At this time, evacuation orders have been lifted.

No injuries were reported, and the only structure lost was a small outbuilding. Firefighters remain on scene conducting mop-up operations and monitoring for flare-ups. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Mutual Aid and Response – The Corvallis Fire Department received mutual aid from nearly all Benton County fire agencies, as well as neighboring departments from Linn, Lane, Marion, Polk, and Lincoln counties, and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Their combined efforts ensured a rapid and effective response to a dangerous and dynamic situation. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office was in Unified Command with the Corvallis Fire and conducted emergency alerting and evacuations.

Statement from the Fire Chief – “We are extremely grateful for the support of our mutual aid partners and the cooperation of the community,” said Fire Chief Ben Janes. “This incident is a powerful reminder of the importance of regional collaboration and the need for continued community preparedness.”

Stay Informed – Community members are encouraged to stay informed through official communication channels and to sign up for emergency alerts via the Linn Benton Alerts Emergency Notification System https://sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/linn-benton-alert/

Oregon Department of Forestry Awarded Community Wildfire Defense Grant for South Lane Wildfire Risk Reduction in the ODF Western Lane and South Cascade District

Two project proposals led by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), along with four other projects in Oregon, have been selected to be funded by the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG). In total, organizations in Oregon have received $28.5 million to fund six projects, all with the end goal of creating more wildfire resilient communities.

ODF’s project proposals focus on assisting communities in reducing wildfire risk through mitigation work, education, defensible space assessments, becoming a Firewise USA site and more. ODF is also a partner on two other state projects that have been selected for funding.

“Wildfire seasons across the west are lasting longer and causing more devastation than ever before,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “Federal resources are critical for protecting Oregonians and Oregon’s natural resources. These funds will support fuels reduction, defensible space, and other invaluable landscape and community resiliency projects.”

The ODF proposals that have been selected for funding are:

• South Lane Wildfire Risk Reduction in the ODF Western Lane and South Cascade District – $2,624,890
  This project will promote wildfire resilience in three disadvantaged Lane County communities, which have been identified as having high risk to catastrophic wildfire. The project will implement fuels reduction focused on private lands located in high density wildland urban interface (WUI) areas and support a wildfire prevention and education campaign, providing community members with educational materials promoting defensible space, wildfire awareness, and Firewise USA.
• Cave Junction-Takilma-Illinois Valley Mira Fuels Mitigation Project in the ODF Southwest Oregon District – $2,359,909
  This project actively engages private landowners, provides technical assistance, and expands prescribed fire training opportunities, strengthening community resilience while reducing hazardous fuel loads. The project targets overgrown ladder fuels, selectively thinning to a clearance height of 10 to 14 feet. These efforts reduce crown fire potential, helping prevent rapid fire spread through tree canopies. Another key objective of the Mira project is prescribed fire implementation. In collaboration with partners, the project will conduct community-led under burns, hands-on training workshops, and Certified Burn Manager (CBM) courses.
  
  These efforts increase landowner participation in prescribed fire while reducing long-term dependence on mechanical fuel treatments. The project also enhances home and community protection through defensible space assessments and treatments, reducing fuels around structures and reinforcing fuel breaks along roadways and property boundaries. These firebreaks improve firefighter ingress/egress and provide critical suppression points during wildfire events. In total the project will support over 800 acres of hazardous fuels treatment, two CBM trainings, 100 defensible space assessments, two community workshops, four demonstrations under burns, and establish two new Firewise Communities.

“Building wildfire resilient landscapes and communities is such a critical need throughout Oregon,” said Kate Skinner, interim State Forester and director of ODF. “We’re eager to get our boots on the ground and put this funding to good use protecting Oregonians.”

The CWDG program helps communities, tribes, non-profit organizations, state forestry agencies and Alaska Native corporations plan for and mitigate wildfire risks as the nation faces an ongoing wildfire crisis. Scoring priority was given to project proposals that are in an area identified as having a high or very high wildfire hazard potential, benefit a low-income community and/or are in a community that has been impacted by a severe disaster within the past 10 years that increased wildfire risk.  

For more information on funded proposals in Oregon and nationally, visit www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/grants/funded-proposals.  

Lane County Board of County Commissioners Denounces Hate Flyers

The Lane County Board of County Commissioners strongly denounces the recent distribution of hateful flyers targeting our communities of color, and particularly our Latino community. These acts of intimidation and bias have no place in Lane County. We stand united in condemning these attempts to spread fear, division, and white nationalist ideology within our neighborhoods.

Let us be clear: white nationalism, racism, and xenophobia are not welcome here. These flyers are not just pieces of paper, they are symbols of a larger system of hate that we must all actively reject.

The targeting of our Latino neighbors is not isolated; it is part of a broader pattern of hate and exclusion that affects other historically marginalized communities. We must respond to these acts not with silence, but with solidarity.

As a Board, we reiterate our pledge to confront hate in all its forms and support communities who are targeted. We call on our residents to join us in actively rejecting racist rhetoric, reporting bias activity to the Oregon Department of Justice’s Hate & Bias Hotline at 1-844-924-2427, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those under attack. Our safety and dignity are bound together.

There is no place for hate in Lane County.

RAVEN-Radical Assistance — They need an indoor space for the winter! Any ideas appreciated! They are providing food, basic need supplies and human connection to our neighbors in need.

Survey asking for residents to weigh in on effects of wildfire and smoke in Lane County

Wildfire and smoke affect everyone in Lane County. Lane County Emergency Management is asking people to take a short survey to help local agencies better understand how residents experience the impacts of wildfire and smoke.  The survey will help Lane County identify where it can improve our support for residents to prepare for, and live with, fire. The survey is available through October 17, 2025.

“We are working with agencies across the region to update the Lane County Community Wildfire Protection Plan,” said Tiffany Brown, County Emergency Manager. “Wildfire and smoke have become a fixture on the landscape in Lane County for much of the year and updating our plan will help us better understand the risk and how to keep our communities safe from these hazards while allowing them to thrive into the future.”

The survey is available in English and Spanish:

• Take the Wildfire and Smoke Survey in English
• Completa la encuesta en español

The QR codes attached can also be used to access the survey in English and Spanish.

The survey is part of Lane County’s work with the Oregon Department of Forestry and other partners to update the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The plan was last updated in 2020.

A successful CWPP provides a community with a set of goals, actions and resources specifically designed to address the threat of wildfire. These goals, actions and resources can help:

• Enhance public safety
• Improve economic resiliency through the identification and protection of critical infrastructure and businesses at risk
• Restore and protect ecosystem health
• Raise public awareness about wildfire risks
• Educate landowners of their shared responsibility in wildfire protection
• Build new partnerships between local, state and federal firefighting agencies, community organizations and businesses

An up-to-date CWPP is also required before local communities can receive funding for hazard mitigation and recovery work through the National Fire Plan, FEMA mitigation grants and other resources.

𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲!

The Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB) must fill at least 3 open seats. PVAB hears taxpayer appeals about property values — an important role in making sure values are accurate.

Must be a Lane County resident

Interest or background in real estate, finance, or property appraisal is helpful

Cannot work for Lane County or another local taxing district

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐮𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐎𝐜𝐭. 𝟑 Paid training + $15/hour stipend during hearings (Feb–April 2026)Learn more and apply: LaneCountyOR.gov/appeals

More Than 90,000 People in Lane County Face Uncertainty as PacificSource Plans Medicaid Exit 

PacificSource has said it will cut ties with Medicaid at the end of the year, saying the rates the state pays to cover people are simply too low. It’s still not clear what will happen to the nearly 92,000 people in the county who currently receive Oregon Health Plan coverage via PacificSource.

Nearly 70% of people who rely on Medicaid for health care in Lane County may lose their current coverage through the insurer PacificSource in the coming months. That’s more than 90,000 members of the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program. 

Lane County is experiencing the first fallout in Oregon as state leaders wrangle how to pay for the care of 1.4 million lower-income residents.

Oregon Health Authority — We know that many people in Lane County are hearing news about 2026 changes with a local Coordinated Care Organization (CCO), PacificSource, and are wondering what that means for their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage.

Here’s the most important thing to know right now if you’re an OHP member: Your coverage has not changed. You do not need to do anything to stay covered at this time. We will continue to share updates as this work moves forward. If you’re an OHP member in Lane County or elsewhere and have questions, you can always visit https://tinyurl.com/OregonHealthPlan or call 1-800-699-9075 to learn more.

State hires companies to manage care regionally

In all, 11 organizations operate 16 regional networks around the state. Most of them enjoy a regional monopoly, almost like a franchise. In Lane County, however, PacificSource is not the only care organization to oversee Oregon Health Plan operations. The other one, Trillium Community Health Plan, is owned by Centene, a national for-profit Medicaid insurer that has been experiencing major financial challenges of its own.

“We are continuing our discussions with OHA and hope to arrive at a solution that allows us to continue to serve Lane County,” said Erin Fair Taylor, the vice president for Medicaid at PacificSource Health Plans. “However, we reluctantly submitted a notice to the state indicating our intent not to renew the 2026 Lane County CCO contract under the current proposed terms and rates.”

Negotiations have been under way for months, with the state promising to make changes to the program to lower risks to the care organizations. It’s unclear whether the state will extend the deadline to reopen negotiations with PacificSource. Oregon Health Authority officials have not responded to a request for comment on what they will do if a care organization pulls out.

“We did not come to this decision lightly, and we are deeply disappointed that we have not yet reached a path forward,” Fair Taylor added. “Our priority has always been to provide Oregonians with access to high-quality care. Unfortunately, after extensive discussions, it became clear that continuing participation under current terms would undermine our ability to effectively serve the people who rely on us and put the long-term sustainability of our organization at risk.”

She added, “We know this decision affects the lives of many Oregonians and we remain committed to working with the Oregon Health Authority, state leaders, and our partners to ensure members experience as smooth a transition as possible.”

The insurer is also pulling out of Health Share of Oregon, the care organization serving Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties that is essentially a collaborative dominated by health plans and Care Oregon. Though PacificSource oversees care for 20,000 people in the region for Health Share, they are unlikely to notice much of a change. That’s because PacificSource partners with Legacy Health and its delivery network, which will continue to be part of Health Share.

“We will be working diligently with Legacy and Health Share to ensure a smooth transition,” Fair Taylor said. “This transition should not disrupt any members’ provider relationships or continuity of care.” https://www.thelundreport.org/content/pacificsource-mulls-pullout-serving-low-income-oregon-health-plan-lane-county

Lane County To Follow Oregon Health Authority Vaccine Guidance

Lane County Public Health and Community Health Centers of Lane County today announced they will follow the vaccine guidance of the Oregon Health Authority as provided by the Western States Health Coalition. These recommendations are as follows:

Influenza: All Lane County residents 6 months and older should receive an influenza vaccine

RSV: All babies age 8 months and younger, as well as children up to 19 months with risk factors; all adults 75 and older; and adults 50-74 years of age with risk factors, should receive the RSV vaccine

COVID-19:

• All children age 6-23 months
• All children age 2-18 years with risk factors, or if never vaccinated
• All children in close contact with others who have risk factors
• All who choose protection

Additionally, a prescription is no longer needed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from your primary care provider or from a participating pharmacy.

The Community Health Centers of Lane County will be offering influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines to their patients based on the guidance listed above.

While these recommendations will open up access to vaccines and hopefully alleviate some confusion, there are still many questions about which insurance plans will cover which vaccines. Currently, the only information Lane County is able to confidently share on insurance coverage for vaccines is that all Oregon Health Plan members will be covered for the influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines based on the guidance listed above.

The Oregon Health Authority has advised it may take a few days for pharmacies to start vaccinating, due to COVID-19 stock & ensuring safe implementation of the new recommendations. If a Lane County community member does not know where to get a COVID-19 vaccine, they can check with their health plan, local pharmacy, or call 211 or visit 211info.org. 

Foley Ridge Fire

10/1/2025 Foley Ridge Fire Quick FactsSize: 497 acresPersonnel: 324Containment: 64%

For more information, visit the incident website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incid…/orwif-foley-ridge-fire

U.S. Forest Service – Willamette National Forest 

Emigrant Fire Update

Lane County Stormdrain Cleaning Assistance Program now accepting fall business signups

Lane County’s Stormdrain Cleaning Assistance Program (SCAP) is back this fall—and businesses have until October 31 to sign up.

This voluntary program, offered in partnership with Stormwater Protection Systems (SPS), helps businesses keep their stormdrains clean and working for a flat fee of just $70 per drain. Since launching in 2023, more than 580 stormdrains representing 182 businesses have already been cleaned.

Why It Matters – Stormwater often flows directly into rivers and streams, carrying pollutants from parking lots and roads—like heavy metals, oil, pesticides, and fertilizers. Regular stormdrain maintenance keeps waterways clean, reduces flooding, and helps protect the local environment.

Program Details

• $70 per drain covers debris removal, power washing, and disposal of contaminated sediment.
• Businesses are responsible for their privately owned stormdrains.
• The program does not cover repairs, jetting, or oversized drains.

Lane County does not reimburse for this service; it is the responsibility of the business to pay for the service after the cleaning.

Act Now—Deadline October 31! — Lane County businesses must register this fall to lock in service before heavy rains arrive. Register at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/SCAP or email SCAP@LaneCountyOR.gov.

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.

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.

These are some food resources for our area

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

Check out the upcoming events, clubs, classes, groups, and gatherings in this week’s newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/…/transponder-happenings-sept14-sept20

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 – 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

2026 Rent Stabilization Percentages
State of Oregon 

Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) published the maximum rent increases allowed by law for 2026.

• 9.5% for rental facilities that are 15 years or older.
• The lower maximum rental increase established by HB3054 (6%) is only applicable to manufactured home parks and floating home marinas containing more than 30 spaces.

Per statute, the Office of Economic Analysis calculates the maximum rent increase by adding 7% to the average change in the cost of living over the past year. Only one rent increase is allowed every 12 months, and the maximum increase is capped at 10%. The cost-of-living change is measured using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region (All Items), published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

House Bill 3054, passed in 2025, changed how rent increases are calculated. Now, the size of the rental property affects the allowed increase.

Rent increase limits are designed to protect tenants from large, unexpected rent hikes.

Oregon law requires the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to publish the maximum rent increase allowed each year by September 30 online. DAS will post the 2027 rent increase limits by September 30, 2026.

Oregon Department of Human Services  · Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are coming due to requirements from H.R. 1, a federal law passed on July 4, 2025.

ODHS is making this announcement today so that those who may be affected can prepare. We expect more than 313,000 people enrolled in SNAP may be impacted by the H.R. 1 changes – especially older adults, immigrants, and people living in rural communities with limited access to transportation.

The changes won’t happen to everyone at once. They will roll out over the next year. The rules are complex, and you can find details in this news release: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODHS/Posts/Post/odhs-announces-federal-changes-to-snap-so-thousands-of-oregonians-impacted-can-prepare

Here are some key things to know:

– Most changes will affect three main groups of SNAP recipients: households receiving utility assistance, able-bodied adults ages 18 through 64 with no child under age 14 in their SNAP group (including veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults aging out of foster care), and certain lawfully present immigrants.

– For people who already get SNAP: The changes will affect those who applied or recertified between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025. Notices will be sent around Oct. 15, 2025 to this first group of people who are impacted. The first group will have SNAP benefit reductions or closures on Nov. 1, 2025. For people approved for SNAP before July 4, 2025, the changes will happen over time throughout the next year and a notice will be sent.

– For people who apply or reapply for SNAP after Oct. 1, 2025: The new rules will apply right away.

If you think you may be impacted:

– Watch your mail for notices from ODHS and open them right away.

– If you think the work requirements may apply to you, don’t wait to start planning how to meet them. Call us at 833-947-1694 or SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov

– Learn what other food resources are in your community. Our website may be able to help: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/Pages/default.aspx

We know these changes will be difficult, and we understand emotions will be high. We ask that everyone please be respectful in the comments so that people who need help may get their questions answered.

Trump Deploys Department of War Troops to Portland

The precise date and time of President Donald Trump’s promised troop deployment to Portland remains unclear, as Oregon National Guard officials say it’ll take a few more days than anticipated to get all 200 soldiers trained and ready.

But the Trump administration continued to make the case for the deployment, with Trump likening the scene in Portland to World War II in a speech to military brass Tuesday. He said during the same speech that he had suggested to the secretary of defense that cities be used as “training grounds” for the U.S. military.

Oregon National Guard have arrived and will be here for about 60 days, costing $4 million dollars to our taxpayers. Whether you agree or disagree, let’s respect the men and women in uniform and of Oregon.

Oregon National Guard leader tells troops ahead of Portland deployment: ‘We are professionals’

The head of Oregon’s Military Department urged Oregon National Guard troops to follow their oath and act with professionalism despite any misgivings they may have about President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy 200 Oregon troops to Portland.

In his Monday letter, Adjutant General Alan Gronewold encouraged troops to perform their duties while deployed but also took their potential hesitations into account.

“I know some of you may have strong feelings about this mission. That’s Okay. You are citizens first, but you’re also service members who took an oath to support and defend the Constitution and follow the orders of the President and the Governor,” Gronewold wrote. “That oath doesn’t come with an asterisk that says, ‘Only when I agree with the mission.’”

The letter is a striking acknowledgement of the political pitfalls of the deployment, which has triggered strong and emotional reactions from elected officials in Oregon and the general public. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in his memo to Gov. Tina Kotek on Sunday that he was federalizing the troops to help protect federal personnel and facilities, namely the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland.

Protests outside the ICE building most nights since June have consisted of several dozen people. Federal officers themselves have been accused of “instigating” clashes with protesters and have been filmed hitting and shoving nonviolent protesters. The size of the protests grew after Trump’s Saturday announcement that he was sending troops.

Independent journalist Ken Klippenstein was first to report on Gronewold’s letter. Gronewold confirmed the letter’s authenticity in a text message to The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Kotek appointed Gronewald to lead the Oregon National Guard in 2023. He is a brigadier general and has been deployed in Kuwait, Germany, Afghanistan and Iraq.

In his letter, Gronewold told his guard members that the mobilization “doesn’t diminish” the guard’s overall mission in Oregon responding to wildfires and other natural calamities. He also asked guard members to be careful about what they post on social media, including refraining from posting operational details or getting into political arguments while identifiable as a member of the guard.

“I’ll be honest with you — I know this isn’t easy,” Gronewold wrote. “Some people in Oregon won’t understand or won’t support this mission. Some might even be hostile about it. But we’ve been through tough situations before. We are professionals who do our duties, regardless of how it’s received.” (SOURCE)

REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1866935397567484

Oregon elected officials, community organizations, unions and other groups are urging President Donald Trump not to send federal troops to Portland, warning that such an action would ultimately harm the city’s economy and communities.

There have been ongoing protests outside of the Portland ICE field office since June, and despite them being mostly nonviolent, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has brought federal charges against 26 protestors for crimes including arson, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.

Trump in his social media post did not specify what legal justification he had to deploy troops to Oregon, what military branch would be used or other key details. The troops would be used to defend U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities from “domestic terrorists,” he said.

A 19th-century law, the Posse Comitatus Act, generally forbids military members from conducting domestic law enforcement. Kotek said she is coordinating with state Attorney General Dan Rayfield to see if any legal response is necessary.

“We will be prepared to respond if we have to,” Kotek said about a potential lawsuit against the federal government.

Kotek said she has not heard from any other state governors about their National Guard troops being called upon by Trump to be deployed to Oregon. Kotek, as head of the Oregon National Guard, has said repeatedly she would not deploy Oregon troops. She said she has been in touch with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and California Gov. Gavin Newsom to learn from their experiences with Trump’s federal troop deployments. The White House shelved plans to send the guard to Chicago after Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson made clear they would not cooperate, and Trump’s advisors warned it would draw legal challenges.

Oregon House minority speaker Christine Drazan, R-Canby, said in an email statement that she supports the federal military deployment.

“The ICE facility in Portland has been subject to months of dangerously chaotic protests that have put residents and federal agents in harm’s way. The governor’s assertion that there is no national security threat and the mayor’s assertion that everything is fine is tone-deaf,” she said.

Kotek said the federal intervention is counter-productive and more likely to incite than quell any violence. Renewed calls for protest at the facility at 4 p.m. Sunday were circulating on social media Saturday.

“Any federal takeover with military troops in our state is a threat to communities across Oregon. It violates our right to govern ourselves. It interferes with local law enforcement’s ability to fulfill their mission, and frankly, it drains taxpayer resources that could be better spent elsewhere,” Kotek said. “Again, I communicated that to the president directly: Oregon is our home. It is not a military target. Any deployment would be an abuse of power and a misuse of federal troops.” (SOURCE)

When asked whether he was still sending troops to Portland, which he described as “War ravaged” in a social media post Saturday, Trump said his administration would make a decision on that “pretty soon.”

“Well, I mean, we’re certainly looking at it,” Trump said. “You can’t have that. We don’t want that. They’re attacking our ICE facility and they’re attacking other federal buildings.”

Later Sunday, the Trump administration did make the decision to deploy troops to the state, federalizing 200 Oregon National Guard members, effective immediately, for 60 days. The state of Oregon and the city of Portland filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration in response.

During a Sunday morning phone interview with NBC White House Correspondent Yamiche Alcindor, though, Trump made some remarks that seemed to indicate he might be backing off his military plan for Portland.

Trump referenced a weekend conversation with Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, and he alluded to being told by Kotek that the reality in Portland is different from what’s being portrayed to him.

“I spoke to the governor, she was very nice,” Trump said. “But I said, ‘Well wait a minute, am I watching things on television that are different from what’s happening? My people tell me different.’ They are literally attacking and there are fires all over the place…it looks like terrible.”

Kotek said she told Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Saturday morning that troops are not needed, and she believes Trump does not have the authority to deploy the military to Portland.

“We can manage our own local public safety needs,” Kotek said. “There is no insurrection, there is no threat to national security.”

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said the ‘necessary’ number of troops needed that Trump referred to in his social media post is “zero.”

A Pentagon spokesperson told the AP on Saturday that the Department of Defense would provide information and updates when available. On Sunday, it was the Department of Defense that sent the memo to Kotek informing her of the deployment of Oregon National Guard members.

Since June 2025, more than two dozen people have been arrested in connection with protests outside Portland’s ICE building on the south waterfront.

Most of the arrests occurred in the first month. The protests have generally decreased in size over time with reduced levels of confrontation, and law enforcement has maintained a watchful security presence at the building.

“This is an American city, we do not need any intervention,” Wilson said at a Saturday news conference. “This is not a military target.”

Still, in his interview Sunday with NBC, Trump referred to his yearslong perception of Portland as justification for his recent statements.

“They are attacking our ICE and federal buildings all the time,” Trump said. “You know, this has been going on for a long time. This has been going on for years in Portland. It’s like a hotbed of insurrection.”

On Saturday, a spokesperson for the Oregon National Guard, Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, said in an email to the Associated Press that “no official requests have been received at this time” for Guard support. “Any requests would need to be coordinated through the Governor’s office,” he added.

Of the criminal cases, most are still ongoing. Three individuals pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of ‘failure to obey a lawful order’ and received 6 months of probation and fines. Another case was dismissed by federal prosecutors.

Others facing more serious charges, including felony offenses for assaulting federal officers, are set for trial later this year or in early 2026. Most of the arrests have led to misdemeanor charges, per a KGW analysis of court records. (SOURCE)

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth moved to mobilize 200 members of the Oregon National Guard into federal service in the city of Portland for 60 days.

The governor’s office received a memo from the U.S. Department of Defense at 9:05 a.m. Sunday. It indicated the Oregon members are among 2,000 to be mobilized nationwide “to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other U.S. Government personnel who are performing Federal functions.”

The memo said the chief of the National Guard Bureau will coordinate details of the mobilization with the Oregon National Guard’s adjutant general, along with the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and commander of the U.S. Northern Command.

Protests outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland have been consistent but small. Arrests outside the Portland ICE building have dropped throughout summer.

Kotek, along with other leaders, has said no troops are necessary in Portland and made the case to President Donald Trump in a phone call Saturday. She said Sunday she didn’t know when troops might be mobilized in Portland, or exactly how many.

“I am no longer in charge of the members (of the Oregon National Guard) that he will be calling up,” Kotek said.

Kotek and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said Sunday the state had filed a lawsuit to block the deployment. (SOURCE)

Oregon sues Trump administration over unlawful federalization of National Guard.

REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/822383606886616

As of September 2025, health officials in Oregon have reported that cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) are increasing, consistent with typical seasonal patterns in the summer and fall.

The illness is highly contagious and spreads easily, particularly among young children in schools and daycares. Recent activity in Oregon

• Widespread outbreaks: Recent news reports indicate outbreaks spreading in Oregon as students return to school.
• Reported by Oregon Health Authority: The Oregon Health Authority has acknowledged recent HFMD activity in the state.
• Regional reports: In past years, specific outbreaks have been reported in Malheur County and on college campuses like George Fox University. 

SymptomsSymptoms typically appear 3 to 6 days after exposure and can include: 

• Fever: Often the first sign of the illness.
• Sore throat: Often develops a day or two after the fever begins.
• Painful mouth sores: These start as small red spots and blister, often appearing on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks.
• Skin rash: A non-itchy rash of red spots, sometimes with blisters, develops on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also appear on the buttocks and other areas. 

Transmission and preventionHand, foot, and mouth disease spreads through bodily fluids, making good hygiene critical to prevent its spread. How it spreads:

• Close contact: Saliva, mucus from the nose, and fluid from blisters.
• Respiratory droplets: Sputum released from coughing or sneezing.
• Feces: The virus can be shed in stool for several weeks after symptoms disappear.
• Contaminated surfaces: The virus can live on objects like toys and doorknobs. 

How to prevent spread:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and shared items.
• Avoid close contact with sick people, and do not share utensils or cups.
• Keep children home from school or daycare while they have a fever or actively draining blisters. 

Treatment and recoveryThere is no specific cure for hand, foot, and mouth disease. The focus is on supportive care to manage symptoms. 

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain medication can help with fever and mouth pain. Do not give aspirin to children.
• Stay hydrated: Ensure the sick person drinks plenty of fluids. Cold drinks or popsicles can be soothing for mouth sores.
• Time to recover: The illness typically resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days. 

Health insurance premiums to rise for thousands of Oregonians in 2026 unless Congress intervenes

Nearly 35,000 Oregonians who buy insurance through the state’s Affordable Care Act market will lose all financial help if enhanced tax credits aren’t extended

More than 111,000 Oregonians who buy health insurance through the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace will pay significantly more for their plans next year unless Congress intervenes, and nearly 35,000 will lose all financial help paying for monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

That’s because congressional Republicans did not renew in their tax and spending bill passed this summer a pandemic-era enhanced tax credit meant to help lower the cost of plans for more than 24 million Americans and businesses who buy insurance through states’ Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces.

The credits expire at the end of the year unless Congress extends them. While Republicans hope to pass a stop-gap spending bill by Tuesday to avoid a government shutdown, Democrats have said they won’t consider any bill that does not extend the credits.

Without the credits, the average Oregonian buying health insurance through the marketplace will pay $127 to $456 more per month in 2026, depending on their income level, according to the Oregon Health Authority. Anyone making over 400% of the federal poverty level — that’s about $62,000 a year for a one-person household, $84,000 for a two-person household and $128,000 for a four-person household — would no longer receive the enhanced tax credits.

People over 400 percent of the FPL have always been able to access the Marketplace, but have been ineligible for financial help. The enhanced premium tax credits only extended eligibility for premium tax credit to people at incomes over 400 percent of the FPL.

The credits were introduced in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan, a COVID-19 stimulus package, and expanded income eligibility and access to marketplace plans, doubling by 2025 the number of Americans able to buy health insurance through states’ ACA marketplaces.

The credits increased the income ceiling for credit eligibility. Previously, households earning more than 400% of the federal poverty level annually could not get financial help from the tax credits. Under the enhanced credits, households above 400% of the federal poverty level have out-of-pocket premiums capped at 8.5% of their household income.

People over 400 percent of the FPL have always been able to access the Marketplace, but have been ineligible for financial help. The enhanced premium tax credits only extended eligibility for premium tax credit to people at incomes over 400 percent of the FPL.

If Congress does not extend the credits, premiums for Americans enrolled in health plans through ACA marketplaces will rise an average of 75% next year, according to analysis from KFF, a health policy organization.

Premiums differ based on age and geography, and the rises would impact more young, low-income, urban enrollees, as well as enrollees in rural areas with moderate incomes. Average premiums in rural areas are expected to rise 90%, according to the Congressional Budget Office, leaving about 4 million more Americans uninsured next year.

Republicans have argued that Congress can debate extending the enhanced tax credits in November or December, but open enrollment for the ACA marketplace plans opens in November.

Without the certainty that they can afford higher premiums if the credits expire, many will choose not to enroll at all and go without health insurance in 2026, said Oregon state Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner at a Thursday news conference hosted by Americans for Responsible Growth, a national advocacy group that works with state financial leaders.

Steiner, a physician who served as the state Senate’s chief budget writer before becoming treasurer, said that the rising premiums will have cascading effects through Oregon’s economy. That’s in part because many small business owners, who must by law provide employees with health insurance, buy that coverage through the state’s ACA marketplace and will have to pay higher premiums without the tax credits.

“They’re going to lay off people because they can’t afford payroll. That, in turn, will result in decreased revenues from both corporate and personal income taxes, which will have a huge impact on our state’s bottom line, since we are one of the few states without a sales tax,” she said.

It will also create conditions, she said, where people will go without insurance, avoid and delay getting medical help, and skip or be unable to work as their conditions deteriorate.

“Good health care is good for business. Businesses depend on healthy employees who come to the workplace ready and able to do their jobs, not call out sick, or be less productive because of their illnesses,” she said. (SOURCE)

Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Wyden presses U.S. Treasury secretary to release Epstein financial files

Wyden has been investigating disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s financial transactions for years and calling for more transparency from federal agencies

For several hours on Valentine’s Day in 2024, staff from Oregon U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden’s office and the Senate Finance Committee sat in a room in the U.S. Treasury Department reviewing, thousands of suspicious financial transactions made by deceased and disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The transactions totaled more than $1 billion and included payments to women from eastern European countries where many of Epstein’s alleged victims are from. Along with Wyden’s team, staff from the offices of Republican Sens. Mike Crapo of Idaho and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee reviewed the documents, according to Wyden. Spokespersons for Crapo and Blackburn did not respond to requests for comment from the Capital Chronicle.

Treasury officials did not allow the staffers to make copies of the documents, only to take handwritten notes.

“And because you can’t take that stuff out of the room I asked, particularly, if the Republicans would be willing to join me in a subpoena that would get the rest of the information that was crucial, and they wouldn’t do that,” Wyden said. “And that was during the Biden years.”

Suspecting that there was and is far more financial information regarding Epstein in the treasury’s possession than they were shown, Wyden is introducing a bill that would force current U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to use his legal authority to turn over everything.

On Sept. 10, he introduced the Produce Epstein Treasury Records Act to compel Bessent to turn over all Epstein-related treasury records to Senate investigators. Wyden has asked Bessent twice, in March and June, to provide the files to the Senate Finance Committee to no avail. He has been unable to get the majority vote needed for the committee to issue a subpoena for the files, Wyden policy director Keith Chu said in an email.

The bill is the latest in a now three-year investigation Wyden and his staff have undertaken to understand Epstein’s sex trafficking network through his financial transactions with some of the world’s largest banks and powerful men.

“I’ve long felt that my biggest opportunities have been when I followed the money,” Wyden said.

An unnamed spokesperson for the U.S. Treasury it’s complying with the House Oversight Committee’s request earlier this month to receive some of the suspicious activity reports.

The reports are confidential and held by the treasury department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network called FinCEN. Although banks are supposed to report the activity in real time, the largest bank working with Epstein, JPMorgan, did not provide the reports to treasury until late 2019, after Epstein was arrested and charged with sex trafficking and died by suicide in a New York jail cell.

Wyden said the transactions show at the very least that the banks and the Internal Revenue Service were “asleep at the switch.”

“I want to find out what in hell kept these agencies from doing some audits,” he said.

Wyden first started looking into Epstein’s finances in 2022, connecting them to billionaire Leon Black, the co-founder of private equity firm Apollo Global Management. In 2023 and 2024, Wyden said he pushed “very, very hard to get the Biden people to do more,” and that then-Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s agency felt that they were providing him and Senate Finance members with more transparency when they allowed staff to see the suspicious activity reports, even if just for several hours.

“The reason that we got to do it is that we accepted their limits. You had to come in. You got it for a relatively short period of time, there were restrictions. That was kind of real pick and shovel stuff, getting what we got,” he said.

Calls for more transparency from the treasury and the Department of Justice following its investigation into Epstein have come from people across the political spectrum. Kentucky Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie said Wednesday that he will soon have the 218 signatures needed to force a vote in the House vote on releasing federal investigative files on Epstein.

Wyden said it’s become a major concern to many of his constituents in Oregon.

“Oregonians come up to me at the checkout line at Fred Meyer, when I’m walking on the street, basically saying: ‘keep it up,’” he said. “They know that I’ve been asking Trump people, that I’m asking Pam Bondi repeatedly, and people want answers,” he said.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in July said the Justice Department had wrapped its investigation into Epstein and found no evidence of a so-called client list, but has selectively released investigative files that were largely already public.

“I’m going to stay at it until the truth comes out. This has nothing to do with red and blue. It’s about the truth,” Wyden said. “There were huge sums of money — billions of dollars — moving around. So I want to make sure all the financial underpinnings come out.” (SOURCE)

Two crashes just 48 hours apart along Oregon 212 in Boring killed three people and collapsed a building this week.

The second crash happened around 6 a.m. Tuesday when a car went off the road and plowed into a building in the 28000 block of Southeast Oregon 212, the Clackamas County Fire Department said in a statement. The crash caused the brick building to partially collapse, bringing the roof down on the car and trapping the driver inside, fire officials said.

Firefighters shored up the building with supports to prevent it from collapsing further while they worked to free the trapped driver. The driver died while emergency responders drove him to a hospital, officials said.

Another person was inside the building at the time of the crash but was uninjured. Officials did not identify the driver or the business struck by the car. Photos released by the fire department show that the business is the Timber Pub & Grub.

Two days earlier, on Sunday, another crash in the area killed two people when an eastbound Dodge Caliber went off the road and collided with a shop called iCandy Lash Co. around 2:30 p.m., Oregon State Police said.

Police said the car briefly caught fire and that the impact killed the driver, 21-year-old Austin Gaberiel Roberts, and his passenger, Taylor Renee Wonderly, 19.

Two of the shop’s employees — Tiana Marie Owen, 22, and 24-year-old Gabriela Lorene Shirley — suffered serious injuries during the crash and were taken to a hospital. Both crashes are under investigation.

Oregon lawmakers are holding interim committee hearings in Salem from September 29 to October 1, 2025, to address the impact of federal budget reductions.

Legislators are concerned that federal cuts could affect essential state programs, leading them to make difficult financial decisions in the next session. Key details on the hearings:

• Purpose: The meetings are informational hearings where legislators and the public will discuss the repercussions of recent federal cuts. The topics covered will include impacts on state agencies, emergency management, health care, and education.
• Budget shortfall: Recent federal tax changes could cause Oregon to lose hundreds of millions in tax revenue. For instance, a new federal law could divert nearly $900 million in state revenue to taxpayers over two years, impacting critical services like the Oregon Health Plan and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Officials’ statements: House Speaker Julie Fahey emphasized the importance of these hearings for understanding the “onslaught of cuts and rollbacks”. Senate President Rob Wagner stated that the information gathered will help lawmakers make difficult decisions while preserving critical services for Oregonians.
• Potential actions: While these specific hearings are for gathering information, lawmakers are exploring options to address the budget issues. This could involve modifying Oregon’s tax code to break its link with federal tax law changes, potentially necessitating a special legislative session.
• Where to find information: Full agendas for the hearings and details on how to stream the sessions can be found on the Oregon Legislative Information System’s website (OLIS). https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025S1

Oregon Senate passes $4.3 billion transportation package

Oregon Republicans say they’ll push to refer the measure to the November 2026 ballot if it passes

The Oregon Senate on Monday in a party-line 18-11 vote passed a long-awaited transportation bill that will update the state’s funding sources for road maintenance and operations. 

House Bill 3991 will raise about $4.3 billion over the next 10 years to fund road maintenance and operations by raising the gas tax by six cents, nearly doubling most vehicle registration fees and doubling the payroll tax used to support public transit from 0.1% to 0.2% of a paycheck  — among other fee hikes for electric vehicles. Gov. Tina Kotek plans to sign it.

The bill settles a growing gap in Oregon’s transportation budget and prevents transportation department layoffs, but advocates warn it’s just a temporary fix and overlooks key issues such as climate sustainability, traffic congestion and road safety near schools — all while Republicans pledge to bring the matter before voters in 2026. 

Sen. Khanh Phạm, D-Portland and a co-chair of the joint committee that produced the bill, said that Oregonians are better off when they can safely travel to cities for concerts, deliver goods for small businesses and count on county roads being well-maintained and free of potholes.

“Oregonians demand and deserve nothing less than a government that wants to invest in connecting them to each other,” she said.What’s in the transportation package? 

The bill would raise taxes and fees, including:

• A gas tax increase from $0.40 to $0.46, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
• An increase in annual registration fees from $43 to $85 for passenger vehicles; $63 to $105 for utility vehicles, light trailers, low-speed vehicles and medium-speed electric vehicles; and $44 to $86 for mopeds and motorcycles. 
• Increasing title fees for passenger vehicles from $77 to $216
• Doubling the payroll tax used to support public transit from 0.1% to 0.2% until Jan. 1, 2028
• An increase to registration surcharges for electric and highly fuel-efficient vehicles, from $35 to $65 annually for cars with a 40+ mpg rating and from $115 to $145 annually for electric vehicles. 
• Phasing in a mandatory road usage charge program for electric vehicles by 2031. Electric vehicle drivers have been able to opt into the OReGO program and pay 2 cents per mile in exchange for lower registration fees, and the proposed change would mandate electric vehicle drivers participate in that program or pay a flat $340 annual fee. 

Within the first 25 minutes of floor debate, Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr, R-Dundee, attempted to block the bill from moving forward by offering two amendments, one of which would have freed up existing funds within the Oregon Department of Transportation budget and allowed the agency to direct it to immediate needs. Starr’s other amendment would have given Oregon voters the final say on whether to approve or reject the bill in the November 2026 general election. Both motions failed. 

During a press conference after those motions failed, Starr said Republicans don’t want roads to deteriorate or for transportation employees to lose their jobs. He criticized Kotek and Democrats for not collaborating on a bipartisan transportation solution and said Republicans will work to create a referendum, or allow Oregon voters to reject or approve the legislation in the November 2026 election. 

Sen. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, said many of his constituents can’t afford the tax and fee hikes in the transportation bill. 

“It’s going to hurt my rural Oregonians more because they have lower income levels and have to drive farther for goods and services than anywhere else, and they’re not driving a fuel-efficient vehicle to do so,” he said at the conference. 

Oregon Democrats expressed support for the bill, with some calling it a good start and others saying it’s insufficient. 

“It does not reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it does not address seismic vulnerabilities, and it does not reflect the testimonies calling for clean air and reliable transit,” said Sen. Courtney Neron Misslin, D-Wilsonville. “So yes, I am disappointed… but I’m certainly voting yes because this bill is necessary to keep essential services of transit.” 

Kotek in an afternoon press conference surrounded by supporters of the bill said she suspended 483 pending transportation department layoffs that would have taken effect Oct. 15 as soon as the bill passed the Senate, adding that the department is already behind on hiring for the winter season.

“We’re going to move forward with the assumption we have this,” she said, responding to Republican plans to challenge the measure through a referendum. “What I would say to folks is think twice about referring this. Let’s all come together as a state and make sure we have the right tools.”

While some Republicans said their voices weren’t heard in this bill, Kotek said the state needed a viable solution to filling the transportation department’s funding shortfall. 

“There are a lot of people standing behind me who represent folks across the state who are registered Democrats, Republicans and independents,” Kotek said. “Unfortunately, I don’t think we saw something that was viable from Republicans. And as a result, they were not able to support (the bill).” 

Kotek said she doesn’t know when the bill will reach her desk so she can sign it into law. (SOURCE)

Artificial intelligence is currently being employed in the training of 988 Oregon phone operators, who work on the suicide and crisis intervention line.

Anyone can reach out simply to converse when they are feeling sad, lonely, or angry. The objective of the Portland-based nonprofit, Lines for Life, is to avert substance abuse and suicide. They manage a range of crisis lines throughout the state, including various county lines.

At present, the nonprofit is leveraging artificial intelligence to assist operators in better preparing for the diverse crisis situations they may face. This is facilitated through ReflexAI.

Sam Dorison, the CEO and co-founder of ReflexAI, stated that the AI system also aids in pinpointing strengths and opportunities for improvement in interactions.

Oregon State Hospital (OSH) became custodian of the cremated remains of nearly 3,500 people who lived and died in state institutions between 1914 and 1973 – and whose remains were never claimed.

Since 2014, the cremains of 1,300 people have been identified and returned to families through the work of staff and volunteers. For more information about the cremains memorial, visit: https://ow.ly/9S3p50X379n

This year, the stories of 116 people now have a different ending. On September 23, Oregon State Hospital celebrated the reunification of those whose remains have been claimed by family over the past year at its annual cremains ceremony.

Jackson County Emergency Management Warns Residents Of Phishing Email Scam Impersonating “JACKSON ALERTS”

Jackson County Emergency Management is alerting residents to a phishing email scam currently circulating in the community. The fraudulent emails appear to come from “Jackson Alerts,” Jackson County’s mass notification system for official emergency notifications. The email may claim that a recipient’s Jackson Alerts account will be deleted within 48 hours unless they click a link to confirm their information.

“These emails are not legitimate and were not sent by Jackson County Emergency Management,” said Delaney Richmond, Jackson County Emergency Manager. “We urge residents to remain vigilant and protect themselves by avoiding emails that come from suspicious sender email addresses and contain questionable links.”

Residents who receive one of these fraudulent messages should follow the phishing tips below:

• Do NOT click on any links or open attachments.
• Never share personal or financial information unless they can verify the request is legitimate.
• Verify the message by contacting Jackson County Emergency Management directly through official phone numbers or website, rather than using the contact details provided in the suspicious email.
• Report the email as a phishing attempt within their email inbox.

Jackson County Emergency Management is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating cybersecurity resources to protect residents. Updates will be shared as new information becomes available.

“We take the security of our residents seriously,” added Richmond. “Our priority is to ensure that our community can continue to trust the Jackson Alerts system for timely and accurate emergency notifications.”

For more information or to confirm the legitimacy of a Jackson Alerts email, contact jacksonem@jacksoncountyor.gov or 541-774-6790

Oregon Heritage Commission launches public survey to learn how Oregonians participate in and value heritage activities across the state

The Oregon Heritage Commission is updating the Oregon Heritage Plan to strengthen heritage efforts across the state and lay the foundation for the Commission’s priorities over the next five years. To help inform the plan, the Commission has launched a statewide public survey to understand the heritage values that Oregonians hold and how they participate in heritage-related activities across the state. 

The survey is open to the public until October 27 and is available in English and Spanish. 

“This public survey is an opportunity to learn how Oregonians across the state engage with Oregon’s story through places, traditions, cultural materials, experiences, and more. We want to hear why these resources are important to Oregonians and what would make them more accessible,” said Commission Coordinator Katie Henry. 

In addition to the public survey results, the plan will be informed by discussions with Oregon’s heritage preservation community and the results of the results of the 2024 Oregon Heritage Vitality Study. For more information on the planning process, please visit this Oregon Heritage Website. 

The updated plan is expected to be open for public comment in early 2026. The final plan is expected to be adopted by the Heritage Commission in April 2026 at the 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference in Woodburn. 

About the Oregon Heritage Commission
The Oregon Heritage Commission is a group of leaders from across the state that works collaboratively to champion resources, recognition, and funding for preserving and interpreting Oregon’s past. Founded in 1995 by the Legislature, the Heritage Commission is comprised of nine gubernatorial appointments and nine ex-officio members. The Commission is designated in ORS 358.570-595 as the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in Oregon. More information on the Commission’s website.

Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Announce Bill to Restore NOAA’s Extreme Weather Database, Keep Americans Informed of Natural Disasters

Bill would reverse the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to terminate database which has recorded cost of natural disasters since 1980

—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined senate colleagues to introduce legislation that would reverse the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to terminate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) extreme weather database which has been vital to keeping families, researchers, and policy makers informed on the cost of natural disasters.

The Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act would require NOAA to restore and maintain the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database, which collects and makes public information on natural disasters resulting in at least $1 billion in damage each year in the United States.

“Whether it’s wildfires in Oregon or flooding in Texas hill country, deadly weather events have become a way of life for too many Americans,” Wyden said. “While Donald Trump forces his anti-science agenda on the American people and kneecaps federal emergency response, I’m all in to help communities better prepare for and respond to natural disasters. I’m proud to cosponsor the Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act to restore critical information for states and communities to do just that.”

“Oregonians know all too well the threat of climate chaos, which is fueling increasingly frequent and severe weather events that threaten our homes, businesses, and way of life,” said Merkley. “Trump’s move to terminate NOAA’s extreme weather tracker will just add to the devastation communities face. Having a complete understanding of the cost of natural disasters allows us to make smarter decisions about how to make our infrastructure more resilient to protect our communities. I’ll keep fighting for Oregonians to have the resources needed to respond to extreme weather and ensure that we have the data to act.”

Since 1980, NOAA has maintained a database of all weather disasters in the United States totaling at least $1 billion in damage. The Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database has been essential in tracking how an exponential increase in climate-driven natural disasters over the last two decades has raised costs associated with disaster recovery. The database has also helped communities and lawmakers more effectively allocate resources before extreme weather events.

In 2024, the United States experienced 27 individual weather and climate disasters over $1 billion in damages, totaling more than $182.7 billion—the fourth highest on record behind 2017, 2005, and 2022. As the severity and cost of natural disasters continue to rise, research tracking the type and frequency of extreme weather events is crucial to ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and effective resilience strategies.

However, in May 2025, the Trump Administration discontinued the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database as part of its efforts to destroy programs and research related to climate change. Cancelling this publicly available database threatens emergency preparedness, undercuts science research vital to fighting climate change, and weakens national and community-level efforts to reduce the cost of disasters.

The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senator Peter Welch, D-Vt. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.. —– A full text of the bill is here.

Oregonians who possess EBT cards must take measures to prevent the theft of their card number and PIN.

According to the Oregon Attorney General’s Office, there has been a 50 percent rise in the amount of money stolen from EBT accounts. They suspect that a traveling group is installing skimmers on card devices in retail locations.

These skimmers are frequently located in discount stores and small markets. EBT cardholders are advised to utilize the app to activate their card solely when making a purchase and to deactivate it afterward. It is also important to inspect card devices for any overlay skimmers.

Additionally, if the card device displays a yellow security sticker, ensure that it does not appear to be compromised. INFO: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/pages/protect.aspx

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

As of the end of September 2025, more than 340,000 acres have burned across Oregon, with significant fires including the Moon Complex (nearly 18,000 acres by Sept. 29, 2025) and the Emigrant fire (over 32,000 acres). The total acreage burned is considerably lower than the record-setting year of 2024, but the season is still active and impacting various parts of the state. 

9/30 – 11 pm #OregonFires 18 #evacuations#fires#prescribedburning#controlledburn#RxBurn#lowairquality4FIRES in EVALUATION MODE:18 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. There is prescribed/ controlled burning going on in Oregon at this time. The map shows those fires in green. The air quality in #lanecounty has improved.KELSEY PEAK FIRE #josephinecounty#currycounty 1039 ACRES – 97% containment. DOWNGRADED to Level 1 ( Be Ready) #currycounty – (last update 11 days ago)PINNACLE FIRE 2184 ACRES –#currycounty 10% containment LEVEL 3 EVAC GO NOWLEVEL 2 (Be Set) and LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION- Rogue River Trail under emergency closure.BACKBONE FIRE – 2543 ACRES #currycounty 4% containment DOWNGRADED TO LEVEL 2 ( Be Set) LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION – Rogue River Trail under emergency closure MOON COMPLEX FIRE – 18,316 ACRES #cooscounty#currycounty10% – DOWNGRADED TO LEVEL 2 ( Be Set) LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) – There is a temporary shelter open at the Gold Beach Library at 94341 3rd St, Gold Beach, OR. 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/—————————————————

State fire marshal mobilizes resources as conflagration invoked for Moon Complex Fire

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing four task forces and its Green Incident Management Team to the Moon Complex in Curry County. The lightning-caused fire grew significantly Friday, pushed by strong winds, and is threatening homes and critical infrastructure near the communities of Agness and Illahe. In total, six structural task forces are mobilized to fire.

The Curry County Sherrif’s Office has levels 2 and 3 evacuation notices in place for several areas around the fire. Please follow the local sheriff’s office for evacuation information.

The state fire marshal resources will join two task forces sent through Immediate Response on Saturday morning, mobilized from Rogue Valley and Lane County.

“Challenging weather conditions yesterday pushed the fire into new areas and local resources need extra help protecting people, homes, and critical infrastructure,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “This is a good reminder that we are still in fire season and ask everyone to stay aware and do everything they can to prevent sparking a wildfire.”

This is the eighth time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked in 2025.

Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

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

Time is running out to visit and experience Crater Lake. The Cleetwood Cove Trail, which is the sole route to the lake, is currently open but will be closing for up to three years for reconstruction.

Crater Lake’s Cleetwood Cove Trail, the park’s only access to the lake’s shore, will close in summer 2026 for a three-year rehabilitation project and will remain closed until at least 2029, meaning this is the last opportunity to access the lake from the trail. The project will address safety hazards, improve the trail and marina, and upgrade facilities, but the rest of the National Park will remain open for visitors to enjoy lake overlooks, forests, and other trails.  What to Expect

• The Trail’s Closure: The Cleetwood Cove Trail will be closed for reconstruction starting in the summer of 2026 and is expected to be closed for three years, with the project scheduled to be completed by 2029. 
• Why It’s Closing: The closure is necessary for major safety improvements, including rockfall scaling to remove hazardous rocks, and to address erosion on the trail. 
• New Infrastructure: The project will also include replacing the damaged marina with a new floating dock and pier, as well as upgrading restrooms and adding a ticket booth for boat tours. 
• Limited Access: During the construction period, there will be no access to the lake shore from this trail, and consequently, no swimming or boat tours. 
• Park Still Open: While the trail and lake access will be restricted, Crater Lake National Park itself will remain open to visitors, with 24-hour access. 
• What to Do Instead: Visitors can still enjoy other parts of the park by exploring lake overlooks, hiking other trails through the forest, and discovering hidden waterfalls. 
• More Information: For the latest updates and details on the rehabilitation project, visit the official Crater Lake National Park website. https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm

Oregon Lottery Commission Adopts Rules for Winner Anonymity and Ticket Discounting

This weekend, a new law will require the names and addresses of Oregon Lottery winners to be anonymous. Previously, a winner’s name was public record under Oregon’s public records law. Under House Bill 3115, Oregon Lottery may not publicly disclose a winner’s name and address without the winner’s written authorization.

Today, the Oregon State Lottery Commission approved rules to implement the new law passed during the recent legislative session. Under the rules, Oregon Lottery may release other public information about a prize win such as the city in which the winner resides, the retailer that sold the winning ticket, the game played, and the prize amount. A winner may authorize Lottery in writing to use their name and photos but otherwise, Lottery will not release a winner’s name and address.

House Bill 3115 also prohibits the purchase or sale of a winning lottery ticket in response to a cottage industry of so-called “discounters.” The discounters buy winning tickets for less than their value from players, then cash them in for the prize amount. While some players choose to sell their tickets to avoid driving to an Oregon Lottery payment center, others may do so to avoid having their prize garnished for outstanding child support or public assistance overpayments, as required by Oregon law.

Under rules adopted by the Oregon State Lottery Commission, Lottery officials will evaluate prize claims to determine if the tickets were bought, sold, or claimed in violation of the law. If a winning ticket is found to be in violation, Lottery will deny the prize claim and confiscate the ticket.

You can find FAQs regarding winner anonymity on the Oregon Lottery’s website.

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

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