Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 10/15 – Eugene Gardener Wins National Pumpkin Weigh Off, Updates on PeaceHealth and PacificSource Issues & 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 15, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

Eugene Gardener Wins National Pumpkin Weigh Off

In the most recent **National Pumpkin Weigh Off” 2025, Russ Pugh of Eugene, Oregon, won with a 2,204.5-pound pumpkin. 

This followed a 2024 win by Oregonian Jim Sherwood of Mulino with his 2,453-pound pumpkin, “Hank the Tank,” which was grown in a greenhouse and won the National Pumpkin Weigh Off in California. 

Winner: Russ Pugh (Eugene, OR) Weight: 2,204.5 pounds Prize: $15,000 

Property owners have sued to block construction of a $35 million Lane County mental health crisis center as well as a 96-bed behavioral health hospital launched by PeaceHealth to help fill the void left by the closure of its University District hospital in downtown Eugene.

The suit is significant not just due to the projects it targets, but because it also challenges the constitutionality of high-profile legislation approved by Oregon lawmakers in June that was intended to change civil commitment criteria in the state and fast-track the siting of behavioral health facilities.

PeaceHealth is calling the hospital Timber Springs. In an email, a PeaceHealth spokesperson said, “Expanded behavioral health care is greatly needed in Oregon, and in particular Lane County. Timber Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is an important part of meeting that growing need.”

Asked for comment, Lane County’s public information office did not respond.

The fast-tracking provision — called “supersiting” in the suit — was embedded in a much larger bill addressing civil commitment standards. The bill, known as House Bill 2005, came together in just two days at the end of the 2025 session. The suit contends that, as a result of the timing, Oregon lawmakers approved a bill that was not only poorly written but was not fully understood.

“The limited floor debate on the bill indicated that legislators did not understand the substance of the bill, particularly its land use provisions,” the suit alleged. “For example, when Senator Mike McClane, R-Powell Butte, raised a question about the Supersiting provisions, another senator erroneously asserted that Senator McClane was talking about the wrong bill.”

The suit is filed by three neighboring property owners, including Richardson Sports, which employs 400 people on land zoned for industrial uses. They are using two Portland attorneys, Greg Hathaway and Timothy Volpert, as well as Michael Gelardi of Eugene.

Project stemmed from Kotek intervention – In 2023, after financially ailing PeaceHealth announced plans to shut down its University District hospital in downtown Eugene, Gov. Tina Kotek intervened to push the health system to slow down the closure and preserve the 35-bed inpatient behavioral health unit located there given the state’s longstanding shortage.

The Eugene hospital had helped provide care to homeless people downtown and helped people experiencing mental health issues.

But hospital behavioral health units for years had been chronic money losers, thanks in part to low state reimbursements for the costly services.

Peacehealth responded to Kotek that the state needed to provide higher reimbursements under the Oregon Health Plan to support such beds, and Kotek initiated a review of the rates.

The promise of higher rates then led PeaceHealth to announce plans to build a behavioral health hospital in Springfield in October 2024.

The facility is intended to treat patients with a broad range of behavioral health conditions, including major depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia and co-occurring alcohol or substance use disorders, among others.

The hospital is to be built and operated with Tennessee-based LifePoint Health, a company owned by a private equity giant, Apollo Global Management.

Meanwhile, PeaceHealth joined with Lane County officials to collaborate on a Lane County Stabilization Center that would also be located on the site, connecting people in crisis with longer-term supports. The suit would block both projects.

Fast-track siting bill failed in 2023, 2024 – Advocates have long said Oregon land use law conflicts with federal law because local governments can throw up barriers to building residential treatment facilities in response to what critics call exaggerated fears and “not in my backyard” sentiment.

In the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions behavioral health advocates and some government officials backed bills to change that. Both times the bills failed. One concern expressed by the League of Oregon Cities was that the legislation would lead to costly litigation against local governments.

However, in 2024 Lane County officials supported a bill in 2024 to “avoid an otherwise cumbersome land use process.” It supported fast-tracking again in 2025.

The behavioral health siting provisions were part of a much larger bill that assembled a variety of measures into one. It came together in the span of just two days and no written testimony was filed concerning its siting provisions.

After its passage, Disability Rights Oregon executive director Jesse Cornett said in a statement that he was “pleased to see the final bill stops counties from making it harder to build the behavioral health facilities we need.”

Constitutionality challenged – The suit also faults Lane County officials, saying that, earlier this year, they failed to disclose during zoning hearings affecting the property that they were also backing state legislation to fast-track siting.

The suit contends that the law, which primarily focuses on civil commitment, is at odds with city of Springfield rules, other parts of state land use law, and violates the Oregon constitutional requirement known as the “single-subject” requirement — meaning that bills should address only one area of law or policy. It asks the judge to declare HB 2005 unconstitutional. This article was originally published by The Lund Report and is used with permission.

PacificSource “transition plan” outlines how it will handle the nearly 90,000 Oregon Health Plan enrollees that it currently serves when its contract as a coordinated care organization in Lane County expires at the end of the year.

In a plan submitted to the Oregon Health Authority, PacificSource outlines a strategy focused on “maintaining continuity of care” for nearly 90,000 Medicaid members in Lane County, people PacificSource will no longer serve when its contract expires Jan. 1.

The plan marks a major step in the Springfield-based insurer’s exit from Lane County as a coordinated care organization, known as a CCO. PacificSource has managed care for Oregon Health Plan members since 2020, but it did not renew its CCO contract for 2026. 

Lookout Eugene-Springfield obtained a copy of the 10-page “transition plan” through a public records request. 

Filed Sept. 30 and signed by Erin Fair Taylor, PacificSource’s vice president of Medicaid, the plan asks to “begin the work necessary to safely transition impact members.” It maintains it can support this transition but also emphasized factors outside of the company’s control.

The plan addresses several facets of the transition: prioritizing members with high-risk conditions, notifying members and providers about the change, awaiting Oregon Health Authority’s next steps, and discussing limitations as the company reduces its workforce. 

Members with high-risk conditions – PacificSource will use a process called “risk stratification,” which categorizes members as high, moderate, low or no risk, or rising risk.

Members identified as high risk or rising risk will be prioritized during the transition, to ensure their care is not disrupted. That includes people undergoing dialysis or cancer treatment; pre- and post-transplant recipients; those receiving post-operative or post-discharge care; current or recent inpatients; and those on prescribed medications that cannot be interrupted.

This prioritization supports coordination of health care records among administrators, and the incoming coordinated care organization that will succeed PacificSource Community Solutions.

The Oregon Health Authority must determine whether a single coordinated care organization can serve the region. If so, members would move to the other existing CCO in Lane County: Trillium, which has about 30,000 members.

If the authority decides two coordinated care organizations are needed, it must announce an opening, review letters of intent, and evaluate applicants’ ability to serve the county. PacificSource could reapply but has not said whether it will.

Notifying members, providers – Much of PacificSource’s communication to members depends on identifying the incoming coordinated care organization. Concerned about causing confusion without that information, PacificSource says it is not practical to send notices until the next steps are clear.

The company is working with the Oregon Health Authority to draft and distribute member notices, according to the plan. The details will vary depending on whether the new CCO can coordinate providers in or out of the network and will outline what, if any, action members need to take. When notices are sent, they will include websites and phone numbers where members can get help with questions or concerns.

Similarly, PacificSource is waiting on the health authority to identify a new CCO before communicating with providers. 

Oregon Health Authority’s next steps – In addition to identifying a new CCO, a transitional period for out-of-network services will be established. This will allow for providers who do not participate in a new CCO to honor services that PacificSource authorized until members can be safely transition to an in-network provider.

If a new provider is needed, but hasn’t been secured by the new year, the agency can order PacificSource to continue services for another 90 days, once the health authority approves its transition plan.

The communication team for the health authority did not respond to Lookout Eugene-Springfield’s questions by Tuesday at 5 p.m. 

It is not publicly known where the authority is in identifying a new CCO. As of last week, a spokesperson said, “We’re working with partners to identify solutions that meet the goals to best serve (Oregon Health Plan) members and the people of Lane County.” 

PacificSource reinforced that it can do a “seamless transition” but warns “any gaps in the transition plan stem from uncertainties regarding the specifics of member transitions, timelines, coordination parties — factors outside of PacificSource’s direct control.”

Workforce reductions – PacificSource is preparing for workforce reductions as a “result of diminished revenue from its Lane CCO contract,” according to the plan.

However, the workforce reduction strategy incorporates runout requirements — the period after a contract ends when PacificSource must still pay bills and handle claims for care provided earlier — and may be implemented in phases to ensure the company meets its obligations before and after the contract expires.

PacificSource has cited financial losses and the rising cost of care as reasons for not renewing its contract. The company reported a $68.5 million loss from providing services that were not reimbursed by the state — more than twice the losses of any other coordinated care organization during the same period, according to annual financial statements the organizations are required to file with the state. (SOURCE)

Seven Suspects Arrested in Asian Home Burglaries

On October 6, a home in the Bethel area belonging to Asian community members was burglarized during the daytime while occupants were working at their Eugene business. Case (25-16245). Eugene Police have been dedicating substantial, ongoing resources to investigating similar crimes that appear to be the work of a group of foreign nationals.

The investigation revealed a brief video that captured a person posing to be a pizza delivery driver shortly before all cameras malfunctioned simultaneously. 

Investigators were led to a local pizzeria that happened to be near the victim’s place of business.  Additional footage was located that showed the suspect and the possible involved vehicle. Detectives uploaded the vehicle into the ALPR system and found it had travelled in the area of the burglary on the day the crime took place. 

With sustained investigative effort, detectives began searching for the vehicle. The system revealed hits on the vehicle in Eugene.  Combining a great deal of hard work and some luck, detectives were able to eventually locate the suspect vehicle in the afternoon of October 8 in south Eugene.

EPD detectives watched the vehicle and the following day, October 9, detectives followed it north to several other cities including Corvallis, Salem, and Keizer where it was joined by two other vehicles. 

ALPR access from multiple jurisdictions was crucial in confirming the presence and locations of the suspect vehicles at various times that day. 

While maintaining observation of the vehicles and suspects, one vehicle was believed to have committed a residential burglary in west Salem.  EPD detectives aided Salem Police with the initial investigation and the two agencies worked together.

Detectives traced the suspects to the 2400 block of Skyline Boulevard in Eugene and with the assistance of patrol resources, monitored the location until a search warrant could be submitted to a local judge.

The search warrant was granted.  and on October 9, Eugene Police SWAT served the search warrant. At the initial announcement of the warrant service, at least seven people fled the residence but were all eventually apprehended. During this, a phone alert went out to the area advising residents to shelter in place.

EPD Investigators and analysis work have confirmed all four known suspect vehicles matched the same timing and path of travel through neighboring states before arriving in Oregon. ALPR technology has been instrumental in identifying these multi-state crime groups. 

“In this particular investigation the ALPR technology was a critical investigative tool in providing a turning point to help solve this case,” said Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner. “This is an example of how this technology can serve victims of crime in a more effective and efficient way. The burglaries affecting Asian business owners and their families throughout Eugene and other Oregon jurisdictions has been a focal point for our police department and we are so pleased that we were able to bring this to a resolution.”

The investigation remains active. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

Arrested for Burglary in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Burglary in the First Degree and lodged at Lane County Jail were:

27-year-old Steven Alexander Quirogasolano

31-year-old Robinson Camacho Rodriguez

26-year-old William Steven Rodriguez

24-year-old Denison Martinez

27-year-old Jesson Quintero

44-year-old Jhon Alexander Quintero

24-year-old Jhon Quintero

PREVIOUS NEWS RELEASE October 8, 2025 Eugene Police Department Continues to Double Down on Burglary Ring Targeting Asian Homes in Our Community

The Eugene Police Property Crimes Unit continues to dedicate detectives and resources to investigating a pervasive burglary series that has targeted residential properties owned by members of the Asian community.  The department is prioritizing public awareness and safety as we are investigating a new, possibly connected burglary of a home in the Bethel area that occurred in the afternoon of October 6.

The new reported burglary in Bethel appears to be connected to a recent string of residential burglaries involving victims within the Asian community. Eugene Police immediately assigned a detective to the most recent case.  Detectives are actively following up on leads and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies. 

Since late 2023, investigators believe approximately 21 Eugene burglaries are the work of an organized group. The suspects, as in previous cases, appear to be foreign nationals.  Similar crimes are occurring across the United States and in multiple jurisdictions within the state of Oregon. Eugene Police detectives have made successful past arrests; some of the arrestees have subsequently been linked to similar crimes in other jurisdictions.

There is information suggesting a new, similar crime group may be operating in Oregon. Suspects are described as screening or surveilling potential victims, then breaking into homes while residents are at work.  Reporting methods include pretending to make deliveries (pizza, food, etc.), posing as gardeners or delivery drivers, or wearing high-visibility attire. Some reports indicate use of signal jammers, disconnecting Wi-Fi, cutting power, or turning breakers off.  Burglaries most often occur through rear entrance, with safes, money and jewelry, and other valuables stolen. 

The department is urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.  We would also like to remind the community of the key crime prevention tips (previously provided, below):

EPD Community Engagement Team offers these additional prevention tips:

• Lock all windows and doors. Use deadbolts on doors that have them

• Install surveillance cameras that will notify you in real time of criminal activity

• Use timers on TVs and lights while away

• Close blinds when away from home and leave exterior lights on at night

• Make the home appear occupied when away or arrange to have someone stay at your house while gone

• Arrange mutual aid with your neighbors, keeping an eye on each other’s properties while you are gone

• Also, schedule vacation house checks while gone. https://www.eugene-or.gov/Search?searchPhrase=Home%20Vacation%20Check%20Application&pageNumber=1&perPage=10&departmentId=-1

• Don’t store large amounts of cash at home. Some criminals have been known to work together and steal large safes. If you have a safe, ensure it is mounted properly and securely

• Be aware of suspicious persons or vehicles around your neighborhood or at your place of business

• Schedule a free Home Vacation Check while away

• Schedule a Home Safety Assessment with the Eugene Police Department’s Community Engagement Team – Use the Eugene Police Community Engagement Team webpage, type in your  address in the widget tool to find your specialist. https://www.eugene-or.gov/944/Community-Engagement-Team

Report ALL non-emergency crimes and suspicious activity to the police at 541-682-5111.

J.H. Baxter Cleanup Will Continue Through Shutdown 

The Environmental Protection Agency has identified cleanup work at J.H. Baxter & Co. in west Eugene — one of the nation’s newest Superfund sites — as a priority to continue during the federal government shutdown. 

Under its contingency plan, the EPA continues work “where a failure to maintain operations would pose an imminent threat to human life,” referring to risks from unchecked hazardous substances, pollution or contamination.

While work is set to continue, former EPA advisers who are now public health advocates worry that gaps could widen as the government shutdown stretches into its second week as of Wednesday, Oct. 8, delaying work even if it continues in some capacity. 

Fewer than 1% of known toxic sites receive the level of federal attention that Superfund projects do, and the work demands coordination among agencies, stakeholders and experts to tackle some of the nation’s worst pollution. 

J.H. Baxter, 3494 Roosevelt Blvd., has long troubled residents of the Bethel and Trainsong neighborhoods. For nearly eight decades, the company treated wood products such as utility poles with toxic chemicals that resist decay but persist in the environment, seeping into soil and groundwater.

The treatment process used tar-like creosote and waxy pentachlorophenol — both linked to cancer — and generated toxic byproducts such as dioxins, which are associated with cancer, reproductive harm and immune system damage

When operations ceased in 2022, contamination was so severe that the EPA immediately launched short-term cleanup efforts to remove the most hazardous materials.

Experts who have worked on Superfund projects across the country and who came to Eugene to work on J.H. Baxter told Lookout Eugene-Springfield it was among the most challenging sites they’d encountered. They said the facility had been mothballed — abruptly shut down with pipes still full of chemicals, as if it might resume operations. 

Since last year, a removal team has been dismantling the large pressurized cylinders and tanks once used to treat wood with toxic chemicals, hauling the waste to EPA-approved disposal facilities. 

Though billed as short-term, the cleanup became a chain of problems, as EPA coordinator Randy Nattis told nearly 100 people who gathered in July to learn about the newly designated Superfund site. 

“As we’re doing the worst of the worst, of course, we’re still going to run into other issues,” he said. “As you can imagine, it’s old pipes, this contamination of sludge. This is why it’s a Superfund site.” 

Over the next few months, outgoing crews will coordinate with incoming teams to plan sampling and testing of soil and groundwater over the winter, and the agency is preparing to award a contract for a detailed investigation and feasibility study for extended testing.

Awarding such a contract isn’t business as usual during a shutdown, said Marc Boom, a senior adviser with the nonprofit Environmental Protection Network — a group of more than 650 former EPA career staff and political appointees. Boom advised EPA policy leaders during the Biden administration.

“Most of the work is not done by EPA employees. It’s a contractor,” said Boom, laying out potential complications. “Does the contract expire? Do they need to reinitiate the contract? Contractors may not show up if they’re not getting paid, if they don’t have a contract. And under a typical shutdown, you wouldn’t be able to create a new contract.” 

That’s because decisions often extend beyond those working directly on Superfund sites. Many of the staff needed to process or authorize contracts — including IT, HR and other administrative employees — could be furloughed, leaving fewer people to make decisions or manage day-to-day operations, Boom said.

So far, most EPA employees have been told they are exempt from the shutdown and should report to work, but they expect the agency could close as soon as this week, according to POLITICO.

Boom’s organization has also heard that EPA has begun furloughing employees as of Thursday, Oct. 9, initiating a plan that will lead to nearly 90% of its staff off the job. That could be as many as 15,000 people.

What disruptions may unfold for those who remain on the job remains to be seen. For Superfund projects, the impact may not be immediate but could ripple over time as each phase depends on the one before it.

“You won’t see an immediate impact,” Boom said. “It’s really challenging to figure that out.”

At J.H. Baxter, that ripple begins with a contract that kicks off an investigation and feasibility study. Once awarded, the study will guide next steps and help the EPA map a groundwater plume that may extend beyond the facility. Preliminary analysis has already found contamination in two nearby creeks, one of which flows past the J.H. Baxter site and into Fern Ridge Lake. (SOURCE)

The City of Eugene wants your input!

Energy inefficiency in homes can drive up monthly utility costs, reduce your comfort, and affect your indoor air quality. A Home Energy Score is a tool that provides information about a home’s energy use and highlights opportunities for cost-saving improvements.

The City is considering ways help home buyers better understand the energy efficiency of their future home, by integrating home energy scores into standard real estate transactions. This could help improve transparency in the real estate market, increase awareness about home energy use, and guide homeowners towards making voluntary home improvements that can improve energy efficiency.

Please take five minutes to share your thoughts through this short, anonymous survey: https://engage.eugene-or.gov/…/home-energy-score-projectAll participants can choose to enter to win an air purifier. Learn more about the project on Engage Eugene: https://engage.eugene-or.gov/home-energy-score-project

10/10/25 – LCSO Case 25-3556 – Sheriff’s Office seeks assistance identifying person

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a person of interest related to an ongoing criminal investigation. The person depicted in the attached photo is described as a white male adult, 6’ 1” tall, weighing approximately 250 pounds, average build, with brown hair.

Please contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office with any information at 541-682-4141 and reference case 25-3556. No additional details on the investigation may be released at this time.

10/12 – Emigrant Fire  
21 miles SE of Oakridge
62% contained –
33,129 ACRES

Beavers Football Coach Fired

Oregon State Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Barnes announced today that Head Football Coach, Trent Bray, has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately, and that a national search for Bray’s successor has begun.

The buyout for the remainder of Coach Bray’s contract will be paid exclusively using donor-generated funds. Robb Akey will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025 season, Barnes said. Akey brings more than three decades of coaching experience across college and professional football, including leadership roles as a head coach, defensive coordinator, and NFL assistant.

Linn County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Homicide

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that this morning, October 4, 2025, at 4:19 a.m., the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call for a crash near Peoria Road and Highway 34, near Corvallis in Linn County.  

The Corvallis Fire Department arrived at the reported crash just prior to law enforcement’s arrival.  As the Corvallis Fire Department began rendering aid to the single occupant of the vehicle, they observed injuries not related to the crash. The Corvallis Fire Department attempted lifesaving efforts, but the single occupant died at the scene of the crash. 

Detectives from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and are currently investigating the death as a homicide.  At this time, the name of the deceased is not being released, and no additional details are being shared to ensure the integrity of the investigation.  If anyone has information about this case, please contact Detective Scott Tennant at (541) 967-3950.    

Lane County Sheriff’s Office Recruiting Adult Search and Rescue Volunteers

Learn more at our open houses at Harris Hall, 125 E 8th Ave., Eugene: – Thursday, Oct. 23rd at 6 p.m. – Saturday, Oct. 25th at 6 p.m.

We are looking for adults who have positive attitudes and want to serve their community. Volunteers must be willing to respond any time day or night, often in bad weather and extreme conditions.Volunteers who attend our SAR academy will become Oregon State SAR Certified, and receive training in medical care, orienteering, outdoor survival, and other important skills. Questions? Need more info? Email our team at LCSOsar@lanecountyor.gov

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

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐳𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫!

Starting October 7, more people are eligible to apply to rent a 1-bedroom park model home or a 2-bedroom modular home in the Lazy Days Mobile Home and RV Park (52511 McKenzie River Highway), rebuilt by Homes for Good after the Holiday Farm Fire.

Now, people who rented anywhere in Lane County at the time of the Holiday Farm Fire, but did not lose their home in the fire, can apply if they were affected by the destabilization of the affordable rental housing market caused by the fire. Applicants who work within 20 miles of the Lazy Days park will receive Local Workforce Preference points on their applications. People who were renters anywhere in Lane County during the Holiday Farm Fire can apply online starting October 7 at 8:00 am using this application.

Applicants should be at no more than 80 percent of the Area Median Income. For example:

• 2 people = $58,700 annual income
• 4 people = $73,350 annual income

Renters would pay $1000 per month for a 2- bedroom unit or $750 a month for a 1- bedroom unit. Rent includes utilities (water, sewer, garbage).

People who lost their homes in the Holiday Farm Fire are still encouraged to apply and will be prioritized for placement. Lazy Days has already accepted two rounds of applications open only to fire survivors and still has vacancies. Welcoming other renters to the application process can help meet the workforce housing need in the Blue River and McKenzie Bridge area. Fire survivors can apply online starting October 7 using this application. (It is a different application than the one linked above.)

Applications will be screened on a first come, first served basis.

Funding to provide the modular homes to fire survivors is provided by Oregon Housing & Community Services. Homes for Good is property owner and led construction on the site. Lane County is assisting with the application process.

Learn more: www.homesforgood.org/about/real-estate-development/projects/lazy-days-rv-and-mobile-home-park  

EWEB Emergency Water Stations

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

This is where people 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

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. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572229470271

Survey asking for residents to weigh in on effects of wildfire and smoke in Lane County – The survey is available through October 17, 2025.

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.

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.

Oakridge Rocks The Park! October 18, 2025! Join us in Oakridge, Oregon for a day of FREE FAMILY FUN!

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.

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

Pints & Pantry Love on World Food Day!

Join us Thursday, October 16 from 6:30-8 PM at A Beer Club for a special Burrito Brigade meetup — and a chance to meet our Executive Director in person! If you feel inclined, bring a can or other non-perishable item for our food barrel, grab a pint, and celebrate World Food Day by helping keep our neighbors fed (and happy)! Don’t drink beer? They also have ciders and seltzers.Don’t drink alcohol at all? There’s a great selection of non-alcoholic beverages in their cooler too! More info: abeerclub.com Support Our Mission: BurritoBrigade.org

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 hgiene 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

Income tax filing extension deadline today 10/15

More than 2.1 million Oregonians have filed their tax year 2024 state personal income tax returns this year.

But with just two days before the tax filing extension deadline October 15, as many as 100,000 Oregonians are expected to sneak in under the wire.

“It’s not unusual for there to be a large number of returns filed in the last week before the extension deadline. If you forget and file after the extension deadline, you could be subject to additional penalties,” said Megan Denison, Personal Tax and Compliance Division administrator with the Oregon Department of Revenue.

“Our best advice for taxpayers is to get their returns in as soon as possible.”In addition to filing sooner rather than later, the department offers the following information for taxpayers who still need to file their state return.

File electronically.

E-filing is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their tax refund. Nearly 95 percent of those who have already filed this year, have filed electronically. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks. Taxpayers should file just once. Sending a paper return through the mail after e-filing will delay a refund.

Free filing options

Revenue provides several options for taxpayers to e-file their returns for free. Oregon Free Fillable Forms performs basic calculations and is ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. The IRS offers a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically.

New this year, taxpayers can file their federal return directly with the IRS using IRS Direct File and their Oregon return directly with the state through Direct File Oregon for free. Videos are available to show how to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.

Information about all available free tax preparation software options is available on the Revenue website, along with a list of organizations providing free assistance.

Where’s my refund? tool and video

Revenue has issued nearly 1.5 million refunds already this year, most within two weeks of filing. Taxpayers wondering about the refund on their tax year 2024 return, can use the Oregon Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check its status and, if they want more information, watch a video outlining the refund timelines to better understand the process.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, see a list of approved tax preparation software products, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments. For questions not answered on our website, call 800-356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times.

Oregon Guard Unit Honors Soldiers Deploying to Southern Border

The Oregon Military Department honored approximately 60 soldiers from A Company, Forward Support Company, 1249th Engineer Battalion during a mobilization ceremony Oct. 14, 2025, at the Anderson Readiness Center as they prepare to deploy in support of security operations along the U.S. southern border.

The soldiers will deploy to Texas where they will be assigned to the 104th Military Police Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, providing critical logistics support including vehicle recovery, maintenance, refueling and parts distribution.

“Today we gather to honor dedicated citizen-soldiers undertaking a mission at the southwest border,” said Col. Philip DeMontigny, assistant adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard. “You represent the best of Oregon. A Company, Forward Support Company has a proud history, and once again, you have stepped up.”

The Forward Support Company will operate in two platoons – one focused on distribution and one on maintenance – supporting military police operations along the border. Soldiers will receive mission-specific training at Fort Bliss, Texas, including logistics packages, refueling operations, vehicle recovery and security procedures before beginning their mission.

Capt. Timothy Gildea, commander of A Company, Forward Support Company and a police officer with the Medford Police Department in his civilian role, emphasized his unit’s readiness despite the rapid timeline.
“We were notified of the deployment within the last four months,” said Gildea. “I have an all-star staff who worked incredibly hard to get everybody spun up and ready to go. I’m incredibly proud of everybody.”

The ceremony recognized several soldiers for their exceptional support during the mobilization preparation, including Sgt. Massey, who served 515 days including 75 days before the mobilization order to ensure proper training and equipment readiness.

DeMontigny also recognized 11 soldiers who recently returned from previous deployments yet volunteered for this mission, including several who volunteered within 10 days of returning home from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s recent deployment to the Middle East.

The 1249th Engineer Battalion traces its roots to the 249th Coastal Artillery, established in 1908. The unit is notable as the only U.S. military unit fired upon on American soil during World War II, when a Japanese submarine shelled Fort Stevens in 1942. The Oregon National Guard has a long history of supporting southern border security dating back to the 1800s.

Many of the deploying soldiers recently served with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s deployment, and some members of A Company, Forward Support Company previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.
“You share a long history of service,” DeMontigny told the soldiers. “Your experience stabilizes the formation. Your resilience is evident.”

DeMontigny encouraged the deploying soldiers to use their time intentionally, set professional and personal goals, and maintain strong communication with their teams and families throughout the deployment.

“The standards you’re well aware of – respect everyone we meet, disciplined execution and teamwork,” said DeMontigny. “To those deploying for the first time, we’re proud of you. To those on your second, third or fourth deployment, your experience stabilizes the formation.”

The colonel also thanked families and employers for their sacrifices and support.

“You manage the worries, you keep calendars, classrooms and workplaces running smoothly,” DeMontigny said. “You do it with quiet strength that allows the soldiers to focus on the mission. You serve too.”

Gildea emphasized that families will remain connected to their soldiers throughout the deployment.

“I don’t want them to feel like they are going to be separated for that extensive amount of time,” said Gildea. “We fully support having families come down to visit. We are here for you just as much as we’re here for your soldier.”

The mission, conducted in support of federal agency partners and coordinated through the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the Department of Defense, represents a unique opportunity for the Guard soldiers to work alongside active-duty forces and interagency partners.

Oregon National Guard members serve part-time, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year, while maintaining civilian careers. They stand ready to respond to state emergencies such as wildfires and floods while also training to defend the nation when called to federal service.

Federal agents delayed ambulance from leaving Portland ICE facility with injured protester

Public records and dispatch audio show federal agents stalled AMR medics from getting to a hospital, even allegedly threatening to shoot and arrest the medic.

Federal agents delayed medics from transporting an injured protester to the hospital, according to emergency dispatch records and medics responding in an American Medical Response ambulance. 

The medics were trying to transport a protester who had an injured shoulder after federal agents allegedly tackled him in order to detain him and bring him inside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.

On Oct. 5, a Sunday night, a federal police dispatcher called 911.

“I’m calling requesting EMS to 4310 Southwest Macadam for one of the detained subjects,” the dispatcher told the 911 responder, according to public records from Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications.

About 10 minutes later, the ambulance arrived, driving into the ICE facility through open gates and past protesters on the sidewalk.

An AMR medic would later tell the hospital about the patient’s condition.

“Onboard today, we have a 32-year-old male; the chief complaint today is going to be left shoulder pain and right wrist and ankle pain secondary to being tackled to the ground by some officers,” the medic said in a call ahead to Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

However, when the AMR ambulance was ready to leave the ICE facility, a medic told 911 dispatchers that federal agents wouldn’t let them out.

“Copy, you’re attempting to transport to Emanuel impeded by… protesters?” dispatched asked. 

The medic replied, “No, not protesters, just the ICE officers.”

Protesters apparently noticed that the ambulance wasn’t being allowed to leave, as many started chanting: “Let them out, let them out!”

Minutes later, the gates to the interior driveway of the federal facility opened, and dozens of agents walked out to the road, but the ambulance still didn’t leave.

According to the Willamette Week, citing confidential reports filed by AMR medics, federal agents initially requested to ride in the ambulance with the medics and patient, delaying the departure.

Later, WW reports, federal agents threatened to shoot and arrest the medic driving the ambulance, claiming that medic had tried to drive forward and hit federal agents when they put the vehicle into park.

“Just an update, we are still not being allowed to leave by the ICE officers,” the medic said over publicly available dispatch audio. 

In total, it took roughly 10 minutes for federal officers to let the ambulance crew leave the ICE facility once the medics were ready to go. A car with federal agents followed the ambulance to the hospital as well. AMR says it’s reviewing the situation. 

A union representative for the medics said the union is working with AMR and management to prevent any future incidents between members and ICE agents.

The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment about the incident or to questions about the interaction between federal officers and AMR medics. (SOURCE)

Wednesday hearing will decide whether to extend temporary restraining order blocking National Guard deployment to Portland

Judge Karin Immergut scheduled a new hearing on the temporary restraining order as 60 Oregon troops mobilize for a separate federal mission along U.S.-Mexico border.

U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut scheduled a phone conference for Wednesday morning to discuss whether to extend her temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration’s deployment of Oregon National Guard troops for another two weeks. The hearing, originally set for Friday, was moved up because of scheduling issues.

The phone conference comes as lawyers on both sides wait for a ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appellate court is considering whether to overturn Immergut’s order.

Last week, a three-judge panel heard oral arguments in the case. A lawyer for the state of Oregon argued President Trump exceeded his authority and local police could handle protests outside the ICE facility in South Portland. An attorney for the federal government argued that the lower court made a mistake and should respect the president’s decision to call in the National Guard. Many legal observers had expected a decision by now.

REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4301538406798032

Oregon sues Trump administration over unlawful federalization of National Guard. REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/822383606886616

LIVE COVERAGE at ICE FACILITY https://www.youtube.com/live/Iv82jlPmcrc

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPZW443CSK9/

Health Licensing Office publishes FAQs for sign language interpreter educational, legal and medical licenses

During the 2025 Legislative Session, Senate Bill 950 (2025) was passed and signed into law by Governor Kotek May 28, 2025.

The new law repeals the sign language interpreter (SLI) educational, legal and medical licenses, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Under the law, SLI educational, legal or medical licenses issued between June 8, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025, will remain valid until Jan. 1, 2029.

This provision allows current license holders three additional years to continue practicing.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the Health Licensing Office (HLO) will no longer issue or renew SLI educational, legal or medical licenses.

To support license holders and the public in understanding these changes, HLO has published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Educational License
• FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Legal License
• FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Medical License

News regarding the Board of Sign Language Interpreters can be found here.

Oregon Employment Department adjusts monthly media plans amid federal shutdown

Due to the ongoing federal shutdown, the Oregon Employment Department (OED) is unable to share some labor market data and is adjusting its monthly economic reporting and media activities for the week of Oct. 13-17.

Although the unemployment rate and nonfarm payroll data for Oregon in September is not available during the shutdown, OED will share what data is available in its regularly scheduled statewide press release on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The department will not host a media briefing this week, but will release a media statement on Thursday, Oct. 16 with agency updates, including the latest Unemployment Insurance claims data and an upgrade to Frances Online functionality for employers.

This situation continues to change quickly, and OED will continue to adapt in order to provide the public, our partners, and the media with accurate economic and labor market information.

### The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

Proactive Treasury Effort Returns $3.5 Million in Unclaimed Money to OregoniansPayments will be mailed in October through the ‘Checks Without Claims’ initiative

Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, MD announced today Treasury will be proactively returning approximately $3.5 million in unclaimed property in October to individuals as part of the agency’s annual initiative ‘Checks Without Claims.’

Treasurer Steiner stated, “At Treasury, we are pleased to reunite thousands of Oregonians with their forgotten cash—especially since they don’t have to lift a finger to get it. Our mission is to do more than just hold these funds, it’s to put them back in people’s pockets so they can thrive financially.”

Through ‘Checks Without Claims’, Treasury will proactively disburse payments to verified owners of unclaimed property reported to the state’s Unclaimed Property Program between 2019-2023.

Payments, via check, will be mailed to individuals this month and along with an additional confirmation letter from the Treasurer.

Earlier this year, Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program conducted ‘Checks Without Claims’ and reconnected more than 20,000 individuals with their unclaimed funds totaling nearly $11 million.

With over $1 billion in unclaimed funds currently held by Treasury, ‘Checks Without Claims’ is one of many efforts done to reconnect more Oregonians with their unclaimed money and property. Payments distributed through this initiative represent unclaimed property reported by various businesses and organizations that were unable to return funds to the rightful owner within the appropriate time period. Common examples of unclaimed property include uncashed payroll checks, forgotten bank accounts, tax refunds, credit balances, investment accounts, refunds, and more.

Nearly one in seven people in the United States has unclaimed property. Typically, individuals need to file a claim with Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program and complete the verification process to receive the funds they are owed. Treasury conducts ‘Checks Without Claims’ to proactively verify some owners of unclaimed assets with up-to-date information and facilitate payments directly to them. Checks distributed will vary in amount between $50 and $10,000.

Searching for unclaimed funds is free and easy. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit Treasury’s unclaimed property website at unclaimed.oregon.gov. Questions about unclaimed funds or “Checks without Claims” can be directed to Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program via email claims@ost.state.or.us or phone at 503-566-9445.

About Oregon State Treasury
Oregon State Treasury improves the financial well-being of all Oregonians. We provide low-cost banking, debt management, and investment programs for governments and empower Oregonians to invest in themselves and their loved ones through Upward Oregon savings programs: Embark, Oregon ABLE Savings Plan, and OregonSaves. Treasury also manages the state’s Unclaimed Property Program.

Oregon Department of Human Services announces federal changes to SNAP so that thousands of Oregonians who may be impacted can prepare

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is announcing federally required changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Oregon. These changes are required under House Resolution (H.R. 1), a federal law passed on July 4, 2025.

More than 740,000 people in Oregon currently receive SNAP benefits, and ODHS expects more than 313,000 people enrolled in SNAP may be impacted by the H.R. 1 changes.

“We are announcing these changes today so that families can prepare for the impact we expect many Oregonians who depend on this resource will feel,” said Dana Hittle, who is co-leading ODHS’ federal response team. “Oregon families enrolled in SNAP receive an average of $300 a month, and any reduction makes it harder for families to put food on the table. Oregon has no choice but to follow federal law that will result in increased hardship across our communities, but we remain committed to helping families adjust and prepare.”

ODHS will begin notifying affected households in mid-October. The people who will be most affected by the new federal law include 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.

• 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.

Key changes affecting people in Oregon

These 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, and certain lawfully present immigrants.

Utility assistance and SNAP benefits

• Households previously eligible for the Heating and Cooling Full Utility Allowance (FUA) through energy assistance programs like Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or “Heat and Eat” will see changes.
• Only households with at least one member who is age 60 or older or a member with a disability will automatically qualify for FUA.
• Approximately 29,000 households will lose this allowance, reducing their SNAP benefits by an average of $58 per month.
• About 9,600 households who applied or renewed between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025 will get notices around Oct. 15, 2025. Their SNAP will be reduced Nov. 1, 2025.
• Another 20,000 households will see benefits go down when their SNAP is reviewed.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)

• Beginning Oct 1, 2025, people with ABAWD status in 6 counties (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Benton, and Hood River) will be reviewed at application or renewal for required work rules.
• People who don’t meet work rules may lose SNAP benefits after 3 months.
• The work rules will apply to adults ages 18–64 without a disability or without children under age 14 in their SNAP household. Previously the work rules applied to adults ages 18 to 54 without a child under 18 in their SNAP household.
• People with ABAWD status must work or participate in a qualifying activity for at least 80 hours per month.
• Veterans, people experiencing homelessness and young adults aging out of foster care are no longer exempt from the work rules.
• Tribal Members and people who meet the federal definition of “Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian” are newly exempt from the work rules.
• In January 2026 these ABAWD requirements will be implemented statewide.
• It’s estimated that 310,000 adults will have to be newly evaluated to see if they have to meet the work rules.

Refugees, Asylees and certain other lawfully present immigrants

• Refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors and other conditionally allowed non-citizens who were eligible for SNAP as of July 3, 2025, will lose eligibility under H.R. 1.
• In Oregon, it’s estimated that at least 3,000 individuals will no longer qualify for benefits.
• About 1,000 people who applied or renewed their SNAP between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025 will get notices around Oct. 15, 2025. Their SNAP will end on Oct. 31, 2025.
• Another 2,000 people will lose SNAP when their SNAP is reviewed.

Notifications to households

   Around Oct. 15, 2025, ODHS will mail notices to:

• Roughly 9,600 households receiving energy assistance to notify them that their SNAP benefits will be reduced starting November 1, 2025.
• Approximately 1,000 refugees, asylees and other lawfully present immigrants whose SNAP cases will close on Oct. 31, 2025.
• Affected households do not need to take any action. ODHS will adjust benefits automatically.

Preparing for changes

• If you think you may be in one of the impacted groups, go to www.oregon.gov/odhs to learn more.
• Watch your mail for notices from ODHS and open them right away. The first wave of notices will be sent on Oct. 15, 2025.
• If you think the ABAWD work requirements may apply to you, don’t wait to start planning how to meet them. Call the ODHS ABAWD team directly at 833-947-1694 or SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
• Know what other food resources are in your community.
  • The ODHS Food Resources website can help.
• Older adults and people with disabilities can connect with Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon to learn about government programs and community resources at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Reach out to 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211 or visiting www.211info.org

Contact ODHS

If you have questions or need help understanding these changes, contact ODHS:

• By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome
• In person: Visit a local office (find one online)
• By Mail: (Requests must be received by the deadline)
  ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• By email: Send requests to Oregon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Online: Submit requests through a ONE Online account

About SNAP in Oregon:

SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year. But even with SNAP benefits, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs, especially amid the rising cost of food and housing. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to making sure people in Oregon receive the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.

Federal shutdown effects Oregon’s federal workers

The federal government shut down Wednesday after Congress failed to reach a short-term funding agreement, leaving nearly 30,000 federal workers in Oregon bracing for furloughs, delayed paychecks, and an uncertain future. 

Roughly one-third of those workers will be sent home without pay, while another third — including airport screeners, border protection agents, VA medical staff, and others — must remain on the job but will not see paychecks until the shutdown ends.

The final third, such as employees of the U.S. Postal Service and Bonneville Power Administration, are not impacted by the shutdown, because their agencies operate with independent funding streams. 

For Oregon families, the shutdown could be disruptive in ways both obvious and subtle. Social Security and Medicare checks are expected to continue, but anyone needing a passport, a tax issue resolved, or help from agencies such as the IRS or Veterans Administration may encounter significant delays. Nutrition assistance programs like WIC will remain funded only through mid-October, according to the Oregon Health Authority, while SNAP benefits could stretch about a month into the closure before interruptions occur. 

What stays open, what closes in Oregon Stays open: Airports and air travel – TSA screeners, air traffic controllers, and FAA safety staff will continue working without pay. The military and VA hospitals – Active duty personnel (including the National Guard troops expected to be deployed to Portland) as well as in-hospital medical care, and veterans’ health services will remain operational.

U.S. Postal Service – Mail delivery and post office operations are funded separately.

Weather reports – The National Weather Service will continue to provide forecasts and warning information. Bonneville Power Administration – Maintains the Northwest’s electrical grid with its own funding. Social Security and Medicare benefits – Checks will continue to be issued.

Likely disrupted or closed: Passport processing – Expect major delays, especially for expedited applications. Federal agency customer service – IRS, Veterans Administration, and Social Security offices will scale back, leaving many inquiries unanswered.

WIC benefits – Will continue through mid-October, but could lapse if the shutdown drags on. SNAP (food stamps) – Benefits will continue for several weeks but may run out if the impasse lasts.

Federal science and regulatory agencies – Workers at EPA, NOAA, USGS, Fish and Wildlife, and the Forest Service face furloughs.

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 Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has finalized the 2026 health rates for the individual and small group plans following months of federal uncertainty that delayed the normal review timeline.

Five insurers – Moda, Bridgespan, PacificSource, Providence, and Regence – will continue to offer plans statewide.

Kaiser Permanente will provide coverage in 11 counties, giving consumers six options to choose from in major portions of the state. Average changes for 2026 in the Individual market saw six companies submitted rate change requests ranging from an average increase of 3.9 percent (PacificSource) to 12.9 percent (Kaiser), for a weighted average increase of 9.7 percent. That average increase is slightly higher than last year’s requested weighted average increase of 9.3 percent.

In the small group market eight companies submitted rate change requests ranging from an average increase of 5.2 percent (PacificSource) to 21.5 percent (Providence), for a weighted average increase of 11.5 percent, which is lower than last year’s 12.3 percent requested average increase.

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) celebrates the progress being made to provide high quality early learning to children across the state.

A new report commissioned by DELC was released by Oregon State University Child Care Research Partnership titled “Oregon’s Child Care Deserts 2024,” which found a significant decrease in child care deserts for preschool-aged children, with just nine counties in that category in 2024 compared to 27 in 2018.

Since the last report in 2022, tremendous progress was made with 10 counties (Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Grant, Jackson, Lake, Lane, Union) moving from being child care deserts in 2022 to not being deserts in 2024 for preschool age children ages 3-5. (One county – Baker, became a preschool child care desert in 2024 when it had not been in 2022).

Despite progress being made, almost all Oregon counties remain child care deserts for infants and toddlers ages 0-2. Child care deserts exist when there are three or more children for a single regulated child care slot. Regulated care includes child care centers and home-based providers that are licensed by or receive public funding from the state, which meet and maintain required health and safety standards.

Without public funds, all 36 Oregon counties would still be considered child care deserts for infants and toddlers, and 28 of 36 counties would still be deserts for preschoolers.

More than 30 years ago, workers clearing brush near the St. Johns Bridge in North Portland discovered the fully skeletonized remains of a man.

Local law enforcement immediately responded to conduct a death investigation, and the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office was called in to help recover the remains.

This week, with help from the DNA Doe Project, the remains were positively identified as Bryant Edward Deane, who is believed to have been about 39 years old at the time of his death.

After the remains were transferred to the medical examiner’s office, a forensic pathologist and forensic anthropologist examined the bones and determined the decedent was likely a white male, close to 50 years old, and about 5-foot-2 to 5-foot-5 in height.

They noted arthritic changes, several fractures, a marked difference in leg length indicating the man would have walked with a limp, and estimated he had been deceased for about a year before discovery. The fractures were more pronounced on the left side of the body, suggesting the decedent may have fallen from the bridge or been struck by a vehicle and thrown from the bridge. However, the cause and manner of death remain undetermined.

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.

Lakeview Man Dies After Pointing Gun at an Officer

An officer-involved shooting occurred in Lakeview Monday during an attempted arrest. Deputies and Oregon State Police troopers responded around 9:20 a.m to the area of North M Street and North 2nd Street in Lakeview to serve an arrest warrant for 74-year-old David Edward Dillon.

Dillon had failed to appear for a scheduled trial on a charge of first-degree sodomy and had a serviceable warrant for his arrest. The sheriff’s office reported that Dillon was found inside a parked vehicle and was noncompliant with arresting officers. During the encounter, Dillon pointed a firearm at both an Oregon State Police trooper and a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy.

The deputy fired his weapon, striking Dillon, who was pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured.

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

10/14 – 5:50 pm #OregonFires 18 FIRES FIRES 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.

PINNACLE FIRE 2184 ACRES –#currycounty 10% containment LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION- Rogue River Trail under emergency closure.

BACKBONE FIRE – 2543 ACRES #currycounty 4% containment LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION – Rogue River Trail under emergency closure.

MOON COMPLEX FIRE – 19,549 ACRES #cooscounty#currycounty34% – LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION order is in place from Tacoma Rapids (River Mile 29) to the Oak Flat Area, including Agness; and southwest from Spud Road and the Rogue River, bordered on the northwest by Forest System Road 33 (Agness Road) and ending at Forest System Road 3318. An interactive evacuation map can be found on the Oregon RAPTOR Map.https://www.arcgis.com/apps/PublicInformation/index.html?appid=f8a0d8814a67445a9e6bf3485f4fd24f&extent=-124.3219,42.4658,-123.5261,42.8587There 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. WILDFIRE MAP: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/portfolio/index.html…CLICK FIRE LINKS Oregon Dept of Emergency Management https://arcg.is/1vGHri1——————————————————-CLINK FIRE LINK THEN CLICK MAP TAB

https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…—————————————————CLINK FOR FIRES

https://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/ —————————————————-CLINK FOR FIRES National Interagency Fire Center

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/

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

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

Oregon joins in the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces and recognize businesses that support employees with disabilities.

This year’s theme of “celebrating value and talent” is reflected in Oregon throughout the year in the countless ways people with disabilities bring value to their jobs and communities.

In 2023, 47% of Oregon residents with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed, compared with 79.7% of people without disabilities — about a 33% gap (source). Several state employment programs work to help people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce.

“Our communities and economy are stronger when people with disabilities are included,” said Allison Enriquez, Oregon’s Employment First Coordinator. “For too long, people with disabilities did not have equal access to good jobs with fair wages in their communities. Oregon is committed to building employment-related supports and connections so all have access to reach their potential and fully participate in their communities.”

NDEAM webinar series — Partners who deliver employment services invite everyone to join a series of webinars in October to celebrate workplace successes and educate the community about resources and services available for job seekers with disabilities.

Webinars are scheduled noon to 1:15 p.m. Oct. 7, 14 and 28 on Zoom. For details on each session and accessibility information, go to Oregon’s NDEAM event web page.

• 7 – Beyond the classroom: Celebrating work-based learning
• 14 – Building financial futures: work and save with Oregon ABLE and EPD
• 28 – Technology, artificial intelligence and employment

These events are hosted by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation program, Oregon Commission for the Blind and the Oregon Department of Education.

Employment resources for people with disabilities

Several state programs offer resources to support Oregon residents with disabilities in achieving, maintaining and advancing in employment.

• Office of Developmental Disabilities Serviceshas employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Vocational Rehabilitationhelps people with all kinds of disabilities find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
• Oregon Commission for the Blindhelps people with vision loss find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
• Ticket to Workis a free federal program for people who are blind or have a disability and receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. People who are 18 to 64 years old and want to work may access this program to prepare for work and find a job.
• Employed Persons with Disabilitiesis a Medicaid program that helps people with disabilities go to work while keeping their Medicaid coverage.
• Oregon ABLE Savings Planis a way people with disabilities can save for the future without the fear of losing needed government benefits.
• Free benefits counselingis available to answer job seekers’ questions about how working may affect their benefits.

Information on these programs is available on the ODHS web page “Get Help Finding a Job.”

ODFW invites the public to view artwork entered in the annual stamp art contest on Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 12:30-5:00 p.m. at ODFW Headquarters in Salem.

The event is free and open to the public. Located at 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, ODFW Headquarters will host the display of submissions for the 2026 Habitat Conservation Stamp, Upland Game Bird Stamp, and Waterfowl Stamp art contests.

Visitors will be able to cast their vote for the People’s Choice in each category.   A panel of judges will evaluate the entries on the morning of the show. Artists participating in the Habitat Conservation Stamp category are required to feature an eligible species from the Oregon Conservation Strategy in its natural habitat. For the 2026 Waterfowl Stamp, entries must showcase one of the following species in its natural habitat setting: blue-winged teal, lesser scaup, or ruddy duck.

The 2026 Upland Game Bird Stamp requires artwork featuring the ring-necked pheasant in its natural habitat setting.  The panel will judge artwork based on artistic composition, anatomical accuracy of the species and general appeal. The winning artist in each contest receives a $2,000 award and winning artwork is used to produce collector stamps and other promotional items with sale proceeds benefitting Oregon’s fish, wildlife and their habitats. 

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