Willamette Valley News, Friday 10/24 – Lane County Health & Human Services Urges Community Members to Give to Local Food Banks, Food Fundraising Events & 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

Friday, October 24, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

Winter is coming! Here’s the overview of our winter outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

A strong low pressure system is expected to bring strong, gusty winds to the region on Saturday. Models are indicating a decent amount of spread with the 10th-90th percentiles separated by 25-30 mph for most locations. High end wind gusts could reach 50-65 mph while the low end could be closer to 25-35 mph.

A decent amount of rain is also expected with this system which, combined with gusty winds, could lead to downed trees. Winds are expected to be strongest along the coast and along higher terrain. Remember to prepare for hazardous weather ahead of time.

Although it may still be fall, anyone intending to drive over the Cascades this weekend should closely monitor the daily weather reports.

As stated in a Facebook post by the National Weather Service, an atmospheric river is approaching the Pacific Northwest this weekend, accompanied by cooler air. Several days in advance, the weather service indicated that the precise total amounts of snow remain uncertain.

Nevertheless, the snowfall totals over a 48-hour period could reach up to 12 inches, particularly in the Central Oregon Cascades near Santiam and Willamette Pass. In the valley, there is no likelihood of snow.

However, it will be wet, with showers expected from Friday through Sunday in Klamath County, on into the Willamette Valley and very rainy in Portland. Check TripCheck too.

Lane County Health & Human Services Urges Community Members to Give to Local Food Banks

Lane County Health & Human Services (LCHS) was notified this week that the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding will not be allocated should the federal government shutdown continue past October 31.

In an effort to help meet the basic nutritional needs of Lane County residents who rely on SNAP benefits in lieu of those benefits potentially not being available come November 1, LCHS is urging community members to donate food or money to Food for Lane County (FFLC). Roughly 75,000 individuals in Lane County use SNAP benefits to help put food on the table. Without these benefits, these individuals won’t have enough money or food to feed their families.

“The support some of our most vulnerable community members rely on to make ends meet is eroding,” said Lane County Health & Human Services Director, Eve Gray. “We have an opportunity now as a community who cares for each other to come together and help soften this blow to the health of our people.”

While SNAP benefits typically aren’t sufficient to supply all the nutritional needs of a family or individual, they are vital to help insure those individuals, especially children, have what they need to eat a balanced diet. The downstream effects of going without a balanced diet, even for days or weeks, can be significant on an individual’s health, especially a developing child.

“This development has me worried about the health of our families in Lane County,” said Lane County Senior Public Health Officer, Dr. Patrick Luedtke. “I know I’m not the only one concerned and I sincerely hope that collective concern will lead to action.”

Lane County will participate by setting up donation barrels for staff to donate at Lane County owned properties.

“Food for Lane County is already seeing high numbers of pantry visitors at a time when our food supply has been limited due to federal program cuts. We want all Lane County residents to have the food and resources they need to thrive, and we’re very concerned about the welfare of our community if SNAP benefits aren’t available.” said Food for Lane County Director of Development and Communications, Rebecca Sprinson.

For individuals and families in need of food, please visit the FFLC food finder, at:

Food Finder

Those interested in donating can do so by visiting: https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/ways-to=give/donate or by calling 541-343-2822.

Little Free Pantries

Burrito Brigade has built and placed more than 50 Little Free Pantries in neighborhoods throughout Eugene and Springfield, as well as Veneta, Junction City, and Florence, Oregon. Our volunteers check the pantries and stock them with food on a weekly basis. See addresses and map for locations: https://burritobrigade.org/pantries/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNohmJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqQ0JNd0JObDFzV3BYTThlAR4vPnzz14QNQhrFQUClFUz2VObxTDefaBGKSOgerMqHD9owcSlqJEe8_FUeKg_aem_SqI3B1cIWRSRRdKJDMGkTA

$18.95 can help feed 120 people.

Every weekend, the volunteer crew at Burrito Brigade rolls hundreds of delicious vegan burritos to help close the hunger gap here in Eugene. Each box of tortillas — just $18.95 — helps feed 120 neighbors.

Could you spare $18.95 to help? Even better — could you make it a monthly donation to keep those burritos rolling all year long?

Every dollar makes a difference in these times of need. Thank you for being part of the Brigade. Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/donation…/we-rise-by-lifting-others Support our Mission: BurritoBrigade.org

Lane County Farmers Market Invitation to Join in on Three Festive Days of Fall Fun, Fright, and Community – Fundraising

: Saturday, Oct. 25: “Harvest of Horror” photo op and Halloween Downtown trick-or-treating!

Grab a local honey stick from participating farmers market booths with the Halloween Downtown candy corn signs on them, and snap a spooky picture at our Harvest of Horror photo op station across from the Information Booth.

Tuesday, Oct. 28: Guess the weight of Wild Child Farm ‘s plumpest pumpkin (at 12:00PM and 12:30PM), plus a special Día de los Muertos dance by Ballet Folklórico Colibrí , celebrating the special day when the veil between worlds grows thin.

This vibrant performance celebrating life through color, music, and movement begins at 11:00AM. Te invitamos a un espectáculo dancístico donde los corazones de los jóvenes laten al ritmo de la tierra antigua. Ven, únete a esta gran celebración donde llorar no está permitido, y el recuerdo se viste de colores y alegría.

Saturday, Nov. 1: LCFM’s Annual Costume Contest and trick-or-treating for $5 Winter Bucks! Wear your costume to market and enter our annual costume contest by visiting our Information Booth, and grab some $5 Winter Bucks to spend during our winter markets later this year. Come celebrate the season at the Farmers Market Pavilion!

Salem mayor leads effort to expand local ability to sweep homeless encampments

Salem Mayor Julie Hoy has joined a coalition of the state’s largest employers seeking to make it easier for cities and counties to remove homeless people and their belongings from public spaces.

Hoy and two other chief petitioners filed an initiative Oct. 15 with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office titled “The Local Control & Safety Act.”

It seeks to repeal a 2021 state law that requires cities to justify whether removing someone from the public place they’re sitting, lying or sleeping is “objectively reasonable as to time, place and manner.” They’re hoping to gather enough signatures to put the measure to Oregon voters in the November 2026 election.

“Homelessness continues to be the issue the people of Salem care most about solving. We need more tools to be able to deliver, and this would offer another tool,” Hoy said in a Monday text to Salem Reporter.

Within current state laws, the city of Salem already bans camping in areas including near building entrances and encampments that block sidewalks. The state requires that cities give people a 72-hour notice before clearing an encampment. That’s in a separate statute which the initiative petition doesn’t address.

Hoy declined to share further information about her intentions and motivations for leading the initiative petition after the news publication denied her request to send written questions in advance. She referred further questions to Oregon Business & Industry. She did not use her mayoral title when filing the petition.

“Mayor Julie Hoy filed the petition as an individual resident. The city has no response on the petition. Mayor Hoy said she will not comment to you about this,” said city spokeswoman Erin Neff in a Tuesday email to Salem Reporter.

The initiative effort is led by Preston Mann, director of external affairs for Oregon Business & Industry and Portland lawyer and policy advocate John DiLorenzo, alongside Hoy. Oregon Business & Industry is the statewide chamber of commerce, which in 2023 led a successful effort to put the city’s payroll tax on the ballot, an issue that propelled Hoy’s mayoral campaign.

The mayor has made public safety and homelessness major focuses of her time in office, including directing Police Chief Trevor Womack in June to develop a plan to increase police presence downtown in response to calls from business owners to address homelessness, safety and cleanliness. After a series of public forums throughout the summer, the city council unanimously approved a plan last week to expand police and cleaning crews, and to stand up a new crisis response team through the fire department.

Hoy’s involvement in the petition shows an apparent break from longstanding city approaches toward homelessness. Local homeless service providers say the petition’s goals would further criminalize homelessness and harm both local governments and homeless people.

The petition will need to gather at least 117,173 valid signatures by the end of next summer in order to be added to the November 2026 ballot for voters’ consideration.

The petition states that “homelessness and unsanctioned public camping represent a clear and present danger to unhoused Oregonians and community safety,” and that encampments in public spaces negatively impact tourism and economic growth.

The effort comes amid a nationwide shift away from housing-first policies at many levels of government, as the Trump administration pushes to expand states’ abilities to jail and institutionalize homeless people. For decades, federal government policies and funding have supported the proven-effective approach of ending homelessness by giving someone a place to stay where they can have more stability to address other challenges in their lives, rather than requiring that they be sober or work in order to get housing assistance.

Experts say that when encampments are cleared by law enforcement with little notice, or when homeless people are arrested for trespassing, it typically will only displace someone and make it harder for them to use services and get housed.

In Salem, the city already has the ability to remove encampments on public property if they post a notice asking its residents to leave within 72 hours. It has typically enforced this in areas where encampments block sidewalks or put campers in harm’s way of traffic. Large encampments like the one at Salem’s Wallace Marine Park have remained for years.

Some common Salem encampment spots, such as the Market Street underpass, are under the Oregon Department of Transportation’s jurisdiction.

Police can already fine homeless people for camping, though the Salem Police Department rarely does so, instead opting to have officers talk to people about available resources. The city issued two citations under its camping ordinance in 2023 and none in 2024. They issued one warning and one citation so far in 2025, Neff said.

Mann, in an emailed statement to Salem Reporter, said that “Local control over unsanctioned public camping is essential to promoting public health and safety. Yet, under existing, outdated law, our cities’ and counties’ hands are tied.”

Mann said that, beyond his statement, he did not have time to address specific questions from Salem Reporter about points within the filing or Hoy’s involvement ahead of the publication’s deadline. News of Hoy’s involvement in the initiative drew concern from local homeless advocates and providers in several local Facebook groups.

Jimmy Jones, the executive director of the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency which oversees much of the region’s homeless services, said he is not surprised about Hoy or the others’ involvement in the initiative.

“Mayor Hoy has expressed repeated concern about the damage done to public safety, public health and the economic development of the community at the hands of homeless communities,” he said in an email. “We do hope, however, that the community as a whole takes the time to understand this complicated issue. Criminalization is a failed strategy.”

Jones said, should the initiative succeed, it would increase workloads for local police and governments while failing to address the root causes of homelessness. “It’s going to make the homeless problem in Oregon much worse than it is. But it’s also a bad idea for cities and counties, who are only going to see their cost increase considerably when they become this instrument for pushing poor people from one part of the state to the next,” he said in an interview.

Jones said the claim that the cities and counties don’t have enough tools to address homelessness is “patently false.” “There are plenty of justifications in the law as it currently exists to be able to remove homeless camps. That is absolutely, demonstrably false if anybody’s claiming that they just need more tools here,” he said. “This is another step down the path to criminalizing the homeless condition, and it would make it a far worse place than what we have right now.”

Changes in the laws — Efforts to restrict homeless encampments on public property gained momentum in Oregon after the Supreme Court’s June 2024 ruling that cities can ban homeless people from sleeping outside, even if they have nowhere else to go. That case arose from the city of Grants Pass’ efforts to remove homeless encampments despite limited and inaccessible shelter space.

Several bills trying to repeal the state’s law regulating camps on public property were introduced, but failed to progress, in the most recent legislative session. Oregon Business & Industry’s petition asks that the state update its laws to align with the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“Despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the city of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which made clear that local governments can enforce camping regulations, Oregon communities are restricted from doing so under state law,” the petition states. “(State law) continues to interfere with local communities’ ability to protect parks and open spaces for the enjoyment and use by Oregon families.”

The existing state law, HB 3115, was created through a collaborative effort which included the League of Oregon Cities, Association of Oregon Counties and nonprofits, Jones said. His agency was among dozens supporting the bill.

“We don’t want law enforcement just showing up, telling people ‘You’ve got 5 minutes to pack whatever you can pack and then leave.’ We want to avoid that when we possibly can because it scatters homeless populations and relationships have to be rebuilt. Enormous trauma is created in those moments, a lot of good case work that’s taken place is set back. We lose access to people because we can’t find them anymore,” he said.

Jones said he’s known people that died homeless despite having a housing voucher ready with their name on it, because they were moved and outreach workers couldn’t find them again. Jones said the bill sought to allow cities the ability to regulate camping when sites become a public health or safety issue. “There has to be a certain standard or reasonableness attached about it, and there has to be notice,” he said. “There is a process that goes along with it, and that process has made it safer for everybody involved.”

The petition also states that Oregon’s laws are “confusing and undefined,” putting local governments at risk of lawsuits.

Jones said that prior to the state laws, cities and counties were “getting sued hand over fist” for violating existing time, place and manners standards. Having a single state law prevents those suits, he said, saving cities and counties money.

Becky Straus, managing attorney with the Oregon Law Center which originally filed the Grants Pass lawsuit on behalf of the city’s unsheltered residents, said in an email to Salem Reporter that the organization opposes Oregon Business and Industry’s petition.

“Oregon’s camping law maintains a balance between cities’ need to manage public space and protecting the civil rights of our most vulnerable neighbors. The law merely requires that limits on camping are reasonable. This misguided petition carelessly sends cities back to the drawing board and risks a harmful descent into unchecked, punitive approaches to homelessness,” she said.

The petition also implies that the law requiring “objectively reasonable as to time, place and manner” has contributed to a statewide increase in homelessness, despite increasing shelter capacity.

“Oregon’s homeless population has increased dramatically since ORS 195.530 was enacted, demonstrating its ineffectiveness,” the petition states. Jones said that’s false.

“The real cause of the growth of homelessness over the last 20 years in Oregon is simply the lack of affordable housing, and the significant increase in cost of living,” Jones said. “The public should just sit back and ask themselves: am I paying more to rent now than I was eight years ago? Am I paying more for gasoline? Am I paying more for health care? Am I paying more for food? Am I paying more to keep the lights on? And the answer to that for almost everybody is: ‘yes.’”

Mann said that repealing the state law would be a critical step into helping local leaders address their community’s needs.

“Oregonians want solutions and our sincere hope is that the Legislature will repeal this law during the 2026 session, and we will work closely with lawmakers to help make that a reality. However, we believe it’s necessary to file this initiative to preserve the opportunity for Oregonians to act on this commonsense policy change if the Legislature doesn’t,” he said.

A political action committee formed to support the initiative had no financial contributions or expenses listed as of Monday. (SOURCE) This article originally appeared in Salem Reporter.

Lane County Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Federal Prison for Coercing and Sexually Exploiting Children in Oregon, New York, and Florida

A Eugene, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison Thursday for using social media platforms, including Snapchat and Instagram, to exploit and coerce children in Oregon, New York, and Florida.

Vincent Alan Elder, 32, was sentenced to 288 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to each of his three victims.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Elder used social media to meet and communicate with three identified minors in 2022 and 2023. He sent online payments to encourage a minor victim in Florida to make and send nude photos. To obtain the same from a minor victim in Oregon, he sent vape pens, food delivery orders, and left bags of cash near the victim’s house. When a minor victim in New York tried to cease contact with him, Elder threatened to tell the victim’s mother or even involve that victim’s younger sibling—an act known as sextortion.

After learning of the allegations, in November 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed search warrants for Elder’s person, devices, and motel room. On December 1, 2023, the FBI arrested Elder. A search of his devices showed chats with some of the minor victims, the Oregon victim’s personal information, and nude images of the Florida victim.

“I am thankful for the brave victims who came forward, and I am grateful to the law enforcement agencies who helped bring this dangerous predator to justice,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “We will continue to seek significant prison sentences for anyone who targets our communities’ children.”

“Investigating crimes against children is some of the most important work we do at the FBI,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “The crimes committed in this instance were egregious, and we moved swiftly to stop the predatory behavior. Even one child subjected to such abuse is one too many, and we continue to work with our local law enforcement partners to find instances of abuse and protect our communities.” 

On January 18, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a seven-count indictment charging Elder with Using a Minor to Produce a Visual Depiction of Sexually Explicit Conduct and Attempt, Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Attempt, and Possession of Child Pornography. 

On July 29, 2025, Elder pleaded guilty to two counts of Using a Minor to Produce a Visual Depiction of Sexually Explicit Conduct with regard to the New York and Florida victims and one count of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor with regard to the Oregon victim.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Springfield Police Department and the Eugene Police Department. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, they re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

*Check the event calendar on junctioncityscandia.org for the schedule; some holidays will not have class. All students must have completed the waiver to participate. WAIVER >>https://forms.gle/GWrPm3MLSHi7ii6f7

The Springfield History Museum annual Fright at the Museum, a haunted house fundraiser that blends thrills, chills, and local history.

This year’s theme, Screamfield’s Frankenstein, is presented in partnership with the Springfield Utility Board.

October 23–25, 2025, at the Springfield History Museum, located at 590 Main Street in downtown Springfield.

“Fright at the Museum has quickly become one of Springfield’s favorite traditions,” said Maddi McGraw, Museum Curator. “It’s a fun way to celebrate the season, connect with history, and support the museum’s mission.”

• Family-Friendly Hours: 4:00–6:00 p.m. (brighter lights, fewer scares, great for kids and families)
• Full Fright Hours: 6:30–8:30 p.m. (darker, scarier, perfect for teens and adults)

After braving the haunted halls, guests can stop by the “recovery station” for photo opportunities and free snacks.

Admission

• Adults: $5
• Youth (ages 5–17): $3
• Children under 5: Free
• Family Rate (5 or more): $20

All proceeds support the Springfield History Museum’s collections, exhibits, and educational programs.

For more information, visit the Springfield History Museum’s Facebook page at facebook.com/SpringfieldMuseum or call (541) 726-2300.

Linn County Detectives Make Arrests on Homicide

UPDATE — Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that her detectives have arrested two people in connection to the homicide of Christopher Smith that occurred in a parking lot at the intersection of Highway 34 and Peoria Road, east of Corvallis on October 4, 2025.  

Steve Dwayne Simmons Jr., 44, of Albany, was arrested on October 17, 2025 by members of the Linn County Regional SWAT Team at the Geary Street Urgent Care located at the intersection of Queen Avenue SE and Geary Street in Albany.  Simmons attempted to flee law enforcement but was apprehended after a short foot pursuit.  Simmons was transported to the Linn County Jail and charged with Murder in the Second Degree.        

On October 22, 2025, Detectives presented their investigation to the Linn County Grand Jury.  As a result, Simmons was indicted on Murder in the First Degree, Murder in the Second Degree, Robbery in the First Degree, and two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

The Linn County Grand Jury also indicted Joshua Edward Gabell, 41, of Corvallis, on Murder in the Second Degree and Robbery in the First Degree. 

Gabell has been in custody at the Linn County Jail since October 10, 2025, when he was lodged for an unrelated Parole Violation. 

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office has been assisted in their investigation by the Oregon State University Public Safety Department, the Albany Police Department, the Corvallis Police Department, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. 

No further details will be released on this investigation as it is continuing.  Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (866) 557-9988.      

Previous Press Releases — The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is releasing further information regarding the homicide that occurred on Saturday, October 4^th on Highway 34 and Peoria Road, east of Corvallis.  When the Corvallis Fire Department arrived the morning of the incident, they found a single male occupant in a gray 2013 Chevrolet Camaro that had been crashed into a fence.  As they started to render aid to the male, they found he had been shot.  Deputies arrived shortly after the fire department and began a criminal investigation.  The occupant of the Chevrolet Camaro was identified as Christopher Joseph Smith, 30, from Albany.  Smith died on scene from his injuries.  Linn County Detectives are investigating the homicide. Smith’s family has been notified of his passing.  Anyone with information on this incident should contact Detective Scott Tennant at (541) 967-3950.      

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 location 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 information will be made to the public.      

Emerald People’s Utility District CONGRATULATIONS to Food for Lane County (FFLC), the 2025 winner of EPUD’s $40,000 GREEN Grant!

The organization will use the grant to install an 8.85 KW solar electric system at its new youth farm in Eugene.

Jen Anonia, Gardens Program Manager for FOOD For Lane County said, “We are thrilled to receive the GREEN Grant and extend our thanks to all of the GREEN subscribers!” “We look forward to having a solar array to significantly reduce our electrical expenses,” Anonia continued. “We love that we’ll be able to tell all who come to our farm that our operations are powered by the sun and the many hands that help us grow food for the food bank.”

Established in 1984, FFLC is a non-profit food bank dedicated to reducing hunger by engaging the community to create access to food. For 30 years, community members at the youth farm have learned gardening skills, and put those skills to work by helping to grow produce for the organization. Once installed, the solar array will offset energy costs and create opportunities for FFLC staff to demonstrate how to become more energy resilient and more food self-sufficient.

The GREEN Grant is offered through EPUD’s GREEN program and is entirely funded by subscribers who support renewable energy. The grant is awarded to local non-profit organizations to fund new renewable energy projects. The project that receives the grant funds is decided by a vote of current GREEN subscribers.

Food for Lane County also just received a $150,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente for the Food is Medicine in the Northwest Program, which distributes healthy grocery boxes to people living with diet-related chronic illness who are referred from Community Health Centers of Lane County-South Lane Clinic. The healthy food is provided by Lane County Bounty. Thank you Kaiser Permanente!

Update on Lane County PacificSource,Trillium and OHP

Discussions are ongoing between the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Trillium as the medical insurance company has indicated that they want to take on the Lane County residents who currently receive their Medicaid insurance through PacificSource.

“Based on OHA’s review of information provided by Trillium, with the interest to ensure clarity for providers and members and time for Trillium to take meaningful actions to expand their network,” Amy Bacher, OHA spokesperson, said. “OHA is moving forward to allow the CCO to broaden coverage to all OHP members in Lane County for 2026.”

92,000 Lane County residents currently receive their Medicaid coverage through PacificSource, but that won’t be the case for 2026 since the insurance company decided to not renew its contract with Lane County.

If Trillium, the second largest Medicaid insurance provider in the county, takes on those members, it would triple the amount of Lane County residents they currently insure.

OHA is also working with PacificSource to have the company continue to provide Medicaid insurance until Feb. 1 for Lane County residents before the company completely pulls out of the county. OHA also wants Lane County Medicaid members to know that nothing needs to be done as they are still covered and will be notified as things continue.

OHA’s collaborative efforts with CCOs and partners have led to renewed contracts for 2026 in most regions. One CCO did decline service for a specific market, but OHA is working to confirm coverage through another CCO.

PacificSource notified OHA on Sept. 18 that it would not renew its CCO contract for Lane County. About 92,000 people living in Lane County currently have their Medicaid benefits managed by PacificSource, while another CCO, Trillium Community Health Plan, serves another 36,000 people in that county.

Based on OHA’s review of information provided by Trillium, with the interest to ensure clarity for providers and members and time for Trillium to take meaningful actions to expand their network, OHA is moving forward to allow the CCO to broaden coverage to all OHP members in Lane County for 2026. To allow more than 90 days for the transition of members between CCOs, OHA is working with PacificSource on the potential to continue to serve as a CCO in the region until Feb. 1, 2026.

This agreement is still in process and OHA is confirming details. Already included in the agreement is a mandatory “transition of care” period, where Trillium would be required to ensure that members have uninterrupted, appropriate access to services previously authorized by their former CCO and make accommodations for OHP members in specific care circumstances.

Members can expect communication from OHA and PacificSource in the coming weeks. OHA has also been working on plans for OHP member, provider and community forums to discuss these updates throughout November and December. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ERD/Pages/OHA-works-to-protect-quality-health-care-across-Oregon.aspx

Prior info:

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)

Eugene’s Urban Renewal Agency Board directed staff to begin working with Paradigm Properties to develop a proposal for the redevelopment of the North Butterfly Lot.

This is part of the City’s Downtown Core Housing Initiative, which aims to bring more residential units to the heart of our community. The project aims to bring a minimum of eighty units of housing to the city center, located on the half acre lot just north of the new Farmers Market Pavilion.

In addition to housing, the project goals include building on the energy of the Farmers Market Pavilion and fostering pedestrian connections between the downtown core, the Market District, which is only one block north of the site and to the Downtown Riverfront.

In this next phase, the Agency and Paradigm Properties will partner to develop a full project proposal for this site. Look for opportunities to learn more and give feedback into the project proposal this winter. Learn more about the North Butterfly Lot Redevelopment: https://www.eugene-or.gov/…/North-Butterfly-Lot…And more about the Downtown Core Housing Initiative: https://www.eugene-or.gov/…/Downtown-Core-Housing…

Traffic crash with fatality Highway 126 / 52nd Street

On October 21st, 2025, at approximately 6:30 am, SPD received multiple calls reporting a traffic crash on Highway 126, at the intersection of 52nd Street. Multiple SPD units responded and found the crash involved three vehicles that forced the closure of the entire highway. One person was pronounced deceased, upon the arrival of officers.

The preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota pickup traveling eastbound on the highway struck a semi-truck turning onto the highway from 52nd Street. The crash left the Toyota disabled in the intersection while the semi-truck pulled off onto the shoulder.

The disabled Toyota was then struck by another vehicle traveling eastbound on Highway 126. The 41-year-old female driver of the Toyota was fatally injured as a result of the second collision.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending next of kin notification. The Springfield Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is currently investigating the crash.

10/20/25 – LCSO Case 25-5035 Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue continues search for missing Oakridge man

On October 16th, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies were notified that Jean Fritz Pierre Louis, 76, of Oakridge, may be missing. He had reportedly gone mushroom picking several days before. His friends were unsure where he was, however his car had been seen on the National Forest 2409 Road off of Salmon Creek Road several days before.

That day, his vehicle was located on a spur road off of the NF 2409 Road, and Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (SAR) began an intensive search of the area. SAR deputies and volunteers have continued searching each day and into the night, employing ground searchers, K9s, drones, and mounted SAR on horseback. Linn County Search & Rescue has also assisted in the search.

Louis is described as a black male, 5’7” tall, weighing 145 pounds with white hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what he was last wearing. While investigators believe Louis is lost in the area, anyone with information on his possible whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 option 1.

10/20/25 – Deputies arrest UTV driver after fatal DUI crash

On October 20th at about 5 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded with fire personnel to a UTV crash on BLM Road 16-7-30, near Triangle Lake. Fire personnel determined the male passenger was deceased.   The Lane County Sheriff’s Crash Reconstruction Team responded. Initial investigation showed the UTV had rolled, fatally injuring the passenger, who may have been seat belted but was not wearing a helmet.  

Deputies observed signs the driver, Walter Frederick Rogers, 49, of Gresham, was impaired. After additional investigation, Rogers was arrested for DUI and lodged at the Lane County Jail. The case will be forwarded to the Lane County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of additional charges.  

The identity of the passenger is being withheld pending next of kin notification.   Thanks to Lane Fire Authority, Lake Creek Fire & Rescue, the Lane County District Attorney’s Office, Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Oregon State Police for their assistance with this incident.

Cottage Grove woman arrested for house and vehicle arson

On October 19th at about 3 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to assist fire personnel with a mobile home fire in the 34800 block of Shoreview Drive, east of Cottage Grove. Firefighters determined the home was unoccupied. Witnesses reported the resident, Leia Kimberly Shaw, 38, of Cottage Grove, had left in a vehicle just before the fire started.  

Deputies were searching the area for Shaw when a vehicle fire was reported at Bake Stewart Park, near Row River Road milepost 11. Deputies located Shaw nearby a short time later.  

After additional investigation by the Fire Marshal and deputies, Shaw was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on two counts of Arson in the 1st Degree.   Thanks to South Lane Fire & Rescue for their assistance with this incident.

Lane County property tax statements being mailed out – payments due Nov 17

Lane County is preparing to mail the 2025-2026 property tax statements starting Thursday, according to county officials. The county said that residents can access their statements and additional information online at Lane County’s website.

According to Lane County Assessment and Taxation, the total certified property tax for all levies in 2025-2026 is $746 million, marking a 3.49 percent increase from the previous year. This change is attributed to new or renewed local option and bond levies, among other factors.

New or renewed local option bond levies include:

• Lowell Rural Fire Protection District has a new 5-year local option levy.  The levy will allow them to continue to operate at its present level of fire protection and emergency services and to support a maintenance program for equipment and property.  The rate is $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.  Voted on May 2025.
• Crow-Applegate-Lorane School District local option levy was renewed for 5 years.  It remains at $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. Voted on May 2025.
• Rainbow Water District’s local option levy was renewed for 5 years.  It remains at 1.71 per $1,000 of assessed value.  Voted on Nov 2022.
• Santa Clara Rural Fire Protection District’s local option levy was renewed for 5 years.  It remains at $0.45 per $1,000 of assessed value.  Voted on May 2025.
• Siuslaw School District’s local option levy was renewed for 5 years.  It remains at $0.75 per $1,000 of assessed value.  Voted on Nov 2023.
• McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District’s local option levy was renewed for 5 years at a higher rate of $1.05 per $1,000 of assessed value instead of $0.60.  Voted on May 2024.

The first payment deadline is set for Nov. 17. Taxpayers who believe their property market values are incorrect can appeal to the Property Valuation Appeal Board by Dec. 31.

Junction City Scandinavian Festival

Starting next week, on October 24th, the Scandinavian Cultural Foundation will host a free folk dance class for teens 13+ years old, which will run through February.

These classes will cover basic to intermediate folk dance techniques, and classes will conclude with various dances incorporating the learned skills. No partner needed to participate. Water and closed-toed sturdy shoes are required. Class will be held at Gale Fletchall Hall in Junction City.

*Check the event calendar on junctioncityscandia.org for the schedule; some holidays will not have class. All students must have completed the waiver to participate. WAIVER >>https://forms.gle/GWrPm3MLSHi7ii6f7

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

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  

RAVEN-Radical Assistance — They need an indoor space for the winter! And have a GoFund Me to Help

Hi Friends, the good people at RAVEN are diligently trying to find some indoor space to use for the winter. We would love to offer some respite from the weather along with the other basic needs that we are providing. Please help us find some under utilized space, preferably close to the downtown core, that we can use to take care of our neighbors in need. Any and all ideas are welcome! We appreciate all of your donations. We are always in need of operational funds, clothing, blankets & camping gear.

Any ideas appreciated for Indoor Space! They are providing food, basic need supplies and human connection to our neighbors in need. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572229470271

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-raven-continue-services-for-vulnerable-neighbors?attribution_id=sl:ebb2169e-6901-4025-a221-274235ce05c0&lang=en_US&ts=1760736364&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Eugene, Springfield and Lane County to begin leaf pickup

Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield are preparing to kick-off their annual leaf collection efforts. Removing leaves from catch basins, grates and gutters allows storm water to run off and prevents flooding.

Keeping leaves out of the drainage system also improves water quality because decomposing leaves use up oxygen that is needed by aquatic life in local streams and rivers. And removing slippery leaves from streets and sidewalks makes travel safer for people walking, biking and driving. 

In all three jurisdictions, property owners are responsible for leaves that are placed improperly in the street or cause safety or localized flooding hazards.

Eugene and Lane County allow residents to pile leaves in the street, while Springfield only allows bagged leaves to be set out for collection.

Leaves are the only items collected. Piles with branches, pine needles, trash, grass and other lawn debris are not accepted and will not be collected.

To get the best information for your property, determine which jurisdiction provides service in your area, and then contact that agency. Here are the details for each jurisdiction:

City of Eugene

Eugene’s leaf collection and delivery program begins November 8. For more than 60 years, Eugene’s leaf program has helped ensure proper disposal of leaves by keeping decaying leaves out of local creeks and rivers and prevents localized flooding caused by blocked storm drains.   

City crews will break into three groups to focus on designated sections of the city. Each crew has the staffing and equipment needed to collect and deliver leaves and sweep streets after the leaves have been picked up. This puts resources closer to neighborhoods and improves service on unimproved streets. For a map of Eugene’s zones, including changes new in 2025, visit www.eugene-or.gov/leaf.

Online features allow Eugene residents to look up their address and see when they should pile their leaves neatly in a row parallel to the curb, order leaf deliveries, or report hazards such as leaves in a bike lane. People should place their leaves in the street the weekend before crews are scheduled to be in their neighborhood. The second round of leaf collection will start early January 2026.

For more information about Eugene’s leaf collection and delivery services, go to www.eugene-or.gov/leaf or call Eugene Public Works Maintenance at 541-682-4800. 

City of Springfield

In Springfield, the City provides a leaf pickup service to residents within the city limits to help prevent flooding, protect water quality, and keep neighborhood streets safe for people walking, biking, and driving. Leaves are collected in two rounds in two sections — the west and east sides of the city with 28^th/31^st Street as the dividing line.

Sanipac is contracted to pick up, haul, and recycle bagged leaves for residents within the city limits. Leaves must be put in medium-sized bags that contain only leaves. Bags containing other yard debris cannot be used for compost and will not be picked up.

Bags need to be placed curbside, not in the street, by 7:00 a.m. on Monday of the week scheduled for collection in that area. Not all bags will be picked up right away on Monday; it may take several days. Additionally, severe weather may cause delays. Landscaping, yard maintenance companies, property management companies, and residents are not allowed to blow or rake leaves into the streets.

Springfield residents can also pledge to properly dispose of their leaves for a chance to win one of two $100 gift cards from a local home improvement store. Residents can view this year’s informational flier for more details on how to enter.

The first round of leaf collection in Springfield starts on December 1, west of 28^th/31^st Street, then December 8, east of 28^th/31^st Street. The second round starts January 5 west of 28^th/31^st Street, then January 12 east of 28^th/31^st Street.

For more information about leaf pickup in Springfield, visit www.springfield-or.gov/leaf-pickup-program or bit.ly/spfldleafpickup, call 541-525-2658 or email ogram@springfield-or.gov“>leafpickupprogram@springfield-or.gov.

Lane County

Lane County Public Works will begin its annual leaf pick-up program on Monday, November 3.  The County collects leaves in two rounds in two general areas: Santa Clara north of Irving Road and Hunsaker Lane and several Springfield locations generally just outside the city limits. Lane County crews may be working in your zone prior to official collection dates if time allows; however, crews will return to your zone as scheduled.

Lane County provides a leaf collection information line (541-682-8565) updated at 5:00 p.m. each Friday. It describes where leaf pickup begins on a weekly basis. For more information go to www.LaneCountyOR.gov/LeafPickUp, call 541-682-8565 or e-mail leafcollection@lanecountyor.gov.

Leaf Preparation Guidelines

Two priorities that are the same in all three jurisdictions are public safety and operational efficiency. Here are some tips to help meet those objectives:

• In Eugene and Lane County, leaves must be in the roadway but piled at least 15 feet away from parked vehicles. Do not bag leaves.
• In Lane County leaf pickup will be provided for paved curb-and-gutter streets only. In Eugene, unimproved streets are picked up during both rounds but equipment must be able to reach the leaves from the hard road surface.
• In Springfield, leaves need to be put in medium-sized bags that contain only leaves. The bags should be placed curbside, not in the street.
• Do not pile leaves in bike or traffic lanes or on curbs or sidewalks.
• Do not pile leaves in front of mailboxes.
• Keep storm drains and gutters clear to prevent localized flooding.
• Do not mix in other debris such as branches, rocks, lawn clippings, pine needles, or trash. 
• Leaves are not picked up in private yards.
• Wait to put leaves in the street until the weekend prior to collection.
• Consider recycling leaves as compost or mulch material. 

Schedule Information

Eugene                              Leaves Out For First Round                  First Round                     Second Round

Central/Core                      Nov. 8 to Nov. 9                                            Nov. 10 to Nov. 14           Starts Jan. 5

Zones 1                              Nov. 15 to Nov. 16                                       Nov. 17 to Nov. 21            Starts Jan. 5

Zones 2                              Nov. 22 to Nov. 23                                       Nov. 24 to Dec. 5              Starts Jan. 5

Zones 3                              Dec. 6 to Dec. 7                                           Dec. 8 to Dec. 12             Starts Jan. 5

Zones 4                              Dec. 13 to Dec. 13                                       Dec. 15 to Dec. 19           Starts Jan. 5

Zones 5                              Dec. 20 to Dec. 21                                       Dec. 22 to Jan. 2              Starts Jan. 5

Springfield (Leaf Pickup Dates)	First Round	Second Round
West of 28th Street/31st Street	Dec. 1	Jan. 5
East of 28th Street/31st Street	Dec. 8	Jan. 12
Lane County (Leaf Pickup Dates)	First Round	Second Round
Zone A (Santa Clara west of River Road)	Nov. 3 to Nov. 6	Nov. 24 to Nov. 26
Zone B (Santa Clara east of River Road)	Nov. 12 to Nov. 13	Dec. 1 to Dec. 4
Zone C (Springfield area)	Nov. 17 to Nov. 20	Dec. 8 to Dec. 11

Oregon Department of Human Services — SNAP Info

We’ve seen some confusion around the difference between the new federal rules that changed who can get SNAP and how the current federal government shutdown is impacting food benefits.

Here is a breakdown of what’s happening and when:

First, the federal government passed a law in July 2025 that changed the rules for who can and cannot get SNAP. ODHS began sending letters on Oct. 15, 2025 to the first group of people who are losing their benefits or having them reduced due to these new rules. You can read about these rules here: https://apps.oregon.gov/…/odhs-begins-sending-notices… 

Second, the federal government shutdown may impact November benefits. On Oct. 10, 2025, the Trump Administration told all states that we cannot give out November SNAP benefits until the federal government shutdown ends – even to people who still qualify under the new federal rules. You can read the notice from the USDA here: https://drive.google.com/…/1FqO7Mwggde6HS58RyQXR…/view 

If Congress and President Trump reach a deal before Nov. 1, 2025, people who still get SNAP benefits under the new federal rules will get their SNAP benefits as usual in November. 

If Congress and President Trump do not reach a deal before Nov. 1, 2025, no one will receive November SNAP until the federal government reopens or we receive new direction from the federal government. You can read more about how the federal government shutdown will impact food benefits in November here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx 

The people who received the letters about new federal rules from ODHS mentioned earlier will still lose or see a reduction in SNAP benefits on Nov. 1, 2025 – even if the federal government reopens before then.

We know this is complicated and stressful. We want to help. ODHS is sharing updates as quickly as possible while making sure the information we share is accurate. For the most up-to-date information about federal changes, keep an eye on our social media and website.

If you’re worried about having enough food, there are community resources that can help. Check out https://needfood.oregon.gov for support.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Law Enforcement Partners Team Up for the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

This Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

On Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in collaboration with nearly 4,000 law enforcement partners across the United States, will host DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at locations across the country. DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

For sixteen years, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans safely dispose of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—to prevent drug misuse and abuse.

Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at nearly 4,500 drop-off locations nationwide.

What:              National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

When:              Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where:            18 collection sites in Oregon

“Take Back Day provides a safe and anonymous way to properly dispose of expired or unused prescription medications,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Unused prescription medication in the home pose serious risks of misuse, addiction, and overdose. We encourage all community members to participate and help reduce the potential for abuse and addiction in our communities.”

“All too often, drug abuse starts with prescription pills in the family medicine cabinet,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day offers an easy way to rid your home of these unwanted and potentially dangerous medicines before they can harm your children or grandchildren. Drop off your unneeded medicine this Saturday and take a step to keep your family safe from drug harm.”

In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 19.8 million pounds (10,000 tons) of medication from circulation since its inception.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

Missing federal jobs report leaves Oregon Employment Department, businesses in the dark

Despite delivering in past shutdowns, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said it was unable to provide the September jobs report because of the government shutdown

For the first time in more than a decade, Oregon and other states lack federal jobs data they rely on to understand the health of their economies and labor markets month-over-month.

Officials at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced earlier this month that they would not produce the September jobs report, which was due Oct. 3, because of the government shutdown that began Oct. 1.

The agency uses two surveys each month to estimate the nation’s unemployment rate and how many jobs the economy created each month and shares state-specific data with partner agencies in each state. On Oct. 15, the Oregon Employment Department reported that there would be no September jobs data to share from the roughly 7,600 Oregon businesses that answer the federal survey each month.

Instead, state officials pointed the public to the federal labor statistics agency’s quarterly wage and employment report, which includes data providing employment trends and wages by industry in each state through June. On Thursday, agency officials will share data from unemployment claims in the state that might offer a clearer picture of how labor markets are doing in Oregon.

Previous shutdowns haven’t stopped the federal labor statistics agency from issuing its reports, and only three shutdowns delayed them in the last several decades. During the October 2013 federal shutdown, September jobs data was delayed 18 days and released less than a week after the shutdown ended. During a shutdown that ran from  Dec. 16, 1995, to Jan. 6, 1996, the December jobs report was delayed by two weeks, according to the D.C.-based nonprofit think tank Economic Policy Institute.

“Businesses want consistency and certainty from their government as they make long-term investment decisions. So do public policy makers, and without accurate, up-to-date data — data that we’ve always had available — we simply can’t quantitatively see how things are moving,” said Nathan Buehler, communications director at Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency. “Missing a single month isn’t a catastrophe, but additional releases being missed would really start to erode public trust, and our ability to do any accurate economic analysis.”

Layoffs and hiring are low

Typically data is collected and prepared to share with officials at the Federal Reserve and the White House at least a day before being published, or in this case, by Oct. 2, meaning the agency was within a day or two of being ready to publish when the government shutdown began.

Officials at the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not respond to a request from the Capital Chronicle by Wednesday evening for more information about what specifically would have delayed the report.

The ongoing government shutdown risks data collection for the month of October, which should be happening now. The next Oregon jobs report was previously expected to be ready by Nov. 19, according to Gail Krumenauer, a state employment economist.

President Donald Trump in August fired Erika McEntarfer, commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, claiming she rigged the July jobs report to make him look bad. Figures in that report showed that the economy added 30,000 fewer jobs than anticipated in sectors heavily impacted by Trump’s tariff policies. The report also revised downward employment growth from May and June that had previously been thought to be higher.

Jobs reports and reports on private sector business growth going into September indicated sluggish job growth and persistent tariff-induced inflation.

The August jobs report, the most recent published, showed Oregon’s economy added nearly 7,000 non-farm jobs, mostly in health care, social assistance, hospitality and leisure and government. The largest job losses were in the wholesale trade sector.

Despite the unemployment rate remaining low in August, payrolls showed a big slowdown in hiring and a decline in labor growth in part due to lower immigration and workforce participation, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said at an Oct. 14  meeting of the National Association of Business Economists

“While official employment data for September are delayed, available evidence suggests that both layoffs and hiring remain low, and that both households’ perceptions of job availability and firms’ perceptions of hiring difficulty continue their downward trajectories,” Powell said.

The labor statistic bureau’s quarterly report shows that there was a decline in Oregon of 3,800 jobs between the second quarter of 2025 and the same quarter in 2024, or a decline of less than half a percentage point. The private sector lost more than 11,000 jobs during that period and manufacturing lost nearly 7,400 jobs, while more than 14,000 private health care and social assistance jobs were added, a nearly 5% increase from the previous year.

During the same period, more than 7,000 government jobs were added. About 75% of those were in local governments, while 400 federal government jobs were lost.

During the first half of 2025, 29,000 Oregonians worked for the federal government, accounting for about 1.5% of all jobs in the state. Most of these employees work in rural counties. In Sherman County in north central Oregon, 15% of all jobs were federal government jobs, and in eastern and southern Oregon’s Grant, Harney and Lake counties, the federal government provides nearly 10% of all jobs. (SOURCE)

State program offers free help, fraud prevention tips for Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment for 2026 plans began Oct. 15 and remains open through Dec. 7, 2025. This is the time when people with Medicare can review their current coverage and make changes for the upcoming year. Medicare beneficiaries who would like to discuss their Medicare options can receive free, confidential help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) including help with comparing and selecting new Medicare plans.

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program provides free help from counselors who can help people compare plans, understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their Medicare options. Counselors can also provide information on how to avoid becoming a victim of common scams that target people during Open Enrollment.

During the Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare,
• Change their Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Change or enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, and
• Review changes in costs, coverage and provider networks.

“Choosing the right Medicare plan can have a big impact on a person’s health and finances,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as Deputy Director of Policy for the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). “SHIBA certified counselors can help make sure Oregonians have the information and support they need to make informed decisions.”

SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. The ultimate goal for scammers is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. Common scams include claiming beneficiaries need a new card or offers of free medical equipment. These scams can happen by mail, over the phone, or by text and email.

The best way to avoid Medicare scams is to keep Medicare numbers private; anyone who receives a message or email about Medicare from a number or person they do not recognize should not respond. “The safety of Oregonians is always a top priority, which includes making sure Oregonians have trusted support during Medicare Open Enrollment,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D. “SHIBA counselors can help people recognize red flags and protect themselves from fraud and scams.”

How to get free help — Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments.

To talk to a SHIBA certified counselor or to make an appointment, call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free.)

Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website at SHIBA.oregon.gov.

Online resources include:

• The 2026 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans, which will be translated to multiple languages in the coming weeks.
• Medicare frequently asked questions,
• An agent locator tool,
• A list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations and
• Videos to help people understand their Medicare options.

People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.

About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program — The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $736,831 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

DFR asking financial and insurance-related businesses to provide relief to those affected by federal government shutdown

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued two bulletins encouraging insurance companies, health care service contractors, state-regulated financial institutions, and other entities providing financial products to take measures to help people affected by the federal government shutdown.

The federal government shutdown began Oct. 1 and will continue until Congress passes a continuing resolution or other funding measure. According to the Oregon Employment Department (OED), there are approximately 30,000 workers on the federal payroll in Oregon; OED estimates 10,000 were affected by the lapse in appropriations as of Oct. 1. These employees may be either furloughed or, in some instances, required to work without pay. In either case, although back pay may eventually be available, many affected Oregon residents will likely experience at least temporary financial hardship through no fault of their own.

DFR is providing guidance to state-regulated entities to make reasonable accommodations to mitigate the adverse effects of the shutdown on Oregon residents.

“We encourage entities regulated under our jurisdiction to take active measures to provide help to their customers and policyholders that are directly affected by the federal government shutdown,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator and acting insurance commissioner. “All accommodations provided should comply with all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.”

DFR has requested steps that include providing grace periods to premium payments, providing more time to file insurance claims, allowing more time for repayment of debts, waiving late payment penalties, postponing foreclosure actions and evictions, and negotiating with consumers to arrive at solutions under the current circumstances.

The bulletins are located on DFR’s website.

“We know the shutdown has affected thousands of families in Oregon and we are asking our regulated entities to give some grace to those who have no control over the situation they are currently in,” Keen said.

If you have questions or need to talk with one of our consumer advocates, call 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or send an email to .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov or .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Oregon’s Senator Merkley holds US Senate floor overnight in Trump protest

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley spoke on the Senate floor for nearly 23 hours beginning Tuesday night against what he called President Donald Trump’s authoritarian actions. 

Merkley started speaking after 6 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday and ceded the floor at about 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The marathon speech was not a traditional filibuster, in which a senator holds the floor indefinitely to block action on a piece of legislation, as the chamber has been stalemated for weeks over government spending. 

Instead, Merkley spokespeople say he is seeking to draw attention “to how Trump is ripping up the Constitution and eroding our democratic institutions.”

Merkley read from the book “How Democracies Die,” blasted the administration’s efforts to control media companies that broadcast critical content, such as CBS and Disney, and spoke against Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities. 

The speech follows thousands of No Kings demonstrations throughout the country Saturday that saw millions protest against Trump, particularly an immigration crackdown and the use of military troops for policing. 

Early in his speech, Merkley focused on the National Guard deployments, which include Portland, Oregon. 

“This is an incredible threat to our nation, to the entire vision of our Constitution, to the entire platform on which our freedom exists,” he said.  “If you remove a clear standard as to whether there is a rebellion, and just say a president can deploy the military on a whim in places he doesn’t like, … then you have flung the doors open to tyranny.” (SOURCE)

Less acreage burned in Oregon’s 2025 wildfire season, but more ignited by humans

Fewer acres burned in 2025 compared to last year, but more structures burned and humans started the bulk of fires

Oregon’s statewide 2025 fire season officially wrapped Friday with significantly fewer acres burned at a lower cost to the state than in previous years.

But fires this year got much closer to communities, state fire officials said, burning  200 homes and structures. Many of those were in the Flat and Rowena fires near Sisters and The Dalles.

“From a purely acres burned standpoint, it was significantly less bad than last year. From a community impact and primary residences lost standpoint, it’s actually significantly worse than last summer,” said Kyle Williams, deputy director of fire operations at the Oregon Department of Forestry.

And humans caused most of this year’s fires.

Oregon experienced more than 1,100 fires from early June to mid-October. They burned roughly 350,000 acres, far less than the 1.9 million acres that burned in 2024.

Fires this year also cost the state less to fight — about $130 million for the state forestry department and $16.2 million for the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office. The department of forestry expects to receive $56 million in reimbursements from the federal government for helping with fires on federal land.

The 2024 fire season cost the state $350 million to fight and required a special session of the state Legislature to come up with the money.

Nearly 62% of the fires this year fought by the forestry department and the Office of the State Fire Marshal — more than 700 — were human-caused, according to Williams, despite a downward trend in recent years. Lightning caused about 30%. Those are both higher than the 10-year average for each kind of fire start.

Humans are the number one cause of wildfires in Oregon and across the country, but the proportion had been declining. In 2022, the share of fires caused by humans was down 20% from the state’s 10-year average.

Though less large-scale, there were roughly 100 more fires for state firefighters to tackle this year than last, which put the number of wildfires this season as a whole above the state’s 10-year average, according to forestry department data.

“I think it tells me that at the initial attack phase, we were incredibly busy this summer, but obviously the success rate was pretty darn good, right?” Williams said.

Forestry department firefighters stopped about 94% of the fires they handled before they grew beyond 10 acres, Williams said. That’s a target the U.S. Forest Service has set for nearly a century.’

The policy of keeping at least 90% of wildfires from growing larger than 10 acres has come under scrutiny by some indigenous wildfire and ecology experts and scientists, and even Forest Service scientists, who argue some wildfires must be allowed to burn more acres to help regenerate plants that support animal habitats, reduce pest infestation and invasive species and keep ecosystems healthy.

Last year, most wildfires in Oregon occurred in rangeland in central and eastern parts of the state. This year, forested areas took more of the heat.

Williams and Oregon’s Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Travis Medema said the season got off with a worrisome start.

“I think Kyle and I might have even looked at each other at one point in June or July, and said, ‘Oh, man, we’re in for another 2024,’” Medema said.

By the numbers, the fire season was average for the number of “conflagrations” — a particularly large and destructive fire where state and regional coordination and aid are warranted. Gov. Tina Kotek declared eight of them throughout the summer, but six of those eight happened within about a month, from June 11 and July 14.

August rains in many parts of the state helped to keep smaller fires from growing into megafires.

“I think where that worked against us was in terms of the public sentiment around the risk,” Williams said. “People would say, ‘Oh, it rained seven, eight, nine days ago where I live,’ and we saw some poorly informed decision making and behavior potentially as a result of the edge of that risk being dulled just a bit.”

Federal agencies helped the state meet their needs and did a good job keeping fires contained on federal acres that make up half of Oregon, Williams said, despite fears that voluntary buyouts and cuts led by  Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year would leave the federal wildfire fighting force shrunken.

“We always say weather is the great equalizer, no matter what. But the other piece of it was, from our perspective, the federal agencies were responding aggressively and in force when they had fires on their landscape,” Williams said.

Years of state fire agencies preparing and coordinating with local agencies and communities has helped, he added. So have hundreds of millions of dollars the state Legislature directed toward wildfire preparation and response since the 2020 Labor Day fires.

“We have had a decade-plus of having to learn how to catch up to our fire regime in this state,” Williams said. “And so as we did that, there’s been a lot of lessons learned in terms of that seamless just ‘get there quick and go’ part.” (SOURCE)

OHA Announces 10.2% Medicaid Payment Increase, Affecting 1.4 Million Oregonians

A 10.2% increase in Medicaid insurer payments next year by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will help Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) operate within the margins of restrained budgets.

Facing federal policy shifts and rising healthcare costs, the OHA is working with partners across the state to protect access to quality care for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members, while providing essential services to low-income earners in the state.

There are more than 1.4 million people in Oregon covered by the OHP, which is serviced by 16 CCOs statewide, providing physical, behavioral, and dental healthcare for members.

The biggest contributor to increased OHP costs has been the post-pandemic demand for behavioral healthcare, placing strain on CCO budgets.

In a press statement, OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi says the OHA is making a concerted effort to ensure that ‘every public dollar continues to deliver maximum value to the people of Oregon.’

Dr. Hathi says the OHA is also working in partnership with CCOs to evaluate cost-saving measures to offset the higher CCO rates. Collaborative efforts with CCOs and partners have resulted in renewed contracts for 2026 in all but one of the 16 regions.

PacificSource has informed the OHA that it would not renew its CCO contract for Lane County, affecting about 92,000 people.

However, Trillium Community Health Plan, another CCO already serving 36,000 people in Lane County, has been given the go-ahead by OHA to broaden its coverage in the region.

In the meantime, OHA is negotiating with PacificSource to continue serving the region until the beginning of February 2026. Members can expect a notification from OHA and PacificSource in the coming weeks.

“OHA acknowledges that everyone in Oregon’s Medicaid system – from state government and CCOs to hospitals and health care providers – must respond in ways that sustain access to quality care.

The agency will continue working with partners across the state to develop durable solutions that protect coverage, sustain provider networks, and preserve OHP’s long-standing commitment to equitable, high-quality care,” says Dr. Hathi.

Oregon urges payment flexibility under government shutdown

Insurance companies and financial institutions should give Oregonians affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown more time and flexibility to pay bills and file claims, the Oregon agency that regulates insurers recommended Tuesday. 

The federal government shut down on Oct. 1 after Republicans and Democrats in Congress could not agree to pass a bill funding government services into October and beyond. With 30,000 people on the federal payroll in Oregon, the Oregon Employment Department estimates about 10,000 of them have been furloughed or required to work without pay.

To help ease any financial hardship, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation is encouraging the insurance companies, health care service contractors and state-regulated financial institutions under its jurisdiction to provide grace periods to premium payments, give more time to file claims, allow more time to repay of debts, waive late payment penalties, postpone foreclosure actions and evictions and negotiate with consumers experiencing hardship because of the shutdown. 

“We know the shutdown has affected thousands of families in Oregon and we are asking our regulated entities to give some grace to those who have no control over the situation they are currently in,” said TK Keen, division administrator and acting insurance commissioner.For more information about the state agency’s guidance, read bulletins 2025-8 and 2025-7 on the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation website.

All accommodations should comply with state and federal statutes and regulations, Keen said. 

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation functions under the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, the state’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. The division protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities and consumer financial products and services. (SOURCE)

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield

Portland has become the center of a tense back-and-forth between Oregon state leadership and President Donald Trump over the attempted deployment of National Guard troops into the city.

Since June, the Trump administration has been federalizing and deploying National Guard troops in Democratic-led cities such as Los Angeles, California and Chicago, Illinois. Initially, Trump planned to send 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland in response to protests around the city’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.

 Lawyers for the state of Oregon asked U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut on Tuesday to keep in place a temporary order blocking the deployment of the National Guard in Portland. The state wants Immergut to wait until an appeals court decides whether to rehear the case.

On Monday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned one of Immergut’s orders temporarily blocking the deployment of Oregon troops. It is unclear how that ruling will affect a second temporary restraining order covering all federalized National Guard troops, not just those from Oregon.

Following the appellate ruling, the Trump administration requested that Immergut dissolve her second order, clearing the way for troops to mobilize.

Lawyers for Oregon and the city of Portland immediately asked the Ninth Circuit to reconsider Monday’s ruling. Both sides have until Wednesday to file arguments on whether the Ninth Circuit should rehear the case before an expanded 11-judge panel, known as an en banc hearing.

Oregon immigration rights groups sue ICE alleging it is preventing access to lawyers

Two immigration rights group say feds began targeted immigration operations throughout Willamette Valley on Oct. 15th, and advocacy groups are now suing three federal immigration agencies. They allege ICE is purposefully denying people in detention centers access to their lawyers before transferring them out of state.

The suit was brought against the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the ICE field office in Seattle, as well as the leaders of each agency, by  CLEAR Clinic, a Portland-based legal nonprofit that provides free immigration counsel, and Woodburn-based Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste — also known as PCUN, Oregon’s largest Latino labor union.

The groups are represented by Innovation Law Lab, a Portland-based legal nonprofit that specializes in immigrant and refugee cases.

Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem, Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, Cammilla Wamsley, director of ICE’s Seattle field office, and Pete Flores, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection are named in the suit.

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

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

Oregon Heritage Commission 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.

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. 

Taxpayer Advocate urges Oregonians to volunteer to help low-income families receive millions in unclaimed tax benefits

Oregon and the Internal Revenue Service are once again recruiting people to assist in the free preparation of taxes as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

“Oregon needs more VITA sites and volunteers. For low- and moderate-income families, claiming the tax credits available to them can be a starting point on the path to stronger financial security. But too often those tax credits go unclaimed,” said Codi Trudell, Oregon’s Taxpayer Advocate. “The cost and complexity of filing a tax return is a hurdle for too many people. By volunteering to help them file their returns and claim their credits, Oregonians can make a difference for people in their local community.”

The IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.

Including free tax help offered by AARP, so far in 2025, free tax assistance has been made available to nearly 38,000 taxpayers at 108 sites across the state. That’s up from 104 sites and 33,000 taxpayers at this point in 2024. Every year, however, the sites are forced to turn away people who need assistance due to a shortage of volunteers.

In addition to the need for volunteers, the IRS is also seeking organizations to sponsor VITA and TCE clinics.

The VITA and TCE programs train volunteers to help low- to moderate-income families prepare their tax returns. Across the country, thousands of people volunteer each year and prepare millions of tax returns at thousands of tax sites nationwide.

Volunteers are assigned to work with a sponsoring organization, first to receive training and then to begin volunteering at a location in the community. Training is offered both online and in the classroom. Tax sites are generally open nights and weekends, and the hours are flexible.

Additional information is available on the IRS website. Interested persons can submit an inquiry now using the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up moving them one step closer to becoming a VITA or TCE tax volunteer and giving back to their community. The IRS will share information about those interested in volunteering with sponsoring organizations for follow-up contact.

Organizations with an interest in partnering with the IRS to sponsor or host a free tax preparation site in Oregon can also complete and submit the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up form.

To find a VITA site near them, Oregonians can use the IRS Site Locator tool or check the DOR’s Free Tax Help map with VITA sites marked in blue.

VITA sites at 15 locations in Oregon receive funding from the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. Those interested in volunteering at one of these sites should contact the organizations below in December.

Beaverton, Eugene, Gresham, Portland:

CASH Oregon

503-461-7388

volunteer@cashoregon.org

Bend, Redmond:

Latino Community Association

541-382-4366

info@latinocommunityassociation.org

Bend, Corvallis, Eugene:

Oregon State University

541-737-3371

vita@oregonstate.edu

Coos Bay, Roseburg:

Moneywise Oregon

541-670-5054

dan@moneywiseoregon.org

Medford:

United Way Jackson County

541-864-5092

office@unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org

Ontario, Portland:

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization

971-331-9811

elizabethz@irco.org

Woodburn:

Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos

503-902-0367

debbiec@centrodspc.org

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

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

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

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

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

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

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

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

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

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

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

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

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

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

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

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

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

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

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

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

 Be Your Own Info Network

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

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

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

Reconnect When Service Returns

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

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

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

 Final Tip:

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

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.

Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced