Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 11/19 – State Shelter Funding Reduction Impacts Lane County Shelter Operations, Trans Day of Remembrance Memorial and Vigil Thursday & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com

Wednesday, November 19, 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

State Shelter Funding Reduction Impacts Lane County Shelter Operations

Lane County needed more than $11 million in state funding to maintain local shelters for this year (FY26). Of this amount, the City of Eugene anticipated nearly $4 million to help maintain existing City-supported shelter services in Eugene.   The state notified Lane County in August that $7.6 million was available in state funding, which does not sufficiently account for the costs of operating existing shelter services in our region.  At the state’s direction, Lane County and the City of Eugene worked with shelter providers on how to prioritize maintaining bed numbers and reduce shelter services to minimal operating levels for the remaining nine months of FY26.    The fiscal year 2026 overall impacts to shelters throughout Lane County:  

• · 60 fewer state funded shelter beds. 
• · Three fewer shelter programs funded by state shelter funds (ShelterCare Medical Recuperation at 969 Hwy 99, Equitable Social Solutions Garden Way Medical Respite, and The Sandbox operated by Carry It Forward). 
• · 32.3 full-time equivalent fewer staff supporting shelter residents, many of whom lost their jobs.  
• · Little to no housing focused supports for shelter residents, resulting in a focus on simply meeting basic needs and maintaining shelter operations.  

  The reductions at City-supported shelter sites include:  

• · A loss of six shelter beds at The Sandbox Shelter. Efforts are underway to either relocate or house clients.  
• · A reduction of approximately 10 shelter staff. This includes housing-focused case management staff, who work with shelter residents to develop and implement individual action plans and actively assist clients in looking for housing. 
• · A 50% reduction in funding for Egan Warming Shelter (about $151,000). 
• · Reduction to 3 Egan sites.  

This minimal level of operations is not sustainable beyond this time frame. Unless the future methodology the state is creating for the FY27 allocation results in more funding for the region, additional state funded shelters will need to reduce services further or close.

Eugene Springfield Fire – Vehicle Fire on Beltline

On Tuesday November 18, at approximately 7:10 a.m., Eugene Springfield Fire Engine 6 which runs out of the Willakenzie Station, came across a vehicle fire on westbound Beltline while on the way to a medical call.

The involved vehicle was stopped outside of the lanes of travel but traffic was impacted by crews working on the vehicle.

A battalion chief and a water tender were tapped out as well. E6 rapidly had the fire extinguished and there were no injuries. During incidents along the lanes of travel, please remember to slow down and move as far over as you can to provide a safe area for our crews to work. Incident 25-292609

11/18/25 – LCSO Case 25-5621 – Mapleton man arrested for menacing with a knife

On November 18th at 7:30 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the business district in Mapleton along Highway 126 for a report of a man menacing people with a large knife. The man, identified as Thomas Lynn Jessop, 29, of Mapleton, pointed the knife at people and made threatening statements as he advanced towards them.

Jessop was held at gunpoint by two individuals as deputies responded from Florence and Veneta.   Before deputies arrived, a bystander also sprayed Jessop with bear spray. He dropped the knife and removed his clothing. Jessop was cooperative with deputies as he was arrested, but his behavior then escalated. Medics sedated and transported him to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment.  

Jessop was lodged at the Lane County Jail for three counts of Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Disorderly Conduct.   Thanks to the bystanders who took action to keep others safe, as well as Oregon State Police, Florence Police Department, and Western Lane Fire & EMS Authority for their assistance on this incident.  

Anyone with additional information or who witnessed this incident is asked to call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 541-682-4150 option 1 and reference Case 25-5621.

11/09/25 – LCSO Case 25-5475 – Lane County Sheriff’s deputy assaulted, strangled while checking on wellness of adult in custody

On November 9th at about 9:30 p.m., a Lane County Sheriff’s deputy assigned to the jail was conducting a routine security check of adults in custody (AICs). He noticed one AIC, Keviontae Damarion Burns, 22, of Eugene, was non-responsive. Concerned for his welfare, the deputy entered the cell to confirm he was breathing. Burns leapt up suddenly and choked, punched, and slammed the deputy’s head into a cell door, injuring the deputy.  

Burns, who was in custody for multiple Eugene Municipal Court charges, was arrested on multiple charges related to the incident. The Lane County District Attorney’s Office filed on charges of Assault in the 2nd Degree, Strangulation, and Assault on a Public Safety Officer.   The deputy has since recovered and is back on duty.

Willamette Farm & Food Coalition  – Fundraiser update!

Here’s where we’re at with our Healthy Food for All Fall Fundraiser. Thanks to 123 generous community members, along with donations from Mountain Rose Herbs, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, and everyone who supported our Apple Cider Press booth, we’ve raised $20,273.75 toward our $300,000 goal.

We’re getting so close to our first milestone of $25,000, and we need you to help us reach it, dear community! Every dollar keeps our food equity programs going strong in 2026.

From SNAP Match to Bucka Bucka Bucks, Little Lettuce, and Tribal Harvest Boxes, your support ensures fresh, local, nourishing food gets to the people who need it most. It also helps to fund emergency food distribution during the ongoing political and economic instability. Every little bit adds up. We need you. Donate today: https://www.zeffy.com/…/healthy-food-for-all-fundraiser

United Way of Lane County is in Lane County, Oregon.

United Way of Lane County and the Early Childhood Hub are hiring for a Bilingual Resource Navigation Coordinator to join our team in Springfield, Oregon! This role will work collaboratively with colleagues and providers to help build our internal parenting education referral system, and as work directly with families to provide personalized support and referrals. Bilingual in English and Spanish is required, with a preference for bicultural candidates. Learn more and apply today:https://www.unitedwaylane.org/…/bilingual-navigation…

Eugene Appoints Interim City Manager

Eugene will have an interim city manager leading day-to-day operations while it continues its search for a permanent replacement for Sarah Medary, who will retire next month.

The city announced that Mayor Kaarin Knudson will appoint assistant City Manager Matt Rodrigues to City Manager Pro Tem next month, when Medary steps down.

Medary announced plans for an end of the year retirement in March, but Eugene City Council didn’t formally start the search for her replacement until July. That’s when they hired search firm Bob Murray & Associates to help them find candidates.

Rodrigues previously served as public works director and as a traffic engineer. He will serve in the role until the city council appoints a permanent city manager.

That search will extend into the new year. Public interviews with finalists are scheduled the week of Jan. 12.

Medary has been city manager since 2019 and had a long career in Eugene government before that including serving as Public Works Director and Planning and Development Director.

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.

$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

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!

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.

PacificSource will no longer serve Oregon Health Plan members in Lane County starting in early 2026, citing financial unsustainability due to low per-member payment rates from the state. Trillium Community Health Plans will absorb PacificSource’s over 90,000 members and become the sole Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) in the county. PacificSource will lay off 56 workers at its Springfield location at the end of 2025 as a result. Key takeaways for members and providers

• Member transition: PacificSource members will be transitioned to Trillium’s network, and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is working to ensure a smooth transition.
• No immediate changes: Members should not see immediate changes to their benefits or care, as the transition is planned for early 2026.
• Provider impact: Providers should expect to see their patients transition to Trillium’s network.
• Layoffs: PacificSource will lay off 56 non-union workers in Springfield, effective December 31, 2025.
• Reason for exit: PacificSource stated it could not reach a sustainable agreement with the OHA regarding reimbursement rates.
• Future of Trillium: Trillium will become the sole CCO for OHP in Lane County and is working to expand its network to accommodate the new members. 

For the most current information, check PacificSource’s website, the Oregon Health Authority’s site

Junction City Scandinavian Festival

The Scandinavian Cultural Foundation will host a free folk dance class for teens 13+ years old, which will run on Fridays 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

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.   

 

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.

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

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.

We’re receiving lots of questions about SNAP, and many offers of help from our incredible community. This post from Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) provides some helpful information about the potential delays to SNAP benefits. If you are a SNAP recipient with questions about your benefits, ODHS is your go-to. Their website is at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/default.aspx

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 — TransPonder is excited to be expanding!

We will be moving some of our programs and services to the new home of The Lavender Network, and our offices will be closed from November 3-7 to allow us time to do that. Staff will still be monitoring phones and emails and our Food Program will continue uninterrupted.

At our new Willamette location (1590 Willamette St.), you will find our Behavioral Health Program, the Legal ID Change Program, Resource Navigation, Sylvia’s Closet, and our free Lending Library.

We will also continue to have offices at our Maxwell location (440 Maxwell Rd.) which will house our Food Program, the Youth Empowerment Project, our Job Skill Program, administrative offices, and our community events.

We appreciate your patience as we embark on this new stage for 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 SNAP benefits — Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpage for information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Map to find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. 

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit the ADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area. 

Oregon Food Bank

Hunger in Oregon is rising — and federal and state cuts to food assistance are making it worse. In 2024, visits to food programs grew 31%, yet resources to meet this need are shrinking.

Programs like SNAP, which help 1 in 8 Oregonians put food on the table, are facing deep cuts — leaving more families, children, veterans, and elders to make impossible choices between food, safety, and shelter.

We need policies that protect access to food for all our neighbors. Because no one should have to choose between staying safe and going hungry.

Food is available for those who need it and by entering your zip code at OregonFoodFinder.or -You can see each local program’s contact information, hours of operation and what kind of distribution it is.

We partner with 1,200+ free food markets, pantries and meal sites all across Oregon and Southwest Washington — and welcome anyone and everyone who needs food. OregonFoodFinder.org

Oregon Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Oregon Community Foundation and Donors Commit $1.9 Million to Organizations That Feed Hungry Oregonians

Donations and Grants Support Nonprofits Providing Food and Nutrition Services throughout Oregon

The recent disruption in federal food assistance has generated a wave of generosity from Oregonians. In just six weeks, Oregon Community Foundation and its donors have committed $1.9 million to organizations that help get food to Oregonians who need it. 

The surge in giving between October 1 and November 17, 2025 happened when generous Oregonians stepped up to help through Donor Advised Funds, Corporate and Community Advised Funds and donations to the Stronger Together Fund of OCF. Separately, the OCF Board of Directors has approved a $250,000 special grant from OCF to combat food insecurity in Oregon and 18 grants totaling $300,000 to food-related organizations through the OCF Community Grants program. 

Donors Motivated by Disruption to Federal Food Benefits  — Financial support for food and nutrition services spiked in mid-October when news broke that a federal government shutdown would disrupt federal food benefits known as SNAP for 757,000 Oregonians. In response, donors began making grants to nonprofits that feed Oregonians as visits to those organizations increased sharply. 

“Oregonians help their neighbors in times of need,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. Mensah also serves on the board of Feeding America, a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and programs.  

“When our food bank system said, ‘We have lines out the door and not enough food on our shelves,’ our donors heard the call and said, ‘Not on our watch,’” she said. “I’m so grateful to our donors, philanthropic partners and the nonprofit partners and volunteers who do the hard work of feeding our communities day after day.” 

The disruption to SNAP benefits began November 1. In response, Oregon Community Foundation called on donors to help stabilize and support the network of food banks, food pantries and other organizations that distribute food. Donors responded with contributions flowing into the Stronger Together Fund of Oregon Community Foundation, which is giving all money raised between November 1 and December 5 to food-related nonprofits.  

Hunger Touches Every Community  — A vast network helps feed Oregonians experiencing food insecurity. The Oregon Food Bank partners with 21 regional food banks and more than 1,200 food assistances sites. In addition, many organizations operate food assistance programs outside of the Oregon Food Bank. 

At an Oregon Community Foundation virtual briefing last week, food bank leaders and foundation partners described a system grappling with the twin challenges of a diminished food supply and unprecedented demand.  

Cuts to the federal funding that helps fill food bank shelves reduced the flow of food into Oregon at the same time rising food, housing and energy costs caused more people to visit food banks to make ends meet. The disruption to SNAP benefits put that dynamic, “on steroids,” said Scott Cooper, Executive Director of NeighborImpact. He said his Central Oregon food banks will see nearly 1 million visits this year in a region with soaring housing costs. 

One regional food bank leader described parents parking blocks away from the food bank and arriving with a child on their hip, towing a wagon to fill with food.  

“They need to be fed,” said Lori Garrard, Executive Director of Klamath-Lake Counties Food Bank. 

Marion Polk Food Share President and CEO Rick Gaupo shared about a working mom who lost $500 in food benefits at the start of November. She turned to her local pantry for the first time when she couldn’t get more work.  

Hunger More Common in Rural Areas  — One in eight Oregonians experience hunger, and in rural and remote Oregon, residents face food insecurity rates nearly double those in urban areas. 

Roundhouse Foundation Executive Director Erin Borla shared at the virtual briefing that the private family foundation will give $6 million over the next three years to support rural Oregon food banks. Private foundations including the Ford Family Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, the Lora & Martin Kelley Family Foundation and others are also giving generously to food and food-related organizations.  

Borla offered stories of hope from rural communities. 

“I have heard specifically of community dinners in small rural places where they feed 160 people a week. We’ve got libraries that are showing up with meals on a weekly basis,” Borla said. “There was a high school here locally, and instead of trick-or-treating, the high school students planned and picked up bags of donated food from everybody’s porch. People are showing up in a way that really does build community.” 

OCF donors have seen the need up close. 

“Food insecurity doesn’t stop at the city limits,” says Betsy Priddy, an OCF donor. “After visiting Eastern Oregon, I witnessed first-hand the deep relationships forged even in our most remote communities. Local organizations are doing transformative work on modest budgets, proving that impact isn’t measured in dollars alone. For me, it’s simple: I support OCF in deploying resources where they will make the greatest difference.” 

About Oregon Community Foundation  — Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF strengthens communities in every county in Oregon through grantmaking, scholarships and research. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org. 

Oregon Secretary of State Demands Answers from Trump Administration Over Use of Private Voter Data

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read is among 10 top election officials across the country questioning the Trump administration about how it is using private voter information it requested from states.

In a letter sent Tuesday to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the secretaries of state said senior officials with both the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security had shared “misleading and at times contradictory information” with state election officials about how it was using detailed voter data.

“As secretaries of state and chief election officials of our respective states, we write to express our immense concern with recent reporting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has shared voter data with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and to seek clarity on whether DOJ and DHS actively misled election officials regarding the uses of voter data,” the secretaries wrote.

The top election officials of the states — all Democrats — said they were concerned the Department of Justice had improperly shared voter data with the Department of Homeland Security and that they had received “inconsistent and misleading information” from both departments.

“This is exactly why I refused to give up Oregonians private voter data: because we can’t trust how it will be used by this lawless, cruel administration,” Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read said in a news release announcing the letter. “I’m deeply concerned that they are hiding the truth from the American people, they are not properly securing this data, and they’ll use it to keep tearing families and communities apart.”

Earlier this year, the U.S. Justice Department Justice asked at least two dozen states, including Oregon and Washington, for voter registration rolls, saying the information was needed to make sure election officials were following federal voting laws.

The Justice Department has demanded information from voter rolls that include social security numbers and birth dates. Read refused, saying the federal government’s request went beyond its authority.

In their letter, the secretaries listed several questions they wanted DOJ and DHS to answer, asking for responses by Monday, Dec. 1. In September, the Justice Department sued Oregon and Maine and soon after, six more states, arguing the states had violated federal law.

“States simply cannot pick and choose which federal laws they will comply with, including our voting laws, which ensure that all American citizens have equal access to the ballot in federal elections,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said in a news release at the time.

Unemployment Insurance tax and Paid Leave Oregon contribution rates hold steady for 2026 

The Oregon Employment Department has announced that the tax schedule for Unemployment Insurance (UI) and the contribution rate for Paid Leave Oregon will not change in 2026. Oregon will remain in Tax Schedule 3 for Unemployment Insurance, and the Paid Leave Oregon contribution rate will remain at 1 percent.

“Keeping these rates flat is important for Oregon’s economy, especially as businesses navigate increasing economic uncertainty,” Employment Director Andrew R. Stolfi said. “Both of our trust funds are healthy and stable, and we remain committed to operating these programs as efficiently as possible to minimize the impact on employers.”

Employers can view their specific 2026 rate information in their Frances Online account. The department has also mailed each employer their annual notice of the new rates.

2026 Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate 

The department uses a formula established by Oregon statute to calculate the annual payroll tax rate. Most Oregon employers pay payroll taxes that go into Oregon’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which is the source of Unemployment Insurance benefits for Oregon workers. Workers do not contribute to this fund or to their unemployment benefits. 

Oregon will remain in Tax Schedule 3 for 2026. The taxable wage base – the maximum amount of wages subject to Unemployment Insurance taxes – is based on the annual average wage in Oregon. OED uses a statutory formula to calculate the annual average wage, which tends to rise annually, largely due to inflation.

Following the increase in Oregon’s annual average wage, the taxable wage base will rise 4.4 percent in 2026, from $54,300 per employee in 2025 to $56,700:

Year	Tax Schedule	Taxable Wage Base	% change
2025	3	$54,300	—
2026	3	$56,700	+4.4%

For new employers (those with less than 12 months of reported payroll), the Unemployment Insurance payroll base tax rate will remain at 2.4% for 2026. 

“The fact that we are able to keep the same tax schedule next year, even as the unemployment rate has been rising slowly, is a testament to how well Oregon’s system works compared to other states,” Stolfi added. “As a self-balancing fund, Oregon’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is one of the healthiest in the country.”

The goal of the statutory formula is to reach a balance between revenue and expenditures, where the state takes in about the same amount of money in taxes as it pays out in Unemployment Insurance benefits. The trust fund balance also earns interest, which helps keep employers’ tax rates lower.

2026 Paid Leave Oregon Contribution Rate 

The Paid Leave Oregon contribution rate for 2026 will remain at 1%. The four-year-old trust fund continues to cover benefits as well as the administrative costs to run the program.

Both employers and employees pay contributions to the Paid Leave Oregon Trust Fund, which provides benefits for Oregon workers. Employees pay 60 percent of the rate and employers (with 25 employees or more) pay 40 percent.

The level of subject wages for Paid Leave Oregon contributions, set by the annual Social Security taxable maximum wage amount, will rise 4.7 percent to $184,500 of wages per employee in 2026, also generally due to inflation.

Year	Contribution Rate	Taxable Maximum Wage	% change
2025	1%	$176,100	—
2026	1%	$184,500	+4.7%

“Local businesses are the heart of Oregon’s economy, so we want to make it as easy as possible to manage their payroll reporting and employee benefit requests,” Stolfi said. “We are here to help employers through every step of this important process.”

The overall UI tax and Paid Leave Contribution rates for 2025 and 2026 are posted on the Employment Department website at employers.oregon.gov.

### 

About Unemployment Insurance

Oregon’s Unemployment Insurance Program supports people and communities when facing economic uncertainty. For those who are unemployed through no fault of their own, the temporary, partial wage replacement offers financial security while seeking new work. Benefit payments also soften the local economic shock caused by layoffs and help keep skilled workers in their communities. Benefits come from Oregon employers’ payroll taxes, not workers’ paychecks. Learn more at unemployment.oregon.gov.

About Paid Leave Oregon

Paid Leave Oregon provides temporary, paid time away from work so employees can have financial security when experiencing significant life events. Covered events include welcoming a new child, recovering from a serious health condition, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or addressing issues related to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. Paid leave benefits help Oregonians stay connected to their jobs and maintain financial stability during these major personal events. Learn more at paidleave.orogon.gov.

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

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

Young Humpback Whale that Beached near Yachats Euthanized

Trump administration ended free tax filing program. Here’s where Oregonians can go instead

The Trump administration has ended the federal government’s offering of a nationwide free e-filing program for federal income taxes for 2026. But state officials say Oregonians can still find similar options both online and in-person.

The Oregon Department of Revenue learned of the move last week through an email from the Internal Revenue Service, according to agency spokesperson Robin Maxey. That announcement came after the revenue department urged taxpayers in August to complete an official national survey seeking to evaluate the efficacy of the Biden-era online tax filing program. 

Oregon was one of 25 states to have partnered with the Internal Revenue Service to offer an online pilot allowing taxpayers to directly file their federal income taxes. Around 4,700 Oregonians took advantage of the program this year, and nearly 14,000 participated in Oregon’s own system for direct state income tax filings, known as Direct File Oregon.

In a statement, David Gerstenfeld, director of the Oregon Department of Revenue, said the state’s direct file option will remain available for 2026. 

“Oregon still has several options for electronically filing both their federal and state income tax returns for free,” he wrote. “Direct File Oregon can be used in combination with commercial software, a variety of income-based free software programs, and free fillable forms, which is available to every taxpayer regardless of their income level.”

Americans for decades have given billions of dollars to private, for-profit tax preparation companies without a free government program providing an alternative. The IRS has historically partnered with private companies to offer a subsidized filing service for low and middle-income taxpayers with its “Free FIle” program, but reporting from ProPublica in 2022 found that some of those companies tricked customers into paying for free services. 

Congress, in response, gave the IRS $15 million to study its options for creating a free system in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. By 2023, the agency produced a report that led to the 2024 direct e-filing pilot. 

But the GOP’s summer tax and spending law directed IRS officials to report by Oct. 2 on the costs of “enhancing and establishing public-private partnerships,” and the costs of replacing “any direct e-file programs run by the Internal Revenue Service.” A previous version of the GOP’s legislation proposed axing the program altogether. 

The U.S. Treasury Department in that recent report claimed that the program had “low overall participation and relatively high costs and burdens on the federal government, compared to other free filing options.” But U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, said that President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent “gutted the team that ran the direct file program, so the outcome of this study was predetermined and the report itself is a sham.”

“I wrote the bill that created Direct File because the existing free options were insufficient and the big tax prep companies had been caught red-handed using deceptive practices to scam taxpayers into overpaying,” Wyden said. “The lesson is, the Trump administration is a threat to any public service that saves Americans time, hassle and money.”

Maxey, the revenue department spokesperson, said in an email that taxpayers who have yet to file their 2024 returns this year can use Direct File Oregon in combination with federal filing options to complete their forms. 

The agency cannot recommend specific programs, Maxey said, but it has compiled a list of free tax preparation services as well as approved commercial options such as H&R Block, TaxHawk.com, 1040Now, CashApp and FileYourTaxes.com.

Some free options include:

• The American Association of Retired Persons Foundation Tax-Aide program, which provides assistance to anyone free of charge with a focus on low- and middle-income individuals older than 50. 
• The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program gives free assistance to people who make less than $60,000 annually, people with disabilities and individuals who speak limited English. The IRS lists locations for these program sites on its webpage. 
• The Portland-based nonprofit Metropolitan Family Service has a Creating Assets, Savings and Hope program which offers a dozen free volunteer tax sites in the Portland and Eugene metropolitan areas as well as virtual options. The program is geared to low- to moderate-income working families and individuals and provides culturally responsive outreach. 
• The Oregon Taxpayer Advocate Office also lists an interactive map on the revenue department’s website of free tax preparation sites as of 2024, though it notes those appointments are often filled quickly. 

IRS officials previously described the direct e-filing program as a tool that “walks the taxpayer through the complexities of the nation’s tax code.” The system promised accurate estimates of refunds or taxes owed, as well as transparency for how it made calculations.  (SOURCE)

Two educators in Oregon, represented by attorneys from Alliance Defending Freedom and Pacific Justice Institute, have successfully reached a settlement with a school district that infringed upon their rights to free speech, religious freedom, and equal protection.

As part of this settlement, the Grants Pass School District has agreed to pay $650,000 in damages and legal fees, issue a public statement recognizing that the wrongful termination of the educators did not meet its standards and obligations, provide positive letters of recommendation for both teachers, amend the district’s policy to align with the First Amendment, and eliminate negative references from their personnel files.

Officials from Grants Pass School District 7 took punitive action against Rachel Sager (formerly Damiano) and Katie Medart for their discussions regarding gender identity education policy. The educators initiated the lawsuit in 2021 after they were suspended and subsequently terminated for expressing their views on local, state, and national policy.

In June, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled in favor of the educators by partially overturning the lower court’s decision and sending the case back for trial.

FOREST GROVE, Ore. –The Oregon National Guard formally welcomed home Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment during a formal demobilization ceremony on Nov. 16, 2025, held at Neil Armstrong Middle School in Forest Grove, Oregon.

The 2-218th mobilized approximately 230 members in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, bearing the designation Task Force Defender, while conducting Short Range Air Defense operations at eight separate geographically dispersed sites in the Middle East countries of Jordan, Iraq, and Syria during their year-long deployment.

“On behalf of Governor Kotek and the entire Oregon National Guard, it is my honor and privilege to officially say, ‘Welcome Home,’” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard. “During Task Force Defender, you took on one of the most demanding and technically complex missions in modern warfare. Every single day, American forces, coalition partners, and local populations relied on you for their protection.”

Their mission was to provide capabilities for countering rockets, artillery, and mortars, as well as combating unmanned aerial systems using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, all while offering warnings of incoming threats.

Before deploying overseas, the Soldiers underwent specialized training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This training aimed to enhance their skills in operating the equipment and systems essential for their role as primary air defenders, which American and Coalition partners rely on for force protection.

The 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment has a long history of answering the State and Nation’s call for service. In the post 9/11 era, they have deployed to the Middle East to support Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Spartan Shield, and now Task Force Defender.

Federal government appeals ruling that blocked Oregon National Guard at Portland ICE facility

The Justice Department has challenged a judge’s ruling that blocks deployment of the National Guard in Portland.

The federal government asked a U.S. appeals court Sunday to overturn a federal judge’s order blocking National Guard deployment to an immigration facility, arguing the president had authority to act amid what officials described as months of violence and threats that overwhelmed regular federal forces.

The Justice Department filed an emergency motion with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals seeking to reverse U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut’s Nov. 7 ruling that found President Donald Trump exceeded his authority when he federalized Oregon National Guard members, according to court documents obtained by KGW.

Judge Immergut ruled after a three-day trial that Trump broke federal law and violated the Constitution when he ordered the September deployment to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on South Macadam Avenue in Portland, according to court documents obtained by KGW. The judge found that while violent protests occurred in mid-June with crowds reaching 450 people, they “quickly abated” and remained “predominantly peaceful” by September, with crowds described as “largely sedate,” court records show.

Federal attorneys argued Trump had authority under federal law because regular forces couldn’t adequately protect ICE personnel and property, according to court documents obtained by KGW. The Justice Department motion cited testimony that federal officers faced ongoing threats, with crowds sometimes blocking facility driveways, throwing rocks and making verbal threats against agents, court filings show.

“Protesters’ interference with the ability of federal officers to execute the laws, leading up to the President’s federalization of the National Guard” qualified as a significant obstacle under the law, federal attorneys argued, citing similar reasoning the 9th Circuit used in a California case, according to court documents obtained by KGW.

But Judge Immergut found the evidence told a different story, according to court documents obtained by KGW. The court’s ruling detailed how protest sizes dropped dramatically after mid-June, with crowds averaging 15-30 people through July and August, and dipping to as few as seven to 10 protesters on some September days, court documents show. On Sept. 26, the day before Trump’s order, law enforcement “observed approximately 8-15 people at any given time out front of ICE. Mostly sitting in lawn chairs and walking around. Energy was low, minimal activity,” according to court documents obtained by KGW. (READ MORE(

Federal defense contractor backs out of potential Oregon Coast ICE facility

It remains to be seen how the withdrawal impacts the federal government’s suspected plans to establish an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Oregon  

A defense contractor with a history of providing housing for military operations withdrew its inquiry seeking land at the Newport Municipal Airport, a city official said Wednesday, as growing evidence suggests the Trump administration intends to use the site for Oregon’s first Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility.

City Manager Nina Vetter confirmed the Texas-based Team Housing Solutions informed Newport officials of the decision Wednesday afternoon, setting the tone for a two-hour special city council meeting filled with emotional testimony and applause. Local residents urged Newport leaders to amass all the tools they have to block any plans for an ICE facility in the area.

“Maybe somebody thought ‘Oh it’s a small place, it’s rural, they’re probably quiet, we can overpower them,” said City Councilor Steve Hickman.  “We’ve been underestimated.”

Team Housing Solutions’ withdrawal follows the Tuesday disclosure of records showing the company, which has previously furnished housing for the Texas National Guard, asked the city about leasing land at the airport last week in support of “federal operations.”  Early November job listings posted by government contractors Acuity International, based in Virginia, and Asset Protection & Security Services, based in Texas, for detention, clinical and transport officers in Newport have fueled concerns that those operations will include immigration detention. 

Oregon does not have a long-term detention facility, reflecting the state’s decades-old status as the first sanctuary state in the nation. A 2021 law bans the creation of private immigration detention centers. In Portland, for instance, an ICE processing center has drawn strong protests while city leaders have accused the location of violating land use rules barring the detention of individuals for more than 12 hours or overnight.

A Monday statement from Vetter and Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan set off panic statewide after they said they were “made aware of information” indicating the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was already in the process of considering locations for a detention facility across the Oregon coast, including the Newport Municipal Airport. Since then, Oregon’s city, state and federal leaders say they have been unable to get clarity from the agency.

“The federal government continues to refuse to share their plans with the public,” Gov. Tina Kotek said in a Wednesday statement. “While information is limited at this time, I oppose spending taxpayer dollars on an unwanted and unnecessary additional ICE detention facility in Newport, or any part of the state. The Trump Administration should focus on solving real problems, not inciting fear and tearing communities apart.”

The extent to which Housing Solutions’ withdrawal could complicate the path forward for the federal government’s plans remains to be seen. Vetter told residents Wednesday that the city has not received any direct communication from the homeland security department.

ICE and DHS have not responded to the Capital Chronicle’s requests for comment this week.  While the agency did not confirm Newport’s location specifically, a Wednesday statement from the homeland security department to The Lincoln Chronicle and Oregon Public Broadcasting said officials were “working with state and local governments to secure greater and more cost-effective detention space.” 

“(DHS) is working at turbo speed on cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on the American people’s mandate to arrest and deport the worst of the worst including gang members, pedophiles, terrorists, rapists, and murderers,” the statement read.

Further angering Newport residents was the recent removal of a rescue helicopter from the airport’s Coast Guard station to a station in North Bend, with no public explanation from the homeland security department. 

The land Team Housing Solutions was seeking would have been next to where the U.S. Coast Guard has operated its permanent airport facility. The federal government has owned that site through a deed since 1992, Vetter said.

Those developments lit a fire in the liberal coastal city over the safety of fishermen and boat workers in an area with a large commercial fishing industry. Local residents and speakers at Wednesday’s meeting stressed their support for the rescue operations and local immigrant communities. The city has so far avoided much of the aggressive deportation operations brought forth by the Trump administration across Oregon in the past few weeks, which included large recent raids in Woodburn and Salem. 

News of the contractor’s withdrawal also comes as growing pushback to the facility has emerged from Oregon’s federal lawmakers. Democratic U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Val Hoyle on Wednesday wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding a briefing and written responses to their questions about the Newport facility by Friday. 

“There are also persistent reports and rumors that DHS is working to move Coast Guard assets away from Newport in order to make room for immigration enforcement operations,” the lawmakers wrote. “It appears that ICE is looking to install a detention facility or outpost in Newport, as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to ramp up immigration enforcement.”

Team Housing Solutions did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday about their decision. (SOURCE)

New License Plate Honors Conservation Efforts at Oregon Zoo

Oregonians have a new license plate design option, and like many others, it honors conservation efforts in the state. 

The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles Services on Nov. 3 began offering an Oregon Zoo license plate, inspired by Portland’s nickname of Rose City and the zoo’s endangered Asian elephant population. Portland-based artist Jeremy Nichols designed the plate. 

The Oregon Zoo license plate costs $40 when first ordered and at each registration renewal, in addition to regular title, registration and plate fees. About $35 from the surcharge will go to the Oregon Zoo Foundation to support conservation education, species recovery and animal well-being at the Oregon Zoo. Oregonians must pay the surcharge or redeem a pre-paid voucher to get the plate. 

The zoo plate joins dozens of specialty registration plates, including Crater Lake, Oregon Ducks, Oregon State Beavers, pollinator paradise, salmon, Smokey Bear and wine country. 

The plates are only available to passenger vehicles. The plates can be purchased at any Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles Services office, by mail or online. 

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield –

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning the public to stay alert for scammers impersonating government officials, law enforcement, or financial experts.

According to the 2025 Enforcement Report from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation are among the top threats this year with artificial intelligence (AI) making it easier for criminals to create convincing fakes. Fraudsters can now clone voices, generate fake videos, and impersonate trusted individuals or organizations. This all results in tricking victims into sharing personal information, transferring money, or granting remote access to devices. These scams are increasingly polished, personalized, and difficult to detect until after significant losses occur.

Even more concerning are reports of in-person scams. In a recent case, investigators arrested a suspect who traveled across the country to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars from a victim who believed they were investing in cryptocurrency. The case is part of a growing “pig butchering” scheme in which criminals build trust with victims before luring them into fraudulent investments. Other reports describe so-called “gold traders” or “bankers” who contact victims online, build rapport, and later arrive in person to collect cash, gold, or gift cards under false pretenses.

“An investment scam may be lurking in your text messages, phone calls, or social media accounts,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “Always verify requests for money or personal information and never engage with suspected fraudsters. Even small interactions can have serious consequences. Some scammers retaliate by filing false police reports that bring law enforcement to victims’ doors.”

DFR offers the following tips to protect yourself from investment fraud:

• Verify before you invest: Check the registration of investment professionals and firms.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: Scammers often use social media or messaging apps to lure victims.
• Don’t rush: High-pressure tactics are a red flag.

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or want to report suspicious activity, contact one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or .financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov to file a complaint.

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 seeks $1 billion federal investment in rural healthcare

— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) submitted its application for a federal grant program that could bring up to $1 billion in new investment to strengthen healthcare in Oregon’s rural and frontier communities. 

Through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, Oregon is seeking funding to expand access to care, grow the healthcare workforce, modernize technology and data systems, and invest directly in community-driven prevention and wellness initiatives. The program was established under House Resolution 1, the federal government budget reconciliation bill that was signed into law in July. 

To develop the application, OHA undertook a statewide engagement process between August and October that was designed to center regional voices. The agency: 

• Hosted two statewide virtual public forums attended by hundreds of residents;
• Conducted two online surveys that reached hundreds more providers, patients and community organizations;
• Held formal consultation and follow-up meetings with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes; and
• Reviewed extensive written input from hospitals, clinics and community partners across rural, frontier and remote regions. 

Across these conversations, people in Oregon emphasized prevention, healthy communities and workforce resilience as top priorities. They called for investments in community-based care models, support for local recruitment and retention, and incentives to attract non-traditional and culturally responsive providers. 

“Informed by the insight of our statewide rural partners, OHA developed a robust plan for transforming rural health in Oregon,” said OHA Director of Health Policy and Analytics Clare Pierce-Wrobel. “As a state with one-third of its residents living in rural and frontier communities, we believe our proposed initiatives meet or exceed the expectations of this funding opportunity—and expect the federal government will recognize the importance of this investment for Oregon’s rural communities when making awards later this year.” 

If funded, Oregon’s initiative would roll out in two phases: 

• Phase 1 (2026–2027): Immediate “catalyst” grants for shovel-ready projects that expand access, improve local infrastructure, and strengthen emergency and maternity care.
• Phase 2 (2028–2031): Larger, regional initiatives focused on long-term sustainability, shared infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration. 

The proposal also includes a dedicated Tribal initiative, providing direct funding for Tribal-led strategies that strengthen sovereignty, workforce development and culturally grounded care.

Nationwide, the Rural Health Transformation Program will distribute $50 billion between 2026 and 2031. Federal law requires the U.S. government to make program award decisions by Dec. 31.

More information is available on the OHA Rural Health Transformation Program webpage, including the following documents: a project summary, a project narrative, a budget narrative, a letter to OHA partners and a letter of support from Gov. Tina Kotek.

Rural hospitals throughout the state may be approaching a financial crisis as significant federal Medicaid reductions are anticipated, with healthcare providers cautioning that the consequences could result in clinic closures, staffing deficits, and a concerning departure of physicians from Oregon’s underserved areas.

At the heart of this predicament is H.R. 1, a comprehensive federal budget legislation enacted earlier this year that restructured Medicaid financing nationwide.

In response, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urgently working to obtain a temporary financial support through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) — a new, short-term initiative from the federal government aimed at assisting rural health systems in weathering the repercussions.

Should Oregon’s application be successful, the state could secure as much as $100 million each year for a duration of five years, commencing in 2026.

These resources would be allocated to strengthen rural clinics, enhance telehealth services, train local healthcare providers, modernize outdated healthcare facilities, and more.

Willamette Pass Announces $500,000 And Counting In Capital Improvements For The 2025/26 Winter Season

Willamette Pass Community, we’re excited to share that this off-season, we are making key investments to elevate your experience on and off the mountain. Upgrades on the mountain include enhancements to our snowmaking system and a brand-new demo fleet.

Inside the lodge, you’ll find fresh updates, including new kitchen equipment, upgraded beer taps, and a water fountain, which help improve food and beverage offerings, enhance the atmosphere, and support sustainability. These projects are a continuation of a multi-year effort to strengthen the mountain we’re all proud to call home.

Upgraded snowmaking: These upgrades are all about earlier openings, later closes, and a more consistent snowpack. Check our socials, newsletters, and blog posts for more details to come.

The gear you need: Our refreshed rental fleet and brand-new demo gear puts you on the snow with equipment designed to help you progress faster, carve cleaner, and have more fun. We are stoked to have brands like Atomic, Elan, Telos, Blizzard, Nordica, Rossignol, Nitro, and Salomon.

Lodge experience: New kitchen equipment and beer taps help us deliver your food faster, while providing more quality and a bigger selection. Plus, our new water fountain with a built-in bottle filler is all about saving water.

On powder days or bluebirds, the goal is the same: to give you the best experience possible. These investments and your continuous support set us up for what’s next and the chance to keep building this mountain we are all proud of. Make sure you stay tuned for the latest updates by following our socials and signing up to receive newsletters. https://www.willamettepass.ski/a-half-million-dollar-investment-to-enhance-your-ski-days/

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) celebrates the completion of three GO Bond projects this year: Beverly Beach and Nehalem Bay upgraded vital infrastructure, and Fort Stevens restored the exterior of the historic Guard House.  

The work is part of the one-time general obligation bonds (GO Bonds) approved by the legislature in 2021 for Oregon State Parks.  

The goal of the $50 million GO Bond projects was to help update aging infrastructure and add capacity at several state parks.  

Silver Falls also completed a portion of its GO Bond project last year with the North Canyon trailhead and parking lot, which eased parking congestion and added a new accessible trail. 

Fort Stevens will complete its campground utility upgrades as part of GO Bonds in May 2026. Two more projects, safety upgrades at Cape Lookout and visitor center updates at Silver Falls, will break ground in 2026.  

The remaining GO Bond projects at Kam Wah Chung, Smith Rock, Champoeg and the campground expansion at Silver Falls will be placed on hold until additional funding is available. OPRD will allocate the approximately $15 million in remaining GO Bonds to higher priority backlog maintenance projects including existing utility systems, infrastructure and facilities. 

“When projects were initially identified 2021, we could not have anticipated the substantial increases in costs of materials, staffing and consultants or the significant reduction in revenue,” said Deputy Director for Field and Community Services Matt Rippee. 

“None of these were easy decisions, but at this time it is vital we focus on projects that will extend the life of existing facilities rather than expanding. Without this change, we would not be able to complete maintenance needs essential to protect and preserve our state parks.” 

OPRD is projecting a $14 million operations budget shortfall this biennium due to a projected decrease in Lottery revenue, increasing costs and a long-standing need for more sustainable funding. Staff are reviewing all OPRD’s costs to help build a more sustainable funding future.  

Seeking health care affordability, OHA finds five organizations didn’t meet acceptable cost growth standards in 2023

SALEM, Ore. – In support of its efforts to make care more affordable, a detailed review of statewide health care spending data led Oregon Health Authority to determine most of the state’s health care organizations had acceptable reasons for high cost growth in 2023. However, OHA also found five entities didn’t have an acceptable reason for their spending increases that year.

For the first time, OHA will require three organizations to develop plans to meet the state’s health care spending target. In a related analysis, OHA also found compensation for frontline health care workers grew slower than for others who worked for Oregon hospitals and medical groups in 2023.

“Making health care affordable benefits everyone: People can more easily maintain their health, employers can better support their workers, and the health care industry can serve more members of their communities,” said OHA Health Policy & Analytics Division Director Clare Pierce-Wrobel.

“As directed by state law, OHA’s Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Program provides additional transparency into what the state spends on health care,” Pierce-Wrobel said. “In the few cases where OHA finds cost growth is unreasonably high, the program follows thoughtful and gradual accountability standards. When the state, insurers, hospitals, providers and others work together, we can make health care affordable and accessible for everyone in Oregon.”

Health care costs in Oregon and around the country are rising at an alarming rate, outpacing wages and making care unaffordable for working families. Rising costs also strain the budgets of businesses and government agencies that pay for employer health coverage. In addition, reduced federal support for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act health plans is expected to further increase costs by causing people to lose coverage and avoid care until they need more expensive emergency care.

Measuring spending

Each year, OHA’s Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Program collects and analyzes data from health insurance companies and other sources to measure what people and organizations in Oregon spend on health care. The program has aimed to limit health care cost growth to a 3.4% average annual increase per person since 2021. The Oregon Legislature established the program to help control health care spending.

While evaluating how spending changed between 2022 and 2023, OHA found most entities had an acceptable reason for higher-than-hoped cost growth, including for things like increased frontline workforce costs, high drug costs or increasing services to meet growing community needs. OHA made a total of 120 comparisons between insurance plans, hospital systems and medical groups while examining how those organizations spent while serving people with commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid coverage. These comparisons led OHA to determine three insurance plans, one hospital system and one medical group did not have an acceptable reason for spending more than the state’s target.

The following five entities were found to have unreasonably high health care cost growth in 2023: 

• Charles Health System, whose costs for serving people with commercial insurance increased 26.3%
• ModaHealth’s Medicare Advantage insurance plans, which increased 15.4%
• The Corvallis Clinic, whose costs for serving people with commercial insurance increased 8.7%
• PacificSource’s commercial insurance plans, which increased 7.3%
• UHC Company’s Medicare Advantage insurance plans, which increased 6.3%

Longtime Bend-La Pine educator Mary Doyle officially declared her candidacy for Congress on Wednesday, aiming to represent Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District and to challenge the incumbent Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore.

Doyle, a Democrat and a dedicated public servant with strong ties to Central Oregon, asserts that her campaign is founded on a single core principle: to restore honesty and accountability in government while providing tangible results for rural working families.

Doyle mentions that she has not yet submitted her candidacy to the Federal Election Commission for the May Democratic Party primary. According to Ballotpedia, four other Democrats have also declared their intention to run for Bentz’s seat, alongside two Republican contenders.

She noted that she is currently in her 21st year with Bend-La Pine Schools, where she serves as a teacher on special assignment (TOSA) for all schools in La Pine. Leveraging her two decades of experience in public education, administration, and local and state union activities, Doyle emphasizes that her priorities are directly informed by the needs of the communities she has served.

A forthcoming ruling by the Supreme Court concerning Mississippi’s voting system may influence whether Oregon and other states can continue to accept mail-in ballots that are postmarked on or before Election Day but arrive at a later date.

Since 2022, Oregon has permitted the acceptance of mailed ballots that are postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day and that arrive within seven days following that date.

Approximately 13,000 ballots submitted by Oregonians during last year’s general election — which constitutes a small percentage of the total 2.31 million ballots cast — were received and accepted after Election Day, as reported by the Secretary of State’s Office.

However, a Supreme Court ruling anticipated next year may compel Oregon to discontinue this practice. On Monday, the court declared that it would review a challenge from the Republican National Committee regarding Mississippi’s policy of counting mail-in ballots that are received up to five days after Election Day.

Experts suggest that the ruling could have wider ramifications for other states with comparable policies. Sixteen states accept all mail-in ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive afterward, while 22 states allow mailed ballots from overseas or military voters that arrive post-Election Day, although the specific timelines differ, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

What to expect when visiting Oregon State Parks in 2026

As this year comes to a close, Oregon State Parks is looking back on 2025 and planning for the 2026 season.  

This year Oregon State Parks welcomed millions of visitors, maintained nearly 1,000 miles of trails, hosted hundreds of events including mushroom hikes and star parties and finished dozens of projects from the restoration of the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse to repaving the campground at Silver Falls State Park.  

State parks also updated many of its fees to reflect increasing costs and decreasing Oregon State Lottery funding. Depending on the fee, the last update was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago.

Staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors for the 2026 season with guided hikes, seasonal events and outdoor adventures. To help visitors enjoy the more than 250 state parks and know what to expect next year, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department gathered the upcoming updates in one place.  

Winter 2025: 

• Green Friday (Nov. 28):  Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits on Green Friday. 

Beginning January 1, 2026: 

• First Day Hike (Jan. 1): Guided hikes at select parks. Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits for First Day Hikes. 
• 12-month parking permits will increase from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and to $75 for out-of-state residents due to the out-of-state surcharge.  
• 24-month parking permits will not be sold in 2026. Existing permits will be honored until they expire.  
• Oregon State Parks will no longer sell Oregon Pacific Coast Passports but will honor passports purchased in 2025 until they expire.  
• Oregon State Parks will no longer honor Jackson County parking permits. 

Winter/Spring 2026 

• OPRD is considering updates to its Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy. The proposed changes would update the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting as soon as Feb. 2026. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellation. Public comment is expected to run from December 1 to January 15, 2026. Final approval is required by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission. 
   
• Additional parks will require a parking fee. The specific parks and implementation date is still being finalized. 
   
• Implement fees to use dump stations at Oregon State Parks to support the cost of that service.  
   
• State Parks Day (June 6), will continue to offer free parking for Oregon residents. Camping fees will no longer be waived on that day pending approval of the proposed Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy updates.  

“The changes are critical to sustaining state park operations and services now and for the future. We appreciate visitors’ continued support as these necessary changes are implemented,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director (OPRD) Director Lisa Sumption.  

OPRD is projecting at $14 million budget shortfall this biennium due to decreasing lottery revenue, increasing costs and a long-standing need for more sustainable funding.  OPRD does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.  

OPRD will continue to review and update fees and operations to keep providing high-quality visitor experiences and sustain parks now and in the future. 

In addition to increasing fees, OPRD is also streamlining costs, planning to add more cabins and yurts to expand capacity and increase revenue and looking for new partnerships and sponsorships to help build a more sustainable funding future. 

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public input on the draft of the 2026 Oregon Recreation Trails Plan, which outlines recommendations to improve trails over the next 10 years.

The statewide plan highlights trends and issues to create priorities for grant funding and other recommendations for actions. The plan covers all motorized and non-motorized trails on public lands and waterways in Oregon, not just within Oregon State Parks. This includes hiking, biking and equestrian trails, motorized ATV trails, snowmobile trails and water trails.

Public feedback on the plan will be open from Oct. 30 to Nov. 28. Oregon Parks and Recreation notes that input on the plan also provides guidance to federal, state and local agencies as well as private sector partners.

Information used for the drafted plan comes from multiple sources, including statewide surveys conducted in October 2024 and April 2025, follow-up focus groups in May and the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

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.

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.

High Desert Museum Launches Schnitzer Prize of the West; Open Call for Nominations through January 1, 2026

Inaugural initiative honors uncommon collaboration and innovation in addressing environmental and conservation challenges of the American West with a $50,000 cash prize.

Bend, OR — November 5, 2025 — Today, the High Desert Museum announces the Schnitzer Prize of the West, an inaugural initiative launched in close partnership with Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation. The new Prize—the first of its kind in the region—will award $50,000 annually to an individual or a small group of individuals whose work addresses environmental and conservation challenges of the American West, with a particular focus on honoring innovation, social impact, and uncommon collaboration. The open call for self- and third-party nominations runs on the High Desert Museum’s website from today through January 1, 2026.

In a moment when the American West—and the world-at-large—is confronting unprecedented ecological challenges, the Prize seeks to highlight innovative responses to urgent issues such as water scarcity, tribal rights and sovereignty, land-stewardship, changing climate, and more—offering models that can be replicated in other areas of the country facing similar pressures.

Since its founding in 1982, the High Desert Museum has been dedicated to sharing the stories of the High Desert through wildlife, art, cultures, history, and interdisciplinary experiences, creating a shared connection and dialogue among its community. The Prize builds on this commitment to conservation and on past initiatives such as the Earle A. Chiles Award—which recognized significant “Win-Win” contributions to managing the High Desert region’s natural resources—as well as the Museum’s partnership with lifelong Portland resident and West Coast businessman Jordan D. Schnitzer, a dedicated steward of the local community and the region’s advancement.

“The Schnitzer Prize of the West is an exceedingly timely and relevant effort to shine a light on the innovators, collaborators and visionaries among us,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D, Executive Director of High Desert Museum. “Their work demonstrates that we can look toward our future together even as we consider the economic and ecological challenges before us.” 

“The Schnitzer Prize celebrates remarkable individuals and teams, who through their uncommon collaborations, are producing actionable solutions to the legacy challenges we face in the West,” said Jordan D. Schnitzer, President of Schnitzer Properties and The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.

Administered through the High Desert Museum, Prize nominations and applications will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of advisors comprised of former tribal leaders, ranchers and farmers, water policy and river restoration practitioners, a poet laureate and renowned historian, directors of prominent academic centers that focus on the study of the American West and more. To learn more about this dynamic group, visit the High Desert Museum website.

The Prize is now accepting nominations, and selected nominees will be invited to submit a formal application in early 2026. Nominations not selected in this inaugural cycle will automatically carry over for two forthcoming cycles. The Prize Winner will be announced in the spring of 2026. In addition to the $50,000 cash prize, the Winner will also receive a unique piece of art during an award ceremony in Portland, Oregon.

For more information on the Schnitzer Prize of the West, nomination eligibility, and selection process, please visit highdesertmuseum.org/schnitzer-prize.

About Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation — Jordan Schnitzer has a vibrant legacy supporting the High Desert Museum. He is the visionary and sponsor of the Schnitzer Prize of the West.

Through the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Jordan carries on the legacy of his late parents and their belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the CARE Foundation and its leaders have given over $300 million to fund hundreds of nonprofit projects that touch lives and enrich communities.

Schnitzer is also a prominent West Coast businessman. He is President and CEO of Schnitzer Properties, one of the West Coast’s Top 10 private real estate owners with offices in six Western states. Schnitzer is also an ARTnews Top 200 Art Collector globally and shares his vast contemporary art collections at no charge to museums and institutions and supports accompanying programming, educational opportunities and publications.

About the High Desert Museum — The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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