Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 12/3 – Holiday Parade Returns to Downtown Corvallis on Saturday, Free Community Holiday Meal Today at Lane County Youth Services & 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, December 3, 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

Holiday Parade Returns to Downtown Corvallis on Saturday

A Corvallis holiday tradition is coming back to life this December, thanks to a small group of determined community members who are working to bring joy, lights and community spirit to downtown.  

The Corvallis Holiday Parade will return on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. along 1st Street on the Riverfront. The free, family-friendly event will feature floats, music, local organizations, businesses, marching bands and plenty of festive decorations.  

The parade will follow a different route than it has in past years, starting at Washington Avenue and traveling north on 1st Street to end at the Corvallis holiday tree at Jackson Avenue.

The 1st and Jackson site is a new location for the tree. With the new parade route, it was moved from its previous spot on the grounds of the Benton County Courthouse to be a central feature of this year’s holiday festivities.  

The parade is being organized by three community members. Nicole Nystrom, Sarah Thompson and Courtney Holgate-Champney teamed up with the Downtown Corvallis Organization to bring back the event after it faded away during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“This parade was a long-standing tradition before COVID,” Holgate-Champney said. “Events that are free and accessible to all are important to foster togetherness and build community. Bringing this back feels meaningful, like restoring something that helped make Corvallis special.”  

For Holgate-Champney, helping revitalize the parade is also personal. She remembers taking her daughter when she was little and has missed the sense of cheer and togetherness it brought to the community.  

Families, neighbors and visitors can line the sidewalks downtown to watch the procession of glowing floats and community groups. It will be a welcoming, no-cost holiday celebration to kick off the season.  

Parade attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food to support Noodles for Neighbors, Benton County’s food drive. Donation bags will be placed at each street corner along the parade route. Food will be donated to Linn Benton Food Share, which provides food to 29 food pantries, meal sites, senior care facilties, group homes and other member agencies in Benton County. 

Holgate-Champney’s hope is simple: “Let’s make this year’s parade shine brighter than ever.”   — For more information about the Corvallis Holiday Parade 2025, visit their landing page.

Free Community Holiday Meal December 3rd at Lane County Youth Services

Lane County Youth Services invites the community to the 16^th annual FREE community holiday meal on Wednesday, December 3. The meal, which is open to everyone, is from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lane County Youth Services (2727 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Eugene) and includes free food boxes to take home and a free raffle for prizes.

“The meal means so much to our students, our staff and so many community members who come back year after year to share a holiday meal with us,” said the event organizer, Senior Juvenile Justice Supervisor Shellye Reynoso. “Our students especially get to show off their culinary skills and see how their efforts serve people around them.”

Food for the event is prepared and served by students in the MLK Education Center Culinary Arts Program. Students are taught a wide variety of culinary, catering, and workplace skills. Students work alongside professionals who mentor and supervise them to prepare three meals a day and small and large caterings. More than 400 community members were served during last year’s meal.

The event relies on donations to help provide the food, sponsor the food boxes, and provide raffle prizes.

About the MLK Education Center — The Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Center serves middle and high school students who have an active case with Lane County Youth Services. This program is a collaboration between Youth Services and the Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). In addition to academics, the MLK Education Center provides vocational opportunities, including in the culinary arts. The Culinary Arts Program offers youth the opportunity to learn different jobs involved in food service and catering.

Police arrest armed, barricaded man in the 4800 block of Royal Avenue

At 4:16 p.m. on December 1, Eugene Police responded to a call regarding a disorderly man, later identified as 38-year-old Cody Stogsdill, who the caller reported was banging on a door repeatedly in the 4800 block of Royal Avenue and asking for a male resident. There were two other occupants, a woman and her child, and they had locked themselves into the home. Earlier Stogsdill had been on the phone with 911 after placing multiple calls saying his family had been kidnapped, raped, and murdered. During his last call, he advised that he had a knife and was going to “escalate things” in order to speed up officer response time.

 The male resident had allowed Stogsdill into a backyard shed so that Stogsdill might calm down. Officers attempted to communicate with Stogsdill and an officer spoke to him briefly. He appeared to be having a mental health issue. The man who lives at the house advised he no longer wished to have Stogsdill on the property and officers gained consent to go to the backyard.

At around 6:21 p.m. Stogsdill stopped communicating and shut himself into the shed, where there were various tools including hammers, machetes and other objects capable of harm. Stogsdill was seen coming in and out of the shed with a machete and hammer in his hands. EPD crisis negotiators arrived on scene and took over communications and EPD SWAT was called out and also arrived. Traffic was blocked and Stogsdill was taken into custody safely at 10:04 p.m.. He was transported to Lane County Jail and lodged on charges including Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree, and Forgery in the First Degree. The forgery charge came as a result of a Eugene Police detective’s financial crimes investigation where the detective developed probable cause to arrest Stogsdill for Forgery in the First Degree. Case 25-19509 and 24-17491

12/1/25 – LCSO Case 25-5822 – Drain man arrested for assault in Lane County

On December 1st at about 3:30 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies and Springfield Police officers responded to an injured female at a business on 42nd Street, Springfield. The female was severely injured and was transported to an area hospital.  

Deputies learned the victim had been beaten by Anthony Leon Vancil, 39, of Drain. The incident began at Hayden Bridge Boat Landing and continued in a vehicle as Vancil drove around the area. The victim was eventually able to escape the vehicle and seek refuge inside the business. The victim also had a restraining order against Vancil.

Deputies and other area law enforcement agencies looked for Vancil’s vehicle throughout the morning and day. They were unable to locate it and did not know where he may have gone. That evening, Vancil arrived at the Lane County Parole & Probation Office in Eugene in his vehicle. He was detained and deputies responded to contact Vancil.

After additional investigation, Vancil was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for: – Assault in the 2nd Degree – Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Kidnapping in the 2nd Degree – Coercion – Violation of a Restraining Order   Vancil had also failed to comply with a sentence to appear on an Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine conviction, so his sentence began on that charge when he was booked into the jail.   Thanks to Springfield Police for their assistance on this case.

Walker Point meadow project buzzing with native pollinators thanks to unique work partnership

Veneta — An energetic work party consisting of volunteers and staff from the Oregon Hunters Association – Emerald Valley Chapter, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Oregon Department of Forestry gathered at the Walker Point meadow habitat project site to remove invasive vegetation, including foxglove and thistle, earlier this year. 

“This is the second year for the meadow, and our summertime pollinator monitoring found the restored meadow was buzzing with native pollinators including five bumble bee species, as well as numerous butterfly and other various bee and insect species,” said Randy Smith, ODF State Forests Wildlife Biologist.

It takes a lot of work to keep the native pollinator plants thriving at the meadow.

“All the partners came together for the day to remove the invasive plant species to reduce competition with the native pollinator plants that we seeded the previous year,” said Smith.  “We removed everything by hand, eliminating the need to spray herbicides within the meadow,” said Smith.  

The four-acre Walker Meadows site is located about 13 miles west of Veneta and is at an elevation of 2,300 feet. It’s at the top of Walker Point, where there are also three communication towers and an ODF smoke detection camera. The 2020 wildfires prompted a timber sale to reduce fire risk and limit potential damage to infrastructure from falling trees from the 84-year-old timber stand on the point. At the same time ODFW was looking for suitable sites for an upland meadow. The two agencies worked together to prepare the site, with ODFW receiving grant funding to remove 4.3 acres of stumps and level the ground to make the area ready for replanting. Last year all the planting of native species was completed.

Now the project is seeing good results in its second year.

“The meadow is not just for pollinators but a wide ranges of wildlife,” said Smith. “Donated nest boxes installed the first year successfully fledged violet-green swallows, and ODFW Conservation Strategy Species including western bluebirds and purple martins this nesting season.”

It also provides good forage for larger mammals like deer and elk and an array of small ones too.

“The Oregon Hunter’s Association—Emerald Valley Chapter was looking for a volunteer project, and this project aligned with both our goals,” said Smith. “Four acres doesn’t sound like a big area until you start pulling those weeds.  They were key in providing enough people to get those invasive plants out.”

Recently after native plants finished flowering, ODFW mowed a large portion of the meadow to promote native plant development, improve forage quality for wildlife, and further reduce invasive plant competition.

“Our goal is to keep this going for years to provided unique habitat and long-term research on species of interest,” said Smith.  “A huge thank you to our partners for continuing work to maintain a unique habitat feature in the Coast Range.”

For more information on ODF’s efforts see the State Forests webpage under the heading of “Conservation and Restoration”  

For more information on ODFW, see their Wildlife Division website. 

For more on the Oregon Hunter’s Association—Emerald Valley Chapter, see their Facebook page. 

Suspect Pulled Out of 300 Foot Drainage Pipe in Eugene After Running From Police

Eugene Police and Eugene-Springfield Fire rescue teams worked for several hours Sunday afternoon to rescue a suspect from a 300 foot long drainage pipe.

According to Eugene Police, the man was wanted for trespassing and other warrants and ran from police at around 2:30pm Sunday afternoon. He ran into the 3 foot wide drainage pipe from Northwest Expressway.

UPDATE 12/1: Police have identified the suspect caught in a Eugene culvert Sunday afternoon as 41-year-old Nicholas Ian Tallman, who they say had multiple warrants, including one out of the Oregon State Penitentiary.

According to police, Tallman was booked at the Lane County Jail on charges including two counts of Criminal Trespass in the First Degree, Escape in the Third Degree, along with the warrants he already had. 

After running into the pipe, a pepper-like gas was sprayed into the tunnel to try and get the suspect out. Police were communicating with the man while he was inside, and after he stopped communicating a robot vehicle was sent inside.

“We used some OC vapor,” Eugene Police Patrol Lieutenant Watch Commander Mike Ware said.. “It’s similar to a pepper spray type chemical that we used and put in the tunnel and we used positive pressure to push it through to try and force them out.”

While police were waiting for the man to come out on the opposite side of the tunnel he came in on Bethel Dr and Kintyre St; a fan was blowing from the NW Expressway side of the pipe to get the man to come out on his own.

Efforts to get the suspect to come out of the tunnel himself were unsuccessful, so ESF sent a rescuer to tie ropes around his legs. Once the rope was tied, it took ESF and EPD over 30 minutes to get him out of the pipe.

“We had to pull him out,” Ware said. “He didn’t want to come out.” The suspect came out the tunnel without a shirt on, ESF put a blanket on him, strapped him to a gurney, and took him away in an ambulance.

Eugene Police’s Cold Case Team is actively working the 1992 homicide of Sharon Hiller.

We’re trying to identify and locate the individual known by the nicknames Bingo or Benji. Even a small detail, a friend group, a hangout spot, a workplace, anything could help move this case forward after more than 30 years.If you have information, you can submit a tip anonymously at: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=823&CX=333333 Your information could be the piece that brings long overdue answers.

Annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt

The Willamette Valley Visitors Association has kicked off its eighth annual Ornament Hunt, hiding 200 locally crafted wooden ornaments along non-wilderness trails in the Willamette National Forest. This year’s ornament features a Pacific tree frog and seasonal mushrooms, highlighting the region’s forest biodiversity.

It’s time once again for one of our most beloved traditions: the eighth annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt, taking place across the Willamette National Forest.

Between November 21 and Dec. 20, 2025, two hundred locally-crafted wooden ornaments will be hidden along roughly 20 trails—where eagle-eyed hikers can seek them out and register to win this year’s grand prize, which includes a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley.

Organizers remind hikers to stay on marked trails, where all ornaments are hidden, and to follow Leave No Trace principles while exploring. More experienced hikers can venture farther down the paths, leaving accessible ornaments for beginners. Participants are also asked to take only one ornament per household so more people have a chance to find one. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.willamettevalley.org/ornament

UO Professor Arrested On Child Sex Abuse Charges Released on Pre Trial Contract

UPDATE: Andrew Edmund Goble, age 72, a longtime professor in the Department of History at the University of Oregon, was released on a Pre Trial Services contractual release from the Lane County Jail on November 24, 2025.

Court records now reflect that Goble is now facing 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree in Lane County Circuit Court. The 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree were not filed on.

On November 20, 2025, at approximately 7 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s detectives executed a search warrant at a residence of Goble’s in the 1900 block of Dogwood Drive in Eugene. This search warrant stemmed from an investigation by the Lane County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, focusing on child exploitation.
The charges, which are felonies under Oregon law, typically involve the possession, duplication, or distribution of materials depicting the sexual abuse of children. 

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: 11/21/2025 – LCSO Case 25-5512 – Lane County Sheriff’s detectives arrest Eugene man during Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation

On November 20th at about 7 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 1900 block of Dogwood Drive in Eugene.  

On November 21st, the suspect, Andrew Edmund Goble, 72, of Eugene, was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree and 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 2nd Degree. 

This search warrant stemmed from an investigation by the Lane County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, focusing on child exploitation.  

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office received assistance during this investigation from the Lane County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.  

This arrest is part of an ongoing effort by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable members of our community. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.

Eugene Police Department – 911 Call Taker Career Information Night!

Thinking about a career in emergency communications? Join us on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Emergency Services Training Center (1705 W. Second Ave, Eugene, OR) for an insightful evening about becoming a 911 Call Taker! Learn about the role and responsibilities Hear directly from our dedicated staff Get your questions answered.

The Junction City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance locating a missing and possibly endangered person.

62-year-old Wade Felton Lloyd, of Junction City, was reported missing on November 20, 2025.  Mr. Lloyd was last seen on November 16^th in the area of Birch Street and 2^nd Avenue in Junction City. 

Mr. Lloyd normally stays close to the Junction City area, has close ties to his family, and his only transportation is an older motorized bicycle, which is also missing.

Mr. Lloyd is a slender white male, standing 6 feet tall with brown hair and hazel eyes.  Mr. Lloyd is without his cell phone, wallet, and his medications.  

The Junction City Police have exhausted all leads as to his whereabouts and is hoping that the community might recognize him or recall where they last saw Mr. Lloyd.   If you have information regarding Mr. Lloyd or have seen him on or after November 16^th, 2025, please call the Junction City Police Department at 541-998-1245.

Eugene City Council will soon be considering changes to the rental housing code as part of Phase 3 of the Renters Protections.

Advocating for the inclusion of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) in these reforms. The goal of this petition is to raise awareness about TOPA and demonstrate wide support across the city for this critical policy.

TOPA provides a strategic response to slow rent increases and prevent displacement and gentrification of our neighborhoods. TOPA is designed to maintain affordable housing availability by granting tenants the chance to buy their residences, partner with others, or assign their purchase rights to entities committed to preserving their affordable housing. Sign the petition: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKEKseY8Hhh_SSH_mIXKxZ4CgAsJJyTT3GDGd0Sr09JVXV-Q/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawOUGPJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe96J1GMnO5bt-jk9jg7oQWFj2AHppLfqn4R2MwuuJGj0jOfGNlcGmro7j_q4_aem_1Tu2KxTcMb-Q0G-eUTDaNQ

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

JaMarcus Shephard named Beavers football head coach

Oregon State football has a new head coach: JaMarcus Shephard will officially take the reins as the 33rd head coach in program history next week. OSU Athletic Director Scott Barnes made the announcement Friday.

Shephard has coached at the University of Alabama for the last two years, most recently as the Assistant Head Coach, Co-Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach.

Shephard also has previous coaching experience at the University of Washington and Washington State. Trent Bray was fired from the Beavers’ top position in October after OSU’s 7-0 start, its worst since 1991. Interim head coach Robb Akey took over from Bray and has the team at 2-9 this year.

2026 School Electronic Recycling competition seeks to build on record-setting 2025 campaign

Registration is now open for Lane County schools interested in participating in the 2026 Electronics Recycling Competition. Schools must register at  wastewiselane.org/ERC by December 12.

The competition (January 6-April 24, 2026) is a joint effort between Lane County schools, NextStep Recycling, and Waste Wise Lane County, a part of Lane County Waste Management.

Schools that recycle the most “e-waste” will win grants of up to $500 from Lane County Waste Management, a NextStep Reuse Store gift certificate, and a special recognition award.

During the 2025 competition, a record 48 schools collected 41,491 pounds of e-waste.

“We hope to build on the success of the 2025 campaign,” said NextStep Recycling Executive Director Jessica Ahrenholtz. “If you are a student, parent, teacher, administrator, or former school alumnus who wants to help your school gain waste prevention recognition, please tell your school’s principal about the competition.”

Eligible e-waste includes microwaves, TVs, printers, cords, cables, cell phones, computers, computer accessories (monitors, keyboards, mice, computer speakers, etc., whether in working condition or not), tablets, old or broken game consoles, remotes, and AV equipment (i.e., stereos, speakers, DVD players, etc.). But no plastic, non-electronic items (i.e., toys, vacuums, etc.).

Learn more at wastewiselane.org/ERC.

About Waste Wise Lane County — WasteWise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about repair resources at fixitlanecounty.com

About NextStep Recycling — NextStep offers education, job training, and placement programs for youth graduating foster care, adults with disabilities, seniors, families leaving domestically violent relationships, migrant worker family members, and underfunded schools and nonprofits. Its mission is to provide technology and training to children and adults with barriers to employment and education while protecting the environment and community from hazardous waste.

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.   

 

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.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

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

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto 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 theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area. 

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, joined by business leaders, outlined her strategy on Tuesday for the state’s economic development for 2026.

Her roadmap aims to make Oregon more business-friendly and attract investment. She also announced a new senior position, Chief Prosperity Officer, to lead the effort. Read more: https://www.kgw.com/article/news/stat…

Oregon has experienced a significant slowdown in income growth over the last two years, which has intensified financial pressures as the state confronts various economic challenges.

In the wake of the Great Recession, Oregon’s income surged at a rate much higher than the national average, marking a prosperous period for the state driven by the emergence of new industries and an influx of highly educated migrants. However, during the pandemic, Oregon’s economic momentum diminished, and the state is currently struggling to regain its previous pace.

According to recently published data from the Federal Reserve, the median household income in Oregon was nearly $90,000 last year, reflecting a modest increase of only 1.1% from the previous year, and approximately $6,000 higher than the national median.

Fuel leak in BP pipeline drives Oregon to state of emergency over fuel supply

Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency through Dec. 24 in light of potential disruptions and higher-than-expected gas prices

A BP pipeline carrying 90% of Oregon’s transportation fuel has been shut down since Nov. 17 following a discovered leak.

The disruption to the state’s fuel supply, and the potential for impacts at the pump and at airports during a busy holiday travel season, prompted Gov. Tina Kotek to declare a state of emergency Tuesday that will last through Dec. 24, unless conditions change. BP officials on Wednesday said they had partially restarted the pipeline.

Oregon’s emergency order will allow fuel suppliers and state agencies to bring more fuel into the state via truck and train and temporarily waive some reporting and fee-based regulations related to transporting fuel into the state.

Report price gouging to the Oregon Department of of Justice Consumer Protection Services online here or by calling the attorney general’s Price Gouging Hotline at (503) 378-8442

Oregon is not experiencing supply constraints, according to a news release from Kotek’s office. She does not expect flights at Portland International Airport or other Oregon airports will be impacted, but she is working with the Port of Portland to ensure supplies reach the airport. Some airlines operating flights out of Washington have had to adjust due to fuel supply issues, according to local news reports, and some long-haul flights have rerouted to out-of-state airports to refuel, causing some delays.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency over the pipeline on Nov. 19, two days after BP shut down the pipeline and more than a week after employees discovered the leak in Snohomish County east of Everett on Nov. 11. It is the second disruption the pipeline has had in the last three months and the second leak in two years.

During the last Olympic Pipeline outage in September, gas prices in Oregon jumped 16 cents in a single week, according to AAA. Average gas prices jumped 8 cents in Washington and 9 cents in Oregon during the last Olympic Pipeline leak in late June 2023.

Any evidence of price gouging during the current emergency should be reported to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Services, Kotek’s office said.

BP’s Olympic Pipeline runs transport gas, diesel and jet fuel across about 400 miles from Blaine, Washington to Portland, where it’s distributed to much of the rest of the state. (SOURCE)

Oregon emergency office not just focused on natural disasters, but food insecurity

Office of Resilience and Emergency Management operates under Oregon’s Department of Human Services

In a warehouse just south of Salem the week before Thanksgiving, about a dozen state employees passed 1,500 boxes down a line, each dropping cans of beans, rice, canned fruit and other non-perishable food items inside. 

The boxes will get distributed to Oregon Department of Human Services offices throughout the state to help low-income Oregonians. But it’s not just to give out immediate food aid, it’s an exercise Ed Flick, director of the state’s Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, said will prepare the agency to help respond in a major emergency.

The agency, which operates under the department of human resources, was created in September 2020 as wildfires over Labor Day weekend destroyed more than 4,000 homes

Since its establishment, the office has provided emergency equipment such as generators to counties, supported warming centers in winter storms and cooling centers in heat waves, offered air purified spaces during wildfires and distributed hundreds of emergency kits filled with food, flashlights and batteries for elderly people living in Oregon. 

But the office’s role has transformed over the past five years. In addition to natural disasters, it’s preparing to help Oregon families who fell behind during the federal government shutdown, as well as those who may no longer qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program under new eligibility requirements congressional Republicans put forth in a budget law President Donald Trump signed in July. 

The one in six Oregonians who rely on SNAP were left without access to the program’s benefits in the first week of November. It took a federal court order for the federal government to restore benefits to Oregon and 21 other states after the states sued the government for withholding the funds. 

The food packing exercise corresponds with the office’s role in empowering resilience hubs, or places where Oregonians can receive resources in cases of emergencies. The office in February awarded $10 million in grants to 87 organizations focused on serving as resilience hubs. That program is funded through House Bill 3409 passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2023. 

Flick said while his office is focused on providing emergency assistance, the resilience piece means pushing Oregon families toward independence. 

“We don’t just wait around for disaster,” Flick said. “We work every day to strengthen resilience, and then when emergencies occur, we support them and then step in.”  (SOURCE)

Metal detector alert leads to discovery of firearm at Sprague High School 

A 17-year-old student was taken into custody Tuesday morning after a firearm was discovered in his backpack at Sprague High School. 

At approximately 9:20 a.m., school staff were alerted by a metal detector as the student entered the building. Staff conducted a search of the student’s backpack and located a handgun. The firearm was immediately secured, and school officials notified the Salem Police Department. 

Patrol officers responded promptly and took the student into custody without incident. The 17-year-old male from Salem was lodged at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center on a charge of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. 

There was no disturbance on campus, and no indication that the student intended to use the weapon or posed an active threat to students or staff. The investigation is ongoing. 

Salem Police continue to work closely with Salem-Keizer Public Schools to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff.

A federal defense contractor is seeking hundreds of coastal Oregon hotel rooms, city of Newport says

It’s just one recent sign that interest over an immigrant detention facility on the coast hasn’t faded.

A federal defense contractor is inquiring about reserving hundreds of hotel rooms on the Oregon coast for a year, the city of Newport said Tuesday. It’s the latest sign that a suspected effort to build an immigrant detention center on the coast has not gone away.

In a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan reported that the city had confirmed that a contractor called Team Housing Solutions “has called multiple hotels up and down the coast, as recently as this morning.” According to Kaplan, the organization was “looking for as many as 200 hotel rooms for a year.”

The announcement marks a new twist in a weekslong saga that has left many in Newport confused and outraged, and ramped up fear in local immigrant communities.

Team Housing Solutions is a Texas-based contractor that specializes in quickly standing up housing for federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. In early November, the organization inquired about leasing 4 acres of land at the Newport Municipal Airport, raising speculation that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had Newport in mind for a new facility.

Oregon is one of the few states in the country that does not have a large-scale immigration detention facility.

Team Housing Solutions pulled back its inquiry in the face of public outcry, but Kaplan’s announcement Tuesday suggests it is still looking for a purchase in Newport. ICE, DHS and Team Housing Solutions have not responded to inquiries about federal interest in the city.

The newly reported outreach to coastal hotels is just one sign that ICE is still looking at Newport. The Oregon Capital Chronicle reported Tuesday that another federal contractor recently contacted the state on behalf of ICE, inquiring about environmental regulations related to an unspecified project in Newport.

As Newport tries to learn what federal authorities may have in mind, the city is celebrating a court victory.

On Monday, a federal judge ordered the U.S. Coast Guard to return a rescue helicopter it had long stationed at the city’s airport. The aircraft was relocated with no explanation in late October. A pair of lawsuits has since challenged that move, arguing that the helicopter is necessary to prevent deaths, particularly ahead of the fast-approaching Dungeness crab season.

The temporary restraining order by U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken lasts for two weeks, though the judge may consider a more permanent ruling.

The inquiries by contractors — combined with the helicopter removal and some notable job postings — have led many in Newport to conclude ICE hopes to detain undocumented immigrants in the city, flying them elsewhere using the airport land controlled by the Coast Guard.

“The reason they wanted Newport is there’s an airstrip,” Kate Sinkins, a Lincoln City immigration attorney, told OPB last week. “They want to be able to put people in a detention facility and not give them due process and then fly ‘em to home country without anyone really paying attention. That is not going to happen. We are paying attention.” (SOURCE)

Federal judge orders Homeland Security and Coast Guard to immediately return rescue helicopter to Newport

A federal judge in Eugene on Monday night ordered the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to immediately return a Coast Guard rescue helicopter and its crew to Newport because the agency improperly moved it last month.

U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken made her ruling at 6:37 p.m. Monday, acting on lawsuit and accompanying request for a temporary restraining order late Friday from Newport Fishermen’s Wives and Lincoln County.

In a 14-page opinion and order, Aiken told the Coast Guard and Homeland Security director Kristi Noem “to immediately restore and maintain the status quo that has prevailed since 1987 by returning the rescue helicopter to the Coast Guard’s Newport air facility, together with the full operational capabilities, infrastructure and personnel support.”

Aiken said in her ruling she could “discern no hardship to defendants in an injunction requiring them to continue operating the Newport air facility as they have for the better part of four decades.”

The judge agreed with the plaintiffs that the helicopter’s move 90 miles south to North Bend could jeopardize the lives of Newport-based Dungeness crab crews expected to go to sea in three weeks. Aiken’s order remains in effect for 14 days while a hearing schedule is determined on the injunction.

The Coast Guard quietly moved the helicopter in October to North Bend without the notice required by federal law and has basically shuttered its facility at the Newport airport where the helicopter had been based.

The move is suspected to be in conjunction with Homeland Security seeking through third-party contractors to establish an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility at the air base and nearby property, which the city of Newport, the county and much of the community is vehemently opposing.

In her order, Aiken said Homeland Security and the Coast Guard did not follow federal rules enacted by Congress after the Fishermen’s Wives group successfully fought a similar helicopter transfer in 2014.

Those rules require that Homeland Security make determinations that before a helicopter is moved that remaining search and rescue capabilities can be safely maintained. The regulations also require that Homeland Security provide opportunities for public comment including public meetings, notification to Congress, and still cannot close a Coast Guard air facility until after 18 months after which all of those steps have been taken. (SOURCE)

To read Judge Ann Aiken’s 14-page ruling and order, go here

Rachel Maddow shares the story of the small town of Newport, Oregon figuring out that the Trump administration was planning to install an ICE prison at their airport, turning out residents in droves to protest and demand answers. Oregon State Rep. David Gomberg joins to talk about the effort to find out exactly what is going on.

Petitioners throughout the state are persistently collecting signatures to challenge Oregon’s recent transportation funding legislation.

Opponents of a recent Oregon transportation funding bill have gathered over 150,000 signatures to challenge it and will send the legislation to voters in November 2026. The petition, which was launched to refer the bill, a gas tax increase, and a vehicle privilege tax increase to voters, has met the required threshold for the initiative. 

• Number of Signatures: Over 150,000 signatures have been collected statewide, according to the chief petitioners.
• Purpose of the Petition: The goal is to refer the transportation funding legislation to voters in the November 2026 election.
• Legislation in Question: The petition challenges a new bill that includes a gas tax increase and a significant increase in the vehicle privilege tax, which would rise to 2.25%2.25 %2.25% of a vehicle’s sale price by 2028.
• Voter Referendum: The collected signatures put the initiative on a path to a public vote, allowing Oregonians to decide the fate of the transportation funding package. 

Meet 65+ Oregon Authors at the 56th Annual Holiday Cheer Book Sale at the Oregon Historical Society Dec. 7

Portland, OR — Kick off the holiday season on Sunday, December 7 at Holiday Cheer: A Celebration of Oregon Authors. Visit with more than 65 local writers from 12pm to 4pm as you sip on hot cocoa, enjoy festive treats, and get a jump on your holiday shopping! Admission is free and includes access to both the book sale and museum exhibitions.

This year, some of the Pacific Northwest’s most prominent authors will be at OHS selling everything from children’s books to guidebooks to mysteries to histories! Featured authors include Pulitzer Prize–winning cartoonist Jack Ohman, New York Times bestselling historical fiction author Kristina McMorris, Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, journalist and podcaster Leah Sottile, and Steve Prefontaine biographer Brendan O’Meara. View a full list of participating authors at ohs.org/holidaycheer.

To add to the festivities, the popular Meier & Frank Santaland display will be back on view! Generations of Oregonians have fond memories of the downtown Portland Meier & Frank department store’s Santaland. A ride on the iconic Monorail and a chance to sit on Santa’s lap became a Christmas tradition for many families. Following the closure of Macy’s downtown store (which purchased Meier & Frank in 2005), a small number of items from Santaland were donated to OHS, which have been displayed annually since 2018. Come share in the holiday cheer with a visit to this nostalgic display, featuring Rudolph, animatronic elves, holiday decor, a model of the beloved monorail. The well-remembered Cinnamon Bear costume from Lipman’s holiday traditions will also be on display.

The museum galleries will be open from 12pm to 5pm. In addition to Santaland, featured exhibitions will include:

• She Flies with Her Own Wings, a look at Oregon’s golden age of aviation in the 1930s that shares how flight reshaped lives and technology.
• June Drake: Preserving the Past to Shape the Future, a retrospective of photographer June D. Drake’s work documenting life in Silverton, Oregon, and surrounding areas and the evolution of rural Oregon over six decades.
• The Yasui Family: An American Story, which shares one Oregon family’s experiences of racism, incarceration, and their unwavering commitment to justice, reflecting broader civil rights struggles in America.
• “We Were All Living a Dream”, a photographic exhibition of Donna Pollach’s intimate portraits of feminist and lesbian communities in 1970s Portland, chronicling their activism, camaraderie, and challenges.

For 56 years, OHS has celebrated the state’s rich literary talents at this annual book signing event. Book sales at Holiday Cheer support the Oregon Historical Society’s mission to preserve our state’s history and make it accessible to everyone in ways that advance knowledge and inspire curiosity about all the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon.

About the Oregon Historical Society — For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

Strike Starts at Legacy Health; 8 AM Press Conference Outside Legacy Emanuel Hospital

WHAT: Advanced practice providers (APPs) from Legacy Health hospitals and clinics in the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington will begin an open-ended strike against Legacy Health Dec. 2. APPs will hold a press conference from the picket lines Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 8 a.m. to discuss patient care concerns, the need to raise healthcare standards, and Legacy’s refusal to continue bargaining. 

The APPs include nurse practitioners (NPs), physician associates (PAs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) who have been working to reach a fair contract agreement with Legacy for nearly two years.

WHEN: Strike Line Press Conference, Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 8 a.m. 

WHERE: The strike line outside of Legacy Emanuel Medical Center (501 N. Graham St. Portland, OR 97227). See the green picket line location near the intersection of N. Vancouver Ave. and N. Graham St. on the included map for media use only.  

WHO: APPs who are part of the Legacy Downtown/Specialties Bargaining Unit and care for patients at hospitals and clinics in Oregon and Washington.  

• Rob Brookshire, PA 
• Leigh Warsing, PA  
• April Callister, PA  

WHY: APPs are one of the fastest-growing professions in healthcare. They provide high-quality care directly to patients and are essential for expanding access to health care, reducing wait times, and ensuring patients and our community receive outstanding care.

After nearly two years at the bargaining table, APPs delivered a formal strike notice to Legacy executives on November 20 while offering to continue meeting with Legacy executives every day to reach a fair agreement that protects patients, enables Legacy to recruit and retain skilled caregivers, ends inequitable practices like unpaid work, and averts the need for a strike. Unfortunately, Legacy executives are illegally refusing to meet with APPs.

The APPs are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). 

Strike lines will be established at Legacy Good Samaritan and Legacy Emanuel hospitals from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 2. Starting December 3, picket lines will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. This is an open-ended strike.

Community members can visit OregonRN.org/RespectAPPs to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition in support of the APPs, and stay informed about the impact of the potential strike. 

A reminder to patients from APPs:  If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Legacy executives’ refusal to continue meeting with APPs has forced us to strike to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you’ve received the care you need. 

# # #  The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

Oregonians have to 12/31 to secure expiring federal home energy tax credits

The nonprofit Energy Trust of Oregon is encouraging residents to invest in heating and cooling pumps, solar panels, before federal money goes away

Oregonians have just more than a month to take advantage of federal tax credits meant to reduce by thousands of dollars the costs of buying and installing new energy efficient heating and cooling pumps, insulation, windows and solar panels.

Paired with incentives from the nonprofit, state-partnered Energy Trust of Oregon, the savings can cover half to nearly all costs, depending on the purchase. People who have made home energy efficiency upgrades this year, or who can complete upgrades by Dec. 31, can claim the federal tax credits.

To claim federal tax credits: Keep receipts from your purchase and submit an IRS form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits form) when you file your federal taxes for 2025. For more info go here.

Most of the federal credits passed in 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act enacted under former President Joe Biden and were meant to expire in 2032, giving Americans a decade to take advantage of subsidies meant to spur investments in home weatherizing and clean energy upgrades. But congressional Republicans phased the credits out early in the tax and spending law they passed this summer.

Julianne Thacher, a spokesperson for the Energy Trust, said the organization wants to encourage Oregonians to take advantage of those credits now and to remind them that when they go away, there will still be state-level incentives they should not overlook.

Federal tax credits expiring at end of 2025 and Energy Trust incentives

Item	Federal Tax Credit (30% of total cost, up to cap listed below)	Energy Trust Incentive
Insulation	Up to $1,200	Up to $2.25 per square foot depending on property type
Windows	Up to $600	Up to $1.50 per square foot depending on efficiency rating
Heat and cooling pumps	Up to $2,000	Up to $4,000​
Heat pump/hybrid water heater	Up to $2,000	Up to $700 instant discount on select models at participating retailers
Solar panels	30% of cost	$2,500
Battery storage	30% of cost	Up to $5,000 depending on the customer’s utility

Table: Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital ChronicleSource: Energy Trust of OregonGet the dataEmbedDownload imageCreated with Datawrapper

“Energy Trust incentives will be here after the tax credits. We won’t be affected. We were here before the tax credits, and had very successful programs with folks installing energy-efficient equipment, so we expect that will continue,” Thacher said.

The Oregon Department of Energy also offers solar and heat pump cash incentives and grants that can be used towards the costs of equipment and installation after federal, Energy Trust and any other incentives are applied.

The Oregon Energy Trust was established by the state Public Utilities Commission in 2002. Although it’s an independent nonprofit, the commission oversees the trust’s performance measures, budget and planning.

Ratepayers of five of Oregon’s six investor-owned gas and electric utilities — all except Idaho Power — fund the trust. As part of utilities’ energy load planning, they send a percentage of ratepayer dollars to the trust, which is tasked with ensuring investment in activities that lower overall load demand and help meet state climate targets.

Part of that is standing up cash incentive programs to help businesses and everyday Oregonians afford equipment and infrastructure to lower their own energy consumption. The trust offers higher incentives for families with lower incomes and collaborates with 60 community organizations statewide.

Energy Trust incentives are available to all customers of Portland General Electric, or PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista. Customers can go to a store and choose equipment prequalified for Energy Trust incentives, and that will deduct the credit from receipt at the point of purchase.

Customers can also work with contractors who have agreements with Energy Trust, and who will purchase and install the equipment and deduct the tax credits from the bill. Customers can also apply online at the Energy Trust’s website for specific credits after purchase, and receive a refund for the credit amount in the mail.

For Energy Trust incentives: go here.

The mix of state, federal and private and nonprofit subsidies for solar panels have led to major growth in residential solar in the last decade, and today about 25,000 homeowners in Oregon are generating solar energy, according to Energy Trust. This has ramped up as the federal credits are set to expire.

“The solar contractors we work with are very busy right now, and we’ve actually gone ahead and launched our new incentives for 2026 early, because folks who are looking to do a solar project starting now, they’re highly unlikely to complete that by year’s end. That’ll be a 2026 project.”

Focusing on efficiency in businesses and homes in Oregon, and setting climate targets that incorporate more solar, heat and cooling pumps and building upgrades, has made a big dent in Oregon’s gas and electricity use. Demand for gas would today be 9% higher and demand for electricity 16% higher if policies had not been enacted over the last two decades, the Trust found.

“Energy efficiency is the most effective, affordable way to meet climate goals, while also offering a ton of other benefits for customers and communities,” Thacher said. (SOURCE)

Fatal Crash- Highway 140E- Klamath County

Klamath County, Ore (Nov. 29, 2025)- On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 140E, near milepost 16, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Honda Civic, operated by Tahj Mahalia Miller (24) of Klamath Falls, entered the eastbound lane to pass other westbound vehicles. A westbound Cadillac CTS, operated by Kaden Shakur Moses (24) of Klamath Falls, also attempted to enter the eastbound lane to pass westbound vehicles and clipped the front of the Honda with the rear quarter panel of the Cadillac causing the Cadillac to lose control. The Cadillac rolled down the eastbound shoulder of the highway before coming to rest on its top in an adjacent field.

The operator of the Cadillac (Moses), who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and declared deceased at the scene. A passenger, Bonner Deb Conney (52) of Klamath Falls, was also declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Honda (Miller) and two passengers, juvenile (3) and juvenile (5), were reportedly uninjured. The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation.  OSP was assisted by the Bonanza Fire Department and ODOT.

ODHS encourages people in Oregon to act today to protect their SNAP food and TANF cash benefits from theft

Need to know

• In October, approximately 220 households reported to ODHS that nearly $86,000 worth of SNAP food and TANF cash benefits had been stolen from their EBT cards.
• Take action today to keep your EBT card safe from electronic theft by locking your cards when not in use, blocking out of state and online purchases, and changing your PIN regularly.
• Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
• Link to video

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services is encouraging people in Oregon to take action today to protect the SNAP food and TANF cash benefits on their EBT cards from electronic theft like card skimming, card cloning, phishing and other similar methods.

Most theft occurs in the beginning of the month immediately after SNAP and TANF benefits are issued to EBT cards. Criminals use methods like skimming devices, internet scams and fake websites to steal card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). Once they have this information, they use online or out-of-state purchases to drain SNAP food and TANF cash benefits from a person’s card.

In October, approximately 220 households reported to ODHS that nearly $86,000 worth of SNAP food and TANF cash benefits had been stolen from their EBT cards. Criminals were blocked from stealing EBT benefits 104 times because people took action to protect their EBT cards.

“People and families in Oregon rely on their SNAP food and TANF cash benefits to help them meet their basic needs,” said Director Liesl Wendt. “Taking simple steps like changing your PIN, locking your cards and blocking online and out-of-state purchases works and keeps your benefits safe. We encourage everyone to do this today.”

ODHS recommends that everyone with an EBT card take these steps to keep their benefits safe:

• Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
   
• Freeze your card between uses: When you’re not using your EBT card, consider freezing it as an extra layer of protection. Simply unfreeze it when you’re ready to make a purchase. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for “Freeze Card” under “Account Services.”
   
• Block out-of-state and online purchases: You have the option to block transactions made outside of Oregon and online purchases to safeguard your card from unauthorized use. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for “Protect My Account” under “Account Services.” You can remove the blocks later.
   
• Change your PIN regularly: Get into the habit of updating your PIN often. This can help protect your account if someone does gain access to your card number. Here are the ways you can ​change your PIN number:​
  • Call 888-997-4447;
  • Log into the ebtEDGE website.
     
• Take your EBT card to the closest ODHS benefits office​.
   
• Keep your PIN secret: Never share your PIN or write it on your card. Cover the keypad whenever entering your PIN in a public setting. Thieves may use small cameras to capture your PIN entry.
   
• Inspect card readers carefully: Before swiping your card at an ATM or other card reader, check for anything unusual. Skimming devices are often placed on top of existing card readers. If you see anything that looks out of place or tampered with, avoid using it and let the business know.
   
• Monitor your EBT account activity: Make it a habit to check your account regularly for any unusual charges. If you see a charge you didn’t make, report it immediately, cancel your card and request a replacement. Here are the ways you can ​get a new card:​
  • Call the EBT Replacement Line at 1-855-328-6715;
  • Go to an ODHS benefits office​.
• Don’t respond to suspicious texts: If you receive a text message asking for your EBT card number or PIN, ignore it. ODHS will never ask for your information this way.

• Avoid social media scams: Only trust posts and messages about your benefits from official ODHS accounts. ODHS will never ask for your benefits case number, PIN or other card information on social media.
   
• More information is available on the Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits webpage. There is a brochure, flyer and wallet card available in many languages. There are also short videos about using an EBT card, how to replace an EBT card and all the ways to protect your EBT benefits. These are posted in the How-to Videos section of benefits.oregon.gov.

October reports of EBT benefit theft to ODHS

• Number of Oregon households affected: 223
• Number of failed theft attempts because people took steps to protect their EBT cards: 104
• Number of thefts by program: 49 TANF, 559 SNAP
• Dollar amounts of stolen benefits:
  • Total: $85,902
  • TANF (CASH): $17,108
  • SNAP (FOOD): $ 68,794

NOTE: This data represents only what has been reported to the Oregon Department of Human Services and likely undercounts actual instances of EBT theft experienced by people in Oregon.

How to request replacement for TANF benefits

ODHS can replace Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits that are lost due to fraud. TANF families who believe benefits have been stole from their EBT card should contact ODHS to request replacement benefits within 30 days of the benefits being stolen. Information on card safety and how to request replacement TANF benefits can be found online here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx

ODHS cannot replace SNAP benefits

The federal funding to replace benefits ran out on Dec. 21, 2024, and ODHS is no longer authorized to replace stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

About SNAP in Oregon

SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon — about 18 percent of households — buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon’s economy each year.

Historic hotel near Crater Lake fails to attract bidders at foreclosure auction

No one showed up with a cashier’s check for $1.7 million to buy the fabled Prospect Historic Hotel at an auction held Monday on the steps of the Jackson County Courthouse in Medford.

The foreclosed, 5.6-acre property at 391 Mill Creek Drive in Prospect, the gateway to Crater Lake National Park, included the original Victorian-era house. The former stagecoach stop and roadhouse along the Upper Rogue River grew to become a popular resort destination.

The property last sold for $2.8 million in October 2024 to Prospect Collective LLC.

The southern Oregon lodging, restaurant and event space closed less than a year later in July, the same month lender ThorMar LLC foreclosed on the property due to nonpayment by Prospect Collective LLC.

The auction minimum bid of $1,682,149 was to cover the loan principal balance and interest, plus property taxes, advances, trustee’s fees, attorney fees and court costs.

“My partner and I have determined we will not take less than the minimum bid,” said Randy Thornton of ThorMar. “We do not want to run a hotel, but we’re resigned to do what we can until we find a buyer.”

Thornton said last week that if the hotel failed to sell, he and partner Rob Marken plan to reopen the hotel on Tuesday and “move forward.”

The partners of Prospect Collective LLC who defaulted on ThorMar’s loan also signed a contract with longtime hotel owners Fred and Karen Wickman to carry a $1.4 million loan. The unpaid debt came due this month. The Wickmans are considering their options.

The Wickmans’ fully operational hotel, 21 miles southwest of Crater Lake National Park, was listed for sale in June 2024 at $3 million.

The three-story, 5,492-square-foot main house, which includes the 10-room bed and breakfast hotel and a 50-seat dinner house, is surrounded by park-like grounds with evergreen and deciduous trees including a giant sequoia.

The property also has 14 motel rooms and a two-story, 2,700 square-foot log house with a wraparound deck built on its own tax lot in 1990. The log house with a detached garage was described in the real estate listing for its potential use as a vacation or long-term rental, manager’s residence or employee housing.

The land with its grandfathered water rights is adjacent to Mill Creek, which flows to Mill Creek Falls and the Rogue River. Other outbuildings on the four tax lots include a large lighted gazebo with barbecue pits and a barn near a fenced corral. The property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

“All repairs and maintenance were done to Historic Registration standards,” Wickman said. “Drive an hour out of Medford (on Oregon Highway 62), and step back in time 100 years.”

Prospective buyers may contact ThorMar’s attorney Alison Hohengarten of Hohengarten Law at 541-647-7437.

Buying at auction — Buying a property at auction is unlike a typical real estate transaction. An agent doesn’t write a contract. Bidders are to conduct their own research and due diligence before making an offer.

Each auction has its own rules, terms and conditions.

Property auctioneer John C. Rosenthal of Realty Marketing/Northwest Oregon said there were differences between a foreclosure auction conducted by the sheriff or a trustee, and an auction for the owner, not a lender.

A foreclosure auction is an oral auction conducted outside the courthouse.

If the bidding does not reach the minimum amount, the lender can “credit bid” their loan amount, which means they bid the entire amount, take possession and complete the sale.

Typically, the terms of the foreclosure auction require a deposit in cash or cashier’s check to qualify to bid and payment in full that day or within 24 hours.

Due diligence is very limited, and since the sale is “as is,” the buyer must clear all financial encumbrances. Bidders might not receive a title search in advance.

Realty Marketing/Northwest Oregon auctions for owners have sealed bids and require a 10% deposit, a signed purchase and sale agreement with closing 30 to 45 days upon acceptance.

Seal Rock Man Arrested Following Child Exploitation Investigation

Seal Rock, OR — On November 25, 2025, 55-year-old Larry Clunette Boles Jr., of Seal Rock, Oregon, was arrested and booked into the Lincoln County Jail on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Boles faces charges under ORS 163.684 – Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and ORS 163.686 – Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree.

This arrest follows the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation led by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit, in collaboration with the Lincoln City Police Department, Oregon State Police, Toledo Police Department, Newport Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

The investigation was initiated after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip from an electronic service provider that had identified suspected CSAM being distributed on its platform. NCMEC subsequently referred the information to law enforcement.

As part of the investigation, detectives executed multiple subpoenas and search warrants, leading to the seizure and forensic examination of several electronic devices belonging to Mr. Boles. These devices contained evidence of both possession and distribution of CSAM.

“The distribution of images depicting the sexual abuse of children revictimizes individuals who have already endured significant trauma,” said Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Detective Anthony Bettencourt. “We are committed to thoroughly investigating these crimes and pursuing justice for the victims.”

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to all partner agencies for their collaboration and continued efforts to protect vulnerable members of our community.

36-Year-Old Newport Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Disseminating Child Pornography

On November 25, 2025, Lincoln County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Sheryl Bachart sentenced Kurtis Fegulia, Jr. (36-year-old) to 120 months (10 years) in the Department of Corrections for disseminating child sexual abuse material, more commonly known as child pornography, in 2024.  

In August 2024, the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a social media user had uploaded files that contained videos of child sexual abuse material on a social media platform. Investigators were provided with information regarding the user’s identity and tracked the location of the uploads to Newport, Oregon.

The case was then assigned to the Newport Police Department and investigated by Detective Darren Cicerone. Through a series of extensive investigative tools, Detective Cicerone was able to identify Fegulia, Jr. as the individual responsible for uploading multiple videos through the social media platform. Fegulia, Jr. later admitted to uploading child sexual abuse material and indicated the ages of the children involved in the videos were as young as five.  

On November 25, 2025, Fegulia, Jr.  entered a guilty plea to 5 counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, felony sex crimes, for knowingly disseminating a visual recording of sexually explicit conduct involving a child while knowing the fact that the creation of the visual recording involved child abuse. Over the course of the investigation, the Newport Police Department received over 33 CyberTips linked to Fegulia, Jr.’s residence, which showed over 700 videos of child sexual abuse material was disseminated by Fegulia, Jr. online in 2024 and 2025.

Prior to imposing the 10-year prison sentence, Judge Bachart emphasized that these types of cases are not just videos. Judge Bachart stated, “The State classifies these cases as a person crime because they involve real children. Even though you did not touch them, these children are being abused, and you watch the abuse and are aroused by it.” Judge Bachart stressed that if there was not a demand for these types of videos due to people like Fegulia, Jr., the abuse would not happen.

This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jenna Wallace and investigated by Detective Cicerone, Newport Police Department. The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank Detective Cicerone for his commitment to investigating crimes against children and for prioritizing investigations into the dissemination of child sexual abuse material to protect children from predators living in our community.

NW Natural Warms Up Winter with “Fireside Friends” Pet Photo Contest

Customers are invited to share photos of their pets for a chance to win a prize; NW Natural is also supporting The Pongo Fund

NW Natural is inviting customers to warm up this winter and celebrate their pets with the launch of the Fireside Friends Sweepstakes. The contest offers the chance to win a prize while also supporting a local charity.

Running now through February 1, 2026, the sweepstakes welcomes customers to share photos of their furry friends enjoying the warmth and comfort of a natural gas fireplace for the chance to win a $200 Chewy gift card.

NW Natural has also pledged a $1,000 donation to The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank, which helps support people and their pets throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

How to Enter:

NW Natural customers can enter the sweepstakes via social media in two simple steps:

1. Follow @nwnaturalgas on Instagram or Facebook. (Media can find some of the wonderful pet photos that have already been posted by customers on both platforms!)
2. Post a photo of their pet(s) cozying up by their natural gas fireplace and tag @nwnaturalgas or use the hashtag #nwnaturalgas.

The contest is open now and entries will be accepted until February 1, 2026. For full terms and conditions visit nwnatural.com/FiresideFriends

About NW Natural

NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides service to approximately 2 million people in more than 140 communities through approximately 806,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural owns and operates 21.6 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon. It is the largest natural gas utility in Oregon and one of the state’s oldest companies.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. – Seeking feedback on proposed changes to reservations, rate ranges, passes

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is gathering public comments on proposed changes announced last month to the rules guiding reservations, special access passes, rate ranges and fee waivers. 

The proposed changes were announced last month in a press release. Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 15, 2026, and can be submitted: 

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/prp/pages/prp-division%2015.aspx 
• Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301 
• Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov” target=”_blank”>OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov 

A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments. 

• Virtual Hearing: 5:30 p.m. December 15, 2025. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_civm2LvcQx-R0ZKCwHCwww  

Most of the proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system. The proposed changes to reservations are meant to maximize the availability of campsites for visitors.   

OPRD faces a projected operational budget shortfall of $8 million for this biennium based on forecasts through November. The projected shortfall is down from the $14 million estimate due to a combination of revenue-generating strategies, including an increase in parking fee parks and overnight camping fee adjustments.

The shortfall is due to increasing costs, the impact of higher visitation and a decrease in projected Oregon Lottery funds for operations. Visitor fees do not cover the cost of operations, and Oregon State Parks does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.   

Proposed Cancellation Policy 

The proposed changes to the reservation policy discourage late cancellations and no-shows by incentivizing early cancellations. Refunds will no longer be provided for those who fail to cancel, which will help reduce unused reservations and open more opportunities for visitors to enjoy parks. The changes include: 

• No refunds on the day of arrival.  
• No-show reservations will not be refunded  
• Refunds vary based on how long reservation is held, how close to arrival it is canceled.  

Proposed Changes to Special Access Pass 

Future Special Access Passes (SAP) for Veterans and foster families will be exclusively for those who live in Oregon, according to proposed changes. This will help ensure that limited resources are directed toward Oregonians. That update along with limiting the number of free days to 10 per year will reduce the fees waived by $2.2 million per biennium or 46% decrease in costs. Proposed changes include: 

• Must be Oregon residents to participate. 
• Waived overnight rental fees (up to 10 nights/year).  
• Day-use parking permit fee waived.  
• SAP Cancellations: Must cancel reservations to avoid losing benefit nights. Refunded nights will be based on length of time reservation is held.  

Proposed Rate Ranges: 

• Day Use Parking Permit fees: $7–$25 daily; $30–$100 (12-month); $50–$200 (24-month).  

• Dynamic Pricing: Rates may vary by day of week, season, holidays, amenities, and demand. 
• Proposed Rate Ranges   

The updated fee ranges for campsites, cabins, yurts and group facilities based on market conditions and anticipated inflation. The new rate ranges will allow for greater use of demand pricing. This proposed change is part of a broader strategy to stabilize revenue and maintain high-quality park services.  

Ultimately, these proposed changes are intended to keep Oregon’s parks open, well-maintained and welcoming for generations to come.   

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in February 2026 for possible adoption. If adopted, new rules would be effective beginning March 1, 2026. 

The United States Postal Service official mailing deadlines for the 2025 holiday season, assisting customers in planning ahead to ensure timely delivery of their cards and packages.

For those sending items within the contiguous 48 states, the following send-by dates are recommended: December 17 for USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail (which includes holiday cards and small packages) December 18 for Priority Mail December 20 for Priority Mail Express, the quickest domestic shipping option offered by USPS. USPS advises customers to ship early, use trackable services, and consider acquiring insurance for valuable items. Flat-rate boxes and shipping supplies can be obtained at local post offices and online at usps.com, where a comprehensive list of holiday deadlines, including those for international and military shipping, is also available.

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