Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 12/10 – Sinkhole at Willamette and 30th in Eugene this Morning, Lane County Awards $200,000 in Grants to Support Economic Development & 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 10, 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

Sinkhole at Willamette and 30th in Eugene this Morninng

There’s a significant sinkhole on Willamette Street in Eugene, specifically around the 30th Avenue area, reported today (December 9, 2025), causing safety warnings for drivers to avoid the area due to a deep drop-off and potential dangers, with residents advising to use sidewalks or nearby stores like Market of Choice/7-Eleven if needed, rather than driving near it. Key Details:

• Location: Willamette Street & 30th Avenue, Eugene.
• Status: Active, significant sinkhole with a reported 20-foot drop.
• Warning: Residents on Reddit are strongly advising people not to drive through or park near it, suggesting alternative routes or using sidewalks. 

What to Do:

• Avoid the immediate area if possible.
• Stay on sidewalks if you must be near it.

This is a fresh event, so be cautious and check for official City of Eugene alerts for the latest traffic info.

Lane County Awards $200,000 in Grants to Support Economic Development

Seven local nonprofits will receive grant funding from Lane County’s Community & Economic Development Program to support programs and projects focused on creating economic growth.

 “At Lane County Community and Economic Development, we are focused on building opportunities that increase prosperity and improve lives,” said Samantha Roberts, Lane County’s Community & Economic Development analyst. “These grants support our communities to develop and implement impactful economic development programs and projects throughout Lane County.”

Grant applications were accepted in early October 2025. Cities and 501c3 nonprofits serving Lane County were eligible to apply for funding to attract and expand business investment, assist small businesses, develop Main Streets, support start-ups and emerging entrepreneurs, as well as address workforce training needs. Applicants could request $5,000–$30,000.

This year’s selected projects focused on supporting working families by strengthening the childcare workforce, investing in rural downtown development, enhancing workforce development in critical industry sectors like healthcare, and providing technical business assistance and financial literacy. Services provided by grant awardees extend throughout Lane County.

 Media Opportunity: Lane County Community & Economic Development Analyst Samantha Roberts is available for interview. She can also connect media with two grant awardees for interview: Black Cultural Initiative (BCI) Executive Director Talicia Brown and Viking Textile Maker Hub Board President Mitra Gruwell. Ms. Brown can also connect media with businesses served by the BCI Business Incubator.

The seven grant recipients are:

Black Cultural Initiative (BCI)
The Black Cultural Initiative provides financial literacy workshops, workforce and vocational training, Black business incubation, and more. BCI seeks to provide financial literacy training for up to 120 people, workforce readiness and skill development for up to 80 participants, and technical business assistance to more than fifty businesses in 2026 through the grant award.

Catholic Community Services (CCS)
Catholic Community Services of Lane County offers immediate help to anyone in need through food, rent, utility, and housing assistance, emergency shelter, and resettling refugees and immigrants in Lane County.  CCS’s Refugee & Immigrant Services Program (RISP) is the largest provider of employment placement services for immigrants in Lane County with the majority of participants of Limited English Proficiency (LEP). The 2026 CED grant award will enable the RISP program to provide business technical assistance to immigrant-owned businesses and provide LEP workforce training and employment placement for healthcare and manufacturing businesses.

City of Creswell
The City of Creswell, home to over 5,600 residents, covers 1.72 square miles and is bifurcated by I-5, Highway 99 and Central Oregon and Pacific Rail. With the 2026 grant award, Creswell will create a façade improvement program within the City’s 12-block Downtown District to assist property and business owners with façade improvements to help develop their storefronts.

Eugene Springfield NAACP
Since 1976, the Eugene/Springfield NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) has served as a source of cohesion for our local communities of color. In Lane County, it implements education programs, public awareness events, community building, and coalition work toward cultural inclusion. With the 2026 grant award, the local NAACP office will enhance its Healthcare Careers Pathways program to train 30 youth to obtain medical certifications and job shadowing and apprenticeship placements.

H.O.N.E.Y., Inc.
H.O.N.E.Y. Inc. (Honoring Our New Ethnic Youth) has served multiracial and ethnically diverse youth from birth through age 24 and families across Lane County since 1983. Afterschool and no-school day enrichment programs operate like essential childcare services, providing a safe, culturally responsive, and enriching environment for youth. The CED Grant award will support 200 working families with free childcare and improve the wages of childcare workers in the industry.

Onward Eugene
Onward Eugene is the economic development arm of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. Onward Eugene is home to the Lane County Childcare Sector Strategist and is supporting a regional effort called the Lane Early Learning Registered Apprenticeship (LELA), serving Lane County childcare providers. Onward will use the CED Grant award to launch and scale a Lane Early Learning Registered Apprenticeship program to train and support at least 20 childcare apprentices resulting in increased employment, qualifications and wages with a focus on the Florence/Siuslaw region.

Viking Textile Maker Hub
Viking Textile Maker Hub (VTMH) is an industrial sewing makerspace dedicated to building skills, creating opportunities, and strengthening Lane County’s workforce. For two years, its Industrial Sewing Training Program has equipped unhoused and economically vulnerable people with marketable sewing skills, creating a much-needed pipeline of trained workers for local employers. VTMH will use the CED grant funding to train 36 unhoused or economically disadvantaged residents with industrial sewing skills to repair or manufacture more than 570 items and provide a repair and manufacturing resource to the region.

About Lane County Community and Economic Development — Lane County’s Community and Economic Development Program partners with local business support organizations, cities, special districts and economic development agencies to facilitate community development and create economic prosperity.
The goal of Community and Economic Development is to support vibrant communities through furthering economic opportunity across Lane County with a specific focus on the rural and unincorporated communities of the county.

Team Effort Saves Life of Missing Elderly Woman Drowning in Kirk Pond

On Saturday, December 6th at about 10 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of missing elderly woman who had driven away from a residence in the Alvadore area, west of Eugene, and then wandered away from her vehicle off of Clear Lake Road.  

Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (SAR) volunteers and K9s were called out, and an Oregon State Trooper who was in the area arrived with K9 Buck, an article search and tracking canine. Both a deputy and a Eugene Police officer responded with drones to assist in the search.  

A deputy canvassing the area observed the missing female on a resident’s security camera in the area of Kirk Pond. Searchers focused their efforts on the thick brush. Within minutes, K9 Buck located the female almost completely submerged in Kirk Pond near the bank. The Trooper and a SAR volunteer jumped into the frigid water and pulled her to safety.  

The woman was treated for hypothermia and transported to an area hospital.   This was just one of several calls that deputies and SAR responded to over the weekend.  

On Friday evening, a mushroom picker became lost on Siltcoos Trail, south of Florence. Although familiar with the area, the person became disoriented in the dark and was not prepared to stay out overnight. SAR located him and guided him back to his vehicle.  

On Sunday morning, deputies and SAR responded to a report of a missing mushroom picker in the area of Sweet Creek Road, south of Mapleton. The person is still missing, and searchers are still actively searching in the area as of Monday.  

On Sunday afternoon, deputies and SAR searched for a person who was in mental distress and ran away from a vehicle in the area of Lorane Highway and Fox Hollow Road. SAR located her after several hours of searching, including with K9s and drones. However, she was not cooperative. Lane County Mobile Crisis Services responded at the request of deputies. She was then transported to an area hospital by MCS.  

Please follow these tips to stay safe when you explore the outdoors in our county: – Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. – Know conditions before you leave – rain in the valley can mean ice up high! – Be prepared to stay out overnight – even if you don’t plan to get out of your car. – Bring maps for offline navigation – cell service can be spotty! – If you go on the water, ALWAYS wear a life jacket!  

Nearly every week, Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue deputies and volunteers assist our residents and visitors in all types of environments. Learn more about our Search & Rescue program or donate to their work at: www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/volunteers/search_and_rescue

Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue continues search for missing Springfield man

12/9/25 – LCSO Case 25-5926 – On December 6th at 9 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies were notified that Erik Everardo Aguilar-Cisneros, 32, of Springfield, had gone missing while mushroom picking with several friends. The group had been in the area of Hadsall Creek Road, south of Mapleton.  

Deputies and detectives responded to investigate, and Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (SAR) began an intensive search of the area. SAR deputies and volunteers have continued searching each day and into the night, employing ground searchers, K9s, and drones. The terrain in the area is extremely rugged, often requiring the use of ropes to access drainages.  

Aguilar-Cisneros is described as a Hispanic male, 5’11” tall, weighing 220 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last known to be wearing a black raincoat, black rain pants, and a black-and-red baseball hat.  

While investigators believe he is lost in the area, anyone with information is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 option 1.

Deputies arrest man for multiple felonies after incident at McCredie Hot Springs

12/9/25 – LCSO Case 25-5951 Lane Co. Sheriff’s Office – 12/10/25 8:11 AM   On December 9th at 2 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to McCredie Hot Springs, 10 miles east of Oakridge, for a report of a dispute with shots fired. While deputies spoke with a witness in Oakridge, the suspect vehicle drove by on Highway 58.  

A deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. After a brief pursuit, the vehicle stopped in a driveway. The driver, Scott Alan Benson, 44, of Riddle, was uncooperative but detained without incident. A passenger in the vehicle was cooperative. The residence where Benson stopped was unrelated.  

Deputies observed a revolver on the seat of the truck. A search of the vehicle revealed two additional firearms, both rifles with homemade suppressors, and other evidence. After additional investigation, Benson, a felon, was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on the following charges: – Three counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm – Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon – Unlawful Possession of a Silencer – Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine – Attempt to Elude by Vehicle – Recklessly Endangering Another Person  

Benson was also lodged on a parole violation warrant on an original conviction of Felon in Possession of a Weapon and other charges.   Due to the time of night and remote location of the call, several deputies remained on duty after their shifts to assist with the investigation and to provide patrol coverage for the greater Eugene/Springfield area. However, a burglary in progress was then reported north of Florence. The two remaining deputies responded, leaving no main office patrol deputies in the valley. Florence Police Department assisted with the burglary, which was mental health related and no arrest was made.

BCSO Releases Tattoo Images in Effort to Identify Deceased Man Found in Willamette River

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is releasing photographs of two tattoos found on an unidentified adult male who was discovered deceased in the Willamette River on November 29, 2025. Investigators are sharing these images due to the absence of leads and the urgent need to identify the individual.

Deputies recovered the man around 4:15 p.m. near river mile 122 on the west side of the river by Hyak Park after a river-goer reported seeing a body floating in the water. The individual does not match any known missing persons in the region.

Investigators have confirmed these are the only two tattoos located on the individual:

• A color tattoo on the upper left arm depicting a sea-goat figure, possibly representing the Capricorn zodiac symbol (December 22–January 19).
• A black-and-white tattoo on the right ribcage featuring a jester, with the phrase “Life’s all fun & games until the joke is on You” written in cursive.

In addition to the tattoos, the man has a distinct scar located above the navel. Race remains undetermined at this time.

Investigators estimate the man had been in the water for at least a week before he was recovered.

Images of the tattoos have been released to assist with identification. BCSO typically withholds such personal details to allow families to receive information privately; however, due to the lack of leads, investigators believe releasing these images may help bring closure to this case.

Anyone who recognizes these tattoos or has information that may help identify the individual is urged to contact the BCSO at entonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov“>BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call 541-753-8477 (TIPS).

The man’s name will be released once identification is confirmed and next of kin have been notified.                                                 

Eugene Police Ends Contract With Flock Safety

Effective immediately, the Eugene Police Department has ended its contract with its current Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) vendor, Flock Safety.

The department has identified vulnerabilities and limitations that raise concerns about the system’s ability to meet EPD’s operational needs, data security requirements, and community expectations. After further evaluation and internal discussion, the department has decided to discontinue the contract. 

Eugene Police’s ALPR system experience has demonstrated the value of leveraging ALPR technology to aid investigations, apprehend felony suspects, and recover stolen vehicles more quickly. However, the department must ensure that any vendors meet the highest standards for safeguards surrounding privacy, data handling, data security, and system reliability.

Springfield Police Department Announces Temporary Covering and Pending Removal of Flock ALPR Cameras

Date: December 5th, 2025  

More Information: Public Information Coordinator | spdpi@springfield-or.gov           

Completed By: Deputy Chief George Crolly          

The Springfield Police Department (SPD) announced today that all Flock automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras within the city will be covered in the coming days, pending their full removal.

This decision follows information recently brought to the department’s attention regarding Eugene Police Department’s Flock ALPR cameras, as EPD identified vulnerabilities and limitations that raise concerns about the system’s ability to meet operational needs, data security requirements, and community expectations.

“Our responsibility is to safeguard both the integrity of investigative tools and the trust our community places in us,” Deputy Chief George Crolly said in a statement. “Given what we have learned, we do not have confidence that the current system provides the level of control and assurance we require.”

This move does not represent a shift away from ALPR technology itself. SPD will continue to work closely with the community and our law enforcement partners, including the Eugene Police Department, to identify tools that Police can use to enhance public safety.

“ALPR remains a valuable tool for modern law enforcement. We will be seeking ALPR options that meet our standards for data security, system transparency, and operational control. As we move forward, we intend to continue our work with community members to ensure those expectations are clear and are met”, said Police Chief Jami Resch.

Fatal Crash – Highway 58 – Lane County

– On Friday, December 5, 2025, at 2:14 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 58, near milepost 51, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Audi Q5, operated by Jessica Nicole Ingoglia (37) of Klamath Falls, left the lane of travel for unknown reasons, crossed the eastbound lane, and struck a dirt embankment.

The operator of the Audi (Jessica Ingoglia), who was not wearing a seatbelt, was declared deceased at the scene.

A passenger in the vehicle, Clifford Gary Ingoglia (37) of Klamath Falls, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

A female juvenile (8) passenger suffered critical injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for two hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation. OSP was assisted by Oakridge Fire and EMS.

Eugene Police Does Not Participate in Immigration Enforcement Activities

“The Eugene Police Department (EPD) does not participate in federal immigration enforcement and is legally prohibited from doing so under both state law and local ordinance. We are here to serve every resident and visitor, including our immigrant community.

Eugene is committed to being a welcoming, safe, and inclusive city for everyone (Resolution 5174). The City has strong protections in place to ensure that community members can report crimes or concerns to police without fear of involvement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Everyone deserves safety, dignity, and equal access to justice, and that starts with feeling safe to seek help. Eugene has taken additional steps to reinforce these protections. On March 13, 2017, the City Council unanimously adopted the Protection for Individuals Ordinance (Ordinance 20579). This ordinance prohibits the use of City resources, including funding, equipment, or personnel such as Eugene Police officers, for the purpose of detecting or apprehending individuals solely based on immigration status. Our City Council also adopted Resolution 5073, establishing a Statement of Principles for Immigrant Integration.

Oregon has been a sanctuary state for nearly 40 years, and Eugene continues to uphold the values behind that law: fairness, inclusion, and community trust. Local and state law enforcement officers are not responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws. In Oregon, it is illegal for police to:

• Collaborate with ICE
• Participate in federal immigration enforcement
• Ask about a person’s immigration status
• Collect or request immigration status information, with very limited exceptions.

Eugene Police Department Identification and Oversight

Federal agents may wear uniforms with the word POLICE on them, which may cause confusion about Eugene Police officers being involved in immigration enforcement actions happening in our community. Here are some tips on how to identify our officers:

• Eugene Police Officers wear uniforms with badges and patches or drive marked vehicles.

• Detectives and specialized teams may wear plain clothes but are required to identify themselves when asked.

• Eugene Police officers do not participate in immigration enforcement activities.

Eugene Police officers are prohibited from using any resources to support immigration enforcement. The Department is held accountable through one of the most robust oversight systems in Oregon, including an Independent Police Auditor and a Civilian Review Board. They will investigate any reported involvement of Eugene Police officers in immigration activities not authorized by state and local law.

As your chief of police, I want to make sure you know our commitment to serve and protect every person in our community. We are here for you.” Chief Chris Skinner 

Lane County Sheriff’s Office – Sheriff Wilkerson recently discussed our limited patrol staffing with the Board of County Commissioners. Listen in to some of the highlights: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1542511006898378

Willamette Valley Crisis Care

Save the date! Join WVCC in efforts to bring community responder services to Eugene. Falling Sky December 18th, 5-8pm. Live music, holiday joy, and WVCC stickers for any donation amount at the door. $1 drinks with purchase of a burger.

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

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.

After Jan. 31, 2026, PacificSource members will be automatically moved to Trillium. If a current provider isn’t part of Trillium’s provider network, Trillium will send advance notice and help find a new provider. In some cases, members with out-of-network providers can still request authorization for specific covered services. 

Regardless of whether the provider is in Trillium’s network, most members under the Oregon Health Plan will continue to receive physical health and dental care for another 30 days, as well as behavioral health for another 60 days.

Those with Medicare and Medicaid will continue to receive physical, dental, and behavioral health care for another 90 days. Members with high-risk conditions can finish the treatment they started as a PacificSource member.

Here are details about the remaining two meetings intended for Medicaid members who will be switching to Trillium, both have virtual options: 

• Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.,Siuslaw Public Library, 1460 Ninth St., Florence.
• Thursday, Dec. 11, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Graduate by Hilton Eugene, 66 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene.

More information can be found at Oregon Health Authority’s website. For general questions, comments, or concerns, email CCOSpecialprojects@oha.oregon.gov

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

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!

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 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. 

December SNAP Update: Benefits issued like normal, compromised cards turned off and replaced

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on its normal monthly schedule in December, following disruptions in November due to the federal government shutdown. SNAP plays a major role in Oregon’s food security and economy. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, contributing an estimated $1.6 billion to Oregon’s economy each year.

“Every month hundreds of thousands of children, older adults and hard-working families and individuals depend on getting their SNAP food benefits on time to get enough food,” said ODHS Director Liesl Wendt. “After last month’s uncertainty and disruptions, we are grateful to be able to return to issuing SNAP food benefits when and how people expect us to. We also recommend that people take simple steps today to protect their EBT cards. By changing your PIN, locking your cards and blocking online and out-of-state purchases you can keep your benefits safe.”

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

At the same time, with a significant amount of theft by skimming of EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards in Oregon and nationwide, ODHS is doing everything it can to protect people. This week, ODHS turned off and replaced more than 1,300 EBT cards after detecting card-skimming activity in the Coos Bay and North Bend area.

EBT cards compromised by skimmers were turned off and replaced to protect benefits.

On Dec. 2, ODHS turned off 1,350 EBT cards from the Coos Bay and North Bend area that were known to be compromised by EBT card skimming due to devices being attached on payment machines. ODHS automatically sent new EBT cards to households whose cards were turned off to prevent fraud and they should be received by mail in five days. People who need a new EBT card urgently can visit their local ODHS office to get a replacement card right away.

If your EBT card suddenly stops working:

• Check your EBT balance at https://ebtEDGE.com or using the ebtEDGE mobile app. If you see a balance amount that is different than what you expected, your benefits may have been stolen. ODHS does not support any other EBT management apps or websites.
• If you see a balance, but your EBT card is still not working, it may have been turned off to prevent fraud. You can call the ONE Customer Service Center (800-699-9075) or your local ODHS office (https://bit.ly/ODHSoffices) to determine if that was the case.

Most theft occurs in the beginning of the month immediately after SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (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.

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:​
  • 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.

How to request replacement for TANF benefits

ODHS can replace TANF benefits that are lost due to fraud. TANF families who believe benefits have been stolen 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 SNAP benefits.

BLM Launches “One Dollar, One Tree” Holiday Savings Across Local Public Lands

New fee reductions and expanded cutting areas offer meaningful savings for families this winter

The Bureau of Land Management has announced a series of holiday affordability measures that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention efforts across Oregon and Washington during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits. Local BLM offices are also opening new cutting areas in overstocked woodlands to provide families with more opportunities to gather their own firewood and Christmas trees, while also supporting forest thinning and hazardous fuel reduction.

 “Here in Oregon and Washington, families rely on public lands for tradition, recreation, and essential resources,” said Barry Bushue, BLM OR/WA State Director. “These fee reductions and expanded access make it easier for people to gather firewood and Christmas trees close to home, all while helping us reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.”

These actions align with the Trump administration’s mission to lower costs for American families and will contribute to national savings estimated at more than $9.4 million this holiday season.

Effective immediately, the BLM will:

• Reduce fees for personal-use Christmas tree and firewood permits.
• Increase household limits to up to 10 cords of firewood and up to three Christmas trees, with flexibility to adjust limits in areas with abundant resources.

These steps will help reduce household costs, expand access to local woodlands, and improve forest conditions by removing overstocked or hazardous fuels. The BLM will continue coordinating with community partners, tribal governments and local organizations to share information about permit availability and new cutting areas.

Residents can find up-to-date information on permit locations, cutting area maps, and safety guidance at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/forests-and-woodlands/forest-product-permits/oregon-christmas-trees

-BLM- The BLM manages roughly 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek confirms she will be seeking reelection in 2026

The governor sought to frame herself as a protector of Oregon values who could support working families, as the state battles sluggish economic growth and rising unemployment which is happening all across the whole United States now

Governor Tina Kotek formally announced her 2026 reelection bid Thursday, leaving her less than a year to convince Oregonians she remains the best choice to lead the state. 

The news came after weeks of clear signals that Kotek, whose campaign has been emailing supporters for months to fundraise, was officially gearing up for the November 2026 election. Kotek’s most prominent political opponent, state Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby revealed in late October that she would be trying her hand for the governorship again, teeing up a possible rematch with a rival who came within a few percentage points of defeating her in 2022. 

As Oregon battles sluggish economic growth and rising unemployment, Kotek framed herself as a champion of the state’s values who was aware of the plight of working families. Kotek, a Pennsylvania native who began her career as an advocate for the Oregon Food Bank, rose to political prominence as the state’s longest-serving House Speaker from 2013 to 2022. She worked to pass progressive policies in the Legislature before becoming one of the nation’s two first openly lesbian governors alongside Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey. 

On Thursday, Kotek highlighted her central role in fighting President Donald Trump’s attempted deployment of the National Guard to Portland and his administration’s opposition to releasing food assistance during the recent government shutdown.

“We stopped an unnecessary military deployment, restored SNAP benefits and got help to families fast,” Kotek said in a Thursday morning statement. “The choice is between a governor who will stand up for Oregon and protect what we believe in, or a governor who will let Donald Trump do whatever he wants.” 

The official “Tina for Oregon” announcement marks a notable shift in tone from when Kotek announced her 2022 bid and denounced “the politics of division” on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, her approval ratings have ranked among some of the most unpopular Democratic and Republican governors. 

One of her most high-profile controversies involved the nixed “Office of the First Spouse” Kotek was considering creating in 2024 amid scrutiny over multiple departures of staff from her office. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission went on to dismiss complaints against her on the grounds that there was no evidence that Kotek or her wife would benefit from an unpaid volunteer position. 

But a challenger to Kotek will likely face an uphill battle, with the most recent Republican Oregon governor winning election in the 1980s. Results from off-year and special elections suggest the upcoming election year will also be difficult for Republicans, who have majorities in both chambers of Congress while an unpopular Republican president holds office. A recent poll of Oregon voters commissioned by the Democratic Governor’s Association found that 61% of respondents prefer a candidate who will challenge Trump’s policies, while 34% said they were in favor of someone who will implement them.

Kotek could also face headwinds due to the ongoing limbo facing the $4.3 billion transportation package that the Legislature struggled to get across the finish line this year. Drazan in June led House Republicans in effectively running out the clock and preventing the effort from moving forward. That left Democrats to pass an emergency funding measure during a lengthy special session through increases in the state’s gas tax, vehicle registration and title fees and a transit payroll tax. 

The Republican lawmakers now leading a push to place the measure on the November 2026 ballot for voters to undo the tax and fee hikes have reported receiving nearly double the 78,116 signatures needed. Political observers have speculated that Oregon lawmakers may work to schedule the measure for the May 2026 primary election instead of running their general election candidates while defending unpopular tax hikes. 

That approach could make a difference for Kotek, who won her race in 2022 against Drazan by more than 3 percentage points. Nonaffiliated challenger Betsy Johnson, a former conservative Democratic state senator from the North Coast, received 8.6% of the vote. Oregon Democrats “can’t risk the potential collateral damage to their candidates from the shrapnel when the bill explodes,” lobbyist Rick Metsger of the Salem-based Pac/West Lobby Group, who is also a former Oregon state senator, wrote in a newsletter Tuesday.

Kotek’s announcement also came alongside a flurry of endorsements from prominent Oregon Democrats, nurses, clinicians, ironworkers, construction unions, carpenters, gun control and LGBTQ+ advocates. Her campaign referred to her accomplishments in creating Oregon’s first statewide shelter program for housing, producing affordable housing units and more than 6,000 beds. It also pointed to investments in early childhood education and summer learning.

But some of the governor’s own areas of accomplishment have also come with vulnerabilities. 

The number of residential permits issued in Oregon has been on the decline in the past few years, while homelessness has risen more than 60% in Multnomah County since 2023. Despite Oregon’s participation in the West Coast Health Alliance for safeguarding vaccine access, the state offered a slower response than other Democrat-led states for guaranteeing COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to residents. Some Oregonians began traveling to Washington to receive the shot.

The governor, however, has appeared to take one of the biggest criticisms against her to heart. She unveiled a “prosperity roadmap” on Tuesday at a semiconductor manufacturing company in Tualatin with the goal of reforming permit systems, increasing global trade and providing corporate tax incentives. She is set to speak with business leaders from around the state in Portland on Monday for the annual Oregon Business Plan leadership summit.

Drazan, in the meantime, quickly fired back at the governor’s announcement. She accused Kotek of wanting Oregonians to “believe this race is about Washington, D.C., when it’s really about our home.”

 “This is Oregon’s time of choosing. This is our chance to choose a brighter future for our families — not the broken promises and stalled progress of her time in office,” Drazan said in a Thursday statement. “We can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Our state has everything it needs to be the best place in America to raise a family, build a home, start a business and receive a world-class education. But we won’t get there with Tina Kotek — we need new leadership.”

Campaign finance records as of Thursday show that Kotek’s campaign has around $1.8 million in cash on hand, compared to Drazan’s more than $850,000. Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, the other prominent Republican running for the nomination, has more than $63,000 in available funds. Another potential Republican candidate, the ex-Portland Trail Blazer Chris Dudley who came within less than 2 percentage points of winning the 2010 Oregon governor’s race, has yet to make an announcement about his decision. (SOURCE)

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…

ONA Statement on Hospital Closures in Oregon: Vibra Specialty Hospital of Portland and Ashland Community Hospital

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) strongly condemns the recent decisions to close Vibra Specialty Hospital in Portland and to eliminate inpatient surgical services and the birthing center at Asante Ashland Community Hospital. These closures represent a devastating loss of critical healthcare access for Oregonians, forcing patients to travel farther for care, increasing risks in emergencies, and placing additional strain on an already overburdened health system.

Vibra Specialty Hospital, Oregon’s only long-term acute care facility, is slated to shut down on February 1, 2026. This closure will eliminate 310 jobs, including positions for nurses, therapists, and support staff, while forcing medically complex patients who require extended, specialized care to remain longer in traditional hospitals or seek treatment out of state. Similarly, Asante’s Ashland Community Hospital closure threatens essential services in Southern Oregon, compounding the impact of rural hospital closures statewide and forcing patients to travel farther for necessary care.

These closures are part of a broader crisis fueled by healthcare funding cuts under the Trump administration and the increasing corporatization of healthcare, which prioritizes profit over patients and community needs. The result is fewer local options for patients and a strained healthcare system.

Oregon’s patients and healthcare workers deserve a system that prioritizes public health over profit. We need robust, long-term investments in healthcare—not hospital closures and funding cuts. 

###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.

OHA urges vaccinations as flu activity rises, holidays approach  

– As influenza activity increases over the next two months before its expected peak in early spring, health officials urge everyone to get their flu vaccine, particularly as people gather indoors to celebrate the holidays. 

So far, hospitalizations remain low. But the percentage of positive flu tests is on the rise.

“The flu season generally continues into the spring, which means flu activity will continue to increase for many months,” said Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division. “That’s why it’s never too late to get the flu vaccine.”

Chiou added that getting vaccinated now is especially important. “People will leave Thanksgiving, not only with leftovers, but also with the flu. It’s not too late to get your flu shot, especially before the upcoming holidays. The flu shot is the best way to help make sure you don’t miss out on holiday festivities or get other people sick.”

Last year’s flu season in Oregon was the worst in the state’s recent history. OHA releases the latest information on the flu season in its weekly FluBites report. Information on flu activity can also be found on Oregon’s Respiratory Virus Data dashboard.

Flu is a contagious, respiratory tract infection caused by the influenza virus.

Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy and runny nose, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. It can result in mild to severe illness, including hospitalization and death.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend seasonal flu vaccination for everyone ages 6 months or older.

Nearly 1 million people in Oregon have been vaccinated so far this year, which is about 5% lower than at the same time last year. The flu vaccination rate has been in decline for several years.

Certain groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant people and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for serious complications from influenza.

The hospitalization rate is highest for people ages 65 and older, but flu seasons are unpredictable and even young and healthy people can develop severe disease.

The best way people can protect themselves and others is by getting a flu vaccine every year.

People can get the COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, county public health clinic or federally qualified health center. Parents and caregivers of children can also search for a clinic by calling 211 or visiting 211info.org.  — This video reminds people not to let influenza take us out of the picture this year. 

Wyden says Coast Guard has promised rescue helicopter will stay in Newport

The city and Lincoln County sued the Trump administration last month after the helicopter was abruptly relocated to a base in North Bend.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden announced on Thursday that the U.S. Coast Guard has promised it will keep a Newport-based rescue helicopter in place at the Newport Municipal Airport, after previously relocating it to Coast Guard Station North Bend, about 70 miles to the south near Coos Bay. 

The news comes about two weeks after Oregon, Lincoln County, Newport and the nonprofit Newport Fishermen’s Wives sued the Trump administration to get the helicopter back. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on Nov. 24, ordering the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to return the helicopter while the legal case plays out.

Newport and Lincoln County officials first raised concerns in early November, reporting that the helicopter had been relocated in late October without public notice, and without clear information about whether the change was permanent or if it would still be available for Newport on a part-time basis.

Officials and residents alike said the move would create a safety hazard for the many fishing vessels and tourist boats based out of Newport. The helicopter has been based in a small Coast Guard facility within the Newport airport since the 1980s and is frequently deployed for rescue missions out on the ocean, where the risk of hypothermia is high and every minute counts.

Joint Task Force, Medford Police Arrests Suspect at Parole Office for Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse, Suspect Moved to Oregon Due to Sex Offender Laws

MPD Case 25-5748 MEDFORD, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force and Medford Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect Thursday, December 4 at the Jackson County Parole and Probation Office in Medford. The suspect, Brennan Alan Humes, 47, of Medford, is charged with 10 counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and a parole violation for first-degree possession of materials depicting sexually explicit conduct of a child. He is lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

The arrest followed a search warrant served by SOCET after investigators discovered images of child exploitation had been uploaded from a residence in Medford. Detectives interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties, and continued their investigation. According to witness statements, the suspect moved to Oregon due to the sex offender laws.

SOCET, MPD, and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives served the search warrant Thursday, May 8, at a residence in the 300 block of Golf View Drive. SOCET and MPD began the investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence. While investigators served the search warrant, Jackson County Parole and Probation assisted with the suspect interview.

The Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF) also assisted in the investigation. During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which were forensically examined by SOHTCTF for further evidence of child exploitation. During their examination, SOHTCTF located numerous Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) images and videos on multiple devices.  

SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO, MPD, Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County. SOHTCTF is a joint inter-agency task force that consists of investigators from JCSO, HSI, and MPD. There is no further information available for release.

Two new groups of healthcare providers declare strikes against Legacy and pledge to join APPs on the picket line 

 — In a major escalation, advanced practice providers (APPs) from Legacy Go Health clinics and Legacy Pediatric have voted to launch solidarity strikes to join the 140 APPs from Legacy’s hospitals and clinics already on strike. The 80 members launching the solidarity strikes are also represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). 

Late last week, the two APP groups at Legacy Go Health and Legacy Pediatric APPs—representing nurse practitioners and physician associates across the Portland Metro area and SW Washington—voted overwhelmingly to stand with their striking colleagues. 

Both groups cited concerns about patient care, staffing, equity across the healthcare system and Legacy management’s refusal to bargain fairly as key reasons for joining the strike line. 

“We didn’t take this vote lightly,” said Sara Lopez, a physician associate (PA) at Legacy Go Health clinics. “Our patients rely on us every day, but we also rely on a system that treats providers fairly and ensures care is safe and sustainable. Standing with our colleagues is the only way to move Legacy toward a solution that supports both providers and patients.” 

“APPs across Legacy provide excellent medical care to Legacy patients but many of us feel that our contributions go unrecognized. We unified to address compensation that is below market value, inadequate staffing, and workload demands that impact patient safety and provider well-being,” said Jordyn Luttrell, DNP, a Legacy Pediatrics APP. “We’re joining the strike because the problems affecting our colleagues today will affect all Legacy APPs tomorrow unless something changes.” 

Striking APPs at Legacy’s hospitals and clinics welcomed the show of unity from APPs at Go Health and Pediatrics. 

“This is what solidarity looks like,” said April Callister, a physician associate who is currently on strike. “Legacy has been counting on divisions between clinics and specialties to maintain the status quo. By standing together, we are sending a clear message: we want a fair contract, safe staffing, and a system that respects the work we do.” 

What is a solidarity strike? 
A solidarity strike is a legally-protected work stoppage in which a group of employees refuse to work in order to support another bargaining unit engaged in a labor dispute. 

Background
Legacy Go Health APPs won their NLRB election in January 2025. The ONA-represented bargaining unit includes about 50 nurse practitioners and physician associates working in immediate care clinics across the state. The Legacy Pediatric APP bargaining unit, which unionized in August 2025, represents about 30 nurse practitioners and physician associates delivering specialized pediatric care in the Portland area and SW Washington.

ONA leaders say the expanding strike reflects widespread frustration with Legacy’s bargaining approach and with APPs’ working conditions systemwide. When Legacy management finally returned to the bargaining table on Monday, December 8, they showed little interest in meaningful mediation and announced they would not meet again with striking APPs until December 18. 

No notice has been given, and the length of the strikes has not been determined. The work stoppages will coincide with the strike already underway by 140 APPs represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).

PRIOR RELEASE — After four days of striking, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) was informed by federal mediators that Legacy management had agreed to mediation and to returning to the bargaining table — a step they had previously declined.

The first day of mediation will be Monday, December 8. The strike will continue during mediation.APPs have consistently communicated their willingness to negotiate at any time to avoid a strike. Legacy management, however, had not previously accepted federal mediation and did not participate in bargaining during the 10-day notice period before the strike.

We appreciate that Legacy is now prepared to take part in mediation, though this progress comes after significant delay. We encourage Legacy to engage constructively in the mediation process, negotiate in good faith, and work toward a contract that reflects the important contributions of APPs, recruits and retains APPs, and supports high-quality patient care. A timely contract will allow APPs to return to caring for their patients and communities.

# # #  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.

Asante is preparing to convert the local Ashland Community Hospital into a satellite campus of Rogue Regional Medical Center, to ensure continued access to services despite financial difficulties in the community.

By the spring of 2026, the hospital will operate as an extension of Rogue Regional, which is located in Medford. Ashland Community Hospital will retain its 24/7 Emergency Department and critical outpatient services, such as surgery, lab, and imaging, at its existing Maple Street site. However, the hospital will discontinue its inpatient and obstetrics services.

Asante reported that Ashland Community Hospital experienced a rise in emergency and outpatient visits over the past year, yet recorded only 37 births from Ashland residents in 2025.

Oregon legislation has placed hospitals in a challenging position, making this transition the only viable option for the hospital to continue offering essential healthcare services.

Three individuals have been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for possible charges related to the pursuit or harassment of wildlife following a tumultuous incident on Black Friday involving a black bear.

Oregon State Police troopers responded to the 4900 block of Sams Valley Road on the morning of November 28 after receiving reports of an animal bite. According to the OSP, the incident commenced when a group of individuals halted their vehicles to photograph and approach a small bear, ultimately cornering the animal against a fence.

The situation intensified when a woman attempted to feed the bear a dog treat, prompting the agitated animal to charge and bite her. The woman was subsequently transported to Rogue Regional Medical Center with a serious bite injury.

Another bystander was also charged by the animal, which was shot and killed. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) confirmed that the bear was a 76-pound female, estimated to be around 1.5 years old.

Troopers collected the bear as evidence, and ODFW is currently conducting tests on the animal for rabies, with results anticipated this week.

A 57 year-old Oregon man with a lengthy history of stalking survivors of shootings and the parents of school shooting victims has been apprehended once more.

Kevin Purfield was taken into custody by OHSU Police last week due to a series of stalking incidents.

According to court documents, prosecutors allege that Purfield has been stalking the parent of a Sandy Hook murder victim since 2013, and his behavior has recently intensified. The parent involved now works at OHSU.

They report that Purfield has made phone calls, sent messages, and mailed items to their residence. In one instance, he even contacted OHSU to inquire whether the parent was employed there, stating that “he was going to get what was coming to him” for reporting Purfield to the FBI.

On November 25, Purfield was issued a temporary restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting the parent’s home or workplace.

Prosecutors assert that he disregarded the TRO, leaving voicemails on at least ten occasions, including reaching out to the parent and claiming that his daughter was never killed.

He also called OHSU to ask if the hospital’s Chief of Police had ever visited a well-known cancer researcher’s home, remarking that “the view from the deck is beautiful”.

Douglas County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Dealing and Felon in Possession of Firearms

Glenn Allen Gearhart, 51, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on October 18, 2024, Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) detectives executed a search warrant on Gearhart’s residence and found evidence of drug dealing including methamphetamine, cocaine, drug records, a set of digital scales, packaging material, four loaded magazines, and ammunition. Just prior to the execution of the search warrant, Gearhart fled from deputies before hitting another vehicle and crashing into a patrol car.

Gearhart had more than $5,000, fentanyl, and a round of ammunition on him. In his vehicle, he possessed a stolen pistol, an AR-style rifle, a short-barrel shotgun, another shotgun, and two ammunition cans full of ammunition.

On June 13, 2025, Gearhart was charged by information with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm.

On August 5, 2025, Gearhart pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm.

This case was investigated by DINT and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sweet.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

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)

ODHS encourages people in Oregon 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.

Powerball Jackpot Nears $1 Billion – Second Largest This Year

 For the second time this year, Powerball players have a chance to win a jackpot close to $1 billion. Wednesday’s drawing climbed to an estimated $930 million – ranking as the seventh largest Powerball jackpot ever.

Since the current jackpot run began on September 7, Oregon has seen 453,136 winners and more than $2 million in total Powerball game winnings.

“Playing the Powerball when the jackpot is this high gives players the opportunity to dream,” said Oregon Lottery’s Player Services Manager Heidi Quiring. “You can imagine what the holiday season would be like with extra money for gifts and surprises.”

Oregon Lottery retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, a retail location that sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus.

In 2024, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, his wife, and friend together shared a Powerball jackpot worth $1.3 million. The prize was life changing for Saephan and by far the biggest prize ever won in Oregon. Previously, the largest Powerball prize won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005. The biggest Powerball ever won in history was a $2.04 billion jackpot in 2022 by a player in California.

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.

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

2026 16th Annual New Year’s Day Peace Hike

View the Future Announces the 16th Annual New Year’s Day Peace Hike: A Community Commemoration of Resilience and Remembrance –Yachats, Oregon

View the Future is proud to announce the 2026 16th Annual Peace Hike, an honored community tradition that brings residents, visitors, Tribal members, and partners together in reflection, unity, and hope for the year ahead.

Held each January, the Peace Hike commemorates the cultural history and enduring resilience of the Tribal peoples who once lived in the lands we now call home. This year’s event continues that legacy, honoring stories of remembrance while celebrating the strength of community stewardship.Participants are invited to join the hike, learn from cultural speakers, and stand together in honor of the past, present, and future. Community members, families, and visitors are all welcome.

Event Details

• Event: 16th Annual New Year’s Day Peace Hike
• Date:  January 1, 2026 – 8:30am-1pm
• Location:  Yachats, Oregon

For additional information including the schedule of events and ways to get involved, please visit: https://www.viewthefuture.org/2026-16th-annual-peace-hike

About View the Future — View the Future is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting natural lands, restoring ecosystems, and ensuring long-term community resilience. Through conservation work, public education, and meaningful partnerships, View the Future strives to safeguard the places we love for generations to come.

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