Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 12/31 – Quick News, Weather Updates and Tips for a Safe and Happy New Years Weekend

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 31, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

Winter is here! 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

The Quadrantid Meteor Shower and The Full Moon on January 3rd

To see the Quadrantid meteor shower, look to the northeast sky after midnight until dawn, ideally with the moon at your back, finding a spot far from city lights and lying on your back with feet pointed northeast to see meteors streak across the sky in all directions. This Northern Hemisphere shower peaks with its radiant near the Big Dipper, producing bright fireballs and best viewed during its sharp peak in early January, especially the morning of January 4th. 

The Quadrantid meteor shower is active (and visible) between Dec. 28 and Jan. 12, and will peak overnight Jan. 3-4.

To best see the Quadrantid meteor shower, go to the darkest possible location, lean back and relax. You don’t need equipment like telescopes or binoculars as the secret is to take in as much sky as possible and allow about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.

The next full moon will be on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. It will officially reach its full moon phase at 5:03 a.m. EST (1003 GMT), but local moonrise times vary depending on location.The moon will still appear full the night before and after its peak to the casual stargazer.

Most of the time, the full moon isn’t perfectly full. We always see the same side of the moon, but part of it is in shadow, due to the moon’s rotation. Only when the moon, Earth and the sun are perfectly aligned is the moon 100% full.

• Best Time: Look toward the eastern horizon at sunset on January 2nd or 4th for the moonrise, or the western horizon at sunrise on January 3rd for the moonset.
• The “Moon Illusion”: Watching the moon rise or set near familiar objects makes it seem dramatically larger.

The Wolf Moon is the traditional name for the full moon in January, named because wolves were often heard howling at this time during the harsh winter, though it’s now known they howl for communication, not just hunger. This name, originating from Native American and European traditions, signifies the middle of winter, with other names like the Cold Moon or Freeze-Up Moon reflecting the season’s severity. The first Wolf Moon of 2026 is also a supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter, and occurs around January 3rd, coinciding with the Quadrantid meteor shower, though the bright moonlight might obscure many meteors. 

Deputies working DUI enforcement overtime during the holidays

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office does not have a dedicated traffic team or deputy assigned to DUI enforcement due to lack of funding. However, our deputies are committed to the safety of our community, and that includes our roadways.  

Deputies will be conducting targeted DUI enforcement on state grant-funded overtime. Please don’t be their next traffic stop!   – Plan your safe ride home ahead of time – If you drink or use drugs, do not drive for any reason – If you know someone has been drinking or using drugs, don’t let them drive – If you host a party with alcohol, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver – And please, always wear your seatbelt!   Drive safe this holiday season!  

Eugene Police Department – Today is the last day! We’re collecting new, cozy hoodies for high school-aged kids in our community who could use a little extra warmth this winter.

If you’d like to help, you can drop off donations at any of these locations:

• Eugene Police Headquarters – 300 Country Club Rd
• Downtown Public Safety Station -960 Olive St
• Kendall Toyota – 373 Goodpasture Island Rd
• Kendall Lexus – 330 Goodpasture Island Rd
• Kendall Ford – 344 Goodpasture Island Rd
• Kendall Subaru – 388 Goodpasture Island Rd
• Kendall Chevy – 846 Goodpasture Island Rd
• Kendall Value Lot – 20 Coburg Rd

A single hoodie can make a huge difference. Comfort, confidence, and a bit of relief during the cold months ahead. Gift cards are welcome. Please no cash.

Ducks Prepare for Orange Bowl on January 1st

The Ducks are officially in sunny Miami for a matchup against Texas Tech at the Orange Bowl!

Lane County Senior & Disability Services Needs Volunteers for Senior Meals Program

This holiday season, too many seniors in Lane County will spend their days in silence – without food, warmth, or a friendly face. You can change that and make a difference in our community.

Senior & Disability Services is urging residents to support the Senior Meals Program, which includes Meals on Wheels, by volunteering or donating. Volunteers play a crucial role in delivering meals, providing companionship, and conducting safety checks for homebound seniors.

“We are needing volunteers to step up across the county and help us deliver meals, help us package meals in order to meet the growing demand of Meals on Wheels across our community,” said Marisa Andrews, community program manager, Lane County Senior and Disability Services.

The organization is also participating in a national campaign by Meals on Wheels America to highlight senior isolation, inspired by the carol “Silent Night.” This campaign emphasizes the importance of community support, especially as demand for services rises amid federal funding cuts. See REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/707071019133999

Community members are encouraged to volunteer for Meals on Wheels or Café 60, ensuring these vital services continue. For those unable to volunteer, donations to the Senior Meals Program can help ensure no senior is left hungry or alone this season. Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LCOGSeniorAndDisabilityServices

Join the Senior Meals Program as a volunteer and help ensure no senior is left hungry or alone. Every meal delivered is more than food – it’s a lifeline. Sign up to volunteer today: https://bit.ly/3I8T7eP

Benton County blood drive offers chance to win Super Bowl trip

CORVALLIS, Ore. — Benton County Health Services will host a community blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, giving donors a chance to support lifesaving work and be entered to win a trip to the Super Bowl.

The Red Cross blood bus will be parked at 530 NW 27th St. in Corvallis from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code bentoncountyhealth. Donors can also schedule directly through the Red Cross Donor Portal.

“Giving blood is one of the simplest ways to help save lives, and hosting this drive makes it easy for our employees and the community to step up,” said Dianna Bagenski, onboarding and training coordinator with Benton County Health Services. “We’re grateful to everyone who takes the time to donate.”

As an added incentive, all donors who give blood between Jan. 1 and Jan. 25 will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in Southern California. Details about the giveaway are available at rcblood.org/SuperBowl

Blood donations help patients in emergencies, during surgeries and throughout ongoing medical treatment. Community participation is essential to maintaining a stable blood supply.

For more information or to download the Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org

State of Lane County to be held Monday, January 5

Lane County’s annual State of the County Address will take place on Monday, January 5, at 10:00 a.m. in Harris Hall (125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene).

Board of County Commissioners Chair David Loveall will look back at 2025 and help usher in the new year at Lane County Government.  

Local band the WINKS will perform. Erika Martinez Robison will sing the National Anthem, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office will lead the presentation of colors (flag ceremony).

Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend. The event will also be livestreamed at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/webcasts and broadcast on Comcast Channel 21 in the Eugene-Springfield area.

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!

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

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

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. 

Heads up, holiday travelers: Drivers are advised to exercise caution and check TripCheck.com for road conditions before traveling.

It’s the holiday season, when families gather, parties are scheduled and travel spikes. Safety should be top of mind. Following is tried-and-true advice to ensure your family remains safe and injury-free throughout the season.

Be Prepared

If you’re traveling this year, be sure your vehicle is in good running condition, get plenty of rest and be prepared for any emergency. Traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. Hundreds of people die every year in crashes on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, according to Injury Facts. Alcohol impairment is involved in about a third of these fatalities.

Stay safe on the roads over the holidays — and every day:

● Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency kit with you
● Get a good night’s sleep before departing and avoid drowsy driving
● Leave early, planning ahead for heavy traffic
● Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance traveled
● Put that cell phone away; many distractions occur while driving, but cell phones are the main culprit
● Practice defensive driving
● Designate a sober driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party; alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs can cause impairment

Check Conditions Before You Go 

• Expect delays and allow extra travel time. Rushed drivers are unsafe drivers. 
• Fill up your gas tank. Be prepared for taking longer detours or remaining idle for an extended periods of time due to traffic jams by having plenty of gas in your tank. 
• Visit TripCheck.com or call 511 for real‑time road conditions, chain requirements, and incident updates. 
• Make sure you have Wireless Emergency Alerts activated on your phone and are Signed up for emergency alerts for the area in Oregon you are visiting by going to ORAlert.gov and typing in your destination’s zip code. 
• If you are visiting another state, search for that state’s Department of Emergency Management and look for their instructions on how to receive alerts. 
• If you end up stuck in snow, keep your car running as much as possible to stay warm, but keep the area around your exhaust pipe clear.   

Give Snowplows Space 

• Never pass a snowplow. 
• Maintain a safe following distance—plows often create clouds of snow that reduce visibility. 
• Crews need room to operate safely; your patience helps keep everyone on the road safer. 
• For more safe winter driving tips visit the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Winter Driving Safety webpage, or read this article on Getting Ready for Winter Driving. 

Pack an Emergency Car Kit 

OEM recommends every vehicle carry: 

• Warm clothing and blankets 
• Water and non‑perishable food 
• Flashlight and extra batteries 
• Chains and traction devices 
• Ice scraper and shovel 
• First‑aid supplies 
• Phone charger and backup power 
• Sand or kitty litter for traction 
• Back up phone charger and hand cracked weather radio. 

New consumer protection laws go into effect Jan. 1, 2026

Several new consumer protection laws take effect immediately when the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2026. The Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services – the state’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency – is releasing an easy-to-follow guide on the new laws.

Here’s a look at what’s coming in January:

Senate Bill 605 prohibits health care providers from reporting medical debt to consumer reporting agencies and prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt on credit reports.

SB 692 requires the Oregon Health Plan and commercial health benefit plans to cover perinatal services, including services provided by doulas, lactation consultants, and lactation educators.

SB 699 expands an existing requirement for health insurance companies to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices in a variety of ways, such as by requiring coverage of devices medically necessary to perform physical exercises to maximize full-body function, including running, biking, swimming, and strength training.

SB 822 strengthens Oregon’s protections for access to health care services under a health benefit plan in a number of ways. It establishes quantifiable and enforceable standards for access to in-network covered services without unreasonable delay, requires that health plan networks account for the needs of diverse communities, and expands the existing law’s protections to cover state-regulated health benefit plans offered by large employers.

SB 1137 requires health benefit plans to cover autologous breast reconstruction procedures. These procedures use the patient’s own tissue either instead of or in addition to implants. The legislation also requires health insurance companies to cover these services out of network if in-network access is inadequate.

House Bill 2130 makes a variety of updates to the laws governing the Oregon Insurance Guaranty Association, which helps cover claims in the event of insurer insolvency when the insurance company no longer has enough funds to meet its obligations. Most significantly for consumers, the law doubles the limit for covered claims from $300,000 to $600,000, which will substantially reduce the risk of uncovered losses in the rare event of a claim against an insolvent insurer.

HB 2564 enhances Oregon’s health insurance rate review process for individual and small group health benefit plans by requiring health insurance companies to include a consumer-friendly summary document as part of their rate filings, to better enable public engagement with the rate review process. It also streamlines the process by removing unnecessary and redundant administrative steps.

HB 3064 requires health benefit plan coverage for a range of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies to treat the symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.

HB 3243 is intended to prevent surprise out-of-network ambulance bills. It prohibits ground ambulance service providers from balance billing an enrollee for covered ground ambulance services if the enrollee has paid the in-network cost-sharing amount. In turn, health benefit plans are required to reimburse ground ambulance services organizations at specified rates.

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

Oregon’s 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

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Have a Safe and Happy New Year’s

We’ll be back in the office on Monday, January 5, 2026