Willamette Valley News, Monday 1/5 – State of Lane County Today, Anti-War Rally & 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

Monday, January 5, 2026

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

State of Lane County Today

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.

The first Board of County Commissioners meeting of 2026 will be held the following day, Tuesday, January 6, at 9:00 a.m.

Hundreds of people gathered at Eugene’s downtown federal building expressing opposition to United States strikes in Venezuela, authorized by President Donald Trump, at an anti-war rally Saturday, January 3.

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

Traffic stop by sheriff’s deputy leads to drug dealing and gun charges

On December 31st, 2025 at 2 p.m., a deputy with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office observed a pickup with expired registration tags driving on River Road near Howard Avenue. The driver also appeared to be using a water pipe.

Deputies initiated a traffic stop and contacted the driver, Isaac James Spinks, 32, of Eugene. During a search of the vehicle, deputies located more than 29 grams of methamphetamine, two concealed, loaded handguns, counterfeit $20 bills, and other evidence.  

Spinks was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for the following charges: – Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine – Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine – Forgery in the 1st Degree – Two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Eugene Police Department – Six arrested for DUII over the January 1 holiday

There were six DUII arrests from January 1 through this morning. The first EPD case report of the year was for a DUII and there were two DUII cases involving crashes. 

Wagner Street — At 1:05 a.m. on January 2, a Eugene Police officer patrolling near the 4100 block of Wagner Street heard a vehicle with a loud exhaust. He was unable to locate the vehicle, but another officer located it and advised it was driving toward the officer’s location. The officer then spotted the sedan driving in his direction at what appeared to be a higher speed. He stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, 18-year-old Kaden Isaac Jones. Jones was driving while suspended (DUII) and had a male passenger in the back seat he had provided a ride to. The officer suspected Jones was impaired and after further investigation, Jones was cited in lieu of custody for DUII and his vehicle was towed. Case 26-00001

Glenwood Drive — At 2:45 a.m. on January 1, Eugene Police received a call regarding a verbal dispute at the Motel 6, 3690 Glenwood Drive. The involved were reported to be intoxicated. One of them, later identified as 29-year-old Teron Jordan Beck,  was reported to have driven away in a Jeep Cherokee, returned, but then tried to drive away again and crashed into a tree. Officers located him and after an investigation, took him into custody and transported him to a local hospital for treatment. His charges include DUII and Reckless Driving. Case 26-00009

I-105 at N. Delta Highway — At 9:37 a.m. on January 1, Eugene Police responded to I-105 westbound, west of the North Delta Highway exit after reports of a motor vehicle crash. A Toyota Scion had crashed into a concrete barrier and was occupied by four including two children. Eugene Springfield Fire responded to evaluate a 24-year-old woman and a child for injuries who were both transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. A responding officer suspected the driver, 25-year-old Alfred Thomas Moore, was impaired. An investigation found Moore’s driving privileges were suspended (violation level), there was no valid insurance for his vehicle and there was Probable Cause for his arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, and three counts of Recklessly Endangering. Moore was arrested and transported to Lane County Jail where he was lodged on his charges and provided citations for Driving While Suspended and Driving Uninsured. 26-00042

The DUII cases from December 31, 2025 through the morning of January 2, 2026 were:

26-00001

26-00005

26-00007

26-00009

26-00042

26-00046

Note on Citation in Lieu of Custody:

Police commonly issue citations in lieu of custody for some offenses. Citation in lieu of custody is not at violation-level offense, it is a criminal arrest. It saves time and resources with the same judicial outcomes. it can be a wise use of the public’s resources, reducing the cost associated with pretrial detention and saving jail space for other, higher-level offenders.

Eugene Public Library – Hello, Eugene!

Meet up with Library Director Angela Ocaña to chat and try a variety of coffees and snacks from around the world. You’re invited to join in on Sat., Jan. 10, 10 a.m. at the Downtown Library. Learn about all the library offers, share your viewpoints, and bring your questions.

Taking Another Look at What Happened to Fauna Frey

Fauna was grieving the recent death of her brother, Dallas, when she set off from Eugene in June of 2020 heading to Grants Pass on what her family believes was both a healing trip and a mission to deliver gifts, silver coins inherited from Dallas, to a few friends.

But somewhere between motel check-ins and checkouts, something went terribly wrong. Her Jeep was found months later. She was never seen again. http://bit.ly/4l63Dle

We will start resharing podcasts and articles. For starters here is a story from Danielle Denham that appeared in the June 29, 2025 edition of That Oregon Life. Ms Denham worked closely with us to insure that the facts she presented were accurate.

Check out the nine episodes of the podcast Nowhere to be Found, a comprehensive, in-depth, sensitive treatment of the details surrounding Fauna’s disappearance. Hear from Fauna’s father, John, and her friends. Posted in spring of 2022, Amanda Popineau shares Fauna’s journey and the mystery that surrounds it. Go to Nowhere to be Found Season Two: Episode One “Under A Half-Moon.” https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/s2e1-under-a-halfmoon/id1532686678?i=1000512098162

We want to remind people that Fauna’s father is offering a huge reward for information that brings Fauna home.

Please if you have any information no matter how big or small let us know by calling the anonymous tip line or emailing. 

Tipline- 541-359-5638

Email – Helpfindfaunafrey@gmail.com

FOLLOW on FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/341658526970132

Too many seniors in Lane County 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

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.

The first Board of County Commissioners meeting of 2026 will be held the following day, Tuesday, January 6, at 9:00 a.m.

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. 

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.

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

The many ways trees protect human health will be the focus of the 2026 Oregon Urban and Community Forestry Conference to be held June 4 in Eugene at Venue 252.

Registration for the conference—We Thrive When Trees Thrive—is now open at https://www.oregoncommunitytrees.org/2026-conference

This annual conference is put on by the non-profit organization Oregon Community Trees in partnership with the Oregon Department of Forestry and USDA Forest Service. It is open to anyone interested in urban tree issues and their impact on people and communities.

Keynote speaker will be Geoffrey Donovan, a natural resource economist with the private consultancy firm Ash and Elm Consulting, LLC. When he was a researcher based at the USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station, Donovan published a ground-breaking study that found each tree planted in Portland by the non-profit Friends of Trees was associated with significant reductions in non-accidental and cardiovascular human deaths. Donovan had access to years’ worth of tree planting data from Friends of Trees. Specifically, he used the planting data from the nearly 50,000 trees that organization had planted in Portland neighborhoods since 1990. Donovan was able to rule out other possible explanations for the lower death rate like race, education, and income, by using the statistical models using data from the American Community Survey. The findings were published in December 2022 in the journal Environmental International.

Continuing education credits will be available for conference attendees.

Opportunities to be a speaker, panelist or poster presenter are open until Jan. 31. Visitwww.oregoncommunitytrees.org/2026-conference to apply.

Early-bird registration pricing remains $150. Students can register for $80. Ticket includes entry, lunch, snacks, and networking social hour following the conference. Scholarships are available for those with an expressed financial need.

About Oregon Community Trees

The mission of this non-profit, Oregon-based organization is to promote healthy urban and community forests through leadership, education, awareness and advocacy. OCT serves as the advisory committee to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program.

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

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

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

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. 

Informational session on proposed state forests Forest Management Plan set for January 6

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will host a virtual only informational session on a proposed rule change to adopt a new Forest Management Plan (FMP) for western Oregon state forest lands managed by the department.

The Jan. 6 session starts at 1 p.m. and will include a presentation outlining the purpose and proposed changes to the FMP.  After the presentation there will be a question-and-answer period.

ODF staff will NOT take official public comments during this session, it is informational only. The public comment period began Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 31. Comments can be submitted or given in person at any of four formal hearings in January. Comments can be submitted electronically. No question-and-answer period will be offered at the hearings.

To participate in the information session, use this link: Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan Informational Meeting. A recording of the session will be available on ODF’s website.

The proposed change to the FMP will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The ODF’s State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan.

The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan contains guiding principles, goals, and strategies that are compatible with the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan. The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan provides management direction for all Board of Forestry Lands and Common School Forest Lands managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry west of the crest of the Cascade Range.

The FMP does NOT include the Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF). The ESRF is not within the scope of the draft Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan. There are scattered Board of Forestry Lands within and adjacent to the ESRF, along with scattered Common School Forest Lands outside of the ESRF that are still managed under prior Elliott State Forest Management Plan which will be managed under the new Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan, once adopted. The ESRF has its own management plan, under the authority of the Department of State Lands.

The Board of Forestry may review, modify, or terminate the FMP at any time; however, the BOF will review the FMP no less than every 10 years. The current Southwest and Northwest FMPs were last revised in 2010, while the Elliott FMP was last revised in 2011. More information about State Forests Management Plans can be found here.   

Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 at 11:55 p.m. Rulemaking hearings will be held on Jan. 13 (virtual), Jan.15 (Forest Grove), Jan. 20 (Tillamook), and Jan. 22 (Eugene) at 5:30 p.m. The locations of the hearings are in The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The notice also includes important details including but not limited to the proposed rule text and instructions for submitting public comments and participating in the hearings.

More information on this rulemaking effort and ongoing updates can be found on the  Rulemaking activity page of the ODF website.

Advanced practice providers, represented by the Oregon Nurses Association, have declined a preliminary contract agreement with Legacy Health and have opted to persist with their strike.

Union representatives assert that the proposed agreement did not achieve significant advancements and would result in providers being approximately 10 percent behind their counterparts in other healthcare systems. The strike has been in effect since December 2, as employees advocate for increased wages and enhanced working conditions.

Legacy Health has stated that it acknowledges the vote and intends to reconvene at the bargaining table.

Mount Ashland has officially opened its ski season, albeit with a disappointing level of snowfall. Despite receiving approximately a foot less than the required amount, Mount Ashland Ski Area is proceeding with limited terrain availability.

Currently, only the lower ski trails are operational, specifically the Sonnet and Lithia chair lift trails, while access to the upper mountain will be postponed until more significant snowfall occurs.

The staff at Mount Ashland acknowledge that it is not optimal for the remainder of the mountain to remain closed; however, they aimed to provide some level of service for all their visitors.

The future of the recently approved gas tax increase in Oregon remains uncertain as the Secretary of State examines nearly 200,000 signatures submitted by the organization No Tax Oregon.

Should a sufficient number of signatures be validated, voters will have the opportunity next November to determine whether to repeal the gas tax and other transportation-related fee hikes enacted by the legislature. Proponents of the taxes argue that the revenue is essential for road maintenance and to avert job reductions at the Oregon Department of Transportation.

State officials are required to finalize the signature verification process by January 29.

If you have not yet purchased your annual park passes for 2026, now is the appropriate moment to do so. From local state parks to federal public lands, the cost of annual passes has been rising as agencies strive for increased funding for recreational areas.

Some of these price hikes will take effect on January 1, leaving Oregonians with only a few more days to acquire passes at a reduced rate. Most outdoor recreation areas in the Pacific Northwest necessitate a parking pass of some sort. While certain passes can be obtained at trailheads and parking lots, others must be acquired in advance. For those who frequently engage in outdoor activities, annual passes offer a means to pay upfront for the year — potentially resulting in savings over time.

Oregon state park passes will see their prices double on January 1, increasing from $30 to $60 for a one-year pass. This fee will be even steeper for nonresidents, who will incur a charge of $75 due to the new out-of-state surcharge.

Furthermore, two-year passes will no longer be available for purchase after January 1 (passes bought prior to the new year will remain valid until their expiration).

Anticipating early 2026 opening, Oregon seeks to block potential Newport ICE facility

Suspecting the federal government plans to open a large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility near Newport’s airport early next year, the state of Oregon asked a federal judge to block construction.

Lawyers for the state sought an injunction from U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken in an amended complaint filed last week as part of an ongoing lawsuit challenging the U.S. Coast Guard’s removal of a rescue helicopter from its Newport Municipal Airport facility in late October. They argued that the federal government is skirting federal environmental and coastal land use regulations which would require more notice for Oregon leaders should an ICE facility be constructed in the area.

“Defendants have engaged in these efforts behind closed doors, with no transparency or public process, ignoring direct requests for information from local officials and members of Congress,” the new filing reads. “As a result, the state has been forced to piece together defendants’ plans for the ICE detention facility based on public reporting, inquiries to and information from federal contractors, the second-hand account of a U.S. Coast Guard witness, and related evidence.” 

Much of the evidence in Attorney General Dan Rayfield’s updated lawsuit has been previously reported. Jenny Hansson, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Justice, referred to the amended complaint in response to a request for additional information or evidence. 

“We will not allow federal agencies to sidestep the law or build detention facilities where they don’t belong, including along our coast,” Rayfield said in a statement. “The federal government has to follow the same laws everyone else does when operating in our communities.”

Representatives for the homeland security department and ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. An unnamed DHS spokesperson responded two days after this article published and called the lawsuit another example of “demonizing rhetoric” from sanctuary state politicians.

“The Department of Homeland Security reserves the right to use its own property to support its own operations in the mission given to it by the American people to uphold the laws they passed through Congress,” the spokesperson said. “No lawsuit is going to stop us from fulfilling that mission.”

On Monday, Newport’s lawyers filed a similar lawsuit in federal court asking a judge to require compliance with federal environmental regulations mandating impact assessments before any construction of an ICE detention facility in the city.  The U.S. Coast Guard’s deed from 1992 for its Newport Municipal Airport facility specifically mentions its purpose as an aviation site, a purpose the suit says should be honored.

State attorneys, a local Newport-based fishing nonprofit and Lincoln County officials had sued for the rescue helicopter’s return from a base in North Bend in November ahead of a dangerous crabbing season in the coastal city, home to one of Oregon’s largest commercial fishing industries. The U.S. Coast Guard went on to station a rescue helicopter in Newport following a temporary court order for its return, and federal lawyers have since committed to leaving the helicopter in place until spring 2026. 

Aiken on Monday, however, issued a broader preliminary injunction that ordered the chopper to remain at Newport’s Municipal Airport as the lawsuit over its relocation continues to play out. While Oregon’s two U.S. senators previously received written Dec. 12 promises from U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Kevin E. Lunday that the helicopter will stay at the city’s municipal airport, Lunday did not rule out more long-term changes to the Coast Guard’s Newport facility.

Oregon is one of a few states in the nation that does not have a large-scale, long-term immigration detention facility. People held by ICE in the state are allowed to be detained in processing facilities in cities such as Portland for up to 12 hours, often transferring to a center in Tacoma, Washington, for longer detentions. 

According to the state’s updated lawsuit, though, ICE informed potential facility contractors that it would hold most detainees in Newport for less than 72 hours to avoid triggering federal rules regarding heightened space, services and standards of care. The suit alleges the federal agency then “acknowledged stays may exceed the 72-hour threshold, even though doing so would violate its own standards.”

In a Monday newsletter to his constituents, state Rep. David Gomberg, D-Otis, who represents Newport, praised the state’s move.

“Now we have a tool to do something. When all we have are rumors, we can’t plan and we can’t have a real dialogue that helps us convey our community’s concerns,” he wrote. “I hate that it took a lawsuit to get our government to simply talk to us.” (SOURCE)

Oregon’s new laws starting in January 2026 bring changes to workplace transparency (detailed pay stubs), housing (squatter eviction, mobile home rent), health care (menopause coverage, medical debt removal from credit reports), consumer protections (ticket bots, hidden fees), and stronger protections against deepfakes, alongside significant construction law reforms (HB 3746) to boost condo development and increased ODOT fines for uncertified movers. 

Senate Bill 605 prevents medical debt from appearing on credit reports. Starting January 1, medical service providers such as hospitals and clinics are banned from notifying consumer reporting agencies that money is owed for care and how much is owed.

House Bill 3064 requires health plans regulated by the state to cover treatments for perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. The plans include individual and family plans, small business plans and plans run by the Oregon Educators Benefit Board and the Public Employees’ Benefit Board. Starting January 1, plans must pay for services such as hormone therapy along with osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

House Bill 2299 expands Oregon’s laws surrounding non-consensual intimate image distribution. Starting Jan. 1, the definition of intimate images will include images created by artificial intelligence, or AI-generated deepfakes. The law creates first- and second-degree offenses and elevates the crime to a felony for repeated violations. The law will also extend protections to all victims of intimate-image abuse.

Senate Bill 548 raises the legal age for marriage in Oregon from 17 to 18 years old. Until this law, 17-year-olds could marry in Oregon if they had one parent or guardian’s permission, officials say, noting, the 17-year-old’s consent to marry was not required. According to a press release from Oregon’s Democratic majority offices, this allowed 2,900 adult men to obtain marriage licenses with teenage girls from the year 2000 to 2021. The majority offices say the bill aims to strengthen legal protections against sexual exploitation.

House Bill 3167, named the Fan Fairness and Transparency Act, bans the use of software bots to get around a ticket seller’s limits and bans the resale of tickets obtained through those bots. The bill also bans look-alike websites that aim to confuse consumers that are trying to buy tickets directly from a venue website.

Senate Bill 430 bans costs such as “convenience charges” or “service fees” from being added to online purchases without warning. Anyone selling goods or services online to Oregon consumers must include required fees and charges in the price they advertise. However, taxes or costs to ship a product do not have to be included in the price but sellers must disclose those costs to the purchaser.

Senate Bill 688 allows the public utility commission to require investor-owned power companies to meet certain targets in order to raise rates. Those targets can include lowering costs, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring low-income Oregonians are not cut off from power.

House Bill 3865, dubbed the Telemarketing Modernization Act, expands the definition of “telephone solicitation” to include texting. The law bans solicitation after 7 p.m. and limits allowed solicitations to three times per day.

BLM APPROVES LITHIUM EXPLORATION IN SOUTHEAST OREGON

VALE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management recently approved the expansion of lithium exploration activities in southern Malheur County, about 20 miles west of McDermitt, Nevada. 

With this approval, HiTech Minerals, Inc. is authorized to conduct lithium mineral exploration activities over the course of five years. Lithium has been on the Department of the Interior’s list of critical minerals since the list was established in 2017. 

“The HiTech lithium exploration project represents a significant step toward achieving the nation’s energy goals and reducing dependence on foreign critical minerals—key priorities under the President’s agenda,” said BLM Acting Malheur Field Manager Tara McLain. 

The project includes disturbance of up to 73 total acres created by 168 exploration drill sites across 7,200 acres of public lands, the construction of 22 miles of new access routes, and other temporary disturbances to store necessary equipment. 

Exploration drilling would occur annually between July 1 and November 30 for up to five years, and concurrent reclamation of the disturbances would occur after each drill season. Subsurface hydrological, geophysical, and geochemical data may be collected during the proposed drilling activities as well. 

Additional information, including the signed decision record, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, please contact BLM Public Affairs Specialist Larisa Bogardus at 541-523-1407 or lbogardus@blm.gov.

Families in rural Oregon who are raising children frequently encounter limited opportunities for after-school activities that enhance social skills, academic achievement, and safety.

According to a survey conducted by the Afterschool Alliance, a national nonprofit organization, five out of six children in Oregon could gain from after-school programs but are unable to access them due to high costs or distance. For families residing outside urban centers, the closest program is often situated more than an hour away.

The survey revealed significant support for after-school programs from both Republican and Democratic parents. Some parents indicated that after-school activities enable them to work longer hours, increase their productivity, and alleviate concerns regarding their children’s wellbeing, as reported in the survey.

The Oregon Department of Revenue will open the application period in January 2026 for the Agricultural Employer Overtime Tax Credit.

Paying overtime to agricultural workers became a requirement of employers in Oregon as of January 1, 2023. In 2025, agricultural workers are paid overtime after they work 48 hours in one work week. If an employer paid overtime, they may qualify for a refundable personal or corporate income tax credit, regardless of the size of the business.

The tax credit for employers is a percentage of overtime premium pay paid as wages.

All applications must be submitted no later than February 2, 2026.

The 2025 filing period marks the third year since eligible employers have been able to apply for the tax credit.

Applications can only be made through the department’s Revenue Online website. Qualifying agricultural employers who have not applied for the tax credit previously need a Revenue Online account to apply during the application period. No paper applications will be accepted. We have published a new video to help customers with their Revenue Online applications.

DOR encourages employers to prepare in advance to ensure an easier and faster filing experience. DOR’s webpage provides guidance for how to apply, documentation you may need, program information, and frequently asked questions to help employers apply for the tax credit.

For general questions about the Agricultural Employer Overtime Tax Credit, email: Ag.Overtime@dor.oregon.gov.

Tax practitioners with other tax or customer account questions are encouraged to contact a dedicated practitioner specialist by email at prac.revenue@dor.oregon.gov, or by phone at 503-947-3541.

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 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