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, January 21, 2026
Willamette Valley Weather
Active Weather Alerts – National Weather Service
...FREEZING FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST TODAY... ...AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST FRIDAY... * WHAT...For the Freezing Fog Advisory, visibility one quarter mile or less in freezing fog. For the Air Stagnation Advisory, light winds and limited air movement will lead to a period of stagnant air conditions. * WHERE...Lane County Lowlands. * WHEN...For the Freezing Fog Advisory, until noon PST today. For the Air Stagnation Advisory, until noon PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Deteriorating air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.
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
Eugene Police Respond to a Brief Standoff Tuesday Night Between Protesters and ICE Agents Outside the Federal Building in Downtown Eugene
At 4:46 p.m. on January 20 Federal Protective Services called EPD after being prevented from leaving their facility’s gate onto a city of Eugene street from their gate at 211 E. 7th Avenue. A group of protesters was reported to be blocking the gate, which prevented egress from the premises. There were some minors among the adults who were blocking the gate.
Eugene Police monitored the situation and the crowd diminished to approximately seven protesters milling around the gate, and FPS attempted to evacuate. As their vehicles approached the gate, protestors began blowing whistles and other protesters nearby joined at the gate. At 6:40 p.m. there were about a dozen adults (no minors) blocking the gate and the protesters did not comply with FPS admonishments to move.
EPD Mobile Response Team arrived and was able to persuade the group with no use of force, allowing FPS enough room to safely exit the area. Some in the crowd yelled epithets at EPD officers. Case 26-01007
EUGENE SPEAKS Held a PEOPLE’S State of the City in Response to The City of Eugene’s State of the City Address
The city of Eugene just held its annual “State of the City” event, lauding the positive work of the city in 2025 but missing a lot of the key issues in our city: ICE violence, surveillance, homelessness, a planned Amazon facility, and city policies which continue to contribute to harm and exacerbate these issues.
EUGENE SPEAKS held a PEOPLE’S State of the City at the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza on Tuesday, January 20th, featuring speakers from a few different local campaigns who talked about their areas of struggle and aspirations for the city of Eugene. After the event, there was a Eugene Free America Walkout at the Wayne Morse Federal Courthouse, as well as a couple different events against ICE at the Old Federal Building.
Police Seek Leads After Man Found Dead in Cottage Grove
On January 20, 2026 at about 5:30 AM officers with the Cottage Grove Police Department responded to a report of a male who was found on the ground, unconscious and bleeding in the 1500 Block of HWY 99 in Cottage Grove.
When officers arrived, they found an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound. Officers attempted CPR but the male was pronounced deceased at the scene after medics arrived.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing gunshots and seeing an unknown person wearing dark clothing running from the area. No suspects have been identified or located at this time.
The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. This is an active investigation and the Cottage Grove Police Department is being assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office and the Lane County District Attorney’s Office. If anyone has any information about this investigation, they are asked to call the Cottage Grove Police Department at 541-942-9145 ext. 1.
Fire Crews Respond To Unusual Rescue In Eugene
Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an unusual rescue operation on near the University of Oregon Sunday afternoon.
Just 12PM on January 18th, ESF crews were called to a possible cardiac arrest in the area of 2000 Garden Ave in Eugene.
Bystanders walking along a Willamette River diversion, noticed a person 10-15’ down a crevice and called 911.
Arriving crews found an unresponsive individual pinned between a concrete diversion wall and large quarry stone. Several crews with a total of 20 personnel responded for staffing and specialty equipment to aid in the rescue. In all it took about one hour to remove the victim and transport them to RiverBend.
The victim a mid 30‘s male was transported in critical condition with a body temp of 76 degrees. If not for these attentive bystanders, the victim would not have survived much longer.
Albany Police Investigating Fatal Collision Involving Local Teen
The Albany Police Department is investigating a tragic incident that occurred on the evening of January 16, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old Albany resident.
At approximately 10:08 p.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash on SE 19th Avenue near SE Tudor Way. The pedestrian, identified as Paige Michael Charlene McClintock, sustained severe injuries and was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center by Albany Fire Department personnel. Despite lifesaving efforts, Paige later passed away.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the involved vehicle—a white 2005 Nissan Altima—was Paige’s older sister, 18-year-old Kirah Kristine McClintock. Kirah was located nearby and cooperated with investigators. At this time, impairment does not appear to be a contributing factor.
According to investigators, the collision occurred as Paige and another sibling were pushing a rolling tool chest in the roadway when the vehicle struck the toolbox and Paige. Kirah was following her sisters with the vehicle at a slow, walking speed. The Nissan Altima has been seized under a search warrant for further analysis.
This is an unimaginable tragedy for this family and our community, and our hearts go out to everyone affected. We ask for patience and support for the family, friends and first responders as we work to understand the circumstances.
Paige McClintock attended Albany Options School where she was an amazing student. Greater Albany Public Schools (GAPS) will have counselors and support team available as we navigate this tragedy together when students return next week.
The investigation remains ongoing. Please contact Albany Police Department Sergeant Eric Tress if you have information about the incident. 541-917-7680 APD Case Number 26-00274.
Protestors Show Up After ICE Arrest Woman Just Standing Across From Eugene Federal Building
Protestors showed up in support of a woman who was arrested by ICE agents across the street from the old federal building In downtown Eugene.
Springfield Assault Suspect Apprehended in Coos County
Coos County, Ore. (Jan. 14, 2026)- Springfield assault suspect taken into custody.
On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:46 a.m., Oregon State Police received information regarding a possible sighting of Marcquis Andrew Lee White (33) who was wanted in connection with an assault that occurred on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Springfield. Bandon Police Chief Cory Dhillon was first to arrive at the location, near milepost 7 on Seven Devils Road, and identified where White had fled down a steep embankment into the brushline. Chief Dhillon was able to direct responding personnel from the Oregon State Police, Bandon Police Deparment, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police SWAT team, to White’s last known location. Oregon State Police SWAT personnel were able to locate White and take him into custody without incident.
White was transported to a medical facility for evaluation and will be transferred to the custody of the Springfield Police Department, and ultimately lodged in the Lane County Jail for crimes associated with Monday’s assault.
OSP would like to thank our law enforcement partners in Coos County and the United States Coast Guard for their dedication and persistence over the last 60 hours that led to the successful apprehension of White. For information related to Monday’s assault, contact the Springfield Police Department.
1/14/26 – LCSO Case 26-0214 – Deputies arrest two Junction City men stealing vehicles from Fox Hollow area
On January 14th at 6 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a property in the 32400 block of Fox Hollow Road, south of Eugene, for a report of suspects stealing vehicles. Deputies searched the property and found two men sleeping in a pickup. They appeared to have been in the process of loading one of the victim’s vehicles on to their trailer.
The men were detained. After additional investigation, Gary Allen Dawson, 38, of Junction City, was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on the following charges: – Two counts of Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree – Three counts of Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle – Two counts of Attempted Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle
The second suspect, Nigel Anthony Solesbee, 27, of Junction City, was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on the following charges: – Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Use of a Vehicle – Two counts of Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree – Two counts of Attempted Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle
A property crimes detective responded to assist. He applied for a search warrant for the involved suspect vehicle and a suspect property in the 95400 block of Noraton Road, north of Junction City. A firearm and additional stolen property were discovered during the search. The investigation is still active. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Dispatch at 541-682-4150 option 1. Reference case 26-0214.
1/15/26 – LCSO Case 25-5510 – Lane County Sheriff’s detectives arrest Eugene man for menacing, sex crimes against juveniles
On January 6th, 2026, Lane County Sheriff’s detectives were following up on an investigation into the abuse of juveniles in Lane County. They applied for and were granted search warrants related to the case. The warrants were for a residence and vehicles associated with the suspect, Francisco Yandel Gonzalez Martinez, 18, of Eugene.
On January 15th at 7 a.m., detectives stopped a vehicle at Barger Drive and Cubit Street, Eugene. They contacted and arrested Martinez. Detectives then went to the residence in the 2500 block of Primrose Street, Eugene, to serve the search warrant for the residence.
While at the location, a resident was uncooperative. Detectives detained the resident so that they could safely execute the warrant. Once the search warrant was complete, the resident that had been detained was released. Several community members unrelated to the investigation arrived on scene during the service of the search warrant.
Martinez was lodged at the Lane County Jail on the following charges: – Five counts of Using Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct – Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree – Ten counts of Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree – Two counts of Sodomy in the 2nd Degree – Two counts of Menacing
Lane County Seeks Survey Input to Help Stop Battery Fires and Improve Recycling
Waste Wise Lane County—a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—is asking residents to take a short community survey to help prevent dangerous battery fires and improve battery recycling, disposal, and storage practices.
“It’s up to all of us to learn how to responsibly manage and dispose of batteries safely,” said Angie Marzano, Lane County Waste Reduction Program supervisor. “This is especially true for lithium-ion batteries, which can explode or burn when damaged. These ‘thermal events’—which are becoming more frequent as battery use increases – can pose serious risks to county employees, equipment, and facilities.”
The urgency is clear: Lane County’s Short Mountain Landfill experienced 49 lithium battery thermal events in 2025, up from 34 in 2024. These events present significant safety hazards and can damage critical infrastructure while increasing operational and environmental risks.
Residents are encouraged to take a quick, confidential survey before it closes January 19. Survey responses will help local experts understand current recycling knowledge and identify barriers residents face when trying to dispose of batteries properly.
Survey links:
- English: lcbattery.org
- Español: lcbateria.org
As an added incentive, $1 will be donated to BRING, a local nonprofit, for each completed survey.
About Waste Wise Lane County
Waste Wise Lane County—a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—empowers residents, schools, and businesses with education, tools, and resources that can be used to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. For more information, visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise.
Love is in the air this February – Lane County Clerk’s Office performing Valentine’s Day marriage ceremonies
The Lane County Clerk’s Office will help couples tie the knot or renew their vows on Valentine’s Day this year.
“What better day to marry your sweetheart than on Valentine’s Day?” said Lane County Clerk Tommy Gong. “All of us at the Clerk’s Office are excited to be able to offer couples the opportunity to schedule marriage ceremonies on the holiday this year.”
There are 32 slots available to schedule on a first come, first served basis. Ceremonies will be conducted in 30-minute intervals from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, at the County Clerk’s Office at 125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene.
Four Clerk’s Office employees will officiate the marriages.
To schedule a ceremony, couples must first obtain a valid marriage license from the Clerk’s Office (125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene). To obtain a marriage license, couples fill out the online Marriage License Application and then must visit the Clerk’s Office at least three days before the ceremony to complete the license process. Couples already married may consider renewing their vows on Valentine’s Day too; no new marriage license required.
The marriage license fee is $60 and a marriage officiated by the County Clerk is $117. Additional details, including license requirements and scheduling information, can be found on the Lane County Clerk’s website.
Eugene Police ask if You can you help identify owner of dog that bit a child at a store?
At 6:04 p.m. on January 5, Eugene Police received a call regarding a dog bite incident at 1675 West 18th Avenue. Numerous customers at the Albertson’s had called 911 to report a man had a dog inside of the store, and it had bitten a 3-year-old child.
Officers responded and found the dog and owner had left the location and gone north. Eugene Springfield Fire Department responded to evaluate the child. The family reported they were in the self-checkout and the child was standing between both parents helping scan items. The dog and the owner were behind them and the dog lunged and grabbed the child by the arm and dragged her.
The owner of the dog tackled the dog, and customers and employees also tried to intervene. Before this had occurred, the owner had been told to leave after the dog acted aggressively toward a one-year-old child. However, the owner did not immediately leave as directed. The owner is described as an unkempt man with long, frizzy brown/graying hair. If anyone has tips in this case, they are asked to call the police non-emergency line at 541.682.5111. Case 26-00230
By Name List will be Utilized in 2026 for Homeless Count
The 2026 Lane County Point in Time Count (PIT) will not be conducted this year. The practice of doing a Point in Time count began in 2005, with an annual requirement for conducting a sheltered count, and a biennial requirement for conducting an unsheltered count. At that time the count was the most reliable way of tracking trends related to homelessness and the Poverty and Homelessness Board chose to do the count annually. Thanks to technological and process innovations, the Lane County Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) system and its By Name List, has become a much more accurate, reliable and dynamic way to track trends on a monthly and yearly basis.
Over 30 agencies and 140 different programs enter data into the HMIS system on a daily basis. This equates to high system coverage and data quality. In fact, the OR-500 CoC has been primarily utilizing a modified version of the HBNL to conduct the PIT count since 2021. The only “street count” that has occurred since that time, with HUD’s authorization, is within targeted areas and completed by trained street outreach workers in order to identify those least likely to be included in the HMIS. In the past several counts, fewer than 130 people on average have been added to the primary count completed through HMIS. Community members are encouraged to review the By Name List Tableau pages to learn more about homelessness in Lane County.
Full unsheltered PIT Counts are required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on a every other year basis and are not a requirement of the State of Oregon. As Lane County conducted an unsheltered count in calendar year 2025, there is no requirement for Lane County to conduct an unsheltered PIT Count in 2026.
The sheltered count is required by HUD and is derived solely from HMIS and made up of data entered daily by local shelter and transitional housing programs. Lane County will submit the sheltered count as required. A 2027 unsheltered PIT Count is expected to occur. To learn more about the shelter beds and other programs in Lane County visit the Homeless Response System Inventory Tableau pages.
Lane County recruiting for task force that will develop new land banking program for housing production
A new seven-member task force will be responsible for creating the priorities and goals, measures of success, reporting standards, and other requirements for Lane County’s new housing land banking program.
“We desperately need housing in Lane County,” said Lane County Housing Production Manager Eric Mongan. “While Lane County Government doesn’t directly develop real estate, we can and should have a role in identifying buildable land that can be purchased and incentivized for housing development.”
The task force will create the framework for the program, which will then be adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. The program is funded with $2 million in Oregon Video Lottery funding.
Letters of interest must be submitted by February 9, 2026. The Board of County Commissioners will appoint five of the task force members in early March with the County Administrator selecting the remaining two members. The task force will begin meeting in March and is expected to hold between six and eight one-hour meetings over the course of several months. – More information and application materials are available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HousingTaskForce.
NW Natural has released a multi language notice that will also go to every customer regarding how to best identify a NW Natural Utility Worker when they come to your home or are nearby.
There has been reports of ICE agents disguising as utility workers to lure people out of their homes. Please stay aware.
“We are aware of reports of individuals impersonating utility workers in order to gain access to residents. Please note:
Our workers who show up at your home should either be wearing a uniform and a utility badge or wearing a badge that says “CONTRACTOR.” Their vehicles should be similarly marked with a NW Natural company logo and/or “CONTRACTOR.”
If someone comes to your house and asks for access to your home or for you to come outside:
- Our employees will never ask for immediate access to customers’ homes. They often will go to a back or side yard to access a meter.
- In most situations, if there is a reason a NW Natural employee would need to go inside a customer’s home (such as a safety check or inspection), they would have set this up with the customer in advance.
If you want to verify if someone at your home is a NW Natural employee or contractor, you can call our customer service line at 503-226-4211 or 800-422-4012. If you suspect an imposter, call 9-1-1 immediately.” https://www.nwnatural.com/…/2025-utility-and-contactor…
Habitat for Humanity to Start Pre-Application for New Springfield Homes Under Construction
On January 12th we will be opening the pre-application process for Habitat Homeownership in Fischer Village, Springfield.
Pre-applications will be available on January 12th at that time you will be able to download the file after 9am on, if you would like to pick one up at the Habitat office, please call to make an appointment 541-741-1707 or when the ReStore is open (Wed-Sat 11am-6pm & Sun 11am-4pm) you may pick one up at the cashiers area.
Orientations for the program will be held at the Habitat Central Lane office (1210 Oak Patch Road, Eugene) on the following dates. Orientations are not mandatory however there will be some questions and answers and that time. These orientations will last 30 minutes.
Tuesday January 13 6pm
Saturday January 17 10am
Wednesday January 21 6pm
Saturday January 24 Noon
Applicants for the homeownership program must earn between 40 to 80 percent of the area’s median income to qualify. This initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to fair lending and community engagement.
Ways to get your pre-application starting January 12th.
1. Download on our website (habitatlane.org)
2. Call and set up a time to drop in 541-741-1707
3. When you call you may ask to have the application emailed
4. Attend an orientation at our office (1/13 6pm, 1/17 10am, 1/21 6pm, 1/24 noon)
5. During ReStore business hours Wed-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11-4pmOur address is 1210 Oak Patch Road in Eugene
Survey asking residents how they protect themselves, their homes, and community from wildfire
Lane County Emergency Management is asking people to take a short survey to help local agencies better understand how households and communities are taking action at the household level to reduce wildfire risk. The survey is intended to help Lane County identify what actions people are taking in their community as well as the barriers that prevent households from acting. The survey is available through January 30, 2026.
The survey is available in English and Spanish:
- Take the Wildfire Risk Reduction Survey in English
- Completa la encuesta sobre reducción del riesgo de incendios forestales en español
The QR codes attached can also be used to access the survey in English and Spanish.
The survey is part of Lane County’s work with the Oregon Department of Forestry and other partners to update the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The plan was last updated in 2020.
A successful CWPP provides a community with a set of goals, actions and resources specifically designed to address the threat of wildfire. These goals, actions and resources can help:
- enhance public safety
- improve economic resiliency through the identification and protection of critical infrastructure and businesses at risk
- restore and protect ecosystem health
- raise public awareness about wildfire risks
- inform landowners and property owners of their shared responsibility in wildfire protection
- build new partnerships between local, state, and federal firefighting agencies, community organizations, and businesses
An up-to-date CWPP is also required before local communities can receive funding for hazard mitigation and recovery work through the National Fire Plan, FEMA mitigation grants and other resources. Please consider taking 15–20 minutes to weigh in and complete the survey!
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
Update on Lane County PacificSource,Trillium and OHP
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 16th in the area of Birch Street and 2nd 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 16th, 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:
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.
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.
Colder overnight temperatures this week prompt home heating fire safety reminder from Oregon State Fire Marshall
With below freezing overnight temperatures and recent home fires related to heating, the Oregon State Fire Marshal would like to remind Oregonians about the importance of fire safety. Since January 1, the agency has investigated 10 home fires across the state from various causes.
“These fires come as a tragic reminder of the importance of home heating fire safety, the second leading cause of home fires every year in Oregon,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Following fire safety guidance and testing smoke alarms regularly are important steps every Oregonian can take this winter.”
The Oregon State Fire Marshal offers these tips:
- Keep things that burn, like paper, curtains, bedding, or furniture, at least three feet away from all heating equipment, including fireplaces, wood stoves, and pellet stoves.
- Always plug space and portable heaters directly into a wall outlet and never into an extension cord or power strip.
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
- Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.
- Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of heating equipment fires (46%) occurred in the three-month period from December through February. In the first two weeks of 2026, three fire-related deaths were reported to the Oregon State Fire Marshal. – For more home heating safety tips, visit the OSFM’s website.
Red Cross Declares Severe Shortage after Blood Supply Falls 35% in Past Month
- The American Red Cross is issuing a severe blood shortage after the national blood supply fell about 35% over the past month.
- A nationwide flu outbreak may be sidelining blood donors. Already, the flu has overburdened hospitals — and this blood shortage means they’re now being forced to triage critical blood products.
- With more winter weather forecast, the problem could worsen without immediate blood donor action. Last month alone, 400 blood drives were impacted by winter weather, causing thousands of blood donations to go uncollected.
- Those who may be eligible are urged to book an appointment now at RedCrossBlood.org.
Despite efforts to rebuild the national blood supply in recent weeks, the inventory has continued to drop at an alarming rate of about 35% over the past month — forcing the American Red Cross to issue a severe blood shortage. This comes as flu activity is exploding across the country, where overburdened hospitals are now being forced to triage critical blood products.
High flu activity in nearly every state may be sidelining donors, slowing efforts to rebuild vital blood inventories to help patients and relieve pressure on hospitals. The shortage is especially serious for types O, A negative and B negative. Without immediate action, patients who rely on transfusions — including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth, and people with sickle cell disease or cancer — face serious risk.
There’s no time to wait. Book an appointment now to give blood by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
“This time of year is always challenging for blood collection — but right now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity and winter weather are all impeding donation efforts,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, executive medical director for the Red Cross. “Every person’s blood donation can help save lives — plus you help ease the tremendous burden on our doctors and nurses, allowing them to focus on caring for patients.”
Intense winter weather and freezing temperatures are expected across much of the country in the coming weeks, potentially delaying or canceling blood drives and forcing vital units of blood to uncollected. Last month alone, about 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weather — more than three times the number of those affected during the same time the previous year. As a result, thousands of blood donations went uncollected.
‘I Had a Successful Ending Because the Blood I Needed Was There’
When emergencies like postpartum hemorrhage occur, the difference between life and death for a mother and her baby can hinge on the availability of a blood transfusion. Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal deaths in the United States. These crises can happen suddenly — even in pregnancies without complications — underscoring the vital need for a ready supply of blood to help save lives.
For first-time mother Reihaneh Hajibeigi, childbirth complications caused her to hemorrhage and lose nearly 40% of her blood supply. She recalled that, as she crashed, a team of doctors rushed in to save her life, asking, “Where’s her blood? She needs this blood to save her life.”
“It was about 10 minutes from the time I started to feel faint until they had the blood in my system, and I was basically coming back to life,” Reihaneh said. “I think about the people who made it possible for me to live,” she said. Watch Reihaneh share her remarkable story of survival.
Special Thank You to Those Who Come to Give During This Critical Time
The Red Cross is thanking all donors who come out through Jan. 25, by entering them for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX, in partnership with the NFL. The winner and guest will get to enjoy Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, CA, access to day-of in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
The Red Cross is also extending its thanks to those who come to donate Jan. 26-Feb. 28 with a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.
How to Donate Blood
Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment and learn more. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
- A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in
- Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
- High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media. https://www.redcross.org/local/oregon.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqQ-oQRSOha1nl8QTzVG4BDk_UtPu7nK9Ao6jYxWqU1Acruynxs
Oregon legislation poised to tackle ‘fishing expedition’ searches of license plate data
The idea comes as a result of a legislative workgroup convened last year to study the issue of inappropriate usage of automated license plate recognition software employed by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and nationwide
A powerful Oregon legislative committee chair is calling for increased “safeguards and protections” on the use of data collected by a controversial crime-fighting technology scanning license plates that critics fear the Trump administration will weaponize.
Sen. Floyd Prozanski, a Eugene Democrat who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, helped convene a group of law enforcement stakeholders, privacy advocates and legislative leaders, which met in December to tackle the issue as cities across the state have debated whether to turn off their cameras employing the technology. One vendor in particular, the Atlanta-based Flock Safety, has drawn condemnation from U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, who previously said the company is “unable and uninterested” in addressing abuses of its products.
But views among workgroup stakeholders were diverse, including law enforcement who have defended license plate readers as a valuable tool for intercepting crime to progressive activists who say such technology itself is far too vulnerable for abuse by the federal government. Critics of some license plate reading technology have pointed to instances where the software’s data has been accessed by federal immigration enforcement agencies or used to target out-of-state abortion seekers.
“At this point, Prozanski is leaning more towards putting up some guardrails that will make it safe,” Ky Fireside, an Oregon House candidate and Springfield-based progressive organizer who is part of the workgroup, told the Capital Chronicle in December. “But the fact of the matter is, there’s not anything you can do to make this kind of technology safe. It’s just designed to be abused.”
Prozanski, however, said in an interview that he values the technology for “legitimate, lawful enforcement purposes,” pointing to its use in the arrests of suspected criminals tied to a Pacific Northwest burglary ring targeting Asian American households, including in the Eugene-Springfield area.
He said he was also concerned about inappropriate data-sharing with the federal government or other states, as well as data brokers who are mining and selling such data for unlawful use. He added that law enforcement agencies across the state may be entering into contracts for the software without adequate data privacy protections, calling for similar protections employed by other Oregon state agencies for safeguarding information.
“They have protocols in place already on the duration of the length that can be held, (to) cross check for if someone’s making inquiries, to ensure that there has been something assigned to it, like a case number, and someone’s not going on what some people would call a fishing expedition and just picking out this request or that request,” Prozanski said. “That’s the type of stuff that we’re working on.”
New funding formula
Key to the debate over the license plate readers have been Oregon’s sanctuary laws, which prevent state and local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration enforcement without a court order. U.S. Border Patrol employed automated license plate reading technology in the 1990s, and it spread to police departments across the country in the next decade.
A November state court ruling in Washington found that the images captured by Flock’s license plate readers are not exempt from disclosure under public records law. Prozanski confirmed he is still considering a public records exemption for such information as well as increased audits, a pathway to allow individuals whose data is improperly accessed to receive redress and certification requirements for license plate reading software vendors.
A Flock company spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment about legislative efforts in Oregon, but company leadership have previously accused opponents of spreading misinformation, pointing to improved filters for sanctuary states.
“We’re working under state law of Oregon, and if someone is making queries for something that happened or potentially could be actionable in a different state, it’s not what their state law provides, it’s what Oregon provides,” Prozanski said. “So we’re going to maintain safeguards and protections for those within this state.”
The state has already funded the proliferation of the technology’s use across Oregon, though in cities such as Eugene, police have backed away from their contracts with Flock. In that instance, local authorities confirmed that a license plate reading camera in the area was turned on without the city’s consent.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding for law enforcement agencies across the state has gone toward the technology, drawing from an Oregon organized retail theft grant program, according to the state’s Criminal Justice Commission. As of December, however, there have been no instances where the agency has needed to investigate reports of state law violations involving the use of state funds for license plate reading technology, according to Ryan Keck, the commission’s director.
He said that his agency uses quarterly reports from recipients and can also conduct information audits within the scope of its grant agreements. If there were a reported violation, Keck said the agency would forward the matter for investigation.
For new grants issued after Dec. 1, 2025, however, the agency has tightened its purse strings. New contracts include additional language for returning any funds that have been spent outside the scope of the agreement, which includes requirements to comply with state laws, Keck said. The commission in October also agreed to establish a new methodology for determining how the retail theft grant money would be awarded.
“The Commission’s methodology prioritized applications to support local programs specific to organized retail theft (to include equipment) over applications solely requesting equipment with no specified support (ex: personnel, operations) to address organized retail theft,” he wrote in a statement.
“Moving forward, CJC will continue to monitor its grants in accordance with the terms of executed grant agreements, and remain responsive to any legislative changes,” he added.
Future legislation, continued debate likely
In an interview Friday, Fireside said that while they appreciate the work the legislative workgroup has done, the deck felt stacked in favor of law enforcement.
The line in the sand they and other privacy advocates are drawing has to do with support for end-to-end encryption, the process by which secure data is encoded before it is transferred to its destination and decoded. Having such a safeguard would make it difficult for federal authorities to subpoena vendors for information stored securely by a law enforcement agency, Fireside said.
“They are trying to push for like, ‘Oh, well, it’s, it’s encrypted in transit, and it’s encrypted at rest’, and that just doesn’t mean anything,” they said. “It doesn’t provide any protection.”
Prozanski, in the meantime, suggested there would be more than one proposal in the works, potentially for future sessions. Some ideas involve allocating additional funding, which is not feasible given the state’s current financial outlook, he told the Capital Chronicle, but could be in the future.
“This is probably the first beginning of more than one session dealing with this,” he said. “We’re not going to get everything done the first time.” (SOURCE)
Governor Kotek Secures $25 Million for OHA and Hospitals to Protect Maternity Care
State health and hospital leaders unite to keep care local and strengthen community health.
Governor Tina Kotek announced today a coordinated effort with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Hospital Association of Oregon to stabilize and sustain labor and delivery services across the state. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to keeping care local, supporting new families, and ensuring hospitals are sustained through higher rates for maternity costs.
“Every Oregon family deserves access to safe, local maternity care,” said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. “By bringing together public and private partners, we are aligning policy and funding to keep care close to home. This investment is about more than dollars—it’s about taking steps forward to sustain the health and vitality of communities for generations to come.”
Recognizing that maternity care is foundational to healthy communities, the governor requested funding from the legislature to stabilize hospital operations. The Governor has directed OHA to distribute $25 million of General Funds in a targeted way following input from impacted hospitals:
- $15 million will provide stabilization payments to smaller, rural hospitals that offer maternity services. These hospitals have fewer than 50 beds and may or may not be within 30 miles of another hospital. OHA will be identifying options to match these funds federally for maximum, direct impact prior to distribution.
- $10 million, multiplied by federal match for an even greater impact, will be invested in larger hospitals through Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) rates and is reflected in the 2026 coordinated care organization (CCO) rates.
“Hospitals are facing mounting challenges in keeping the services available that Oregonians rely on,” said Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon. “This boost in payments is a good first step toward stabilizing maternity services—especially in rural communities—and demonstrates what’s possible when state leaders and hospitals work together toward shared goals.”
Strong local maternity systems promote healthier starts for babies, which translates into better long-term health, educational, and economic outcomes for states and communities. Across Oregon and the nation, smaller, rural hospitals face mounting challenges in sustaining maternity services. Workforce shortages and increasing healthcare costs have forced some hospitals to close labor and delivery units, leaving families to travel long distances for care. These closures can have lasting impacts on maternal and infant health outcomes, as well as the vitality of rural communities.
The governor’s investment aims to reverse that trend by providing targeted support where it is needed most. Stabilizing maternity care requires shared responsibility among state agencies, hospitals, policymakers, and insurers. This approach will maximize state resources for hospitals while navigating federal limitations under House Resolution 1, also referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
“Maternity care is the cornerstone of healthy communities,” said Dr. Sejal Hathi, Director of OHA. “These investments will help stabilize hospitals that provide this critical service and ensure families can continue to rely on care in their own communities. We are proud to work with the governor and our partners to make this happen.” — For a list of hospitals by type, please refer to OHA’s Oregon Hospital Types document.
The Opioid Settlement Board allocates $13 million for Oregon’s Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BRHNs)
—The Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board (OSPTR) on Wednesday allocated $13 million for the state’s Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BRHNs). This investment will help to close a funding gap for continued BRHN services and demonstrates the Board’s commitment to leverage the settlement funds to strengthen Oregon’s substance use disorder services infrastructure.
“The Opioid Settlement Board continues to step up to address the opioid epidemic, but we must continue to balance the tension between maintaining newly built infrastructure and funding innovations that will lead to long-term system improvement,” said Board Co-Chair Annaliese Dolph.
The BHRNs were established as a direct result of Oregon voters passing Measure 110, the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act, in November 2020. BHRN providers deliver services and support for people with substance use disorders, regardless of their ability to pay, statewide.
The BRHNs are funded through cannabis tax revenue. However, an excess supply of marijuana has driven down market prices, resulting in a $100 million funding shortfall over the past 18 months. Experts also predict future declines in revenue.
To minimize future uncertainty and to keep within fiscal constraints, OHA will make annual adjustments to BHRN grant awards each July to align with the most current revenue projections.
The new funding, from the OSPTR Board, is a welcome boost for the 36 networks throughout Oregon and reduced a projected 27% reduction over the next year.
Each BHRN responds to local needs by offering screenings, assessments, treatment, peer support, harm reduction services and housing support. From 2022 through 2025, BHRN grantees reported about 3 million client encounters, serving hundreds of thousands of people across Oregon.
“This funding is critical to keeping lifesaving behavioral health services available in communities across Oregon,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke. “This critical investment helps stabilize essential services so people can continue to access care, regardless of their ability to pay.”
This Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Fund, which is the state portion of Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, is overseen by the 18-member OSPTR Board.
Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreement on national lawsuits against several companies for their role in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, over $700 million will be awarded to Oregon through 2039. Settlement funds are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).
To learn more about Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement
Supreme Court tariffs decision could shape Oregon’s economic outlook after steady 2025
If the Supreme Court strikes down some tariffs without backup revenue source, it could mean higher costs for Oregonians after nearly avoiding a downturn last year.
Oregon’s economy held up better than many expected in 2025, even as fears of a recession dominated much of the year, according to state Chief Economist Carl Riccadonna.
He said job growth has started to return, especially in the service sector, and state tax revenues have stayed steady — a sign that people are still working and spending. Those trends, he said, suggests Oregon “muddled through” a challenging year, avoiding a major downturn, and could see improvement in 2026.
President Donald Trump’s tariffs were a major source of uncertainty last year, but Riccadonna said their impact on everyday Oregonians was more muted than predicted. While manufacturing has taken a hit as companies adjust to higher costs and shifting supply chains, many consumer prices did not rise as sharply as feared. In some cases, he said, foreign companies lowered their own prices to stay competitive, easing the burden on shoppers.
Looking ahead, Riccadonna said tariffs could still affect household finances in less obvious ways. If the Supreme Court strikes down some tariffs without a replacement source of revenue, the federal government may need to borrow more to pay for the tax cuts, which could push interest rates higher. That would mean higher costs for mortgages, credit cards and auto loans.
In the following excerpt, Riccadonna breaks down the Supreme Court’s decision on tariffs affect Oregonians and what it might mean for the larger economy. The transcript has been edited for clarity. This interview was filmed on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. https://www.kgw.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/straight-talk/supreme-court-tariffs-decision-could-shape-oregons-economic-outlook-after-steady-2025/283-7bae1989-51a8-48ac-819b-181a9e8f4452
Beginning in February, air travelers in the United States who do not possess a REAL ID will incur a fee of $45, as announced by the Transportation Security Administration on Monday.
Although the updated ID has been mandatory since May, passengers lacking it have previously been permitted to pass through security with additional screening and a cautionary notice.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, 94% of travelers are already compliant, and the new fee aims to motivate travelers to acquire the ID. REAL ID refers to a state-issued license or identification card that complies with federal standards and fulfills enhanced requirements established following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Oregon Health Authority seeks new members for Oversight and Accountability Council
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is seeking applicants to serve on the Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC), a Council established by Ballot Measure 110 in 2020. The OAC is a public body of the state of Oregon that advises the Oregon Health Authority on the grant program described in ORS 430.389
Members of the OAC serve four-year terms. Members may be eligible for a stipend to compensate them for their time engaged official duties of the OAC. OHA is seeking new members in the categories described below:
- An academic researcher specializing in drug use or drug policy
- A representative of a coordinated care organization
To apply, submit an application here by 11:59 pm, January 30, 2026.
A team at OHA will review applications and inform applicants of appointments by Feb 13, 2026.
For questions or more information, email HRN@OHA.oregon.gov” style=”color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;”>BHRN@OHA.oregon.gov or contact Karli Moon at li.moon@oha.oregon.gov” style=”color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;”>Karli.moon@oha.oregon.gov or 971-240-8690.
OPRD seeks public input on proposed rules for UAS use in Oregon State Parks
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public feedback on proposed rules governing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) takeoff and landing in Oregon’s state parks and along the ocean shore.
The proposed rules establish where and how UAS may take off and land on state park property, to balance recreational opportunities with protection of natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources.
Public comments on the proposed rule changes will be accepted beginning January 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and can be submitted:
- Online:
- By email:
- By mail:
- Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Attn: Robert Ellison
725 Summer St. NE, Suite C
Salem, OR 97301
- Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
A public hearing will be held to allow members of the public to provide testimony.
- Virtual hearing
January 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X3ChSlJkTE-Y3FRh3WIy-Q
The draft rules focus on regulating takeoff and landing locations, which are within the department’s authority, while recognizing that UAS flight is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Under the proposal, UAS use would generally be limited to designated areas for drone operations, with additional requirements for commercial or research purposes.
The proposed rules were developed in response to Senate Bill 109 (2021), which directed OPRD to create a regulatory framework that provides recreational UAS access while protecting sensitive park resources and minimizing conflicts with other visitors.
OPRD convened a Rule Advisory Committee made up of recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists, commercial operators and other stakeholders. The committee reviewed draft rules and provided recommendations that helped shape the proposal now open for public comment.
Once the public comment period closes, OPRD staff will review all feedback, revise the draft rules as appropriate, and present a final proposal to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration later in 2026.
If adopted, the rules would be implemented in phases, allowing the department to adapt management strategies over time, based on resource conditions, visitor use and operational experience.
For over 30 years the Yachats Lions Club has held an annual Crab Feed event in Yachats, Oregon. The annual trek to Yachats to eat Dungeness crab is a tradition for families and groups from across Oregon, Washington and beyond.
Our annual Yachats Lions Club Crab Feed is DINE-IN on Saturday, January 31, 2026! After selling out in 2025, the 2026 Crab Feed will now offer 4 seatings, 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm at the Yachats Lions Hall and 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm at the Yachats Commons.
Meals purchased will consist of “All you can eat Dungeness crab“, fresh locally baked bread, coleslaw, baked beans, and soda for $50.
Crab Feed 2026 Tickets – All You Can Eat
The $50 per person meal tickets are available for sale online at https://yachatslionsclub.org/ You can select the seating and order as many meals as you like. For more information please send an email to YachatsLionsCrabFeed@gmail.com.
Lion David O’Kelley, coordinator of the popular Crab Feed, says “We are very pleased to be offering the fund-raiser as we have done for so many years.” We get great support from the community and local businesses in Yachats, Waldport and Newport. South Beach Fish Market cooks and cleans the best tasting local crab you have ever eaten.
With our motto of “WE SERVE” among the many services we provide eyeglasses and exams, hearing aids and exams, eye screening in Lincoln County schools, pancake breakfasts, crab feed, lunch bunch, speaker series, peace poster and flag day events in our schools, and ommunity use of our clubhouse. Through community donations to the Yachats Lions Thrift Store our sales allow us to donate to local, student scholarships, food pantries, school programs, projects, and upkeep of the clubhouse.
In addition, donations are made to Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing as well as Lions Club International Foundation. Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization with a network of 1.4 million men and women in more than 200 countries and geographical locations. We serve where we live, as well as globally, and we have fun doing it. — The proceeds for this fund-raising event are for Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.
Calling all artists: BLM seeks Artists-in-Residence at Rogue River Ranch, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument during Freedom 250
The Bureau of Land Management is looking for two Artists-in-Residence: one at the historic Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site and another at the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
The selected artists will have the unique opportunity to capture these public lands during a milestone year as the Nation marks its 250th birthday and the BLM celebrates its 80th anniversary. The artists will receive one- to two-week residencies during the summer to create original work while immersed in some of Oregon’s most remarkable environments.
One artist and one alternate will be selected for each residency based on the following criteria: entry materials, residency proposal, professionalism, and creative vision. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 28. As part of the 2026 program, selected artists will also be part of the Freedom 250 celebration, paying tribute to the historic sites and special lands that have contributed to the Nation’s heritage.
“Artists provide a captivating lens through which we can explore our connection to public lands,” said Joel Brumm, Assistant Monument Manager. “Their work provides a unique perspective on these remarkable landscapes, highlighting our mission and role in public land management as we celebrate our 80th anniversary.”
Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site – The Rogue River Ranch residency will take place between June and August 2026 in a breathtaking setting deep in the Rogue Wild and Scenic River Corridor. The remote outpost is a two-hour drive or a 22-mile river trip from Grave Creek Boat Ramp. The selected artist will reside in the historic house.
Following their residency, the artist will share their vision in a public presentation at the Grants Pass Museum of Art on Oct. 2. Their work will be displayed at the museum for one month and then returned to the artist. The BLM is requesting digital copies of the artwork to promote the Artist-in-Residence program and public lands. The artist retains a non-exclusive use copyright.
In summer 2025, Artist Alisha Whitman created watercolors during her residency. She shared her experience with the BLM.
Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and there is no preference given to any style or medium.
Interested artists can learn more information and find an application at the Artist-in-Residence website, by e-mailing Tony Saunders at asaunders@blm.gov, or by calling 541-471-6642.
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument – The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument residency will take place in June 2026. The selected artist will be based at a travel trailer at Hyatt Lake Campground while exploring the environment and creating their art. The BLM is seeking visual artists for this residency.
Since 2017, the Artist-in-Residence program has allowed numerous artists to transform the monument’s natural and cultural resources into visual art, objects, and performances.
Last year’s Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Artist-in-Residence was Paul Atkinson, a gifted photographer who spent his time studying and photographing the monument’s unique landscapes.
During their residency, the artist will share their experience and artistic vision in a public presentation. Following the residency, artists are asked to donate an original artwork piece, which they will retain the rights to.
Interested artists can learn more information and find an application at the Artist-in-Residence website, by e-mailing John Duwe at jduwe@blm.gov, or by calling 541-618-2320.
The BLM manages about 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.
Raise Funds to Plant Trees in Oregon
Registration is open for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K
Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests. You must register by April 1st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event.
Participants can walk, run, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 18 and 26 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day). Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. Last year, we had to close registration early due to higher than anticipated participation, so register as soon as possible. If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15, or earlier if more participants sign up than we have available swag.
For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks. Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration. This year’s tree plantings will be placed in the Santiam Canyon.
Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.
As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its sixth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include fifteen other states. Together, all sixteen states will help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.
“We are thrilled to honor Bob Ross and continue our efforts to plant at least One Million Trees in Oregon.” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever. “To date, we have funded the planting of 850,000 trees.”
“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.”
Participants can register at www.orparksforever.org. — For more information, contact Seth Miller at 503/966-1053 or seth@orparksforever.org
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:
- 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!)
- 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
