Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 2/4 – Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner Shares More Information Regarding EPD Response at the Federal Building, The ICE Eugene Federal Building Remains Closed & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com

Wednesday, February 4, 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

Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner Shares More Information Regarding EPD Response and De-escalation Efforts at the Federal Building at 211 E. 7th Avenue on January 30. http://facebook.com/reel/1627722468387925/?s=single_unit

The ICE Eugene Federal Building remains closed indefinitely after claims that over $200,000 in damages from a riot involving an alleged 400 people, with ongoing questions about accountability and federal response.

“On Friday night, 400 rioters stormed the ICE Eugene building destroying windows and did over $200,000 worth of damage to the facility,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

There are videos circulating on social media showing a federal agent breaking a window from inside the building. The Department of Homeland Security has yet to respond to this claim.

Windows have been boarded up, and the offices inside the building remain closed, affecting those with appointments. Some individuals are being redirected to Salem to resolve their issues.

Controversy and Chaos as DHS Officers and Demonstrators Clash in Eugene

Slowed and Zoomed Video of DHS Officer Breaking the Window

The window was broken from the inside not the outside.

As far as I can tell this was the most significant property crime done Friday night, yet it was done by the DHS themselves. https://packaged-media.redd.it/mors7hjoxygg1/pb/m2-res_720p.mp4?m=DASHPlaylist.mpd&v=1&e=1770062400&s=f927e60d481c470a86f1a4c7f7007ef29b33013f

0:18 / 0:29

On Sunday, Governor Tina Kotek, Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson, Congresswoman Val Hoyle, and several other local community leaders addressed the press in an effort to ease tensions in Eugene after ICE and DHS clash with peaceful protestors over the weekend.

“Peaceful protest is an important constitutional right,” said Gov. Kotek. “I would argue our ability to protest is in the DNA of Oregonians and we are seeing protests across our state. It’s also true that we can do that without breaking the law, damaging property, or putting other people at risk.”

On Friday night, several demonstrators broke windows at the downtown federal building, leading to a declaration of a riot by Eugene police. Federal agents responded by using tear gas and pepper spray on the crowd.

Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson is advising peaceful protesters to avoid the federal building to prevent further damage and a heightened federal response.

“To all of the extraordinary peaceful protesters who have been showing up across our community, you are not doing anything wrong,” Knudson said. “Peaceful protest is a sign of health in a functioning democracy. It does not include property damage or vandalism or assault. Those actions have real consequences, and people will be held accountable for them.”

Val Hoyle is warning Oregonians that further illegal behavior may lead to increased deployment of federal forces, similarly to recent activities in Minneapolis.

“If we don’t break the law, that means they cannot gaslight us into saying that they are entitled and that they have a reason to bring more forces,” said Hoyle.

President Trump announced Saturday that the Department of Homeland Security will not intervene in protests in Democratic-run cities unless requested, but emphasized that federal forces will protect federal buildings.

“I have no intent of asking the federal government to intervene in our community affairs here. I have a lot of faith in local law enforcement,” said Kotek. “I also have, primarily, a lot of faith in Oregonians to peacefully protest and let their voices be heard.”

2/1/26 – Lane County Sheriff’s K9 locates trespasser, investigation leads to felon in possession of a firearm and drugs

On February 1st at 4:30 in the morning, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 90800 block of Highway 99, north of Eugene, for a report of two trespassers on a large business property. Deputies contacted a male, Ryan Howard Pruett, 37, of Eugene, in a vehicle nearby, but could not determine he was one of the trespassers.  

K9 Tito was deployed, and despite the pouring rain he quickly led deputies to a cluster of cars on the property and alerted. Deputies announced themselves, and the person hiding, Olivia Mae Johnston, 35, of Eugene, was detained. Pruett was determined to be involved in the original call.  

Deputies located Pruett again, and he was detained as well. Deputies then observed a firearm in the vehicle. As Pruett is a felon, deputies authored a search warrant for the vehicle, which was granted by a judge.  

During the search of the vehicle, deputies located ammunition and methamphetamine in addition to the pistol. After additional investigation, Johnston was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for Trespass in the 2nd Degree. Pruett was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of Methamphetamine – Misdemeanor.

Sweet Home Police Arrest one for Criminally Negligent Homicide

On February 3, 2026, at about 1:06 a.m. Sweet Home Police received a 911 call of a physical disturbance near the Foster Elementary School building. The initial report indicated that one of the two subjects involved was being restrained on the ground. As officers were responding, the caller stated that the male being restrained on the ground had gone unconscious and was not breathing.

Officers arrived to find 47-year-old Joe Parkins of Sweet Home not breathing and without a pulse. Officers performed CPR on Mr. Parkins until relieved by members of the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District. Emergency personnel continued life-saving efforts but were unable to revive Parkins. Additional staff responded to the scene, including the Sweet Home Police Department detective.

The investigation revealed that Mr. Parkins was in a physical altercation with 49-year-old David Johnson of Sweet Home. Mr. Johnson was taken into custody for Criminally Negligent Homicide and lodged at the Linn County Jail. The investigation is continuing, and additional charges may be added.

The Sweet Home Police Department expresses our condolences to Mr. Parkins’ family and would like to thank the assisting agencies, including the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District, Linn County Medical Examiner’s Office, Linn County District Attorney’s Office, Sweet Home Funeral Chapel, Puyallup (WA) Police Department, Sweet Home School District, and Sweet Home Police Chaplains. Anyone with information can contact Detective Potter at 541-367-5181 or spotter@sweethomeor.gov.

Family-friendly celebration of the arts and Lunar New Year this Friday, February 6th.

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. 8^th 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. 8^th 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.

Two Hospitalized Following Fire West of Eugene

Eugene Springfield Fire responded to the intersection of Fisher Rd & Royal Ave for a house fire.  Just before 3 AM on Monday February 1st, a passer by reported the fire stating the flames were taller than the house.

Fire crews arrived to find a house fully involved in fire. E7 from Barger was the first to arrive and began a defensive fire attack. E7 found two occupants outside who were transported to riverbend in stable condition. In total, 5 engines, two tenders, one truck, two medics, two chiefs, two fire marshals and one support unit were dispatched to the scene. 

Lane Fire Authority provided an engine and medic to support the operation. The cause is still under investigation. The fire was located West of Eugene in the Zumwalt Rural Fire Protection District, one of 6 districts ESF serves outside city limits. 

Salem Detectives Investigating Two Suspicious Death Cases 

Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit and Felony Crimes Unit are investigating two separate unrelated suspicious death cases in Salem. 

The first incident occurred on January 30, 2026, at approximately 1:10 p.m., when officers responded to a residence in the 4600 block of Dark Forest Place NE and found a woman deceased. 

The second incident took place later that day at approximately 6:31 p.m. near Wallace Marine Park, where a woman was found deceased under suspicious circumstances. 

Both investigations are ongoing. At this time, the incidents appear unrelated and there is no ongoing threat to the public.  For further inquiries, please contact the Salem Police Communications Office. 

1/29/2026 – LCSO Case 26-0248 – Lane County Sheriff’s detectives arrest Eugene man during Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation

On January 29th at about 10 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s detectives contacted a suspect in an ongoing investigation in the area of Commons Drive and Kinsrow Avenue.  

The suspect, Seth Nishimatsu Smith, 30, of Eugene, was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree and 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 2nd Degree. 

This arrest stemmed from an investigation by the Lane County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, focusing on child exploitation.   The Lane County Sheriff’s Office received assistance during this investigation from the Lane County District Attorney’s Office and Springfield Police Department.  

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

Downtown Eugene Parking Meters Are Cashless Now

The City of Eugene recently removed coin vault doors from parking meters following a series of vandalism incidents. Vandals were breaking into meters to steal coins, prompting the city to accept only card payments at this time.

“In 2024-2025, we had almost every downtown meter was vandalized,” said Jeff Petry with the City of the Eugene. “People were digging in the meters to get the coins. So we are temporarily removing that as we think about our next plan for installing meters, because coins are important for our downtown customers.”

In response, the city is exploring more secure options to reintroduce coin payments. Other possibilities under consideration include payment kiosks and pay-by-phone methods. The city says it aims to find a solution that balances security with convenience for downtown customers.

Only Grocery Store in Drain Closing

Ray’s Food Place is the only grocery store in Drain and it’ is going to close next month. The last day is set for February 13. This follows the US Bank across from Ray’s Food Place which shut down on January 15th.

Drain, Oregon, known as the “Gateway to the Pacific,” is a historic timber community in Douglas County located 8 miles west of I-5 (Exit 162). It serves as a, scenic, direct access point to the Oregon Coast via Highway 38, which runs west to Reedsport (roughly 55 miles away). 

C&K Market, a Medford based company, owns Ray’s Food Place, and announced the closure of the Drain location on January13. Their president, Rocky Campbell, provided the following statement: “This was not an easy decision. The Drain community welcomed us into their daily lives, and we are sincerely thankful for the strong relationships built along the way.”

The closest grocery store for Drain residents will soon be a at least a 15 to 20 minute drive away. Their only choices for getting groceries is either going to Cottage Grove or Roseburg. This will impact people too who have long made it a point to stop in Drain before heading to the coast.

Eugene event puts focus on improving safety, health for workers with training, learning opportunities

A two-day event in Eugene will offer employers and workers opportunities to hear from experts about how to create and maintain safe and healthy working conditions. Topics include everything from the importance of safety committees and the keys to a successful safety culture to best practices for electrical safety and tips on designing a strong heat-illness prevention program.

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (Oregon OSHA) – a division of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services – joins the Cascade Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals and Lane County Human Resource Association in encouraging employers and workers to attend the 21st biennial Cascade Occupational Safety and Health Conference, to be held March 3-4 at the Graduate by Hilton Eugene, 66 E. Sixth Ave.

On Tuesday, March 3, the conference will feature a keynote presentation by Dale Lesinski, vice president of DiVal Safety Equipment. His presentation, “Safe 4 the Right Reasons,” will show attendees how delivering a personal reason to adopt safe behaviors is essential to achieving desirable outcomes. Making safety and health personal, and appealing to human nature – along with positive messages – lead to safe and healthy behaviors that are sustainable, according to Lesinski. 

Lesinski will also conduct a breakout session focusing on the keys to building a successful safety culture, including employee engagement, sustainability, safety messaging, emotional intelligence, and organizational safety structure.

The Cascade Occupational Safety and Health Conference also features a special networking event at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3. The event involves the Cascade Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Women in Safety Excellence, and the Lane County Human Resource Association. It will provide attendees an opportunity to meet safety and health professionals in the region and to learn about the organizations. Light refreshments will be served. Those interested may RSVP to Leigh Manning, leiman@saif.com, by Saturday, Feb. 28. Attendees will receive an email confirmation before the event.  

The conference, which includes awards, exhibits, and lunch, offers a variety of workplace safety and health topics. They include:

• I’m on the Safety Committee, Now What?
• Oregon’s Best-Kept Secret: Unlocking the Employer-at-Injury and Preferred Worker Programs
• Fall Protection: Formal Equipment Inspections
• Make the Unseen Seen: Managing Psychosocial Risks at Work
• Is It Getting Hot in Here? Oregon OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Rule Requirements
• Is That Confined Space Permit Required? Yes or No?
• Foundation of Trust
• What to Expect from an Oregon OSHA Inspection
• Behavioral Health Emergency and Disaster Management
• Confined Space: Elements of an Effective Program

Registration for the two-day event is $295. Tuesday-only attendance is $150. Wednesday-only attendance is $150. Register now: safetyseries.cventevents.com/cascade26. For more information about Oregon OSHA safety and health conferences, go online, send an email to egon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov“>oregon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov, or call 503-947-7411.

### About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

The 2026 Mayor’s Art Show is on Display at the Hult Center

The 2026 Mayor’s Art Show is on display at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts in Eugene through February 22, featuring over 50 local artists in the Maurie Jacobs Community Room, main lobby, and upper balcony. The exhibition, celebrating local creativity, is free to the public and open Tuesday-Friday 12-5 p.m. and Saturday 12-3 p.m.

For 2026, MAS will be on display in three locations within the Hult Center for the Performing Arts: the lower level (Maurie Jacobs Community room), the main lobby and the upper balcony. Artwork was selected by a committee of artists and arts professionals and curated to highlight the creativity and accomplishments of artists who enrich our community through visual arts every day.

• Location: Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR.
• Dates: January 6 – February 22, 2026.
• Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 12-5 p.m.; Saturday, 12-3 p.m..
• Highlights: Features 50+ local artists, with selections from the Maude Kerns Art Center’s Teen Mayor’s Art Show.
• Action: Visitors can vote for the People’s Choice Award. 

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…

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

Effective February 1, 2026, PacificSource Community Solutions is no longer a Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) in Lane County, with roughly 90,000 Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members transitioning to Trillium Community Health Plan. This change, caused by contract negotiations regarding reimbursement rates, aims to ensure continuous coverage, with most members automatically moving to Trillium. Key Updates and Actions for Members

• Transition to Trillium: Most OHP members, including those with Medicare (“dual eligible”), are moving to Trillium, which will become the primary CCO in the area.
• No Loss of Coverage: OHP benefits remain the same, and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is ensuring uninterrupted coverage.
• New Member ID Cards: Members will receive new Trillium ID cards before the February 1, 2026, transition.
• Provider Continuity (Transition of Care): Trillium is allowing temporary, continued access to current PacificSource providers for 30 days (physical/dental) to 60/90 days (behavioral/complex care).
• Exceptions: Some members, such as American Indian/Alaska Native, may move to OHP Open Card (fee-for-service) instead of Trillium, with the option to choose to move to Trillium. 

Important Information for Providers

• Transition of Care Period: Trillium is encouraging providers to continue treating members during the transition, allowing for 30, 60, or 90 days of care, depending on the service type and member needs.
• Formulary and Prescriptions: Trillium is working with providers to transition prescriptions to its formulary, allowing 30 days for switches.
• Waitlist/Network Concerns: While some providers have reported issues with the onboarding process, Trillium has indicated they have the capacity to handle the influx of new members. 

For the latest, direct information, members and providers should monitor updates from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) website and Trillium Community Health Plan’s dedicated transition page. 

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.

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

RAVEN-Radical Assistance — GoFund Me to Help

Hi Friends, the good people at RAVEN are diligently trying to find some indoor space to use for the winter. We would love to offer some respite from the weather along with the other basic needs that we are providing. Please help us find some under utilized space, preferably close to the downtown core, that we can use to take care of our neighbors in need. Any and all ideas are welcome! We appreciate all of your donations. We are always in need of operational funds, clothing, blankets & camping gear.

Any ideas appreciated for Indoor Space! They are providing food, basic need supplies and human connection to our neighbors in need. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572229470271

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-raven-continue-services-for-vulnerable-neighbors?attribution_id=sl:ebb2169e-6901-4025-a221-274235ce05c0&lang=en_US&ts=1760736364&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

Willamette Valley Crisis Care

Current and former CAHOOTS workers have started a new organization: Willamette Valley Crisis Care! Check ’em out on instagram (here) and facebook (here) and share the news that they’re ready to bring back CAHOOTS as CAHOOTS 2.0.

TransPonder — TransPonder is excited to be expanding!

We will be moving some of our programs and services to the new home of The Lavender Network, and our offices will be closed from November 3-7 to allow us time to do that. Staff will still be monitoring phones and emails and our Food Program will continue uninterrupted.

At our new Willamette location (1590 Willamette St.), you will find our Behavioral Health Program, the Legal ID Change Program, Resource Navigation, Sylvia’s Closet, and our free Lending Library.

We will also continue to have offices at our Maxwell location (440 Maxwell Rd.) which will house our Food Program, the Youth Empowerment Project, our Job Skill Program, administrative offices, and our community events.

We appreciate your patience as we embark on this new stage for TransPonder! 

Check out the upcoming events, clubs, classes, groups, and gatherings in this week’s newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/…/transponder-happenings-sept14-sept20

Waste To Taste – Got an Extra Can or Two? Let’s Fill the Little Free Pantries Together!

Our Little Free Pantries are running low—and for some neighbors, these are their only source of food right now.If you’ve got: A few extra cans A box of pasta Unopened hgiene items Kid-friendly snacks…you can make someone’s day a little easier. Just place your donation directly into any Burrito Brigade Little Free Pantry around town. No sign-up, no questions—just community caring for community. Find a pantry near you: BurritoBrigade.org/pantries It’s a simple act with a big impact. Support our Mission: BurritoBrigade.org

White Bird Clinic – · Crisis intervention is a 24/7 need in our community, and CAHOOTS, as part of White Bird Crisis Intervention programs, responds.

White Bird CAHOOTS Springfield Coverage: 11 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week (541-726-3714)

White Bird Clinic

This year marks 60 years of community health centers transforming care across the U.S. At White Bird Clinic, we’re proud to be part of this legacy – bringing whole-person care to our community’s most vulnerable neighbors for more than 50 years! From medical and dental services to harm reduction and crisis response, we’re here to meet people where they are.Learn more about community health at the link below: https://www.nachc.org/about-nachc/history-of-chc/

Whole Community News Report on CAHOOTS:

Since December of 2023, Eugene lost the University District hospital and the Hourglass Crisis Center, and as of last week, CAHOOTS. These were no-barrier treatment access points for our most vulnerable neighbors to receive care when experiencing a mental health crisis. READ MORE: https://wholecommunity.news/2025/04/20/public-comments-ask-city-not-to-lose-cahoots-too/

Contact for Services — Phone: CAHOOTS is dispatched within the Springfield urban growth boundary through the non-emergency number, 541-726-3714.

Starting in the new year, White Bird Dental Clinic will offer more walk-in clinic times. Currently, we offer walk-in clinics at 1415 Pearl St. every Monday and Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. In January, we will also add every other Friday at 7:30 a.m. Find more information at whitebirdclinic.org/dental

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.

TODAY: Healthcare providers will pack the room at first hearing on bill to hold ICE accountable in Oregon’s hospitals 

Senate Health Care Committee Hearing on the Healthcare Without Fear Act – Senate Bill 1570-1 
Wednesday, Feb. 4 
3 p.m.  
Oregon State Capitol 
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301 
Hearing Room D 

Livestream available on the Oregon State Legislature’s website.

WHAT: Frontline healthcare workers and state legislators are among those scheduled to testify in support of the Healthcare Without Fear Act – Oregon Senate Bill 1570-1 during its first hearing Feb. 4. If passed, the bill would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to follow the same standards as other law enforcement inside Oregon hospitals, protect patients’ and workers’ rights, and ensure all people can access healthcare without fearing for their health and safety.

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 4. 3 – 4:30 p.m. 

WHERE: Senate Committee on Health Care Meeting 

Hearing Room D in the Oregon State Capitol 
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301 
Livestream available here 

WHO: Nurses and healthcare workers from across the state, Oregon state legislators, legal experts and allies.   

WHY: Hospitals and clinics must be places of healing—not fear, intimidation, and detention. The Trump administration has begun targeting hospitals, clinics, schools, and places of worship for aggressive immigration enforcement actions—leading to violence, harassment, intimidation. 

Federal immigration officers recently shot two people in a hospital parking lot in Portland and arrested an entire family while they were trying to take their sick 7-year-old daughter to the ER. Federal officers have also been bringing detainees from the Portland ICE facility and people injured in ICE actions to local hospitals for healthcare. They have not always followed standard hospital protocols. 

Federal agents have reportedly pressured doctors and nurses to skip recommended healthcare so they could discharge detained patients more quickly, refused to step away during private health consultations which include protected health information or sensitive medical exams, freely roamed patient hallways, and removed hospitalized patients against medical advice. These activities violate HIPAA, undermine trust in healthcare providers and our health system, and jeopardize patients’ care. 

The Healthcare Without Fear Act—Oregon Senate Bill 1570-1—prevents hospitals from being weaponized by federal agencies by requiring federal immigration officers to follow the same standards as other law enforcement in Oregon hospitals and clinics, protects patients’ and workers’ rights, and helps ensure all people can access healthcare without fearing for their health and safety. 

More information on the Healthcare without Fear Act can be found at OregonRN.org/CareWithoutFear.

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

2025 in Review: Job Losses and Rising Unemployment

Oregon’s labor force grows slightly despite negative turn in job growth

Oregon saw job growth in a handful of sectors and experienced a small increase in its labor force, but overall, the state lost jobs in 2025 as the unemployment rate rose nearly a point to 5.2%.

In reviewing the year, state employment economist Gail Krumenauer noted job gains were concentrated in private health care and social assistance, but rising jobless workers resulted in the highest unemployment rate – outside a recession or recovery period – in a decade.

Looking ahead, Oregon’s Office of Economic Analysis expects a rebound to slow job gains in 2026.

Visit QualityInfo.org for the full Year in Review article.

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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

On February 1, 2026, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson demanded that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents leave the city and resign following their use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbangs against a large, peaceful demonstration outside the South Waterfront facility on January 31, which included children. Wilson condemned the federal actions as a, “trampling of the Constitution,” and announced plans to impose new, heavy fines on detention facilities that use chemical agents. 

• Incident Details: The protest on January 31, 2026, involved thousands surrounding the ICE facility, with agents deploying chemical agents, rubber bullets, and pepper balls after some individuals crossed the property line.
• Mayor’s Response: Mayor Wilson, who took office in 2025, described the incident as a, “violent,” overreaction to a peaceful protest and told federal agents to, “go home,”.
• Actionable Measures: The city is moving forward with a previously passed ordinance to impose fees on detention facilities that deploy chemical agents. 

This incident echoes previous, intense tensions between Portland city leadership and federal law enforcement over the use of force at demonstrations, with the new mayor immediately taking a strong stance against federal actions. 

ONA Statement on ‘Labor Against ICE’ March

On Saturday, January 31, at a peaceful march in Portland organized by Oregon’s labor unions; workers, children, and community allies were tear-gassed by federal agents. The use of chemical agents against nonviolent demonstrators is dangerous, unacceptable and an attack on Oregon’s working families.

Peaceful protest is a fundamental American right. When federal agents respond to lawful, nonviolent demonstrations with force, they undermine public trust and put workers, patients and entire communities at risk.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) strongly condemns these actions. We will not be intimidated, and we will not accept violence as a response to organizing, dissent, or advocacy. Attacks on working people are attacks on the health and safety of our communities.

Even in the midst of this aggression, ONA’s strength was evident. Frontline nurses and healthcare professionals immediately did what they do best: caring for people in need and providing treatment to those exposed to chemical agents.

Their response reflects the core values of nursing and healthcare—protecting health, safety, human dignity and human rights, especially in moments of crisis.

ONA will continue to stand up for Oregon’s immigrant community—by taking action in our streets, holding hospitals accountable, protecting patients, and advancing policies like the Healthcare Without Fear Act—legislation that establishes clear standards and accountability for federal agents operating in healthcare settings and our communities.

Please visit OregonRN.org/CareWithoutFear for more information and to take action.

ONA remains committed and ready to stand on the frontlines to defend all Oregonians from threats to their safety, health, and fundamental rights. 

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

Protesters and officials react to federal agents’ tear gas use in Portland

Oregon officials and protesters respond after federal agents deploy tear gas on demonstrators in Portland Saturday.

Hundreds of protesters marched about two miles from City Hall to the ICE facility in South Waterfront on Saturday, responding to the actions of federal agents, according to witnesses.

In a social post, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) confirmed that federal law enforcement has deployed munitions, including irritant gas at the ICE facility in South Portland. The bureau also clarified that PPB did not deploy any munitions. 

Video captured during the protest shows a young girl receiving medical attention after reportedly being exposed to tear gas following a union rally against ICE.

Mark Remy, the man who recorded the video, told KGW the girl cried, saying, “It hurts. It hurts,” while a medic helped flush her eyes. “I just thought, ‘What have we come to,’” Remy said.

Protester Sarah Slusarick said federal agents could clearly see the crowd, which included children and animals. “They were pretty clued in as to what they were doing,” she said.

Jess, another protester, described the federal response as “callous and heartless and willfully violent towards children and the elderly.”

The protest and use of tear gas drew attention from state and local officials.

Video captured during the protest shows a young girl receiving medical attention after reportedly being exposed to tear gas following a union rally against ICE.

Mark Remy, the man who recorded the video, told KGW the girl cried, saying, “It hurts. It hurts,” while a medic helped flush her eyes. “I just thought, ‘What have we come to,’” Remy said.

Protester Sarah Slusarick said federal agents could clearly see the crowd, which included children and animals. “They were pretty clued in as to what they were doing,” she said.

Jess, another protester, described the federal response as “callous and heartless and willfully violent towards children and the elderly.”

The protest and use of tear gas drew attention from state and local officials.

RELATED: Federal officers tear gas, pepper ball demonstrators at Portland ICE facility after ‘ICE Out’ march downtown

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, said, “I do believe excessive force has been used last night in Portland.” Kotek added that federal agents must stop “indiscriminate and unlawful uses of crowd control tools.”

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson wrote that the city is “moving swiftly” to impose a fee on detention facilities that use chemical agents. The ordinance enabling the fee went into effect last month.

Cami Saunders of Portland Contra Las Deportaciones said the city’s current actions are insufficient. “They issued the land-use violation in September and have yet to collect fees for that…we need emergency legislation to shut down the building and prevent them from continuing to tear gas our communities,” she said.

Portland City Councilor Mitch Green asked residents who were tear-gassed to share their experiences, while Councilor Sameer Kanal is developing policy to prevent the use, storage or possession of tear gas within city limits. Portland police made no arrests at the ICE facility Saturday night. (SOURCE)

Cascades Red Cross Deploys Disaster Relief Volunteers to aid in Winter Storm Response

The American Red Cross is providing shelter to more than 4,000 people in 210 facilities spanning from Texas and Louisiana to Tennessee and Virginia, in response to the blizzard conditions and extreme freezing temperatures affecting much of the country.

The Red Cross Cascades Region (OR and SW WA) has deployed 7 volunteers and 4 more are on standby if they are needed.

There’s no time to wait — book an appointment to give blood or platelets now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

These volunteers will be helping with things like sheltering, feeding and distributing emergency supplies.

This extreme weather has also forced the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives in the affected areas, leaving 10,000 units uncollected, intensifying our blood shortage.

Read more about that HERE: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2026/severe-winter-weather-intensifying-severe-blood-shortage–more-t.html

How can people in Oregon and SW Washington help? Make an appointment to donate blood at https://www.redcrossblood.org/ and help keep the supply strong for hospitals and patients.

Original blood shortage release:

Severe blood shortage: Red Cross blood supply drops 35%

Donors urged to make an appointment to give blood and platelets amid growing flu, winter weather impact

[PORTLAND, OR, Jan. 20, 2026] —

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month. Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for platelets, types O, A negative and B negative blood.

High flu activity in nearly every state may be sidelining donors, slowing efforts to rebuild the Red Cross national blood supply. At the same time, hospitals already feeling the strain of the worst flu season in nearly 20 years are now also forced to triage critical blood products. Without immediate action, patients who count on transfusions — including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth and people with sickle cell disease or cancer — face serious risk. 

Weather disrupts vital donations

About 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weather last month alone — more than three times the number of blood drives impacted during the same time the previous year. As a result, thousands of blood donations have gone uncollected. With intense winter weather and freezing temperatures expected across much of the country in the coming weeks, more blood drives could potentially be delayed or canceled at a time when every unit of blood could be the difference for doctors facing difficult choices about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait.

“Winter always puts pressure on the blood supply, and this year widespread flu and rough weather are making it even tougher,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross donor services. “If you’re able, now’s a great time to make and keep blood donation appointments, during National Blood Donor Month. Every donation can be a lifeline for a patient who isn’t able to hold off on critical care.”

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, servicing 65 hospitals in the Pacific Northwest; 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.

Oregon launches Construction Loan Guarantee Program to reduce barriers for affordable housing development

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and the Network for Oregon Affordable Housing (NOAH) launch the Construction Loan Guarantee (CLG) Program. 

The program decreases risk to lenders, making it easier for developers to access construction loans to build affordable homes for people with low to moderate incomes.  

“This program is a critical step toward addressing Oregon’s housing shortage,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “The goal of this program and partnership is to concretely reduce barriers for lenders and developers, making way to get more homes built across Oregon.” 

In 2023, the Oregon Legislature allocated $20 million to OHCS to establish the program. Following a request for proposals (RFP) process, OHCS awarded the funding to NOAH to administer the program. Eligible projects may include single-family homes, manufactured home communities, and multifamily rentals.  

“NOAH is excited to be launching this Construction Loan Guarantee Program. It is designed to give lenders more confidence to invest and help projects secure better terms to ensure more affordable housing units can be developed,” said NOAH’s Deputy Director and Director of Lending Ann Remmers. “We’re especially hopeful about the impact this will have on smaller developments and rural communities, supporting both rental homes and homeownership. We encourage developers and lenders to reach out.”  

By providing lenders with extra financial security up front, CLG increases their ability to make loans to projects. These loans make developing affordable housing easier, creating more certainty in the face of unpredictable factors like interest rates, material costs, or supply chain issues.  

Visit the NOAH CLG webpage for more program details and how to apply.   

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 

OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs. 

About the Network for Oregon Affordable Housing (NOAH)  

The Network for Oregon Affordable Housing (NOAH) is a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) that provides financing for the development and preservation of affordable housing throughout Oregon. Formed in 1990 to increase the supply of safe, healthy, and stable housing, NOAH now administers over $400 million of loan capital through a growing array of loan programs to support the preservation and development of new affordable housing.

The Oregon Heritage Commission is providing grants to museums for projects related to collections, heritage tourism, and education. The awards generally vary from $2,000 to $10,000.

Museums are eligible to apply for a range of initiatives, such as cataloging and conservation of collections, marketing efforts for heritage tourism, and educational exhibits. Additionally, they may collaborate with other organizations on projects that align with their mission. Museums serve as custodians of local, regional, and state history, and this program facilitates the collection, preservation, and promotion of that history throughout the state.

A complimentary online workshop on the grant application process will take place on February 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration is mandatory. The commission, which is appointed by the Governor, consists of nine members who represent the diverse heritage of Oregon. Its objective is to enhance Oregon’s heritage through coordination, advocacy, and educational initiatives.

Direct cash assistance from the state is helping homeless Oregon youth find housing, according to the results of a pilot program that concluded last year.

In February 2023, the Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program at the Oregon Department of Human Services began providing 120 youth in Multnomah, Clackamas and Deschutes counties ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness with $1,000 monthly until January 2025.

By the end of the two-year period, 94% of participants reported they were housed. Many also reported that they had improved their financial literacy skills, such as learning how to budget and build credit — skills that allowed them to leave unsafe or unstable situations.

The results of the pilot Direct Cash Transfer Plus program are encouraging and a worthwhile investment, said Matthew Rasmussen, program manager for the Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.

“If somebody is really wanting to explore how to slow and end chronic homelessness among adults, then we need to do something to stop young people from entering it,” Rasmussen said. 

Young adults aged 18 to 24 experience the highest poverty rates of any age group, according to research from the University of California, Berkley. In 2024, Oregon had the second highest rate of unsheltered unaccompanied youth in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Based on responses from about half of the program’s participants, 80% of participants became homeless because of a family disruption. Forty-three percent said they had experienced physical abuse by a partner and 71% said they had experienced violence of some kind.

The program prioritized underrepresented populations. That includes young parents, who made up 43% of participants by the end of the period. Forty-six percent of participants also reported they had experience in the foster care and justice system.

More than half of participants were women, while 30% were male and 18% identified as transgender or gender inclusive. 

Gabrielle Huffman, a Bend resident, said the program helped her move into a place where she could heal, grow and plan for a sustainable future.

“Just one year after completing (the program), I’m in my own place, halfway through a business degree, focused on building a stable, secure foundation for my daughter and myself, and working toward becoming a nonprofit leader who supports her community.”

To participate, the youth regularly met with case managers. They also had access to a one-time $3,000 enrichment fund during the two years, which helped them pay not just for housing, but for school expenses, car purchases and to build savings. 

Oregon is the second of its kind in the nation to implement the direct cash transfer program after New York City. Funded through the Oregon Department of Human Services, the goal of the program is to let youth choose how to spend their money and empower them to make investments in their own well-being. 

“Oregon’s results confirm what we saw in New York: When you cover the real cost of shared housing directly for two years — and pair it with support — young people stay housed,” said Larry Cohen, the cofounder and executive director at Point Source Youth, an organization that provided technical assistance to Oregon as it implemented the program. “This isn’t complicated. Stability takes time, and flexible cash gives young people the breathing room to build it.”

The direct cash transfer program is already underway for a second cohort. Payments began in September and have expanded to Jackson County. Funding for the latest round includes $240,000 worth in legislative appropriations and a $1 million grant from nonprofit Oregon Community Foundation. (SOURCE)

Oregon gas prices surged by 8.3 cents to an average of $3.36 per gallon in early February 2026, driven by higher crude oil prices and regional supply factors, yet they remain lower than a year ago.

While prices held steady compared to a month prior, regional variations showed significant differences, with some areas seeing even higher spikes. Key Oregon Gas Price Data (Feb 2026):

• Average Price: $3.36 per gallon (up 8.3 cents from last week).
• Monthly Trend: Unchanged compared to a month ago.
• Yearly Trend: 13.8 cents lower than a year ago.
• Regional Range: Prices varied, with reports of low-end prices near $2.69 and highs reaching $4.29.
• City-Specific Changes: Eugene rose 8 cents, Salem increased 8.8 cents, and Portland jumped 5.9 cents in one week.
• Factors: Increased oil prices (over $65/barrel) and West Coast refineries transitioning to summer-blend fuel. 

• February 3, 2025: Approximately $3.55 per gallon (as of Jan 28, 2025).
• February 3, 2024: Approximately $3.57 per gallon.
• February 3, 2023: Approximately $3.75 per gallon. 

Oregon takes steps to protect SNAP access in rural communities starting Feb. 1

Starting February 1, 2026, some people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits and live in certain rural counties will not have to meet the work rules for the rest of 2026. This change is for people who live in areas where employment services that help them meet the requirements are not readily available.

This change affects 1,310 people living in Crook, Gilliam, Jefferson, Lake, Morrow, Sherman and Wheeler counties.  More than 730,000 people in Oregon receive SNAP benefits.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will apply these discretionary exemptions for people with an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) status who live in seven rural counties without local employment service centers.

Under recently changed SNAP rules, having ABAWD status means people are between ages 18 and 64, do not have children under 14 living with them, and are able to work. Federal rules say that people in this group must work or take part in approved job or training activities for at least 80 hours a month to keep getting SNAP. If they do not, they can only get SNAP for three months. After that, their benefits stop and they cannot get SNAP again for up to three years, unless they qualify for an exemption.

While the exemptions in these seven counties are not related to the federal HR1 law passed in July 2025, HR1 did significantly alter how SNAP is administered in Oregon, including expanded work requirements statewide.

What people living in affected counties need to know

• Discretionary exemptions will be applied automatically each month beginning February 1, 2026 through December 2026.
• No action is required from people receiving SNAP in the affected counties.
• ODHS eligibility staff will continue to review and apply other SNAP exemptions at application, renewal and when changes are reported.

People who want to confirm their exemption status can:

• Check their ONE Online account,
• Contact the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075, or
• Reach out to a local ODHS office.

People in the seven counties are encouraged to continue participating in job training and employment services. Continued participation will not affect a person’s exemption status.

Supporting food access in rural Oregon

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, the federal program that administers SNAP, allocates a limited number of discretionary exemptions to each state each federal fiscal year based on the estimated number of people subject to SNAP time limits. Oregon received its allotment for federal fiscal year 2026 in December and is using these exemptions where access barriers are greatest.

The Oregon Employment Department provides employment and training services statewide through local WorkSource centers to SNAP participants with ABAWD status. The seven counties included in this change do not have a local WorkSource center, which can mean long travel distances or reliance on phone or internet access that may not be consistently available in rural areas.

Under federal guidance, discretionary exemptions are limited and may only be used for certain periods. Oregon plans to apply these exemptions in the seven counties from February through December 2026.

This change is not related to the federal HR1 law passed in July 2025 and does not reflect a new federal law or mandate. It is a state-level administrative action allowed under existing federal SNAP rules.

About SNAP in Oregon:

• SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities.
• Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year.
• But even with SNAP benefits, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs, especially amid the rising cost of food and housing. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to making sure people in Oregon receive the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries is offering grants for qualified historic cemeteries. The annual grants fund projects that preserve historic cemeteries.

Projects funded in the past include marker repair workshops, fencing, signs, interpretive panels and brochures, security lighting, access improvements, records management, and more.

Awards typically range between $1,000 and $8,000, but have been higher. Anyone may apply for a grant. Projects must be related to historic cemeteries listed with the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries. Recent projects include marker repair and workshops in several cemeteries, installations of signs and informational kiosks, a preservation plan, and a fence replacement. 

“Our goal is to preserve Oregon’s historic cemeteries and offer support throughout the application process,” said historic cemeteries program coordinator Kuri Gill. 

The online grant application is simple to use and includes plenty of support.  A free, online workshop specific to this grant and how to use the online grant application system will be offered February 24, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Registration is required. Recorded trainings and tips are also online.

State law established the seven-member historic cemeteries commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances.

These grants support the goals of the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan and the Oregon Heritage Plan. To learn more about the grants or workshops visit www.oregonheritage.org. For additional information, translation, and accessibility needs contact Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

Oregon, IRS begin processing e-filed returns; First state refunds expected February 17

Salem, OR—As Oregon and the IRS begin processing electronically-filed tax year 2025 returns today, the Department of Revenue expects the first Oregon taxpayers to receive their refunds—including their share of the state’s $1.41 billion kicker—as soon as February 17.

The department announced earlier this month that taxpayers who choose to file paper returns face a significantly longer wait. For paper filed returns, refunds will not start being issued until early April.

To help taxpayers avoid missteps that could further delay their refund, the department is opening 2026 tax season with a series of best practices suggestions.

File a return to claim your kicker

The kicker is a refundable credit that will either increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.

Personal income taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using the “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2024 and 2025.

File electronically, request direct deposit

On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Those who file paper returns will experience a significantly longer wait in 2026 due to processing delays.

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax forms and information to the Oregon Department of Revenue. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns can’t begin until the end of March.

 Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to make a change to their return. They should choose to either file electronically or by paper. Doing both will delay processing of their return.

Gather all tax records before filing

In a kicker year, taxpayers can be in a hurry to file their return so they can get their refund as soon as possible. The department warns taxpayers not to get in too much of a hurry. They should make sure they have all necessary records—including Form W-2s from their employers and Form 1099s reporting other income—needed to file a complete and accurate tax return to avoid errors.

Getting in a hurry can cause taxpayers to file before they have all the information necessary to report all of their income. If income reported on a return doesn’t match the income reported by employers, the return, and any corresponding refund, will be delayed.

Revenue Online

Revenue Online is the state’s internet tax portal and is the best way to communicate with the department.

Taxpayers with a Revenue Online account should make sure their information is current before they file. They should check their username, password, and address; and verify any estimated tax payments they’ve made.

Those who don’t have a Revenue Online account can create one. They can simply go to Revenue Online, click “Sign Up” in the box at the top right and follow the prompts.

Download Form 1099-G

The department reminds taxpayers that it no longer mails Form 1099-G to taxpayers. The form reports the amount of refunds, credits, or other offsets of personal income, statewide transit individual tax, TriMet transit self-employment tax, or Lane transit self-employment tax paid during the previous year.

Only those who itemized deductions on their tax year 2024 federal income tax return will need a Form 1099-G to file their tax year 2025 return. Those taxpayers can view and download their Form 1099-G through Revenue Online.

Taxpayers who received unemployment insurance or Paid Leave Oregon benefits in 2025 will receive a separate 1099-G by January 31 from the Oregon Employment Department.

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 1^st 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

UNDER PRESSURE: A VOLCANIC EXPLORATION, AN EXHIBITION FROM OREGON’S HIGH DESERT MUSEUM, SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON THE RUMBLING GIANTS AMONG US

(BEND, Ore.) — For millions of years, volcanoes have been the most powerful force in nature. And for many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the May 18, 1980, eruption of Washington’s Mount Saint Helens. The science, spectacle, and significance behind these massive peaks will soon be at the center of an immersive new exhibition, “Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration,” which will run from Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, at the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipient High Desert Museum in Bend, Ore.

On the heels of the Museum’s recent “Sensing Sasquatch” exhibition – which won the Western History Association’s prestigious 2025 Autry Public History Prize and earned national praise for exploring the Indigenous perspectives of what many call Bigfoot – comes the latest groundbreaking exhibition from the High Desert Museum. Under Pressure will take visitors on an educational, insightful, and thought-provoking journey into the forces that make volcanoes among the most majestic and often misunderstood natural wonders of the world, while exploring their individual stories and temperaments.

“From cultural and historical significance to the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, the Pacific Northwest and High Desert have a particularly long, complex, and symbiotic relationship with volcanoes,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., High Desert Museum executive director. “We live in their shadows, recreate on their slopes, and admire their beauty, but it’s the volcanoes’ ability to simultaneously cause destruction and creation that evokes feelings of awe. Under Pressure will provide an immersive and deep exploration.”

Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration, a groundbreaking new exhibition from Oregon’s High Desert Museum.

WHEN:            Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027

WHERE:          High Desert Museum (Spirit of the West Gallery)

                         59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702 (map HERE)

COST:              Free with Museum admission or membership

   Active U.S. military and their families, as well as Tribal members, are FREE with ID

Among the highlights that visitors to Under Pressure can expect to encounter include:

• Engage the senses through interactive displays and exhibits, including volcanic rocks and a volcanic hazard map, to learn about cutting-edge volcano research.
• Hear stories and learn the significance of volcanoes to the people of the High Desert region.
• Get to know 4-6 individual volcanoes through biographies that explain the similarities and differences between them.
• Learn about present-day volcano hazards and how lava flows.
• Understand the technologies that scientists use to detect volcanic activity, which allow us to live among volcanoes while also enjoying their many benefits.

“These geologic giants exist all around us, come in all shapes and sizes, and tell a story of our past, present, and future,” says Whitelaw. “With 350 million people living near an active volcano worldwide, the more we understand about volcanoes, the better we can exist alongside them.”

Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration opens to the public on Feb. 7, 2026, and runs through Jan. 3, 2027, in the High Desert Museum’s Spirit of the West Gallery. For additional information on exhibitions or to start planning your experience, visit highdesertmuseum.org.

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

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