Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 7/29 – Willamalane’s Concerts in the Park Series at Island Park Kicks off Thursday, Get Ready for the Annual Michael Bryson Foundation 5k Shuffle & 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, July 29, 2026

Willamette Valley Weather

Be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

U.S. Forest Service – Willamette National Forest – HIGH Fire Danger

The Forest remains in Industrial Forest Precaution Level (IFPL) 1 and Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, and any other open fires are prohibited outside of Forest-constructed fire rings within designated campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves, portable gas campfires, and lanterns using pressurized fuel or propane with an on/off switch are allowed. Additional information is available on the Willamette National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/fire – To report a wildfire, call 911.

Please pay close attention to the conditions across the state. The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches for a large portion of the Oregon

The forecast is calling for another round of lightning. It’s already extremely dry. Our ask: prevent sparking a wildfire. Check your tow chains. Don’t mow tall dry grass in the heat of the day Don’t park on tall dry grass

We’ve got prevention tips posted to our website to share with your friends and family. LEARN MORE: https://www.oregon.gov/…/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx

Willamalane’s Concerts in the Park series at Island Park Kicks off Thursday

Featuring live performances from local bands on Thursday and Friday evenings from July 30 through Aug. 14.

The Concerts in the Park series kicks off this Thursday, July 30, with the high-energy cover band, CODE RED! The concert series is better than ever this year, featuring favorite local bands, art vendors, and food trucks on Thursday and Friday nights at Island Park.

Concerts are free with a food donation July 30 – August 14.

Admission is $5, or free when you bring two non-perishable food items to donate. Learn more, like what you can and can’t bring, how to use the shuttle, and see the whole concert lineup at willamalane.org/concerts

Get Ready for the 5th Annual Michael Bryson Foundation 5k Shuffle

The 5K will be held at Alton Baker Park on Aug 8, 2026 —- This 5K is not only a time to remember Michael, but also a way to help create awareness about mental health, addiction, and missing persons. The proceeds from this go to a scholarship in Michael’s name, helping families with missing loved ones, and search efforts.

This is the 5th annual 5K, and it will take place around the time Michael went missing, it will be 5 years on the 5th.

Michael Bryson 5 K Shuffle will be 8-8-26 At Alton Baker Park in Eugene Oregon at 9 am 

This will be the 5 th annual 5 K shuffle please come and show your support and love for Michael Bryson and all missing people! You can walk-Run-Shuffle! https://michaelbrysonfoundation.com/5k-shuffle-2026 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1180812175619844

Eugene Springfield Fire crews responded to a call of an industrial fire Monday, July 27, at Oregon Industrial Lumber Products along the McKenzie River.

Four engines, two trucks and a fire marshal arrived at 3950 Marcola Road around 2pm. About half the units left within minutes, after finding the small fire was limited to equipment inside the mill.

“The fire investigation determined that a small section of wood had become lodged in the internal moving components of the saw,” said Travis Worthington, the deputy chief with the department’s office of the fire marshal.

An employee noticed smoldering coming from the saw, according to company president John Burwell McDowell. At any sign of smoke, he said, it’s protocol for employees to immediately hit it with a fire extinguisher, trigger the evacuation alarm and call the fire department.

Sawdust had collected in the machinery. Fire crews used a thermal gun to check for hidden hotspots, found none, and workers were back on the job within the hour.

7/27/26 – LCSO # 26-3728 – Cottage Grove Man Arrested Following Vehicle Pursuit Outside Cottage Grove

On July 27th at about 8:45 pm, Deputies spotted an individual who had active felony warrants.  The male, 40-year-old Kyle Littleton Lasater of Cottage Grove, was driving a vehicle on Bryson Sears Road at the time. Deputies attempted to stop Lasater’s vehicle, but he attempted to elude deputies, leading to a vehicle pursuit.

Lasater ran from the vehicle in the 78000 block of Bryson Sears Road. Deputies established a perimeter deployed a Lane County K9.  With the help of LCSO K9 Tito, Lasater was found a short time later.     

Lasater was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail. He has been charged with the below listed crimes.  

• Forgery in the First Degree 

• Felon in Possession of a Weapon (2 counts) 

• Criminal Mischief in the First Degree 

• Attempting to Elude a Police Officer Felony (3 counts) 

• Attempting to Elude a Police Officer Misdemeanor  

• Reckless Driving (2 counts) 

• Reckless Endangering (3 counts) 

• Violation of Restraining Order 

• Assault in the Fourth Degree 

Amazon Contractor Starts Working on Distribution Center Despite Appeal on Wetland Permit

An Amazon contractor has begun work on the site where the online retailer wants to place its Eugene distribution center despite a pending appeal of the company’s wetland permit. Work trucks were visible from Highway 99, raking and watering the property July 24.

Oregon Department of State Lands spokesperson Katrina Scotto di Carlo confirmed that the department received a complaint of work being performed on the site two days prior. “We’re currently looking into the legal interpretation of the regulations to determine next steps,” she said.

Three Eugene women, including an environmental consultant, appealed the permit that would give Amazon permission to pave over wetlands back in May. They argue the state government erred when it tentatively granted the approval.

On May 1, the Oregon Department of State Lands, which has jurisdiction over wetlands in Oregon, gave Amazon contractor TC Pursuit Services — a subsidiary of Trammel Crow, the contractor that began work on the site — a notice that it intended to award a “Removal-Fill Permit” for the site where the warehouse is planned.

Trammel Crow has declined to comment on the Amazon project, citing a nondisclosure agreement.

That notice was one of the factors the City of Eugene considered when it ultimately gave Amazon permits to build last month.

Liz Porter, a Eugene resident, environmental consultant and former stormwater regulator, is the lead complainant in the formal appeal of DSL’s decision. She alleged the agency did not properly vet Trammel Crow’s findings, and that Trammel Crow and Amazon didn’t meet their obligations under the permit requirements.

DSL has jurisdiction over “waters of the state” which includes rivers, lakes, wetlands and more. To award a permit that allows Amazon to reduce those waters — including paving over the wetland — state officials consider nine factors, including whether there’s a public need for the development, whether the companies considered alternatives to the project and whether they “provided all practicable mitigation” from construction and development.

State officials determined the project met the “public need” test as part of Eugene’s vision for light-industrial jobs in the Clear Lake area; that Amazon met its obligations to consider alternatives by looking at seven alternate sites and four alternate layouts and determining those options were either impractical or disturbed more wetlands; and that Amazon met its obligation to mitigate by buying wetland credits.

In her appeal, Porter wrote Amazon fails the “public need” test because the company has not provided concrete numbers around the number of jobs it will provide, their pay, or Postal Service job losses. She also contended the company hasn’t sufficiently studied the alternative sites and that Amazon hasn’t considered the impact it will have outside the property.

“It’s not in the public interest of the people of Oregon to cut out a third-party contractor from Amazon and make Amazon more profitable so they can run their own fleet,” Porter told the Register-Guard.

Porter described herself as more pro-wetland than “anti-Bezos,” and said she would have similar concerns if another business wanted to put this much pavement on the lot where Amazon plans to locate.

“The whole premise of the law is: Don’t touch what you don’t have to,” she said. “If a client came to me and said, ‘I want to build an 80-acre complex’ and mapped on that land was a huge amount of wetlands, I’d say, ‘You need to seam it together with some other parcels before you start building there or go back to square one and find a new piece of land.'”

Porter speculated that the distribution center’s estimated average of 2,600 daily trips will have a negative environmental impact on the Willamette River and harm the “public health and safety” of Eugene residents, one of the factors the state is supposed to consider in wetland permits, by clogging the Beltline Highway route to PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend.

While Porter lodged her formal complaint with the state, she also was frustrated with the City of Eugene for designating the Clear Lake area for industrial development in the first place. In her view, the wetland-heavy area isn’t suited for such development.

In 2017, Eugene expanded its Urban Growth Boundary by 969 acres around the airport. City officials concluded Eugene did not have enough economic opportunity and the solution was to add 11 large industrial parcels. Nine years later, Amazon was the first company to move onto one of those parcels.

Amazon’s permits, as well as the city’s justification for choosing the area in the first place, have labeled the wetlands around the airport “low quality” because of the lack of wildlife both on the wetlands and in Amazon Creek.

But Porter said the value of a wetland is more than that. She said the land where Amazon plans to build plays an important role in catching runoff stormwater from the existing upstream industrial businesses that could otherwise make its way to the Long Tom River, which does house fish, and the wetland mitigation credits Amazon bought don’t change that.

The appeals went to the Oregon Department of Administrative Hearings, which staffs judges who hear appeals of administrative decisions made by state agencies. The department hosted an “administrative pre-hearing” over the issue July 20.

Erika Hamilton, the attorney representing the state, argued for a smaller scope, saying many of the issues complainants raised aren’t legal requirements. For example, complainants took issue with DSL not responding to the comments given against the permit in the public comment period and Hamilton said DSL isn’t required to respond to those comments.

Porter argued for a broader scope even beyond the issues raised in the current complaints. She said those complaints are incomplete because DSL has not provided her with a complete administrative record of its decision. She filed a public records request for that information back in May, but DSL told her it would cost $2,335.

“The whole process was scattered and covert and didn’t give the opportunity of the public to know really what was going on,” Porter told the judge. “The way that the application went through was so piecemeal and scattered that we weren’t able to really get an idea, in an all-encompassing way, of what exactly is going on, where it’s going, and how it’s going to affect long-term, this community.”

Hamilton said the department originally treated Porter’s request as a public records request, but because of the case they were now treating it as a discovery request and will provide Porter with the documents.

Administrative Law Judge Kate Triana said she would present both sides with a draft “issue list” to be discussed at the next pre-hearing on Aug. 7.

During the pre-hearing Hamilton also clarified that because appeals were filed within 15 days of the May 1 notice, DSL has not yet issued a permit. She and the Trammel Crow representative seemed to disagree whether the company currently has permission to remove the wetlands on the property.

“There isn’t a final agency action,” Hamilton said. “DSL intends to proceed to a hearing and hear all the evidence. … And following the development of the administrative record, the agency will make a permitting decision.”

“We do have a proposed order that says the permit application is approved,” Reilley Keating, the lawyer representing Trammel Crow, said. “That has not been challenged by TC Pursuit Services, the applicant itself. And so there is a permit.”

Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached by email at atorres@registerguard.com, on X @alanfryetorres or on Reddit at u/AlfrytRG.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Amazon contractor starts prep for distribution center despite appeal — https://www.newsbreak.com/the-register-guard-1590819/4792122961881-amazon-contractor-starts-prep-for-distribution-center-despite-appeal

A June 2026 report by the Woodlands Grove Recovery Campus shows that Roseburg, Eugene-Springfield, and Medford rank among the top five U.S. cities for alcohol-induced deaths in adults aged 65 and older. Six Oregon metro areas appear in the top 15 nationwide based on data from 2020 to 2024.

Oregon communities have some of the nation’s highest rates of alcohol-related deaths among adults age 65 and older. That’s according to a new study conducted by the Woodlands Grove Recovery Campus in Ohio. It used CDC data from 2020 through 2024 to rank metro areas by both alcohol-induced death rates and total number of deaths.

City Rankings and Death Rates

• Roseburg: Ranks 2nd nationally with 342.9 deaths per 100,000 older adults.
• Eugene-Springfield: Ranks 4th nationally with 275.7 deaths per 100,000 older adults.
• Medford: Ranks 5th nationally with 248.7 deaths per 100,000 older adults.
• Salem: Ranks 9th nationally.
• Bend: Ranks 11th nationally.
• Portland metro area: Ranks 15th nationally.

Contributing Factors

• Aging Population: A growing number of older residents increases vulnerable demographics.
• Health Care Gaps: Rural areas face severe shortages in treatment options and medical care.
• Local Culture and Policy: Low state alcohol taxes and a strong local drinking culture contribute to the high rates. Overall, Oregon’s alcohol-induced death rate sits 83% higher than the U.S. average.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can reach the free and confidential Oregon Alcohol and Drug Helpline at 800-923-4357, available 24/7/365.

Lane County celebrates Deflection Week with community partners, program participants and graduates

Lane County’s Deflection Program celebrated National Deflection Week with a barbeque and celebration to thank local law enforcement agencies, service providers and other community partners for their support of the program since its launch in late 2024.

To date, 64 people have graduated from the Deflection Program, and another 110 are currently participating. Every law enforcement agency participates in deflecting eligible people with the most referrals coming from Eugene Police Department.

“It is incredible to check in with graduates after they leave the program and see the difference they have made in their lives,” said Clint Riley, Deflection Program coordinator. “Not only are they thriving, but it also means fewer people are reporting to emergency departments and straining our already limited law enforcement and hospital systems. We hope to see the Oregon Legislature continue to support and fund this program so that we can continue to see real change in communities across the state.”

In addition to graduates completing treatment for addiction, data indicates they also leave with the kind of connections and improvements that can lead to long-term stability. For example, 32 percent of graduates strengthened or re-established contact with their children during the program. At the time of graduation, the number of graduates who have gained stable income or employment has increased by 37 percent. And, the number of graduates who report having a supportive network of family and friends nearly doubles. These supports and achievements can play a significant role in graduates’ ability to maintain their progress.

National Deflection Week was created in 2023 by the Police, Treatment and Community Collaborative (PTACC) National Leadership Council in recognition of the advancement of the field of deflection.

About the Deflection Program

The Deflection Program provides a community-based alternative to jail and prosecution for drug possession and low-level quality of life crimes by deflecting individuals prior to arrest to treatment programs. In Lane County, if a person is eligible for deflection and has indicated interest, the responding law enforcement officer has the option to call on a peer navigator to connect with the person. The peer navigator will enroll them in the program, which includes case management and tracking. If the deflection program is successfully completed, the charges will not be filed. If the program is not completed, the charges may be filed, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.

Learn more at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/deflection.

City of Eugene Gets Inquiry to Build Data Center at Former Hynix Campus

An unidentified company that has Eugene’s former Hynix campus under contract has asked the city to confirm that a data center and several other uses are permitted under the property’s zoning.

To oppose the proposed data center project at the former Hynix campus, you can contact Eugene city leadership and the planning department through several direct channels. Contact Elected Officials and LeadershipYou can voice your concerns directly to the city council, mayor, and city manager.

• Email: Send your comments to mayorcouncilandcitymanager@eugene-or.gov.
• Phone: Call the City Manager’s office at 541-682-5010.
• Mail: Address physical letters to 500 East 4th Ave, Suite 302, Eugene, OR 97401.
• Rule: Include your full name, home address, or ward number so your comments are officially recorded and distributed. Anonymous comments are not shared with the council.

Contact the Planning and Development DepartmentBecause the current inquiry is undergoing a zone verification review, you can submit inquiries or comments regarding the E-1 zoning requirements to the department handling the request.

• Phone: Call the department directly at 541-682-5086.
• In Person: Visit the Permit Information Center at the Atrium Building, 99 W. 10th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401 (Open for walk-ins Monday–Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.).

Attend a City Council Meeting

• Public Comment: You can sign up to speak during the public comment portion of regular Eugene City Council Meetings.
• Schedules: Review the upcoming schedule, agendas, and virtual attendance links via the city’s Webcasts and Meeting Materials portal.

FAQs: Understanding City review of allowed uses of the property at 1830 Willow Creek

On July 14, 2026, a request for a Zone Verification was submitted to the City of Eugene that could include “Data Center Use, Manufacturing, Research and Development, Advanced Manufacturing, Warehousing, Office Uses, and customary accessory and support uses associated with those uses” on the former Hyundai/Hynix semiconductor campus located at 1830 Willow Creek Circle in west Eugene. READ MORE: (SOURCE)

Street Crimes Unit investigates man arrested for dealing narcotics

Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit investigated 56-year-old Joseph Alonzo Lugo after developing information he was dealing narcotics from his shelter space located at 1655 West 18th Avenue, near Cesar Chavez Elementary School. Community Safe Supported Shelters Rest Stops (also known as “Safe Spots”) are low-barrier shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

SCU conducted surveillance and observed Lugo conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions. They also observed Lugo at a storage unit on Bertelsen Road. An SCU officer authored a search warrant for Lugo, his vehicle, his shelter space, and his storage unit.

Just as the warrant service planning was concluding, Lugo was observed leaving the location in his vehicle. Some officers stopped and detained him, while additional officers moved to secure the shelter space where an additional suspect was contacted.

The warrant service at the shelter space yielded a stolen handgun, and evidence of delivery of fentanyl and methamphetamine. SCU seized a short-barreled ghost AR15 from the storage unit and found Lugo was in possession of $776 in cash.

Lugos faces charges of Delivery of Controlled Substance Fentanyl, Deliver of Controlled Substance Methamphetamine. The investigation is continuing. SCU partners with other services to help solve issues, maximize services, and meet community needs.

The Community Safety Payroll Tax was passed to provide funds to support the Community Safety System. Funding will help provide faster, more efficient safety responses, deter crime, connect people to services, engage and help at-risk youth, support more investigations, and court services, and hold those who commit crimes accountable. https://www.eugene-or.gov/3946/Community-Safety-Initiative

Benton County Sex Offender Compliance Sweep

On July 23, 2026, members of the Corvallis Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Police Department, Oregon State Police, Benton County Parole and Probation, and the United States Marshal Service participated in a multi-agency sex offender compliance sweep in Benton County. 

The mission of the sweep was to conduct compliance checks to ensure offenders are complying with the condition of their registration requirements, target non-compliant offenders who missed one or more reporting requirements, conduct compliance checks on higher risk offenders, and educate offenders on state laws pertaining to reporting intended international travel.

The following were the results of the operation:

• 248 compliance checks were conducted on registered offenders.
• Eight arrests/citations charges for ORS 163A.040 – Failure to Report as Sex Offender.
• Four arrests on unrelated warrants.
• Fifteen warnings for registration requirements.
• Nine offenders registered post law enforcement contact.
• Identified 20 offenders who were not residing at their reported residence.

The Corvallis Police Department would like to thank all agencies who participated in the sweep to make our community a safer place.

The Oregon Department of Human Services has barred South Hills Rehabilitation Center in Eugene from accepting new residents after the death of a patient earlier this month.

Carol Clove Petitti was a woman with dementia and Parkinson’s disease who went missing from the facility on July 5th. According to Eugene Police, she was found dead three days later in a dense brush on a nearby path.

The Oregon Department of Human Services has ordered the South Hills Rehabilitation Center to post this sign on its entrance.

According to an ODHS order dated July 15, Petitti had attempted to escape twice in the two days leading up to the incident. ODHS said the facility failed to take proper steps to keep her safe following the earlier incidents.

The facility has dozens of substantiated care violation, and abuse violations under current ownership for issues like low staffing, poor medication management, and failure to ensure residents’ safety.

On July 15th, the state placed a new licensing requirement on the facility. It won’t be able to accept new patients until it takes steps to correct its deficiencies and train its providers on dementia care.

Lane County Public Health is urging residents to take extra care when handling fresh produce as a cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads across much of the country

Lane County health officials monitor cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting 31 states

Lane County Public Health states “Due to the fact that the current cyclosporiasis outbreak is affecting the majority of the US, (31 states) Lane County Public Health is concerned about the possibility of cases here. We are working with the OHA and ready to help manage cases should they arise.”

Health officials emphasized steps people can take at home to reduce risk when preparing fruits and vegetables.

Lane County Public Health recommends washing hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables. The agency also advises washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.

Fruits and vegetables labeled “prewashed” do not need to be washed again at home, according to the guidance. For firm produce such as melons and cucumbers, Lane County Public Health recommends scrubbing with a clean produce brush and cutting away any damaged or bruised areas before preparing and eating.

The agency also recommends refrigerating cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, within two hours.

Catholic Community Services of Lane County, Inc. (CCS) is with St. Paul Catholic Church Eugene Oregon and Emerald People’s Utility District.  · Back to School Drive – July 15 to August 15!

Help CCS support over 200 kids enrolled in our programs — most of whom will start the school year without the supplies they need. Together, we can change that!From July 15 to August 15, we’re collecting NEW school supplies to give these students a strong start. Most Needed Items (New Only):

Notebooks & paper

Watercolors & markers

Water bottles

Backpacks

Corded headphones

Lunch bags… and moreYour donation can make a direct impact in a child’s life.

Food for Lane County  Summer Food Program for Kids 

In partnership with PeaceHealth, which donated $50,000 to the program, and Yogi, a tea company that donated $5,000, the program will distribute free lunches at dozens of sites in Lane County from June 22 to Aug. 21.

Click on Lunch locations below:

Creswell Eugene Dexter Junction City Oakridge Springfield Thurston Triangle Lake Veneta

According to Carolyn Stein, the executive director of Food for Lane County, the PeaceHealth donation and Yogi donation helped minimize a funding gap of over $100,000. Even so, Food for Lane County has to pay out of pocket to fill the remaining gap.  

According to the Oregon Department of Education, about 75% of Lane County children qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch. 

Last year, Stein said the free-food program served about 50,000 meals to kids throughout the summer, and they expect that number to increase by an additional 10,000 this summer. 

“Food for Lane County’s mission is to engage our community to create access to food, and we do that with many partnerships with organizations and businesses across the community,” Stein said. “We went to PeaceHealth because they have a shared value to make sure that no child in our community goes hungry and they stepped up in a big way to help us meet the need in our community.”

The lunches will be served on a first-come basis, between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Kids, 18 years old or younger, can receive meals, regardless of income. 

Burrito Brigade Buys Building to Create Community Food Hub

Burrito Brigade has bought the old Center for Appropriate Transport building at 455 West 1st Ave. in the Whiteaker neighborhood to create a new community food hub.

The organization is asking the community to help support building renovation goals. Burrito Brigade needs $300,000 more to fully complete a commercial kitchen installation, food storage infrastructure, ADA-compliant upgrades and critical improvements needed.

Jennifer Denson says “This project has always been community driven. Since Waste To Taste’s start in 2020 we have not looked back. We just keep rescuing more food and growing more organized and it’s incredible to watch the impact and difference we make when we work together,”

Hundreds of volunteer hours weekly are dedicated to rescuing more than half a million pounds of food annually from grocery stores, small businesses, institutions, large food generators and local farms. This community-powered food rescue serves fresh local vegetables and fruit alongside diet and culturally specific products.

The no-barrier access free grocery store, known as Waste-to-Taste, provides households the ability to supplement other systems of support that often have eligibility requirements. Waste-to-Taste serves more than 10,000 households annually.

Rescued food is also redirected through other sustainable distribution channels. Food scraps and spoiled food are diverted to feed farm animals like chickens, goats and pigs, sanctuary animals at a local emu ranch and wolf rescue, and even a mealworm farm.

According to Burrito Brigade, the community connection and creativity around food in the kitchen includes partners in many mutual aid food projects facilitating hot meals, food preservation, community-led cooking classes, food micro-entrepreneurs and youth workforce training. The new community food hub will open its doors to the public in 2027. You can DONATE here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-help-us-build-a-food-hub

Skinner Butte Park summit parking lot is now closed to motorized vehicles due to fire danger. The closure will remain in effect until October.

City of Eugene’s Parks and Open Space, in cooperation with Eugene Springfield Fire, have closed the Skinner Butte parking lot and summit road. It will be closed until sometime in October.

There has been a history of illegal firework activity and brush fires, particularly during the summer season.

Closing this area to vehicles helps reduce that risk. The summit will remain accessible to pedestrians and cyclists (no e-motorcycles) by numerous trails and the paved road that leads to the summit.

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

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. 

7/29/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

New report: Patient care at risk as Oregon hospitals’ financial crisis deepens

A new report from the Hospital Association of Oregon finds that hospitals across the state experienced staggering losses in 2025, forcing them to make painful decisions: Service lines and inpatient beds have closed, while more than 1,000 health care workers have lost their jobs. The impacts of H.R.1 will deepen this crisis, underscoring the urgent need for policy solutions to support and stabilize Oregon hospitals.  

The report, A fraying safety net: Oregon hospitals in crisis, reveals that in 2025 hospitals lost $450 million caring for patients due to rising labor costs, Medicaid and Medicare payments that don’t cover the cost of care, bad insurer behavior, and costly state regulations.

“There isn’t a silver lining in these numbers,” said Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon. “Oregon hospitals are slipping deeper into crisis. After five years of losses at many of our hospitals, the consequences are impossible to ignore. Communities are losing services, patients have fewer options for care, and more than 1,000 Oregonians have lost their jobs.”

The challenges are statewide and widespread. In 2025, more than half of all hospitals in Oregon operated at a loss. This includes most of the state’s larger hospitals and more than 40% of the state’s smaller, often rural hospitals. As a result, more than 80% of the hospital beds in Oregon were at hospitals with unsustainable margins. 

A convergence of factors is contributing to this crisis:

• Hospitals are being squeezed on both sides. Government payers (Medicare and Medicaid) use two-thirds of hospital services and don’t come close to covering the cost of care, while at the same time commercial health insurers delay and deny payment for services. 

• The cost of operating a hospital in Oregon has increased 57.5% since 2020—driven by tariffs, supply shortages, pharmaceutical costs, labor costs, and regulatory changes.

• Oregon has layered on an increasingly complex and costly regulatory framework over the last decade, diverting resources from patient care and creating one of the most difficult operating environments in the country for hospitals.

Oregon hospitals are bracing themselves for further financial shocks as the impacts of H.R. 1 take hold. The state estimates that Oregon will receive $12 billion less in federal Medicaid funding and that 200,000 Oregonians could lose health coverage. 

“As the crisis at Oregon’s hospitals grows, Oregonians will be increasingly challenged to access the health care services they need,” Hultberg said. “The time to act is now. Policymakers must understand the seriousness of this moment and take the necessary steps to safeguard the care that Oregonians depend on.” – The full report is available here.

“The current wildfire situation in Oregon is the worst in the nation—but FEMA denied federal resources for the East Evans Creek Fire and the Rowe Creek Fire Complex. Oregonians deserve answers—and Senator Ron Wyden and I are pressing to get them.”

As Wildfires Burn 1+ Million Acres Across Oregon, Merkley, Wyden Press FEMA on Denial of Emergency Federal Assistance

– Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden demanded urgent answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in response to the agency’s denial of Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) for two wildfires in Oregon: the East Evans Creek Fire and Rowe Creek Fire Complex.

Both fires were under Level 3 “Go Now” Evacuation at the time of application, and the Rowe Creek Fire Complex was the largest in the nation. The current fire situation in Oregon remains the worst in the nation.

“FEMA’s decision to deny these FMAGs is a significant departure from FEMA’s historical criteria and agency guidance,” wrote the Senators. “According to State officials, FEMA’s criteria for an FMAG has been, in part, that 150 primary residences must be in immediate threat of wildfire, gauged often as Level 3 ‘Go Now’ Evacuation status. In recent years, State officials have seen an increase to over 200 primary residences as a threshold—which the East Evans Creek Fire and the Rowe Creek Fire Complex had still surpassed.”

The State of Oregon requested financial assistance from FEMA through FMAGs, which help cover costs relating to emergencies and firefighting activities for fires that have the potential to become major disasters. FEMA’s decision to deny these specific FMAGs comes as Oregon faces an increasingly dangerous fire season—with at least 86 active fires burning over 1 million acres and over 33,000 Oregonians under evacuation orders as of July 27, 2026.

“FEMA has also indicated that the East Evans Creek Fire and the Rowe Creek Fire Complex were denied an FMAG because they did not meet the criteria for a major disaster declaration,” the Senators continued. “This is a major shift in administrative policy and contrary to Federal regulation and FEMA’s own policy manual, which states that an FMAG designation is warranted when a fire ‘threatens such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.’ This program is meant to provide resources to fires that have the potential to become major disasters if left unchecked. Resources should not—and are not supposed to be—withheld until a fire becomes so destructive as to receive a major disaster declaration.”

Merkley and Wyden highlighted how FEMA’s inconsistent approval of FMAGs threatens to cause disruptions for first responders and at-risk communities. The Senators pressed FEMA for clear answers on its decision-making and criteria for FMAGs and stand ready to assist in ensuring Oregon has the necessary federal resources to respond to wildfires and keep communities across the state safe.

“We want to stress that this is not the time for creating new or different criteria for accessing this critical funding to support initial attack. As you know, Oregon is strained for resources, and the State is still at the beginning of its wildfire season. We urge the agency to provide clarity and maintain consistency with prior years’ approval process,” the Senators directed.

Full text of the letter can be found by clicking here and follows below:

Dear Mr. Fenton and Mr. Maykovich,

We write to express deep concern over the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s handling of the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program in light of recent events. The State of Oregon is currently in a dire wildfire situation—the worst in the nation—with 86 active fires, as of July 27th, burning over 1 million acres with over 33,000 Oregonians under some level of evacuation and widespread impacts to critical infrastructure, including water and power, affecting alert and warning and 911 capabilities.

While we appreciate FEMA’s approval of FMAGs for select recent fires, including the Lower Dry Creek Fire, Akawa Butte Fire, and Grasshopper Fire, we are deeply concerned by the agency’s denial of FMAGs for the East Evans Creek Fire and Rowe Creek Fire Complex, which at the time of application was the largest fire in the country.

In the case of the East Evans Creek Fire, the State reported that the fire had reached nearly 16,000 acres with over 230 homes at a Level 3 “Go Now” Evacuation and was denied by FEMA on July 22, 2026. The fire was also threatening county, state, and federal roads and bridges, radio and cell towers, gas and private electric utilities, campgrounds, trails, retail businesses, irrigation infrastructure, and agricultural operations.

The Rowe Creek Fire Complex was denied an FMAG under similarly severe circumstances with over 401 people at a Level 3 “Go Now” Evacuation on July 24, 2026. The fire was also threatening private electrical cooperatives, public safety radio, private commercial radio, and transmission lines. Since that denial, the fire has surpassed 200,000 acres and the State is preparing for the Complex to merge with the nearby Brewer Fire.

FEMA’s decision to deny these FMAGs is a significant departure from FEMA’s historical criteria and agency guidance. According to State officials, FEMA’s criteria for an FMAG has been, in part, that 150 primary residences must be in immediate threat of wildfire, gauged often as Level 3 “Go Now” Evacuation status. In recent years, State officials have seen an increase to over 200 primary residences as a threshold—which the East Evans Creek Fire and the Rowe Creek Fire Complex had still surpassed.

FEMA has also indicated that the East Evans Creek Fire and the Rowe Creek Fire Complex were denied an FMAG because they did not meet the criteria for a major disaster declaration. This is a major shift in administrative policy and contrary to Federal regulation and FEMA’s own policy manual, which states that an FMAG designation is warranted when a fire “threatens such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.” This program is meant to provide resources to fires that have the potential to become major disasters if left unchecked. Resources should not—and are not supposed to be—withheld until a fire becomes so destructive as to receive a major disaster declaration.

Inconsistent criteria for the approval of FMAGs is creating unnecessary confusion for emergency responders. For this reason, we request further information on FEMA’s decision-making and criteria for FMAG approvals and denials. Please provide a response to the following no later than August 10, 2026:

1. Pursuant to 44 CFR 204.21, what criteria is being used to determine a fire’s eligibility for an FMAG? Please include all quantitative metrics.
   • Explain how the East Evans Creek Fire and Rowe Creek Complex Fire did not meet each of these criteria.
2. Who at the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA is involved in determining an FMAG designation, and what guidance has been issued to the officials involved in determining an FMAG designation? Please provide copies of all relevant guidance, including informal communications and official documents.
3. Which FMAG eligibility criteria changed from 2025 to 2026? How were these changes developed and who was consulted prior to implementing them?
4. What data, in addition to the state-provided data, is FEMA relying on to make their determination?
5. Broken down by state, how many FMAGs have been approved and denied per year in the past 10 years?

We want to stress that this is not the time for creating new or different criteria for accessing this critical funding to support initial attack. As you know, Oregon is strained for resources, and the State is still at the beginning of its wildfire season. We urge the agency to provide clarity and maintain consistency with prior years’ approval process.

Oregon National Guard adds firefighting aircraft to wildfire response
Oregon Military Department –

The Oregon National Guard activated approximately 20 additional service members and four helicopters July 28, 2026, expanding its support to Oregon’s wildfire response with a new firefighting mission layered on top of an ongoing MEDEVAC support mission.

“It is all hands-on deck right now,” Gov. Tina Kotek said. “As the Oregon National Guard moves in to assist our fire response agencies, I want to express my gratitude and support for their dedication in protecting Oregon communities.”

Two HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters with Golf Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation, based in Salem, and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, based in Pendleton, are converging on Pendleton to support suppression efforts on the Hagen Fire in Umatilla County. Both aircraft types will use water buckets for aerial suppression. Crews completed Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration at Army Aviation Support Facility #1 in Salem and #2 in Pendleton today, with water bucket operations expected to begin as early as July 29.

The Oregon Army National Guard first activated for State Active Duty July 20 to provide a Search and Rescue MEDEVAC helicopter on standby in support of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s wildfire response. That HH-60M Black Hawk and crew relocated to Pendleton roughly a week ago and continues to provide 24/7 emergency MEDEVAC response for the region.

Lt. Col. Nathan Edgecomb, the Oregon Army National Guard state aviation officer, said the Guard is preparing for a long fire season ahead.

“We expect this to be a long and hard fire season, so we’re preparing for the worst,” Edgecomb said. “We will continue to swap out crews as necessary to stay in the fight and help our fellow Oregonians protect life and property.”

With today’s activation, approximately 25 Oregon National Guard service members and five helicopters are now supporting Oregon’s wildfire response.

“We’re grateful to the Oregon National Guard for the ongoing partnership between our organizations through Ops Plan Smokey, which enables Oregon to deploy its National Guardsmen to a different kind of firefight,” said State Forester Kacey KC, who is also director of the Oregon Department of Forestry. “Bringing these helicopters in to support our ground resources wouldn’t have been possible without the overhead personnel from California and Nevada. They volunteered to come here and provide much needed management capacity so we can get more resources in the air.”

PACIFIC NORTHWEST WILDFIRE UPDATE

Washington and Oregon continue to battle an extraordinary wildfire season, with more than 1.72 million acres burning across dozens of large active fires.

Washington: 205,055 acres are burning across 12 major incidents, led by the Kaiser Canyon Fire (126,402 acres).

Oregon: 1,516,034 acres are burning across 22 large fires, with the Rowe Creek Complex (294,000 acres) and Big Grass Fire (292,087 acres) among the largest in the nation.

Firefighters continue working around the clock in steep terrain, extreme heat, low humidity, and challenging wind conditions to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure. Many communities remain under evacuation notices or heightened fire weather concerns, and conditions can change rapidly.

Please continue to respect closures, follow evacuation orders immediately if issued, and give emergency responders the space they need to do their jobs safely.

To all firefighters, dispatchers, aviation crews, law enforcement, EMS, and support personnel—thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CREATES HIGH FIRE DANGER  

Fire Officials Seek Public Cooperation — Critical fire weather conditions, including Red Flag Watches and Warnings, are underway across the Geographic Area, creating an increased risk for rapid wildfire growth. Fire officials urge residents and visitors to help prevent wildfires by avoiding activities that could spark a fire, following local fire restrictions, and staying informed about changing conditions. The public should also monitor evacuation information and be prepared to act quickly if conditions change.

“Right now, everyone needs to be extremely careful,” said Jeff Fedrizzi, Chair of the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group. “Current fire conditions mean that just one spark, a discarded cigarette, or an unattended open flame can ignite the next wildfire. After the lightning we’ve received over the past 10 days and the number of new fires already burning across the landscape, we need the public’s help to prevent additional fires and protect our firefighters, our communities, and our natural resources.”

Fire officials across Oregon and Washington remind residents and visitors that fire restrictions and area closures are in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during this period of extreme fire danger. Know before you go by checking local fire restrictions and area closures before recreating outdoors. Common activities that can ignite dry vegetation include mowing dry grass, driving off designated roads, operating equipment that creates sparks, and building campfires. Many of these activities are currently prohibited or restricted because of extreme fire conditions. Stay clear of active wildfire areas and firefighting operations. Do not drive to view wildfires, as traffic can delay emergency responders, hinder firefighting efforts, and create additional safety hazards. If you encounter smoke while driving, slow down and use extra caution.

Before traveling or recreating outdoors, check the latest road closures, fire restrictions, fire activity, and evacuation information:

Road Conditions 
• Oregon: TripCheck – https://tripcheck.com/ 
• Washington: WSDOT Real-Time Travel – https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/ 

Evacuations & Emergency Alerts 
• Oregon: https://oralert.gov/ 
• Washington: https://mil.wa.gov/alerts 

Current Fire Information 
• InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ 
• Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/  
• Air Quality: https://fire.airnow.gov/ 

Your decisions matter. Stay informed, follow local restrictions and evacuation orders, and help keep yourself, your community, and our firefighters safe. 

Oregon has already seen more acres burn in 2026 than in all of 2025, and fire officials warn there’s still a lot of wildfire season to get through.

‘We still have August and September left’: Oregon wildfires growing fast and early

A series of lightning storms across Oregon has left a trail of wildfires, forcing people from their homes as firefighters and communities race to contain them.

About 1.5 million acres have burned so far — more than four times last year’s total — and it’s still July.

Oregon Department of Forestry’s Public Information Officer Jessica Neuhjahr says more than 12,000 people are working to contain fires.

“It’s really rare to see this many acres burn this early and we still have August and September left,” she said.

For communities in Oregon, this wildfire season is bringing new challenges and uncertainty. At least 30 large fires remain uncontained.

One fire that started last week, the Grasshopper Fire burning just east of Mount Hood, ballooned on Tuesday afternoon, triggering evacuations in Wasco County.

Firefighters there are focused on protecting homes in the towns of Pine Hollow and Wamic.

U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Mary Ellen Fitzgerald said strong winds have been challenging.

“We have incredibly dry fuel conditions,” she said. “And it’s always dry here, but now it’s exceptionally dry — and it’s drying exceptionally early in the season.”

The Grasshopper Fire grew to more than 18,000 acres by Wednesday morning, with zero containment.

Fitzgerald said Tuesday the firefighting team there is small, but they’re expecting help from California firefighters on Wednesday.

At least 24,000 people in Oregon are under some level of evacuation order. Forecasters expect another round of lightning storms later this week in the northeastern part of the state.

Resources: Stay safe and informed during wildfire season with OPB’s wildfire guide at opb.org/wildfires. This resource offers essential safety tips and preparedness guidance to help you navigate fire and smoke events. This resource was created as part of our commitment to serving the public as wildfire seasons become longer and more dangerous. (SOURCE)

East Evans Creek Fire – Jackson County

The East Evans Creek Fire is now 68% contained following another day of mop-up operations across the incident. Acreage remains 15,580.

𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀𝙁𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙎 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙐𝙀 𝙎𝙔𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙈𝘼𝙏𝙄𝘾 𝙎𝙀𝘼𝙍𝘾𝙃 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙍𝙀𝙈𝘼𝙄𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙃𝙊𝙏𝙎𝙋𝙊𝙏𝙎 𝙊𝙉 𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙏 𝙀𝙑𝘼𝙉𝙎 𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙆 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – Firefighters continued making steady progress across the East Evans Creek Fire on Monday, with crews focused on systematically gridding the fire area to locate and extinguish remaining hotspots. Hidden heat can continue to smolder beneath logs, root systems, and other heavy fuels long after flames are no longer visible, so firefighters carefully expose and extinguish each hotspot to eliminate any potential for reignition.

Overnight, firefighters took advantage of good humidity recoveries to continue mop-up operations while an Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) with infrared technology mapped remaining heat across the fire. The infrared imagery allows crews to quickly identify and attack hotspots that may not be visible from the ground. Light interior smoke will continue as isolated heavy fuels slowly burn within the fire perimeter.

The fire remains at 15,580 acres and 66% contained. Three chippers are also working throughout the incident today, processing brush and small trees cut during suppression efforts as firefighters continue suppression repair and remove equipment from areas where it is no longer needed.

Tuesday’s weather will again be warm and dry, with temperatures in the mid-80s to around 90 degrees and low relative humidity. Firefighters will continue gridding for remaining heat, strengthening containment lines where needed, and advancing mop-up operations across the fire.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place for the fire area daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_6_4915 Flying a drone near or around a wildfire is illegal, compromises the safety of both pilots and firefighters, and interferes with firefighting efforts.

Protect Yourself from Fraud Amid Wildfire Recovery

Photo taken by Sophi Beym, OEM Tribal Liaison, of smoke over the Warm Springs Reservation

As Oregon communities respond to widespread damage from the 2026 wildfires the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging residents to stay cautious and informed to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes, particularly those involving online fundraising platforms.

When disasters strike, Oregonians come together to support neighbors and communities. Unfortunately, scammers may try to exploit that generosity by creating fake fundraising campaigns or misrepresenting their intentions. Fraud attempts may come via phone calls, mail, email, text messages, or even in‑person visits. To help protect yourself and your donations, OEM offers the following guidance:

Double Check Your Charitable Donations

• Verify the campaign’s authenticity: Only donate to fundraisers created by people or organizations you know and trust. Look for detailed, transparent information about how funds will be used. You can verify charitable organizations on the Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities page.
• Check for secure websites: Ensure the fundraising platform uses a secure connection (“https://” and a padlock icon). Avoid clicking suspicious links shared by email or social media.
• Be cautious with personal information: Never share sensitive details like Social Security numbers or financial data with unverified individuals or groups. 
• Monitor for identity theft: Check your credit report regularly for unfamiliar accounts or changes. If you suspect identity theft, file a complaint at IdentityTheft.gov and consider freezing your credit accounts.
• Report suspected fraud: If you believe a fundraising campaign or donation request is fraudulent, contact the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Hotline at 1‑877‑877‑9392 or visit OregonConsumer.gov.
• Protect your donations: Avoid cash. Use checks or credit cards to maintain a secure, trackable record. Sign up for DOJ Scam Alerts through the Oregon Department of Justice Scam Alert Network.

Avoid Contractor Scams During Wildfire Cleanup and Repairs

As residents begin debris removal, structural assessments, and home repairs, fraudulent contractors may target those seeking quick assistance. Keep these tips in mind:

• Research contractors thoroughly: Ensure the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. Check reviews and references through trusted sources such as the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
• Get written estimates: Obtain multiple detailed, written estimates. Avoid contractors who demand large upfront payments or offer unusually low prices.
• Avoid high‑pressure sales tactics: Take time to review contracts and make informed decisions.
• Never pay in cash: Use checks or credit cards to maintain a paper trail and added security.
• Beware of door‑to‑door solicitations: Scammers may approach residents with unsolicited “fire recovery” offers. Always verify credentials and legitimacy.

Key Fraud Prevention Reminders

• Public aid is free: There are no costs to apply for disaster assistance or participate in inspections.
• Verify government workers: Inspectors and officials will always carry identification and will never request or accept money.
• Trust your instincts: If something seems off, contact law enforcement or your local emergency management office to confirm the validity of claims.
• Follow trusted information sources: Monitor local media outlets and official state and county emergency management channels for accurate updates.

Nonprofit Organizations Collecting Monetary Donations to Support Oregon Disaster Response

Financial gifts remain the most effective way to assist people affected by wildfires. They just take a bit more diligence. Monetary donations allow disaster response organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when and where it is needed. People seeking trusted organizations currently involved in wildfire response can dial 211 or visit 211info.org.

• Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
• Oregon Community Foundation
• Wildland Firefighter Foundation
• United Way Pacific Northwest Disaster Recovery Fund
• American Red Cross Cascades Region
• Confederated Tribe of Warm Springs 

All trusted state partners and agencies remain committed to supporting wildfire survivors and preventing the fraudulent activity that slows recovery. Together, we can protect our communities, ensure donations reach those who need them most, and safeguard survivors from fraud and identity theft. 

For more information on wildfire recovery resources in your area, contact your local or Tribal Office of Emergency Management. If you have questions or concerns about donation requests you’ve received, contact your local law enforcement agency.

Pro-data center industry group behind ad campaign in Oregon, six other states

Oregon Connects is one of several new nonprofits registered by the Data Center Coalition, an industry group backed by major tech companies

Just days before the Oregon Legislature in March passed a one-year pause on a popular tax incentive program for data centers, a group called Oregon Connects registered as a nonprofit business in the state. Then the ads started appearing.

“From homes to hospitals to businesses, Oregon’s data centers are unlocking a smarter power grid for our communities,” a female voice reads over a montage that includes a few aerial shots of downtown Portland and the Oregon Coast. “They’re investing billions in clean energy, creating good-paying jobs, driving innovation and building a better energy future.”

The 30-second ads, which feature B-roll of a family cooking together, a nurse and a business owner, are a near-carbon copy of ads playing across TV and social media in at least six other states. They all attempt to counter common critiques of data centers, including their enormous demand for water, energy, land and relatively low levels of job creation compared to the tax breaks they receive to spur economic development. And they end with a similar line: “Oregon’s data centers: committed to paying their costs, so Oregon families don’t.”

Oregon Connects paid for the Oregon ads, while similar promotional campaigns in other states are sponsored by Indiana Connects, Connected Ohio, North Carolina Connects, Pennsylvania Connects, Texas Connects and Virginia Connects.

They’re all part of a network of groups created by the nonprofit Data Center Coalition, an industry group hoping to improve public opinion of data centers as pushback grows. In each of these states, a growing number of local governments and legislatures are considering and passing policies meant to slow data center growth.

The coalition counts among its members leaders from Microsoft, Google, Meta, QTS and Equinix — all companies that collectively have built dozens of data centers in Oregon during the last decade due to the state’s lack of sales tax, generous property tax incentives and relatively inexpensive electricity, saving the companies hundreds of millions a year.

But in recent years, the data center companies have been criticized for driving up regional energy demand, leading Oregon lawmakers and regulators to demand electric utilities create a new customer class for data centers so they don’t contribute to residential electricity costs. There have also been growing calls to revisit the state’s industrial tax incentive programs.

‘Committed to paying’ — Oregon Connects filed business registration paperwork with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office on March 4 as a “social welfare organization that promotes data centers,” the same day that the Oregon House voted to pass a bill that included a one-year moratorium on Standard Enterprise Zone tax abatements for data centers. The tax incentive is the smallest of Oregon’s three major industrial tax breaks, and data center companies building facilities in Hillsboro and Forest Grove have used it.

The bill, sponsored by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, originally would have expanded the Standard Enterprise Zone tax program and another, the Longterm Enterprise Zone program, leading to a potential boon for data centers. But Kotek backed down after reporting from The Oregonian/OregonLive revealed that most of the programs’ benefits in recent years have been flowing to data centers, and the top 11 tech-company-owned data centers in Hillsboro will receive an average of $294,000 in property tax breaks for each full-time employee on their payrolls this tax year.

Even with the one-year pause, data centers will this year save $85 million in Oregon property taxes from the Standard Enterprise Zone program, according to reporting in The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Juan Carlos Ordóñez, communications director of the left-leaning nonprofit Oregon Center for Public Policy, criticized the Oregon Connects ad campaign for making it seem like tech companies give more than they get from the state.

“If data centers were truly ‘committed to paying their costs, so Oregon families don’t,’ then they wouldn’t be taking hundreds of millions of dollars in property tax abatements each year,” he said in an email. “Oregonians should be able to see for themselves how much Amazon, Meta and the other owners of data centers actually contribute in taxes, which is why it’s time the state enacted corporate tax transparency.”

Josh Levi, the Data Center Coalition president who registered Oregon Connects, said transparency is the campaign’s purpose.

“Through Oregon Connects, the industry seeks to better explain the role of data centers to the public — including how they operate, why they are important to our daily lives and the 21st-century economy, as well as information about the industry’s responsible usage of water and its commitment to paying for the energy it uses,” he said in an email.

But who exactly is footing the bill for the ads is unclear. Spokespersons for Oregon Connects declined to answer questions about who funds the ads.

The Data Center Coalition had about $4.6 million in operating revenue in 2024, according to its most recent tax filing in November 2025. It spent more than $250,000 on advertising in 2024. Tax-exempt social advocacy organizations are not required to publicly disclose the names or addresses of contributors on annual tax forms.

Federal Communications Commission data shows Virginia Connects, Pennsylvania Connects and North Carolina Connects spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on TV ads in recent months. North Carolina Connects spent nearly $370,000 on more than 740 ads across 189 channels in the past month alone. FCC data does not yet reflect any television spending in Oregon, Ohio or Indiana.

Community and corporate campaigns — Jenni Denekas, a spokesperson for the environmental advocacy group 1000 Friends of Oregon, said the ads are a response to Oregonians organizing and unifying around “very real concerns about data center development.”

The group recently joined a lawsuit with local leaders, businesses and farmers in Hillsboro against the city government over its recent flurry of approvals for tax breaks to data centers that, in some cases, offer them 25 years of back-to-back waivers from paying property taxes.

“If Oregonians were getting such a great deal from data centers, we wouldn’t be seeing so many people expressing concerns about the costs to our communities, including higher energy and water bills to subsidize all the new build-outs required to support this water- and energy-intensive industry,” Denekas said.

On Monday afternoon, the Hillsboro City Council unanimously agreed to a 120-day moratorium on approvals of any new data center and battery energy storage systems in the city.

Dirk Knudsen, a community leader and editor of the Hillsboro Herald community newspaper, has advocated for more transparency around data centers. He said the moratorium was the result of “hundreds of residents coming forward, giving up their evenings and workdays to come and speak their truths.”

That’s the opposite of what he sees from Oregon Connects.

“We are not looking at a spontaneous, homegrown community campaign,” he said. “We are looking at a highly sophisticated, out-of-state public affairs blitz designed to build public consent before Oregonians can fully deliberate the real impacts on our power grid, water resources and tax structure.” (SOURCE)

Identification Made in 50-Year-Old Coos County Cold Case

News Release: https://bit.ly/3TgVD8 — fAfter more than 50 years, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office have identified remains found in 1972 near Highway 101 as Armes Henry Lahti.

The breakthrough came through advanced forensic genetic genealogy and years of collaborative investigative work. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Coos County Sheriff’s Office at 541‑396‑7800.

Whale Watching Center prepares to close for repairs beginning as soon as August 1st

Depot Bay, Ore. — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Whale Watching Center and viewing area around the building will close for repairs this summer. There are still plenty of places along the Oregon Coast to see whales from Astoria to Brookings.

“This has been an ongoing need for the building and we’ve just recently been able to secure funding,” said Park Manager Burke Martin. “We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we work to protect and preserve this unique coastal facility.”

The postwar-era building was built in 1956 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. This temporary closure will allow the contractors to complete essential roof replacement work. Construction will repair leaks from the promenade deck, replace the original roofing membrane and drains.

Construction can begin as early as Aug. 1 depending on the contractor’s schedule and mobilization plans. Because this is a roofing project on the Oregon coast, construction during the summer months will allow work crews to take advantage of typically drier weather. This timing helps reduce the risk of weather-related delays and protects both the structure and contractor safety.

The Whale Watching Center will remain open until construction officially begins. OPRD anticipates completing repairs by the end of October – well ahead of the annual gray whale migration in the winter.

We acknowledge that this temporary closure may be inconvenient for visitors and the Depoe Bay community, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding as we complete these essential improvements.

The turn out about a block north of the Whale Watching Center will remain open. Nearby parks such as Boiler Bay, Rocky Creek and Cape Foulweather also offer fantastic views for whale watching. 

Oregon State Police tout state law ICE is ignoring in response to impersonation report

State authorities say a recent incident involving impersonation of immigration agents “may have broad impacts on immigrant communities throughout Oregon” but offered advice to combat those concerns that may not be reliable 

After announcing an investigation into masked armed men allegedly impersonating immigration agents off a highway by one of Oregon’s most immigrant-heavy cities, Oregon State Police offered tips to ensure residents could confirm the identity of law enforcement pulling them over. 

Federal authorities, state police said in a Friday news release, have committed to identifying themselves as law enforcement when conducting official operations. If someone is unsure if a traffic stop conducted by an unmarked vehicle is legitimate, state authorities said they can turn on their emergency flashers, lock their door and look for official identification like a uniform. 

“Ask the officer to display their department identification and badge. Ask where they work and if you can contact their dispatch center to confirm their identity,” the news release reads. “In Oregon, local, state and federal law enforcement officers may not wear face coverings except in specific circumstances and must clearly display identification showing the agency they represent.”

But the new state law that mandates officers not rely upon face coverings and identify themselves took effect this year without any promise of compliance from federal agents. 

The law’s lead author, Rep. Farrah Chaichi, D-Beaverton, has publicly stated that it’s an open question whether the legislation’s provisions can be enforced against federal law enforcement in light of the U.S. Constitution’s supremacy clause. A panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in April halted a similar California law requiring state, local and federal law enforcement agents to display identification. 

Oregon’s law allows Oregonians to file civil suits against agencies which fail to adopt policies that generally prohibit the use of facial coverings. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in April told the Capital Chronicle that “we will not abide by unconstitutional bans. The Supremacy Clause makes it clear that state politicians do not control federal law enforcement.”

Chris Zohner, a spokesperson for the Oregon State Police, said the agency was “simply stating what the Oregon law says.” Legal experts said it appears the state is taking the position that the law is in effect until the Trump administration attempts to block it, which it has yet to do despite filing lawsuits against multiple other states. 

Tung Yin, a professor of law at Portland’s Lewis & Clark Law School, called the Woodburn incident disturbing and compared it to the case of the Los Angeles Hillside Stranglers in the late 1970s. In that case, two men flashed fake police badges and ordered victims into their unmarked vehicles. 

“I guess the OSP reference to the Oregon law may be an instance of ‘it hasn’t been struck down yet so let’s mention it,’” Yin wrote in an email. 

ICE confirms its investigation as Gov. Kotek calls for accountability 

The July 17 impersonation incident involved two men who allegedly pulled a driver from their car on Highway 211 east of Woodburn, a city where more than 34% of residents were born outside the U.S., 60% of residents are Latino and federal immigration agents have conducted warrantless arrests while using digital facial recognition technology.  

The masked men identified themselves as ICE and forced the victim into their vehicle where another person assaulted them, according to state authorities. Their vehicle did not have license plates visible.

After approximately 15 to 20 minutes, the men released the victim and allowed them to leave, according to police. State authorities described them as wearing boots, baseball caps, green long-sleeved shirts and face coverings with vests displaying “police” in all capitalized white letters. 

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek slammed the incident as a consequence of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.

“This is exactly the type of incident that follows President Trump’s continued attacks on immigrant and refugee communities and is a direct result of lack of the accountability and oversight of overly aggressive federal agents in our communities,” she said in a statement. 

Jason Chudy, a spokesperson for ICE, confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security is involved in investigating the incident. The FBI and Oregon State Police are also part of the investigation.

He said ICE agents conducting operations clearly identify themselves as law enforcement with their respective agencies, though there have been multiple documented instances in Oregon where the agency’s officers appear to not have followed that policy.

“Anyone caught impersonating a federal officer, including (Enforcement and Removal Operation) deportation officers or (Homeland Security Investigations) special agents, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Chudy wrote in a statement. “Impersonating a federal immigration officer endangers public safety and erodes trust in law enforcement.”

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Oregon State Police dispatch at 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone.   (SOURCE)

OSP investigating report of individuals impersonating law enforcement

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, OR– The Oregon State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating a report of individuals impersonating law enforcement officers in Clackamas County and are asking for the public’s assistance. 

There is already fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities across Oregon. OSP investigators are actively pursuing leads and conducting a thorough investigation to identify those responsible.

On Friday, July 17, 2026, between approximately 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., the victim was driving on Highway 211 near milepost 5, east of Woodburn, when they observed a vehicle displaying red and blue emergency-style lights behind them. Believing they were being stopped by law enforcement, the victim pulled over onto a gravel turnout. 

Two men exited the suspect vehicle, one of whom was armed with a rifle. The suspects identified themselves as “ICE” and told the victim they were being detained. The victim was forcibly removed from their vehicle, searched, and placed into the back seat of the suspects’ vehicle. A third individual, who remained in the vehicle and was described as acting as a “guard,” assaulted the victim while they were detained.

After approximately 15 to 20 minutes, the suspects released the victim and told them they were free to leave. 

The suspects were described as wearing boots, baseball caps, face coverings, and green long-sleeved shirts.They wore tactical vests displaying “POLICE” in white lettering and carried badges marked “Police.”  The suspect vehicle was described as a newer model smaller SUV, blue or gray in color, with no visible license plates.  

The victim later sought medical treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. While at an area hospital, the victim began receiving text messages from a phone number claiming to represent a law firm offering legal representation related to the incident. The messages originated from phone number 971-502-5548. 

OSP investigators have contacted federal law enforcement agencies, who confirmed the individuals involved were not federal officers.
A report of individuals impersonating law enforcement officers while falsely claiming to represent federal immigration authorities may have broad impacts on immigrant communities throughout Oregon.

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area of Hwy. 211 near South Barlow Road on July 17, or anyone who may have encountered individuals posing as law enforcement officers, is asked to contact the Oregon State Police. Investigators are also interested in hearing from anyone who has received similar communications from the phone number 971-502-5548.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP dispatch at 800-442-0776 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please reference case number SP26-237961.

OSP encourages all community members to remain vigilant, seek information from trusted sources, and report suspicious activity or individuals claiming to be law enforcement if something does not seem right. To report suspicious activity or individuals claiming to be law enforcement, contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911 in an emergency situation.

Guidance for Confirming Law Enforcement Identity — Federal agencies operating in Oregon have confirmed that officers conducting official operations must clearly identify themselves as law enforcement. They also reiterated that anyone who falsely represents themselves as a federal immigration officer will face criminal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. Impersonating law enforcement jeopardizes public safety, creates unnecessary fear and confusion, and undermines trust in legitimate agencies. 

If you are unsure whether a traffic stop or law enforcement contact is legitimate, consider the following safety tips:

• If the vehicle stopping you is not a marked unit, the emergency lights should be built in and are usually not a temporary light placed on the vehicle.
• Try to stop in a well-lit area or a location where there are a lot of people present.
• Turn on your emergency flashers, but don’t turn off your car.
• Lock your door.
• Look for a uniform or other official department clothing. If you are unsure, ask the officer to display their department identification and badge. Ask where they work and if you can contact their dispatch center to confirm their identity.
• In Oregon, local, state, and federal law enforcement officers may not wear face coverings except in specific circumstances and must clearly display identification showing the agency they represent.
• OSP also acknowledges that Oregon immigrant or refugee communities may not feel safe to do any of these things and also reminds individuals that they can always call 911 or other non-emergency line to ask for a marked vehicle to respond.

# # # About the Oregon State Police – Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of nearly 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

L. L. Stub Stewart and Rooster Rock State Parks will host OMSI Star Parties this summer

— L.L. Stub Stewart and Rooster Rock State Parks will celebrate the night sky with free stargazing parties in July, August and September.

The parks are partnering with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers to host an OMSI Star Party 2026, which includes a presentation at dusk and stargazing from 9 to 11 p.m. Telescopes will be provided by volunteers, and visitors are welcome to bring their own. Depending on the weather, stargazers will search out stars, the moon, and planets.

“We love helping people experience the park in a different way. After dark, everything feels calmer, quieter, and a little more magical,” shared Park Ranger Jeremy Williams at L. L. Stub Stewart State Park.

These events are free. Parking in the day-use areas requires a $10 parking permit per vehicle or you can use an annual parking pass if you have one.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, warm clothing, snacks and water. Bug repellent is always a good idea. Please use red flashlights to avoid interfering with the dark sky viewing. You can also cover your flashlight or smartphone with red electrical tape.

Star maps will be provided along with recommended astronomy apps that visitors can load on their phones if interested.

Visitors should arrive early to familiarize themselves with the area and park only in designated spaces. Overnight camping is not permitted in day-use areas, though campground reservations are available at stateparks.oregon.gov.

On the scheduled day for OMSI Star Parties, visitors should visit the OMSI website for possible weather-related cancellations. The long-range forecast looks promising for excellent viewing.

“Whether you come to Rooster Rock to count Perseids or simply to spend a peaceful evening under the stars, the meteor shower is a wonderful excuse to slow down, look up, and experience the Gorge in a whole new light”, said Park Ranger Elika Paki at Rooster Rock. “And if you lose track of how many shooting stars you’ve seen, don’t worry, that just means you’re doing it right.”

All events begin at dusk. We recommend arriving early to accommodate parking. Parks will close at 11:45 p.m.

Perseid Meteor Shower Watch | Wednesday, August 12

• L. L. Stub Stewart State Park
• Rooster Rock State Park

Equinox Celebration | Saturday, September 12

• L. L. Stub Stewart State Park

You can find additional details about the event, parking logistics, whether pets are allowed, and how to request accessibility accommodations on the L.L. Stub Stewart State Park and Rooster Rock State Park event pages, and the OMSI event page.

Oregon State Parks often hosts stargazing events across the state. More opportunities can be found on Oregon State Parks’ event page.

Public invited to comment on plan to possibly triple logging in eastern Oregon national forests

The U.S. Forest Service’s proposed revisions to the Blue Mountain Forest Plan would allow more logging and taking older trees in the name of wildfire prevention

Officials at the U.S. Forest Service are proposing new management plans for eastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains that include potentially tripling the amount of logging across 5.5 million acres in the next decade.

The Forest Service published a draft of proposed changes to the 35-year-old Blue Mountain Forest Plan last week. It would allow more logging, mining and grazing across four national forests spread across eastern Oregon, as well as parts of southeast Washington: the Malheur, Ochoco, Wallowa-Whitman and Umatilla National Forests.

The public has until Sept. 30 to submit comments on the 350-page draft proposal.Submit comments on the revised Blue Mountain Forest Plan here.

The draft plan describes increases in logging and animal grazing as important to local economies and to preventing wildfire.

It predicts everything from habitat conservation to forest carbon storage would improve over the long term if more logging is allowed because strategically logging and grazing parts of the forest would prevent wildfire, which officials characterize as the biggest threat to habitat and forest loss.

Environmental advocates disagree with the framing.

The Blue Mountains encompass Oregon’s largest protected wilderness areas. Conservation groups have expressed concern and outrage over the draft management plan, which they say could exacerbate area drought and water quality issues, wildfire risks and impact habitat for elk, wolverine, wolves, moose, owls and salmon.

“This plan seeks to open up and pillage one of the wildest places left in the U.S.,” Lauren Anderson, a climate forests manager at the nonprofit Oregon Wild, said in a statement. “The Trump administration is already taking a hatchet to protections for water, wildlife and the public’s voice. This plan is that philosophy in action, putting at risk the very values that make the Blue Mountains special.”

Bev Law, a forest scientist and professor emerita at Oregon State University who has studied extensively the potential forest carbon storage in Oregon forests, found that protected wilderness areas in the Blue Mountains contain the second highest proportion of above-ground carbon stocks in all of Oregon’s protected wilderness areas.

Nick Smith, a spokesperson for the American Forest Resource Council, a trade association representing the timber industry, said in a statement that the group is still reviewing the proposed updates but that change is overdue.

“These national forests face some of the highest wildfire, insect and disease risks in the West. At the same time, the region is steadily losing the sawmills, logging contractors and the skilled workforce needed to carry out active forest management and provide markets for the material that needs to come out of the woods,” he said.

The draft Blue Mountain Management Plan proposal also includes rescinding a 32-year-old rule called the Eastside Screens that prohibits logging trees that are 21 inches in diameter or larger on six eastern Oregon and Washington national forests. Forest Service officials attempted to rescind the rule during the first Trump administration, but conservation groups sued and it was blocked by a federal judge.

Forest Service officials have argued that some younger trees that grow fast should be able to be removed even if they are more than 21 inches in diameter, because they are crowding out other tree species that take longer to grow but are important to the forest ecosystems.

The proposal also assumes Congress will soon rescind the 25-year-old Roadless Rule, which prohibits road construction, logging and mining on roughly 60 million acres of public land, including about 2 million acres of forests in Oregon. That alone would increase the amount of land classified as open for logging in the Blue Mountains by 17%, according to the draft.

Most of the increased logging would take place in the Malheur National Forest, followed by the Wallowa-Whitman and then Umatilla national forests. (SOURCE)

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has issued a warning regarding a newly identified fraud ring that enrolls individuals in life insurance policies without their awareness or consent.

This fraudulent activity primarily targets older adults and has been reported across several states, including Oregon. The scheme involves licensed insurance agents who initiate contact with victims through multiple telemarketing calls, during which personal information is solicited. This information is subsequently passed on to the participating insurance agents, who then reach out to the victims to gather any additional details necessary to finalize an application for a life insurance policy.

These applications are submitted without the victims’ knowledge, resulting in the issuance of one or more policies for which the agents receive commissions, despite the fact that the premiums have not yet been paid. The fraud typically comes to light when the insurance company seeks the initial premium payment.

The Division of Financial Regulation’s consumer advocates are available to assist with inquiries or to facilitate the filing of complaints. They can be contacted at 1-888-877-4894 or via email at DFR.InsuranceHelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for insurance-related assistance, and dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for help with financial services.

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.

– Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.

“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”

Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks website to find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.

“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.

Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon. Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.

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

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

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.

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