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
Friday, September 4, 2026
Willamette Valley Weather
Labor Day Weekend
Don’t Forget Why We Celebrate Labor Day
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States.
Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters.
But the history behind the Labor Day holiday is far more complex and dramatic than most might realize, starting with a heated campaign by workers in the late 19th century to win support and recognition for their contributions. In July 1894, President Grover Cleveland finally signed into law legislation creating a national Labor Day holiday in early September.
In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.
People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.
As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.
In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.
Labor Day is still celebrated in cities and towns across the United States with parades, picnics, barbecues, and other public gatherings. For many Americans, particularly children and young adults, it represents the end of the summer and the start of the back-to-school season.
AAA: Travel Trends for Labor Day Weekend2026
Yes, AAA confirms that Labor Day weekend travel in Oregon will be busy, with millions expected to travel for this final summer getaway.
AAA Expects a Busy and More Expensive Labor Day Weekend
Alaska cruises, Central Oregon, the Oregon Coast, and National Parks are Top Destinations for Oregonians
Updated September 3, 2026
PORTLAND, Ore., – As summer winds down, many travelers will take advantage of the final long weekend of the season with a Labor Day getaway. AAA booking data shows that Alaska cruises, national parks, Central Oregon, the Oregon Coast, Disneyland and Las Vegas are the most popular destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho.
Memorial Day always kicks off the summer travel season, while Labor Day marks its close. Labor Day weekend is usually busier than other weekends in August and September, but travel volumes are lower than Memorial Day and Independence Day. With many schools already back in session or starting soon, families often choose shorter trips closer to home. Travelers without school-age children, however, often use Labor Day to launch the fall travel season, taking advantage of cooler temperatures, smaller crowds and off-peak pricing. This is also an excellent time to book holiday travel, and plan ahead for trips next spring and summer.
“Many travelers are eager to enjoy one last summer getaway over the Labor Day weekend before fall routines resume,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Alaska cruises are especially popular this time of year. Ships are typically less crowded than earlier in the summer, and while the weather is a bit cooler than in July and August, it remains pleasant and offers opportunities to see wildlife and early fall color.”
Most expenses for Labor Day travel are more expensive this year. Domestic flights, hotels, cruises, tours, and gas prices cost more than in 2025. But rental cars and international flights cost less. Find details below.
Top Labor Day destinations
Here are the top destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho based on searches and bookings:
Alaska cruises are very popular, with Anchorage and the cruise port cities of Seattle and Vancouver B.C. making the lists of the most popular regional and international destinations.
Disneyland and Las Vegas are also perennial favorites.
The top regional destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho are Central Oregon, Portland, the Oregon Coast, Portland, Medford/Ashland, Boise, Billings and Redding. Central Oregon, Boise, Billings, Redding, and Seattle are all within driving distance of popular national parks. Many will visit national parks over the holiday weekend. Some of the favorites for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho include Bryce Canyon National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Glacier National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Olympic National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Zion National Park.
Drivers to pay highest prices ever for gas over Labor Day
Drivers in Oregon and Nationwide to Pay Highest Gas Prices Ever for Labor Day
When drivers head out on Labor Day getaways this week, they’ll be paying the highest prices ever for gas for the holiday. Crude oil prices remain above $80 per barrel as the conflict with Iran continues. For the week, the national average for regular gasoline holds steady at $4.10 a gallon. The Oregon average jumps 12 cents to $4.89 a gallon.
Labor Day travel promises to be busy and more expensive this year. AAA booking data shows that Alaska cruises, national parks, Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast, Disneyland and Las Vegas are the most popular destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho. Domestic flights, hotels, cruises departing from international cities, U.S. tours, and gas prices cost more than in 2025. Find all the details, graphics, and advice for travelers in the AAA Labor Day travel news release.
The average prices for regular gas in Oregon and Washington (up 10 cents to $5.37 a gallon) are showing larger week-over-week increases than most other states due to dwindling supplies of summer-blend gas, as the switch to winter-blend fuel is underway. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency waiver, moving up the transition date to September 1. The usual transition date is September 15.
In addition, there are reports of possible operational issues at the Olympic Pipeline. The 400-mile Olympic Pipeline carries refined petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, from the refineries in Washington State to distribution terminals in the Pacific Northwest, including Portland. When the pipeline is down, fuel has to travel into Oregon by barge, truck or train, which are less efficient and more expensive than the pipeline. BP, which operates the pipeline, has not commented.
The previous high prices for Labor Day were in 2023, when the national average was $3.81 and the Oregon average was $4.74. Those prices were up slightly from Labor Day 2022.
Those taking a road trip for the Labor Day holiday will find gas prices are significantly more expensive than last year. Drivers are paying roughly $1 per gallon more than in 2025 for the holiday weekend.
The national average is currently $4.14 and the Oregon average is $4.99 (as of September 3, 2026). Last year on Labor Day, the national average was $3.19 and the Oregon average was $3.98.
“Drivers nationally and here in Oregon will pay the highest prices ever for gas over the Labor Day holiday weekend, beating the previous record highs for the holiday set in 2012, 2022, and 2023,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “This year is the first time ever that the national average has been at or above $4 a gallon over the Labor Day holiday weekend.”
Find current gas prices here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/
Find Oregon gas price news here: https://info.oregon.aaa.com/oregon-gas-prices/
Gas and diesel prices remain elevated, due to higher crude oil prices from the Iran conflict, closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refining infrastructure.
Best and worst times to drive
INRIX, a global provider of transportation data and insights, says unlike longer holiday periods, travel over Labor Day weekend tends to be concentrated within a short window. Many travelers will hit the road after work on Thursday or during the day on Friday. That will bring holiday traffic onto roads that are already carrying normal commuter volumes. Saturday is expected to be extra busy with many heading out of town on day trips.
“Leave early in the day and avoiding the middle of the afternoon whenever possible. Even leaving an hour or two earlier can make a big difference,” says Dodds. “Monitor traffic and navigation apps, listen to traffic reports on the radio, and check road and weather conditions at TripCheck or your local transportation department. These tools can help you avoid the worst congestion,” says Dodds.
Here are projected travel times out of Portland from INRIX and AAA:
Airfare, hotel, rental car, cruise and tour costs
Flights: AAA finds that travelers are paying more for domestic flights and less for international flights for Labor Day travel compared to 2025
- Domestic flights are 2% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year
- Average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $750.
- The price is even higher for people who are traveling to the top domestic destinations. AAA booking data shows those flights are 20% higher than last year, averaging nearly $790 per ticket.
- International flights are 4% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
- Average price for an international roundtrip ticket is $1,240.
Hotels: AAA finds hotel prices are more expensive than in 2025.
- Domestic hotels are 9% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
- Average booking cost for a domestic hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $570. That’s the average price of domestic hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.
- International hotels are 12% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
- Average booking cost for an international hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $690. That’s the average price of international hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.
Rental Cars: Car rental rates in the U.S. and abroad are less expensive than in 2025.
- Domestic car rentals are 8% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
- Average booking cost for a rental car (which is typically several days) is $450 total – not the daily rate.
- International car rentals are 15% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.
- Average booking cost for a rental (which is typically several days) is $730 – not the daily rate.
- AAA car rental partner Hertz says Friday, September 4 will be the busiest pick-up day.
Cruises: AAA finds that cruises departing from the U.S. are cheaper, while cruises from international cities are more expensive this year.
- Cruises departing from domestic cities are 4% cheaper this Labor Day weekend.
- Average cost for cruises departing from domestic cities is $2,700.
- Cruises departing from international cities are 16% more expensive this Labor Day weekend.
- Average cost for cruises departing from international cities is $4,690.
Tours: AAA finds U.S. tours cost more while tours in cities abroad cost less this year.
- Tour prices in domestic cities are 12% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to 2025.
- Average cost for a domestic tour is $2,490.
- Tours in international cities are 9% cheaper this Labor Day weekend.
- Average cost for an international tour is $3,415.
For help in planning your trip, AAA.com/travel or call (800) 529-3222 to reach a AAA travel agent.
Tips for those flying this Labor Day
Air travel volumes reached record levels this summer, and that trend is expected to continue over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Friday, September 4 is expected to be the busiest departure day of the holiday weekend, and Thursday, September 3 will be the second-busiest. Most travelers will fly home on Monday, September 7, which is Labor Day.
AAA has tips for air travelers:
- Download your airline’s app to keep up to date on your flight status, including checking one last time right before you leave for the airport. Allow push notifications so the airline can alert you of any changes.
- Check-in online for flights 24 hours ahead.
- Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Expect long security lines due to the spike in travelers.
- Airport parking lots will likely be at or near capacity. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking. Some parking facilities let you book in advance.
- Consider taking transit, using a ride sharing service or taxi, or getting a ride with a friend or family member to the airport so you don’t have to park onsite.
- Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items with you on the flight. That way you’ll have provisions if your checked bags get lost or delayed. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using a luggage tracker.
- Bring a refillable water bottle and plan ahead for meals and snacks. Airport restaurants can be very busy with long lines at times, making it challenging to order food if you have a short connection time. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
- Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times. In general, early morning flights tend to have fewer delays and cancellations than flights later in the day.
- Sign up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR before your trip to expedite the security screening process. However, even these check-in lanes will be busier than usual. And confirm that the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports.
AAA to the rescue this Labor Day weekend
AAA is ready to help drivers throughout the Labor Day holiday travel period. The most common issues are dead batteries, flat tires, emergency towing, and lockouts.
Last year, AAA responded to more than 404,000 requests for roadside assistance nationwide, including more than 4,300 here in Oregon.
AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP), or with the AAA Mobile app—and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.
Before heading out on a road trip, make sure your vehicle is ready. Have it inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.
Be prepared for emergencies with a well-stocked emergency kit including jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, jackets and blankets, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets. Bring power cords and power banks so you can charge your phones and devices. Share your itinerary with family or friends so that authorities know where to start looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.
“Don’t leave home without an emergency kit. Bring water, non-perishable snacks, blankets and extra clothing to help keep everyone comfortable during long delays. Crashes can tie up traffic for hours, and if you break down or get stuck in a remote area, you may not have cell service,” says Dodds. “Also, stay informed about weather, such as flash flood warnings, and wildfires as they can significantly disrupt travel with road closures and reduced visibility. Be sure to steer clear of impacted areas.”
Find more info on getting road-trip ready at AAA.com/summerprep
Labor Day Weekend Methodology AA looked at booking data for Thursday, September 3 through Monday, September 7, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day holiday period in 2025.
Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com.
Even though we have had a little rainfall, ODOT is advising travelers to keep hot cars off dry grass and keep trailer chains from dragging to prevent any new, disastrous fires from sparking.
In either direction, be aware of the traffic impact from wildfires and recovery efforts.
Labor Day is also an especially deadly time because of drunk or impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies have announced extra patrols for DUIIs.
For more information on Oregon roads, check tripcheck.com
Oregon Department of Transportation – As the 2026-27 college football season nears, expect heavy traffic on the weekends of home games for University of Oregon and Oregon State University.
OREGON DUCKS SET FOR NEW COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON! Oregon Ducks open the season at home against Boise State on Saturday 9/5 at 12:30 pm.
Not only is it opening week for the Oregon Ducks, but the Oregon State Beavers are also gearing up for the first game of season out of town with the Houston Cougars on Saturday!
Expect all-day traffic congestion in the #WillametteValley on these dates as thousands of fans travel to and from the games. Remember, there are many ways to get around in Oregon! You can walk or roll, take a bus or train, or share a ride. Learn more, plan a trip, or find a ride at GetThereOregon.org.
If you aren’t traveling this weekend, there is plenty to do around the area – check Eugene Weekly Event Calendar https://eugeneweekly.com/calendar/
The Eugene Police Department is ramping up its efforts to curb drinking and driving, launching a no-nonsense DUII high-visibility enforcement campaign through September 1.
This enforcement surge is made possible through an Oregon Impact DUII Grant, which funds the increase of patrols beyond the department’s typical capacity, ensuring the streets are closely monitored for impaired drivers.
Impaired driving poses a real and preventable risk to our community, and the Eugene Police are using the grant to put more eyes on the road and more boots on the ground during a time when celebrations often lead to dangerous driving choices.
According to a press release from the City of Eugene, everyone can play a part in making the roads safer by picking a designated driver before they start drinking, not letting friends drive impaired, or choosing a taxi or ride service after consuming alcohol.
Additionally, if you’re throwing a party where liquor’s flowing, be a good host and arrange for sober rides home for your guests. And while it might seem like a simple act, buckling up your seatbelt remains the most effective defense we have against the unpredictability of impaired drivers on the road.
When you’re out driving and come across a motorist who appears to be under the influence, stay safe and dial 911. By taking these steps, you’re not just avoiding trouble, you’re actively supporting community efforts to reduce harm.
PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires
As of late August 2025, statewide fire season is in effect across Oregon, and high fire danger levels are expected for the Labor Day weekend. Officials from the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) are urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution to prevent wildfires. Key restrictions and safety guidelines for Labor Day weekend
- Fireworks are prohibited on public lands. The sale of legal fireworks ended July 6, and all fireworks that fly, explode, or travel more than 12 feet horizontally are illegal year-round in Oregon without a special permit.
- Check local burning rules. Campfires and other open flames are heavily restricted or banned in many areas. Portable stoves that use bottled fuel are typically allowed in cleared areas, but always check the specific rules for your location. Violators can face fines and be held liable for damages.
- Use caution with vehicles. Park in cleared areas away from dry grass, and ensure your vehicle’s undercarriage is free of debris. Vehicle parts like hot catalytic converters can easily ignite roadside vegetation.
- Adhere to power equipment rules. Tools like chainsaws have operating time restrictions, especially during periods of high fire danger. Always have fire extinguishing equipment on hand when operating power tools.
- Stay informed about local conditions. Rules vary by county and specific land jurisdiction, such as those managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the US Forest Service. You can find the most up-to-date information through these sources:
- Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF): Offers up-to-date information on restrictions and closures by district.
- Keep Oregon Green: Provides general fire prevention information.
- Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM): Posts safety information and news releases on social media and its website.
- Register for emergency alerts. Sign up for local emergency notifications through OR-Alert to receive evacuation notices and other critical information.
- Immediately call 911 to report fires.
- Drones and other unmanned aircrafts are illegal to fly near fires.
- Fireworks, incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets, are prohibited during fire season (May-October).
- Use caution when target shooting. Clear a 20-foot radius around the target by removing all vegetation and rocks.
- Ensure vehicles and trailers are properly maintained
- Make sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging.
- Keep exhaust systems clean and use spark arrestors.
- Do not park on dry grass.
- Carry extra water, shovel, and/or a fire extinguisher with you.
- Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before leaving your campsite by making sure it is cool to the touch.
- Please don’t smoke and if you do, don’t throw out cigarette butts.
- Please be mindful and think about your actions
To ensure all Oregonians remain safe during wildfire season, we urge everyone to stay tuned into these communications channels and follow all official safety guidelines related to air quality and recreation:
Watch Duty app: Download this app on your smartphone to understand where wildfires are in real time as well as monitor air quality and other metrics. https://app.watchduty.org
Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: During fire season, this web-based interactive map is updated daily with current fire perimeters and locations. This website acts as the wildfire resource coordination center for the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Oregon Dept of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/index.aspx
InciWeb the Incident Information System: The federal interagency all-risk incident information management system provides an interactive map with real-time location information on wildfires. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire News: The official wildfire news blog for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Look here for all wildfire news related to state forest lands. https://odffire.com/
Keep Oregon Green: A partnership comprised of statewide and interagency groups working together to promote awareness of the risk and causes of wildfires and how to be prepared in case of a wildfire emergency. https://keeporegongreen.org/
OregonLive Wildfire Map: A project managed by OregonLive that incorporates data from InciWeb, National Interagency Fire Center, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, NOAA into an easy-to-use map tool. https://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring Data: A real-time map and cell phone application you can use to track air quality, including wildfire smoke impacts, across the state. Check your app store for OregonAir. https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map
Purple Air – Air Quality Map System: Real-time air quality information using crowdsourced data and data from EPA air sensors. https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0…
NOAA High Resolution Rapid Refresh Data Visualization: The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency(NOAA) is an experimental data visualization tool for wildfire smoke. Be sure to turn on the “Vertically Integrated Smoke” layer to see smoke paths. https://hwp-viz.gsd.esrl.noaa.gov/smoke/index.html
Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.
Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily
Please Help Prevent Wildfires!
In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.
Labor Day Boating Fun and Friendly Reminders
Labor Day Weekend traditions are rooted in the outdoors, and to keep things safe, the Oregon State Marine Board suggests taking the time to plan your on-water get away with the following tips:
Wear your life jacket. Each boat (including canoes and kayaks, inflatable boats, and stand up paddleboards) must have a properly fitted life jacket for each person on board and at least one sound-producing device. Life jackets need to be in good shape and readily accessible – not under a hatch or in their packaging. All youth younger than 13 must wear a life jacket when in a boat that’s underway. Since storage space is limited on paddlecraft, it makes the best sense to just wear a life jacket. So far this season, most of the victims of recreational boating fatalities were paddlers not wearing life jackets.
Know your waterway. “Take the time to get familiar with the waterway and know the inherent dangers,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. “Look out for wood, other debris, and shallow gravel bars with low water levels.” Find out more about low water impacts on boat ramps by subscribing to the Marine Board’s Opportunities and Access Report.
Know what rules apply. There are all types of watercraft on the market; some are considered boats and others are pool toys. Boats are designed differently, and by state law, have specific equipment requirements. “If you plan to float in a river, keep in mind that pool toys are designed for use in a swimming pool, have no directional control, and can puncture easily. Float in a watercraft designed for a river; one which won’t easily puncture and comes equipped with a paddle so you can maneuver away from obstructions.” Paulsen adds. It’s state law that any boat with a motor, even temporarily mounted, must be titled and registered. Paddlecraft (including stand up paddleboards) 10 feet and longer are required to carry a Waterway Access Permit.
Boat Sober. Boating is a great social activity, and the Marine Board encourages boaters and persons floating on the waterways, to leave the alcohol on shore. It’s safer for everyone. If arrested for Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants (BUII), violators can be fined up to $6,250; can lose boating privileges for up to three years and even serve jail time. Intoxicants include marijuana, illicit drugs, and even some prescriptions.
Sit on the seat inside the boat. Many boaters are tempted to ride on the swim platform, stern, sides, and bow of open motorboats. The stern can be a dangerous place for exposure to carbon monoxide and a prop-strike safety hazard. It is illegal to ride on the bow, decks, gunwales or transoms of a motorboat when the boat is underway. Sitting on designated seats is the safest option – especially when the boat is towing someone. Just because new boats have seats on the transom or swim step doesn’t make them legal for use when the boat is underway.
Slow down, keep scanning, and be courteous. Know the boating regulations for your area of operation. Boaters, including personal watercraft, are responsible for damage caused by their wake. Remember to slow down within 200 feet of a dock, launch ramp, marina, moorage, floating home or boathouse, pier or swim float, even if they don’t have a “Slow No-Wake” buoy or sign. Paddlers should stay closer to shore, crossing busy channels at right angles only when it is safe and allow motorboats to pass in deeper water. Be courteous, share the waterway, and recreate responsibly.
The top boating violations this summer include not having enough wearable life jackets on board, not carrying a waterway access permit, not carrying a sound signaling device, and not having a valid registration. So far this year, there have been 15 recreational boating fatalities in which not wearing a life jacket was the most common contributing factor.
For more information about equipment requirements, boating regulations, and ideas on where to go boating, visit the Marine Board’s website.
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
Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day Weekend
We’ll be back in the office Tuesday September 2nd