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, September 24, 2025
Willamette Valley Weather
ICE Protesters Pepper-Sprayed and Detained at Eugene Federal Building
Federal law enforcement officers pepper-sprayed and detained several anti-ICE protesters Tuesday night at the federal building in Eugene.
The protest began around 2 p.m. Activists from Eugene said they’d been joined by a group who travelled from Portland.
Attendees, some of them in black masks and helmets which has not been the norm for prior protests, knocked on the glass doors of the federal building, which houses an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office.
ICE field office in Eugene’s federal building is a focal point for protests where a local immigration advocate says people are being detained during their regular immigration required check-ins as they follow the law.
Right Wing Media calling it Antifa, as peaceful protestors suggest these people are sent in to try and cause conflict on purpose causing chaos and division in the community.
Senator Ron Wyden Lane County Town Hall Today
September 24, 2025 @ 4:00 pm
Sheldon High School Auditorium
2455 Willakenzie Rd.Eugene, OR 97401
Due to school being in session prior to the town hall, please do not arrive prior to 3:00pm as the campus will be closed to the public.
For everyone’s safety and security, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed in the town hall, and capacity is limited to available seating. Doors will open one hour before the town hall start time for attendees.
Survey asking for residents to weigh in on effects of wildfire and smoke in Lane County
Wildfire and smoke affect everyone in Lane County. Lane County Emergency Management is asking people to take a short survey to help local agencies better understand how residents experience the impacts of wildfire and smoke. The survey will help Lane County identify where it can improve our support for residents to prepare for, and live with, fire. The survey is available through October 17, 2025.
“We are working with agencies across the region to update the Lane County Community Wildfire Protection Plan,” said Tiffany Brown, County Emergency Manager. “Wildfire and smoke have become a fixture on the landscape in Lane County for much of the year and updating our plan will help us better understand the risk and how to keep our communities safe from these hazards while allowing them to thrive into the future.”
The survey is available in English and Spanish:
The QR codes attached can also be used to access the survey in English and Spanish.
The survey is part of Lane County’s work with the Oregon Department of Forestry and other partners to update the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The plan was last updated in 2020.
A successful CWPP provides a community with a set of goals, actions and resources specifically designed to address the threat of wildfire. These goals, actions and resources can help:
- Enhance public safety
- Improve economic resiliency through the identification and protection of critical infrastructure and businesses at risk
- Restore and protect ecosystem health
- Raise public awareness about wildfire risks
- Educate landowners of their shared responsibility in wildfire protection
- Build new partnerships between local, state and federal firefighting agencies, community organizations and businesses
An up-to-date CWPP is also required before local communities can receive funding for hazard mitigation and recovery work through the National Fire Plan, FEMA mitigation grants and other resources.
𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲!
The Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB) must fill at least 3 open seats. PVAB hears taxpayer appeals about property values — an important role in making sure values are accurate.
Must be a Lane County resident
Interest or background in real estate, finance, or property appraisal is helpful
Cannot work for Lane County or another local taxing district
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐮𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐎𝐜𝐭. 𝟑
Paid training + $15/hour stipend during hearings (Feb–April 2026)Learn more and apply: LaneCountyOR.gov/appeals
A little after 2:00 pm Tuesday, Emergency Crews were dispatched to a Semi truck wreck on Highway 58, mp 55.5.
The semi truck was carrying steel trusses which landed across the highway closing all lanes of traffic for nearly 2 hours. 1 lane was opened, and drivers needed to find an alternate route or waiting to travel on 58, east of Oakridge. It’s now been cleared.
More Than 90,000 People in Lane County Face Uncertainty as PacificSource Plans Medicaid Exit
PacificSource has said it will cut ties with Medicaid at the end of the year, saying the rates the state pays to cover people are simply too low. It’s still not clear what will happen to the nearly 92,000 people in the county who currently receive Oregon Health Plan coverage via PacificSource.
Nearly 70% of people who rely on Medicaid for health care in Lane County may lose their current coverage through the insurer PacificSource in the coming months. That’s more than 90,000 members of the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program.
Lane County is experiencing the first fallout in Oregon as state leaders wrangle how to pay for the care of 1.4 million lower-income residents.
What does PacificSource do for Oregon Health Plan members?
Generally, PacificSource helps manage a network of providers, so that people who qualify for Medicaid have access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services.
What does this disruption mean for people who use PacificSource Community Solutions?
People who use PacificSource Community Solutions will not experience immediate disruptions, according to Amy Bacher, Oregon Health Authority’s spokesperson for Medicaid.
The health authority has a process for ensuring members maintain their CCO coverage, and will continue to do so in the coming months, Bacher said.
In a statement to Lookout Eugene-Springfield, PacificSource’s vice president of Medicaid programs, Erin Fair Taylor, said the insurer hopes to continue discussions with the Oregon Health Authority on alternatives. Otherwise, it will stop serving Lane County on Jan. 1, 2026.
What happens to coverage should PacificSource exit?
If PacificSource leaves, it would work with other CCOs, such as Trillium, to transition care, PacificSource spokesperson Lauren Thompson said. That would include transferring authorizations for specialty care, prescription information and care management plans.
Oregon Health Authority did not elaborate on the specifics of what will happen Jan. 1 should PacificSource exit and did not respond to questions about Trillium’s capacity to take on more members.
Leadership at Lane County Public Health, which oversees Community Health Centers of Lane County, is still evaluating the potential impact, spokesperson Jason Davis said. Their first and main priority is maintaining care for patients and the many programs that could be impacted, he said.
Why is this happening?
The Oregon Health Authority pays CCOs predetermined monthly rates to manage and deliver care in their coverage areas. Those rates are set annually.
This year, the health authority proposed a reimbursement rate that executives with insurance companies said was too low to cover the number of Oregon Health Plan members, according to The Lund Report.
PacificSource Executive Vice President Jim Havens told The Lund Report that enrollment has surged and costs have risen faster than state payments. The company lost $40 million in 2024 and projected an operating loss of up to $100 million in 2025, with 2026 potentially higher.
He cited rising administrative costs and increased demand for behavioral health services as key drivers.
Why is Lane County specifically hit hard?
Annual reimbursement rates for CCOs vary by county, based on available services and the health needs of local populations, said Thompson, the PacificSource spokesperson.
The insurer compared the Oregon Health Authority’s proposed rates with expected costs in each region and found the largest funding shortfall in Lane County, she said.
Who uses PacificSource in Lane County?
Of the nearly 92,000 people who use PacificSource in Lane County through the Oregon Health Plan, roughly a quarter are children.
It is likely too early for federal cuts under the Trump administration to have affected PacificSource, and it remains unclear what will happen when they take effect. Oregon health care providers, including PeaceHealth, have warned of devastating impacts in the coming months from the GOP-backed bill. (SOURCE)
Lund Report: PacificSource mulls pullout from serving low-income Oregon Health Plan in Lane County
Springfield-based insurer says it can’t make the state’s proposed rates work, meaning it can’t sign a contract to oversee care for low-income people. It’s unclear if the state will extend the deadline to allow further negotiations, or if about 90,000 low-income people will face changes in how they get care.
PacificSource may “reluctantly” stop serving more than 90,000 members enrolled in the Medicaid-funded Oregon Health Plan in Lane County on Jan. 1, 2026 unless state health officials and the Kotek administration take further steps to staunch the insurer’s massive losses there, The Lund Report has learned.
However, the Springfield-based insurer will continue overseeing care for low-income OHP members in Marion, Deschutes, Hood River, Polk, Wasco, Crook, Klamath and Jefferson counties.
With a key deadline falling later on Thursday, the possible pullout from Lane represents the biggest potential change known so far to how the state delivers care to 1.4 million low-income Oregonians. State health officials are facing what some consider the biggest challenge in years to the integrity of the Oregon Health Plan, once considered a model for other states. When a care organization pulls out, it means their provider networks can be affected, threatening patients’ access to care and continuity of care.
The deadline in question —for care organizations to notify the state whether they accept the rates being offered to provide care—has been closely watched. Unlike how commercial health insurance works, Oregon operates the Oregon Health Plan largely by granting contracts to coordinated care organizations to oversee networks in geographic regions. It is among the states most reliant on managed care entities or insurers to provide care.
The Oregon Health Authority asked state lawmakers to set aside $66 million to boost the care organizations’ rates by 3.4% — despite cost trends of around 10% around the country and in Oregon. Then state health offiicals offered larger rate increases averaging 6.8%, sparking some of the care organization executives to say they would have to leave the program considering the massive losses they’ve been experiencing in recent years due to low payments from the state.
The state recently boosted the average hike to 10.2% and promised to make program changes to limit risk to the care organizations. Most care organizations are expected to accept the rates despite continued uncertainty over whether they’ll continue to lose money.
State hires companies to manage care regionally
In all, 11 organizations operate 16 regional networks around the state. Most of them enjoy a regional monopoly, almost like a franchise. In Lane County, however, PacificSource is not the only care organization to oversee Oregon Health Plan operations. The other one, Trillium Community Health Plan, is owned by Centene, a national for-profit Medicaid insurer that has been experiencing major financial challenges of its own.
“We are continuing our discussions with OHA and hope to arrive at a solution that allows us to continue to serve Lane County,” said Erin Fair Taylor, the vice president for Medicaid at PacificSource Health Plans. “However, we reluctantly submitted a notice to the state indicating our intent not to renew the 2026 Lane County CCO contract under the current proposed terms and rates.”
Negotiations have been under way for months, with the state promising to make changes to the program to lower risks to the care organizations. It’s unclear whether the state will extend the deadline to reopen negotiations with PacificSource. Oregon Health Authority officials have not responded to a request for comment on what they will do if a care organization pulls out.
“We did not come to this decision lightly, and we are deeply disappointed that we have not yet reached a path forward,” Fair Taylor added. “Our priority has always been to provide Oregonians with access to high-quality care. Unfortunately, after extensive discussions, it became clear that continuing participation under current terms would undermine our ability to effectively serve the people who rely on us and put the long-term sustainability of our organization at risk.”
She added, “We know this decision affects the lives of many Oregonians and we remain committed to working with the Oregon Health Authority, state leaders, and our partners to ensure members experience as smooth a transition as possible.”
The insurer is also pulling out of Health Share of Oregon, the care organization serving Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties that is essentially a collaborative dominated by health plans and Care Oregon. Though PacificSource oversees care for 20,000 people in the region for Health Share, they are unlikely to notice much of a change. That’s because PacificSource partners with Legacy Health and its delivery network, which will continue to be part of Health Share.
“We will be working diligently with Legacy and Health Share to ensure a smooth transition,” Fair Taylor said. “This transition should not disrupt any members’ provider relationships or continuity of care.” https://www.thelundreport.org/content/pacificsource-mulls-pullout-serving-low-income-oregon-health-plan-lane-county
EWEB Replacing Some Power Poles and Moving Power Lines Underground to Make Them More Resilient to Natural Disasters
Near Frank Kinney Park, workers for a utility contractor are filling a hole they just dug in the road. This helps them measure the depth of existing utilities before they move overhead power lines underground.
This is part of the Headwaters Trail Electric Reliability Project, an EWEB infrastructure plan that will replace wooden power poles in the area with metal structures and move some power lines underground in South Eugene. The goal is to make them more resilient to natural disasters.
In 2024, tens of thousands of people in Lane County were left without power during an ice storm where the ice toppled trees near power lines, leaving many without heat in freezing temperatures.
Tyler Nice, the Electric Division Manager at EWEB, explains that one part of the project is replacing wooden poles with metal ones, making them more resilient towards nature.
“The poles we’re putting in, there’s a few things about them that are very preferable. One, they’re stronger, so they can handle more loading, ice, wind, snow, all that,” said Nice. “They also won’t burn. So either, if a connection on the pole happens, the metal will not catch on fire.”
The other part of the project includes moving some of the power lines underground. Distribution lines, the power lines that can be insulated and moved, will be sent underground. Nice adds that this will make them less susceptible to natural disasters.
“We put them underground, the impact of ice and snow and wind doesn’t take into account anymore,” said Nice. “So they are perfectly happy being underground with anything going on up above the ground. It’s like their happy home down there.”
EWEB also is taking preventative measures around the newer metal poles by removing surrounding dead trees or “topping” them off by removing some branches so that they are not leaning towards the poles and lines.
“We top those because now if they were to fall, they’re dead, they’re not going to hit the line,” said Jeannine Parisi, the Resilience Program Manager at EWEB. “So sometimes, tree removal is an option, sometimes we just top them as a hazard tree, just to protect the lines.”
Lane County Emergency Management Promotes 6 Weeks of Readiness
Lane County Emergency Management is helping people be more prepared for disasters as part of a 6-week readiness campaign.
The campaign includes weekly readiness tips, events, and a new program to help residents let first responders know if they need help during a disaster.
“The ‘6 Weeks of Ready’ campaign runs through October and provides a simple, step-by-step approach to becoming more prepared,” said Lane County Emergency Manager Tiffany Brown. “Each week focuses on a different aspect of readiness, making it easier for individuals and families to build resilience before the next emergency. Whether someone is just getting started or already has a plan, the goal is to help everyone take their preparedness to the next level.”
Each week during the campaign, which runs through October, preparedness tips will be released online. The first week’s theme is stocking up and staying safe by building a go-kit and being ready to shelter in place. Other themes throughout the campaign include family communication plans, being prepared with kids and pets, and tsunami readiness, and more.
Lane County Emergency Management will also be participating in the Beat the Wave Disaster Preparedness Expo in Florence on October 11, which is being hosted by the West Lane Emergency Operations Group.
Finally, Lane County Emergency Management is rolling out its new HELP/OK sign program, which provides people with a free window sign that can be used to signal to first responders that they need help during a disaster.
“The HELP/OK sign program is a simple but powerful tool to strengthen community resilience,” said Brown. “During a disaster, every minute counts — and with these signs, first responders can quickly identify who needs assistance and who is safe. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.”
HELP/OK signs are available to download from the Lane County Emergency Management website or can be picked up for free during September and October at the following locations:
Lane County Government Offices
- Assessment & Taxation (125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene)
- Public Works Customer Service Center (3050 N. Delta Highway, Eugene)
- Community Health Centers (map to all 8 locations)
- WIC Office (151 W. 7th Avenue, Eugene)
- Communicable Disease Clinic (151 W. 7th Avenue, Eugene)
- Veteran Services (151 W. 7th Avenue, Eugene)
- Developmental Disabilities Services Reception (2513 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Eugene)
- Reveille Housing (680 Tyler Street, Eugene)
- Parole & Probation (2699 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite A, Eugene)
- Youth Services (2727 MLK Jr. Boulevard, Eugene)
Lane Council of Governments Offices
- 1015 Willamette Street, Eugene
- 3180 US 101, Florence
- 700 E. Gibbs Avenue, Cottage Grove
- 48310 E. 1st Street, Oakridge
City Halls
- Coburg City Hall (91136 N Willamette Street, Coburg)
- Florence City Hall (250 US 101, Florence)
- Dunes City (82877 Spruce Street, Westlake)
- Springfield City Hall (225 Fifth Street, Springfield)
- Creswell City Hall (13 S. 1st Street, Creswell)
- Veneta City Hall (88184 8th Street, Veneta)
Fire Districts
- Western Lane Fire District (410 9th Street, Florence)
- South Lane Fire & Rescue (233 E. Harrison Avenue, Cottage Grove)
- Coburg Fire District (91232 North Coburg Road, Coburg)
- McKenzie Fire Station (42870 McKenzie Highway, Walterville)
- Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire Station (85880 First Street, Eugene)
- Junction City Fire Station (1755 Juniper Street, Junction City)
Post Offices
- Dorena Post Office (75694 Wicks Road, Dorena)
- Swisshome Post Office (13297 Highway 36, Swisshome)
- Deadwood Post Office (14701 Highway 36, Deadwood)
Other
- Eugene Downtown Library (100 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene)
- Amazon Community Center (2700 Hilyard Street, Eugene)
- Dorena School (37141 Row River Road, Dorena)
- Oakridge Air (48513 Highway 58, Oakridge)
- Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative (90680 Highway 99 North, Eugene)
- Springfield Library (225 Fifth Street, Springfield)
- LTD Eugene Station Customer Service Center (1080 Willamette Street, Eugene)
- Mapleton Water District (88151 Riverview Avenue, Mapleton)
“We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone in Lane County to get a HELP/OK sign. You can pick one up at libraries, fire stations, and other public buildings across the county,” said Brown.
Lane County To Follow Oregon Health Authority Vaccine Guidance
Lane County Public Health and Community Health Centers of Lane County today announced they will follow the vaccine guidance of the Oregon Health Authority as provided by the Western States Health Coalition. These recommendations are as follows:
Influenza: All Lane County residents 6 months and older should receive an influenza vaccine
RSV: All babies age 8 months and younger, as well as children up to 19 months with risk factors; all adults 75 and older; and adults 50-74 years of age with risk factors, should receive the RSV vaccine
COVID-19:
- All children age 6-23 months
- All children age 2-18 years with risk factors, or if never vaccinated
- All children in close contact with others who have risk factors
- All who choose protection
Additionally, a prescription is no longer needed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from your primary care provider or from a participating pharmacy.
The Community Health Centers of Lane County will be offering influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines to their patients based on the guidance listed above.
While these recommendations will open up access to vaccines and hopefully alleviate some confusion, there are still many questions about which insurance plans will cover which vaccines. Currently, the only information Lane County is able to confidently share on insurance coverage for vaccines is that all Oregon Health Plan members will be covered for the influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines based on the guidance listed above.
The Oregon Health Authority has advised it may take a few days for pharmacies to start vaccinating, due to COVID-19 stock & ensuring safe implementation of the new recommendations. If a Lane County community member does not know where to get a COVID-19 vaccine, they can check with their health plan, local pharmacy, or call 211 or visit 211info.org.
Foley Ridge Fire
For more information, visit the incident website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incid…/orwif-foley-ridge-fire
U.S. Forest Service – Willamette National Forest
Emigrant Fire Update
Lane County Stormdrain Cleaning Assistance Program now accepting fall business signups
Lane County’s Stormdrain Cleaning Assistance Program (SCAP) is back this fall—and businesses have until October 31 to sign up.
This voluntary program, offered in partnership with Stormwater Protection Systems (SPS), helps businesses keep their stormdrains clean and working for a flat fee of just $70 per drain. Since launching in 2023, more than 580 stormdrains representing 182 businesses have already been cleaned.
Why It Matters – Stormwater often flows directly into rivers and streams, carrying pollutants from parking lots and roads—like heavy metals, oil, pesticides, and fertilizers. Regular stormdrain maintenance keeps waterways clean, reduces flooding, and helps protect the local environment.
Program Details
- $70 per drain covers debris removal, power washing, and disposal of contaminated sediment.
- Businesses are responsible for their privately owned stormdrains.
- The program does not cover repairs, jetting, or oversized drains.
Lane County does not reimburse for this service; it is the responsibility of the business to pay for the service after the cleaning.
Act Now—Deadline October 31! — Lane County businesses must register this fall to lock in service before heavy rains arrive. Register at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/SCAP or email SCAP@LaneCountyOR.gov.
Win 2 Nights Lodging in Oakridge so you can enjoy “Oakridge Rocks The Park!”! Coming Oct 18th!
Click here to win 2 nights stay in Oakridge!
Click here for more info on the event.
FOOD For Lane County is collecting short, anonymous stories from community members about how SNAP or food pantry programs have made a difference in their lives.
The new federal law, known as the “Big Beautiful Bill” will cut SNAP benefits and impact 757,700 Oregonians. Your voice can help raise awareness and defend access to food for thousands of people in our community.
Responses are 100% ANONYMOUS. Please answer one or more of the prompts. https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=udJFysn31UqbRcPRJH0Ew4z62Go4_hdOgeuS7G3tEtpUN0lJNjhQNTdVTkYzMUhPOTFDU1JaQThTSy4u&fbclid=IwY2xjawMUv4NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFUNkRvb053V1hEekJ1NGxLAR4lSe3v8oKwHs-fEr3dB7K6mBieN_ty401pN-OwFrXFhirbDV4i1hJbypW7Bw_aem_gxYIVwPs5kYNC7mhRZR5tQ&route=shorturl
Every story helps us advocate for food access and fight hunger in our community.
These are some food resources for our area
Lane County to Open 2025–2026 Community & Economic Development Grant Program
Lane County’s 2025–2026 Community & Economic Development (CED) Grant Program solicitation will officially open for applications on September 3, 2025, with a submission deadline of October 8, 2025 at noon. Application materials are available now to give interested agencies a chance to prepare.
The CED Grant Program offers competitive funding to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities that serve Lane County. The program supports projects and initiatives that strengthen our local economy, foster innovation, support entrepreneurs and small businesses, invest in workforce training, and revitalize Main Streets and downtowns across the region.
With a total of $200,000 available for the 2026 grant cycle, individual grant awards will range from $5,000 to $30,000. Priority will be given to proposals that:
- grow employment or wages in key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, technology, food and beverage, biosciences, and childcare;
- support small businesses and entrepreneurs through technical assistance and incubation;
- foster innovation and industry engagement; and
- enhance Lane County’s downtowns and commercial corridors.
“We are really excited to launch this program again,” said Jason Harris, Community and Economic Development manager for Lane County. “These grants enable us to support innovative projects in our community that might not otherwise have funding. We encourage potential applicants to begin preparing their proposals and take full advantage of this year’s offerings.”
More details, including application materials and FAQs, are available now at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CEDgrant or by contacting CED@LaneCountyOR.gov. Applications will be accepted via Lane County’s procurement site, Bidlocker, between September 3, 2025 and October 8, 2025.
Las solicitudes y aplicaciones también están disponibles en Español.
About Lane County Community and Economic Development
Lane County Community and Economic Development is your Oregon Video Lottery dollars at work! Community and Economic Development programs support building vibrant communities by partnering with local business support organizations, cities, special districts and economic development agencies to facilitate community development and create economic prosperity. This program fosters economic opportunity across Lane County with a specific focus on rural and unincorporated communities.
Oregon Department of Transportation – As the 2025-26 college football season nears, expect heavy traffic on the weekends of home games for University of Oregon and Oregon State University.
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.
Catholic Community Services of Lane County, Inc. (CCS) – Winter Warmth Drive – September & October
As the cold months approach, too many of our neighbors don’t have the essentials to stay warm. You can help! We’re collecting new or gently used jackets, coats, gloves, socks, blankets, hats, and scarves to provide no-cost clothing to anyone in need. Every item makes a difference.
Drop your donations at our Springfield Community Service Center at 1025 G Street, or any of our collection bins this September and October and help spread warmth across our community. To find a collection bin near you, go to http://www.ccslc.org/wwd Together, we can ensure no one faces winter alone.Catholic Community Services of Lane County
Willamette Valley Crisis Care
Current and former CAHOOTS workers have started a new organization: Willamette Valley Crisis Care! Check ’em out on instagram (here) and facebook (here) and share the news that they’re ready to bring back CAHOOTS as CAHOOTS 2.0.
TransPonder
Check out the upcoming events, clubs, classes, groups, and gatherings in this week’s newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/…/transponder-happenings-sept14-sept20
Burrito Brigade needs to expand so we may better serve the food challenged and the best option is to buy our own building.
Waste To Taste
https://www.zeffy.com/…/raise-the-roof-from-warehouse… Support our Mission: BurritoBrigade.org
Please help us reach our goal for a permanent home. https://www.zeffy.com/…/raise-the-roof-from-warehouse…
Got an Extra Can or Two? Let’s Fill the Little Free Pantries Together!
Our Little Free Pantries are running low—and for some neighbors, these are their only source of food right now.If you’ve got:
A few extra cans
A box of pasta
Unopened hygiene items
Kid-friendly snacks…you can make someone’s day a little easier.
Just place your donation directly into any Burrito Brigade Little Free Pantry around town. No sign-up, no questions—just community caring for community.
Find a pantry near you: BurritoBrigade.org/pantries It’s a simple act with a big impact. Support our Mission: BurritoBrigade.org
White Bird Clinic – · Crisis intervention is a 24/7 need in our community, and CAHOOTS, as part of White Bird Crisis Intervention programs, responds.
White Bird CAHOOTS Springfield Coverage: 11 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week (541-726-3714)
White Bird Clinic
This year marks 60 years of community health centers transforming care across the U.S. At White Bird Clinic, we’re proud to be part of this legacy – bringing whole-person care to our community’s most vulnerable neighbors for more than 50 years! From medical and dental services to harm reduction and crisis response, we’re here to meet people where they are.Learn more about community health at the link below: https://www.nachc.org/about-nachc/history-of-chc/
Whole Community News Report on CAHOOTS:
Since December of 2023, Eugene lost the University District hospital and the Hourglass Crisis Center, and as of last week, CAHOOTS. These were no-barrier treatment access points for our most vulnerable neighbors to receive care when experiencing a mental health crisis. READ MORE: https://wholecommunity.news/2025/04/20/public-comments-ask-city-not-to-lose-cahoots-too/
Contact for Services — Phone: CAHOOTS is dispatched within the Springfield urban growth boundary through the non-emergency number, 541-726-3714.
Starting in the new year, White Bird Dental Clinic will offer more walk-in clinic times. Currently, we offer walk-in clinics at 1415 Pearl St. every Monday and Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. In January, we will also add every other Friday at 7:30 a.m. Find more information at whitebirdclinic.org/dental
Oregon Food Bank
Hunger in Oregon is rising — and federal and state cuts to food assistance are making it worse. In 2024, visits to food programs grew 31%, yet resources to meet this need are shrinking.
Programs like SNAP, which help 1 in 8 Oregonians put food on the table, are facing deep cuts — leaving more families, children, veterans, and elders to make impossible choices between food, safety, and shelter.
We need policies that protect access to food for all our neighbors. Because no one should have to choose between staying safe and going hungry.
Food is available for those who need it and by entering your zip code at OregonFoodFinder.or -You can see each local program’s contact information, hours of operation and what kind of distribution it is.
We partner with 1,200+ free food markets, pantries and meal sites all across Oregon and Southwest Washington — and welcome anyone and everyone who needs food. OregonFoodFinder.org
Volunteers needed to improve Oregon natural spaces on Sept. 27 .
— Get outside with your community while improving the natural beauty of Oregon and Washington’s public lands! On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Bureau of Land Management will be restoring hiking trails, pulling weeds at pollinator gardens, picking up trash on the beach, and enhancing natural habitats with the help of National Public Lands Day volunteers.
Pick up trash and remove vegetation at the Steward Pond Disc Golf Course in Eugene
Held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day has helped volunteers restore America’s public lands since 1994.
Last year, the Bureau of Land Management hosted 132 events across the country. Over 9,000 volunteers got outside, contributing over 54,000 hours of service worth over $1.6 million towards the improvement of their favorite natural places.
“National Public Lands Day is one of our most important events,” said Morgan Rubanow, BLM Oregon/Washington volunteer program specialist. “Each year, volunteers leave these natural spaces healthier and more beautiful, all while getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors.”
At NPLD events, the BLM provides volunteers with tools, safety gear, and materials needed for each project.
Ready to get involved? Find a few of the events held in Oregon and Washington this year below:
- Beautify the beaches at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport, Ore.
- Restore habitats and remove fences in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument near Ashland, Ore.
- Improve trails at the Fishtrap Recreation Area in Sprague, Wash.
- Remove weeds from the pollinator gardens in the Wood River Wetlands near Klamath Falls, Ore.
- And many more!
Learn more and find the full list of NPLD events at blm.gov/national-public-lands-day.
-BLM- The BLM manages roughly 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
New FEMA Regulations Could Cost Oregon Millions Of Dollars
FEMA is proposing major new requirements for communities that want to remain in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Under this new plan for Oregon, FEMA would change the NFIP to focus on protecting floodplain habitat for fish, rather than insuring properties from flood and mitigating risks to life and property. The new requirements would apply to all NFIP mapped areas within the highlighted areas of the state – affecting 31 counties and more than 100 cities and towns. If a community refuses to adopt these new standards, FEMA can kick them out of the NFIP, making all residents ineligible for federal flood insurance and disaster aid.
Here are some of the new rules and their potential impacts:
• A typical new single-family house could require a second piece of land to be kept undeveloped as “mitigation.”
• The cost of construction for homes and new commercial development could increase by nearly 30 percent. The cost of your new home could go up more than $7500 a year in mortgage/interest to pay for complying with the new requirements.
• Remodeling or expanding existing developed commercial and industrial land could require a different or more expensive design.
• If a farmer wants to build a new agricultural building in the floodplain, the cost could increase by about 12 per cent.
• For port projects subject to the new standards, the land required to be set aside for mitigation would be substantial with corresponding increases in project cost, adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to project costs.
• Counties and cities in Oregon would need to make changes to existing ordinances. To do this, the counties and cities may have to hire additional help at a cost of about $60,000 to more than $1 million, depending on the size of the jurisdiction.
• 233 Oregon communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program would have to pay $100,000 to $200,000 to achieve initial adoption and implementation. The total cost could be $23 million to $47 million for the full Oregon plan area.
In short, these stringent new rules would significantly burden not only new business and home development, but also existing homeowners and businesses by making small additions, sheds, or driveways into major mitigation projects. A remodel or repair of your house from storm damage now will become too costly to repair, even under NFIP coverage—which insufficiently covers the cost of compliance with these new regulations.
FEMA is currently accepting public comments on their Draft Environmental Impact Statement which is the next step in making these new rules permanent. FEMA has presented three alternatives. Alternative 1 would allow the NFIP to continue to operate in Oregon without costly changes. Alternatives 2 and 3 require costly mitigation of all development in floodplains. FEMA wants to hear from the public and interested parties about which alternative they should select and why.
Oregonians for Floodplain Protection urges people to tell FEMA to adopt Alternative 1. Oregon has existing rules to protect endangered species, and FEMA is using nearly 10-year-old data to make these rules. FEMA’s public meetings held so far have had less than 100 people participating, and the general public does not know about these new rules. The last public meeting is September 30th from 6-8 pm via Zoom.
More information is available on our website, https://floodplainprotection.org.
Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Announce Bill to Restore NOAA’s Extreme Weather Database, Keep Americans Informed of Natural Disasters
Bill would reverse the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to terminate database which has recorded cost of natural disasters since 1980
—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined senate colleagues to introduce legislation that would reverse the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to terminate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) extreme weather database which has been vital to keeping families, researchers, and policy makers informed on the cost of natural disasters.
The Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act would require NOAA to restore and maintain the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database, which collects and makes public information on natural disasters resulting in at least $1 billion in damage each year in the United States.
“Whether it’s wildfires in Oregon or flooding in Texas hill country, deadly weather events have become a way of life for too many Americans,” Wyden said. “While Donald Trump forces his anti-science agenda on the American people and kneecaps federal emergency response, I’m all in to help communities better prepare for and respond to natural disasters. I’m proud to cosponsor the Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act to restore critical information for states and communities to do just that.”
“Oregonians know all too well the threat of climate chaos, which is fueling increasingly frequent and severe weather events that threaten our homes, businesses, and way of life,” said Merkley. “Trump’s move to terminate NOAA’s extreme weather tracker will just add to the devastation communities face. Having a complete understanding of the cost of natural disasters allows us to make smarter decisions about how to make our infrastructure more resilient to protect our communities. I’ll keep fighting for Oregonians to have the resources needed to respond to extreme weather and ensure that we have the data to act.”
Since 1980, NOAA has maintained a database of all weather disasters in the United States totaling at least $1 billion in damage. The Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database has been essential in tracking how an exponential increase in climate-driven natural disasters over the last two decades has raised costs associated with disaster recovery. The database has also helped communities and lawmakers more effectively allocate resources before extreme weather events.
In 2024, the United States experienced 27 individual weather and climate disasters over $1 billion in damages, totaling more than $182.7 billion—the fourth highest on record behind 2017, 2005, and 2022. As the severity and cost of natural disasters continue to rise, research tracking the type and frequency of extreme weather events is crucial to ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and effective resilience strategies.
However, in May 2025, the Trump Administration discontinued the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database as part of its efforts to destroy programs and research related to climate change. Cancelling this publicly available database threatens emergency preparedness, undercuts science research vital to fighting climate change, and weakens national and community-level efforts to reduce the cost of disasters.
The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senator Peter Welch, D-Vt. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.. —– A full text of the bill is here.
Principal of Rainier Junior/Senior High arrested on child porn charges
Police in Washington arrested the principal of Oregon’s Rainier Junior/Senior High School Tuesday on multiple charges.
Joni Land / OPB
Jeremy Williams, 49, was booked in Washington state’s Cowlitz County Jail on charges of dealing and possessing depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Law enforcement officials said they became aware of the images on Aug. 28, after social media sites reported that pictures had been sent to and from a Longview, Washington, resident.
None of the images are of Rainier students, according to law enforcement.Longview, in Southwest Washington, is across the Columbia River from Rainier, which is in Oregon’s Columbia County. The two towns are connected by a bridge.
According to the probable cause statement, 31 files found on William’s devices were flagged as containing child sexual abuse material.
The probable cause statement contains graphic descriptions of files, including one file that involved a 6-month-old child. Williams admitted to police that the accounts in question were his and that he was “having ‘age based’ sexual role play on various platforms, including Discord,” according to the statement.
Williams made his first court appearance virtually in Cowlitz County on Wednesday.
Judge Patricia Fassett set Williams’ bail at $100,000 and ruled that he would not be allowed to have any contact with children ages 16 and under.
Asked if he was employed, Williams replied, “Not anymore.”
The Rainier School District had already placed Williams on paid administrative leave before the arrest for an unrelated event, according to law enforcement. A note sent to parents and community members Wednesday afternoon said Williams was on leave after making comments “surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk.”
In a statement issued Wednesday, Rainier Superintendent Chad Holloway said that students would be allowed to leave early with parental permission, if they wish.
“I know that this is extremely upsetting and concerning information,” Holloway wrote. “I am in the process of organizing additional counseling support for our students and staff and expect to have that in place soon.
“We are still processing this news, and will share information with you as we learn more.” William’s next court appearance will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday. (SOURCE)
Trump Justice Department sues Oregon, Maine for not turning over voter data
Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, who vowed to fight the lawsuit, said sharing data the U.S. Department of Justice demanded would violate Oregonians’ privacy rights
The U.S. Justice Department sued Oregon and Maine on Tuesday for rejecting demands that the states turn over troves of personal voter information.
A 22-page complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Eugene names Oregon and Secretary of State Tobias Read and alleges that the state broke federal laws by failing to provide electronic copies of statewide voter registration lists and information regarding voter list maintenance procedures. A separate lawsuit names Maine and its secretary of state, Shenna Bellows.
In a statement, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said states can’t pick and choose which federal laws they follow.
“American citizens have a right to feel confident in the integrity of our electoral process, and the refusal of certain states to protect their citizens against vote dilution will result in legal consequences,” Dhillon said.
Before joining the Justice Department, Dhillon was a legal adviser to President Donald Trump’s failed 2020 campaign. Her law firm worked unsuccessfully to overturn election results in the 2022 midterms in key states, including Arizona.
Read, a Democrat elected last year with promises to defend Oregon’s pioneering vote-by-mail system, said he looked forward to fighting the case in court. Oregon is already suing the federal government over Trump’s attempts to end mail voting, along with 36 other lawsuits.
“If the president wants to use the DOJ to go after his political opponents and undermine our elections, I look forward to seeing them in court,” Read said. “I stand by my oath to the people of Oregon, and I will protect their rights and privacy.”
The Justice Department said it’s alleging that Read violated federal law by refusing to share an unredacted electronic copy of the state’s voter registration list, provide information on the state’s voter list maintenance program or disclose registration information for any ineligible voters.
Last month, Read told Justice Department officials that turning over the data they requested — including the full name, date of birth, residential address and driver’s license number or partial Social Security number for all of Oregon’s more than 3 million registered voters — would violate Oregonians’ constitutional right to privacy.
Instead, he said, the federal government is free to file a records request and pay a $500 fee for a copy of the statewide voter list that includes names, addresses, political party and birth year, but not a voter’s birthday, Social Security number or driver’s license number.
He maintained that the Justice Department’s request sought more information than required by federal laws, including the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002. He said providing that data would certainly violate state laws.
The lawsuit alleges that Oregon provides all that data to a private group through its membership in the Electronic Registration Information Center, a nonprofit organization that helps its 25 member states and Washington, D.C., track whether voters have moved and identify duplicate registrations.
A bipartisan group of state election officials formed ERIC in 2012, but in recent years it’s been the subject of a disinformation campaign propagated by right-wing activists. Several Republican-led states have left the organization.
According to a frequently asked questions page on ERIC’s website, states provide data including birth dates, driver’s license numbers and Social Security numbers, but only after applying a “cryptographic one-way hash” to ensure that data can’t be read by humans. Because all states use the same hash, the organization’s algorithms can identify duplicates without any person actually seeing a person’s Social Security number or other sensitive data.
The Justice Department asked for all information in the form of a database, though it said Oregon could submit that database through an encrypted email.
The Justice Department sought information about anyone removed from voter rolls because they were determined not to be a citizen, deemed incompetent by a court or convicted of a felony. Oregon last year identified more than 1,500 people erroneously added to voter rolls through no fault of their own because of clerical errors at the Motor Vehicle Services Division, which since 2016 has automatically forwarded information of U.S. citizens who obtain or update driver’s licenses so they can be registered to vote.
Oregon’s 1987 sanctuary law, the first in the nation, bars state and local officials from providing information or resources for the federal government to enforce immigration laws without a court order signed by a judge. The Department of Justice is sharing voter roll data with the Department of Homeland Security, Stateline reported last week. (SOURCE)
Portland will issue a land use violation notice to the city’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, accusing the facility of detaining people beyond the limits of what its land use approval allows.
The building’s conditional land use approval, in place since 2011, does not allow people to be kept overnight or held for more than 12 hours. The city alleges that this provision was violated 25 times over the 10-month period from last October through most of this July.
“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made clear detention limitation commitments to our community, and we believe they broke those policies more than two dozen times,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said in a news release. “I am proud of our team for conducting a thorough, thoughtful investigation, and referring the matter to the next steps in the land use violation process.”
The city said it will issue the notice, which also references a second violation regarding boarded-up windows, on Thursday. ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Recently, the building has been the site of nightly protests, which peaked in June, with smaller clashes also occurring since then. Immigration and legal advocates often gather there during the day to help those arriving at the building, while protesters, often dressed in black and wearing helmets or masks, show up at night.
While disruptive to nearby residents, the protests are a far cry from the racial justice protests that gripped the city in 2020. They nevertheless have drawn the attention of President Donald Trump, who recently said he was considering sending in federal troops, as he has also threatened to do to combat crime in other cities. He signed an order Monday to send the National Guard into Memphis, Tennessee, and deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles over the summer and as part of his law enforcement takeover in Washington, D.C.
Most violent crime around the country has actually declined in recent years, including in Portland, where a recent report from the Major Cities Chiefs Association found that homicides from January through June decreased by 51% this year compared to the same period in 2024.
Under Portland’s sanctuary policy, city employees, including police officers, do not enforce federal immigration law. Oregon also has a sanctuary law that prohibits state and local law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement without a warrant.
Portland said its permitting bureau launched an investigation into the ICE building in late July in response to formal complaints. It reviewed data released by ICE to the nonprofit Deportation Data Project under public records requests, which indicated that the most recent of the 25 detention violations between Oct. 1, 2024, and July 27, 2025 occurred on May 20, the city said.
Landowners have 30 days after receiving a notice of violation to correct the issue. A fine can be issued if there is “substantial evidence of violation,” the city said.
The city’s permitting bureau can also initiate a “reconsideration” of a land use approval by scheduling a hearing at least 60 days after a notice is given, the city said. Decisions from the hearings officer can be appealed to the city council.
Oregonians who possess EBT cards must take measures to prevent the theft of their card number and PIN.
According to the Oregon Attorney General’s Office, there has been a 50 percent rise in the amount of money stolen from EBT accounts. They suspect that a traveling group is installing skimmers on card devices in retail locations.
These skimmers are frequently located in discount stores and small markets. EBT cardholders are advised to utilize the app to activate their card solely when making a purchase and to deactivate it afterward. It is also important to inspect card devices for any overlay skimmers.
Additionally, if the card device displays a yellow security sticker, ensure that it does not appear to be compromised. INFO: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/pages/protect.aspx
PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires
In total, more than 345,000 acres have burned this year across the state. That’s compared to nearly 2-million acres that burned during the 2024 season.
9/24- 4 am- #OregonFires 26
#evacuations#fires#prescribedburning#controlledburn#RxBurn#lowairquality 4 FIRES in EVALUATION MODE:26 Oregon Wildfires – many are silent fires between 1 to 3 acres. These silent fires can quickly turn into dangerous fires. Please stay alert and ready. There is prescribed/ controlled burning going on in Oregon at this time. The map shows those fires in green. The air quality in #lanecountyoregon is being effected and is at moderate levels. FOLEY RIDGE FIRE – #lanecounty 7 Miles East of McKenzie Bridge 497 ACRES – 40% containment DOWNGRADED TO LEVEL 1 EVACUATION ( Be Ready) KELSEY PEAK FIRE #josephinecounty#currycounty 1039 ACRES – 97% containment. 
DOWNGRADED to Level 1 ( Be Ready) #currycounty – PINNACLE FIRE 2171 ACRES –#currycounty 10% containment LEVEL 2 (Be Set) and LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION- Rogue River Trail under emergency closure.BACKBONE FIRE – 2063 ACRES #currycounty 4% containment LEVEL 2 ( Be Set) LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION – Rogue River Trail under emergency closure Silent Fires and Evacuations can change very quickly, so please stay alert 
and safe.
https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…—————————————————CLINK FOR FIRES
https://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/ —————————————————-CLINK FOR FIRES National Interagency Fire Center
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/—————————————————
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!
Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.
Support Wildfire Relief by Recycling
There are 2 ways to donate:
Online with funds from your Green Bag account: https://bottledrop.com/…/obrc-emergency-fund-online…/
In-person by bringing your redeemable beverage containers to any full-service BottleDrop Redemption Center
All funds raised (and matched) will be split between the following nonprofits providing wildfire relief in Oregon: Oregon Chapter of the WFF , Red Cross Cascades Region, and United Way of the Columbia Gorge.Learn more: BottleDrop.com/Wildfire
Truck Fire Starts Grass Fire on I-5 Near Ashland
Great work ODF Southwest Oregon District Jackson County Fire District No. 5 and Ashland’s finest here at Ashland Fire & Rescue.
It was dry, windy, and hot and you all kept the fire small and smoke minimal. Thank you all for your bravery fighting fire on an interstate freeway, which is dangerous business! The freeway is open and air is clear. Here’s photos from Battalion Chief Nick Palmesano…
Two Men Found Deceased After Being Shot on Bly Mountain
Deputies from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Kodiak Lane on Bly Mountain following a report of an unresponsive individual lying on the ground next to a vehicle.
Upon arrival, the responding deputies found the vehicle on Whitetail Lane, along with two males nearby.
Both individuals were subsequently pronounced dead due to apparent gunshot wounds. The Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated, which includes the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, Oregon State Police, and the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing, and we encourage anyone with information to reach out to the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office: (541) 883-5130
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) commends a substantial investment aimed at assisting more low-income households in managing their utility expenses. In June, legislators approved House Bill 3792, which increased funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) from $20 million to $40 million.
Governor Tina Kotek enacted the bill, along with additional energy affordability legislation, into law yesterday. ” OEAP offers energy assistance to eligible customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, determined by household size and annual income.
Since its inception in 1999, OEAP has aided over 85,000 customers, with 92% of participants successfully avoiding energy shutoffs. In light of the federal administration’s announcement regarding possible reductions and the elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Oregon lawmakers took action to protect residents from this uncertainty by broadening the state-funded OEAP.
LIHEAP, which delivers grants and energy efficiency services to millions across the nation, has become a crucial support system for families.
Lava Beds National Park will commemorate its centennial as a national monument with a variety of events on Saturday, September 27, coinciding with National Public Lands Day.
The activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring numerous youth-oriented events near the visitor center.
At 11 a.m., Superintendent Chris Mengel will share insights on “the park’s history and the future over the next century.” Additionally, guided programs will be offered throughout the day. A detailed schedule of events and any necessary tickets will be accessible at the visitor center. In honor of National Public Lands Day, admission to the park will be complimentary.
For further details, please visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/labe, explore the park’s Facebook page, or contact (530) 667-8113. Lava Beds, renowned for its geological features and human history, was officially designated as a national monument on November 21, 1925, following successful efforts led by Judson Dean “J.D.” Howard from Klamath Falls to protect the area’s distinctive characteristics.
A Montana man affiliated with a forestry group at Oregon State University faces charges after allegedly using a hidden camera to capture images of women at a Newport hotel.
Court records show that a manager at the Holiday Inn Express reported to police on Sept. 15 that 38-year-old Saben Robert McKinnon was seen on security footage placing a camera under multiple hotel room doors. McKinnon was staying at the hotel with the forestry group, the manager informed police.
According to a probable cause affidavit, police contacted McKinnon at Oregon State University, where he admitted to what he called voyeurism. He said he recorded women in a state of nudity during his conference trip. McKinnon also confessed to similar activities in other states on different trips.
He is charged with two counts of first-degree burglary and two counts of first-degree invasion of personal privacy. McKinnon remains in the Lincoln County Jail with bail set at $200,000.
A recall has been issued across Oregon and Washington for birdseed that may contain invasive quarantined weed seeds. The recall is for Signature Pet Care Songbird Blend Wild Bird Food the 7-pound bag. It was sold at Albertsons, Safeway and Haggen stores.
Here is the full announcement from the Oregon Department of Agriculture:
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) have issued a recall of Signature Pet Care Songbird Blend Wild Bird Food 7 LB, sold at Albertsons, Safeway and Haggen stores in in WA and OR, and manufactured by Global Harvest Foods. The recalled product carries UPC 021130037629 and sell by date code 01/10/2027 M3D S3501.
Palmer amaranth was first detected in WA in 2023, and it was added to the state’s plant quarantine list on Aug. 9, 2025.The invasive plant was also detected in fields in Marion and Malheur Counties in 2024, which triggered its addition to Oregon’s noxious weed quarantine last year. According to WSDA and ODA, this plant is highly invasive; can grow more than 10 feet tall; is resistant to many herbicides; and a single plant can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds. Left uncontrolled, it can choke out crops such as corn, soybeans, and small grains; reduce harvest yields; and drive up weed-control costs for farmers. It also threatens native plant habitats and can quickly spread beyond managed areas. If consumed in large quantities Palmer amaranth can be toxic to ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats).
This recall was initiated after a Spokane County Noxious Weed Board employee observed Palmer amaranth growing in a Safeway parking lot landscape area. The employee learned that birdseed from the store had been spread in the area and collected samples for testing. Genetic analysis confirmed the seed contained Palmer amaranth.
Albertsons, Safeway and Haggen in WA and OR have voluntarily recalled the affected birdseed and removed it from store shelves. Global Harvest Foods is cooperating fully with WSDA and ODA to ensure all affected product is removed from the market and to help prevent further spread of this invasive plant.
Customers who purchased the recalled birdseed are advised to:
• Remove any remaining seed from bird feeders.
• Return any unused seed to the store for a refund.
• Double bag and dispose of any loose seed in the trash — do not compost.
• Clean bird feeders thoroughly before reuse to remove remaining seeds.
• Inspect areas under and near bird feeders for sprouted weeds, carefully remove any plants, place them in black plastic bags and dispose of them in the trash to prevent seed spread.
Detailed information on identifying Palmer amaranth is available on WSDA’s Palmer Amaranth Pest Alert, which can be found online at the link below.
WSDA Palmer Amaranth Pest Alert Information — https://cms.agr.wa.gov/WSDAKentico/Documents/Pubs/769a-PestAlert-PalmerAmaranth-10-23-FINAL.pdf
Retailers contact – Customers should contact their local Safeway, Haggen or Albertsons store for assistance or refund information. Refunds are available for any unused recalled product returned to the store.
State contact – Washington State Department of Agriculture Plant Services Program: 360-902-1874
General WSDA Information: 360-902-1800
Consumer contact – Global Harvest Foods Customer Support: cs@ghfoods.com
Astronomy Festival brings star parties, photography, hikes & more Sept. 25-27
COOS BAY, Oregon— The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 25-27.
Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including JR Ranger programs, a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 25 and a star party each night.
“Places like Sunset Bay and Shore Acres offer visitors a chance to see the natural world not only during the day but also at night. They’re special because they show us what the sky looked like everywhere before light pollution. Seeing the night sky in its full brilliance is powerful and, for many, even emotional,” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.
The astronomy festival gives visitors a chance to see and learn more about the night sky.
NOTE: Outdoor events are weather dependent.
Thursday Activities:
- 10 a.m.: Our Star, The Sun JR Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
- 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email Kenneth.Page@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
- 7:30 p.m.: Navigating by The Stars program at Shore Acres Gardens
- 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
- Webpage with complete Thursday schedule
(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)
Friday Activities:
- 10 a.m.: Constellation Station Junior Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
- 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
- 6-7 p.m.: Jellyfish: The Alien Next Door guided hike (meet at Shore Acres Observation Building for 1-mile hike)
- 7:30: How to Talk to Aliens Even if You’re Shy evening program at Shore Acres Garden
- 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
- Webpage with complete Friday schedule
(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)
Saturday Activities:
- 10 a.m.: Guided hike (Meet at Interpretive Center at Sunset Bay Campground for 1-mile hike)
- 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
- 7:30 p.m.: Imagining Other Worlds Night Program at Shore Acres
- 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
- Webpage with complete Saturday schedule
(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)
Register Now for 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference – Saturday, September 27, 2025
Registration is now open for the 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference, the state’s largest gathering dedicated to honoring and supporting women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The biennial event, hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will bring together women veterans from across Oregon for a weekend of connection, resources and recognition.
The event is free and open to all women veterans, but registration is required. The 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference is being held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, which was the planned location of the 2020 event that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together: Community and Connection,’ reflects the heart of what this conference is all about,” said Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Women veterans have long served with distinction, strength and resilience — often in the face of tremendous challenges and barriers.
“This conference is an opportunity to honor our service, share our stories, and ensure every woman who has worn the uniform feels seen, valued and supported. We are stronger when we stand together, and united, we will continue to drive the ODVA mission forward.”
The Oregon Women Veterans Conference began nearly 30 years ago as a grassroots effort by a small group of women veterans seeking connection, support, and resources. Since the first event in 1998, the conference has grown into a unique statewide gathering that brings together women veterans from across Oregon to access benefits, build meaningful connections, and amplify their voices.
The 2025 conference will continue that legacy with inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops, fantastic networking opportunities and assistance for women veterans connecting to the full range of benefits and resources they have earned. It is a supportive space where women who have served can connect, grow, and thrive beyond their military service.
This year’s keynote speaker is Erin McMahon, director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, attorney and combat veteran. During her 24-year career in the U.S. Army, McMahon served as the principal deputy general counsel for the National Guard Bureau, advising senior leaders through a wide variety of domestic disaster responses and serving as the first female Army National Guard general officer in the Office of the General Counsel.
Registration is free and may be completed online at www.eventbrite.com/e/odva-women-veterans-conference-tickets-1407725487829. Community sponsors and donors are the primary sources of funding for this event and help ensure all women veterans can attend the conference free of charge.
Registration for the Women Veterans Conference covers the event only; attendees are expected to make their own lodging and travel arrangements. More information about the Women Veterans Conference, including local lodging, donations and sponsorship opportunities, can be found online at wvc.oregondva.com.
Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.
ONE YEAR LATER: Sheriff’s Detectives, Search & Rescue Still Searching for Missing Prospect Woman Deenah Padgett; Looking for Public Help
JCSO Case 24-4928 PROSPECT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives and Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel continue to search for a woman missing out of Prospect, Ore. since September 2024. Deenah Padgett, 69, was reported missing on Sunday, September 8, 2024. She was last seen camping in the Prospect area on September 4, 2024. She is described as a white woman with brownish-red, partially gray hair, standing 4’8” tall and weighing 90-100 lbs.
JCSO detectives and SAR personnel have searched the area extensively and are looking for the public’s help. If you see Deenah or know her whereabouts, immediately call ECSO Dispatch at (541) 776-7206 and reference case 24-4928. If you have any information that might help the investigation, call Detective Friend at (541) 864-8774.Aaron Lewis
JCSO Public Information Officer (PIO)
LewisAJ@jacksoncountyor.gov
Desk: 541-864-8773
Cell: 541-531-8203
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
