Willamette Valley News, Friday 10/17 – Lane County Fall Home Improvement Show Starts Today, Oakridge Rocks The Park Saturday-Join us in Oakridge for a Day of FREE FAMILY FUN! & Other Local and Statewide News…

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

Friday, October 17, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

Snow and other wintry conditions are expected for much of the North and Central Cascades regions in Oregon over the next couple of days.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the Cascades ranging from Southwest Washington all the way south to Oakridge in Lane County, in effect Sunday through early Monday. The Santiam and Willamette passes could both see 2-6 inches of snowfall through Monday morning. There’s a chance that areas above 5,000 feet in elevation could see nearly a foot of snow, especially north of the Three Sisters. The Timberline Lodge reported Sunday afternoon that it had received 4 inches of snow in the previous day. David Bishop, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Portland, said temperatures are expected to dip in some areas of the Willamette Valley later this week. The Upper Hood River Valley currently has a freeze watch in effect, with conditions just above freezing.  

Lane County Fall Home Improvement Show Starts Today

Show Hours: Friday 5-9pm   ●  Saturday 10am-8pm  ●  Sunday 10am-5pm

Lane Events Center – Fairgrounds
Convention Center
796 W. 13th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97402

Admission & Parking:

$5 Admission at the Door.
or
FREE Admission with 3 Cans of Food.
FREE Parking

Explore 350 Booths of Home & Garden Exhibits! MORE ENTERTAINMENT!

Visit the show to see what’s new to transform the inside and outside of your home.  Discover ideas to refresh, renew, or remodel your home and yard. Meet trusted experts to get your next project started right. Plan your visit around over 50 happenings –  arts & crafts to home and garden seminars by national, regional and local experts.

Whether you are giving your home a face-lift, building new, remodeling, landscaping, or seeking maintenance, the Lane County Home Improvement Show is the perfect marketplace of ideas, experts and inspiration to fall in love with your home again!

• Hourly Remodel, Home & Garden Seminars
• Shop for MORE Furniture, Holiday Gifts, Gadgets, Gourmet Food, Crafted Spirits & Art
• Meet LOCAL Journalists & Columnists at Lookout Eugene-Springfield –  Click for Schedule

Shop. Save. Win. Enjoy.

Shop and save with special “show only” pricing on stoves, fine furniture, spas and greenhouses!  Take home tailgating goodies, innovative gadgets, and holiday gift items too! MORE INFO: https://eugenehomeshow.com/our-shows/lane-county-home-improvement-show/

Oakridge Rocks The Park Saturday October 18, 2025! Join us in Oakridge for a Day of FREE FAMILY FUN!

FBI and ICE Raid at Eugene Apartment Complex

Residents living at the Woodland Creek Apartments in Eugene described the presence of several FBI agents outside their homes the morning of Oct. 15 as scary and unnerving.

Multiple unmarked federal agency cars and SUVs descended on the area around 6 a.m., neighbors said. They witnessed several people being arrested. A spokesperson for the FBI confirmed agents were conducting “court-authorized law enforcement activity” in the 1300 block of Quaker Street the morning of Oct. 15, but declined to comment further on the matter.

Neighbors reported hearing two loud flash bang grenades go off around 6am. They also saw several black SUVs with blacked out windows and a big white armored tactical vehicle (BearCat) drive into the apartment complex; all the vehicles had their lights off. Reports indicate that there were roughly 15 federal officers wearing fatigues who pulled six people out of one particular building in the complex. Officers identified themselves over bullhorn only as FBI, however several sources have confirmed that ICE was also present during the raid.

Spanish-speaking residents were specifically targeted by both agencies. Neighbors report that officers refused to answer questions about badge numbers or what agency they were from, despite announcing themselves as FBI via bullhorn.The FBI ordered a man out of his home, presumably the individual for whom they had a warrant, and forced him onto his knees in front of the BearCat. In the chaos of this moment, ICE kidnapped five other residents.

The tactical vehicle, kidnapped individuals, and the majority of the federal officers had left the scene by 7am. Community members arrived at the apartment complex around 7am, where they witnessed federal officers searching a car and collecting evidence, but there were far fewer feds by this time, most of whom were not uniformed, some of whom were wearing gators over their faces.

We do not know where the six kidnapped individuals are being held at this time.”

Corvallis Resolution Sparks Israel Debate

Dozens of Corvallis community members have spent months pushing for a resolution that would prohibit the city from investing in companies that profit off of genocide, apartheid, illegal occupation, mass deportation or mass incarceration. A public hearing, and likely a vote on the resolution, is set for Oct. 20.

The resolution would bolster Corvallis’ investment standards by naming specific human rights abuses. Supporters see the resolution as a principled stand against genocide and apartheid, while opponents argue it unfairly singles out Israel and risks deepening divisions in the community.

Backers emphasize the resolution does not mention Israel and is meant to apply to any company engaged in the listed human rights violations. Some have argued that opponents may equate the resolution with Israel because they associate Israel with genocide. A growing list of human rights organizations, including a United Nations commission of inquiry, have said Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. 

“I read through the resolution and decided I really like it,” says Coleman Jennewein, a supporter of the resolution. “There’s a lot of things in our society where our money goes to things we don’t want.” He adds, “I think it’s entirely reasonable to put forth language that says we’re going to include human rights in our investment conversation.”

Four of eight Corvallis city councilors voted against continuing to consider the bill during the Sept. 2 council meeting. Mayor Charles Maughan broke the tie in favor of sending it to the city attorney for further revisions. 

The embattled resolution is still in limbo, waiting upon recommended revisions from the city attorney intended to mitigate risk and potential financial impacts. With 30 oral testimony slots in the public hearing on Oct. 20, supporters and opponents are expected to show up in force. (READ MORE)

To attend the 6 pm Oct. 20 public hearing, go to the Downtown Fire Station, 400 NW Harrison Boulevard in Corvallis or online at CorvallisOregon.gov/mc.

The shuttered PeaceHealth University District hospital in Eugene contains extensive hazardous asbestos that will take months to remove before the place can be demolished and replaced with student housing

The 60-year-old Hilyard Street main hospital building has asbestos throughout its fifth and sixth floors: in pipe insulation, floor tiles and sheet vinyl, and on other surfaces onto which asbestos-containing cement-like material was sprayed or plastered, according to the asbestos removal permit application PeaceHealth’s contractor filed with the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency. Plus, in much of the building, window caulking and fire doors also have asbestos, says the application on record.

It’s the biggest demolition-related asbestos removal project in LRAPA’s history, says agency spokesperson Matt Sorensen. PeaceHealth is on the hook to pay for the cleanup and demolition before developer Landmark Properties of Georgia accepts the site, local real estate experts say.

Initial work — the removal of the window caulking — is visible to passersby. The contractor has torn out hundreds of windows on floors three through six and covered the openings with plywood sheathing.

Asbestos-containing materials cover a whopping 371,000 square feet of surfaces in the hospital, the application states. That’s enough to cover more than six regulation football fields. Plus there’s an additional 6,658 linear feet — about 1.2 miles — of pipes covered in asbestos material.  (READ MORE)

10/15/25 – LCSO Case 25-4979 – Lane County Sheriff’s detectives arrest Springfield man during Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation

On October 15th at about 11 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 800 block of S. 70th Street, Springfield. The suspect, Zachary Ryan Freeman, 35, of Springfield, was contacted and arrested.  

Freeman was lodged at the Lane County Jail on 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree, 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 2nd Degree, and Invasion of Personal Privacy in the 1st Degree.  

This search warrant stemmed from an investigation by the Lane County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, focusing on child exploitation.  

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office received assistance during this investigation from the Oregon Department of Justice and FBI.  

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

Eugene Gardener Wins National Pumpkin Weigh Off

In the most recent **National Pumpkin Weigh Off” 2025, Russ Pugh of Eugene, Oregon, won with a 2,204.5-pound pumpkin. 

This followed a 2024 win by Oregonian Jim Sherwood of Mulino with his 2,453-pound pumpkin, “Hank the Tank,” which was grown in a greenhouse and won the National Pumpkin Weigh Off in California. 

Winner: Russ Pugh (Eugene, OR) Weight: 2,204.5 pounds Prize: $15,000 

Junction City Scandinavian Festival

Starting next week, on October 24th, the Scandinavian Cultural Foundation will host a free folk dance class for teens 13+ years old, which will run through February.

These classes will cover basic to intermediate folk dance techniques, and classes will conclude with various dances incorporating the learned skills. No partner needed to participate. Water and closed-toed sturdy shoes are required. Class will be held at Gale Fletchall Hall in Junction City.

*Check the event calendar on junctioncityscandia.org for the schedule; some holidays will not have class. All students must have completed the waiver to participate. WAIVER >>https://forms.gle/GWrPm3MLSHi7ii6f7

The latest scammer is using names of sergeants who currently work at the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, which will come up if you do an online search. PLEASE share with your friends!

Property owners have sued to block construction of a $35 million Lane County mental health crisis center as well as a 96-bed behavioral health hospital launched by PeaceHealth to help fill the void left by the closure of its University District hospital in downtown Eugene.

The suit is significant not just due to the projects it targets, but because it also challenges the constitutionality of high-profile legislation approved by Oregon lawmakers in June that was intended to change civil commitment criteria in the state and fast-track the siting of behavioral health facilities.

PeaceHealth is calling the hospital Timber Springs. In an email, a PeaceHealth spokesperson said, “Expanded behavioral health care is greatly needed in Oregon, and in particular Lane County. Timber Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is an important part of meeting that growing need.”

Asked for comment, Lane County’s public information office did not respond.

The fast-tracking provision — called “supersiting” in the suit — was embedded in a much larger bill addressing civil commitment standards. The bill, known as House Bill 2005, came together in just two days at the end of the 2025 session. The suit contends that, as a result of the timing, Oregon lawmakers approved a bill that was not only poorly written but was not fully understood.

“The limited floor debate on the bill indicated that legislators did not understand the substance of the bill, particularly its land use provisions,” the suit alleged. “For example, when Senator Mike McClane, R-Powell Butte, raised a question about the Supersiting provisions, another senator erroneously asserted that Senator McClane was talking about the wrong bill.”

The suit is filed by three neighboring property owners, including Richardson Sports, which employs 400 people on land zoned for industrial uses. They are using two Portland attorneys, Greg Hathaway and Timothy Volpert, as well as Michael Gelardi of Eugene.

The suit contends that the law, which primarily focuses on civil commitment, is at odds with city of Springfield rules, other parts of state land use law, and violates the Oregon constitutional requirement known as the “single-subject” requirement — meaning that bills should address only one area of law or policy. It asks the judge to declare HB 2005 unconstitutional. This article was originally published by The Lund Report and is used with permission.

PacificSource “transition plan” outlines how it will handle the nearly 90,000 Oregon Health Plan enrollees that it currently serves when its contract as a coordinated care organization in Lane County expires at the end of the year.

In a plan submitted to the Oregon Health Authority, PacificSource outlines a strategy focused on “maintaining continuity of care” for nearly 90,000 Medicaid members in Lane County, people PacificSource will no longer serve when its contract expires Jan. 1.

The plan marks a major step in the Springfield-based insurer’s exit from Lane County as a coordinated care organization, known as a CCO. PacificSource has managed care for Oregon Health Plan members since 2020, but it did not renew its CCO contract for 2026. 

Lookout Eugene-Springfield obtained a copy of the 10-page “transition plan” through a public records request. 

Filed Sept. 30 and signed by Erin Fair Taylor, PacificSource’s vice president of Medicaid, the plan asks to “begin the work necessary to safely transition impact members.” It maintains it can support this transition but also emphasized factors outside of the company’s control.

The plan addresses several facets of the transition: prioritizing members with high-risk conditions, notifying members and providers about the change, awaiting Oregon Health Authority’s next steps, and discussing limitations as the company reduces its workforce. 

Members with high-risk conditions – PacificSource will use a process called “risk stratification,” which categorizes members as high, moderate, low or no risk, or rising risk.

Members identified as high risk or rising risk will be prioritized during the transition, to ensure their care is not disrupted. That includes people undergoing dialysis or cancer treatment; pre- and post-transplant recipients; those receiving post-operative or post-discharge care; current or recent inpatients; and those on prescribed medications that cannot be interrupted.

This prioritization supports coordination of health care records among administrators, and the incoming coordinated care organization that will succeed PacificSource Community Solutions.

The Oregon Health Authority must determine whether a single coordinated care organization can serve the region. If so, members would move to the other existing CCO in Lane County: Trillium, which has about 30,000 members.

If the authority decides two coordinated care organizations are needed, it must announce an opening, review letters of intent, and evaluate applicants’ ability to serve the county. PacificSource could reapply but has not said whether it will.

Notifying members, providers – Much of PacificSource’s communication to members depends on identifying the incoming coordinated care organization. Concerned about causing confusion without that information, PacificSource says it is not practical to send notices until the next steps are clear.

The company is working with the Oregon Health Authority to draft and distribute member notices, according to the plan. The details will vary depending on whether the new CCO can coordinate providers in or out of the network and will outline what, if any, action members need to take. When notices are sent, they will include websites and phone numbers where members can get help with questions or concerns.

Similarly, PacificSource is waiting on the health authority to identify a new CCO before communicating with providers. 

Oregon Health Authority’s next steps – In addition to identifying a new CCO, a transitional period for out-of-network services will be established. This will allow for providers who do not participate in a new CCO to honor services that PacificSource authorized until members can be safely transition to an in-network provider.

If a new provider is needed, but hasn’t been secured by the new year, the agency can order PacificSource to continue services for another 90 days, once the health authority approves its transition plan.

The communication team for the health authority did not respond to Lookout Eugene-Springfield’s questions by Tuesday at 5 p.m. 

It is not publicly known where the authority is in identifying a new CCO. As of last week, a spokesperson said, “We’re working with partners to identify solutions that meet the goals to best serve (Oregon Health Plan) members and the people of Lane County.” 

PacificSource reinforced that it can do a “seamless transition” but warns “any gaps in the transition plan stem from uncertainties regarding the specifics of member transitions, timelines, coordination parties — factors outside of PacificSource’s direct control.”

Workforce reductions – PacificSource is preparing for workforce reductions as a “result of diminished revenue from its Lane CCO contract,” according to the plan.

However, the workforce reduction strategy incorporates runout requirements — the period after a contract ends when PacificSource must still pay bills and handle claims for care provided earlier — and may be implemented in phases to ensure the company meets its obligations before and after the contract expires.

PacificSource has cited financial losses and the rising cost of care as reasons for not renewing its contract. The company reported a $68.5 million loss from providing services that were not reimbursed by the state — more than twice the losses of any other coordinated care organization during the same period, according to annual financial statements the organizations are required to file with the state. (SOURCE)

The City of Eugene wants your input!

Energy inefficiency in homes can drive up monthly utility costs, reduce your comfort, and affect your indoor air quality. A Home Energy Score is a tool that provides information about a home’s energy use and highlights opportunities for cost-saving improvements.

The City is considering ways help home buyers better understand the energy efficiency of their future home, by integrating home energy scores into standard real estate transactions. This could help improve transparency in the real estate market, increase awareness about home energy use, and guide homeowners towards making voluntary home improvements that can improve energy efficiency.

Please take five minutes to share your thoughts through this short, anonymous survey: https://engage.eugene-or.gov/…/home-energy-score-projectAll participants can choose to enter to win an air purifier. Learn more about the project on Engage Eugene: https://engage.eugene-or.gov/home-energy-score-project

10/10/25 – LCSO Case 25-3556 – Sheriff’s Office seeks assistance identifying person

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a person of interest related to an ongoing criminal investigation. The person depicted in the attached photo is described as a white male adult, 6’ 1” tall, weighing approximately 250 pounds, average build, with brown hair.

Please contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office with any information at 541-682-4141 and reference case 25-3556. No additional details on the investigation may be released at this time.

10/12 – Emigrant Fire  
21 miles SE of Oakridge
62% contained –
33,129 ACRES

Beavers Football Coach Fired

Oregon State Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Barnes announced today that Head Football Coach, Trent Bray, has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately, and that a national search for Bray’s successor has begun.

The buyout for the remainder of Coach Bray’s contract will be paid exclusively using donor-generated funds. Robb Akey will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025 season, Barnes said. Akey brings more than three decades of coaching experience across college and professional football, including leadership roles as a head coach, defensive coordinator, and NFL assistant.

Linn County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Homicide

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that this morning, October 4, 2025, at 4:19 a.m., the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call for a crash near Peoria Road and Highway 34, near Corvallis in Linn County.  

The Corvallis Fire Department arrived at the reported crash just prior to law enforcement’s arrival.  As the Corvallis Fire Department began rendering aid to the single occupant of the vehicle, they observed injuries not related to the crash. The Corvallis Fire Department attempted lifesaving efforts, but the single occupant died at the scene of the crash. 

Detectives from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and are currently investigating the death as a homicide.  At this time, the name of the deceased is not being released, and no additional details are being shared to ensure the integrity of the investigation.  If anyone has information about this case, please contact Detective Scott Tennant at (541) 967-3950.    

Lane County Sheriff’s Office Recruiting Adult Search and Rescue Volunteers

Learn more at our open houses at Harris Hall, 125 E 8th Ave., Eugene: – Thursday, Oct. 23rd at 6 p.m. – Saturday, Oct. 25th at 6 p.m.

We are looking for adults who have positive attitudes and want to serve their community. Volunteers must be willing to respond any time day or night, often in bad weather and extreme conditions.Volunteers who attend our SAR academy will become Oregon State SAR Certified, and receive training in medical care, orienteering, outdoor survival, and other important skills. Questions? Need more info? Email our team at LCSOsar@lanecountyor.gov

Lebanon High School Currently in 2nd Place in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights Contest – You Can Help Them Win!

Lebanon High School is currently in second in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest! We are 4,700+ behind the first place school, but we believe! Remember, out of 2,100+ entries, we are the ONLY high school in Oregon to make it to the top 25! Let’s get that grand prize of $1 million in stadium upgrades.

“Please vote for the LHS stadium. It has been condemned. We are trying to win 1million dollars”

Help our Warriors win: Vote once per day, every day (per email address). Voting is open through Oct. 24. Encourage others to vote! Every vote will help us get across the finish line. Vote here: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights/h

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐳𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫!

Starting October 7, more people are eligible to apply to rent a 1-bedroom park model home or a 2-bedroom modular home in the Lazy Days Mobile Home and RV Park (52511 McKenzie River Highway), rebuilt by Homes for Good after the Holiday Farm Fire.

Now, people who rented anywhere in Lane County at the time of the Holiday Farm Fire, but did not lose their home in the fire, can apply if they were affected by the destabilization of the affordable rental housing market caused by the fire. Applicants who work within 20 miles of the Lazy Days park will receive Local Workforce Preference points on their applications. People who were renters anywhere in Lane County during the Holiday Farm Fire can apply online starting October 7 at 8:00 am using this application.

Applicants should be at no more than 80 percent of the Area Median Income. For example:

• 2 people = $58,700 annual income
• 4 people = $73,350 annual income

Renters would pay $1000 per month for a 2- bedroom unit or $750 a month for a 1- bedroom unit. Rent includes utilities (water, sewer, garbage).

People who lost their homes in the Holiday Farm Fire are still encouraged to apply and will be prioritized for placement. Lazy Days has already accepted two rounds of applications open only to fire survivors and still has vacancies. Welcoming other renters to the application process can help meet the workforce housing need in the Blue River and McKenzie Bridge area. Fire survivors can apply online starting October 7 using this application. (It is a different application than the one linked above.)

Applications will be screened on a first come, first served basis.

Funding to provide the modular homes to fire survivors is provided by Oregon Housing & Community Services. Homes for Good is property owner and led construction on the site. Lane County is assisting with the application process.

Learn more: www.homesforgood.org/about/real-estate-development/projects/lazy-days-rv-and-mobile-home-park  

EWEB Emergency Water Stations

The final emergency water station has been officially installed in Eugene as part of the Eugene Water & Electric Board’s disaster preparedness plan.

This is where people can access water in case of earthquakes, wildfires, or other events that could disrupt or limit access to the city’s water system.

This latest station was made possible by a partnership between EWEB and 4J Schools. Timothy Morris, EWEB Commissioner for Wards 1 and 8, as well as 4J Superintendent Miriam Mickelson, gave remarks about residents and families now being better prepared for disaster preparedness before cutting a large red ribbon stretched in front of the new water filling station.

Initial plans called for five emergency water stations, “but due to community need two additional stations were added,” she said.

Other locations are the Eugene Science Center, Howard Elementary School, Prairie Mountain School, Amazon Park-YMCA, the Sheldon Fire Station, and the Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds.

As part of the event, organizers gave free 3-gallon containers to people and showed them how to use the filling station. All seven locations across the city of Eugene draw their water from underground wells. The intent is to provide individuals up to two gallons of water a day during an emergency. MORE INFO at EWEB: https://www.eweb.org/projects/emergency-water-stations

RAVEN-Radical Assistance — They need an indoor space for the winter!

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

Survey asking for residents to weigh in on effects of wildfire and smoke in Lane County – The survey is available through October 17, 2025.

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:

• Take the Wildfire and Smoke Survey in English
• Completa la encuesta en español

The QR codes attached can also be used to access the survey in English and Spanish.

The survey is part of Lane County’s work with the Oregon Department of Forestry and other partners to update the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The plan was last updated in 2020.

A successful CWPP provides a community with a set of goals, actions and resources specifically designed to address the threat of wildfire. These goals, actions and resources can help:

• Enhance public safety
• Improve economic resiliency through the identification and protection of critical infrastructure and businesses at risk
• Restore and protect ecosystem health
• Raise public awareness about wildfire risks
• 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

White Bird Clinic

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

Whole Community News Report on CAHOOTS:

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

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

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

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

Seasonal trends driving recent increase in initial Unemployment Insurance claims

Driven primarily by annual seasonal trends, initial Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims in Oregon have risen over the past two weeks. This increase was expected and falls within OED projections entering the agency’s busiest period of the year from October through February.

“As expected, we’re not seeing a major impact on our workload from the ongoing federal shutdown, but we recognize the uncertainty and financial strain this has caused for many Oregonians,” UI Director Lindsi Leahy said. “We remain ready to support Oregonians.”

OED has detailed guidance for federal employees at OED’s Federal Shutdown page.

Although federal claims data is still preliminary, new applications from federal employees have increased in recent weeks. Because federal employees represent a small share of Oregon’s workforce (about 1.5%), and the shutdown only accounts for some of those claims, the shutdown has likely played a limited role in the overall increase.

As shown in the table below, initial claims were, on average, 25 percent higher for the past two weeks compared to the final full week of September. Weekly claims have also risen during that period, but the increases have been smaller.

Initial and Weekly UI Claims – Sept. 21 – Oct. 11

Week	Initial Claims	Percent Change	Weekly Claims	Percent Change
Sept. 21-27	2,550	–	33,960	–
Sept. 28-Oct. 4	3,294	+29%	35,107	+3.3%
Oct. 5-11	3,129	-5%	35,320	+0.6%
2-week avg.	3,207	+25%	35,213	+3.7%

About Federal Claims

Preliminary data indicates the number of federal employees applying for benefits has also increased over the past two weeks. OED can only estimate those figures because claims that include wages from federal employers take weeks for OED to process and confirm. That delay stems from the fact that, unlike most other employers in Oregon, the federal government does not submit quarterly wage data to OED, and it often takes weeks for OED to receive that information after a federal employee files a claim.

Some initial claims with federal wages filed over the past two weeks may result from regular seasonal federal layoffs or deferred buyout agreements that expired at the end of the federal fiscal year on Sept. 30, so OED cannot determine exactly how many are tied to the federal shutdown.

OED does track Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) claims as part of reporting to the U.S. Department of Labor, but that data takes weeks to finalize. This metric does not represent all claims from federal workers because UCFE only includes cases where all wages were from the federal government.

As of Oct. 15, OED has confirmed 118 UCFE claims for the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4, or roughly 3.6 percent of all initial claims that week. Last week, 178 of the 3,129 initial claims (or 5.7% percent) were confirmed as UCFE. These figures will continue to change as additional information becomes available and should not be interpreted as the total number of furloughed federal employees in Oregon who have applied for benefits.

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

Oregon’s jobless rate has been climbing steadily for more than two years, inching up to 5.0% amid a historic wave of layoffs among big employers and a general cooling off in the state’s labor market.

That slowdown is extending to people who have jobs, too, but are working less than they’d like. These are people with part-time jobs, who would rather be working full time, and others who have recently given up looking for work.

This so-called “underemployment” rate (economists classify it as the U-6 rate) began rising rapidly in Oregon last spring. It’s now at 9.3%, the state’s highest level of underemployment in four years.

Neither the standard unemployment rate, nor underemployment, are especially high by historical standards.

Oregon’s U-6 rate topped 20% in 2009 and 2010, as the Great Recession walloped the state’s economy. It briefly hit those levels again in 2020, in the pandemic’s early days, then rapidly fell to an all-time low of 6.6% in 2023.

That’s just two years ago, but Oregon’s labor market was much hotter then, when employers were struggling to find employees and workers had their pick of jobs.

What’s concerning now is how quickly both unemployment and underemployment are rising, both up by double-digit percentages on an annual basis in recent months.

And, increasingly, Oregon’s labor market is diverging from the broader U.S. economy. The state’s U-6 rate has been rising twice as fast as the national increase since last spring, indicating Oregon workers are more vulnerable to the softening economy.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield

As we wait for the Ninth Circuit to issue their ruling on whether our National Guard TRO can stay in place, there’s big news out of Illinois: an appeals court there just kept in place a similar TRO to ours.

Our team quickly submitted this as new and relevant legal authority to the Ninth Circuit.

Read more: https://www.kgw.com/…/283-c2a9c624-e56c-4480-9429…

Federal agents delayed ambulance from leaving Portland ICE facility with injured protester

Public records and dispatch audio show federal agents stalled AMR medics from getting to a hospital, even allegedly threatening to shoot and arrest the medic.

Federal agents delayed medics from transporting an injured protester to the hospital, according to emergency dispatch records and medics responding in an American Medical Response ambulance. 

The medics were trying to transport a protester who had an injured shoulder after federal agents allegedly tackled him in order to detain him and bring him inside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.

On Oct. 5, a Sunday night, a federal police dispatcher called 911.

“I’m calling requesting EMS to 4310 Southwest Macadam for one of the detained subjects,” the dispatcher told the 911 responder, according to public records from Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications.

About 10 minutes later, the ambulance arrived, driving into the ICE facility through open gates and past protesters on the sidewalk.

An AMR medic would later tell the hospital about the patient’s condition.

“Onboard today, we have a 32-year-old male; the chief complaint today is going to be left shoulder pain and right wrist and ankle pain secondary to being tackled to the ground by some officers,” the medic said in a call ahead to Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

However, when the AMR ambulance was ready to leave the ICE facility, a medic told 911 dispatchers that federal agents wouldn’t let them out.

“Copy, you’re attempting to transport to Emanuel impeded by… protesters?” dispatched asked. 

The medic replied, “No, not protesters, just the ICE officers.”

Protesters apparently noticed that the ambulance wasn’t being allowed to leave, as many started chanting: “Let them out, let them out!”

Minutes later, the gates to the interior driveway of the federal facility opened, and dozens of agents walked out to the road, but the ambulance still didn’t leave.

According to the Willamette Week, citing confidential reports filed by AMR medics, federal agents initially requested to ride in the ambulance with the medics and patient, delaying the departure.

Later, WW reports, federal agents threatened to shoot and arrest the medic driving the ambulance, claiming that medic had tried to drive forward and hit federal agents when they put the vehicle into park.

“Just an update, we are still not being allowed to leave by the ICE officers,” the medic said over publicly available dispatch audio. 

In total, it took roughly 10 minutes for federal officers to let the ambulance crew leave the ICE facility once the medics were ready to go. A car with federal agents followed the ambulance to the hospital as well. AMR says it’s reviewing the situation. 

A union representative for the medics said the union is working with AMR and management to prevent any future incidents between members and ICE agents.

The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment about the incident or to questions about the interaction between federal officers and AMR medics. (SOURCE)

REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4301538406798032

Oregon sues Trump administration over unlawful federalization of National Guard. REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/822383606886616

LIVE COVERAGE at ICE FACILITY https://www.youtube.com/live/Iv82jlPmcrc

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPZW443CSK9/

Health Licensing Office publishes FAQs for sign language interpreter educational, legal and medical licenses

During the 2025 Legislative Session, Senate Bill 950 (2025) was passed and signed into law by Governor Kotek May 28, 2025.

The new law repeals the sign language interpreter (SLI) educational, legal and medical licenses, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Under the law, SLI educational, legal or medical licenses issued between June 8, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025, will remain valid until Jan. 1, 2029.

This provision allows current license holders three additional years to continue practicing.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the Health Licensing Office (HLO) will no longer issue or renew SLI educational, legal or medical licenses.

To support license holders and the public in understanding these changes, HLO has published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Educational License
• FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Legal License
• FAQ for Sign Language Interpreter Medical License

News regarding the Board of Sign Language Interpreters can be found here.

Thousands of Kaiser Permanente health workers in Oregon and southwest Washington began a coordinated strike this week, expected to last through Sunday.

About 4,000 staff from hospitals and clinics along the I-5 corridor are participating, represented by the Oregon Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals, which includes various medical professionals. The union is part of the Alliance of Health Care Unions, with over 43,000 Kaiser employees also striking in California and Hawaii this week. The walkout stems from stalled contract negotiations, with major concerns including wages, staffing, and involvement in patient care decisions.  

Proactive Treasury Effort Returns $3.5 Million in Unclaimed Money to OregoniansPayments will be mailed in October through the ‘Checks Without Claims’ initiative

Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, MD announced today Treasury will be proactively returning approximately $3.5 million in unclaimed property in October to individuals as part of the agency’s annual initiative ‘Checks Without Claims.’

Treasurer Steiner stated, “At Treasury, we are pleased to reunite thousands of Oregonians with their forgotten cash—especially since they don’t have to lift a finger to get it. Our mission is to do more than just hold these funds, it’s to put them back in people’s pockets so they can thrive financially.”

Through ‘Checks Without Claims’, Treasury will proactively disburse payments to verified owners of unclaimed property reported to the state’s Unclaimed Property Program between 2019-2023.

Payments, via check, will be mailed to individuals this month and along with an additional confirmation letter from the Treasurer.

Earlier this year, Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program conducted ‘Checks Without Claims’ and reconnected more than 20,000 individuals with their unclaimed funds totaling nearly $11 million.

With over $1 billion in unclaimed funds currently held by Treasury, ‘Checks Without Claims’ is one of many efforts done to reconnect more Oregonians with their unclaimed money and property. Payments distributed through this initiative represent unclaimed property reported by various businesses and organizations that were unable to return funds to the rightful owner within the appropriate time period. Common examples of unclaimed property include uncashed payroll checks, forgotten bank accounts, tax refunds, credit balances, investment accounts, refunds, and more.

Nearly one in seven people in the United States has unclaimed property. Typically, individuals need to file a claim with Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program and complete the verification process to receive the funds they are owed. Treasury conducts ‘Checks Without Claims’ to proactively verify some owners of unclaimed assets with up-to-date information and facilitate payments directly to them. Checks distributed will vary in amount between $50 and $10,000.

Searching for unclaimed funds is free and easy. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit Treasury’s unclaimed property website at unclaimed.oregon.gov. Questions about unclaimed funds or “Checks without Claims” can be directed to Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program via email claims@ost.state.or.us or phone at 503-566-9445.

About Oregon State Treasury
Oregon State Treasury improves the financial well-being of all Oregonians. We provide low-cost banking, debt management, and investment programs for governments and empower Oregonians to invest in themselves and their loved ones through Upward Oregon savings programs: Embark, Oregon ABLE Savings Plan, and OregonSaves. Treasury also manages the state’s Unclaimed Property Program.

Oregon Department of Human Services announces federal changes to SNAP so that thousands of Oregonians who may be impacted can prepare

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is announcing federally required changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Oregon. These changes are required under House Resolution (H.R. 1), a federal law passed on July 4, 2025.

More than 740,000 people in Oregon currently receive SNAP benefits, and ODHS expects more than 313,000 people enrolled in SNAP may be impacted by the H.R. 1 changes.

“We are announcing these changes today so that families can prepare for the impact we expect many Oregonians who depend on this resource will feel,” said Dana Hittle, who is co-leading ODHS’ federal response team. “Oregon families enrolled in SNAP receive an average of $300 a month, and any reduction makes it harder for families to put food on the table. Oregon has no choice but to follow federal law that will result in increased hardship across our communities, but we remain committed to helping families adjust and prepare.”

ODHS will begin notifying affected households in mid-October. The people who will be most affected by the new federal law include older adults, immigrants and people living in rural communities with limited access to transportation.

The changes won’t happen to everyone at once — they will roll out over the next year.

• For people who already get SNAP: The changes will affect those who applied or recertified between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025. Notices will be sent around Oct. 15, 2025 to this first group of people who are impacted. The first group will have SNAP benefit reductions or closures on Nov. 1, 2025. For people approved for SNAP before July 4, 2025, the changes will happen over time throughout the next year and a notice will be sent.
• For people who apply or reapply for SNAP after Oct. 1, 2025: The new rules will apply right away.

Key changes affecting people in Oregon

These changes will affect three main groups of SNAP recipients: households receiving utility assistance, able-bodied adults ages 18 through 64 with no child under age 14 in their SNAP group, and certain lawfully present immigrants.

Utility assistance and SNAP benefits

• Households previously eligible for the Heating and Cooling Full Utility Allowance (FUA) through energy assistance programs like Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or “Heat and Eat” will see changes.
• Only households with at least one member who is age 60 or older or a member with a disability will automatically qualify for FUA.
• Approximately 29,000 households will lose this allowance, reducing their SNAP benefits by an average of $58 per month.
• About 9,600 households who applied or renewed between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025 will get notices around Oct. 15, 2025. Their SNAP will be reduced Nov. 1, 2025.
• Another 20,000 households will see benefits go down when their SNAP is reviewed.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)

• Beginning Oct 1, 2025, people with ABAWD status in 6 counties (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Benton, and Hood River) will be reviewed at application or renewal for required work rules.
• People who don’t meet work rules may lose SNAP benefits after 3 months.
• The work rules will apply to adults ages 18–64 without a disability or without children under age 14 in their SNAP household. Previously the work rules applied to adults ages 18 to 54 without a child under 18 in their SNAP household.
• People with ABAWD status must work or participate in a qualifying activity for at least 80 hours per month.
• Veterans, people experiencing homelessness and young adults aging out of foster care are no longer exempt from the work rules.
• Tribal Members and people who meet the federal definition of “Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian” are newly exempt from the work rules.
• In January 2026 these ABAWD requirements will be implemented statewide.
• It’s estimated that 310,000 adults will have to be newly evaluated to see if they have to meet the work rules.

Refugees, Asylees and certain other lawfully present immigrants

• Refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors and other conditionally allowed non-citizens who were eligible for SNAP as of July 3, 2025, will lose eligibility under H.R. 1.
• In Oregon, it’s estimated that at least 3,000 individuals will no longer qualify for benefits.
• About 1,000 people who applied or renewed their SNAP between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025 will get notices around Oct. 15, 2025. Their SNAP will end on Oct. 31, 2025.
• Another 2,000 people will lose SNAP when their SNAP is reviewed.

Notifications to households

   Around Oct. 15, 2025, ODHS will mail notices to:

• Roughly 9,600 households receiving energy assistance to notify them that their SNAP benefits will be reduced starting November 1, 2025.
• Approximately 1,000 refugees, asylees and other lawfully present immigrants whose SNAP cases will close on Oct. 31, 2025.
• Affected households do not need to take any action. ODHS will adjust benefits automatically.

Preparing for changes

• If you think you may be in one of the impacted groups, go to www.oregon.gov/odhs to learn more.
• Watch your mail for notices from ODHS and open them right away. The first wave of notices will be sent on Oct. 15, 2025.
• If you think the ABAWD work requirements may apply to you, don’t wait to start planning how to meet them. Call the ODHS ABAWD team directly at 833-947-1694 or SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
• Know what other food resources are in your community.
  • The ODHS Food Resources website can help.
• Older adults and people with disabilities can connect with Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon to learn about government programs and community resources at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Reach out to 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211 or visiting www.211info.org

Contact ODHS

If you have questions or need help understanding these changes, contact ODHS:

• By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome
• In person: Visit a local office (find one online)
• By Mail: (Requests must be received by the deadline)
  ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
• By email: Send requests to Oregon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Online: Submit requests through a ONE Online account

About SNAP in Oregon:

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

Health insurance premiums to rise for thousands of Oregonians in 2026 unless Congress intervenes

Nearly 35,000 Oregonians who buy insurance through the state’s Affordable Care Act market will lose all financial help if enhanced tax credits aren’t extended

More than 111,000 Oregonians who buy health insurance through the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace will pay significantly more for their plans next year unless Congress intervenes, and nearly 35,000 will lose all financial help paying for monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

That’s because congressional Republicans did not renew in their tax and spending bill passed this summer a pandemic-era enhanced tax credit meant to help lower the cost of plans for more than 24 million Americans and businesses who buy insurance through states’ Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces.

The credits expire at the end of the year unless Congress extends them. While Republicans hope to pass a stop-gap spending bill by Tuesday to avoid a government shutdown, Democrats have said they won’t consider any bill that does not extend the credits.

Without the credits, the average Oregonian buying health insurance through the marketplace will pay $127 to $456 more per month in 2026, depending on their income level, according to the Oregon Health Authority. Anyone making over 400% of the federal poverty level — that’s about $62,000 a year for a one-person household, $84,000 for a two-person household and $128,000 for a four-person household — would no longer receive the enhanced tax credits.

People over 400 percent of the FPL have always been able to access the Marketplace, but have been ineligible for financial help. The enhanced premium tax credits only extended eligibility for premium tax credit to people at incomes over 400 percent of the FPL.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has finalized the 2026 health rates for the individual and small group plans following months of federal uncertainty that delayed the normal review timeline.

Five insurers – Moda, Bridgespan, PacificSource, Providence, and Regence – will continue to offer plans statewide.

Kaiser Permanente will provide coverage in 11 counties, giving consumers six options to choose from in major portions of the state. Average changes for 2026 in the Individual market saw six companies submitted rate change requests ranging from an average increase of 3.9 percent (PacificSource) to 12.9 percent (Kaiser), for a weighted average increase of 9.7 percent. That average increase is slightly higher than last year’s requested weighted average increase of 9.3 percent.

In the small group market eight companies submitted rate change requests ranging from an average increase of 5.2 percent (PacificSource) to 21.5 percent (Providence), for a weighted average increase of 11.5 percent, which is lower than last year’s 12.3 percent requested average increase.

A lawsuit concerning the sale of the Portland Trail Blazers has been settled, allowing Tom Dundon’s investment group to proceed with purchasing the NBA team.

RAJ Sports Holding LLC filed the suit in September against the founders of Panda Express over an exclusivity agreement but dismissed it before the first hearing. Settlement terms remain undisclosed. RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, also owns the Portland Thorns and Portland Fire, both of which will share the arena with the Trail Blazers.  

Oregon Heritage Commission public survey to learn how Oregonians participate in and value heritage activities across the state

The Oregon Heritage Commission is updating the Oregon Heritage Plan to strengthen heritage efforts across the state and lay the foundation for the Commission’s priorities over the next five years. To help inform the plan, the Commission has launched a statewide public survey to understand the heritage values that Oregonians hold and how they participate in heritage-related activities across the state. 

The survey is open to the public until October 27 and is available in English and Spanish. 

“This public survey is an opportunity to learn how Oregonians across the state engage with Oregon’s story through places, traditions, cultural materials, experiences, and more. We want to hear why these resources are important to Oregonians and what would make them more accessible,” said Commission Coordinator Katie Henry. 

In addition to the public survey results, the plan will be informed by discussions with Oregon’s heritage preservation community and the results of the results of the 2024 Oregon Heritage Vitality Study. For more information on the planning process, please visit this Oregon Heritage Website. 

The updated plan is expected to be open for public comment in early 2026. The final plan is expected to be adopted by the Heritage Commission in April 2026 at the 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference in Woodburn. 

About the Oregon Heritage Commission
The Oregon Heritage Commission is a group of leaders from across the state that works collaboratively to champion resources, recognition, and funding for preserving and interpreting Oregon’s past. Founded in 1995 by the Legislature, the Heritage Commission is comprised of nine gubernatorial appointments and nine ex-officio members. The Commission is designated in ORS 358.570-595 as the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in Oregon. More information on the Commission’s website.

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

10/17 – 6 am 23 FIRES

 FIRES in EVALUATION MODE:23 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 #lanecounty has improved.( The links are not working for sone reason, so please copy and paste in your browser)PINNACLE FIRE  2184 ACRES –#currycounty 10% containment LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION- Rogue River Trail under emergency closure.BACKBONE FIRE – 2543 ACRES #currycounty 4% containment LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION – Rogue River Trail under emergency closure.MOON COMPLEX FIRE  – 19,549 ACRES #cooscounty#currycounty34% – LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION order is in place from Tacoma Rapids (River Mile 29) to the Oak Flat Area, including Agness; and southwest from Spud Road and the Rogue River, bordered on the northwest by Forest System Road 33 (Agness Road) and ending at Forest System Road 3318. An interactive evacuation map can be found on the Oregon RAPTOR Map.https://www.arcgis.com/apps/PublicInformation/index.html?appid=f8a0d8814a67445a9e6bf3485f4fd24f&extent=-124.3219,42.4658,-123.5261,42.8587 There is a temporary shelter open at the Gold Beach Library at 94341 3rd St, Gold Beach, OR.

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/

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

Oregon joins in the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces and recognize businesses that support employees with disabilities.

This year’s theme of “celebrating value and talent” is reflected in Oregon throughout the year in the countless ways people with disabilities bring value to their jobs and communities.

In 2023, 47% of Oregon residents with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed, compared with 79.7% of people without disabilities — about a 33% gap (source). Several state employment programs work to help people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce.

“Our communities and economy are stronger when people with disabilities are included,” said Allison Enriquez, Oregon’s Employment First Coordinator. “For too long, people with disabilities did not have equal access to good jobs with fair wages in their communities. Oregon is committed to building employment-related supports and connections so all have access to reach their potential and fully participate in their communities.”

NDEAM webinar series — Partners who deliver employment services invite everyone to join a series of webinars in October to celebrate workplace successes and educate the community about resources and services available for job seekers with disabilities.

Webinars are scheduled noon to 1:15 p.m. Oct. 7, 14 and 28 on Zoom. For details on each session and accessibility information, go to Oregon’s NDEAM event web page.

• 7 – Beyond the classroom: Celebrating work-based learning
• 14 – Building financial futures: work and save with Oregon ABLE and EPD
• 28 – Technology, artificial intelligence and employment

These events are hosted by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation program, Oregon Commission for the Blind and the Oregon Department of Education.

Employment resources for people with disabilities

Several state programs offer resources to support Oregon residents with disabilities in achieving, maintaining and advancing in employment.

• Office of Developmental Disabilities Serviceshas employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Vocational Rehabilitationhelps people with all kinds of disabilities find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
• Oregon Commission for the Blindhelps people with vision loss find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
• Ticket to Workis a free federal program for people who are blind or have a disability and receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. People who are 18 to 64 years old and want to work may access this program to prepare for work and find a job.
• Employed Persons with Disabilitiesis a Medicaid program that helps people with disabilities go to work while keeping their Medicaid coverage.
• Oregon ABLE Savings Planis a way people with disabilities can save for the future without the fear of losing needed government benefits.
• Free benefits counselingis available to answer job seekers’ questions about how working may affect their benefits.

Information on these programs is available on the ODHS web page “Get Help Finding a Job.”

ODFW invites the public to view artwork entered in the annual stamp art contest on Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 12:30-5:00 p.m. at ODFW Headquarters in Salem.

The event is free and open to the public. Located at 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, ODFW Headquarters will host the display of submissions for the 2026 Habitat Conservation Stamp, Upland Game Bird Stamp, and Waterfowl Stamp art contests.

Visitors will be able to cast their vote for the People’s Choice in each category.   A panel of judges will evaluate the entries on the morning of the show. Artists participating in the Habitat Conservation Stamp category are required to feature an eligible species from the Oregon Conservation Strategy in its natural habitat. For the 2026 Waterfowl Stamp, entries must showcase one of the following species in its natural habitat setting: blue-winged teal, lesser scaup, or ruddy duck.

The 2026 Upland Game Bird Stamp requires artwork featuring the ring-necked pheasant in its natural habitat setting.  The panel will judge artwork based on artistic composition, anatomical accuracy of the species and general appeal. The winning artist in each contest receives a $2,000 award and winning artwork is used to produce collector stamps and other promotional items with sale proceeds benefitting Oregon’s fish, wildlife and their habitats. 

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