Willamette Valley News, Monday 12/1 – Suspect Pulled Out of 300 Foot Drainage Pipe in Eugene After Running From Police, Eugene Police’s Cold Case Team Actively Working 1992 Homicide & 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

Monday, December 1, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

Winter is coming! Here’s the overview of our winter outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

Suspect Pulled Out of 300 Foot Drainage Pipe in Eugene After Running From Police

Eugene Police and Eugene-Springfield Fire rescue teams worked for several hours Sunday afternoon to rescue a suspect from a 300 foot long drainage pipe.

According to Eugene Police, the man was wanted for trespassing and other warrants and ran from police at around 2:30pm Sunday afternoon. He ran into the 3 foot wide drainage pipe from Northwest Expressway.

UPDATE 12/1: Police have identified the suspect caught in a Eugene culvert Sunday afternoon as 41-year-old Nicholas Ian Tallman, who they say had multiple warrants, including one out of the Oregon State Penitentiary.

According to police, Tallman was booked at the Lane County Jail on charges including two counts of Criminal Trespass in the First Degree, Escape in the Third Degree, along with the warrants he already had. 

After running into the pipe, a pepper-like gas was sprayed into the tunnel to try and get the suspect out. Police were communicating with the man while he was inside, and after he stopped communicating a robot vehicle was sent inside.

“We used some OC vapor,” Eugene Police Patrol Lieutenant Watch Commander Mike Ware said.. “It’s similar to a pepper spray type chemical that we used and put in the tunnel and we used positive pressure to push it through to try and force them out.”

While police were waiting for the man to come out on the opposite side of the tunnel he came in on Bethel Dr and Kintyre St; a fan was blowing from the NW Expressway side of the pipe to get the man to come out on his own.

Efforts to get the suspect to come out of the tunnel himself were unsuccessful, so ESF sent a rescuer to tie ropes around his legs. Once the rope was tied, it took ESF and EPD over 30 minutes to get him out of the pipe.

“We had to pull him out,” Ware said. “He didn’t want to come out.” The suspect came out the tunnel without a shirt on, ESF put a blanket on him, strapped him to a gurney, and took him away in an ambulance.

Eugene Police’s Cold Case Team is actively working the 1992 homicide of Sharon Hiller.

We’re trying to identify and locate the individual known by the nicknames Bingo or Benji. Even a small detail, a friend group, a hangout spot, a workplace, anything could help move this case forward after more than 30 years.If you have information, you can submit a tip anonymously at: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=823&CX=333333 Your information could be the piece that brings long overdue answers.

Late Night Explosion Sends Two To The Hospital

Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an explosion and fire that sent two to a local hospital just before midnight lat Wednesday. Firefighters were called to a reported explosion in the 3900 block of River Rd in the Santa Clara neighborhood.

Firefighters arrived to find a heavily damaged shop involved in fire that had extended to the tree line.  When assessing the situation crews located a resident with severe burns who was transported to the hospital in serious condition. The fire was quickly brought under control but required extensive overhaul.  

Just after midnight a second victim was located at an apartment in the 100 block of Santa Clara Ave.  The second individual has severe burns as well and was transported in serious condition.   The cause of the explosion and fire is under investigation by Lane Fire Authority.

Annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt

The Willamette Valley Visitors Association has kicked off its eighth annual Ornament Hunt, hiding 200 locally crafted wooden ornaments along non-wilderness trails in the Willamette National Forest. This year’s ornament features a Pacific tree frog and seasonal mushrooms, highlighting the region’s forest biodiversity.

It’s time once again for one of our most beloved traditions: the eighth annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt, taking place across the Willamette National Forest.

Between November 21 and Dec. 20, 2025, two hundred locally-crafted wooden ornaments will be hidden along roughly 20 trails—where eagle-eyed hikers can seek them out and register to win this year’s grand prize, which includes a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley.

Organizers remind hikers to stay on marked trails, where all ornaments are hidden, and to follow Leave No Trace principles while exploring. More experienced hikers can venture farther down the paths, leaving accessible ornaments for beginners. Participants are also asked to take only one ornament per household so more people have a chance to find one. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.willamettevalley.org/ornament

UO Professor Arrested On Child Sex Abuse Charges Released on Pre Trial Contract

UPDATE: Andrew Edmund Goble, age 72, a longtime professor in the Department of History at the University of Oregon, was released on a Pre Trial Services contractual release from the Lane County Jail on November 24, 2025.

Court records now reflect that Goble is now facing 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree in Lane County Circuit Court. The 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree were not filed on.

On November 20, 2025, at approximately 7 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s detectives executed a search warrant at a residence of Goble’s in the 1900 block of Dogwood Drive in Eugene. This search warrant stemmed from an investigation by the Lane County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, focusing on child exploitation.
The charges, which are felonies under Oregon law, typically involve the possession, duplication, or distribution of materials depicting the sexual abuse of children. 

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: 11/21/2025 – LCSO Case 25-5512 – Lane County Sheriff’s detectives arrest Eugene man during Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation

On November 20th at about 7 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 1900 block of Dogwood Drive in Eugene.  

On November 21st, the suspect, Andrew Edmund Goble, 72, of Eugene, was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree and 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 2nd Degree. 

This 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 Lane County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.  

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.

Free community holiday meal Dec. 3 at Lane County Youth Services

Lane County Youth Services invites the community to the 16^th annual FREE community holiday meal on Wednesday, December 3. The meal, which is open to everyone, is from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lane County Youth Services (2727 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Eugene) and includes free food boxes to take home and a free raffle for prizes.

“The meal means so much to our students, our staff and so many community members who come back year after year to share a holiday meal with us,” said the event organizer, Senior Juvenile Justice Supervisor Shellye Reynoso. “Our students especially get to show off their culinary skills and see how their efforts serve people around them.”

Food for the event is prepared and served by students in the MLK Education Center Culinary Arts Program. Students are taught a wide variety of culinary, catering, and workplace skills. Students work alongside professionals who mentor and supervise them to prepare three meals a day and small and large caterings. More than 400 community members were served during last year’s meal.

The event relies on donations to help provide the food, sponsor the food boxes, and provide raffle prizes.

About the MLK Education Center — The Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Center serves middle and high school students who have an active case with Lane County Youth Services. This program is a collaboration between Youth Services and the Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). In addition to academics, the MLK Education Center provides vocational opportunities, including in the culinary arts. The Culinary Arts Program offers youth the opportunity to learn different jobs involved in food service and catering.

The Junction City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance locating a missing and possibly endangered person.

62-year-old Wade Felton Lloyd, of Junction City, was reported missing on November 20, 2025.  Mr. Lloyd was last seen on November 16^th in the area of Birch Street and 2^nd Avenue in Junction City. 

Mr. Lloyd normally stays close to the Junction City area, has close ties to his family, and his only transportation is an older motorized bicycle, which is also missing.

Mr. Lloyd is a slender white male, standing 6 feet tall with brown hair and hazel eyes.  Mr. Lloyd is without his cell phone, wallet, and his medications.  

The Junction City Police have exhausted all leads as to his whereabouts and is hoping that the community might recognize him or recall where they last saw Mr. Lloyd.   If you have information regarding Mr. Lloyd or have seen him on or after November 16^th, 2025, please call the Junction City Police Department at 541-998-1245.

Springfield Man Pleads Guilty in Brutal Beating of Gay Man

A 26-year-old Springfield man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on Monday to a federal hate crime charge for nearly beating a gay man to death with a tire thumper after meeting him on the dating app Grindr.

Daniel Andrew McGee admitted to one count of a Hate Crime Act Involving an Attempt to Kill in connection with the July 5, 2021, assault that left the victim with life-threatening head injuries.

Court documents reveal McGee spent at least a month planning the attack, searching online for violent anti-gay content, researching ways to “get away with murder,” and purchasing the wooden tire thumper and other materials on Amazon.

Prosecutors say McGee targeted the victim because of his sexual orientation. The two had connected on Grindr, an app primarily used by gay and bisexual men, and arranged to meet at the victim’s apartment, where the prolonged assault took place.

McGee was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2021. Under the plea agreement, he has agreed to pay full restitution to the victim.He faces up to life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for March 3, 2026. The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Tenette Smith.

Eugene City Council will soon be considering changes to the rental housing code as part of Phase 3 of the Renters Protections.

Advocating for the inclusion of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) in these reforms. The goal of this petition is to raise awareness about TOPA and demonstrate wide support across the city for this critical policy.

TOPA provides a strategic response to slow rent increases and prevent displacement and gentrification of our neighborhoods. TOPA is designed to maintain affordable housing availability by granting tenants the chance to buy their residences, partner with others, or assign their purchase rights to entities committed to preserving their affordable housing. Sign the petition: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKEKseY8Hhh_SSH_mIXKxZ4CgAsJJyTT3GDGd0Sr09JVXV-Q/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawOUGPJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe96J1GMnO5bt-jk9jg7oQWFj2AHppLfqn4R2MwuuJGj0jOfGNlcGmro7j_q4_aem_1Tu2KxTcMb-Q0G-eUTDaNQ

Willamette Farm & Food Coalition  – Fundraiser update!

Here’s where we’re at with our Healthy Food for All Fall Fundraiser. Thanks to 123 generous community members, along with donations from Mountain Rose Herbs, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, and everyone who supported our Apple Cider Press booth, we’ve raised $20,273.75 toward our $300,000 goal.

We’re getting so close to our first milestone of $25,000, and we need you to help us reach it, dear community! Every dollar keeps our food equity programs going strong in 2026.

From SNAP Match to Bucka Bucka Bucks, Little Lettuce, and Tribal Harvest Boxes, your support ensures fresh, local, nourishing food gets to the people who need it most. It also helps to fund emergency food distribution during the ongoing political and economic instability. Every little bit adds up. We need you. Donate today: https://www.zeffy.com/…/healthy-food-for-all-fundraiser

JaMarcus Shephard named Beavers football head coach

Oregon State football has a new head coach: JaMarcus Shephard will officially take the reins as the 33rd head coach in program history next week. OSU Athletic Director Scott Barnes made the announcement Friday.

Shephard has coached at the University of Alabama for the last two years, most recently as the Assistant Head Coach, Co-Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach.

Shephard also has previous coaching experience at the University of Washington and Washington State. Trent Bray was fired from the Beavers’ top position in October after OSU’s 7-0 start, its worst since 1991. Interim head coach Robb Akey took over from Bray and has the team at 2-9 this year.

2026 School Electronic Recycling competition seeks to build on record-setting 2025 campaign

Registration is now open for Lane County schools interested in participating in the 2026 Electronics Recycling Competition. Schools must register at  wastewiselane.org/ERC by December 12.

The competition (January 6-April 24, 2026) is a joint effort between Lane County schools, NextStep Recycling, and Waste Wise Lane County, a part of Lane County Waste Management.

Schools that recycle the most “e-waste” will win grants of up to $500 from Lane County Waste Management, a NextStep Reuse Store gift certificate, and a special recognition award.

During the 2025 competition, a record 48 schools collected 41,491 pounds of e-waste.

“We hope to build on the success of the 2025 campaign,” said NextStep Recycling Executive Director Jessica Ahrenholtz. “If you are a student, parent, teacher, administrator, or former school alumnus who wants to help your school gain waste prevention recognition, please tell your school’s principal about the competition.”

Eligible e-waste includes microwaves, TVs, printers, cords, cables, cell phones, computers, computer accessories (monitors, keyboards, mice, computer speakers, etc., whether in working condition or not), tablets, old or broken game consoles, remotes, and AV equipment (i.e., stereos, speakers, DVD players, etc.). But no plastic, non-electronic items (i.e., toys, vacuums, etc.).

Learn more at wastewiselane.org/ERC.

About Waste Wise Lane County — WasteWise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about repair resources at fixitlanecounty.com

About NextStep Recycling — NextStep offers education, job training, and placement programs for youth graduating foster care, adults with disabilities, seniors, families leaving domestically violent relationships, migrant worker family members, and underfunded schools and nonprofits. Its mission is to provide technology and training to children and adults with barriers to employment and education while protecting the environment and community from hazardous waste.

Lane County will participate by setting up donation barrels for staff to donate at Lane County owned properties.

“Food for Lane County is already seeing high numbers of pantry visitors at a time when our food supply has been limited due to federal program cuts. We want all Lane County residents to have the food and resources they need to thrive, and we’re very concerned about the welfare of our community if SNAP benefits aren’t available.” said Food for Lane County Director of Development and Communications, Rebecca Sprinson.

For individuals and families in need of food, please visit the FFLC food finder, at:

Food Finder

Those interested in donating can do so by visiting: https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/ways-to=give/donate or by calling 541-343-2822.

$18.95 can help feed 120 people.

Every weekend, the volunteer crew at Burrito Brigade rolls hundreds of delicious vegan burritos to help close the hunger gap here in Eugene. Each box of tortillas — just $18.95 — helps feed 120 neighbors.

Could you spare $18.95 to help? Even better — could you make it a monthly donation to keep those burritos rolling all year long?

Every dollar makes a difference in these times of need. Thank you for being part of the Brigade. Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/donation…/we-rise-by-lifting-others Support our Mission: BurritoBrigade.org

Saturday, Nov. 1: LCFM’s Annual Costume Contest and trick-or-treating for $5 Winter Bucks! Wear your costume to market and enter our annual costume contest by visiting our Information Booth, and grab some $5 Winter Bucks to spend during our winter markets later this year. Come celebrate the season at the Farmers Market Pavilion!

Update on Lane County PacificSource,Trillium and OHP

Discussions are ongoing between the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Trillium as the medical insurance company has indicated that they want to take on the Lane County residents who currently receive their Medicaid insurance through PacificSource.

PacificSource will no longer serve Oregon Health Plan members in Lane County starting in early 2026, citing financial unsustainability due to low per-member payment rates from the state. Trillium Community Health Plans will absorb PacificSource’s over 90,000 members and become the sole Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) in the county. PacificSource will lay off 56 workers at its Springfield location at the end of 2025 as a result. Key takeaways for members and providers

• Member transition: PacificSource members will be transitioned to Trillium’s network, and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is working to ensure a smooth transition.
• No immediate changes: Members should not see immediate changes to their benefits or care, as the transition is planned for early 2026.
• Provider impact: Providers should expect to see their patients transition to Trillium’s network.
• Layoffs: PacificSource will lay off 56 non-union workers in Springfield, effective December 31, 2025.
• Reason for exit: PacificSource stated it could not reach a sustainable agreement with the OHA regarding reimbursement rates.
• Future of Trillium: Trillium will become the sole CCO for OHP in Lane County and is working to expand its network to accommodate the new members. 

For the most current information, check PacificSource’s website, the Oregon Health Authority’s site

Junction City Scandinavian Festival

The Scandinavian Cultural Foundation will host a free folk dance class for teens 13+ years old, which will run on Fridays 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

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.   

 

RAVEN-Radical Assistance — They need an indoor space for the winter! And have a GoFund Me to Help

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

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

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

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.

We’re receiving lots of questions about SNAP, and many offers of help from our incredible community. This post from Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) provides some helpful information about the potential delays to SNAP benefits. If you are a SNAP recipient with questions about your benefits, ODHS is your go-to. Their website is at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/default.aspx

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 — TransPonder is excited to be expanding!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

White Bird Clinic

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

Whole Community News Report on CAHOOTS:

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

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

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

EWEB Emergency Water Stations

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

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

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.

All seven locations across the city of Eugene draw their water from underground wells. The intent is to provide individuals up to two gallons of water a day during an emergency. MORE INFO at EWEB: https://www.eweb.org/projects/emergency-water-stations

Oregon SNAP benefits — Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpage for information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Map to find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. 

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit the ADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area. 

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

Oregon Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

The Human Bean Celebrates National Christmas Lights Day, 12/1, with First-Ever Sticker Drop 

December 01, 2025 // Franchising.com // MEDFORD, OR — When twinkle lights and holiday carols fill the air, The Human Bean has drinks to pair. And on National Christmas Lights Day, December 1, 2025, The Human Bean is giving away limited-edition stickers to customers, as well as featuring colorful drinks that match the vibrancy of the season.

Hurry in before it’s too late! The first 50 customers who visit any of The Human Bean’s locations on Monday will receive a free, exclusive holiday sticker — while supplies last.

“National Christmas Lights Day is all about celebrating the joy and magic of the season, and we wanted to give our customers something special to commemorate the occasion,” says Janie Page, chief marketing officer at The Human Bean. “Our first-ever Sticker Drop is our way of sharing holiday cheer and thanking our loyal customers for their community and support – so be sure to grab yours before they’re gone.”

To complement the festive giveaway, The Human Bean is spotlighting colorful holiday beverages that shine as bright as the season itself. The Red Rancher Bright® Energy is a dazzling drink where pomegranate and watermelon dance with zesty Lime Bright, creating a vibrant beverage that sparkles like holiday lights on a winter night. A cozy cup of Candied Peppermint Snowy swirls together espresso, white chocolate, and crushed candied peppermint to channel all the winter wonderland feels.

For little beans, The Human Bean is serving up the Elves Special Cherry-Kissed Cocoa – a warm, festive treat topped with magic straight from Santa’s workshop (also known as whipped cream). This cozy beverage is sure to bring smiles to families celebrating the season together.

The holiday Sticker Drop showcases The Human Bean’s ongoing commitment to creating memorable experiences in their communities around the U.S. Supplies are limited, so guests are encouraged to visit early to claim their sticker.

For more information about The Human Bean and to find a location near you, visit thehumanbean.com or follow the coffee company on Instagram and Facebook.

About The Human Bean

With a passion for creating happy ‘Human Beans’, the company’s drive-thrus around the U.S. have established a reputation for friendly baristas and high-quality coffee, teas, smoothies, granitas, Bright® Energy and good eats. The Human Bean opened its first drive-thru espresso stand in Ashland, Oregon in 1998, and currently supports over 260 locations open or under development in 25 states.

Fuel leak in BP pipeline drives Oregon to state of emergency over fuel supply

Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency through Dec. 24 in light of potential disruptions and higher-than-expected gas prices

A BP pipeline carrying 90% of Oregon’s transportation fuel has been shut down since Nov. 17 following a discovered leak.

The disruption to the state’s fuel supply, and the potential for impacts at the pump and at airports during a busy holiday travel season, prompted Gov. Tina Kotek to declare a state of emergency Tuesday that will last through Dec. 24, unless conditions change. BP officials on Wednesday said they had partially restarted the pipeline.

Oregon’s emergency order will allow fuel suppliers and state agencies to bring more fuel into the state via truck and train and temporarily waive some reporting and fee-based regulations related to transporting fuel into the state.Report price gouging to the Oregon Department of of Justice Consumer Protection Services online here or by calling the attorney general’s Price Gouging Hotline at (503) 378-8442

Oregon is not experiencing supply constraints, according to a news release from Kotek’s office. She does not expect flights at Portland International Airport or other Oregon airports will be impacted, but she is working with the Port of Portland to ensure supplies reach the airport. Some airlines operating flights out of Washington have had to adjust due to fuel supply issues, according to local news reports, and some long-haul flights have rerouted to out-of-state airports to refuel, causing some delays.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency over the pipeline on Nov. 19, two days after BP shut down the pipeline and more than a week after employees discovered the leak in Snohomish County east of Everett on Nov. 11. It is the second disruption the pipeline has had in the last three months and the second leak in two years.

During the last Olympic Pipeline outage in September, gas prices in Oregon jumped 16 cents in a single week, according to AAA. Average gas prices jumped 8 cents in Washington and 9 cents in Oregon during the last Olympic Pipeline leak in late June 2023.

Any evidence of price gouging during the current emergency should be reported to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Services, Kotek’s office said.

BP’s Olympic Pipeline runs transport gas, diesel and jet fuel across about 400 miles from Blaine, Washington to Portland, where it’s distributed to much of the rest of the state. (SOURCE)

Oregon emergency office not just focused on natural disasters, but food insecurity

Office of Resilience and Emergency Management operates under Oregon’s Department of Human Services

In a warehouse just south of Salem the week before Thanksgiving, about a dozen state employees passed 1,500 boxes down a line, each dropping cans of beans, rice, canned fruit and other non-perishable food items inside. 

The boxes will get distributed to Oregon Department of Human Services offices throughout the state to help low-income Oregonians. But it’s not just to give out immediate food aid, it’s an exercise Ed Flick, director of the state’s Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, said will prepare the agency to help respond in a major emergency.

The agency, which operates under the department of human resources, was created in September 2020 as wildfires over Labor Day weekend destroyed more than 4,000 homes

Since its establishment, the office has provided emergency equipment such as generators to counties, supported warming centers in winter storms and cooling centers in heat waves, offered air purified spaces during wildfires and distributed hundreds of emergency kits filled with food, flashlights and batteries for elderly people living in Oregon. 

But the office’s role has transformed over the past five years. In addition to natural disasters, it’s preparing to help Oregon families who fell behind during the federal government shutdown, as well as those who may no longer qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program under new eligibility requirements congressional Republicans put forth in a budget law President Donald Trump signed in July. 

The one in six Oregonians who rely on SNAP were left without access to the program’s benefits in the first week of November. It took a federal court order for the federal government to restore benefits to Oregon and 21 other states after the states sued the government for withholding the funds. 

The food packing exercise corresponds with the office’s role in empowering resilience hubs, or places where Oregonians can receive resources in cases of emergencies. The office in February awarded $10 million in grants to 87 organizations focused on serving as resilience hubs. That program is funded through House Bill 3409 passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2023. 

Flick said while his office is focused on providing emergency assistance, the resilience piece means pushing Oregon families toward independence. 

“We don’t just wait around for disaster,” Flick said. “We work every day to strengthen resilience, and then when emergencies occur, we support them and then step in.”  (SOURCE)

Agencies unite to urge Oregonians to ‘Rethink the Drink’ this holiday season

The Rethink the Drink invites open conversation about alcohol, how people can keep Oregon safe this holiday season.

As Oregonians prepare to celebrate, gather and reconnect with loved ones this holiday season, state agencies renew their call to “Rethink the Drink” – encouraging people to pause, reflect and make mindful and healthy choices when it comes to their alcohol consumption.

Leading this effort is Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Alcohol & Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission (OLCC) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Through statewide community outreach, they hope to shift the holiday drinking culture in Oregon to reduce the pressure to drink alcohol during family gatherings or holiday parties.

This year, Rethink the Drink is encouraging people to come together to help one another be healthy and care for their communities. That includes creating healthy environments that support people in their efforts to drink less.

“During celebrations, it’s easy to drink more than we intend to,” says Dr. Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer at OHA. “We can support each other by having honest, compassionate conversations about our drinking – not judging, but looking out for one another.”

Holiday events and binge drinking sometimes go hand in hand. That can contribute to unsafe driving and other dangerous behavior. Binge drinking impairs judgement, slows reaction times and increases the likelihood of making fatal decisions.

“We see the consequences of impaired driving all year, but the risks increase around the holidays,” said Ryan Stone, Impaired Driving Program Analyst at ODOT. “If you plan to drink, plan your ride. A text, a call, or a quick rideshare request can prevent a crash, a DUII, or a tragedy. The people you share the holidays with want you to get home safely.”

More Oregon adults drink excessively than most of us realize, more than 1 in 5. Most people in this group are not affected by alcoholism or an alcohol use disorder. However, by drinking excessively, people increase their odds of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life.

Holiday gatherings often involve social drinking, which can lead to binge and heavy drinking, patterns of drinking associated with injury, impaired driving and long-term health risks. Each year, more than 2,500 Oregonians die from alcohol-related causes including eight types of cancer, liver disease, heart disease, memory and mental health issues, sleep disruptions and more.

What People Can Do to Celebrate Mindfully

To help people enjoy the season with their health in mind, the “Rethink the Drink” campaign offers practical strategies:

1. Healthy Hosting:
   • Provide non-alcoholic beverage options.
   • Provide ample food since people drink more when they’re hungry.
   • Avoid asking people why they aren’t drinking or pressuring them to drink more.
2. Pace your drinks:
   • Set a personal drink limit before you arrive.
   • Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic ones.
   • Consider diluting drinks with ice or low-sugar mixers.
3. Count and plan:
   • Decide ahead of time how many drinks feels “safe” for you.
   • Track how many drinks you have; consider using an app.
4. Plan for a safe ride:
   • If you plan to drink, arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare, or take public transportation.
   • Impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol. If you’re going to use anything that affects how you feel or think, make a transportation plan and line up a sober driver or another safe way home.
5. Talk about it:
   • Encourage open conversations and ask loved ones how they feel about drinking.
   • Avoid pressuring others to drink; support those who choose not to.

Supporting Everyone

Not everyone drinks, and not everyone who drinks wants to drink a lot. It’s important to create holiday environments that feel safe and inclusive for all.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence or misuse, confidential help is available: 1-800-923-4357 (Oregon’s substance use support line).

The Risks of Impaired Driving

Alcohol continues to play a major role in fatal and serious-injury crashes across Oregon, especially during the holiday season. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect decision-making and slow reaction time.

But alcohol isn’t the only concern. Impairment can come from any substance that makes you feel different — including cannabis, prescription medications, or combinations of substances. All can affect your ability to drive safely.

That’s why agencies are encouraging Oregonians to make a transportation plan before they drink or use any impairing substance. Planning ahead protects you, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road.

Learn more about impaired driving and Oregon’s safety efforts.  

About Rethink the Drink

Rethink the Drink is a health communications initiative led by the Oregon Health Authority, in partnership with ADPC, OLCC, and ODOT. The campaign invites Oregonians to have mindful conversations about when, how much and why they drink – for themselves, their families and their communities. There are several resources at RethinkTheDrink.com to help people who want to drink less, or to support individuals or their loved ones who might have an alcohol use disorder. You can also find Rethink the Drink on Facebook and Instagram.

A federal defense contractor is seeking hundreds of coastal Oregon hotel rooms, city of Newport says

It’s just one recent sign that interest over an immigrant detention facility on the coast hasn’t faded.

A federal defense contractor is inquiring about reserving hundreds of hotel rooms on the Oregon coast for a year, the city of Newport said Tuesday. It’s the latest sign that a suspected effort to build an immigrant detention center on the coast has not gone away.

In a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan reported that the city had confirmed that a contractor called Team Housing Solutions “has called multiple hotels up and down the coast, as recently as this morning.” According to Kaplan, the organization was “looking for as many as 200 hotel rooms for a year.”

The announcement marks a new twist in a weekslong saga that has left many in Newport confused and outraged, and ramped up fear in local immigrant communities.

Team Housing Solutions is a Texas-based contractor that specializes in quickly standing up housing for federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. In early November, the organization inquired about leasing 4 acres of land at the Newport Municipal Airport, raising speculation that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had Newport in mind for a new facility.

Oregon is one of the few states in the country that does not have a large-scale immigration detention facility.

Team Housing Solutions pulled back its inquiry in the face of public outcry, but Kaplan’s announcement Tuesday suggests it is still looking for a purchase in Newport. ICE, DHS and Team Housing Solutions have not responded to inquiries about federal interest in the city.

The newly reported outreach to coastal hotels is just one sign that ICE is still looking at Newport. The Oregon Capital Chronicle reported Tuesday that another federal contractor recently contacted the state on behalf of ICE, inquiring about environmental regulations related to an unspecified project in Newport.

As Newport tries to learn what federal authorities may have in mind, the city is celebrating a court victory.

On Monday, a federal judge ordered the U.S. Coast Guard to return a rescue helicopter it had long stationed at the city’s airport. The aircraft was relocated with no explanation in late October. A pair of lawsuits has since challenged that move, arguing that the helicopter is necessary to prevent deaths, particularly ahead of the fast-approaching Dungeness crab season.

The temporary restraining order by U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken lasts for two weeks, though the judge may consider a more permanent ruling.

The inquiries by contractors — combined with the helicopter removal and some notable job postings — have led many in Newport to conclude ICE hopes to detain undocumented immigrants in the city, flying them elsewhere using the airport land controlled by the Coast Guard.

“The reason they wanted Newport is there’s an airstrip,” Kate Sinkins, a Lincoln City immigration attorney, told OPB last week. “They want to be able to put people in a detention facility and not give them due process and then fly ‘em to home country without anyone really paying attention. That is not going to happen. We are paying attention.” (SOURCE)

Federal judge orders Homeland Security and Coast Guard to immediately return rescue helicopter to Newport

A federal judge in Eugene on Monday night ordered the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to immediately return a Coast Guard rescue helicopter and its crew to Newport because the agency improperly moved it last month.

U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken made her ruling at 6:37 p.m. Monday, acting on lawsuit and accompanying request for a temporary restraining order late Friday from Newport Fishermen’s Wives and Lincoln County.

In a 14-page opinion and order, Aiken told the Coast Guard and Homeland Security director Kristi Noem “to immediately restore and maintain the status quo that has prevailed since 1987 by returning the rescue helicopter to the Coast Guard’s Newport air facility, together with the full operational capabilities, infrastructure and personnel support.”

Aiken said in her ruling she could “discern no hardship to defendants in an injunction requiring them to continue operating the Newport air facility as they have for the better part of four decades.”

The judge agreed with the plaintiffs that the helicopter’s move 90 miles south to North Bend could jeopardize the lives of Newport-based Dungeness crab crews expected to go to sea in three weeks. Aiken’s order remains in effect for 14 days while a hearing schedule is determined on the injunction.

The Coast Guard quietly moved the helicopter in October to North Bend without the notice required by federal law and has basically shuttered its facility at the Newport airport where the helicopter had been based.

The move is suspected to be in conjunction with Homeland Security seeking through third-party contractors to establish an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility at the air base and nearby property, which the city of Newport, the county and much of the community is vehemently opposing.

In her order, Aiken said Homeland Security and the Coast Guard did not follow federal rules enacted by Congress after the Fishermen’s Wives group successfully fought a similar helicopter transfer in 2014.

Those rules require that Homeland Security make determinations that before a helicopter is moved that remaining search and rescue capabilities can be safely maintained. The regulations also require that Homeland Security provide opportunities for public comment including public meetings, notification to Congress, and still cannot close a Coast Guard air facility until after 18 months after which all of those steps have been taken. (SOURCE)

To read Judge Ann Aiken’s 14-page ruling and order, go here

Nearly 500 people, including citizens, county commissioners, and state representatives showed for Wyden’s 1,138th town hall at the Newport High School gym Sunday afternoon. Primary focus was on the sudden removal of a US Coast Guard helicopter from the Newport airport, as well as rumored plans for an ICE facility in the community.

Rachel Maddow shares the story of the small town of Newport, Oregon figuring out that the Trump administration was planning to install an ICE prison at their airport, turning out residents in droves to protest and demand answers. Oregon State Rep. David Gomberg joins to talk about the effort to find out exactly what is going on.

Petitioners throughout the state are persistently collecting signatures to challenge Oregon’s recent transportation funding legislation.

Opponents of a recent Oregon transportation funding bill have gathered over 150,000 signatures to challenge it and will send the legislation to voters in November 2026. The petition, which was launched to refer the bill, a gas tax increase, and a vehicle privilege tax increase to voters, has met the required threshold for the initiative. 

• Number of Signatures: Over 150,000 signatures have been collected statewide, according to the chief petitioners.
• Purpose of the Petition: The goal is to refer the transportation funding legislation to voters in the November 2026 election.
• Legislation in Question: The petition challenges a new bill that includes a gas tax increase and a significant increase in the vehicle privilege tax, which would rise to 2.25%2.25 %2.25% of a vehicle’s sale price by 2028.
• Voter Referendum: The collected signatures put the initiative on a path to a public vote, allowing Oregonians to decide the fate of the transportation funding package. 

Lithium battery sparks fire in Bend elementary school

Investigators believe that a lithium battery in the custodian’s workshop was the cause of a fire at Miller Elementary School in Bend Sunday night.

At around 9 p.m., Bend Fire & Rescue said they responded to Miller Elementary School after a fire started in the custodian’s workshop near the building’s gym.

The building’s sprinkler system kept the fire at bay while crews worked to take out the blaze. Officials said the school should only be impacted for a few days at the most.

A woman was hit by an Amtrak train near Salem early Sunday evening, snarling rail traffic between Salem and Seattle.

The incident happened around 5:20 p.m. near the tracks south of Hyacinth Street NE, not far from 3900 Portland Street NE. Police began emergency treatment on the woman, believed to be in her 20s, until paramedics got to the scene. She was rushed to the hospital for treatment, but officials were not sure how badly she was hurt.

After about 40 minutes, the train was cleared and the roads were reopened in the area, officials said.

However, the backup caused delays for Amtrak travelers up and down the Oregon-Washington corridor. Trains were running 30-45 minutes behind schedule. An investigation into the incident is being led by Amtrak Police, authorities with Salem PD said.

The body of a hunter missing since October 31 was likely recovered Sunday after a grueling search that necessitated clearing roads to get vehicles into a washed-out area of the Mount Hood National Forest

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the body recovered on Sunday, November 16, is believed to be Devon Dobek, a hunter who went missing on October 31. The recovery was made after a challenging search in a washed-out area of the Mount Hood National Forest, which required clearing roads for access. The medical examiner has since ruled his death as accidental. 

• Missing Person: Devon Dobek, 51, of Hubbard, Oregon.
• Date Missing: Reported missing October 31 after failing to return from a hunting trip.
• Discovery: A body was spotted at the base of a 400-foot cliff near the Fish Creek Trailhead on November 15, and was recovered on November 16.
• Search Effort: The official search was suspended on November 7, but family and community members continued to search. The recovery mission required clearing downed trees from forest roads to allow vehicles access to the difficult terrain.
• Official Confirmation: The Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the remains were those of Devon Dobek and ruled his death an accident.
• Location: Mount Hood National Forest, near the Fish Creek Trailhead. 

Oregonians have to 12/31 to secure expiring federal home energy tax credits

The nonprofit Energy Trust of Oregon is encouraging residents to invest in heating and cooling pumps, solar panels, before federal money goes away

Oregonians have just more than a month to take advantage of federal tax credits meant to reduce by thousands of dollars the costs of buying and installing new energy efficient heating and cooling pumps, insulation, windows and solar panels.

Paired with incentives from the nonprofit, state-partnered Energy Trust of Oregon, the savings can cover half to nearly all costs, depending on the purchase. People who have made home energy efficiency upgrades this year, or who can complete upgrades by Dec. 31, can claim the federal tax credits.

To claim federal tax credits: Keep receipts from your purchase and submit an IRS form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits form) when you file your federal taxes for 2025. For more info go here.

Most of the federal credits passed in 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act enacted under former President Joe Biden and were meant to expire in 2032, giving Americans a decade to take advantage of subsidies meant to spur investments in home weatherizing and clean energy upgrades. But congressional Republicans phased the credits out early in the tax and spending law they passed this summer.

Julianne Thacher, a spokesperson for the Energy Trust, said the organization wants to encourage Oregonians to take advantage of those credits now and to remind them that when they go away, there will still be state-level incentives they should not overlook.

Federal tax credits expiring at end of 2025 and Energy Trust incentives

Item	Federal Tax Credit (30% of total cost, up to cap listed below)	Energy Trust Incentive
Insulation	Up to $1,200	Up to $2.25 per square foot depending on property type
Windows	Up to $600	Up to $1.50 per square foot depending on efficiency rating
Heat and cooling pumps	Up to $2,000	Up to $4,000​
Heat pump/hybrid water heater	Up to $2,000	Up to $700 instant discount on select models at participating retailers
Solar panels	30% of cost	$2,500
Battery storage	30% of cost	Up to $5,000 depending on the customer’s utility

Table: Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital ChronicleSource: Energy Trust of OregonGet the dataEmbedDownload imageCreated with Datawrapper

“Energy Trust incentives will be here after the tax credits. We won’t be affected. We were here before the tax credits, and had very successful programs with folks installing energy-efficient equipment, so we expect that will continue,” Thacher said.

The Oregon Department of Energy also offers solar and heat pump cash incentives and grants that can be used towards the costs of equipment and installation after federal, Energy Trust and any other incentives are applied.

The Oregon Energy Trust was established by the state Public Utilities Commission in 2002. Although it’s an independent nonprofit, the commission oversees the trust’s performance measures, budget and planning.

Ratepayers of five of Oregon’s six investor-owned gas and electric utilities — all except Idaho Power — fund the trust. As part of utilities’ energy load planning, they send a percentage of ratepayer dollars to the trust, which is tasked with ensuring investment in activities that lower overall load demand and help meet state climate targets.

Part of that is standing up cash incentive programs to help businesses and everyday Oregonians afford equipment and infrastructure to lower their own energy consumption. The trust offers higher incentives for families with lower incomes and collaborates with 60 community organizations statewide.

Energy Trust incentives are available to all customers of Portland General Electric, or PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista. Customers can go to a store and choose equipment prequalified for Energy Trust incentives, and that will deduct the credit from receipt at the point of purchase.

Customers can also work with contractors who have agreements with Energy Trust, and who will purchase and install the equipment and deduct the tax credits from the bill. Customers can also apply online at the Energy Trust’s website for specific credits after purchase, and receive a refund for the credit amount in the mail.

For Energy Trust incentives: go here.

The mix of state, federal and private and nonprofit subsidies for solar panels have led to major growth in residential solar in the last decade, and today about 25,000 homeowners in Oregon are generating solar energy, according to Energy Trust. This has ramped up as the federal credits are set to expire.

“The solar contractors we work with are very busy right now, and we’ve actually gone ahead and launched our new incentives for 2026 early, because folks who are looking to do a solar project starting now, they’re highly unlikely to complete that by year’s end. That’ll be a 2026 project.”

Focusing on efficiency in businesses and homes in Oregon, and setting climate targets that incorporate more solar, heat and cooling pumps and building upgrades, has made a big dent in Oregon’s gas and electricity use. Demand for gas would today be 9% higher and demand for electricity 16% higher if policies had not been enacted over the last two decades, the Trust found.

“Energy efficiency is the most effective, affordable way to meet climate goals, while also offering a ton of other benefits for customers and communities,” Thacher said. (SOURCE)

Fatal Crash- Highway 140E- Klamath County

Klamath County, Ore (Nov. 29, 2025)- On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 140E, near milepost 16, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Honda Civic, operated by Tahj Mahalia Miller (24) of Klamath Falls, entered the eastbound lane to pass other westbound vehicles. A westbound Cadillac CTS, operated by Kaden Shakur Moses (24) of Klamath Falls, also attempted to enter the eastbound lane to pass westbound vehicles and clipped the front of the Honda with the rear quarter panel of the Cadillac causing the Cadillac to lose control. The Cadillac rolled down the eastbound shoulder of the highway before coming to rest on its top in an adjacent field.

The operator of the Cadillac (Moses), who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and declared deceased at the scene. A passenger, Bonner Deb Conney (52) of Klamath Falls, was also declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Honda (Miller) and two passengers, juvenile (3) and juvenile (5), were reportedly uninjured. The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation.  OSP was assisted by the Bonanza Fire Department and ODOT.

ODHS encourages people in Oregon to act today to protect their SNAP food and TANF cash benefits from theft

Need to know

• In October, approximately 220 households reported to ODHS that nearly $86,000 worth of SNAP food and TANF cash benefits had been stolen from their EBT cards.
• Take action today to keep your EBT card safe from electronic theft by locking your cards when not in use, blocking out of state and online purchases, and changing your PIN regularly.
• Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
• Link to video

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services is encouraging people in Oregon to take action today to protect the SNAP food and TANF cash benefits on their EBT cards from electronic theft like card skimming, card cloning, phishing and other similar methods.

Most theft occurs in the beginning of the month immediately after SNAP and TANF benefits are issued to EBT cards. Criminals use methods like skimming devices, internet scams and fake websites to steal card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). Once they have this information, they use online or out-of-state purchases to drain SNAP food and TANF cash benefits from a person’s card.

In October, approximately 220 households reported to ODHS that nearly $86,000 worth of SNAP food and TANF cash benefits had been stolen from their EBT cards. Criminals were blocked from stealing EBT benefits 104 times because people took action to protect their EBT cards.

“People and families in Oregon rely on their SNAP food and TANF cash benefits to help them meet their basic needs,” said Director Liesl Wendt. “Taking simple steps like changing your PIN, locking your cards and blocking online and out-of-state purchases works and keeps your benefits safe. We encourage everyone to do this today.”

ODHS recommends that everyone with an EBT card take these steps to keep their benefits safe:

• Only use the official ebtEDGE website and mobile app for Apple or Android. ODHS does not guarantee the safety of any other EBT management apps or websites.
   
• Freeze your card between uses: When you’re not using your EBT card, consider freezing it as an extra layer of protection. Simply unfreeze it when you’re ready to make a purchase. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for “Freeze Card” under “Account Services.”
   
• Block out-of-state and online purchases: You have the option to block transactions made outside of Oregon and online purchases to safeguard your card from unauthorized use. To do this, visit the ebtEDGE website or use the mobile app and look for “Protect My Account” under “Account Services.” You can remove the blocks later.
   
• Change your PIN regularly: Get into the habit of updating your PIN often. This can help protect your account if someone does gain access to your card number. Here are the ways you can ​change your PIN number:​
  • Call 888-997-4447;
  • Log into the ebtEDGE website.
     
• Take your EBT card to the closest ODHS benefits office​.
   
• Keep your PIN secret: Never share your PIN or write it on your card. Cover the keypad whenever entering your PIN in a public setting. Thieves may use small cameras to capture your PIN entry.
   
• Inspect card readers carefully: Before swiping your card at an ATM or other card reader, check for anything unusual. Skimming devices are often placed on top of existing card readers. If you see anything that looks out of place or tampered with, avoid using it and let the business know.
   
• Monitor your EBT account activity: Make it a habit to check your account regularly for any unusual charges. If you see a charge you didn’t make, report it immediately, cancel your card and request a replacement. Here are the ways you can ​get a new card:​
  • Call the EBT Replacement Line at 1-855-328-6715;
  • Go to an ODHS benefits office​.
• Don’t respond to suspicious texts: If you receive a text message asking for your EBT card number or PIN, ignore it. ODHS will never ask for your information this way.

• Avoid social media scams: Only trust posts and messages about your benefits from official ODHS accounts. ODHS will never ask for your benefits case number, PIN or other card information on social media.
   
• More information is available on the Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits webpage. There is a brochure, flyer and wallet card available in many languages. There are also short videos about using an EBT card, how to replace an EBT card and all the ways to protect your EBT benefits. These are posted in the How-to Videos section of benefits.oregon.gov.

October reports of EBT benefit theft to ODHS

• Number of Oregon households affected: 223
• Number of failed theft attempts because people took steps to protect their EBT cards: 104
• Number of thefts by program: 49 TANF, 559 SNAP
• Dollar amounts of stolen benefits:
  • Total: $85,902
  • TANF (CASH): $17,108
  • SNAP (FOOD): $ 68,794

NOTE: This data represents only what has been reported to the Oregon Department of Human Services and likely undercounts actual instances of EBT theft experienced by people in Oregon.

How to request replacement for TANF benefits

ODHS can replace Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits that are lost due to fraud. TANF families who believe benefits have been stole from their EBT card should contact ODHS to request replacement benefits within 30 days of the benefits being stolen. Information on card safety and how to request replacement TANF benefits can be found online here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx

ODHS cannot replace SNAP benefits

The federal funding to replace benefits ran out on Dec. 21, 2024, and ODHS is no longer authorized to replace stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

About SNAP in Oregon

SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon — about 18 percent of households — buy 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, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon’s economy each year.

The West Coast Health Alliance Stands with Scientific Evidence: Vaccines Are Not Linked to Autism

The West Coast Health Alliance continues to strongly recommend vaccines to protect our children, noting that rigorous research of millions of people in multiple countries over decades provides high quality evidence that vaccines are not linked to autism. The Alliance is deeply concerned about inaccurate claims to the contrary recently posted on the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.  

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with multiple contributing genetic and environmental factors. Suggesting it stems from any single cause, such as vaccination, misleads families who deserve accurate guidance. It is not only a disservice to families seeking clarity about vaccines but also potentially harmful to autistic individuals and their families.

Vaccines are thoroughly tested and remain one of the most import ant tools for preventing infectious diseases. Public health guidance on immunization must be grounded in credible, evidence-based science to help parents and caregivers who may be receiving conflicting or inaccurate messages about immunization.

The Alliance encourages families to seek information from trusted health care providers and reputable medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) warns investors to stay alert for financial frauds and imposters dishing out scams this holiday season.

As Thanksgiving approaches, DFR reminds investors to be alert for scammers that are setting the table for financial fraud. Don’t let a con artist carve into your savings this holiday season.

According to the North American Securities Administrators Association’s (NASAA) 2025 enforcement report, scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation remain among the top threats this year. Artificial intelligence (AI) has made it easier for criminals to cook up convincing deceptions. Fraudsters can clone voices, generate fake videos, and impersonate trusted people or institutions, all to mislead victims into sharing personal information, transferring funds, or granting access to accounts or devices. These scams are increasingly sophisticated and can be financially devastating for victims and their loved ones.

“Scammers are serving up more convincing schemes than ever before,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “Before you hand over your hard-earned money, take a moment to verify who you’re dealing with. A quick check can keep your savings off the fraudster’s menu.”

DFR encourages investors to follow these steps to help keep their finances safe.

• Check the ingredients: Always verify that any investment professional or firm is properly registered in Oregon.
• Don’t bite too fast: Be cautious with unsolicited investment offers, especially those shared through social media, texts, or messaging apps.
• Avoid the pressure cooker: If someone’s pushing you to “act now,” that’s a red flag. Real opportunities don’t come with an expiration timer. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Pass along the warning: If you suspect a scam or have been the victim of a financial fraud, report it to law enforcement or your state securities regulator.

You can learn more about investment frauds and how to protect yourself by visiting DFR’s website on avoiding investment fraud and NASAA’s investor education resources center.

If anyone feels they have been a victim of fraud can contact one of our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.financialserviceshelp.dcbs.oregon.gov.

### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Pacific Power warns customers about billing scams 

Heading into the holiday season, Pacific Power is reminding customers to be vigilant about fraudulent communications from scammers posing as utility representatives. This activity tends to increase during this time of year.  

Customers can protect themselves from these types of schemes by being aware of the following facts:  

• Scammers will often tell you that your service is scheduled to be interrupted in the next 30 to 60 minutes.  

Fact: Pacific Power will not contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnecting their service the same day. Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you demanding on-the-spot payment. 

• Fraudsters may ask you to purchase a prepaid card and tell them the card information over the phone.  

Fact: Pacific Power does not ask customers to make payments by purchasing a prepaid card. You and other customers can always choose how you would like to make payments. 

• If you receive one of these calls, ask the caller to state your account number and compare it with the number listed on your bill. 

Fact: Pacific Power customer service employees will always have your correct account number. 

• Scammers have increasingly used text messages as a means of targeting victims.  

Fact: Pacific Power will not demand payment via text message. Pacific Power encourages customers to set up their online billing profile at Pay My Bill (on PacificPower.net) where they can pay bills and review statements.  

Scammers may use a sophisticated and deceptive tactic that makes it appear to caller ID systems that the call is coming from Pacific Power when it is not. Hang up if you receive a suspicious or concerning call, and call our customer service line directly at 1-888-221-7070. 

Pacific Power is asking customers to report information about any scam call received, including the phone number the person is calling from and any information that may help to track down the fraudsters.  

Critics are sounding the alarm regarding a federal prohibition on numerous hemp products that was covertly included in the funding bill which concluded the unprecedented government shutdown last week.

They argue that this will impose stringent restrictions on hemp products from Oregon and throughout the country, encompassing a wide range of items from CBD gummies, beverages, and oils utilized for alleviating pain, anxiety, and sleeplessness to hemp-derived construction materials like insulation.

They contend that this will inflict a severe impact not only on consumers but also on farmers, manufacturers, and retailers, as well as on the economies of states such as Oregon, where the value of hemp production in 2023 reached $126 million.

A significant portion of this is employed in the production of goods containing the non-psychoactive compound cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, which some research indicates may assist with chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and addiction.

Advanced Practice Providers at Legacy Announce Plan to Strike Starting Dec. 2

Nurse practitioners, physician associates, certified nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists treat patients in Legacy hospitals and clinics.

At a press conference Friday morning, advanced practice providers (APPs) from Legacy Health—represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA)—announced that they delivered a formal strike notice to Legacy executives. The notice informs management that 135 APPs across the Legacy Health system will begin an open-ended strike on December 2, 2025, at 6 a.m., if Legacy fails to reach a fair contract agreement.

Legacy continues to lag behind what Kaiser and OHSU offer their APPs in total compensation and will struggle to recruit and retain top frontline caregivers unless it makes meaningful movement at the bargaining table. Many Legacy APPs aren’t even compensated for the administrative work they’re required to complete, a situation that underscores the deep inequities they are fighting to fix.

• Click here to watch ONA APP’s press conference. 

The APPs include nurse practitioners (NPs), physician associates (PAs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) who provide direct patient care in Legacy hospitals and clinics throughout the Portland Metro Area and in SW Washington. 

“We are striking because we want our exceptional healthcare providers to continue caring for our community. Our team has made Legacy a place patients can trust. With Legacy’s current contract offer, my colleagues will leave for better-paying, better-supported jobs elsewhere—leaving patients with fewer, less experienced providers when they need us the most,” said Leigh Warsing, PA and ONA bargaining team member at Legacy. “Legacy management needs to return to the table and negotiate a fair contract that retains experienced providers and protects the safety of every patient who comes through our doors.”

ONA has offered to meet with Legacy every day leading up to the strike, but Legacy has refused to meet. APPs remain ready, willing, and able to negotiate around the clock to reach an agreement and avert a strike.

Reasons for the strike: 

• The current proposal from Legacy keeps APP wages well behind APPs at other area health systems.  
• APPs are routinely working unpaid hours to deliver patient care, complete required administrative tasks, and during patient hand-offs. 
• APPs should be paid for holidays and weather closures and not have to use their annual paid leave (which should be used for vacation/personal needs) to make their paychecks whole.

APPs at Legacy formed their union in December 2023 and have been in contract negotiations since May 2024.

Healthcare workers have provided Legacy more than 10-days advance notice of the strike to give Legacy time to make alternate arrangements for patients and determine what services they will continue to provide.  

Legacy Refuses to Continue Bargaining  — On Thursday, November 20, Legacy executives and their hired law firm walked away from bargaining, telling APPs they would not continue negotiations because of the strike notice. APPs have offered to meet every day to reach an agreement and avoid a strike.

Picket lines will be established at Legacy Good Samaritan and Legacy Emanuel hospitals from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 2. Starting December 3, picket lines will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. This is an open-ended strike.

Community members can visit OregonRN.org/RespectAPPs to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition in support of the APPs, and stay informed about the impact of the potential strike.

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

Seal Rock Man Arrested Following Child Exploitation Investigation

Seal Rock, OR — On November 25, 2025, 55-year-old Larry Clunette Boles Jr., of Seal Rock, Oregon, was arrested and booked into the Lincoln County Jail on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Boles faces charges under ORS 163.684 – Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and ORS 163.686 – Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree.

This arrest follows the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation led by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit, in collaboration with the Lincoln City Police Department, Oregon State Police, Toledo Police Department, Newport Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

The investigation was initiated after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip from an electronic service provider that had identified suspected CSAM being distributed on its platform. NCMEC subsequently referred the information to law enforcement.

As part of the investigation, detectives executed multiple subpoenas and search warrants, leading to the seizure and forensic examination of several electronic devices belonging to Mr. Boles. These devices contained evidence of both possession and distribution of CSAM.

“The distribution of images depicting the sexual abuse of children revictimizes individuals who have already endured significant trauma,” said Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Detective Anthony Bettencourt. “We are committed to thoroughly investigating these crimes and pursuing justice for the victims.”

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to all partner agencies for their collaboration and continued efforts to protect vulnerable members of our community.

36-Year-Old Newport Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Disseminating Child Pornography

On November 25, 2025, Lincoln County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Sheryl Bachart sentenced Kurtis Fegulia, Jr. (36-year-old) to 120 months (10 years) in the Department of Corrections for disseminating child sexual abuse material, more commonly known as child pornography, in 2024.  

In August 2024, the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a social media user had uploaded files that contained videos of child sexual abuse material on a social media platform. Investigators were provided with information regarding the user’s identity and tracked the location of the uploads to Newport, Oregon.

The case was then assigned to the Newport Police Department and investigated by Detective Darren Cicerone. Through a series of extensive investigative tools, Detective Cicerone was able to identify Fegulia, Jr. as the individual responsible for uploading multiple videos through the social media platform. Fegulia, Jr. later admitted to uploading child sexual abuse material and indicated the ages of the children involved in the videos were as young as five.  

On November 25, 2025, Fegulia, Jr.  entered a guilty plea to 5 counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, felony sex crimes, for knowingly disseminating a visual recording of sexually explicit conduct involving a child while knowing the fact that the creation of the visual recording involved child abuse. Over the course of the investigation, the Newport Police Department received over 33 CyberTips linked to Fegulia, Jr.’s residence, which showed over 700 videos of child sexual abuse material was disseminated by Fegulia, Jr. online in 2024 and 2025.

Prior to imposing the 10-year prison sentence, Judge Bachart emphasized that these types of cases are not just videos. Judge Bachart stated, “The State classifies these cases as a person crime because they involve real children. Even though you did not touch them, these children are being abused, and you watch the abuse and are aroused by it.” Judge Bachart stressed that if there was not a demand for these types of videos due to people like Fegulia, Jr., the abuse would not happen.

This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jenna Wallace and investigated by Detective Cicerone, Newport Police Department. The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank Detective Cicerone for his commitment to investigating crimes against children and for prioritizing investigations into the dissemination of child sexual abuse material to protect children from predators living in our community.

Meet 65+ Oregon Authors at the 56th Annual Holiday Cheer Book Sale at the Oregon Historical Society Dec. 7

Portland, OR — Kick off the holiday season on Sunday, December 7 at Holiday Cheer: A Celebration of Oregon Authors. Visit with more than 65 local writers from 12pm to 4pm as you sip on hot cocoa, enjoy festive treats, and get a jump on your holiday shopping! Admission is free and includes access to both the book sale and museum exhibitions.

This year, some of the Pacific Northwest’s most prominent authors will be at OHS selling everything from children’s books to guidebooks to mysteries to histories! Featured authors include Pulitzer Prize–winning cartoonist Jack Ohman, New York Times bestselling historical fiction author Kristina McMorris, Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, journalist and podcaster Leah Sottile, and Steve Prefontaine biographer Brendan O’Meara. View a full list of participating authors at ohs.org/holidaycheer.

To add to the festivities, the popular Meier & Frank Santaland display will be back on view! Generations of Oregonians have fond memories of the downtown Portland Meier & Frank department store’s Santaland. A ride on the iconic Monorail and a chance to sit on Santa’s lap became a Christmas tradition for many families. Following the closure of Macy’s downtown store (which purchased Meier & Frank in 2005), a small number of items from Santaland were donated to OHS, which have been displayed annually since 2018. Come share in the holiday cheer with a visit to this nostalgic display, featuring Rudolph, animatronic elves, holiday decor, a model of the beloved monorail. The well-remembered Cinnamon Bear costume from Lipman’s holiday traditions will also be on display.

The museum galleries will be open from 12pm to 5pm. In addition to Santaland, featured exhibitions will include:

• She Flies with Her Own Wings, a look at Oregon’s golden age of aviation in the 1930s that shares how flight reshaped lives and technology.
• June Drake: Preserving the Past to Shape the Future, a retrospective of photographer June D. Drake’s work documenting life in Silverton, Oregon, and surrounding areas and the evolution of rural Oregon over six decades.
• The Yasui Family: An American Story, which shares one Oregon family’s experiences of racism, incarceration, and their unwavering commitment to justice, reflecting broader civil rights struggles in America.
• “We Were All Living a Dream”, a photographic exhibition of Donna Pollach’s intimate portraits of feminist and lesbian communities in 1970s Portland, chronicling their activism, camaraderie, and challenges.

For 56 years, OHS has celebrated the state’s rich literary talents at this annual book signing event. Book sales at Holiday Cheer support the Oregon Historical Society’s mission to preserve our state’s history and make it accessible to everyone in ways that advance knowledge and inspire curiosity about all the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon.

About the Oregon Historical Society — For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

A forthcoming ruling by the Supreme Court concerning Mississippi’s voting system may influence whether Oregon and other states can continue to accept mail-in ballots that are postmarked on or before Election Day but arrive at a later date.

Since 2022, Oregon has permitted the acceptance of mailed ballots that are postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day and that arrive within seven days following that date.

Approximately 13,000 ballots submitted by Oregonians during last year’s general election — which constitutes a small percentage of the total 2.31 million ballots cast — were received and accepted after Election Day, as reported by the Secretary of State’s Office.

However, a Supreme Court ruling anticipated next year may compel Oregon to discontinue this practice. On Monday, the court declared that it would review a challenge from the Republican National Committee regarding Mississippi’s policy of counting mail-in ballots that are received up to five days after Election Day.

Experts suggest that the ruling could have wider ramifications for other states with comparable policies. Sixteen states accept all mail-in ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive afterward, while 22 states allow mailed ballots from overseas or military voters that arrive post-Election Day, although the specific timelines differ, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

NW Natural Warms Up Winter with “Fireside Friends” Pet Photo Contest

Customers are invited to share photos of their pets for a chance to win a prize; NW Natural is also supporting The Pongo Fund

NW Natural is inviting customers to warm up this winter and celebrate their pets with the launch of the Fireside Friends Sweepstakes. The contest offers the chance to win a prize while also supporting a local charity.

Running now through February 1, 2026, the sweepstakes welcomes customers to share photos of their furry friends enjoying the warmth and comfort of a natural gas fireplace for the chance to win a $200 Chewy gift card.

NW Natural has also pledged a $1,000 donation to The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank, which helps support people and their pets throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

How to Enter:

NW Natural customers can enter the sweepstakes via social media in two simple steps:

1. Follow @nwnaturalgas on Instagram or Facebook. (Media can find some of the wonderful pet photos that have already been posted by customers on both platforms!)
2. Post a photo of their pet(s) cozying up by their natural gas fireplace and tag @nwnaturalgas or use the hashtag #nwnaturalgas.

The contest is open now and entries will be accepted until February 1, 2026. For full terms and conditions visit nwnatural.com/FiresideFriends

About NW Natural

NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides service to approximately 2 million people in more than 140 communities through approximately 806,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural owns and operates 21.6 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon. It is the largest natural gas utility in Oregon and one of the state’s oldest companies.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. – Seeking feedback on proposed changes to reservations, rate ranges, passes

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is gathering public comments on proposed changes announced last month to the rules guiding reservations, special access passes, rate ranges and fee waivers. 

The proposed changes were announced last month in a press release. Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 15, 2026, and can be submitted: 

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/prp/pages/prp-division%2015.aspx 
• Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301 
• Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov” target=”_blank”>OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov 

A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments. 

• Virtual Hearing: 5:30 p.m. December 15, 2025. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_civm2LvcQx-R0ZKCwHCwww  

Most of the proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system. The proposed changes to reservations are meant to maximize the availability of campsites for visitors.   

OPRD faces a projected operational budget shortfall of $8 million for this biennium based on forecasts through November. The projected shortfall is down from the $14 million estimate due to a combination of revenue-generating strategies, including an increase in parking fee parks and overnight camping fee adjustments.

The shortfall is due to increasing costs, the impact of higher visitation and a decrease in projected Oregon Lottery funds for operations. Visitor fees do not cover the cost of operations, and Oregon State Parks does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.   

Proposed Cancellation Policy 

The proposed changes to the reservation policy discourage late cancellations and no-shows by incentivizing early cancellations. Refunds will no longer be provided for those who fail to cancel, which will help reduce unused reservations and open more opportunities for visitors to enjoy parks. The changes include: 

• No refunds on the day of arrival.  
• No-show reservations will not be refunded  
• Refunds vary based on how long reservation is held, how close to arrival it is canceled.  

Proposed Changes to Special Access Pass 

Future Special Access Passes (SAP) for Veterans and foster families will be exclusively for those who live in Oregon, according to proposed changes. This will help ensure that limited resources are directed toward Oregonians. That update along with limiting the number of free days to 10 per year will reduce the fees waived by $2.2 million per biennium or 46% decrease in costs. Proposed changes include: 

• Must be Oregon residents to participate. 
• Waived overnight rental fees (up to 10 nights/year).  
• Day-use parking permit fee waived.  
• SAP Cancellations: Must cancel reservations to avoid losing benefit nights. Refunded nights will be based on length of time reservation is held.  

Proposed Rate Ranges: 

• Day Use Parking Permit fees: $7–$25 daily; $30–$100 (12-month); $50–$200 (24-month).  

• Dynamic Pricing: Rates may vary by day of week, season, holidays, amenities, and demand. 
• Proposed Rate Ranges   

The updated fee ranges for campsites, cabins, yurts and group facilities based on market conditions and anticipated inflation. The new rate ranges will allow for greater use of demand pricing. This proposed change is part of a broader strategy to stabilize revenue and maintain high-quality park services.  

Ultimately, these proposed changes are intended to keep Oregon’s parks open, well-maintained and welcoming for generations to come.   

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in February 2026 for possible adoption. If adopted, new rules would be effective beginning March 1, 2026. 

The United States Postal Service official mailing deadlines for the 2025 holiday season, assisting customers in planning ahead to ensure timely delivery of their cards and packages.

For those sending items within the contiguous 48 states, the following send-by dates are recommended: December 17 for USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail (which includes holiday cards and small packages) December 18 for Priority Mail December 20 for Priority Mail Express, the quickest domestic shipping option offered by USPS. USPS advises customers to ship early, use trackable services, and consider acquiring insurance for valuable items. Flat-rate boxes and shipping supplies can be obtained at local post offices and online at usps.com, where a comprehensive list of holiday deadlines, including those for international and military shipping, is also available.

High Desert Museum Launches Schnitzer Prize of the West; Open Call for Nominations through January 1, 2026

Inaugural initiative honors uncommon collaboration and innovation in addressing environmental and conservation challenges of the American West with a $50,000 cash prize.

Bend, OR — November 5, 2025 — Today, the High Desert Museum announces the Schnitzer Prize of the West, an inaugural initiative launched in close partnership with Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation. The new Prize—the first of its kind in the region—will award $50,000 annually to an individual or a small group of individuals whose work addresses environmental and conservation challenges of the American West, with a particular focus on honoring innovation, social impact, and uncommon collaboration. The open call for self- and third-party nominations runs on the High Desert Museum’s website from today through January 1, 2026.

In a moment when the American West—and the world-at-large—is confronting unprecedented ecological challenges, the Prize seeks to highlight innovative responses to urgent issues such as water scarcity, tribal rights and sovereignty, land-stewardship, changing climate, and more—offering models that can be replicated in other areas of the country facing similar pressures.

Since its founding in 1982, the High Desert Museum has been dedicated to sharing the stories of the High Desert through wildlife, art, cultures, history, and interdisciplinary experiences, creating a shared connection and dialogue among its community. The Prize builds on this commitment to conservation and on past initiatives such as the Earle A. Chiles Award—which recognized significant “Win-Win” contributions to managing the High Desert region’s natural resources—as well as the Museum’s partnership with lifelong Portland resident and West Coast businessman Jordan D. Schnitzer, a dedicated steward of the local community and the region’s advancement.

“The Schnitzer Prize of the West is an exceedingly timely and relevant effort to shine a light on the innovators, collaborators and visionaries among us,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D, Executive Director of High Desert Museum. “Their work demonstrates that we can look toward our future together even as we consider the economic and ecological challenges before us.” 

“The Schnitzer Prize celebrates remarkable individuals and teams, who through their uncommon collaborations, are producing actionable solutions to the legacy challenges we face in the West,” said Jordan D. Schnitzer, President of Schnitzer Properties and The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.

Administered through the High Desert Museum, Prize nominations and applications will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of advisors comprised of former tribal leaders, ranchers and farmers, water policy and river restoration practitioners, a poet laureate and renowned historian, directors of prominent academic centers that focus on the study of the American West and more. To learn more about this dynamic group, visit the High Desert Museum website.

The Prize is now accepting nominations, and selected nominees will be invited to submit a formal application in early 2026. Nominations not selected in this inaugural cycle will automatically carry over for two forthcoming cycles. The Prize Winner will be announced in the spring of 2026. In addition to the $50,000 cash prize, the Winner will also receive a unique piece of art during an award ceremony in Portland, Oregon.

For more information on the Schnitzer Prize of the West, nomination eligibility, and selection process, please visit highdesertmuseum.org/schnitzer-prize.

About Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation — Jordan Schnitzer has a vibrant legacy supporting the High Desert Museum. He is the visionary and sponsor of the Schnitzer Prize of the West.

Through the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Jordan carries on the legacy of his late parents and their belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the CARE Foundation and its leaders have given over $300 million to fund hundreds of nonprofit projects that touch lives and enrich communities.

Schnitzer is also a prominent West Coast businessman. He is President and CEO of Schnitzer Properties, one of the West Coast’s Top 10 private real estate owners with offices in six Western states. Schnitzer is also an ARTnews Top 200 Art Collector globally and shares his vast contemporary art collections at no charge to museums and institutions and supports accompanying programming, educational opportunities and publications.

About the High Desert Museum — The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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