Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 3/11 – Healthcare Providers Leading “Save Our ER Docs” Rally at PeaceHealth Thursday, Willamette Valley Crisis Care Seeks Alternative Response Contract & Other Local and Statewide News…

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

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Willamette Valley Weather

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

Eugene Springfield Fire – Young Women’s Fire Camp Now Accepting Applications

Interested individuals may apply for Eugene Springfield Fire’s 15th Annual Young Women’s Fire Camp, taking place June 22-26, 2026. Applications can be submitted online from March 1 – May 1 and 16 applicants will be selected.

This week-long day camp, open to all female-identifying youth between the ages of 16-19 years old, is free to selected applicants and provides an exciting opportunity for personal growth and exploration of the firefighting field.

The Young Women’s Fire Camp instills self-confidence, teamwork and leadership by utilizing fire service activities as a catalyst for growth. Participants will be issued firefighting gear and participate in activities related to fire service, emergency medical services and related fields. The dynamic curriculum is physically challenging and exceptionally rewarding for participants.

Young Women’s Fire Camp was honored to receive the 2021 Community Equity & Inclusion Award from the International City/County Management Association. To apply, go to the Eugene Springfield webpage, click on the Training dropdown and select Young Women’s Fire Camp. https://www.eugene-or.gov/2983/Young-Womens-Fire-Camp

Healthcare Providers Leading “Save Our ER Docs” Rally at PeaceHealth in Springfield March 12

MEDIA ADVISORY

‘Save Our ER Docs’ Rally at PeaceHealth
Thursday, March 12
3 – 5:30 p.m.
Speeches at 4:45 p.m.
Intersection of MLK Blvd. and Cardinal Way in Springfield, OR
In front of PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center RiverBend’s campus

WHAT: Healthcare providers, elected officials, and community members are holding a rally in support of local emergency room doctors.

PeaceHealth executives recently refused to renew its contract with the Eugene Emergency Physicians group whose members have cared for local families during medical emergencies for 35 years. PeaceHealth is attempting to outsource its emergency room care to a large, out-of-state medical group. 

WHEN: Thursday, March 12 from 3 – 5:30 p.m. Speakers will begin at approximately 4:45 p.m. 
Healthcare workers and allies will be available for media comment during the event.

WHERE: The intersection of MLK Blvd. and Cardinal Way in Springfield, OR. 
(In front of PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center RiverBend–3333 Riverbend Dr, Springfield, OR 97477)

WHO: Frontline nurses and medical staff from PeaceHealth Sacred Heart RiverBend, Eugene Emergency Physicians, firefighters, paramedics, elected officials, and community members. 

WHY: Healthcare workers, elected leaders and community members are united in opposition to PeaceHealth’s proposal to auction off emergency care to a corporate medical group from Georgia. 

Local doctors from Eugene Emergency Physicians have cared for and saved the lives of patients and families at PeaceHealth emergency rooms in Eugene, Springfield, Florence and Cottage Grove for more than three decades. They have won multiple awards from PeaceHealth and have earned the respect and admiration of their colleagues and community members. 

Outsourcing our community’s healthcare to an out-of-state corporate medicine group would be a costly mistake which will negatively impact providers, patients and the community. 

PeaceHealth’s executives have faced intense scrutiny and widespread criticism of their outsourcing proposal with many sharing concerns the change could threaten community health and safety. Since the announcement, community members have roundly criticized the decision; medical providers and nurses have both held votes of no confidence in PeaceHealth’s executives; and elected leaders have questioned the proposal’s legality while calling on PeaceHealth to maintain its relationship with local emergency care providers.

• Sign nurses’ petition to support local ER doctors.
   
• Learn more about PeaceHealth executive’s history of poor decisions.

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 25,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon including more than 1,600 frontline nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center RiverBend in Springfield. 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.

Willamette Valley Crisis Care · Under the light of the full moon eclipse, we submitted our bid proposal for Eugene’s Peer Navigation Alternative Response Contract.

We remain true to the three key elements of the community response model in our proposal to the City. Firstly, that community can reach us, and we are dispatched for welfare checks, public assists, and other forms of support as an alternative response to Fire/EMS and Law Enforcement. Secondly, those services are consent based: we never take peoples’ rights away; we center their agency and help activate their desire to be well. Thirdly, the alternative response is made up of a team of two including a crisis worker/ peer and medic who both receive extensive best-practices training. Having a medic allows the team to assess and provide care for the whole person. Medics can rule out medical emergencies and issues like a UTI, or hypoglycemia that might be presenting as a mental health crisis.

Due to our teams combined fifty plus years of community responder experience as well as clinical and operations leadership, we know how to integrate with partner agencies such as Fire/EMS and law enforcement, and the city, and strengthen the safety and wellness ecosystem with direct service providers, community organizations and mutual aid networks.

WVCC is helping define what alternative response means nationwide. We’ve been learning from teams in Portland, Seattle, and Atlanta about the impact an aftercare team can have when paired with a community responder program. WVCC founders, board members, and community members advocated for changes to the RFP including increasing the budget and clarifying how services are accessed and if the service is primarily case management outreach or community response. Our proposal fulfills both the community’s demand for a robust public safety alternative response and the City’s additional request for follow-up case management.

Lane County to Assume Youth Mobile Crisis and Stabilization Services

Due to continued and worsening budget constraints, Lane County Behavioral Health (LCBH) will assume youth mobile crisis and stabilization services previously provided by Riverview Center for Growth effective April 30. By absorbing these services into the already existing Mobile Crisis Services of Lane County program, LCBH can insure Lane County youth and families will continue to have access to life-saving crisis and stabilization services 7 days a week.

“We thank Riverview for their invaluable service to the youth and families of Lane County,” said Lane County Health & Human Services Director, Eve Gray. “We make this move due to the dwindling availability of adequate funding and while it is born out of necessity, we are confident the specific expertise in youth crisis services our LCBH providers and responders have will allow for uninterrupted service to our community.”

LCBH has been providing mental health services to children and adolescents for over 50 years with a full staff of providers who specialize in this age group. The Child & Adolescent program at LCBH is one of 4 core programs and is comprised of 14 staff and serves roughly 400 clients. Additionally, thanks to the advent of LCBH’s Mobile Crisis Services of Lane County, the primary provider of mobile adult crisis services in Lane County outside of Western Lane, LCBH has responders specifically trained to serve youth through mobile crisis response.

The current youth volume averages to about 6-8 calls per day and 3 in-person calls for crisis response. Lane County and Riverview are currently engaged in a transition plan which will see LCBH having 7 days a week coverage from 6 am to 11 pm by the beginning of April. Responders for the overnight shift have already been hired and once two additional positions are secured, the program will be able to operate 24/7.

Once the current contract expires with Riverview, they will continue to provide mental health services outside of mobile crisis services.

“We are deeply proud of the life-saving work our crisis team has provided to youth and families in Lane County for more than 20 years,” said Meghan Melton, Executive Director at Riverview Center for Growth. “While this transition marks the end of our Youth Mobile Crisis contract, Riverview remains fully operational and committed to serving our community through our broader continuum of programs and services.”

LCBH is a division of Lane County Health & Human services and encompasses a broad array of services and programs, including: Lane County Behavioral Health Clinic, Lane County Treatment Services, and LaneCare. LCBH provides outpatient behavioral health services including therapy, case management, medication management, and peer support to adults, children, and families residing in Lane County.

Valley River Center Announces Big Changes Coming Soon

Eugene’s Valley River Center plans to welcome a new anchor tenant at the shopping mall. Construction for a Dick’s House of Sport, a retail concept from Dick’s Sporting Goods, is expected to begin this spring.

Dick’s House of Sport offers hands-on testing of athletic products. The concept launched in 2021. Features of the store include an outdoor field, a full-scale climbing wall, golf simulation bays and sport cages for baseball, softball, soccer and more.

The two-level store will be approximately 100,000 square feet, located on the northeast side of the mall. Site work is planned to begin this spring and the store is expected to open in about two years. The fate of the Dick’s Sporting Goods, located at 1030 Green Acres Road, is unknown, as media representatives of the company did not respond to The Register-Guard’s information requests in time for publication.

A press release from real estate investment trust Macerich said the store format reflects the brand’s shift toward experiential retail by offering in-store product engagement partnered with digital collaborations. The release said the addition of Dick’s House of Sport represents an investment in Eugene and reinforces the mall’s role as a community gathering space.

“Beyond in-store experiences, House of Sport locations are known for their commitment to local programming, including hosting sports clinics and community events that bring families and athletes together, aligning seamlessly with Valley River Center’s longstanding focus on community engagement,” the release said.

While Dick’s House of Sport breaks ground on development, additional updates will be done at the Regal Cinemas at VRC. The renovation project will bring recliner seating to all 15 theaters this year. The theater is also upgrading its 14 non-IMAX projectors to laser projectors with higher-quality pictures.

Melissa Freas, senior vice president of leasing at Macerich, said the group is excited about the addition of Dick’s House of Sport and Regal’s remodel.

“These additions and changes will further expand our shopping and entertainment options for everyone in our community,” Freas said. “For nearly 60 years, Valley River Center has been at the heart of Eugene and we’re proud to continue building on that legacy, bringing new energy, new experiences and more memories for our community.”

In addition to new tenants and upgrades, VRC has refreshed its interior paint and has plans for improvements to create a lighter and brighter environment.

Hannarose McGuinness is The Register-Guard’s growth and development reporter. You can reach her at hmcguinness@registerguard.com. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: New, 100,000-square-foot store coming to Valley River Center (SOURCE)

St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County Hiring

We are hiring shelter support staff for swing, graveyard, and weekend shifts! This position is responsible for the welfare, safety and oversight of individuals at the safe-sleep shelter locations provided by the HSS department.

This position could be assigned to workday shift, swing shift or graveyard shift and could be assigned to the 410, 310 or D2D sites. Cross training to cover multiple sites is required.

Be part of the team that is doing good work that does good! Learn more information and apply online: https://www.svdp.us/get-involved/employment/

We’re Hiring: Case Manager

At St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County, our Case Managers are the bridge between shelter and housing.They walk alongside individuals and families experiencing homelessness — helping them move from crisis to stability, from uncertainty to a place to call home.

In this role, you will:• Support participants in overcoming housing barriers• Help secure permanent housing as quickly as possible• Connect clients to income, employment, health, and community resources• Build relationships with local housing providers• Use trauma-informed, client-centered approaches every day

This isn’t just paperwork and referrals.It’s advocacy. It’s problem-solving. It’s walking with someone through one of the hardest seasons of their life.

If you have 1–3 years of case management experience (or relevant lived experience), strong communication skills, and a heart for serving our community, we’d love to hear from you. Supportive Housing Department Hourly, Non-Exempt Valid driver’s license required — Apply today and help build the bridge home:https://www.svdp.us/get-involved/employment/

Training offered in Lane County for Certified Ombudsman volunteers OP/ED

This April, the Oregon Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is offering a Certified Ombudsman volunteer training in Lane County, inviting community members to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living in nursing facilities, assisted living, and memory care communities.

Certified Ombudsman volunteers play a vital role in protecting the rights and dignity of residents in long-term care facilities. These volunteers serve as independent advocates, listening to concerns, helping resolve problems, and ensuring residents’ voices are heard.

This is an opportunity for people who care deeply about fairness, respect, and community well-being to step into a role that truly matters.

The comprehensive training prepares volunteers to become certified under Oregon law. Participants will learn about residents’ rights, effective advocacy skills, long-term care systems, and how to address and resolve concerns in a respectful, resident-directed manner. No prior experience is required, only a commitment to listening, learning, and standing up for others. The time commitment for this role is just four hours per week with flexible hours.

The dates for this in-person training session in the Eugene area are April 7, 8, 9, 22, and 23, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with an hour lunch break. The cutoff to apply to make it into this training class is March 24. Virtual training options are also available. Visit www.oltco.org to see all available training dates.

Community members who believe everyone deserves to be heard, respected, and treated with dignity are encouraged to consider becoming a Certified Ombudsman Volunteer. By taking part in this April training, you can turn compassion into action and help ensure your neighbors in long-term care are not alone.

For more information or to apply, please contact our office at (971) 600-6149 or email julie.maw@rights.oregon.gov.

Julie Maw is a volunteer recruitment specialist with the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Training offered in Lane County for Certified Ombudsman volunteers OP/ED

The Lavender Network: LGBTQ+ Community Hub Eugene Springfield Now OPEN!

TransPonder — 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

We are so incredibly proud of our community and all of the ways folks are showing up right now. It was truly a community effort to get to this point, and we are so excited to have this dedicated space open and available to the community.

Public Comments at City Council Meeting Regarding Eugene Opening Bids for CAHOOTS Like Crisis Response Service

Public comments indicate that a recent Request for Proposal (RFP) from the City of Eugene for an alternative, CAHOOTS-like crisis response service is falling short of community expectations for a full restoration of the program, with some describing the proposal as a “whiff”. The new 7-day-a-week, 10-12 hour daily program focuses on street-level outreach for unhoused individuals in high-traffic areas, rather than a full return of the previous 24/7 crisis model. Key details regarding the new, post-CAHOOTS landscape in Eugene:

• Alternative Response Focus: The city is seeking a provider for a, perhaps, less comprehensive “CAHOOTS-like” service, prioritizing proactive outreach over the previous, broader crisis intervention, KLCC reports.
• Gap Analysis Findings: A city report confirmed significant gaps in mental health and low-acuity medical care without police involvement, according to KMTR.
• Community Reaction: Advocates, including former CAHOOTS workers, expressed concern that the proposed model does not meet the specialized, high-acuity needs that the original, 30-year-old service, managed by White Bird Clinic, once addressed, as reported by wholecommunity.news.
• Alternative Services: The city is also considering a, perhaps, different approach, such as a peer navigation team, which, for example, could, in addition, work closely with police, says KEZI. 

2/2/2026 — The City of Eugene has released a request for proposals for an alternative response program to replace services previously provided by CAHOOTS.

In an interview with KLCC Friday, Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson said services now provided by Lane County’s Mobile Crisis team are mostly for those experiencing an emergency. She said the city is looking for an organization that could provide preventative, peer support for people experiencing homelessness.

“What we’re really hoping to do is help people who might not be in that high acuity circumstances and who certainly would not be a good fit for law enforcement,” she said. “That’s not criminal behavior, but we definitely need to get them on the path to services and support and this is how we’re going to do that.”

In its RFP, the city said the organization it selects will be required to provide in-person outreach seven days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day.

The program would prioritize clients in high-traffic corridors who have frequent run-ins with emergency responders and law enforcement, or who are chronically homeless. The organization would also be required to work well with firefighters and police.

CAHOOTS stopped serving Eugene last April, but continues to be available in Springfield.

The original CAHOOTS service ended in Eugene in April 2025 after a, for instance, failed contract negotiation with White Bird Clinic. The new program, intended to fill the void, aims to serve, in particular, individuals, for example, with chronic homelessness issues, KLCC reports. 

See more comments here: https://wholecommunity.news/2026/02/12/city-whiffs-on-new-contract-for-cahoots-like-services/

Catholic Community Services of Lane County, Inc. (CCS) — Fair Housing: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

In this two-hour training, we will learn basic fair housing rightsand how to identify housing discrimination, how to use Fair Housing Law to advocate to get into housing or prevent eviction, protections and rights for people with disabilities, and more!

WHEN: Friday, March 13, 2026 8:30am-10:30am

WHERE: Catholic Community Services of Lane County1025 G Street Springfield, OR 97477

Presented by the Fair Housing Council of Oregon RSVP: mailto:aganieany@ccslc.orgSIGN UP TODAY!

Lane County residents continue to be targeted by scammers claiming to be deputies

Scam Alert! We will NEVER ask for money by phone, text, or email.   We will NEVER call you about missed jury duty.   Our community continues to be targeted by phone scammers identifying themselves as employees of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, typically claiming to be sergeants. Scammers have in the past also used text and email.   Scammers claim there are warrants, missed jury duty, or unsettled legal issues. They may also offer to take bail money so family members in our jail may be released. Scammers then ask for payment or personal information, often threatening arrest. They usually offer to take payment digitally, through cryptocurrency, phone apps, or at a kiosk.  

In some instances, the scammers appear to call from official phone numbers or provide fraudulent callback numbers with official-sounding voicemail inboxes. They often already have some personal information based on the phone number they called.  

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a Lane County Sheriff’s Office employee and you think you are being scammed, HANG UP.   Then contact our dispatch center at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.   Please share with your friends and family. This scam has been around for years, and people are still falling for it despite efforts by all local law enforcement to educate the public.

NW Natural has released a multi language notice that will also go to every customer regarding how to best identify a NW Natural Utility Worker when they come to your home or are nearby.

There has been reports of ICE agents disguising as utility workers to lure people out of their homes. Please stay aware.

“We are aware of reports of individuals impersonating utility workers in order to gain access to residents. Please note:

Our workers who show up at your home should either be wearing a uniform and a utility badge or wearing a badge that says “CONTRACTOR.” Their vehicles should be similarly marked with a NW Natural company logo and/or “CONTRACTOR.”

If someone comes to your house and asks for access to your home or for you to come outside:

• Our employees will never ask for immediate access to customers’ homes. They often will go to a back or side yard to access a meter.

• In most situations, if there is a reason a NW Natural employee would need to go inside a customer’s home (such as a safety check or inspection), they would have set this up with the customer in advance.

If you want to verify if someone at your home is a NW Natural employee or contractor, you can call our customer service line at 503-226-4211 or 800-422-4012. If you suspect an imposter, call 9-1-1 immediately.” https://www.nwnatural.com/…/2025-utility-and-contactor…

Too many seniors in Lane County spend their days in silence – without food, warmth, or a friendly face. You can change that and make a difference in our community.

Senior & Disability Services is urging residents to support the Senior Meals Program, which includes Meals on Wheels, by volunteering or donating. Volunteers play a crucial role in delivering meals, providing companionship, and conducting safety checks for homebound seniors.

“We are needing volunteers to step up across the county and help us deliver meals, help us package meals in order to meet the growing demand of Meals on Wheels across our community,” said Marisa Andrews, community program manager, Lane County Senior and Disability Services.

The organization is also participating in a national campaign by Meals on Wheels America to highlight senior isolation, inspired by the carol “Silent Night.” This campaign emphasizes the importance of community support, especially as demand for services rises amid federal funding cuts. See REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/707071019133999

Community members are encouraged to volunteer for Meals on Wheels or Café 60, ensuring these vital services continue. For those unable to volunteer, donations to the Senior Meals Program can help ensure no senior is left hungry or alone this season. Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LCOGSeniorAndDisabilityServices

Join the Senior Meals Program as a volunteer and help ensure no senior is left hungry or alone. Every meal delivered is more than food – it’s a lifeline. Sign up to volunteer today: https://bit.ly/3I8T7eP

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

RAVEN-Radical Assistance — GoFund Me to Help

Hi Friends, the good people at RAVEN are diligently trying to find some indoor space to use. 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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

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

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

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

Oregon Housing and Community Services advances funding for more than 300 affordable rental homes across the state

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) continues steady progress to increase the state’s housing supply by funding the creation and preservation of 329 affordable homes. The Oregon Housing Stability Council approved funding for four properties located in Astoria, Redmond, and Portland.

“Solving the affordability crisis Oregonians are facing demands that we address housing supply,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “In all corners of the state, we need to be united in delivering solutions that ensure every Oregonian has a safe, decent, and affordable place to live.”

These developments reflect a broad spectrum of housing types, from manufactured homes and cottage-style units to multifamily apartments, demonstrating the critical need for diverse housing options across Oregon. Investing in homes of all shapes and sizes addresses the state’s housing affordability challenges, especially in rural communities where local housing needs require local solutions. The awarded projects also offer a range of service levels, including permanent supportive housing and culturally specific services, ensuring Oregonians can access housing that truly meets their needs.

The projects were selected through the Oregon Centralized Application process – a first-of-its-kind approach that streamlines funding to help preserve and create more affordable housing faster and more efficiently.

More details about each project can be found in the Housing Stability Council meeting packet.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

’50 States in 50 Weeks’ visits Oregon

“GMA” spotlights the great state of Oregon and all it has to offer, whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, movie buff or sports fan. https://abcnews.com/video/130562892/

“GMA” visits Mount Hood to explore the state’s natural beauty, rich history and vibrant communities, speaking with tribes and women preserving traditions through dance. https://abcnews.com/video/130563347/

Live Updates as 2026 Legislative Session Draws to a Close

After just more than a month of long meetings, sharp disagreements and hard-fought compromises, the Oregon Legislature must adjourn by 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

Capital Chronicle reporters have been at the Capitol tracking the action since it started Feb. 2, and they’ll be here until the end. As things move more quickly in the last few days, we’ll use this live blog to keep Oregonians updated. https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/03/05/live-updates-2026-legislative-session-draws-to-a-close/

A magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck near Bonanza Monday night, March 9, 2026, at 10:52 p.m. according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor was located approximately 22 miles east of Bonanza at a shallow depth of 4 miles (6 km).

Key Details:
Location: 36 km (approx. 22 miles) E of Bonanza, Oregon, near the Malin area.
Time: March 9, 2026, 10:52 PM PDT.
Magnitude: 3.3.
Depth: 4 to 6 km.
Recent Activity: A 2.7 magnitude earthquake was previously detected in the same region about three days prior. https://earthquaketrack.com/…/2026-03-10-05-52-01-utc-3…

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has enacted legislation aimed at alleviating the challenges encountered by behavioral health care professionals.

On March 5, 2026, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 4083, a bipartisan effort spearheaded by First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson to reduce administrative burdens on behavioral health workers. The law streamlines licensing, establishes a centralized credentialing platform, and expands clinical supervision to boost workforce retention and reduce burnout. 

Key Aspects of the Behavioral Health Legislation:

• Streamlined Credentialing: HB 4083 aims to cut “red tape” by requiring a centralized platform, reducing wait times for professionals to begin practicing.
• Administrative Reduction: The law directs the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to minimize duplicative reporting, allowing providers to focus on patient care.
• Supervision Expansion: It expands access to master’s-level clinical supervision, addressing a bottleneck for new professionals entering the field.
• Workforce Investment: Developed by the Behavioral Health Talent Council, this legislation follows 2025 investments in recruitment and retention grants. 

This action is part of a broader, ongoing strategy to stabilize Oregon’s behavioral health workforce, which has faced significant staffing shortages.

Emma Keen from Oregon School for the Deaf named Oregon’s 2026 Poetry Out Loud champion

Emma Keen, a high school junior at Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, is Oregon’s 2026 Poetry Out Loud champion.

Keen received the top score at Saturday’s Poetry Out Loud State Contest, held at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. She will now represent Oregon at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, to be held April 27-29 in Washington, D.C.

Bena (Bee-nah) Rodecap, a senior who attends Grant High School in Portland, was named runner up. Rodecap would be invited to represent Oregon in the national competition should Keen be unable to attend.

Watch video of Keen’s performance and the moment she was named champion by Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, who attended the event. View and download event high-resolution photos, also featuring the First Lady and 2020-2024 Oregon Poet Laureate Anis Mojgani, who performed at the event.

Since 2005, over 4.5 million high school students across the nation have participated in Poetry Out Loud. The program in Oregon is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oregon Arts Commission and jurisdictional arts agencies.

During Poetry Out Loud, students recite works in a dynamic competition and performance. They select poems from an anthology, memorize them, and are judged on criteria like physical presence, voice and articulation, and dramatic appropriateness. Poetry Out Loud helps students improve public speaking skills, build confidence and grow their appreciation for poetry.

Keen, who is student body president at Oregon School for the Deaf, decided to participate in Poetry Out Loud with the encouragement of her educator, Gayle Robertson. She chose to recite “Low-Tide,” by Edna St. Vincent Millay, “From One Who Stays” by Amy Lowell and “I am Like a Leaf” by Yone Noguchi.

“I am so grateful for this experience,” Keen said after being named champion. “I loved having my family here to support me. It’s been really amazing.”

Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, who attended the event, announced the winner from the 11 contestants.

“These students demonstrated the transformative power of poetry and the importance of investing in arts education,” Kotek Wilson said. “These students are creating connections, expressing themselves freely, and showing us the bright future of Oregon’s arts community.”

Rodecap, the runner up, said she has a love of poetry and writing, and thanked her English educator, Paige Battle, for her “tireless dedication.”

“Poetry Out Loud provides an incredible opportunity for students to practice resilience through art,” said Carli Jones, an American Sign Language and interpreting educator who for a second year helped judge the state competition. “It was wonderful to be in community with such talented and kind artists.”

The other nine students who competed Saturday, after winning their school competitions and advancing from the semifinals, are:

• Alida Shi Lyons, Cleveland High School (Portland)
• Ariana Morris, Redmond High School (Redmond)
• Drishti Singh, Lakeridge High School (Lake Oswego)
• Gabriel Hall, St. Stephen’s Academy (Beaverton)
• Josiah Gaither, St. Stephen’s Academy (Beaverton)
• Kaydence Pope, South Medford High School (Medford)
• Molly Wheeler, South Medford High School (Medford)
• Rain Obiesie, Lakeridge High School (Lake Oswego)
• Samantha Faulkner, Trinity Academy (Portland).

###The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, arts programs and funding for nonprofits and artists through its grants, special initiatives and services. Commissioners appointed by the Governor establish policies and provide advisory support for public investment in the arts. The Arts Commission is part of Business Oregon in recognition of the vital role the arts play in supporting the economies, educational opportunities and vibrancy of communities throughout the state.

The Arts Commission is supported with funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust. Learn more at oregonartscommission.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Officials in Deschutes, Jefferson, and Klamath counties have formed a coalition to demand immediate safety improvements on U.S. Highway 97, which they have identified as one of the most dangerous, fatal routes in Oregon.

The coalition is targeting the corridor between Bend and Madras, citing 77 fatal crashes between 2016 and 2020, making it the second-deadliest road in the state. 

• Safety Measures: The counties are calling for the installation of center median barriers to prevent head-on collisions, the addition of more passing lanes, and the installation of rumble strips.
• Funding & Enforcement: The coalition is urging the Oregon Legislature to prioritize funding for these improvements in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
• Increased Patrols: There is a call for increased Oregon State Police presence to deter dangerous driving.
• Infrastructure Scope: The request includes widening shoulders and improving “clear zones” to prevent roadway departures. 

Between 2018 and 2022, 97 people were killed in 3,461 crashes along this highway, with 17 fatalities reported in Klamath County alone between 2023 and 2025. The commissioners emphasize that this highway is critical for regional commerce and state resiliency in the event of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. 

Portland Trail Blazers Statement on State House Passing Senate Bill 1501, To Renovate Moda Center in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 6, 2026) – The Portland Trail Blazers released the following statement today after Senate Bill 1501 passed on the floor of the Oregon State House.  

“This is a great day for our community,” said Dewayne Hankins, Portland Trail Blazers President of Business Operations. “Thank you to Speaker Fahey, Majority Leader Bowman, Representative Nosse, and all the members of the Oregon House who passed Senate Bill 1501. Thank you to Governor Kotek, who has championed Oregon’s Arena from the very start. And, thank you to every Oregonian who weighed in throughout the legislative process with stories about what Moda Center and the Blazers mean to them. Rip City truly does run deep. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to renovate Moda Center and catalyze economic growth in the heart of a vibrant Lower Albina neighborhood. Working with local leaders, we’re ready to get started on the next chapter for this franchise.” 

ABOUT THE PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS – Members of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Portland Trail Blazers were founded in 1970 and purchased by the late Paul G. Allen in 1988. The team’s rich heritage includes 37 playoff appearances, three trips to the NBA Finals, an NBA championship in 1977 and a commitment to community service and sustainability. The Trail Blazers are dedicated to positively impacting underserved kids and their families throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington where they live, learn and play. Portland is the first and only professional sports franchise to receive the prestigious National Points of Light Award for excellence in corporate and community service. The Trail Blazers home arena, Moda Center, is the first existing arena to earn LEED Platinum Certification in 2019 after receiving LEED Gold Recertification in 2015 and becoming the first existing professional sports venue in the world to receive LEED Gold status in 2010. The team is also one of the founding members of the Green Sports Alliance. For more information, visit trailblazers.com.  

Oregon has historically capped interest rates on consumer loans at 36% for loans under $50,000. However, a “rent-a-bank” loophole allowed out-of-state, state-chartered banks to partner with online lenders to bypass this cap, often charging rates exceeding 100%. 

• The Loophole: Lenders exploited Section 521 of the federal Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act (DIDMCA) of 1980, which allows state-chartered banks to “export” the higher interest rates of their home state (e.g., Utah) to Oregonians.
• The Impact: Between 2020 and early 2026, over 31,000 of these high-interest loans were made to Oregon families, totaling over $61 million.
• The Solution (HB 4116): The new law closes this gap by opting Oregon out of the federal rate exportation provision (Section 525 of DIDMCA), ensuring that all lenders operating in Oregon must abide by the 36% cap.
• Status: The bill has passed both the House and Senate and is moving to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk, with an expected effective date in early June. 

OHA highlights rising injuries, safety risks tied to e-bike/e-scooter use

Oregon Health Authority is urging riders to take safety precautions when using e-scooters and e-bicycles, as new data show a sharp increase in serious injuries associated with these “micromobility” or motorized devices. 

An analysis by OHA’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program (IVPP), using Oregon hospital and emergency department discharge data, shows that e-scooter-related injuries more than doubled between 2021 and 2025, as use of these devices expanded statewide. 

Between 2021 and Sept. 30, 2025, Oregon hospitals and emergency departments reported the following e-scooter injury visits, using recently developed, e-scooter-specific codes. 

• 2021: 211 injuries
• 2022: 269 injuries
• 2023: 326 injuries
• 2024: 418 injuries
• 2025 (Jan-Sept 2025): 509 injuries 

“These injuries are not minor scrapes,” said Dagan Wright, Ph.D., senior injury epidemiologist and informaticist with OHA’s Public Health Division. “They often involve head injuries, broken bones and other serious trauma that requires emergency or inpatient care.” 

Someone who knows the risk all too well is Portland e-scooter commuter Daniel Pflieger. He was riding a scooter home from work and slid on ice. The accident resulted in several bruised ribs. Luckily, Pflieger was wearing his helmet.  

“I was biking home. It was late at night. It was just after one of the ice storms,” said Pflieger. “But most of the ice had melted and I was going uphill. And it was not a well-lit street. I would say one, wear a helmet. Two, pay attention to your surroundings. A lot of drivers are not paying attention. I wear a second light.”  

He added, “Really pay attention and ride at a comfortable speed. These things typically top out at 17 miles an hour, and it doesn’t sound very fast, but when you’re exposed to it, it can feel pretty fast.” 

• Watch e-scooter commuter Daniel Pflieger offer more of his micromobility safety tips. 

E-scooter injury diagnosis codes are relatively new in health care reporting, making trend data from 2021 onward the most reliable period for understanding how injuries are changing over time, Wright explained. While the overall numbers remain smaller than for other transportation-related injuries, the rapid increase over a short period of time is a clear safety signal.  https://www.oregon.gov/oha/erd/pages/oha-highlights-rising-injuries-safety-risks-tied-to-e-bike-e-scooter-use-03.03.2026.aspx

While the e-scooter injury trend analysis focuses specifically on these devices, OHA notes that e-bicycles raise many of the same safety concerns. Both devices can reach higher speeds than traditional bicycles, are often used in mixed traffic environments and are increasingly used by riders of all ages and experience levels. 

“Injuries involving e-bikes and e-scooters share common risk factors—speed, lack of helmet use, roadway design and interactions with motor vehicles,” Wright said. “As micromobility options grow, so does the need for transportation infrastructure, riders, drivers and communities to focus on safety.” 

In addition to injury data, OHA reviewed death records from 2018 through 2025 (2025 data are preliminary) to identify fatalities related to e-scooter or motorized scooter use. Because there is no specific death code for e-scooters, the review relied on limited text fields within death records for motorized or electric scooters and transportation-related codes. Any indication of a wheelchair, sitting scooter or otherwise were removed from being counted. 

• Twelve involved collisions with motor vehicles.
• Five did not involve traffic or other vehicles.
• 59% of those who died were older than 50.
• Seven of the 17 deaths, or 41% of all deaths from 2018 to 2025 (2025 data are preliminary and subject to change), were in 2025. 

“These findings highlight the risks associated with micromobility devices, particularly when riders are older or sharing space with vehicle traffic,” Wright said. 

OHA encourages people using e-scooters and e-bicycles to reduce their risk of injury by: 

• Wearing a properly fitted helmet.
• Following traffic laws and posted speed limits.
• Riding where permitted and avoiding sidewalks when prohibited.
• Staying alert and avoiding distractions.
• Using lights and reflective gear, especially at night.
• Taking extra caution around motor vehicle traffic. 

As e-scooters, e-bicycles and other micromobility options continue to expand in Oregon, OHA will continue monitoring injury trends and working with partners to promote safer riding conditions for all road and sidewalk users.  Learn more about injury data in Oregon here.  

About OHA – Oregon Health Authority works to improve the health and well-being of all Oregonians by ensuring access to effective, equitable and affordable health care and by supporting safe and healthy environments statewide.  

Oregon Lottery Supports Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Oregon Lottery is focusing on collaboration and enhanced community outreach to increase awareness of problem gambling in March – also known as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). By participating in this annual grassroots campaign, Oregon Lottery works with local and national partners to promote available prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

This year’s theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” emphasizes a collective responsibility for preventing gambling-related harm and a community-driven approach to awareness and support.

“We really connected to this year’s theme,” said Stacy Shaw, who leads Oregon Lottery’s Safer Play Program and is on the board of the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling (OCPG). “We see our biggest impacts when we collaborate broadly to reach our players and develop resources and tools for Oregonians impacted by gambling issues.”

The Oregon Gambling Research Center, a division of the OCPG, recently completed a research study that highlighted the important role communities play in supporting Oregonians.

“Problem Gambling Awareness Month reminds us that gambling-related harm affects individuals, families, and communities, and that prevention and support are critical to recovery and healing,” said Glenn Yamagata, executive director of OCPG. “Our research shows the importance of strengthening these community pathways to reduce harm and create meaningful, lasting change.”

Oregonians can access online tools and connect with free, professional counseling year-round by going to the OPGR website. The website provides a wide variety of resources designed to help people wherever they are on their help seeking journey. This includes free access to EVIVE – a first of its kind digital health app, offering solutions for quitting, moderating, or simply playing safer. New this year to anyone affected by gambling is GamFin, a free financial counseling and online community that offers support.

Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery revenue has funded problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts throughout Oregon. Since that time, over $155 million in Lottery funds has supported those services.

About the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling — The Oregon Council on Problem Gambling is the state affiliate to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Its purpose is to promote the health of Oregonians by supporting efforts to minimize gambling-related harm. Board members include individuals from the gaming industry, the treatment and prevention field, the recovery community, and state and county administrators.

About Oregon Lottery — Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $17.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery or to read the Responsible Gaming Impacts Report, visit www.oregonlottery.org.

Recent federal changes are expanding work requirements for some Oregonians who receive SNAP food benefits. State agencies are encouraging recipients to get free job search and training help through WorkSource Oregon.

The Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Employment Department say more SNAP recipients must now show they are working, looking for work, or in training to keep their benefits.

The new rules apply to more people than before, including some adults up to age 64 and some households with older children. Some recipients will also need to meet these requirements for longer than three months.

SNAP Director Amya Hoffman says many people may already qualify through jobs, volunteering, or other activities. Free help is available through WorkSource Oregon, which has 37 centers across the state. For more info, go to WorkSourceOregon.org.

Oregon to Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers May 5, 2026

Every year, the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honors the state’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. This year’s ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 5 at 1 p.m. at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.

The annual event commemorates the more than 190 fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the state of Oregon since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is proud to host the ceremony in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and various statewide law enforcement associations. 

Oregon State Parks to hire seasonal Park Rangers, Park Ranger Assistants

Oregon State Parks is hiring seasonal Park Rangers and Park Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2026 season.

Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through June with new positions listed on a rolling basis on the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.

Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.

Salaries start at $20.28 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.79 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, who are enrolled in high school start at $20.27 or more per hour, depending on experience.

Several of Oregon State Parks’ top leaders started their careers as seasonal employees, including all three Region Directors.

“We are focused on developing an engaged workforce by partnering with staff on career development, investing in skill building and fostering a culture of belonging. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you make a difference in protecting and promoting Oregon’s special places,” said interim Director Stefanie Coons.

Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Park Rangers at parks around the state. Positions are available in Oregon’s coastal areas, scenic valleys, and mountain regions, offering opportunities to work in some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.

For more information about current openings, visit https://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Recruiting D.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov“>OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.

Beginning on March 30, 2026, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will discontinue the waiver of parking fees at an additional 22 day-use parks.

Currently, a day-use parking permit costs $10 for residents of Oregon and $12 for out-of-state visitors, and it is valid for the entire day of purchase at any state park in Oregon. Access to the parks remains complimentary for those who walk, bike, or utilize public transportation.

Visitors arriving by car can present valid parking by displaying a current hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a valid 12 or 24-month parking permit. Additionally, visitors who acquire parking permits online or through parking QR codes can link their license plates to the valid payment.

At present, OPRD mandates a day-use parking permit at 46 parks and waives parking fees at over 150 parks throughout the state. The selection of the 22 additional parks was based on the amenities and features that necessitate maintenance and operation, including restrooms, trails, paving, irrigation, boat ramps, and more.

The revenue from parking fees contributes to the maintenance and operation costs, ensuring that these facilities remain available for all visitors.

Raise Funds to Plant Trees in Oregon

Registration is open for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K

Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  You must register by April 1^st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event.

Participants can walk, run, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 18 and 26 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. Last year, we had to close registration early due to higher than anticipated participation, so register as soon as possible.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15, or earlier if more participants sign up than we have available swag.

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.  This year’s tree plantings will be placed in the Santiam Canyon.

Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its sixth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include fifteen other states. Together, all sixteen states will help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

“We are thrilled to honor Bob Ross and continue our efforts to plant at least One Million Trees in Oregon.” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.  “To date, we have funded the planting of 850,000 trees.”

“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.”

Participants can register at www.orparksforever.org. — For more information, contact Seth Miller at 503/966-1053 or seth@orparksforever.org

UNDER PRESSURE: A VOLCANIC EXPLORATION, AN EXHIBITION FROM OREGON’S HIGH DESERT MUSEUM, SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON THE RUMBLING GIANTS AMONG US

(BEND, Ore.) — For millions of years, volcanoes have been the most powerful force in nature. And for many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the May 18, 1980, eruption of Washington’s Mount Saint Helens. The science, spectacle, and significance behind these massive peaks will soon be at the center of an immersive new exhibition, “Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration,” which will run from Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, at the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipient High Desert Museum in Bend, Ore.

On the heels of the Museum’s recent “Sensing Sasquatch” exhibition – which won the Western History Association’s prestigious 2025 Autry Public History Prize and earned national praise for exploring the Indigenous perspectives of what many call Bigfoot – comes the latest groundbreaking exhibition from the High Desert Museum. Under Pressure will take visitors on an educational, insightful, and thought-provoking journey into the forces that make volcanoes among the most majestic and often misunderstood natural wonders of the world, while exploring their individual stories and temperaments.

“From cultural and historical significance to the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, the Pacific Northwest and High Desert have a particularly long, complex, and symbiotic relationship with volcanoes,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., High Desert Museum executive director. “We live in their shadows, recreate on their slopes, and admire their beauty, but it’s the volcanoes’ ability to simultaneously cause destruction and creation that evokes feelings of awe. Under Pressure will provide an immersive and deep exploration.”

Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration, a groundbreaking new exhibition from Oregon’s High Desert Museum.

WHEN:            Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027

WHERE:          High Desert Museum (Spirit of the West Gallery)

                         59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702 (map HERE)

COST:              Free with Museum admission or membership

   Active U.S. military and their families, as well as Tribal members, are FREE with ID

Among the highlights that visitors to Under Pressure can expect to encounter include:

• Engage the senses through interactive displays and exhibits, including volcanic rocks and a volcanic hazard map, to learn about cutting-edge volcano research.
• Hear stories and learn the significance of volcanoes to the people of the High Desert region.
• Get to know 4-6 individual volcanoes through biographies that explain the similarities and differences between them.
• Learn about present-day volcano hazards and how lava flows.
• Understand the technologies that scientists use to detect volcanic activity, which allow us to live among volcanoes while also enjoying their many benefits.

“These geologic giants exist all around us, come in all shapes and sizes, and tell a story of our past, present, and future,” says Whitelaw. “With 350 million people living near an active volcano worldwide, the more we understand about volcanoes, the better we can exist alongside them.”

Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration opens to the public on Feb. 7, 2026, and runs through Jan. 3, 2027, in the High Desert Museum’s Spirit of the West Gallery. For additional information on exhibitions or to start planning your experience, visit highdesertmuseum.org.

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.

Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced

Taking Another Look at What Happened to Fauna Frey

Fauna was grieving the recent death of her brother, Dallas, when she set off from Eugene in June of 2020 heading to Grants Pass on what her family believes was both a healing trip and a mission to deliver gifts, silver coins inherited from Dallas, to a few friends.

But somewhere between motel check-ins and checkouts, something went terribly wrong. Her Jeep was found months later. She was never seen again. http://bit.ly/4l63Dle

We will start resharing podcasts and articles. For starters here is a story from Danielle Denham that appeared in the June 29, 2025 edition of That Oregon Life. Ms Denham worked closely with us to insure that the facts she presented were accurate.

Check out the nine episodes of the podcast Nowhere to be Found, a comprehensive, in-depth, sensitive treatment of the details surrounding Fauna’s disappearance. Hear from Fauna’s father, John, and her friends. Posted in spring of 2022, Amanda Popineau shares Fauna’s journey and the mystery that surrounds it. Go to Nowhere to be Found Season Two: Episode One “Under A Half-Moon.” https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/s2e1-under-a-halfmoon/id1532686678?i=1000512098162

We want to remind people that Fauna’s father is offering a huge reward for information that brings Fauna home.

Please if you have any information no matter how big or small let us know by calling the anonymous tip line or emailing. 

Tipline- 541-359-5638

Email – Helpfindfaunafrey@gmail.com

FOLLOW on FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/341658526970132

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

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

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

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

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

Find the mental health support you need

           Click the pic to see all resources