Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 3/18 – The City of Eugene Considering Policy to Require Disclosure of Home Energy Score When Listing a Home for Sale, Groundbreaking Ceremony Today for Permanent Supportive Housing in Corvallis & 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 18, 2026

Willamette Valley Weather

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

Groundbreaking Ceremony Thursday for 47 Units of Permanent Supportive Housing in Corvallis

Corvallis Housing First will host a groundbreaking ceremony for Third Street Commons, a new permanent supportive housing community that will provide housing and services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and disabilities in Benton County.

Media and community members are invited to attend.

WHO:
• Corvallis Housing First
• Oregon Housing and Community Services Executive Director Andrea Bell
• Corvallis Mayor Charles Maughan
• Benton County Coordinated Homeless Response Office Manager Rebecca Taylor
• Community partners, supporters and individuals with lived experience

WHAT:
Groundbreaking ceremony for Third Street Commons, a 47-unit permanent supportive housing development.

WHEN:
Thursday, March 19, 11:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Project site, 1480 SW Third St., Corvallis, Oregon

WHY:
Third Street Commons will provide safe, stable housing combined with supportive services for people experiencing chronic homelessness and disabilities. Permanent supportive housing is an evidence-based approach that helps people maintain long-term housing stability while improving health and well-being.

The project represents several years of collaboration among community partners and funders working to expand supportive housing options in Benton County.

Construction is expected to be completed in September 2027, with residents moving in shortly afterward.

VISUALS / PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

• Gold-shovel groundbreaking ceremony
• Community leaders and project partners speaking
• Rendering boards or site visuals
• Interviews with project leaders and community partners

MEDIA RSVP / INFORMATION:
To RSVP or request additional information, contact Corvallis Housing First at admin@corvallishousingfirst.org.

About Corvallis Housing First: Corvallis Housing First is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008 dedicated to providing housing solutions and services to end homelessness and improve lives in Corvallis and surrounding communities.

The City of Eugene Considering Policy to Require Disclosure of Home Energy Score When Listing a Home for Sale

The City of Eugene is exploring a policy that would require disclosure of a Home Energy Score when a home is listed for sale. Under the proposed Home Energy Score disclosure policy, the seller of a home would:

1. Get a Home Energy Score from a licensed home energy assessor before advertising a home for sale. The average cost of a Home Energy Score is roughly $150. A list of assessors who serve the Eugene area can be found here(External link).
2. Include the Home Energy Score report in the home listing on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database, such as Zillow or Redfin.
3. Allow prospective buyers to view the Home Energy Score as they look at homes.

Goals of the Proposed Policy

• Increase transparency: Provide buyers with clear, consistent information about a home’s energy performance.
• Support informed decisions: Help buyers understand potential energy costs and features before purchasing a home.
• Encourage energy-saving upgrades: Offer education and guidance so homeowners can voluntarily make improvements that reduce energy use and utility bills.
• Leverage the real estate moment: Share information at a time when people are likely to invest in upgrades to their homes.

Engagement and Research – The City of Eugene is seeking community input to help shape the policy. Through this engagement effort, the City will:

• Engage residents to understand their priorities and concerns.
• Research what other cities have done and identify best practices.
• Gather ideas for ways to make policies fair and effective.

Afterwards, staff will return to City Council to share results of engagement and research.

Background – Our region faces challenges with inefficient energy usage in homes and buildings leading to high energy costs. In Eugene, 65% of homes were built before 1990, which is when the building code was updated to establish stronger energy efficiency standards. This means that many homes have poor insulation, inefficient heating systems, and outdated appliances. Additionally, 34% of households in Lane County are considered energy-burdened, meaning that the impacts of low energy efficiency are disproportionately affecting low income households. Many residents do not know where to start or what resources are available. Expanding the use of home energy scores is one way to address these challenges.

City Council has directed staff to explore home energy score policy options and present possible pathways forward. Four Oregon cities currently require a home energy score when listing a home for sale, including Portland, Hillsboro, Bend and Milwaukee. Eugene is a exploring a similar policy based on the outcomes of community engagement and policy research. https://engage.eugene-or.gov/home-energy-score-project

“Save Our ER Docs” at PeaceHealth

Oregon Nurses Association

Local care is better care! PeaceHealth executives are trying to outsource local healthcare and the community isn’t having it! More than 200 doctors, nurses, healthcare pros, elected leaders and community members came out in force in Springfield on Thursday to support the local ER doctors at Eugene Emergency Physicians who have saved lives and cared for local patients and their families for more than 35 years. “Our health can’t be sold to the highest bidder. Our healthcare belongs to our community and it should stay in our community …

We’re all here with a simple message for PeaceHealth executives: Renew the contract with Eugene Emergency Physicians and stop trying to outsource our healthcare.” – Chris Rompala, RN, ONA bargaining unit chair and board member — Sign the petition to show you support!https://ow.ly/C4W550Yu1rL

• 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.

We hope you can join us for this community event as Equity and Community Consortium joins the City of Eugene’s Human Rights Commission and the United for Immigrant Justice coalition for a screening of the short film The Undocumented Lawyer.

Building Alliances: Immigrant Rights are Human Rights Thursday, March 19, 2026 Eugene Farmers Market Pavillion5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

The screening will include a conversation with filmmaker Zach Ingrasci and a fishbowl panel of community leaders. The 19-minute film is also available to watch online through the end of March. More information the event and accessing the film online is available at https://bit.ly/4dnEq4H This event is the culmination of the International Human Rights Day & Shorts Film Series.

Eugene Contractor’s Accountant Sentenced for Embezzlement

A Lane County Circuit Court judge sentenced Melisa Ann Juline Jaragosky to 96 months in prison and 24 months of post-prison supervision for embezzling $642,000 from Harvey and Price Co., a mechanical services contractor based here in Eugene.

Jaragosky pled guilty to 14 counts of aggravated identity theft and seven counts of aggravated theft in the first degree in December 2025. At sentencing on March 10, the state argued that Jaragosky should receive a sentence of 142 months in prison and the defense argued for a lesser sentence.

According to the DA, Harvey and Price Co. hired Jaragosky as their accountant in 2018 and shortly after she was hired Jaragosky began writing herself checks on Harvey and Price’s account and forging the signatures of her supervisor and owners of the business in order to cash the checks. She generated fraudulent invoices in order to hide some of her theft.

“Jaragosky used the funds for personal gain, including to finance the purchase of a home and two cars,” the DA’s office stated. “Jaragosky admitted to detectives that she had also given stolen money to family and friends.”

While her embezzlement began shortly after she was hired in 2018, due to the statute of limitations, the Lane County District Attorney’s Office was only able to charge Jaragosky for her theft from April 2019 until her actions were discovered in March 2025. Over that period of time Jaragosky stole over $642,000. Members of the Springfield Police Department investigated the case.

Eugene Police Department · Warning about wire transfer scams

A local bank has advised EPD they have seen an uptick in older persons who are coming into the bank for a ‘wire transfer,’ where the money ultimately ends up in a scammer’s account. During their interactions with the victims, employees noticed the victims had been coached by a scammer to say they are getting work done on their house or sending money to a relative.

Please beware of anyone asking for a wire transfer and conduct your own research before transferring money to an account or person you don’t know. Visit your bank to ask in person about any bank employees or persons who have called you and asked you to verify your personal and banking information over the phone. If you receive a phone call and recognize that the call is a scam, please hang up immediately and report the information to www.ic3.gov

If you are the victim of a scam and have incurred a loss, please call the EPD non-emergency at 541.682.5111. Scams, Fraud and Identity Theft | Eugene, OR Website

These cases provide an opportunity for a reminder on how to avoid becoming the victim of fraud. Scams are cyclical in nature. Eugene Police recommend to be careful and remain skeptical of callers:

•If someone asks you for your cash, gift cards, credit card numbers, security log-ins, or other personal information (especially if you don’t know them well), the safest move is to refuse their request and check with the police, or find an independent way to contact a legitimate business or bank and follow up rather than responding right away to the caller.

•Don’t give out computer or phone log-ins, personal or financial information to someone who calls you. If you are unsure, hang up and independently find the phone number of the alleged represented agency and call yourself. A law enforcement agency will not ask you for this type of information or request that money be sent by way of money order for any reason.

•Beware of high-pressure techniques, such as the need to give information or make a decision on the spot.

•If it sounds quirky or weird, it probably is.

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.

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

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

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. 

More than 2 million seedlings planted this season in Oregon’s state forests

A mild winter with spring-like weather has helped the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) replanting of state forest timber harvest areas stay ahead of schedule this year with approximately two million seedlings already in the ground.

“This has been a great planting season with no shutdowns due to weather,” said John Walter, ODF’s State Forests Silviculturist.  “All our districts are done or will be this month.  The only exception being Klamath Lake—they typically plant into May and have about 60,000 to get in.”

Like most Western Oregon’s forests, Douglas Fir is the dominant species, but ODF tries to add diversity to its reforestation plan to promote resilience and provide additional types of timber products.

“This year we planted about 74 percent Doug(las) Fir, 17 percent Hemlock, two percent each of Western Red Cedar and Noble Fir, one percent each of Grand Fir and Sitka Spruce with the remaining three percent Pondarosa Pine,” said Walter.  “Later, hardwoods naturally seed in with mainly alder and bigleaf maple.  So, we end up with a species mix that is fairly typical western Oregon forests.”

The seedlings are grown by nine contracted northwest nurseries and this year they supplied ODF with 2.3 million of them.

“The successful bidders that purchase timber sales, have three years to complete harvest so it makes it a little tricky on the planning side to project a year in advance how many seedlings we need each year,” said Walter.  “However, we never want to run short so we typically order a little more than what we will plant in state forests.”

This year ODF has nearly 300,000 of those “extra” seedlings, all of which are destined for Oregon’s forests—just not state forests.  ODF typically sells, or sometimes donates, seedlings to watershed groups, other non-profits, and Oregon tribes. 

All those 2.3 million seedlings that were grown in controlled environments at the nurseries are then shipped to ODF and held in large coolers until planting season.  

The planting is done mostly by private contractors working for ODF.  Some planting and replanting the next year, mainly in the Tillamook State Forest, is also done by Adults In Custody from the South Fork Forest Camp, a facility jointly run by the Department of Corrections and ODF.

“This is not easy work,” said Bill Sayers, Reforestation Forester for ODF’s Forest Grove District who along with two of his coworkers were monitoring contractors working in Tillamook State Forest. “The terrain can be steep and slippery especially with a pack of 200 or so trees on your back and a shovel in your hand.  Also, the contracts emphasize both speed and efficiency.  They have to plant fast and plant correctly to get the maximum pay out specified in the contract.  Most of these guys do amazing work.”

To determine if the work is done correctly ODF staff measures out a 1/100^th of an acre circle and counts the number of seedlings planted in the circle.

“To get to our goal of usually 400 trees per acre there needs to be four seedlings in that circle,” said Sayers.  “If there are too few or too many, we alert the foreman and they correct the issue right there.  We then dig up the seedings in the circle to make sure they are planted correctly. If they are too deep or too shallow or the roots are bent over, we call those planting errors.  We identify those issues and again get it corrected in real time.  And yes, we replant the ones we checked ourselves.”

Once in the ground correctly and at the right time, the number one determining factor for their survival is whether they get the right amount of moisture at the right time.

“Obviously weather is the top determining factor—if it is an unusually dry spring and hot dry summer mortality goes up,” said Walter.  “We can’t do anything about the weather.  The second major factor is competing vegetation.  Even if it is a “normal” participation year, seedlings can struggle if other plants are sucking up all the moisture.  We evaluate each unit individually and then where deemed necessary use herbicide to limit that competing vegetation to increase the survival rate.”

Other factors impacting seedlings survival are deer and elk browse, root damage (mainly from mountain beavers that live underground), insects, tree diseases and wildfire. 

 “However, these stressors are usually limited to certain units and not as much of a threat when compared to the overall impact lack of water or drought region wide,” said Walter.

Looking to the future, ODF has several cooperative agreements and is a partner in research projects in Oregon and the Northwest to improve the genetics to increase the survivability of future trees.

“It’s difficult and a long-term effort to improve our trees,” said Walter. “Ideally, we want disease resistance, climate adaptation and growth all in the same tree.  Realistically it is hard to get one of those traits without dropping one or two of the others.”

Meanwhile, ODF continues to manage state forests to yield a sustainable balance of economic, environmental and social benefits over time and for all Oregonians. 

To learn more on how your state forests are managed see: Oregon Department of Forestry : State forests : Forest resources : State of Oregon

Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services  · Join a free webinar TODAY — Student loan ombuds from Oregon and several other states will share the latest on federal student loans, vital borrower resources, and how their offices can assist you.

This webinar will cover essential topics, including borrower rights, repayment plans, new borrowing limits, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), default management, and more.The webinar takes place March 18 at noon PST. To register, visit https://dfpi.ca.gov/…/navigating-the-future-of-student….

Cherry blossoms illuminated at State Capitol State Park March 21 through April 4

SALEM— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will host “Yozakura,” night viewing of the Akebono cherry blossoms, March 21 through April 4 in the North Mall at State Capitol State Park.

The cherry blossoms will be illuminated with Japanese lanterns and lights nightly from 6-10 p.m. Visitors may bring blankets, camping chairs, or an evening picnic to enjoy under the canopy of the illuminated trees.

The lanterns and lights create a striking and beautiful scene inside the park at night.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will livestream the cherry blossoms on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OregonParks beginning March 21 during the day and evening through April 4.

Park staff ask that tree limbs and blossoms are left as is so everyone can view them throughout the bloom. Alcohol is not allowed in State Capitol State Park (without permits) and the park closes at 10 p.m.

For more information on events at the Capitol, call Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 or visit the events page.

Wyden questions changes to postmark rule as tax, election deadlines loom

Wide-scale changes to when the U.S. Postal Service collects mail and postmarks envelopes could jeopardize timely tax returns and the ability for voters in Oregon and other states to have their ballots counted, Oregon’s senior U.S. senator warned Thursday.

Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat, sent Postmaster General David Steiner a letter Thursday with 11 questions about how the Postal Service is implementing its changes, making Americans aware of them and working with election officials and the Internal Revenue Service to minimize risks that the changes could lead to penalties for late tax filing or disenfranchise voters. 

“Voters in my state of Oregon have for 30 years relied on the USPS to cast their ballots with confidence knowing their votes will be counted in a timely manner,” Wyden wrote. “These network changes and corresponding postmarking delays may jeopardize timely ballot delivery in 2026, disenfranchising voters in Oregon and nationwide.” 

The Postal Service plans to create roughly 60 regional processing and distribution centers, mostly in urban hubs including Portland. When completed, about 23,000 post offices — roughly three-quarters of the country’s total — won’t have end-of-day mail collection.

Instead, mail that arrives at a post office more than 50 miles from a regional center will be picked up the following morning and processed at the regional center, adding at least a day to delivery times. Those changes apply to most of Oregon, including the second- and third-largest cities of Salem and Eugene. 

The shift to regional processing centers and ending evening mail collection means envelopes won’t receive postmarks until they’re processed at the Portland center — so someone mailing a ballot, filing a tax return by mail or who otherwise counts on a postmark as proof a letter was sent by a deadline will have to send their mail earlier or ask for a manual postmark at a post office. 

In a rule finalized on the federal register on Christmas Eve, the Postal Service maintains that a postmark date “does not inherently or necessarily align with the date on which the Postal Service first accepted possession of the mailpiece.” 

“If customers are aware that the postmark date may not align with the date on which the Postal Service first accepted possession of a mailpiece, they will be better equipped to adjust their plans accordingly,” the rule reads. “And if policymakers or other entities that create rules utilizing the postmark date are aware of what the postmark date signifies, they are better equipped to determine whether their rules adequately serve their purposes.”

But, Wyden noted in his letter, federal law explicitly states that the IRS uses postmarks to validate the timeliness of tax returns.

“Slower application of the postmark has direct legal consequences on whether taxpayers’ returns will be considered timely by the IRS,” Wyden wrote. “USPS’s network changes will inevitably delay postmarking for tax returns and may result in late penalties for a significant number of Americans who are unaware of these changes.”

Taxes must be filed by April 15, and Oregon’s primary election is May 19. Because of changes to how the Postal Service handles mail outside of the Portland area, election officials will urge voters to mail their ballots back at least a week prior or use drop boxes instead of relying on timely mail delivery. (SOURCE)

WIC boosts shopping budgets for Oregon families, increases access to healthy foods statewide

Annual report highlights expanded food options, newly opened clinics and the impact of WIC dollars in local communities

March is National Nutrition Month. One of Oregon’s largest nutrition programs, Oregon Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), is marking the occasion by sharing its 2025 annual report. It highlights the program’s role in building healthy families and strong communities.

Key information in the report includes:

• In 2025, nearly $68 million in WIC benefits were spent at 483 authorized grocery stores and pharmacies across the state, an increase of almost 5% from 2024, when close to $65 million in WIC funds were distributed in Oregon. WIC-authorized stores must stock a minimum amount of specific healthy foods, improving access to nutritious options for the entire community. Oregon WIC also sets nutrition standards for food items sold statewide.
• The new WIC food package reflects the latest nutrition science and aligns with dietary patterns recognized globally. The changes bring increased variety, flexibility and choice, allowing families to honor cultural traditions and access healthy food options, including gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-free foods.
• WIC increases health access in rural communities. Nearly 37% of pregnant women in Oregon’s rural and remote areas participate in the program, and WIC has improved access by opening clinics in Gilliam County, Wallowa County and Grand Ronde, bringing services closer to home for more families.

The report comes at a time when some Oregon families are struggling to make ends meet with rising food costs. The 2026 Oregon Financial Score Card shows that three quarters of Oregon households have cut down on spending due to higher housing and food costs.

WIC plays a vital role in providing nutritious foods that support healthy pregnancies and the growth and development of babies and young children. The program helps families maintain their buying power because the WIC food packages supply a set amount of healthy foods each month, offering stability when grocery prices are high.

“WIC dollars go directly into Oregon communities. Families use their WIC benefits at grocery stores, pharmacies, farmers markets and farm stands, supporting local jobs, retailers, and farmers while providing nutritious foods,” said Oregon WIC Director Tiare Sanna, M.S., RDN.

The Farm Direct Nutrition Program is just one of the innovative programs highlighted in this year’s report, published March 1. The state-administered federal nutrition program allows participants to purchase fresh, locally grown fruit, vegetables and herbs directly from farmers at farmers markets and farm stands. In 2025, 40,600 WIC participants and 53,000 low-income seniors used benefits to buy produce through the WIC and Senior Farm Direct programs.

“It brightens my day when WIC participants shop at my farmers market booth with their Farm Direct dollars,” said Nicki Passarella of Storybrook Farm in Sandy. “Seeing a child’s eyes light up when they get to choose a vegetable is so heartwarming and encouraging. The impact of WIC Farm Direct is invaluable to me, to my farm business, and to Oregon’s farming community.”

WIC’s modern approaches to nutrition education and breastfeeding support are making a difference for families. Marion County resident Diane Smith shared how WIC supported her breastfeeding journey and her children’s nutrition.

“The information I have gotten from WIC has tremendously helped me. It’s amazing, and I recommend it to anybody—young moms and families that need assistance with nutrition or anything,” Smith said. “I’m so proud of myself for being able to breastfeed through my last two pregnancies because of the WIC program and nutrition program. It’s made me a stronger mom and my kids stronger, and I’m all around a better person because of it.”

• Hear Smith discuss how WIC has helped her family in this video.

About WIC – Last year, Oregon WIC served 119,464 participants across 36 counties, including 86,461 infants and children received nutrition support that helps boost early learning and kindergarten readiness. WIC serves income-eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals, and infants and kids under age 5. WIC also provides families with nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health screenings, wholesome foods, and connections to community resources. For more information, call 211 or go to healthoregon.org/wic.

Supporters of a referendum to challenge Oregon’s gas tax increase have filed another lawsuit over the state’s transportation funding law.

The lawsuit comes after the Oregon House approved Senate Bill 1599 in a 31–20 vote. The bill moves the referendum on the transportation package from the November ballot to the May ballot.

The transportation law would raise Oregon’s gas tax and some DMV fees. Supporters of the law say the increases are needed to fund transportation projects and prevent layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

State Rep. Ed Diehl and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Starr spoke about the lawsuit during a press conference in Salem on Tuesday, saying they support the legal challenge. The issue will now be decided in court.

Roseburg Man Charged With Murder of 11-Month-Old Son

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – A Roseburg man is in custody tonight charged with the murder of his 11-month-old son.

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was placed by 27-year-old Jared Scott Jeremy Stoller of Roseburg. Stoller reported to dispatchers that his 11-month-old son, Jaxson, was missing from his hotel room at the Relax Inn in Sutherlin, Oregon. Sutherlin Police Officers responded to the call and determined there to be suspicious circumstances involved. The Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated to assist in the investigation.

Stoller was interviewed by detectives from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and eventually confessed that he had murdered Jaxson days earlier at a location in Roseburg. Stoller told detectives that he had disposed of the child’s body in the South Umpqua River.

Divers from the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, assisted by boats from the Oregon State Police and Douglas County, located Jaxson’s body just before 6:00 p.m. in the river near the 3500-block of Old Melrose Road. His body was turned over to the care of the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy is expected to take place in the coming days.

Detectives arrested Stoller and lodged him in the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

• Murder in the First Degree
• Abuse of a Corpse in the First Degree

The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is continuing to investigate the homicide. The Sheriff’s Office has been assigned as the lead investigating agency. The Major Crimes Team consists of investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office.

Additional assistance was received from Douglas County Search and Rescue, Sutherlin Police Department, Winston Police Department, Myrtle Creek Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Welfare Division.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details are expected to be released at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at 541-440-4471 referencing Case #26-0836.

Spring Whale Watch Week returns to the Oregon coast for spring break 2026

Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 29.

Trained Oregon State Park volunteers and park rangers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot whales and their calves and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily March 21-29. The sites are among the best places to watch whales on the Oregon Coast.

“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whale migration can be a bit closer on their return trip north, usually within a few miles from shore.  As we get later into the spring, we can sometimes see the mothers with calves in tow,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates 13,000 gray whales are expected to migrate past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as they travel back toward Alaska, far fewer than earlier projections suggested. Although NOAA declared the Unusual Mortality Event over in 2023 and initially believed the population might be rebounding, new winter 2025 estimates instead show the lowest numbers since the 1970s.

NOAA’s models, which combine visual surveys with migration pattern assumptions, indicate that the 2025 population most likely falls between 11,700 and 14,500 whales.

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 21-29. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Park rangers and volunteers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Spring Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch.

Oregon Lottery’s Winning Raffle Numbers Drawn

Are you holding a $1 million ticket? Oregon’s annual Raffle numbers have been drawn.

Winning $1 Million Top Prize Number: 061889

Prizes for the Raffle include:

• $1 million top prize
• 300 prizes of $500
• 1,500 prizes of $100

To check the winning Raffle numbers for all 1,801 prizes, players can use the Lottery’s phone app, go to www.oregonlottery.org, or visit a participating Oregon Lottery retail location.

The $500 and $100 prize winners can claim their prizes at any Oregon Lottery retail location. In addition, players can claim their prize by mail – visit https://www.oregonlottery.org/claim-a-prize/ for instructions. The $1 million Raffle prize winner will need to make an appointment with the Oregon Lottery office in Salem or Wilsonville. Please call 1-800-766-6789 for assistance.

The Raffle offers the best odds of any Oregon Lottery game of winning $1 million – 1 in 250,000. Overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 138.8. The Oregon Lottery’s Raffle game went on sale January 4 with 250,000 tickets available, and all tickets were sold out by the evening of Friday, March 13, 2026.

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $17.8 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery 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. 

BLM seeks seasonal volunteer camp hosts across Oregon, Washington

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking seasonal volunteer hosts for several recreation sites in Oregon and Washington. Hosts will help connect visitors to public lands during a milestone year as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, and the BLM celebrates its 80th anniversary.  

Campground hosts play an important role in the visitor experience. They offer information about recreation opportunities, answer questions about the area, and help ensure campgrounds remain clean and safe. Light maintenance tasks—such as tidying restrooms, collecting trash, and keeping signs and information boards up to date—are part of the daily routine.  

This is a live-in volunteer position, and hosts must provide their own self-contained RV. Volunteers may be eligible to receive a daily per diem reimbursementwhile serving on site. 

Season lengths and schedules vary by location, with most positions running from late spring through early fall. Some locations can accommodate couples who want to host together and share responsibilities. All volunteer campground hosts must complete a federal background check. 

Those interested in learning more or applying can visit Volunteer.gov and search for “BLM Oregon” or “BLM Washington” to view current openings. 

-BLM-  The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 

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.

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