The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Friday, March 27, 2026
Willamette Valley Weather
Be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast
WorkSource Oregon invites job seekers to attend a weeklong job fair at its Eugene location. “Your Career, Your Week” runs from 1-5 p.m. Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3, 2026.
Each day focuses on a different industry, with employer partners on hand to talk about career pathways, training opportunities, and current job openings in a variety of sectors.
- Monday, March 30: Health care and social services
- Tuesday, March 31: Manufacturing and skilled trades
- Wednesday, April 1: Technology and innovation
- Thursday, April 2: Education, government and nonprofit
- Friday, April 3: Retail, logistics and distribution
The event is offered at no cost to the public. Advance registration is encouraged but not required. Job seekers are asked to bring their resumes. For more information about the in-demand careers across these sectors, they can visit QualityInfo.org to explore the skills and career pathways for Oregon’s growing industries and occupations.
“This is a great opportunity for people to learn about a variety of career options in key sectors of Oregon’s economy and connect directly with hiring employers,” said Jim Pfarrer, director of Workforce Operations with the Oregon Employment Department. “Job seekers should come prepared to make a strong impression and ready to talk about their strengths and experience.”
WorkSource staff will also be on site to offer resources for career exploration, as well as resume and interview guidance.
“WorkSource Oregon Lane is pleased to bring this exciting multiday event to job seekers in the Eugene area,” said Supervisor Joseph Land. “We encourage the public to take advantage of this opportunity to speak directly with our employer partners and learn more about the breadth of career options in our region. This is just one example of the many services we offer at no cost to help people find a job or get the training they need to be successful.”
The Oregon Employment Department and WorkSource Oregon are proud to partner with businesses and employers across the state in finding qualified employees. If you are interested in collaborating on a hiring event or learning more about our resources for employers, please contact Services@oregon.gov” rel=”noreferrer noopener” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;” target=”_blank”>EmployerServices@oregon.gov.
Event Information
Date: Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3, 2026
Time: Daily, 1-5 p.m.
Location: WorkSource Oregon Lane, 2nd Floor Rooms
2510 Oakmont Way, Eugene, OR 97401
Phone: 541-686-7601
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/worksource-lane-job-fair-marathon-tickets-1984164683982
About Workforce Operations and WorkSource Oregon
The Oregon Employment Department’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services to job seekers, employers, and businesses, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, job search strategies, support for job postings and hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information.
Equal Opportunity Statement
WorkSource Oregon (WSO) is an equal opportunity agency. WSO provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1680. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to Services@oregon.gov” rel=”noreferrer noopener” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;” target=”_blank”>EmployerServices@oregon.gov.
WorkSource Oregon (WSO) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. WSO proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1680. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a Services@oregon.gov” rel=”noreferrer noopener” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;” target=”_blank”>EmployerServices@oregon.gov.
Tickets Available Now for Willamalane Park and Recreation Megga Hunt
Tickets are available now for Megga Hunt, taking place on Saturday, April 4!
Megga Hunt is Springfield’s largest annual egg hunt event featuring crafts, balloon animals, face painting, train rides, music, and more! Tickets are $7 to participate in an egg hunt. Anyone not participating in a hunt can attend and enjoy other fun activities for free.
There are competitive hunts by age, plus baby and toddler, inclusive, and adaptive hunts. You can also reserve a family hunt to do a smaller egg hunt with just your group. Get your tickets today at willamalane.org/egg
The woman accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from the Eugene Weekly newspaper pleaded guilty to theft charges in court this week.
Elisha Joe Young of Springfield accepted a plea deal Tuesday morning in Lane County Circuit Court. Young was employed by the paper as the business manager.
She was accused of stealing money and failing to pay bills, leading to the entire staff being laid off in December 2023. Community members crowdsourced funds to save the paper and help it reopen.
Young fled to Ohio during the investigation. The governor of Oregon initially declined to bring her back but eventually she was extradited and booked into the Lane County Jail in June. Her trial was scheduled for May, but has been canceled as a result of the plea deal. Her sentencing date has not been announced yet.
Petty Thievery at Whirled Pies Today!
This is an amazing band of veteran musicians who have joined together to honor the music of Tom Petty. Each bring their love for Petty’s songs and the music of the Heartbreakers to this fun rock and roll tribute.
Eugene Springfield Firefighters Local 851 — You’re invited to the Lane Fire Authority Town Hall!
Join us on Friday, May 1st from 6–9 PM at LaVelle Vineyards (89697 Sheffler Road, Elmira, OR) for a relaxed evening of community, food, and conversation — presented by IAFF 851 (Lane County Professional Firefighters).
Come meet Fire Chief Dale Borland and County Commissioners Ryan Cinega and Heather Buch to learn what fire levy 20-386 means for your family and our community. Plus, enjoy live music by the Yard Dogs and tacos from Calle Steelo Taqueria Food Truck!
It’s free, all ages, and open to everyone. Whether you’ve been here for decades or just want to know how we keep our community safe — this evening is for you. Please note the event is free but you must register to attend. � Reserve your free spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/lane-fire-authority-town…
Lane County Physicians Sue to Block PeaceHealth’s Deal with Staffing Company
PeaceHealth Oregon has announced it will not renew a long-standing contract with local Eugene Emergency Physicians to staff emergency departments in Springfield, Cottage Grove and Florence. The hospital system has opted for an Atlanta-based company instead.
A group of physicians in Lane County has filed a lawsuit trying to block the nonprofit PeaceHealth from switching to an out-of-state management company to staff its emergency departments.
It’s the first civil suit filed under a 2023 Oregon law that gave physicians the power to sue over management agreements that impinge on their power to run medical practices and direct patient care.
Lawmakers enacted it in an effort to prevent independent clinics and practices in the state from being purchased by larger national corporations and private equity firms.
Corporations with established health care businesses in Oregon have until 2029 to comply with the law. For newly-formed corporations, it went into effect earlier this year.
PeaceHealth has said that the company it is working with, Georgia-based ApolloMD, will start staffing its emergency departments in Springfield, Cottage Grove and Florence in June and July.
The nonprofit has defended its decision to work with a national staffing company, saying ApolloMD won the contract in a fair, competitive process.
The lawsuit asks the court to void the deal between PeaceHealth and ApolloMD, and block the company from operating in Oregon. They’re also asking that the judge allow the contract with the current providers to stay in place as the litigation moves forward.
This civil suit follows weeks of pushback against the deal from local doctors and nurses and the state’s Democratic political leadership. All 41 doctors and physician assistants who work in the emergency department at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center in Springfield have pledged not to work with ApolloMD. That agreement lasts for at least three months.
The ousted local physicians’ group, Eugene Emergency Physicians, had contracted with Peacehealth since 1991 to staff its emergency departments. They filed their complaint on Friday in the state circuit court in Lane County. The plaintiffs also include a recent emergency department patient and her mother.
They filed suit against Peacehealth and its business partners: ApolloMD INC, ApolloMD Business Services LLC, and a new Oregon corporation — Lane Emergency Physicians LLC — that was registered in Oregon on Feb. 9.
The lawsuit alleges that ApolloMD is using what’s known as the “friendly physician” model, where a management services company that is purportedly just providing administrative support actually exerts much more control over a medical practice.
It’s a type of business arrangement that has become common in states like Oregon that require that doctors licensed in the state hold a majority stake.
The friendly physician model can allow non-physicians to get around those laws and invest in medical practices.
In a March 6 letter to state lawmakers, ApolloMD CEO Yogin Patel said his company is committed to full compliance with the Oregon law, and answered some questions about how the deal is structured.
Patel said that a newly formed local corporation, Lane Emergency Physicians LLC, holds the emergency department staffing contract with PeaceHealth. That LLC is fully owned by a single physician, Dr. Johne Philip Chapman. Chapman, Patel said, will be in charge of running the emergency departments and making all relevant clinical decisions, like how many patients a doctor sees on a shift.
ApolloMD, meanwhile, will only provide “non-clinical administrative support” to Chapman and the LLC. Those support services include billing and collections, HR and legal, recruiting and data analysis, according to Patel’s letter.
According to the lawsuit, that arrangement “is exactly the business model that Oregon’s corporate practice of medicine laws prohibit.”
The lawsuit notes that while ApolloMD describes Chapman as the “sole owner” of Lane Emergency Physicians LLC, the company appears to exercise a considerable degree of control over him.
Chapman, it alleges, is a resident of Illinois who has worked with ApolloMD. Records show Chapman received a license to practice in Oregon on March 17.
The lawsuit also points to the fact that ApolloMD – and not Chapman – has been actively recruiting and hiring physicians to work in Lane County.
“Notably not in control is Dr. Chapman,” the plaintiffs’ attorneys write. The lawsuit alleges that the “de facto” control that ApolloMD is exercising over operations in Oregon violates the state’s restrictions.
A PeaceHealth spokesman said the health system had not yet received the lawsuit and consequently could not comment on it. Chapman also said he’d only just learned of the suit and was not yet ready to comment.
ApolloMD did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Patel has pushed back against some characterizations of the company and its motives. ApolloMD, he wrote in the letter, is a private company owned by physicians, clinicians and employees, and not investment funds. The company’s owners “share concerns about private equity influence in healthcare,” he wrote, and are dedicated to ensuring clinical decisions serve the best interests of patients. (SOURCE)
Governor Kotek asks PeaceHealth to delay and reconsider PeaceHealth emergency room staffing transition
“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.
Eugene Family YMCA Community Survey on New Projects
The Eugene YMCA is seeking feedback from the community about building out its Patterson Street property in South Eugene, where the old YMCA had been, and adding a new location in North Eugene.
CEO Brian Steffen said there are two potential sites off River Road in Santa Clara. He said the Y put an agreement on hold to purchase the LTD property at Hunsaker Lane, but he said LTD is working with the city to possibly change its limitation on building size.
Steffen said as it stands, the site is restricted to an 18,000 square foot building, which is far smaller than they’d hoped. For comparison, the 24th Street YMCA is 75,000 square feet.
The Y is also in discussions with the City of Eugene regarding a site near Madison Middle School.
Steffen said part of the survey is to determine which location the community prefers.
Meanwhile, the new YMCA in South Eugene is incredibly popular, with more than 19,000 members. Steffen said demand is helping shape the plans for the site of the old YMCA on Patterson Street, which was demolished in 2024.
“We know that some of the most acute needs that the Y is uniquely positioned to address in our community are associated with childcare,” he said. “So, a big part of what we’re looking at with the Patterson project is the opportunity to build four large multi-purpose rooms that could serve as licensed childcare spots.”
Steffen said the rooms would also accommodate group fitness classes, which have exceeded capacity on 24th Street. Other options, such as community gathering and classroom spaces, are also on the table. He said in order to minimize costs, there are no plans to change the existing tennis and pickleball center.
The community survey is open until March 26.
Steffen said when the input is finalized, the YMCA will conduct a donor feasibility study. He anticipates the board of directors will review the options this summer, and begin the fundraising campaigns in the fall.
Follow Up Article from Lookout Eugene-Springfield and Coyote Situation at Mt. Pisgah
Concerning Visitor and Animal Behavior Requires Lane County Parks to Remove Some Coyotes from Mt. Pisgah
Coyote sightings have surged at Mt. Pisgah park, with animals becoming increasingly bold around people, pets, and cars. Lane County and ODFW say they made the difficult decision to euthanize 1 coyote, frequently spotted in the main parking lot.
Officials say feeding wildlife is driving the behavior — and if it doesn’t stop, more coyotes may have to be euthanized.
Howard Buford Recreation Area (Mt. Pisgah) welcomes more than 600,000 visitors each year and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. The safety of park visitors and wildlife is a top priority for Lane County Parks.
Lane County Parks is seeing a concerning change in coyote behavior at Howard Buford Recreation Area (Mount Pisgah).
Over the past few months, reports of coyotes in the park have increased sharply. More than 30 sightings were reported in January alone. Visitors are also reporting unusual behavior. Coyotes have been seen following people and dogs, approaching vehicles, and showing little fear of humans.
Data shows a clear shift. In past years, coyotes were usually seen in quieter parts of the park. Now, most sightings are happening near parking lots and busy trailheads.Wildlife experts with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife found evidence that coyotes are eating pet food and human food. This strongly suggests that people are feeding them or leaving food behind. Feeding coyotes is illegal and puts both people and animals at risk.Because of these safety concerns, Lane County Parks—working with wildlife professionals—has made the difficult decision to euthanize coyotes that have become too comfortable around people. One coyote has already been euthanized.
Additional action may be necessary if this behavior continues.Non-lethal options were considered. However, once coyotes become used to people, those methods are no longer effective. Relocating coyotes is not allowed in Oregon and often leads to the animal’s death.
This situation is preventable. Please do not feed wildlife. Secure your food and dispose of trash properly. If you see someone feeding wildlife, report it to Lane County Parks or to Oregon State Police. If you want to protect the coyotes, join us in being responsible park visitors and let the wildlife be wild. Learn more about living with coyotes 
https://myodfw.com/articles/living-coyotes
‘Project Sanitation Justice’ Gets Underway in Eugene
Have you ever asked yourself, “Where’s the nearest public restroom?” In Eugene, a citywide venture aims to map each and every one.
The goal of “Project Sanitation Justice” is to plot handwashing stations, water fountains and restrooms. It’s not only to provide people with information on where to find them, but to help guide city officials on making sure they’re accessible, safe and clean.
Near the Eugene Riverfront, Lane Transit District community liaison and project lead Sarah Koski examined a “Portland Loo” restroom, named for the city where its specialized design originated.
“We have toilet paper here, the seat is sturdy,” observed Koski, checking the fixtures and overall condition of the facility. “There’s no trash anywhere around here.”
A few minutes later, Koski declared the public restroom a safe location. There was a disposal bin for sharps, a handwashing station was installed near the commode, and it was wide enough for people using walkers and wheelchairs. Koski also noted that there was a trashcan right outside for further sanitation needs.
“One of the biggest projects and causes that I am so passionate about is period poverty,” she told KLCC. “And what does it mean to be female or female-identifying and have your cycle, right?”
Koski joked that she’s come to be known as “The Bathroom Gal” because she’s continuously taking down data and working with volunteers on data sets. The mapping effort has people working in pairs, using tablets and smartphones to document locations and conditions of public hygienic stations. Over time, this will be shared on an open source platform.
Koski said it’s tempting for people to take these services for granted.
“I can easily go to my kitchen and turn on the water and wash my dishes,” Koski explained. “If I just need some time by myself, put on a heater or a heat lamp, go into my bathroom and just run the hot water for as long as I want. That type of accessibility isn’t for everyone. It’s a very significant privilege.”
Koski said besides the unhoused, other people who rely on public restrooms for a safe and accessible potty break include tourists, seniors and workers on lunch breaks. She eventually hopes to partner with city planners and community advocates to make sure everyone in the Eugene area has reliable access to hygienic services, and is already working with the City of Eugene, the University of Oregon and Lane County’s Homelessness and Poverty Board.
The Project Sanitation Justice model is based on one developed by San Diego State University researcher Megan Welsh Carroll. Efforts began with her team in 2020 with the stated mission: “We believe that safe and consistent access to drinking water, toilets, menstrual hygiene products, and other basic sanitation resources are fundamental human rights, cornerstones of public health, and essential public services.”
Eugene is the first city to carry on the project beyond San Diego, according to Koski. She’s excited to bring higher awareness to what the city provides its local residents in terms of sanitation, clean drinking water, and basic dignity.
“We’re not being critical of the City of Eugene by doing this project,” said Koski. “What we’re saying is, ‘City of Eugene, you are doing so much. You’re building transportation plans, you’re bringing in tourism, you’re bringing in new business. How can we as citizens –who care about the city– bring in this data to supplement the data that’s already in existence?”
The project will use Open Street Map and open data sets, so that it can be frequently updated. For example, a restroom that is normally open and accessible might not be for a few days due to a construction project. That can be noted and reflected immediately in such an open platform.
Beyond mapping, the project will also include community forums and a community storytelling project.
“What does it mean to be on the street or unhoused and have that lack of sanitation justice?” said Koski. “To be able to amplify the plight of the street and the fact that this is a health equity issue?”
Koski is openly recruiting for volunteers, and said any interested parties can reach out to her at Sarah.Koski@ltd.org. She plans on taking “Project Sanitation Justice” to Springfield and Veneta next.
Brian Bull is a reporter with KLCC. This story comes to you from the Northwest News Network, a collaboration between public media organizations in Oregon and Washington.
It is part of OPB’s broader effort to ensure that everyone in our region has access to quality journalism that informs, entertains and enriches their lives. To learn more, visit our journalism partnerships page.
News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/03/22/project-sanitation-justice-underway-eugene-oregon/ — https://communityplus.app/news-project-sanitation-justice-gets-underway-in-eugene-220213.html
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 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:
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
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.
It’s Spring Break in Oregon – It’s busy at Portland International Airport now through April 14th – Gas Prices Keep Rising
An estimated 1.4 million passengers are expected to travel, many by air. The peak day is expected to be Friday, March 27th, with around 55,000 travelers. To ensure a smooth experience, travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their flight, and TSA wait times can be checked at Fly PDX dot com.
Spring Whale Watch Week
Oregon State Parks hosts 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.
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.
Grant McOmie, longtime outdoor reporter for KGW, has died
Grant McOmie, journalist, author and teacher who wrote, produced and hosted the popular “Grant’s Getaways” segments and programs on KGW has died after a short illness, his family said.
Grant McOmie began his broadcast career at KGW in 1981 and worked at other stations in Portland and Seattle. He returned to KGW in 2008 and began “Grant’s Getaways.”
His stories and weekly show chronicled the region’s people, places and outdoor adventures.
He began his broadcast career at KGW-TV in 1981, working at other stations in Seattle and Portland, then returning to KGW in 2008 when he began his well-known franchise of Northwest stories, “Grant’s Getaways.”
McOmie graduated from Pacific University in Forest Grove, with degrees in Drama and English. He also pursued graduate studies in Journalism, English, and Speech Communications at the University of Washington and the University of Portland. He continued as an educator hosting open events around the state and as an Adjunct Professor at his alma-mater, Pacific University.
He won numerous awards for his work, including Oregon AP and Oregon Association of Broadcasters awards, plus numerous Emmy awards — most recently, a 2023 Emmy for Best Informational and Instructional Content. In 2021, he was inducted into the Northwest Emmy Silver Circle to recognize his more-than 40-year commitment to the highest standards of journalism and his contributions to environmental and outdoor reporting.
His weekly show, “Grant’s Getaways,” produced in partnership with Travel Oregon and photographer Jeff Kastner, a former student of McOmie’s at Pacific University, highlighted fishing, hiking, and wildlife and the people of the Northwest who shared their passion for the outdoors. Kastner had grown up watching Grant’s stories, saying in a 2024 Pacific University article, “Everybody in the rural communities knows Grant. Everything stopped when the latest Grant McOmie report came on the news.”
“Grant McOmie has been a member of the KGW family for nearly a half-century. His passing is a heartbreaking loss for our community and for everyone who loves Oregon’s outdoor,” said KGW General Manager Greg Retsinas. “He wasn’t just a talented journalist and storyteller — he was a trusted guide who made Oregon’s rivers, forests and backroads feel like a shared backyard. His “Grant’s Getaways” inspired countless families to get outside and explore new places. He was a dear colleague to all of us at KGW, and our deepest condolences are with his family at this time. His spirit and stories will be missed.”
McOmie authored several books, including “Grant’s Getaways-101 Oregon Adventures” and “Guide to Wildlife Watching Across Oregon.”
He is known for his signature storytelling style, encouraging readers young and old to, in his words, “get out there” and explore the Oregon outdoors.
McOmie is survived by his wife, Chris Stobbe McOmie, whom he met while they were both students at Pacific University, and their three sons, Grant III, Kevin and Eric. https://www.kgw.com/video/news/local/grant-mcomie-longtime-outdoor-reporter-for-kgw-dies-at-73/283-1082fd61-1b55-4ee1-921e-dce889ed961b
Oregonians in their peak earning years–when they can contribute most to the state’s economy—are moving out of the state faster than their 30-to-50-year-old peers are moving in.
Read the story from Khushboo Rathore / Oregon Journalism Project: https://lookouteugene-springfield.com/story/latest-news/2026/03/26/new-census-data-shows-oregon-losing-residents-in-prime-earning-years/
This finding is based on an OJP analysis of the most recently available U.S. Census data, released in January.
Oregon relies more heavily on income taxes than most states, so it suffers more from this outflow, says ECOnorthwest researcher Aditya Gadkari. The exodus of workers in their prime earning years means less revenue for the state. “We’re losing the ability of our jurisdictions to provide high levels of services,” Gadkari says.
The largest influx of new Oregon residents is young adults, either college-age or relatively early in their careers, typically earning far less than those leaving. Lane County, home to the University of Oregon, and Benton County, home to Oregon State University, both saw growth in the number of adult teens.
Oregon’s aging population is well documented — OJP previously reported that deaths outnumbered births over the past five years. A further decline in new Oregon residents is expected as net international migration to the U.S. in 2026 is estimated at 321,000 — only 12% of its 2024 total, according to the census.
ODF program invests more than $3.2 million to accelerate forest resilience work in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Federal Forest Restoration Program (FFR Program) is awarding $3 million in planning assistance funding and separate grants of nearly $264,000 to forest collaboratives.
“These new investments reflect a simple strategy: invest in the people, science, and planning needed to deliver more forest restoration work on the ground,” said Kyle Sullivan-Astor, ODF’s Federal Forest Restoration Program Lead.
The program also recently released a new report highlighting on-the-ground accomplishments, recent investments, and key program developments.
$3 million awarded to accelerate “A to Z” planning for large federal projects
The $3 million in “A to Z” Planning Assistance funding for the 2025–27 biennium is to help the U.S. Forest Service accelerate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning for high-priority, landscape-scale projects.
“All landscape resiliency work on federal lands must comply with mandatory environmental laws,” said Sullivan-Astor. “That process is thorough, helps avoid and mitigate environmental harm, and often requires significant time and resources. This funding allows ODF to see projects through from A to Z, adding expertise and capacity to our federal partners and getting work done more quickly than it otherwise would.”
Awards include:
- Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest (Grayback) — $500,000
- Mt. Hood National Forest (The Dalles Watershed) — $500,000
- Malheur National Forest (Bogue Gulch) — $600,000
- Umpqua National Forest (Thunder Cat) — $650,000
- Wallowa–Whitman National Forest (Unity Point) — $750,000
One example of this funding at work is in the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest. The Grayback project proposes thinning and fuels reduction on approximately 4,000 acres to improve forest resiliency, reduce fuel loading, and improve public and firefighter access in a high-risk wildfire landscape. Treatments will include plantation thinning and fuels reduction along strategic fuel management zones, and opportunities for maintenance.
For an overview of all the funded projects and details on the associated work go here.
Planning assistance grants are a combination of state General Funds and federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds provided to ODF.
First-round Forest Collaborative Grant awards announced — ODF, working in partnership with the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), awarded $138,899 under the Forest Collaborative Grant program.
A forest collaborative is a local group of people and organizations with different perspectives on public forest management who work together to find common ground and support active management projects.
“The overarching goal of this program is to increase the number, acreage, and complexity of collaboratively planned restoration projects on federal lands in Oregon by strengthening governance, supporting zones of agreement, and supporting collective action where coordination help is needed,” said Sullivan-Astor.
Those receiving the grants include:
- Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative—$76,709 for Rogue Forests in Transition: Building Collaborative Solutions.
- Wasco Soil and Water Conservation District—$62,190 for Mt. Hood East Zone Forest Collaborative Project supporting collaborative engagement around the South Wasco Ecosystem Restoration effort.
For an overview of the projects go here.
“These grants support the ‘people infrastructure’ that helps federal agencies and communities surface disagreements early, build shared understanding, and develop more durable restoration priorities over time,” said Sullivan-Astor.
$125,000 in Technical Assistance and Science Support awards for collaboratives — ODF also awarded $125,000 in Technical Assistance and Science Support grants to support project partnerships between forest collaboratives and external technical/science providers.
“TASS projects are designed to provide collaboratives with specialized expertise, such as scientific analysis, communications support, monitoring design, tools, and training, with a clearly defined public deliverable at project completion,” said Sullivan-Astor.
For an overview of the projects go here.
About the Federal Forest Restoration Program — The Oregon Legislature created the Federal Forest Restoration Program in 2013 to improve the resilience of Oregon’s federal forests. The FFR Program plays a role in the state’s ability to work across ownership boundaries to reduce the risk of stand-replacing wildfire, improve forest and watershed health, and create jobs in rural, forest dependent communities. For more on the Federal Forest Restoration Program go here.
The Oregon Department of Forestry is adding a new Multi-Mission Aircraft to boost its wildfire detection and emergency response across the state.
The $13.23 million investment includes $12 million in legislatively approved bonds from 2023 and $1.23 million from other funding sources. The new Twin Otter airframe replaces the agency’s Partenavia P.68 Observer aircraft, which served for more than 30 years.
The $7.8 million aircraft brings better endurance, range and payload capacity, letting it stay in the air longer and cover more ground. But the biggest upgrade is $5.4 million in advanced sensing technology and mission systems that turn the aircraft into an aerial intelligence platform. The aircraft is equipped with AI-enabled wide-area mapping, high-definition thermal imaging, augmented reality mapping software and night operations capability.
These tools help ODF spot and communicate emerging incidents faster, track fire behavior more precisely and maintain awareness during day and night operations.
Prescribed fire season has commenced in south-central Oregon, with fire managers from the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Wildland Fire Service, and Oregon Department of Forestry set to implement controlled burns across the region.
This practice is essential for enhancing forest health, improving wildlife habitats, and reducing hazardous fuel loads, thereby mitigating the risk of wildfires. As part of our ongoing dedication to safeguarding communities and natural resources, residents and visitors may observe smoke or flames in various public land areas over the coming weeks. The appearance of prescribed fires can vary based on forest type, vegetation density, specific objectives, and the duration since the last fire event.
All active prescribed fire sites will be clearly marked, and individuals may encounter increased fire personnel, equipment, and traffic in these zones. For the safety of both the public and firefighters, it is advised to avoid these areas when possible.
A schedule of potential burning locations for the spring season is available, with operations planned from March to June, contingent on weather and conditions. OHCS lending products helped almost 1,000 Oregon households buy a home in 2025
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announced its Flex Lending program helped 954 households buy a home in 2025 by offering down payment assistance (DPA) and lower interest rates through partnerships with approved lenders.
This first-of-its-kind mortgage loan program, called Flex Lending, consists of two loan products — FirstHome and NextStep. FirstHome is intended for first-time homebuyers with low to moderate incomes, while NextStep is open to any income-eligible buyers, even if they previously owned a home.
Borrowers can receive 4% or 5% of the first mortgage loan amount as down payment assistance that can be used for up to 100% of the borrower’s cash requirement to close, including down payment, closing costs, pre-paid items, upfront borrower-paid mortgage insurance, and other related loan fees and expenses.
The Flex Lending program worked with 33 lending partners to provide almost $300 million, including $7.5 million in down payment assistance, to 1,378 individuals in 2025. Additionally, 31% of the homebuyers identified as people of color, 32 were veteran households, and 43% lived in rural areas throughout the state.
Phoenix Paintin was renting and navigating the uncertainty that comes with rising housing costs and limited long-term stability. She was connected to the Flex Lending program through the Portland Housing Center, which helped her understand her options and connected her with an approved Flex Lender, Guild Mortgage. Now, she’s a proud homeowner who can invest in her own future in a way that once felt unimaginable
“Phoenix’s story is a reminder of what is possible,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Oregonians in all zip codes know firsthand how expensive it is to afford a home. It affects families, workers, and local economies. Addressing housing affordability requires removing barriers in ways that concretely translate into more housing opportunities, stronger communities, and real paths to homeownership.”
“The Flex Lending program made homeownership feel attainable and supportive rather than overwhelming,” Paintin said. “I appreciated the flexibility, the clear guidance, and the way the program works to remove barriers that often make buying a home feel out of reach.”
To learn more about Flex Lending and other OHCS down payment assistance programs, visit the OHCS website.
Missing man identified after more than 50 years
Note to media: Mark Smith’s family has asked for privacy and are not available for interviews at this time.
Josephine County, Ore. (24 March 2026) – The last known photograph of Mark Smith was taken at his sister’s wedding in September 1973. He left his home in Billings, Montana, to travel in 1974, and was not heard from again. On February 26, 2026, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office Human Identification Program confirmed that unidentified human remains found in Josephine County in 1978 were a match to Mark who had been missing since he was 19 years old. His sister shared with the medical examiner’s office that the family thought of him every day during the more than 50 years since his disappearance.
On May 9, 1978, a logging crew discovered the partial remains of a skeletonized young male near Williams, Oregon, in the area of Holcomb Peak. Only a skull and a scapula fragment were recovered. A piece of a shirt and remnants of a brown sweater were found near the remains and collected. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office responded to the recovery site; however, no further remains were located. Despite investigative efforts, the individual could not be identified.
The recovered remains were examined by a forensic pathologist and odontologist who believed the remains may have belonged to a female between the ages of 16 and 18. Then in 2020, the State Medical Examiner’s Office submitted the remains to the University of North Texas for DNA extraction and analysis. While there was insufficient nuclear DNA to generate a CODIS-eligible STR profile, the analysis confirmed the decedent as male rather than female. The investigation was reinvigorated and missing male profiles were searched for a match. Unfortunately, no matches were made.
In the same year, the medical examiner’s Human Identification Program partnered with DNA Labs International (DLI) to pursue forensic genetic genealogy identification services. DLI is a private DNA laboratory accredited for forensic testing. The testing was made possible by a National Institute of Justice grant aimed at enhancing DNA testing for entry into CODIS. Initial attempts to use the available extraction for genealogical analysis were unsuccessful. DLI subsequently agreed to continue working on the case pro bono.
During this period, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) offered its assistance with the case. NCMEC is a national nonprofit organization that provides resources and support to law enforcement agencies working to identify unknown deceased children and locate missing youth. As part of their support, NCMEC commissioned a forensic artist to complete a facial reconstruction of the unidentified individual in hopes of generating leads. Despite these efforts, no new information emerged at the time.
Through 2023 into 2024, the first genealogical leads were produced by DLI and forwarded to the Human Identification Program. These included an ancestry summary indicating a blend of North Atlantic, Baltic, and Western Mediterranean heritage. Genealogists were able to identify an ancestor born in the early 1800s from whom the unidentified individual descended. However, the family line stalled shortly thereafter, and even whole genome sequencing could only identify distant lineage.
In September 2025, the Human Identification Program reached out to DLI for an update on the stalled case. The developing family tree was reexamined, and a recently uploaded DNA kit was discovered. This new match allowed the genealogist to extend a previously incomplete branch of the family tree and identify a family with several siblings, one of whom appeared to have disappeared from records after the mid‑1970s.
The Human Identification Program then collaborated with a Josephine County medicolegal death investigator who contacted the family to inquire about any missing relatives. The family confirmed their brother, Mark Smith, born October 4, 1954, had been missing since 1974.
Josephine County coordinated the collection of buccal swabs from Smith’s siblings, and the Human Identification Program provided an additional tooth from the remains, which was submitted to DLI for testing.
On February 25, 2026, DLI confirmed the family reference samples and tooth were a sibling‑level match, allowing the Human Identification Program and the State Medical Examiner’s Office to formally identify the remains as those of Mark Smith. Josephine County notified the family as soon as the positive identification was confirmed by a forensic pathologist.
With the identification complete, the State Medical Examiner’s Office and Josephine County are working with the family to ensure appropriate next steps and final arrangements. No evidence has been found to suggest foul play; however, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death remains open.
Hailey Collord-Stalder, state forensic anthropologist, said, “We are grateful that Mark has finally been returned to his family.” She continued, “This identification reflects years of persistence, scientific collaboration, and the evolving power of forensic genetic genealogy.” The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office is grateful for the dedication and assistance of DNA Labs International, the University of North Texas, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.
Jahangeer Ali, 34, owner of Oregon Clinical Laboratory in Klamath Falls, has been arrested and charged with medical fraud and billing Medicare, submitting more than $46 in claims to Medicare Advantage Plans.
Ali was arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport in February prior to trying to board a flight to Turkey with an ultimate destination of Pakistan.
A detention hearing was held today in the District of Oregon and Ali was ordered to remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
Ali has been charged with medical fraud as for the past one year he claimed to be operating a medical lab which was nothing but an empty storefront. The man claimed he owned and operated the Oregon Clinical Laboratory in Klamath Falls for genetic testing.
Hiding in Los Angeles, Ali is now in a detention center after an initial hearing on March 4th, 2026.
The Department of Justice has charged him after allegedly participating in a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare for laboratory testing services never performed. Jahangeer Ali is a citizen of Pakistan.
According to court documents, from June 2025 through January 2026, Oregon Clinical Laboratory in Klamath Falls submitted more than $46 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare Advantage plans. However, no providers actually ordered testing services and none of the Medicare Advantage beneficiaries on the claims actually received testing services from the company. As a result of the fraud, Medicare Advantage plans paid out over $28 million on the fraudulent claims to him.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew T. Ho is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Spring Celebration Rolls into Portland with Easter Bunny Express at Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Portland, OR — On April 4 and 5, families and train enthusiasts are invited to hop aboard the Easter Bunny Express at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center for a festive 45-minute steam train ride pulled by the legendary Polson No. 2 steam locomotive. The round-trip journey departs from and returns to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, offering a scenic ride along the Willamette River.
Guests can look forward to a memorable seasonal adventure combining fun and a touch of railway history. The Easter Bunny will be hopping onboard each ride to spread joy and cheer, providing plenty of opportunities for photos and selfies. Along the way, passengers can enjoy kid-friendly activities, a festive scavenger hunt, and the beauty of spring along the river.
Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase on board, with options for both kids and adults, making this the perfect outing for families celebrating the season together.
Admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center is included with every train ticket, allowing guests to explore exhibits and view additional historic locomotives before or after their ride to explore exhibits and view additional historic locomotives before or after their ride.
Event Details:
- When: Saturday, April 4 & Sunday, April 5
- Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
- Train Departure Times: 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm
- Tickets Prices:
- Adults (14+) – $24
- Seniors (65+) – $21.50
- Military (with ID) – $21.50
- Children (3-13) – $17
- Infants (Under 3) – Free
- Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) – $74
- Tickets & Registration: https://orhf.org/
Tickets are expected to sell quickly for this popular springtime tradition. Don’t miss out on this egg-cellent adventure—reserve your seats today and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
About Oregon Rail Heritage Center: The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) provides for the preservation, operation and public enjoyment of Portland’s historic locomotives, railroad equipment, and artifacts, and educates the public about Oregon’s rich and diverse railroad history. ORHC is open to the public on Thursdays-Sundays from 1:00pm-5:00pm. Seasonal train excursions are offered most weekends. For additional information, visit https://orhf.org/. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Haven’t filed your taxes yet? Here’s what you should know
Whether it’s where to find free tax help, how to track the status of your refund, or what refundable tax credits you’re eligible to claim, the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to make sure you have the information you need to file tax year 2025 tax returns before the April 15 deadline.
Through March 15, DOR has processed 937,000 electronically filed returns with more than half of the expected 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns yet to be filed. The department urges taxpayers not to wait until the last minute to file. If you have questions about filing you can find the information you need on the department’s website with guidance addressing the most common issues included below.
File electronically – “The best advice we can give taxpayers is to be certain their return is complete and accurate, and to file their return electronically,” said Megan Denison, administrator of DOR’s Personal Tax and Compliance Division. “If they need help, free assistance is available at sites across the state, along with a variety of options to e-file for free.”
On average, taxpayers who file electronically and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Distribution of refunds for e-filed returns began in mid-February. Due to the late receipt of tax form information from the IRS in late 2025, processing of paper-filed returns has been delayed until late March and refunds for paper filed returns will not start being issued until early April.
Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund for e-filed returns can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.
Mailing your return? Mail it early – Taxpayers who choose to file a paper return, should mail it early. The federal and state tax deadline is April 15, but due to changes at the U.S. Postal Service, returns mailed in after April 9 may not receive a postmark on time. Taxpayers who still want to mail their paper returns can take them to a local USPS office and request a postmark no later than April 15, 2026.
Paper returns can also be physically deposited in drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box at DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.
Claim your “kicker” – The Oregon surplus revenue kicker is a refundable credit that will either increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.
Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.
Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.
Free electronic filing options are available – Direct File Oregon: Taxpayers can use Free Fillable Forms to file their federal return and then use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return directly with the state.
Now in its third year, Direct File Oregon is a free interview-based program and allows taxpayers the convenience and security of filing their Oregon Personal Income Tax return directly with the state of Oregon through Revenue Online. Nearly 4,700 taxpayers have already used Direct File Oregon this year.
Other free electronic filing options: Free guided tax preparation is available for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free. These free services work much like the popular pay to file programs.
Find free tax filing assistance – From IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or AARP Foundation TaxAide locations, Oregon taxpayers needing free assistance have over 107 different places across the state where they can get free in-person help filing their taxes.
Free tax help is also available online through the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.
Make an appointment at a free tax help site by using the links for each organization on the Department of Revenue’s webpage, or consult the department’s interactive map.
Check your eligibility and claim your refundable tax credits – Taxpayers should check their eligibility for a series of refundable tax credits for low-income workers and families. A refundable credit not only reduces the amount of tax a taxpayer owes, any leftover credit results in a cash refund that can be deposited directly into their bank account.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The EITC is a fully refundable federal tax credit for people making up to $68,675 in 2025. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $8,046 on their federal tax return.
- Oregon Earned Income Credit: This refundable state tax credit is a percentage of an eligible taxpayer’s federal EITC. The maximum benefit for tax year 2025 is $966. The Oregon EIC is also available to taxpayers who have Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN) rather than Social Security numbers.
- Oregon Kids Credit: This is a refundable state credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $26,550 or less, the full credit is $1,050 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $31,550.
- Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC): Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the refundable WFHDC, which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they’re working, looking for work, or attending school.
Oregon Nurses File Wage Theft Lawsuit Against Asante
Asante accused of manipulating workers’ paychecks and stealing healthcare workers’ wages.
(MEDFORD, Ore.) – On March 18, an Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) member leader filed a class action lawsuit against Asante for wage theft and violating Oregon law. Asante is accused of multiple illegal accounting practices including manipulating workers’ timecards, making unauthorized wage deductions, time rounding, refusing to pay workers’ earned differentials, refusing to pay missed meals and breaks, and failure to pay workers’ wages on time.
Nurses are suing to stop Asante’s illegal accounting practices, recover lost wages owed to healthcare workers, and ensure a fair and accurate accounting of all workers’ hours and pay.
“Nurses and healthcare workers show up every day to care for our community and we expect to be paid fairly for our work. When we clock in, we trust that Asante is paying us properly. That trust has been broken,” said Fred Katz, RN, an ONA bargaining unit chair at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center and ONA board member. “This isn’t an honest mistake. Asante is systematically manipulating timecards as a structure of fiscal policy and enforced work rules. It’s just wrong.”
We know many workers are afraid to speak up. That’s why nurses are taking the lead. We are standing up for every hourly worker who relies on fair pay to pay their rent, cover their bills and feed their families. It’s time for Asante to take accountability for its actions. It needs to stop breaking the law and start paying frontline healthcare workers every dollar they’ve earned,” Katz said.
Class counsel estimates 6,000 hourly workers have been victims of Asante’s wage theft since 2020—including nearly 5,000 current employees. Plaintiffs estimate Asante owes workers $500,000 in unpaid wages. Asante is facing an additional $2 million in statutory penalties and damages plus interest and court costs. READ MORE: https://www.oregonrn.org/page/AsanteWageTheftLawsuit
Oregon has been identified as one of the least favorable states for practicing medicine, according to a recent report by WalletHub, a personal finance website.
The analysis evaluated all 50 states and Washington D.C. based on various criteria, including the number of hospitals per capita, the percentage of insured residents, and the anticipated number of physicians by 2032.
In this ranking, Oregon placed 44th overall. In contrast, Montana emerged as the top state for doctors, followed closely by Indiana. Notably, New York and New Jersey were found to be the least accommodating states for medical professionals.
Deadly fungal disease that attacks bats detected for first time in Oregon
Oregon was one of about a dozen states that have avoided the disease and the fungus that causes it since it first showed up 20 years ago in New York
A deadly fungal disease that has put at least one bat species on the federal Endangered Species List has been detected in Oregon for the first time.
State Fish and Wildlife officials on Wednesday announced that scientists from the National Wildlife Health Center in March identified six bats in Columbia and Benton counties suffering from white-nose syndrome.
The scientists at each agency will work together to continue monitoring and identifying sites where bats might be infected and coordinate care for the bats with wildlife rehabilitators and the Oregon Veterinary Disease Laboratory at Oregon State University, according to a news release.
The fungus causing white-nose syndrome was previously detected in bat guano collected from a roost in Clatsop County in 2025, but officials had never before detected it in Oregon bats themselves until this month, state wildlife officials said.
Oregon was one of about a dozen states that had avoided the fungus and the disease since it first showed up in New York around 2006. It was first detected in Washington in 2016.
It has so far been found in 38 states and killed nearly 7 million bats, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2022, the service announced that the northern long-eared bat, found across much of the U.S. and Canada, would be the first bat species to be listed as endangered due to the disease.
The disease attacks bats’ skin while they hibernate. As it spreads, it causes scarring and holes in their wings. It can cause them to break hibernation and fly into the cold to look for food, burning up their fat stores needed to survive winter. Without insects that thrive in warmer months, they can freeze or starve to death.
The fungus spreads primarily through bat-to-bat contact, but humans play a role in the spread via contaminated clothing, gear and equipment brought into or out of caves or visiting areas near bats’ summer roosts. Managed caves, including the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve in southern Oregon, prohibit any gear, clothing or shoes that have been in other caves.
Oregon Fish and Wildlife’s advice to protect Oregon’s bats:
- Disinfect shoes and gear after visiting a cave or other known bat roost before getting in your vehicle or leaving the site.
- Report sick or dead bats to ODFW’s Health Lab using the Bat Health Survey or call the health lab and leave a message at 866-968-2600. Never touch or pick up a bat with bare hands. Report sites of known high bat activity using the Bat Colony Reporting Survey.
- If bats are impacting your home or another structure, remove them safely and help prevent future entry. More information is available online, and some wildlife control companies specialize in bat-friendly solutions.
There are currently no endangered or threatened bats in Oregon, according to the federal Fish and Wildlife Service. Because the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome has become so common in the U.S., it is unlikely that it will go away, federal wildlife officials say. https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/03/19/deadly-fungal-disease-that-attacks-bats-detected-for-first-time-in-oregon/
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 1st 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 16th in the area of Birch Street and 2nd 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 16th, 2025, please call the Junction City Police Department at 541-998-1245.
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