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

Monday, April 13, 2026

Willamette Valley Weather

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

Eugene Police Department’s 2026 Initiative Focuses on Traffic Safety and Deflection Patrols

The Eugene Police Department (EPD) has launched a new 2026 initiative focusing on traffic safety and, in partnership with Lane County Behavioral Health, is implementing deflection patrols. These efforts respond to increased traffic fatalities, focusing on reducing dangerous driving through high-visibility enforcement and providing community-based alternatives to arrest. 

In April, this will be: distracted driving, disobeying traffic control devices, and illegal window tint. 

With a noticeable increase in some types of crashes, Eugene Police is making traffic safety a top priority. In addition to the Traffic Safety Unit being out on the roads, all Eugene Police Patrol units will be putting a premium on noticing and stopping vehicles involved in traffic violations in 2026.

Each month, the department’s officers will focus on three topics: a primary driving behavior, a secondary behavior, and an equipment violation.

• Deflection Patrols: These patrols involve pairing officers with peer navigators to offer support services as an alternative to jail and prosecution.
• Traffic Safety Campaign: A high-visibility campaign is active to improve roadway safety, targeting behaviors that lead to accidents.
• Goal: The primary objective is to decrease the rising number of fatalities and dangerous crashes within the community.
• Timing: These initiatives are part of EPD’s 2026 safety operations. 

This combined approach aims to address public safety through both law enforcement and social service interventions.  https://www.eugene-or.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/7400

Man Arrested for Robbing Same Deli Twice

At 8:50 a.m. on March 15, Eugene Police patrol officers, and Property Crimes and Financial Crimes detectives responded to an armed robbery at the Sandy’s Deli, 4925 Barger Drive.

The male suspect had used a firearm to rob the deli of cash. Officers conducted a search, including with K9s from EPD and Lane County Sheriff’s Office, but the suspect was not immediately located. A detective took on the case and identified the suspect as 43-year-old Eugene resident Solomon Everisto Lehi. He also connected Lehi to another robbery at the same deli in December 2025.

Eugene Police investigations and EPD SWAT created a plan to take Lehi into custody as he left his place of employment on W. 11th Avenue. On April 9, at around 11:15 p.m., as Solomon Lehi left work., SWAT moved in and attempted to arrest Lehi. Lehi tried to flee but was not successful and was safely taken into custody.

Property Crimes and Financial Crimes detectives, and SWAT served a search warrant at the 700 block Maxwell Road residence where Lehi had been staying and recovered two firearms. Lehi was lodged at Lane County Jail on two counts of Robbery in the First Degree and one Count of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree. Cases 26-03839, 25-20881

Eugene’s Peer Navigation Pilot Program

Following a competitive proposal process, the City selected Ideal Option as the provider for its new Peer Navigation Pilot Program.

This pilot program will run for one year to fill specific gaps in Eugene’s alternative response, such as welfare checks, non-emergency transport, proactive outreach and connecting people to services before situations escalate.

Ideal Option was selected because their proposal directly and comprehensively aligned with the City’s request for peer navigation services. Ideal Option has demonstrated experience delivering peer navigation in Eugene and other communities throughout the region. 

During the yearlong pilot, data will be collected to determine whether additional investment is needed, what form it should take and which organization should deliver it. The pilot will operate in high volume corridors outside of the downtown core, including Highway 99, River Road, the Whiteaker Neighborhood and West Eugene. 

After CAHOOTS ceased service in Eugene in spring of 2025, a variety of new and existing local resources have responded to crisis situations, including Lane County’s Mobile Crisis Service, Eugene Springfield Fire’s community paramedic program and the Eugene Police Department’s co-responder program with mental health professionals working alongside downtown patrol officers. While these services have filled much of the need, there are certain areas in Eugene that need additional support, particularly for people who need social support but don’t require emergency medical or law enforcement response.  

The goal of peer navigation is to improve community well-being, reduce pressure on emergency responders, and provide compassionate, person-centered support to people who need it. 

The 4J School District’s Growing Budget Shortfall Prompts District Leaders to Begin Series of Budget Meetings

Eugene School District 4J announced at its Wednesday, April 8th budget committee meeting that it will use various sources of district savings to cover the additional $16.4 million budget shortfall discovered in during March.

The first of three scheduled meetings focused on proposals from the superintendent to address next year’s deficit. Recommendations include using one-time funds, such as selling the Wells Fargo property, which would generate about $2.9 million, and transferring up to $10 million to the general fund from the facility maintenance fund.

The district announced last month that its original estimated budget shortfall of $30 million was wrong and it now expects to be up to $50 million in the red. The district cited increased insurance rates, public pension rates and wages as the core reasons for the shortfall The district also confirmed it expects significant layoffs, in addition to other cuts.

Asked whether any school closures are anticipated as part of the discussions, the district said it will move students and programs from Family School to Camas Ridge Community School starting with the 2026-27 school year. The next 4J budget committee meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2026.

Benton County invites community to vote on final Fair & Rodeo logo designs

Benton County is inviting the public to help select the official logo for the 2026 Benton County Fair & Rodeo by voting on four finalist designs.

The “Design Rodeo” contest, which ran from November through February, called on artists of all ages to submit original designs inspired by the theme “Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights.” After reviewing submissions, the Benton County Fair Board and fair organizers selected four finalists that reflect the creativity and community spirit behind the annual event.

Now, community members are encouraged to weigh in.

Votes are being collected both online and through community outreach, with results combined to determine the winning design.

The winning design will become the official logo for the 2026 Benton County Fair & Rodeo and will be featured on posters, social media, merchandise and other promotional materials.

The selected artist will receive a share of proceeds from commemorative items, along with an “Ultimate Fair Experience” package. Find out more about the contest and winners’ prizes at nape.bentoncountyor.gov/design-rodeo. 

Organizers say opening both the design process and final selection to the community reflects the collaborative spirit of the fair.

Community members can view the finalist designs and cast their vote at benton360.my.canva.site/design-rodeo-2026.

The Benton County Fair & Rodeo is held annually in Corvallis and draws thousands of visitors each summer for a mix of agricultural exhibits, entertainment and rodeo events. Fair ticket sales will open May 15 this year.

GCE fam, we’re sending up the grilled cheese signal (like the Bat Signal, but cooler). Food for Lane County needs your help!

We’re looking for Lane County residents to participate in a survey about their experiences with hunger: https://bit.ly/FFLCSurvey2026

We’re behind our goal with only two weeks to go. We knew that if we turned to our Grilled Cheese fam, you could help us getting over the finish line. The biannual Community Survey gathers confidential information about peoples’ experiences with food insecurity across our county. It helps us shape programs and services and communicate the need for support with all stakeholders, including policy makers and neighbors.

Survey participants can enter to win $20 grocery store gift cards and we will not be collecting any personally identifying information. So: share this link near and far, and if you’re inclined, please complete the survey yourself: https://bit.ly/FFLCSurvey2026

Lane County Housing and Community Action launches 2026 Community Needs Survey

Community members are invited to share feedback on essential services provided by Lane County Housing and Community Action (HACA) programs such as housing, shelter, basic needs, education, employment, transportation, and health.

As a Community Action Agency tasked with the goal of supporting low-income families out of poverty, Lane County is required to conduct a survey and assessment every three years to identify gaps in services and create system improvements and better programming for participants. 

The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and asks participants to identify the service areas most important to them and provide feedback on their experiences. We are especially interested in hearing from low-income community members who have accessed these services as they have firsthand knowledge in these essential services. The survey is available in English and Spanish and will be open through May 16th, 2026.

The survey can be completed by visiting: https://laneco.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cI0obhzfVaToCvY 

Eugene Downtown Lions Club “KTP” to Host Spring Spaghetti Dinner & Auction

The Eugene Downtown Lions Club “KTP” invites the community to attend its Spring Spaghetti Dinner & Auction on Thursday, April 30 – 5:30pm, at St. Thomas Church, located at 1465 Coburg Road in Eugene.

This annual event brings together community members for an evening of dining, connection, and charitable giving. Guests will enjoy a classic spaghetti dinner while participating in an exciting auction featuring a variety of items and experiences. Proceeds from the event support the Eugene Downtown Lions Club’s ongoing service efforts benefiting the local community. Tickets are $40 each.

The Lions Club is known for its commitment to service, with a focus on programs that support sight and hearing, as well as other community needs throughout Oregon. Events like the Spring Spaghetti Dinner & Auction play a vital role in funding these initiatives and strengthening local impact.

Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend, whether as longtime supporters or first-time guests. The evening offers an opportunity to enjoy a meal, connect with others, and contribute to meaningful service work.

For more information, to purchase tickets, or to get involved, please contact: Kathy Hinson
Phone: 907.252.7999

The Eugene Downtown Lions Club “KTP” looks forward to welcoming the community for an evening of generosity, fellowship, and service.

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…

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:

Food Finder

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

$18.95 can help feed 120 people.

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

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

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

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. 

4/13/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

On average, Oregon’s gas prices fifth highest in U.S.

Gas prices across the country have soared since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, with Oregon’s statewide cost per gallon shooting to an average of $5 a gallon on April 7, up from $3.92. The national average was $4.14.

Oregon’s highest prices are found in Curry County on the southern Oregon Coast, according to AAA, with an average price of $5.27 per gallon on April 6. The lowest are in Malheur County, on the Idaho border, at $4.50 per gallon.

Even if the Iran War ends tomorrow, prices won’t quickly drop to prewar levels, says AAA Oregon/Idaho spokeswoman Marie Dodds.

Oil prices depend on a complex global infrastructure, transporting crude oil and refined products, such as gasoline, through the Strait of Hormuz, now under the control of Iran’s attack drones and network of sea mines. Scores of refineries across Iran and neighboring countries have been bombed and damaged in the past five weeks.

“Rebuilding that, as we all know, can take a lot of time,” Dodds says.

Historically, gas prices have soared during geopolitical conflicts, including the Russian attacks on Ukraine in 2022, the Arab Spring in 2012, and the 1979 Iran hostage crisis.

Gas stations set their prices independently, but rely on factors such as wholesale costs, local competition, customer income levels, and profit margins, Dodds says.

Some retailers in Oregon are small, family-owned franchises. They have to take the price assigned to them and may add a small margin, says Oregon Fuels Association lobbyist Mike Freese.

“Sometimes they aren’t able to price it where they make much with any margin, and then other times they’re trying to catch up without hurting themselves too much,” Freese says.

Oregon has the fifth-highest gas prices in the country. That’s due to several factors: It’s the only West Coast state without an oil refinery; cargos that unload at the state’s main terminals in Portland must bear the expense of traveling up the Columbia River, and Oregon has mirrored California’s clean-air policies. Freese says the impact of the state’s Clean Fuels Program, for instance, adds about 26 cents to the price of a gallon of gas.

Oregon’s highest gas prices can be found in its northwestern and southwestern counties on the borders of Washington and California, where gas prices outstrip Oregon’s.

In Curry County, customers often buy just a few gallons then head elsewhere for cheaper gas. “So we just keep losing business,” says one employee at a Curry County Chevron.

Khushboo Rathore / Oregon Journalism Project — This story was produced by the Oregon Journalism Project, a nonprofit investigative newsroom for the state of Oregon. Khushboo Rathore is a data and engagement reporter for the Oregon Journalism Project. She was most recently the Roy W. Howard Fellow at Wisconsin Watch, and she has worked on projects with the Associated Press, Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, Local News Network and The Frederick News-Post. https://lookouteugene-springfield.com/story/business-development/2026/04/09/on-average-oregons-gas-prices-5th-highest-in-u-s/

Final countdown: Tax filing deadline is Wednesday

Oregon taxpayers have until midnight Wednesday, April 15, 2026 to file their tax year 2025 federal and state personal income tax returns and the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to remind taxpayers of information and options that can make the last-minute filing experience less stressful.

You must file a return to get your kicker — In 2026, Oregon is returning $1.41 billion in revenue above projections to taxpayers in the form of a “kicker” tax credit. The 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. Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using the What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

Where’s my refund? — Through Friday, the Department of Revenue has processed 1.5 million of an expected 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns.

Taxpayers can check the status of their Oregon state income tax refund using Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool. The Department recommends logging in to your Revenue Online account to access enhanced tool features.

Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website.

Filing last-minute paper returns — Due to changes to US Postal Service processes in recent years, taxpayers dropping paper returns into a US Postal Service mailbox at this late date can’t be certain that their returns will be postmarked by the due date.

Taxpayers who want to mail their return can take their return to a USPS office during regular business hours no later than April 15, 2026 and make an in-person request to have their return manually postmarked at the counter before mailing it.

Revenue staff will be on hand in the lobby of the Revenue headquarters building in Salem to accept and date stamp returns for taxpayers 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Tax Day, Wednesday, April 15. Taxpayers can also hand deliver their returns to DOR Regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Medford, and Portland during regular business hours. For federal returns, taxpayers should seek a hand-stamped postmark at their local post office.

After hours, paper Oregon personal income tax returns can be deposited in drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Salem office; on the west side of the Portland State Office Building; or outside the DOR offices in Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box inside DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.

The department doesn’t recommend using the state drop boxes for federal returns. Paper federal returns should be sent to the IRS. Federal returns dropped in the DOR drop boxes are date stamped and forwarded to the IRS, but the Department of Revenue can’t guarantee that the IRS will accept them as having been filed on time.

Free e-filing options and tax preparation help — 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 through Revenue Online. Other free electronic filing options are 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.

Public computer kiosks for filing taxes with Direct File Oregon and free fillable forms are available in department regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Medford, and Portland.

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 can find free tax assistance sites near them on the Department of Revenue Department’s interactive map or through the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.

Filing an extension. — Individuals who are not able to file by midnight Wednesday can file an extension directly with the Oregon Department of Revenue or with the IRS. If the IRS extension is granted, the Oregon extension is automatically granted. A timely filed extension moves the federal tax filing deadline and the Oregon filing deadline to October 15, 2026.

Taxpayers should only request an Oregon extension if they:

• Don’t have a federal extension,
• Owe Oregon taxes, and
• Can’t file their return by April 15, 2026.

Remember that an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay any tax owed. Taxpayers who can’t pay the full amount they owe should pay what they can to avoid late payment penalties.

Governor Kotek Signs Bills to Strengthen Oregon’s Economy and Create Jobs

New laws supported by business community will support Oregon’s competitiveness

Governor Tina Kotek signed key legislation passed during the 2026 legislative session designed to advance Oregon’s economic prosperity. The new laws streamline processes for business investment, support small businesses facing pressures from tariffs, modernize regulatory approaches, and promote emerging sectors of the state’s economy.

“Communities in every corner of our state are looking for clear, reliable pathways to help local businesses grow and support family-wage jobs in this challenging economic climate,” Governor Kotek said. “These bills represent a promise that Oregon is open for business and ready to be a partner.”

The Governor’s action on laws that strengthen Oregon’s economic landscape signals her continued effort to grow jobs, attract investment, enhance regional economic resilience, and position Oregon for long-term success amid national and global challenges.

In December 2025, Governor Kotek announced the Prosperity Roadmap, a statewide strategy that emphasizes business growth and retention, job creation, and building on Oregon’s assets for future economic growth. The December announcement featured a framework for House Bill 4084, signed last week along with the bills below. Her bill implements a FastTrack permitting model for major economic development projects in Oregon and modernizes current economic development tools.

Other signed legislation includes:

• House Bill 4062 requires the Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon) to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all programs administered by the department and provide recommendations for improvement and streamlining to ensure alignment with Oregon’s economic development efforts.
• House Bill 4102 modernizes the Department of Environmental Quality’s regulatory processes by allowing agreements with regulated businesses to expedite or enhance permitting and compliance, helping balance environmental protections with efficient project development timelines.
• House Bill 4061 creates a micro-enterprise tariff adjustment grant program to help small Oregon businesses offset rising costs due to federal tariffs and updates the state’s unified trade strategy to better promote Oregon exports, attract foreign investments, and support economic resilience.
• House Bill 4086 provides funding for “industrial symbiosis” pilot projects that reduce waste, lower emissions, and strengthen local supply chains across the state, including in Clatsop, Klamath, Morrow, and Multnomah counties. The bill is poised to turn waste into wealth by bringing together disparate industries so they can coordinate waste byproduct reuse into their respective supply chains.
• Senate Bill 1525 establishes the Blue Economy Task Force to study and develop recommendations for growing Oregon’s ocean-related industries, including marine science, sustainable aquaculture, seafood, and coastal tourism while aligning economic opportunities with effective and efficient environmental stewardship.

“For capital-intensive projects and industries, predictability, efficiency, and coordination across state agencies is just as important as incentives,” said Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County Director Paul Schuytema. “The comprehensive tools and regulatory streamlining these bills provide will bolster transparency, efficiency, and business opportunity in every corner of Oregon. This is a positive and exciting step forward, and I’m looking forward to continued efforts like these to build Oregon’s economic flexibility and competitiveness.”

“Our economy is at an inflection point–we need to act now to optimize our natural strength and innovation,” said State Representative Daniel Nguyen (D-Lake Oswego & SW Portland), Chair of the House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade. “Oregon’s era of growth without direct intervention has ended. These policies are a good first step toward prosperity, and I thank Governor Kotek for acting with urgency and intention to actively encourage and attract more people, more jobs, and more businesses so that we can generate more revenue and resources for housing, education, healthcare, and all of our shared priorities.”

To achieve the goals laid out in her Prosperity Roadmap, the Governor’s Prosperity Council will be delivering final recommendations by June 30, 2026 to inform further legislative and executive action that will bolster Oregon’s business climate, workforce opportunities, and economic growth strategies.

The Council has hosted multiple listening sessions and dozens of stakeholder meetings across Oregon aimed at creating opportunities for Oregonians from every corner of the state to share their insights, experiences, and ideas about the state’s economic future. Over one thousand individual responses have been submitted to the Council via an online survey, with contributions from nearly every county in Oregon. That feedback will help shape and guide the Council’s work. – The Prosperity Council will next convene in Pendleton on April 15.

Oregon organizations awarded federal funding to improve rural healthcare

Future Rural Health Transformation Program opportunities include May 26 proposal deadline

VIDEO: OHA Health Policy & Analytics Director Clare Pierce-Wrobel discusses the latest from Oregon’s Rural Health Transformation Program.

A dozen projects – offering training for healthcare professionals, mental health and substance use prevention at schools, support for people managing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and much more – are the first in Oregon that are expected to receive federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is also preparing to release additional funding in the coming months. Details on future funding opportunities – including one that has a May 26 proposal deadline – are provided below.

“Where you live shouldn’t determine whether you get quality health services,” said OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi. “These projects show what’s possible when rural communities lead, and OHA is committed to helping them turn homegrown solutions into lasting impact.”

The 12 projects are expected to collectively receive up to $6.5 million this year. To quickly bring much-needed support to promising, ready-to-go projects, OHA is directly providing this specific pool of rural health funding, which OHA has named Immediate Impact Awards. The organizations that are expected to receive this direct funding are listed below. OHA expects to determine the exact funding for individual projects by May, after budget negotiations are completed.

“These early projects will help Oregon’s Rural Health Transformation Program succeed in its first year, building a solid foundation upon which we can meaningfully improve rural healthcare access for years to come,” said OHA Health Policy & Analytics Director Clare Pierce-Wrobel.

The Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon are also expected to receive a total of $21.7 million this year through the program’s Tribal Initiative, which aims to improve Tribal healthcare access and health outcomes in rural and remote Tribal communities based on each individual Tribe’s identified needs. OHA partnered with Tribal representatives to create this initiative while honoring Oregon’s government-to-government relationship with the Tribes.

Project proposals accepted through May 26 — Through May 26, eligible organizations can also propose their innovative projects for a competitive Oregon Rural Health Transformation Program funding pool known as the Catalyst Awards. OHA expects to grant a total of about $80 million per year for up to two years, pending federal approval, toward Catalyst Award-supported projects. Up to 80 proposals will be funded by early July through this opportunity.

Catalyst Awards will be given to projects that are ready to launch within two months of receiving funding and address at least one of the following areas: maternal and child health; co-occurring behavioral health conditions; aging in place; and chronic disease. More information about the application process is on the OHA Rural Health Transformation Program webpage

In addition to the Catalyst Awards, OHA plans to further award federal funding to hospitals, health clinics and local public health authorities to help rural Oregon improve access to critical services during a time of tremendous change and challenge in healthcare. To further support the Rural Health Transformation Program’s goals, OHA expects to direct a total of $50.4 million this year by late summer.

• Each of the state’s 35 rural hospitals can receive direct grants, with a total of $35 million expected to be provided this year.
• Each rural health clinic can receive direct grants, with a total of $10 million expected to be provided this year. Oregon currently has 100 certified rural health clinics.
• Each of the state’s 33 local public health authorities – most of which are county health departments – can receive funding, with a total of $5 million expected to be provided this year.

OHA also plans to partner with the Oregon Office of Rural Health to support this statewide effort by facilitating regional collaboration and providing technical assistance to organizations that are planning or implementing rural health projects.

Community-driven improvement — The Rural Health Transformation Program was created by U.S. House Resolution 1, a federal tax and spending bill that became law in July 2025. While the law will cut an estimated $15 billion in federal funding for Oregon programs that provide health insurance, food benefits and more, it also created this federal program. The Rural Health Transformation Program will distribute a total of $50 billion nationwide between 2026 and 2031. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services oversees the program.

Oregon is receiving a total of $197.3 million in 2026 and could receive more in the following four years. If the federal government approves Oregon for similar amounts in future years, the state could receive an estimated total of $1 billion through the program. While each state’s 2026 funding was announced in late 2025, much of Oregon’s funding was restricted and could not be spent until the federal government gave approval on March 19, 2026.

OHA is investing this federal funding in community-driven projects that improve healthcare access, boost chronic disease management and prevention, grow and sustain the healthcare workforce, and expand the use of health technology and data in Oregon’s rural and frontier communities. 

Oregon’s Rural Health Transformation Program efforts are divided into two phases. In 2026 and 2027, OHA will swiftly support ready-to-go projects while also helping rural-serving organizations strengthen partnerships for the next phase. Between 2028 and 2030, OHA plans to award larger, competitive grants for longer-term regional projects that transform the healthcare system.

# # # The Oregon Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $197,271,577.67, with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents of this release are those of OHA and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS or the U.S. Government.

Earth Month on the Oregon Coast: SOLVE Volunteer Events Invite Community Action

Earth Month is bringing volunteers together along the Oregon Coast for beach cleanups, habitat restoration, and community stewardship projects throughout April. From Astoria to Brookings, events are happening up and down the coastline, offering meaningful ways to protect marine ecosystems and keep Oregon’s beaches beautiful.

As part of SOLVE’s Earth Month celebrations, more than 200 volunteer projects are taking place across Oregon and Southwest Washington throughout April. On the Oregon Coast, volunteers can join beach cleanups, remove invasive species, screen for microplastics, and restore coastal habitats in communities all along the coast.

Featured Earth Month Events along the Oregon Coast

Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site Beach Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 11, 12 pm – 2 pm
WHERE: Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site, Waldport
Join a family-friendly beach cleanup celebrating SOLVE’s coastal roots. Volunteers will help remove marine debris and protect this scenic stretch of coastline. Link to register

Manzanita Beach Cleanup for Earth Month
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Manzanita
Celebrate Earth Month on one of Oregon’s most iconic beaches. Volunteers will help remove marine debris, then enjoy refreshments and a sack lunch following the cleanup.
Link to register

Road’s End Spring Beach and Neighborhood Clean-Up
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 1 pm
WHERE: Road’s End, Lincoln City
Join a combined beach and neighborhood cleanup with community partners. Volunteers will remove litter from the shoreline and surrounding areas. Link to register

Warrenton Waterfront Trail Earth Day Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Hammond Marina / Warrenton Waterfront Trail
Help clean the waterfront trail stretching along the Skipanon River. Volunteers will disperse into teams and return for a group photo after the cleanup. Link to register

Cannon Beach Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 1 pm
WHERE: Cannon Beach
Join a large-scale beach cleanup covering areas from Ecola State Park to Arch Cape. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to help remove marine debris and microplastics.
Link to register

Brookings Earth Day Cleanup with Chetco Brewing
WHEN: Sunday, April 19, 10 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Brookings
Meet at Chetco Brewing before heading out to nearby beaches including Mill Beach, Harbor Beach, and Harris Beach for a coastal cleanup. Link to register

Microplastic Screening & Beach Cleanup
WHEN: Thursday, April 23, 10 am – 2:30 pm
WHERE: Rockaway Beach
Help screen for microplastics and remove marine debris in partnership with local community groups and students. Link to register

Two for One Day: Earth Day & Arbor Day Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 10 am – 1 pm
WHERE: Estuary Trail, Florence
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with invasive plant removal, trail cleanup, and habitat restoration projects throughout Florence. Link to register

Sparrow Park Beach Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 10 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Reedsport
Collect litter and marine debris along the shoreline as part of the Oregon Spring Cleanup.
Link to register

Netarts/Oceanside Beach Cleanup: Sunset Edition
WHEN: Sunday, April 26, 4 pm – 6 pm
WHERE: Cape Lookout State Park to Bayocean Spit
Join an evening beach cleanup timed with low tide and sunset. Volunteers will help remove marine debris, followed by optional post-cleanup gathering.
Link to register

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer: Browse the event calendar for more events and register yourself or a group at volunteer.solve.org/oregon-spring
• Encourage participation: Invite schools, workplaces, and community groups to take part in Earth Month action
• Spread the Word: Share local events with friends, neighbors, and your community

The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2026 is made possible through the partnership with Portland General Electric and generous support of Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon State Park & Recreation, The Standard, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, KOIN6, LAM Research, Lithia & Driveway, National Parks Recreation & Parks Association, and PepsiCo.

For more information or to register, visit solve.org/oregon-spring

About SOLVE  — SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. Stefanie Wich-Herrlein (she/her)

Based on reports from early April 2026, Oregon is facing severe drought conditions and a heightened risk of wildfire following an exceptionally mild and dry winter, which has created a “snow drought” with water supply concerns similar to 2015. 

• Historic Temperatures: The winter of 2025-2026 (December–February) tied with 1934 as the warmest on record for Oregon, with average temperatures 38.7 degrees, roughly 6 degrees above the long-term average.
• Snowpack Deficit: Due to high temperatures rather than a lack of precipitation, the snowpack across the Pacific Northwest has plummeted to roughly one-third of normal levels, which is one of the lowest in decades.
• Climate Trends: State climatologist Larry O’Neill described this as part of a “worrying trend,” noting that 2025 was the third-warmest year on record and the last few winters have been exceptionally warm.

Drought Emergency and Proactive Response

• Governor Action: On March 31, 2026, Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order (EO 26-05) declaring a drought emergency for Baker, Deschutes, and Umatilla counties.
• Early Declaration: This declaration was issued significantly earlier in the year than in 2024 or 2025, reflecting the severity of the dry conditions.
• Assistance Measures: The order enables state agencies to assist local water users, including farmers, ranchers, and the recreation industry, and streamlines the process for water-related reviews. 
• Fire and Environmental Risks

• Fire Season Preparedness: Officials are bracing for an intense wildfire season starting earlier than normal, with state agencies like the Oregon State Fire Marshal focusing on wildfire readiness and defensible space.
• Water Supply Impacts: The low snowpack is expected to result in reduced streamflows and significantly impact agricultural production, especially in Southern and Eastern Oregon, with some regions facing potential irrigation shortages.
• Aquatic Life: The lack of water and higher water temperatures are expected to negatively impact fish populations, including salmon and steelhead.

Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board to host community forums to hear how prescription drug prices affect Oregonians

The Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is hosting a series of community forums in April and May to hear from people about the high cost of prescription drugs and the effect it has on their lives and budgets.

The in-person forums will be held May 5 at the Salem Library, May 6 at the Redmond Library, May 12 at the Asian Health & Service Center in Portland, and May 18 at the Beaverton Library. Online forums are scheduled for April 28, May 11, May 13, and the online board meeting, May 20.

“We invite all Oregonians to join us at these forums and share your stories about the cost of your medications and how those costs impact your lives,” said Sarah Young, PDAB executive director. “All forums will have similar content, so choose the best option for your schedule. We would love to have patients, caregivers, and consumers join us to share their experiences. Hearing your stories will help inform the board as it reviews drugs to identify affordability challenges and high out-of-pocket costs for patients.”

The board conducts annual drug reviews and presents a list of medications that may create affordability challenges to the Oregon Legislature each year. This year, PDAB will review the following medications to evaluate their affordability and their impact on Oregonians and the state’s health care system:

• Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Ozempic (Type 2 diabetes)
• Humulin R U-500 (improve blood sugar control for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who require more than 200 units of insulin per day)
• Keytruda and Verzenio (cancer)
• Xeljanz (autoimmune and inflammatory conditions)
• Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis)
• Skyrizi (immune-mediated inflammatory conditions)
• Tremfya (plaque psoriasis)
• Xolair (allergic and inflammatory conditions)

The feedback from the community forums will help inform PDAB’s drug review process. Each of the drugs and what they treat can be found on PDAB’s website.

The three online forums are:

• Tuesday, April 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 161 635 9753 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)
• Monday, May 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 556 2737 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)
• Wednesday, May 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 948 4958 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)

The four in-person forums are:

• Tuesday, May 5, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Salem at the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE
• Wednesday, May 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Redmond at the Redmond Public Library, 817 SW Deschutes Ave.
• Tuesday, May 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Portland at the Asian Health & Service Center, 9035 SE Foster Road
• Monday, May 18, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Beaverton at the Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW Fifth St.

“We also invite everyone to share online feedback about the prescription drugs the board is reviewing,” Young said. “If you have been prescribed one of the drugs on the list, please answer the questions and submit the form.”

The feedback forms are located on the PDAB website and include options for patients, medical experts, safety net clinics, and others.

The Oregon Legislature created the board out of Senate Bill 844 in 2021 to protect Oregonians and the Oregon health care system from the high costs of prescription drugs. The board holds monthly online meetings that are open to the public. The board has eight members with backgrounds in clinical medicine or health care economics.

For more information, email pdab@dcbs.oregon.gov, call 971-374-3724 or go to dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.

### About PDAB: The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is in the Division of Financial Regulation, part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The board was established under ORS 646A.693 to protect residents of Oregon, state and local governments, commercial health plans, health care providers, pharmacies licensed in Oregon, and others within the health care system in this state from the high costs of prescription drugs. Visit dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.

‘Healthcare Without Fear Act’ Becomes Law

Landmark bill holds federal immigration agents accountable in hospitals, protects patient information and ensures patients can seek care without fear.

Surrounded by nurses and allies, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed ‘The Healthcare Without Fear Act’ into law at a celebratory event April 9. The law’s passage is a major victory for patients and healthcare providers and will help ensure all Oregonians can safely access care—regardless of their immigration status. 

The Healthcare Without Fear Act, Senate Bill 1570, was ceremonially signed at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization alongside other bills in the 2026 Immigrant Justice Package. The new law helps ensure federal immigration agents are held accountable to the same standards as state and local law enforcement inside hospitals; protects patients’ private health information; and ensures every Oregonian can access healthcare without fearing for their health and safety. 

The act was the Oregon Nurses Association’s (ONA’s) top legislative priority in 2026. 

“I became a nurse to care for all patients—regardless of their background or immigration status,” said Ellie Murray, an ONA member and registered nurse at OHSU. “The Healthcare Without Fear Act demonstrates our commitment to care for our neighbors and allows everyone to seek care without fear. Thank you to Governor Kotek, Senator Campos and Oregon’s elected leaders and allies for taking action to ensure our hospitals remain places of healing, dignity, and trust for everyone.”

The Healthcare Without Fear Act requires hospitals to create policies around all law enforcement interactions; designate a point person to interface with law enforcement to establish consistency, efficiency and reduce burdens on frontline caregivers; and to clearly delineate public and private spaces within hospitals. It also protects patient privacy by classifying immigration status and place of birth as protected health information and empowers healthcare providers to share information about immigration rights or legal services with patients and their families.

“Healthcare is a human right and everyone deserves to seek care without fear,” said Cristian Mendoza Ruvalcaba, ONA member, nurse practitioner and candidate for Oregon Senate District 3. “As a nurse practitioner, I’ve cared for patients from all walks of life and have seen the consequences when people are too afraid to get care—illnesses get worse, public health risks increase and trust in our healthcare systems erodes. Healthcare facilities must remain safe, welcoming spaces for all Oregonians. I’m proud to support the Healthcare Without Fear Act to protect access to healthcare, strengthen our communities, and ensure each person is treated with dignity and respect.” 

Senate Bill 1570 is part of a national effort to protect vulnerable patients and hold federal government agencies accountable. California passed a similar bill (California Senate Bill 81) in 2025. 

Last year, the Trump administration eliminated long-standing “sensitive location” protections which restricted immigration enforcement at hospitals, clinics, schools, places of worship and other areas. 

Since that change, federal immigration agents in Oregon shot two people in a hospital parking lot; arrested an entire family trying to take their sick 7-year-old daughter to the ER; and have reportedly entered hospital restricted areas, exposed patients’ private health information, and interfered with patients’ care.

“At Legacy Emanuel, we have seen federal immigration officers without proper identification, in clinical areas where they should not be, and in situations that interfere with patient care and staff responsibilities,” said Stephanie Funk, an ONA member and nurse at Legacy. “Clear, consistent laws like the Healthcare Without Fear Act are essential to allow healthcare professionals to do our jobs and give every patient the care and dignity they deserve.”

The Healthcare Without Fear Act was a key element of the 2026 Immigrant Justice Package—more than a dozen pieces of legislation designed to protect vulnerable Oregonians and respond to federal attacks against immigrant communities. 

More information on the Healthcare Without Fear Act can be found at OregonRN.org/CareWithoutFear.

###The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 25,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

The Oregon Court of Appeals has overturned a June 2023 ruling in a class action lawsuit against PacifiCorp concerning the Labor Day 2020 wildfires.

The appellate court has remanded the James class action case back to the trial court, with PacifiCorp asserting that this decision validates its stance that the initial proceedings were biased and unsuitable for handling wildfire-related litigation.

The company emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive solutions to tackle the ongoing challenges faced by Oregonians and highlights its extensive wildfire mitigation program, which includes significant investments in prevention strategies.

These initiatives encompass enhanced situational awareness, improved operational practices, advanced monitoring technologies, better vegetation management, and the fortification of its systems.

Scammers are targeting individuals with deceptive text messages claiming they owe money to the Oregon Department of Transportation or DMV, and these messages are not harmless jokes.

These fraudulent texts often mention unpaid tolls, license suspensions, or traffic violations and include links to counterfeit websites designed to capture your personal and financial information. It is important to remember that ODOT and DMV will never request payment via text, email, phone call, or third-party sites.

Scammers aim to create a sense of urgency to prompt quick action, so it is crucial not to respond, click on any links, or share personal details. Instead, block the number and delete the message.

Such scam texts frequently use alarming phrases like “urgent notice” or “final enforcement,” warning of potential license suspensions or increased fines if immediate payment is not made

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COST:              Free with Museum admission or membership

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

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

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

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

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

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

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

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

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

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

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

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

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

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

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

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

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

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

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

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

 Be Your Own Info Network

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

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

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

Reconnect When Service Returns

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

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

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

 Final Tip:

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

Oregon’s Missing Persons

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

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

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

Taking Another Look at What Happened to Fauna Frey

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tipline- 541-359-5638

Email – Helpfindfaunafrey@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find the mental health support you need

           Click the pic to see all resources