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, May 1, 2026
Willamette Valley Weather
Be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast
Food for Lane County Empty Bowls Sale Today!
Come on over to 5th Street Public Market Alley today (May 1st) and select from hundreds of bowls, handcrafted by local artisans. Prices start at the low, low price of $5(!!).
Stroll from 4:30-7pm and shop your little heart out. All proceeds benefit Food for Lane County and provide meals for our neighbors in need!
Powerball Drawing Produces Four Big Oregon Wins Including $2 Million Winner in Creswell
It was a lucky night for Powerball players across the country, including Oregon, with the drawing producing four large wins for Oregon players. Two lucky people in Kansas and Indiana won the $143 million jackpot prize, and a total of almost 90 wins were won across 20 states for Powerball’s $2 million and $1 million prizes.
The winning tickets in Oregon were purchased in the following locations:
$2 million – Creswell
$2 million – Coos Bay
$1 million – Gresham
$2 million – Medford
Oregon Lottery retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, a retail location that sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus.
Oregon’s largest Powerball win was in 2024, when Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, his wife, and a friend together shared a jackpot worth $1.3 billion. The biggest Powerball jackpot ever won in history was a $2.04 billion jackpot in 2022 by a player in California.
Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $17.8 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
Lane Arts Council‘s First Friday ArtWalk on May 1!
Explore artwork at local galleries and businesses and stop by the Farmers Market Pavilion to relax into spring with smooth reggae beats featuring De Solution Band and Messenjah Selah.
While at the Pavilion, shop and explore a marketplace full of local artisans, featured artists, youth art activation and collaborators Lane Council of Governments for #MayIsBikeMonth activities and goodies.
Eugene’s ArtWalk is 5:30-8 p.m. on the First Friday of every month and always FREE! Learn more at lanearts.org/first-friday-artwalk/
Update– Eugene Emergency Physicians In Court Opposing Planned PeaceHealth ER Changes
Federal court hearings began April 27, 2026, regarding a lawsuit by Eugene Emergency Physicians (EEP) to block PeaceHealth from replacing them with ApolloMD, a Georgia-based firm, for emergency services in Lane County. EEP alleges the transition violates Oregon’s corporate medicine law (SB 951) and threatens patient care, while a federal judge has expressed frustration with testimony from the incoming group, Lane Emergency Physicians.
- The Plaintiffs: Eugene Emergency Physicians (contractors for 35 years), Dr. Dan McGee, and local patient parents.
- The Defendants: PeaceHealth, ApolloMD, and the newly formed, Georgia-managed “Lane Emergency Physicians”.
- The Allegations: EEP argues that ApolloMD is creating a “shell game” to control medical decisions through Lane Emergency Physicians, violating Oregon’s 2025 law that bans management companies from dictating clinical care.
- The Court Action: U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai is hearing testimony to decide whether to grant a preliminary injunction to stop the, as The Register-Guard reports, planned, ApolloMD staffing changes in Cottage Grove, Florence, and RiverBend in Springfield.
- Judge’s Response: Judge Kasubhai warned on day three that the vague testimony from Lane Emergency Physicians owner Dr. Johne Chapman, who lives in Illinois and has no contract, “defies logic and credibility”.
- Community Impact: Over 7,000 people signed a petition against the move, and local physicians have expressed concern over a “staffing crisis” if the current team is replaced.
The trial continues to determine if the contract transition crosses legal lines, with The Register-Guard reporting on the intensive, multi-day testimony.
SB 951 is a 2025 Oregon law that restricts management services organizations, or MSOs, and private equity from owning or controlling physician practices, aiming to preserve clinical independence and limit corporate influence in healthcare.
The lawsuit brought in March by EEP and two other plaintiffs alleges the emergency medical services partnership between PeaceHealth and ApolloMD, ApolloMD Business Services and Lane Emergency Physicians, violates corporate practice of medicine laws in Oregon.
PeaceHealth witness Dr. Johne Philip Chapman —the sole owner and member of Lane Emergency Physicians or LEP. Despite having no written contract with PeaceHealth, says he’s expected to take over emergency departments in Cottage Grove, Florence and Springfield in the coming months.
Chapman lives in Illinois, works as a medical director at an ApolloMD-affiliated hospital outside of Chicago and said on the stand that he has no plans to move to Oregon. When asked about the corporate structure of LEP and ApolloMD, Chapman often had no answers and deferred to accountants or lawyers not present.
U.S. District Court Judge Mustafa Kasubhai, who has heard witness testimony since Monday, to state that the concept that leaders such as Chapman “have no idea how this is set up— defies logic and credibility.”
Witness testimonies are expected to be concluded and oral arguments to begin on Monday.
Johns Hopkins Study: One-Time Cash Payments Have Potential to Prevent Youth Homelessness in Oregon – Pilot Program was Launched in Lane County
Point Source Youth and the Oregon Department of Human Services will expand a successful cash support and homelessness prevention pilot program and focus it on youth who have experienced foster care
New and actionable research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that one-time direct cash payments help prevent youth homelessness. In a seven-state pilot of Point Source Youth’s (PSY) Targeted Housing Assistance Program (THAP), 92 percent of 345 participants did not need to enter the homelessness system within six months of receiving support.
PSY, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Connected Lane County partnered for Oregon’s initial pilot, which launched in 2024. The pilot supported communities in providing needs-based cash payments and other supports to young people. In its initial phase, Oregon enrolled 56 young people in Lane County, who were at imminent risk of homelessness. They also received financial and youth-driven supportive programming. Payments averaged $3,700 and were typically dispersed within 48 hours.
The Lane County pilot’s one-time cash assistance complemented an initiative – called Direct Cash Transfer (DCT+) – that provides 24 months of ongoing payments for young people who were actively experiencing homelessness at launch.
Building on the success of the initial pilot, PSY and ODHS are expanding the program so more young people can get help before a housing crisis results in homelessness. The expanded pilot includes partnering with Jackson Street Youth Services. It will focus on young people who have experienced foster care in the child welfare system and are stepping into independence. Eligible young adults from the ages of 18 to 23, who have experienced foster care and are at risk of homelessness, can be referred to Jackson Street Youth Services in areas throughout the state where services are provided. As of March 2026, the pilot began identifying eligible youth and distributing funds. At least 60 youth will receive cash support. The ODHS pilot will also partner with researchers to track outcomes and learn from participants’ experiences over a six-month period.
This expansion follows promising results in Lane County with 82 percent of participants surveyed reporting that they were in stable housing after the first month.
“These findings suggest that quick, tailored cash assistance with supportive services can keep young people housed and out of shelters,” said Larry Cohen, co-founder and executive director of Point Source Youth.“Youth homelessness starts with a crisis and then becomes a long-term trauma because help arrives too late, if at all. That’s why we’re scaling this program immediately — expanding into 10 new communities and launching new sites to translate these findings into action to keep young people securely housed and to prevent them from experiencing homelessness — right now.”
Within ODHS, the expanded pilot is supported by several programs: Youth Transitions and Family First programs in Child Welfare and the Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (YEHP) in Self-Sufficiency Programs.
“Our unique Targeted Housing Assistance Program pilot initiative fills a critical gap in our state’s systems to support young adults stepping into independence,” said Matthew Rasmussen, who manages ODHS’ Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (YEHP). “By collaborating, we can offer young people the stability and opportunities they need before they are forced to enter the homelessness system—while still honoring the work to support young people who are already experiencing it.”
The one-time cash benefit helps young people overcome the overwhelming number of hurdles they face just to secure and maintain a safe place to live, Rasmussen said. “We are greatly encouraged that we may be able to support as many as 60 additional young people across the state this year.”
Kendra Phillips, executive director of Jackson Street Youth Services, said, “We, at Jackson Street Youth Services, are honored to partner with Point Source Youth to bring the Targeted Housing Assistance Program to Oregon at a statewide scale. This model allows us to respond quickly and effectively to young people at risk of homelessness, providing the flexible support they need to stay safely housed and build stability. It represents a transformative step forward in how we prevent youth homelessness in our communities.”
In PSY’s initial seven-state pilot, 345 youth households across sites in Oregon, Arizona, California, Georgia, Michigan, New York and Texas, impacted a total of 623 people, including household members and dependents. Unlike most housing and homelessness programs, this program provides crucial funds and support to youth who are at imminent risk of entering homelessness, including those who are asked to leave current housing, living in an unsafe situation or facing eviction.
Point Source Youth is also expanding pilots in California, Michigan and New York, and launching new sites in Hawai‘i, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina and Oklahoma. Together these states will provide a total of $3 million in direct cash payments to an estimated 1,000 young people, allowing them to obtain help before their acute crisis leads to homelessness.
With initiatives that are delivered through community-based organizations, Point Source Youth trains staff working with participants to develop individualized housing plans before funds are distributed. Supportive services, including case management, financial coaching and housing navigation, are available but optional, preserving youth autonomy and reducing barriers to access. The program is modeled after Washington state’s Homelessness Prevention and Diversion Fund, which has reported strong housing outcomes at 12 months.
Point Source Youth National Press Release: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60418acae851e139836c67ed/t/69f245b6eaa9547394c6903c/1777485238940/PSY_7-STATE-PRESS-RELEASE.pdf
About the Targeted Housing Assistance Program (THAP): https://www.pointsourceyouth.org/oregon-thap-direct-cash-to-prevent-youth-homelessness.
About Point Source Youth – Point Source Youth is a national organization working to prevent and end youth homelessness in the U.S. Point Source Youth provides thought leadership, advocacy, technical assistance, and evaluation to scale proven interventions that can cost effectively prevent youth homelessness in the first place or provide young people with the resources they need for stable housing if they are experiencing homelessness. After 10 years of work in the field, Targeted Housing Assistance and Direct Cash Transfers, both with youth-directed support, are the interventions that are cost-effective, scalable and work. To learn more, visit https://www.pointsourceyouth.org/
About the Oregon Department of Human Services – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) works to help Oregonians achieve well-being and independence. The agency provides direct services to more than one million Oregonians a year. The Targeted Housing Assistance Program (THAP) Foster Youth Pilot is supported by three programs within ODHS: Self Sufficiency Programs’ Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program and Child Welfare’s Youth Transitions and Family First teams.
About Jackson Street Youth Services
Jackson Street Youth Services is a nonprofit organization based in Corvallis, Oregon — serving Linn and Benton counties, dedicated to supporting youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Since 2001 (celebrating 25 years!), Jackson Street has provided a continuum of care including emergency shelter, transitional living, outreach and prevention services. Through trauma-informed, youth-centered programming, the organization empowers young people to build stability, develop life skills and achieve long-term self-sufficiency. Jackson Street works in partnership with community organizations to ensure every young person has access to safe housing, education and supportive services.
Security Fence Planned for Eugene Federal Building
The federal government is preparing to install temporary security fencing around the Eugene Federal Building, and city officials say there is little they can do to stop it because the property falls under federal jurisdiction.
According to the City of Eugene, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has notified officials of its plans to install the fencing. Because the federal government is exempt from local and state land-use regulations on property it owns, the city cannot enforce local fence codes or block the project.
City officials say their involvement is limited to reviewing and processing a Right-of-Way Use Permit to ensure nearby public streets and sidewalks remain safe and accessible during installation.
That permit would allow contractors to temporarily use public streets or sidewalks for construction-related work, such as closing traffic lanes to deliver materials or complete installation.
Last week, the city received an application from GSA’s contractor requesting temporary lane closures on Pearl Street and 7th Avenue during the fencing project. Officials say the application is currently under review, and the permit will be issued if all requirements are met.
The city emphasized that Right-of-Way permits are approved or denied based solely on whether the applicant meets permit requirements, regardless of who submits the request.
According to GSA, part of the fence will extend along the northern section of the Pearl Street sidewalk next to the federal building. However, the city says that section of sidewalk is on federal property, where Eugene holds no easement and has no legal authority to prevent its closure.
To maintain pedestrian access, the city plans to convert a nearby parking strip into a continuous walkway before the fencing is installed. That work is expected to begin Monday, April 27.
City officials described Pearl Street as a key route connecting downtown Eugene to the riverfront and market district and said they are committed to ensuring the alternate pedestrian path is in place before the sidewalk closure begins.
Detectives make multiple arrests during retail theft operation
From 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. on April 23, a team of Property and Financial Crimes Unit detectives conducted a retail theft operation at Fred Meyer, 3333 W. 11th Avenue. A total of nine people were arrested during the enforcement.
Charged:
• Daniel Lee Wurner, age 44, arrested for Theft in the Third Degree- Case 26-06073
• Ira Ulyesses Bastian, age 40, Theft in the Third Degree and a warrant – Case 26-06075
• Two juveniles in their mid teens, Theft in the Third Degree- Case 26-06077
• Melanie Rose Anderson, age 22, Theft – Case 26-06078
• Isiah Christopher Lininger, age 41, Theft in the Third Degree and a warrant – Case 26-06078
• Andrew Ryan Ebat, age 26, Theft in the Third Degree – Case 26-06083
• Roger Woofter, age 31, Trespass in the Second Degree – Case 26-06085
• Cheri Ann Ames, age 44, Theft, warrant– Case 26-06088
EPD’s retail theft enforcement operations receive funding through the 2025-2027 Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (OCJC) Organized Retail Theft Grant, which was received in January 2026. The grant provides EPD with $84,776 in funding for organized retail theft enforcement operations, training, and administrative costs. The Property Crimes Unit is the main recipient of the grant award and leading the operational planning around retail theft operations in the area. For EPD, the grant cycle runs from when the grant award was accepted, January 16, 2026, through August 31, 2027.
A federal judge in Eugene conducted oral arguments last week regarding a lawsuit that seeks to halt ICE operations in schools, hospitals, and churches.
The lawsuit, brought forth by church leaders and school staff from Oregon, Florida, and California, contends that these immigration enforcement actions breach government policy.
The plaintiffs’ attorneys have presented over 60 instances from individuals across 18 states who have been affected by these immigration raids. An emergency motion has been filed to pause the enforcement actions until the trial concludes. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration has requested the dismissal of the case. Although Federal Judge Ann Aiken did not indicate her forthcoming decision on the motions, she assured that a ruling would be issued soon.
Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) is currently recruiting new YOUTH volunteers!
We are looking for young people with a positive attitude who want to serve their community. Our volunteer members must be willing and prepared to be called out at all times of the day or night, sometimes in very inclement weather and extreme conditions.
Applicants must:
– Be able to pass a background check
– Be at least 14 years old by June 1st, 2026
– Be enrolled in high school during Fall 2026
– Maintain a satisfactory GPA
– Attend the week-long Search & Rescue Academy in June 2026 to learn the required skills for state certification, including Survival Skills, Navigation, First-Aid, Helicopter Safety, and other skills needed to perform as a team member in a lifesaving organization
– Commit to regular attendance at monthly meetings and trainings
Join us for an informational meeting to learn more:
WHERE: Harris Hall, Lane County Public Service Building, 125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene
Monday, May 11th at 6 p.m.
Attendance by each prospective youth volunteer at one of the above meetings is mandatory to apply. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend
Fatal Traffic Crash – SE 3rd St in Corvallis
At approximately 3:30 a.m. this morning (Mon 4/27), officers with the Corvallis Police Department responded to a fatal traffic crash on SE 3rd Street near SE Chapman Place.
A 55-year-old Corvallis resident was struck and killed by a northbound vehicle. The roadway was closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene and is expected to reopen within the hour.
This incident remains under active investigation. No additional details are being released at this time as investigators continue to gather information. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Corvallis Police Department non-emergency line at 541-766-6924.
Pacific Crest Bus Lines Starts May 1st For Eugene-Medford Route
Pacific Crest Bus Lines says its new Eugene-to-Medford route serving Roseburg will launch May 1. Tickets are now available, with fares from Roseburg listed at $18 to Eugene Amtrak, $22 to Grants Pass, and $27 to Medford.
Pacific Crest Bus Lines says its new Eugene-to-Medford route is officially set to launch May 1, bringing daily intercity bus service to communities along the Interstate 5 corridor, including Roseburg.
The company announced that tickets are now available for purchase, including seats on the route’s first ride. The new service will connect Eugene, Cottage Grove, Sutherlin, Roseburg, Canyonville, Grants Pass, and Medford.
The service was previously expected to begin in April, but Pacific Crest Bus Lines now says the route will launch May 1st.
Pacific Crest Bus Lines said riders can book trips through the company’s website. In a message from the company, Pacific Crest said it expects strong interest in the new service and encouraged riders to book early to secure a seat.
The route is expected to give Douglas County travelers another option for regional transportation, including connections to Eugene, Medford, Grants Pass, and other communities along I-5.
— Pacific Crest Bus Lines provided fare information for both southbound and northbound trips on the new Eugene-to-Medford route.
Fares vary depending on where riders board and exit the bus. From Roseburg, listed fares include $6 to Sutherlin, $13 to Cottage Grove, $18 to Eugene Amtrak, $9 to Canyonville, $22 to Grants Pass, and $27 to Medford.
Full-route fares between Eugene Amtrak and Medford are listed at $44.
Northbound Fares
Southbound Fares
Riders should check Pacific Crest Bus Lines directly for the latest stop information, schedules, ticket availability, and any changes before traveling. Tickets and additional information are available through Pacific Crest Bus Lines at pacificcrestbuslines.net.
Free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup in Oakridge on Saturday, May 2
The free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup will collect up to 35 gallons of household hazardous waste per customer on Saturday, May 2, in Oakridge. Hazardous waste from businesses, schools, churches, government agencies or non-profits may be subject to disposal fees and those organizations must pre-register for the event.
When: Saturday, May 2, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Where: Oakridge Fire Station (47592 Highway 58)
Who: All community members are welcome to participate in the roundup.
What to bring:
Up to 35 gallons of paint, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, car care products, arts and crafts products, pool chemicals, fluorescent tubes and other household hazardous waste. Check labels for words like solvent, flammable, corrosive, poison, caution, and danger.
Please don’t bring:
Empty containers, drums, radioactive or infectious waste, asbestos, pressurized cylinders, or explosives. Any empty containers can be safely thrown in the trash. For information about disposal of radioactive waste, asbestos or explosives call 541-682-4120.
What about hazardous waste from businesses?
Businesses that generate small amounts of hazardous waste may pre-register to bring that waste to this event. Businesses must pay for disposal of the waste, but most can save money by using this program rather than hiring a contractor.
Electronics recycling
The Cottage Grove, Creswell, Florence, Marcola, Oakridge, Rattlesnake, Veneta and Vida transfer stations accept the following items for free during normal operating hours: televisions, computer monitors, CPUs, printers, phones and laptops. Maximum seven items per day. No commercial or floor-standing copiers, parts or dismantled units.
The free household hazardous waste collection events are made possible by the fees collected when commercial garbage haulers or residents bring waste to Short Mountain Landfill or one of Lane County’s 15 transfer stations.
Please call 541-682-4120 for more information about hazardous waste disposal for households or businesses.
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
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.
5/1/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today
OREGON NATIONAL GUARD INVITES PUBLIC TO TWO SOUTHERN OREGON EVENTS on May 1st and 2nd
Open House and Norwegian Foot March offer community members a chance to engage with local Guard Soldiers
MEDFORD, Ore. — The Oregon Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment is hosting two public events in the Medford area in early May, inviting community members and media to participate and learn more about their local National Guard.
1-186 Infantry Open House – May 1, 2026
HHC/1-186 Infantry invites the public to its Open House at the Medford Armory, 1701 S. Pacific Hwy, Medford, Oregon 97501. The armory will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitors will have the opportunity to talk with soldiers and learn about military occupational specialties, including scouts, medics, and more. Military vehicles will be on display, and Oregon Army National Guard recruiters will be on hand to answer questions about military service and career opportunities. Registrants will also be entered to win a pair of Apple AirPods 4. Registration is available via QR code on the event flyer.
Norwegian Foot March – May 2, 2026
The following day, HHC/1-186 Infantry will host a Norwegian Foot March at Bear Creek Greenway, 2931 S. Pacific Hwy, Medford, Oregon 97501. Registration and ruck sack weigh-in begins at 4 a.m., with the march kicking off at 5 a.m. The event concludes at noon.
The Norwegian Foot March is a physically demanding endurance march with roots in Nordic military tradition. Participants carry a 24-pound dry rucksack over the 30 Kilometer course. Those who complete the march will receive a commemorative plaque or coin. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
The event is open to the public and free to participate. Registration is available via QR code on the event flyer. Registrants who complete the event are also entered for a chance to win a pair of Apple AirPods 4. Current service members may register and participate, but are not eligible for the raffle.
For more information about the Open House, contact SFC Michael Ege at michael.j.ege.mil@army.mil or (541) 450-8978. For more information about the Norwegian Foot March, contact CPT Christopher Gallagher at istopher.i.gallagher.mil@army.mil“>christopher.i.gallagher.mil@army.mil or (971)-355-1310.
The Oregon National Guard is a part-time, community-based organization of more than 8,000 men and women who serve their neighbors in times of emergency and defend the nation when called upon. Guard members serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year while maintaining civilian careers and community ties. For more information about joining the Oregon Army National Guard, visit oregonarmyguard.com.
One person has died and another was injured after falling from a chairlift on April 30 at Mt. Hood Skibowl, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
At around 9:30 a.m Thursday 4/30, a 911 call reported that “a maintenance basket had fallen from the upper-bowl chairlift into rugged terrain.” Two employees were inside the basket and suffered traumatic injuries per a news release from Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
One of the employees, who was not named, was unconscious after the fall. A person on the scene began CPR. By the time medics arrived, at 10 a.m., the person who’d fallen did not have a pulse and “despite lifesaving efforts, was pronounced dead at the scene,” official said.
The other person who’d fallen was conscious and breathing and was transported by Life Flight to a local hospital for treatment, officials said.
Mt. Hood Skibowl has been closed to skiing for a number of weeks. The incident is being investigated as a workplace death, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified, the sheriff’s office said.
The name of the deceased will be released after family members have been notified, officials said.
Deputies, Hoodland Fire, Clackamas Fire, American Medical Response, sheriff’s office Search and Rescue volunteers and U.S. Forest Service law enforcement responded to the incident.
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.
The Office of the Governor, in partnership with the Oregon Arts Commission, is proud to relaunch Art in the Governor’s Office. This program brings the works of some of Oregon’s most distinguished artists to the state Capitol to be displayed in the Governor’s Gallery (formerly the Reception Room).
This longstanding tradition, which began in 1975 and celebrates the diverse creativity of Oregon’s professional visual artists, returns this year after a pause due to the pandemic and the restoration of the Capitol building. It will feature a series of three exhibitions of renowned practitioners of photography and painting.
The 2026 series begins with an exhibition by Harrison Branch, an accomplished photographer and Oregon State University Professor Emeritus. Branch’s “Palladotypes: Unpublished Images” will be on display April 24 through July 16.
“With construction nearly completed, it’s so meaningful to be back in the Capitol – and restart the sharing of art in the Governor’s Office,” said Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson. “Oregonian artist Marie Watt so perfectly described the importance of art: ‘Art is a living, breathing part of our community. Art belongs to everyone, and it has the power to transform the way we see each other and ourselves.’ I encourage everyone who visits or works in the Capitol to stop by the Governor’s Office to view these beautiful pieces of art and photography.”
Featured Artist: Harrison Branch — Born in New York City and educated at the San Francisco Art Institute and Yale University, Harrison Branch has spent more than four decades at the forefront of photographic education and artistry. Joining Oregon State University faculty in 1972, Branch was instrumental in developing the university’s photography program.
Branch, who lives in Corvallis, is celebrated for his technical expertise with bellows cameras—large, intricate instruments that allow for extreme precision. His work deeply explores the “natural environment,” specifically focusing on the tonal relationships between silver and the superior platinum-palladium printing process.
“In the age of digital photography,” Branch said, “I prefer the traditional methods, which could also be called classical. To me this hands-on method brings the most joy and excitement. Watching an image materialize in the developing tray is still magical.”
His photographs, which often feature undeveloped natural areas, have been exhibited internationally, including at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris and the George Eastman House.
Upcoming 2026 Exhibitions
Following the exhibition by Harrison Branch, the Governor’s Office will host two additional prominent Oregon artists:
Erik Sandgren (July 17 – Oct. 8): Sandgren’s work probes the figured landscape through the lenses of myth and history. He works in many media. His large-scale murals, paintings and prints are in private and public collections as diverse as the Maryhill Museum of Art and the Yale University Art Gallery.
Nancy Watterson Scharf (Oct. 9 – Dec. 31): Scharf is based in the Southern Oregon coast range, and her acrylic paintings provide a “voice for nature,” investigating the complex relationship between humans, animals and the ecosystems they share.
Public Access
The Governor’s Gallery is viewable most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitation information is available at 503-986-1388.
Oregonians will soon have the ability to take legal action against private companies that sell or misuse data obtained from license plate-reading cameras, thanks to a new state law.
Senate Bill 1516, which was signed by Governor Tina Kotek on March 31, took effect immediately due to an emergency provision included by lawmakers.
This 16-page legislation is part of a broader public safety package that garnered bipartisan support, yet it is particularly notable for its stringent regulations on the use of automated license plate reading technology and the street cameras associated with it.
While law enforcement has utilized this technology to disrupt criminal activities, its deployment has faced heightened scrutiny, especially in light of intensified federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Oregon has emerged as the second most affected state for imposter scams, with residents reporting 1,224 incidents per million people residents, a significant rise in the latest numbers released through 2024.
The financial impact on Oregonians has also escalated sharply, with total losses from these scams increasing by 54% which represents the fifth-largest rise among all states examined.
On average, each victim in Oregon in 2024 has lost approximately $2,602 to fraudulent schemes.
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has finally achieved profitability after enduring years of financial losses, yet the pressure to generate revenue continues to escalate within the state’s sole academic medical center.
Following a staggering loss of over $130 million in the previous fiscal year, OHSU reported a $65 million operating gain in the last nine months, placing the institution approximately $103 million ahead of its budget.
This financial turnaround is attributed to an increase in complex cases requiring specialized care, which yield higher reimbursements and align with OHSU’s core competencies that many other Oregon hospitals lack. However, the institution faced significant financial challenges during and after the pandemic, including rising labor costs due to wage increases and staffing shortages, inflation-driven supply price hikes, and discharge delays that restricted patient admissions.
Additionally, OHSU has navigated various controversies, including leadership changes and ongoing discussions regarding its primate research center.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is reminding political campaigns that placing signs within highway rights of way is prohibited.
ODOT regularly removes signs that are improperly positioned, as they can distract drivers, pose safety risks, and obstruct official road messages. Any campaign signs found in violation are taken down and stored at a nearby ODOT district maintenance office for a period of 30 days or until they are retrieved. While signs are permitted on private property visible from the highway, they must adhere to specific regulations, including a maximum size of 12 square feet.
Oregon is exploring innovative technology to monitor endangered bird species in its state forests, shifting from traditional nighttime surveys that require biologists to navigate challenging terrain in darkness.
The Oregon Department of Forestry has implemented Autonomous Recording Units to track northern spotted owls and marbled murrelets, allowing for the automatic recording of bird calls over extended periods without the need for human presence in the forest.
In contrast, conventional surveys are conducted only once per site at night, necessitating biologists to drive along unlit gravel roads and hike into dense, trail-less forests, often enduring hours of difficult conditions, including rain.
This outdated approach is becoming increasingly ineffective as barred owls encroach on the habitat of spotted owls, which are now found at higher elevations and are less likely to respond to calls, as doing so risks revealing their location to the competing species.
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.
Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation’s Vice Chairman Brad Parry Named Inaugural Winner of Schnitzer Prize of the West
Leading one of the largest ecological and cultural restoration projects in the American West, Parry receives the pre-eminent prize awarding collaboration in solving environmental challenges in the region
Bend, OR — April 29, 2026 — The inaugural Schnitzer Prize of the West was awarded to Brad Parry, the Vice Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation in Ogden, UT and leader of the Wuda Ogwa Cultural and Land Restoration Project.The $50,000 award granted by the High Desert Museum in Bend, OR is the first of its kind in the American West, celebrating and honoring uncommon collaboration and innovation in solving the legacy challenges of the region. Parry will receive the prize during a ceremony in Portland, OR on May 16, 2026.
Parry was awarded for his leadership transforming the site of the 1863 Bear River Massacre in Preston, Idaho, where more than 400 tribal members were killed in one of the deadliest acts of violence against Native Americans in U.S. history, into a place of ecological and cultural healing. When the Tribe purchased the 350-acre site from private owners in 2018, it also became an opportunity to bring wider awareness to a long-overlooked piece of history.
“How we view the restoration is a project not just of restoring the land, but restoring the spirit of forgiveness, and that starts with a small seed. We bring volunteers that come out to plant those seeds, and when they plant it, they bring new friends and family with them. Restoration brings brightness, hope, resilience, and remembrance, but most of all, it brings forgiveness of the past to continue forward in the future. And that’s what this project is,” says Rios Pacheco, Northwestern Shoshone spiritual leader.
Through his collaborations with Tribal members, local farmers and ranchers, academics, state and local governments, and community groups, Parry has built one of the most efficient models of watershed restoration in the American West. Despite scarce resources, ongoing institutional and local tensions, and financial restraints, Parry’s work is successfully restoring the land to its natural state by putting the creek back in its historic path and removing what didn’t belong. Under his leadership, the project is removing invasive species, planting more than 70,000 native plants, restoring wetlands, and freeing the flow of a Bear River tributary. Water is now able to flow more freely downstream, benefitting local farmers, neighboring communities, and ultimately the Great Salt Lake—returning an estimated 10,000 acre-feet of water annually to the lake, which is in its own ecological crisis due to a climate-driven drought. Also central to the restoration project is Parry’s vision for a Cultural Interpretive Center, which will memorialize the site’s history as a landmark to the Northwestern Shoshone’s resilience and their long journey to federal recognition.
“Brad’s visionary leadership is critical to this project’s success. He’s deeply engaged with local biologists, ecologists, and engineers, as well as community groups like the Youth Coalition for Great Salt Lake. He understands that this work is intersectional, and he’s brought together a coalition of stakeholders to make this ambitious project possible,” says Katie Newburn, Education Director of FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake.
Launched in partnership with Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, the inaugural Schnitzer Prize of the West celebrates Parry, his uncommon collaborations, and his innovative response to the urgent issues of sovereignty, ecological restoration, and water security. As the 2026 Prize Winner, Parry’s work illustrates a model for others across the region and the nation to follow.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be the inaugural recipient of the Schnitzer Prize of the West, a recognition I proudly accept on behalf of the Wuda Ogwa project. This achievement embodies the resilience and unity of our Tribe, our people, and our community, building upon the legacy of those who came before us. At its heart, this work is driven by a steadfast commitment to caring for our land, revitalizing our connection to history and culture, and building bridges with other communities—an essential responsibility we must uphold for our future generations,” said Schnitzer Prize of the West 2026 Winner Brad Parry.
“The Schnitzer Prize of the West celebrates remarkable individuals working together collaboratively to compromise and forge policies that benefit us all, and not just for us and our children, but generations to come,” said Jordan D. Schnitzer, President of Schnitzer Properties and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.
Parry’s nomination was selected by an esteemed panel of 13 advisors with deep backgrounds in tribal leadership, ranching and farming, water policy and river restoration, and prominent academic centers focused on the American West. The panel evaluated nearly 100 nominations across 12 states.
Among the nominations, the Advisory Committee also recognized four finalists—Amy Bowers Cordalis, Talent, OR; Kelley Delpit, Bend, OR; Julie Rentner, Chico, CA;and Laura Van Riper, Bend, OR—who will each receive a $2,500 cash prize during the Portland ceremony on May 16. More information on the selection committee and finalists are available on the High Desert Museum’s website.
Administered through the High Desert Museum, the Schnitzer Prize of the West will begin accepting new nominations in May 2026. Nominations for consideration for the 2027 Prize must be received by December 31, 2026 to be eligible. Nominees not selected in one cycle remain eligible in future cycles.
For more information on the Schnitzer Prize of the West, nominations, eligibility, and award cycles, please visit highdesertmuseum.org/schnitzer-prize.
About Schnitzer Prize of the West 2026 Winner Brad Parry — Brad Parry is the Vice Chairman for the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, where he also serves as the Tribe’s natural resource officer, currently managing and directing the Wuda Ogwa restoration project. He is actively involved as a member of the Weber River Commission, the Bear River Commission, the Jordan River Commission, the Great Salt Lake Advisory, and the University of Utah’s Board for Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement. Brad spent over 16 years with the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation, focusing on water quality improvement and Colorado River Basin salinity control. Brad spent his formative years in Syracuse, Utah, near the Great Salt Lake, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication from the University of Utah. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, fishing, music, spending time with his family, and teaching about his cultural heritage.
About Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation — Jordan Schnitzer has a vibrant legacy supporting the High Desert Museum. He is the visionary and sponsor of the Schnitzer Prize of the West.
Through the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Jordan carries on the legacy of his late parents and their belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the CARE Foundation and its leaders have given over $300 million to fund hundreds of nonprofit projects that touch lives and enrich communities.
Schnitzer is also a prominent West Coast businessman. He is President and CEO of Schnitzer Properties, one of the West Coast’s Top 10 private real estate owners with offices in six Western states. Schnitzer is also an ARTnews Top 200 Art Collector globally and shares his vast contemporary art collections at no charge to museums and institutions and supports accompanying programming, educational opportunities and publications.
About the High Desert Museum — The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
America 250 Oregon Commission Announces State Submission to National America250 Time Capsule
On July 4, 2026, America250 will bury the Semiquincentennial Time Capsule within Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, PA. The stainless-steel cylinder, designed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is designed to safely store commemorative objects for 250 years until the capsule’s opening in 2276.
Each state was asked to contribute a submission that represents its people, stories, and values at this historic moment. In February, the America 250 Oregon Commission invited the public to share their ideas for what Oregon should submit to the time capsule, with suggestions ranging from creative works, written reflections, and symbolic objects. Each state’s submission must fit within a 6″ x 5″ x 2″ archival storage box or consist of a single page of archival paper no larger than 8.5″ x 11″.
The Commission is pleased to announce that Oregon’s chosen submission is a pin handcrafted by acclaimed Native American artist Lillian Pitt (Warm Springs, Wasco, and Yakama). She is widely known for her sculpting and mixed media artistry, which focuses on 12,000 years of Native American history and traditions of the Columbia River region. Her works have been exhibited globally and can be found in Oregon at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland State University, and the Museum at Warm Springs.
The pin that was selected is She Who Watches, Pitt’s depiction of a famous petroglyph and pictograph that is perched high on a mountain visible from her ancestral village. Under the oral traditions of tribes of the Columbia River region, She Who Watches represents Tsagaglalal, a wise and powerful chief who was transformed to stone, where she continues to keep vigil over her people and the Columbia River.
“The inclusion of this pin from one of Oregon’s most celebrated Indigenous artists reminds us that Oregon’s history and America’s history is much longer than 250 or 500 years,” said America 250 Oregon Commission Chair Kerry Tymchuk.
“I am honored that my work will be included in this time capsule and am heartened to know that when it is opened in 250 years, people will be reminded of those who have made this land their home since time immemorial,” said Lillian Pitt.
Lillian Pitt was born on the Warm Springs Reservation in 1944 and moved to Portland in the early 1960s, where she resides today. She has received many honors, including the Oregon History Makers Award from the Oregon Historical Society. The Ford Family Foundation recently named Pitt as the inaugural recipient of the 1905 Legacy Award, which will be presented every five years to an active Oregon artist who has been producing art for at least 20 years.
About the America 250 Oregon Commission
The America 250 Oregon Commission was created through Senate Bill 1531, which was signed into law by Governor Tina Kotek on March 27, 2024. Chaired by the Oregon Historical Society’s executive director, Kerry Tymchuk, the mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.
BLM Brings Oregon Folklife Programming to National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
BAKER CITY, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to explore Oregon’s living cultural traditions through a new interpretive folklife series at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center beginning this week.
The series aligns with America’s 250th anniversary by highlighting the people, traditions, and cultural knowledge that have shaped the nation over time. Visitors can experience firsthand how traditional arts connect past and present while supporting the BLM’s mission.
From April through October, visitors will have interactive opportunities that represent Native American, ranching, and rural lifeways. Presentations will take place daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Pacific Time, offering deeper insight into each artist’s craft and cultural background.
April 23-25, Sara Barton, traditional basket maker of Mono Lake Paiute and Yosemite Miwuk ancestry works closely with Burns Paiute weavers
May 7-9, Kathy Moss, cowboy poet, buckaroo, horse trainer, and rancher from Prairie City
June 18-20, Roberta Kirk, regalia maker, food gatherer, and bead and dentalium artist from Warm Springs, Tenino and Wasq’u
July 9-11, Cheryl Newhouse, spinner and weaver from Richland
August 13-15, Mildred Quaempts, dentalium artist from the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla
September 24-26, Clair Kehrberg, saddle and gear maker and leatherworker from John Day
October 15-17, Katie Harris Murphy and Mary Harris, regalia and beadwork artists from the Wallowa Band Nimiipuu, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Karuk Tribes
“This interpretive outreach brings people face-to-face with the traditions that continue to shape communities across Oregon,” said Robert Reis, acting manager for the Interpretive Center. “These demonstrations create a meaningful connection to the past through the skills and knowledge that are still practiced today.”
This series is designed to build long-term, high-quality cultural programming at the Interpretive Center, ensuring visitors can engage with authentic traditions and perspectives for years to come.
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located at 22267 Highway 86 in Baker City and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. Admission fees apply. For more information, visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center website or call 541-523-1843.
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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