Willamette Valley News, Monday 9/28 – Lane County Sherrif’s Office Recruiting Adult Search and Rescue Volunteers, Search Continues for Missing Eugene Woman, Lane County Farmers Market’s Hot Pepper Eating Contest Tuesday 🌶️🔥 & Other Local and Statewide News…

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

Monday, September 28, 2026

Willamette Valley Weather

Lane County Sherrif’s Office Recruiting Adult Search and Rescue Volunteers!

In order to apply, you MUST attend one of the upcoming information sessions at Harris Hall, 125 E. 8th Ave., Eugene: – Thursday, Oct. 8th at 6 p.m. – Sunday, Oct. 11th at 6 p.m. – Tuesday, Oct. 20th at 6 p.m.  

We are looking for adults who have positive attitudes and want to serve their community. Volunteers must be willing to respond any time day or night, often in inclement weather and extreme conditions.   Volunteers who graduate from SAR academy are certified with the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association.

Volunteers receive training in medical care, orienteering, outdoor survival, and other important skills. They also have the opportunity to work on teams including ground search, mountain rescue, search K9s, and special vehicles.   Questions? Need more info? Email our team at LCSOsar@lanecountyor.gov

LCSO Case #26-4687 Deputies searching for missing woman near McKenzie View Drive and Coburg Road

On Sunday, September 20th, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies discovered Gina Christina Piazza, 27, from Eugene, was missing. Evidence indicated she was likely near McKenzie View Drive and Coburg Road as recently as Friday evening. Lane County Sheriff Search & Rescue, Marine Patrol, and Detectives responded to the area and began searching, without success. Eugene Police Department also assisted in the investigation.

Piazza is described as an Asian female with black hair and brown eyes, 5’2” tall and weighing 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing a long sleeve tan shirt, black pants, and black shoes. Piazza also has a prosthetic right leg. Detectives and Search & Rescue are continuing the investigation and search. Anyone with information about Piazza’s whereabouts are asked to call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 option 1.

9/24/26 LCSO Deputies and SAR Recover Deceased Subject from McKenzie River

On September 25th at around 2:00 pm, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a subject seen in the McKenzie River, downstream from the Armitage Park boat launch.  Marine Patrol deputies, Lane County Sheriff Search & Rescue staff and personnel with Eugene Springfield Fire all responded.

Using a jet boat, LCSO deputies were able to locate a subject down river.  Tragically the person was beyond aid and pronounced dead at the scene.  Deputies and fire personnel were able to safely extricate the subject from the river and bring them back to shore. 

The Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office was notified, and the subject was transported to the Lane County Morgue for further investigation. This case is still being investigated and there is no additional information for release at this time.

Lane County Farmers Market — Hot Pepper Eating Contest on Tuesday, September 29th!

Join us at noon at the Farmers Market Pavilion & Plaza for our Hot Pepper Eating Contest, a free local sweet-and-spicy pepper sampling table, and our accompanying Tuesday Farmers Market (9:00AM – 2:00PM).

The contest is free to watch, and free to enter. Just a few spots remain for those willing to take on the challenge; sign up to compete via the link in our bio. https://www.facebook.com/events/1725386088694422

Ben Tilley of Crossroads Farm and Chris Wormsley of Loud Peppers will lead our competitors through 10 grueling rounds of increasingly-hot peppers until only one remains to be crowned 2026 Pepper Eating Champion. Our live musicians, Bendrethegiant, will turn up the heat with their spicy jazz-funk fusion.

Eugene Building that Sparked Data Center Concerns Now for Sale

The former semiconductor manufacturing facility that raised concerns about a possible data center in Eugene is for sale. The 1.19 million square foot building is listed for sale, along with four lots totalling 197 acres.

The building is owned by Dayton, Ohio-based LED display manufacturer Stratacache, which bought it in 2020.

The company did not return KLCC’s request for comment or an interview, but CEO Chris Riegel described what work Stratacache had done in the building in an October 2025 interview.

“We bought it in [the second quarter] of 2020, and through the pandemic, spent time, money, and resources in starting the renovation of a facility that hadn’t really been touched in 12 years,” said Riegel. “So with that, we’re now starting to bring in pilot line equipment.”

Riegel said the company was planning to produce micro-LEDs that are smaller than the width of a human hair at the Eugene facility.

The plant was built by South Korean company S.K. Hynix in 1998 to manufacture semiconductors.

“Oregon is a great place to do advanced chip manufacturing because of the human capital and the capabilities and the partnership with the state to bring those great jobs and great economic booster to the state,” Riegel told KLCC in 2025.

The listing contains no price, and a message to the listing realtor was not returned. The listing also mentions that “[The] City of Eugene has indicated that they will resist data center uses.” (SOURCE)

Eugene police arrested a man Thursday morning outside of an elementary school with a bag of meth.At 6:53 a.m. September 24, Eugene police officers responded to a report of a disorderly subject outside of Danebo Elementary School. The man was reportedly screaming inside of a fenced off construction zone.

Officers arrived and contacted James Calvin Scroggsmann, 39, of Eugene. Scroggsman had three warrants out for his arrest in Lane County and one in a neighboring county. Officers took Scroggsmann into custody and located a 3-by-5 inch bag of a white crystal-like substance in his pants pocket prior to transporting him to the jail.

The substance field tested positive for methamphetamine and was weighed at 10 grams. Scroggsmann said he found the bag four days earlier and did not know what was in it. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail on his warrants and a charge of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine -Felony. Case #2615285

SWAT Team Helps Arrest Suspect in Domestic Violence Case

Eugene Police with the help of the SWAT Team took a suspect into custody in the middle of West 6th Avenue near Blair Boulevard Wednesday morning. At 11 p.m. September 22, Eugene police officers responded to a local hospital to contact a woman who had been the victim of domestic violence. Officers determined they had probable cause to arrest the suspect.

The suspect, identified as Antonio Maurice Devereaux, 39, was contacted on the phone but refused to meet with officers. Officers located the vehicle parked in Springfield and watched it until Devereaux returned to the car. Devereaux did eventually return and officers followed it until the SWAT team arrived and was able to conduct a vehicle stop. Devereaux was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on three counts of Strangulation APA, two counts of Fourth-Degree Assault APA, and Harassment -Domestic Violence. Case #2615210

McKenzie-Willamette Hospital Possible Reorganization

For-profit owner proposes financial surgery on the Quorum Health chain

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center is a big deal in Lane County. It’s the region’s second-largest hospital. Last year, it handled nearly 60,000 emergency department visits. With 932 workers, it’s a major employer. It pays $1.7 million in property taxes a year to Springfield, the county and other jurisdictions on its $160 million Mohawk Boulevard campus.

And its future is way up in the air. The hospital is part of the Tennessee-based for-profit Quorum Health chain, which operates 11 financially struggling small-to-medium-sized hospitals around the country. Quorum’s majority owner is New York-based private-equity giant GoldenTree Asset Management. GoldenTree has tried to sell the hospitals, but failed, partly because the hospital chain is burdened by a financially crippling $1 billion in high-interest-rate debt, much of it owed to GoldenTree itself.

Now, GoldenTree is proposing a radical and unusual reorganization of Quorum. 

It wants to convert the chain into a nonprofit that would use its nonprofit status to refinance the debt with new lenders at lower interest rates — much like a homeowner might refinance a high-rate mortgage to get a lower rate and monthly payment.

The Oregon Health Authority is reviewing the plan to decide if it serves the public interest and should be approved.

The transformation would leave the newly minted nonprofit burdened with a ton of long-term debt — $1.26 billion — requiring it to pay out $105 million or more a year in interest to the lenders, Quorum’s filings with Oregon and California show.

But that interest payment would actually be less than Quorum’s current annual interest payment of about $136 million, Quorum says. That cost reduction would help revive all 11 hospitals, it says.

What does it mean for McKenzie-Willamette?

The hospital is financially weak. In 2025, it suffered an operating loss of $14 million on $273 million in operating revenues, following three years of barely breaking even on operations, its filings with the state show.

Under the reorganization, the hospital’s “existing leadership, employees, vendors, and day-to-day operations are expected to continue, preserving continuity for patients and the community,” Quorum told Oregon regulators.

Under a nonprofit structure, McKenzie-Willamette would have “increased opportunity to continue advancing” its plan to build a standalone $20 million emergency department in west Eugene, Quorum said in its filings. But Quorum gave no timeline or firm commitment. Eugene planning officials approved the project last spring. Since then, there has been no sign of progress. 

“Funding of the [emergency department] project will be in jeopardy” if OHA denies the conversion to non-profit status,” Quorum told OHA.

One critic, a nonprofit watchdog group that monitors private-equity companies, is scathing about the proposed reorganization.

The proposal is GoldenTree’s way of continuing to milk the 11 hospitals for financial gain, says Jim Baker, executive director of the Chicago-based Private Equity Stakeholder Project. The state should reject the proposed reorganization because the 11 hospitals would emerge “heavily indebted.” 

“GoldenTree Asset Management and other Quorum owners and lenders appear to be the main beneficiaries of the proposed transaction, relying on [the refinancing] to get a payout for Quorum hospitals they have been unable to sell,” Baker told regulators.

GoldenTree holds much of Quorum’s debt, on which GoldenTree receives hefty annual interest payments from Quorum, the filings show. With the reorganization, GoldenTree would get others to refinance Quorum and thereby let GoldenTree recoup what it is owed, Baker asserts. READ MORE: https://eugeneweekly.com/2026/09/17/mckenzie-willamette-hospital-on-the-operating-table/

Community Supported Shelters — The shelter site by Westmoreland Park in Eugene is set to close by the end of October as its operator, Community Supported Shelters (CSS), consolidates its shelter operations.

The closure of the 20-unit site has been underway for weeks, according to a press release. Residents are being relocated to other shelter communities operated by CSS, with some residents expected to move into permanent housing.

Heather Quaas-Annsa, co-executive director of CSS, said the process occurring at the Westmoreland site is a “thoughtful transition, not simply the closure of a shelter.”

“Our priority is making sure the people staying at Westmoreland have somewhere safe to go while also looking at how we can operate our shelter system more efficiently and sustainably for the long term,” Quaas-Annsa said.

The Westmoreland site was one of the larger shelter communities operated by CSS. The micro-shelter Conestoga huts provide shelter and security on sites designed to foster shared responsibility and provide navigational support for unhoused people.

The City of Eugene is working with CSS to increase shelter capacity at other appropriate locations and physically decommission and restore the site.

Due to rising costs and court orders blocking HUD funding, CSS may be forced to reduce programs that create pathways from homelessness to stability and independence. Your support helps us continue achieving life-changing outcomes for those with nowhere else to turn. Right now, your support can have twice the impact. Make a gift by September 30, and it will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $15,000. Thank you for standing with Community Supported Shelters and believing everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild. Donate here: https://loom.ly/RVyMnz4

Catholic Community Services of Lane County, Inc. (CCS) · It’s Winter Warmth Drive season! (Sept 21 – Oct 21)

As the weather turns colder, many of our neighbors are still without the warm clothing they need. You can help! We’re collecting new or gently used: Jackets & coats Sweatshirts & hoodies Kids’ clothing (all ages) Socks (new only, please) Underwear (new only, please) Men’s clothing

Every donation helps a family stay warm this winter. Find a donation site near you: ccslc.org/wwd Or drop off items at any CCS Community Service Center. Thank you for helping our community stay warm, one donation at a time.

Are you ready to run for your life? Join ShelterCare for this year’s Run for Your Life zombie 5k! Over 100 zombies will be hidden around the Alton Baker race course! This is a family-friendly event, complete with free spooky face painting! Register now at sheltercare.org/5k — https://sheltercare.org/5k/

Save the Date and prepare to Run for Your Life! On October 18th, ShelterCare will be partnering with Thrill the World Eugene to host a zombie-themed 5k with 100+ zombies hidden around the Alton Baker race course!

Help us spread the word by following the event on Facebook and inviting your friends HERE!

CLF Network Aims to Collect 2,000 Coats for Children in Need

A Lane County tradition returns and CLF Network has launched its annual Coats for Kids campaign. For more than 20 years, this community-wide event has brought community partners together to provide children in need with warm winter coats, helping ensure that local kids can face the colder months with the clothing they need to stay warm and healthy.  

This year, CLF Network is challenging the community to help make its biggest Coats for Kids campaign yet, with a goal of collecting 2,000 coats from community members across Lane County.  

From September 14 through October 12, community members can donate new or gently used insulted, weatherproof, winter coats for kids, sizing from 0-3 months all the way up to 3XL. Coats can be dropped off at more than 30 collection bins throughout the community, including nine at Oregon Community Credit Union (OCCU) locations and eight at UPS locations. 

Gently used coats will be professionally dry cleaned at one of our local dry cleaning partners who are generously donating their services for this project. Both new and used coats are then sorted again by size and distributed to the Network’s local partner organizations that support the needs of underprivileged children. 

CLF Network’s partner agencies receiving coats from this project include:

• Willagillespie Elementary School
• ShelterCare
• Peak Buck
• Parenting Now
• Mt. Vernon Elementary
• Looking Glass Community Services
• Junction City School District / Laurel Elementary
• Catholic Community Services of Lane County
• Bags of Love

The success of Coats for Kids would not be possible without the support of local partners. CLF Network is excited to welcome Oregon Community Credit Union and KEZI as the presenting sponsors of the Coats for Kids campaign. The other sponsors of this project include The UPS Store, Hi Tech Cleaners, The Cleanery, Lile Moving & Storage, and Michael Aguilar and Kelly Favero.  

The support of every sponsor will help the Network reach its goal of providing warm winter coats to children and families throughout Lane County.

With the support of local businesses, organizations, and community members, the Network hopes to set a new record while ensuring more local children have a warm coat to wear this winter.

About the Children’s Legacy Foundation Network – The Children’s Legacy Foundation Network is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the welfare of children in Lane County. Through fundraising, grantmaking, volunteer service, and community partnerships, CLF Network invests in programs that help children learn, grow, heal, and thrive. The organization has awarded $505,000 to local nonprofits during the past decade and continues a legacy of community service that spans nearly a century.

Eugene Water & Electric Board and Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center – Prepare for Seismic Emergency Sessions in Eugene

 ·The Cascadia Subduction Zone is capable of a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and strong shaking from smaller earthquakes. The magnitude of this earthquake and the accompanying tsunami pose significant challenges to the entire Pacific Northwest.

The session will be offered on the following dates at the Eugene Family YMCA: Wednesday, September 30, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Wednesday, October 14, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Wednesday, October 21, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Monday, October 26, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Community lifelines will be impacted. Utilities such as electricity, drinking water, and sewer services may be significantly impacted. Understanding what to expect during an earthquake is critical for response, recovery, and whole community preparedness.

That’s why EWEB, the Eugene Family YMCA, and the Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center have partnered to break down the complexities of understanding and preparing for a seismic emergency.

Representatives from the UO’s Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center and Earth Science Department will present: – History of earthquakes on the Cascadia Subduction Zone – Why recurrence is likely – What an earthquake will feel like in the Eugene Metro area – What impacts are likely to affect the Eugene Metro area

Register today – spots are limited:https://www.eugeneymca.org/…/communi…/eweb-programming-y

Ready to say “I do” to your boo? Lane County Clerk’s Office will host Halloween ‘scaremonies’ for couples looking to tie the knot with a twist

The Lane County Clerk’s Office will help couples celebrate their marriages in spooky style on Halloween again this year. Couples can begin registering now for a Halloween “scaremoney”. 

There are 35 slots available to schedule on a first come, first served basis. Ceremonies will be conducted in 30-minute intervals from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, at the County Clerk’s Office at 125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene.

The Clerk’s Office will perform marriage ceremonies in costume. Couples are also encouraged to dress in costume.

To schedule a scaremony, couples must first obtain a valid marriage license from the Clerk’s Office (125 E. 8^th Avenue, Eugene). To obtain a marriage license, couples fill out the online Marriage License Application and then must visit the Clerk’s Office at least three days before the ceremony to complete the license process.

The marriage license fee is $60 and a marriage officiated by the County Clerk’s Office is $117. Additional details, including license requirements and scheduling information, can be found on the Lane County Clerk’s website.

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Burrito Brigade Buys Building to Create Community Food Hub

Burrito Brigade has bought the old Center for Appropriate Transport building at 455 West 1st Ave. in the Whiteaker neighborhood to create a new community food hub.

The organization is asking the community to help support building renovation goals. Burrito Brigade needs $300,000 more to fully complete a commercial kitchen installation, food storage infrastructure, ADA-compliant upgrades and critical improvements needed.

Jennifer Denson says “This project has always been community driven. Since Waste To Taste’s start in 2020 we have not looked back. We just keep rescuing more food and growing more organized and it’s incredible to watch the impact and difference we make when we work together,”

Hundreds of volunteer hours weekly are dedicated to rescuing more than half a million pounds of food annually from grocery stores, small businesses, institutions, large food generators and local farms. This community-powered food rescue serves fresh local vegetables and fruit alongside diet and culturally specific products.

The no-barrier access free grocery store, known as Waste-to-Taste, provides households the ability to supplement other systems of support that often have eligibility requirements. Waste-to-Taste serves more than 10,000 households annually.

Rescued food is also redirected through other sustainable distribution channels. Food scraps and spoiled food are diverted to feed farm animals like chickens, goats and pigs, sanctuary animals at a local emu ranch and wolf rescue, and even a mealworm farm.

According to Burrito Brigade, the community connection and creativity around food in the kitchen includes partners in many mutual aid food projects facilitating hot meals, food preservation, community-led cooking classes, food micro-entrepreneurs and youth workforce training. The new community food hub will open its doors to the public in 2027. You can DONATE here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-help-us-build-a-food-hub

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

Oregon Department of Human Services – Many Oregonians may qualify for SNAP work or activity rule exemptions without realizing it

Could you qualify for an exemption to SNAP work or activity rules? Contact us so we can talk about your situation and your options! Common reasons people might qualify include:- You’re pregnant.- You’re physically or mentally unable to work.- You’re already working enough hours to meet the requirement.- You’re participating in a qualifying education or training program.- You have moved to an exempt county or waived Tribal land.- You are responsible for caring for a child or another person, depending on their circumstances.

Learn more about exemptions in this news release: https://apps.oregon.gov/…/many-oregonians-may-qualify…Or visit https://oregon.gov/snapworkrules to find information about SNAP work rules and more.

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. 

9/28/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

2026 Preparedness Events — Ready Fair

To cap off Preparedness Month, OEM invites the public to attend the Ready Fair on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in Salem. This free, family-friendly event is designed to help our communities build resilience and preparedness.

 

The Ready Fair will bring together subject-matter experts and community partners to share practical tips and resources aligned with OEM’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program. 

What to Expect: 

• Expert-Led Booths on emergency alerts, food and water planning, sanitation, and more 
• Interactive Activitiesincluding a fun, earthquake-themed escape room and shake simulator. 
• Preparedness for All Ageswith kid-friendly stations and hands-on learning. 
• Food Trucksand a chance to win a fully stocked emergency go-bag for your family. 

Event Details: 

• Date:Saturday, October 10, 2026 
• Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
• Location:3930 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem, Oregon 97302 
• Cost:FREE and open to the public 

In addition to the Ready Fair, OEM is encouraging people to participate in the Great Oregon ShakeOut: October 15, 2026, at 10:16 AM (local time). Join millions of people across Oregon to practice earthquake safety. The ShakeOut is a fast, simple drill to help you learn how to Drop, Cover and Hold On.

And the Great Oregon Camp-In: October 16–18, 2026. Held the weekend after the ShakeOut, the Camp-In is an at-home preparedness exercise where households practice living without utilities, refine emergency plans and test their supplies. Participate for a few hours or the entire weekend.

“Community preparedness is strongest when people feel informed, supported, and empowered,” OEM’s Community Preparedness Coordinator Kayla Thompson, said. “Our goal is to meet Oregonians where they are, provide accessible resources, and encourage everyday steps that build resilience long before an emergency happens.”

For more information on Preparedness Month and the Be 2 Weeks Ready campaign, visit www.oregon.gov/oem.  

PACIFIC NORTHWEST WILDFIRE UPDATE

Overall wildfire activity across Oregon remains low as of today, September 28, 2026. Thanks to recent cooler weather and rainfall over the past couple of weeks, major forest complexes are heavily contained, and many previously active evacuation orders have been downgraded or entirely lifted.

There are currently 14 active large fires tracked across the state, most of which are in the final stages of containment and mop-up operations. New and Recent Incidents

• Orchard Road Fire (Wasco County): A fast-moving brush fire broke out yesterday afternoon, September 27, just south of The Dalles. The fire grew to roughly 10 acres. Firefighters, assisted by air resources from the nearby Grasshopper Fire, actively engaged the blaze to bring it under control, and mutual aid remains on the scene.

Major Fire Status & Containment Updates

• Grasshopper Fire (Wasco County): This massive fire, which has burned 93,971 acres, is now 98% contained.
• Austin Fire (Clackamas County): The 12,884-acre fire is also nearing full containment at 98% contained.
• 0445 Crosswhite Fire (Wheeler County): The state’s largest fire of the season at 342,923 acres is successfully 99% contained.

Evacuation and Resource TrackingBecause conditions are highly localized, you should verify any immediate, neighborhood-level updates directly through official public safety channels:

• Evacuation Changes: To view the status of active alerts or recently lifted orders, check the Oregon Department of Emergency Management or monitor regional updates via the local emergency management pages.
• Fire Perimeters: For real-time interactive mapping and fire perimeters, you can review the Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Situation Map.

A historic 2.5 million acres have burned in Oregon this year, prompting the state to seek solutions for funding the aftermath. Lawmakers are convening in Salem to address urgent financial requests from both the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The Oregon Joint Legislative Emergency Board approved $122.8 million on September 10, 2026, to cover ongoing firefighting and suppression costs from this year’s historic wildfire season.

📊 Emergency Funding Breakdown

• ✅ Total Allocated: $122.8 million approved by the Emergency Board.
• ✅ Agencies Funded: Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
• 💡 Treasury Borrowing: ODF also received authorization to borrow up to $150 million from the Oregon State Treasury to maintain cash-flow solvency while waiting for slow federal reimbursements.
• ⚠️ Total Projected Cost: State officials estimate the final price tag for the record 2.5 million acres burned could reach around $350 million.

Some SNAP, TANF recipients may need to provide information by Sept. 28 to keep their benefits

— As part of ongoing efforts to improve accuracy of benefits, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is asking some people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits to provide updated income information by the end of the month.

ODHS began mailing notices Sept. 16. About 11,000 people will receive the notices by the end of the week. As of August 30, 2026, there are 639,261 individuals in Oregon who receive SNAP.

If you received a notice, please read it and respond by the deadline listed in the notice. Providing the requested information gives an ODHS eligibility worker a chance to review your case and make sure your benefits are correct.

If ODHS does not receive the requested information by September 28, your benefits may be reduced or your case may close, beginning with October benefits.

“We know SNAP rules and reporting requirements can be complicated, and receiving a notice asking for more information can be concerning,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, Oregon Eligibility Partnership interim director. “The most important thing people can do is respond so that our eligibility staff can review the case, answer questions and make sure people receive the benefits they are eligible for.”

What to do if you receive a notice

If you receive a Missing Information notice:

• Read the notice carefully. It explains what information ODHS needs and when you need to respond.
• Provide the requested income verification as soon as possible, by Sept. 28. If you do not respond by Sept. 28 you should still contact ODHS, a worker may be able to help.
• Respond even if you think the information is wrong. An ODHS eligibility worker can review the information with you and help resolve differences.
• Contact ODHS if you have questions or need help.
• You do not need to contact your employer to respond to the notice. Send the information requested by ODHS.
• Do not ignore the notice. If ODHS does not receive a response, SNAP and TANF benefits, if applicable, will close on the date listed in the notice.

ODHS expects to conduct additional income checks over the next 12 to 15 months. The timing of future checks is still being finalized.

Why ODHS is doing the income check

ODHS is checking income to help families receive the right amount of benefits at the right time. The check is one of many steps Oregon is taking to improve accuracy and to lower the SNAP payment error rate: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/pages/snap-per.aspx.

This check compares income reported to ODHS with earnings information available through The Work Number, an employment and income verification database.

Some SNAP households received a notice because the income reported to ODHS was below 130 percent of the federal poverty level, while information from The Work Number showed that the household’s income may be at or above that level. If a household also receives TANF, the notice includes information about both SNAP and TANF.

Receiving a notice does not automatically mean someone will lose their benefits. People who receive a notice should provide the requested income information by September 28 so ODHS can review their case and determine whether their benefits should change.

How to Get Help

You can talk with an ODHS eligibility worker if you have questions or want help understanding the notice.

• Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075
• Use the ODHS office finder to find a local office.

ODHS also has information online about what SNAP changes need to be reported and how to report them. The page explains different ways to report changes and includes guidance for reporting income and other household changes. – People do not need to contact their employer to respond to the notice. They should submit the information requested by ODHS.

Learn more about reporting SNAP changes:
https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/Pages/report-snap-changes.aspx#how

A new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was officially unveiled at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland on Sunday, September 27, 2026

The dedication ceremony honored the profound sacrifices of Oregon’s 6,000+ Gold Star Families—those who have lost loved ones in military service to the nation. The monument project was spearheaded by local volunteers, including Nancy Menagh, president emeritus of Gold Star Wives of America, in partnership with the Woody Williams Foundation. Attendees at the emotional dedication included grieving family members like Linda Gibson, whose son, Army Sgt. Brennan Gibson, was killed in action in Iraq.

• Location: Nestled within the grounds of the Willamette National Cemetery at 11800 SE Scott Blvd, Portland, OR.
• Design & Symbolism: These monuments typically feature a two-sided black granite design. One side honors the fallen heroes, while the other pays tribute to the families they left behind, featuring four panels representing Homeland, Family, Patriotism, and Sacrifice.
• Purpose: It provides a permanent, dedicated space for grieving relatives to gather, reflect, and find community support.

This tribute follows the dedication of Oregon’s very first Gold Star Families monument, which was established earlier this year in February 2026 at Pfc. Ryan J. Hill Memorial Park in Keizer, Oregon

Oregon Secretary of State Encourages Voters to Verify Authenticity of Election Mail 

As Oregon officials begin to send ballots out for the upcoming November election, the state’s top elections officer is encouraging voters to verify whether their election-related mail comes from an official source. 

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read’s office recommended in a recent press release that Oregonians look for an official election photo, consider that third-party groups creating fake mail often use outdated or incorrect data and make sure their registration is correct using the oregonvotes.gov website. The office said the most accurate and up-to-date voter registration information will be with people’s local election offices. 

“We’re already getting reports about misleading mail going out to voters, so I want Oregonians to have the tools to be able to tell fact from fiction,” Read said in a statement. “The good news is, it’s pretty simple: If you receive something in the mail about voter registration or your ability to participate in the upcoming election, look for the official election mail logo to verify that it’s from an official source.”

A logo for official election mail will come with a note clarifying that it is authorized by the U.S. Postal Service, and it is used for materials such as ballots, voter registration cards and voter reply mail. It features the stars and stripes of the America flag and the words “Official Election Mail” and “Authorized by the U.S. Postal Service.” It comes in black or specific shades of blue or red. 

Read’s office encouraged Oregon voters seeking more information about election-related mail to contact the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division at ​elections.sos@sos.oregon.gov or by calling 1-866-673-VOTE. He also recommended people contact their local county clerks, who are listed on the secretary of state’s website. (SOURCE)

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued Executive Order 26-26 on September 23, 2026, establishing new safety and oversight standards for how state government agencies procure and use advanced “frontier” artificial intelligence models.

Key Details of Executive Order 26-26

• Third-Party Review: Directs the state chief information officer (CIO) to set qualifications and criteria for an independent third-party reviewer to assess AI safety before state acquisition.
• Defining “Frontier” AI: Orders the state CIO to establish a clear technical definition for the most advanced artificial intelligence software subject to these new rules.
• Kill Switch Assessment: Requires the state to evaluate the feasibility and viability of incorporating an emergency “kill switch” to shut down unsafe AI systems.
• Timeline and Review: The order takes effect immediately, with the state CIO given 90 days to submit an implementation proposal. Governor Kotek will reassess the necessity of the order every three months.

Governor Kotek stated that the action was necessary due to regulatory gaps and evolving risks surrounding advanced technology, serving as an interim safeguard until federal or state legislative standards are enacted. You can read the full text and official updates through the State of Oregon Newsroom.

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Oregon lawmakers could ban Flock, automated license plate reading cameras in 2027

The move may draw stern opposition from local law enforcement leaders who have long said the technology is crucial to fighting crime despite growing civil liberties concerns.

Oregon lawmakers took action earlier this year to regulate the use of an increasingly bipartisan focus of anti-surveillance advocates nationwide: Flock cameras. Now, they could be on the verge of outlawing the technology altogether.

The push for more legislation in 2027 comes as reports of the technology’s misuse have gained bipartisan condemnation nationwide.

At a U.S. Senate hearing on Wednesday, those concerns were on full display as lawmakers heard from a Florida woman testifying about her experience spending 13 days in jail after a Flock camera misidentified her vehicle in a fatal hit-and-run case. 

Flock Safety, the Atlanta-based company behind the cameras, is one of many providers of automated license plate reader technology. It has drawn particular ire from civil rights groups nationwide over concerns that the camera data has falsely implicated individuals in crimes, allowed police to stalk their ex-partners and assisted immigration enforcement. In Oregon, several cities have stopped using Flock cameras over the past year, though private businesses and companies also use them. 

“My constituents have been clear with me that they want to be able to go about their lives without being surveilled, and we are quickly moving into a new age in which everything we do is being tracked,” said Rep. Willy Chotzen, a Portland Democrat who serves as vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “People don’t like it, they find it creepy, and they want to make sure that we’re protecting our rights to privacy.”

The Oregonian/OregonLive first reported on the push by Chotzen and Rep. Alek Skarlatos, R-Winston, to introduce the legislation in 2027. Skarlatos did not respond to an email or phone call seeking comment. 

This year’s law, Senate Bill 1516, was part of a larger omnibus public safety package, allowing Oregonians to sue vendors of automated license plate readers and limiting the amount of time police may hold onto the data to 30 days unless linked to a criminal inquiry or court proceeding. The regulations won the support of law enforcement leaders who cautioned that concerns over a single vendor should not outweigh the importance of the technology at large. 

“The ability to share and query ALPR information in these clearly permissible scenarios strengthens interagency coordination, improves case outcomes, and enhances community safety while fully respecting Oregon’s legal boundaries and protected activities,” presidents of the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association and Oregon Association Chiefs of Police wrote in a February 2026 letter.

It’s still too early to tell exactly how either of those groups will mobilize in response to the legislation, though they are likely to make the case that the technology is valuable to their law enforcement duties. Their executive directors did not respond to the Capital Chronicle’s request for comment. 

Andrew Smith, a Flock spokesperson, defended the technology in the wake of Oregon lawmakers’ potential action. 

“A blanket ban would take a proven investigative tool away from communities and officers who rely on it,” Smith said in a statement. “We supported the last session’s thoughtful, bipartisan legislation that put strong privacy, transparency and accountability guardrails in place — while preserving law enforcement’s ability to use technology responsibly to keep people safe.”

Chotzen and Skarlatos will likely also need to win over State Sen. Floyd Prozanski, a Eugene Democrat who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. Prozanski, whose office did not respond to requests for comment, has noted that more legislation would likely come in future sessions but has yet to commit to specifics. 

“I value the tool for legitimate, lawful law enforcement purposes,” he said in January. “But I also believe that there needs to be safeguards and guardrails.”

Bipartisan opposition growing – Since the law’s passage, some progressive activists and civil rights groups warned the law didn’t go far enough and have hoped to capitalize upon opposition to Flock growing across the political spectrum nationwide. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in August ordered that Flock cameras be removed from the state’s highway system. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has paused state funding for the cameras. 

Law enforcement, meanwhile, are defending their experience with the technology and note that Flock isn’t the only name in the game. Privacy advocates contend that many other license plate readers are subject to the same flaws as Flock.

The Portland Police Bureau, for instance, has five automated license plate readers created by the Chicago-based tech company Motorola Solutions. They are installed on vehicles in the agency’s east precinct rather than stoplights or intersections, according to Terri Strauss, a spokesperson for the bureau. The agency has used license plate reading technology for more than a decade, Strauss said.

“ALPR alerts do not provide independent authority to stop a vehicle; officers must confirm an alert and establish their own reasonable suspicion or probable cause before making a stop,” Strauss wrote in an email. “All ALPR data is owned by the city of Portland, securely stored in compliance with Criminal Justice Information System requirements, accessible only to Oregon law enforcement, and cannot legally be shared with immigration authorities.”

Chotzen said there are “real tradeoffs” between privacy and security, but that his community wants more action when it comes to combatting surveillance. He pointed to the actions of Democrats and Republicans across the country as evidence.

“They’re asking for us to swing the pendulum back toward more privacy,” he said. “And we’re seeing across the country folks are doing the same.” (SOURCE)

Public invited to comment on plan to possibly triple logging in eastern Oregon national forests

The public has until Sept. 30 to submit comments on the 350-page draft proposal.Submit comments on the revised Blue Mountain Forest Plan here.

The U.S. Forest Service’s proposed revisions to the Blue Mountain Forest Plan would allow more logging and taking older trees in the name of wildfire prevention

Officials at the U.S. Forest Service are proposing new management plans for eastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains that include potentially tripling the amount of logging across 5.5 million acres in the next decade.

The Forest Service published a draft of proposed changes to the 35-year-old Blue Mountain Forest Plan last week. It would allow more logging, mining and grazing across four national forests spread across eastern Oregon, as well as parts of southeast Washington: the Malheur, Ochoco, Wallowa-Whitman and Umatilla National Forests.

The draft plan describes increases in logging and animal grazing as important to local economies and to preventing wildfire.

It predicts everything from habitat conservation to forest carbon storage would improve over the long term if more logging is allowed because strategically logging and grazing parts of the forest would prevent wildfire, which officials characterize as the biggest threat to habitat and forest loss.

Environmental advocates disagree with the framing.

The Blue Mountains encompass Oregon’s largest protected wilderness areas. Conservation groups have expressed concern and outrage over the draft management plan, which they say could exacerbate area drought and water quality issues, wildfire risks and impact habitat for elk, wolverine, wolves, moose, owls and salmon.

“This plan seeks to open up and pillage one of the wildest places left in the U.S.,” Lauren Anderson, a climate forests manager at the nonprofit Oregon Wild, said in a statement. “The Trump administration is already taking a hatchet to protections for water, wildlife and the public’s voice. This plan is that philosophy in action, putting at risk the very values that make the Blue Mountains special.”

Bev Law, a forest scientist and professor emerita at Oregon State University who has studied extensively the potential forest carbon storage in Oregon forests, found that protected wilderness areas in the Blue Mountains contain the second highest proportion of above-ground carbon stocks in all of Oregon’s protected wilderness areas.

Nick Smith, a spokesperson for the American Forest Resource Council, a trade association representing the timber industry, said in a statement that the group is still reviewing the proposed updates but that change is overdue.

“These national forests face some of the highest wildfire, insect and disease risks in the West. At the same time, the region is steadily losing the sawmills, logging contractors and the skilled workforce needed to carry out active forest management and provide markets for the material that needs to come out of the woods,” he said.

The draft Blue Mountain Management Plan proposal also includes rescinding a 32-year-old rule called the Eastside Screens that prohibits logging trees that are 21 inches in diameter or larger on six eastern Oregon and Washington national forests. Forest Service officials attempted to rescind the rule during the first Trump administration, but conservation groups sued and it was blocked by a federal judge.

Forest Service officials have argued that some younger trees that grow fast should be able to be removed even if they are more than 21 inches in diameter, because they are crowding out other tree species that take longer to grow but are important to the forest ecosystems.

The proposal also assumes Congress will soon rescind the 25-year-old Roadless Rule, which prohibits road construction, logging and mining on roughly 60 million acres of public land, including about 2 million acres of forests in Oregon. That alone would increase the amount of land classified as open for logging in the Blue Mountains by 17%, according to the draft.

Most of the increased logging would take place in the Malheur National Forest, followed by the Wallowa-Whitman and then Umatilla national forests. (SOURCE)

DFR warns of “self-funded” limited-partner health plans

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to carefully review health insurance coverage offered through “self-funded” limited-partner plans or other unlicensed entities.

Oregonians should exercise caution before enrolling in a limited partner plan. Companies may offer plans that refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. Many limited partner plans cover only preventive care, such as check-ups and annual health screenings. The plans tempt consumers with promises of low premium costs. However, consumers often end up with higher out-of-pocket costs due to uncovered medical bills. With open enrollment rapidly approaching, it is important to know what the difference is between these plans and standard plans. Open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 and goes through Jan. 15, is for those who do not get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan.

DFR warned of these plans back in April. They are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being unexpectedly responsible for unpaid medical bills. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available only through a licensed insurance agent or through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers should pay close attention to ensure that they are on the “.gov” website as there are other websites with similar web addresses that offer non-ACA-compliant plans.

“Consumers should remember the adage that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

Red flags to look for include:

• A salesperson marketing limited partner plans or other “ERISA plans” directly to consumers
• A salesperson claiming they do not need a license because their product is not insurance or is exempt from regulation
• A salesperson offering to sign you up outside open enrollment and without eligibility for a special enrollment period
• A health insurance plan seeming abnormally cheap or referencing “stop-loss” insurance
• A group issuing coverage with minimal requests about an applicant’s health
• A company attempting to quickly collect a large amount of premium
• A company delaying or denying claims and making excuses for failure to pay

Before providing an insurance sales agent with any payment or personal information, DFR encourages consumers to request the agent’s full name and National Producer Number. Consumers can verify the agent’s licensure status by visiting DFR’s check a license webpage.

DFR urges Oregonians to be careful when choosing a company to purchase health care coverage from. Organizations and health plans that DFR and other state regulators have identified as having marketed limited partner or self-funded coverage include:

• Socios Buenos, LP aka Vista Health
• Affordable Benefit Choices LLC
• LP Management Services, LLC
• Aither Healthcare Competitive Health
• NXT Level Health
• Multiplan PHCS Network
• Verdegard Administrators, LLC fka Hawaii Mainland Administrators, LLC
• Pioneer Health/Innovative Healthcare Solutions
• ClearShare Health and Clearwater Benefits LLC
• Emergency Management Alliance
• Premier Health Solutions
• Strategic Limited Partners, LP
• The Vitamin Patch, LLC

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions can contact our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Andrea Salinas have proposed a bill aimed at transferring 18,626 acres of federal forestland to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, a federally recognized tribe located in western Oregon.

This initiative has raised concerns among conservation groups regarding the potential for increased logging and its effects on wildlife habitats. This legislation is part of a broader movement among tribes nationwide to reclaim ancestral lands, a process that has been infrequent in Oregon, where tribes currently possess only a small portion of their original territories.

The bill has garnered support from all seven Democrats in Oregon’s congressional delegation, who argue that it addresses historical injustices and will enable the tribe to manage the land sustainably while enhancing economic opportunities in the area.

Notable supporters include U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter, and Janelle Bynum.

Pacific Power offers Oregon customers rebates for backup power 

Program helps eligible customers prepare for wildfire-related outages and winter storms 

With a record-setting wildfire season that brought power disruptions to communities across Oregon winding down, Pacific Power is reminding eligible customers about rebates that can help them prepare for future outage events. As our focus transitions to winter storm season, qualified customers and licensed care facilities can still get help purchasing backup power equipment.

Income-qualified residential customers who rely on electricity for medical equipment can receive a rebate of up to $1,000, and eligible licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices can qualify for up to $4,000 in rebates. These rebates can be used toward a qualified portable power station, battery or permanent backup generator.

“We prioritize emergency preparedness education and communication in our communities so our customers are prepared in the event an outage whether related to wildfire safety or seasonal storms,” said Carrie Laird, vice president of wildfire mitigation and emergency operations for Pacific Power. “We want eligible customers and care facilities to know this assistance is available and encourage them to apply before the upcoming deadlines so that they can take advantage of these helpful programs, which can offer peace of mind.”

To qualify for the residential rebate, applicants need to have an active Pacific Power account number, either as a customer or as the tenant of a Pacific Power customer. They also have to be enrolled in both Pacific Power’s Medical Certificate program and Oregon Low Income Discount program. Eligible customers should select backup power equipment from the program’s qualified product list and meet applicable requirements, which are spelled out in detail on our website.

Licensed care facilities also have to have an active Pacific Power account number, either directly or through a Pacific Power customer whose property they occupy. Eligible facilities include licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices.

Eligible equipment must be purchased by December 31, 2026, and Pacific Power must receive the completed application and purchase receipt by January 31, 2027. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the program’s annual funding is fully used.

Pacific Power launched the Oregon Backup Electric Power Rebate Program in 2023. Since then, the company has issued 421 rebates totaling more than $1.2 million.

The program is also helping communities strengthen their backup power readiness. In 2025, Linn County identified eligible care facilities and encouraged them to invest in backup power. Twenty-seven facilities received rebates of $4,000 each, for a total of $108,000. A batch application process is now available for jurisdictions submitting applications for multiple facilities.

Customers with questions about batch applications for multiple care facilities may email Generator@resource-innovations.com“>PacPowerGenerator@resource-innovations.com.

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.

– Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.

“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”

Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks website to find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.

“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.

Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon. Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.

Statewide hotline available for Oregonians affected by wildfires and smoke

People anywhere in Oregon who have been affected by wildfires or wildfire-related air quality can call 1-833-699-0554 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The statewide hotline is available to people experiencing any wildfire-related impact, including those who:

• Lost a home or property
• Evacuated and have ongoing needs
• Are sheltering in place and have wildfire-related needs
• Are affected by wildfire smoke or poor air quality
• Have another need or concern caused by a wildfire

“During this difficult wildfire season, Oregonians impacted by fires deserve immediate and reliable access to the help they need,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “That’s why we’ve established a dedicated, 24/7 hotline – so that no Oregonian has to navigate this wildfire season alone or wonder where to turn to for help.”

The hotline is staffed by 211info. If a call is not answered, callers can leave a message and will receive a return call within one business day.

This hotline does not provide emergency evacuation assistance or help people locate immediate shelter. People who are in immediate danger, have a medical emergency, or need emergency help evacuating should call 911. People looking for information about shelters or other immediate resources can call 2-1-1. For current 211info operating hours, visit 211info.org.

People can also enter their contact information and describe their wildfire-related needs using the Oregon Wildfire Assistance web form. An ODHS staff member will review the information and follow up with them.

“This wildfire season is already affecting a growing number of Oregon Tribes and communities,” said Ed Flick, Director, ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. “Wildfires can affect people in many ways, even when their homes have not burned. We want people to know there is one place they can call to share what they are experiencing and learn what resources may be available.”

In previous years the hotline has been used to connect people who lost homes in disasters with recovery support. This year, the Oregon Department of Human Services is expanding it to people experiencing a broader range of wildfire impacts.

ODHS has informally coordinated individual assistance following Oregon disasters since 2020. This year, Governor Tina Kotek directed ODHS to be ready to formally activate individual assistance when needed as the state prepares to establish a formal program in 2027 under House Bill 4121.

211info and ODHS will work with local communities to connect people with existing programs and local resources. If those resources are not enough to meet the level of need, ODHS will work with state leaders to identify additional support and funding options.

The hotline does not guarantee financial assistance or eligibility for a particular program. Staff will listen to each caller’s experience, document their needs and help identify available resources and next steps.

Hotline information

• Call: 1-833-699-0554
• Available: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Missed calls: Leave a message and your call will be returned within one business day
• Shelter and other immediate resource questions: call 211
• Emergencies or emergency evacuation help: call 911

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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