The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Friday, March 29, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
Oregon Will Replace Defective Homes For Wildfire Survivors In Phoenix
Oregon’s housing agency will replace dozens of modular homes in Phoenix that are meant for wildfire survivors, marking a dramatic change from the agency’s previous plan to house fire victims.
Royal Oaks Mobile Manor in Phoenix in summer 2023. The homes shown here will now be completely replaced due to defects. image by: Jane Vaughan
Last August, Oregon Housing and Community Services said they would renovate 118 homes that were found to be defective. Now, they’re going to completely replace all the homes instead at an unknown cost.
About three years ago, the state purchased 140 modular homes for about $26 million. Most of those were meant for the Royal Oaks Mobile Manor, which was destroyed in the 2020 Almeda Fire. The project broke ground in November 2022 and planned to house 118 families, prioritizing those who lost their homes in the fire.
But families’ move-in was delayed when they were suddenly told the homes were unfit to live in. There are unresolved questions about why the homes had defects, which included leaking water, mold and code issues.
According to an OHCS spokesperson, the agency will provide the funding to replace all the homes, and the Housing Authority of Jackson County will manage the purchase.
“OHCS and the Housing Authority of Jackson County have been working hard to find a solution that meets all our shared commitments for the Royal Oaks project, most importantly having healthy and safe homes for residents,” reads a statement provided by OHCS on Wednesday. “When we last updated the community, we were developing plans to rebuild/rehabilitate the units. The planned approach was based on advice from OHCS’ consultants and informed by industry-standard best practices. After reviewing with local partners, they felt this approach would not fully reassure community members or set up the project for long-term success.”
This proposal still has to be approved by the organizations’ respective boards. OHCS expects that approval in the next 45-60 days.
Some fire victims have been living in transitional housing for over three years, and this change only prolongs the creation of permanent housing.
OHCS says they don’t yet have a timeline for when families will be able to move in or the specific source of the funding.
Medford Approves $300k For New Storm Water Treatment Facility
The Medford Urban Renewal Agency has approved $300,000 for a new storm water treatment facility for Bear Creek. MURA said they will begin working on the project in the next couple weeks.
The agency’s Director Harry Weiss said, “right now, the pipe that’s there takes untreated storm water and puts it straight into the creek.”
MURA is working toward building a storm water treatment facility that will serve around 60 acres of homes in the southern half of the Liberty Park area.
The agency plans to start the project in April by moving a drain pipe on riverside avenue near where the storm water treatment facility will eventually be.
Weiss said there is another $500,000 of ARPA funding that is being put toward the facility, in addition to the $300,000 that was recently approved for other infrastructure projects in the area.
MURA will be looking to get their work done before the summer, when the city plans to repave Riverside Avenue.
“In addition to the storm water work, MURA is also bringing new water taps from the water line that runs up Riverside, for two new hydrants on the east side of Riverside, so we need to get all of that in before July.”
Weiss said they have more projects in store for the area including a future pedestrian and bike bridge that will cross Bear Creek and connect to the greenway. He said there may also be space for a housing development in the area as well. https://www.medfordoregon.gov/Government/Departments/Medford-Urban-Renewal-Agency
Ashland City Council is installing 13 solar-powered trash cans to combat littering and reduce the time spent on garbage disposal.
The pilot program costs $145,000 and will be funded by Transient Lodging Taxes. The city council is hopeful that the bins will save on servicing costs.
Solar-powered trash cans compress litter when deposited in the bin, increasing bin capacity 10-fold. Sunlight is converted into energy by the solar panels on the high-tech bins. The energy is stored in a battery that powers the compaction mechanism.
The city council decided to spend $4,783 on each of the 13 trash cans to curb littering and reduce servicing costs. The funds are from taxes paid by visitors when booking into hotels.
Public Works Deputy Director Mike Morrison concedes that the trash cans are expensive but is hopeful that they will offset manpower costs in the long run. Also, the new bins carry a five-year warranty and have a 10-year longer lifespan than conventional trash cans, says Morrison.
Morrison says the pilot project will supplement trash cans in the downtown district that are reaching the end of their lifespan.
Another objective of the solar-powered trash can experiment is to establish how many hours of manpower can be saved by cutting down on the frequency of garbage disposal removals.
Helicopter Logging Project to Begin in Ashland Watershed and Siskiyou Mountain Park
The forest in Ashland’s watershed won’t be the same as a helicopter logging project will begin in the watershed, spanning over popular trails such as Bandersnatch and Lewis Lookout to remove dead and dying trees.
Trees marked with blue rings will be taken out as part of the helicopter logging project. These trees are on the Snark Loop Trail. Ashland.news photo by Bob Palermini
The plan, part of the Ashland Forestland Climate Change Adaptation Phase I Project Plan, will start with ground crews cutting dead and dying trees marked for removal. Helicopters will then move in to collect the downed trees and carry them to a nearby drop site where they will be machine processed into logs of a uniform size to be carried to the Timber Products mill in Yreka, said Ashland Fire & Rescue Wildfire Division Chief Chris Chambers.
The sale of the logs will recoup an estimated $686,000 of the project’s estimated $1.3 million cost. Trail closures are expected to begin Monday, April 1. (READ MORE)
𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙍𝙤𝙖𝙙 𝘾𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙒𝙚𝙚𝙠
On 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟰, 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗰𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 will be c̲l̲o̲s̲e̲d̲ while contractors pave the McAndrews on and off ramps.
Detours will be available on Springbrook Road.
Drivers can expect up to 20-minute delays in this area. Current lanes on Hillcrest Road will be shifted, and traffic control will be at the Hillcrest/N. Phoenix Road intersection.
Want to get traffic alerts on your phone? Sign up for email/text notifications here: www.medfordoregon.gov/subscribeRoseburg Fire Dept. – 03/28/24 10:00 AM
The City of Roseburg Fire Department will begin issuing residential burn permits, beginning on April 15, 2024 and ending on May 15, 2024.
These permits are issued for seven (7) days at a cost of $75.00. Residential yard waste is the only material that may be burned. Prohibited items include standing berry vines, paper, wood, plastics, tires, standing grass, weeds, construction material, and material from lot clearing. Burning may not be done on vacant lots or the property of another. Fires must be monitored by a competent adult and extinguished prior to darkness. Tools to control or extinguish the fire must be on-site whenever there is material burning.
Burn barrels are never allowed inside City limits, and anyone burning trash or burning without a permit may be subject to a fine and/or legal action. Additionally, due diligence must be exercised while burning, even with a permit, as fire can quickly get out of control, and the person responsible for the fire may be subject to fines, legal action, or restitution.
If possible, residents are urged to utilize alternatives to burning, such as composting, chipping, mulching, or transporting the debris to the Douglas County Landfill. More information on these options can be found at https://douglascounty-oregon.us/449/Wood-Yard-Waste
To request a burning permit in the City of Roseburg, call (541) 492-6770 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. This information, as well as the burn permit request form is also available on the city website at https://www.cityofroseburg.org/departments/fire
Easter Egg Hunt at Dos Mariposas Vineyards SUNDAY 3/31 at 1PM
The tasting room opens at noon, so please feel free to come early and grab a glass of wine before the festivities. If you do arrive early, please be sure to keep your littles out of the egg hunt area until the announcement is made to begin.
If you arrive before 1:00, please keep little ones out of the egg hunt areas (they will be designed as such with signage)
We will make an announcement at 1:00 to give instructions and then will let them loose! They tend to move quickly, so don’t be late
-Please bring baskets to collect eggs in
-Please bring a bag to deposit the treats into so you can return the plastic eggs to us for us next year
EASTER ACTIVITIES IN MEDFORD 2024
Bunny Brunch, Cruise Parties & Things To Do On Easter Weekend 2024 In Medford https://allevents.in/medford/easter?ref=cityselect-eventlist#google_vignette
WE ARE HIRING!
FULL TIMESEASONALPART TIME
Employment includes a FREE Membership!
Efforts to Locate Glide Teacher Rachel Merchant-Ly Continue
𝐈𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐘𝐋𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊, 𝐎𝐫𝐞. – Search and Rescue efforts continue in the search for Rachel Merchant-Ly, a Glide Elementary kindergarten teacher whose vehicle was found crashed in the North Umpqua River. Merchant-Ly was reported missing on Thursday, February 29th when she didn’t arrive at school.
A Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy located signs of a motor vehicle crash near milepost 41 on Highway 138E. On Friday, March 1, 2024, Merchant-Ly’s vehicle was recovered from the North Umpqua River, but she was not found inside.
Since that time, nearly 300 hours volunteer hours of searching has taken place. Douglas County Search and Rescue has been using various methods of searching to include drone, ground and K9. The Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol has conducted water searches as well. Volunteers have searched along the riverbank from the crash site to Idleyld Park Trading Post; approximately 21 miles. “We all want to find Mrs. Merchant-Ly and return her to her family,” Sheriff John Hanlin said. “Our deputies are in constant communication with her family and providing them with updates as to our efforts. We will continue searching and using all means necessary to accomplish our mission,” Hanlin added.
In addition to the efforts of DCSO and Search and Rescue volunteers, several community members have been actively looking for Merchant-Ly. “We are aware of rafting guides and groups of rafters who have been launching all in an attempt to assist in finding her. We have also been contacting community members who are walking along the North Umpqua Trail and the highway,” Hanlin said. “As always this community steps forward to care for each other.” As the weather turns more springlike, the Sheriff’s Office encourages those recreating around the area to be aware Merchant-Ly is still missing and to report anything which may assist in concluding this missing person case.
Options for Education — Education Expo
WHEN: April 13, 2024 (rescheduled because of weather from March 2) WHERE: Oregon Futbol Academy building @ 144 SW G St, Grants Pass, OR Options for Education promotes school choice options for southern Oregon families through a variety of free services: Education Expo, Educational Entrepreneur Events for networking and training, referrals and individual support. Approximately half of vendors at in this year’s Education Expo offer full course loads while the remaining are supplemental program: individual classes and workshops, tutoring, internships, clubs, art, music, athletics, field trips, or curriculum. Some organizations, like Options for Education and the newly established Rogue Valley Independent Educators, PTA, serve the education community at large.
“Every child deserves to learn in an environment where their values are respected,” said Shannon, “The goal of this event is that every parent find the right fit for their child OR is inspired to start their own!” Photo opportunities: 3:20pm before, during and 6:30 after the event. Options for Education was founded in 2019 by Brettani Shannon and established as a 5013(C) non-profit in 2022. www.OptionsforEducations.com 541.660.4054
Hearts with a Mission, a program to help local seniors who need assistance, is seeking volunteers.
The volunteer-based program — which started in January 2023 — has 90 volunteers ready to help, but more than 100 seniors who need assistance. Stephanie Miller, the Hearts For Seniors Program Manager, said that it’s a heartwarming job and fulfilling volunteer work. Residents can apply here.
David Grubbs’ Murder Investigation Remains Active
The Ashland Police Department’s investigation into the murder of David Grubbs on November 19, 2011 remains open and active. Recently two new detectives have been assigned to look into new leads that have come in.
Fauna Frey, 45, disappeared in Oregon on a road trip, June 29, 2020, following her brother’s death —
https://original.newsbreak.com/@ada-e-1668135/3304227455096-fauna-frey-45-disappeared-in-oregon-on-a-road-trip-june-29-2020-following-her-brother-s-death
PART 2 – Newsweek Podcast Focusing on The Disappearance of Fauna Frey From Lane County
Here One Minute, Gone the Next —– PART 2 – Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel joins investigative journalist Alex Rogue to speak with Here One Minute, Gone the Next about the disappearance of Fauna Frey, the growing friction between citizen investigators and law enforcement, and the lack of resources in missing persons cases. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disappearance-of-fauna-frey-pt2-feat-sheriff/id1707094441?i=1000630100040 PART 1 – John Frey joins Newsweek to discuss exclusive details about the case of his missing daughter that until now have been unavailable to the general public. READ MORE HERE: https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-what-happened-fauna-frey-new-clues-uncovered-1827197?fbclid=IwAR3Z3Glru5lIgqiYXbs_nA1Fj8JuCIzM11OHSVHfwIucfq2f_G5y9y5bnmQ If you have any information on the whereabouts of Fauna Frey, call the anonymous tip line at 541-539-5638 or email FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com.
Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Bridge Condition Report Provides A Snapshot Of The Condition Of Bridges In Oregon
The Oregon Department of Transportation’s annual bridge report says the agency is “losing ground” to manage the state’s bridge system, as many are nearing the end of their life spans and planners are trying to keep up with new safety measures and seismic standards.
“With only an average of three bridges replaced annually ODOT
continues to lose ground in the eff ort to manage the system. Although a significant
portion of these bridges are in fair condition at this time, in the following decades, the
agency will be burdened with a huge responsibility to maintain or replace the 40% of
the inventory built between 1951-1970, as they continue to deteriorate.”
The 2023 Bridge Condition Report provides a snapshot of the condition of bridges in Oregon that are on state highways. Condition information is measured by Oregon’s Bridge Key Performance Measure and by the National
Bridge Performance Measure. In addition to condition information, there is information on bridge programs that are in place to manage and preserve state highway bridges. These include Major Bridge Maintenance, Bridge Preservation, the Seismic Program, and Load Rating. Eff orts to maintain and preserve existing bridges are critical, as an average of just three bridges are replaced each year. With adequate funding, approximately 27 state highway bridges could be replaced annually which is consistent with a 100-year service life.
According to ODOT’s 2023 Bridge Condition Report, a significant number of the more than 2,700 bridges in Oregon are in “fair” condition, but likely to transition to “poor” condition in the future.
40% of the bridges across the state need to be replaced in the coming decades, as a majority of them were built between 1950 and 1970 according to the report.
According to the report, there has been a “steady decline” in Oregon’s bridge conditions since 2016. There was some slight improvement in 2023 when nine bridges in “poor condition” were replaced, but ODOT does not have the funding to keep up with bride replacement. With adequate funding, ODOT could replace 27 bridges a year, but current funding levels pay on average for only three bridge replacements a year. At this rate, a bridge will need to stay in service for over 900 years, well beyond the expected service life of 75-100 years.
One of the serious causes of bridge deterioration is “scouring” or erosion of the bridge’s foundation due to fast moving water and gravel. ODOT officials said there are nearly 500 bridges that are unstable due to scouring.
ODOT officials said that as standards are constantly changing, and costs continue to rise, the bridges’ needs outpace their resources. READ MORE: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Bridge/Documents/2023BCR.pdf
Update on rollout of Frances Online for Unemployment Insurance benefits
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is now in its fourth week of using Frances Online for Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits.
With preliminary data for the week of March 17-23 now available, the transition to the new system continues to track with overall expectations, as most claimants are using Frances Online to file their claims.
The preliminary data for last week shows that OED:
- Paid out over $14.9 million in UI benefits.
- Received 30,656 total weekly claims.
- Of these, 29,713 were for the prior benefit week ending March 16,
- This is the metric we report in our weekly media dashboard.
- This is down slightly from the previous week (30,006) but has stabilized since the launch of Frances Online and is in line with seasonal trends.
- Of these, 29,713 were for the prior benefit week ending March 16,
At 89 percent, the ratio of claimants who filed online using Frances rose for the second week in a row, climbing two points from 87 percent.
“We are pleased to see that more and more people are using Frances Online and getting used to the new system,” Unemployment Insurance Director Lindsi Leahy said. “At the same time, call volume and wait times for our Contact Center remain high and we acknowledge the frustration that causes our customers. We are working as quickly as we can to answer questions and provide the support they need. We also want to remind customers of all the ways to contact us, including sending a message from their Frances Online account, or using our online Contact Us form, chatbot, and live chat in multiple languages. We will continue to monitor the system, listen to customer feedback, and make improvements to give Oregonians a better level of customer service.”
Agency Director David Gerstenfeld explained what obstacles the agency is facing as it strives to improve customer service.
“Our biggest challenge is that we still have significant workloads and we lack the federal funding to hire enough people to provide the customer service Oregonians deserve. We are very grateful to the Oregon State Legislature for its support during the 2024 session.”
Earlier this month, the Legislature passed House Bill 4035, which is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature. It will provide additional administrative funding for 72 positions, but customers won’t feel the impacts until the second half of the year.
The power of information – The Oregon Employment Department’s Workforce and Economic Research Division has long been known as a national leader in its field, and it’s now gaining international recognition. The division develops workforce and economic information and tools, which it shares with local governments, businesses, the media, educational institutions, and the public via QualityInfo.org.
After Research Director Bob Uhlenkott shared OED’s approach to supporting job listings with detailed labor market information with the World Bank earlier this year, his team was invited to give a formal presentation for government staff and policymakers in Uruguay and Argentina on March 20.
With support from projections economist Sarah Cunningham and regional economist Nicole Ramos, workforce analyst Henry Fields delivered the presentation in Spanish via teleconference. The focus was to highlight best practices and innovative methods of providing labor market information to support career exploration and job searches using real-time job listings for the Argentinian and Uruguayan governments. Henry also shared insights on how Oregon’s advancements in this field are shaping policymaking and service delivery in a rapidly changing world.
“This was an amazing opportunity for our team,” Uhlenkott said. “We’re happy to share the lessons we’ve learned in Oregon with leaders from around the world, but I’m especially proud to see our team’s world-class work receive some of the recognition that it deserves.”
Next OED Media Briefing April 17 – After hosting weekly media briefings about the rollout of Frances Online since early February, OED will return to holding monthly media briefings moving forward. The next media briefing will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, when OED will release the statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for March. Monthly briefings will coincide with the scheduled release of state unemployment rate and employment survey data. Information about the roll out of Frances Online for Unemployment Insurance benefits and other relevant updates from OED will be included at those briefings as needed. As always, members of the media are welcome to contact the Communications Office at communications@employ.oregon.gov with information and interview requests.
### The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.
El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizar nuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favor llame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.
State of Oregon settles with cryptocurrency asset platform
Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has reached a settlement agreement in principle with a cryptocurrency asset platform for violating state securities regulations.
The group of affiliated companies – Plutus Financial Holdings Inc., Plutus Financial Inc., Plutus Lending LLC and Abra Boost LLC – offered and sold interest-bearing cryptocurrency depository products referred to as Abra Boost and Abra Earn.
As part of the settlement, the companies – commonly known as Abra – are required to notify all Oregon consumers with open accounts containing crypto assets with the companies that they are winding down U.S. operations and to encourage consumers to move any remaining crypto assets from the platform.
Consumers have at least seven days from the date they receive notice to remove their assets from the Abra platform. Assets remaining after that date with a value of $10 or more will be converted to fiat and a check or other instrument will be sent directly to the consumer’s last known address.
In Oregon, 167 residents still have cryptocurrencies on the Abra platform valued at about $32,387.14.
The companies – controlled by William “Bill” Barhydt, who is also a party to the settlement – offered Abra Earn to all U.S. clients and Abra Boost to accredited U.S. clients. Investors in both programs earned interest by depositing digital assets with Abra and authorizing Abra to lend client assets to institutional borrowers.
“Although firms are creating new products tied to evolving technologies, they must continue to comply with existing securities laws,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “The division will continue to ensure that investors purchasing securities tied to digital assets are afforded the same protections as investors purchasing stocks, bonds and other traditional products.”
As part of the settlement, Abra and Barhydt will enter a consent order with DFR requiring that they cease and desist from offering or selling unregistered securities in Oregon and ordering them to pay an administrative penalty, which will be suspended if they comply with the process to return all assets owned by Oregon consumers before April 25, 2024.
“We strongly encourage clients in Oregon to withdraw their assets as soon as possible, but certainly within seven days of receiving notice from Abra,” said Keen. “We are available to assist and answer consumers’ questions about this settlement.”
### The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
Klamath Falls Search and Rescue – Use Ropes to Rescue Boy and His Dog
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 2:21 PM, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched regarding a report of a 17-year-old stuck on a cliff near the top of Hagelstein Ridge above Highway 97.
It was determined that the young man trekked down the steep rocky surface more than 200 feet from the top of a cliff in an attempt to save the family dog, a 3-year-old Boxer named ‘Wiggy.’ Wiggy had become separated from the family three days earlier while on an outing. The family returned several times to search for Wiggy until early Tuesday afternoon. The family said they’d almost lost hope when they heard Wiggy whining from below the rocky drop-off.
The Klamath Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team was activated and responded to Hagelstein Ridge. The SAR team lowered a member, trained in technical ropes rescue, over 40 feet from the edge of the cliff while still
suspended over an additional 80-foot drop-off. The team safely and successfully brought the young man and Wiggy back to safety. No one was injured in the rescue event and all were grateful to be back on level ground.
The Klamath County Search and Rescue Team is comprised of volunteers from our community willing to risk their lives for others. We are exceptionally appreciative of our rescue teams. Through their teamwork and extensive training, another family is reunited. The search and rescue capabilities of the Sheriff’s Office include different specialty disciplines; this includes SAR (ground and mounted), Dive Rescue, Small Boat Rescue, and K9 search resources.
Lincoln City K-9 Assists OSP in Locating Missing Driver
On Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at approximately 2:30 PM Lincoln City Police K-9 Officer Nix and her handler, Officer Snidow, responded to the area of Mile Marker 17 on Highway 20 to help locate a missing driver. The driver, an 81-year-old male, had driven off the embankment of Highway 20 in the area the night prior. The crash was not discovered until approximately 2:00 PM by a passer-by.
Discovered inside the vehicle was an elderly female passenger who had suffered a head injury. She was subsequently transported by medical personnel to Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport.
When Officer Snidow and K-9 Nix arrived, they began searching the area. K-9 Nix quickly located the driver, who walked away after the crash, approximately 100 yards from his car stuck in an area of dense blackberries. The driver apparently had a medical episode, and was transported to the Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport.
This incident highlights the importance of the Police K-9 program available in Lincoln City. As there were no other K-9 units available in the county, Lincoln City Police Officer Snidow and K-9 Nix were instrumental in locating the driver and ensuring he received medical care. The Lincoln City Police Department is grateful for the community support that allows us to run this beneficial program.
Hop Aboard the Easter Bunny Express!
Join us for a 45-minute train ride featuring the Easter bunny! Historic passenger cars pulled by a diesel locomotive offer comfortable seating and spectacular views of the city, river and wildlife.
Kids of all ages will enjoy an Easter scavenger hunt and other fun activities. And the Easter bunny will be onboard to greet everyone!
Snacks and adult & kid friendly beverages will be available for purchase.
Saturday, March 30 @ 1:00pm, 2:30 and 4:00pm. Adults $20, Kids 3-12 $15; 2 and Under Ride Free on Lap
For tickets and more info, visit www.orhf.org/saturday-train-rides/
Share your strength: Give blood or platelets with the Red Cross
Exclusive Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire + Red Cross T-shirt for coming to give through April 7
Portland, OR (March 26, 2024) — This spring, the American Red Cross asks donors to help defend the blood supply by giving blood or platelets now to combat a monstrous fact: only 3 out of 100 people donate blood. That’s why we’re teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures to celebrate the epic new film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and inviting donors to rise together and give blood. When donors share their strength by coming to give March 25-April 7, they’ll get an exclusive Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. (Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/GXK.)
In recent weeks, the Red Cross has seen an encouraging increase in the blood supply, but blood and platelet donation appointments remain vital this month. People of all blood types – especially those with type O blood – are critical to ensuring hospital shelves can be replenished as soon as possible.
To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Additionally, all who come to give April 8-28 will get a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Spring for details. American Red Cross – Cascades Region
FBI Portland Division Now Accepting Applications for the FBI’s Teen Academy
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PORTLAND, OREGON – Have you ever wanted to be part of a SWAT Team? Or fingerprint a suspect? Or learn how to catch a cyber-criminal? Then consider participating in the FBI Teen Academy.
The FBI Teen Academy program provides an excellent opportunity for rising high school juniors and seniors to learn about exciting careers in law enforcement within the FBI and beyond. Applicants chosen for the program actively engage with FBI agents and leaders in the Bureau to learn about case studies, crime prevention, evidence gathering, and investigative techniques related to criminal activity. The Teen Academy allows students to delve deeply into levels of law enforcement unavailable to them in a general classroom setting.
“Last year this office received a record number of applicants for the FBI’s Teen Academy, and we are excited to host them again this year,” said Aubree M. Schwartz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “This is a unique opportunity for these teens to see how the FBI fits into the greater Department of Justice. They will interact with FBI Special Agents and learn how the FBI conducts investigations, from interviewing to evidence gathering and analysis, using deductive reasoning and logic-based skills. This week-long program is an excellent introduction into the field of federal law enforcement and will hopefully inspire the next generation of FBI employees.”
Students learn about how criminals are captured, hear from FBI agents about actual cases, and learn how to raise their self-awareness online and watch for cyber-predators. Graduates of the Teen Academy program develop a keen understanding of how the FBI interacts with local law enforcement agencies and how participants can raise crime prevention awareness in their communities. In addition, hands-on instruction by FBI experts and other law enforcement agents allows students to understand the importance of communication between national and local agencies.
Teen Academy members engage in group activities ranging from small group exercises to hands-on simulations. As a result, students learn valuable life skills and increase their knowledge and understanding of how law enforcement agencies interact around the country.
Participation is free to the applicants chosen, and volunteer organizations provide supplies for the events.
Applicants must be rising juniors or seniors in high school in the state of Oregon or Southwest Washington. Attendees will need to provide their own transportation to and from the FBI Portland Field Office.
To Apply: FBI Portland is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Teen Academy. The session will take place Monday, July 15 to Thursday, July 18, 2024.
Submit your application to each.pd@fbi.gov“>outreach.pd@fbi.gov by Friday, April 26, 2024.
### https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/portland-teen-academy-application-2024.pdf/view
Oregon Offers Electric Car Rebates Again – Apply Now Until June 3rd
Due to high demand and limited funding, OCVRP will be open for a short time in 2024. Vehicles must be purchased or leased between April 3, 2024, to June 3, 2024, to be eligible for a rebate.
Applicants have six months from their date of purchase or lease to apply. Low- and moderate-income households can prequalify for the $5,000 Charge Ahead rebate by completing the application now at https://apps.oregon.gov/DEQ/Voucher/apply.
Oregon to Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers May 7th, 2024
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 7 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.
SOLVE invites volunteers to register for their annual Earth Day celebration: The Oregon Spring Cleanup
From April 13 to April 22, families, community members, neighborhood associations, and environmental enthusiasts are invited to engage in a signature event in SOLVE’s annual calendar: The Oregon Spring Cleanup, presented by Portland General Electric. Registration for this environmentally conscious event series is now open.
Participants are invited to join SOLVE, event leaders, and partners from across the Pacific Northwest in a collective celebration of Earth Day. The SOLVE calendar showcases a variety of events throughout Oregon and SW Washington between April 13 and April 22, with the majority of events culminating on April 20. Diverse initiatives address specific environmental needs with opportunities ranging from beach cleanups to neighborhood and city litter pickups. Further activities include restoring natural habitats through native tree and shrub plantings, weed pulls, and mulching projects. Each project contributes to the enhancement of our shared surroundings.
With a variety of projects already online, the Oregon Spring Cleanup invites enthusiastic volunteers to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and brighter planet. Interested individuals can browse the map of projects to find events near them, learn about each opportunity, and sign up for a meaningful contribution to the environment. Participating in the Oregon Spring Cleanup provides an excellent opportunity to bond with family members, coworkers, and neighbors, while collectively contributing to preserving some of Oregon’s most stunning locations.
As SOLVE anticipates another successful event, valued partner Portland General Electric, shares their commitment to the cause: ” PGE proudly supports SOLVE’s efforts to make our communities cleaner and greener. In 2023, our employees and their families volunteered with SOLVE for more than 220 hours. We’re excited to join community members again this Earth Day to help improve our beautiful state.” said Kristen Sheeran, Senior Director of Policy Planning and Sustainability, Portland General Electric.
For those inspired to host an event, SOLVE is still accepting new volunteer-led projects. The sooner projects are submitted, the faster SOLVE can care for the rest. Event leaders receive full support, including free supplies, access to project funding, disposal assistance, and help with volunteer recruitment.
For more information, please visit solveoregon.org/oregon-spring and be part of the collective effort to create a cleaner, greener planet.
Along with Portland General Electric, other event sponsors include Clean Water Services, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, KOIN, The Standard, Swire Coca-Cola, Holman, Demarini-Wilson, Trimet, and PepsiCo.
About SOLVE – SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.
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