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
Monday, January 20, 2025
Rogue Valley Weather
US National Weather Service Medford Oregon
Hundreds Gather In Ashland Prior To Inauguration Day
On Saturday, two days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, people who feel impacted by the incoming administration gathered for a benefit concert in Ashland Saturday.
Co-Sponsored by the Consolidated Oregon Indivisible Network and Women’s March Southern Oregon, this People’s Benefit Concert was held to support those in opposition to the incoming administration and its policies. There were marches all around Oregon and the nation.
Klamath Falls Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Kidnapping and Sexually Assaulting Two Women and Holding One in Cell
MEDFORD, Ore.— Negasi Zuberi, 31, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, was sentenced to life in federal prison today for kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women, and holding one in a cell he constructed in his garage.
“There is no place in civil society for this type of terrifying violence,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I sincerely hope Zuberi’s life sentence will bring some measure of comfort to his victims. Their courage and perseverance are an inspiration to us all.”
According to court documents, on July 15, 2023, while in Seattle, Zuberi posed as a police officer and used a taser and handcuffs to detain his victim in the backseat of his vehicle. Zuberi then transported the victim approximately 450 miles to his home in Klamath Falls, stopping along the way to sexually assault her.
At his residence, the victim was moved from his vehicle into a cell he had constructed in his garage. The woman repeatedly banged on the cell door until it broke open and she escaped. The victim retrieved a handgun from Zuberi’s vehicle, fled his garage, and flagged down a passing motorist who called 911.
On July 16, 2023, Reno Police Department officers and Nevada State Patrol officers located Zuberi in a parking lot in Reno, Nevada. After a short standoff, Zuberi surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody.
While investigating Zuberi’s crimes, federal agents discovered that approximately six weeks prior to the kidnapping in Seattle, on May 6, 2023, Zuberi kidnapped and sexually assaulted another victim. While being held by Zuberi, his first victim observed stacked cinder blocks in his garage that he later used to construct the cell where he detained his second victim.
On August 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Zuberi with kidnapping and transporting a victim with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Later, on February 15, 2024, a second kidnapping charge and charges for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.
On October 18, 2024, a federal jury found Zuberi guilty of all charges.
This case was investigated by the FBI Portland and Reno, Nevada Field Offices, Klamath Falls Police Department, and Oregon State Police with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada; Klamath County District Attorney’s Office; Reno, Nevada Police Department; Washoe County, Nevada District Attorney’s Office; Nevada State Police; and Klamath Falls Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Jeffrey S. Sweet, Nathan J. Lichvarcik, and Marco A. Boccato, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from Appellate Chief Suzanne Miles, also of the District of Oregon.
Pictured are two HazMat members in level A suits (silver) and two members conducting the decon process in level B training suits (dark green).Time for another reminder…please do not plug space heaters into a multi outlets. Plug directly into the wall socket.
Gaming Already Underway at Coquille Tribe’s Just-Approved Medford Casino Amid Lawsuit by Competing Tribes
The Coquille Indian Tribe didn’t waste any time offering video game gambling in Medford starting Sunday in the wake of a U.S. Department of Interior decision last week paving the way for a Class II-type casino.
“It’s been 12 years, and we’re not waiting any longer,” said Ray Doering, director of public affairs and compliance with Tribal One, part of the Coquille Tribe. “We wanted to establish that this is what we’re doing.”
The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, owners of Seven Feathers Casino and Resort in Canyonville, on Tuesday referred to the Coquille move as an operation that started “illegally in the dark of night.” (SOURCE)
Search Warrant And Arrest In Ongoing Investigation by
Ashland Police Dept.
A 21-year-old Ashland man has been arrested and is now being investigated for child sex crimes.
According to a news release from the Ashland Police Department, several local law enforcement agencies conducted [an] operation as part of an ongoing investigation into child exploitation and internet crimes against children.
The man — Donovan Jesus Aquino — was arrested on two outstanding warrants and is currently in Jackson County Jail.
According to court documents, he is facing charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants, two counts of recklessly endangering another person, two counts of second-degree criminal mischief and one count of reckless driving.
Almost 90 non-profits in the region and several organizations that serve multiple counties are getting more than $750,000 from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation (CCUIF).
CCUIF has awarded over $25 million across Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Coos, Lane, and Deschutes counties since it was established in 1997.
Carma Monorich of the Tribe says “The work of non-profit organizations is tireless and highly important to our communities. The Asante Foundation, Hearts with a Mission, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley, Rogue Valley Farm to School, and Rogue Retreat, to name a few, are each getting $10,000.
CASA of Jackson County is getting $12,000 to train new mentors for kids in foster care. Additionally, Medford’s Compass House is getting $7,500 to help support staff who work directly with mentally ill individuals.
Crater Lake is ranked as the best national park for stargazing.
The vacation rental website Lake dot com used the National Park Service’s Night Sky data collection to score 100 national parks according to the average percentage of visible stars along with each area’s average median light pollution. Crater Lake viewers could see nearly 99 percent of visible stars and light pollution of point-zero-three.
Second on the list was Great Basin, Nevada followed by Canyonlands, Utah.
Starting in May, Alaska Airlines Begins Flights from Rogue Valley to San Diego, from the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport.
In a Facebook post, the airport said they are expecting the flights to be available mid-May and that there will be late morning departures and mid-afternoon departures.
Alaska Airlines will also be increasing Portland to Medford flights from twice a day to four times a day, the post said. “We’re excited for the opportunities this new route brings to our community and beyond,” the release said.
Sheriff’s Office issues advisory about motorhome and possible link to missing Prospect woman Deenah Padgett
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is asking for help identifying the owner a motorhome. It could be associated with a missing person from the Prospect area.
JCSO says 68-year-old Deenah Padgett has been missing since August 30 from Prospect, described as a white woman, 4’ 8” tall, weighing approximately 95 pounds with brownish red/greying hair.
JCSO issued an advisory this weekend asking anyone with information about the owner of the pictured motor home or Padgett’s whereabouts to call Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) dispatch non-emergency phone number at 541-776-7206.
Did you get help from FEMA, insurance, or others after the 2020 Almeda and South Obenchain Fires?
https://firebrandcollective.org/harp/
Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.Hearts with a Mission, a program to help local seniors who need assistance, is seeking volunteers.
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.
It’s going on five years now since Fauna Frey, 45, disappeared in Josephine County 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
Two Oregon Residents Were Arrested Saturday for Impersonating Firefighters at the Palisades Fire
A man and a woman from Oregon were arrested over the weekend for reportedly impersonating firefighters as they attempted to enter a Palisades Fire evacuation zone in what appeared to be a legitimate fire engine, officials announced Sunday.
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau investigators were contacted regarding an arrest of two suspects for impersonation of firefighters. An LAPD patrol unit was driving through the Palisades Fire area with fire personnel and observed a fire truck that did not appear to be legitimate. They relayed the information, and Sheriff’s deputies contacted the individuals in the fire truck as they attempted to enter an evacuation zone.
Upon contacting the two occupants of the truck, deputies noticed they were both wearing turnout gear. The occupants claimed to be from “Roaring River Fire Department” in Oregon. Upon further investigation, the deputies learned that the department name was not a legitimate agency, and the truck was purchased at an auction.
The two occupants were wearing CAL-Fire t-shirts under the turnout gear, helmet, and radios.The two admitted to being in the evacuation zone on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Deputies arrested Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, for Impersonating a Firefighter and Entering an evacuation zone, and the truck was impounded. Suspect Dustin Nehl has a criminal history in Oregon for criminal mischief and arson. Neither have a criminal history in California.
Authorities did not provide a motive for why the man and woman were attempting to enter the evacuation zone allegedly posing as firefighters or if they were facing any charges in addition “impersonating firefighters.”
Investigators will be presenting the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration on Tuesday. Attached are photographs of the vehicle and gear recovered.Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7893. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
Oregon firefighters are playing a crucial role in Southern California, where last weekend, a heroic rescue by two Oregon firefighters saved the lives of an elderly couple trapped by the Palisades Fire.
The two firefighters, part of the Douglas County strike team, were searching for hotspots in remote areas when they made the life-saving discovery.
While checking the area, they came upon a home still standing and found an elderly couple inside. The husband had suffered severe second-degree burns—possibly third-degree burns—during the initial fire front. The firefighters immediately called for medical assistance and coordinated with other teams to evacuate the couple to safety.
“We made contact with the wife and asked if she needed any help,” said Kevin Comstock of the Roseburg Fire Department. “Through that process, we learned that her husband had suffered serious burns.”
With the fire still spreading in the area, the firefighters quickly called for additional resources to provide advanced life support (ALS) care. Due to the remote location, the couple was evacuated using a Stokes basket to safely transport the husband out of the area.
In addition to their heroic rescue, Oregon firefighters have been working on fire prevention measures in the area. Yesterday, strike teams from Rogue Valley created a shaded fuel break by removing some trees and vegetation. This helps slow the spread of the fire and gives firefighters a better chance to control it.
With wind conditions still a major concern, the Oregon teams remain on high alert. The firefighters are working 24-hour shifts to keep hotspots under control, and local authorities are continuing to assess the situation to determine when the teams will be released.
“It’s all worth it because that is the ultimate goal, to help provide life safety,” Comstock added. “And it feels good to accomplish that.”
Firefighters and equipment from every corner of Oregon came together to help in California, from Clatsop to Umatilla, Deschutes to Coos, and every county in between. This monumental effort showcases the strength and collaboration of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System.
The 21 strike teams from Oregon, deployed to California, remain dedicated to containing the fire and ensuring the safety of residents and first responders in the area.
The Red Cross Cascades Region Is On The Ground In Los Angeles In The Wake Of Deadly And Destructive Wildfires
One week after wildfires ripped through the Los Angeles region, the Red Cross is still on the ground helping to provide shelter, feeding, reunification, health and mental health support, providing emergency supplies and more. We have over 400 volunteers supporting this relief operation.
The Red Cross Cascades Region (Oregon and SW Washington) has deployed 18 people.
People are still counting on us and the best way to support our work right now is by making a financial contribution. Please go to RedCross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text “CAWILDFIRES” to 90999 — If you want to donate items, you are asked to go to 211la.org
The Red Cross has a downloadable emergency app with information on how to prepare, respond to and recover from wildfires. In addition, the American Red Cross has activated the Northwest Response Fund to help impacted residents.
The Red Cross also provides disaster mental health support to people impacted by the fires. For people struggling with the stress and uncertainty of a crisis situation like this, they can reach out to the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for support. In some cases, there will be mental health workers at shelters as well.
Reunification is another area where the Red Cross works to help people affected by the fires. By calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and providing as much detail as possible about a missing loved one, the Red Cross may be able to assist.
After the immediate disaster has abated, the Red Cross will also aid with recovery. That can include financial support for those who lost their homes and are having trouble finding a place to live, a bus or train ticket to the home of a relative, or assistance with other agencies involved in the recovery process.
Providence’s Latest Offers a ‘Slap in the Face’ to Striking Caregivers
Providence tried to coerce members to return to work and cross the picket line. It’s a classic union-busting tactic. But it didn’t work. Strike lines are growing!
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has reviewed the most recent counterproposals from Providence, and these offers are nothing more than a slap in the face to the nearly 5,000 striking caregivers across the system.
Providence’s proposals do not show any meaningful movement on the core issues facing our nurses: fair wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions.
But most shocking is that Providence’s proposals have removed ratification bonuses—bonuses that Providence has been touting to the press and in radio ads as an example of their “generous offer” to striking caregivers to settle this dispute.
This is not negotiation; it’s punishment. It is also a violation of federal law, regressive bargaining and an unfair labor practice.
Providence claims publicly they are ready to negotiate but these proposals prove they are not serious about engaging in meaningful dialogue. It’s time to end this strike, not by punishing nurses and doctors with backwards proposals, but by coming to the table in good faith.
Providence’s priorities are crystal clear when you look at their executive compensation. In 2023, more than $177 million was paid to just 164 executives, as reflected in Providence’s publicly available financial filings. Among these executives were Rod Hochman, who retired at the end of 2024 and made $14.8 million in 2023, and Erik Wexler, who became CEO in 2025, who was previously making $5.2 million a year.
The contrast between the lavish pay for those at the top and the struggling conditions for those on the frontlines is a direct reflection of Providence’s failure to prioritize its workers and patients over excessive executive pay.
ONA wants to be 100% clear: bargaining is happening.
We are actively engaged in bargaining right now by exchanging proposals with the employer; in fact, ONA provided counterproposals to Providence within 18 hours. ONA is committed to bargaining in a way that is reflective of the urgency of the moment, and we are open to face-to-face meetings or Zoom sessions as needed to move the process forward, but we are engaged in bargaining now.
We just need a good faith partner to negotiate with.
5,000 frontline caregivers from eight hospitals and six clinics across Oregon went on strike for reasons beyond fair compensation, but a systemic crisis affecting patient care, staffing safety, health insurance benefits, and healthcare delivery. At the core of negotiation will be key issues that include:
- Resolution of systemic unsafe staffing issues documented across facilities
- Addressing health insurance and benefits disparities
- Implementation of necessary patient safety measures
- Market-competitive wages that will attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals.
A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers: If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you’ve received the care you need. Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.
First Winning Powerball Jackpot of the Year Sold in Oregon
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The first Powerball jackpot of 2025, worth $328.5 million, was sold in Beaverton. The ticket for Saturday’s drawing was purchased on January 17 in the 97006 zip code.
The winner has a year to come forward and claim their prize. Once a claimant comes forward, it will take time before a winner can be identified due to security and payment processes.
Per state law, players in Oregon, with few exceptions, cannot remain anonymous. The largest Powerball prize previously won in Oregon was last year’s $1.3 billion jackpot split between a Portland man, his wife, and friend.
Approximately a third of sales from the game will be returned to state beneficiaries to support economic development, education, veteran services, state parks and more.
Retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. For instance, an Oregon retailer who sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus. The location of the retailer where the current ticket was sold will not be revealed until a winner has come forward due to security protocols.
The Powerball jackpot was last won in December when a ticket sold in New York that was worth $256 million. Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Alton Baker Park in Eugene on Saturday for “The People’s March” ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration. Another march was hosted by the Party for Socialism and Liberation in Eugene and several other local and social action organizations on Sunday to protest “Trump’s Extreme Right, Billionaire Agenda.”
Protestors marched through downtown Eugene calling on the community to fight back against the incoming Trump administration.
Columbia County Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Wire Fraud Conspiracy and Illegally Dispensing Animal Drugs
A Columbia County, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison Thursday for her role in a conspiracy to defraud customers seeking to adopt pets and illegally dispensing prescription animal drugs without a lawful order of a veterinarian.
Samantha Miller, 55, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. The sum of restitution Miller must pay to her victims will be determined at a later date.
“Today’s sentence should make it clear to others engaged in unconscionable conduct that it will not be tolerated and they will be held responsible for their crimes,” said Hannah Horsley, Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit for the District of Oregon.
“The FDA regulates animal drugs as part of its mission to protect the public health, which includes ensuring that prescription animal drugs are lawfully obtained, distributed, and dispensed,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who criminally attempt to evade the law.”
According to court documents, between November 2019 and January 2021, Miller and her co-conspirators, through their animal rescue business Woofin Palooza, LLC, conspired to obtain animals with health and behavioral problems from out-of-state shelters at no cost to offer for adoption to paying customers in Oregon. Once animals were transported to Portland, Miller did not provide the care needed by these animals through a licensed veterinarian. Instead, their medical issues were either ignored or Miller attempted to treat the animals herself by administering prescription animal drugs without supervision of a veterinarian.
As part of the scheme, Miller used the alias “Mandy Myers” to hide her true identity. Miller advertised animals for adoption on Woofin Palooza and Petfinder websites with misleading or false statements of the known medical and behavioral issues. When victims adopted a pet, Miller misrepresented the extent of health and behavioral issues in communications and contracts with the victims. In some instances, Miller dispensed prescription animal drugs to victims that she had repackaged with false or misleading labels and without the order of a licensed veterinarian. As a result, victims unknowingly adopted unhealthy and aggressive animals and were forced to seek veterinary care and training, including euthanasia, often incurring significant expenses.
On February 7, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 4-count superseding indictment charging Miller with conspiring to commit wire fraud, conspiring to misbrand drugs, and misbranding animal drugs by dispensing them without a lawful order of a veterinarian and by repackaging and relabeling them.
On October 24, 2024, Miller pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and misbranding drugs by dispensing prescription animal drugs without a lawful order of a veterinarian.
This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto and Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
Oregonians looking to renew their vehicle registration and get new tags can now do so at a handful of Fred Meyer stores around the state
The self-service express kiosks from Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services are designed to give Oregonians another way to renew their registration besides at a DMV office, online or by mail, according to a news release.
The kiosks are located in Fred Meyer locations in Salem and Eugene as well as in Beaverton, Bend, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Medford, Oak Grove and Tualatin. A location in Portland is coming soon and the DMV said it plans to offer more kiosks around the state in the future.
In Salem, the kiosk is at the Fred Meyer located at 3740 Market St. NE and allows users to pay by cash, credit or debit card. In Eugene, it’s located at the Fred Meyer at 3333 W 11th Ave. and will only allow payment via debit or credit card.
“We see these kiosks as a way to improve customer service, access and equity,” DMV administrator Amy Joyce said in the news release. “This program is the latest effort aimed at improving the DMV experience for our customers.”
The kiosks are ADA-accessible and registration renewal can be completed in English and Spanish. Users will be charged a $4.95 vendor fee for each transaction.
Customers will need to bring identification (license, permit, or ID card), insurance information and registration renewal notice. — Vehicle registration cards and license plate stickers will be printed after the transaction.
Registration Is Now Open For The Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K Run for the Trees
Oregon Parks Forever — Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests. Registration is now open for the 2025 Run for the Trees at www.orparksforever.org.
Participants can run, walk, hike, skate, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day). Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15.
For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks. Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.
Gather your friends, family and/or colleagues and create your own walk or run. Make it fun!
Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.
As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its fifth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include ten other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland and Virginia will “lock arms” as they help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.
“We are thrilled to partner with Bob Ross, Inc. and these other ten states on the Happy Little 5K concept as a way to honor the late Bob Ross and create a legacy event to plant trees,” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.”
Oregon Parks Forever joined this event as an expansion of our efforts to fund the replanting of trees killed by wildfires, heat domes and invasive insects. Over the past three years, Oregon Parks Forever has been able to fund the replanting of more than 800,000 trees across Oregon.
“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.” — Learn more about the program at http://www.orparksforever.org
IRS Direct File, Direct File Oregon Will Be Available When Income Tax Return Processing Begins January 27
Salem, OR— Free electronic filing through the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon will open January 27 when both the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue begin processing e-filed 2024 federal and state income tax returns. Paper-filed return processing will begin in mid-February.
Taxpayers are encouraged to use the IRS Eligibility Checker to see if they qualify to file directly with the IRS and the state.
E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received. However, as in years past, the department won’t be issuing personal income tax refunds until after February 15. A refund hold is part of the department’s tax fraud prevention efforts and allows for confirmation that the amounts claimed on tax returns match what employers and payers report on Forms W-2 and 1099.
E-filing is the fastest way for a taxpayer to get their refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.
The department reminds taxpayers that taking a few easy steps in the next few weeks can make preparing their 2024 tax return easier in 2025.
Free filing options open January 27 — In addition to IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon, other free filing options will also open January 27. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Free fillable forms are available for all income levels. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.
Free and low-cost tax help — Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.
Voluntary self-identification of race and ethnicity information — New for 2025, Oregon taxpayers and Oregonians can voluntarily provide information about their race and ethnicity on Form OR-VSI when they file their 2024 taxes. Providing this information may be done separately from a tax return through Revenue Online. The information will be confidential. It can only be used for research purposes to analyze potential inequities in tax policy. The new option is a result of Senate Bill 1 in 2023.
Use Revenue Online to verify payments — Taxpayers can verify their estimated payments through their Revenue Online account.
Through Revenue Online, individuals can also view letters sent to them by the department, initiate appeals, make payments, and submit questions. Visit Revenue Online on the Revenue website to learn more.
Those who don’t have a Revenue Online account can sign up on the agency’s website.
To check the status of their refund after February 15, or make payments, taxpayers can visit Revenue’s website. You can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls.
Department Of Revenue Volunteers Will Help Taxpayers Use Direct File Oregon To E-file Their Taxes For Free At Libraries Across The State
Salem, OR—Oregonians looking for assistance in electronically filing their taxes for free, could find help as close as their local library this tax season.
Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will be traveling to libraries in 17 different communities across the state in February, March, and April to assist taxpayers in using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to complete their returns.
The one-day tax help clinics are planned at libraries in:
| Bandon | North Bend |
| Burns | Prineville |
| Coquille | Pendleton |
| Cornelius | Roseburg |
| The Dalles | Salem |
| Klamath Falls | Seaside |
| Lebanon | Sweet Home |
| McMinnville | Toledo |
| Tualatin |
Dates, times, and addresses for each clinic can be found on the Free Direct File assistance at local libraries webpage.
Last year, more than 140,000 taxpayers in 12 other states filed their federal tax returns using a limited IRS Direct File pilot program while nearly 7,000 Oregon taxpayers filed their state returns using the free, state-only Direct File Oregon option.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in May that it would make IRS Direct File a permanent option for taxpayers and invited all 50 states to participate. Oregon was the first of 13 new states to accept the invitation from the IRS in June creating a seamless free e-filing system for both federal and state taxes.
With the two direct file systems connected, the IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon taxpayers will be able to e-file both their federal and state returns for free in 2025.
The department believes that offering free assistance will help maximize the number of Oregonians who choose to use the new free option and make it possible for many who don’t have a filing requirement to file and claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families.
For example, the IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.
Taxpayers should use the IRS eligibility checker to see if they’ll be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Eligible taxpayers should set up an IRS online account and an account with Oregon’s Revenue Online before they come to an event. Taxpayers attending an event should bring the following information with them.
- Social security card or ITIN for everyone on your tax return
- Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (such as driver’s license or passport)
Common income and tax documents
- Forms W2 (wages from a job)
- Forms 1099 (other kinds of income)
- Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)
Optional documents to download
- Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
- Last year’s tax return
Taxpayers can signup for the new “Oregon Tax Tips” direct email newsletter to keep up with information about tax return filing and how to claim helpful tax credits.
You’ll need a Real ID to fly domestically, starting in May of 2025, that’s unless you have a passport or enhanced driver’s license issued by several states.
The deadline is May 7, 2025, but you probably don’t want to wait until the last minute to get your Real ID. You can apply for your Real ID driver’s license or ID card through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Real IDs are marked with a star on the top of the card. Real IDs will also be needed to access certain federal facilities. Congress mandated the real IDs in 2005 on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.
Media contest invites Oregon high school students to promote young worker safety; entries due Feb. 21, 2025
Salem – High school students across Oregon are encouraged to put their video or graphic design skills on display by competing for cash prizes as part of a larger cause: increasing awareness about workplace safety and health for young workers.
The 2025 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, calls on participants to create an ad – through a compelling graphic design or video – that grabs their peers’ attention and convinces them to take the Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.
Participants get to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believe will go furthest in capturing their audience and moving it to act. The target audience? Teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time. The contest is now open for submissions. To compete, participants may submit either a graphic design or a video that is no more than 90 seconds in length.
Participants are expected to choose their key message, theme, or tagline in a wise and positive manner, including constructive and effective messages and language.
The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school, club, or organization will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.
While they carry out their projects, participants must ensure the health and safety of their team. No one should be endangered while creating their video or graphic design project.
The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.
Participants are encouraged to submit entries online. Submissions may also be mailed on a USB thumb drive or delivered in person.
For more information about the entry form and rules, contest expectations, and resources – including previous contest winners – visit the O[yes] online contest page.
The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the Oregon Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Alliance.
### About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
About the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]): (O[yes]) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.
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