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, April 14, 2025
Rogue Valley Weather
US National Weather Service Medford Oregon
.It’s going to be warming up and a lot of valley locations have a good chance at seeing 80 degrees for a high.
An extended period of atmospheric stability is expected to bring warmer temperatures across northern California and southern Oregon. Daytime highs are forecast to be 5 to 15 degrees above seasonal averages for most areas. As this is the first extended warm period of the year, individuals may not be acclimated to these temperatures. Anyone sensitive to temperature changes or warmer temperatures in general may want to use extra caution when going outside in the afternoon and evening hours.
Local Guard Unit Restore Veteran Graves at Historic Medford Cemetery
MEDFORD, Ore. – Soldiers from Hotel Company, 141 Support Battalion, attached to the 1-186 Infantry Battalion, spent part of their drill weekend cleaning veteran gravesites at the historic I.O.O.F. Eastwood Cemetery in Medford on April 13, 2025.
Twenty-seven Oregon Army National Guard soldiers from H Company, which drills out of the Medford Armory, joined by Southern Oregon University ROTC cadets, partnered with Medford Parks and Recreation to restore weathered headstones at one of the city’s oldest cemeteries.
“Senior leadership in the Oregon Army National Guard emphasized the importance of getting out into the community this training year, and we wanted to make an impact on our local community,” said Capt. Jacob Wolwowicz, H/141 commander. “It was important for us to do something local, within a few miles of the armory.”
Established in 1890 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.), the cemetery was sold to the City of Medford in the 1970s when the organization could no longer maintain it. Today, it remains an active cemetery managed by Medford Parks and Recreation.
Soldiers worked in groups of four, cleaning moss and dirt from headstones and removing weeds from around grave markers. Many of the sites they restored belonged to veterans.
“We respected the headstones, made sure we were gentle but also got off all the gunk,” said Capt. Wolwowicz. “These are people that lived in the community, died in the community, and these are still some people’s family members’ graves.”
Tyson Thompson, volunteer coordinator with Medford Parks and Recreation, organized the event and called the military presence “a tremendous help.”
For Spc. Katia Ibarrera, who is pursuing a career in law enforcement, the project aligned perfectly with her values.
“The thing I love about the National Guard is that it’s more community-oriented,” said Ibarrera. “I love serving my community. These are my people. I like helping out my people.”
The Oregon Army National Guard offers a unique opportunity for service members to maintain civilian careers while serving their state and nation part-time. With units stationed in communities throughout Oregon, Guard members can live and work in the same areas they serve, allowing them to make a direct impact close to home.
“My unit came to a historic cemetery to clean up graves belonging to veterans,” said Ibarrera. “We did this because we want to serve our community and focus more on the people around us.”
Seizures and Arrests Made in Multi-Agency Drug Trafficking Case
Medford Police Dept.
During the warrant execution, investigators seized more than 100 grams of cocaine, eight firearms (including “ghost guns”), approximately $48,000 in cash, four vehicles, and one motorcycle. The two residents were taken into custody and lodged at the Jackson County jail.
Arrested:
- Ulysses Timothy Chappel III, 55 – Charged with Unlawful Possession, Delivery, and Manufacture of Cocaine. Also charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
- Stacy Lyn Cramer, 52 – Charged with Unlawful Possession, Delivery, and Manufacture of Cocaine.
The MADGE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-support approach. MADGE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), which is composed of members from the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Point Police Department, Oregon State Police, the District Attorney’s Office, Parole and Probation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) -sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including MADGE. Reference Case # 25-5445
UPDATE: After weeks of getting by on only state funds, Southern Oregon Head Start will be receiving its federal funds for the quarter, but there are still some uncertainties with the organization’s future
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden made a statement in regard to Southern Oregon Head Start. Wyden said,
“I’m glad our office’s work with Southern Oregon Head Start has helped restore the federal investments so children can continue learning from the Head Start heroes who are so dedicated to teaching and supporting them,” Wyden said. “This funding shutoff in Southern Oregon was an unfortunate and unsurprising product of the illegal and chaotic freezes by Donald Trump, Elon Musk and their DOGE thugs that should never have happened. I’ll keep watchdogging this funding flow to make sure Southern Oregon Head Start isn’t victimized again by these destructive stunts conjured up by the White House.”
Southern Oregon Head Start Centers Facing Shut Downs —
First Reported: Southern Oregon Head Start is preparing to shut down half of its operations this Friday and faces a complete closure by April 18 unless frozen federal funds are released. This crisis threatens to more than 900 children without critical services and impacts 367 staff members.
According to staff roughly half of the organization’s services will cease on Friday. And if the quarterly federal funds are not disbursed by the following Friday, April 18, the entire Head Start program serving Jackson County will be forced to shut its doors completely.
Southern Oregon Head Start has been operating solely on state funds for several weeks, but those resources are now exhausted, making the arrival of the expected federal payment critical for survival.
Last Friday Klamath Family Head Start reassured families with a letter that regional office changes have not disrupted their current grant funding or services in Klamath and Lake counties for this year.
Both Subjects Arrested at Grants Pass Resting Area Following a Fight and Display of a Gun
Confirmed Rabies Cases in Josephine County
INCIDENT: Rabies in Josephine County
DETAILS: In the last two months, Josephine County Animal Control has responded to eight calls regarding foxes that have been potentially rabid. Three of these include attacks against people who have subsequently been advised to immediately seek medical treatment. Four were attacks towards dogs and cats, and one was a sick fox observed near a residence. The most recent incident took place April 5th, 2025.
Of these incidents, Josephine County and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have sent five of the foxes to Oregon State Health Authority for testing, and they have been confirmed as positive for rabies. The other three foxes were not recovered.
We would like everyone to be vigilant and keep themselves and their pets away from any wildlife that may be acting out of the ordinary. Foxes are primarily nocturnal and sightings during daylight hours are out of the ordinary. Bats, foxes, and coyotes have been known to contract rabies and have the potential to infect other mammals. The people involved have stated the foxes appeared friendly at first before attacking. Anyone that has an encounter with an animal acting out of the ordinary is encouraged to get to a safe space and keep their pets in secure areas. Please contact Josephine County Animal Control and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife if a wild animal is observed acting out of the ordinary.
Join us on April 25th at the Robertson bridge around 7pm to cheer along 8 men rafting the entire Rogue River at a record setting pace. They aim to row the 157 miles in about 36 hours, straight and through the night, to raise funds for William – a Southern Oregon 6-year old boy diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
BLM Reopens Rogue River Trail
Medford, Oregon – The Bureau of Land Management is re-opening the Rogue River National Recreation Trail after crews created a path around a large landslide. Wildland firefighters from BLM’s Veteran Crew 10, along with BLM recreation staff, were able to clear the landslide and re-route the trail around a large boulder. The crews also removed several downed trees and addressed other issues along the first few miles of the trail.
The trail is rated as difficult due to the remote nature of the trail, tall cliffs, the potential for downed trees, landslides and high water in creeks.
Hikers may still encounter smaller landslides, unstable footing, erosion of trail tread, and other storm-related impacts along the trail. If you find damage on BLM lands, please report it to the Medford District Office at 541-618-2200.
“The Rogue River Trail is beautiful this time of year and we worked hard to open it as quickly as possible,” said Justin Kelly, Grants Pass Field Manager. “Please watch out for additional hazards as you enjoy your public lands.”
The Rogue River National Recreation Trail traverses the wild section of the Lower Rogue National Wild and Scenic River along its entire length. Stretching 40 miles between Grave Creek and Big Bend, the trail offers some of southwestern Oregon’s most amazing landscapes and rewarding hiking experiences. Majestic steep canyon walls, cascading waterfalls, and glistening streams are just a glimpse of the magnificent scenery in the Wild Rogue Canyon.
Looking to swim or take a boat tour at Crater Lake National Park? This summer is your last chance to do so for a while.
The National Park Service announced that the Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only allowed access to the lakeshore, is undergoing maintenance until summer 2029. The NPS said the project “proposes to rehabilitate the trail and related infrastructure to ensure safe access to the lake, provide needed visitor services, and to protect the environment.
Every year, thousands of park visitors hike this trail to gain access to lakeshore. The Cleetwood Cove Marina is the launch point for the concession-provided boat tours of Crater Lake and the park’s boats. This project proposes to rehabilitate the trail and related infrastructure to ensure safe access to the lake, provide needed visitor services, and to protect the environment. This project will address critical safety issues with the Cleetwood Cove Trail and Marina.
Work proposed includes, rehabilitation of the entire 1.1 mile trail including improvements to trail tread and retaining walls. Rockfall scaling and mitigation along identified high risk zones. Removal and replacement of the failed bulkhead/dock with a structurally stable marina. Replacing the outdated and undersized composting toilets located near the marina.
The planning, design, and compliance are completed for this project. The next step is solicitation of the construction contract. Construction is set to start in 2026, with trail closures planned for the duration of the 2027 and 2028 summer seasons. The NPS says boat tours will not be provided during this time. The renovated trail has a slated reopening of summer 2029.
Jackson County Gearing up to Welcome Visitors to Emigrant Lake This Summer – lake nearly replenished after several years of low water levels.
Steve Lambert, the Roads and Parks Director for Jackson County, shared exciting updates about the upcoming season, which promises a mix of outdoor recreation, new concessions, and renovated park facilities. The resurgence of the lake will also help the popular non-motorized watercraft rentals, including paddleboards and kayaks, which had struggled during the low-water years.
The county is actively seeking new business partners to provide food, beverage, and non-motorized watercraft rentals, a service that was previously offered when the lake had better water levels. The last concessionaire at Emigrant Lake was successful in offering rentals and lessons for paddleboards, and Lambert is optimistic about finding a new partner to continue this tradition.
In preparation for the influx of visitors, Jackson County has also been working on improving park facilities. New infrastructure, including replacement sidewalks, staircases and a renovated Oak Slope Tent Campground.
Fire codes force Ashland homeless shelter to close, city plans renovations
The building at 2200 Ashland St. was not designed for overnight sleeping, so it doesn’t meet fire codes, meaning it can only be open for 90 days. It opened in January.
That also means that even though 28 people can stay at the shelter overnight, half of them have to be awake.
Sam Engel, CEO of the homeless services nonprofit Rogue Retreat, which has been running the shelter, said this design had some hiccups and was hard for guests to understand.
“But then, simply, we had the opportunity to let 14 people sleep, or we had the opportunity to let 14 people sleep, and 14 other people come in, get warm, have a cup of coffee, a cup of tea, food, and then they could choose to stay or leave,” he said. “And we saw the value in taking advantage of that.”
Engel said preliminary numbers show Rogue Retreat got seven people into stable housing.
Rogue Retreat has been working with local partners to ensure people can receive services elsewhere once the shelter closes Tuesday at 9 a.m.
“People should sleep indoors if they want to, year-round, regardless of the weather conditions,” Engel said. “We’re worried about what people are going to do on the night of April 1 and beyond.”
Ashland has a night lawn where people can camp overnight, as well as the OHRA Center, the only 24/7, year-round shelter in the city, and all 72 of its beds are consistently full, with an ongoing waitlist.
However, the city has set aside money for fire code renovations at 2200 Ashland St. so it can be used as a shelter. The timeline for the project hasn’t been determined.
The building is an approximately 3,000-square-foot commercial use office space and needs additional exits, smoke detectors and a sprinkler system, among other things.
It originally opened as a homeless shelter in fall 2023 when the state was under an emergency order. But last spring, Ashland City Council declined over $2 million in state funding to keep it open. Councilors argued there was no long-term plan for the space.
Since then, the city has struggled to figure out what to do with the building while searching for more shelter options for homeless residents.
Housing Program Specialist Linda Reid said a request for proposals for the renovations has been issued, and the city hopes to get started as soon as possible.
Ashland plans to use Community Development Block Grant funds for the project. Reid said the city has about $112,000 remaining from 2024 and anticipates receiving $105,000 in 2025.
While Reid said that money won’t be enough to address everything the building needs, installing the sprinkler system is the priority.
Meanwhile, Ashland still doesn’t have a shelter for inclement weather, such as smoke or cold.
Emergency Management Coordinator Kelly Burns said the city doesn’t have the money or capacity for that.
“We are potentially going to have a few more nights of cold weather in April,” he said. “We’re asking other community partners, maybe faith-based organizations, anybody that’s a nonprofit that is willing to step up and maybe bridge that gap for us.” (SOURCE)
Sharing for our friends at Salvation Army:
Help Fill Our Food Pantry – Your Donations Make a Difference! 
Most Needed Items:
Canned vegetables & fruits Rice & pasta Peanut butter & jelly Cereal & oatmeal Soup & canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans)
Drop-off Location: 922 N. Central Avenue Medford, OR 97501
Hours: 9am-3pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Medford Police Save the date! 
Our Drug Take Back & Rogue Shred Event takes place on 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟵 𝗔𝗠 – 𝟭𝟮 𝗣𝗠 at the City Hall parking lot.
Drop off your unused, outdated and unwanted prescription drugs (no needles or any kind of inhalers). Please ensure that there are no leaking bottles and that the tops are on securely.
Got paper? Bring personal and confidential documents you would like to have shredded. Shred items are limited to the equivalent of three garbage bags full of items to be shredded.
Concerts in the Park Returns to Riverside Park This Summer!
Explore the beauty of Roseburg trees by entering the 2025 Arbor Day Photo Contest!
Roseburg Parks and Recreation invites you to grab your camera and capture a photo of your favorite tree or trees in the Roseburg area – including the great variety found in city parks — and possibly get your photo featured in the Spring 2025 City Connection e-newsletter!
The online contest began Monday, March 17. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2025. However, photos can be taken at any time in Roseburg, Melrose, Green, Lookingglass, Garden Valley and Winchester. Be sure to include the photo location in your entry.
“Spring is the perfect time to go tree hunting in Roseburg. The trees are blooming, everything’s turning green again, and it should make for some really interesting photos,” said Roseburg Recreation Coordinator Tracy David.
The top three photos will be announced on Arbor Day – Friday, April 25 – on the Roseburg Parks and Recreation Facebook page. The photos also will be highlighted in the City Connection e-newsletter later this spring. Sign up to get the City Connection e-newsletter emailed to your inbox: https://shorturl.at/4pYKV.
Learn more, including where to submit your photo online: https://shorturl.at/suCvP
The Addictions Recovery Center (ARC) in Medford is expanding its services with a new facility which is currently under construction. This will add 24 residential treatment beds to the ARC’s East Main Campus. See Video and Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARC541/videos/520525737735442
The City of Ashland has streamlined the ADU application process to enhance housing options. It now offers a complete set of pre-approved ADU plans that meet local building codes for free to Ashland property owners.
To get ADU plan approval in Ashland, the Ashland Planning Division offers a free consultation. At the meeting, a City Planner will review your site and provide valuable guidance on the permit application process. The meeting is geared towards helping you understand zoning requirements, building codes, and any other considerations for ADU projects. Find free City of Ashland ADU plans hereSheriff’s Office issues advisory about motorhome and possible link to missing Prospect woman Deenah Padgett
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
Tax Day is Tomorrow 4/15 — have you filed yet?
Whether you do your taxes yourself, hire an accountant or receive help online, it’s important that you either file before the April deadline or have a plan to request an extension.
Here’s what to know if you’re down to the wire and need help with your income-tax return this year
The IRS outlines three ways you can request an extension on your tax return, which gives you until Oct. 15:
- Pay online and indicate that you’re filing for an extension.
- Request an extension using the IRS Free File tool online.
- Request your extension by mail by filling Form 4868.
- Remember, you’ll still need to pay taxes you owe by April 15. The extension gives you more time to file.
- For more information visit the IRS website.
The Department also says electronically filing(e-filing) your taxes and requesting a refund through direct deposit is a quicker way to get your return. Anyone looking to track their return in Oregon can use the Department’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check Taxpayers can file their federal return directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) using their Direct File software, and file their state return using Direct File Oregon.
Both programs are free. Other services offering free tax preparation assistance can be found on the Revenue website.
How to check tax return status — To check the status of your refund, use the IRS refund tool.
Status updates are to appear:
- Within 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return.
- Three or four days after you e-file a prior-year return.
- Four weeks after you file a paper return.
To check your status, you will need:
- Your Social Security Number or individual taxpayer ID number.
- Your filing status.
- The exact refund amount on your return.
How will I get my tax refund? — You can choose how you’d like to receive your refund, and certain options may bring you your money faster. A direct deposit is the quickest way to receive your refund by having it sent to a checking, savings or retirement account. You can also split your deposit among three accounts.
America 250 Oregon Commission Encourages Participation in Two Lights for Tomorrow – Oregon Historical Society
— On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere, William Dawes, and others rode to Lexington, Massachusetts, warning minutemen and households about the approach of British forces. Behind him, lanterns in the steeple of the Old North Church were shining the agreed upon code made famous by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “One if by land, and two if by sea.” The next day, April 19, were the battles of Lexington and Concord — and the colonists were well prepared.
As part of the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the America 250 Oregon Commission joins semiquincentennial commissions across the country in Two Lights for Tomorrow, a multi-state initiative that reminds citizens everywhere that our shared history is grounded in coming together to build a more perfect union.
Oregonians are called to participate by shining two lights on April 18, 2025, in their homes and community spaces.
“The America 250 Oregon Commission hopes that communities across the state will join us in Two Lights for Tomorrow to kick off the semiquincentennial commemorations,” said Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society and Chairman of the America 250 Oregon Commission. “Any kind of light can be used in any size building, be it a home, office, museum, community center, or government building. Using the imagery of shining lights as a uniting call to action, Two Lights for Tomorrow reminds us of the importance of working together for a promising future.”
If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact egon.250@ohs.org“>oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.
About the America 250 Oregon Commission – The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.
Another Missing Woman in Oregon Who’s Car Has Been Found But She is Still Missing
Search and rescue teams are looking for a 29-year-old Klamath Falls woman reported missing out of Harney County last week. The Harney County Sheriff’s Office says Kaylee Birt was last seen leaving The Fields Station in Fields, Oregon around 8:30 a.m. on Friday.
Reports indicate Kaylee was on a trip from Klamath Falls headed to Iowa, driving a golden colored 2008 Chevy Malibu with Oregon whale license plate #GW21073.
According to an update from the sheriff’s office, her car was found in a remote part of Harney County on Sunday, but she has not yet been located.
Search efforts are resuming Monday morning with the assistance of Lake County Search & Rescue, local ranchers on horseback, side-by-sides and four wheelers, as well as Oregon State Police and Grant County Search & Rescue with K-9s.
Kaylee is described as 5 feet 2 inches and 120 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. She has green and brown glasses and was last seen wearing a long-sleeve green shirt and white sweatpants with a Christmas tree design on them. She has a tattoo on her right wrist of a lighthouse and another one on her foot of a Christian fish and cross with Romans 8:31 Bible verse.
Anyone who has seen Kaylee or knows where she might be is asked to call 911 or contact the Harney County Sheriff’s Office at 541-573-6156.
There are a string of these cases in Oregon where the missing women’s vehicles are found, but they are still missing to this day.
Oregon labor official indicated on Friday that the state’s minimum wage will increase by 35 cents an hour starting July 1.
The annual increase, intended to keep pace with the Consumer Price Index, varies as Oregon has three different minimum wages to address variable living costs in other parts of the state.
Oregon minimum wage increases from July 1, 2025:
| REGION | NEW HOURLY WAGE | INCREASE % |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Oregon and most of Southern Oregon | $14,05 | 2.55% |
| Areas around Medford, Bend, and most of the Willamette Valley and the northern coast | $15,05 | 2.31% |
| Portland and its suburbs | $15,05 | 2,09% |
High inflation rates since the 2020 pandemic have pushed the minimum wage up sharply. Still, Oregon’s minimum wage is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage, which remains unchanged at $7.25 an hour since 2009.
Oregon GOP chair resigns after ‘deeply troubling’ revelations
The newly minted chair of the Oregon Republican Party stepped down Wednesday, amid revelations of ongoing personal financial woes and troubling allegations from a 16-year-old divorce.
He’s been replaced by Vice Chair Connie Whelchel, right.
Courtesy Oregon Republican Party
Jerry Cummings, a pastor from Columbia County, said in a letter to party members Wednesday that the negative publicity from those matters would undercut his ability to help his party win back ground in the state.
“My position as chairman is not more important than my position as a dad,” Cummings wrote. “Given the choice between resuming a heated battle of mudslinging with the mother of my children in order to ‘hold on to the gavel’ or stepping down from party leadership to protect my children: that’s not even a hard call.”
The quick fall from party influence comes less than two months into Cummings’s tenure atop the Oregon GOP. It follows a story from the Oregon Journalism Project on Tuesday that detailed a litany of court proceedings that cast him in a negative light.
One of those is a 2009 divorce case that contains allegations Cummings’ ex-wife used to obtain a restraining order against him. They include claims of sexual violence, among other things.
Cummings has denied the allegations and wrote Wednesday that he has been “on record defending against these things for a decade and a half.” Court records show he was never charged with a crime based on his ex-wife’s account.
More recent legal troubles involve two 2024 civil filings that call Cummings’ fiscal responsibility into question. One case suggests he deposited invalid checks at OnPoint Community Credit Union, then withdrew more than $17,000 that didn’t actually exist. The other accuses Cummings of taking out $93,000 in business loans that he failed to make payments on.
The financial cases present a significant concern for a person at the helm of a political party. Cummings’ responsibilities as GOP chair included fundraising, and donors were unlikely to trust him with their checks after the lawsuits came to light.
With his departure, Oregon GOP Vice Chair Connie Whelchel has been elevated to the role of chair. In a statement, Whelchel called the new information about Cummings “deeply troubling.”
“These revelations were not known to the Executive Committee or Party leadership prior to their publication, and they are in no way reflective of the values or standards we hold,” said Whelchel, who lives in Deschutes County. “While these developments are deeply unfortunate, they will not derail our mission.”
The state GOP has churned through party leaders in the last five years, and Cummings’ resignation comes with a familiar twist: He blames his demise on fellow party members.
“I can’t honestly say that stepping down as chairman will be what is best for the party as it may embolden enemies from within and without to keep doing this to us,” Cummings wrote. “It was a Republican who called [reporter Nigel] Jaquiss with the story.”
Whelchel is now the sixth person to helm the Oregon GOP since 2021. That year, then-state Sen. Dallas Heard won election to the role, toppling long-time chair Bill Currier.
But Heard’s time as chair was short-lived. A year into his term, he stepped down, complaining of “communist psychological warfare tactics” within the party.
In Heard’s place, party vice-chair Herman Baertschiger assumed the leadership role, but he stepped away after roughly three months. That elevated Justin Hwang, who was the GOP’s vice-chair under Baertschiger.
Hwang became the party’s first-ever Korean American leader, and offered a measure of stability. He decided against running for re-election at the last minute this year, following an election where Republicans gave up supermajorities in the Oregon House and Senate and lost a congressional seat in the state.
Cummings won election to the chair role in February, in a competitive race that also featured current party secretary, Jo Rae Perkins; Gabriel Buehler, chair of the Washington County GOP; Angelita Sanchez, a city councilor in Sweet Home; and Ben Edtl, a recent state House candidate. (SOURCE)
Oregon Delegation Urges Reversal of Cuts, Planned Layoffs at Social Security That Hurt State’s Seniors
Letter from Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Hoyle, Salinas, Bynum, Dexter cites disastrous decisions in Social Security field offices in Warrenton, La Grande and The Dalles
Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today led his Democratic colleagues in the Oregon delegation – Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) – in urging the Social Security Administration to reverse its severe layoffs and threats of worse to come for services to the state’s seniors and people with disabilities.
In their letter to the Social Security Administration’s Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek, the Oregon lawmakers cited agency data showing staff in the Warrenton and La Grande field offices declined by at least 25 percent as a result of agency decisions to reduce its workforce. They also noted the field office in The Dalles has experienced a substantial drop in workers.
“These three rural field offices already faced staffing shortages before these cuts, with just twenty combined employees serving more than 232,000 Oregonians in ten counties and parts of Washington and Idaho,” the lawmakers wrote, noting how nearly every American interacts with the agency at pivotal moments in their lives.
“Access to in-person services is especially important for each of those moments, especially for people who have difficulty speaking by phone, who lack reliable internet access, and who have difficulty understanding program rules,” they wrote. “Any disruption in service, especially interruption of benefit payments, can be financially devastating for families. For many of these Oregonians, field offices are often their only channel of service. These field offices are located in predominantly rural areas, with the nearest field office more than 50 miles away from many users.”
“Additionally, more than 400,000 Oregonians lack internet access at home because the state’s size and rugged terrain make it costly and difficult to build broadband infrastructure,” the lawmakers continued. “Without in-person services, if those Oregonians have difficulty using a phone they are 100 percent cut off from their benefits.”
Nearly 1 million Oregonians collect Social Security benefits, and the lawmakers’ letter noted that the agency’s reckless actions have already inflicted a devastating toll on those Oregon beneficiaries and tens of millions more across America.
“Simply put, your decisions jeopardize Oregonians’ access to their Social Security benefits without providing any substantive plans to provide quality service to these communities,” they wrote. “We urge you to immediately reverse these changes and work to rebuild SSA’s workforce so it can serve the millions of Oregonians and Americans who depend on Social Security.”
A copy of the entire letter is here.
Central Oregon cultural events canceled over safety concerns
In Central Oregon, cultural groups are pulling back from organizing large public events due to concerns of participants being detained or deported by the Trump administration, with community organizers citing fears of violence against Black, Latino and Asian people.
This week, organizers announced separately that two marquee cultural events have been canceled. Press releases for both Latino Fest and Juneteenth cited concerns over safety for participants.
“There is heightened fear among immigrant community members due to recent immigration enforcement actions, anti-immigrant rhetoric, or rumors of raids or targeting,” Latino Community Association Executive Director Catalina Sánchez Frank said in a statement.
The nonprofit organizes Latino Fest in Madras every September, except for 2020 and 2021, when COVID paused nearly all community events.
The Father’s Group released a separate statement announcing Juneteenth would also not take place this year. The Black cultural event usually takes place in Bend’s Drake Park.
“In today’s increasingly volatile political climate, with rising incidents of racial aggression and threats—particularly toward Black and Latino communities—safety must come first,” according to a statement from the group. (READ MORE)
Oregon rejects Trump administration’s school funding threat over DEI policies
Top officials in Oregon are refusing to sign off on a demand from the U.S. Department of Education that requires states to abandon policies related to diversity, equity and inclusion if they want to keep receiving federal funding for schools.
The four-page letter from the federal education department says “the continued use of illegal DEI practices may subject the individual or entity using such practices to serious consequences,” such as eliminating federal funding for state education departments or school districts.
Earlier this week, Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal pushed back against the letter. Now, Gov. Tina Kotek and Director of the Oregon Department of Education Charlene Williams are doing the same.
“The Trump Administration’s threat to shortchange Oregon students hurts children and families and undermines the dedication and work of our educators,” Kotek wrote in a statement Thursday. “We will not tolerate this unwarranted and unlawful attempt to take away resources promised to Oregon students and paid for by the tax dollars we send to the federal government.”
In its letter demanding an abandonment of DEI policies, the U.S. Department of Education cites the Supreme Court ruling in SFFA v. Harvard. While that case involves race-conscious admissions policies at colleges and universities, leaders in the Trump Administration are using the decision as a basis for outlawing diversity policies “more broadly.”
Both Oregon and Washington officials argue that the states have already submitted the certifications and affirmations as required by federal law. In Oregon’s response letter, Williams argues that the demands in the April 4 letter from the U.S. Department of Education are “duplicative, unnecessary, and unduly burdensome.”
Williams’ response continues: “Oregon remains fiercely committed to its values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and we celebrate our differences and common humanity.” The letter claims a “moral and ethical obligation” to defend public education, and to ensure “children can learn and thrive in safe, welcoming, and supportive environments.”
Oregon’s response cites a handful of court cases that officials say suggest the need for regulatory processes to validate the sudden shift in education policy implied by the federal government’s letter. The state’s letter also says the demand from the federal government is “unclear” because terms such as “illegal DEI” are not defined.
In emphasizing the abrupt change underway since President Donald Trump returned to office, ODE’s letter noted a different attitude from education leaders during Trump’s first term. The letter said “former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos informed USDOE staff in 2020 that ‘[d]iversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of high organizational performance.‘”
Last month, Trump initiated an effort to close the education department entirely, on the heels of starting the process of firing numerous federal education staff.
The response from state leaders comes as local school officials in Oregon have been reaching out to parents and staff. In a message to the North Clackamas School District community Thursday, Superintendent Shay James reinforced support for values that “build relationships with students that honor their cultural heritage, foster their well-being, and engage each student to reach their full potential.”
James encouraged teachers to “continue focusing on what we can control: building trusting relationships with students and families, providing excellent instruction, and modeling calm and care.” (SOURCE)
Oregon could lose millions in childhood vaccine funding
Federal funds for childhood vaccines in Oregon could be cut by nearly $9 million, part of more than $2 billion in broader cancellations of pandemic-era federal public health spending, per government data.
Why it matters: Federal money helps fight preventable and sometimes deadly diseases like measles, which is now spreading in several parts of the country.
Zoom in: The cuts would amount to $8.9 million out of nearly $53 million total in public health grants awarded to the state by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
What they’re saying: “We’re talking about contractors losing their contracts and not being able to get paid, people who were working on vaccination programs not there anymore, and all of the supporting infrastructure that these funds provided evaporated in an instant,” says Josh Michaud, associate director for global health policy at health policy research and news organization KFF.
- States also get separate federal money for immunization efforts through programs like Vaccines for Children, Michaud notes — though many were counting on these grants as well.
Yes, but: A federal judge temporarily blocked the cuts last week after nearly two dozen states, including Oregon, filed a lawsuit against HHS. (SOURCE)
OHA empowering communities to reduce tobacco harms statewide
New report chronicles more than 25 years of progress — though work remains
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority is making steady progress in reducing harmful effects of tobacco use through education and community partnerships, according to a new report.
The 2023-25 Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) annual report shows gains have been made in lowering tobacco use over more than a quarter century, through ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting public health.
However, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Oregon, claiming more than 8,000 lives each year and contributing to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
“Our commitment to reducing tobacco use is unwavering,” said Naomi Adeline-Biggs, director of the OHA Public Health Division. “Through the Tobacco Prevention and Education Program, we have made significant strides in protecting the health of Oregonians, and we will continue to build on this legacy.”
The report shows that the tobacco industry “focuses its ads, offers and store displays toward specific groups.”
For example, about one in five people targeted in this strategy have household incomes of less than $20,000 per year. An identical percentage of targeted tobacco users report being in poor mental health.
Widespread evidence shows that tobacco marketing causes youth tobacco use and makes it harder for people who are addicted to nicotine to quit.
Another marketing strategy involves the addition of menthol – a flavor additive in cigarettes — that creates a cooling sensation in the throat when the user inhales, making cigarettes feel less harsh, more appealing and easier to smoke, especially for youth and young adults. Tobacco companies manufacture menthol cigarettes to attract potential smokers, especially among communities of color and youth.
Menthol cigarettes contribute to greater nicotine dependence in youth and young adults than non-menthol cigarettes. About 61% of African Americans in Oregon who smoke report using menthol cigarettes, compared to 17% of White residents.
The tobacco industry has been marketing menthol products to African Americans through targeted campaigns since the 1970s. They advertise and promote menthol-flavored tobacco in African American neighborhoods and use campaigns that exploit cultural hallmarks and stereotypes.
For example, Newport, a menthol-flavored cigarette brand, is commonly cheaper to buy in areas with more African American residents.
Youth and teenagers are especially attracted to the flavored products. Roughly 75% of eighth graders and 11th graders who use these tobacco products report using flavored tobacco or vaping products.
Other report findings include:
- Sustained reduction in tobacco use—Oregon has experienced a 46% decrease in adult smoking rates and a 70% reduction in per-capita cigarette sales since TPEP’s inception in 1996.
- Community-centered solutions—TPEP has focused on addressing health inequities by investing more than 65% of its funding directly into local communities, supporting culturally relevant prevention and cessation programs.
- Youth-focused initiatives—The program has implemented strategies to reduce youth tobacco use, including anti-vaping education, mentorship programs and alternatives to suspension for nicotine use.
In 2021, the Oregon Legislature created the Tobacco Retail License Program to ensure compliance with sales laws. Since its inception, youth tobacco use has dropped from 26% in 2022 to 14% in 2024.
This video shows how Youth Adult Inspectors with OHA’s Tobacco Retail Licensing Program are getting involved in reducing retail sales to minors.
OHA’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program has further implemented initiatives that have significantly decreased tobacco use among Oregonians.
This latest report underscores the program’s achievements and outlines ongoing initiatives aimed at improving health.
Key to the momentum behind the state’s tobacco reduction efforts has been the development of collaborative efforts with community partners to further reduce tobacco-related harm and promote health equity across the state.
One such partner, AntFarm, a community-based organization in rural Clackamas County, has a robust mentorship program to help youth quit tobacco. It does this by creating spaces and projects that give youth a sense of belonging.
Youth-created videos highlight the organization’s work.
Kim Wheeler, director of Youth and Family Services at AntFarm, emphasized the importance of these efforts: “We empower youth and families to breathe freely, live strong and healthy lives while building a future without tobacco or vaping through bringing awareness and education to our communities,” she said.
Quitting tobacco makes a difference – and quitting is different for everyone. That’s why there are a variety of free options across Oregon.
- You can get free counseling with a coach by visiting the Oregon Tobacco Quitline, or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or texting “READY” to 34191.
- You can visit a pharmacist near you who will work with you to build a personalized treatment plan and provide follow up to see how the treatment plan is working.
- You can also learn how to quit in your own way, with or without the help of a coach or pharmacist, by visiting this
Increasing awareness and education about primary prevention, public health risks and preventive health services are among actions OHA is taking as part of its 2024–2027 Strategic Plan.
For more information about tobacco prevention visit the OHA website.
Easter Bunny Express, April 19th! Get your tickets now
It’s spring, the flowers are blooming and the bunnies are hopping—time for a delightful spring train ride behind a steam locomotive!
Polson #2 is coming out of the Enginehouse to pull all three runs of the Easter Bunny Express Saturday, April 19. Trains leave at 1pm, 2:30pm and 4 pm. Come along to smell the flowers and take selfies with our Easter Bunny. Enjoy a scenic 45-minute ride along the Willamette River in Portland to Oaks Park and back.
Hop aboard the first ride of the season! Get your tickets at https://orhf.org/saturday-train-rides/.
Enterprise Information Services is actively looking into a cyberattack that has affected the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
A department spokesperson stated, “We are currently shutting down networks to isolate the agency’s servers and network until the attack is fully contained and possibly eliminated.” The agency expressed its apologies for any disruptions this may cause, adding, “DEQ will share further information as it becomes accessible.”
Officials from the Oregon DEQ indicated that an update might be provided by the end of the day or as significant developments occur.
New information has surfaced regarding the tragic deaths of a 37-year-old woman and her three children, aged 2, 5, and 7, which occurred on Tuesday in a residence in Cornelius.
As of Wednesday, the property located on a cul-de-sac in the 300 block of North 15th Avenue was free of police tape. Additionally, Cornelius Elementary School, where the two older children were students, continued to hold classes. Cornelius, a city with a population of approximately 12,000, is situated between Hillsboro and Forest Grove in Washington County.
The circumstances surrounding the incident on Tuesday remain unclear. Authorities have not released the names of the victims or provided further details about their investigation, although they have indicated that there is no perceived threat to public safety.
More than six months after being listed for sale, Oregon’s renowned Mt. Bachelor will remain unsold.
Various reports indicate that POWDR, the resort’s parent company, has opted not to proceed with the sale. Mt. Bachelor, recognized as one of the most favored ski destinations in the United States, was put on the market last August.
The Utah-based company has owned the resort since 2001 and also listed Eldora Ski Resort in Colorado and SilverStar Mountain Resort in British Columbia for sale through JP Morgan Chase last year.
Registration Now Open for the Annual Oregon Spring Cleanup
– Registration is live for the annual Oregon Spring Cleanup presented by Portland General Electric! With over 100 events already posted on the SOLVE website, now is the time to get involved. Litter cleanups and habitat restoration projects span Portland and SW Washington, the entire Oregon Coast from Astoria to Brookings, the Willamette National Forest, Southern Oregon—including Medford—and all the way to Baker City in Eastern Oregon.
The Oregon Spring Cleanup, celebrating Earth Month, takes place from April 12 to 22, 2025, culminating on Saturday, April 19. Individuals, families, community and corporate groups are encouraged to participate in this collective effort to keep our region clean and beautiful. Volunteers can sign up for existing projects or host their own events with support from SOLVE.
Longtime community partner, Portland General Electric continues to champion environmental volunteerism through SOLVE. As part of PGE’s commitment to environmental stewardship, they partner with SOLVE to bring communities together to provide clean and healthy environments for all.
“Earth Month is great reminder to take action and continue to enhance our communities,” said PGE’s vice president of policy and resource planning, Kristen Sheeran. “This Earth Month, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves with SOLVE and all of the volunteer partners to make a lasting impact on Oregon’s natural spaces.”
How to Get Involved
- Sign up: Find a volunteer event near you and register yourself or a group at volunteer.solveoregon.org/
- Lead your own event: SOLVE provides all the necessary resources, including supplies and disposal funds, to make hosting a project easy for you.
- Join the challenge: Rally your school, company, or community group to take part in the Trash Bag Challenge. Participants challenge others to either join an existing SOLVE cleanup or lead their own, sparking friendly competition and community pride – solveoregon.org/challenge
Supply Hubs: Making Coastal Cleanups More Sustainable
At SOLVE, we make it easy to lead a cleanup event. This year, new coastal supply hubs provide an additional way to access event materials, making it even easier to host litter cleanups along the Oregon Coast.
Through a partnership with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and generous support from Knife River, SOLVE has established seven supply hubs along the Oregon Coast. These hubs—located at Cape Lookout, Fort Stevens, Port Orford Heads, South Beach, and Sunset Bay within OPRD parks, along with Heart of Cartm in Nehalem and Washed Ashore in Bandon—are stocked with supplies to support cleanups of up to 20 volunteers, reducing the shipment of single-use plastics to these areas.
Join the Trash Bag Challenge
New this year, SOLVE is also launching the Trash Bag Challenge, inviting schools, businesses, community groups, and organizations to challenge others to either join an existing cleanup or lead their own. This initiative is designed to spark friendly competition and community pride while making a tangible difference in local areas.
The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2025 is made possible by the generous support of Portland General Electric and other event sponsors, including AAA, CareOregon, Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Holman Enterprises, KOIN 6, The Oregonian, Lam Research Corporation, Metro, Lithia Driveway, Intel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Swire Coca-Cola, The Standard, and PepsiCo.
For more information and to sign up, visit www.solveoregon.org/oregon-spring and be part of the collective effort to create a cleaner, greener Oregon.
About SOLVE
SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.
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.
A new bill on the Oregon house floor is taking wide swings at allocating funding to pay for anticipated wildfire costs in the next biennium including a proposed surcharge on bottles and cans.
State Representatives John Lively and Bobby Levy introduced HB 3940, a bipartisan proposal aimed at funding wildfire prevention and suppression in Oregon. The bill creates new provisions, directing multiple funding sources towards the State Fire Marshal’s office to make up for a projected shortfall of about $300 million.
Sources include insurance and forest harvest taxes, the Oregon Rainy Day Fund, and a 5¢ surcharge on each beverage container sold in the state. Representative John Lively from Springfield says not every recommendation from the bill is meant to pass, but rather a combination of solutions.
Ashland Senator Jeff Golden says his own plan to hold back Oregon’s Kicker would help fund wildfire needs if HB 3940 doesn’t get through the legislature, or fails to raise enough money. The bill was sent to the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment, but has not yet been scheduled for a public hearing.
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 6th 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.
Indigenous Speakers Series Returns to the Museum in April with Three Inspiring Events
BEND, OR — This coming April, explore identity, cultures and how to live the good life when the High Desert Museum’s Indigenous Speaker Series returns. Promising a vibrant showcase of Indigenous voices, the series features an array of Indigenous artists, storytellers, scholars and more who share their unique perspectives with the community.
“We are honored to once again collaborate with Indigenous knowledge holders to bring vital conversations to our visitors,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “The April events are a continuation of an effort to elevate Indigenous voices to share the issues and cultures of the High Desert.”
The three April events explore topics such as identity, creativity, community and portraiture. Two of the events are connected to an exhibition open now at the Museum, Frank S. Matsura: Portraits from the Borderland. Featuring 20-plus enlarged portraits taken by Matsura of Native peoples in the early 1900s, the exhibition provides visitors a unique look at life in Okanogan County in Washington state during a time of transition. The exhibition originated at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Wash.
On April 1, Michael Holloman (Colville Confederated Tribes), a Washington State University associate professor and a curator of the original exhibition, will lead a panel discussion that looks deeper into Matsura’s life. “Frank S. Matsura: His Life and Portraits” also includes film and media scholar Glen Mimura and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Beth Harrington. The event will consider Matsura’s experiences as a Japanese-born photographer and his nuanced imagery of Native communities. Tickets are $5, with a 20% discount for Museum members and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/matsura-portraits.
Then, on April 25, the Museum will host LaRonn Katchia (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), the director of Pathfinders, for a discussion of the short film. Katchia, a Warm Springs/Wasco/Paiute filmmaker and storyteller, will be joined by Thyreicia Simtustus, Kahmussa Green and Kiahna Allen (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), who are featured in the film. Part of the Matsura exhibition at the Museum, the film explores how the three young leaders are finding their own paths in balancing Native and non-Native worlds. Tickets are $5, with Members receiving a 20% discount and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/pathfinders.
In between those two events, on April 17, the Museum will host Chris La Tray, Métis storyteller and award-winning author of Becoming Little Shell. La Tray will discuss the Anishinaabe word Mino-bimaadiziwin, meaning “the good life.” The concept emphasizes the importance of community well-being and living in harmony with the world around us. At its simplest, it is living a life in balance, but how?
Montana’s Poet Laureate from 2023-2025, La Tray is a descendent of the Pembina Band of the mighty Red River of the North and a member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. His first book, One-Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays from the World at Large, won the 2018 Montana Book Award and a 2019 High Plains Book Award. The event includes light refreshment and a no-host bar. Tickets are $12, with members receiving a 20% discount and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/the-good-life.
The Indigenous Speakers Series is made possible by The Roundhouse Foundation, with additional support from Author’s Unbound for the April 17 Chris La Tray event. For more information and to purchase tickets for Indigenous Speakers Series events, visit highdesertmuseum.org/indigenous-speakers-series.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Registration closes April 15 for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K
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.
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. You must register by April 1st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event. Participants can walk, run, 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. This year, the trees will be planted in the Santiam Canyon. 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 eleven other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia and Tennessee 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 eleven 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 is joining 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 two 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 www.orparksforever.org.
The long-delayed deadline for REAL ID is now less than 2 months away. There’s a chance that full enforcement may get gradually rolled out, but May 7, 2025, is the changeover deadline.
Starting then, state-level ID cards, such as driver’s licenses, won’t be accepted for federal purposes, namely getting through airport security, unless it’s REAL ID-compliant.
If you plan to catch a domestic flight on or after May 7, you will be required to use a REAL ID. A little gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner is one of the easiest ways to know you’re holding a REAL ID.
In Oregon, it’s a black star. A REAL ID is an identification card that serves all of the same purposes of a standard drivers’ license or state-issued identification card. A federally-mandated switch to REAL ID for federal purposes, such as flying domestically, was originally signed into law by Congress in 2005.
The purpose is to establish “minimum security standards for license issuance and production,” according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website. The law, established four years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, came in response to federal calls for higher security standards in the U.S. Originally, the law mandated the switch to REAL ID by 2008, but it has been pushed back for various reasons due to logistical hurdles and later the COVID-19 pandemic.
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