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
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Rogue Valley Weather
US National Weather Service Medford Oregon
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.
Oregon DEQ brings vehicle inspection station in Medford back online after cyber attack
Following a cyberattack that shut down Oregon Department of Environmental Quality last week, some of its vehicle inspection stations are back online.
After a cyberattack that struck the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) last week, its vehicle inspection stations are back online.
The agency said that its Medford station opened Monday morning, while the Portland-area stations are opening Tuesday, though the agency noted that stations may be busier than usual and to check its website before going.
As of Tuesday, the Oregon DEQ said there continues to be “no evidence” of a data breach. It added that though the agency is now able to receive and send emails, staff still need to work through a backlog of messages. The cyberattack, which happened last Wednesday, left many drivers confused and scrambling to renew registrations.
If anyone submitted a public comment April 9 through 11, they would have to resubmit their comment. The public comment periods have been extended until April 25. The public hearing for the city of Molalla’s water quality draft permit will also be rescheduled.
Your DEQ Online, DEQ’s environmental data management system, is still available, except for the help desk. Oregon DEQ said that however, DEQ Too locations are not back online. (SOURCE)
Structure fire at Medford Plaza Apartments
Medford Goodwill Adding Third Location
A groundbreaking for the new location which will be located in North Medford next to Buffalo Wild Wings off Excel Drive, is set for later this month. Construction is set to begin next month.
In addition to a retail store, the new Goodwill will include a donation center and job connection as a resource to assist those looking for work
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.”
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, at about 3:00 pm, Grants Pass Police officers and detectives arrested James Ross, a 30-year-old Grants Pass resident, at the Robertson Bridge Boat Landing and lodged him at the Josephine County Jail for second-degree Murder and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. 
Ross was being sought for a homicide that occurred on March 4, 2025, at about 3:00 am when a 57-year-old male was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center from the 1200 block of Rogue River Highway with significant head trauma.
The victim succumbed to his injuries several weeks later. Due to the nature of the incident, the case was transferred to the Major Crimes Unit for investigation. Ross was identified as the suspect, and his whereabouts were unknown. Grants Pass detectives conducted multiple interviews and used other investigative methods to build their case while actively seeking Ross. The arrest was made without incident. — Further questions about this case should be directed to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.
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.
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
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.
Health officials in Hood River County are investigating three cases of a rare and fatal brain disease known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Two people have died and a third person is showing symptoms consistent with the disease. The disease has been confirmed in one of the deceased through an autopsy; the other two cases are considered probable, according to a statement from the Hood River County Health Department.
All three cases were diagnosed in the last eight months. County health officials declined to provide particulars about the individuals, such as their age, gender or town of residence.
“At this time, there is no identifiable link between these three cases,” a Hood River County statement said. The county has a population of about 24,000.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by misfolded proteins known as prions. These prions lead to rapid brain deterioration, resulting in severe neurological symptoms and death. Although the disease is known for its sporadic occurrence, clusters raise concerns among public health officials about potential environmental or dietary exposure.
Symptoms include issues with memory, walking, coordination, speech and behavior changes, according to experts. It does not spread through the air, water, touch or social contact, according to Hood River County health officials.
The disease is considered incurable and is always fatal. Roughly 350 cases are diagnosed in the United States every year, according to the National Institutes of Health .
The disease is rare in people, affecting roughly 1.4 people per million. However, because the disease takes years to develop, any person’s chance of developing the disease is closer to 1 in 5,000 or 6,000, said Michael Geschwind, a professor of neurology at UC San Francisco in the Memory and Aging Center. (READ MORE)
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’s Unemployment Rate Was 4.6% in March
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.6% in March and 4.5% in February, after rising gradually over the past year from 4.1% in March 2024. Oregon’s 4.6% unemployment rate was the highest since August 2021, when the rate was 4.7%, and slightly higher than during the three years prior to the COVID recession that started in 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in March and 4.1% in February.
In March, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 7,300 jobs, following a revised gain of 1,600 jobs in February. March’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+4,600 jobs); professional and business services (+1,000); other services (+800); and wholesale trade (+700). None of the other major industries had a job change of more than 400 jobs.
The return of workers who were on strike at a major health care provider contributed to the one-month gain of 4,600 jobs in health care and social assistance during March. This industry has been leading private-sector job growth in Oregon over the past few years. It added 18,400 jobs, or 6.2%, in the 12 months through March, continuing a three-year streak of rapid growth.
Professional and business services added jobs in each of the first three months of the year, with gains totaling 4,500 jobs in that time. This reversed a generally declining trend in the industry during the prior two years when it shed 5,400 jobs during the 24 months ending December 2024.
Other services – an industry which includes religious organizations, membership associations, personal services, laundry services, and repair and maintenance services – has expanded steadily for more than four years. It employed 69,300 in March and is now well above its pre-pandemic high of 65,700 jobs in January 2020.
Lawmakers Move to Limit Rent Increases in Marinas and Manufactured Home Parks
Economists say rent caps stifle development but leading legislators say some renters are captive and easily exploited.
CHIEF SPONSOR: State Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Ashland), along with 19 Democratic co-sponsors (and zero Republicans)
WHAT IT WOULD DO: HB 3054 takes a concept Oregon lawmakers love and economists hate—rent control—and ratchets it downward in two specific sectors of the housing market: marinas and manufactured home parks. Following on the heels of 2019 and 2023 bills that enacted and subsequently lowered the nation’s first statewide rent controls, HB 3054 would limit annual rent increases at parks and marinas of more than 30 homes to 6%. It would limit rent increases in parks with 30 or fewer homes to 10%, or 7% plus inflation, whichever is lower.
PROBLEM IT SEEKS TO SOLVE: People who live aboard floating homes and in manufactured home parks often own their homes but rent either dock space or the ground upon which their homes rest. Residents of manufactured homes, which make up 7% or so of Oregon’s housing stock, tend to earn modest paychecks and are often seniors living on fixed incomes. Lawmakers say they are among the state’s most economically vulnerable residents and easily exploited. (READ MORE)
Oregon Department of Human Services Issues Card Skimming Alert
Electronic benefit theft is on the rise, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
The ODHS is encouraging people to take steps to protect their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards from electronic theft. Electronic theft includes card skimming , card cloning, phishing and other similar methods.
“We know that many individuals and families in Oregon rely on the food and cash assistance they receive through their EBT cards to meet their basic needs and to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Director Claire Seguin saod. “We urge everyone with an EBT card to take these simple steps to protect their benefits .”
How to protect your EBT card — Follow these three top tips for protecting your food and cash benefits:
Freeze your card between uses: When you’re not using your EBT card, freeze the card for extra protection. Simply unfreeze it when you’re ready to make a purchase. Visit the ebtEDGE website (ebtEDGE.com) or use the ebtEDGE mobile app and find “Freeze Card” under “Account Services.”Block out-of-state and online purchases: You can block these purchases to protect your card from unauthorized use. Visit the ebtEDGE website or use the ebtEDGE mobile app and find “Protect My Account” under “Account Services.” You can remove blocks at any time.Monitor your EBT account activity: Make a habit to check your account regularly for any unusual charges. If you see a charge you didn’t make, report it immediately .
Cancel your card and call the replacement line at 855-328-6715 or go to an ODHS benefits office .Remember, the ebtEDGE website and ebtEDGE mobile app are the only safe places to manage your benefits. Bookmark the ebtEDGE login page (cardholder.ebtedge.com) in your browser for quick access. Download the app on the Apple App Store or get it on Google Play .
Do not use any other website or app to check benefits.And, beware of scams. Only trust social media posts and messages from ODHS official accounts . Do not provide your EBT card number or PIN by phone or text. We will never ask for your benefits card information on social media.
Go to www.oregon.gov/odhs and search for “protect your EBT card and benefits” for more tips.If your benefits are stolenCancel your card immediately and request a replacement card.Weekdays: Call 855-328-6715.Weekends: Call 888-997-4447 to cancel your card. Then, during weekdays, call 855-328-6715 to request a replacement card.
How to request replacement benefitsSNAP benefits stolen through electronic benefit theft after December 20, 2024, cannot be replaced.Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)benefits stolen through electronic theft can be replaced. You can request replacement of stolen TANF benefits by contacting: Your family coachThe ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075A local ODHS benefits office.
Find an office online at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx Resources to help meet basic needsFind a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org . Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: https://www.caporegon.org/
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has announced he will hold town halls next week in Douglas and several other Oregon counties.
Heading into these seven open-to-all town halls between April 23rd and April 26th, Wyden has held 1,110 town halls in keeping with his promise to have at least one town hall each year in each of Oregon’s 36 counties.
Wyden said, “I promised Oregonians in every nook and cranny of our state that I would always make myself available to answer questions and hear their concerns and opinions”. Wyden said, “That in-person connection has always been essential, and it’s more crucial than ever now during these unprecedented challenges to continue those direct conversations so all parts of Oregon are heard”.
Wyden will have town halls on:
*Wednesday April 23rd in Wasco, and Umatilla counties
*Thursday April 24th in Grant and Harney counties
*Friday April 25th in Lake and Klamath counties
*Saturday April 26th in Douglas County. That event will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the Jacoby Auditorium of Umpqua Community College.
Wyden’s release said although these were the largest venues available for these town halls on these dates, space may still be limited. Doors will open one hour before the town hall start time for attendees. For everyone’s security, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed in the town halls.
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 abuse 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. . (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)
April is Safe Digging Month and NW Natural wants you to be safe and “Call Before You Dig”
Locating utility lines is free and the law.
– NW Natural, Oregon’s largest gas utility company and one of the state’s oldest companies, wants to remind people to “Call Before You Dig” as the weather warms up and more people are working in their yards. Spring marks the beginning of digging season for many as they tackle gardening, landscaping and construction projects.
To ensure the public stays safe and comfortable, it’s important to know where underground lines for natural gas, water and other important utilities are located before starting these projects. Fortunately, NW Natural is part of a free “Call Before You Dig” service to avoid striking lines and provide peace of mind before starting a project.
Locating utility lines is free and the law. Call 8-1-1 at least two business days prior to digging or you can go to Oregon 811: Dig Safely with Free Locate Requests (digsafelyoregon.com).
NW Natural crews respond to hundreds of dig-ins or damages each year in their service territories, illustrating why it’s important to call 8-1-1.
“Locating underground utility lines is an important step in the excavation process, it informs you what’s underground,” Damage Prevention Supervisor Jaimie Lemke said. “Whether it’s natural gas, electrical, water, sewer, or communications – all are essential services that need to be protected from damage.”
NW Natural is also encouraging people to download the NW Natural Safety App which allows users to add their own safety phone numbers, tap to report a rotten egg odor or call 8-1-1 before digging. The app is free and available to anyone.
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/.
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.
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 closed April 15 for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K – Check it out
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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