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 21, 2025
Rogue Valley Weather
US National Weather Service Medford Oregon
Umpqua Community College Student Athlete and Coach Killed in Tragic Accident
On April 18, 2025, while traveling from a softball game in Coos Bay, there was a tragic accident on the road involving members of Umpqua Community College’s athletics program.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our student-athletes, Kiley Jones, and one of our coaches, Jami Strinz, lost their lives in the accident. Additional staff and students remain in hospitals in Eugene and Portland. UCC hearts are breaking with this news, and we ask the community to keep the families and all of those affected in their thoughts and prayers,” said UCC President, Dr. Rachel Pokrandt.
“These individuals were cherished members of our campus—an exceptional student-athlete, and a passionate and talented coach. Our entire community is grieving this tragic loss, and our heartfelt condolences are with their families, teammates, and loved ones. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and offer privacy for the families during this difficult time. Support services are available to all students, faculty, and staff. Please join us in holding space for grief and reflection as we honor these individuals.”
UCC is continuing to gather details and will provide updates as appropriate.
Coos County, Ore. 19 April 2025- On Friday, April 18, 2025, at 9:56 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 42, near milepost 23, in Coos County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Johnathan James Dowdy (32) of Coos Bay, crossed the centerline into the eastbound lane and struck an eastbound Chevrolet Express bus, operated by Jami Lea Strinz (46) of Roseburg, head-on. The bus was occupied with 10 members of the Umpqua Community College softball team.
The operator of the Chevrolet Silverado (Dowdy) suffered serious injuries and was transported to an emergency medical center.
The operator of the Chevrolet Express (Strinz) was transported with critical injuries and was later declared deceased at the hospital.
A passenger of the Chevrolet Express, Kiley Nevaeh Jones (19) of Nampa (ID), was declared deceased at the scene.
The other 8 occupants of the Chevrolet Express, whose identities are not being released at this time, suffered moderate to serious injuries and were provided emergency medical services.
The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. Impaired driving is considered a primary cause of the crash.
Due to the on-going criminal investigation, additional details related to the crash are not available for release.
OSP was assisted by Myrtle Point Police Department, Coquille Police Department, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Myrtle Point Fire, Coquille Fire, and ODOT.
Tues 9AM | ‘Tomorrow Needs You’: Leaders Respond to Troubling Trend of Suicide in the Rogue Valley
KOBI-TV/NBC5 and KOTI-TV/NBC2 is launching the suicide prevention initiative “Tomorrow Needs You” to bring awareness, education, and hope to those struggling with mental health challenges.
Joining the Exchange are two guests:
Bob Wise is the Vice President and General manager of KOBI-TV5.
Dee Anne Everson is the CEO and Executive Director of the United Way of Jackson County.
This initiative follows calls from local leaders to continue the original suicide prevention project, the Emmy® Award-winning “In This Together,” ensuring that its life-saving message remains active in the community.
For several years, the United Way of Jackson County partnered with KOBI-TV NBC5 on the messaging campaign, “In This Together.” It was a suicide prevention and mental wellness program supported by many partners, won many awards, and helped saved lives. It wrapped up two years ago and the need is still so great.
The new campaign’s mission is to raise awareness again about suicide prevention, encourage help-seeking behavior, reduce stigma, foster meaningful connections, and inspire supportive actions.
Through powerful stories and resources, “Tomorrow Needs You” will remind people to check in on their loved ones and emphasize that no one is alone.
𝗗𝗨𝗜𝗜 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁
4/21/25, 03:11 hrs. (SE GRANTS PASS) — Smoke alarms alerted residents of a fire early this morning in the 4700 block of Cloverlawn Drive.
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Romanian national residing in Garden Grove, California, was sentenced to federal prison today for stealing more than $176,000 by installing Automated Teller Machine (ATM) skimming devices throughout Oregon and Maine.
Florin George Ionita, 45, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $176,922 in restitution to his victims.
According to court documents, between June and August 2023, Ionita installed skimming devices on ATMs and used the devices to steal account information and Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) from customers who conducted transactions at the ATMs. Ionita used the stolen information to produce counterfeit debit cards and withdraw cash from victims’ accounts. Over the course of his scheme, Ionita accessed hundreds of bank accounts and stole more than $176,000 from victims in Oregon and Maine.
On August 22, 2023, the Medford Police Department (MPD) received a report of a masked individual installing a skimming device. Investigators received photos of the man and distributed a law enforcement bulletin to identify the unknown individual. The following day, investigators from Kennebunk Police Department in Kennebunk, Maine, identified Ionita and informed MPD investigators of their investigation of Ionita installing skimming devices in Maine. Investigators learned that due to his immigration status, Ionita was required to wear a Global Positioning System (GPS) monitor which confirmed his location at several banks where the ATM skimming devices were installed.
On November 2, 2023, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a nine-count indictment charging Ionita with bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
On March 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in the District of Maine returned a fifteen-count indictment charging Ionita with bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
On December 6, 2024, Ionita pleaded guilty to one count each of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft for his crimes in Oregon, and one count each of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft for his crimes in Maine.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service New England Cyber Fraud Task Force, the Medford Police Department Criminal Investigative Division, the Kennebunk Police Department, and the Freeport Police Department. It is being prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine.
MEDFORD, Ore.—Two San Antonio, Texas men were sentenced to federal prison and another San Antonio man pleaded guilty Wednesday for conspiring to travel from Texas to Southern Oregon to commit an armed robbery while disguised as agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Nevin Cuevas Morales, 23, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release, and Michael Rey Acuna, 23, was sentenced to 64 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release. The sum of restitution they each must pay to victims will be determined at a later date.
Juan Carlos Conchas, 23, pleaded guilty to conspiring to interfere with commerce by robbery and conspiring to possess marijuana with the intent to distribute. Conchas faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine and four years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on July 17, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai.
According to court documents, on March 12, 2022, deputies from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a rural address in Josephine County, Oregon after receiving reports of an armed robbery in progress. The deputies found a residence with a closed driveway gate and two empty vehicles with Texas license plates in the driveway with their doors open. Deputies saw several people running toward the back of the property and found victims inside the house. The victims reported that armed individuals dressed in what appeared to be DEA attire and wearing body armor arrived at the property and used zip ties and duct tape to restrain several of them.
The deputies searched the property and found large plastic totes containing packaged marijuana in the buildings and vehicles. They also found body armor, firearms, ammunition, shell casings, and badges that resembled those carried by DEA agents along the path that Morales, Acuna, Conchas and others used to flee the property.
Investigators learned that in late February 2022, the group traveled from San Antonio to Southern Oregon to steal over 200 pounds of marijuana and recovered photographs taken by the group in which they posed with firearms while dressed as DEA agents.
On October 6, 2022, Morales and Acuna were located and arrested in San Antonio. One week later, on October 13, 2022, Conchas was also arrested in San Antonio.
On September 1, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a three-count indictment charging Morales, Acuna, Conchas and co-conspirators with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute, and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On February 2, 2024, Morales pleaded guilty to conspiring to interfere with commerce by robbery and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On November 6, 2024, Acuna pleaded guilty to conspiring to interfere with commerce by robbery and conspiring to possess marijuana with the intent to distribute.
In addition, three co-conspirators have pleaded guilty to felony charges stemming from their roles in the conspiracy. Two have been sentenced to federal prison and the third is awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety. It is being prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
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)
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
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.
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.
Duchenne is a terminal, muscle-wasting disease with a life expectancy in the late teens, early 20s. A few weeks ago, a breakthrough CRISPR-based gene therapy was found that may be his only chance. But it comes with a staggering price and their first payment of $800,000 is due on May 1st.
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!
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
ONA Statement: HHS Budget Proposal Will Devastate Nursing and Patient Care
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) condemns the Trump administration’s proposed FY 2026 Health and Human Services budget, revealed in a leak of the White House Office of Management and Budget “passback” document, as a blatant attack on public health and nursing. If enacted, this plan would slash HHS’s discretionary funding by roughly one third, cutting the total from about $117 billion to $80 billion and endangering vital services nationwide.
Under this proposal, the National Institutes of Health budget would tumble from $47 billion to $27 billion, a 42% reduction, and eliminate the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) entirely. NINR is the only federal institute dedicated to nursing science, funding studies that improve symptom management for patients with chronic illness, develop equitable care models in rural and Indigenous communities, and drive innovations in patient safety. Without NINR, nurses lose the evidence base they rely on to deliver high-quality care.
All Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development programs, including scholarships, loan repayment, faculty development, advanced practice training, and the Nursing Workforce Diversity program, would also vanish. These programs recruit and retain students from underrepresented backgrounds, support nurse educators, and help place skilled nurses in medically underserved and rural areas. Eliminating them jeopardizes the future of a diverse nursing workforce precisely when Oregon and the nation face a chronic staffing shortage.
The draft also dismantles the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, rescinding over $1 billion in grants for overdose prevention, community mental health centers, school-based services, and harm reduction programs. This comes as one in five Americans experiences a mental health condition and recent data show U.S. overdose deaths had begun to decline, progress now at risk of reversal if proven prevention and treatment services are defunded.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would see its budget slashed from more than $9 billion to $5 billion, wiping out programs that combat diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, childhood lead poisoning, and emerging infectious threats. Removing these prevention efforts dismantles the very infrastructure that keeps communities safe and healthy.
We call on Congress to reject this proposal in full, restore funding for nursing research, workforce development, mental health and substance use services, and disease prevention, and protect the health of every community in Oregon and beyond.
###The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 23,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.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 Ducks Women’s Golf Win Big 10 Championship
Oregon won the Big Ten title in its first year in the league while claiming the second conference championship in program history, joining the 2021-22 team that won the Pac-12 Championship.
With the conference title, the Ducks earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Regional round and will find out where they will be heading on Wednesday during the NCAA selection show.
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Golf Selection Show is scheduled for Wednesday (April 23) at 10 a.m. PT and will be broadcast on Golf Channel. The NCAA Regional round is scheduled for May 5-7 at six different sites with 12 teams at each site. Oregon will make its 17th consecutive NCAA Regional appearance after earning the Big Ten’s automatic bid. >> https://goducks.com/news/2025/4/20/womens-golf-big-ten-champs-ducks-romero-run-away-with-conference-title?fbclid=IwY2xjawJzSKpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHph1Vd8IglW48R2VhGv_f-7s6do9bFce-_z0fwsK2ZMhk-5XuwIJHvSkPyEG_aem_sxk7Ooel2aVCexEckoJG_w
Oregon labor official states 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.
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)
A message from Governor Tina Kotek
Last last week, Gov. Kotek wrote: “Under the federal government’s budget plan, an estimated 100,000+ people in Oregon will see their Marketplace health care insurance bills go up by $70 to $150 per month, with some people seeing increases of $200 or more per month. That’s unacceptable, especially when so many Oregon families are trying to make ends meet”.
Gov. Kotek also addressed multiple topics, including FEMA cuts, immigration and student visa issues, housing, transportation, and more.
Oregon DEQ brings vehicle inspection stations in Portland, Medford area back online after cyberattack
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)
The Oregon House has approved legislation mandating that all school districts within the state establish policies regarding cell phone usage by students in class.
School boards will be required to formulate guidelines for student cell phone use, which will include penalties for violations of these policies. While some Republicans expressed concerns about imposing further regulations on school boards, the bill received bipartisan backing as it moved forward to the Senate.
A bipartisan coalition of Oregon legislators has declared that enough is enough regarding the overwhelming number of bills introduced this session.
On Wednesday, they proposed a measure that would restrict each lawmaker to a maximum of 25 bills per session. House Bill 2006 represents the Legislature’s effort to manage the unprecedented volume of bills filed this session, which exceeds 3,500 and marks the highest total in at least 25 years. This influx has overwhelmed staff, including state attorneys responsible for reviewing and drafting each bill, as well as analysts tasked with preparing reports on the potential impacts of these proposals on existing Oregon law.
The sheer volume has also complicated the ability of the public to monitor proposed legislation, resulting in crowded public hearings where Oregonians may have as little as 90 seconds to present their testimonies.
Additionally, legislators find themselves with reduced time to debate and consider bills and possible amendments.
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 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.
Lincoln County, Oregon – On Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 7:07 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 20, near milepost 4, in Lincoln County.
The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound GMC Terrace, operated by Heather Maria Paz Hosey (42) of Newport, crossed the centerline for unknown reasons and struck a westbound Dodge Journey, operated by Ruston Lee Thommen (46) of Halsey, head-on. The GMC rotated and was struck by a westbound Dodge Dakota, operated by Christian Layfield Sagrero (19) of Newport, that was following the Dodge Journey. The Dodge Journey caught fire due to the collision and became fully engulfed in flames.
The operator of the GMC (Hosey) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Dodge Journey (Thommen), who was able to exit the vehicle, suffered unknown injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
The operator of the Dodge Dakota (Layfield Sagrero) suffered reportedly minor injuries and was transported for evaluation.The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Fire, and ODOT.
OHA to issue algae warnings when dog deaths reported
As summer approaches, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reminds people heading outdoors to enjoy the state’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs to be on the look-out for potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms.
To help, OHA is adding a tool reporting the possible presence of cyanobacteria in freshwater lakes and rivers statewide. Starting immediately, OHA will issue pre-emptive public warnings following reports of dog illnesses or deaths possibly resulting from cyanotoxin exposure.
“Each year, we receive reports about dog illnesses or deaths linked to a water body that may be affected by cyanobacteria, but the deaths are often unexplained, or the cause of the death isn’t immediately known,” said Linda Novitski, Ph.D., a recreational waters specialist in OHA’s Environmental Public Health Section.
“These pre-emptive warnings will help us immediately takes steps to inform the public about the possible presence of cyanobacteria in a water body,” she said.
Toxin testing is only possible for certain types of cyanobacteria. When testing is done, results are typically available within two weeks.
Cyanobacteria are beneficial bacteria found in all fresh water worldwide. The bacteria can multiply into blooms in any water body under the right conditions—warm weather, sunlight, water temperature, nutrients and water chemistry.
Many blooms are harmless, but some can produce cyanotoxins that make people and animals sick. Exposure to cyanotoxins occurs when water or algae mat material is swallowed while swimming, or when people inhale water droplets during high-speed activities such as water-skiing or wakeboarding. Symptoms of exposure to cyanotoxins include:
- Diarrhea
- Cramps
- Vomiting
- Numbness
- Dizziness and fainting
Although cyanotoxins are not known to be absorbed through the skin, people with sensitive skin can develop a red, raised rash when wading, playing or swimming in or around a bloom.
Some species of cyanobacteria live in the water or float on the top of the water surface. Other cyanobacteria, called cyanoHAB mats, anchor themselves to the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or grow on rocks or aquatic plants can release toxins into clear water. These bloom mats contain toxins that, if ingested, can be fatal to dogs and can make people sick.
Dogs can get extremely ill, and even die, within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water. Problem signs include licking their fur or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore.
If, after swimming in a lake or stream, a dog exhibits symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, breathing problems, difficulty walking or standing, or loss of appetite, owners should get their pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
“Enjoying lakes and rivers is such an important part of the Oregon experience,” said Novitski. “To have fun and stay safe this season, protect small children and dogs by avoiding anything you think might be a cyanobacteria harmful algae bloom in the water or in a mat attached to the bottom of the lake or river.”
Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins it released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind.
OHA advises recreational visitors to always be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms in the water and in mats attached to the ground or rocks. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.
Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.
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.
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.
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.
RUN for the TREES 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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