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 28, 2025
Rogue Valley Weather
US National Weather Service Medford Oregon
Loss of FEMA Program Spells Disaster for Hundreds of Communities and Their Projects Including Southern Oregon
A lawsuit highlights Grants Pass in conservative southern Oregon, where FEMA has refused to release BRIC funding awarded for a $50 million water treatment facility.
Credit: APA vehicle at left drives down Rogue River Highway as light shines on the area Saturday, March 23, 2024, in Grants Pass, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)Author: Jack Brook (Associated Press)Published: 9:54 AM PDT April 28, 2025Updated: 9:54 AM PDT April 28, 2025
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Says Federal Cancellation of Grant Program Impedes Oregon’s Ability to Prepare for Disasters
– The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) outlined the impact the April 4 announcement from FEMA canceling the fiscal year 2024 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program has on Oregon.
The cancellation, detailed in a memo from Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton, outlines a review of BRIC programs from fiscal years 2020 through 2023 for programs communities depend on across the state.
In addition, FEMA issued an updated advisory on April 16 further clarifying that: “as the program is concluding, the Fiscal Year 2024 BRIC funding opportunity is cancelled, no applications submitted will be reviewed and no funds will be awarded. In addition, for all BRIC applications from Fiscal Years 2020-2023, if grant funds have not been distributed to states, tribes, territories and local communities, funds will be returned either to the Disaster Relief Fund or the U.S. Treasury.”
The BRIC grant program gives money to help communities prepare for natural disasters before they happen. For example, BRIC funds can be used to build better levees to help prevent the kind of flooding we’ve seen recently in Harney County. BRIC helps build safer roads, buildings, and other important things to keep people and property safe during a disaster. Currently, the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program is unaffected in Oregon.
What this means:
- Projects that were selected but not yet awarded won’t receive funding.
- Ongoing projects may be delayed or stopped short of construction.
- Money set aside for managing these efforts could be pulled back.
- Without extensions or continued support, communities across Oregon will face delays or cancellations in vital infrastructure improvements designed to reduce risk and protect lives.
FEMA is conducting a full review of active and obligated BRIC projects before further work to help Oregonians prepare for disasters in the future can continue.
“These decisions will significantly impact communities across Oregon working to reduce disaster risk and invest in safer, more resilient infrastructure,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “We are actively working with federal and state legislators to communicate these financial impacts and with FEMA partners to gain clarity on next steps and timelines. I have directed my team to conduct our own review to see what projects may fit within other Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants through federal partners that are currently funded like the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant or other state grant programs.”
The Impact on Oregon:
- Federal share of BRIC projects: $140 million
- Local matching share of BRIC projects: $90 million
- Total local sunk costs: 8 of the 26 projects have a combined total of $8 million in sunk costs (details below).
- Impact on submitted budgets: Due to funding delays and their effect on project timelines, even if the grants were reinstated, some projects will be priced out as they locked cost estimates years ago when inflation and tariffs were lower, but those locked in prices are set to expire and the new cost could be significantly higher.
During remarks yesterday to the media, Governor Kotek referenced cuts to the BRIC grants: “These are bipartisan or nonpartisan community projects that everybody supports. I have not heard one rationale from the Trump Administration as to why they cancelled the BRIC grants.” She was speaking specifically about a project in Mapleton that received grant funding to assist with necessary upgrades to the town’s water infrastructure. You can view the full remarks at around the 25-minute mark here.
To stay informed, OEM encourages interested parties to sign up for alerts when updates are posted on the federal action webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/oem/Pages/Federal-Changes.aspx
Details about the 8 projects with sunk costs:
City of Port Orford –
Utility and Infrastructure Protection Project. This project aims to address vulnerabilities in the City of Port Orford’s drinking water supply infrastructure caused by earthquakes, drought, and wildfire. It includes the installation of water meters, as well as the design, replacement, and retrofit of strategic sections of the water distribution system. The grant would ensure that the city has sufficient water to meet average daily demand while maintaining adequate emergency storage to withstand and respond to natural hazards. The project would impact a population of 1,146 residents.
- Federal Share: $6,566,537
- Local Share: $691,214
- Sunk cost: $273,350
Medford Water Commission
Utility and Infrastructure Protection Project. This project will conduct critical infrastructure improvements at four system locations as part of the Rogue Valley Water Supply Resiliency Program (RVWSRP). The goal is to enhance the resilience of the water system against seismic events, wildfires, and droughts caused by extreme weather conditions.
- Federal Share: $34,806,505
- Local Share: $14,516,834
- Sunk cost $1,875,370
City of Grants Pass
Water Treatment Plant Relocation Project. This project aims to relocate the Water Treatment Plant outside the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) to prevent system failure during a flooding event. The City of Grants Pass has made substantial investments in the comprehensive design of the project, contributing over 50% of the required cost match. The loss of federal grant funds jeopardizes the broader system project scope, which exceeds twice the federal contribution. To date, the city has invested over $5 million in pre-award technical engineering and design, in addition to sunk costs incurred during the subapplication process.
- Federal Share: $50,000,000
- Local Share: $60,800,302
- Sunk cost: $5,000,000
Clatsop County Government / City of Astoria Columbie Memorial Hospital
Tsunami Vertical Evacuation Refuge Structure (TVERS) Project. This project integrates a Tsunami Vertical Evacuation Refuge Structure (TVERS) into the Columbia Memorial Hospital expansion, creating a multi-purpose facility designed to shelter the impacted population at an elevated level above tsunami inundation zones.
- Federal Share: $13,897,122
- Local Share: $5,955,909
- Sunk cost $817,846
Oregon Department of Land Conservation & Development
Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. Updates to the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans (NHMP) for the Burns Paiute Tribe, as well as Columbia and Umatilla Counties, aim to enhance emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts while mitigating the future impacts of natural disasters.
- Federal Share: $488,653
- Local Share: $152,704
- Sunk cost $8,347
Oregon Military Department – Office of Emergency Management (pre-OEM)
FY2021 Grant Management Costs
- Federal Share: $488,257
- Sunk cost from the State of Oregon’s General Fund: $39,500
Oregon Military Department – Office of Emergency Management (pre-OEM)
FY 2022 Grant Management Costs
- Federal Share: $19,695,731
- Sunk cost from the State of Oregon’s General Fund: $73,141
Oregon Military Department – Office of Emergency Management (pre-OEM)
FY 2023 Grant Partnership Costs
- Federal Share: $1,261,848
Sunk cost from the State of Oregon’s General Fund: $79,029
# # # It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.
SAR RESCUE ON RAINIE FALLS TRAIL 
DETAILS: On April 23, 2025, shortly after 1:00pm, Josephine County Search and Rescue responded to a report of an injured hiker on the Rainie Falls Trail. The individual reportedly had injuries to both ankles and was unable to hike out. Two Search and Rescue ground teams were deployed, along with a wheeled litter carrier, to reach the hiker approximately two miles into the trail. Upon locating the subject, SAR personnel assessed the injuries and safely prepared the hiker for evacuation.The subject was then transported out of the area to safety using the litter.
Roseburg Library gets grant to help enhance services for people with disabilities
The Roseburg Public Library is among more than a dozen rural libraries in Oregon that’s received a grant to help better serve people with disabilities.
The Roseburg Public Library, Sweet Home Public Library, Halsey, Oakridge, and Oakland Public Libraries were among Oregon libraries to receive grants under the program.
Roseburg Library Director Kris Wiley said the yearlong grant of $10,000 will help them develop accessibility resources. She told KLCC people with disabilities visit the library every day.
“We want to engage even more with them and give them the material that they want to use and the formats that they want to use,” she said. “We want to give them programming that excites them and makes them want to come back to the library and develop these relationships with libraries and librarians that are so important.”
Wiley said they’ll have community conversations to gather input for how to use the grant money. The sessions are 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 3 and then Thursday, June 19, at 6:00 p.m.
“I’ll bring the pizza,” she said. “I ask folks to bring their enthusiasm and ideas. And this will be a guided conversation with people with disabilities.”
She said caregivers are welcome, but she’d like the conversations to be with the folks they’re intending to serve.
Wiley said she would like this year-long grant project to have long-term impacts.
“My hope is that the programs will be so popular that they’ll be able to continue on a smaller scale,” she said.
When asked how federal program cuts may affect Roseburg’s ability to provide services, Wiley said she hasn’t seen any impact yet. She said their library’s funding is local. But, they’re keeping an eye on what’s happening at the various levels of government. She said the accessibility grant they received is privately funded by the American Library Association, in collaboration with the Association of Rural and Small Libraries. (SOURCE)
OEM Director Visits Douglas County to Support Local Recovery Efforts
Roseburg, Ore. – Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon visited Douglas County on Monday, April 21, to meet with local leaders, assess disaster-impacted areas, and support recovery efforts across the region. Director McMahon engaged with city officials, emergency managers, and long-term recovery partners in Myrtle Creek, Roseburg, and Drain.
“Seeing these communities firsthand and hearing directly from local leaders underscores the importance of coordinated, sustained recovery support,” said Director McMahon. “OEM is committed to working alongside Douglas County and our state and federal partners to strengthen resilience and help communities recover from recent disasters.”
The day began with a briefing at the Douglas County Emergency Management Building in Roseburg before traveling to Myrtle Creek for a meeting with City Manager Lonnie Rainville, Public Works Director Scott Adams, and Glide Revitalization Recovery Lead Kendall Melvin. Local officials discussed current recovery priorities and conducted site visits to observe ongoing challenges.
Throughout the day, the OEM team toured several key sites including:
- Garden Valley, Hubbard Creek, and Tyee Road, where landslides have disrupted access and infrastructure.
- A major sinkhole location managed by the Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority.
- Residential areas in Sutherlin and Drain, highlighting local priorities for resilience and mitigation planning.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinates statewide communication to support local jurisdictions during disasters. OEM also manages the processes required to request and access federal disaster assistance and does everything in its power to advocate for Oregonians to receive the maximum amount of federal support available. While OEM continues to work closely with Douglas County and community partners to assess damage and support recovery, the decision to grant federal assistance rests with the federal government.
OEM’s Southwest Regional Coordinator Heather De La Rosa participated in the daylong tour. For more information on OEM’s recovery efforts, visit www.oregon.gov/OEM.
# # # It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.
Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) arrests two in Georgia custodial interference investigation- Josephine County
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the Oregon State Police received information from the Grants Pass Police Department of a custodial interference investigation which originated out of the Woodstock Police Department, Cherokee County, Georgia. OSP obtained additional information that the mother, Haley Noel Nelson (32), had illegally taken her two young children under the age of five (5), from Georgia, and fled to Josephine County. Nelson had an outstanding arrest warrant out of Cherokee County with two charges; Interference with Custody (Misdemeanor) and Interstate Interference with Custody (Felony).
At approximately 1:30 p.m., RADE personnel observed Nelson with an adult male, Carlos Figueroa (28), and both children in downtown Cave Junction. RADE took Nelson into custody on her arrest warrant and detained Figueroa, without incident. During a subsequent search of the associated vehicle, a firearm was located in plain view. Figueroa, who is a convicted felon, was arrested for Felon in Possession of a Firearm (ORS 166.270).
Both Nelson and Figueroa were transported to the Josephine County Jail where they were lodged.
Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Grants Pass-Child Welfare responded to assist with the children, who were unharmed. RADE was also assisted by the OSP Central Point Area Command-Major Crimes Section and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Medford Office Task Force. RADE is comprised of the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, the Grants Police Department, the Oregon State Police and Josephine County Community Corrections.
The Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team confiscated nearly 150,000 potentially fatal doses of fentanyl that were en route to Grants Pass.
The total amount seized exceeded 10 ounces. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) states that ‘two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal depending on an individual’s body size, tolerance, and previous usage.’
The RADE team is composed of officers from the Grants Pass Police Department, Oregon State Police, Josephine County Community Corrections, the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, and federal partners. The investigation into the fentanyl remains active.
Umpqua Community College officials have confirmed that softball player Kiley Jones and coach Jami Strinz were the two individuals who lost their lives in a collision on Friday night while the team was returning to the Roseburg campus after a game.
According to the Oregon State Police, an oncoming vehicle crossed the centerline and collided with the team bus, which was being driven by Strinz.
Kiley Jones, 19, was a freshman and played first base, hailing from Nampa, Idaho. Jami Strinz, 46, resided in Roseburg and not only coached the softball team but also led the college’s volleyball program, earning recognition within Oregon’s collegiate softball community, as noted on the college’s website.
In addition to the fatalities, eight other individuals associated with the team were on the bus and sustained injuries ranging from moderate to serious, as reported by state police. Multiple students and staff members are currently hospitalized in Eugene and Portland following the incident, as announced by the college’s president, Rachel Pokrandt, on Saturday afternoon.
On Monday, the Oregon State Police (OSP) apprehended Johnathan James Dowdy after his discharge from RiverBend Hospital, where he received treatment for injuries incurred in that collisionwith the college team van.
Dowdy, a 32-year-old resident of Coos Bay, is currently held at the Coos County jail and is facing numerous charges, including: Manslaughter in the First Degree (two counts), Assault in the Second Degree (three counts), Assault in the Third Degree (five counts), Reckless Endangering of a Person (fourteen counts), Aggravated Driving While Suspended or Revoked, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, Driving While Suspended – Misdemeanor, and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.
These charges arise from an incident on Highway 42 in Coos County, where Dowdy’s westbound Chevrolet Silverado crossed the centerline and collided head-on with an eastbound Chevrolet Express bus.
This season marksed the inaugural year for Umpqua Community College’s softball program, and the team was returning from a successful double-header against Gray’s Harbor College, which took place at Southwest Oregon Community College in Coos Bay.
The journey back to Roseburg spans 85 miles along the winding Oregon Route 42. Preliminary investigations suggest that Johnathan James Dowdy, 32, from Coos Bay, was driving westbound in his Chevrolet Silverado when he crossed the centerline, resulting in a head-on collision with the team bus, a Chevrolet Express.
The Oregon State Police indicated that impaired driving is likely a contributing factor to the crash by Mr. Dowdy.
Rogue Valley Symphonic Band WE NEED YOU!
How do we protect Social Security? | LIVE TOWN HALL | U.S. Representative Val Hoyle — Today at 3:30pm
‘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.
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
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
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Trails Coalition will host eight virtual focus groups in May to better understand the needs of different types of trail users who use land and water trails throughout Oregon and not just at Oregon State Parks.
OPRD launched an online survey this month to collect feedback through April 30. The focus groups expand that effort and take a deeper dive into the needs of different trail users including mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers and adaptive equipment users.
The information from the survey and focus groups will help inform the Oregon Statewide Trails Plan, which provides guidance to OPRD as well as other federal, state, and local agencies and private sector partners. It outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails over the next 10 years.
Participants can join the 90-minute Zoom sessions to provide feedback. Anyone interested in joining, can register in advance using the links below:
- May 5: OHV / ATV Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 7: BIPOC Nature Network Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 8: Mountain Biking and Bikepacking Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
- May 14: Adaptive Equipment Users and Disability Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 15: Winter/Snow Trail Focus Group (Non-motorized and motorized) Noon to 1:30 p.m.
- May 27: Hiking, Trail Running, Backpacking, Equestrian User Focus Group 4:30- 6 p.m.
- May 29: Paddling (Flat water and Whitewater) Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
- Agency Partners Trails Plan Focus Group Meeting TBD.
Check the website for more information including updates such as the time and link for the agency partners trails plan focus group: https://www.oregontrailscoalition.org/post/oregon-state-trails-plan-share-your-trail-user-experience-in-focus-groups-this-may
UO Student Workers Go On Strike
Thousands of undergraduate student workers at the University of Oregon will strike on Monday.
The University of Oregon Student Workers Union declared its intent to strike weeks ago as it bargained with the Eugene university over student pay, the worker grievance process and the employee pay cycle. The student union and university negotiated through the weekend, but had not reached an agreement as of Sunday evening, the university said.
The union was formed just a few years ago and represents roughly 4,000 students who work as resident assistants, dining hall workers, memorial union employees and more. When it was formed, University of Oregon students believed it was the largest majority undergraduate student worker union in the country.
Pay remains a key sticking point between the students and university as the two sides work out a contract. The average student salary at the university is $15.34 an hour, spokesperson Angela Seydel said. The lowest pay starts at $14.70 and the highest positions start at $18. In a news release on Sunday night, student worker representatives said they want a minimum pay of at least $18.50 an hour. MORE INFO: https://dailyemerald.com/164723/campus/uosw-to-strike-tomorrow-morning/
Eugene Marathon Keeps Setting Records
The Eugene Marathon is the largest marathon in the Pacific Northwest. Thousands of runners worldwide came to TrackTown USA to experience the magic of this marathon. This year, they say more than 15,000 runners from 29 countries had signed up to push to the finish line. RESULTS: https://www.eugenemarathon.com/
Thousands gather for 23rd Annual Autism Walk at Oaks Amusement Park
Thousands attended Portland’s Autism Walk, featuring resources and accommodations while participants challenged misconceptions about autism’s limitations.
Thousands went out to Oaks Amusement Park on Sunday morning for the 23rd Annual Autism Walk, an event aimed at raising awareness for autism spectrum disorder and fostering a more inclusive community. The event featured a half-mile walk, resource booths and activities designed to support families affected by autism.
The walk, which was organized by the Autism Society of Oregon, was a vibrant display of support and solidarity. Families from across the region came together to enjoy the day, which was filled with fun activities, but also designed to address the challenges many individuals with autism face.
“It is a day of fun and community resources, we have about 40 different community resource tables out here, it’s also a way to meet other people in the community because it can be very isolating,” said Tobi Rates, executive director of the Autism Society of Oregon.
The event also featured several accommodations for individuals with sensory needs.
For those who missed this year’s event, more autism awareness events will take place in Oregon throughout the summer. The next walks are scheduled for May 24 in Salem, June 21 in Eugene, and July 26 in La Grande. https://autismsocietyoregon.org/ — https://autismsocietyoregon.org/news-and-events/autism-walks/
OHCS announces $1.8 million in energy efficiency investments to reduce household costs
— Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announces the first round of housing developments to be selected for this year’s Oregon Multifamily Energy Program (OR-MEP). This round allocates $1.8 million to improve energy efficiency in affordable housing in communities statewide. The investments aim to lower utility costs for low-income families while supporting long-term environmental sustainability.
OR-MEP provides resources such as design assistance, cash incentives, and coordination with regional programs to support energy-efficient designs in affordable rental housing. The program support both existing buildings and new construction, Selected housing developments are located in Bend, Junction City, Grants Pass, Seaside, Corvallis, Gresham, Salem, Woodburn, and Portland.
“Housing costs are one of the most significant barriers Oregonians face. Alongside boosting housing production, this investment aims to support locally driven solutions that will reduce energy costs,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “OR-MEP exemplifies our dedication to creating sustainable, energy-efficient housing solutions that serve the most vulnerable populations in Oregon.”
This round of funding awards $778,000 to existing buildings and $1.047 million to new construction. Eligible projects are located within the service areas of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power. The program anticipates serving 898 households through this round of funding.
OHCS, in partnership with TRC, Dragonfly Consulting, Encolor, Elevate Energy, and Unrooz Solutions, administers OR-MEP. The program is funded through the Public Purpose Charge, as outlined in House Bill 3141, which supports energy conservation and low-income housing initiatives in Oregon. The next application period for the program will open in July 2025.
For more information about OR-MEP and to view the list of selected projects, please visit https://oregonmultifamilyenergy.com/2025/04/18/announcing-or-mep-open-enrollment-2025-round-1-selected-projects/. —- Oregon Housing and Community Services
About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) – OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.
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.
The principal of St. Helens High School stepped down on Friday in response to ongoing public criticism following the late 2024 arrest of two teachers from the institution for purportedly sexually abusing students.
Katy Wagner had previously been placed on administrative leave after the allegations surfaced and was indicted on November 26 for charges including criminal mistreatment and official misconduct, according to court documents.
Stacey Mendoza, a spokesperson for the St. Helens School District, stated via email that the district will commence the search for a new principal, but she refrained from providing additional comments regarding Wagner’s resignation.
Wagner was subjected to significant public scrutiny, alongside the criminal charges, for allegedly neglecting to report concerns related to child safety prior to the arrests of former St. Helens teachers Eric Stearns and Mark Collins, as indicated by court records.
The state of Salem may impose severe penalties on Oregon’s power companies if they are determined to be negligent or responsible for igniting a wildfire.
Senate Bill 926 seeks to prohibit private electric companies from recouping costs associated with wildfire lawsuits if a court finds them negligent in causing a fire.
State Senator Jeff Golden, a Democrat from Ashland and a proponent of the bill, asserts that electric companies must provide compensation to the affected parties before addressing any financial obligations to their shareholders. Senator Golden emphasizes that numerous Oregonians continue to face challenges stemming from the 2020 wildfires, and this legislation prioritizes the needs of wildfire victims.
Senate Bill 926 enjoys bipartisan support and had a public hearing last month, although it has yet to be scheduled for a vote.
OnPoint Community Credit Union Invests $100K in Four Local Environmental Nonprofits
The funding is part of OnPoint’s Green Horizons initiative and will support nonprofits restoring nature, conserving wildlife and reducing e-waste
OnPoint Community Credit Union is giving $100,000 to four local environmental nonprofits to mark Earth Day 2025. The investment is through KGW’s Good Energy Campaign sponsorship. Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Oregon Wildlife Foundation, Free Geek and The Nature Conservancy in Oregon will each receive $25,000 to help protect natural resources and wildlife in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
OnPoint’s Green Horizons initiative supports organizations whose vital work helps address climate change. Since 2021, the program has provided green auto and solar financing for members, sustainability perks for employees and more $500,000 in funding for local nonprofits protecting our region’s natural resources.
“Dealing with climate change and preserving our planet isn’t just something that happens at a national or global level. Each individual and organization plays a key role,” said Rob Stuart, president and CEO, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Our Green Horizons initiative empowers local partners to continue their boots-on-the-ground efforts. We are proud to support the people and organizations that fight to keep our environment sustainable for generations to come.” — For more information about OnPoint’s investment in building a greener future, such as telecommuting programs, employee volunteer opportunities, and other donations to environmentally-focused organizations, please visit: OnPoint Green Horizons.
BLM issues nearly $28 million to western Oregon counties from timber revenue
The Bureau of Land Management has distributed more than $27.7 million in timber revenue payments to 18 western Oregon counties. The payments are supported by the timber harvested from public lands and support local services, including emergency response and education.
“The BLM is working to protect our national and economic security, as directed in President Trump’s order, by immediately expanding American timber production,” said BLM Oregon/Washington State Director Barry Bushue. “We manage more than 2.4 million acres of some of the world’s most productive forests in western Oregon, and are committed to supplying a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber, while providing jobs and other support to local communities through timber production.”
The BLM manages this area, referred to as O&C and CBWR lands, as well as the funds generated from timber harvests in accordance with two laws. The Oregon and California Railroad and Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant Lands Grant Act of 1937 directs revenue from O&C Lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon counties. The Coos Bay Wagon Road Act of 1939 directs revenue from CBWR Lands be paid in-lieu of tax payments to Coos and Douglas counties.
This funding provides local communities with the means to construct new county buildings; develop fairgrounds and museums; support libraries, schools, and jails; and build flood-control dams and reservoirs. Beyond these direct payments to counties, the BLM timber program supports approximately 2,000 local jobs and generates more than $1 billion for local economies.
BLM forestry and timber production supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, improves fish and wildlife habitat, and decreases the cost of energy production. Local communities rely on jobs that come from BLM-managed forests, and timber from public land feeds local industry.
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.
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.
The tenth anniversary season of ‘In a Landscape, Classical Music in the Wild’ commences in May and continues until September.
This season will feature 50 concerts showcasing classical music at two locations in Lake County: Summer Lake and Fort Rock, as well as the Alvord Desert. The Summer Lake concert is titled ‘Dark Sky Concert,’ as Summer Lake is recognized as an Oregon Dark Sky Park.
The performance at Fort Rock State Park is scheduled for September 13, followed by the Summer Lake Hot Springs concert on September 14.
Additionally, a performance near Jacksonville at Applegate Lake will take place on May 30, and another at the Alvord Desert on June 21.
The Fort Rock concert will start at 4 p.m. and conclude around 5:30 p.m., while the Summer Lake Hot Springs concert will begin at 9 p.m. and last approximately 1.5 hours due to the Dark Sky designation.
Tickets for individual concerts are priced at $50, or $135 for both performances, which includes two nights of camping at Summer Lake Hot Springs, with the camping fee charged per person. ‘Good neighbor’ tickets are also available for residents of Lake County.
Pianist Hunter Noack is curating a new program for this tour, which will encompass 50 concerts across six Western states: Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.
The performances will take place at 10 new venues, including the recently reopened Kah-Nee-Ta in central Oregon. Noack will perform on a 9-foot Steinway concert grand piano.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to sit near the stage, and wireless headphones will allow them to explore the surroundings while enjoying the music, creating a unique experience in the wild, particularly at Fort Rock, the Alvord Desert, and Summer Lake Hot Springs.
The series will kick off on May 10 in Goldendale, Washington, at the Maryhill Museum of Art. Tickets for the public can be purchased through the In A Landscape website at https://inalandscape.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.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1109674113319848
Call us at 541-690-8806. Or email us at Info@RogueValleyMagazine.com