The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Wednesday – July 2, 2025
Rogue Valley Weather
Stay updated with the National Weather Service and NOAA for the latest information on evolving conditions.
Cold Case Homicide Solved in Josephine County
RELEASE DATE: June 30, 2025
INCIDENT: Homicide- Cold Case
INCIDENT DATE: July 1983
REPORTING DEPUTY: Detective Sergeant Henrich
ARRESTED: 72-year-old, Mark Sanfratello
DETAILS: In February of 2024, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Oregon Department of Justice, Josephine County District Attorney’s Office and the Chico California Police Department, re-opened the investigation regarding the 1983 disappearance and murder of Teresa Peroni.
At the time,Teresa was 27 years old and was known to be in a relationship with Mark Sanfratello who was 29. On or around July 4th, 1983, Teresa was last seen with Sanfratello walking into a wooded area while attending a party in the 1000 block of Illinois River Road.
After a short time, the family of Peroni reported her missing and an investigation took place. During this initial investigation, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office found the disappearance to be suspicious in nature. However, after the investigation with the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, in was determined that there was not enough probable cause to move forward with criminal prosecution.
In 1997, a human skull was located by individuals on a nearby property and a search took place with the use of a cadaver dog and search personnel. No other human remains were located and the skull was sent for examination and DNA testing through the University of North Texas (UNT).
In 2024, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office re-opened the investigation. The Sheriff’s Office started by looking for any known individuals still alive that had some type of involvement with the cold case and knew details of the initial Peroni investigation. Additional DNA was collected and submitted to UNT. With the additional DNA, UNT was able to confirm the skull located in 1997 was that of Peroni.
On June 27th, 2025, after locating multiple individuals associated with Peroni, DNA results and the original case/investigation, a Josephine County Grand Jury indicted Sanfratello on the charge of Murder.
On June 28th, 2025, with the assistance of The Chico Police Department, Sanfratello was located and taken into custody without incident. Subsequently, he was questioned regarding his involvement with the disappearance and murder of Peroni.
Sanfratello remains in custody in California and will be extradited back to Josephine County. Next of kin has been notified of the status of this case. — At the time of this press release, no further information is being released.
“Right Place, Right Time” Marine Board Students Swiftly Respond to River Rescues on the Rogue
What began as a routine day of hands-on training quickly turned into a real-life rescue mission for students at the Oregon State Marine Board’s Drift Boat School. Thanks to quick thinking, skillful maneuvering, and simply being in the right place at the right time, multiple lives were potentially saved on one of Oregon’s most popular and powerful rivers.
While practicing drift boat maneuvers near Shady Cove, two students from Salem Fire and their instructor from Jackson County Fire District 4 were alerted to a distress call from Jackson County emergency dispatch. A raft had struck jagged rocks and deflated, leaving four individuals stranded, none of whom were wearing life jackets.
Without hesitation, the Marine Board trainees responded. One person was pulled directly from the river, while three others were assisted safely from shore. Their rapid response underscores the critical value of real-world training and interagency collaboration on Oregon’s waterways.
Earlier that same day, Marine Board Training Coordinator Eddie Persichetti and Boating Safety Advocate Program Coordinator Priscilla Macy-Cruser, along with deputies from Lincoln and Clackamas Counties, witnessed another harrowing moment near Rattlesnake Rapids. A paddler in an inflatable “Tahiti” kayak capsized after navigating a riffle, the kayak collapsing beneath them. Alone and without a life jacket, the individual was briefly submerged before managing to grab onto a strainer near shore.
The Clackamas County deputy expertly maneuvered their boat into position and brought the paddler aboard. Once safe, the individual was fitted with a life jacket, counseled on the dangers of navigating the river unprepared, and given the life jacket to keep. The paddler later reunited with a nearby group on a cataraft.
Marine deputies continued to see her downriver, and at the take-out ramp, she offered a heartfelt gesture of thanks, hands clasped in a prayerful motion, followed by a sincere, “Thank you.” She wore the life jacket until she reached her car.
These back-to-back incidents highlight two crucial truths: how fast conditions can change on Oregon’s rivers, and how vital training, preparedness, and teamwork are in responding to emergencies. The Oregon State Marine Board commends the fast-acting students, instructors, and partner agencies who turned a training day into a powerful public safety demonstration in action.
Conditions at the time:
- Deputies observed the paddler separate quickly from the cataraft by several hundred feet downriver when she capsized. It’s likely her party would not have noticed she’d fallen behind and fell overboard.
- The terrain was rough and overgrown and there wasn’t an onshore trail for them to reunite.
- The water was moving at 4,200 CFS (cubic feet per second) and the water temperature was 44 degrees; roughly 4 knots, which means anyone, and everything, was moving about 6 feet per second.
Things to keep in mind:
- Always wear a life jacket. Cold water exposure can lead to cold water shock and hypothermia.
- Do your homework. Find out the river flow volume. The higher the number, the more water, which means it’s usually running faster.
- Determine where you will put in, where you will take out (rendezvous point), and have a plan if you get separated from others in your party.
- Figure out how long it will take you to get from point A to point B. Plan well in advance to take out before the sun sets from the view of hills or tree cover.
- See if there are any reported obstructions along the route and the best path to take to avoid them.
Marine deputies train in various types of watercraft, under a wide variety of conditions, including swift water rescues. Boater education is their primary objective, and to ensure everyone is playing it safe on the water. Ultimately, boaters need to be prepared, know what they’re getting into, and plan for the unexpected. The single most important thing a boater can do is wear a life jacket.
We’d like to thank the students Kyle Brown and Josh Hiskey from Salem Fire, Nick Fitzpatrick from Jackson County Fire District 4, Deputy Jason Denton from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Deputy Nate Thompson from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office for rendering aid and education that averted potentially dangerous situations. —- Learn more about boating safety at Boat.Oregon.gov.
Recreational use advisory lifted for Lost Creek Lake
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Lost Creek Lake in Jackson County.
OHA issued the advisory June 24.
Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cylindrospermopsin in Lost Creek Lake is below recreational guideline values for people.
OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. 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.
When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick green or brownish-red mats are visible, or clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.
Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.
For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.
Medford Police — 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻?
While this turned out to be a false alarm, it’s a good reminder: 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀, 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. We take every report seriously to help keep our schools and neighborhoods safe.Fire Danger Level Increases to High within the City of Grants Pass Wednesday, July 2nd 2025 at 12:01 a.m.
GRANTS PASS, OR (June 30, 2025) – Extended periods of high temperatures have dried out vegetation, making it easier for fires to ignite and harder to control. As a result, the Fire Marshal of the City of Grants Pass will elevate the fire danger level to High (yellow) beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
Public use of power-driven equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, weed eaters, and more. The use of power-driven equipment, grinding, cutting of metal, and other spark-emitting equipment, such as wood splitters and generators, will be prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. This does not apply to mowing green lawns.
• Smoking in areas of flammable vegetation is prohibited.
• Open wood-fueled fires are prohibited, including campfires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except at locations designated by the Fire Marshal. Wood smokers, charcoal barbecues as well as propane, and natural gas-fueled ornamental fires are allowed.
• Power saws must be shut down between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Outside these hours, each power saw is required to have one shovel and one fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity. A fire watch of at least one hour is required following the use of the saw.
• Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal in areas of flammable vegetation is not allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• The mowing of dried, cured grass will not be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
• Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine in areas of flammable vegetation not specifically mentioned will not be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. During other hours, this equipment must be used in a cleared area and a charged garden hose or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher must be immediately available.
The City Fire Marshal or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements.
For more information about the City of Grants Pass Fire Season regulations, please call the Fire Prevention Division at 541-450-6200
It’s Been Five Years Since Fauna Frey Vanished Without A Trace In Josephine County
It’s been five years since the disappearance of a Lane County Woman, who was last seen in Grants Pass.
Back in June of 2020, Fauna Frey disappeared. Police said the 45-year-old left her home in Dexter to drive to Grants Pass to visit her brother’s friend after her brother had recently passed away. The last place she was seen was at the Big 5 in Grants Pass. Investigators said her car was found in the Galice area months later.
The circumstances of Fauna’s disappearance remain unclear and her case is currently classified as missing. Her case remains unsolved.
Fauna’s disappearance has been featured on multiple investigative podcasts, including Nowhere to be Found, Here One Minute, Gone the Next, and Detective Perspective, each trying to fill the silence left by law enforcement. New listeners continue to discover her story, hoping a fresh set of eyes or a single loose memory might be the key to finding Fauna.
Have Information on Fauna Frey? Please Speak Up!
If you know anything, no matter how small, please contact:
- Josephine County Sheriff’s Office
- Tip line: (541) 359-5638
- Email: FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com
Currrently there is a $50,000 CASH REWARD for information leading to the location of Fauna Frey. LARGE CASH REWARDS are being offered for any other relevant information, such as any objects that could be identified as Fauna’s, i.e. her wallet, keys, or Indian/Buffalo .999 silver bullion coins.
Find Fauna Frey Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/341658526970132
Firebrand Resiliency Collective
Big News for Jackson County Small Businesses!
Microenterprise Grants – Up to $15,000 Revolving Loan Fund – for business growth and recovery (coming soon!)
𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 & 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘄: www.ivcdo.org/pier
𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝘁!
19 Year Old Falls and Drowns at Ashland Area Swimming Hole
JCSO Case 25-3388 — ASHLAND, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to a call for a drowning last night at a swimming hole located off of Dead Indian Memorial Road outside Ashland. Next-of-kin has been notified. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. No suspicious circumstances were observed on scene, we will not be releasing decedent information out of respect for the family’s privacy in this difficult time.
JCSO deputies responded Thursday, June 26 at 7:19 PM to the rock quarry reservoir in the 500 block of Keno Access Road outside of Ashland. The initial investigation revealed a 19-year-old man reportedly fell from a cliff at the water’s edge and disappeared into the deep water. JCSO Search and Rescue (SAR) responded to recover his remains. JCSO Medical Examiner detectives arrived to investigate. There is no additional information available at this time.
At The Expo, Jackson County Fairgrounds, Oregon
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a 
bang at BoomFest 2025!
Gates Open at 7:00 p.m. (North & Main parking lots open for public access) Fireworks Show Begins around 9:50 p.m.
Hosted by Fire District 3, this supervised area—located near the west end of the Seven Feathers Event Center—offers a designated spot where the public can light off legal, personal fireworks. It’s the perfect place to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the spirit of the Fourth with your community.
Admission and parking are FREE! Bring your own chairs, blankets, and legal fireworks. Keep an eye on our socials for updates or weather-related announcements.𝔽𝕀ℝ𝔼𝕎𝕆ℝ𝕂𝕊 𝕊𝔸𝔽𝔼𝕋𝕐 ℝ𝔼𝕄𝕀ℕ𝔻𝔼ℝ
The Legal Sale of Retail Fireworks in Oregon Starts Today Through July 6
In Oregon, it is illegal to deploy any firework that launches into the air or shoots flames without a permit. Legal fireworks, such as fountains, flitter sparklers, ground spinners and spinning wheels, are sold in the state from June 23 to July 6
Only light “legal” fireworks in accordance to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Light in an area free of flammable vegetation, such as on pavement or gravel. Have a charged garden hose with nozzle within reach of entire area where fireworks are in use. Prepare a bucket of water for placing spent fireworks. DO NOT dispose of hot fireworks into a trash can. Call 911 immediately if a fire occurs.
Immigration Attorneys Say Immigrants Being Arrested At Required Appointments After Being Sent From Medford To The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office In Eugene
According to immigration attorneys and community observers with the Equity Corps of Oregon, immigrants visiting the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office in downtown Eugene for required routine check ins are being arrested. Attorneys also alleged immigration officials are blocking them from accessing their clients. Advocates also allege ICE has required immigrants from Medford to make the drive to the Eugene office for check ins, only to detain them upon arrival. “The detentions have separated families and disrupted lives across the Willamette Valley and southern Oregon,” the news release said.
“What should be routine appointments are becoming detention traps,” said Katrina Kilgren, an immigration attorney and pro tem instructor at the Knight Law Center in Eugene.
Attorneys said ICE is not providing interpretation services, creating situations where immigrants are being asked to sign documents they don’t understand. “Clients who don’t speak English have been pressured to sign papers without interpretation,” said Christine Zeller-Powell, an attorney with Catholic Community Services of Lane County.
Zeller-Powell alleged she’s been denied entry into the Eugene ICE office to speak with clients despite their right to have counsel present. Advocates said ICE is violating federal law, which requires the agency to allow detainees reasonable access to attorneys during detention proceedings.
Eugene community members have organized accompaniment teams and legal observers to document potential rights violations through Rapid Response of Lane County, a volunteer group created in January in response to increasing threats to immigrants and refugees.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing a reminder to the public that if you encounter a fawn alone, it is not abandoned, and you should refrain from removing the animal.
The agency’s Central Point office has already documented six cases of individuals bringing in fawns or has received calls from people inquiring about fawns they have picked up. It emphasizes that this is the season when deer give birth, and it is crucial to understand that they do not abandon their fawns. Instead, they conceal their fawns while they forage to prevent attracting predators, allowing them to subsequently feed their young.
Experts indicate that removing a fawn can significantly reduce its chances of survival, as stated by Chris Shelton from ODFW’s Rogue District. If you happen upon a fawn alone, it is best to leave it in its location and maintain a safe distance. Does are highly protective of their offspring and have been known to injure humans and even kill small pets.
Additionally, it is important to note that removing wildlife is illegal; it is classified as a class-A misdemeanor, which can lead to a potential year in jail and fines exceeding $6,200.
Concerts in the Park –Grants Pass
Concerts in the Park Reminder 
Riverside Park | Tuesdays at 6PM | June 10–July 15 (skipping July 1) Concerts in the Park – Parking Info! 
McKinney Lot will be OPEN and available for public parking! We recommend carpooling, arriving early, and planning a short walk if needed. Popular lots fill up fast! to see the parking map and help your crew plan accordingly. Bring your chairs, blankets, and dancing shoes—and let’s make it a summer to remember!
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, FridayThe 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
Ashland Rolls Out Free Pre-Approved Plans to Spur Residents into Building Affordable Backyard Homes
Seeking to promote affordability and support residents’ diverse needs, the city of Ashland has encouraged its citizens to develop accessory dwelling units (ADUs) within the city and offers guidance on getting plans approved.
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 here
Sheriff’s Office issues advisory about motorhome and possible link to missing Prospect woman Deenah Padgett
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is asking for help identifying the owner a motorhome. It could be associated with a missing person from the Prospect area.
JCSO says 68-year-old Deenah Padgett has been missing since August 30 from Prospect, described as a white woman, 4’ 8” tall, weighing approximately 95 pounds with brownish red/greying hair. JCSO issued an advisory this weekend asking anyone with information about the owner of the pictured motor home or Padgett’s whereabouts to call Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) dispatch non-emergency phone number at 541-776-7206.
Did you get help from FEMA, insurance, or others after the 2020 Almeda and South Obenchain Fires?
OHCS HARP Website → bit.ly/45bHjzu
https://firebrandcollective.org/harp/
Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.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.
Fauna Frey, 45, disappeared in Josephine County on a road trip, June 29, 2020, following her brother’s death
PART 2 – Newsweek Podcast Focusing on The Disappearance of Fauna Frey From Lane County
Here One Minute, Gone the Next —– PART 2 – Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel joins investigative journalist Alex Rogue to speak with Here One Minute, Gone the Next about the disappearance of Fauna Frey, the growing friction between citizen investigators and law enforcement, and the lack of resources in missing persons cases. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disappearance-of-fauna-frey-pt2-feat-sheriff/id1707094441?i=1000630100040 PART 1 – John Frey joins Newsweek to discuss exclusive details about the case of his missing daughter that until now have been unavailable to the general public. READ MORE HERE: https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-what-happened-fauna-frey-new-clues-uncovered-1827197?fbclid=IwAR3Z3Glru5lIgqiYXbs_nA1Fj8JuCIzM11OHSVHfwIucfq2f_G5y9y5bnmQ If you have any information on the whereabouts of Fauna Frey, call the anonymous tip line at 541-539-5638 or email FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com. —- Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
Families: Need help with groceries this summer?
The Oregon Summer EBT (electronic benefit transfer) program helps families buy food for their school-aged children when school is out. Each summer, eligible families will get one yearly payment of $120 to buy groceries.
Learn who is automatically eligible and who needs to apply at sebt.oregon.gov. Questions? Please contact the Summer EBT Call Center at 1-833-673-7328 or summerebtinfo@odhs.oregon.gov.
All ODF Districts are Now in Fire season
As of July 1, all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts are in fire season. This means that to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, fire restrictions may be in place where you live or at a destination you plan to visit or recreate.
“We have already experienced several large fires in the state this year and anticipate fire behavior to be progressively more volatile. RIGHT NOW is the time to practice fire prevention and preparedness,” said Michael Curran, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Protection Division Chief.
As we move into the Fourth of July and the holiday weekend, it’s important to remember that forests and fireworks DO NOT MIX. Private use of fireworks is not allowed on forest land, which includes all private lands protected by ODF and all other state and federal forest lands in Oregon. Remember to check any additional city and county firework restrictions as well.
Curran said, “Prevention is our number one tool to reduce property loss, firefighting costs, and risk to the lives of our firefighters. We can’t prevent lightning fires, but we can prevent human-caused fires.”
Now is the time to brush up on your wildfire prevention knowledge. Tips include:
- Know before you go. Campfires may be banned or only allowed in approved campgrounds.
- Make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before going to sleep or leaving your site. Don’t forget to Drown, Stir, Repeat.
- Backyard debris burning either requires a burn permit during fire season or is prohibited altogether. If you burned earlier this spring, go back and check on your debris burn site to make sure nothing reignites due to the heat.
- Don’t flick a cigarette onto the ground. It may be just enough to start a fire.
- Don’t park or idle over dried grass.
- Don’t drag tow chains.
- Check local restrictions and fire danger levels.
ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state, and federal land in Oregon from wildfire. Fire season is declared at the local level when conditions reach a point where the risk of a fire starting and spreading becomes clear. This year, the Southwest Oregon district was the first to declare on June 1, and the North Cascade District was the last to declare on July 1.
For more information on how you can help prevent wildfires, visit keeporegongreen.org.
OEM Encourages Oregonians to Celebrate the July 4 Holiday in a Fire-safe Way!
The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, filled with fireworks, barbecues, and outdoor fun. But with all the excitement, it’s important to prioritize fire safety to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone. Eighty-five percent of wildfires are started by humans—many times with fireworks and campfires. Whether you are celebrating at home or traveling out of the area, know the latest road conditions, check if you are visiting an area near a wildfire, make sure you are signed up for Oregon emergency alerts, activate Federal Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone, understand the evacuation levels, and make sure you have an emergency kit in your car—stay safe and don’t be the spark this holiday.
Fireworks—Keep it Legal. Keep it Safe.
Fireworks are a staple of Independence Day, but they can also be dangerous. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display organized by professionals. There are plenty of places you can see coastal displays, Portland area displays, the southern Willamette Valley, as well as other parts of Oregon. If you choose to use consumer fireworks, follow these precautions – including:
- Always check local regulations before lighting fireworks in your area.
- Never give fireworks to small children and keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of emergencies.
- Light fireworks one at a time and never attempt to relight a dud.
- Maintain a safe distance from fireworks and never point them at people, animals, or structures.
- Remember, all fireworks are banned on public lands. This includes state and federal parks.
Campfire and Outdoor Fire Safety—Don’t be the Spark.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department maintains a state parks campfire/flame restrictions in page, the Oregon Department of Forestry maintains one for state lands, and the Bureau of Land management maintains a list for federal land. If your celebration includes a campfire or fire pit, follow these guidelines:
- Check if fires are allowed where you are camping.
- Keep flames small—about knee height—to prevent embers from drifting into trees or dry areas. If the wind picks up embers, put the fire out.
- Use designated fire rings—they’re placed in safe areas with buffers of at least 25 feet away from tents and vegetation. Use outdoor fireplaces and fire pits only in well-ventilated areas.
- Always have water nearby to fully extinguish the fire—douse, stir the embers, and ensure everything is wet.
- Beach fires belong on open sand—keep them away from driftwood and plants. Pour water slowly to avoid spraying hot sand. Never use sand to smother the fire—it traps heat and can cause burns later.
- Propane fire rings require the same precautions as wood fires—rules may vary by location.
- Never leave a fire unattended—many accidents happen when campers step away for just a minute. Ensure everyone, including kids, understands fire safety.
Grilling Safety
Backyard barbecues are a great way to celebrate, but they also pose fire hazards. Keep these tips in mind:
- Place your grill away from overhanging branches, siding, or deck railings.
- Never grill indoors and always supervise the grill while in use.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.
- Use long-handled tools designed for grilling to prevent burns.
Additional Fire Risks
- Discarded cigarettes – a single lit cigarette tossed carelessly can spark a wildfire.
- Equipment malfunctions – sparks from machinery, vehicles, or electrical failures can ignite dry vegetation.
- Dragging metal – loose chains or parts dragging on the road can create sparks.
- Exhaust system failures – Worn-out catalytic converters and exhaust components can emit hot carbon particles.
- Brake pad wear – thin brake pads can cause metal-on-metal contact, generating fire-causing sparks.
- Low tire pressure – driving on exposed rims due to low tire pressure can throw sparks.
- Parking on dry grass – hot exhaust parts can ignite dry vegetation on contact.
- Electrical system failures – faulty wiring or damaged electrical components can lead to vehicle fires.
- Fuel system leaks – gasoline leaks can ignite from heat or sparks.
By following the above fire safety tips and being aware of all the ways fires can spark, you can enjoy a fun and safe Fourth of July celebration.
For more fire safety tips, visit FEMA or the U.S. Fire Administration.
The Legal Sale of Retail Fireworks in Oregon – June 23rd to July 6th
- Legal fireworks in the State of Oregon include but are not limited to novelty devices, wheels, flitter sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, and ground spinners.
- The legal sale of retail fireworks in Oregon is from June 23rd to July 6th.
- There is no regulation pertaining to when consumer legal fireworks may be used. Please be courteous to your neighbors and friends.
- There are restrictions as to where fireworks can be used, such as beaches and federal lands. Always check with the local jurisdictions. See the fireworks education page.
- Illegal fireworks include but are not limited to sky lanterns, missiles, rockets, firecrackers, cherry bombs, M-80s, Roman candles, and bottle rockets.
- Should you wish to report the firing of illegal pyrotechnic devices, please contact your local law enforcement via their non-emergency number.
- If you would like to request information about issued permits on a specific location, please submit a Public Records Request.
- For assistance in disposing of your leftover or unwanted fireworks, call your local law enforcement via their non-emergency number or the Oregon State Police non-emergency number at 1-800-452-7888.
Local jurisdictions may further regulate the sale and use of fireworks in their areas. Always check with your local jurisdiction for the legal use of fireworks in your area.
Ways for people to protect their EBT card
Imagine suddenly losing $250 of your monthly budget. What would you have to give up—meals, medication, peace of mind?
For more than 1,500 families in Oregon, this wasn’t a thought exercise. It happened to them in 2024 when they reported their food or cash benefits were stolen, likely through organized fraud.
This theft of food and cash benefits—Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)—are a growing and serious problem nationwide and here in Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is working hard to fight this theft. The agency urges everyone who uses SNAP or TANF to protect their EBT card and benefits. Easy ways to protect your EBT card include:
- Freeze the card between uses
- Block out-of-state and online purchases
- Check EBT account regularly
More information is available on the Protect Your EBT Card and Benefits webpage. There is a brochure, flyer and wallet card available in many languages. There are also short videos about using an EBT card, how to replace an EBT card and all the ways to protect your EBT benefits. These are posted in the How-to Videos section of benefits.oregon.gov.
How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits:
- In your language: Help in Your Language.
- By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075. Some self-service features are available 24/7, such as checking your benefit status or ordering a new EBT card. All relay calls are accepted.
- Online at: benefits.oregon.gov.
- Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores.
- In person at an office near you: Find an office.
- By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309.
- By fax at: 503-378-5628.
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find food resources.
- 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 adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, 211info.org
About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
Yachats Lions July Celebratory Events – 4th of July Pancake Breakfast & 75 Years of Service Summer BBQ
YACHATS, OR, July 4th – The Yachats Lions Club are pleased to invite the community to two July celebratory and fundraising events:
1. The Yachats Lions will host their 4th of July Pancake Breakfast on Friday, July 4th from 7:30am – 11:00am at Yachats Lions Hall at 344 4th Street, Yachats OR 97498. There’s a $10 suggested donation to welcome folks for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast (pancakes, sausages, ham, scrambled eggs, milk, OJ & coffee)! No one will be turned away from a hot meal. Please see attached flyer.
All funds raised go to support our Scholarships at Waldport High School and are also open to all home-school students within the High School’s footprint. We offer two $2500 scholarships a year, one for four-year programs and one for two-year programs.
2. The Yachats Lions are turning 75 Years old on July 20th, and we want to celebrate with our community. We will be providing Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Soda, and a selection of Cupcakes. Of course, there will be all the fixings so each person can customize their meal. The 75th Anniversary Lunch will be on Saturday, July 19th, from 1100A – 200P at the Yachats Lions Hall.
We hope to enjoy our meal both outside in our parking lot and inside the hall. Inside the hall we plan on displaying scrapbooks, pictures, and other memorabilia from our 75 years of service. We will also have commemorative items for sale, which will include clothing, stickers and pins.
Proceeds from Yachats Lions Club’s annual fundraisers and their Yachats Lions Thrift Store makes giving back to their local community possible. They support Lions community service projects, which include scholarships to graduating seniors, food pantries, school programs, Yachats Youth & Family Services, South Lincoln Resources, Yachats Fire Department, and eyeglasses & exams for children & adults. With the motto “WE SERVE,” Yachats Lions Club is celebrating 74 years of service to Yachats and South Lincoln County.
Together, the Lions Clubs of Oregon, the statewide nonprofit OLSHF, and partners offer access to people for critical sight-saving surgeries and treatments, secure new eyeglasses, help people who can’t afford eyeglasses and hearing aids, and manage the largest vision screening program in the US.
To learn more about the Yachats Lions Club and their work in the local community, you can visit yachatslionsclub.org.
Oregon’s minimum wage increased by 35 cents per hour – The state adjusts the minimum wage annually on July 1.
This year’s increase is set at 2.4% — the lowest since 2015. In 2015, the Oregon Legislature sanctioned seven consecutive annual increases in the minimum wage and mandated additional increases linked to the cost of living, starting in 2023.
With inflation subsiding last year, the rise in minimum wage is also reduced. Oregon is distinctive as it has three different minimum wage levels: a highest tier for the Portland area, a ‘standard’ tier for other urban and semi-urban counties (which will be $15.05 per hour), and a lower tier (which will be $14.05) for rural regions of the state.
All three tiers rank among the highest in the country and significantly exceed the federal minimum wage, which has remained at $7.25 per hour since 2009.
Webinar series to honor 35 years of disability civil rights kicks off July 8
— The public is invited to a series of free webinars featuring conversations with disabilities advocates, experts and influencers who will share the latest information on educational and employment access, challenging perceptions about disabilities, as well as how to remove barriers.
Topics by date are:
- July 8: Striving for educational access and equity for students with disabilities
- July 15: Working toward equal access employment for people with disabilities
- July 22: Hannah and Shane Burcaw, who host YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs on changing perceptions about disabilities
- July 29: Oregon’s journey to accessibility: removing barriers
The free weekly webinar series is being hosted by Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC), Oregon Department of Human Services, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon in recognition and celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“The Americans with Disabilities Act was a landmark victory in the fight for civil rights, laying the foundation for greater equity and independence. The anniversary of the Act is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible Oregon for people with disabilities,” said Mark King, Chair of ODC. “We are grateful to our co-hosts for their partnership in presenting the upcoming webinar series. Their collaboration helps ensure we continue to educate, engage and advocate in ways that honor the spirit and impact of the ADA.”
The series will take place every Tuesday throughout July, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time, beginning July 8. The sessions are open to the public, and registration is now available through the event web page on Zoom.
The series will be accessible to people with disabilities and will be translated into Spanish. Captioning and American Sign Language interpretation will also be provided. For questions about accessibility for the webinar series, or to request an accommodation, contact egonDisabilities.Commission@odhsoha.oregon.gov“>OregonDisabilities.Commission@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
More information about the series, including presenter biographies and shareable flyers, will be shared on the Oregon Department of Human Services ADA event web page.
About the Oregon Disabilities Commission: The Oregon Disabilities Commission is charged by state statute to advise the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving the full economic, social, legal and political equity of individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations serving individuals with disabilities.
The 2025 Hidden Bottle Hunt, Hosted by OBRC and BottleDrop, Returns for its Fifth Year! From June 26-29, daily clues will lead treasure hunters to six commemorative bottles hidden throughout the state in celebration of Oregon’s iconic Bottle Bill
The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, who operates the BottleDrop network, is excited to announce its 2025 Hidden Bottle Hunt, scheduled to take place June 26-29. This annual summer event, now in its fifth year, invites families and communities to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate Oregon’s history of environmental stewardship, all while supporting local charities. Clues for the statewide hunt will be posted daily on BottleDrop’s website, guiding treasure hunters to the final hiding spots.
This year’s commemorative bottle design honors the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary in Lake County. Thanks to the work of DarkSky Oregon, whose mission is to preserve Oregon’s magnificent dark skies and to diminish light pollution for the health, safety and well-being of all life, this majestic southern Oregon sanctuary offers one of the most breathtaking night sky viewing experiences in the country.
“The Hidden Bottle Hunt has always been about discovery and wonder, and this year, we’re taking that spirit to new heights,” said Devon Morales, vice president of external affairs for OBRC. “The 2025 hunt invites participants to explore Oregon trails and parks under skies as timeless and awe-inspiring as the stars themselves. It’s a celebration of Oregon’s Bottle Bill, adventure and the magic that happens when curiosity meets the great outdoors.”
“This year’s Hidden Bottle Hunt is an opportunity for Oregonians to celebrate the outdoors and learn how to light wisely at night,” said Bill Kowalik, chairperson of DarkSky Oregon. “Good luck to all participants! Starry nights for all!”
The 2025 Hidden Bottle Hunt will be comprised of six separate, simultaneous hunts, geographically dispersed in parks, trails or land open to the public across Oregon. OBRC will release clues each day of the hunt, leading treasure hunters to the hidden bottles. The lucky winners will get to keep the commemorative bottle and select a BottleDrop Give nonprofit partner to receive a $1,000 donation through BottleDrop’s Containers for Change program. Thousands of nonprofits across Oregon raise funds for their organizations through the BottleDrop Give program each year.
July marks the 54th anniversary of the Oregon Bottle Bill, which Governor Tom McCall signed into law on July 2, 1971. It established the nation’s first beverage container redemption system and has helped keep Oregon clean and litter-free for more than five decades. Oregon’s Bottle Bill is also the most successful in the nation. In 2024, Oregon’s preliminary redemption rate was 90.4%, with Oregonians returning more than 2 billion containers for Grade-A domestic recycling.
Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative | 17300 SE 120th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015 | bottledrop.com | obrc.com
Participants can learn more about the hunt and sign up for daily clue reminders by visiting
http://bottledrop.com/hunt
About the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative — The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative is the industry steward of Oregon’s nationally recognized beverage container redemption system and the operator of the BottleDrop network. On behalf of the beverage industry, OBRC helps Oregonians conveniently redeem and recycle more than 2 billion containers every year, dramatically reducing litter in Oregon’s special places and boosting the
state’s recycling outcomes. To learn more, visit BottleDrop.com or OBRC.com.
New e-bike rules begin July 1 at Oregon State Parks and the ocean shore
Electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) are now allowed on trails where other bicycles are allowed unless specifically prohibited at Oregon State Parks.
E-bikes are also allowed on the ocean shore on wet sand except where specifically restricted.
Previously, e-bikes were only allowed on trails that were at least 8 feet wide. Signs will be posted on trails and areas where e-bikes are not allowed, and the trails and areas will be listed on the Oregon State Parks website.
Where e-bikes are not allowed:
- On the dry sand along the ocean shore, including soft sand, dunes and everything above the natural high-tide line
- On the wet sand below the natural high-tide line in snowy plover habitat on the ocean shore during nesting season (March 15 to Sept. 15).
- Elijah Bristow State Park (all trails)
- Willamette Mission State Park (all equestrian trails and the Vision Trail)
- Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site (Riverside Trail)
- Emigrant Springs State Natural Area (Lewis and Clark Trail)
The updated rules also include stronger and clearer language on safety, particularly operation around other visitors, pets, children and equestrians.
“We ask that all riders ride responsibly, stay on designated trails and yield to others at Oregon State Parks and the ocean shore. Please keep operating speeds low as people might not be aware that riders are approaching. These are multi-use pathways where they will share the trail with many other users,” said Aaron Raines, park manager at Stub Stewart State Park.
The rules apply to Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes as defined by the Oregon State Legislature. Anything not included in those e-bike classifications is considered a motor vehicle and is not allowed on trails.
E-bike classification:
- Class 1: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph.
- Class 2: May be propelled by its motor without a rider pedaling and ceases to provide assistance once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.
- Class 3: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph, and is equipped with a speedometer.
While education remains the primary focus for rule enforcement at Oregon State Parks, enforcement rangers do have the authority to issue citations, which carry fines starting at $100 for significant or repeated violations of park rules.
Safety tips for sharing the path:
- Yield to pedestrians, horses and slower users
- Announce yourself when passing (“On your left”)
- Ride at a safe, controlled speed, especially on corners or in high-use areas
- Slow down near pets, children and equestrians
- Stay on designated trails: do not ride off-trail
- Be prepared to stop: e-bikes are heavier and often faster than regular bikes so increase your following distance to allow for more time to stop and slow down.
For more information and a list of trails where e-bikes are prohibited, visit Oregon State Parks website at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.page&id=131
As Oregonians confront swiftly rising utility costs, state legislators are advocating for new laws to protect consumers.
The FAIR Energy Act (HB 3179), which has successfully passed the House and is now in the Senate, seeks to reform the method by which utility rates are determined, ensuring enhanced accountability and preventing power disconnections during essential winter months.
Rep. Pam Marsh (D-Southern Jackson County) stated that the primary goal of the FAIR Act is to assess the effects of soaring energy prices on consumers. She detailed significant protections, noting, “One of the provisions of the bill is that utilities are prohibited from disconnecting power during winter months, and they are also barred from implementing rate increases during that time.”
Marsh further discussed the challenges many Oregonians encounter, saying, “I believe you are witnessing genuine calculations for individuals regarding whether to pay a utility bill or to allocate funds for groceries.” The legislation will mandate that utilities requesting rate hikes provide an economic analysis of the impact on their customer base, recognizing the direct repercussions of escalating costs driven by factors such as wildfire management, inflation, and heightened demand due to warmer summers.
This legislation signifies a wider initiative to alleviate the financial strain on residents, with Marsh clarifying that “this bill elevates the community and the ratepayers to a higher threshold than we have experienced in the past, ensuring that our needs and the implications of what the utility proposes will truly be taken into account.
SOLVE Launches Summer with SOLVE Campaign to Take Action and Preserve Outdoor Spaces
– Summer is here, and with it comes more opportunities to enjoy the PNW’s beaches, parks, and rivers. However, the increased outdoor activity also leads to more litter and strain on the environment. To combat this, SOLVE is launching its Summer with SOLVE campaign, designed to take action, connect communities, and celebrate the beauty of our region through environmental action.
“Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s also a time to ensure these spaces remain clean and sustainable for future generations,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “Together, we can create cleaner, more inviting spaces that reflect our pride in our region and our commitment to caring for the environment. By working together, we can make a significant impact and inspire others to join in the effort to protect our natural spaces that we love to enjoy, especially during summer.”
SOLVE kicked off summer with Pick It Up, Portland!, a citywide celebration on World Environment Day, June 5. The event focused on four different locations across Portland: Market Street Downtown, Holladay Park, Sellwood Riverfront Park, and Eastbank Esplanade. This was the first of many volunteer opportunities offered by SOLVE this summer, with more projects planned throughout the season, including the ongoing Waterway Cleanup Series, protecting the health of local rivers, streams and creeks.
What You’ll See This Summer
As outdoor recreation increases, SOLVE volunteers will:
- Remove litter from parks, neighborhoods, beaches, and riverbanks
- Maintain recreation sites and public green spaces
- Mulch around native trees and shrubs
- Remove invasive plant species that thrive in summer months like Japanese knotweed, Himalayan blackberry, and Scotch broom
Key Summer Events:
- Afterglow: Post-4th Cleanups (July 5-6): Volunteers will tackle the debris left behind from holiday celebrations to help restore outdoor spaces and shorelines.
- Willamette River Cleanup (August 9): A focused cleanup of the Willamette River, combating litter both on the water and along the riverbanks.
- Waterway Cleanup Series (ongoing through September): A series of cleanup efforts dedicated to preserving Oregon’s rivers and streams during the peak outdoor season.
- Monthly Detrash Portland Events: Community cleanups in Portland’s business districts, focusing on revitalizing key areas in the city.
Looking ahead, SOLVE is also preparing for its annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 20-28, part of the global International Coastal Cleanup, World Rivers Day and National Public Lands Day initiatives.
Join Summer with SOLVE
This summer, SOLVE invites you to take part in protecting and preserving the natural spaces that make our region special. Whether you’re volunteering at a cleanup event, leading your own group, or taking on a DIY project, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.
Try the Trash Bag Challenge—pick up a bag of litter, then challenge friends or coworkers to do the same. Pass the bag, spread the impact, and inspire others to take action.
Every effort counts. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods, parks, and waterways clean and beautiful for generations to come.
For more information about Summer with SOLVE and how to get involved, visit solveoregon.org/seasons or follow us on social media.
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.
PUC Approves Customer Protections to Avoid Disconnection of Utility Service When Extreme Heat Warning in Effect
– The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved temporary rules to protect residential customers—especially vulnerable households—from disconnection of electric utility services during extreme high temperatures.
Under the new rules, which will remain in effect through October 24, 2025, all regulated investor-owned utilities including Portland General Electric, PacifiCorp, and Idaho Power, are required to:
- Not disconnect service during peak heat – Utilities are prohibited from disconnecting electric service for 48-hours following a qualifying heat event, such as a heat advisory from the National Weather Service, ensuring households can safely cope with and recover from extreme temperatures.
- Reconnect service required during heat event – Customers whose utility services were disconnected up to 7 days before a heat event can request to be reconnected without delay once the heat event begins to help prevent risk to health and safety of residents.
- Waive reconnection fees – Although previous rules approved by the Commission waive select reconnection fees for any low-income customer, these temporary rules expand to waive all reconnection fees for medical certificate account holders or discount program participants earning less than 10 percent of state median income.
- Improve outreach and communication – The new rules require utilities to improve customer notifications to help ensure eligible customers are informed of their rights and can quickly access reconnection when needed.
“The Commission approved these rules to help ensure customers of the utilities we regulate will not lose power during dangerous heat events,” said Letha Tawney, PUC Chair. “These are critical steps to protect our most vulnerable neighbors and are timely as Oregon is already experiencing the first heat events of the summer.”
# # # The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.
Victims of child sexual abuse or sexual assault will have an unlimited timeframe to file lawsuits against their abusers, as well as against institutions that facilitated the abuse, according to a bill that received overwhelming and often emotional support in the Oregon House on Thursday.
House Bill 3582 aims to align Oregon with a growing number of states that are either expanding or abolishing statutes of limitations for civil actions related to sexual assault or child sexual abuse. Currently, under existing law, individuals who experienced sexual abuse during childhood must file claims by the age of 40, or within five years of when they establish a link between the abuse and the harms they have endured, whichever period is longer.
Adult victims of sexual assault have a five-year window from the time they recognize a connection between the assault and the harms they have faced.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking a volunteer to serve a three-year term as the Equestrian Representative on the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants Advisory Committee starting in 2026.
The ten-member committee evaluates grant proposals for statewide trail projects. The committee meets once or twice a year, virtually or at locations throughout the state.
The time commitment varies and includes reviewing and evaluating 25 to 40 grant applications per year. Committee members serve three-year terms and are eligible to serve a second term.
Ideal candidates representing the interest of equestrian trail users can live anywhere in Oregon with experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Land management
- Recreation planning
- Trail planning or design
- Recreation related volunteerism, or
- A trail enthusiast who is uniquely qualified to evaluate statewide project proposals through other experience and involvement.
Strong candidates may also demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreational trail needs, other broad recreational issues and the importance of providing equitable, inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities.
Those interested in serving must submit an RTP advisory committee interest form by June 30, 2025. The form is available online and includes more detailed information about serving on the committee: https://form.jotform.com/232364818278162
The competitive grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and administered by OPRD. Grants are awarded to non-profits and government entities for motorized and non-motorized trail projects, including building new trails, improving existing trails and developing or improving trail facilities.
For more information about the advisory committee or application process, contact Jodi Bellefeuille, program coordinator, at Jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-856-6316.
Kyron Horman disappearance investigation continues 15 years later as police digitize case files
Law enforcement is scanning and documenting thousands of pages of reports, photos and evidence to be digitized, 15 years after Kyron’s disappearance.
As the 15th anniversary of Kyron Horman’s disappearance approaches, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) says its investigation into his disappearance remains ongoing, announcing that case files will be digitized.
The MCSO and Gresham Police detectives are scanning and documenting thousands of pages of reports, photos and evidence to be digitized. When the case is digitized, the file will be reexamined by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, laying out the foundation “for a fresh and comprehensive review of the entire investigation,” according to MCSO.
MCSO detectives in the coming months will meet with Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez and his team to further evaluate.
Kyron was last seen on the morning of June 4, 2010, at a science fair at Skyline Elementary School in Portland.
A $50,000 reward remains available for information leading to the resolution of Kyron’s disappearance. Anyone with information is asked to call MCSO’s tipline at 503-988-0560, email tips@mcso.us or reach out to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) via 1-800-THE-LOST or online at the NCMEC CyberTipLine. (SOURCE)
Summer EBT for school-aged children returns for second year
Need to know:
- Oregon Summer EBT is a federal benefits program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer.
- Oregon expects to provide up to 370,000 school-aged children with around $40 million in Summer EBT food benefits this year.
- Each eligible child receives a one-time payment of $120 in food benefits.
- About 341,500 eligible children received Summer EBT automatically on May 22, 2025 but some families need to apply.
(Salem, OR) – Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) is a food benefits program that helps shrink the hunger gap when children are on summer break and don’t have easy access to healthy meals at school. Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible child to buy food.
This is the second year of Oregon’s Summer EBT program. On May 22, 2025, about 336,000 children got the benefit on an Oregon EBT card. Families should check their EBT card balance at www.ebtedge.com to confirm receipt.
Families who didn’t automatically get Summer EBT on May 22, 2025 should check program requirements before applying. Families can check requirements at sebt.oregon.gov or by contacting the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328. The Call Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., PDT. Apply online in English and Spanish or with a paper application in multiple languages at sebt.oregon.gov.
“When school doors close for the summer, the need for regular, healthy meals doesn’t disappear. Last year, the summer EBT program bridged a critical gap for thousands of Oregon families, helping to replace those essential 10 meals per child, per week, that they receive when school is in session,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). “We are proud to continue this partnership with ODHS to not only feed children, but to nurture their potential during crucial developmental months. Our continued commitment ensures that summer can be a season of growth and opportunity for all children, regardless of their economic circumstances.”
In 2024, about 362,000 children participated and received $43 million in Summer EBT food benefits their families spent in their local grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places.
“Summer EBT is one more way we can prevent kids from going hungry when school is out. Summer EBT is an evidence-based program proven to reduce child hunger and support healthier diets,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director. “Child hunger can have lasting impacts on health and academic achievement. Getting every eligible child connected to Summer EBT will help Oregon’s children thrive year-round and as they grow up.”
Who is eligible for Summer EBT food benefits? Families can find details about Summer EBT at sebt.oregon.gov.
Your school-age child may be automatically eligible if:
- Your family received Summer EBT benefits through an approved application in 2024.
- Your family gets SNAP, TANF or Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) and meets income rules.
- Your child gets free or reduced-price school meals and meets income rules.
- Your child is in foster care, in migrant education, in a qualified Head Start, experiencing homelessness, or part of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
Children who are automatically eligible received Summer EBT on May 22, 2025.
Your school-age child may be eligible by application if:
- Your family meets the federal income requirements for free or reduced-price meals at school, and
- Your child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).
Families must apply by Sept. 3, 2025.
Receiving Summer EBT does not impact participation in other summer meal programs.
Summer EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test and are available to children regardless of immigration status.
How will families receive Summer EBT food benefits?
The benefits will be placed on an Oregon EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and more.
Families that need a new card should call 855-328-6715, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT).
Families that think their children may be eligible and didn’t get benefits on May 22 must apply by September 3. If approved, they will receive an Oregon EBT card by mail.
Stolen Summer EBT benefits can’t be replaced.
You can protect your Oregon EBT card and benefits from electronic theft by following a few simple tips.
Where can families get more information? To learn more, or to apply, visit sebt.oregon.gov.
Call the Oregon Summer EBT Call Center at 1-833-673-7328 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT) on weekdays. All relay calls accepted.
More about Summer EBT – Summer EBT became a permanent program for states and certain Indian Tribal Organizations through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Most states began providing Summer EBT in June 2024. Oregon’s participation was made possible through an investment from the Oregon State Legislature of $12 million. That investment will draw $83 million in federal funding to Oregon, mostly in the form of food benefits families will spend in their communities.
Additional resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Find summer meal sites: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
- 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 https://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/find-help
OHA 2025 Oregon beach monitoring season
Agency lists monitored beaches for May-September
—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is kicking off the 2025 season by announcing the coastal recreation areas it will be keeping an eye on for bacteria during summer and early fall.
The OBMP, based at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division, monitors some of the most frequently visited beaches in the state. The list includes beaches where the program has found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution.
- To see a video about Oregon’s beach monitoring effort, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82GVixgeGsM
The following beaches are being monitored this season, including name, and the city and county in which they are located:
- Seaside Beach – Seaside, Clatsop County
- Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
- Tolovana Beach State Park– Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
- Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park) – Arch Cape, Tillamook County
- Manzanita Beach – Manzanita, Tillamook County
- Rockaway Beach – Rockaway, Tillamook County
- Twin Rocks Beach – Twin Rocks, Tillamook County
- Oceanside Beach – Oceanside, Tillamook County
- Cape Kiwanda Beach – Pacific City, Tillamook County
- Neskowin Beach – Neskowin, Tillamook County
- D River Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
- Siletz Bay Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
- Beverly Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
- Agate Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
- Nye Beach – Newport, Lincoln City
- Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln City
- Seal Rock Beach – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
- Heceta Beach – Florence, Lane County
- Bastendorff Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
- Sunset Bay State Park Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
- Hubbard Creek Beach – Port Orford, Curry County
- Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, Curry County
- Mill Beach – Brookings, Curry County
- Crissey Fields State Recreation Site – Brookings, Curry County
The OBMP season runs from mid-May to mid-September. Advisories are issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within this sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in upcoming seasons.
The OBMP works with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to determine beaches that need monitoring based on several criteria. These criteria include pollution hazards present; previous monitoring data that identify water quality concerns; type and amount of beach use; and public input.
As part of an adaptive sampling plan, beaches and sampling locations are routinely re-evaluated to ensure available resources best protect public health. A copy of DEQ’s beach evaluation is available upon request.
For more information and current beach monitoring conditions please visit: www.healthoregon.org/beach, or contact OBMP at each.Health@oha.oregon.gov” rel=”noopener” style=”color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;” target=”_blank”>Beach.Health@oha.oregon.gov or 1-877-290-6767.
Oregon’s Missing Persons
Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.
https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1109674113319848
Oregon State Police are reminding parents and students of the SafeOregon hotline.
It takes reports of potential threats against students and schools. The tips can be made anonymously. They can include safety threats, fights, drugs, weapons on campus, cyberbullying and students considering self-harm or suicide. A technician reviews the reports and assigns them either to police or school administrators. Tips can be made by phone, text, email or on the website https://www.safeoregon.com
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