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
Friday – July 11, 2025
Rogue Valley Weather
Stay updated with the National Weather Service and NOAA for the latest information on evolving conditions.
ODF Southwest Oregon District – 𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀𝙎 𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀
𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀𝙎 𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙊𝙋𝙀𝙍𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝘼𝙇 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Dave Brown, an Operations Section Chief with ODF IMT 3 provides a current update on the lightning fires for Friday, July 11. VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest/videos/1927850474682478
**Air Attack Video at Neil Creek Fire: https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest/videos/1100229798678851Oregon Department of Forestry deploys incident management team to Southwest Oregon
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed Incident Management Team 3 (IMT 3) to the ODF Southwest Oregon District to assist district personnel following last night’s lightning. Over the last 24 hours the ODF Southwest Oregon District has confirmed over 72 known fires across Jackson and Josephine counties and been actively engaged across the board, straining all resources in the district. ODF IMT 3 will support the district by relieving the local resources and allowing them to focus on suppressing smaller fires and initial attack on new fires. “Our firefighters have been working around the clock to keep these fires as small as we can, but resources are becoming limited, especially with other incidents across Oregon and the country competing for the same emergency response professionals,” ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester Dan Quinones said. “Bringing in ODF IMT 3 will allow us to regain our strength locally, handing some of these fires off to firefighters who hold the same drive to take them off the map as quickly as possible. Protecting our communities and putting out fires remain our top priorities.” ODF resources continue to work with federal partners at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as well as local and county structural fire departments. This teamwork is a direct reflection of the complete and coordinated fire response system in southern Oregon. The team will in brief at 12 p.m., July 9, and take command of the complex at 6 p.m. High fire danger is currently in effect on ODF-protected land in Jackson and Josephine counties. As firefighters work to extinguish these natural fire starts, help prevent new human-caused fires from sparking by following all regulations currently in place: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/. Click or tap if you trust this link.”>https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/. For current fire information, please follow ODF Southwest Oregon’s Facebook page.
Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizing task forces to Southern Oregon
The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing two structural task forces from Benton and Lane counties to the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon through Immediate Response. The agency is surging capacity as local structural and wildland firefighters have been busy responding to wildfires on Tuesday. The request for additional aid was made by the Rogue Valley Fire Defense Board Chief. “Much of Oregon is being challenged by recent heat, Red Flag Warnings, and more lightning in the forecast,” Chief Deputy Travis Medema said. “The local fire agencies in Southern Oregon are stretched, and we are using the power of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to bring in extra help.” The Oregon State Fire Marshal is continuing to monitor the situation and adjust aid as needed. Immediate Response allows the agency to send resources without having the Emergency Conflagration Act invoked. The goal of this response tool is to surge resources to keep fires small and away from communities, preventing costly wildfires. With the forecast calling for more lightning and hot temperatures in the extended forecast, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is asking all Oregonians to do their part in preventing human-caused wildfires. Oregonians can find wildfire prevention and preparedness information and resources at https://preventwildfires.oregon.gov. About the Oregon State Fire Marshal The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.
Children’s Festival This Weekend!
Children’s Festival JULY 12-14, 2025 The Storytelling Guild proudly presents the 59th Annual Children’s Festival This innovative 3-day event will bring out the creativity of both the young and young at heart as it has for generations. Be prepared for lots of hands-on fun with over 30 arts & crafts booths including, clay, face painting, science, gold panning, leather, carpentry, storytelling, child-focused stage performances, and much, much more!
Children’s Festival will be held at the following times: Saturday, July 12, 4:30-8:30pm Sunday, July 13, 4:30-8:30pm Monday, July 14, 9:30am-1:00pm
Lawsuit Aims to Protect Oregon’s Crater Lake Newt From Extinction
The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Trump administration today for delaying critically needed Endangered Species Act protections for the Crater Lake newt. The newts live only in Oregon’s Crater Lake, and their population has crashed to as few as 13 animals in recent years because of the introduction of signal crayfish and warming lake temperatures from climate change.
“Crater Lake newts are on the brink of extinction and if the government waits any longer to protect them it’ll be really tough for these imperiled amphibians to recover,” said Chelsea Stewart-Fusek, an endangered species attorney at the Center. “These tiny newts are part of what makes Crater Lake so special to Oregonians and the hundreds of thousands of people who visit every year. They’re absolutely worth protecting.” Following a Center legal petition in 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the Crater Lake newt may qualify for protection under the Endangered Species Act. But the Service has yet to enact any protections for the species, and the Trump administration’s cuts to federal agencies will make it harder to recover imperiled wildlife and maintain Crater Lake National Park’s ecosystems. Crater Lake newts, also known as Mazama newts, are a subspecies of the more widely distributed rough-skinned newt. While the rough-skinned newt produces a potent neurotoxin to deter predators, the Crater Lake newt is adapted to being at the top of the lake’s aquatic food chain and lacks any predator defense mechanisms. (READ MORE)The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.8 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
Sheriff’s Office Releases Incident Details on Medford Police Officer-Involved Shooting
MPD Case 25-11269 — MEDFORD, Ore. – Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit (MADIU) detectives are investigating the Medford Police Department (MPD) officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday, July 4 in Hawthorne Park. As part of the MADIU investigation, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO)and Oregon State Police detectives arrived on scene shortly after the incident. JCSO has taken the lead in the investigation. It is standard protocol for an outside agency to take the lead in officer-involved shooting investigations. Approximately 8 AM on Friday, July 4, an MPD officer encountered a suspect with a felony warrant along the Bear Creek Greenway in Hawthorne Park. The suspect, Salvador Alex Sanchez, 55, a Medford area transient, was wanted for two counts of unlawful use of a weapon for an incident that occurred earlier this year. The MPD officer called for backup when Sanchez became uncooperative and armed himself with a large, fixed-bladed knife. Sanchez ignored several requests to drop the knife and advanced at an officer on scene. The officer fired their handgun, striking Sanchez. Officers quickly provided aid to Sanchez and a Mercy Flights ambulance arrived in less than five minutes. Sanchez was transported to a local hospital where he remains in custody in the intensive care unit in stable condition. On Monday, July 7, the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Sanchez for attempted first-degree assault, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, and attempted second-degree escape related to this incident. A Jackson County Grand Jury is scheduled to convene to consider those charges and to decide whether the use of deadly force against him was justified under Oregon law. The two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, pending that Grand Jury determination, which is standard protocol in Jackson County. More information will come from the District Attorney’s Office following Grand Jury. There is no further information available for release at this time.
BLM to offer up to 54 million board feet of timber in western Oregon
The Bureau of Land Management will offer several timber sales in July, totalling about 54 million board feet to be harvested from nearly 1,900 public acres across Western Oregon. Timber produced by these sales will provide critical supplies for construction and other industries, and support jobs across local economies. “More than 20% of BLM-managed lands are forest and woodland ecosystems. The BLM ensures the health and resilience of these public forest lands as well as the availability of traditional forest products, such as timber,” said BLM OR/WA State Director Barry Bushue. “Timber sales help to improve, maintain, and restore forest health, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat and to reduce wildfire risk.” The Medford District will offer the Big Dog timber sale (5.3 million board feet, 396 public acres) near Butte Falls in Jackson County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on July 24, at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford. The Northwest Oregon District in Springfield will offer two sales in Lane County, the Creat-Panther timber sale (6.3 million board feet, 219 public acres) near Veneta; and the Linebacker timber sale (six million board feet across, 191 public acres) near Marcola. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on July 24, at the Northwest Oregon District Office, 3106 Pierce Pkwy E, Springfield. The Roseburg District will offer two sales near Oakland in Douglas County, the Mean Mustard timber sale (2.2 million board feet, 132 public acres); and the Sternbreaker timber sale 6.9 million board feet, 247 public acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on July 22, at the Roseburg District Office, 777 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg. The Northwest Oregon District in Salem will offer the Mary Ellen timber sale (12.7 million board feet, 284 public acres) near Molalla in Marion County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on July 23, at the Northwest Oregon District Office, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem. The Coos Bay District will offer the Blue Elk timber sale (14.6 million board feet, 423 public acres) near Scottsburg in Coos County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on July 25, at the Coos Bay District Office, 1300 Airport Ln, North Bend. In western Oregon, the BLM manages 2.4 million acres of some of the most productive forests in the world, and is committed to supplying a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber. BLM forestry supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, conserves fish and wildlife habitat, and decreases costs of energy production. Local communities rely on jobs that come from BLM forests, and timber from public land feeds local industry. Each year, the BLM Oregon-Washington forestry program sales support approximately 2,000 local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies. Revenue from timber sold on O&C lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon 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. The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
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.
The Illinois Valley Community Development Organization (IVCanDO) has received $950,000 through Oregon Housing and Community Services’ PIER Program as part of the ReOregon disaster recovery effort.
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!Concerts in the Park –Grants Pass
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, Friday
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
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.
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
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.
U.S. Border Czar Says He Will Ramp Up ICE Enforcement in Portland Claiming Staff Safety Concerns
Multiple people were arrested on the Fourth of July outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in Portland, The Oregonian reported Monday.
White House border czar Tom Homan said a visit and increased enforcement are necessary, as he believes Portland is “out of control.” and insists that threats persist against the Portland office.
“Our support staff, clerical staff, administrative staff — they’re not trained law enforcement officers. And you would think the local Portland PD would protect them when they’re leaving work and driving to their home and being followed by these anarchists. But Portland PD doesn’t assist, and we’re going to ramp up enforcement personnel there,” Homan said.
Portland police officers are not getting involved because they are ordered not to respond, as Portland is a sanctuary city.
Homan plans to visit the Portland office within the next five or six days to show staff they’re not alone and facilitate an extra layer of security.
“The president has your back. Secretary’s got your back. I’ve got your back,” he added. “We’ll send whatever resources we need to send here to number one, do the job that the president wants you to do, and I want you to do, and give you enough resources out here to protect you and your families.”
With 22 people facing federal charges from anti-ICE protests in Portland, Homan said the U.S. Attorney’s Office is “fully engaged” and is pushing a “zero tolerance policy.”
“You can protest ICE, you have that First Amendment right. You can hate ICE. You can scream and yell at them. You cannot support them. However, you can’t cross that line,” Homan added. “You can’t cross the line of knowingly harboring, concealing an illegal alien from ICE — that’s a felony. And you certainly can’t put your hands on an ICE officer.”
“If we can prove someone impedes our law enforcement efforts, we will seek prosecution of the U.S. Attorney,” Homan responded. “Zero tolerance, I don’t care who you are. And remember the left said for four years, no one’s above the law. President Trump isn’t above the law. But guess what? Neither are they. You impede law enforcement, you impede ICE from doing their job — we will seek prosecution. Zero tolerance.” (SOURCE)
During a Portland City Council meeting, resident voiced their concerns about ICE activity and demanded city leaders rescind a permit for operation of the ICE facility.
People who testified included those who have attended anti-ICE protests on South Macadam Avenue over the past month, as well as people who live nearby or have children who attend the school next to the facility, the Cottonwood School.
Some people demanded that Portland city leaders rescind the permit for the ICE facility to operate. Others said they wanted the city government to stop federal agents from using tear gas during protests, which impacts local homes and the Cottonwood School. Another common sentiment was for the Portland City Council to uphold its sanctuary city status.
The testimony occurred during a Portland Community and Public Safety Committee Meeting in the afternoon, where a public hearing was held on the sanctuary city status. The Portland City Council agenda specified that the “committee has no role in land use or permitting processes at the City.”
Nevertheless, Portland City Councilor Sameer Kanal seemed to indicate that rescinding the permit may be possible since there are allegations that ICE violated the terms of the permit.
“There’s a broad statement about not posing a safety risk. The use of chemical munitions is a safety risk,” Kanal said. “The one that’s more specific is the, the rule against longer than 12-hour detentions or overnight detentions. There’s allegations of that has — multiple times — been broken.”
Kanal said if the allegations are found to be true, they could possibly revoke the permit. However, that can only take place after an investigation plays out.
The discussion about the sanctuary status took place in downtown Portland’s City Hall. Two miles south of there, at the ICE facility itself, there was still a steady presence of protesters.
The city has posted anti-camping signs outside the federal facility in South Portland, as it has been commonplace for a small number of protesters to camp out overnight for the past month.
During some of the protests outside the ICE facility on various nights since early June, violence has occasionally broken out, including in the form of property destruction and graffiti. Some people were arrested and accused of assaulting federal agents. It’s also been common for federal agents to use tear gas during these demonstrations.
This all comes as the Rose City has come under scrutiny in the national spotlight from some federal officials. In addition, Tom Homan, the U.S. border czar, told reporters on Monday that ICE agents would be tripling down in sanctuary cities, fueling local pushback in Portland. (SOURCE)
Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public
Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:
Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio
- Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
- Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).
Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone
- Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
- WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.
Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power
- Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
- Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
- If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.
Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance
- Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
- Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
- When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
- Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.
Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info
- Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
- Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
- Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
- Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.
If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings
If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.
- Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
- Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.
Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage
- Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
- Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.
Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps
- Know the three levels of evacuation:
- Level 1 – Be Ready
- Level 2 – Be Set
- Level 3 – GO NOW
- If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.
Be Your Own Info Network
- Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
- Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.
In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.
Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.
Reconnect When Service Returns
- Once communications are restored, check official websites:
- Oregon.gov/oem
- Your county emergency management page
- TripCheck.com for road conditions
- Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.
Prepare for Delays in Restoration
- Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
- Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.
Final Tip:
In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.
Lincoln County Fire Defense Board Deploys Task Force to Elk Fire in Klamath County
The Lincoln County Fire Defense Board has mobilized a specialized wildfire Task Force to assist in battling the Elk Fire, currently burning in Klamath County. The deployment was made at the request of the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) as part of the state’s coordinated wildfire response under the Emergency Conflagration Act.
The Task Force 26 departed Lincoln County late Wednesday afternoon, July 9, expected to arrive at staging by 9:00 PM tonight and, includes personnel and equipment from the following agencies:
• Depoe Bay Fire District
• North Lincoln Fire & Rescue
• Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue
• East Lincoln County Fire & Rescue • Siletz Valley Fire District
• Clackamas County Fire District
The Elk Fire, sparked by dry lightning earlier this week, has burned thousands of acres in southern Oregon, prompting multiple evacuation notices and drawing a significant response from state and local fire agencies. Firefighters are working around the clock to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
The Task Force includes a strike team of engines, command personnel, and support staff, with an initial deployment period of up to 14 days, subject to fire conditions and resource needs.
This mobilization is part of Oregon’s Mutual Aid System, which ensures timely support between counties and regions during large-scale incidents.
Fire Season INFO
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.
Here are some links regarding fire info for mainly Oregon.These links are very important and are updated daily.
* Northwest Coordination Centerhttps://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/fire_info.php…
* Central Oregon Fire Info Bloghttps://centraloregonfire.org/
* Lane County/Oregon Fire Updates – FB Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/650665385833845
* Oregon Fires 2025 FB pagehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1481912815460351
* South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership – SCOFMPhttps://www.facebook.com/SCOFMPFIREINFO
* US Forest Service – Deschuteshttps://www.facebook.com/deschutesnationalforest
* Rouge Weather – THE DAILY WILDLAND FIRE BRIEFINGhttps://www.facebook.com/RogueWeatherNow…
* Wildfire Trackerhttps://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map
* Watch Duty websitehttps://www.watchduty.org/
* Watch Duty FB Page –https://www.facebook.com/watchdutyapp
* Pacific Aerial Firefighting Aircrafthttps://www.facebook.com/groups/344050713692737/
“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.
The Imagination Library of Oregon Introduces a Bilingual English/Spanish Book Option!
Families enrolling children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Oregon can now choose between the Standard English Book Collection and the new Bilingual English/Spanish Book Collection. They can also select their preferred language for communication during the enrollment process.
In June, families already enrolled in the Imagination Library received an email announcing the new Bilingual English/Spanish book collection option, along with instructions on how to make the switch. Books from the new collection are expected to begin arriving in mailboxes in August.
“Regardless of the language a child knows, the joy of reading should be available for every young learner,” Governor Kotek said. “The expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library with a bilingual book collection throws the door open to that opportunity much wider. This will help improve our literacy outcomes and make sure every Oregon student, regardless of where they live or where they come from, has the opportunity to develop a love of reading before they ever step into a classroom.”
The introduction of the Bilingual Collection has been eagerly anticipated since the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library launched in May of 2024. Thanks to funding from the State of Oregon, through the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), and 57 community organizations around the state, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is free for all families with children from birth to age five and available in all counties in Oregon.
“Literacy is not confined to a single language—it is nurtured through the languages children speak at home, the stories they hear, and the books they read with their families,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, DELC Director. “By offering culturally responsive and bilingual books, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program honors the richness of every child’s linguistic and cultural identity. The addition of a Spanish language book option means more families will have access to stories in the language that connects generations. I’m thrilled knowing that for those who choose this option, bilingual books will soon arrive in their mailbox—opening doors to literacy, learning, and a lifelong love of reading.”
Introducing books to children at an early age not only sets the stage to foster a love of reading, it also prepares them to be successful in school and life. The new bilingual collection will enable the Imagination Library to connect with more children and families across the state, significantly broadening the positive literacy impacts for young Oregonians by helping more children build personal libraries than ever before.
“Every child should grow up with stories that reflect their language, culture, and identity. Multilingual kids have a superpower that we should nurture and celebrate,” emphasized Representative Ben Bowman, Chief Sponsor of the legislation that made the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library in Oregon a reality. “This new bilingual collection shows our state’s commitment to making sure every child has the tools to learn, grow, and thrive.”
The Bilingual Collection was first piloted in California in 2023 and rolled-out to five more states in 2024. Oregon is excited to be among the 16 states added in 2025. States that now have access to the Bilingual Collection include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia. For a full list of the 2025 bilingual book collection visit imaginationlibrary.com/usa/book-list.
The Imagination Library of Oregon is free to families. Children can be registered as early as birth to receive new, high-quality, age-appropriate books addressed to them in the mail each month until their fifth birthday. To learn more or to enroll your child, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/oregon. For the latest Oregon specific content, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library -Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 280 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community and State Partners. The Imagination Library mails more than 3 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five – at no cost to families. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More, Be More.
The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.
As temperatures rise, Oregon OSHA reminds employers to safeguard workers against the dangers of heat illness
As temperatures rise and the risk of heat illness in the workplace increases, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) reminds employers to follow requirements designed to help protect workers from the hazards of extreme heat. The division offers free resources to help employers comply with requirements.
Under Oregon’s heat illness prevention rule, employers must implement protective measures, including adequate water, rest, shade, acclimatization (gradual adaptation to working in the heat), communication and training, and emergency plans. The rule applies to workplaces whenever an employee is working and the heat index equals or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. More provisions apply when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Employers need to take the dangers of high heat seriously by planning ahead, engaging their employees about the hazards, and following the heat rule’s provisions,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA.
The heat illness prevention requirements apply across industries and where employers provide housing as a condition of employment. Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace and the right to raise concerns free of retaliation. Under the law, employers must maintain safe and healthy working conditions.
Oregon OSHA urges employers to refresh their knowledge of the requirements:
- Key requirements for general workplaces – English/Spanish
- Key requirements for employer-provided housing – English/Spanish
All heat illness prevention resources are available on Oregon OSHA’s A-to-Z topic index page. They include a video training in English and Spanish that satisfies certain training elements of the heat rule.
Oregon OSHA also offers: Consultation services – provides free and confidential help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training. The services involve no fault, no citations, and no penalties.
- Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
- Field offices
- Online
- Email: consult.web@dcbs.oregon.gov
Technical staff – helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites
- Phone (toll-free in Oregon): 800-922-2689
- Online
- Email: tech.web@dcbs.oregon.gov
The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, which includes Oregon OSHA as a division, maintains the Multicultural Communications Program that provides outreach to communities with limited English proficiency. That outreach encompasses information about on-the-job safety and health. —- The Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers provides help with understanding workplace safety and health rights, and workers’ compensation rights.
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Signs Agreement with Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed Friday, June 27, by ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels and Tribal Council Chairman Delores Pigsley, with Tribal government leaders and representatives, Tribal veterans and ODVA staff gathered to commemorate the historic partnership. The formal signing was hosted at ODVA’s headquarters in Salem.
The agreement will pave the way for the establishment of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians’ first Tribal Veterans Service Officer (TVSO), which will be jointly funded by ODVA and the Tribe to serve Siletz veterans and their families.
“Oregon’s Tribal veterans have long served with honor and distinction, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the care and recognition they have earned,” said Dr. Daniels. “By partnering with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, we are committing to a future where Siletz veterans are served in a way that honors their stories, their service, and their sovereign identity. We’re proud to walk alongside the Tribe in building something that will truly make a difference in the lives of their veterans and families.”
“I am excited for the future of our honored Tribal veterans and the opportunity this brings to them,” said Chairman Pigsley. “Not only to support them but to help advocate for them. This memorandum with the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is more than a collaboration or a partnership. It’s a commitment to honoring and empowering those who have served our nation. Their deep-rooted connection to the veteran community and unwavering dedication to their well-being make them a trusted and invaluable partner.”
This Memorandum of Understanding is ODVA’s sixth with Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes, including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and, most recently, the Coquille Indian Tribe in May.
Oregon’s statewide network of County and Tribal Veteran Service Offices are collaborative partnerships between the state and counties, or Tribal governments and deliver free local access to veteran benefits for veterans and their families.
Tribal Veteran Service Officers (TVSOs) are trained by ODVA and then accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs through a series of regular trainings facilitated by both agencies. TVSOs provide a wide variety of benefits and services to veterans and their family members, including the development and submission of claims to the federal VA for earned veteran benefits.
To learn more about veteran benefits, resources and services near you, or to schedule a session with your local Veteran Service Officer, visit the website of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs at www.oregon.gov/odva/Services/Pages/Tribal-Veteran-Services.aspx.
Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.
Oregon Country Fair Kicks Off Today
As if excitement for the Fair wasn’t already sky-high — here is a clip that will send you straight to the moon! 
Tickets! 
https://www.oregoncountryfair.org/tickets/ —- https://www.facebook.com/100064603245756/videos/4059819697597003
Describing it as a “disaster of a year”, farmers in Oregon report that the cherry crop is underperforming this season.
Two years prior, Oregon cherry growers were optimistic that an above-average yield and innovative marketing strategies would put an end to a series of detrimental seasons primarily caused by snow and heat that severely impacted the delicate crop. However, the cherry market collapsed that year, resulting in significant losses for Oregon cherry farmers, who subsequently received federal assistance.
This year may present similar difficulties for those cultivating Oregon’s fourth most valuable fruit, following wine grapes, blueberries, and pears. Numerous cherry farmers commenced the summer harvest last month facing a labor shortage, as farmworkers postponed their travel to Oregon due to concerns over immigration enforcement. For instance, Chandler mentioned that he had only half of his usual workforce of 120 in June. Nevertheless, even those who began with a full staff encountered tough market conditions, with cherries yielding minimal profit, if any.
Farmers are concerned that this season could have enduring effects on the viability of Oregon’s sweet cherry industry.
Oregon leaders, anti-hunger advocates warn of ‘deeply alarming’ SNAP cuts in GOP megabill
State agency in charge of food benefit payments still currently assessing any potential changes
Oregon will see rising rates of hunger and costly administrative backlogs due to the recently passed GOP megabill that cuts federal food aid to states, according to Oregon leaders and advocates aiming to blunt the fallout of what one Oregon Congresswoman called the “single largest rollback of food aid in American history.”
The GOP tax and spending bill, which Trump signed into law on Friday, slashes over $186 billion in spending over the next decade on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP. The federal SNAP program helps more than 700,000 Oregonians afford groceries, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and it has been around as a permanent program since the mid-1960s when then-President Lyndon Johnson signed it into law as part of his declared “war on poverty.”
Gov. Tina Kotek on Thursday slammed the Republican bill as a tax giveaway to the richest Americans, directing state agencies to assess any policy changes necessary to ameliorate the loss of federal support for aid to low-income Oregonians. The state Department of Human Services, which helps administer the SNAP program in Oregon, estimates that the reduction in SNAP funding from the federal government will cost the agency an additional $425 million per year, which could potentially lead to layoffs and scaled back services at SNAP offices across the state.
“The federal budget shifts unsustainable costs to the state and will take food off the table of Oregonians,” department spokesman Jake Sunderland said in an emailed statement. “These cuts directly undermine the health and stability of our communities.”
The White House argues that the bill protects SNAP by combating alledged fraud and encouraging “able bodied adults” to work and earn more income, saving the program for what it says are “the truly needy.” The Republican legislation makes more than half a dozen changes to major benefits in the existing SNAP programs based on factors like immigration and work status.
“We know that SNAP benefits typically last an average family less than about three weeks out of the month. That’s why we see people who need both SNAP and our food pantries,” said Matt Newell-Ching, a lobbyist and policy manager for the Oregon Food Bank. “This is going to be a real challenge for our network to absorb.”
Oregon’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), is making updates to its food package today to improve nutrition and broaden choices for families throughout the state.
The revised WIC food package incorporates the most recent nutrition science and is in accordance with globally recognized healthy dietary patterns. This represents the third revision of WIC foods in the program’s 50-year commitment to enhancing family and child health. The previous update to the WIC foods occurred in 2009, which introduced enhancements such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
The current update builds upon that advancement by increasing access to nutritious foods for families across Oregon. There will be more fruits and vegetables, now including fresh-cut herbs. A broader selection of protein and plant-based options will be available, featuring fish choices for all children and adults; a greater variety of cheese types, including sliced, string, and shredded; new yogurt brands with lower added sugar; new plant-based milk options; and new nut and seed butters.
Expanded choices for whole-grain bread will include 100% whole wheat buns, bagels, pita, and naan, along with new gluten-free, whole-grain bread options. WIC now provides a dozen whole grains, including quinoa, teff, corn masa flour, and barley, among others.
South Beach to host annual sandcastle competition in Newport July 26
NEWPORT— South Beach State Park will host its annual sandcastle competition 10 a.m. to noon July 26 in Newport.
Anyone can compete as an individual or as a team for a chance to win first, second or third place. Prizes include baskets with an assortment of beach-themed prizes with the first-place basket stocked with four tickets to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Visitors interested in competing can sign up in person starting at 9:30 a.m. July 26 on the beach next to the South Beach day-use parking lot.
“It’s a great opportunity for visitors to share their sand sculpting skills and connect with park volunteers and rangers,” said Ranger Patrick Newhall.
Last year, 20 teams with a total of 65 competitors vied for the top spots. And as many as 190 visitors watched the sandcastles take shape. For more information, please contact South Beach State Park at (541) 867-7451 Ext. 0.
Ritz cracker sandwiches recalled over packaging error that could cause life-threatening allergic reactions to peanuts
Some Ritz cracker sandwiches are being pulled from store shelves nationwide after a labeling mix-up that could pose a serious and even life-threatening risk to people with peanut allergies.
Mondelēz Global LLC, the manufacturer behind the snack brand, has issued a voluntary recall of several varieties of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, some individually wrapped packages inside may be incorrectly labeled as the cheese variety, despite actually containing peanut butter crackers.
While the outer boxes are correctly labeled and include allergen information stating the product contains peanuts, the individual wrappers inside do not.
“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts may risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions by consuming this product,” the FDA said in its recall alert.
The affected products were sold nationwide and include specific 8-count, 20-count, and 40-count cartons of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches, along with the 20-count RITZ Filled Cracker Sandwich Variety Pack.
The recalled items have “Best When used By” dates ranging from Nov. 1-9, 2025 and Jan. 2-22, 2026. Recalled products include:
- RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches (8-count, 11.4 oz.): Best by: Nov. 1–9, 2025, Plant code: AE
- RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches (20-count, 27.6 oz.): Best by: Nov. 1–9, 2025 and Jan. 2–22, 2026, Plant code: AE
- RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches (40-count, 55.2 oz.): Best by: Nov. 1–9, 2025 and Jan. 2–22, 2026, Plant code: AM
- RITZ Filled Cracker Sandwich Variety Pack (20-count, 27.3 oz.): Best by: Nov. 2–9, 2025, Plant code: RJ
The recalled Ritz cracker sandwiches were sold at Walmart stores in all 50 states, at Target and at other national retailers.
There have been no reported illnesses or injuries, as of now, according to the recall.
The manufacturer said it had discovered “that film packaging rolls used to package individually wrapped products containing peanut butter may contain defects due to a supplier error.”
Customers with peanut allergies are advised not to eat the affected products and to throw them away. More information is available at www.mondelezinternational.com or by calling 1-844-366-1171.
Webinar series to honor 35 years of disability civil rights each week of July
— 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.
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.
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
Call us at 541-363-7503 Or email us at Info@RogueValleyMagazine.com