Rogue Valley News, Monday 7/14 – Large Scale Rescue Operation After Night Time Rafting Incident Near Robertson Bridge, Heat Advisories, Southern Oregon Wildfire Updates & Other Local and Statewide News Stories

In June, a group of indigenous people aged between 13 and 20 set off on an epic expedition, paddling 300 miles from the headwaters of the Klamath River in southern Oregon to its mouth in the Pacific Ocean, just south of Crescent City, California.

For the last century, this journey had been impossible due to a series of hydroelectric dams that disrupted the river’s course. After a long campaign from environmentalists and native peoples living in the river basin, in fall 2024 the last dam was removed – completing what has been described as the largest dam removal in US history.

With the strong belief that native peoples should be the first to make the historic descent down the free-flowing river – since traditionally local tribes used dugout canoes to travel along it – Paddle Tribal Waters was set up by the global organization Ríos to Rivers with a plan to get native children to paddle the full stretch of river

Most of the group had never set foot in a kayak before training began in 2022. But they were quick to learn how to take on the Klamath’s challenging rapids. Overall, 30 young people are involved in the descent, with 15 of the most experienced doing the full journey over a month, while the other half joined for the second, less technical, section.

The Klamath River was once the third-largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast of the US, and native tribes depended on it as a resource. But the dams cut off the upstream pathway for migrating salmon, damaging their livelihoods.

Much of the landscape still holds scars from the dams and reservoirs, and full ecosystem restoration is expected to take many years. But a program is in place to help speed up recovery. Resource Environmental Solutions (RES), the company working on the Klamath River’s restoration, is reshaping river channels, planting billions of native seeds along the riverbanks, and placing downed trees in tributaries to provide crucial cover for fish and wildlife.

In the fall of 2024, the last of the four dams along the river was removed – completing what has been called “the world’s largest dam removal effort” by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Upriver (beyond where the Klamath River technically begins), two smaller non-hydroelectric dams remain, where the paddlers had to disembark and carry the kayaks overland; there are currently no plans to remove them despite an ongoing campaign.

By paddling down the restored Klamath, the group of native children hope to reclaim their ancestral homelands and reconnect with the river. (SOURCE)

 

As Kotek Scrambles to Save ODOT Union Jobs, Here Are Positions Being Cut and Vacated

The layoffs are slated for the end of July. ODOT would also erase vacant positions.

As Gov. Tina Kotek works the phones in an effort to stave off hundreds of layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation July 31, the lists of proposed layoffs and elimination of unfilled vacancies show that the impact of the cuts will hit all across the state, as will the closure of a dozen maintenance stations.

This story was produced by the Oregon Journalism Project, a nonprofit newsroom covering the state.

Here is the list of layoffsby ODOT region and county.

Here are the vacant positionsODOT proposes to eliminate. Government agencies often budget for positions that have gone unfilled either because they have not yet found the right candidate or because there’s no money to fill the position, or in some cases, because the agency prefers to leave the position open and use the money for different purposes.

After the Legislature failed to pass House Bill 2025, a transportation funding package, last month, Kotek, whose last-minute attempts to promote a deal fell short, warned darkly of the consequences of inaction.

“These layoffs constitute an emergency in Oregon’s transportation system that will hurt every part of Oregon,” the governor said July 7. “I have not and will not stop fighting for Oregonians who rely on us to keep our roads safe and people and products moving.”

Speaking on background, some lawmakers say the governor is working on a plan for a special session before Labor Day that would potentially be built around a six-cent gas tax hike, coupled with as-yet unspecified registration or other fee increases. The goal would be to save the ODOT jobs and provide some funding to the cities and counties who collectively get 50% of the gas tax revenue and who were left out of the final version of House Bill 2025—and opposed it for that reason.

Some Republicans proposed cuts to the ODOT budget during the session, so they have little motivation to join a special session. (And some are quietly exploring whether the terms of Measure 113, the 2022 constitutional amendment that prohibits more than 10 unexcused absences, would apply to a special session.)

Any new tax increase Kotek might propose requires a three-fifths supermajority in both chambers, which is exactly the number of Democratic members. Whether all Democrats would be willing to vote for a compromise package is unclear. (SOURCE)

 

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)

 

Oregon, Washington sue Trump admin for sharing Medicaid files with immigration enforcement

Oregon and Washington’s attorneys general are suing the federal government for sharing residents’ Medicaid records with federal immigration enforcement officials.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, alongside 13 other Democratic state attorneys general, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for sharing Medicaid patients’ files with the Department of Homeland Security, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, is housed. The Health and Human Services Department, its secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the Homeland Security Department and its secretary, Kristi Noem, are listed as defendants.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading the lawsuit, which also includes the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

The state attorneys argue that sharing personal health data violates federal administrative procedure laws and federal privacy laws. States are asking the court to block any new transfer of data, and the use of any data currently held by Homeland Security and ICE for immigration enforcement purposes.

Since Congress established Medicaid seven decades ago, “federal law, policy, and practice has been clear: the personal healthcare data collected about beneficiaries of the program is confidential,” officials from Brown’s office said in a news release.

On June 13, the state attorneys general learned through news reports that officials at the Health and Human Services Department transferred Medicaid data files to ICE officials. Those reports indicate that the federal government plans to create a database for mass deportations and other large-scale immigration enforcement purposes, Brown said in a news release.

“Washington residents expect that the confidential information they give to the government to access medical treatment will only be used for healthcare purposes,” Brown said in a news release. “Their data should not go towards creating a giant database of Americans’ personal information or used so that ICE can deport undocumented immigrants because they had to go to the doctor.”

Oregon and Washington are among seven states that offer Medicaid to eligible adults regardless of immigration status, and are among 14 states, plus Washington, D.C., that cover children regardless of immigration status. Oregon has 100,000 people enrolled in its “Healthier Oregon” program, a state-funded program which provides access to Medicaid coverage regardless of immigration status, according to the Oregon Health Authority. About 49,000 people of the nearly 2 million people in Washington who rely on the state’s Medicaid Program Apple Health have an immigration status that makes them ineligible for federal funding.

“This has a chilling impact on people who need healthcare in our country,” Rayfield said in the news release. “Parents may choose not to take their kids to the doctor because they’re afraid of what may happen. We need to protect the privacy and dignity of every person who calls Oregon home.” (SOURCE)

 

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.

PacificSource Health Plan Invitation to Free Cooking Classes

Do you want to learn how to make delicious, healthy, and economical dishes? We invite you to our FREE cooking classes. Easy to prepare Latin recipes, ideal for your family. Classes are in Spanish, with English subtitles. You can watch them live or when you have time. https://pacificsource.withhomemade.com/

K9 Nix Tracks Wounded Felon Leading to Life-Saving Medical Care

On July 11th, 2025, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance with an ongoing investigation at a crash scene along Highway 18 near milepost 11. Grand Ronde Tribal Police were on scene as the vehicle involved had been reported stolen the previous day in their jurisdiction. Oregon State Police and Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office were also involved in this investigation.

One suspect was apprehended on scene hours prior, however investigators were concerned by blood evidence found on scene and a trail of blood leading to the wood line nearby. Officers suspected a second suspect had been involved in the vehicle theft and subsequent crash, and were concerned for his wellbeing.

The Lincoln City Police Department was contacted to assist locating the injured suspect and K9 Nix was deployed. With K9 Nix’s assistance the second suspect, 48-year-old Brian Peoples of Gladstone Oregon, was apprehended nearby with serious injuries. Peoples was transported via ambulance for emergent medical care and remained in custody. After medical care was provided, Peoples was released, and will be lodged into the Tillamook County Jail.

During the investigation, evidence of multiple felony property crimes was uncovered including crimes within Lincoln City in the hours preceding the crash. This teamwork by multiple agencies highlights how law enforcement officers work across multiple jurisdictions in pursuit of justice.

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.

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.

Press Release: 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

Next Summer Events:

• 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.

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.

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.

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.