Rogue Valley News, Friday 8/1 – Mt. Nebo Fire and Lightning Strike Fires, Josephine County Fair In High Gear & Other Local and Statewide News Stories

Fires all across Oregon, and our brave firefighters are working tirelessly to protect our communities. We must all do our part

 Sign up for emergency alerts  Follow evacuation orders immediately  Don’t park on dry grass

 Keep 30 feet of defensible space around your home  No outdoor burning or fireworks

Nearly 80% of all fires this season have been attributed to human or undetermined causes; the rest were determined to be started by lightning. A large fire is considered any wildfire that burns more than 100 acres in timber or 300 acres of grassland and brush. As always, for the latest fire information visit the NWCC fire website.

If you see a fire call 911.  Also if you are a witness to the start of a fire and can provide information, eye-witness statements, video, photos or any other data, you can assist investigators by emailing them to etips@odf.oregon.gov“>odf.firetips@odf.oregon.gov. This information helps our investigators in creating a full picture of what happened and identify a responsible party if there is one.

Fire Season INFO to Know

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 Klamath County Fair for 2025 commences runs thru August 3rd, showcasing a diverse array of entertainment options, such as live music, carnival rides, and local vendors.

Music star Chase Rice is set to inaugurate the fair on Thursday, July 31st, followed by performances from Shane Smith & the Saints on Friday, and Buckcherry on Saturday.

Admission fees are $8 for individuals aged 13 and older, $4 for seniors and military personnel, and free for children aged 12 and under.

The fair will feature carnival rides, local vendors, food booths, exhibits, livestock, and numerous other activities. Free admission will be available on Thursday from Noon to 3 PM (sponsored by Elwood Staffing), on Friday from Noon to 3 PM (sponsored by Days Inn), and all day on Sunday (sponsored by KIX96 Better Country and Wynne Broadcasting).

The Oregon Jamboree Final Year of Music Festival Runs August 1-3

The Sweet Home Economic Development Group (SHEDG) Board of Directors confirmed that the 34th annual event, scheduled for August 1-3, will mark the end of an era for this beloved music festival in Sweet Home.

“Even with widespread community support and volunteers, the changing and increasing economic realities of running a music festival unfortunately no longer serve our mission to support rural economic development in the Willamette Valley. ” We will see you at Sweet Home in August for one final celebration and country music festival, August 1-3, 2025! MORE INFO: https://oregonjamboree.com

Governor Kotek Signs Bills to Support Public Schools, Improve Student Outcomes

Bipartisan legislation supports educators to deliver high-quality public education across the state

Thursday, Governor Tina Kotek commemorated the signing of Senate Bill 141,House Bill 2140, House Bill 3037, and House Bill 3040, all bipartisan legislation aimed at improving Oregon students’ academic outcomes. She signed the bills alongside advocates, legislators, and local leaders.

“Getting public education right is one of the biggest promises we make to Oregonians. Students and families want quality schools that work for them,” Governor Kotek said. “Since day one, improving our schools has been a top priority in my administration. This suite of bills builds on the fundamentals, making sure schools are reliably resourced and held accountable for improving student outcomes.”

Bethel School District hosted the event at Prairie Mountain K-8 School. Before the event, the Governor visited the school’s summer learning program, dropping into classes to say hello to educators and students. In April, Governor Kotek signed bills to fund summer learning programs this year and the next two summers.

During the program, the Governor spoke alongside Speaker Julie Fahey (D-West Eugene and Veneta); Kraig Sproles, Superintendent of Bethel School District; Whitney Grubbs, Executive Director of Foundations for a Better Oregon (FBO); Debbi Holte, a teacher and literacy coach for Bethel School District; Leah Emmett, a parent of an Oregon student; and a fifth grader named Stanley.

“This session, the Oregon legislature passed game-changing legislation to ensure a high-quality education for every Oregon student. The bills signed today by Gov. Kotek are key components of that work,” Speaker Fahey said. “From strengthening teacher preparation and licensing, to investing in evidence-based approaches to early literacy, to creating new tools to hold both school districts and our state education department accountable to student outcomes — these bills will help our school districts ensure that every student, in every corner of the state, gets the foundation they need to succeed.”

House Bill 2140, coupled with a historic $11.36 billion for the State School Fund (Senate Bill 5516) in 2025-27, provides better financial stability for school districts, delivering on the Governor’s promise to educators and districts. The bill codifies an updated process for calculating the State School Fund to provide more accurate and predictable funding for K-12 public education across Oregon.

“As a parent of a struggling reader, I know every year without results in the classroom is a year of lost potential that will affect my child for years to come,” Leah Emmett said. “I’m proud to have a governor that is so committed to ensuring our schools perform to their highest potential. That’s the accountability that students deserve. That teachers deserve. That families deserve. And it does right by our kids.”

Senate Bill 141 makes sure state dollars go effectively toward student success. The bill streamlines Oregon’s education accountability system and reduces bureaucratic burden to allow leaders to focus on priorities that increase student outcomes and ensure investments translate into high-quality instruction for every student across the state.

“Oregonians know a strong public education is key to a strong economy, healthy communities, a durable democracy, and a secure future,” Whitney Grubbs said. “With Senate Bill 141, we are finally building a statewide K-12 accountability plan that will guide and support all 197 school districts to improve. By setting high expectations, following the data, and investing smarter, Oregon can accelerate learning for every child in every community, no matter their identity, zip code, or life circumstances.”

House Bill 3037 also reduces administrative burden for small and rural school districts so more time can be spent directly supporting students, families, educators, and staff. It empowers the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to modify grant applications, reporting requirements, and establish funding floors across multiple programs for small districts.

“We appreciate the Governor’s adjustment to the current service level, and we also deeply believe that linking investments in education with accountability measures is how we can show our community that we are spending those dollars wisely – this is a really strong pairing,” Superintendent Kraig Sproles said. “We also appreciate the Governor’s leadership in championing early literacy. Here in Bethel, I believe the investments in early literacy have changed the life trajectory of our students.”

House Bill 3040 builds on the Governor’s 2023 Early Literacy Success Initiative to help every child in Oregon read and write with confidence and competence, strengthening and refining the program. The legislature infused the initiative with an additional $13 million in the ODE budget (Senate Bill 5515).

“One of our most joyful moments this summer was witnessing some of our most vulnerable students read their first complete sentence out loud,” Debbi Holte said. “Today we are commemorating a step toward an Oregon in which every child, no matter their zip code, learns to read. When we get early literacy right, we transform lives, families, and the social and economic prosperity of our state.”

“I’m 10 years old. I’m going into fifth grade this fall,” Stanley said. “Learning to read gives me confidence and means I can grow up to do whatever I want to. Thank you for caring about schools and working to make them better.”

Oregon is participating with 22 other states in a legal action against the federal government concerning a statute that reduces funding to Planned Parenthood.

The legal action contends that the Defund Provision infringes upon the rights of states and will result in postponed diagnoses of cancer and sexually transmitted infections, a rise in unintended pregnancies, and an escalation in healthcare expenses amounting to at least 30 million dollars over a period of five years.

New Amtrak Cascades trains arrive in 2026

A new fleet of Northwest-styled Amtrak Cascades trains will transport passengers in style between Seattle, Vancouver, BC, Portland, Eugene and other stations along the I-5 corridor when eight new trainsets and two new locomotives arrive in the Pacific Northwest in 2026.

The new trainsets feature the signature Amtrak Cascades evergreen, cream, and mocha color scheme in the state-of-the-art design which includes Cascade Range mountain graphics on each car.

The new trains will revolutionize the Amtrak Cascades experience. Made in the USA and manufactured in California by Siemens, the new trains are funded as a part of the Federal Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act. You can also view the renderings which provided a preview of how the train equipment would look.

The new Amtrak Cascades trains will be first trains out of the factory. The new trains will arrive over a period of several months, entering into service once they have been thoroughly inspected, tested and approved.

The new trains will elevate the Amtrak Cascades journey with a focus on comfort and efficiency:

Gas prices remain steady

Most states, including Oregon, are experiencing fairly stable pump prices. Crude oil prices are currently below 70 dollars per barrel, which is contributing to the avoidance of significant fluctuations in gas prices this summer.

According to Triple-A, the national average for regular gasoline has decreased by one cent to $3.14 per gallon. Meanwhile, the average price in Oregon has fallen by two cents to $3.97 a gallon.

Gildardo Rivera Garcia, 45, a Mexican citizen residing unlawfully in Salem, Oregon, has been charged through a criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, following the trafficking of over 43 pounds of illegal drugs in Oregon.

According to court documents, on July 27, 2025, as part of an investigation into drug trafficking and a fatal fentanyl overdose, investigators from the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, along with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), executed a federal search warrant at Garcia’s residence in Salem.

During this operation, investigators discovered and confiscated approximately 32 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of heroin, an automated money counter, and cash. Garcia made his initial appearance in federal court on Tuesday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, who ordered him to be detained pending further court proceedings. This case is being investigated by the FBI, HSI, DEA, and WIN, and is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

PORTLAND, Ore.— The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Scott E. Bradford has taken the oath of office—administered by U.S. Circuit Court Judge Danielle J. Forrest on Monday—to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. On July 28, 2025, United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Mr. Bradford to serve as interim U.S. Attorney.

The District of Oregon serves approximately four million people and covers more than 98,000 square miles. Our expansive region hosts a wide variety of cultural and geographic diversity and is home to nine federally recognized Tribes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon has approximately 100 employees, with the main office located in Portland, where nearly half the population of the state lives, and two branch offices in Eugene and Medford, Oregon.

“I am honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and thank Attorney General Bondi for placing her trust in me. It is a privilege to lead this great office, serving alongside such dedicated public servants. I look forward to working with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the public and defend the interests of the United States,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Bradford is an 18-year veteran of the Department of Justice, joining the Department in 2007 through the Attorney General Honors Program and the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an Assistant United States Attorney in 2009. He has held several leadership positions in the office, including Chief of the White Collar Unit, Chief of the Economic, National Security, and Cyber Crimes Unit, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. In 2022, Bradford was the Department’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia. Bradford returned the Department of Justice in 2024 in Washington, D.C., most recently serving as the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Bradford clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman.

Bradford received his bachelor’s degree from Bringham Young University and his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.

Governor Tina Kotek has announced a special legislative session scheduled for late August, following the failure of lawmakers to approve a $12 billion transportation funding package during the regular session of 2025.

Despite possessing a supermajority in both legislative chambers, Democrats could not advance the package prior to the adjournment of the session. Consequently, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has begun implementing layoffs and has suspended various infrastructure projects due to budget constraints.

Last week, Kotek presented her weak strategy of more gas taxes to stabilize ODOT’s financial situation. This proposal entails a six-cent increase in the state’s gas tax, a $42 rise in vehicle registration fees, a $139 increase in title fees, and an additional $30 charge for electric vehicles.

The proposal is already encountering opposition from Republican lawmakers, who contend that the state should utilize funds from its emergency reserve instead.

Though we’re now in August, this is a good time to give urban trees a good soaking — The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind urban homeowners that now is the perfect time to remember to water your trees.

“By the end of July, soils in Oregon are very dry. Coupled with long, hot days, this puts trees under a great deal of stress. Drought-stressed trees are vulnerable to pests, at risk from losing their leaves early, and even dying,” said ODF Community Assistance Forester Brittany Oxford.

Oxford advises that trees three years and younger need about 15 gallons of water once a week, possibly more during heat waves.

“What’s harder for many in western Oregon to grasp is that even older trees benefit from a deep watering at least a few times during the summer,” said Oxford. “That’s why the last week of July and the last week in August have been designated as Soak It Weeks, to serve as reminders for urban homeowners to deeply water their older trees at least once during those times.”

Oxford points out that rainfall in western Oregon is no longer reliable enough in spring and fall to get trees through the dry summer months in good shape. ”Higher average temperatures are especially hard on the many trees in Oregon cities that are native to places where it rains a lot in summer, such as eastern Asia or the eastern U.S.,” she said.

While some trees native to dry areas of the world might not need or even want watering in the summer, most other trees will grow faster, look better and be healthier if watered in the summer.

“Get to know what species of tree you have and adjust the watering needs according to how drought-tolerant it is, your soil type, and how exposed to sun your tree is,” says Oxford. “A tree in full sun may need more water than one growing in shade.”

She recommends that trees four to 10 years old may need anywhere from 20 to 30 gallons every other week. Trees older than that may only need a deep soaking once a month.

In all cases, water should be given close to the tree’s trunk. “Apply it slowly so it soaks down into the roots and doesn’t run off,” advised Oxford. “Drilling small holes on one side of a five-gallon bucket near the bottom can be a convenient way to water. Just refill the bucket from a hose as many times as needed.”

Watering in the morning or evenings is advised to reduce water loss from evaporation.

“Mulching around a tree also cuts down on water loss, but keep it from touching the tree’s trunk,” said Oxford.

Find more guidance on watering trees at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/fact-sheet-watering-your-trees.pdf

The Trump administration is requesting that Oregon provide personal information of individuals who are receiving food stamps

They say it is being collected to combat fraud and reduce government waste; however, anti-hunger organizations and certain elected officials argue that instances of fraud are infrequent and suggest that the government may have a more hidden agenda.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is mandating that state agencies responsible for administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as food stamps, supply sensitive personal data.

This request includes the names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of individuals who have received or applied for SNAP benefits within the past three years.

Oregon Lottery Earns Top Honors from National Council on Problem Gambling

Oregon Lottery’s efforts to educate and support responsible gaming initiatives are being recognized nationally with four top awards. Each year, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) honors individuals and organizations from around the world for their significant impact in the fields of problem gambling awareness, research, and responsible gambling.

Oregon Lottery earned awards in the following categories:

• Corporate Social Responsibility Award for Oregon Lottery’s overall program
• Corporate Public Awareness Award for Oregon Lottery’s “Safer Play” PSA campaign
• Corporate Multicultural Communications Award for Oregon Lottery’s “multicultural digital/print media marketing campaign”
• Don Feeney Award for Responsible Gambling Excellence (individual honor) – Stacy Shaw, Oregon Lottery senior manager for product marketing

“These awards reflect how deeply safer play is woven into everything we do,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “It’s more than just a requirement. It’s a shared commitment for the entire agency and is rewarding to be recognized as a national leader.”

The awards ceremony took place on Friday, July 18, in Columbus, Ohio, during the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling 2025.

“Over the past year, we have invested in our Safer Play Program to conduct research, offer marketing outreach, and provide resources that let us reach more people on their help seeking journey,” said Shaw. “Receiving these awards shows that our peers and colleagues see the impact of this important work, which we are excited to continue.”

Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery profits have funded problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts throughout Oregon. Since that time, over $148 million in Lottery funds has supported those services.

Oregonians can access online tools and connect with free, professional counseling by going to the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) website.

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery, visit www.oregonlottery.org.

The Oregon State Fair is set to commence on August 22nd. This year, there will be a total of 11 concerts. Featured artists include the All American Rejects, Wynonna Judd, Cheap Trick, and the Beach Boys.

Attendance to the concerts is complimentary with general admission to the fair; however, reserved seating and VIP Plus Suite Seats can be purchased. Tickets are available for purchase on the Oregon State Fair’s official website. The fair will take place from August 22nd until September 1st.  Buy tickets and learn more at: https://oregonstatefair.org/

Registration Now Open for 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference

Registration is now open for the 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference, the state’s largest gathering dedicated to honoring and supporting women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The biennial event, hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will bring together women veterans from across Oregon for a weekend of connection, resources and recognition.

The event is free and open to all women veterans, but registration is required. The 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference is being held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, which was the planned location of the 2020 event that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together: Community and Connection,’ reflects the heart of what this conference is all about,” said Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Women veterans have long served with distinction, strength and resilience — often in the face of tremendous challenges and barriers.

“This conference is an opportunity to honor our service, share our stories, and ensure every woman who has worn the uniform feels seen, valued and supported. We are stronger when we stand together, and united, we will continue to drive the ODVA mission forward.”

The Oregon Women Veterans Conference began nearly 30 years ago as a grassroots effort by a small group of women veterans seeking connection, support, and resources. Since the first event in 1998, the conference has grown into a unique statewide gathering that brings together women veterans from across Oregon to access benefits, build meaningful connections, and amplify their voices.

The 2025 conference will continue that legacy with inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops, fantastic networking opportunities and assistance for women veterans connecting to the full range of benefits and resources they have earned. It is a supportive space where women who have served can connect, grow, and thrive beyond their military service.

This year’s keynote speaker is Erin McMahon, director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, attorney and combat veteran. During her 24-year career in the U.S. Army, McMahon served as the principal deputy general counsel for the National Guard Bureau, advising senior leaders through a wide variety of domestic disaster responses and serving as the first female Army National Guard general officer in the Office of the General Counsel.

Registration is free and may be completed online at www.eventbrite.com/e/odva-women-veterans-conference-tickets-1407725487829. Community sponsors and donors are the primary sources of funding for this event and help ensure all women veterans can attend the conference free of charge.

Registration for the Women Veterans Conference covers the event only; attendees are expected to make their own lodging and travel arrangements. More information about the Women Veterans Conference, including local lodging, donations and sponsorship opportunities, can be found online at wvc.oregondva.com.

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 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.