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 – October 24, 2025
Rogue Valley Weather
https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php
A pattern change will bring active weather starting on Friday and continuing through the weekend could create a number of dangerous conditions across northern California and southern Oregon. Gusty winds in coastal areas, in the Shasta Valley, and east of the Cascades could lift and carry light objects or push high profile vehicles. Moderate to heavy rainfall may lower visibilities or create urban ponding. Snowfall over the Cascades will make hazardous travel conditions. Freezing temperatures east of the Cascades will refreeze water on surfaces and could affect infrastructure, plants, and animals.
Winter is coming! Here’s the overview of our winter outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, total snow accumulations between 5 and 15 inches are expected, with wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph over exposed ridges and high terrain. Areas around Crater Lake and Diamond Lake are forecast to see the most significant snowfall.
The advisory covers key mountain corridors, where travel could become difficult and visibility may be sharply reduced due to blowing snow. The National Weather Service also cautioned that strong winds may cause tree damage and power disruptions in higher elevations.
Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing in higher elevations, with lighter snow showers lingering into Sunday night.
Drivers are urged to check road conditions via TripCheck.com or by calling 511 before traveling into mountain passes this weekend. Chains and winter tires may be required as conditions deteriorate.
Medford City Council Starts Process for Downtown Economic Improvement District
On Wednesday, the Medford City Council approved a resolution to start the process of creating an Economic Improvement District (EID) with the Downtown Medford Association (DMA). This is the first of three steps needed to form the district. The EID would allow property and business owners to jointly fund maintenance, development, and promotion of downtown Medford.
EIDs are used in over 1,000 places in North America, including Oregon cities like Bend, McMinnville, Albany, and Astoria. These districts usually pay for services such as sidewalk cleaning, graffiti removal, holiday decorations, and marketing. In Medford, the proposed EID would include 125 properties between Bear Creek and Oakdale Avenue, and between Sixth and Eighth streets. The annual budget would be $89,618.50, based on property size.
The Council’s resolution includes a Preliminary Economic Improvement Plan and allows city staff to begin the formation process. Next, the Council will review a final plan, notify property owners, and hold a public hearing. Property owners can give feedback. If more than 33% of owners submit written opposition, the district will not be created.
The City has given several Council Community Initiative Fund (CCIF) grants to the DMA to support the EID and downtown projects. These include $75,000 in November 2022, $125,000 in September 2024, and $150,000 in September 2025. The grants have supported planning and development for the district.
If approved, the EID would last for three years, with an option to renew for another three years. The City and DMA plan to finish the process by March 31, 2026. The proposed budget would spend 60% on beautification and development, 28% on advocacy, and 12% on administration and contingencies. Nonprofit organizations would pay reduced rates.
Oro Vista Village Affordable Senior Housing in Talent Opens
The newly opened Oro Vista Village is a 26-unit senior housing project developed by the nonprofit organization AGE+. It is already in high demand, with seven units filled and 12 more applications approved and awaiting showings.
Oro Vista Village: AGE+ new affordable, accessible housing for older adults opening in Talent, OR in just a few short months-
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 
We’re grateful for our well-trained crews, our EMS Squads and Fire & Life Safety teams, and for the assistance of Mercy Flights Inc on this call.Cue the costumes! 
Medford Parks and Recreation’s annual Howl-O-Ween Party returns with added flavor this year. 
Date: Friday, Oct. 24
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Location: RogueX (901 Rossanley Dr.)
Admission: $5 per person
https://www.medfordoregon.gov/…/Howl-O-Ween-Party…
It means your theater tickets can turn into classroom books.
Or your gift basket can turn into science lab equipment.
Or your gift card can turn into sewing supplies.
Or your staycation can turn into recess activities.The Ashland Schools Foundation’s 17th annual Monster Dash on Saturday, Oct. 25, in Lithia Park.
Proceeds from registration fees, sponsorships, and T-shirt sales go directly toward classroom grants for Ashland Public Schools. Teachers can apply for those grants to fund items such as supplies, books, materials, or guest speakers.
“Everything we raise through the Monster Dash goes directly toward Ashland Public School classrooms in the form of grants,” said Erica Thompson, Executive Director for the Ashland Schools Foundation. “Teachers write to us and tell us what they need, and we’re able to respond directly to those requests.”
Last year’s event saw a record turnout with about 1,300 participants, and organizers hope to break that record this year.
The event includes a 1-mile fun run/walk, a 5K, and a 10K, with cash prizes awarded to the top male, female, and non-binary finishers.
The Monster Dash also features a costume contest, free for anyone to enter, along with a variety of family-friendly activities near the start and finish lines, including obstacle courses, a pirate ship bounce house, and games hosted by local vendors. MORE INFO: https://www.facebook.com/ashlandmonsterdash
The Ashland Police Department regrets to announce the passing of retired Lieutenant Hector Meletich on October 15, 2025.
Hector served with the Ashland Police Department for 13 years, retiring in 2022. Prior to that he served the Hollywood Florida community for 16 years. Hector was a veteran as well, proudly serving 24 years with both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. Hector wore the badge with honor and brought professionalism and compassion to all he encountered. Our hearts go out to his wife Brooke, and his entire family.
𝗟𝗼𝘄-𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀!
Call (𝟱𝟰𝟭) 𝟳𝟳𝟵-𝟵𝟬𝟮𝟬 to schedule your energy assistance appointment.
Grants Pass Homeless Camp Plan Waiting On County Approval
The city of Grants Pass says it is taking significant steps toward addressing homelessness by moving forward with a managed homeless encampment.
Images of what the sleeping units will look like. Pathways officials said the units are cheap and easy to build. (Credit: Pathways to Success)
The City Council has voted to award a homelessness grant to Pathways to Stability, moving forward with plans for a 24/7 managed operation.
Pathways to Stability envisions a program that includes neighborhood security and a dedicated hotline for local residents. The initiative promises to provide housing, recovery support, and faith-based mentorship with low barriers to entry.
“Before we provide housing we want to make sure their mental health and medical needs (are met). We want to deal with those root issues,” said a Pathway representative during the meeting.
The proposed site for this initiative is located at 1798 Southeast N St., approximately half a mile from Riverside Elementary School and across the street from a neighborhood.
An open town hall meeting will be held within the next two weeks for residents to voice questions and concerns.
Central Point Police Department
Medford Fire Department Expands its Emergency Medical Services
The Medford Fire Department (MFD) has expanded its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) coverage by adding Squad 12. This is the third unit in the EMS Squad Program. Squad 12 began service in fall 2025. It provides Medford with continuous, seven-day-a-week EMS coverage. The goal is to reduce response times and keep fire engines available for other emergencies.
The EMS Squad Program started in 2023 after approval and funding from the Medford City Council. Squad 13 was introduced in October 2023, followed by Squad 14 in 2024, and now Squad 12. The program was created to address an increase in medical and ‘good intent’ calls. It aims to send the most suitable resources to each emergency.
During the first weekend of expanded coverage, the EMS squads reported two CPR saves. Since the program began, the squads have responded to over 3,280 calls. They have handled 1,440 incidents that would have otherwise required a fire engine or truck. This has allowed those resources to remain available for fire and rescue emergencies.
Fire Chief Eric Thompson said that adding Squad 12 improves citywide service and reduces wait times. He also noted that it helps keep engines ready for critical incidents. The EMS Squad Program uses two-person crews. The department reports that the program improves efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in meeting Medford’s emergency medical needs. https://www.medfordoregon.gov/News-Articles/Medford-Fire-Department-Expands-EMS-Coverage-with-Launch-of-Third-Squad
Head over to: www.rvgrowersmarket.com/join-our-board/ to learn more!
Seeking: collaborative, open-minded, a clear and forthright
communicator, discreet, tactful, & hardworking community members to join our growing Board of Directors to guide and oversee this location institution of 38 years!
To apply, please email apply@rvgrowersmarket.com with a picture, bio and short paragraph about what interests you in joining the board.
Deadline to apply is 10/27 at 5pm
Trunk or Treat
𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗣𝗗 𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺! 
Applications are open through 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟯𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 Learn more and apply here: https://www.medfordoregon.gov/…/Join-the-Medford-Police…
Medford Attorney’s Pretrail Hearing Set to October 27
Medford Attorney Zachary Light was in Jackson County Court on Tuesday, representing himself during his own indictment. He entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
“I’ve reviewed the indictment, it’s identical to the previously filed district attorney’s information, I plead not guilty on all charges,” said Light.
Light is accused of recording a woman in intimate settings and placing a tracking device on her car. The charges include 19 felony counts of invasion of privacy and one misdemeanor count of unlawful use of a GPS tracking device.
Despite these allegations, Light continues to practice law in multiple open cases.
This is not Light’s first invasion of privacy incident. In 2014, he was charged with invasion of privacy for placing a camera in his stepdaughter’s bedroom and received five years probation.
The pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 27.
CSO Case 24-4928 PROSPECT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives and Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel continue to search for a woman missing out of Prospect, Ore. since September 2024.
Deenah Padgett, 69, was reported missing on Sunday, September 8, 2024. She was last seen camping in the Prospect area on September 4, 2024. She is described as a white woman with brownish-red, partially gray hair, standing 4’8” tall and weighing 90-100 lbs.
JCSO detectives and SAR personnel have searched the area extensively and are looking for the public’s help. If you see Deenah or know her whereabouts, immediately call ECSO Dispatch at (541) 776-7206 and reference case 24-4928. If you have any information that might help the investigation, call Detective Friend at (541) 864-8774.
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.
The Oregon Vortex tourist attraction located in Gold Hill has announced a closure that may extend for the remainder of the year.
The Oregon Vortex offers guided tours through a site rich in history and mystery. Staff members have indicated that the area is partially above ground and partially below ground, leading to unusual phenomena. However, due to urgent repairs that are required, the well-known attraction is currently closed. As stated on their Facebook page, engineers and contractors have reported that the rocks from the nearby Sardine Creek pose a risk to both the gift shop and visitors.
Repairs can only take place from June to September 15th, due to the presence of a protected salmon habitat. Consequently, the Vortex will remain closed for the rest of the year or until it is deemed safe to reopen. For updates, you can visit the Oregon Vortex Facebook page.
Young Entrepreneurs of Jackson County! Did the 2020 wildfires set your business back? Need a boost to grow your hustle?
IVCanDO has grants of up to $15,000 for microbusinesses (5 or fewer employees) impacted by the fires.
Whether you’re running a shop, creative studio, food truck, or anything in between — this is for YOU.
𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆:
Must be in Jackson County
Must have been affected or be addressing impacts caused by the 2020 Labor Day fires (South Obenchain and Almeda)
Use the money for gear, staff, or anything to level up your biz
𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗡𝗢𝗪. 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘁!
𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝘁: www.ivcdo.org/pier
𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀? 𝗗𝗠 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿@𝗶𝘃𝗰𝗱𝗼.𝗼𝗿𝗴
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.
These funds are here to help small businesses and microenterprises (5 or fewer employees) who were impacted by the 2020 Labor Day fires (South Obenchain and Almeda).
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲:
Microenterprise Grants – Up to $15,000
Revolving Loan Fund – for business growth and recovery (coming soon!)
If you’re a small business owner in Jackson County, help is here.
𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 & 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘄: www.ivcdo.org/pier
𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝘁!
Rogue Valley Humane Society
Please help! We are in need of large towels to help keep our animals clean and happy. Donations would be greatly appreciated and helpful. Please drop them off during business hours, Monday-Saturday, noon – 4 pm. Thank you so much for all you do to help us do what we do!
Sharing for our friends at Salvation Army:
Help Fill Our Food Pantry – Your Donations Make a Difference!
Hunger is a reality for many in our community, but together, we can make a change! Our food pantry is in need of non-perishable food items to help families struggling to put meals on the table.
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
Every can, box, and bag of food makes a difference in someone’s life. Let’s come together to fight hunger—because no one should go to bed hungry. .
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
Did you get help from FEMA, insurance, or others after the 2020 Almeda and South Obenchain Fires?
Great news – you might still qualify for extra support through HARP.
OHCS HARP Website → bit.ly/45bHjzu
You can schedule an appointment directly with our Intake Specialists through our website https://firebrandcollective.org/harp/
¿Recibiste ayuda de FEMA, del seguro o de otros organismos tras los Incendios de Almeda y South Obenchain 2020? Excelentes noticias: es posible que de todos modos reúnas los requisitos para recibir ayuda adicional a través de la asistencia de HARP.
OHCS HARP sitio web → https://www.oregon.gov/…/Pages/ReOregon-Homeowners.aspx
Visita la página de HARP en nuestro sitio web para pedir cita hoy mismo.
Rogue Valley Humane Society
Our Community Food Bank exists to help folks who need an extra helping hand during a difficult month to feed their pets. Our program has a limited budget and so we rely on generous members of our community to donate some of these goods to continue to help assist our community.
In 2023 we fed an average of 700 pets a month! This equates to approximately 70 – 40lb bags of food each month! 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.
This case remains important to David’s family, the community, and the Ashland Police Department. As detectives continue to pursue these new leads, anyone with additional information is encouraged to reach out to the Ashland Police Department at 541-488-2211. The reward for information leading to an arrest on this case remains at over $21,000.
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
Oregon Food Bank
Hunger in Oregon is rising — and federal and state cuts to food assistance are making it worse. In 2024, visits to food programs grew 31%, yet resources to meet this need are shrinking.
Programs like SNAP, which help 1 in 8 Oregonians put food on the table, are facing deep cuts — leaving more families, children, veterans, and elders to make impossible choices between food, safety, and shelter.
We need policies that protect access to food for all our neighbors. Because no one should have to choose between staying safe and going hungry.
Food is available for those who need it and by entering your zip code at OregonFoodFinder.or -You can see each local program’s contact information, hours of operation and what kind of distribution it is.
We partner with 1,200+ free food markets, pantries and meal sites all across Oregon and Southwest Washington — and welcome anyone and everyone who needs food. OregonFoodFinder.org
Oregon Department of Human Services — SNAP Info
We’ve seen some confusion around the difference between the new federal rules that changed who can get SNAP and how the current federal government shutdown is impacting food benefits.
Here is a breakdown of what’s happening and when:
First, the federal government passed a law in July 2025 that changed the rules for who can and cannot get SNAP. ODHS began sending letters on Oct. 15, 2025 to the first group of people who are losing their benefits or having them reduced due to these new rules. You can read about these rules here: https://apps.oregon.gov/…/odhs-begins-sending-notices…
Second, the federal government shutdown may impact November benefits. On Oct. 10, 2025, the Trump Administration told all states that we cannot give out November SNAP benefits until the federal government shutdown ends – even to people who still qualify under the new federal rules. You can read the notice from the USDA here: https://drive.google.com/…/1FqO7Mwggde6HS58RyQXR…/view
If Congress and President Trump reach a deal before Nov. 1, 2025, people who still get SNAP benefits under the new federal rules will get their SNAP benefits as usual in November.
If Congress and President Trump do not reach a deal before Nov. 1, 2025, no one will receive November SNAP until the federal government reopens or we receive new direction from the federal government. You can read more about how the federal government shutdown will impact food benefits in November here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx
The people who received the letters about new federal rules from ODHS mentioned earlier will still lose or see a reduction in SNAP benefits on Nov. 1, 2025 – even if the federal government reopens before then.
We know this is complicated and stressful. We want to help. ODHS is sharing updates as quickly as possible while making sure the information we share is accurate. For the most up-to-date information about federal changes, keep an eye on our social media and website.
If you’re worried about having enough food, there are community resources that can help. Check out https://needfood.oregon.gov for support.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Law Enforcement Partners Team Up for the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
This Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
On Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in collaboration with nearly 4,000 law enforcement partners across the United States, will host DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at locations across the country. DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.
For sixteen years, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans safely dispose of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—to prevent drug misuse and abuse.
Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at nearly 4,500 drop-off locations nationwide.
What: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
When: Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 18 collection sites in Oregon
“Take Back Day provides a safe and anonymous way to properly dispose of expired or unused prescription medications,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Unused prescription medication in the home pose serious risks of misuse, addiction, and overdose. We encourage all community members to participate and help reduce the potential for abuse and addiction in our communities.”
“All too often, drug abuse starts with prescription pills in the family medicine cabinet,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day offers an easy way to rid your home of these unwanted and potentially dangerous medicines before they can harm your children or grandchildren. Drop off your unneeded medicine this Saturday and take a step to keep your family safe from drug harm.”
In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 19.8 million pounds (10,000 tons) of medication from circulation since its inception.
Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.
Missing federal jobs report leaves Oregon Employment Department, businesses in the dark
Despite delivering in past shutdowns, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said it was unable to provide the September jobs report because of the government shutdown
For the first time in more than a decade, Oregon and other states lack federal jobs data they rely on to understand the health of their economies and labor markets month-over-month.
Officials at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced earlier this month that they would not produce the September jobs report, which was due Oct. 3, because of the government shutdown that began Oct. 1.
The agency uses two surveys each month to estimate the nation’s unemployment rate and how many jobs the economy created each month and shares state-specific data with partner agencies in each state. On Oct. 15, the Oregon Employment Department reported that there would be no September jobs data to share from the roughly 7,600 Oregon businesses that answer the federal survey each month.
Instead, state officials pointed the public to the federal labor statistics agency’s quarterly wage and employment report, which includes data providing employment trends and wages by industry in each state through June. On Thursday, agency officials will share data from unemployment claims in the state that might offer a clearer picture of how labor markets are doing in Oregon.
Previous shutdowns haven’t stopped the federal labor statistics agency from issuing its reports, and only three shutdowns delayed them in the last several decades. During the October 2013 federal shutdown, September jobs data was delayed 18 days and released less than a week after the shutdown ended. During a shutdown that ran from Dec. 16, 1995, to Jan. 6, 1996, the December jobs report was delayed by two weeks, according to the D.C.-based nonprofit think tank Economic Policy Institute.
“Businesses want consistency and certainty from their government as they make long-term investment decisions. So do public policy makers, and without accurate, up-to-date data — data that we’ve always had available — we simply can’t quantitatively see how things are moving,” said Nathan Buehler, communications director at Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency. “Missing a single month isn’t a catastrophe, but additional releases being missed would really start to erode public trust, and our ability to do any accurate economic analysis.”
Layoffs and hiring are low
Typically data is collected and prepared to share with officials at the Federal Reserve and the White House at least a day before being published, or in this case, by Oct. 2, meaning the agency was within a day or two of being ready to publish when the government shutdown began.
Officials at the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not respond to a request from the Capital Chronicle by Wednesday evening for more information about what specifically would have delayed the report.
The ongoing government shutdown risks data collection for the month of October, which should be happening now. The next Oregon jobs report was previously expected to be ready by Nov. 19, according to Gail Krumenauer, a state employment economist.
President Donald Trump in August fired Erika McEntarfer, commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, claiming she rigged the July jobs report to make him look bad. Figures in that report showed that the economy added 30,000 fewer jobs than anticipated in sectors heavily impacted by Trump’s tariff policies. The report also revised downward employment growth from May and June that had previously been thought to be higher.
Jobs reports and reports on private sector business growth going into September indicated sluggish job growth and persistent tariff-induced inflation.
The August jobs report, the most recent published, showed Oregon’s economy added nearly 7,000 non-farm jobs, mostly in health care, social assistance, hospitality and leisure and government. The largest job losses were in the wholesale trade sector.
Despite the unemployment rate remaining low in August, payrolls showed a big slowdown in hiring and a decline in labor growth in part due to lower immigration and workforce participation, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said at an Oct. 14 meeting of the National Association of Business Economists
“While official employment data for September are delayed, available evidence suggests that both layoffs and hiring remain low, and that both households’ perceptions of job availability and firms’ perceptions of hiring difficulty continue their downward trajectories,” Powell said.
The labor statistic bureau’s quarterly report shows that there was a decline in Oregon of 3,800 jobs between the second quarter of 2025 and the same quarter in 2024, or a decline of less than half a percentage point. The private sector lost more than 11,000 jobs during that period and manufacturing lost nearly 7,400 jobs, while more than 14,000 private health care and social assistance jobs were added, a nearly 5% increase from the previous year.
During the same period, more than 7,000 government jobs were added. About 75% of those were in local governments, while 400 federal government jobs were lost.
During the first half of 2025, 29,000 Oregonians worked for the federal government, accounting for about 1.5% of all jobs in the state. Most of these employees work in rural counties. In Sherman County in north central Oregon, 15% of all jobs were federal government jobs, and in eastern and southern Oregon’s Grant, Harney and Lake counties, the federal government provides nearly 10% of all jobs. (SOURCE)
State program offers free help, fraud prevention tips for Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment for 2026 plans began Oct. 15 and remains open through Dec. 7, 2025. This is the time when people with Medicare can review their current coverage and make changes for the upcoming year. Medicare beneficiaries who would like to discuss their Medicare options can receive free, confidential help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) including help with comparing and selecting new Medicare plans.
The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program provides free help from counselors who can help people compare plans, understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their Medicare options. Counselors can also provide information on how to avoid becoming a victim of common scams that target people during Open Enrollment.
During the Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan,
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare,
- Change their Medicare Advantage Plan,
- Change or enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, and
- Review changes in costs, coverage and provider networks.
“Choosing the right Medicare plan can have a big impact on a person’s health and finances,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as Deputy Director of Policy for the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). “SHIBA certified counselors can help make sure Oregonians have the information and support they need to make informed decisions.”
SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. The ultimate goal for scammers is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. Common scams include claiming beneficiaries need a new card or offers of free medical equipment. These scams can happen by mail, over the phone, or by text and email.
The best way to avoid Medicare scams is to keep Medicare numbers private; anyone who receives a message or email about Medicare from a number or person they do not recognize should not respond. “The safety of Oregonians is always a top priority, which includes making sure Oregonians have trusted support during Medicare Open Enrollment,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D. “SHIBA counselors can help people recognize red flags and protect themselves from fraud and scams.”
How to get free help — Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments.
To talk to a SHIBA certified counselor or to make an appointment, call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free.)
Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website at SHIBA.oregon.gov.
Online resources include:
- The 2026 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans, which will be translated to multiple languages in the coming weeks.
- Medicare frequently asked questions,
- An agent locator tool,
- A list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations and
- Videos to help people understand their Medicare options.
People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.
About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program — The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $736,831 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
DFR asking financial and insurance-related businesses to provide relief to those affected by federal government shutdown
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued two bulletins encouraging insurance companies, health care service contractors, state-regulated financial institutions, and other entities providing financial products to take measures to help people affected by the federal government shutdown.
The federal government shutdown began Oct. 1 and will continue until Congress passes a continuing resolution or other funding measure. According to the Oregon Employment Department (OED), there are approximately 30,000 workers on the federal payroll in Oregon; OED estimates 10,000 were affected by the lapse in appropriations as of Oct. 1. These employees may be either furloughed or, in some instances, required to work without pay. In either case, although back pay may eventually be available, many affected Oregon residents will likely experience at least temporary financial hardship through no fault of their own.
DFR is providing guidance to state-regulated entities to make reasonable accommodations to mitigate the adverse effects of the shutdown on Oregon residents.
“We encourage entities regulated under our jurisdiction to take active measures to provide help to their customers and policyholders that are directly affected by the federal government shutdown,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator and acting insurance commissioner. “All accommodations provided should comply with all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.”
DFR has requested steps that include providing grace periods to premium payments, providing more time to file insurance claims, allowing more time for repayment of debts, waiving late payment penalties, postponing foreclosure actions and evictions, and negotiating with consumers to arrive at solutions under the current circumstances.
The bulletins are located on DFR’s website.
“We know the shutdown has affected thousands of families in Oregon and we are asking our regulated entities to give some grace to those who have no control over the situation they are currently in,” Keen said.
If you have questions or need to talk with one of our consumer advocates, call 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or send an email to .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov or .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.
### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
Oregon’s Senator Merkley holds US Senate floor overnight in Trump protest
U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley spoke on the Senate floor for nearly 23 hours beginning Tuesday night against what he called President Donald Trump’s authoritarian actions.
Merkley started speaking after 6 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday and ceded the floor at about 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The marathon speech was not a traditional filibuster, in which a senator holds the floor indefinitely to block action on a piece of legislation, as the chamber has been stalemated for weeks over government spending.
Instead, Merkley spokespeople say he is seeking to draw attention “to how Trump is ripping up the Constitution and eroding our democratic institutions.”
Merkley read from the book “How Democracies Die,” blasted the administration’s efforts to control media companies that broadcast critical content, such as CBS and Disney, and spoke against Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities.
The speech follows thousands of No Kings demonstrations throughout the country Saturday that saw millions protest against Trump, particularly an immigration crackdown and the use of military troops for policing.
Early in his speech, Merkley focused on the National Guard deployments, which include Portland, Oregon.
“This is an incredible threat to our nation, to the entire vision of our Constitution, to the entire platform on which our freedom exists,” he said. “If you remove a clear standard as to whether there is a rebellion, and just say a president can deploy the military on a whim in places he doesn’t like, … then you have flung the doors open to tyranny.” (SOURCE)
Less acreage burned in Oregon’s 2025 wildfire season, but more ignited by humans
Fewer acres burned in 2025 compared to last year, but more structures burned and humans started the bulk of fires
(Photo courtesy of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office)
Oregon’s statewide 2025 fire season officially wrapped Friday with significantly fewer acres burned at a lower cost to the state than in previous years.
But fires this year got much closer to communities, state fire officials said, burning 200 homes and structures. Many of those were in the Flat and Rowena fires near Sisters and The Dalles.
“From a purely acres burned standpoint, it was significantly less bad than last year. From a community impact and primary residences lost standpoint, it’s actually significantly worse than last summer,” said Kyle Williams, deputy director of fire operations at the Oregon Department of Forestry.
And humans caused most of this year’s fires.
Oregon experienced more than 1,100 fires from early June to mid-October. They burned roughly 350,000 acres, far less than the 1.9 million acres that burned in 2024.
Fires this year also cost the state less to fight — about $130 million for the state forestry department and $16.2 million for the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office. The department of forestry expects to receive $56 million in reimbursements from the federal government for helping with fires on federal land.
The 2024 fire season cost the state $350 million to fight and required a special session of the state Legislature to come up with the money.
Nearly 62% of the fires this year fought by the forestry department and the Office of the State Fire Marshal — more than 700 — were human-caused, according to Williams, despite a downward trend in recent years. Lightning caused about 30%. Those are both higher than the 10-year average for each kind of fire start.
Humans are the number one cause of wildfires in Oregon and across the country, but the proportion had been declining. In 2022, the share of fires caused by humans was down 20% from the state’s 10-year average.
Though less large-scale, there were roughly 100 more fires for state firefighters to tackle this year than last, which put the number of wildfires this season as a whole above the state’s 10-year average, according to forestry department data.
“I think it tells me that at the initial attack phase, we were incredibly busy this summer, but obviously the success rate was pretty darn good, right?” Williams said.
Forestry department firefighters stopped about 94% of the fires they handled before they grew beyond 10 acres, Williams said. That’s a target the U.S. Forest Service has set for nearly a century.’
The policy of keeping at least 90% of wildfires from growing larger than 10 acres has come under scrutiny by some indigenous wildfire and ecology experts and scientists, and even Forest Service scientists, who argue some wildfires must be allowed to burn more acres to help regenerate plants that support animal habitats, reduce pest infestation and invasive species and keep ecosystems healthy.
Last year, most wildfires in Oregon occurred in rangeland in central and eastern parts of the state. This year, forested areas took more of the heat.
Williams and Oregon’s Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Travis Medema said the season got off with a worrisome start.
“I think Kyle and I might have even looked at each other at one point in June or July, and said, ‘Oh, man, we’re in for another 2024,’” Medema said.
By the numbers, the fire season was average for the number of “conflagrations” — a particularly large and destructive fire where state and regional coordination and aid are warranted. Gov. Tina Kotek declared eight of them throughout the summer, but six of those eight happened within about a month, from June 11 and July 14.
August rains in many parts of the state helped to keep smaller fires from growing into megafires.
“I think where that worked against us was in terms of the public sentiment around the risk,” Williams said. “People would say, ‘Oh, it rained seven, eight, nine days ago where I live,’ and we saw some poorly informed decision making and behavior potentially as a result of the edge of that risk being dulled just a bit.”
Federal agencies helped the state meet their needs and did a good job keeping fires contained on federal acres that make up half of Oregon, Williams said, despite fears that voluntary buyouts and cuts led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year would leave the federal wildfire fighting force shrunken.
“We always say weather is the great equalizer, no matter what. But the other piece of it was, from our perspective, the federal agencies were responding aggressively and in force when they had fires on their landscape,” Williams said.
Years of state fire agencies preparing and coordinating with local agencies and communities has helped, he added. So have hundreds of millions of dollars the state Legislature directed toward wildfire preparation and response since the 2020 Labor Day fires.
“We have had a decade-plus of having to learn how to catch up to our fire regime in this state,” Williams said. “And so as we did that, there’s been a lot of lessons learned in terms of that seamless just ‘get there quick and go’ part.” (SOURCE)
OHA Announces 10.2% Medicaid Payment Increase, Affecting 1.4 Million Oregonians
A 10.2% increase in Medicaid insurer payments next year by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will help Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) operate within the margins of restrained budgets.
Facing federal policy shifts and rising healthcare costs, the OHA is working with partners across the state to protect access to quality care for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members, while providing essential services to low-income earners in the state.
There are more than 1.4 million people in Oregon covered by the OHP, which is serviced by 16 CCOs statewide, providing physical, behavioral, and dental healthcare for members.
The biggest contributor to increased OHP costs has been the post-pandemic demand for behavioral healthcare, placing strain on CCO budgets.
In a press statement, OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi says the OHA is making a concerted effort to ensure that ‘every public dollar continues to deliver maximum value to the people of Oregon.’
Dr. Hathi says the OHA is also working in partnership with CCOs to evaluate cost-saving measures to offset the higher CCO rates. Collaborative efforts with CCOs and partners have resulted in renewed contracts for 2026 in all but one of the 16 regions.
PacificSource has informed the OHA that it would not renew its CCO contract for Lane County, affecting about 92,000 people.
However, Trillium Community Health Plan, another CCO already serving 36,000 people in Lane County, has been given the go-ahead by OHA to broaden its coverage in the region.
In the meantime, OHA is negotiating with PacificSource to continue serving the region until the beginning of February 2026. Members can expect a notification from OHA and PacificSource in the coming weeks.
“OHA acknowledges that everyone in Oregon’s Medicaid system – from state government and CCOs to hospitals and health care providers – must respond in ways that sustain access to quality care.
The agency will continue working with partners across the state to develop durable solutions that protect coverage, sustain provider networks, and preserve OHP’s long-standing commitment to equitable, high-quality care,” says Dr. Hathi.
Oregon urges payment flexibility under government shutdown
Insurance companies and financial institutions should give Oregonians affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown more time and flexibility to pay bills and file claims, the Oregon agency that regulates insurers recommended Tuesday.
The federal government shut down on Oct. 1 after Republicans and Democrats in Congress could not agree to pass a bill funding government services into October and beyond. With 30,000 people on the federal payroll in Oregon, the Oregon Employment Department estimates about 10,000 of them have been furloughed or required to work without pay.
To help ease any financial hardship, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation is encouraging the insurance companies, health care service contractors and state-regulated financial institutions under its jurisdiction to provide grace periods to premium payments, give more time to file claims, allow more time to repay of debts, waive late payment penalties, postpone foreclosure actions and evictions and negotiate with consumers experiencing hardship because of the shutdown.
“We know the shutdown has affected thousands of families in Oregon and we are asking our regulated entities to give some grace to those who have no control over the situation they are currently in,” said TK Keen, division administrator and acting insurance commissioner.For more information about the state agency’s guidance, read bulletins 2025-8 and 2025-7 on the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation website.
All accommodations should comply with state and federal statutes and regulations, Keen said.
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation functions under the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, the state’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. The division protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities and consumer financial products and services. (SOURCE)
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield
Portland has become the center of a tense back-and-forth between Oregon state leadership and President Donald Trump over the attempted deployment of National Guard troops into the city.
Since June, the Trump administration has been federalizing and deploying National Guard troops in Democratic-led cities such as Los Angeles, California and Chicago, Illinois. Initially, Trump planned to send 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland in response to protests around the city’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
Lawyers for the state of Oregon asked U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut on Tuesday to keep in place a temporary order blocking the deployment of the National Guard in Portland. The state wants Immergut to wait until an appeals court decides whether to rehear the case.
On Monday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned one of Immergut’s orders temporarily blocking the deployment of Oregon troops. It is unclear how that ruling will affect a second temporary restraining order covering all federalized National Guard troops, not just those from Oregon.
Following the appellate ruling, the Trump administration requested that Immergut dissolve her second order, clearing the way for troops to mobilize.
Lawyers for Oregon and the city of Portland immediately asked the Ninth Circuit to reconsider Monday’s ruling. Both sides have until Wednesday to file arguments on whether the Ninth Circuit should rehear the case before an expanded 11-judge panel, known as an en banc hearing.
Oregon immigration rights groups sue ICE alleging it is preventing access to lawyers
Two immigration rights group say feds began targeted immigration operations throughout Willamette Valley on Oct. 15th, and advocacy groups are now suing three federal immigration agencies. They allege ICE is purposefully denying people in detention centers access to their lawyers before transferring them out of state.
The suit was brought against the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the ICE field office in Seattle, as well as the leaders of each agency, by CLEAR Clinic, a Portland-based legal nonprofit that provides free immigration counsel, and Woodburn-based Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste — also known as PCUN, Oregon’s largest Latino labor union.
The groups are represented by Innovation Law Lab, a Portland-based legal nonprofit that specializes in immigrant and refugee cases.
Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem, Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, Cammilla Wamsley, director of ICE’s Seattle field office, and Pete Flores, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection are named in the suit.
Oregon sues Trump administration over unlawful federalization of National Guard. REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/822383606886616
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPZW443CSK9/
Oregon Heritage Commission public survey to learn how Oregonians participate in and value heritage activities across the state
The Oregon Heritage Commission is updating the Oregon Heritage Plan to strengthen heritage efforts across the state and lay the foundation for the Commission’s priorities over the next five years. To help inform the plan, the Commission has launched a statewide public survey to understand the heritage values that Oregonians hold and how they participate in heritage-related activities across the state.
The survey is open to the public until October 27 and is available in English and Spanish.
“This public survey is an opportunity to learn how Oregonians across the state engage with Oregon’s story through places, traditions, cultural materials, experiences, and more. We want to hear why these resources are important to Oregonians and what would make them more accessible,” said Commission Coordinator Katie Henry.
In addition to the public survey results, the plan will be informed by discussions with Oregon’s heritage preservation community and the results of the results of the 2024 Oregon Heritage Vitality Study. For more information on the planning process, please visit this Oregon Heritage Website.
The updated plan is expected to be open for public comment in early 2026. The final plan is expected to be adopted by the Heritage Commission in April 2026 at the 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference in Woodburn.
About the Oregon Heritage Commission
The Oregon Heritage Commission is a group of leaders from across the state that works collaboratively to champion resources, recognition, and funding for preserving and interpreting Oregon’s past. Founded in 1995 by the Legislature, the Heritage Commission is comprised of nine gubernatorial appointments and nine ex-officio members. The Commission is designated in ORS 358.570-595 as the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in Oregon. More information on the Commission’s website.
Oregon joins in the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces and recognize businesses that support employees with disabilities.
This year’s theme of “celebrating value and talent” is reflected in Oregon throughout the year in the countless ways people with disabilities bring value to their jobs and communities.
In 2023, 47% of Oregon residents with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed, compared with 79.7% of people without disabilities — about a 33% gap (source). Several state employment programs work to help people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce.
“Our communities and economy are stronger when people with disabilities are included,” said Allison Enriquez, Oregon’s Employment First Coordinator. “For too long, people with disabilities did not have equal access to good jobs with fair wages in their communities. Oregon is committed to building employment-related supports and connections so all have access to reach their potential and fully participate in their communities.”
NDEAM webinar series — Partners who deliver employment services invite everyone to join a series of webinars in October to celebrate workplace successes and educate the community about resources and services available for job seekers with disabilities.
Webinars are scheduled noon to 1:15 p.m. Oct. 7, 14 and 28 on Zoom. For details on each session and accessibility information, go to Oregon’s NDEAM event web page.
- 7 – Beyond the classroom: Celebrating work-based learning
- 14 – Building financial futures: work and save with Oregon ABLE and EPD
- 28 – Technology, artificial intelligence and employment
These events are hosted by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation program, Oregon Commission for the Blind and the Oregon Department of Education.
Employment resources for people with disabilities
Several state programs offer resources to support Oregon residents with disabilities in achieving, maintaining and advancing in employment.
- Office of Developmental Disabilities Serviceshas employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Vocational Rehabilitationhelps people with all kinds of disabilities find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
- Oregon Commission for the Blindhelps people with vision loss find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
- Ticket to Workis a free federal program for people who are blind or have a disability and receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. People who are 18 to 64 years old and want to work may access this program to prepare for work and find a job.
- Employed Persons with Disabilitiesis a Medicaid program that helps people with disabilities go to work while keeping their Medicaid coverage.
- Oregon ABLE Savings Planis a way people with disabilities can save for the future without the fear of losing needed government benefits.
- Free benefits counselingis available to answer job seekers’ questions about how working may affect their benefits.
Information on these programs is available on the ODHS web page “Get Help Finding a Job.”
ODFW invites the public to view artwork entered in the annual stamp art contest on Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 12:30-5:00 p.m. at ODFW Headquarters in Salem.
The event is free and open to the public. Located at 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, ODFW Headquarters will host the display of submissions for the 2026 Habitat Conservation Stamp, Upland Game Bird Stamp, and Waterfowl Stamp art contests.
Visitors will be able to cast their vote for the People’s Choice in each category. A panel of judges will evaluate the entries on the morning of the show. Artists participating in the Habitat Conservation Stamp category are required to feature an eligible species from the Oregon Conservation Strategy in its natural habitat. For the 2026 Waterfowl Stamp, entries must showcase one of the following species in its natural habitat setting: blue-winged teal, lesser scaup, or ruddy duck.
The 2026 Upland Game Bird Stamp requires artwork featuring the ring-necked pheasant in its natural habitat setting. The panel will judge artwork based on artistic composition, anatomical accuracy of the species and general appeal. The winning artist in each contest receives a $2,000 award and winning artwork is used to produce collector stamps and other promotional items with sale proceeds benefitting Oregon’s fish, wildlife and their habitats.
Taxpayer Advocate urges Oregonians to volunteer to help low-income families receive millions in unclaimed tax benefits
Oregon and the Internal Revenue Service are once again recruiting people to assist in the free preparation of taxes as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.
“Oregon needs more VITA sites and volunteers. For low- and moderate-income families, claiming the tax credits available to them can be a starting point on the path to stronger financial security. But too often those tax credits go unclaimed,” said Codi Trudell, Oregon’s Taxpayer Advocate. “The cost and complexity of filing a tax return is a hurdle for too many people. By volunteering to help them file their returns and claim their credits, Oregonians can make a difference for people in their local community.”
The IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.
Including free tax help offered by AARP, so far in 2025, free tax assistance has been made available to nearly 38,000 taxpayers at 108 sites across the state. That’s up from 104 sites and 33,000 taxpayers at this point in 2024. Every year, however, the sites are forced to turn away people who need assistance due to a shortage of volunteers.
In addition to the need for volunteers, the IRS is also seeking organizations to sponsor VITA and TCE clinics.
The VITA and TCE programs train volunteers to help low- to moderate-income families prepare their tax returns. Across the country, thousands of people volunteer each year and prepare millions of tax returns at thousands of tax sites nationwide.
Volunteers are assigned to work with a sponsoring organization, first to receive training and then to begin volunteering at a location in the community. Training is offered both online and in the classroom. Tax sites are generally open nights and weekends, and the hours are flexible.
Additional information is available on the IRS website. Interested persons can submit an inquiry now using the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up moving them one step closer to becoming a VITA or TCE tax volunteer and giving back to their community. The IRS will share information about those interested in volunteering with sponsoring organizations for follow-up contact.
Organizations with an interest in partnering with the IRS to sponsor or host a free tax preparation site in Oregon can also complete and submit the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up form.
To find a VITA site near them, Oregonians can use the IRS Site Locator tool or check the DOR’s Free Tax Help map with VITA sites marked in blue.
VITA sites at 15 locations in Oregon receive funding from the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. Those interested in volunteering at one of these sites should contact the organizations below in December.
Beaverton, Eugene, Gresham, Portland:
CASH Oregon
503-461-7388
Bend, Redmond:
Latino Community Association
541-382-4366
info@latinocommunityassociation.org
Bend, Corvallis, Eugene:
Oregon State University
541-737-3371
Coos Bay, Roseburg:
Moneywise Oregon
541-670-5054
Medford:
United Way Jackson County
541-864-5092
office@unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org
Ontario, Portland:
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization
971-331-9811
Woodburn:
Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos
503-902-0367
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.
In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.
Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced
Oregon State Police are reminding parents and students of the SafeOregon hotline.
It takes reports of potential threats against students and schools. The tips can be made anonymously. They can include safety threats, fights, drugs, weapons on campus, cyberbullying and students considering self-harm or suicide. A technician reviews the reports and assigns them either to police or school administrators. Tips can be made by phone, text, email or on the website https://www.safeoregon.com
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