Rogue Valley News, Wednesday 11/12 – Wolf Activity in Jackson County, Upgrades Underway at Harry & David Field, Northern Lights & Other Local and Statewide News Stories

The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com

Wednesday – November 12, 2025

Rogue Valley Weather

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 AM
PST THURSDAY...
...DENSE FOG ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...

* WHAT...Southeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected.

* WHERE...The southern Rogue Valley from Ashland to Medford,
including portions of Interstate 5 and highway 66.

* WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 7 AM PST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and a few
power outages may result.

https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php

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

People in Oregon May See The Northern Lights Wednesday and Thursday

The severe geomagnetic storm could keep auroras in the night sky until Thursday. Here is Oregon’s chance to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.

Solar storms brought colorful auroras to the northern half of the U.S., including Oregon and Washington. The severe geomagnetic storm could keep auroras in the night sky until Thursday.

That said, the weather in many parts of Oregon could make the spectacle difficult to see.

Forecasters issued a severe G4 geomagnetic storm watch for Tuesday and Wednesday, but the storm could carry into Thursday, said Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Space Science Education Director Jim Todd.

Tips on viewing the Northern Lights

NOAA has some advice on how to watch the aurora:

• Get away from city lights: The aurora is only visible when it is dark, so go out at night and avoid light pollution.
• Timing: The best aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. The aurora may be visible in the evening and the morning, but is not as active at those times. The best season for aurora watching is around the fall and spring equinoxes.

 Wolf Activity in Jackson County

Cattle ranchers in the remote area between Butte Falls and Prospect say they’re not crying wolf about an alarming increase in the number of cattle being killed by gray wolves who reportedly are growing in both population and brazenness.

According to Oregon’s annual report on wolves, 204 wolves were counted in the state at the end of 2024; a 15% increase over 178 counted in 2023. In terms of financial losses, the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s compensation program awarded grants totaling $477,661 (to 11 counties) in 2023 and $789,565 (to 13 counties) in 2024. Compensation is distributed via designated committees around the state such as the seven-member Jackson County Wolf Advisory Committee. Wolves are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act in a central portion of the state, from east of The Dalles down to Lakeview and west of Canyon City and Burns. In Eastern Oregon, state officials have had jurisdiction over wolf management since 2011.

Jackson County  Area of Known Wolf Activity  https://dfw.state.or.us/wolves/Counties/Jackson.asp#Rogue

ATTENTION THOSE WHO LIVE ON LAUERLHURST ROAD, OR ANYWHERE ALONG THE EAST SIDE OF LOST CREEK RESERVOIR  —  YOU HAVE WOLVES ACTIVE IN THE HILLS BEHIND YOU!

We learned first hand today that wolves are very close to these areas. Now is the time to be sure you are taking precautions to make your homes/farms less desireable to wolves.

Get all pet food…..and pets inside.

Be sure to lock up all sick and injured livestock in a barn or other secure area where wolves cannot get to them.

Remove any dead animal from your property, or in proximity to your property. You can take deceased animals, or the remains to the Dry Creek Landfill and dispose of them at no charge. The Jackson County Wolf Committee is paying for that.

Play talk radio stations loudly outside on speakers. The sound of humans can help deter wolves.

The picture of the wolves are not the ones I am talking about. But, the pictures showing the tracks are what we found today. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1476614324252226&set=pcb.1476615004252158

Upgrades Underway at Harry & David Field

Renovations are in progress at Harry & David Field in Medford, Oregon. The city is replacing the natural grass with Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass, which is drought-resistant and requires less maintenance.

The project also includes upgrades to the irrigation system, new artificial turf in bullpens and practice areas, and improved lighting and netting in the batting cages. Funding comes from the city’s biennial budget as part of a $1.5 million plan to upgrade Lithia & Driveway Fields, including Harry & David Field.

Work started in mid-October 2025. Turf installation is expected to finish by early December, before the spring high school baseball season. City officials and team representatives say the upgrades will improve the facility for local teams and community events.  MORE INFO:  https://www.medfordoregon.gov/News-Articles/Harry-David-Field-Undergoes-Surface-Upgrades

 

Drop off your unused, outdated and unwanted prescription drugs at the Drug Take Back Event this Saturday!

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: City Hall parking lot. 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘐𝘷𝘺 𝘚𝘵. 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘖𝘢𝘬𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘈𝘷𝘦.

This is a drug take back event only. Document shredding services will not be available.

More details https://www.medfordoregon.gov/…/Drug-Take-Back-Fall-2025

Ashland Mill Project Largest Development Proposal in Ashland History

Plans for Ashland Mill — the largest development proposal in Ashland’s history —  are now in the hands of the city.

An artist’s conception looking northwest in the general direction of Grizzly Peak shows the proposed Ashland Mills (formerly Croman Mills) project in the foreground from the vantage point of Siskiyou Boulevard just north of Crowson Road. Townmakers LLC image

In early October, Townmakers LLC filed a formal application to build what the developers call a “complete community” on 61 acres of Ashland’s southeast side. Housing, commercial areas for restaurants and shops, small business workspaces, and public amenities such as trails and small parks will, according to Townmakers, create a “place to connect” for both the immediate area’s residents and for Ashlanders as a whole.

The product of a three-and-a-half-year planning effort to date, Ashland Mill — formerly known as the Croman Mill site and still part of Ashland’s Croman Mill district — should move to Planning Commission and City Council hearings within 60 to 120 days. Both the commission and council have previously convened study sessions on the proposal as it formed, with largely enthusiastic feedback.

Townmakers LLC specializes in planning mixed-use development. In a recent interview, lead planner Michael Mehaffy pointed to his past work on the Orenco Station project in Hillsboro, Oregon, as an example of a successful, somewhat larger scale, mixed-use project.

There are locals, however, with strong concerns about so large an effort and its impact on Ashland now and into the future. Some downtown businesses have expressed unease in placing a potentially competitive commercial district on the other end of town, though the size of the commercial area at Ashland Mill would be considerably smaller than the downtown and would not contain a major draw such as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival or Lithia Park.

Townmakers’ lead planner, Michael Mehaffy, claims Ashland Mill provides, “a different kind of offering from the downtown.”

In addition, a number of Ashland residents, and a couple council members, have in the past raised doubts as to whether the housing component of the project would serve the needs of existing Ashland residents and local workers as compared to continuing the trend of attracting workers and retirees from outside the region. This could depend on the ratio of single-family homes or townhouses to multi-family apartments, and overall affordability. Townmakers representatives acknowledge these criticisms and assert that they have addressed them with the project’s diversity of housing.

As proposed, Ashland Mill’s site plan includes a varied housing stock: 116 detached single-family units, 90 single-family attached, 73 carriage houses (aka accessory dwelling units or granny units), and 259 multi-family units.

Beyond housing, Ashland Mill would include 35,000 square feet of retail space, a hotel, a wellness center, and nearly 100,000 square feet of light industrial buildings, designed to accommodate small employers, with potential for live/work units.

Croman Mill was a working timber mill until 1996. Ashland was founded largely as a timber mill town, with a half-dozen mills at their peak. The city’s original name was Ashland Mills.

One legacy of that timber history is soil contaminated by toxic chemicals, substances used by the mills or byproducts of the milling process, prior to more strict standards for storage and disposal of potentially harmful chemicals. The Croman Mill site is currently undergoing a clean-up process, led by current landowners Dwain & Bud LLC, under the guidance of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. The majority of the clean-up is underway, but Townmakers expects to have smaller clean-up requirements to address upon commencement of grading and other construction activities.

Partially due to the known toxic contamination of the site, Croman Mill was long planned for more industrial uses. Clean-up standards are lower for industrial development than for residential uses.

Additionally, previous Ashland planning envisioned the need for more job-producing sites. Over time, the city’s focus has shifted to a now-paramount need for housing, especially affordable housing. Ashland Mill will be required to provide some dedicated affordable housing, and Townmakers believes the apartments and carriage units will provide more affordable price points, even at market rates.

As recently as a year ago, the Croman Mill site was seen as the linchpin in Ashland’s efforts to comply with an Oregon program called Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC). To address climate change, CFEC requires larger communities throughout the state to plan for 30% of their housing to be located in areas deemed Climate Friendly Communities (CFCs), walkable areas designed to reduce carbon emissions by making it easy for people to live, work and meet their daily needs without driving. The CFC standards virtually dictate more dense, mixed-use areas, as Ashland Mill aspires to.

The Croman Mill site was left off the final plan for Ashland’s CFCs due to questions of timing and whether the density of the development would reach the required CFEC standard of at least 15 residential units to the acre. This residential density, along with significant employment density, is sometimes used as a guideline for when a development area is dense enough to support a bus line with frequent stops.

Ashland Mill is in negotiations with Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) regarding a bus line.

According to Townmakers, their residential zone will be at 18 units to the acre. Michael Weinstock, who heads Townmakers, claims, “What we’re proposing is in line with state climate goals.”

Perhaps more than density and mixed use, Townmakers emphasizes the “connectivity” proposed for Ashland Mill. Asked to explain, Mehaffy emphasized, “generous sidewalks and pathways,” a greenway faced with homes fronted by porches, and a “human scale.”

Highlights include the extension of the city’s Central Bike Path, which runs generally along railroad tracks across Ashland from Railroad Park on the north to Tolman Creek Road at Mistletoe Road on the south, not far from the Shop’n Kart/Bi-Mart shopping plaza.

Walking from virtually any place within Ashland Mill to the central retail area should take five minutes or less.

To reduce car dependency further, Townmakers plans for innovative pricing for some parking spaces (known as “unbundled parking”), where a given carriage house resident, for example, could opt to pay more for a dedicated parking space or forego that and rely on walking, biking, and other transport options.

In conformance with state law, Ashland cannot now impose minimum parking requirements on most developments, so reliance on alternatives such as projected significant growth in use of electric bicycles will be crucial to making feasible projects such as Ashland Mill or the Grand Terrace apartments proposed for the northwest end of the city.

Townmakers is also considering a carshare program.

To further address climate change and reduce indoor air pollutants, Ashland Mill will not offer natural gas in residential units. Commercial and industrial areas will allow natural gas, as certain businesses, such as a pottery manufacturer, cannot generally use all-electric power.

Townmakers is also looking at solar power and groundsource heat pumps, but has not committed to such items. Weinstock notes, “We want to under-promise and over-deliver,”  (SOURCE)

Rogue Theater Company Announces its 2026 Season

At season preview parties for major donors on Nov. 9, Rogue Theater Company unveiled another slate of provocative plays and powerhouse casts, continuing its tradition of pairing bold storytelling with stellar casts.

Rogue Theater Company Artistic Director Jessica Sage, at a previous season preview party, shares details of a new season. Photo by Jim Flint

Artistic director Jessica Sage said the 2026 lineup will offer “exceptional stories told by extraordinary artists” that are “daring, tender and enriching.”

“These plays will invite us to laugh, to wrestle with big questions, and to recognize ourselves in the struggles and triumphs of others,” she said.

The Ashland company, known for its discerning play selections and powerhouse casts, populated by many Oregon Shakespeare Festival veterans, will present four productions at the Richard L. Hay Center at Grizzly Peak Winery, 1600 E. Nevada St., plus a Shakespeare series with scholar and OSF alumnus Barry Kraft.

“In a world that often feels divided and overwhelming,” Sage said, “we need theater more than ever as a space to pause, reflect, and connect with stories that illuminate the human experience.”

Unraveling Hamlet

The 2026 season begins Feb. 7 and 8 with Kraft’s annual Shakespeare series, this time devoted exclusively to “Hamlet,” his favorite play. Participants can attend in person or via Zoom, or access recordings afterward.

From March 11 to 29, RTC will stage Bruce Graham’s “Stella and Lou,” directed by Henry Woronicz and starring Linda Alper and Michael J. Hume.

“’Stella and Lou’ tells the quietly powerful story of two ordinary people discovering the courage to reach for connection later in life,” Sage said. “With humor and tenderness, it reminds us that it’s never too late to take a chance on love.”

A former OSF artistic director, Woronicz returns to helm another production for RTC. Alper’s and Hume’s OSF credits total 52 seasons combined.

Angels take flight

The company’s annual play-reading series, running April 29-May 3, will feature Tony Kushner’s monumental “Angels in America, Part I: Millennium Approaches,” directed by Desdemona Chiang. The cast includes Jordan Barbour, Christian Bufford, Lini Dissanayake, Robin Goodrin Nordli, Jeffrey King, Benjamin Pelteson, Stephen Michael Spencer and Vilma Silva.

“’Angels in America’ soars between the intimate and the colossal,” Sage said, “weaving together love, loss, politics and prophecy in a way no other play has dared.”

Set during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, “Angels” is a theatrical odyssey that confronts the harsh truths of history while illuminating the resilience of the human spirit.

At past RTC readings, audience members have remarked that the performances felt like fully staged productions, thanks to the caliber of the acting.

Love, onstage and off

RTC will present Nick Payne’s “Constellations” July 15-Aug. 2, directed by Emily Moler and featuring husband-and-wife team John Tufts and Christine Albright.

“The play fuses the delicate threads of love, longing and possibility, showing how a single choice can echo through time,” Sage said.

“It’s a deeply moving story that balances heartbreak with hope, leaving audiences reflecting on the fragile beauty of human connection.”

The actors, both OSF veterans, worked together in 2023 for RTC’s one-man show “An Iliad.” He starred and she directed.

The season closes Oct. 14-Nov. 1 with Ariel Dorfman’s “Death and the Maiden,” directed by Nancy Carlin and starring Elijah Alexander, Nell Geisslinger and Jamie Newcomb.

“It’s a gripping exploration of justice, memory and regret,” Sage said, “challenging us to confront the moral ambiguities of revenge and forgiveness.”

She said the tension between the characters keeps audiences on edge, “revealing how the past shapes the present in powerful and unsettling ways.”

All performances are presented indoors at 1 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Audiences can also enjoy RTC’s signature extras: $30 preview tickets on the first Wednesday of each run; Wine Wednesdays on the second and third Wednesdays, with a complimentary glass of wine; Thursday Talkbacks with the cast; Friend Fridays, offering discounts when you bring a friend; education discounts of $15 for students and $25 for educators; and group discounts of 10% for parties of 10 or more.

Tickets and information are available at roguetheatercompany.com or by calling 541-205-9190.

 

Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center

Red Tail Rosé, Wine With Purpose, Release 

Medford Voters Approve Hotel Tax Hike to Fund Downtown Redevelopment

Revenue from the increase will help fund the proposed Creekside Quarter project downtown, which includes plans for a hotel and conference center. City leaders said the development would boost tourism and help revitalize the area.

Down the line, the project could also include a new minor league baseball stadium for the Eugene Emeralds, though that portion would require additional funding and approvals.

The project could be many years away. City Councilor Kevin Stine said construction may take five to 10 years.

The City Council has said it would initially raise the hotel tax to 12% and increase it to 13% only if additional funding is needed to support the project. (SOURCE)

The Josephine County Republican Party Office in Grants Pass Closes as Members and Officers Resign

According to the former Chair of the Josephine County Republican Party office in Grants Pass, it is closed until further notice. Dozens of members, including officers and the chair chose to resign on Tuesday.

Apparently they have shut down their website too:  https://jocogop.org

Those who resigned said they did it because of corruption and procedural violations from within the party. They gathered Tuesday morning at the Josephine County Courthouse and formally submitted their resignations. This leaves the county Republican Party in an ‘unorganized’ status.

The chair, Joseph Rice said since his election in June, a group within the party was disgruntled after their candidate was not elected. Rice said the group tried to recall him but couldn’t provide verified signatures. Amidst this, Rice cites questionable expenditures, unethical leadership from representatives at the Grants Pass City Council, the Commissioner’s office and more. “They’re so committed against the chair and they’re really not budging at all,” former vice chair Skip Welles added.

“There are very conservative Republicans that believe in ethical guidance, moral leadership and it’s just not here in the party,” Rice said. “There is a group that I would call ‘sore losers’ that are not happy with the election that have consistently tried to undermine the workings of the party.”

At this point, the Oregon Republican Party will have to step in and reorganize the party. Many of the departing members are making what they describe as a ‘lateral move’ to the United Conservatives of Josephine County, a grassroots organization.

ACCESS – https://www.facebook.com/ACCESSHELPS

𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦! November SNAP benefits are now available for Oregonians!

Jackson County Declares Local State Of Emergency Amidst Funds Being Held Back Nationwide For Food Benefit Programs

This declaration takes effect immediately and broadens the actions the county is authorized to take in response to food scarcity– including the emergency procurement of goods and services.

47,000 Jackson County residents get SNAP benefits.  3,800 of them are children under 5, and 10,000 are people living with disabilities.

Jackson County Emergency Management and Health and Human Services plan to coordinate with local community organizations to identify and aid vulnerable populations.

“We have the sixth largest population that receives snap benefits in the state– the other ones are all in the metro area. So, part of this declaration also signals to the state, like hey– we have no resources to really fix this. We don’t have money, we don’t have additional food that we can grow really fast or acquire really fast– we’re really reliant on what the state’s going to be doing and working with the food banks to make sure that i can go advocate and fight for resources at salem,” ~ Jackson County Emergency Manager, Delaney Richmond.

Richmond says they’re working to give residents timely updates and potentially coordinate food drives, and that the emergency will be declared through December 31, or until the funds are flowing again.

Buy a Bag to Feed a family of four

Round up your purchase to the nearest dollar at the register

Scan for Hunger with a $1, $3, or $5 at the register

All proceeds directly benefit our Regional Food Bank and network of 30+ pantries to provide nutritious meals for families during the holidays.

State Parks will not accept Jackson County parking permits starting Jan. 1, 2026 

Southern Oregon’s most talented high school chefs are ready to bring the heat!

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, Phoenix High School will transform into a culinary battleground as 12 teams from five Southern Oregon high schools face off in the inaugural Southern Oregon High School Kitchen Klash—a sizzling, one-day competition of skill, creativity, and local flavor.

The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., culminating in an awards ceremony and community tasting event. Each team of 2–3 students will prepare a three-part plate featuring a protein, vegetable, starch, and a surprise wildcard ingredient revealed just before the clock starts ticking. Judges—including chefs from the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute and local culinary professionals—will evaluate dishes based on technique, flavor, and presentation.

Represented schools include Ashland High School, Eagle Point High School, Klamath Union High School, North Medford High School, and Phoenix High School.  This friendly competition highlights how Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are helping students turn their passion for food into professional pathways—blending Southern Oregon’s agricultural roots with modern culinary innovation. A special thank-you goes out to our many sponsors, including Ashland Food Co-op, Sherm’s, Trader Joe’s, and US Chef.

Learn more https://www.medfordoregon.gov/chipperdays

Reclaiming Lives-Recovery Cafe Medford

  Thanksgiving is almost here, and we need your help!

If you’d like to donate or learn more about how you can help, please reach out to us!

Together, we can make this Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and community.

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.

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. .

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

Rogue Valley Humane Society · Donations Always Needed to Help Community

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

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 Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.

US Supreme Court maintains temporary freeze on full SNAP benefits for November

The Supreme Court has extended its order blocking full SNAP payments until Thursday, November 13, at which point it could be lifted if the government is reopened. The decision means that some states may continue to receive no benefits, while others that received partial payments may continue to do so. There is hope that a government shutdown ending soon will lead to full funding.

• Supreme Court’s decision: The Supreme Court extended its temporary order that blocks the government from making full SNAP payments.
• Duration: The extended order will last until just before midnight on Thursday, November 13.
• Current situation: This creates a chaotic situation where some states have received some or all of their November benefits, while others have received none.
• Government shutdown resolution: A solution may be in sight, as the Senate passed a bill to end the government shutdown, and the House is expected to consider it soon.
• Future outlook: If the government reopens, it would likely restart SNAP funding. However, how quickly full payments would resume is still uncertain and would vary by state.

Trump administration issues November SNAP benefits, then asks Supreme Court again to intervene and stop them from going out

Saturday, Trump WARNED all states that they MUST undo ANY effort to pay out SNAP benefits to their residents. After sending out notice to all states to fully fund on Friday 11/7

Here’s statement below that the Feds sent to all states on Friday 11/7 for full release of benefits: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/updated-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap-november-benefit-issuance

Now they are back tracking what they did.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield — “This morning, the president ordered states to not distribute full SNAP benefits for November, and demanded that states “undo” any benefits payments that have already been sent to working families for food.”

We’ve heard some people are worried that the Supreme Court’s order means they can’t use their EBT cards or that their November SNAP benefits will be taken away. This is not true. Once benefits are on your Oregon EBT card, they belong to you! You can keep using them as usual.

If you believe you should have received November SNAP benefits or a different amount than what you got, please reach out to your local ODHS office (https://bit.ly/ODHSoffices) or call 800-699-9075 (Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Pacific Time). Keep in mind, federal changes to SNAP benefits also started this month, which may be causing you to see a different amount than you usually do. You can read about the federal changes to SNAP here: https://apps.oregon.gov/…/odhs-begins-sending-notices…

One more thing – please keep applying, renewing, and reporting any changes that may impact your benefits. This will help make sure you get your SNAP benefits faster once we can start sending them again!

Here are several ways to check your balance: – Call ebtEDGE customer service toll-free at 888-997-4447 – Visit https://ebtEDGE.com – Use the ebtEDGE mobile app ODHS does not recommend any other EBT management websites or apps.

While the release of SNAP benefits is not a scam – we want everyone to remain aware of potential scammers who could be trying to take advantage of the confusion in this situation. Do not click any suspicious links in emails, texts or social media posts, and only trust ODHS for information about Oregon benefits. You can find tips to protect yourself from electronic theft here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has enacted House Bill 3991, which pertains to the emergency transportation package.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has enacted House Bill 3991, an emergency transportation package that will raise about $4.3$ 4.3$4.3 billion over 10 years to fund road maintenance, operations, and public transit. The funding comes from various fee increases, including a six-cent gas tax, higher vehicle registration fees, and doubled payroll taxes for public transit. The bill also includes measures like repealing a mandatory toll program and shifting the hiring of the ODOT Director from the Transportation Commission to the Governor.

• Funding: The bill is expected to raise approximately $4.3$ 4.3$4.3 billion over the next 10 years.
• Revenue sources:
  • A six-cent increase to the gas tax.
  • A nearly doubling of most vehicle registration fees.
  • An increase in the payroll tax for public transit from 0.1%0.1 %0.1% to 0.2%0.2 %0.2%.
  • Increases to title fees.
• Key changes:
  • Maintains critical maintenance and operations for roads, bridges, and transit agencies.
  • Repeals the mandatory toll program established in House Bill 2017.
  • Moves the responsibility for hiring the ODOT Director from the Oregon Transportation Commission to the Governor.
  • Prioritizes hiring of ODOT maintenance workers and DMV frontline staff.
• Goal: The overall goal is to ensure roads remain safe and open, and to improve services for Oregon families, businesses, and first responders.

$1.41 billion state revenue surplus confirmed; Taxpayers to receive kicker credit on 2025 Oregon tax returns next year

The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) has confirmed a more than $1.41 billion revenue surplus in the 2023-2025 biennium, triggering a tax surplus credit, or “kicker,” for the 2025 tax year.

The surplus will be returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2025 state personal income tax returns filed in 2026. It is not sent to taxpayers in a check. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers who have not yet filed a 2024 tax return, should file now. That will allow them to claim their kicker credit when they file their 2025 tax return next year.

To calculate the amount of their credit, taxpayers can multiply their 2024 personal income tax liability before any credits—line 24 on the 2024 Form OR-40 filed earlier this year—by 9.863 percent. This percentage is determined and certified by OEA. Taxpayers who claimed a credit for tax paid to another state would need to subtract the credit amount from their liability before calculating the credit.

Personal income taxpayers can also determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2024 and 2025.

Taxpayers who don’t have a filing obligation for 2025, still must file a 2025 tax return to claim their credit.

The 2025 Oregon personal income tax return instructions will include detailed information on how to claim the credit. Full-year Oregon residents will use Form OR-40. Part-year residents will use Form OR-40-P. Non-residents will use Form OR-40-N. Composite and fiduciary-income tax return filers are also eligible.

Taxpayers should keep in mind that the state may use all or part of their kicker to pay any state debt they owe. These debts can include taxes due for other years, child support, court fines, or school loans.

Taxpayers can donate their kicker to the Oregon State School Fund for K-12 public education, but they must donate the entire amount. The donation is permanent and cannot be taken back.

Taxpayers also have the option of donating part or all their refund to any or all the 29 charities approved by the Charitable Checkoff Commission. Taxpayers use Form OR-DONATE to designate their donation to charity.

For more information, go to the Oregon surplus “kicker” credit page of the Department of Revenue website.

Taxpayers that haven’t filed their 2024 Oregon tax return can still file electronically using tax preparation software or Direct File Oregon. Free tax preparation services are available for both federal and Oregon tax returns. Some companies offer free software use and e-filing for eligible taxpayers. Links to the software and free offers can be found on the Department of Revenue website. Information about free tax preparation services is also available on the website.

The Department of Revenue plans to announce the date taxpayers can start filing 2025 Oregon tax returns in January. The department will continue to offer Direct File Oregon as an option for taxpayers to electronically file their 2025 returns for free. The fastest way for taxpayers to claim and receive their kicker will be to file electronically and use direct deposit to receive their refund.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments; call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email questions.dor@oregon.gov.

• Fact Sheet: Oregon Revenue Surplus “Kicker” Credit 

How did Oregon get the kicker? The 1979 Oregon Legislative Assembly passed the “Two percent kicker” law as a way to control state spending. The law requires the state to compare the revenue forecast for each two-year biennium to the amount actually received and return any surplus to taxpayers.

Voters approved a ballot measure adding the kicker to the Oregon Constitution in 2000 and provided taxpayers with the option to donate their kicker to the State School Fund to help fund K-12 schools in Oregon.

When do we have a kicker? After the biennium ends, if actual revenue collected exceeds the forecast amount by more than 2 percent, the revenue surplus is refunded to taxpayers as a tax credit claimed on their personal income tax returns in the even-numbered year of the next biennium.

On November 1, 2025 the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) certified that revenue collected for 2023-2025 biennium (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025) had exceeded the OEA forecast by $1.41 billion, the fourth largest surplus revenue amount in state history.

OEA further certified that Oregon taxpayers can receive a kicker credit on their tax year 2025 returns filed in 2026 equal to 9.863 percent of their Oregon personal income tax liability for tax year 2024.

The kicker is returned to taxpayers as a tax credit. The kicker is returned to taxpayers as a refundable tax credit, either reducing the amount of tax they owe or increasing their refund.

While there was a time when the kicker was returned to taxpayers in the form of a check, the 2011 Legislature changed the method of payment back to a tax credit claimed on returns filed in the even-numbered year of the biennium.

How much will my kicker be? Taxpayers can use the Department of Revenue’s “What’s My Kicker?” calculator to determine the amount of their kicker.

Taxpayers can claim a kicker credit equal to 9.863 percent of their Oregon personal income tax liability for tax year 2024. A taxpayer with a $5,000 Oregon personal income tax liability for tax year 2024 would be able to claim a kicker credit on their tax year 2025 return of $493 ($5,000 x 0.09863). Only Oregon personal income tax liability for tax year 2024 will count toward the kicker. Taxes paid in previous years and federal income taxes are not part of the kicker calculation.

Where can I find more information about the kicker? You can find more information about the kicker and a link to the “What’s My Kicker?” calculator on the Oregon Department of Revenue website, including a list of frequently asked questions, and historic data listing the years of past kickers and their amounts.

PDX among airports hit by FAA pullback on air traffic — Flight cancellations stacking up at PDX as government shutdown wears on

The reduction means 3,300 canceled flights daily across the country

The 40 airports set to see a 10% reduction in flights during the government shutdown nearly matched the list of the nation’s busiest airports, according to a preliminary list seen by States Newsroom, potentially leading to thousands of flight cancellations across the country.

A 10% reduction at the listed airports would mean 3,300 canceled flights per day, according to Airports Council International-North America, the trade group for airports.

The Federal Aviation Administration had not released an official list of airports by early Thursday afternoon, but three sources familiar with the matter provided tables listing the proposed airports. Multiple flights have been cancelled at the Portland International Airport as FAA operations are forced to scale back.

55 years since Oregon exploding whale incident

It’s been 55 years since Oregon state officials’ plan to obliterate a beached whale that washed up near Florence ended with a blast that rained blubber down along the coastline.

The 45-foot-long sperm whale arrived on the beach on November 9, 1970, and in the words of KATU reporter Paul Linnman, quickly became “a stinking whale of a problem.”

State transportation crews worked on a solution, settling on a plan to blow up the whale three days later, on November 12.

“So dynamite it was, some 20 cases or a half ton of it,” Linnman said. “The hope was that the long-dead pacific gray whale would be almost disintegrated by the blast.”

However, things didn’t go quite as planned. Linnman and KATU photojournalist Doug Brazil were there that day, filing the now infamous report from the dunes.

The protocol now typically is to let stranded whales decompose naturally, letting scavengers do their part in the coastal ecosystem. However, if the situation necessitates, the state may take other actions to dispose of a carcass.

Exploding Whale Memorial Park – This riverfront park provides access to the Siuslaw River in Historic Old Town Florence. Named by residents to memorialize the notorious “exploding whale” incident that took place on the Oregon Coast in the 70s, this beautiful wayside park offers sandy beach and views of the Siuslaw River Bridge.

The park offers views of the Siuslaw River and Bridge and the sand dunes on the south side of the river. For more about the “exploding whale” incident, check out the video link above or on website: https://visittheoregoncoast.com/cities/florence/activities/exploding-whale-memorial-park/

New License Plate Honors Conservation Efforts at Oregon Zoo

Oregonians have a new license plate design option, and like many others, it honors conservation efforts in the state.

The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles Services on Nov. 3 began offering an Oregon Zoo license plate, inspired by Portland’s nickname of Rose City and the zoo’s endangered Asian elephant population. Portland-based artist Jeremy Nichols designed the plate.

The Oregon Zoo license plate costs $40 when first ordered and at each registration renewal, in addition to regular title, registration and plate fees. About $35 from the surcharge will go to the Oregon Zoo Foundation to support conservation education, species recovery and animal well-being at the Oregon Zoo. Oregonians must pay the surcharge or redeem a pre-paid voucher to get the plate.

The zoo plate joins dozens of specialty registration plates, including Crater Lake, Oregon Ducks, Oregon State Beavers, pollinator paradise, salmon, Smokey Bear and wine country.

The plates are only available to passenger vehicles. The plates can be purchased at any Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles Services office, by mail or online.

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden recently joined with several other senators to request detailed information and express concern regarding contributions made to finance President Trump’s White House ballroom construction initiative. 

In a letter sent to the National Park Service and the Trust for the National Mall in late October 2025, the senators, led by Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), raised questions about potential influence peddling and quid-pro-quo arrangements from corporate donors with business interests before the Trump administration. Key details of the situation:

• Concerns: The senators expressed worry that the non-profit structure of the Trust for the National Mall was being used to facilitate special interest access to the White House.
• Donors: Corporations such as YouTube (Google), Amazon, Meta, and Apple have reportedly made significant contributions to the project, raising conflict-of-interest questions. YouTube, for example, settled a lawsuit with the Trump administration by agreeing to provide $22 million to the Trust.
• Request for Information: The letter requested details on the exact agreements for the construction, the source and amount of all donations, and whether these contributions were claimed as charitable deductions.
• Project Cost/Scope: The project is estimated to cost $300 million and involves the demolition of a portion of the historic East Wing to build a new 90,000 square foot facility.

The senators argue that the public deserves answers about the circumstances surrounding the project and the potential for corruption. READ PRESS RELEASE: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-colleagues-trumps-ballroom-is-a-political-fundraiser-for-big-corporations-to-earn-backroom-favors

Baby formula recalled after hospitalizing 13 infants including Oregon child

Federal and state health officials are investigating 13 cases in 10 states of infant botulism linked to baby formula that was being recalled, authorities said Saturday.

ByHeart Inc. agreed to begin recalling two lots of the company’s Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement.

All 13 infants were hospitalized after consuming formula from two lots: 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2.

The cases occurred in Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington. No deaths were reported. The FDA said it was investigating how the contamination happened and whether it affected any other products.

Available online and through major retailers, the product accounted for an estimated 1% of national formula sales, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People who bought the recalled formula should record the lot number if possible before throwing it out or returning it to where it was purchased, the CDC said in a statement.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield –

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning the public to stay alert for scammers impersonating government officials, law enforcement, or financial experts.

According to the 2025 Enforcement Report from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation are among the top threats this year with artificial intelligence (AI) making it easier for criminals to create convincing fakes. Fraudsters can now clone voices, generate fake videos, and impersonate trusted individuals or organizations. This all results in tricking victims into sharing personal information, transferring money, or granting remote access to devices. These scams are increasingly polished, personalized, and difficult to detect until after significant losses occur.

Even more concerning are reports of in-person scams. In a recent case, investigators arrested a suspect who traveled across the country to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars from a victim who believed they were investing in cryptocurrency. The case is part of a growing “pig butchering” scheme in which criminals build trust with victims before luring them into fraudulent investments. Other reports describe so-called “gold traders” or “bankers” who contact victims online, build rapport, and later arrive in person to collect cash, gold, or gift cards under false pretenses.

“An investment scam may be lurking in your text messages, phone calls, or social media accounts,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “Always verify requests for money or personal information and never engage with suspected fraudsters. Even small interactions can have serious consequences. Some scammers retaliate by filing false police reports that bring law enforcement to victims’ doors.”

DFR offers the following tips to protect yourself from investment fraud:

• Verify before you invest: Check the registration of investment professionals and firms.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: Scammers often use social media or messaging apps to lure victims.
• Don’t rush: High-pressure tactics are a red flag.

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or want to report suspicious activity, contact one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or .financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov to file a complaint.

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 seeks $1 billion federal investment in rural healthcare

— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) submitted its application for a federal grant program that could bring up to $1 billion in new investment to strengthen healthcare in Oregon’s rural and frontier communities.

Through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, Oregon is seeking funding to expand access to care, grow the healthcare workforce, modernize technology and data systems, and invest directly in community-driven prevention and wellness initiatives. The program was established under House Resolution 1, the federal government budget reconciliation bill that was signed into law in July.

To develop the application, OHA undertook a statewide engagement process between August and October that was designed to center regional voices. The agency:

• Hosted two statewide virtual public forums attended by hundreds of residents;
• Conducted two online surveys that reached hundreds more providers, patients and community organizations;
• Held formal consultation and follow-up meetings with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes; and
• Reviewed extensive written input from hospitals, clinics and community partners across rural, frontier and remote regions.

Across these conversations, people in Oregon emphasized prevention, healthy communities and workforce resilience as top priorities. They called for investments in community-based care models, support for local recruitment and retention, and incentives to attract non-traditional and culturally responsive providers.

“Informed by the insight of our statewide rural partners, OHA developed a robust plan for transforming rural health in Oregon,” said OHA Director of Health Policy and Analytics Clare Pierce-Wrobel. “As a state with one-third of its residents living in rural and frontier communities, we believe our proposed initiatives meet or exceed the expectations of this funding opportunity—and expect the federal government will recognize the importance of this investment for Oregon’s rural communities when making awards later this year.”

If funded, Oregon’s initiative would roll out in two phases:

• Phase 1 (2026–2027): Immediate “catalyst” grants for shovel-ready projects that expand access, improve local infrastructure, and strengthen emergency and maternity care.
• Phase 2 (2028–2031): Larger, regional initiatives focused on long-term sustainability, shared infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration.

The proposal also includes a dedicated Tribal initiative, providing direct funding for Tribal-led strategies that strengthen sovereignty, workforce development and culturally grounded care.

Nationwide, the Rural Health Transformation Program will distribute $50 billion between 2026 and 2031. Federal law requires the U.S. government to make program award decisions by Dec. 31.

More information is available on the OHA Rural Health Transformation Program webpage, including the following documents: a project summary, a project narrative, a budget narrative, a letter to OHA partners and a letter of support from Gov. Tina Kotek.

Rural hospitals throughout the state may be approaching a financial crisis as significant federal Medicaid reductions are anticipated, with healthcare providers cautioning that the consequences could result in clinic closures, staffing deficits, and a concerning departure of physicians from Oregon’s underserved areas.

At the heart of this predicament is H.R. 1, a comprehensive federal budget legislation enacted earlier this year that restructured Medicaid financing nationwide.

In response, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urgently working to obtain a temporary financial support through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) — a new, short-term initiative from the federal government aimed at assisting rural health systems in weathering the repercussions.

Should Oregon’s application be successful, the state could secure as much as $100 million each year for a duration of five years, commencing in 2026.

These resources would be allocated to strengthen rural clinics, enhance telehealth services, train local healthcare providers, modernize outdated healthcare facilities, and more.

Salsa sold at Kroger stores is under recall due to a possible listeria contamination, the FDA said. 

The peach salsa recall is part of a larger recall of peaches sold nationwide.

JFE Franchising issued a recall on Nov. 3 for the Snow Fruit Peach Salsa due to a possible listeria exposure from fruit supplier Moonlight Companies. According to the FDA notice, no illnesses or complaints have been reported. Supreme LLC, another producer of peach salsa, also issued a recall for Supreme Produce Peach Salsa.

The recalled salsa was distributed to Kroger stores in Illinois, Colorado, Georgia, Washington, Indiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oregon and Michigan.

Moonlight companies issued a recall for yellow and white peaches grown in California and distributed nationwide.

Kroger recall

• Snow Fruit Peach Salsa – 639123940636 Best by date: 11/3/2025 -11/4/2025
• Supreme Produce Peach Salsa – 85006540364 Best by date: 10/12/2025 to 10/29/2025

All recalled peach salsas were sold in plastic clam-shell containers under the SNOWFRUIT label. The product codes can be found here.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems, according to the FDA.

Healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms including high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Pregnant women face additional risks: listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled peaches at the time of the FDA’s initial recall.

Anyone who purchased the recalled peaches or the peach salsa should not eat them. The recalled products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.Close Ad

What to expect when visiting Oregon State Parks in 2026

As this year comes to a close, Oregon State Parks is looking back on 2025 and planning for the 2026 season.

This year Oregon State Parks welcomed millions of visitors, maintained nearly 1,000 miles of trails, hosted hundreds of events including mushroom hikes and star parties and finished dozens of projects from the restoration of the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse to repaving the campground at Silver Falls State Park.

State parks also updated many of its fees to reflect increasing costs and decreasing Oregon State Lottery funding. Depending on the fee, the last update was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago.

Staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors for the 2026 season with guided hikes, seasonal events and outdoor adventures. To help visitors enjoy the more than 250 state parks and know what to expect next year, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department gathered the upcoming updates in one place.

Winter 2025:

• Green Friday (Nov. 28):  Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits on Green Friday.

Beginning January 1, 2026:

• First Day Hike (Jan. 1): Guided hikes at select parks. Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits for First Day Hikes.
• 12-month parking permits will increase from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and to $75 for out-of-state residents due to the out-of-state surcharge.
• 24-month parking permits will not be sold in 2026. Existing permits will be honored until they expire.
• Oregon State Parks will no longer sell Oregon Pacific Coast Passports but will honor passports purchased in 2025 until they expire.
• Oregon State Parks will no longer honor Jackson County parking permits.

Winter/Spring 2026

• OPRD is considering updates to its Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy. The proposed changes would update the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting as soon as Feb. 2026. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellation. Public comment is expected to run from December 1 to January 15, 2026. Final approval is required by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.
• Additional parks will require a parking fee. The specific parks and implementation date is still being finalized.
• Implement fees to use dump stations at Oregon State Parks to support the cost of that service.
• State Parks Day (June 6), will continue to offer free parking for Oregon residents. Camping fees will no longer be waived on that day pending approval of the proposed Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy updates.

“The changes are critical to sustaining state park operations and services now and for the future. We appreciate visitors’ continued support as these necessary changes are implemented,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director (OPRD) Director Lisa Sumption.

OPRD is projecting at $14 million budget shortfall this biennium due to decreasing lottery revenue, increasing costs and a long-standing need for more sustainable funding.  OPRD does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.

OPRD will continue to review and update fees and operations to keep providing high-quality visitor experiences and sustain parks now and in the future.

In addition to increasing fees, OPRD is also streamlining costs, planning to add more cabins and yurts to expand capacity and increase revenue and looking for new partnerships and sponsorships to help build a more sustainable funding future.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public input on the draft of the 2026 Oregon Recreation Trails Plan, which outlines recommendations to improve trails over the next 10 years.

The statewide plan highlights trends and issues to create priorities for grant funding and other recommendations for actions. The plan covers all motorized and non-motorized trails on public lands and waterways in Oregon, not just within Oregon State Parks. This includes hiking, biking and equestrian trails, motorized ATV trails, snowmobile trails and water trails.

Public feedback on the plan will be open from Oct. 30 to Nov. 28. Oregon Parks and Recreation notes that input on the plan also provides guidance to federal, state and local agencies as well as private sector partners.

Information used for the drafted plan comes from multiple sources, including statewide surveys conducted in October 2024 and April 2025, follow-up focus groups in May and the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

A fatality has been reported in Oregon due to an escalating listeria outbreak linked to pre-cooked pasta meals

A total of six deaths, including one in Oregon, and 27 illnesses across 18 states have been linked to a national Listeria outbreak from pre-cooked pasta meals supplied by Nate’s Fine Foods. Recalled Products and StoresThe contaminated pasta was used as an ingredient in various ready-to-eat and frozen meals sold at major grocery chains, including Kroger, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Albertsons, Sprouts Farmers Market, Giant Eagle, and more. Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers for any recalled products and discard them immediately. Do not eat them. Surfaces that may have come into contact with the food should also be cleaned thoroughly, as Listeria can survive in cold temperatures. Specific recalled products include (but are not limited to):

• Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo.
• Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce and Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine (sold at Walmart).
• Kroger deli bowtie and penne pasta salads.
• Albertsons store-made deli pasta salads.
• Scott & Jon’s Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls.

More information on the outbreak can be found on the CDC website or the FDA recall page.

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.

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.

High Desert Museum Launches Schnitzer Prize of the West; Open Call for Nominations through January 1, 2026

Inaugural initiative honors uncommon collaboration and innovation in addressing environmental and conservation challenges of the American West with a $50,000 cash prize.

Bend, OR — November 5, 2025 — Today, the High Desert Museum announces the Schnitzer Prize of the West, an inaugural initiative launched in close partnership with Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation. The new Prize—the first of its kind in the region—will award $50,000 annually to an individual or a small group of individuals whose work addresses environmental and conservation challenges of the American West, with a particular focus on honoring innovation, social impact, and uncommon collaboration. The open call for self- and third-party nominations runs on the High Desert Museum’s website from today through January 1, 2026.

In a moment when the American West—and the world-at-large—is confronting unprecedented ecological challenges, the Prize seeks to highlight innovative responses to urgent issues such as water scarcity, tribal rights and sovereignty, land-stewardship, changing climate, and more—offering models that can be replicated in other areas of the country facing similar pressures.

Since its founding in 1982, the High Desert Museum has been dedicated to sharing the stories of the High Desert through wildlife, art, cultures, history, and interdisciplinary experiences, creating a shared connection and dialogue among its community. The Prize builds on this commitment to conservation and on past initiatives such as the Earle A. Chiles Award—which recognized significant “Win-Win” contributions to managing the High Desert region’s natural resources—as well as the Museum’s partnership with lifelong Portland resident and West Coast businessman Jordan D. Schnitzer, a dedicated steward of the local community and the region’s advancement.

“The Schnitzer Prize of the West is an exceedingly timely and relevant effort to shine a light on the innovators, collaborators and visionaries among us,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D, Executive Director of High Desert Museum. “Their work demonstrates that we can look toward our future together even as we consider the economic and ecological challenges before us.”

“The Schnitzer Prize celebrates remarkable individuals and teams, who through their uncommon collaborations, are producing actionable solutions to the legacy challenges we face in the West,” said Jordan D. Schnitzer, President of Schnitzer Properties and The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.

Administered through the High Desert Museum, Prize nominations and applications will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of advisors comprised of former tribal leaders, ranchers and farmers, water policy and river restoration practitioners, a poet laureate and renowned historian, directors of prominent academic centers that focus on the study of the American West and more. To learn more about this dynamic group, visit the High Desert Museum website.

The Prize is now accepting nominations, and selected nominees will be invited to submit a formal application in early 2026. Nominations not selected in this inaugural cycle will automatically carry over for two forthcoming cycles. The Prize Winner will be announced in the spring of 2026. In addition to the $50,000 cash prize, the Winner will also receive a unique piece of art during an award ceremony in Portland, Oregon.

For more information on the Schnitzer Prize of the West, nomination eligibility, and selection process, please visit highdesertmuseum.org/schnitzer-prize.

About Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation — Jordan Schnitzer has a vibrant legacy supporting the High Desert Museum. He is the visionary and sponsor of the Schnitzer Prize of the West.

Through the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Jordan carries on the legacy of his late parents and their belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the CARE Foundation and its leaders have given over $300 million to fund hundreds of nonprofit projects that touch lives and enrich communities.

Schnitzer is also a prominent West Coast businessman. He is President and CEO of Schnitzer Properties, one of the West Coast’s Top 10 private real estate owners with offices in six Western states. Schnitzer is also an ARTnews Top 200 Art Collector globally and shares his vast contemporary art collections at no charge to museums and institutions and supports accompanying programming, educational opportunities and publications.

About the High Desert Museum — The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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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