Rogue Valley News, Wednesday 1/21 – 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, Roseburg Library Hosts Great Horned Owl Presentation Wednesday & 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 – January 21, 2026

Rogue Valley Weather

...AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Poor air quality will continue. This is due to an inversion
and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will continue to
trap pollutants.

* WHERE...Valleys in Jackson County.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with
respiratory problems.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Persons with respiratory illness should follow their physicians
advice for dealing with high levels of air pollution during periods
of stagnant air.

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

Winter is here! 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

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

 

After more than 30 years in law enforcement, Chief Justin Ivens has announced his retirement. A Medford native, Chief Ivens will continue serving as Chief of Police through June 30, 2026, to support a smooth transition.

 

Chief Ivens joined the Medford Police Department in 1995 as a Community Service Officer and built his career across nearly every level of the department. His service has included patrol, gang and street enforcement, major crimes investigations, supervision, and executive leadership, culminating in his appointment as Chief of Police in 2021.

 

As Chief, Ivens has emphasized practical, evidence-based approaches to policing, strong partnerships with other agencies, and a leadership style grounded in teamwork, professionalism, and accountability. His deep institutional knowledge and steady presence have helped guide the department through a period of significant change and challenge.

 

“Chief Ivens has spent his career serving the community that raised him,” said John Vial, Interim City Manager. “He leads with integrity, experience, and respect for both the public and the people he works alongside. We are grateful for his service and the example he has set.”

 

The City of Medford, Local Government will begin a recruitment process to identify the next Police Chief later this week.  We’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to Chief Ivens for his lifelong commitment to public safety and service to the Medford community.

 

Umpqua Valley Audubon Society, Roseburg Library Hosts Great Horned Owl Presentation Wednesday 1/28

 

ROSEBURG – The Umpqua Valley Audubon Society and Roseburg Public Library invite the public to a presentation on great horned owls by Colorado researcher Scott Rashid at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Rashid will visit virtually on Zoom, and attendees are invited to participate in person at the library, 1409 N.E. Diamond Lake Blvd., or on the library’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/roseburglibrary. A Facebook account is not required.

The great horned owl, one of the largest and most powerful owls in North America, is found in virtually every habitat on the continent. It can live in cities, mountains and even the plains, and it feeds on nearly anything, from insects to full-grown turkeys.

As with other owls, great horned owls do not construct their own nests but rather use the abandoned nests of other birds, including eagles, hawks, crows and ravens.

Rashid will share images of great horned owl nesting sites in different parts of the country; videos of the owls’ courtship, egg laying, nesting, growth of their young, and the food items they bring to their nestlings. He also will show videos of owlets leaving their home for the first time and what they look like as they develop into adult owls.

 

Rashid is an artist, researcher, bird rehabilitator, author and nonprofit director who has been painting, illustrating and writing about birds for more than 30 years. In 2011, he created the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute (CARRI) in Estes Park, Colo., focused on rehabilitating injured birds found in and around Estes Park and researching birds in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park and the front range of Colorado.

In 2025, Rashid earned the Champion of Owls Award and was inducted into the World Owl Hall of Fame by the International Owl Center in Houston, Minn.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Roseburg Public Library staff at 541-492-7050 or library@roseburgor.gov.

To learn more about the Umpqua Valley Audubon Society, visit their website at www.umpquaaudubon.org

 

 

Calling all artists: BLM seeks Artists-in-Residence at Rogue River Ranch, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument during Freedom 250
Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash. – 01/21/26 6:19 AM

MEDFORD, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is looking for two Artists-in-Residence: one at the historic Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site and another at the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

The selected artists will have the unique opportunity to capture these public lands during a milestone year as the Nation marks its 250th birthday and the BLM celebrates its 80th anniversary.  The artists will receive one- to two-week residencies during the summer to create original work while immersed in some of Oregon’s most remarkable environments.

One artist and one alternate will be selected for each residency based on the following criteria: entry materials, residency proposal, professionalism, and creative vision. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 28. As part of the 2026 program, selected artists will also be part of the Freedom 250 celebration, paying tribute to the historic sites and special lands that have contributed to the Nation’s heritage.

“Artists provide a captivating lens through which we can explore our connection to public lands,” said Joel Brumm, Assistant Monument Manager. “Their work provides a unique perspective on these remarkable landscapes, highlighting our mission and role in public land management as we celebrate our 80th anniversary.”

Rogue River Ranch National Historic Site – 

The Rogue River Ranch residency will take place between June and August 2026 in a breathtaking setting deep in the Rogue Wild and Scenic River Corridor. The remote outpost is a two-hour drive or a 22-mile river trip from Grave Creek Boat Ramp. The selected artist will reside in the historic house. 

Following their residency, the artist will share their vision in a public presentation at the Grants Pass Museum of Art on Oct. 2. Their work will be displayed at the museum for one month and then returned to the artist. The BLM is requesting digital copies of the artwork to promote the Artist-in-Residence program and public lands. The artist retains a non-exclusive use copyright. 

In summer 2025, Artist Alisha Whitman created watercolors during her residency. She shared her experience with the BLM. 

Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and there is no preference given to any style or medium.

Interested artists can learn more information and find an application at the Artist-in-Residence website, by e-mailing Tony Saunders at asaunders@blm.gov, or by calling 541-471-6642.

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument – The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument residency will take place in June 2026. The selected artist will be based at a travel trailer at Hyatt Lake Campground while exploring the environment and creating their art. The BLM is seeking visual artists for this residency.

Since 2017, the Artist-in-Residence program has allowed numerous artists to transform the monument’s natural and cultural resources into visual art, objects, and performances.

Last year’s Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Artist-in-Residence was Paul Atkinson, a gifted photographer who spent his time studying and photographing the monument’s unique landscapes.

During their residency, the artist will share their experience and artistic vision in a public presentation. Following the residency, artists are asked to donate an original artwork piece, which they will retain the rights to.  

Interested artists can learn more information and find an application at the Artist-in-Residence website, by e-mailing John Duwe at jduwe@blm.gov, or by calling 541-618-2320.

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

 

Fatal Crash – Kirtland Road (Hwy 140) – Jackson County
Oregon State Police – 01/20/26 12:58 PM

Jackson County, Ore. (Jan. 20, 2026)- On Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 5:46 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Kirtland Road (Hwy 140) and High Banks Road, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Cadillac Escalade, operated by Michael Bryan Dickerson (74) of Grants Pass, was northbound on High Pass Rd. and entered Kirtland Road where it was struck by a Ford Escape, operated by a female juvenile (16) of Central Point. Approximately five minutes after the inital crash, an eastbound Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle, operated by Jeremy Bruno Fantechi (27) of Grants Pass, struck the Cadillac at a reported high rate of speed.

The operator of the Harley Davidson (Fantechi) was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Cadillac (Dickerson) was reportedly uninjured. The operator of the Ford (female juvenile) was reportedly uninjured. 

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation.  OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Fire District 3, and ODOT.

 

Detectives Locate Runaway Teen in Eugene Area After 3-Day Search
JCSO Case 26-0270

MEDFORD, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives located a runaway juvenile today after following a lead to the Eugene area. The teen, Ava Wall, 15, of rural Medford, was found safe three days after she was reported missing Friday night.

Potential criminal charges may be considered for individuals who harbored the runaway teen. There is no further information available for release at this time. 

 

 Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation Grants $795,000 to Non-Profits in Southern Oregon

The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation celebrated its winter awards ceremony at Seven Feathers Casino Resort last week.

A foundation release said $759,930 was distributed to southern Oregon non-profit organizations that work to strengthen their communities.

The grants were awarded to groups in Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Coos, Klamath, Lane and Deschutes counties. With Thursday’s awards, the total amount of philanthropic giving by the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation reached $27,199,988, since it was founded in 1997.

The Mission of the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation is to offer assistance with youth education, strengthen youth and family, provide for positive youth development, and add to the quality of life for people in southwestern Oregon. Increasing emphasis upon basic needs and feeding hungry people has been part of the CCUIF mission in recent years. Awards are made semi-annually in January and June.

More information about the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation is available at: https://www.cowcreekfoundation.org/

 

Oregon Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Sell Cocaine Purchased from the Dark Web (Photo)
U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Oregon – 01/16/26 4:50 PM

MEDFORD, Ore.—An Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for attempting to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine purchased from the dark web.   

Dominick Jeffrey Aragon, 32, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, in February 2025, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) task force intercepted a parcel addressed to Aragon’s residence containing approximately one ounce of cocaine. In March 2025, they intercepted a second parcel destined for Aragon at the same address that contained two ounces of cocaine.

The investigation continued into April 2025, when USPIS and RADE seized two additional parcels addressed to Aragon at an acquaintance’s residence that contained controlled substances.

At the time of these offenses, Aragon was on federal supervised release after completing a 15-month federal prison sentence for distributing cocaine.

On September 29, 2025, Aragon pleaded guilty to attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

This case was investigated by USPIS and RADE. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and Olivia Mendez, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.  

RADE is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. RADE includes members from Oregon State Police, the Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Probation & Parole, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.

 

Grants Pass High School is expanding its automotive program, now in its third year, to give students more space for hands-on training.

Around 150 students learn the basics of car repair while working on staff and student vehicles. Automotive teacher Travis Rappleyea said it’s been difficult to manage working out of the small garage.

“If a job goes sideways on us, as they very frequently tend to do, then we’re down that space until we can get that vehicle out of here,” he said. “And that’s going to butt heads and interfere with all the other classes that we have going on.”

Rappleyea said having twice as much space means that students will have room to take on more complex jobs.

“When we finally got this outdoor expansion, we can actually work on our cars now as a whole group instead of just half and half,” said senior John Higgins. “And it adds two lifts, so people that need lifts have them.”

The expansion was completed over the winter break. Rappleyea said around half of the students are interested in pursuing auto repair as a career. There’s a mechanic shortage in the Rogue Valley and nationwide, so more mechanics are needed.

“There’s an average of — just in our Southern Oregon general area — 400 job postings a year for automotive technicians, or something very closely related,” said Rappleyea. “They typically stay posted anywhere from 40 to 90 days, so there’s a lot of opportunity.”

Rappleyea said he’s working with Rogue Community College to allow students to earn dual credits by completing RCC’s basic automotive maintenance class in high school.

The district funded the $750,000 expansion through a debt restructuring plan that it said cost taxpayers nothing.

 

dates. To go to the page, click here, or call the “snow phone” at 541-482-2SKI (2754).
To go to the Mt. Ashland webcam, click here.

 

Mt. Ashland Chairlift Replacement Project U

Every ski area has one piece of infrastructure that quietly holds everything together. At Mt. Ashland, that piece is the Windsor chairlift. If Windsor goes down, the entire mountain feels it immediately. That’s why we’re talking about replacing it now.

Based on a recent routine inspection, vital components of Windsor Chairlift are at the end of their life. With the impending need to replace these crucial components and the seven figure expense of conducting those repairs, Mt. Ashland Association has deemed the replacement of Windsor Chairlift, the portal to our Mountain, the more time sensitive and critical upgrade.

With the deadlines for payments for the 2026 replacement of both chairs quickly approaching, unless the funds can be raised in time, the replacement of Windsor will take priority in 2026 with Ariel Chairlift following in 2027.

We know this is not ideal, but this tough decision will need to be made in order to sustain our Ski Area’s financial integrity.

And now we are asking for your support because this is the time to donate. The Mt. Ashland Association Board of Directors is currently matching donations up to $150,000 so right now your gift goes twice as far! That means your $50 becomes $100. Your $200 becomes $400. Your impact doubles—just when we need it most. It doesn’t matter how much because even a little truly goes a long way. https://www.facebook.com/MtAshlandSkiArea

 

 

Britt Festival —  first round of artists joining us at Britt this summer

 

We’ve got it all from international favorites to stand-up comedy! We’re bringing rock powerhouse KALEO, global ensemble Pink Martini, and a co-headlining evening with Los Lobos & Los Lonely Boys. You can also look forward to the return of crowd favorite The California Honeydrops, as well as an evening with Jim Gaffigan to add a comedic highlight to the season

Tickets for these shows are on sale NOW for select Britt Membership levels and will be available for purchase to the general public on January 30 at 10 AM Join as a member today to get early access to tickets!  https://britt.org/events/

 

 

 

Southern Oregon PBS has announced that it will persist in its operations despite significant transformations occurring in public broadcasting across the nation, following the recent decision by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to dissolve after Congress removed all of its federal funding.

Last summer, Congress sanctioned a rescissions package that retracted approximately $1.1 billion in funding that had been previously designated for PBS and NPR via CPB.

At that time, Southern Oregon PBS CEO Phil Meyer cautioned that these cuts would lead to “drastic changes,” highlighting that CPB funding constituted around 37% of the station’s yearly budget. Currently, Meyer indicates that these changes are already in progress — but not in the manner that many had anticipated.

Consequently, Southern Oregon PBS has successfully avoided layoffs and service reductions that have affected various public media stations in other parts of the country.

Meyer notes that viewer contributions now represent approximately 88% of the station’s financial resources.

Southern Oregon PBS Still on The Air Despite Federal Funding Loss

 

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) voted to dissolve itself, due to the recent rescission of federal funding  after nearly six decades of distributing funds to public media stations across the nation.

PBS, PBS KIDS and local stations like SOPBS are still here, and we’re still serving you with programming that informs, connects, and strengthens our community. And now, more than ever, we need the support of Viewers Like You to keep going strong.  Protect the future of SOPBS at https://donate.sopbs.org/sopbs/donate

 

 

Jackson County Grand Jury Indicts Woman on 88 Felony Animal Abuse And Neglect Charges

The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office announced that in the afternoon on January 13, 2026 the Jackson County Grand Jury indicted Jana Dene Tepper, 74, on one count of Aggravated Animal Abuse in the First Degree, 29 counts of Felony Animal Neglect in the First Degree, and 58 counts of Felony Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, for a total of 88 felony charges.

The charges follow a search warrant executed on January 6, 2025, at a residence in the 400 block of Crystal Drive in Eagle Point by the Eagle Point Police Department, where officers rescued 58 dogs and discovered 30 deceased dogs. Each charge corresponds to an individual animal found at the residence.

Ms. Tepper is scheduled to appear for arraignment on the indictment today at 1:45 PM. She remains in custody at the Jackson County Jail with bail set at $100,000. This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Madelyn Reese. Due to the pending criminal proceedings, no further details will be released at this time.

 

Former Grants Pass Employee Pleads Guilty to Multiple Felony Sex Crimes

On January 13, Timothy James Conway, a former Grants Pass City employee, pleaded guilty to 3 Class B-Felony sex crimes falling under Encouraging Child Sex Abuse 2nd Degree.

As part of the global plea offer, 17 counts will be dismissed. He pleaded guilty in Josephine County Circuit Court before Judge Mathew Galli and will be sentenced Monday, February 2nd at 10 a.m.

James Conway, the economic development specialist for the city, had been placed on leave in June pending the outcome of an employment investigation. This comes after the city learned of criminal charges filed against Conway.

“As stewards of public trust, City employees are held to the highest moral and ethical standards,” the city of Grants Pass wrote in a statement. “In the weeks ahead, the City will determine the most appropriate steps forward once an investigation has been completed.”

 

 

City of Grants Pass, Local Government – Applications are being accepted for a position on the Committee on Public Art (CoPA) due to a term expiration. This is a three-year position.

Wrong Way Driver Mitigation Construction Project in Southern Oregon

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.  

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.

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.

Taking Another Look at What Happened to Fauna Frey

Fauna was grieving the recent death of her brother, Dallas, when she set off from Eugene in June of 2020 heading to Grants Pass on what her family believes was both a healing trip and a mission to deliver gifts, silver coins inherited from Dallas, to a few friends.

But somewhere between motel check-ins and checkouts, something went terribly wrong. Her Jeep was found months later. She was never seen again. http://bit.ly/4l63Dle

We will start resharing podcasts and articles. For starters here is a story from Danielle Denham that appeared in the June 29, 2025 edition of That Oregon Life. Ms Denham worked closely with us to insure that the facts she presented were accurate.

Check out the nine episodes of the podcast Nowhere to be Found, a comprehensive, in-depth, sensitive treatment of the details surrounding Fauna’s disappearance. Hear from Fauna’s father, John, and her friends. Posted in spring of 2022, Amanda Popineau shares Fauna’s journey and the mystery that surrounds it. Go to Nowhere to be Found Season Two: Episode One “Under A Half-Moon.” https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/s2e1-under-a-halfmoon/id1532686678?i=1000512098162

We want to remind people that Fauna’s father is offering a huge reward for information that brings Fauna home.

Please if you have any information no matter how big or small let us know by calling the anonymous tip line or emailing. 

Tipline- 541-359-5638

Email – Helpfindfaunafrey@gmail.com

FOLLOW on FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/341658526970132

You can find food in your community at this link

Our network of food banks and pantries provides free food and groceries across Oregon. No proof of income or documentation required.

https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Map to find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. 

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area.

Colder overnight temperatures this week prompt home heating fire safety reminder from Oregon State Fire Marshall

With below freezing overnight temperatures and recent home fires related to heating, the Oregon State Fire Marshal would like to remind Oregonians about the importance of fire safety. Since January 1, the agency has investigated 10 home fires across the state from various causes.

“These fires come as a tragic reminder of the importance of home heating fire safety, the second leading cause of home fires every year in Oregon,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Following fire safety guidance and testing smoke alarms regularly are important steps every Oregonian can take this winter.”

The Oregon State Fire Marshal offers these tips:

• Keep things that burn, like paper, curtains, bedding, or furniture, at least three feet away from all heating equipment, including fireplaces, wood stoves, and pellet stoves.
• Always plug space and portable heaters directly into a wall outlet and never into an extension cord or power strip.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of heating equipment fires (46%) occurred in the three-month period from December through February. In the first two weeks of 2026, three fire-related deaths were reported to the Oregon State Fire Marshal. – For more home heating safety tips, visit the OSFM’s website.

Red Cross Declares Severe Shortage after Blood Supply Falls 35% in Past Month

• The American Red Cross is issuing a severe blood shortage after the national blood supply fell about 35% over the past month.
• A nationwide flu outbreak may be sidelining blood donors. Already, the flu has overburdened hospitals — and this blood shortage means they’re now being forced to triage critical blood products.
• With more winter weather forecast, the problem could worsen without immediate blood donor action. Last month alone, 400 blood drives were impacted by winter weather, causing thousands of blood donations to go uncollected.
• Those who may be eligible are urged to book an appointment now at RedCrossBlood.org.

Despite efforts to rebuild the national blood supply in recent weeks, the inventory has continued to drop at an alarming rate of about 35% over the past month — forcing the American Red Cross to issue a severe blood shortage. This comes as flu activity is exploding across the country, where overburdened hospitals are now being forced to triage critical blood products.

High flu activity in nearly every state may be sidelining donors, slowing efforts to rebuild vital blood inventories to help patients and relieve pressure on hospitals. The shortage is especially serious for types O, A negative and B negative. Without immediate action, patients who rely on transfusions — including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth, and people with sickle cell disease or cancer — face serious risk.

There’s no time to wait. Book an appointment now to give blood by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

“This time of year is always challenging for blood collection — but right now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity and winter weather are all impeding donation efforts,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, executive medical director for the Red Cross. “Every person’s blood donation can help save lives — plus you help ease the tremendous burden on our doctors and nurses, allowing them to focus on caring for patients.”

Intense winter weather and freezing temperatures are expected across much of the country in the coming weeks, potentially delaying or canceling blood drives and forcing vital units of blood to uncollected. Last month alone, about 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weather — more than three times the number of those affected during the same time the previous year. As a result, thousands of blood donations went uncollected.

‘I Had a Successful Ending Because the Blood I Needed Was There’
When emergencies like postpartum hemorrhage occur, the difference between life and death for a mother and her baby can hinge on the availability of a blood transfusion. Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal deaths in the United States. These crises can happen suddenly — even in pregnancies without complications — underscoring the vital need for a ready supply of blood to help save lives.

For first-time mother Reihaneh Hajibeigi, childbirth complications caused her to hemorrhage and lose nearly 40% of her blood supply. She recalled that, as she crashed, a team of doctors rushed in to save her life, asking, “Where’s her blood? She needs this blood to save her life.”

“It was about 10 minutes from the time I started to feel faint until they had the blood in my system, and I was basically coming back to life,” Reihaneh said. “I think about the people who made it possible for me to live,” she said. Watch Reihaneh share her remarkable story of survival.

Special Thank You to Those Who Come to Give During This Critical Time
The Red Cross is thanking all donors who come out through Jan. 25, by entering them for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX, in partnership with the NFL. The winner and guest will get to enjoy Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, CA, access to day-of in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

The Red Cross is also extending its thanks to those who come to donate Jan. 26-Feb. 28 with a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

How to Donate Blood
Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment and learn more. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

• A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in
• Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
• High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media. https://www.redcross.org/local/oregon.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqQ-oQRSOha1nl8QTzVG4BDk_UtPu7nK9Ao6jYxWqU1Acruynxs

Oregon legislation poised to tackle ‘fishing expedition’ searches of license plate data

The idea comes as a result of a legislative workgroup convened last year to study the issue of inappropriate usage of automated license plate recognition software employed by law enforcement agencies in Oregon and nationwide

A powerful Oregon legislative committee chair is calling for increased “safeguards and protections” on the use of data collected by a controversial crime-fighting technology scanning license plates that critics fear the Trump administration will weaponize.

Sen. Floyd Prozanski, a Eugene Democrat who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, helped convene a group of law enforcement stakeholders, privacy advocates and legislative leaders, which met in December to tackle the issue as cities across the state have debated whether to turn off their cameras employing the technology. One vendor in particular, the Atlanta-based Flock Safety, has drawn condemnation from U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, who previously said the company is “unable and uninterested” in addressing abuses of its products.

But views among workgroup stakeholders were diverse, including law enforcement who have defended license plate readers as a valuable tool for intercepting crime to progressive activists who say such technology itself is far too vulnerable for abuse by the federal government. Critics of some license plate reading technology have pointed to instances where the software’s data has been accessed by federal immigration enforcement agencies or used to target out-of-state abortion seekers.

“At this point, Prozanski is leaning more towards putting up some guardrails that will make it safe,” Ky Fireside, an Oregon House candidate and Springfield-based progressive organizer who is part of the workgroup, told the Capital Chronicle in December. “But the fact of the matter is, there’s not anything you can do to make this kind of technology safe. It’s just designed to be abused.”

Prozanski, however, said in an interview that he values the technology for “legitimate, lawful enforcement purposes,” pointing to its use in the arrests of suspected criminals tied to a Pacific Northwest burglary ring targeting Asian American households, including in the Eugene-Springfield area. 

He said he was also concerned about inappropriate data-sharing with the federal government or other states, as well as data brokers who are mining and selling such data for unlawful use. He added that law enforcement agencies across the state may be entering into contracts for the software without adequate data privacy protections, calling for similar protections employed by other Oregon state agencies for safeguarding information.

“They have protocols in place already on the duration of the length that can be held, (to) cross check for if someone’s making inquiries, to ensure that there has been something assigned to it, like a case number, and someone’s not going on what some people would call a fishing expedition and just picking out this request or that request,” Prozanski said. “That’s the type of stuff that we’re working on.”

New funding formula

Key to the debate over the license plate readers have been Oregon’s sanctuary laws, which prevent state and local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration enforcement without a court order. U.S. Border Patrol employed automated license plate reading technology in the 1990s, and it spread to police departments across the country in the next decade. 

A November state court ruling in Washington found that the images captured by Flock’s license plate readers are not exempt from disclosure under public records law. Prozanski confirmed he is still considering a public records exemption for such information as well as increased audits, a pathway to allow individuals whose data is improperly accessed to receive redress and certification requirements for license plate reading software vendors. 

A Flock company spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment about legislative efforts in Oregon, but company leadership have previously accused opponents of spreading misinformation, pointing to improved filters for sanctuary states. 

“We’re working under state law of Oregon, and if someone is making queries for something that happened or potentially could be actionable in a different state, it’s not what their state law provides, it’s what Oregon provides,” Prozanski said. “So we’re going to maintain safeguards and protections for those within this state.”

The state has already funded the proliferation of the technology’s use across Oregon, though in cities such as Eugene, police have backed away from their contracts with Flock. In that instance, local authorities confirmed that a license plate reading camera in the area was turned on without the city’s consent.

Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding for law enforcement agencies across the state has gone toward the technology, drawing from an Oregon organized retail theft grant program, according to the state’s Criminal Justice Commission. As of December, however, there have been no instances where the agency has needed to investigate reports of state law violations involving the use of state funds for license plate reading technology, according to Ryan Keck, the commission’s director. 

He said that his agency uses quarterly reports from recipients and can also conduct information audits within the scope of its grant agreements. If there were a reported violation, Keck said the agency would forward the matter for investigation. 

For new grants issued after Dec. 1, 2025, however, the agency has tightened its purse strings. New contracts include additional language for returning any funds that have been spent outside the scope of the agreement, which includes requirements to comply with state laws, Keck said. The commission in October also agreed to establish a new methodology for determining how the retail theft grant money would be awarded.  

“The Commission’s methodology prioritized applications to support local programs specific to organized retail theft (to include equipment) over applications solely requesting equipment with no specified support (ex: personnel, operations) to address organized retail theft,” he wrote in a statement.

“Moving forward, CJC will continue to monitor its grants in accordance with the terms of executed grant agreements, and remain responsive to any legislative changes,” he added.

Future legislation, continued debate likely

In an interview Friday, Fireside said that while they appreciate the work the legislative workgroup has done, the deck felt stacked in favor of law enforcement. 

The line in the sand they and other privacy advocates are drawing has to do with support for end-to-end encryption, the process by which secure data is encoded before it is transferred to its destination and decoded. Having such a safeguard would make it difficult for federal authorities to subpoena vendors for information stored securely by a law enforcement agency, Fireside said. 

“They are trying to push for like, ‘Oh, well, it’s, it’s encrypted in transit, and it’s encrypted at rest’, and that just doesn’t mean anything,” they said. “It doesn’t provide any protection.”

Prozanski, in the meantime, suggested there would be more than one proposal in the works, potentially for future sessions. Some ideas involve allocating additional funding, which is not feasible given the state’s current financial outlook, he told the Capital Chronicle, but could be in the future.

“This is probably the first beginning of more than one session dealing with this,” he said. “We’re not going to get everything done the first time.” (SOURCE)

Governor Kotek Secures $25 Million for OHA and Hospitals to Protect Maternity Care

State health and hospital leaders unite to keep care local and strengthen community health.

Governor Tina Kotek announced today a coordinated effort with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Hospital Association of Oregon to stabilize and sustain labor and delivery services across the state. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to keeping care local, supporting new families, and ensuring hospitals are sustained through higher rates for maternity costs.

“Every Oregon family deserves access to safe, local maternity care,” said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. “By bringing together public and private partners, we are aligning policy and funding to keep care close to home. This investment is about more than dollars—it’s about taking steps forward to sustain the health and vitality of communities for generations to come.”

Recognizing that maternity care is foundational to healthy communities, the governor requested funding from the legislature to stabilize hospital operations. The Governor has directed OHA to distribute $25 million of General Funds in a targeted way following input from impacted hospitals:

• $15 million will provide stabilization payments to smaller, rural hospitals that offer maternity services. These hospitals have fewer than 50 beds and may or may not be within 30 miles of another hospital. OHA will be identifying options to match these funds federally for maximum, direct impact prior to distribution.
• $10 million, multiplied by federal match for an even greater impact, will be invested in larger hospitals through Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) rates and is reflected in the 2026 coordinated care organization (CCO) rates.

“Hospitals are facing mounting challenges in keeping the services available that Oregonians rely on,” said Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon. “This boost in payments is a good first step toward stabilizing maternity services—especially in rural communities—and demonstrates what’s possible when state leaders and hospitals work together toward shared goals.”

Strong local maternity systems promote healthier starts for babies, which translates into better long-term health, educational, and economic outcomes for states and communities. Across Oregon and the nation, smaller, rural hospitals face mounting challenges in sustaining maternity services. Workforce shortages and increasing healthcare costs have forced some hospitals to close labor and delivery units, leaving families to travel long distances for care. These closures can have lasting impacts on maternal and infant health outcomes, as well as the vitality of rural communities.

The governor’s investment aims to reverse that trend by providing targeted support where it is needed most. Stabilizing maternity care requires shared responsibility among state agencies, hospitals, policymakers, and insurers. This approach will maximize state resources for hospitals while navigating federal limitations under House Resolution 1, also referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

“Maternity care is the cornerstone of healthy communities,” said Dr. Sejal Hathi, Director of OHA. “These investments will help stabilize hospitals that provide this critical service and ensure families can continue to rely on care in their own communities. We are proud to work with the governor and our partners to make this happen.” — For a list of hospitals by type, please refer to OHA’s Oregon Hospital Types document.

The Opioid Settlement Board allocates $13 million for Oregon’s Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BRHNs)

—The Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board (OSPTR) on Wednesday allocated $13 million for the state’s Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BRHNs). This investment will help to close a funding gap for continued BRHN services and demonstrates the Board’s commitment to leverage the settlement funds to strengthen Oregon’s substance use disorder services infrastructure.

“The Opioid Settlement Board continues to step up to address the opioid epidemic, but we must continue to balance the tension between maintaining newly built infrastructure and funding innovations that will lead to long-term system improvement,” said Board Co-Chair Annaliese Dolph.

The BHRNs were established as a direct result of Oregon voters passing Measure 110, the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act, in November 2020. BHRN providers deliver services and support for people with substance use disorders, regardless of their ability to pay, statewide.

The BRHNs are funded through cannabis tax revenue. However, an excess supply of marijuana has driven down market prices, resulting in a $100 million funding shortfall over the past 18 months. Experts also predict future declines in revenue.

To minimize future uncertainty and to keep within fiscal constraints, OHA will make annual adjustments to BHRN grant awards each July to align with the most current revenue projections.

The new funding, from the OSPTR Board, is a welcome boost for the 36 networks throughout Oregon and reduced a projected 27% reduction over the next year.   

Each BHRN responds to local needs by offering screenings, assessments, treatment, peer support, harm reduction services and housing support. From 2022 through 2025, BHRN grantees reported about 3 million client encounters, serving hundreds of thousands of people across Oregon.  

“This funding is critical to keeping lifesaving behavioral health services available in communities across Oregon,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke. “This critical investment helps stabilize essential services so people can continue to access care, regardless of their ability to pay.”  

This Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Fund, which is the state portion of Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, is overseen by the 18-member OSPTR Board.  

Since July 2021, the State of Oregon has reached agreement on national lawsuits against several companies for their role in the opioid crisis. Through these agreements, over $700 million will be awarded to Oregon through 2039. Settlement funds are divided between the State of Oregon (45%) and local jurisdictions (55%).  

To learn more about Oregon’s opioid settlement funds, visit oregon.gov/opioidsettlement   

Supreme Court tariffs decision could shape Oregon’s economic outlook after steady 2025

If the Supreme Court strikes down some tariffs without backup revenue source, it could mean higher costs for Oregonians after nearly avoiding a downturn last year.

Oregon’s economy held up better than many expected in 2025, even as fears of a recession dominated much of the year, according to state Chief Economist Carl Riccadonna. 

He said job growth has started to return, especially in the service sector, and state tax revenues have stayed steady — a sign that people are still working and spending. Those trends, he said, suggests Oregon “muddled through” a challenging year, avoiding a major downturn, and could see improvement in 2026.

President Donald Trump’s tariffs were a major source of uncertainty last year, but Riccadonna said their impact on everyday Oregonians was more muted than predicted. While manufacturing has taken a hit as companies adjust to higher costs and shifting supply chains, many consumer prices did not rise as sharply as feared. In some cases, he said, foreign companies lowered their own prices to stay competitive, easing the burden on shoppers.

Looking ahead, Riccadonna said tariffs could still affect household finances in less obvious ways. If the Supreme Court strikes down some tariffs without a replacement source of revenue, the federal government may need to borrow more to pay for the tax cuts, which could push interest rates higher. That would mean higher costs for mortgages, credit cards and auto loans.

In the following excerpt, Riccadonna breaks down the Supreme Court’s decision on tariffs affect Oregonians and what it might mean for the larger economy. The transcript has been edited for clarity. This interview was filmed on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. https://www.kgw.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/straight-talk/supreme-court-tariffs-decision-could-shape-oregons-economic-outlook-after-steady-2025/283-7bae1989-51a8-48ac-819b-181a9e8f4452

Beginning in February, air travelers in the United States who do not possess a REAL ID will incur a fee of $45, as announced by the Transportation Security Administration on Monday.

Although the updated ID has been mandatory since May, passengers lacking it have previously been permitted to pass through security with additional screening and a cautionary notice.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, 94% of travelers are already compliant, and the new fee aims to motivate travelers to acquire the ID. REAL ID refers to a state-issued license or identification card that complies with federal standards and fulfills enhanced requirements established following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Oregon Health Authority seeks new members for Oversight and Accountability Council

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is seeking applicants to serve on the Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC), a Council established by Ballot Measure 110 in 2020. The OAC is a public body of the state of Oregon that advises the Oregon Health Authority on the grant program described in ORS 430.389

Members of the OAC serve four-year terms. Members may be eligible for a stipend to compensate them for their time engaged official duties of the OAC. OHA is seeking new members in the categories described below:

• An academic researcher specializing in drug use or drug policy
• A representative of a coordinated care organization

To apply, submit an application here by 11:59 pm, January 30, 2026.

A team at OHA will review applications and inform applicants of appointments by Feb 13, 2026.

For questions or more information, email HRN@OHA.oregon.gov” style=”color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;”>BHRN@OHA.oregon.gov or contact Karli Moon at li.moon@oha.oregon.gov” style=”color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;”>Karli.moon@oha.oregon.gov or 971-240-8690.

OPRD seeks public input on proposed rules for UAS use in Oregon State Parks

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public feedback on proposed rules governing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) takeoff and landing in Oregon’s state parks and along the ocean shore.

The proposed rules establish where and how UAS may take off and land on state park property, to balance recreational opportunities with protection of natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources.

Public comments on the proposed rule changes will be accepted beginning January 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and can be submitted:

• Online:
  • https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2025-Drones-Take-off-and-Landing.aspx
• By email:
  • D.PublicComment@oprd.oregon.gov“>OPRD.PublicComment@oprd.oregon.gov
• By mail:
  • Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
    Attn: Robert Ellison
    725 Summer St. NE, Suite C
    Salem, OR 97301

A public hearing will be held to allow members of the public to provide testimony.

• Virtual hearing
  January 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X3ChSlJkTE-Y3FRh3WIy-Q

The draft rules focus on regulating takeoff and landing locations, which are within the department’s authority, while recognizing that UAS flight is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Under the proposal, UAS use would generally be limited to designated areas for drone operations, with additional requirements for commercial or research purposes.

The proposed rules were developed in response to Senate Bill 109 (2021), which directed OPRD to create a regulatory framework that provides recreational UAS access while protecting sensitive park resources and minimizing conflicts with other visitors.

OPRD convened a Rule Advisory Committee made up of recreation user groups, conservation organizations, natural resource specialists, commercial operators and other stakeholders. The committee reviewed draft rules and provided recommendations that helped shape the proposal now open for public comment.

Once the public comment period closes, OPRD staff will review all feedback, revise the draft rules as appropriate, and present a final proposal to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration later in 2026.

If adopted, the rules would be implemented in phases, allowing the department to adapt management strategies over time, based on resource conditions, visitor use and operational experience.

For over 30 years the Yachats Lions Club has held an annual Crab Feed event in Yachats, Oregon. The annual trek to Yachats to eat Dungeness crab is a tradition for families and groups from across Oregon, Washington and beyond.

Our annual Yachats Lions Club Crab Feed is DINE-IN on Saturday, January 31, 2026! After selling out in 2025, the 2026 Crab Feed will now offer 4 seatings, 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm at the Yachats Lions Hall and 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm at the Yachats Commons.

Meals purchased will consist of “All you can eat Dungeness crab“, fresh locally baked bread, coleslaw, baked beans, and soda for $50.

Crab Feed 2026 Tickets – All You Can Eat

The $50 per person meal tickets are available for sale online at https://yachatslionsclub.org/ You can select the seating and order as many meals as you like. For more information please send an email to YachatsLionsCrabFeed@gmail.com.

Lion David O’Kelley, coordinator of the popular Crab Feed, says “We are very pleased to be offering the fund-raiser as we have done for so many years.” We get great support from the community and local businesses in Yachats, Waldport and Newport. South Beach Fish Market cooks and cleans the best tasting  local crab you have ever eaten. 

With our motto of “WE SERVE” among the many services we provide eyeglasses and exams, hearing aids and exams, eye screening in Lincoln County schools, pancake breakfasts, crab feed, lunch bunch, speaker series, peace poster and flag day events in our schools, and  ommunity use of our clubhouse. Through community donations to the Yachats Lions Thrift Store our sales allow us to donate to local, student scholarships, food pantries, school programs, projects, and upkeep of the clubhouse.

In addition, donations are made to Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing as well as Lions Club International Foundation.  Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization with a network of 1.4 million men and women in more than 200 countries and geographical locations. We serve where we live, as well as globally, and we have fun doing it. 

The proceeds for this fund-raising event are for Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation.

The future of the recently approved gas tax increase in Oregon remains uncertain as the Secretary of State examines nearly 200,000 signatures submitted by the organization No Tax Oregon.

Should a sufficient number of signatures be validated, voters will have the opportunity next November to determine whether to repeal the gas tax and other transportation-related fee hikes enacted by the legislature. Proponents of the taxes argue that the revenue is essential for road maintenance and to avert job reductions at the Oregon Department of Transportation. State officials are required to finalize the signature verification process by January 29.

Oregon has enhanced its online voter registration system in anticipation of a crucial election season, enabling eligible voters without a state-issued ID to register digitally for the first time.

Voters can access the system via sos.oregon.gov by navigating to the voting section of the website.

Applicants lacking an Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles number can now indicate this directly on the form and proceed with the online registration process. These users are required to provide their name, residential address, date of birth, the last four digits of their Social Security number, and an uploaded image of their signature.

This modification arises from House Bill 4133, which was enacted by lawmakers in 2022. Previously, online registration was restricted to voters whose identity and signature had already been authenticated through the DMV. Individuals without qualifying identification were obligated to fill out a paper registration form, which was subsequently processed by county elections offices.

State election officials indicate that this update aims to modernize the registration system and eliminate obstacles for eligible voters, including those who no longer drive, have never possessed an Oregon driver license, or encounter difficulties registering by mail.

The Oregon DMV has now implemented a local preference system for rural customers who are scheduling behind-the-wheel drive tests for Class C driver licenses, which is the standard license for passenger vehicles.

Becoming effective on January 1st, Senate Bill 9 mandates that DMV field offices located in 20 rural counties prioritize applicants who either reside within the same county, are within 50 miles of a DMV field office, or live in one of the two counties that do not have a DMV office.

This legislation benefits customers residing in Baker, Clatsop, Crook, Curry, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler counties. It is important to note that the DMV does not conduct drive tests in Gilliam, Morrow, Sherman, or Wheeler counties.

Customers from these counties have the option to schedule a local-preference drive test at any rural DMV office that provides this service.

Raise Funds to Plant Trees in Oregon

Registration is open for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K

Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  You must register by April 1^st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event.

Participants can walk, run, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 18 and 26 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. Last year, we had to close registration early due to higher than anticipated participation, so register as soon as possible.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15, or earlier if more participants sign up than we have available swag.

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.  This year’s tree plantings will be placed in the Santiam Canyon.

Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its sixth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include fifteen other states. Together, all sixteen states will help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

“We are thrilled to honor Bob Ross and continue our efforts to plant at least One Million Trees in Oregon.” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.  “To date, we have funded the planting of 850,000 trees.”

“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.”

Participants can register at www.orparksforever.org.

For more information, contact Seth Miller at 503/966-1053 or seth@orparksforever.org

The Oregon Department of Revenue will open the application period in January 2026 for the Agricultural Employer Overtime Tax Credit.

Paying overtime to agricultural workers became a requirement of employers in Oregon as of January 1, 2023. In 2025, agricultural workers are paid overtime after they work 48 hours in one work week. If an employer paid overtime, they may qualify for a refundable personal or corporate income tax credit, regardless of the size of the business.

The tax credit for employers is a percentage of overtime premium pay paid as wages.

All applications must be submitted no later than February 2, 2026.

The 2025 filing period marks the third year since eligible employers have been able to apply for the tax credit.

Applications can only be made through the department’s Revenue Online website. Qualifying agricultural employers who have not applied for the tax credit previously need a Revenue Online account to apply during the application period. No paper applications will be accepted. We have published a new video to help customers with their Revenue Online applications.

DOR encourages employers to prepare in advance to ensure an easier and faster filing experience. DOR’s webpage provides guidance for how to apply, documentation you may need, program information, and frequently asked questions to help employers apply for the tax credit.

For general questions about the Agricultural Employer Overtime Tax Credit, email: Ag.Overtime@dor.oregon.gov.

Tax practitioners with other tax or customer account questions are encouraged to contact a dedicated practitioner specialist by email at prac.revenue@dor.oregon.gov, or by phone at 503-947-3541.

NW Natural Warms Up Winter with “Fireside Friends” Pet Photo Contest

Customers are invited to share photos of their pets for a chance to win a prize; NW Natural is also supporting The Pongo Fund

NW Natural is inviting customers to warm up this winter and celebrate their pets with the launch of the Fireside Friends Sweepstakes. The contest offers the chance to win a prize while also supporting a local charity.

Running now through February 1, 2026, the sweepstakes welcomes customers to share photos of their furry friends enjoying the warmth and comfort of a natural gas fireplace for the chance to win a $200 Chewy gift card.

NW Natural has also pledged a $1,000 donation to The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank, which helps support people and their pets throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

How to Enter:

NW Natural customers can enter the sweepstakes via social media in two simple steps:

1. Follow @nwnaturalgas on Instagram or Facebook. (Media can find some of the wonderful pet photos that have already been posted by customers on both platforms!)
2. Post a photo of their pet(s) cozying up by their natural gas fireplace and tag @nwnaturalgas or use the hashtag #nwnaturalgas.

The contest is open now and entries will be accepted until February 1, 2026. For full terms and conditions visit nwnatural.com/FiresideFriends

About NW Natural

NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides service to approximately 2 million people in more than 140 communities through approximately 806,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural owns and operates 21.6 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon. It is the largest natural gas utility in Oregon and one of the state’s oldest companies.

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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