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 – May 13, 2026
Rogue Valley Weather
https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php
Here’s the overview of weather outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast
Southern Oregon Goodwill — New Medford Store Grand Opening Thursday May 14th!
North Medford store at 1688 Delta Waters Road opens this Thursday, May 14th!
We’re excited to welcome the community to our newest location—built to better serve Southern Oregon with expanded shopping, donating, and job connection services. Come check out the new space, say hello to the team, and be part of a milestone that helps create local jobs and opportunities.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
North Medford Goodwill, 1688 Delta Waters Rd., Medford
Every purchase and donation at Goodwill helps fund job training, employment support, and career pathways for people in our community. This new location means:
– More access to affordable, quality goods
– A convenient new donation center
– More opportunities to create jobs and build skills locally
– A brand‑new Goodwill store experience
– Friendly staff ready to welcome you
– Easy donation drop‑off
– A chance to support Goodwill’s mission in Southern Oregon
Come shop. Come donate. Come be part of the impact.
The Rogue Valley Peace Choir has inspired audiences to standing ovations this season with powerful messages of peace, social justice, and caretaking the Earth.
Now, it promises singing, dancing, and wildly engaging percussive flourishes during the final concerts of the the choir’s 23rd season. With these performances — passionately directed by Rob Griswell-Lowry and skillfully accompanied by Dr. Mikiko Petrucelli — the nearly 100-member choir also invites the community to “be the change we want to see in the world.”
The choir will perform at the United Church of Christ, 1801 E. Jackson St., Medford, at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 15. Donations at this concert will benefit the Northwest Seasonal Workers Association.
The choir will perform the same repetoire at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at the First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main St., Ashland.
Early arrival at both venues is recommended as seats are expected to fill quickly. A suggested donation of $20 is gratefully accepted, but not required.
The concerts’ theme comes from the title of the song Be the Change. The song’s lyrics revolve around the idea that we can’t look outside ourselves for change, but must embody the changes we want to see in the world.
The song quotes the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “Darkness does not drive out the darkness, only light can do that. Hatred does not drive out the hatred, only love can do that.”
“As a choir,” says Griswell-Lowry, “we sing truths like these to remind ourselves, and all who hear our songs, that the responsibility for creating a world worth living in belongs to all of us.
“We’ve all heard that the pen is mightier than the sword,” he adds, “As singers in our choral community, we also know that the power of the pen — of words and ideas — is amplified and enhanced by the music that makes songs. When the Peace Choir shares its songs with our community, we not only share our hope for a better world, we help listeners find — or rediscover — their own hope.”
Songs for the choir’s repertoire are chosen by choir members themselves to express these themes in heart-felt and thoughtful ways. Choir members continue to be a part of the growing movement that recognizes how pro-actively and collectively we can make a difference on many fronts: we can shed light on injustice, we can support an end to wars, and we can take care of our Earth and each other when we work together.
See more about the Rogue Valley Peace Choir.
Driver intentionally crashes into SOU building
With the collision happening at the Stevenson Union building, students received notifications warning them to avoid the building. One room was evacuated after the incident occurred.
The driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital. Ashland Police Chief Tighe O’Meara regarding Tuesday’s incident in which the driver intentionally crashed into the building.
Though it was intentional, it was stated that no charges were brought to driver.
𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆?
𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄: 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟱 – 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
𝗟𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻: 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Apply online at: hajc.net
Questions? Contact the ACCESS Homeownership Center: (541) 774-4305 or hocinfo@accesshelps.org5/10 – Firefighters Halt Spread of “Carney Flat Fire” Near Prospect at 23 Acres
The fire was initially estimated at about six acres when crews arrived. Following overnight firefighting efforts, personnel were able to build containment line around the blaze and halt its growth at 23 acres, according to ODF.
Medford Irrigation District Unique Solar Project
A new 800 kW Community Solar Project is coming to Central Point, Oregon, in partnership with BEF and the Medford Irrigation District.
This unique project is one of Oregon’s first floating solar installations, featuring 1,776 solar panels on a reservoir in the Medford Irrigation District. By covering about 1.8 acres of water, the project will:
- Generate local, renewable energy for the community
- Improve water quality by shading the reservoir and reducing algae growth
- Reduce water loss from evaporation
60 residential subscriptions will be available for households in the Medford area, giving local families the chance to save on energy costs while supporting innovation in clean energy.
The project is expected to begin operation in Summer 2026.
Be part of this exciting milestone for Oregon — reserve your spot today and power your home with clean, local solar energy.
Medford Irrigation District Community Solar Subscription Example:
- Subscription Size: 5 kW
- Expected 1st year subscription generation: 7,545 kWh
- Expected Bill Credit: $782
- Expected Subscription Fee: $717
Expected First-year Net Savings: $65
Who’s Eligible?
To be eligible for the MID Community Solar Project Subscription, you must:
- Live within the Medford Irrigation District territory.
- Be a customer of Pacific Power.
Low-Income Subscribers
10% of the project’s energy is reserved for low-income households = low-income households can subscribe!
If you qualify, you’ll get special benefits and protections as a subscriber. You’ll have:
- no upfront costs
- no termination fees
- discounts on your subscription, and
- guaranteed savings on your energy bill.
Community solar is a large solar system that members of the community can join to share the benefits of the solar energy that’s generated. This is great for people who don’t want to install their own rooftop solar or who rent or live in apartments or condominiums. The energy generated by the Medford Irrigation District goes to the utility energy grid, and the value of that energy is shared by all subscribers in the form of credits on your utility bill. So you can feel good about supporting clean, renewable energy without paying the upfront costs of your own rooftop solar panels.
2026 Primary Election Ballots in the Mail
Statewide Primary Election – May 19, 2026
The voter registration deadline for the May Primary Election was April 28, 2026.
Ballots began mailing to active voters in Oregon on April 29, 2026.
- View Oregon voter qualification requirements and submit your registration form online.
- Registered voters may check their status, update their voter registration details, and see when they will be mailed a ballot for the upcoming election using MyVote.
- Ballots will not be mailed to voters with inactive status. If MyVote shows you are inactive, please update your registration using MyVote or contact your County Elections Office.
Election Day is May 19, 2026.
Election Day is the last day for a voter to return their ballot.
- County Elections Offices are open 7 am – 8 pm on Election Day.
- View our official Ballot Drop Box Locator to find drop box hours.
- Ballots that are mailed must be postmarked by Election Day.
𝙉𝙊𝙒 𝙃𝙄𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙂: Customer Service Representative (CSR) for Rural Metro Fire – Josephine County in Grants Pass
Ashland Planning Commission moves to create manufactured park zone to preserve affordable housing
Ashland city officials and staff have described manufactured home parks as “naturally affordable housing.”
During the Planning Commission’s Tuesday, April 28, meeting, the city’s intent became clear: to create a new manufactured home park zoning district in Ashland’s zoning code to preserve some of the city’s most affordable housing options.
Currently, manufactured home parks are scattered across a variety of residential and commercial zones.
The revised zones being considered by the commission could allow Ashland’s manufactured home parks new opportunities to expand units, add tiny homes, and introduce limited neighborhood-serving businesses.
Meanwhile, planning commissioners also debated resident protections, including a proposed 120-day window for tenants to organize a purchase offer if a park goes up for sale. The commission is expected to formally consider adopting the new zone on Tuesday, May 26.
With most of the new zoning provisions near completion, a trade-off is likely: attempt to prevent the parks from converting to other uses while providing park owners with opportunities to generate more income from their existing properties.
At a January joint study session between Ashland’s City Council, Planning Commission, and Housing & Human Services Committee, the creation of a new manufactured home park zoning district was posed as a question: Should the city do this? At the time, staff noted that the park owners opposed the new zone. While none of the park owners are known to be considering selling their lands to developers, a new zone would inevitably make that potentially profitable transaction more difficult.
By last week’s commission meeting, the question of “should we?” had disappeared. Considered a fait accompli, the commissioners worked through recommendations from a zoning code audit conducted by 3J Consulting — an effort funded by a state grant — along with staff recommendations, which differed from the consultants’ in a few areas.
Ashland has four manufactured home parks within city limits: Wingspread, off lower Clay Street, with 116 units; The Upper Pines, off Siskiyou Boulevard, with 51 units; AlleNorth, on Idaho Street, with 28 units; and Tolman Creek Park, off Tolman Creek Road, with 38 units. In addition, there are three parks outside city limits but within the city’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) – Siskiyou Village, Nauvoo Park Estates, and Jackson Wellsprings – which could at some time in the future be annexed to the city.
At the meeting, staff noted that no home parks had closed in the last decade. However, decades-long Ashland housing advocate and former Housing Committee member Rich Rohde, during public comment, said that four parks had been previously demolished and converted to other uses. Of the new zone proposal, Rohde said, “[I am] as strong as I can be for support.”
Rohde further said that, as a participant in creating Ashland’s Housing Production Strategy, adopted in 2023, preserving and enhancing the city’s manufactured home parks emerged as a top priority among the 12 strategies adopted.
The most-discussed component of the new zone among commission members was a proposed 120-day notice-of-sale timeline. Under this proposal, when a home park owner announced an intent to sell, residents would be given 120 days to produce their own “sales agreement,” essentially an offer to purchase and proof of financial backing.
Some commission members questioned whether 120 days were enough for residents to act. “Do we really believe that that’s adequate?” said Susan MacCracken Jain, “That’s a key central point.” Commission Chair Lisa Verner shared that concern and suggested 180 days.
In response, commission member Eric Herron noted that the timeline did not require the residents to produce fully completed documentation and required park owners to work “in good faith” towards an agreement. City staff said employees from Casa of Oregon — a nonprofit working with manufactured home communities to create “affordable and self-governed” ownership — had indicated that 120 days is sufficient to produce the heart of a deal.
At both this commission meeting and the January joint study session, commission and council members suggested that home park tenants may want to begin organizing in advance to address potential conversions. No specific measures to assist the city in organizing are currently proposed.
There is a local example. After the Almeda Fire in 2020, displaced Talent residents organized to create the Talent Community Cooperative, a resident-owned park with 87 units on land formerly owned by the privately held Talent Mobile Estates.
The other through-line from the meeting centered on a set of proposals designed to increase landowners’ ability to profit from their businesses. Foremost among these is the ability to expand.
The revised zoning proposals would either increase maximum densities from current levels or remove them entirely, allowing individual site constraints and infrastructure limitations to determine capacity.
Allowing units to be less than 500 square feet, the current limit, could further expand capacity. This might allow two “tiny homes” to sit on one lot. Depending on the lot size, a traditional manufactured home might be able to add a tiny home to its lot.
The key to expanding housing in existing home parks is the concept of updating a non-conforming use. Non-conforming uses don’t comply with existing zoning codes, typically because they predate those zoning codes. They are essentially grandfathered in, but also generally not allowed to expand without updating to code.
Most likely, all of Ashland’s manufactured home parks are non-conforming in one way or another, and requiring a home park to update all road widths, setbacks, or home material standards, for example, in order to add just a few units would render the expansion infeasible.
As a result, the new home park zoning will have to balance expansion without imposing an “undue burden” on updating, while addressing concerns such as fire risk. An example of this might be allowing a park to add a new area of units, regardless of setbacks or overall lot coverage, provided the new area’s roads and building materials comply with fire codes.
Another proposed provision to increase owners’ profits would allow the home parks to add some on-site commercial uses — not generally allowed in residential zoning — so long as they serve local residents, such as a child care facility, clubhouse, or coffee shop.
To bring Ashland’s zoning code into accord with state law, home parks would be allowed to include prefabricated homes and RVs. This “change” in fact reflects an existing reality. A myriad of smaller changes to update the zoning code and its definitions are included in the package of proposals.
The Upper Pines park will most likely be left out of the new zone. “Upper Pines will have to be exempt”, said commission member John Maher. The park is currently zoned C-1 for commercial uses, with a zoning overlay (a zone on top of another zone) of Climate Friendly Area (CFA). The state requires Oregon cities with populations of 5,000 or more to include CFAs in their zoning, with sufficient land to hold 30% of the future projected housing supply. In CFAs, more intensive development is allowed; in Ashland’s case, buildings of five stories with a mix of commercial and residential units are allowable.
As a result of being placed in the CFA zone, the Upper Pines property’s value increased greatly, and trying now to rezone it to the new manufactured home park zone might create legal problems. In addition, the city needs its CFA-zoned lands to fulfill the state housing requirements.
Jackson Wellsprings may also be left out of the new zone. While currently under Jackson County jurisdiction, the Wellsprings is within Ashland’s UGB, and thus may eventually be brought into the city proper. However, the Wellsprings, with its spa, campgrounds, events, and concerts, is primarily a commercial use. The Wellsprings generates a smaller share of its income from tenants.
Planning Commissioner Eric Herron also questioned the legality of Wellsprings’ current setup and the difficulties of bringing it into the city, asking, “Are there any permitted units out there?” According to a conversation after the commission meeting with Gerry Lehrburger, co-owner of Wellsprings, and his wife, Beverly, they plan to move forward with removing some of their older, often unoccupied units.
During public comment, Delores Nimms, a homeowner at Wingspread, said she had been there 25 years. “Wingspread is a wonderful community,” she said, and if a developer buys the land, “We have lost a major asset.” She emphasized the natural environment at Wingspread — its multiple ponds and mature trees, which bring a host of wildlife close to residents.
Ashland’s Planning Commission has scheduled a meeting to formally adopt the new Manufactured Home Park Zone at its meeting starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at the Ashland Civic Center, 1175 East Main St. Public comment is encouraged. https://ashland.news/ashland-planning-commission-moves-to-create-manufactured-park-zone-to-preserve-affordable-housing/
‘Full Plates, Full Hearts’ Food Drive Runs Through The End Of May
𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀, 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 is Rotary’s campaign to help end hunger in Jackson County. Right here in our community, thousands of our neighbors are facing hunger…but you can help! Your donation goes twice as far when you donate to 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗢𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗻 during the month of May:
Every dollar matched (up to $25,000) Supports local food pantries ACCESS and Ashland Community Food Bank Helps neighbors in need right now
Join us in making a real, lasting impact. 
Give today: URCSO.org
The pressure on food banks and their pantries ramped up in the later months of 2025. In November, federal food stamp payments to the states came to a sudden halt, amid a congressional budget dispute that began in October and lasted for six weeks.
Food pantries across the country, including in the Rogue Valley, saw lines of people seeking food expand almost overnight, as food stamp recipients scrambled to restock their cupboards and refrigerators.
That immediate crisis passed, but in its wake a continuing crisis persists, as reductions in federal funding have combined with a shaky economy to keep food pantries struggling to fill their shelves.
In response, a coalition of Rotary clubs in Jackson County have launched a “Full Plates, Full Hearts” fundraiser to boost food supplies for ACCESS and the Ashland Community Food Bank. The nine clubs, working together as United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon, have joined forces to raise just over $25,000 from their members and now are asking the community to boost the effort, in hopes of doubling the total to at least $50,000 by the end of May.
Kellie Battaglia, executive director of Medford-based ACCESS, noted that her organization is forecasting an increased demand for meals approaching 20 percent for the current fiscal year compared with the prior year.
Battaglia said ACCESS, which operates more than 30 pantries in Jackson County and is one of the Oregon Food Bank’s 21 regional food banks, distributed nearly 67,500 meals in its previous fiscal year. The estimate for 2025-26 is 80,000 meals, an increase of 18.6%.
“So many people are one paycheck away from needing help,” she said. “Families not normally needing food assistance are now needing it.”
Passage of a federal appropriations bill in mid-November included renewed funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as “food stamps.” But SNAP benefits are expected to fall nationally by an estimated $185 billion over 10 years, with average benefits dropping by $100 a month. In Oregon, an estimated 3,000 people were expected to lose SNAP eligibility entirely.
Battaglia noted donations to the Rotary campaign will provide double the support to the food banks, with Rotarians matching the community’s giving. That means every dollar donated will cover six meals.
“The ‘Full Plates, Full Hearts’ matching campaign is the type of community effort that is needed to do the work,” she said. “We’ve been really lucky that this community rises up when there’s a need.”
The food banks rely on several sources for food and funding donations. ACCESS receives food from the Oregon Food Bank, local grocery store “rescue” and community donations, while Ashland relies on grocery stores and community donations.
Battaglia said the numbers belie the myth that food bank recipients are “riding the system.” Children make up 25% of those helped, seniors another 25% and disabled people 20%.
The United Rotary clubs have had an ongoing connection with both food banks, including providing volunteers to pack and deliver food bags weekly during the school year to nearly 1,000 local elementary school children through the Rogue PowerPack program.
“Hunger isn’t something that happens somewhere else,” United Rotary President LeAnn Mobley said in a release detailing the fundraising effort. “This is our chance as a community to come together, show our compassion and help local families have enough food on their table.”
To donate
See www.urcso.org for online donations. Checks made out to United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon may be mailed to URCSO, P.O. Box 8171, Medford, OR 97501. All donated funds will go to the food banks.
The City of Ashland would like to inform residents that environmental cleanup work at the former Union Pacific Railroad property, a 16-acre vacant former railyard located north of A Street adjacent to the railroad tracks, is scheduled to begin in late April and continue through June.
This voluntary cleanup is being conducted under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with an approved remediation plan. Equipment is expected to mobilize on site in late April, followed by site preparation and excavation activities. Cleanup activities will be managed by Jacobs on behalf of Union Pacific Railroad, with work carried out by qualified environmental contractors.
This cleanup represents an important step in addressing long-standing environmental conditions on a large, underutilized property, helping prepare the site for future redevelopment while protecting public health and the environment.
Residents interested in learning more may visit the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s dedicated Ashland Rail Yard project webpage:
http://oregon.gov/…/Pages/Ashland-Railroad-Yard.aspx.
For questions about the cleanup activities, residents may contact the project manager, Michael Niemet with Jacobs at michael.niemet@jacobs.com, or reach Union Pacific Railroad through their media relations line at 402 544 5034.
Set your alarms and let’s get excited for SUMMER 2026
𝗪𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀? 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 – 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟯𝟬𝘁𝗵!!
If you are recovering from the 2020 fires and need housing that supports you or your multigenerational family, help may be available through ReOregon housing recovery programs. ACCESS is an official intake center for Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS) fire recovery programs. Our team can help determine which option may work best for you. Programs include:
𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺. Contact the ACCESS Center for Community Resilience to check your eligibility:
ccr@accesshelps.org𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽!
This event is 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲, but an application is required. Deadline to apply is June 5. https://www.medfordoregon.gov/…/Registration-Open-for…
U.S. Forest Service – Umpqua National Forest Seeks Campground Hosts
Join them on Tuesday evenings for 5 weeks for FREE Community Concerts beginning June 16th through July 14th, 6:30pm-8:30pm in the picturesque Riverside Park.
Make a night of it! Bring the family for an evening of great music, delicious food, dancing, and fun for all ages. This family-friendly event features:
- Local Food Trucks: Savor a variety of culinary delights from our food truck partners.
- Activities & giveaways: There are always fun offerings for kids.
- Vendor Booths: Explore a diverse range of goods and services from local vendors.
- Wild River’s Tap Trailer: Enjoy refreshing beverages from a beloved local brewery.
The Chamber is pleased to announce that they will be in the same location as last year near the Pavilion. This spot offers plenty of shade and convenient access to parking. They encourage attendees to park in the McKinny lot across from the 6th street park entrance and safely utilize the walking path under the bridge.
The Chamber relies on the generosity of partners, supporters, and volunteers to continue offering this FREE gift to the community. If you are interested in sponsoring, there are many levels to accommodate any budget. Your support helps us maintain the tradition of community concerts and promotes a vibrant local culture.
Without further ado, they are thrilled to present the 2026 Line-Up for our upcoming concert series! This year’s selection promises an exciting mix of both renowned artists and local talent, ensuring a lasting impression on all who hear them.
2026 LINE-UP
June 16th – Gunstock RED
Strap in and get ready for a wild ride with Gunstock Red. This band’s music is a roller-coaster, taking listeners on a journey through southern rock, funk and everything in between. With a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh, their music pays homage to a wide range of music. GSR’s dynamic stage presence and infectious energy make them a standout act leaving a lasting impression on all who hear them.
June 23rd – Simple Dreams Oregon
Everything began with Simple Dreams Oregon – Ronstadt’s greatest hits, their signature full band musical tribute. A rich, emotional journey through Linda Ronstadt most beloved music, each performance is a love letter to an era of unmatched songwriting – delivered with powerhouse vocals, soaring, harmonies, and a band that plays with both passion and precision. It’s more than a concert. It’s a revival of spirit.
June 30th – Pozitronics
Not just a band—they’re a musical time machine that electrifies every event with an unparalleled song arsenal spanning the decades. From James Brown’s soulful grooves to Dua Lipa’s modern beats, from Beatles classic rock to Michael Jackson pop, they seamlessly flow through genres, curating pure musical energy that transforms any space into an unstoppable dance floor. With professional precision and infectious passion, Pozitronics doesn’t just play music—they create unforgettable experiences that keep every crowd moving from the first note to the last call.
July 7th – Evening Shades
The Evening Shades is an indie/alternative rock band based in southern Oregon. With a modern, yet nostalgic sound, the band is known for their high energy, dynamic live shows. From driving, angsty rock anthems to stripped down, introspective and cheeky love songs, Evening Shades might be your new favorite band.
July 14th – The John Dough Boys
The John Dough Boys are a ruckus-including 5-piece string band formed in Southern Oregon. East met west, punk met bluegrass, and rock met folk, giving birth to a host of fast paced, foot stomping songs about women, beer and bad decisions. The lineup includes upright slap bass, drums, fiddle, guitar and banjo. Their aggressive live sound is infectious and is sure to leave anyone who witnesses it wanting more!
Join the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce as they honor four decades of music, community, and joy in Grants Pass. Looking forward to celebrating this milestone with you!
𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆: 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 
New Blog: PIER Grant Round 2 Now Open! Read the full blog here:
Eligibility details Grant uses (up to $15,000) Important deadlines What support is available to help you apply
Rogue Valley Humane Society
Our Community Food Bank exists to help folks who need an extra helping hand during a difficult month to feed their pets. Our program has a limited budget and so we rely on generous members of our community to donate some of these goods to continue to help assist our community. In 2023 we fed an average of 700 pets a month! This equates to approximately 70 – 40lb bags of food each month! Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.
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
Fauna Frey Vanished Without A Trace In Josephine County
It’s been more than 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
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.
5/13/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today
Simple weekend projects in the first five feet around your home can be crucial in determining whether you withstand a wildfire or face severe damage.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal urges residents to mark the beginning of Wildfire Awareness Month by undertaking at least one project focused on creating defensible space or enhancing home hardening this week.
Research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety indicates that minimizing combustible materials in this critical zone can greatly reduce the likelihood of a home igniting from wind-driven embers. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more severe, Oregonians can prepare by tackling these projects incrementally.
Start today by clearing leaves, pine needles, and other flammable debris from roofs, gutters, and decks to prevent ember ignition, covering vents with 1/8-inch metal wire mesh to block ember entry, relocating combustible items like furniture and trash cans at least five feet from the house, opting for gravel or pavers instead of bark mulch in the immediate vicinity, and maintaining lawns in a lean, clean, and green state during fire season.
Oregon Housing and Community Services earns higher credit rating – and that’s good news for housing across Oregon
Improved rating positions the state to lower borrowing costs and expand housing investments
— Moody’s Ratings – one of the world’s leading independent credit rating agencies – upgraded Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS’) issuer rating from A2 to A1. This upgrade places the agency among a strong tier of investment-grade housing finance agencies in the country and positions it to borrow money at a lower cost. That savings can then be reinvested into affordable housing programs – meaning more Oregonians served without spending more public money.
“Delivering housing solutions that make life better and more affordable requires delivering public excellence in agency operations,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Receiving Moody’s strong A1 issuer rating reflects commitment to OHCS’ mission and accountability to the people of Oregon and the Legislature.”
The upgrade is a national recognition of OHCS’ strong financial management and reflects the agency’s ability to continue partnering with communities to finance affordable housing, support first-time homebuyers, and invest in housing stability efforts.
“When you pair prudent financial management with thoughtful program design, we can make taxpayer dollars go further,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “This even stronger credit rating will help us build more housing in all parts of the state.”
According to Moody’s, the improved rating is driven by the OHCS’ solid balance sheet strength and financial performance, which is expected to continue, speaking to the agency’s capacity to serve Oregonians over the long term.
“Oregon Housing and Community Services is to be commended for this vote of increased confidence based on the agency’s stellar management and strong results, which will bolster its ability to continue to serve the people of Oregon efficiently and effectively,” said Stockton Williams, executive director of the National Council of State Housing Agencies.
Credit quality is supported by OHCS’ strong loan portfolio, which consists primarily of loans held in the agency’s Single-Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds Program. Creditworthiness is further supported by OHCS’ conservative risk position, good risk governance, and a proactive management team.
The higher rating reflects outside confidence in OHCS’ ability to manage public resources responsibly and could also potentially reduce the agency’s cost of financing short-term bond obligations.
About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)
OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.
Oregon Community Foundation Announces Building Hope Fund to Invest in Middle-Income Housing in Oregon
$100 million down payment designed to attract more financing to build homes
With Oregonians facing a severe housing shortage, Oregon Community Foundation is stepping up with a bold new commitment: A $100 million down payment to inspire even larger investments in Oregon housing.
Oregon Community Foundation President and CEO Lisa Mensah announced today the creation of the Building Hope Fund to provide loans to home builders across Oregon. The fund’s goal is to help finance 10,000 new housing units for middle-income Oregonians over 10 years.
The Building Hope Fund is a vehicle for impact investing. In addition to traditional grantmaking, impact investing is a powerful way to put capital to work to address the state’s most pressing issues. The Building Hope Fund will use Oregon Community Foundation’s investment capacity to provide flexible financing to developers who are ready to build homes for sale and rental housing across Oregon.
Oregon is currently building only about half of the 30,000 units needed every year to pull the state out of its housing crisis. The shortage is especially acute for housing designed for middle-income Oregonians.
“We hear it from business owners all the time: Jobs are sitting empty, and opportunities are unrealized because working families cannot find housing,” said Mensah. “We will invest in housing for middle-income Oregonians — restaurant servers, bartenders, nurses, small business owners, construction workers, teachers — and offer reasonable loans to developers so they can get busy building.”
Mensah said the Building Hope Fund will begin with $100 million in seed funding with the intention of bringing in other partners, including investors, donors, businesses, other foundations and financial institutions, to grow the fund and multiply its impact across rural and urban communities statewide.
“There’s a reason they call it the ‘missing middle,’” said Anna Mackay of Shortstack, a home builder in the Portland region. “Private capital builds market-rate housing; public funding supports deeply affordable homes. But middle-income housing falls through the gap. Home builders like us often have to piece together a dozen complicated funding sources for a single project. Oregon Community Foundation is paving the way. The Building Hope Fund is a galvanizing step toward housing more Oregonians.”
Union County homebuilder Gust Tsiatsos said that more remote areas like Eastern Oregon are overlooked by developers of large housing projects. Incomes are lower, and buyers have few options.
“We would like to reward and serve our working population by building more homes they can afford,” Tsiatsos said, adding that he has projects awaiting development in La Grande, Baker City and Ontario that could bring 67 homes to the region but are stuck for lack of affordable financing.
“Eight years ago, I could build for around $125 a square foot, and now we’re pushing $400 a square foot,” Tsiatsos said. “Affordable financing is one of the biggest challenges.”
Project Turnkey — Oregon Community Foundation has a strong track record in housing investments. After the pandemic and devastating wildfires in 2020, state leaders turned to OCF for Project Turnkey to quickly distribute $125 million in grants to convert underused motels into shelter and transitional housing. The initiative increased the state’s supply of emergency year-round shelter beds by 30 percent.
Oregon Impact Fund — Oregon Community Foundation will continue to operate the Oregon Impact Fund, a $33 million fund that lends to nonprofit organizations, tribal enterprises and for-profit social ventures in Oregon that create impact in affordable housing, education, health care access, natural resource management and job creation in underserved communities.
“Both Project Turnkey and the Oregon Impact Fund show what can happen when a foundation responds to a genuine crisis by adding to our traditional role as a grants-and-scholarships institution,” Mensah said.
Oregon Community Foundation will continue grantmaking to nonprofits throughout Oregon, including working in partnership with organizations building affordable housing and addressing homelessness. The Building Hope Fund is not yet ready to begin providing loans. More information will be available for developers in the coming months.
About Oregon Community Foundation — Oregon Community Foundation was founded in 1973 with a mission to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF works to strengthen communities in every county in Oregon through research, grantmaking and scholarships. Each year, OCF distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit oregoncf.org.
Oregon DMVs regularly pushed to close because of short staffing
Regional managers must weigh where to prioritize staff so they can serve as many Oregonians as possible
ALBANY – Jessica Lavery starts her mornings, sometimes as early as 6 a.m., deciding if she needs to close one of the offices she manages or shift her staff to another location.
Lavery manages the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Northwest region of Oregon’s Driver and Motor Vehicle Services division, which has offices across the Willamette Valley and two along the coast. On May 1, she and other agency leaders decided to close the Albany office for the day after each of the four staff members were unavailable. Two called in sick while the others had already been approved for time off, she said.
Decisions like hers are routine for DMV managers grappling with severe staffing shortages caused by outdated and limited positions within the agency, as well as a spike in employee departures following a budget crisis within the agency.
Albany’s office closure marked the 34th full day that DMV offices have had to close across Oregon since Jan. 1, with smaller offices such as Madras, Prineville or Newport regularly closing because of similar staffing issues. Last year, there were 92 full-day closures across Oregon because of staffing issues, according to agency spokesperson Chris Crabb.
The Oregon DMV employs a total of 768 employees, with 361 working across its 58 field offices. Its bigger offices are mostly located within the Portland metro region and typically have more than seven counter spaces.
Since late June 2025, 64 DMV employees have left their positions after state lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would have updated the Oregon Department of Transportation’s funding structure for operations and maintenance. The budget uncertainty, combined with nearly 500 ODOT workers receiving layoff notices and a hiring freeze that lasted until March, accelerated employee departures, Crabb said. Lawmakers passed a short-term funding fix this spring and avoided layoffs by eliminating vacant positions, but many transportation department workers quit or retired early because of uncertainty.
Oregon DMV offices are in the process of hiring 35 positions, but that process takes time, Crabb said.
And even if all vacancies were filled, there still wouldn’t be enough employees to cover the demand for services, Crabb said, because the state has employed roughly the same number of people at DMV offices over the last 25 years despite the state’s population growing by more than 840,000 people in the same timeframe.
Oregon voters this month will have a say on whether to pass a law that would raise revenue for maintenance and operations within the Oregon Department of Transportation. Measure 120, placed on the ballot for the May 19 primary, proposes raising the gas tax by six cents, doubling the payroll tax from 0.1% of a paycheck to 0.2% of a paycheck until 2028, and raising title fees and most vehicle registration fees.
A balancing act – Lavery said she understands the community members who are frustrated by DMV office closures, particularly those living in rural areas.
“Gas is expensive, so then they have to drive however many miles to go to another DMV,” she said. “I know for the community it feels really frustrating and feels like they’re being left out, but that just isn’t the case. It’s a real balancing act.”
The resulting staff shortages means DMV managers regularly ask staff to commute to a different location to help severely short-staffed offices, which isn’t always efficient.
For instance, a staff member commuting from the Albany or Salem office to help in Newport, has to drive, work and take lunch and other breaks all within an eight-hour window.
“In reality, they’re really only helping for four to five hours,” said Mia Ravell, the Oregon DMV customer service manager for South Salem and Albany.
The alternative of doing nothing, however, would mean more DMV office closures.
“Frequently there is no amount of staff shifting that can avoid closures entirely,” Crabb said. “We have some offices with only three, two or even one full-time staff member. We try to limit the impact on any one community, but due to staffing constraints in each geographic region, sometimes we must close one office more than others.”
Alternative ways to get DMV services – There are several ways Oregonians can get DMV services without having to go to an office in person.
The Oregon DMV last year launched 10 Fred Meyer kiosks, mostly around the Portland metro region, that let people renew their vehicle registration, print a copy of their vehicle registration and replace vehicle registration cards and stickers.
Oregonians can also go to the agency’s online platform, known as “DMV2U,” to take knowledge tests, renew a license or vehicle registration, schedule appointments, update an address, file collision reports or report vehicle sales. The agency also offers informational Youtube videos explaining how to use the online platform.
“These resources are something the Oregon DMV is really trying to pour into just because we realize and understand there needs to be different avenues to assist the communities and Oregonians,” Ravell said. (SOURCE)
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs to Host Statewide Memorial Day Event in Salem
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will host Oregon’s annual Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony in person at 11 a.m., Monday, May 25 in view of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
This event honors Oregon’s fallen service members from all eras of service and will feature remarks by dignitaries and special guests along with ceremonial elements including a color guard, singing of the national anthem, a wreath laying and the playing of “Taps.”
The ceremony will be hosted at the Oregon State Capitol State Park, located directly across the street from the front entrance of the Oregon State Capitol Building, 900 Court Street NE in Salem. This event is being temporarily relocated from its traditional annual location at the World War II Memorial due to adjacent construction taking place on the Capitol grounds.
The event is open to the public, and uncovered seating will be provided for attendees. Accessible pathways and seating areas for those needing accommodations will also be available. Attendees are reminded to plan accordingly for Oregon weather.
For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/odvavet.
Statewide Memorial Day Events — In addition to the Capitol ceremony, ODVA maintains a Statewide Memorial Day Events Calendar highlighting local observances and community celebrations honoring Oregon’s fallen heroes.
To view events near you, visit oregondva.com/event-calendar.
Organizations and communities hosting Memorial Day events are encouraged to submit their event for inclusion on the calendar by using the “Add Your Event” link on that page.
If you have any questions, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit oregon.gov/odva.
Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or Tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.
Visitors planning to explore Oregon’s state parks this summer should be aware of new regulations that have been implemented this year. Notably, several parks have prohibited drone usage due to environmental concerns, although permits can be obtained for flying in non-restricted areas.
Additionally, it is crucial to adhere to campfire safety guidelines, ensuring that fires are completely extinguished after use, as certain regions may impose total fire bans later in the season based on assessments from local and state fire agencies.
Furthermore, an increasing number of parks are now charging day-use parking fees, and a more stringent cancellation policy for reservations will be enforced, as noted by Lauren Wirtis from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For further details on these regulations, please visit the department’s website.
BLM prepares to open campgrounds for 2026 recreation season
Know Before You Go and check local fire restrictions to stay safe and informed
As spring temperatures rise, the Bureau of Land Management is excited to welcome visitors to public lands across Oregon and Washington for the 2026 recreation season. While many sites are moving to full-service operations, the BLM urges people to plan ahead, practice “Know Before You Go” safety and strictly adhere to upcoming seasonal fire restrictions.
“Each year we look forward to welcoming visitors back,” said Jim Regan-Vienop, Klamath Falls Acting Field Manager. “Public lands offer everyone a chance to unwind, explore, and appreciate the landscapes we all share.”
BLM recreation areas offer a broad selection of activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle recreation and boating across a wide variety of landscapes.
Most seasonal campgrounds across Oregon and Washington open by mid-May, though specific dates vary based on local conditions and elevation. The BLM encourages all visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve these shared spaces for future generations.
Safe recreation begins with thorough planning; always share your itinerary with someone at home and be prepared to “Pack It In, Pack It Out” if facilities have limited trash service early in the season. For those drawn to the region’s rivers, water safety is paramount, always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and check local water conditions before launching.
Public safety depends on responsible fire practices. Before heading out, visitors are urged to verify if campfires are permitted at their specific destination, as high-danger periods often restrict fires to designated steel rings in improved campgrounds only or restrict open flames completely. The BLM reminds everyone to never leave a fire unattended and to use the “Drown, Stir, and Feel” method to ensure coals are cold to the touch before departing.
For the most up-to-date information on specific site availability and local fire danger levels, please visit the BLM Oregon/Washington webpage or contact your local District Office.
Nearly 100 local measures on primary ballots across Oregon, many to fund struggling fire districts
Voters in almost every Oregon county will vote in May on whether to raise property taxes to fund schools, libraries, parks and fire departments
Voters in a third of Oregon’s 36 counties will vote during the May primary on whether to raise local property taxes to fund struggling fire districts and departments.
The tax levies and bonds for firefighting and emergency services are among nearly 100 local ballot measures Oregonians in 30 counties will be asked to vote on by May 19. Others include raising local property taxes and bonding — essentially taking out a loan — to pay for schools, libraries and parks. Some voters will decide whether to annex land into their city, end mandated conversations about changing Oregon’s border with Idaho and change city charters — a sort of rulebook for how cities operate.
Fire
How to fund fire departments is by far the most common question local voters will decide across Oregon. In 12 counties, 28 fire districts are asking voters for a tax levy or bond to help pay for staff and operations, and one fire district in Sandy is asking voters about being annexed into the Clackamas Fire District.
Property taxes fund the bulk of local fire departments and fire districts, but Measures 5 and 50 that passed in the 1990s essentially limited the growth of those taxes across the state by basing property values on a rate-limited assessment rather than market worth.
Other property tax suppressants, such as urban renewal districts and enterprise zones meant to incentivize development and job growth with low to no property taxes for a number of years also siphon off dollars fire departments could use, said Brian Stewart, assistant chief of strategic services at Clackamas Fire and the legislative chair for the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association.
“We’re all across the state feeling the pressures. We’re all underfunded for what the community expectations are,” Stewart said.
Low revenues coupled with rising community needs from fire departments has led many to try and get by on volunteers and thin budgets.
“Firefighters across the state are emergency first responders to paramedics. When you think about strokes, cardiac arrests, respiratory arrest, all those things — time is against us — and so we need to have the resources available in force for structural fires, and we need to have them available in force for those really critical emergency events,” he said.
Departments also rely on state and federal grants and partnerships, but those dollars are also in higher demand as fire seasons that used to last from late July through August now stretch from May to October, he said. And if they aren’t responding to more wildfires, they are responding to bigger structural fires due to homes and buildings being made and furnished with cheap materials that burn hotter and faster than they have in previous decades, he added.
Libraries, parks and schools
Fire districts aren’t the only public service providers hamstrung by revenue losses from Measures 5 and 50. Voters in 16 counties are being asked to approve a new bond or property tax increase, or renew one, to help fund schools, parks and libraries.
Hood River’s Parks and Recreation District is asking voters to approve a bond to construct a new pool at the Hood River Aquatic Center, which has been relatively untouched since it was built in 1948, according to reporting by Uplift Local. Measure 50 froze the park district’s property tax revenue rate at 35 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for the last three decades. If the bond passes, taxpayers would chip in 64 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.
In Grant County, the creation of a new taxing district to pay for the county’s only library is on the ballot. After county budget officials determined last year that axing the library was the best option to cover a $1.5 million county budget shortfall, residents created the Save Our Library Committee to come up with solutions. Every town and city in the county has since passed a resolution in favor of the Grant County Library District, and the committee was able to secure enough signatures to get the question of taxing 50 cents on every $1,000 of assessed property value on primary ballots to pay for the library.
City charters
In 10 cities and one county, more than a dozen measures would change or modernize local charters, which are a sort of local constitution laying out local governance rules.
In Eugene, voters will decide whether to change their city charter to end the requirement that city department heads live within city limits and will decide whether to remove gender-specific pronouns from the charter when referring to individuals, instead using job titles or gender-neutral language.
Four separate ballot measures would ask voters in Corvallis whether to change the city charter to align more with one used by the League of Oregon Cities, a non-profit local governance association. Voters in Warrenton will take a similar vote on aligning with the League’s charter.
Annexation
Voters in Benton County will review the most ballot measures of any county in Oregon, and those in Philomath will have the greatest number of hyperlocal measures to decide. There are seven separate proposals to annex “island territories” that are not technically part of Philomath but are surrounded by enough of the city that residents and businesses on the islands receive city services without paying into the tax base that covers the cost of those services.
Philomath Mayor Christopher McMorran said voters he hears from are generally supportive of the annexations, but he also noticed some confusion. He notes that these are not being annexed for development, but rather to ensure residents and businesses benefiting from city services, who might be bordered on three sides by the city, are also paying into the system supporting those services.
In all, he estimates it would affect less than 20 landowners.
“As we looked at shoring up our budget, it felt like a fair ask to make sure everyone adequately shares in the costs,” he said.
Across the state in Wallowa County, voters will decide whether to end mandatory annual conversations about how to leave Oregon. Wallowa County in 2023 became one of more than a dozen eastern counties that expressed support for leaving Oregon to become part of Idaho, and the voter-approved ballot measure a group of residents now want to repeal required county commissioners to meet twice a year to discuss joining Idaho.
The Wallowa County group opposed to the mandatory meetings and the Greater Idaho Movement is asking voters to bring them to a close.
Matt McCaw, executive director of Greater Idaho Movement who led the 2023 measure said even if the meetings go away, “the issue is not going to go away.”
“The people of Eastern Oregon feel detached from Western Oregon and they would prefer the state level governance of Idaho over Oregon,” he said. “Do we think it would be valuable for the people of Wallowa County to continue to have these meetings? Absolutely. But we’re not going to mount a campaign to try to force these meetings to continue.” (SOURCE)
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced a collaboration with fellow lawmakers to introduce the Puppy Protection Act, aimed at enhancing the welfare of dogs in breeding facilities.
This legislation seeks to ensure that dogs are housed in safe environments, have access to outdoor spaces, and can engage regularly with both humans and other dogs. Key provisions of the act include improved enclosure standards that allow dogs to stand fully upright and require adequate space based on their size, as well as a mandate for unrestricted outdoor access for dogs over 12 weeks old.
Additionally, the act stipulates a daily socialization requirement of 30 minutes with humans and compatible dogs, alongside veterinary screenings before breeding attempts. It also limits breeders to two litters within an 18-month period and a maximum of six litters throughout a dog’s lifetime, while ensuring that retired breeding dogs are placed in humane environments, such as with adoptive families or rescue organizations.
The Office of the Governor, in partnership with the Oregon Arts Commission, is proud to relaunch Art in the Governor’s Office. This program brings the works of some of Oregon’s most distinguished artists to the state Capitol to be displayed in the Governor’s Gallery (formerly the Reception Room).
This longstanding tradition, which began in 1975 and celebrates the diverse creativity of Oregon’s professional visual artists, returns this year after a pause due to the pandemic and the restoration of the Capitol building. It will feature a series of three exhibitions of renowned practitioners of photography and painting.
The 2026 series begins with an exhibition by Harrison Branch, an accomplished photographer and Oregon State University Professor Emeritus. Branch’s “Palladotypes: Unpublished Images” will be on display April 24 through July 16.
“With construction nearly completed, it’s so meaningful to be back in the Capitol – and restart the sharing of art in the Governor’s Office,” said Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson. “Oregonian artist Marie Watt so perfectly described the importance of art: ‘Art is a living, breathing part of our community. Art belongs to everyone, and it has the power to transform the way we see each other and ourselves.’ I encourage everyone who visits or works in the Capitol to stop by the Governor’s Office to view these beautiful pieces of art and photography.”
Featured Artist: Harrison Branch — Born in New York City and educated at the San Francisco Art Institute and Yale University, Harrison Branch has spent more than four decades at the forefront of photographic education and artistry. Joining Oregon State University faculty in 1972, Branch was instrumental in developing the university’s photography program.
Branch, who lives in Corvallis, is celebrated for his technical expertise with bellows cameras—large, intricate instruments that allow for extreme precision. His work deeply explores the “natural environment,” specifically focusing on the tonal relationships between silver and the superior platinum-palladium printing process.
“In the age of digital photography,” Branch said, “I prefer the traditional methods, which could also be called classical. To me this hands-on method brings the most joy and excitement. Watching an image materialize in the developing tray is still magical.”
His photographs, which often feature undeveloped natural areas, have been exhibited internationally, including at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris and the George Eastman House.
Upcoming 2026 Exhibitions
Following the exhibition by Harrison Branch, the Governor’s Office will host two additional prominent Oregon artists:
Erik Sandgren (July 17 – Oct. 8): Sandgren’s work probes the figured landscape through the lenses of myth and history. He works in many media. His large-scale murals, paintings and prints are in private and public collections as diverse as the Maryhill Museum of Art and the Yale University Art Gallery.
Nancy Watterson Scharf (Oct. 9 – Dec. 31): Scharf is based in the Southern Oregon coast range, and her acrylic paintings provide a “voice for nature,” investigating the complex relationship between humans, animals and the ecosystems they share.
Public Access — The Governor’s Gallery is viewable most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitation information is available at 503-986-1388.
BLM Brings Oregon Folklife Programming to National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
BAKER CITY, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to explore Oregon’s living cultural traditions through a new interpretive folklife series at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center beginning this week.
The series aligns with America’s 250th anniversary by highlighting the people, traditions, and cultural knowledge that have shaped the nation over time. Visitors can experience firsthand how traditional arts connect past and present while supporting the BLM’s mission.
From April through October, visitors will have interactive opportunities that represent Native American, ranching, and rural lifeways. Presentations will take place daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Pacific Time, offering deeper insight into each artist’s craft and cultural background.
April 23-25, Sara Barton, traditional basket maker of Mono Lake Paiute and Yosemite Miwuk ancestry works closely with Burns Paiute weavers
May 7-9, Kathy Moss, cowboy poet, buckaroo, horse trainer, and rancher from Prairie City
June 18-20, Roberta Kirk, regalia maker, food gatherer, and bead and dentalium artist from Warm Springs, Tenino and Wasq’u
July 9-11, Cheryl Newhouse, spinner and weaver from Richland
August 13-15, Mildred Quaempts, dentalium artist from the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla
September 24-26, Clair Kehrberg, saddle and gear maker and leatherworker from John Day
October 15-17, Katie Harris Murphy and Mary Harris, regalia and beadwork artists from the Wallowa Band Nimiipuu, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Karuk Tribes
“This interpretive outreach brings people face-to-face with the traditions that continue to shape communities across Oregon,” said Robert Reis, acting manager for the Interpretive Center. “These demonstrations create a meaningful connection to the past through the skills and knowledge that are still practiced today.”
This series is designed to build long-term, high-quality cultural programming at the Interpretive Center, ensuring visitors can engage with authentic traditions and perspectives for years to come.
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located at 22267 Highway 86 in Baker City and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. Admission fees apply. For more information, visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center website or call 541-523-1843.
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
Find the mental health support you need
Click to see all resources https://oregonhealthnews.oregon.gov/find-the-mental-health-support-you-need/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
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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