Rogue Valley News, Wednesday 6/24 – Sanctuary One’s Benefit Concert Thursday, Southern Oregon Healthcare Workers Demand Asante Meet to Bargain a Fair Contract & 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,  June 24,  2026

Rogue Valley Weather

Join us for Sanctuary One’s first-ever Benefit Concert — an unforgettable summer evening of live music, community, and compassion set against the beautiful backdrop of the Applegate Valley countryside.

On Thursday, June 25 from 6:00–8:00 PM, gather with friends and family at Sanctuary One Farm in Jacksonville for a sunset concert featuring the Rogue Suspects Trio performing live from a farm-stage trailer beneath the open sky. 

Come for the music. Stay for the mission.

https://sanctuaryone.networkforgood.com/…/102380…

Southern Oregon Healthcare Workers Demand Asante Stop Wasting Money on L.A. Lawyers and Meet to Bargain a Fair Contract

Asante appeals federal government’s order in its latest attempt to avoid recognizing healthcare workers or addressing its care crisis

(MEDFORD)– Local community members who work at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center are demanding Asante executives stop stalling, follow federal law, and begin bargaining a fair contract to improve patient care and support Rogue Valley caregivers.

On June 3, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ordered Asante to immediately recognize local healthcare workers’ union vote at Asante and begin bargaining with workers upon request. Healthcare workers followed up with a certified letter calling on Asante to begin contract negotiations June 11.

However, Asante’s out-of-state executives announced they are refusing to honor the government’s decision and will continue refusing to meet with local workers. Instead, Asante is appealing the decision again to the District of Columbia’s federal circuit court. Despite wasting three years and countless dollars on legal fees and consultants already—money which should be used to improve local healthcare—Asante executives are doubling down on actions the federal government ruled were illegal.

“Asante acted as if they were above the law. Now after repeated NLRB rulings, it’s time for Asante to recognize workers’ union and come to the table to reach a fair contract agreement,” said Fred Katz, RN, ONA’s registered nurse (RN) bargaining unit chair at Asante Rogue Regional. “Local techs are ready to meet anywhere, anytime to expand patients’ access to care, improve working conditions, and raise healthcare standards for everyone in the Rogue Valley. It’s time for Asante executives to stop hiding behind their L.A. lawyers and meet with Oregon workers so we can improve our community’s healthcare.”

The more than 250 frontline healthcare technicians and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) at Rogue Regional overwhelmingly voted to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) on June 9, 2023. They have been waiting for three years to meet with Asante executives and bargain a contract that provides for safe staffing, affordable healthcare, fair pay and benefits, and a voice in local healthcare decisions.

The NLRB is an independent federal agency which oversees union elections, protects workers’ rights and decides unfair labor practices. During its investigation into Asante, it found Asante had committed multiple unfair labor practices by refusing to recognize and bargain with local workers. In its final decision June 3, it ordered Asante to stop its illegal activities and begin bargaining with workers upon request, provide workers with requested information, and publicly post a notice stating Asante broke the law.

• Read the full decision on the NLRB’s website.
• Read workers’ demand to bargain.

Asante executives are facing additional allegations that Asante unlawfully interfered with workers’ rights to organize, threatened workers about the consequences of voting for a union, disciplined an employee for speaking about patient safety with local journalists, and prevented union representatives from visiting the hospital. All actions that are illegal under federal law.

Asante executives have also come under fire for closing maternity and inpatient services at Ashland’s only hospital; racking up more than $1 million in state fines for violating Oregon’s safe staffing law; outsourcing local doctors and healthcare workers; and leading repeated mass layoffs affecting hundreds of caregivers, their families and patients throughout Southern Oregon.

Local healthcare workers including radiologic technologists, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), respiratory therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants and surgical technicians organized in 2023 to have a voice in local healthcare decisions and fight for safe staffing, affordable healthcare, fair pay and reasonable working conditions. They are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).

ONA also represents a separate bargaining unit of more than 1,200 frontline registered nurses (RNs) at Rogue Regional Medical Center.

###The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 25,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

Schofield trial delayed after judge approves defense motion

MEDFORD – A former Asante nurse, Dani Schofield, facing 44 counts of assault in Medford, will not go to trial in September as planned. The trial delayed after judge approves defense motion.

The defense filed a motion June 22 stating they need access to necessary evidence they won’t have in time for the September trial. The cancellation follows an argument between the state and the defense last week. The judge and the defense will meet Aug. 3 for a pretrial conference.

All of Schofield’s previously scheduled court dates have been canceled, including her pretrial readiness, status hearing and her eight-week, 12-person jury trial.

Medford City Council approved a plan to pay $11 million for three years of salary increases in a unanimous vote last Wednesday.

On July 1, workers with the AFSCME union will receive a 6% salary increase. Non-union and executive workers will receive a 3% increase.

Increases for 2027 and 2028 were also approved, with union workers receiving a 2% raise in July 2027. Union, non-union, and executive workers will receive a 3% to 5% cost of living increase in July 2027 and 2028.

Meanwhile,  single-family residential customers in Medford will see an increase of $9.38 on their utility bills. The City of Medford has announced an annual utility adjustment going into effect July 1. The monthly utility rate will increase from $76.53 to $85.91 a month.

The city says the increase will go toward street maintenance, storm drainage, sewer treatment, public safety, and parks. A portion will also support upgrades to the Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility to keep up with updated environmental regulations.

Illinois Valley Fire District Receives Oregon State Fire Marshal 2026 Wildland Fire Season Staffing Grant 

The Illinois Valley Fire District is proud to announce that we have once again been awarded the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Wildland Fire Season Staffing Grant in the amount of $35,000.

This marks the 4th consecutive year that IVFD has received this important funding, allowing us to provide additional staffing at Station 2 (Selma) during the 2026 wildfire season.

Established in 2022, the Wildland Fire Season Staffing Grant helps local fire agencies increase firefighter staffing during the most critical months of the year. The goal is simple: keep wildfires small and away from our communities. By providing additional personnel, agencies can respond quickly to emerging fires before they become larger, more costly incidents.

Beyond wildfire response, these staffing resources help ensure firefighters are available to respond to medical emergencies, traffic accidents, structure fires, and other emergencies throughout our district—ultimately helping save lives and protect property.

We would like to thank the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office for their continued investment in local fire protection and community safety. This funding strengthens our ability to protect the residents and visitors of the Illinois Valley during the height of wildfire season.

Together, we are building a safer and more resilient Illinois Valley.

Fire Chief Holmes

Suspect in Custody Following Burglary with Shots Fired

𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲

At approximately 9:52 a.m. today (6/20), Medford Police officers responded to a report of shots fired at Sportsman’s Warehouse.

The first officer arrived on scene at 9:55 a.m., within three minutes of the initial call. Officers secured the area and conducted an investigation.

The investigation determined the incident was a suicide. One individual is deceased, and next of kin have been notified.

At no time was there a physical threat to patrons or employees inside the store, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

“We recognize that incidents like this can have a profound impact on family members, witnesses, employees, first responders, and others in our community,” said Chief Trevor Arnold. “If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help.” Individuals experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

We extend our condolences to the individual’s family and loved ones.

Sportsman’s Warehouse will remain closed for the remainder of today and all day Sunday.

City of Ashland Oregon

Due to forecasted high temperatures in Ashland, a Cooling Center will be open TODAY, Jun 22, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the OHRA Center located at 2350 Ashland St.

Emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility, and it starts with being informed of emergencies when they happen. Sign up for Josephine County Emergency Alerts here: https://member.everbridge.net/1332612387832182/login

Think you can find it?  The Hidden Bottle Hunt Returns June 25 – 28!

We’ll be hiding 6 commemorative bottles across Oregon and releasing a series of 5 clues to lead bottle hunters to each hidden location.

This year’s bottle design celebrates SOLVE. Swipe to learn more, shop limited edition merch, and sign up to receive alerts when clues drop! BottleDrop.com/Hunt

Jackson County Library Services is launching new transportation resources for patrons after receiving a $15,000 grant from the Oregon Community Foundation.

The Reed and Carolee Walker Fund’s Strategic Grant, awarded to the Jackson County Library Foundation last month, will pay for bicycle and cart maintenance education and repair kits, and Rogue Valley Transit District bus tokens, passes and tickets. JCLS Community Resource specialists will work with patrons to address individual transportation needs.

“Mobility and transportation, that’s one of the biggest barriers that we’re seeing for a lot of the folks that our team works with,” said JCLS Community Resource Manager Thaddeus Crawford. “For a lot of folks, just being able to get around – getting four blocks – is a challenge. We really want to be able to facilitate them to get out and about and move around so they can take care of their business.”

The bicycle and cart repair initiative is intended to help patrons keep their vehicles on the road and functioning. JCLS community resource specialist Leigh Madsen had already been volunteering his time at a local bicycle shop, and the grant offers an opportunity for the work to continue in a leveled-up capacity.

“We want to officially bring that into the fold and create our own repair kits…to teach folks how to maintain their vehicles,” Crawford said. “The biggest thing is tires. There are so many different sizes of tires. We’ll be purchasing a lot of plugs and patches, compressors so they can pump (their tires) up, and some tools so they can do basic repairs.”

Rogue Valley Transit District fares paid for with the grant will include tokens that pay for one ride, specialized passes that pay for six rides and tickets that can pay for longer commutes. Crawford said that way patrons can get to where they’re going, whether it’s to food, medical or work, and then they have a way to get back.

Community Resource specialists are also looking at putting some of the funds toward additional food they can distribute. The department currently hands out snacks, mostly at the Ashland and Medford branches.

The Community Resources department also offers applications for affordable and temporary housing, Oregon Health Plan and healthcare marketplace help, substance use treatment information and help in filing for unemployment and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

On June 22, 2026, at 05:04:26, the Illinois Valley Fire District, AMR-Josephine County, and Rural Metro Fire – Josephine County responded to a Commercial Structure Fire located at 201 S Redwood Hwy, Cave Junction.

The fire was successfully contained to the building’s exterior and subsequently extinguished. Internal inspections were conducted to ensure no fire extension had occurred.

This incident is currently under investigation, and the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has been apprised of the situation.

 

Task Force Busts Black-Market Marijuana Grow Hidden in Pear Orchard, Uncovers 25K Plants, 16K Lbs. Cannabis; Suspect Arrested

JCSO Case 26-2842 CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant Tuesday, June 16 at a black-market cannabis grow in the 1000 block of Old Stage Road in rural Central Point.

IMET detectives seized approximately 25,000 marijuana plants hidden in pear orchards, 16,000 lbs. of usable cannabis, and 1,470 plants in five “hoop-style” greenhouses.

IMET arrested one suspect in connection to the property. The suspect, Jorge Alexander Ruiz, 35, of Central Point, is charged with three felony counts of unlawful production, manufacture, and possession of a marijuana item.

There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. The farm applied for an Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) license for growing hemp while concealing cannabis starter plants in the pear orchard. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET), and Oregon State Police (OSP).

While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, OSP, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

 

ODF Southwest Oregon District –  𝙋𝙐𝘽𝙇𝙄𝘾 𝙐𝙎𝙀 𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙏𝙍𝙄𝘾𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎 𝘿𝙐𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙎𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙊𝙉

All Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts are in fire season. This means that to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, fire restrictions may be in place where you live or at a destination you plan to visit or recreate.

Ashland’s Homeless Shelter Remained Locked During a Severe Heat Warning Because There’s No City Money Available

Locked Doors at 2200 Ashland Street Homeless Bad Weather Shelter  https://theashlandchronicle.com/ashlands-homeless-shelter-remained-locked-during-a-severe-heat-warning-because-theres-no-city-money-available/

40 Modular Homes to Be Built in Phoenix to Replace Homes Lost in Almeda Fire

Oregon Housing and Community Services selected five projects to build 117 affordable homes using factory-produced housing methods across the state.

AGE+ and Blazer Modular Construction plan to use the funding to build 40 fully accessible, affordable homes for older adults in Phoenix. The project, Phoenix Commons, will replace housing lost in the Almeda Fire. The modular construction will reduce per-unit costs and cut the construction schedule by several months.

The initiative comes from House Bill 3145 passed in the 2025 Legislative Session. It will fund up to five factory-produced housing projects with Local Innovation and Fast Track set-aside funds totaling $25 million. Factory-produced housing, like modular homes, offers an alternative to traditional construction and can produce homes faster and at lower costs.

SOU To Eliminate 66 Positions and 3 Majors

 COMING ATTRACTIONS + TOYS FOR TOTS = A SUMMER OF GIVING! 
The Josephine County Toys for Tots Program is excited to officially kick off our Toy & Coin Round Up in partnership with Coming Attractions Theatres in Grants Pass! 

From June 1st through July 1st, we’ll be collecting:
 New, unwrapped toys
 Coin donations
 Support for local children and families in need this holiday season

 Donation Location:
Coming Attractions Theatres
1625 SW Ringuette St
Grants Pass, OR 97526

Every toy donated helps bring joy, hope, and smiles to children right here in our community. Every coin collected helps us continue making Christmas possible for families who may otherwise go without.

A huge thank you to Coming Attractions Theatres for partnering with Toys for Tots and helping us spread the magic of giving throughout Grants Pass! 

– The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has filed a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for a proposed rule change to adopt a new Forest Management Plan (FMP) for western Oregon state forest lands managed by the department.

The proposed change to this rule will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan.

The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan contains guiding principles, goals, and strategies that are compatible with the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan. The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan provides management direction for all Board of Forestry Lands and Common School Forest Lands managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry west of the crest of the Cascade Range.

The Board of Forestry may review, modify, or terminate a plan at any time; however, the BOF will review the plan no less than every 10 years. The current Southwest and Northwest FMPs were last revised in 2010, while the Elliott FMP was last revised in 2011. More information about State Forests Management Plans can be found here.

Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted from June 1 to June 30 at 11:55 p.m. A virtual rulemaking hearing will be held on June 25 at 3 p.m.  The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking contains the link to register to attend or provide comment at the hearing.  The notice also includes important details including but not limited to the proposed rule text and instructions for submitting public comments and participating in the hearings.

More information on this rulemaking effort and ongoing updates can be found on the Rulemaking activity page of the ODF website.

MEDFORD, OR– The Bureau of Land Management is asking the public for input on a proposed forest management project to increase wildfire protection in the Applegate and Lake Creek areas in Jackson County. The Douglas fir Mortality Complex Environmental Assessment proposes salvage timber sales to remove dead and dying trees, as well as thinning potential fire fuels.

Deadline for Temporary Rent and Utility Assistance Through ReOregon is June 30

The deadline for Intermediate Housing Assistance (IHA) for survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds is coming soon. Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) administers IHA, which provides temporary rent and utility assistance for renters who lived in the disaster-affected counties of Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, or Marion at the time of the wildfires and have a verified loss.

Survivors have until June 30 to apply for the program, which has expanded eligibility, including higher incomes, so more households can get help. Assistance may last for up to 24 months or until the program’s funding is fully spent.

OHCS encourages any interested folks to reach out to a local community action agency to find out more and get started on an application.

“IHA provides a vital need for renters who are also wildfire survivors to help keep them stably housed as they figure out their permanent housing solution,” said Shannon Marheine, director of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at OHCS. “We encourage anyone who is eligible and hasn’t yet applied to do so as soon as possible. If you know someone might benefit from this program, please spread the word.”

IHA is part of a suite of wildfire recovery programs called ReOregon intended for survivors of the 2020 Labor Day Disasters and is funded by a $422 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

So far, OHCS and its partners have successfully served 401 households with the IHA program.

To learn more about IHA and other ReOregon programs, visit OHCS’ website.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services – 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.

Residents in Medford will soon receive energy generated by Oregon’s first floating solar panels through the state’s Community Solar Program.

More than 1,700 panels on floating platforms atop a Medford Irrigation District reservoir will generate power intended to cut costs for the district, the city and about 60 homes in Jackson County. Kyle Petrocine, program manager at the Energy Trust of Oregon, one of the administrators of Oregon’s Community Solar Program, said people can subscribe online to community solar projects across the state.

Customers pay for a subscription and receive credits on their utility bills, lowering overall costs. Petrocine said low-income subscribers can get discounted subscription rates and save up to 40% on their power bills. He said several similar projects are being considered in the Rogue Valley and other parts of Oregon.

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.

Learn More Here

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:

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗜𝗛𝗔)

𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗗𝗣𝗔)

𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 (𝗛𝗖𝗦)

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺.

Program requirements have recently changed, and you may now qualify.

Contact the ACCESS Center for Community Resilience to check your eligibility:

541-414-0318

ccr@accesshelps.org

If your home was damaged, destroyed, or you were displaced by the 2020 Labor Day fires, help is available through the IHA (Intermediate Housing Assistance) program. IHA is an Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS) program, and ACCESS is an official intake center for applicants through June 30th of 2026.

Wildfire season can be a stressful time, especially for older adults.

If you find this true for yourself, OSU is hosting “Living with Wildfire: Empowerment through Preparation for Older Adults”.

On 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝘀𝘁, from 𝟮-𝟰𝗽𝗺 at the 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 in Grants Pass, OSU will be hosting this supportive class.

Our very own Kara Baylog from FRC will cover practical preparedness tips and Angela Franklin from OABHI will cover emotional wellness practices during fire season.

This presentation will touch on:

How wildfires spread and impact homes

Simple and affordable ways to make your home more fire-resilient

Practical preparedness tips

How to care for emotional wellbeing during fire season

How to build connection, readiness, and resilience as a community

Space is limited, so please RSVP to save your spot by calling 541-450-2036 or emailing afranklin@optionsonline.org

𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: July 1, 2026

𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 2-4 pm

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Josephine County Senior Resource Center

City of Roseburg Government — Wondering where to get the facts about City projects, plans, decisions, events and upcoming meetings?

 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆: 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆

Looking for a welcoming place to pick up supplemental groceries? The 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 in Medford has been thoughtfully renovated and decorated with chalk drawings by a passionate volunteer, staffed by Salvation Army Jackson County employees and volunteers who make a difference in the community every day. This pantry offers a partial shopping-style experience, so you can choose foods that work best for you and your family.

Thanks to strong community partnerships, this pantry is stocked with:

Fresh produce in boxes built by The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County

Bread donations supplied by local grocery stores through our Fresh Alliance Program, which reroutes food from grocers to our pantries for hungry families.

A variety of pantry staples to help stretch your budget

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢:

*Please check our website at accesshelps.org/food-pantries for all current pantry info, as it is subject to change.

922 N Central Ave, Medford

Hours:

• Monday: 1:00–3:00 PM

• Thursday: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00–3:00 PM

• Friday: 1:00–3:00 PM

Visits at this pantry are available every other week; however, you may visit another ACCESS pantry each week.

Accessible via RVTD Bus Route 40

Help Fill Our Food Pantry – Your Donations Make a Difference! Hunger is a reality for many in our community, but together, we can make a change! Our food pantry is in need of non-perishable food items to help families struggling to put meals on the table. Most Needed Items: Canned vegetables & fruits Rice & pasta Peanut butter & jelly Cereal & oatmeal Soup & canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans)

Drop-off Location: 922 N. Central Avenue Medford, OR 97501 Hours: 9am-3pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Every can, box, and bag of food makes a difference in someone’s life. Let’s come together to fight hunger—because no one should go to bed hungry. 

The 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

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.

Summer EBT is back to help feed Oregon children during summer break

The Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits (Summer EBT) program is returning in 2026 to help families buy groceries for school-aged children during summer break when they don’t have easy access to healthy meals.

Eligible families can receive a one-time payment of $120 for each child on an Oregon EBT card to buy food. Unused benefits can expire 122 days after they are issued.

Families will get benefits automatically on their Oregon EBT card if they have children between the ages of 6-18 and received one of the following at any time during the 2025-26 school year:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance
• Medicaid, if household income is below 185 percent of the federal poverty level
• Foster care services

Families also may automatically receive benefits if they have children who:

• Were determined by their school to have a status as migrant, houseless or runaway.
• Took part in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
• Attended a Head Start program that was part of the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.

Families may need to apply if:

• Their household meets income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
• Their child attends a school that was part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Important Summer EBT dates:

• June 1, 2026 – The Summer EBT call center opens. Families can call 833-673-7328 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• June 4, 2026 – Benefits are expected to begin issuing to families who are automatically eligible.
• June 5, 2026 – The online application opens and applications begin processing.
• Sept. 1, 2026 – Application deadline.
• Sept. 25, 2026 – The Summer EBT call center closes.

The Summer EBT program is administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Oregon Department of Education (ODE).

Children cannot receive 2026 Summer EBT benefits in multiple states. The program invites families to apply if they have children living in Oregon during the 2025-26 school year.

Families can learn more about Summer EBT, find application information and get updates by visiting the website at sebt.oregon.gov.

6/24/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

Rare American Flag Displayed at Full Size at the Oregon Historical Society for First Time Following Conservation

Portland, OR — This July Fourth, visitors to the Oregon Historical Society (OHS) will have a rare opportunity to see what is believed to be the first U.S. flag raised in Portland following Oregon’s statehood. Hand-sewn in 1861 by Portland resident Ann Elizabeth Bills, the 9-by-6-foot flag is displayed at full size for the first time after undergoing conservation work earlier this year.

“One of the most cherished objects in our museum collection, the “Bills flag” connects us to a pivotal moment in Oregon history,” said OHS Boyle Family Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk. “Displaying it at full size allows visitors to appreciate both the original craftsmanship of Ann Bills and the careful conservation that will allow the flag to be shared for generations to come.”

Preserved in OHS’s museum collection since 1911, the Bills flag has been displayed several times folded within a case to protect the fragile materials. In preparation for Oregon’s America 250 commemoration, the flag underwent conservation so it can now be safely exhibited at its full dimensions for visitors to experience as it would have appeared more than 165 years ago.

Accompanying the display are three rare historical documents on loan from collector Bill Leslie. A document printed in 1774 details the proceedings of the First Continental Congress, while two maps from around 1817 illustrate how the young United States envisioned its expanding boundaries and territories. Together, these materials place the Bills flag within the broader story of the nation’s founding and expansion.

This special America 250 Oregon display is on view at the Oregon Historical Society’s museum in downtown Portland now through July 6, 2026. Museum hours are 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday. Admission is free every day for youth 17 and under, OHS members, and Multnomah County residents, who provide crucial operational support through the Oregon Historical Society levy. Learn more and plan your visit at ohs.org/visit.

About the Oregon Historical Society — For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

While Oregon authorities challenge ICE, Trump admin targets 911 dispatchers, local agencies

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security claims it is notifying 911 dispatchers about ICE operations. Growing evidence shows that hasn’t always been the case.

Key points:

• Oregon sheriffs and some local law enforcement say federal immigration agents aren’t always notifying them when operating in their jurisdictions, prompting confusion when Oregonians call 911 reporting carjackings and kidnappings.
• The federal government maintains that it notifies local dispatchers when it operates in a city before and after its activities, but it has failed to provide evidence for claims that dispatchers are leaking sensitive information about federal agents.
• The dispute comes as the Trump administration is ramping up immigration arrests in Oregon and pushing for access to undercover state license plates in federal court.

Some of Oregon’s local law enforcement leaders say that federal immigration authorities have failed to adhere to a longstanding practice of notifying them of their activity in their jurisdictions.

The Trump administration is denying the allegations, claiming without evidence that local 911 dispatchers have revealed the sensitive information of federal agents such as their location to the public.

Last November, concerns over immigration operations prompted the Salem-based Oregon State Sheriffs Association to meet with Seattle-based officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement about their concerns. They reported securing an assurance from ICE that the agency would notify local authorities when they were operating in their jurisdictions, aligning with longstanding federal policies on a practice known as deconfliction.

But this month, association president Tim Svenson told the Capital Chronicle that that deal was in jeopardy in light of the departure of high-level leaders from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, such as former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and acting ICE Director Todd Lyons. He described the effort as “still a work in progress” adding that “we make connections and headway with one person, and then they are moved out and another person replaces them.”

“There are ways for agencies to deconflict, and we provided contact information with DHS leadership to assist with this process,” Svenson said in a statement. “I just know from previous conversations with sheriffs that this is still not occurring.”

In response, the Trump administration asserted that it always communicates its activity to local emergency dispatchers and accused them of leaking the locations of federal agents without providing any evidence. Public records, news reports and interviews with local officials in Oregon, however, show that federal agents have not always followed that policy.

A spokesperson for ICE did not provide further evidence for the agency’s allegations or respond to additional inquiries about specific incidents in a fact-checking email.

“Notifications are conducted to local dispatch upon both arrival and departure of the city,” an unnamed ICE spokesperson said in a statement last week. “Despite these established practices, some dispatch centers have broadcast ICE activity over unencrypted channels, exposing officer locations and internal communication gaps within local agencies have led sheriffs to believe ICE failed to deconflict even when proper notifications were made.”

The attempt to cast doubt on dispatch systems comes as immigration agents in the state have quietly ramped back up arrests after slowing down earlier this year, according to data from the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition. It also coincides with a new legal battle between the Trump administration and Democratic-led states including Oregon over the states denying undercover license plates to ICE agents.

“The agency has changed, and so there’s not a lot of internal work, but there’s inexperienced leadership who sometimes don’t even think about, ‘OK, oh, we need to notify local law enforcement about what we’re operating on,’” said David Carter, professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University. “I think state and local law enforcement are doing their best to try to work within the system the way that they can.”

ICE officials confirmed their leadership met with Oregon sheriffs in November 2025, and that those regional leaders followed up with their Oregon teams in Portland to review and reaffirm current deconfliction practices.

But Jason Chudy, a spokesperson for ICE, did not respond to inquiries about data from Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications showing the Homeland Security Department gave the agency no notifications of its activity in the city in January when U.S. Border Patrol shot two Venezuelan nationals. The Capital Chronicle also inquired about publicly reported ICE activity at the Port of Astoria and the attempted arrest of a U.S. citizen in Salem in February, where local officials have made similar allegations.

“The sheriff and the chief of police in Salem found out much later after the fact,” Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell told the Capital Chronicle in January. “When that woman was assaulted, they found out because her daughter called 911, to say that this just happened to her mom, not because immigration or Border Patrol gave them a heads up.”

Vulnerabilities in the dispatch system for Oregon’s most populous county surfaced in January, when U.S. Border Patrol shot and wounded two Venezuelan nationals in a Portland hospital parking lot.

On social media, a screenshot posted by local anti-ICE activists revealed a 911 dispatch log with the phone number of one of the shot individuals as well as the name of a Border Patrol agent who confirmed the incident with the dispatch center. Conservatives seized on the 911 caller’s number to connect her to escort sites, and left-wing activists derided the disclosure for providing ammunition to the Trump administration’s claims that the woman was tied to a Venezuelan gang’s prostitution ring. The federal government has since abandoned those claims in court.

Contrary to the Trump administration’s allegations, however, the screenshot, corroborated by the Capital Chronicle through a public records request, doesn’t disclose a federal immigration officer’s exact individual location, though it does include a phone number and name. A call log record obtained through a public records request also shows dispatchers and local authorities needing to reach out to ICE to confirm if the agency was involved after the January shooting.

Similar dynamics played out at the Port of Astoria, where local residents say they believe ICE took advantage of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection office stationed at Pier 1, allowing federal immigration agents to conduct detainments in early June.

Astoria Police Chief Stacy Kelly told the Capital Chronicle that he only heard a report from one ICE officer after a woman was pepper-sprayed by a federal agent. He said that ICE has offered mixed messages in compliance with the deconfliction agreement set out in November.

“Right after that agreement was made, we received a few notifications, and then they just kind of died off. And then after this last incident, we received a notification they were here the next week, and they did call us and tell us that they were in the area,” he said. “I would say it’s sporadic.” https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/06/24/while-oregon-authorities-challenge-ice-trump-admin-targets-911-dispatchers-local-agencies/

Facing scorching summers, Oregon lawmakers may revisit heat pump expansion programs

Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular technology for Oregonians seeking an efficient method of air conditioning, though data shows the state has experienced significant gaps in AC access

The demand for more resources to support access to air conditioning continues to rise in Oregon nearly five years after the deadly Pacific Northwest heat dome, and state leaders could once again turn to a popular program to meet it.

Lawmakers last week heard testimony from affordable utilities advocates and state energy and public health officials, opening with an acknowledgement of the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome incident which left more than 100 Oregonians dead. The meeting came the same day that Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency over wildfires as heat and drought in the state are expected to worsen over the summer.

State Rep. Pam Marsh, a Democrat from Ashland and chair of the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness, told her colleagues that many more people likely died during the heat dome due to chronic and underlying medical conditions. She said she plans to convene a workgroup on the issue of providing cooling systems in housing.

“We are looking at a summer that’s likely to be very hot,” Marsh said. “And as we look at the housing needs across the state, making sure that the housing people have is comfortable, healthy and supports them in these pretty exceptional conditions, I think is part of our mission.”

The 2021 heat dome spurred action in Salem the next year, when state lawmakers allocated nearly $25 million to encourage owners and landlords to install heat pumps through incentives such as thousands of dollars in rebates. State lawmakers provided another $4 million for the Rental Home Heat Pump Program in 2024, but state officials have since paused such incentives for most Oregonians due to a lack of additional funding.

Research has shown that heat pumps use less energy than traditional air conditioning systems by removing heat from the inside of a building and operating like regular air conditioners when in cooling mode. The 2022 law also prohibited landlords from banning portable air conditioners.

On Tuesday, state energy department officials referred to a September 2025 Biennial Oregon Heat Pump Report estimating that 25% of air conditioning equipment in Oregon would be heat pumps as of December 2025. That marks a 7% increase in the technology’s use throughout the state since 2023. The next official report is expected in 2027 and likely to come after the upcoming legislative session.

They contrasted that figure with a 2023 survey of Oregonians commissioned by the Oregon Department of Energy, which found that 58% of respondents lacked a permanent cooling system. The cost to fix that problem was estimated to range from around $500 million to more than $1 billion, far above what lawmakers have allocated in Salem over the past few years. No new study has been conducted to see if progress has been made on that figure, according to the agency.

“The warmer climate in Southern Oregon has driven more consistent air conditioning installations in housing constructed,” Stephanie Kruse, a facilities engineer at the Oregon Department of Energy, told lawmakers. “But as more of our state is experiencing more frequent and sustained heat events, the need for cooling equipment has become more urgent.”

Oregon has set a goal of installing 500,000 heat pumps by 2030. The state’s two heat pump incentive programs have resulted in the installation of 4,638 heat pumps and counting in Oregon, according to Christy Splitt, government relations coordinator for the Oregon Department of Energy.

She said the agency plans to temporarily open the rental heat pump program “towards the end” of the two-year budget cycle ending in 2027, using remaining funds such as available administrative savings.

“I’m hoping for 5,000,” Splitt told lawmakers. “That’ll be a nice number.”

Typically, landlords must compete to attract renters by offering lower prices, discounts and amenities. However, those using RealPage shared sensitive rental data to train the company’s pricing algorithm.

This software then uses that data to recommend rental rates, effectively allowing landlords to keep prices artificially high, according to the lawsuit.LivCor managed nearly 1,650 Oregon properties using this rent-fixing software, according to the Oregon Department of Justice.Read more at https://www.oregonlive.com/…/property-management.

Census data places Oregon at nationwide bottom

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau released in May, meanwhile, places Oregon as one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to access to air conditioning, though states such as California, Wyoming, Washington and Montana all had lower rates of reported access. In Oregon, more than 18% of the state’s households are estimated to not have any access to a form of air conditioning.

The federal data relies upon estimates from 2023, but it shows that the state’s coast and Northeast areas have significantly low rates of access to air conditioning, some with less than half of households in the county. That’s often because the coastal areas of the state can rely on the ocean breeze instead of paying for cooling systems.

Jennifer Kalez, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Energy, distanced the federal data from the state’s own 2023 study.

“The Cooling Needs Study looked specifically at low-income and at-risk households in the state and differentiated between permanent cooling equipment, and broken and temporary equipment, while the (federal) data is statewide or county wide, and did not differentiate between types of cooling equipment,” she wrote in an email.

It’s up to lawmakers to decide whether to fund more of the program. In the meantime, there are also federally-funded programs for rental homes, new construction and homeowners that the state administers, such as the Heat Pump Purchase Program, which provides $2,000 for installations of heat pumps to state-approved contractors.

Brian Stewart, co-founder of Electrify Now, a volunteer-run advocacy group that promotes building electrification, said Oregon has in the past enjoyed cooler summers, which explains the federal data showing rates of air conditioning lower than other parts of the nation. With hotter Oregon summers, he said that’s changing and people are “getting the news that a heat pump is better.”

Stewart said Oregon lawmakers could also provide incentives to convert low quality air conditioners to heat pumps, particularly in light of the low-income families reliant upon Portland General Electric who have reported that high rates of energy use correspond with bills that cost nearly $300 more.

These homes could require deeper technical fixes and repairs, he said, and the price of installing a heat pump can vary thousands of dollars depending on the size of the home and type of the system, such as a solar or geothermal-powered heat pump.

“This is why incentives are so important. They reduce these kinds of barriers that people see when they’re trying to make decisions about what to do in their homes and enable them to get products that are going to be better for them in the long term,” he said. “It’s really hard to overcome ‘Wow, it’s thousands of dollars more up front, right?’ And if someone is telling you, well, you’re going to save a bunch of money in the long-term, that’s a hard argument when you’re strapped to just make the initial payment.” (SOURCE)

All Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts are in fire season. This means that to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, fire restrictions may be in place where you live or at a destination you plan to visit or recreate.

“Looking at the current conditions and projections for the summer, ODF is prepared to have another busy fire season,” said Michael Curran, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Protection Division Chief. “Oregonians need to be practicing wildfire prevention and emergency preparedness NOW.”

Now is the time to brush up on your wildfire prevention knowledge. Tips include:

• Know before you go. Campfires may be banned or only allowed in approved campgrounds.
• Make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before going to sleep or leaving your site. Don’t forget to Drown, Stir, Repeat. 
• Forests and fireworks don’t mix. Private use of fireworks is not allowed on forest land, which includes all private lands protected by ODF and all other state and federal forest lands in Oregon. Remember to check any additional city and county firework restrictions as well.
• Backyard debris burning either requires a burn permit during fire season or is prohibited altogether. If you burned earlier this spring, go back and check on your debris burn site to make sure nothing reignites due to the heat.
• Don’t flick a cigarette onto the ground. It may be just enough to start a fire.
• Don’t park or idle over dried grass.
• Don’t drag tow chains.
• Check local restrictions and fire danger levels.

Curran said, “Prevention is our number one tool to reduce property loss, firefighting costs, and risk to the lives of our firefighters. We can’t prevent lightning fires, but we can prevent human-caused fires.”

ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state, and federal land in Oregon from wildfire. Fire season is declared at the local level when conditions reach a point where the risk of a fire starting and spreading becomes clear. This year, the Central Oregon district was the first to declare on May 8, and the Northwest Oregon Area was the last to declare on June 15.  For more information on how you can help prevent wildfires, visit keeporegongreen.org. 

Eugene Pride Cancels Parade Due to Safety Concerns but “The Festival Will Go On”

Eugene Pride’s rally and march are canceled this year, although its annual festival will go on as planned and the main Pride Festival will still take place at the Lane Events Center.

Safety concerns bring the traditional Eugene Pride rally and march to a halt this year. While organizers say police refused to offer traffic control to ensure safety, the Eugene Police Department says it’s a matter of filing the right permits and they don’t have enough staff and available resources.

Need a free monthly book for your Oregon child under 5? A new state law guarantees it

Gov. Tina Kotek joined youth advocates and supporters of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library last Thursday to sign the library program into state law

When her son began receiving free books in the mail at his grandmother’s Washington house, Claire Catt jumped into action.

A mother of two “program graduates” from a program which now provides free books every month to children under the age of 5 in states across the country, Catt began pulling volunteers together in 2018. She wanted to see the program come to life in Oregon, setting an initial goal of enrolling 500 kids.

“We’re currently serving 1,500 kiddos just in our small rural county,” Catt, the executive director of United Way of Northwest Oregon and a former leader of United Way of Columbia County, told the Capital Chronicle. “Add the joy of not just getting a book, but having it addressed to you and checking the mailbox, I think that practice was really good.”

How to sign up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Oregonians with young children can visit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library website and enter their ZIP code, city, county and state to sign up to receive free books.

Stories like Catt’s fueled the state-backed development of Oregon’s version of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. The initiative, named after the famous country singer, has already given free books to about 35% of Oregon children younger than 5. Since 1995, it has worked across the United States by delivering books to their doorsteps, and it received nearly $2 million in 2023 from Oregon legislators.

On Thursday, Gov. Tina Kotek signed a bill officially codifying the program into state law, surrounded by local and national advocates for the program and families with their kids. She joined them at the newly opened Gresham-based East County Library with first lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, who narrated a children’s book to the kids in attendance.

“Can everyone raise their hand if they love books? That’s amazing. Look at all those hands,” said Rep. Jules Walters, D-West Linn. “Well, today is your lucky day, because we just made a law that says every baby and every kid in Oregon, from the day they’re born until they turn five, gets a brand new book delivered right to their front door every single month for free.”

The program’s development comes as Oregon continues to struggle with literacy rates, with test scores for fourth graders taking reading assessments ranking at some of the lowest levels in the nation. Kotek on Thursday framed the program as part of a broader push to support young Oregonians, recalling how she had just finished reading the fantasy novel “The Everlasting” by American writer Alix Harrow. She said Oregon will continue to support the program “into the future.”

“Literacy is so important,” she said. “It’s about the children, it is about their future, it’s about economic opportunity, it’s about learning, it’s about imagination, it’s about inspiring each of us to think about where the future will take us.”

The program has continued to rapidly expand in the state, with 4 million books mailed out in total as of this February, according to Laurie McNichols, Oregon’s statewide director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. She said that she expects that number to reach 5 million by 2027 due to partnerships with Oregon officials, pointing to a story a mother shared about the impact of the library program on her family relationships.

“The books arriving each month not only make her daughter feel incredibly special, but they also remind her, they remind mom, to make time to read together,” McNichols said.

Catt, meanwhile, sat as the governor spoke alongside her 10-year-old and 6-year-old. She calls her kids “program graduates” as they have now aged out of eligibility.

Along with providing books for her kids, the program helped Catt. A book they have includes parenting strategies for literacy, and that information allowed her to more effectively read and communicate with children, she said.  “It’s not just reading,” she said. “There’s so many other ways to experience a book.” (SOURCE)

Webinar series to honor 36 years of disability civil rights kicks off July 7

— The public is invited to a series of free webinars featuring conversations with disabilities advocates and experts who will share the latest information on disability supports, emergency management systems and digital accessibility.

Topics by date are:

• July 7: Exploring Cross-Disability Experiences and Support Needs
• July 14: Building Inclusive and Accessible Emergency Management Systems
• July 21: ADA: How Far We’ve Come and What Comes Next
• July 28: Understanding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Ruling on Digital Accessibility

The free weekly webinar series is being hosted by Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC), Oregon Department of Human Services, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon in recognition and celebration of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“As we reflect on the legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we’re also looking closely at the work ahead such as understanding diverse experiences and support needs, strengthening inclusive and accessible systems, and advancing digital accessibility,” said Mark King, Chair of ODC. “We’re grateful to our co-hosts for joining us in presenting this series, which helps us continue educating and advocating for equity, independence and full participation for people with disabilities.”

The series will take place on Tuesdays throughout July, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time, beginning July 7. The sessions are open to the public, and registration is now available through the event webpage on Zoom.

The series will be accessible to people with disabilities and will be translated into Spanish. Captioning and American Sign Language interpretation will also be provided. For questions about accessibility for the webinar series, or to request an accommodation, contact OregonDisabilities.Commission@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

More information about the series, including presenter biographies, will be shared on the Oregon Department of Human Services ADA event webpage.

About the Oregon Disabilities Commission: The Oregon Disabilities Commission is charged by state statute to advise the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving the full economic, social, legal and political equity of individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

A missing woman has been found dead, two days after she disappeared from her Bethany home. 

Ann Chase left her home early Saturday morning, with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office asking the public to contact the non-emergency line if they saw Chase or her car, a red Mazda CXS.

A caller found Chase’s car in a ravine near Northwest Thompson Road and Northwest 53rd Drive in Portland on Tuesday night, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. Chase was inside.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said Chase’s cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner; her family has been notified of her death and have asked for privacy.  A detective from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office’s Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene, but foul play is not suspected, the agency said.

Woman dead after Amtrak train and vehicle crash in Milwaukie

Emergency personnel responded to a crash involving an Amtrak train and a vehicle in Milwaukie Tuesday afternoon.

The crash happened at Southeast Harrison Street and Southeast 31st Street around 2:42 p.m., where crews found a car with one person, a woman, inside; the woman was extricated from the car and transported to a local hospital in serious condition, according to Clackamas Fire and Milwaukie Police.  The driver of the car has died.

Police added that initial reports indicate that the car was parked on the tracks when the train hit the car, then stopped immediately.

No passengers or crew members onboard the train were injured, the agencies said. The crash, however, took out a power pole, affecting several residents; PGE is working to repair the damaged lines.

OR 224 was temporarily closed at Southeast Harrison Street, but reopened around 6:15 p.m. The Milwaukie Police Department is investigating the crash.

New Minimum Wage Rates Start July 1 2026

New minimum wage rates announced Commissioner Stephenson has announced specifics on upcoming changes to Oregons minimum wage.

For hours worked July 1st and forward, Oregons minimum wage rates will increase based on year-over-year inflation to: Standard Minimum Wage: $15.55 per hour Portland Metro Minimum Wage: $16.80 per hour Non-Urban Minimum Wage: $14.55 per hour The current standard minimum wage rate is $15.05.

Based on an increase in the CPI of 3.3% from March 2025 to March 2026, the new standard minimum rate will be: $15.05 X 1.033 = $15.55 (rounded to the nearest five cents) By statute, the Portland metro minimum wage is $1.25 more than the standard minimum wage, and the non-urban minimum wage is $1.00 less than the standard minimum wage.

Oregon employers are required to post minimum wage posters. Individual posters reflecting the new minimum wage rates as of July 1, 2026 will be available for download on the BOLI website free of charge by June 15, 2026.

America250 Announces 2026 America’s Field Trip Awardees; Two Oregon Students Selected for Inspiring Answers to the Question, “What Does America Mean to You?”

The America 250 Oregon Commission, together with America250, the official national organization charged by Congress with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, today proudly announced the 2026 “America’s Field Trip” awardees, which includes two students from Oregon.America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to reflect on the question: “What does America mean to you?”​

The winners from Oregon include first place awardee Amy Elliot, a 12th grader from Evergreen Virtual Academy in Portland, and Macy Kragt, a 10th grader from Baker Charter Schools in Hillsboro. For a full list of awardees and a selection of winning submissions, please visit america250.org/fieldtrip/awardees.

America’s Field Trip has been building momentum over three contest years as one of America250’s signature education programs, advancing the organization’s mission to educate, engage, and unite Americans in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary. Since its 2024 pilot program, the nationwide student contest has received more than 20,000 entries, including more than 10,000 submissions this year alone. With this year’s class, America250 will have recognized 550 young people total through America’s Field Trip, including 275 first-place winners receiving once-in-a-lifetime trips and 275 second-place winners receiving cash prizes.

The 2026 entrants represented all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C. A panel of current and former educators selected the 2026 honorees, the largest class of awardees yet: 250 students representing 46 states and U.S. territories. This includes 125 first-place awardees (41 elementary school students, 42 middle school students and 42 high school students) who will travel on one of 16 once-in-a-lifetime field trip experiences this summer. An additional 125 second-place awardees (42 elementary school students, 42 middle school students and 41 high school students) will receive a $500 cash award and America250 gear.

“The America 250 Oregon Commission congratulates Amy E., Macy K., and all of this year’s America’s Field Trip participants,” said Kerry Tymchuk, chair of the America 250 Oregon Commission. “Their words inspire us and reflect the next generation’s hope for America’s future.”

Each first-place awardees will participate in one of the specially-curated trips taking place across 12 states and Washington, D.C., July 10–August 16, 2026. Amy E. selected Philadelphia as the destination for her field trip, where she will experience a beyond the ropes tour of Independence National Historical Park and the Philadelphia Mint.

“America’s Field Trip gives students a national platform to reflect on our country in their own words, through their own creativity and from the communities they call home,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “As we prepare to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary, these students remind us that America’s story is something each generation helps shape. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and give first-place awardees the chance to experience the people, places and ideas that have helped define our country.”

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial.

If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list. Learn more at oregon250.org.

Public comment period opens for Forest Management Plan for western Oregon state forest lands

– The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has filed a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for a proposed rule change to adopt a new Forest Management Plan (FMP) for western Oregon state forest lands managed by the department.

The proposed change to this rule will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan.

The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan contains guiding principles, goals, and strategies that are compatible with the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan. The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan provides management direction for all Board of Forestry Lands and Common School Forest Lands managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry west of the crest of the Cascade Range.

The Board of Forestry may review, modify, or terminate a plan at any time; however, the BOF will review the plan no less than every 10 years. The current Southwest and Northwest FMPs were last revised in 2010, while the Elliott FMP was last revised in 2011. More information about State Forests Management Plans can be found here.

Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted from June 1 to June 30 at 11:55 p.m. A virtual rulemaking hearing will be held on June 25 at 3 p.m.  The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking contains the link to register to attend or provide comment at the hearing.  The notice also includes important details including but not limited to the proposed rule text and instructions for submitting public comments and participating in the hearings.

More information on this rulemaking effort and ongoing updates can be found on the Rulemaking activity page of the ODF website.

State Agencies Release Water Conservation Communications Toolkit

— The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Oregon Water Resources Department (WRD) have jointly released the 2026 Water Conservation Communications Toolkit, a comprehensive collection of customizable outreach materials designed to help communities communicate effectively about water conservation during Oregon’s ongoing drought conditions.

The toolkit provides agencies, local governments, community organizations and partners with ready-to-use key messages, sample news releases, social media templates, Frequently Asked Questions, and water‑saving tips to support consistent statewide communication. It emphasizes practical, low‑cost steps Oregonians can take to conserve water at home, including checking for leaks, watering during cooler hours, adjusting irrigation based on weather, and installing water‑efficient fixtures.

“Oregon is facing challenging drought conditions this year, and clear, consistent communication is essential in helping communities take action,” said Ivan Gall, Director of the Oregon Water Resources Department. “Every Oregonian can play a part in reducing water use and protecting our shared water resources.”

In addition to public messaging tools, the toolkit directs Oregonians to important resources such as WRD’s biweekly Drought & Water Supply Conditions Report, local watering guidance, drought declaration information, and options for reporting drought impacts including dry wells and local conditions.

The 2026 Water Conservation Communications Toolkit is available to all partners and the public. Agencies and organizations are encouraged to adapt the materials to meet local needs while supporting consistent statewide messaging.

OWRD and OEM thank the Regional Water Providers Consortium for sharing their research on water conservation and offering information on saving water in six languages.

Water Conservation Resources:

• OWRD Water Conservation: info/savewater 
• Drought Declarations: info/droughtdeclarations 
• Regional Water Providers Consortium: org/water-conservation
• Drought & Water Supply Conditions Report Email sign-up: info/getdroughtupdate
• Current and previous Drought & Water Supply Conditions Reports: owrd.info/droughtupdates 

It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative, statewide efforts to support Oregon’s communities before, during and after emergencies, with a vision to create a ready and resilient Oregon. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. For more information about OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.

The Oregon Lottery is showcasing the state’s natural beauty through its new “Discover Oregon State Parks” Scratch-it ticket.

This ticket, available in three distinct colors, features a clean and minimalist design that captures the geographic diversity found within Oregon’s state parks.

Designed by the Oregon Lottery team to resonate with outdoor enthusiasts, these $5 tickets include icons representing various landmarks and wildlife, with a top prize of $40,000.

They can be purchased at Lottery retailers throughout the state. The proceeds from lottery game play contribute significantly to the maintenance and enhancement of state parks, with over $1 billion allocated to Oregon State Parks since 1999. This initiative marks the fifth consecutive year that the Lottery has collaborated with State Parks to introduce a themed ticket.

Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation Partners with Applied Underwriters Invitational for 2026 Golf Classic

Aurora, OR — Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) is proud to announce its partnership with the Applied Underwriters Invitational, recognized as The #1 Charity Event in Golf, for the 2026 OLSHF Golf Classic on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Langdon Farms Golf Club.

Through this partnership, OLSHF joins a nationwide network of charitable organizations supported by Applied Underwriters and the Applied Underwriters Invitational in strengthening communities and championing those in need. Each year, more than 11,000 golfers participate in approximately 75 tournaments benefitting over 65 national and local charities across the United States. Since its inception, the Invitational has hosted more than 4,400 tournaments and generated over $276 million in net proceeds for benefiting charities nationwide.

“We are honored to partner with the Applied Underwriters Invitational and Applied Underwriters to expand the impact of our Golf Classic,” said Kate Mayne, Marketing & Events Manager for Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation. “This event brings together community leaders, businesses, golfers, and supporters who believe every Oregonian deserves access to vital sight and hearing services.”

The 2026 OLSHF Golf Classic will feature a full day of golf, community engagement, contests, raffle opportunities, and celebration, all benefiting OLSHF programs that provide critical sight and hearing assistance throughout Oregon.

Event Details

Langdon Farms Golf Club
Monday, June 29, 2026
⏰ Registration + Chipping & Putting Contest Open: 11:00 AM
⛳ Shotgun Start: 1:30 PM

Participants will enjoy a hot dog buffet lunch prior to play, followed by the Farm Fiesta Awards Dinner and raffle ticket drawing after the tournament.

Golfers, sponsors, and community supporters are invited to participate and help make a difference for Oregonians in need of sight and hearing services.

– Raffle Tickets: olshf.org/raffle
– Event Information & Registration: olshf.org/golf
– Questions or Volunteer Opportunities: marketing@olshf.org

About Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation — Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation has served Oregon communities since 1959 by providing essential sight and hearing programs, assistance, and outreach throughout the state. Supported by Lions clubs, partners, and donors, OLSHF works to ensure Oregonians have access to critical sight and hearing care regardless of financial circumstances.

About Applied Underwriters Invitational — The Applied Underwriters Invitational, supported by title sponsor Applied Underwriters, is recognized as The #1 Charity Event in Golf. The Invitational partners with charitable organizations nationwide to host impactful tournaments that strengthen communities and support meaningful causes. Learn more at auw.com.

BLM celebrates Freedom 250 with public events across Oregon

The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence through three public events across Oregon in 2026. The events foster a deeper appreciation of our nation’s past, the beauty and value of public lands, and the work it takes to sustain the health and productivity of these lands for the use and enjoyment of generations to come.

The events are part of the national Freedom 250 commemoration and also recognize the BLM’s 80th anniversary of public land stewardship.

Featured Freedom 250 Events:

1. Oregon Trail Days – Baker City, Ore.

When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT

Where: Geiser-Pollman Park, Baker City, Ore.

The signature Freedom 250 event for BLM Oregon/Washington, Oregon Trail Days transforms Geiser-Pollman Park into an immersive Oregon Trail experience featuring wagon rides, storytelling, live demonstrations, music, crafts, and games.
The free, family-friendly celebration highlights the role public lands play in preserving the landscapes and stories tied to America’s westward expansion. Additional programming will also take place at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center throughout the weekend.

2. Wood River Wetland Volunteer Day – Near Klamath Falls, Ore.

When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT

Where: Wood River Wetland, approximately 30 miles north of Klamath Falls, Ore.

This Freedom 250 volunteer event invites the community to assist with invasive weed removal and restoration work on public lands.

The event highlights the continued role Americans play in caring for public lands through volunteerism and stewardship.

3. Victorian Holiday Celebration – Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT

Where: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, near Newport, Ore.

This coastal Freedom 250 event connects visitors to Oregon’s maritime history through a Victorian-themed holiday celebration at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

Activities may include caroling, historical parlor games, ornament crafts, interpretive storytelling, and live music.

As a dedicated custodian of America’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington proudly celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence with the nation.

From iconic landmarks like Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area to the historic Oregon Trail, BLM-administered public lands represent the spirit of the nation’s foundational principles. These events honor stories of exploration, resilience, stewardship, and public service woven throughout America’s history.

Weekend Train Rides Return to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center for the 2026 Season

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is excited to announce the return of its popular weekend train rides. Running every Saturday and Sunday through October 11, 2026, these family-friendly excursions offer passengers a memorable rail adventure through the heart of Portland aboard historic diesel locomotive BNSF 3613.

Train tickets include admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center—making it the perfect outing for train lovers, families, and visitors of all ages.

Perfect for families, visitors, and train enthusiasts of all ages, the scenic rides provide a unique opportunity to experience Portland from the rails. Guests can choose between riding in an open-air car or relaxing in a vintage air-conditioned coach while enjoying views of Portland’s skyline, the Willamette River, local wildlife, and the timeless charm of Oaks Park.

Each train ticket also includes admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, where visitors can explore Portland’s rich railroad history and get an up-close look at historic locomotives and rail equipment.

Event Details:

• When: Saturdays & Sundays, May 23 – October 11, 2026
• Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
• Train Departure Times: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm
• Tickets Prices:
  • Adults (14+) – $17
  • Seniors (65+) – $15
  • Military (with ID) – $15
  • Children (3-13) – $12
  • Infants (Under 3) – Free
  • Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) – $50
• Tickets & Registration: https://orhf.org/

About Oregon Rail Heritage Center:

The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) provides for the preservation, operation and public enjoyment of Portland’s historic locomotives, railroad equipment, and artifacts, and educates the public about Oregon’s rich and diverse railroad history. ORHC is open to the public on Thursdays-Sundays from 1:00pm-5:00pm. Seasonal train excursions are offered most weekends. For additional information, visit https://orhf.org/. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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 Call us at 5 41-363-7503  Or email us at Info@RogueValleyMagazine.com