Rogue Valley News, Wednesday 11/ – Oregon Election Results, New Senior Focused ACCESS Food Pantry in Ashland & Other Local and Statewide News Stories

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

Wednesday,  November 4,  2026

Rogue Valley Weather

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

Be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area:  https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

 

 

Oregon Election Results

Polls closed Tuesday at 8pm in Oregon. Election results for candidates and measures can be found here: https://results.oregonvotes.gov

Oregon will send U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley and its six incumbent members of Congress — five Democrats and one Republican — back to Washington, D.C., and give Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek another four years as governor.

Governor Tina Kotek will get another four years to continue working on priorities including housing, behavioral health and standing up to the Trump administration.

The Associated Press called Kotek’s win over Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan shortly before 1 a.m., a few hours after Kotek declared victory.

“Because of your work and support, I am proud to stand here as your next governor of the beautiful state of Oregon,” Kotek told hundreds of supporters at the Hilton Portland Downtown. “I hope it’s OK, but we have four more years together.”

Drazan, who also lost to Kotek in 2022, declined to concede Tuesday night.

“Now, all the votes haven’t been counted, and I am continuing to pray for the victory for us,” Drazan told supporters at her Hillsboro watch party. “But as they are hard at work counting every last eligible vote, I wanted to come out and tell you guys that this state continues to be worth fighting for. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to serve the people of this state and make life better for all of you and all of your neighbors, and every single person that lives here, because we desperately need it.”

Oregon House

Democrats are on track to control a record number of state House seats in 2027 if current leads hold.

Democrats are leading in each of the 37 districts they held going into the election, as well as two held by Republicans.

Michael Welsh, an occupational safety professional from Keizer, held a nearly 10-point lead in the 21st House District over Rep. Kevin Mannix, a Salem Republican who has been a consistent fixture in state politics for decades.

And in the open 52nd House District in the Gorge, 25-year-old former journalist Hank Sanders had a nearly 10-point lead over Wasco County Commissioner Scott Hege.

The only close House races are in Linn County, where Republican Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis leads Democrat Joanna Robinson by more than 3 points, and on the North Coast, where Rep. Cyrus Javadi leads Republican Max Sherman by 4 points.

Oregon Senate

Democrats are on track to add one seat to their Senate supermajority, with former Salem City Councilor Virginia Stapleton leading former state Rep. Tracy Cramer in the race to fill Republican Kim Thatcher’s 11th Senate District.

If her 10-point lead holds, Stapleton will be the 30-member Senate’s 19th Democrat.

In two other open races, Republicans Jeff Helfrich and Courtney Bangs grew their leads as more results became available. Helfrich, a current state representative, now has a 4-point lead in the 26th Senate District in the Gorge and Bangs, a Wasco County commissioner, leads by 5 points in the 16th Senate District on the North Coast. (SOURCE)

Results for all of Oregon can be found here: https://results.oregonvotes.gov

Jackson County Local Candidates and Measures

https://results.oregonvotes.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?type=CTYALL&cty=03&map=CTY

https://results.oregonvotes.gov/ResultsSW.aspx?type=CTYALL&cty=01&map=CTY

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Rogue River Junior Senior High School Placed in Secure Status Due to Unfounded Report of Student with Gun; Law Enforcement Finds No Credible Threat to School

 

Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center is with Wooldridge Creek Vineyard.

 

Good Samaritan Helps People Escape Car on Fire

 

The Social Security office in Medford, Oregon, is operating by phone only with no in-person help

The Field Office Locator takes an address, city, state or ZIP code and returns the office’s hours, its phone, TTY and fax numbers, and a link to check for temporary closings. It also links to a page for booking an appointment before visiting an office.

The locator sorts offices by what they handle. Card centers deal with new or replacement Social Security cards and personal information updates. Express card services offices handle similar card tasks and take drop-box items but not benefit applications or appeals. Some offices have limited services and cannot replace cards, so a different office may be needed for those.

The national number is 1-800-772-1213, with a TTY line at 1-800-325-0778, according to Social Security’s page on reporting a death. It lists hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, in most U.S. time zones.

Some errands do not need an office at all. A my Social Security account lets a person request a replacement Social Security number card, change an address or direct deposit, and print proof of benefits or tax forms. None of the three needs a visit to a counter.

 

The City of Grants Pass invites amateur and professional photographers to enter 2026 Water Quality Report Photo Contest. 

Share your unique perspective on the water that connects our community. Winning photos will be featured in the 2026 Water Quality Report.

Categories:

• K-12
• Amateur
• Professional

Prizes:

• The first-place winner will receive $200
• The second-place winner will receive $100
• Winning photos will be featured in the City of Grants Pass 2025 Water Quality Report

Rules:

• Submit an original photo that demonstrates your perspective on the water that connects our community.Photos must be submitted in a digital format suitable for reproduction.
• Submitted photographs must be from one frame captured by a camera (DSLR, point-and-shoot, smartphone, etc.) and not be a composite of several images layered together.
• Images created by AI (artificial intelligence) are not allowed.
• The agreement form must accompany each entry.
• Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and theme relevance.
• Entries become the property of the City of Grants Pass. The judges’ decision is final.
• The winning photos will be featured in the 2026 Water Quality Report, on social media, in promotional activities, and recognized during a City Council meeting.
• Photos must be taken in Southern Oregon, specifically the following counties: Curry, Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath.

Terms and Conditions: 

Employees of the City of Grants Pass and their family members are encouraged to submit photos but are not eligible for prizes. Winners will be notified via email by January 15, 2026. The first-place winning entry will be featured in the 2026 Water Quality Report, on social media, through promotional activities, and recognized during a City Council meeting. 

Prizes are non-assignable and non-transferable. No substitutions are allowed. Winners are responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes. By submitting the entry form, the participant assigns the City of Grants Pass the perpetual, royalty-free, and irrevocable right, and license to use, publish, print, copy, promote, distribute, alter, adapt, modify, edit, reproduce, or otherwise display entries in any way it sees fit without limitation or compensation to entrants for the purposes of public information, public service announcements, and education. 

All photos are subject to creative manipulation needed for the formatting of our report or any additional printed or digital materials used. Submitted photos will become the property of the City of Grants Pass, which may be used for additional materials without any restrictions.

The entry deadline is 5 p.m. December 31, 2026

Submit entries to: smorgan@grantspassoregon.gov

FULL RULES HERE

ENTRY FORM HERE

https://www.grantspassoregon.gov/1434/Water-Quality-Report-Photo-Contest-2026-

 

 

Medford School District Searching for New Head of Security

https://www.medford.k12.or.us/employment1/careers-in-msd/classified-staff

 

 

Crews have made major progress on both the Cleetwood Cove Trail and Marina Rehabilitation and the East Rim Drive Rehabilitation Project at Crater Lake National Park. 

In a statement, park officials said, “These projects represent a significant, multi-year investment in safety, park infrastructure, and the visitor experience. Improvements to East Rim Drive and key visitor areas will enhance the quality and durability of the route used by Ride the Rim participants and expand access to more secluded areas of the park.”

 

The 2026 WomanKind Biennial, on view September 18 through October 30, brings together 25 local women artists, nonprofit organizations, women-owned and local businesses, and
Jackson County Library Services for a community-based contemporary art project connecting
visual art with women’s causes, cultural exchange and direct community action.

Exclusive to the press Media Day will feature a panel of participating artists and collaborators
speaking directly with the press in the Main Gallery about the opportunities and challenges of being a female artist, women’s entrepreneurship, women’s causes, period poverty, and the role art can play in strengthening community. Panelists will answer questions, with opportunities for interviews, photography and video.

ART INTO ACTION
A central activation of WomanKind 2026 addresses period poverty and access to menstrual
products. The project has already raised approximately $4,000 toward period products, with
additional donations collected throughout the exhibition.

The public is encouraged to bring period products for the domestic violence shelter and
nonperishable food for the ACCESS food drive. Period-product donations will become part of
an evolving sculptural installation during the exhibition and will ultimately be donated to the
shelter through Women Entrepreneurs of Southern Oregon (WESO).

Jackson County Library Services librarian Jody Flemming is contributing an installation
addressing period poverty and will give a public presentation on the subject October 17.
WomanKind collaborators include ACCESS, Talent Period Dignity Project, AAUW —
American Association of University Women, Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library, Women
Entrepreneurs of Southern Oregon (WESO), Jackson County Library Services, and six
Southern Oregon businesses. Several participating businesses are women-owned, while
Blackwell Frames and Tlalli participate both as businesses and artist contributors.

The release of this Media Day announcement comes later than originally planned for a positive reason: the extraordinary community enthusiasm surrounding WomanKind has caused the project to continue expanding as artists, organizations and businesses have joined the collaboration.

First created as a successful community-based art project in 2024, WomanKind returns in
2026 as a biennial, expanding its mission to support local female artists, elevate women’s
causes, create cultural exchange, and turn contemporary art into tangible community action.  https://roguevalleymagazine.com/2026/10/01/womankind-biennial-brings-25-southern-oregon-women-artists-together-for-art-advocacy-community-action/

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 

Southern Oregon PBS Still on The Air Despite Federal Funding Loss

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 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.

 

11/4/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

Oregon Department of Human Services  · Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 plans will remain open through Dec. 7, 2026.

The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA) provides free help so that you can understand your Medicare benefits and make informed decisions. For example, SHIBA certified counselors can help you:- Compare and select Medicare plans- Review your current coverage- Make changes for the upcoming year.“Navigating Medicare coverage is complex and Oregonians should not have to navigate Medicare alone.

Our goal is to make that process easy, accessible, and free.” – ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities Director Nakeshia Knight, Ph.D.Read more in this news release: https://apps.oregon.gov/…/oregon-program-offers-free…

Oregon DFR reminds Oregonians to utilize ACA open enrollment period, be careful of ‘limited partner’ and ‘sharing’ plans

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) reminds Oregonians who receive or want to apply for individual or family health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, called Explore Health, or directly with an insurance company, to use the open enrollment period from Nov. 1, 2026, to Jan. 15, 2027.

The open enrollment period allows people to apply for, renew, or change health plans for the coming year. Explore Health coverage can begin as soon as Jan. 1, 2027, if people enroll in or change plans by Dec. 31, 2026.

The last day to enroll in or change plans for the 2027 plan year is Jan. 15, 2027. After that date, consumers may enroll in or change plans only if they qualify for a special enrollment period. Coverage starts on Feb. 1, 2027, for those who enroll in or change plans from Jan. 1 to Jan. 15, 2027, and pay their first premium.

For more information on Explore Health or to utilize the open enrollment period, visit ExploreHealthOR.gov. You must go through Explore Health to receive financial assistance.

DFR also advises Oregonians to carefully review any health insurance coverage offered outside of the ACA Marketplace. BridgeSpan, Kaiser, Moda, and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon are the only insurance companies offering ACA-compliant individual and family plans in 2027.

The agency has identified plans that claim they are “self-funded” and refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” in order to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. There are also plans being sold that “share” health care expenses but are not insurance. These plans may not be compliant with the ACA and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being responsible for unpaid medical bills.

DFR encourages Oregonians to use local licensed insurance agents or Explore Health to obtain individual and family health insurance plans that comply with the ACA. Oregonians can find an expert in their area by going to ExploreHealthOR.gov/Help or by calling the Explore Health customer assistance center at 855-268-3767 (all relay calls welcome).​

“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions before enrolling can contact our consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Open Enrollment begins as Oregon launches Explore Health, its new marketplace for private health insurance

People can now shop, compare plans, find savings, and enroll in 2027 health coverage at ExploreHealthOR.gov

— Open Enrollment for 2027 health coverage is now underway, and people in Oregon have a new place to shop for health insurance: Explore Health.

Explore Health, Oregon’s new state-based health insurance marketplace, officially launched Nov. 1. It replaces the federal platform HealthCare.gov as the place for people in Oregon to shop for private health coverage, find out if they can get financial help, and enroll in a health plan.

Open Enrollment for private insurance through Explore Health runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027.

“This is an important milestone for Oregon and for the people we serve,” said Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace,  part of Oregon Health Authority (OHA). “With Explore Health, people can now shop for coverage through a Marketplace designed and operated here in Oregon. Our goal is to make it easier for people to understand their options, find savings, and get the best coverage that works for them.”

People who buy their own health insurance can now visit ExploreHealthOR.gov to:

• Shop and compare health and dental plans available for 2027.
• Find out how much federal financial help (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) they may qualify for to lower the cost of coverage.
• Enroll in a plan for 2027.
• Get free help from trained insurance agents and community partners across Oregon.

People who have 2026 Marketplace coverage through HealthCare.gov are being moved to Explore Health for 2027. They do not need to start over with a new application. During Open Enrollment, they should claim their Explore Health account, sign in to review their information, compare available plans and savings, and choose the coverage that best meets their health care needs and budget.

People who are currently enrolled in Oregon Health Plan (OHP), OHP Bridge, Medicare, employer-sponsored coverage, or other health coverage generally do not need to enroll through Explore Health.

The launch of Explore Health marks Oregon’s transition from the federally facilitated HealthCare.gov system and customer service center to a state-based marketplace operated entirely by Oregon. The Oregon Legislature authorized the transition in 2023 through Senate Bill 972.

By operating its own Marketplace, Oregon has more control over the technology and services people use to enroll in coverage, better access to data to understand and respond to the needs of people across the state, and greater flexibility to adapt to changing state and federal policies. It also allows Oregon to better connect the Marketplace with state programs and resources.

Explore Health includes a new online enrollment platform, a dedicated Consumer Assistance Center, and tools for community partners and insurance agents who help people enroll.

“Launching Explore Health is an important step in Oregon’s commitment to helping people get and stay covered,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, interim director of OHA. “Bringing the Marketplace home to Oregon gives us new opportunities to better understand the needs of the people we serve, respond to changes that affect their coverage, and create a more connected experience for people seeking health care coverage.”

Free help is available — People do not have to navigate health coverage on their own. Free, local help is available from certified assisters at community partner organizations and licensed insurance agents.

Visit ExploreHealthOR.gov to get started and find enrollment help.

People can also contact the Explore Health Consumer Assistance Center at 855-268-3767 (all relay calls welcome) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturday during Open Enrollment.

Open Enrollment through Explore Health ends Jan. 15, 2027. People should enroll by Dec. 31 for coverage that begins Jan. 1, 2027.

About Explore Health — Explore Health is Oregon’s health insurance marketplace, operated by the Oregon Health Authority. Explore Health helps people who do not have health coverage through a job or a public program shop for private health insurance, find financial help and enroll in coverage. Learn more at ExploreHealthOR.gov.

Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Conspiracy, Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft Related to SNAP EBT Skimming Scheme

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today that Andy Robert Perovici, 36, of Portland, has pleaded guilty to federal charges for his role in a multi‑state scheme that targeted public assistance recipients and caused more than $550,000 in losses in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits in Oregon and Washington.

“Public assistance benefits are a lifeline for families who rely on them,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Stealing from these programs harms some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. Today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who exploit federal benefits systems for personal gain.”

According to court documents, between April 2025 and November 2025, Perovici and his coconspirators obtained stolen SNAP and EBT card numbers and PINs and used this information to withdraw cash, purchase goods, and access benefits without authorization.

Investigators determined that on multiple occasions, including August 1 and September 1, 2025, Perovici used stolen EBT account information to make fraudulent withdrawals and purchases totaling thousands of dollars. He also possessed and trafficked device‑making equipment, including skimming devices and other hardware used to capture and clone EBT card data. Skimming devices were installed at retail locations in Portland, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Salem, Oregon.

A forensic review of electronic devices seized from Perovici revealed EBT account information and PINs associated with hundreds of SNAP and TANF recipients. The cumulative value of the compromised accounts was approximately $554,215.

Perovici pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, Unauthorized Use of Access Devices, and Aggravated Identity Theft. The Aggravated Identity Theft charge carries a mandatory two‑year prison term that must run consecutive to any other sentence imposed.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General is investigating the case with assistance from federal and state partners. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey A. Barrow and Nicholas D. Meyers are prosecuting the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced that at least 40 people are facing federal charges for conspiring to defraud the United States of more than $3 million in fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases.

The schemes involved stealing EBT card data—often through skimming devices—to make unauthorized purchases of large quantities of SNAP‑eligible goods.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced multiple new guilty pleas, 11 new indictments and major federal sentences in two large interstate fraud schemes involving stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account information.

“When SNAP benefits are stolen, real families go without food,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “That is unacceptable. My office will continue pursuing these cases to safeguard the integrity of the program and uphold the trust placed in us to protect Oregon’s communities.”

“This organized criminal scheme not only resulted in the loss of food assistance benefits for needy families whose EBT card data was skimmed or otherwise stolen. Egregiously, the corrupt enterprise also placed public health and safety—including of babies—at risk by selling products like infant formula on the black market,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office, USDA OIG special agents and our law enforcement partners for disrupting this dangerous scheme and bringing the fraudsters to face justice.” (READ MORE)

Get Ready for The Largest Veterans Day Parade West of the Mississippi in Albany

Traditionally, the parade in Albany, Oregon has been the largest Veterans Day Parade west of the Mississippi and the third largest in the USA.

Albany, Oregon has celebrated Armistice/Veterans Day since 1919. World War I ended on November 11, 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. Thus, the first celebration of the end of “the war to end all wars” was November 11, 1919. https://linncountyveteransdayparade.org

ODVA invites Oregonians to Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11 at Capitol

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs invites Oregonians to join in honoring all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces at the Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Oregon State Capitol State Park in Salem.

The annual ceremony will feature remarks from state leaders and special guests, along with traditional ceremonial elements honoring the service and sacrifice of Oregon veterans. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.

The ceremony will be held on the Capitol Mall, directly across Court Street from the front entrance of the Oregon State Capitol. The event is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/odvavet.

Statewide Veterans Day Events — ODVA also maintains a Statewide Veterans Day Events Calendar highlighting local observances and community celebrations throughout Oregon. To find an event near you, visit oregondva.com/event-calendar.

Organizations hosting Veterans Day events are encouraged to submit their event for inclusion on the calendar using the “Add Your Event” link on that page.

If you have any questions, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or Tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

Stay Alive Vets to Host 6th Annual Gala on Veterans Day in Salem- Silver Star recipient Matthew Zedwick to keynote evening honoring veterans and supporting veteran suicide prevention

Stay Alive Vets (SAV) will bring veterans, families, and community supporters together on Veterans Day for the 6th Annual Stay Alive Vets Gala, an evening dedicated to honoring those who have served while raising awareness and support for efforts to prevent veteran suicide. 

The gala will be held Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. SE in Salem. The evening will feature dinner, a keynote address, veteran recognition, and live music from The Denominators. 

This year’s keynote speaker is Sergeant Matthew W. Zedwick, a U.S. Army veteran who was awarded the Silver Star for acts of gallantry during combat operations in Iraq. 

“Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have served, but honoring our veterans also means being there for them when they come home and making sure they know they are not alone,” said Angela Plowhead, Air Force veteran and board president of Stay Alive Vets. “Our gala brings people together to celebrate the strength and sacrifice of our veteran community while supporting programs that provide hope, connection and help when it is needed most.” 

The sixth annual gala will also provide an opportunity for guests to learn more about the programs Stay Alive Vets supports to address veteran suicide in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

“Having Matthew Zedwick join us on Veterans Day makes this year’s event especially meaningful,” Plowhead said. “His story reflects courage, service and an extraordinary commitment to others. That same spirit of looking out for one another is at the heart of our work. We want veterans and their families to know that they have a community standing beside them.”

Registration and Tickets

• Tickets: $60/person or host a table of 10 for $600. Purchase here.
• Veteran Tickets: Veterans and families can request their complimentary tickets on VetTix.
• Sponsorship Opportunities:   Buy Sponsorships — Stay Alive Vets: SAV Annual 
• The group is also accepting silent and oral auction items. Contact angela@stayalivevets.org to donate.

Community members are invited to dress up, dine and celebrate while supporting and honoring Oregon’s veteran community on Veterans Day. Additional event information is available at Home | Stay Alive Vets. 

About Stay Alive Vets: Stay Alive Veterans (SAV) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting the veteran community by addressing the pressing issue of veteran suicide. Operated by veterans for veterans, SAV is uniquely positioned to understand and respond to the complex challenges that veterans face after their service. The organization is driven by a deep commitment to ensuring that every veteran has access to the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives after their military careers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $22 million hazelnut purchase to support Oregon growers and stabilize local markets.

Key Details of the USDA Purchase: $22 million allocated specifically for American-grown hazelnuts as part of a nearly $500 million nationwide Section 32 agricultural purchase.

Oregon produces about 99% of all U.S. hazelnuts, with roughly 1,000 hazelnut farms concentrated in the Willamette Valley generating more than $340 million in gross crop value.

The federal purchase helps offset market pressure from low initial prices (driven by large supply and uncertainty from Turkey, the world’s top producer) and rising production costs.

The purchased hazelnuts are routed into federal food assistance programs and food banks. The same Section 32 announcement included a $12 million purchase of Pacific whiting.

UPDATE: Oregon Man Charged with Federal Kidnapping Offense After Missing Child Located by Law Enforcement

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that Vince Edgar Chavez, 36, of Oregon City, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with kidnapping a minor.

According to the complaint, during the early morning hours of October 28, 2026, a 10‑year‑old child was reported missing from her home in Clackamas County. Responding officers discovered signs the child had been taken and immediately initiated a multi‑agency search. Through interviews, investigative leads, and prior contacts, law enforcement identified Chavez as a person of interest.

“The speed with which this child was found is the result of extraordinary teamwork and relentless determination by law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford. “When a child is taken, we act immediately—and we do not stop until that child is safe and the offender is brought to justice.”

Investigators obtained emergency cellular records due to the immediate threat to life. Analysis by the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST), combined with a grid search by the Oregon City Police Department, directed officers to a residence on Pleasant Avenue in Oregon City. A white van associated with Chavez was located nearby.

At approximately 1:46 p.m., FBI agents observed Chavez accessing the vehicle and returning to the residence. Based on probable cause and the risk to the missing child, law enforcement executed an exigent entry into the home. Inside, officers located the child concealed in a bedroom and safely recovered her. Chavez was taken into custody at the scene.

The child was transported for medical evaluation. Other individuals present in the residence were interviewed and indicated they had no knowledge of the child’s presence in the home.

The affidavit further alleges that Chavez transported the child by vehicle across multiple jurisdictions, using public roadways and a cellphone in furtherance of the offense—factors that establish federal jurisdiction under the kidnapping statute.

This case is being investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office, the Oregon City Police Department, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, and other local law enforcement partners. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rochat. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

A 35-year-old man accused of kidnapping a 10-year-old girl and beating her sister with a hammer will remain in jail with no bail, a Clackamas County judge ruled Thursday.

Prosecutors say Vince Edgar Chavez broke into an apartment in Canby early Wednesday morning, hit a 12-year-old girl in the head multiple times with a hammer, and took her 10-year-old sister. Investigators later found the younger child bound with duct tape inside a duffle bag at an Oregon City house, where Chavez was taken into custody. Chavez faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, and first-degree sexual abuse.

Vince Edgar Chavez appeared in Clackamas County Circuit Court facing charges of first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

The attack started around 1:39 a.m. Wednesday when someone broke into a home at the Orchards Apartments on Southeast Township Road. The girls’ mother was home at the time and called 911.

During the break-in, the 12-year-old sister was hit in the head repeatedly with a hammer until she was knocked unconscious, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Owen. She remains in the hospital, and Owen did not comment on her current condition.

Investigators tracked Chavez to an Oregon City house by following his white van and tracking his phone. Tactical teams, including the U.S. Marshals Service, found the 10-year-old girl Wednesday afternoon inside the home near Pleasant Avenue and Sommer Street, bound with duct tape inside a duffle bag.

Chavez, who was renting a room at the Oregon City house, tried to run out the back before officers took him into custody. Authorities questioned several other people at the home, but Chavez is the only person facing charges.

The 10-year-old girl was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation and care. Owen did not comment on the extent of her injuries.

“Law enforcement acted quickly and decisively and without hesitation to locate that vehicle, as well as by tracking his phone and putting him to that particular residence and rescuing that little girl,” Owen said. “We’re confident in our case but just being confident in your case doesn’t fix what happened to these kids.”

The Circuit Judge granted prosecutors’ request to hold Chavez without bail at the Clackamas County Jail. Chavez is scheduled to enter a plea November 5.

National Park Service Lists Pass Creek Covered Bridge in the National Register of Historic Places

DRAIN, Oregon – The Pass Creek Covered Bridge in Drain, Douglas County, is among Oregon’s newest entries in the National Register of Historic Places. Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation recommended the nomination for the bridge at its June 2026 meeting. The bridge was originally constructed in 1925, but in 1987, it was dismantled and later reassembled downstream of its original location. The National Park Service (NPS), which maintains the National Register, accepted the nomination in October 2026, for its statewide significance in the area of Engineering. 

Located in Drain’s Civic Center Park, the Pass Creek Covered Bridge is an excellent representation of Oregon’s historic covered bridge-building tradition. Once there were an estimated 450 timber-truss covered bridges in Oregon, but as of 2026 there is no more than 50 remaining. The bridge exemplifies the engineering practice of enclosing timber trusses on bridges to protect their structural members from the damp Pacific Northwest climate. Pass Creek Covered Bridge served vehicular traffic for nearly six decades before it was replaced by a concrete span. Following its relocation, Pass Creek Covered Bridge functioned as a pedestrian and bicycle crossing for many years. The bridge has been closed since 2014 due to condition issues, but it remains a prominent community landmark.

The National Register of Historic Places — The National Register of Historic Places is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Properties listed in the National Register are:

• Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
• Considered in the planning of federal or federally assisted projects;
• Eligible for certain federal and state tax benefits;
• Qualified for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
• Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
• Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources. 

State law in Oregon requires local governments to offer a minimal level of protection for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places; decisions about how to accomplish that goal reside with local governments, which also have the authority to create and regulate local historic districts and landmarks. 

Visit the National Register program webpage at: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/national-register.aspx to explore listed properties, review eligibility criteria and the nomination timeline, access research tools, and those interested in seeing if their property is eligible can submit a Historic Resource Record (HRR) form to receive preliminary feedback from State Historic Preservation Office staff.

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Silver Rail Elementary School will remain closed through November 6, 2026, as repair and restoration work continues following the October 15 shooting

• Closure Period: The school is closed through Friday, November 6, 2026.
• Reopening Requirements: Returning to the building depends on finishing repairs and meeting local safety codes—including Fire Marshal requirements for exit doors. The district expects to share a clearer repair and return timeline by the end of the week.
• Family Survey Results: An official district survey showed that 86.2% of families prefer to return to Silver Rail Elementary.
• Alternative Options: Families who need more time before returning can wait, or request to transfer for the remainder of the school year through Bend-La Pine Online or another district school by submitting an interest form via the Bend-La Pine Schools Information Hub.

Support Services and Community Resources

• Child Care: Free child care options are available for district families through November 6 via the Boys & Girls Club of Central Oregon.
• Free Food Assistance: Grab-and-go breakfast and lunch are provided Monday through Friday (November 2–6) from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at R.E. Jewell Elementary School (20550 Murphy Road, Bend).
• Safety & Community Sessions: Bend-La Pine Schools is planning community engagement sessions for the upcoming week to discuss districtwide safety, security, and feedback from families.

Nonprofits Serving the Bend Community Receive $100,000 in Grants Following Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting

Oregon Community Foundation’s Rapid Response Fund supports eight organizations serving students, families and the broader community

BEND, Ore. ─ In the two weeks following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, Oregonians have responded with an outpouring of generosity, compassion and a commitment to help the Bend community heal.

Oregon Community Foundation has awarded $100,000 in a first round of grants from its Rapid Response Fund to eight organizations supporting students, families and others affected by the tragedy.

Grant recipients include:

• Bend-La Pine Education Foundation — $5,000
• Better Together Central Oregon — $15,000
• Central Oregon Disability Support Network — $20,000
• High Desert Education Service District — $10,000
• Lines for Life Central Oregon YouthLine — $10,000
• Silver Rail Elementary PTO — $5,000
• The BEAM — $20,000
• The Open Arts Center — $15,000

Total awarded: $100,000

The grants are supported by donations from individuals, businesses and foundations from across Oregon and beyond. Contributors included major gifts from the Portland Thorns, the Starbucks Foundation and the Les Schwab Foundation, as well as hundreds of donors who gave as little as $25.

Together, those donors demonstrated that every contribution matters. Their generosity reflects a broader commitment to standing with Bend and helping families, students and educators recover from an unimaginable loss.

“Oregon Community Foundation serves communities in every corner of our state, but this tragedy hit especially close to home,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “Our Bend office is just a few miles from Silver Rail Elementary School, and many of our staff, volunteers and partners have personal connections to the families affected. We have seen neighbors helping neighbors, businesses stepping up and people from across Oregon giving what they can to support this community. That’s what makes Oregon special. In moments of heartbreak, we come together.”

The Rapid Response Fund supports urgent community needs that require a coordinated charitable response. Following the shooting, OCF worked with local leaders and nonprofit partners to identify where funding could have the greatest impact.

The trusted nonprofit organizations in this initial round of grants have a proven track record of serving Central Oregon residents and will continue supporting recovery efforts in the months ahead. As many have already, donors can also choose to support them directly through individual donations.

“These grants represent more than financial support,” Mensah said. “They are a reminder to families, students and educators that people across Oregon care deeply about this community and want to help. From gifts of $25 to major contributions from businesses and foundations, every donation became part of something larger than itself.”

Separately, the family of Megan Lambert established a fund at Oregon Community Foundation to honor the special education teacher’s life and legacy. The Megan Lambert Memorial Fund will support causes that reflect Megan’s values and interests, including education, mental health, services for children with special needs and Oregon schools.

About Oregon Community Foundation — Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Working with donors, volunteers and nonprofit partners, OCF invests in communities throughout the state through grants, scholarships and charitable funds. Learn more at oregoncf.org.

Kaylub Giamanco recalls the events immediately after he followed the 16-year-old shooter into Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend in an exclusive interview with OPB.

Warning: This story contains graphic details.Three children — ages 5, 8 and 11 — and a 25-year-old teacher were killed on Oct. 15. Two others were seriously wounded.

Giamanco pursued and fatally shot the teenage shooter with a personal weapon he stored in his truck.In an emotional interview, Giamanco described seeing the boy with a weapon entering the elementary school where he had earlier dropped his two young daughters off for school picture day.

He said he made a split-second decision to pursue the shooter. He described it as the scariest day of his entire life, and said he’s thinking of the victims’ families, wishing he could have saved their loved ones. — Read more and watch the interview on OPB.org.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reported that 204 individuals have signed up to begin the process of obtaining a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) following the Oct. 15, 2026, shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend.

Key details reported by the sheriff’s office and local media include:

• Number of Applications: 204 people started the CHL application process in the week following the shooting, which is double the number of new CHL applications recorded for the entire quarter ending in July 2026.
• New Training Class: In response to the high demand, the sheriff’s office scheduled an additional CHL training class for Saturday, November 14, 2026 (with 45 spots available).
• Sheriff’s Statement: Sheriff Ty Rupert noted that historical trends show increased interest in concealed handgun licenses following major community-impact incidents.

The Oregon Public Utility Commission has sanctioned Avista’s annual purchased gas adjustment (PGA) filing, leading to revised customer rates that will take effect on October 31, 2026.

This adjustment is designed to align customer rates with the actual wholesale costs of natural gas that Avista procures for service delivery.

The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved an 8.5% rate increase for Avista residential customers, adding roughly $5.83 per month for a typical household using 45 therms.

Key Details of the Avista Adjustment:

• Effective Date: October 31, 2026
• Service Area: Affects approximately 106,500 natural gas customers in southwest and northeast Oregon.
• Reason for Change: The annual Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) updates customer rates to reflect actual wholesale natural gas costs, true-up projections from the previous year, required accounting adjustments, and the expiration of prior-year amortizations. These costs are passed through directly to customers without a utility markup.
• Timing: The rate adjustment takes effect one day before Oregon’s winter rate hike restrictions begin under the FAIR Energy Act.

Managing Your Energy Costs — You can explore energy-saving tips and available customer rebates through the Energy Trust of Oregon. For billing questions or payment assistance options, visit the Avista Utilities Website.

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DFR warns of “self-funded” limited-partner health plans

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to carefully review health insurance coverage offered through “self-funded” limited-partner plans or other unlicensed entities.

Oregonians should exercise caution before enrolling in a limited partner plan. Companies may offer plans that refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. Many limited partner plans cover only preventive care, such as check-ups and annual health screenings. The plans tempt consumers with promises of low premium costs. However, consumers often end up with higher out-of-pocket costs due to uncovered medical bills. With open enrollment rapidly approaching, it is important to know what the difference is between these plans and standard plans. Open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 and goes through Jan. 15, is for those who do not get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan.

DFR warned of these plans back in April. They are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being unexpectedly responsible for unpaid medical bills. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available only through a licensed insurance agent or through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers should pay close attention to ensure that they are on the “.gov” website as there are other websites with similar web addresses that offer non-ACA-compliant plans.

“Consumers should remember the adage that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

Red flags to look for include:

• A salesperson marketing limited partner plans or other “ERISA plans” directly to consumers
• A salesperson claiming they do not need a license because their product is not insurance or is exempt from regulation
• A salesperson offering to sign you up outside open enrollment and without eligibility for a special enrollment period
• A health insurance plan seeming abnormally cheap or referencing “stop-loss” insurance
• A group issuing coverage with minimal requests about an applicant’s health
• A company attempting to quickly collect a large amount of premium
• A company delaying or denying claims and making excuses for failure to pay

Before providing an insurance sales agent with any payment or personal information, DFR encourages consumers to request the agent’s full name and National Producer Number. Consumers can verify the agent’s licensure status by visiting DFR’s check a license webpage.

DFR urges Oregonians to be careful when choosing a company to purchase health care coverage from. Organizations and health plans that DFR and other state regulators have identified as having marketed limited partner or self-funded coverage include:

• Socios Buenos, LP aka Vista Health
• Affordable Benefit Choices LLC
• LP Management Services, LLC
• Aither Healthcare Competitive Health
• NXT Level Health
• Multiplan PHCS Network
• Verdegard Administrators, LLC fka Hawaii Mainland Administrators, LLC
• Pioneer Health/Innovative Healthcare Solutions
• ClearShare Health and Clearwater Benefits LLC
• Emergency Management Alliance
• Premier Health Solutions
• Strategic Limited Partners, LP
• The Vitamin Patch, LLC

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions can contact our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

Pacific Power offers Oregon customers rebates for backup power 

Program helps eligible customers prepare for wildfire-related outages and winter storms 

With a record-setting wildfire season that brought power disruptions to communities across Oregon winding down, Pacific Power is reminding eligible customers about rebates that can help them prepare for future outage events. As our focus transitions to winter storm season, qualified customers and licensed care facilities can still get help purchasing backup power equipment.

Income-qualified residential customers who rely on electricity for medical equipment can receive a rebate of up to $1,000, and eligible licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices can qualify for up to $4,000 in rebates. These rebates can be used toward a qualified portable power station, battery or permanent backup generator.

“We prioritize emergency preparedness education and communication in our communities so our customers are prepared in the event an outage whether related to wildfire safety or seasonal storms,” said Carrie Laird, vice president of wildfire mitigation and emergency operations for Pacific Power. “We want eligible customers and care facilities to know this assistance is available and encourage them to apply before the upcoming deadlines so that they can take advantage of these helpful programs, which can offer peace of mind.”

To qualify for the residential rebate, applicants need to have an active Pacific Power account number, either as a customer or as the tenant of a Pacific Power customer. They also have to be enrolled in both Pacific Power’s Medical Certificate program and Oregon Low Income Discount program. Eligible customers should select backup power equipment from the program’s qualified product list and meet applicable requirements, which are spelled out in detail on our website.

Licensed care facilities also have to have an active Pacific Power account number, either directly or through a Pacific Power customer whose property they occupy. Eligible facilities include licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices.

Eligible equipment must be purchased by December 31, 2026, and Pacific Power must receive the completed application and purchase receipt by January 31, 2027. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the program’s annual funding is fully used.

Pacific Power launched the Oregon Backup Electric Power Rebate Program in 2023. Since then, the company has issued 421 rebates totaling more than $1.2 million.

The program is also helping communities strengthen their backup power readiness. In 2025, Linn County identified eligible care facilities and encouraged them to invest in backup power. Twenty-seven facilities received rebates of $4,000 each, for a total of $108,000. A batch application process is now available for jurisdictions submitting applications for multiple facilities.

Customers with questions about batch applications for multiple care facilities may email Generator@resource-innovations.com“>PacPowerGenerator@resource-innovations.com.

 

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.

– Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.

“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”

Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks website to find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.

“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.

Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon. Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.

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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 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.  

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