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
Friday – March 20, 2026
Rogue Valley Weather
https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php
Here’s the overview of weather outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast
First Day of Spring
It’s the 2026 Spring (Vernal) Equinox today – marking the astronomical start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It happens when the sun crosses directly over the equator, bringing nearly equal lengths of day and night globally—a moment of balance symbolizing renewal and increasing warmth after winter.
- Day/Night Balance: The term “equinox” comes from the Latin for “equal night,” causing roughly 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night.
- Weather Changes: As the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt toward the sun after this point, days grow longer and warmer, ushering in spring weather.
- Cultural & Spiritual Importance: It marks the Persian New Year (Nowruz), the Japanese holiday Shunbun no Hi, and is associated with the pagan festival Ostara. Historically, it represents a time of rebirth, fertility, and returning light.
Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
Pollinator Project Rogue Valley’s Virtual Conversation with Oregon’s “Bee Heroes” Today!
Asante Settles Most of the Civil Suits in Alleged Drug Diversion by Nurse
It’s been almost two years after former Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center ICU nurse Dani Marie Schofield was indicted on 44 counts of second-degree assault for allegedly harming patients by swapping liquid pain medication for non-sterile tap water, law firms who filed a stack of civil suits against Schofield and Asante say a majority of cases have now been resolved.
Schofield appeared on Monday before Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jeremy Markiewicz for a status check and to discuss jury selection and other details of the case.
While just 44 victims are named in the criminal case, initial reports determined that Asante hospital officials contacted more than 100 former patients who survived their ordeal — and family members of those who did not — following the announcement of an investigation at the hospital by Medford police in December 2023.
Schofield, 37, was arrested in June 2024, 11 months after leaving her job at the Medford Asante. She was jailed for a week following her arrest, plead not guilty to all charges, and is currently free on bail after posting 10% of a $4 million bond.
Local law firms won’t discuss settlement details because of non-disclosure agreements that were signed.
Former Asante Nurse Trial Tentatively Scheduled for September 14
The former Asante nurse, Dani Schofield, appeared at Jackson County Circuit Court on Monday for a status check and update.
Schofield faces charges of 44 counts of second-degree assault. She is accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water when she was a nurse at Asante in Medford, diverting the drugs from patients for personal use. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Due to the heavy amount of media and public attention on the case, the court says it is expected to proceed with a large jury pool of up to 250 people and up to six alternates.
To start the juror selection process, the court plans to send out 200 questionnaires for potential jury members and send another batch if needed. Questionnaires are still being finalized, although they are expected to be finished in the near future.
The court also discussed the possibility of streaming the trial in another courtroom, another accommodation given the case’s notoriety.
The next court appearance for Schofield is set for April 6. The trial is tentatively scheduled for September 14 and expected to last eight weeks or more.
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱! Medford City Council’s Community Art Contest Submission Deadline Today
Show us what community means to you and enter the Medford City Council’s Community Art Contest for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship and have your artwork displayed at City Hall! 
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲: Community—share your perspective and civic pride
𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: March 20, 2026
𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲: $1,000 cash scholarship
𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗿𝘁: Displayed at City Hall
https://www.medfordoregon.gov/…/City-Council%E2%80%99s…
Jackson County Sheriff Oregon – FULL VIDEO Sheriff’s St. Patrick’s Day “Virtual” Ride-Along
Bat Infected With Rabies Identified in Jackson County
Jackson County Public Health Department reports that a bat found just north of Shady Cove, Ore., has tested positive for rabies. Confirmatory tests were performed at Oregon State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory after a Jackson County resident noticed a bat in a cat’s mouth.
The cat is a stray, and its vaccination history is unknown. Rabies is transmitted through the bites of an infected animal, and while post-exposure vaccination is effective, Jackson Baures, Jackson County Public Health Division Manager, says the best plan is prevention. “People should avoid contact with bats and vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies.”
“While bats play a valuable role in nature, contact with humans should be avoided,” Baures said. Sick bats may be seen flopping around on the ground or otherwise acting unusual. If you find a sick bat or other sick wildlife on your property, take children and pets indoors and call your local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) office.
To protect your pet, make sure rabies vaccinations are up to date. Emilio DeBess, State Public Health Veterinarian at Oregon Health Authority (OHA), advises that dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies at 3-6 months of age. Initial vaccination takes about two weeks to provide peak protection for your pet. After initial vaccination, a booster is required in one year and then every three years after that. Under Oregon law, dogs and cats or ferrets that do not have current vaccinations and are suspected of exposure to rabies must be euthanized or placed under strict quarantine for four months.
For more information about rabies, visit the OHA website
Additional information about rabies can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website
https://jacksoncountyor.gov/news_detail_T10_R916.php
Medford Police Paid Tribute to Only Medford Officer to Die in Line of Duty
https://cityofmedford.perfectmind.com/…/BookingCoursesP…
Southern Oregon Goodwill — We are hiring for our new North Medford store, opening May 14th!
Lower Table Rock Temporarily Closed Until Early April
The Lower Table Rock trailhead, parking lot, and trail system are closed effective March 16, 2026, until approximately April 6, 2026, for ADA-accessible paving on the lower loop trail. The closure is expected to last roughly three weeks. Upper Table Rock remains open for hiking, along with other area trails.
- Location: Lower Table Rock (trailhead, parking lot, and trail).
- Duration: March 16, 2026 – early April (estimated reopening: April 6, 2026).
- Reason: Final paving phase for ADA accessibility on the one-mile-long lower loop trail.
- Alternatives: Upper Table Rock, Jacksonville Woodlands Trail, Mountain of the Rogue, or East Applegate Ridge Trail.
Visitors are advised to avoid the area during construction, as all public access is prohibited.
The parking lot trailhead and trail system will be closed for the next three weeks as crews pave the one-mile-long lower loop trail of Lower Table Rock.
This work is part of a larger, ongoing effort by the BLM to improve accessibility at the Table Rocks, following initial trail preparations and gravel work done in late 2025.
Britt Festival Getting Ready for Summer
The Britt Music & Arts Festival is gearing up for their 2026 concert season with new additions to its lineup. Among the newly announced acts are alternative rock band Modest Mouse, Southern rock group Whiskey Myers, and bluegrass favorites Greensky Bluegrass. Fans can look forward to performances from Country artists Elle King and Brantley Gilbert, along with the legendary rock band Chicago, who will grace the Britt stage once again.
Comedy enthusiasts won’t be left out either, as fan-favorite comedians Jeff Dunham and Gabriel Iglesias are set for performances during the summer events. Tickets for these shows are currently available to high-level Britt members, while general public sales will kick off on March 27. Additionally, the festival has announced the second annual Britt Under the Stars Gala, a fundraising event to benefit its arts and education programming.
Join as a member today to get early access to tickets! https://britt.org/events/City of Grants Pass, Local Government – G Street between 4th Street and 6th Street will be closed to all traffic beginning Monday, March 16, 2026, for work on the Owl Plaza project. It is scheduled to re-open on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Roseburg Man Charged With Murder of 11-Month-Old Son
A Roseburg man is in custody tonight charged with the murder of his 11-month-old son.
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, shortly before 10:00 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was placed by 27-year-old Jared Scott Jeremy Stoller of Roseburg. Stoller reported to dispatchers that his 11-month-old son, Jaxson, was missing from his hotel room at the Relax Inn in Sutherlin, Oregon. Sutherlin Police Officers responded to the call and determined there to be suspicious circumstances involved. The Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated to assist in the investigation.
Stoller was interviewed by detectives from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and eventually confessed that he had murdered Jaxson days earlier at a location in Roseburg. Stoller told detectives that he had disposed of the child’s body in the South Umpqua River.
Divers from the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, assisted by boats from the Oregon State Police and Douglas County, located Jaxson’s body just before 6:00 p.m. in the river near the 3500-block of Old Melrose Road. His body was turned over to the care of the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy is expected to take place in the coming days.
Detectives arrested Stoller and lodged him in the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:
- Murder in the First Degree
- Abuse of a Corpse in the First Degree
The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is continuing to investigate the homicide. The Sheriff’s Office has been assigned as the lead investigating agency. The Major Crimes Team consists of investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department, and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office.
Additional assistance was received from Douglas County Search and Rescue, Sutherlin Police Department, Winston Police Department, Myrtle Creek Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Welfare Division.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details are expected to be released at this time. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at 541-440-4471 referencing Case #26-0836.
Downtown’s Grants Pass Grower’s Market returns for the 2026 season Saturday March 21st at the corner of 4th and F St.
Shop for local produce, handmade goods, and help support our farmers and makers every Saturday from 9-1pm.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) 2026 season officially kicked off the weekend of March 13-15 in Ashland, featuring a 10-show lineup of classics and new works, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Come From Away, and A Raisin in the Sun. Regular season performances run through Oct. 25, with tickets on sale now.
Key highlights and details for the 2026 season include:
- Opening Weekend: Previews for A Midsummer Night’s Dream begin March 13, Come From Away on March 14, and A Raisin in the Sun on March 15.
- Key Productions:The season features a mix of repertoire, including Yellow Face, August Wilson’s King Hedley II, Smote This, The Taming of the Shrew, Henry IV, Part One, Emma, and the new work You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World!.
- Venues & Access:Performances take place across three theaters—the Angus Bowmer Theatre, Thomas Theatre, and Allen Elizabethan Theatre. The season features enhanced accessibility, including services for deaf or hard-of-hearing guests.
- Season Structure:The season runs from March 13 through October 25.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
For more information and tickets, patrons can visit the officialOSF website.
Harry & David Laying off 100 Employees in Medford
As of March 2026, Harry & David is laying off around 100 employees from its Medford, Oregon headquarters, according to local reports. These cuts, which began in early March, mostly impact long-term, supervisory, and salaried staff. Parent company 1-800-FLOWERS.COM cited a “transformation strategy” and declining revenue as reasons for the downsizing.
- Scale: Reports indicate approximately 100+ layoffs occurred in the first week of March 2026.
- Impacted Roles: The reductions primarily affect tenured and supervisory-level positions, according to former employees.
- Company Justification: Parent company 1-800-FLOWERS.COM indicated the layoffs are part of a “transformation strategy” and cost-reduction measures driven by declining revenues.
- Uncertainty: While the company confirmed it is restructuring to “optimize for future growth,” they did not officially confirm the total number of layoffs.
- Timing: The cuts come amid reported ongoing challenges with financial performance, as reported by Southern Oregon Business Journal.
Mt. Ashland Ski Area Operations Close Again Due to Lower than Average Snowfall and Snowpack.
Mountain Operations Update: Ski Area Operations will pause (again 
) at 4:00 pm today, 2/28, until we get sufficient snowfall.Twilight is cancelled tonight
Our events this weekend (Diva Daze and Ladies Rail Jam) are cancelled.
To go to the Mt. Ashland webcam, click here.
𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗲𝘇𝘇𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Aggravated Theft I (5 counts)Theft I (2 counts)Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card – Felony (3 counts)Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card – Misdemeanor (4 counts)Olsrud Family Confirms Plans To Sell Sherm’s Thunderbird Markets
The Olsrud family which has owned and operated Medford based Sherm’s Market since 1967 has confirmed they are planning to sell its four Southern Oregon grocery stores.
Message to Sherm’s customers
Sherm’s would like to confirm that our stores are up for sale. Our goal is to find that right partner that will keep the stores operating just as they have for many years. Serving the community and taking good care of our 500 plus employees. Steve Olsrud, who has run the company for almost 30 years, is 78 years old and has chosen to work on this succession plan to try and accomplish this. Steve’s desire is to keep the company operating in the same manner it has been operating for many years.
We plan on this company being around for many years.
We love this community and appreciate how very good you have been to us. The generations of families who have done business with us have just been amazing and it is very much appreciated.
Per Steve Olsrud it is business as usual.
Go Sherm’s
Sincerely,
Bob Ames
General Manager
Sherm’s Thunderbird Markets, Inc.
City of Medford, Local Government – Calling all local artists!
The Medford Public Arts Selection Committee is inviting artists and teams from Jackson and Josephine counties to submit proposals for a new public mural in downtown Medford. Theme: Connection
Size: Four 4×16-foot panels (256 square feet total)
Location: Bartlett–Middleford parking garage connection Proposal deadline: April 12, 2026
New Blog: PIER Grant Round 2 Now Open! Read the full blog here:
Eligibility details Grant uses (up to $15,000) Important deadlines What support is available to help you apply
RCC Foundation Scholarship Applications Open
Sharing for our friends at Salvation Army
Help Fill Our Food Pantry – Your Donations Make a Difference! Hunger is a reality for many in our community, but together, we can make a change! Our food pantry is in need of non-perishable food items to help families struggling to put meals on the table. Most Needed Items: Canned vegetables & fruits Rice & pasta Peanut butter & jelly Cereal & oatmeal Soup & canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans) Drop-off Location: 922 N. Central Avenue Medford, OR 97501 Hours: 9am-3pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Every can, box, and bag of food makes a difference in someone’s life. Let’s come together to fight hunger—because no one should go to bed hungry. .
Rogue Valley Humane Society
Our Community Food Bank exists to help folks who need an extra helping hand during a difficult month to feed their pets. Our program has a limited budget and so we rely on generous members of our community to donate some of these goods to continue to help assist our community. In 2023 we fed an average of 700 pets a month! This equates to approximately 70 – 40lb bags of food each month! Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.
CSO Case 24-4928 PROSPECT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives and Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel continue to search for a woman missing out of Prospect, Ore. since September 2024.
Deenah Padgett, 69, was reported missing on Sunday, September 8, 2024. She was last seen camping in the Prospect area on September 4, 2024. She is described as a white woman with brownish-red, partially gray hair, standing 4’8” tall and weighing 90-100 lbs. JCSO detectives and SAR personnel have searched the area extensively and are looking for the public’s help. If you see Deenah or know her whereabouts, immediately call ECSO Dispatch at (541) 776-7206 and reference case 24-4928. If you have any information that might help the investigation, call Detective Friend at (541) 864-8774.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is asking for help identifying the owner a motorhome. It could be associated with a missing person from the Prospect area. JCSO says 68-year-old Deenah Padgett has been missing since August 30 from Prospect, described as a white woman, 4’ 8” tall, weighing approximately 95 pounds with brownish red/greying hair. JCSO issued an advisory this weekend asking anyone with information about the owner of the pictured motor home or Padgett’s whereabouts to call Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) dispatch non-emergency phone number at 541-776-7206.
David Grubbs’ Murder Investigation Remains Active
The Ashland Police Department’s investigation into the murder of David Grubbs on November 19, 2011 remains open and active. Recently two new detectives have been assigned to look into new leads that have come in.
This case remains important to David’s family, the community, and the Ashland Police Department. As detectives continue to pursue these new leads, anyone with additional information is encouraged to reach out to the Ashland Police Department at 541-488-2211. The reward for information leading to an arrest on this case remains at over $21,000.
Taking Another Look at What Happened to Fauna Frey
Fauna was grieving the recent death of her brother, Dallas, when she set off from Eugene in June of 2020 heading to Grants Pass on what her family believes was both a healing trip and a mission to deliver gifts, silver coins inherited from Dallas, to a few friends.
But somewhere between motel check-ins and checkouts, something went terribly wrong. Her Jeep was found months later. She was never seen again. http://bit.ly/4l63Dle
We will start resharing podcasts and articles. For starters here is a story from Danielle Denham that appeared in the June 29, 2025 edition of That Oregon Life. Ms Denham worked closely with us to insure that the facts she presented were accurate.
Check out the nine episodes of the podcast Nowhere to be Found, a comprehensive, in-depth, sensitive treatment of the details surrounding Fauna’s disappearance. Hear from Fauna’s father, John, and her friends. Posted in spring of 2022, Amanda Popineau shares Fauna’s journey and the mystery that surrounds it. Go to Nowhere to be Found Season Two: Episode One “Under A Half-Moon.” https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/s2e1-under-a-halfmoon/id1532686678?i=1000512098162
We want to remind people that Fauna’s father is offering a huge reward for information that brings Fauna home.
Please if you have any information no matter how big or small let us know by calling the anonymous tip line or emailing.
Tipline- 541-359-5638
Email – Helpfindfaunafrey@gmail.com
FOLLOW on FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/341658526970132
Fauna Frey Vanished Without A Trace In Josephine County
It’s been more than five years since the disappearance of a Lane County Woman, who was last seen in Grants Pass. Back in June of 2020, Fauna Frey disappeared. Police said the 45-year-old left her home in Dexter to drive to Grants Pass to visit her brother’s friend after her brother had recently passed away. The last place she was seen was at the Big 5 in Grants Pass. Investigators said her car was found in the Galice area months later. The circumstances of Fauna’s disappearance remain unclear and her case is currently classified as missing. Her case remains unsolved. Fauna’s disappearance has been featured on multiple investigative podcasts, including Nowhere to be Found, Here One Minute, Gone the Next, and Detective Perspective, each trying to fill the silence left by law enforcement. New listeners continue to discover her story, hoping a fresh set of eyes or a single loose memory might be the key to finding Fauna.
Have Information on Fauna Frey? Please Speak Up!
If you know anything, no matter how small, please contact:
- Josephine County Sheriff’s Office
- Tip line: (541) 359-5638
- Email: FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com
Currrently there is a $50,000 CASH REWARD for information leading to the location of Fauna Frey. LARGE CASH REWARDS are being offered for any other relevant information, such as any objects that could be identified as Fauna’s, i.e. her wallet, keys, or Indian/Buffalo .999 silver bullion coins. Find Fauna Frey Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/341658526970132
You can find food in your community at this link
Our network of food banks and pantries provides free food and groceries across Oregon. No proof of income or documentation required.
https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/
If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.
Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?
Here are resources that can help:
211Info: Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.
Oregon Food Bank: Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Map to find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you.
Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area.
Oregon Housing and Community Services Awards $1.95 Million in Community Resilience and Capacity Building Across Oregon
2025–2027 ORCA Capacity Building Grants support Tribal nations, rural communities, and community-based organizations
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is awarding $1.95 million in capacity building grants (ORCA CB program) to 13 community partners working to expand and preserve affordable rental housing across the state.
These grants, designed to help organizations be more efficient, deepen regional collaboration, and pilot innovative outcomes-based solutions that aim to build stronger, more resilient housing ecosystems in Oregon.
“Supporting communities and working across traditional boundaries between local, state, private, and nonprofit is how we deliver thriving Oregon communities,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Under Governor Kotek’s leadership, we are cutting through barriers and leaving no one behind. Delivering for all Oregonians is part of what brings us together. This investment helps Tribal, rural, and community-based leaders develop and deliver locally driven housing outcomes.”
The 2025–27 grant cycle offered two pathways:
- Organizational Strengthening Grants to help partners improve internal systems, staffing, and processes that support the development or operation of affordable rental housing.
- Innovative and Regional Projects Grants to encourage collaboration across neighboring regions or to pilot creative approaches to longstanding capacity challenges.
This year’s cohort reflects the strength, diversity, and determination of Oregon’s housing partners, including rural nonprofits, local housing authorities, and Tribal Nation housing providers who bring cultural expertise and deep community trust to their work. Each grantee was awarded $150,000 to be used in a two-year period.
“Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) is grateful for this investment from OHCS, which strengthens our ability to stabilize and sustain our housing work over the long term,” said NAYA Family Center Community Development Director Sky Waters. “It builds the internal capacity we need to ensure Native families can access safe, stable housing, while also positioning us for future growth.”
“This grant supports more than capacity, it supports momentum. It allows the South Coast to strengthen systems, partnerships, and tools needed to deliver housing solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and rooted in the needs of our communities,” said Stephanie Hadley, executive director at Southern Oregon Coast Regional Housing.
“Mountain View Community Development is deeply grateful for this funding,” said Michelle Cross, development consultant at Mt. View Community Development. “Central Oregon faces a significant shortage of affordable housing developers, and we are excited to help bring this much-needed resource to underserved communities across the region.”
Congratulations and thank you to the following partners for their work in expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable housing throughout the state.
| Grantee | Area served |
| Mt. View Community Development | Deschutes |
| Northwest Housing Alternatives | Statewide |
| Housing Authority of Salem | Salem, Keizer |
| Homes for Good | Lane |
| Native American Youth and Family Center | Multnomah |
| The Stronghold | Klamath |
| Sabin Community Development Corporation | Multnomah |
| Sponsors, Inc. | Lane |
| Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs | Jefferson, Deschutes, Crook |
| Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians | Douglas |
| Southern Oregon Coast Regional Housing | Coos, Curry |
| Rural Community Assistance Corporation | Statewide Rural |
| City of Coos Bay | Coos |
More detailed information regarding the ORCA-CB grant program and grantees can be found at Oregon Housing and Community Services : General Housing Account Program – Capacity Building : Development Resources : State of Oregon.
About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) – OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.
Haven’t filed your taxes yet? Here’s what you should know
Whether it’s where to find free tax help, how to track the status of your refund, or what refundable tax credits you’re eligible to claim, the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to make sure you have the information you need to file tax year 2025 tax returns before the April 15 deadline.
Through March 15, DOR has processed 937,000 electronically filed returns with more than half of the expected 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns yet to be filed. The department urges taxpayers not to wait until the last minute to file. If you have questions about filing you can find the information you need on the department’s website with guidance addressing the most common issues included below.
File electronically – “The best advice we can give taxpayers is to be certain their return is complete and accurate, and to file their return electronically,” said Megan Denison, administrator of DOR’s Personal Tax and Compliance Division. “If they need help, free assistance is available at sites across the state, along with a variety of options to e-file for free.”
On average, taxpayers who file electronically and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Distribution of refunds for e-filed returns began in mid-February. Due to the late receipt of tax form information from the IRS in late 2025, processing of paper-filed returns has been delayed until late March and refunds for paper filed returns will not start being issued until early April.
Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund for e-filed returns can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.
Mailing your return? Mail it early – Taxpayers who choose to file a paper return, should mail it early. The federal and state tax deadline is April 15, but due to changes at the U.S. Postal Service, returns mailed in after April 9 may not receive a postmark on time. Taxpayers who still want to mail their paper returns can take them to a local USPS office and request a postmark no later than April 15, 2026.
Paper returns can also be physically deposited in drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box at DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.
Claim your “kicker” – The Oregon surplus revenue kicker is a refundable credit that will either increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe. It is not sent to taxpayers separately as a check.
Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year.
Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.
Free electronic filing options are available – Direct File Oregon: Taxpayers can use Free Fillable Forms to file their federal return and then use Direct File Oregon to file their Oregon personal income tax return directly with the state.
Now in its third year, Direct File Oregon is a free interview-based program and allows taxpayers the convenience and security of filing their Oregon Personal Income Tax return directly with the state of Oregon through Revenue Online. Nearly 4,700 taxpayers have already used Direct File Oregon this year.
Other free electronic filing options: Free guided tax preparation is available for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free. These free services work much like the popular pay to file programs.
Find free tax filing assistance – From IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or AARP Foundation TaxAide locations, Oregon taxpayers needing free assistance have over 107 different places across the state where they can get free in-person help filing their taxes.
Free tax help is also available online through the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.
Make an appointment at a free tax help site by using the links for each organization on the Department of Revenue’s webpage, or consult the department’s interactive map.
Check your eligibility and claim your refundable tax credits – Taxpayers should check their eligibility for a series of refundable tax credits for low-income workers and families. A refundable credit not only reduces the amount of tax a taxpayer owes, any leftover credit results in a cash refund that can be deposited directly into their bank account.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The EITC is a fully refundable federal tax credit for people making up to $68,675 in 2025. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $8,046 on their federal tax return.
- Oregon Earned Income Credit: This refundable state tax credit is a percentage of an eligible taxpayer’s federal EITC. The maximum benefit for tax year 2025 is $966. The Oregon EIC is also available to taxpayers who have Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN) rather than Social Security numbers.
- Oregon Kids Credit: This is a refundable state credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $26,550 or less, the full credit is $1,050 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $31,550.
- Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC): Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the refundable WFHDC, which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they’re working, looking for work, or attending school.
More than 2 million seedlings planted this season in Oregon’s state forests
A mild winter with spring-like weather has helped the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) replanting of state forest timber harvest areas stay ahead of schedule this year with approximately two million seedlings already in the ground.
“This has been a great planting season with no shutdowns due to weather,” said John Walter, ODF’s State Forests Silviculturist. “All our districts are done or will be this month. The only exception being Klamath Lake—they typically plant into May and have about 60,000 to get in.”
Like most Western Oregon’s forests, Douglas Fir is the dominant species, but ODF tries to add diversity to its reforestation plan to promote resilience and provide additional types of timber products.
“This year we planted about 74 percent Doug(las) Fir, 17 percent Hemlock, two percent each of Western Red Cedar and Noble Fir, one percent each of Grand Fir and Sitka Spruce with the remaining three percent Pondarosa Pine,” said Walter. “Later, hardwoods naturally seed in with mainly alder and bigleaf maple. So, we end up with a species mix that is fairly typical western Oregon forests.”
The seedlings are grown by nine contracted northwest nurseries and this year they supplied ODF with 2.3 million of them.
“The successful bidders that purchase timber sales, have three years to complete harvest so it makes it a little tricky on the planning side to project a year in advance how many seedlings we need each year,” said Walter. “However, we never want to run short so we typically order a little more than what we will plant in state forests.”
This year ODF has nearly 300,000 of those “extra” seedlings, all of which are destined for Oregon’s forests—just not state forests. ODF typically sells, or sometimes donates, seedlings to watershed groups, other non-profits, and Oregon tribes.
All those 2.3 million seedlings that were grown in controlled environments at the nurseries are then shipped to ODF and held in large coolers until planting season.
The planting is done mostly by private contractors working for ODF. Some planting and replanting the next year, mainly in the Tillamook State Forest, is also done by Adults In Custody from the South Fork Forest Camp, a facility jointly run by the Department of Corrections and ODF.
“This is not easy work,” said Bill Sayers, Reforestation Forester for ODF’s Forest Grove District who along with two of his coworkers were monitoring contractors working in Tillamook State Forest. “The terrain can be steep and slippery especially with a pack of 200 or so trees on your back and a shovel in your hand. Also, the contracts emphasize both speed and efficiency. They have to plant fast and plant correctly to get the maximum pay out specified in the contract. Most of these guys do amazing work.”
To determine if the work is done correctly ODF staff measures out a 1/100th of an acre circle and counts the number of seedlings planted in the circle.
“To get to our goal of usually 400 trees per acre there needs to be four seedlings in that circle,” said Sayers. “If there are too few or too many, we alert the foreman and they correct the issue right there. We then dig up the seedings in the circle to make sure they are planted correctly. If they are too deep or too shallow or the roots are bent over, we call those planting errors. We identify those issues and again get it corrected in real time. And yes, we replant the ones we checked ourselves.”
Once in the ground correctly and at the right time, the number one determining factor for their survival is whether they get the right amount of moisture at the right time.
“Obviously weather is the top determining factor—if it is an unusually dry spring and hot dry summer mortality goes up,” said Walter. “We can’t do anything about the weather. The second major factor is competing vegetation. Even if it is a “normal” participation year, seedlings can struggle if other plants are sucking up all the moisture. We evaluate each unit individually and then where deemed necessary use herbicide to limit that competing vegetation to increase the survival rate.”
Other factors impacting seedlings survival are deer and elk browse, root damage (mainly from mountain beavers that live underground), insects, tree diseases and wildfire.
“However, these stressors are usually limited to certain units and not as much of a threat when compared to the overall impact lack of water or drought region wide,” said Walter.
Looking to the future, ODF has several cooperative agreements and is a partner in research projects in Oregon and the Northwest to improve the genetics to increase the survivability of future trees.
“It’s difficult and a long-term effort to improve our trees,” said Walter. “Ideally, we want disease resistance, climate adaptation and growth all in the same tree. Realistically it is hard to get one of those traits without dropping one or two of the others.”
Meanwhile, ODF continues to manage state forests to yield a sustainable balance of economic, environmental and social benefits over time and for all Oregonians.
To learn more on how your state forests are managed see: Oregon Department of Forestry : State forests : Forest resources : State of Oregon
Spring Celebration Rolls into Portland with Easter Bunny Express at Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Portland, OR — On April 4 and 5, families and train enthusiasts are invited to hop aboard the Easter Bunny Express at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center for a festive 45-minute steam train ride pulled by the legendary Polson No. 2 steam locomotive. The round-trip journey departs from and returns to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, offering a scenic ride along the Willamette River.
Guests can look forward to a memorable seasonal adventure combining fun and a touch of railway history. The Easter Bunny will be hopping onboard each ride to spread joy and cheer, providing plenty of opportunities for photos and selfies. Along the way, passengers can enjoy kid-friendly activities, a festive scavenger hunt, and the beauty of spring along the river.
Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase on board, with options for both kids and adults, making this the perfect outing for families celebrating the season together.
Admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center is included with every train ticket, allowing guests to explore exhibits and view additional historic locomotives before or after their ride to explore exhibits and view additional historic locomotives before or after their ride.
Event Details:
- When: Saturday, April 4 & Sunday, April 5
- Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
- Train Departure Times: 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm
- Tickets Prices:
- Adults (14+) – $24
- Seniors (65+) – $21.50
- Military (with ID) – $21.50
- Children (3-13) – $17
- Infants (Under 3) – Free
- Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) – $74
- Tickets & Registration: https://orhf.org/
Tickets are expected to sell quickly for this popular springtime tradition. Don’t miss out on this egg-cellent adventure—reserve your seats today and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
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.
Cherry blossoms illuminated at State Capitol State Park March 21 through April 4
SALEM— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will host “Yozakura,” night viewing of the Akebono cherry blossoms, March 21 through April 4 in the North Mall at State Capitol State Park.
The cherry blossoms will be illuminated with Japanese lanterns and lights nightly from 6-10 p.m. Visitors may bring blankets, camping chairs, or an evening picnic to enjoy under the canopy of the illuminated trees.
The lanterns and lights create a striking and beautiful scene inside the park at night.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will livestream the cherry blossoms on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OregonParks beginning March 21 during the day and evening through April 4.
Park staff ask that tree limbs and blossoms are left as is so everyone can view them throughout the bloom. Alcohol is not allowed in State Capitol State Park (without permits) and the park closes at 10 p.m.
For more information on events at the Capitol, call Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 or visit the events page.
Spring Whale Watch Week returns to the Oregon coast for spring break 2026
Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 29.
Trained Oregon State Park volunteers and park rangers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot whales and their calves and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily March 21-29. The sites are among the best places to watch whales on the Oregon Coast.
“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whale migration can be a bit closer on their return trip north, usually within a few miles from shore. As we get later into the spring, we can sometimes see the mothers with calves in tow,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates 13,000 gray whales are expected to migrate past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as they travel back toward Alaska, far fewer than earlier projections suggested. Although NOAA declared the Unusual Mortality Event over in 2023 and initially believed the population might be rebounding, new winter 2025 estimates instead show the lowest numbers since the 1970s.
NOAA’s models, which combine visual surveys with migration pattern assumptions, indicate that the 2025 population most likely falls between 11,700 and 14,500 whales.
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 21-29. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Park rangers and volunteers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Spring Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch.
PacifiCorp to sell distribution assets to Oregon electric cooperatives
PacifiCorp announced today that it has executed nonbinding term sheets outlining transactions with three separate Oregon electric cooperatives to sell its distribution assets in Wallowa County, Monroe and Lakeview, Oregon.
Under the agreements, PacifiCorp plans to transfer its distribution assets serving 5,514 residential, commercial and irrigation customers in Wallowa County to Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative; assets serving 1,162 residential, commercial and irrigation customers in the Monroe area to Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative; and assets serving 2,228 customers in the Lakeview area to Surprise Valley Electrification Corporation.
“These agreements represent the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial position and simplify operations to ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable electricity to our customers,” said Ryan Flynn, president, Pacific Power. “Each of the utilities involved in these transactions are experienced operators committed to the communities they serve, and we are confident this transition will be seamless for our customers in these areas.”
Once definitive agreements are negotiated and executed, these transactions are subject to regulatory approval and could take up to 12 months to complete. During this period, PacifiCorp will continue to provide quality service and customer care to these communities. For more information, visit PacificPower.net/OregonNews.
Oregon Lottery’s Winning Raffle Numbers Drawn
Are you holding a $1 million ticket? Oregon’s annual Raffle numbers have been drawn.
Winning $1 Million Top Prize Number: 061889
Prizes for the Raffle include:
- $1 million top prize
- 300 prizes of $500
- 1,500 prizes of $100
To check the winning Raffle numbers for all 1,801 prizes, players can use the Lottery’s phone app, go to www.oregonlottery.org, or visit a participating Oregon Lottery retail location.
The $500 and $100 prize winners can claim their prizes at any Oregon Lottery retail location. In addition, players can claim their prize by mail – visit https://www.oregonlottery.org/claim-a-prize/ for instructions. The $1 million Raffle prize winner will need to make an appointment with the Oregon Lottery office in Salem or Wilsonville. Please call 1-800-766-6789 for assistance.
The Raffle offers the best odds of any Oregon Lottery game of winning $1 million – 1 in 250,000. Overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 138.8. The Oregon Lottery’s Raffle game went on sale January 4 with 250,000 tickets available, and all tickets were sold out by the evening of Friday, March 13, 2026.
The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $17.8 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
Oregonians are feeling the impact of global events on oil prices, which directly influence gasoline costs.
Recently, the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran has triggered a notable increase in oil prices and prices at the pump. The average price of regular gas is creeping up near $3.80 a gallon for regular.
With all the current state gas taxes and potential increases on the way from Gov. Kotek and state democrats, Oregonians are facing an average price of $4.48 per gallon for regular right now, making it the fifth highest in the country, trailing only behind California, Hawaii, Washington, and Nevada.
Recent federal changes are expanding work requirements for some Oregonians who receive SNAP food benefits. State agencies are encouraging recipients to get free job search and training help through WorkSource Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Employment Department say more SNAP recipients must now show they are working, looking for work, or in training to keep their benefits.
The new rules apply to more people than before, including some adults up to age 64 and some households with older children. Some recipients will also need to meet these requirements for longer than three months.
SNAP Director Amya Hoffman says many people may already qualify through jobs, volunteering, or other activities. Free help is available through WorkSource Oregon, which has 37 centers across the state. For more info, go to WorkSourceOregon.org.
Oregon to Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers May 5, 2026
Every year, the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honors the state’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. This year’s ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 5 at 1 p.m. at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.
The annual event commemorates the more than 190 fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the state of Oregon since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.
The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is proud to host the ceremony in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and various statewide law enforcement associations.
BLM seeks seasonal volunteer camp hosts across Oregon, Washington
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking seasonal volunteer hosts for several recreation sites in Oregon and Washington. Hosts will help connect visitors to public lands during a milestone year as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, and the BLM celebrates its 80th anniversary.
Campground hosts play an important role in the visitor experience. They offer information about recreation opportunities, answer questions about the area, and help ensure campgrounds remain clean and safe. Light maintenance tasks—such as tidying restrooms, collecting trash, and keeping signs and information boards up to date—are part of the daily routine.
This is a live-in volunteer position, and hosts must provide their own self-contained RV. Volunteers may be eligible to receive a daily per diem reimbursementwhile serving on site.
Season lengths and schedules vary by location, with most positions running from late spring through early fall. Some locations can accommodate couples who want to host together and share responsibilities. All volunteer campground hosts must complete a federal background check.
Those interested in learning more or applying can visit Volunteer.gov and search for “BLM Oregon” or “BLM Washington” to view current openings.
-BLM- The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Oregon State Parks to hire seasonal Park Rangers, Park Ranger Assistants
Oregon State Parks is hiring seasonal Park Rangers and Park Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2026 season.
Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through June with new positions listed on a rolling basis on the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.
Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.
Salaries start at $20.28 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.79 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, who are enrolled in high school start at $20.27 or more per hour, depending on experience.
Several of Oregon State Parks’ top leaders started their careers as seasonal employees, including all three Region Directors.
“We are focused on developing an engaged workforce by partnering with staff on career development, investing in skill building and fostering a culture of belonging. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you make a difference in protecting and promoting Oregon’s special places,” said interim Director Stefanie Coons.
Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Park Rangers at parks around the state. Positions are available in Oregon’s coastal areas, scenic valleys, and mountain regions, offering opportunities to work in some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.
For more information about current openings, visit https://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Recruiting D.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov“>OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.
Beginning on March 30, 2026, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will discontinue the waiver of parking fees at an additional 22 day-use parks.
Currently, a day-use parking permit costs $10 for residents of Oregon and $12 for out-of-state visitors, and it is valid for the entire day of purchase at any state park in Oregon. Access to the parks remains complimentary for those who walk, bike, or utilize public transportation.
Visitors arriving by car can present valid parking by displaying a current hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a valid 12 or 24-month parking permit. Additionally, visitors who acquire parking permits online or through parking QR codes can link their license plates to the valid payment.
At present, OPRD mandates a day-use parking permit at 46 parks and waives parking fees at over 150 parks throughout the state. The selection of the 22 additional parks was based on the amenities and features that necessitate maintenance and operation, including restrooms, trails, paving, irrigation, boat ramps, and more.
The revenue from parking fees contributes to the maintenance and operation costs, ensuring that these facilities remain available for all visitors.
Raise Funds to Plant Trees in Oregon
Registration is open for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K
Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests. You must register by April 1st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event.
Participants can walk, run, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 18 and 26 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day). Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. Last year, we had to close registration early due to higher than anticipated participation, so register as soon as possible. If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15, or earlier if more participants sign up than we have available swag.
For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks. Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration. This year’s tree plantings will be placed in the Santiam Canyon.
Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.
As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its sixth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include fifteen other states. Together, all sixteen states will help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.
“We are thrilled to honor Bob Ross and continue our efforts to plant at least One Million Trees in Oregon.” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever. “To date, we have funded the planting of 850,000 trees.”
“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.”
Participants can register at www.orparksforever.org. — For more information, contact Seth Miller at 503/966-1053 or seth@orparksforever.org
UNDER PRESSURE: A VOLCANIC EXPLORATION, AN EXHIBITION FROM OREGON’S HIGH DESERT MUSEUM, SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON THE RUMBLING GIANTS AMONG US
(BEND, Ore.) — For millions of years, volcanoes have been the most powerful force in nature. And for many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the May 18, 1980, eruption of Washington’s Mount Saint Helens. The science, spectacle, and significance behind these massive peaks will soon be at the center of an immersive new exhibition, “Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration,” which will run from Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, at the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipient High Desert Museum in Bend, Ore.
On the heels of the Museum’s recent “Sensing Sasquatch” exhibition – which won the Western History Association’s prestigious 2025 Autry Public History Prize and earned national praise for exploring the Indigenous perspectives of what many call Bigfoot – comes the latest groundbreaking exhibition from the High Desert Museum. Under Pressure will take visitors on an educational, insightful, and thought-provoking journey into the forces that make volcanoes among the most majestic and often misunderstood natural wonders of the world, while exploring their individual stories and temperaments.
“From cultural and historical significance to the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, the Pacific Northwest and High Desert have a particularly long, complex, and symbiotic relationship with volcanoes,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., High Desert Museum executive director. “We live in their shadows, recreate on their slopes, and admire their beauty, but it’s the volcanoes’ ability to simultaneously cause destruction and creation that evokes feelings of awe. Under Pressure will provide an immersive and deep exploration.”
Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration, a groundbreaking new exhibition from Oregon’s High Desert Museum.
WHEN: Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027
WHERE: High Desert Museum (Spirit of the West Gallery)
59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702 (map HERE)
COST: Free with Museum admission or membership
Active U.S. military and their families, as well as Tribal members, are FREE with ID
Among the highlights that visitors to Under Pressure can expect to encounter include:
- Engage the senses through interactive displays and exhibits, including volcanic rocks and a volcanic hazard map, to learn about cutting-edge volcano research.
- Hear stories and learn the significance of volcanoes to the people of the High Desert region.
- Get to know 4-6 individual volcanoes through biographies that explain the similarities and differences between them.
- Learn about present-day volcano hazards and how lava flows.
- Understand the technologies that scientists use to detect volcanic activity, which allow us to live among volcanoes while also enjoying their many benefits.
“These geologic giants exist all around us, come in all shapes and sizes, and tell a story of our past, present, and future,” says Whitelaw. “With 350 million people living near an active volcano worldwide, the more we understand about volcanoes, the better we can exist alongside them.”
Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration opens to the public on Feb. 7, 2026, and runs through Jan. 3, 2027, in the High Desert Museum’s Spirit of the West Gallery. For additional information on exhibitions or to start planning your experience, visit highdesertmuseum.org.
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs
No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state. The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.
In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs. If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.
Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public
Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:
Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio
- Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
- Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).
Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone
- Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
- WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.
Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power
- Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
- Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
- If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.
Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance
- Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
- Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
- When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
- Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.
Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info
- Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
- Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
- Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
- Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.
If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings
If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.
- Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
- Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.
Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage
- Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
- Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.
Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps
- Know the three levels of evacuation:
- Level 1 – Be Ready
- Level 2 – Be Set
- Level 3 – GO NOW
- If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.
Be Your Own Info Network
- Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
- Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.
In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points. Support and Restoration in Progress To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.
Reconnect When Service Returns
- Once communications are restored, check official websites:
- Oregon.gov/oem
- Your county emergency management page
- TripCheck.com for road conditions
- Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.
Prepare for Delays in Restoration
- Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
- Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.
Final Tip:
In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.
Oregon’s Missing Persons
Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.
In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either. Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced
Find the mental health support you need
Click to see all resources https://oregonhealthnews.oregon.gov/find-the-mental-health-support-you-need/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Oregon State Police are reminding parents and students of the SafeOregon hotline. It takes reports of potential threats against students and schools. The tips can be made anonymously. They can include safety threats, fights, drugs, weapons on campus, cyberbullying and students considering self-harm or suicide. A technician reviews the reports and assigns them either to police or school administrators. Tips can be made by phone, text, email or on the website https://www.safeoregon.com
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