Rogue Valley News, Friday 5/8 – Asante Threats of Layoffs, SOU Cutting Programs, Art In Bloom This Weekend & 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

Friday – May 8,  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

As Asante Health leaders publicly warn that layoffs of hundreds of employees are imminent, some of the health system’s employees believe the threat of layoffs is part of a strategy to drive down wages.

Earlier this week CEO Tom Gessel sent an open letter to employees and the community saying he expected that more than 300 workers will likely need to be laid off due to a financial situation he described as dire — blaming it on an economic downturn as well as policies coming from Salem and Washington, D.C.

Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford in June, 2024. | JAKE THOMAS/THE LUND REPORT

“We need a fundamental shift in legislative and regulatory thinking in Salem and DC,” he wrote, adding, “To be specific, we lost over $12 million in March alone, resulting in a cumulative operating loss of $16 million for the first half of the year. Projecting forward, failing to act now could leave us with an estimated $50 million budget shortfall in 2027 that we must resolve.”

His letter continued, “I anticipate the ongoing headwinds, including the federal and state cuts to Medicaid, will result in 300 or more roles being eliminated in the next several months.”

Fred Katz, head of the Oregon Nurses Association bargaining team at Asante’s flagship hospital in Medford, Rogue Regional Medical Center, told The Lund Report the most surprising part of the warning was the timing, which he linked to contract talks that are gearing up. Katz, who sits on the association’s board, spoke in his role as a union member.

“I thought this threat would come a little later, like toward the end of our bargaining with the hospital, because we have a contract coming up,” he said.

Katz added that he thinks the goal is likely “to embed fear” in the minds of the workers, but he said the move could backfire by driving away needed personnel and hurting the system’s financial health. “Some people are going to look for greener pastures. It’s going to be a situation where the hospital is risking a greater loss than they’re gaining.”

Mixed messages on Asante finances  —  Last year, Asante leadership cited losses in announcing its decision to largely close its community hospital Ashland, including its maternity center, at a time when its own reporting to the state of Oregon showed the system to be the most profitable in the state at that time.

According to the numbers it reported to the state, Asante Ashland operated in the black in 2024 and 2025, when it had an operating margin of $1.5 million, or 15 percent of its operating revenues. A typical benchmark of financial health in the hospital industry is 3 percent.

Systemwide, Asante’s financial reports indicated that it has operated profitably, has substantial investment income, a stable percentage of Medicaid and Medicare patients, an A+ “Stable” bond rating, and a 75 percent market share in its southern Oregon territory.

The system lost money in 2023, but since has executed what Fitch, the bond rating service, described as a “successful” turnaround.

“Going forward,” a recent Fitch report says, “Fitch expects operating EBTIDA margins of around 7.5% and higher over the medium term to be achievable.” EBTIDA is accounting speak for earnings before taxes, interest, depreciation and amortization, a common metric for an organization’s operational strength, often expressed slightly differently as EBITDA.

Asante’s financial results come with one notable asterisk: It recognized a $121.9 million payment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency a full fiscal year after it was received, leading to a large, one-time bump in revenues during the 2025 fiscal year. The reimbursement was related to Asante’s costs for pandemic-associated costs before 2024.

“The Company should have recognized $121.9 million during the year ended September 30, 2024,” its auditor, KPMG, reported in January. Had it done so, the 2024 results would have been stronger and the 2025 results less sparkling.

Asante’s profitability is not new. A recent report issued by FamilyCare Health, a nonprofit engaged in health policy, described Asante as the single-most profitable health system in Oregon in a ten-year span ending in 2023. The following year Asante’s combined profits were also healthy, amounting to about 7 percent, according to the nonprofit.

At a recent public meeting, Asante’s Chief Financial Officer Heather Rowenberg said the system had had a “great” year financially in 2025, thanks in part to the federal grant funding, as reported by the Rogue Valley Times. Unlike most hospital systems in Oregon, Asante’s financial status had actually improved, she said, but added that the system faces “headwinds and challenges,” such as due to the state’s nurse staffing law.

According to its most recent reporting to the IRS, the system is sitting on assets and reserves worth more than $2 billion.

Katz, for his part, said the system could fix its issues with the nurse staffing law by hiring more staff. Instead it’s racking up massive fines.

He noted that the system had invested in a “pavilion” expansion, a cancer center, the purchase of a gastroenterology practice, and the proposed purchase of a local surgery center across the street.

“I’s not that they don’t have the money, it’s how they’re choosing to spend it,” he said.

He said the current Asante leadership and board include a lot of newcomers and seem to be espousing a for-profit mentality, despite the health system’s status as a nonprofit that receives lucrative tax exemptions for serving the community.

Instead of complaining about the nurse staffing law while racking up nearly $1 million fines, he said, leadership should be figuring out how to comply with the law and better serve patients.

 “I think it’s a lack of imagination and a lack of, maybe, talent,” he added. “We’ve got an administration that comes from, I don’t know if it’s private equity, but it’s for-profit businesses and healthcare. And so this is probably just the way they operate, but not the way we typically operate in the state.”

Indeed, the system has faced a series of challenges, while largely limiting its public statements to press releases.

Asante’s steps jolt Ashland  –  Asante, a nonprofit that employs more than 6,000 people and operates hospitals in Medford, Grants Pass, and for a while longer, Ashland, hasn’t said very much in detail about its overall strategy for providing health care to the residents of its southern Oregon territory.

That’s particularly dismaying to residents of Ashland, who are bracing for the closure of the 49-bed Asante Ashland Community Hospital.

“The biggest question I have is what is the plan for the overall system in the valley,” said Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham. In Ashland, she said, “People are devastated by the services going away.”

Asante spoke of its continuing commitment to the Ashland hospital and to the city of Ashland in its required 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment. “Considering Asante Ashland Community Hospital’s ongoing focus on identified health needs … we are committed to continue addressing the following priorities,” the report said, going on to cite access to care, prevention and treatment of chronic conditions, and managing mental health.

Nowhere does the report hint that Asante was considering closing the inpatient portion of the hospital in Ashland. And, as recently as November, emails from Asante officials to the Oregon Health Authority indicated they were considering options in addition to the closure.

Rep. Pam Marsh, who represents Ashland in the Oregon Legislature, told The Lund Report that the system hasn’t done enough to engage with the community and talk “about the facts of the situation.”

Other financial strains – Some of the issues the health system is facing are costing it money and were not mentioned in Gessel’s letter.

One of those are the civil cases filed by patients and their families related to what prosecutors say were the 44 patients whose prescribed painkillers were switched out for sterile tap water in 2023. A former Asante nurse, Dani Marie Schofield, is accused of making the switches, which authorities have said resulted in the deaths of 16 patients. A recent federal report went further, linking it to 19 deaths, while noting that many nurses had reported suspicions but hospital management did not follow up appropriately.

Asante has not responded to questions about the report, such as whether top management was held accountable for the care lapses.

According to the Rogue Valley Times, the health system has set aside funding to pay for the settlements, which are expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

The recent report by Fitch, the bond rating agency, acknowledged the lawsuits against Asante, but said “there is no certainty regarding outcome or timing … and thus it is not factored into the rating or Fitch’s expectations for the organization’s financial position.”

Also, Asante is suing Atrio Health Plans, an insurer that provides Medicare Advantage coverage in Jackson County and elsewhere, claiming that the insurer has reneged on its agreements to provide in-network coverage to patients who see Asante providers. Atrio has refused to fully reimburse Asante for providing more than $29 million in services, according to the complaint. 

In a statement on the Asante website, Asante says the figure is closer to $60 million. A remote hearing in the case is scheduled for March 16.  https://www.thelundreport.org/content/asante-layoff-warning-sparks-nurse-criticism

Citing unsustainable inflation, government regulations and a long list of ongoing challenges, Asante officials say they are facing some $50 million in additional revenue cuts and will need to lay off at least 300 more employees in coming months.

In a letter addressed to Asante employees and medical staff released Monday, Asante CEO and President Tom Gessel wrote:  “I anticipate the ongoing headwinds, including the federal and state cuts to Medicaid, will result in 300 or more roles being eliminated in the next several months,”

Gessel states that a dwindling number of patients covered by private insurance — which he said was at a historic low of 14% for the healthcare system — was a major factor in revenue deficits. Some 75% of patients are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, known as the Oregon Health Plan, both of which Gessel wrote cover less than the cost of staffing, supplies, support services, facilities and equipment needed to provide adequate care.

“Projecting forward, failing to act now could leave us with an estimated $50 million budget shortfall in 2027 that we must resolve.”

ONA Statement in Response to Asante CEO’s Message on Job Cuts
Oregon Nurses Assn. 

SOU Board of Trustees to vote Friday on financial sustainability plan

The Southern Oregon University Board of Trustees will discuss and take action on a proposed SOU financial sustainability plan during a special meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 8, on the third floor of the Hannon Library.

The plan proposal, which is not included in the agenda materials as of Thursday afternoon, includes information and discussion on the background, timeline and board options as well as a review of the proposed resolution and the working decision timeline and next steps related to the plan.

The board is expected to acknowledge the recommendations in the consultants’ Option Path to Sustainability for SOU and outline the next steps, including SOU-led planning and implementation, according to a news release issued by the university late Thursday afternoon. The board likely will direct the university’s administration to meet a series of benchmarks tied to an emergency appropriation of $15 million in state funding through the biennium ending June 30, 2027, according to the release, positioning the institution for long-term financial sustainability.

Deloitte, a international consulting firm contracted by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), has recommended up to $20 million be cut from the university spending by next summer. Suggested cuts include the Music, International Studies, Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies programs, and reconfigurations of several more.

SOU Trustees will also hear Friday from invited public comments from Associated Students of SOU, Southern Oregon Faculty Senate, SOU Staff Assembly, Associated Professors of SOU, and SOU Service Employees International Union.

During a virtual news conference this week, Bailey referred to the  recommendations from Deloitte as just that — recommendations.

“It is not a wholesale plan that our board is going to give a thumbs up or down to,” he told reporters via Zoom on Tuesday. “This Friday (May 8) as they consider this …they are going to make a decision that says, we are committed to transformation. These consultants have given a blueprint … that we need to take serious consideration on.”

He also noted that the campus community would be included in helping to build an implementation plan that takes into account the recommendations from Deloitte.

Bailey also alluded to the possibility of cuts to creative industries at SOU, which include the Music program.

“We are not funded to do everything so we have to make those difficult decisions,” Bailey said. “I do think SOU’s future is and will be continue to be committed to the creative industries more broadly.”

SOU Cuts Bring Protests

Southern Oregon University students on Monday afternoon made their voices heard loud and clear outside SOU’s Hannon Library, adamantly opposing the full plan by Deloitte released Monday that details some $20 million in suggested cuts from the university, including the Music, Gender Studies, Creative Writing, and International Studies programs.

No actions have been made yet regarding the plan, though SOU’s Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the plan in a special meeting at 5 p.m. Friday, May 8. The board will hear from union representatives and the general public in a special board meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 5.

The board must submit the final plan to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission by Monday, May 11, in order to be eligible to receive $15 million in one-time funding from the state of Oregon to keep the university solvent until summer 2027.

2026 Primary Election Ballots in the Mail

𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳

City of Medford, Local Government has selected longtime Medford Police Department (MPD) leader Trevor Arnold as its next Chief of Police.

Ashland Planning Commission moves to create manufactured park zone to preserve affordable housing

Ashland city officials and staff have described manufactured home parks as “naturally affordable housing.”

During the Planning Commission’s Tuesday, April 28, meeting, the city’s intent became clear: to create a new manufactured home park zoning district in Ashland’s zoning code to preserve some of the city’s most affordable housing options.

Currently, manufactured home parks are scattered across a variety of residential and commercial zones.

The revised zones being considered by the commission could allow Ashland’s manufactured home parks new opportunities to expand units, add tiny homes, and introduce limited neighborhood-serving businesses.

Meanwhile, planning commissioners also debated resident protections, including a proposed 120-day window for tenants to organize a purchase offer if a park goes up for sale. The commission is expected to formally consider adopting the new zone on Tuesday, May 26.

With most of the new zoning provisions near completion, a trade-off is likely: attempt to prevent the parks from converting to other uses while providing park owners with opportunities to generate more income from their existing properties.

At a January joint study session between Ashland’s City Council, Planning Commission, and Housing & Human Services Committee, the creation of a new manufactured home park zoning district was posed as a question: Should the city do this? At the time, staff noted that the park owners opposed the new zone. While none of the park owners are known to be considering selling their lands to developers, a new zone would inevitably make that potentially profitable transaction more difficult.

By last week’s commission meeting, the question of “should we?” had disappeared. Considered a fait accompli, the commissioners worked through recommendations from a zoning code audit conducted by 3J Consulting — an effort funded by a state grant — along with staff recommendations, which differed from the consultants’ in a few areas.

Ashland has four manufactured home parks within city limits: Wingspread, off lower Clay Street, with 116 units; The Upper Pines, off Siskiyou Boulevard, with 51 units; AlleNorth, on Idaho Street, with 28 units; and Tolman Creek Park, off Tolman Creek Road, with 38 units. In addition, there are three parks outside city limits but within the city’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) – Siskiyou Village, Nauvoo Park Estates, and Jackson Wellsprings – which could at some time in the future be annexed to the city.

At the meeting, staff noted that no home parks had closed in the last decade. However, decades-long Ashland housing advocate and former Housing Committee member Rich Rohde, during public comment, said that four parks had been previously demolished and converted to other uses. Of the new zone proposal, Rohde said, “[I am] as strong as I can be for support.”

Rohde further said that, as a participant in creating Ashland’s Housing Production Strategy, adopted in 2023, preserving and enhancing the city’s manufactured home parks emerged as a top priority among the 12 strategies adopted.

The most-discussed component of the new zone among commission members was a proposed 120-day notice-of-sale timeline. Under this proposal, when a home park owner announced an intent to sell, residents would be given 120 days to produce their own “sales agreement,” essentially an offer to purchase and proof of financial backing.

Some commission members questioned whether 120 days were enough for residents to act. “Do we really believe that that’s adequate?” said Susan MacCracken Jain, “That’s a key central point.” Commission Chair Lisa Verner shared that concern and suggested 180 days.

In response, commission member Eric Herron noted that the timeline did not require the residents to produce fully completed documentation and required park owners to work “in good faith” towards an agreement. City staff said employees from Casa of Oregon — a nonprofit working with manufactured home communities to create “affordable and self-governed” ownership — had indicated that 120 days is sufficient to produce the heart of a deal.

At both this commission meeting and the January joint study session, commission and council members suggested that home park tenants may want to begin organizing in advance to address potential conversions. No specific measures to assist the city in organizing are currently proposed.

There is a local example. After the Almeda Fire in 2020, displaced Talent residents organized to create the Talent Community Cooperative, a resident-owned park with 87 units on land formerly owned by the privately held Talent Mobile Estates.

The other through-line from the meeting centered on a set of proposals designed to increase landowners’ ability to profit from their businesses. Foremost among these is the ability to expand.

The revised zoning proposals would either increase maximum densities from current levels or remove them entirely, allowing individual site constraints and infrastructure limitations to determine capacity.

Allowing units to be less than 500 square feet, the current limit, could further expand capacity. This might allow two “tiny homes” to sit on one lot. Depending on the lot size, a traditional manufactured home might be able to add a tiny home to its lot.

The key to expanding housing in existing home parks is the concept of updating a non-conforming use. Non-conforming uses don’t comply with existing zoning codes, typically because they predate those zoning codes. They are essentially grandfathered in, but also generally not allowed to expand without updating to code.

Most likely, all of Ashland’s manufactured home parks are non-conforming in one way or another, and requiring a home park to update all road widths, setbacks, or home material standards, for example, in order to add just a few units would render the expansion infeasible.

As a result, the new home park zoning will have to balance expansion without imposing an “undue burden” on updating, while addressing concerns such as fire risk. An example of this might be allowing a park to add a new area of units, regardless of setbacks or overall lot coverage, provided the new area’s roads and building materials comply with fire codes.

Another proposed provision to increase owners’ profits would allow the home parks to add some on-site commercial uses — not generally allowed in residential zoning — so long as they serve local residents, such as a child care facility, clubhouse, or coffee shop.

To bring Ashland’s zoning code into accord with state law, home parks would be allowed to include prefabricated homes and RVs. This “change” in fact reflects an existing reality. A myriad of smaller changes to update the zoning code and its definitions are included in the package of proposals.

The Upper Pines park will most likely be left out of the new zone. “Upper Pines will have to be exempt”, said commission member John Maher. The park is currently zoned C-1 for commercial uses, with a zoning overlay (a zone on top of another zone) of Climate Friendly Area (CFA). The state requires Oregon cities with populations of 5,000 or more to include CFAs in their zoning, with sufficient land to hold 30% of the future projected housing supply. In CFAs, more intensive development is allowed; in Ashland’s case, buildings of five stories with a mix of commercial and residential units are allowable.

As a result of being placed in the CFA zone, the Upper Pines property’s value increased greatly, and trying now to rezone it to the new manufactured home park zone might create legal problems. In addition, the city needs its CFA-zoned lands to fulfill the state housing requirements.

Jackson Wellsprings may also be left out of the new zone. While currently under Jackson County jurisdiction, the Wellsprings is within Ashland’s UGB, and thus may eventually be brought into the city proper. However, the Wellsprings, with its spa, campgrounds, events, and concerts, is primarily a commercial use. The Wellsprings generates a smaller share of its income from tenants.

Planning Commissioner Eric Herron also questioned the legality of Wellsprings’ current setup and the difficulties of bringing it into the city, asking, “Are there any permitted units out there?” According to a conversation after the commission meeting with Gerry Lehrburger, co-owner of Wellsprings, and his wife, Beverly, they plan to move forward with removing some of their older, often unoccupied units.

During public comment, Delores Nimms, a homeowner at Wingspread, said she had been there 25 years. “Wingspread is a wonderful community,” she said, and if a developer buys the land, “We have lost a major asset.” She emphasized the natural environment at Wingspread — its multiple ponds and mature trees, which bring a host of wildlife close to residents.

Ashland’s Planning Commission has scheduled a meeting to formally adopt the new Manufactured Home Park Zone at its meeting starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at the Ashland Civic Center, 1175 East Main St. Public comment is encouraged. https://ashland.news/ashland-planning-commission-moves-to-create-manufactured-park-zone-to-preserve-affordable-housing/

‘Full Plates, Full Hearts’ Food Drive Runs Through The End Of May

𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀, 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 is Rotary’s campaign to help end hunger in Jackson County. Right here in our community, thousands of our neighbors are facing hunger…but you can help! Your donation goes twice as far when you donate to 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗢𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗻 during the month of May:

 Every dollar matched (up to $25,000)
 Supports local food pantries ACCESS and Ashland Community Food Bank
 Helps neighbors in need right now

Join us in making a real, lasting impact.  Give today: URCSO.org

The pressure on food banks and their pantries ramped up in the later months of 2025. In November, federal food stamp payments to the states came to a sudden halt, amid a congressional budget dispute that began in October and lasted for six weeks.

Food pantries across the country, including in the Rogue Valley, saw lines of people seeking food expand almost overnight, as food stamp recipients scrambled to restock their cupboards and refrigerators.

That immediate crisis passed, but in its wake a continuing crisis persists, as reductions in federal funding have combined with a shaky economy to keep food pantries struggling to fill their shelves.

In response, a coalition of Rotary clubs in Jackson County have launched a “Full Plates, Full Hearts” fundraiser to boost food supplies for ACCESS and the Ashland Community Food Bank. The nine clubs, working together as United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon, have joined forces to raise just over $25,000 from their members and now are asking the community to boost the effort, in hopes of doubling the total to at least $50,000 by the end of May.

Kellie Battaglia, executive director of Medford-based ACCESS, noted that her organization is forecasting an increased demand for meals approaching 20 percent for the current fiscal year compared with the prior year.

Battaglia said ACCESS, which operates more than 30 pantries in Jackson County and is one of the Oregon Food Bank’s 21 regional food banks, distributed nearly 67,500 meals in its previous fiscal year. The estimate for 2025-26 is 80,000 meals, an increase of 18.6%.

“So many people are one paycheck away from needing help,” she said. “Families not normally needing food assistance are now needing it.”

Passage of a federal appropriations bill in mid-November included renewed funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as “food stamps.” But SNAP benefits are expected to fall nationally by an estimated $185 billion over 10 years, with average benefits dropping by $100 a month. In Oregon, an estimated 3,000 people were expected to lose SNAP eligibility entirely.

Battaglia noted donations to the Rotary campaign will provide double the support to the food banks, with Rotarians matching the community’s giving. That means every dollar donated will cover six meals.

“The ‘Full Plates, Full Hearts’ matching campaign is the type of community effort that is needed to do the work,” she said. “We’ve been really lucky that this community rises up when there’s a need.”

The food banks rely on several sources for food and funding donations. ACCESS receives food from the Oregon Food Bank, local grocery store “rescue” and community donations, while Ashland relies on grocery stores and community donations.

Battaglia said the numbers belie the myth that food bank recipients are “riding the system.” Children make up 25% of those helped, seniors another 25% and disabled people 20%.

The United Rotary clubs have had an ongoing connection with both food banks, including providing volunteers to pack and deliver food bags weekly during the school year to nearly 1,000 local elementary school children through the Rogue PowerPack program.

“Hunger isn’t something that happens somewhere else,” United Rotary President LeAnn Mobley said in a release detailing the fundraising effort. “This is our chance as a community to come together, show our compassion and help local families have enough food on their table.”

To donate

See www.urcso.org for online donations. Checks made out to United Rotary Clubs of Southern Oregon may be mailed to URCSO, P.O. Box 8171, Medford, OR 97501. All donated funds will go to the food banks.

Medford Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing a Minor Victim

The City of Ashland would like to inform residents that environmental cleanup work at the former Union Pacific Railroad property, a 16-acre vacant former railyard located north of A Street adjacent to the railroad tracks, is scheduled to begin in late April and continue through June.

This voluntary cleanup is being conducted under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with an approved remediation plan. Equipment is expected to mobilize on site in late April, followed by site preparation and excavation activities. Cleanup activities will be managed by Jacobs on behalf of Union Pacific Railroad, with work carried out by qualified environmental contractors.

This cleanup represents an important step in addressing long-standing environmental conditions on a large, underutilized property, helping prepare the site for future redevelopment while protecting public health and the environment.

Residents interested in learning more may visit the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s dedicated Ashland Rail Yard project webpage:

http://oregon.gov/…/Pages/Ashland-Railroad-Yard.aspx.

For questions about the cleanup activities, residents may contact the project manager, Michael Niemet with Jacobs at michael.niemet@jacobs.com, or reach Union Pacific Railroad through their media relations line at 402 544 5034.

Britt Music & Arts Festival  — Tickets On Sale!

It’s going to feel like Christmas morning because tickets for our most recently announced shows go on sale to the General Public today at 10 AM! Set your alarms and let’s get excited for SUMMER 2026

𝗪𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀? 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 – 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟯𝟬𝘁𝗵!!

This event is 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲, but an application is required. Deadline to apply is June 5.

Learn more and apply https://www.medfordoregon.gov/…/Registration-Open-for…

This year’s camp will be an overnight camp, so participants can get a more comprehensive experience of life in the fire house.

: Rogue Girls Fire Camp

Join them on Tuesday evenings for 5 weeks for FREE Community Concerts beginning June 16th through July 14th, 6:30pm-8:30pm in the picturesque Riverside Park.

Make a night of it! Bring the family for an evening of great music, delicious food, dancing, and fun for all ages. This family-friendly event features:

• Local Food Trucks: Savor a variety of culinary delights from our food truck partners.
• Activities & giveaways: There are always fun offerings for kids.
• Vendor Booths: Explore a diverse range of goods and services from local vendors.
• Wild River’s Tap Trailer: Enjoy refreshing beverages from a beloved local brewery.

The Chamber is pleased to announce that they will be in the same location as last year near the Pavilion. This spot offers plenty of shade and convenient access to parking. They encourage attendees to park in the McKinny lot across from the 6th street park entrance and safely utilize the walking path under the bridge.

The Chamber relies on the generosity of partners, supporters, and volunteers to continue offering this FREE gift to the community. If you are interested in sponsoring, there are many levels to accommodate any budget. Your support helps us maintain the tradition of community concerts and promotes a vibrant local culture.

Without further ado, they are thrilled to present the 2026 Line-Up for our upcoming concert series! This year’s selection promises an exciting mix of both renowned artists and local talent, ensuring a lasting impression on all who hear them.

2026 LINE-UP

June 16th – Gunstock RED

Strap in and get ready for a wild ride with Gunstock Red. This band’s music is a roller-coaster, taking listeners on a journey through southern rock, funk and everything in between. With a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh, their music pays homage to a wide range of music. GSR’s dynamic stage presence and infectious energy make them a standout act leaving a lasting impression on all who hear them.

June 23rd – Simple Dreams Oregon

Everything began with Simple Dreams Oregon – Ronstadt’s greatest hits, their signature full band musical tribute. A rich, emotional journey through Linda Ronstadt most beloved music, each performance is a love letter to an era of unmatched songwriting – delivered with powerhouse vocals, soaring, harmonies, and a band that plays with both passion and precision. It’s more than a concert. It’s a revival of spirit.

June 30th  – Pozitronics

Not just a band—they’re a musical time machine that electrifies every event with an unparalleled song arsenal spanning the decades. From James Brown’s soulful grooves to Dua Lipa’s modern beats, from Beatles classic rock to Michael Jackson pop, they seamlessly flow through genres, curating pure musical energy that transforms any space into an unstoppable dance floor. With professional precision and infectious passion, Pozitronics doesn’t just play music—they create unforgettable experiences that keep every crowd moving from the first note to the last call.

July 7th – Evening Shades

The Evening Shades is an indie/alternative rock band based in southern Oregon.  With a modern, yet nostalgic sound, the band is known for their high energy, dynamic live shows.  From driving, angsty rock anthems to stripped down, introspective and cheeky love songs, Evening Shades might be your new favorite band.

July 14th – The John Dough Boys

The John Dough Boys are a ruckus-including 5-piece string band formed in Southern Oregon. East met west, punk met bluegrass, and rock met folk, giving birth to a host of fast paced, foot stomping songs about women, beer and bad decisions. The lineup includes upright slap bass, drums, fiddle, guitar and banjo. Their aggressive live sound is infectious and is sure to leave anyone who witnesses it wanting more!

Join the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce as they honor four decades of music, community, and joy in Grants Pass. Looking forward to celebrating this milestone with you!

 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆: 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆

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

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

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

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

A variety of pantry staples to help stretch your budget

𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢:

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

922 N Central Ave, Medford

Hours:

• Monday: 1:00–3:00 PM

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

• Friday: 1:00–3:00 PM

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

Accessible via RVTD Bus Route 40

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. .

Southern Oregon Goodwill  —  We are hiring for our new North Medford store, opening May 14th!

New Blog: PIER Grant Round 2 Now Open!

We’ve just published a new blog to help small business owners in Jackson County understand everything about the second round of PIER Microenterprise Grants — including who qualifies, how to apply, and how this funding can support wildfire recovery.

Read the full blog here:

https://ivcdo.org/pier-grants-2026-launch-jackson-county…/

This post breaks down:

Eligibility details

Grant uses (up to $15,000)

Important deadlines

What support is available to help you apply

And if you’re planning ahead, we also share a link to the PIER Revolving Loan Fund, which offers low‑interest loans for fire‑impacted small businesses.

Let’s spread the word to those who can benefit most!

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

PBS, PBS KIDS and local stations like SOPBS are still here, and we’re still serving you with programming that informs, connects, and strengthens our community.

And now, more than ever, we need the support of Viewers Like You to keep going strong.  Protect the future of SOPBS at https://donate.sopbs.org/sopbs/donate

Rogue Valley Humane Society · Donations Always Needed to Help Community

Our Community Food Bank exists to help folks who need an extra helping hand during a difficult month to feed their pets. Our program has a limited budget and so we rely on generous members of our community to donate some of these goods to continue to help assist our community.   In 2023 we fed an average of 700 pets a month! This equates to approximately 70 – 40lb bags of food each month!  Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.

CSO Case 24-4928 PROSPECT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives and Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel continue to search for a woman missing out of Prospect, Ore. since September 2024.

Deenah Padgett, 69, was reported missing on Sunday, September 8, 2024. She was last seen camping in the Prospect area on September 4, 2024. She is described as a white woman with brownish-red, partially gray hair, standing 4’8” tall and weighing 90-100 lbs. JCSO detectives and SAR personnel have searched the area extensively and are looking for the public’s help. If you see Deenah or know her whereabouts, immediately call ECSO Dispatch at (541) 776-7206 and reference case 24-4928. If you have any information that might help the investigation, call Detective Friend at (541) 864-8774.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is asking  for help identifying the owner a motorhome.  It could be associated with a missing person from the Prospect area. JCSO says 68-year-old Deenah Padgett has been missing since August 30 from Prospect, described as a white woman, 4’ 8” tall, weighing approximately 95 pounds with brownish red/greying hair. JCSO issued an advisory this weekend asking anyone with information about the owner of the pictured motor home or Padgett’s whereabouts to call Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) dispatch non-emergency phone number at 541-776-7206.

David Grubbs’ Murder Investigation Remains Active

The Ashland Police Department’s investigation into the murder of David Grubbs on November 19, 2011 remains open and active. Recently two new detectives have been assigned to look into new leads that have come in. This case remains important to David’s family, the community, and the Ashland Police Department. As detectives continue to pursue these new leads, anyone with additional information is encouraged to reach out to the Ashland Police Department at 541-488-2211. The reward for information leading to an arrest on this case remains at over $21,000.

Taking Another Look at What Happened to Fauna Frey

Fauna was grieving the recent death of her brother, Dallas, when she set off from Eugene in June of 2020 heading to Grants Pass on what her family believes was both a healing trip and a mission to deliver gifts, silver coins inherited from Dallas, to a few friends. But somewhere between motel check-ins and checkouts, something went terribly wrong. Her Jeep was found months later. She was never seen again. http://bit.ly/4l63Dle

We will start resharing podcasts and articles. For starters here is a story from Danielle Denham that appeared in the June 29, 2025 edition of That Oregon Life. Ms Denham worked closely with us to insure that the facts she presented were accurate. Check out the nine episodes of the podcast Nowhere to be Found, a comprehensive, in-depth, sensitive treatment of the details surrounding Fauna’s disappearance. Hear from Fauna’s father, John, and her friends. Posted in spring of 2022, Amanda Popineau shares Fauna’s journey and the mystery that surrounds it. Go to Nowhere to be Found Season Two: Episode One “Under A Half-Moon.” https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/s2e1-under-a-halfmoon/id1532686678?i=1000512098162 We want to remind people that Fauna’s father is offering a huge reward for information that brings Fauna home. Please if you have any information no matter how big or small let us know by calling the anonymous tip line or emailing. Tipline- 541-359-5638 Email – Helpfindfaunafrey@gmail.com FOLLOW on FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/341658526970132

You can find food in your community at this link

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

https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/

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

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help: 211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon. Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Map to find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area.

5/8/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

Prescribed burn southeast of Bend that escaped containment Thursday has grown to over 3,000 acres

A prescribed burn on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest was declared a wildfire Thursday afternoon after multiple spot fires spread outside the planned burn area, officials said.

The fire, now named the Pine Mountain Fire, was declared a wildfire at about 4 p.m., according to the U.S. Forest Service.The blaze is burning about 14 miles southeast of Bend and is now over 3,000 acres and is 15% contained, officials said Friday.

Oregon faces longer fire season due to historic heat, drought, fire experts warn

Oregon’s wildfire season started early this year and is expected to last into October, according to state fire experts.

The season is made more difficult by historic heat, drought and a potentially early El Niño weather pattern that could further stir up temperatures and lightning storms into the fall, fire officials said at a Tuesday news conference with Gov. Tina Kotek. Oregonians need to be proactive about protecting themselves and their properties from wildfire and behave far more cautiously when starting campfires or burning debris than in recent years, they advised.

“It’s not one thing that brings the wildfire season, it’s many things,” Kotek said.

Although May is officially Wildfire Awareness Month, the season’s first Level 3 fire — meaning residents were ordered to evacuate immediately — occurred in La Pine in March, burning 20 acres.

“All indications suggest a more challenging fire season ahead of all of us,” Kotek said.

Oregon’s winter was among the warmest on record and snow-pack across the Northwest was one-third of normal levels, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Last year’s wildfire season burned significantly fewer Oregon acres than in previous years, in large part because the Oregon Legislature allocated hundreds of millions of additional dollars to the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Both in turn beefed up preparation and response systems since the 2020 Labor Day Fires that became the most expensive in state history.

But most fires last year — more than 60% of wildfires — were started by humans, a disappointing reversal from years prior, which had human-caused fires trending downward. People burning yard waste and other debris is the number one cause of human-ignited wildfires, Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said.Download the Before You Burn app here.

She encouraged Oregonians who burn debris to download a new Before You Burn app developed with support from state and federal fire agencies, which will provide users information about local burn regulations, burn statuses, required safety measures and fire and weather alerts. About 700 Oregonians have downloaded it since it launched in April, she said.

Oregon’s new state forester, Kacey KC, said it’s likely that wildfire risk will be above normal east of the Cascades in rangeland areas beginning in June and above normal southwest of the Cascades by July, heading up further into forests that have experienced record-low snowpack this year.

Federal partners?

Oregon’s fire agencies have roughly 700 wildland fire fighters and 300 fire trucks ready to protect 16 million Oregon acres this season. They’ll rely as well on more than 300 local fire departments and federal and tribal wildland firefighters to respond in an emergency.

“We are ready, we are coordinated and we are all hands on deck as we prepare for the season,” Kotek said.

Oregon’s congressional Democrats have raised concerns that federal support could be lacking in light of budget and personnel cuts to the U.S. Forest Service over the last year. The cuts, according to a letter from Oregon’s senior U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, included 1,400 employees who hold the necessary certifications to support firefighting operations during a wildfire.

KC said she talks frequently with the Forest Service’s regional director — at least weekly as the state prepares and gets closer to the fire season — and that she’s been assured no wildland firefighters working for the Forest Service or U.S. Department of the Interior in Oregon have lost their jobs.

Although federal officials have been criticized for consolidating wildland firefighting efforts at both agencies to create the new U.S. Wildland Fire Service so close to the start of the fire season, KC said signs so far indicate that moving all firefighting efforts under the Interior as opposed to several agencies could be beneficial in the long run.

“They’re working together to figure out how to do this more effectively. And so I feel confident that this year, on a firefighting front, they’re going to be as active as they’ve always been, and that it may actually even be a little simpler,” she said.

Simple home hardening recommendations from state fire experts:

• Space trees and prune them to prevent fire from climbing up them and onto structures.
• Remove leaves, pine needles, mulch and other debris within 100 feet of structures or up to the property line.
• Clean roofs and gutters.
• Move combustible materials like mulch and firewood away from structures.
• Trim dead material from plants and trees, especially near the house.
• Do not plant directly under eaves. Leave at least a five-foot buffer between plants and structures.
• Know your evacuation routes, be two weeks ready and sign up for emergency alerts at OR-Alert.
• Know your local air quality smoke conditions by keeping up with DEQ’s Air now program: About AirNow | AirNow.gov.

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/05/05/oregon-faces-longer-fire-season-due-to-historic-heat-drought-fire-experts-warn/

Oregon DMVs regularly pushed to close because of short staffing

Regional managers must weigh where to prioritize staff so they can serve as many Oregonians as possible

ALBANY – Jessica Lavery starts her mornings, sometimes as early as 6 a.m., deciding if she needs to close one of the offices she manages or shift her staff to another location.

Lavery manages the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Northwest region of Oregon’s Driver and Motor Vehicle Services division, which has offices across the Willamette Valley and two along the coast. On May 1, she and other agency leaders decided to close the Albany office for the day after each of the four staff members were unavailable. Two called in sick while the others had already been approved for time off, she said.

Decisions like hers are routine for DMV managers grappling with severe staffing shortages caused by outdated and limited positions within the agency, as well as a spike in employee departures following a budget crisis within the agency.

Albany’s office closure marked the 34th full day that DMV offices have had to close across Oregon since Jan. 1, with smaller offices such as Madras, Prineville or Newport regularly closing because of similar staffing issues. Last year, there were 92 full-day closures across Oregon because of staffing issues, according to agency spokesperson Chris Crabb.

The Oregon DMV employs a total of 768 employees, with 361 working across its 58 field offices. Its bigger offices are mostly located within the Portland metro region and typically have more than seven counter spaces.

Since late June 2025, 64 DMV employees have left their positions after state lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would have updated the Oregon Department of Transportation’s funding structure for operations and maintenance. The budget uncertainty, combined with nearly 500 ODOT workers receiving layoff notices and a hiring freeze that lasted until March, accelerated employee departures, Crabb said. Lawmakers passed a short-term funding fix this spring and avoided layoffs by eliminating vacant positions, but many transportation department workers quit or retired early because of uncertainty.

Oregon DMV offices are in the process of hiring 35 positions, but that process takes time, Crabb said.

And even if all vacancies were filled, there still wouldn’t be enough employees to cover the demand for services, Crabb said, because the state has employed roughly the same number of people at DMV offices over the last 25 years despite the state’s population growing by more than 840,000 people in the same timeframe.

Oregon voters this month will have a say on whether to pass a law that would raise revenue for maintenance and operations within the Oregon Department of Transportation. Measure 120, placed on the ballot for the May 19 primary, proposes raising the gas tax by six cents, doubling the payroll tax from 0.1% of a paycheck to 0.2% of a paycheck until 2028, and raising title fees and most vehicle registration fees.

A balancing act – Lavery said she understands the community members who are frustrated by DMV office closures, particularly those living in rural areas.

“Gas is expensive, so then they have to drive however many miles to go to another DMV,” she said. “I know for the community it feels really frustrating and feels like they’re being left out, but that just isn’t the case. It’s a real balancing act.”

The resulting staff shortages means DMV managers regularly ask staff to commute to a different location to help severely short-staffed offices, which isn’t always efficient.

For instance, a staff member commuting from the Albany or Salem office to help in Newport, has to drive, work and take lunch and other breaks all within an eight-hour window.

“In reality, they’re really only helping for four to five hours,” said Mia Ravell, the Oregon DMV customer service manager for South Salem and Albany.

The alternative of doing nothing, however, would mean more DMV office closures.

“Frequently there is no amount of staff shifting that can avoid closures entirely,” Crabb said. “We have some offices with only three, two or even one full-time staff member. We try to limit the impact on any one community, but due to staffing constraints in each geographic region, sometimes we must close one office more than others.”

Alternative ways to get DMV services – There are several ways Oregonians can get DMV services without having to go to an office in person.

The Oregon DMV last year launched 10 Fred Meyer kiosks, mostly around the Portland metro region, that let people renew their vehicle registration, print a copy of their vehicle registration and replace vehicle registration cards and stickers.

Oregonians can also go to the agency’s online platform, known as “DMV2U,” to take knowledge tests, renew a license or vehicle registration, schedule appointments, update an address, file collision reports or report vehicle sales. The agency also offers informational Youtube videos explaining how to use the online platform.

“These resources are something the Oregon DMV is really trying to pour into just because we realize and understand there needs to be different avenues to assist the communities and Oregonians,” Ravell said. (SOURCE)

Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board to host community forums to hear how prescription drug prices affect Oregonians Next Week

The Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is hosting a series of community forums in April and May to hear from people about the high cost of prescription drugs and the effect it has on their lives and budgets.

The in-person forums will be held May 5 at the Salem Library, May 6 at the Redmond Library, May 12 at the Asian Health & Service Center in Portland, and May 18 at the Beaverton Library. Online forums are scheduled for April 28, May 11, May 13, and the online board meeting, May 20.

“We invite all Oregonians to join us at these forums and share your stories about the cost of your medications and how those costs impact your lives,” said Sarah Young, PDAB executive director. “All forums will have similar content, so choose the best option for your schedule. We would love to have patients, caregivers, and consumers join us to share their experiences. Hearing your stories will help inform the board as it reviews drugs to identify affordability challenges and high out-of-pocket costs for patients.”

The board conducts annual drug reviews and presents a list of medications that may create affordability challenges to the Oregon Legislature each year. This year, PDAB will review the following medications to evaluate their affordability and their impact on Oregonians and the state’s health care system:

• Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Ozempic (Type 2 diabetes)
• Humulin R U-500 (improve blood sugar control for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who require more than 200 units of insulin per day)
• Keytruda and Verzenio (cancer)
• Xeljanz (autoimmune and inflammatory conditions)
• Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis)
• Skyrizi (immune-mediated inflammatory conditions)
• Tremfya (plaque psoriasis)
• Xolair (allergic and inflammatory conditions)

The feedback from the community forums will help inform PDAB’s drug review process. Each of the drugs and what they treat can be found on PDAB’s website.

The online forums are:

• Monday, May 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 556 2737 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)
• Wednesday, May 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 948 4958 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)

The in-person forums are:

• Tuesday, May 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Portland at the Asian Health & Service Center, 9035 SE Foster Road
• Monday, May 18, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Beaverton at the Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW Fifth St.

“We also invite everyone to share online feedback about the prescription drugs the board is reviewing,” Young said. “If you have been prescribed one of the drugs on the list, please answer the questions and submit the form.”

The feedback forms are located on the PDAB website and include options for patients, medical experts, safety net clinics, and others.

The Oregon Legislature created the board out of Senate Bill 844 in 2021 to protect Oregonians and the Oregon health care system from the high costs of prescription drugs. The board holds monthly online meetings that are open to the public. The board has eight members with backgrounds in clinical medicine or health care economics.

For more information, email pdab@dcbs.oregon.gov, call 971-374-3724 or go to dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.

About PDAB: The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is in the Division of Financial Regulation, part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The board was established under ORS 646A.693 to protect residents of Oregon, state and local governments, commercial health plans, health care providers, pharmacies licensed in Oregon, and others within the health care system in this state from the high costs of prescription drugs. Visit dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs to Host Statewide Memorial Day Event in Salem

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will host Oregon’s annual Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony in person at 11 a.m., Monday, May 25 in view of the Oregon State Capitol Building.

This event honors Oregon’s fallen service members from all eras of service and will feature remarks by dignitaries and special guests along with ceremonial elements including a color guard, singing of the national anthem, a wreath laying and the playing of “Taps.”

The ceremony will be hosted at the Oregon State Capitol State Park, located directly across the street from the front entrance of the Oregon State Capitol Building, 900 Court Street NE in Salem. This event is being temporarily relocated from its traditional annual location at the World War II Memorial due to adjacent construction taking place on the Capitol grounds.

The event is open to the public, and uncovered seating will be provided for attendees. Accessible pathways and seating areas for those needing accommodations will also be available. Attendees are reminded to plan accordingly for Oregon weather.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/odvavet.

Statewide Memorial Day Events — In addition to the Capitol ceremony, ODVA maintains a Statewide Memorial Day Events Calendar highlighting local observances and community celebrations honoring Oregon’s fallen heroes.

To view events near you, visit oregondva.com/event-calendar.

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

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

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

BLM prepares to open campgrounds for 2026 recreation season

Know Before You Go and check local fire restrictions to stay safe and informed

As spring temperatures rise, the Bureau of Land Management is excited to welcome visitors to public lands across Oregon and Washington for the 2026 recreation season. While many sites are moving to full-service operations, the BLM urges people to plan ahead, practice “Know Before You Go” safety and strictly adhere to upcoming seasonal fire restrictions.

“Each year we look forward to welcoming visitors back,” said Jim Regan-Vienop, Klamath Falls Acting Field Manager. “Public lands offer everyone a chance to unwind, explore, and appreciate the landscapes we all share.”

BLM recreation areas offer a broad selection of activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle recreation and boating across a wide variety of landscapes.

Most seasonal campgrounds across Oregon and Washington open by mid-May, though specific dates vary based on local conditions and elevation. The BLM encourages all visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve these shared spaces for future generations.

Safe recreation begins with thorough planning; always share your itinerary with someone at home and be prepared to “Pack It In, Pack It Out” if facilities have limited trash service early in the season. For those drawn to the region’s rivers, water safety is paramount, always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and check local water conditions before launching.

Public safety depends on responsible fire practices. Before heading out, visitors are urged to verify if campfires are permitted at their specific destination, as high-danger periods often restrict fires to designated steel rings in improved campgrounds only or restrict open flames completely. The BLM reminds everyone to never leave a fire unattended and to use the “Drown, Stir, and Feel” method to ensure coals are cold to the touch before departing.

For the most up-to-date information on specific site availability and local fire danger levels, please visit the BLM Oregon/Washington webpage or contact your local District Office.

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced a collaboration with fellow lawmakers to introduce the Puppy Protection Act, aimed at enhancing the welfare of dogs in breeding facilities.

This legislation seeks to ensure that dogs are housed in safe environments, have access to outdoor spaces, and can engage regularly with both humans and other dogs. Key provisions of the act include improved enclosure standards that allow dogs to stand fully upright and require adequate space based on their size, as well as a mandate for unrestricted outdoor access for dogs over 12 weeks old.

Additionally, the act stipulates a daily socialization requirement of 30 minutes with humans and compatible dogs, alongside veterinary screenings before breeding attempts. It also limits breeders to two litters within an 18-month period and a maximum of six litters throughout a dog’s lifetime, while ensuring that retired breeding dogs are placed in humane environments, such as with adoptive families or rescue organizations.

The Office of the Governor, in partnership with the Oregon Arts Commission, is proud to relaunch Art in the Governor’s Office. This program brings the works of some of Oregon’s most distinguished artists to the state Capitol to be displayed in the Governor’s Gallery (formerly the Reception Room).

This longstanding tradition, which began in 1975 and celebrates the diverse creativity of Oregon’s professional visual artists, returns this year after a pause due to the pandemic and the restoration of the Capitol building. It will feature a series of three exhibitions of renowned practitioners of photography and painting.

The 2026 series begins with an exhibition by Harrison Branch, an accomplished photographer and Oregon State University Professor Emeritus. Branch’s “Palladotypes: Unpublished Images” will be on display April 24 through July 16.

“With construction nearly completed, it’s so meaningful to be back in the Capitol – and restart the sharing of art in the Governor’s Office,” said Oregon First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson. “Oregonian artist Marie Watt so perfectly described the importance of art: ‘Art is a living, breathing part of our community. Art belongs to everyone, and it has the power to transform the way we see each other and ourselves.’ I encourage everyone who visits or works in the Capitol to stop by the Governor’s Office to view these beautiful pieces of art and photography.”

Featured Artist: Harrison Branch — Born in New York City and educated at the San Francisco Art Institute and Yale University, Harrison Branch has spent more than four decades at the forefront of photographic education and artistry. Joining Oregon State University faculty in 1972, Branch was instrumental in developing the university’s photography program.

Branch, who lives in Corvallis, is celebrated for his technical expertise with bellows cameras—large, intricate instruments that allow for extreme precision. His work deeply explores the “natural environment,” specifically focusing on the tonal relationships between silver and the superior platinum-palladium printing process.

“In the age of digital photography,” Branch said, “I prefer the traditional methods, which could also be called classical. To me this hands-on method brings the most joy and excitement. Watching an image materialize in the developing tray is still magical.”

His photographs, which often feature undeveloped natural areas, have been exhibited internationally, including at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris and the George Eastman House.

Upcoming 2026 Exhibitions

Following the exhibition by Harrison Branch, the Governor’s Office will host two additional prominent Oregon artists:

Erik Sandgren (July 17 – Oct. 8): Sandgren’s work probes the figured landscape through the lenses of myth and history. He works in many media. His large-scale murals, paintings and prints are in private and public collections as diverse as the Maryhill Museum of Art and the Yale University Art Gallery.

Nancy Watterson Scharf (Oct. 9 – Dec. 31): Scharf is based in the Southern Oregon coast range, and her acrylic paintings provide a “voice for nature,” investigating the complex relationship between humans, animals and the ecosystems they share.

Public Access — The Governor’s Gallery is viewable most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitation information is available at 503-986-1388.

BLM Brings Oregon Folklife Programming to National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

BAKER CITY, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to explore Oregon’s living cultural traditions through a new interpretive folklife series at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center beginning this week.

The series aligns with America’s 250th anniversary by highlighting the people, traditions, and cultural knowledge that have shaped the nation over time. Visitors can experience firsthand how traditional arts connect past and present while supporting the BLM’s mission.

From April through October, visitors will have interactive opportunities that represent Native American, ranching, and rural lifeways. Presentations will take place daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Pacific Time, offering deeper insight into each artist’s craft and cultural background.

April 23-25, Sara Barton, traditional basket maker of Mono Lake Paiute and Yosemite Miwuk ancestry works closely with Burns Paiute weavers

May 7-9, Kathy Moss, cowboy poet, buckaroo, horse trainer, and rancher from Prairie City

June 18-20, Roberta Kirk, regalia maker, food gatherer, and bead and dentalium artist from Warm Springs, Tenino and Wasq’u

July 9-11, Cheryl Newhouse, spinner and weaver from Richland

August 13-15, Mildred Quaempts, dentalium artist from the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla

September 24-26, Clair Kehrberg, saddle and gear maker and leatherworker from John Day

October 15-17, Katie Harris Murphy and Mary Harris, regalia and beadwork artists from the Wallowa Band Nimiipuu, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Karuk Tribes

“This interpretive outreach brings people face-to-face with the traditions that continue to shape communities across Oregon,” said Robert Reis, acting manager for the Interpretive Center. “These demonstrations create a meaningful connection to the past through the skills and knowledge that are still practiced today.”

This series is designed to build long-term, high-quality cultural programming at the Interpretive Center, ensuring visitors can engage with authentic traditions and perspectives for years to come.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located at 22267 Highway 86 in Baker City and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. Admission fees apply. For more information, visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center website or call 541-523-1843.

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state. The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability. In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs. If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points. Support and Restoration in Progress To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either. Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced

Find the mental health support you need

           Click to see all resources https://oregonhealthnews.oregon.gov/find-the-mental-health-support-you-need/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

    Oregon State Police are reminding parents and students of the SafeOregon hotline. It takes reports of potential threats against students and schools. The tips can be made anonymously. They can include safety threats, fights, drugs, weapons on campus, cyberbullying and students considering self-harm or suicide. A technician reviews the reports and assigns them either to police or school administrators. Tips can be made by phone, text, email or on the website https://www.safeoregon.com Call us at 5 41-363-7503  Or email us at Info@RogueValleyMagazine.com