Rogue Valley News, Wednesday 9/9 – Rogue Valley Peace Choir Participating in OSF Green Show Stage for Free Commemoration of 9/11, Public Ceremonies in Ashland and Grants Pass for 9/11 & Other Local and Statewide News Stories

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

Wednesday,  September 9,  2026

Rogue Valley Weather

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

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

  

Southern Oregon communities are gathering on Friday, September 11, 2026, to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. 

The Rogue Valley Peace Choir is HONORED to be participating in this event. Please join us at the Green Show stage for this commemoration of 9/11.

The Rogue Valley Peace Choir is a secular choir dedicated to building peace, equality, social justice, and stewardship of our planet through song. Formed in 2003, the choir does not require auditions and welcomes everyone to join the first Thursday after Labor Day at the First United Methodist Church in Ashland.

The choir performs regularly at events such as World AIDS Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Earth and Arbor Day observances. In 2006 the choir traveled to Japan to sing for peace in Hiroshima. During the 2014-15 season, we hosted a sold-out event at Southern Oregon University featuring peace choirs from throughout the Northwest. One of our greatest joys is singing for (and with) children in elementary schools.

The late Dave Marston directed the choir for the first four years, followed by Heather Hutton for three years. The current director Rob Griswell-Lowry leads the choir with accompanist Mikiko Petrucelli, as we continue our mission to sing for peace.

The Rogue Valley Peace Choir is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For more info including this year’s musical offerings, visit the website at: roguevalleypeacechoir.org.

 

 

Public Ceremonies in Ashland and Grants Pass for 9/11

Southern Oregon will mark a quarter-century since the September 11 terrorist attacks Friday, with firefighters and residents gathering in Grants Pass and Ashland for public ceremonies commemorating the victims, first responders and events of September 11, 2001.

The  anniversary will be especially visible in Grants Pass, where a piece of the World Trade Center will be displayed at Reinhart Volunteer Park during Rural Metro Fire’s annual 9/11 Patriot Day Track Walk. The event is scheduled from 9 to 10 a.m. at the park, 1690 SW Webster Road, and is open to the public.

Local firefighters and emergency vehicles will assemble near the track as residents participate in the commemorative walk. American flags are encouraged, and attendance is not limited to those who want to walk. The park track is accessible to people with disabilities, allowing residents to participate in the observance from along the route as well.

The World Trade Center artifact gives this year’s Josephine County ceremony an uncommon connection to the attack site in Lower Manhattan. Twenty-five years after the Twin Towers were destroyed, a surviving piece of the complex will stand in a Grants Pass park surrounded by the firefighters, first responders and community members gathered for the anniversary.

The walk follows the approximately 102 minutes between the first aircraft striking the World Trade Center and the collapse of the North Tower. It was during those minutes that four hijacked commercial airliners carried out attacks in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, leaving scenes that would define one of the deadliest mornings in American history.

American Airlines Flight 11 struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time. United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower 17 minutes later. American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m., while United Airlines Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at 10:03 a.m. after passengers and crew members attempted to overpower the hijackers.

The attacks killed 2,977 victims, excluding the 19 hijackers. The death toll included 343 New York City firefighters, 23 New York City police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers, along with airline passengers and crews, military and civilian personnel at the Pentagon and thousands of people working in and around the World Trade Center.

Southern Oregon’s observance will extend into Jackson County, where Ashland Fire & Rescue is preparing a separate ceremony Friday morning.

The 9/11 Remembrance and Painting Dedication Ceremony will run from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Ashland Fire Station 1, 455 Siskiyou Boulevard. The public event will commemorate the anniversary while incorporating the dedication of a painting at the station.

Fire stations have remained prominent gathering places for September 11 ceremonies across the country because of the extraordinary losses suffered by emergency services that morning. Firefighters climbed the stairwells of the World Trade Center towers as civilians descended toward the streets, and hundreds of emergency personnel were still conducting rescue operations when the buildings collapsed.

Friday’s ceremonies arrive with September 11 crossing a generational boundary. Twenty-five years now separate the Rogue Valley from the morning of the attacks. Residents who were young adults in 2001 are approaching or have entered middle age, children who watched the events unfold are now adults with families of their own, and an increasing share of the community was not yet born.

The anniversary nevertheless remains embedded in the nation’s civic calendar. September 11 is federally designated Patriot Day, with American flags lowered to half-staff and ceremonies conducted by government agencies, emergency services, veterans organizations and communities throughout the United States.

In Southern Oregon, the anniversary will be marked without a large centralized regional ceremony. Instead, the Rogue Valley’s confirmed public commemorations will take place within the communities themselves, beginning at Ashland’s Fire Station 1 and continuing at Reinhart Volunteer Park in Grants Pass.

For Josephine County residents, the Grants Pass ceremony offers a particularly tangible encounter with the history being commemorated. The piece of World Trade Center steel that will be displayed Friday survived a site where two 110-story towers once dominated the Manhattan skyline and where firefighters, police officers and civilians died by the thousands.

It will be nearly 3,000 miles from New York when it goes on display in Grants Pass.

Twenty-five years after September 11, Southern Oregon’s firefighters and residents will gather around it Friday morning.

 

 

 

 Wonder Woods Renaissance Faire Coming to Medford

Bringing magic and merriment to Medford, Oregon – September 19th and 20th

https://www.wonderwoodsfaire.com/

✨ 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿, 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿!

At ACCESS, we offer meaningful roles with great benefits and a fun & supportive work environment.
We have open roles across multiple departments, including:
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👥 Human Resources
🏠 Housing Stabilization
🎖️ Veterans Services
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🤝 Shelter Case Management
✨ Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
👉 Explore open positions and apply at https://accesshelps.org/careers/

Eagle Point Police Chief Jim Hamilton resigned his position effective September 7, 2026.

Though his announcement to Eagle Point City Council at its meeting Tuesday night was treated like business as usual, Oregon Fraternal of Police (OFOP) says his resignation involves two other Eagle Point city staff members doing City business unusually.

Dan Thenell with Lake Oswego-based Thenell Law Group says Hamilton resigned because of City Administrator interference. In his law firm’s role with OFOP Thenell dispatched a three-page letter to Eagle Point Mayor Kathy Sell and the Eagle Point City Council today outlining points of contention intended to show undue and/or improper influence by City Administrator Aaron Prunty and City Human Resources/Finance Director Melissa Owen on Eagle Point police.

Though neither Hamilton’s resignation nor any related issue was not listed on the Eagle Point City Council’s meeting agenda for August 25, 2026, OFOP’s letter calls on the City to place Prunty and Owen on “administrative leave while an outside investigation is conducted into the allegations” OFOP asserts.

Chief Hamilton spoke at the end of the meeting as the final City staff member to offer his information during “Staff Reports.” After reporting that Eagle Point Police Department (EPPD) helped with Fielder Mountain Fire traffic, that the City has with three damaged Flock camera systems of five in Eagle Point, and that EPPD is getting new taser equipment and body cams, Hamilton verbally reported his resignation.

Hamilton said September 7, 2026, is last day on duty as police chief, adding that he was grateful for City Council support, “and that’s all I have to say.”

Thenell notes that Oregon State FOP Labor Coalition sent the letter on behalf of the Eagle Point Police Officer’s Association.

 

 

ACCESS · 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲? 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗯𝘂𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿!

 

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

 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆: 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 

Southern Oregon PBS Still on The Air Despite Federal Funding Loss

Rogue Valley Humane Society · Donations Always Needed to Help Community

Our Community Food Bank exists to help folks who need an extra helping hand during a difficult month to feed their pets. Our program has a limited budget and so we rely on generous members of our community to donate some of these goods to continue to help assist our community.   In 2023 we fed an average of 700 pets a month!

This equates to approximately 70 – 40lb bags of food each month!  Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.

 

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

Deenah Padgett, 69, was reported missing on Sunday, September 8, 2024. She was last seen camping in the Prospect area on September 4, 2024.

She is described as a white woman with brownish-red, partially gray hair, standing 4’8” tall and weighing 90-100 lbs. JCSO detectives and SAR personnel have searched the area extensively and are looking for the public’s help. If you see Deenah or know her whereabouts, immediately call ECSO Dispatch at (541) 776-7206 and reference case 24-4928.

If you have any information that might help the investigation, call Detective Friend at (541) 864-8774.

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

 

David Grubbs’ Murder Investigation Remains Active

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

 

Taking Another Look at What Happened to Fauna Frey

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

We will start resharing podcasts and articles. For starters here is a story from Danielle Denham that appeared in the June 29, 2025 edition of That Oregon Life. Ms Denham worked closely with us to insure that the facts she presented were accurate. Check out the nine episodes of the podcast Nowhere to be Found, a comprehensive, in-depth, sensitive treatment of the details surrounding Fauna’s disappearance. Hear from Fauna’s father, John, and her friends. Posted in spring of 2022, Amanda Popineau shares Fauna’s journey and the mystery that surrounds it. Go to Nowhere to be Found Season Two: Episode One “Under A Half-Moon.”

https://podcasts.apple.com/kg/podcast/s2e1-under-a-halfmoon/id1532686678?i=1000512098162

We want to remind people that Fauna’s father is offering a reward for information that brings Fauna home. Please if you have any information no matter how big or small let us know by calling the anonymous tip line or emailing. Tipline- 541-359-5638 Email – Helpfindfaunafrey@gmail.com FOLLOW on FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/341658526970132

 

You can find food in your community at this link

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

https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/

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

 

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

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

 

9/9/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

Twenty‑Five Years After 9/11, DPSST Invites Oregonians to Reflect at the September 11 Memorial

— As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) welcomes the public to view the September 11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy on Friday, Sept. 11. Visitors are invited to reflect on the lives lost, the extraordinary acts of courage shown that day, and the enduring impact the attacks continue to have on our country.

The academy hosts a permanent display of artifacts from the attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, including 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers and 55 military personnel. In addition to the lives lost in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, thousands of first responders have succumbed to illness resulting from their heroic rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

The memorial serves as a testament to the courage, service, and selflessness demonstrated on 9/11. It honors those who rushed toward danger without hesitation, those who supported months‑long recovery efforts, and the families and communities who have carried the weight of loss for 25 years. It also provides a meaningful connection for younger generations, helping them understand the significance of the day and the humanity shown in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Members of the public are welcome to visit the memorial on Friday, Sept. 11, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The academy is located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy. SE in Salem. Upon entering academy grounds, signage will direct visitors to the main entry. The memorial display is located in the lobby.

Artifacts on display at the 9/11 Memorial include:

• A floor beam from either 5 or 6 World Trade Center
• A structural beam from the base of the North Tower (1 World Trade Center)
• A support strap from the towers’ mechanical systems
• A smaller floor beam from above the 50th floor of one of the Twin Towers
• A piece of exterior aluminum “skin” from one of the towers
• A limestone façade section from the Pentagon, recovered near the point of impact

The artifacts are accompanied by a video tribute, a painting by artist Ricardo Salazar depicting the attacks, and the flags of New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, displayed in honor of the lives lost in each of those states.

The Oregon Public Safety Academy campus also houses memorials dedicated to Oregon’s fallen law enforcement officers and fire service professionals. The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial commemorates 199 officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s, and the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial honors 185 fire service members lost since 1881. DPSST holds annual ceremonies to remember these individuals and their service to Oregon communities.

Ready Oregon Youth Art Contest for Preparedness Month

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites young artists across the state to participate in the Ready Oregon Youth Art Contest and show us what community preparedness means to them.

Oregon youth in grades K–12 are encouraged to create an original piece of art showing how people can work together to prepare for emergencies and disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, winter storms and more.

Need some inspiration? Learn how you, your family and your community can prepare for emergencies through Oregon’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program.

Who Can Enter? — The contest is FREE and open to all youth in grades K–12 in Oregon.

Entries will be judged in four grade-level categories:

• Kindergarten–2nd grade
• 3rd–5th grade
• 6th–8th grade
• 9th–12th grade

Each category will recognize a First Place, Runner-Up and Honorable Mention. Youth may submit one entry each.

Artwork Requirements — Artwork should creatively answer the question: What does community preparedness mean to you?

Whether preparedness means neighbors helping neighbors, families building emergency kits, communities practicing evacuation plans or people looking out for one another during a disaster, we want to see preparedness through the eyes of Oregon’s youth.

Submissions must meet the following requirements:

• Medium: Original two-dimensional artwork, including painting, drawing or mixed media.
• Size: Between 8″ × 10″ and 11″ × 14″.
• Format: Artwork must be created on a flat surface. Canvas, cardstock or poster board are recommended.
• Original work: Artwork must be 100% original and created solely by the student. AI-generated images and copyrighted characters are not permitted.

How to Enter — Each submission must include the following information:

• Artist’s name
• Grade level
• Name of parent, guardian or other contact person
• Contact person’s relationship to the artist
• Contact person’s phone number
• Contact person’s email address
• A short description of the artwork

Artwork may be mailed to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management or dropped off at an approved local, county or Tribal emergency management office.

Approved Artwork Drop-Off Locations

Ready Oregon Youth Art Contest entries may be dropped off at any of the approved locations below. Please review each location’s hours and instructions before visiting.

Eastern Oregon

Malheur County Emergency Management
151 B St. W.
Vale, OR 97918

Please address or deliver artwork to the Malheur County Emergency Manager.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) – Public Safety Building
46400 Timíne Way
Pendleton, OR 97801

Drop-off location: Public Safety Building lobby

Northwest Oregon

Grand Ronde Fire Station
28480 McPherson Drive
Grand Ronde, OR 97347

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Willamina Fire Station
825 Main Street
Willamina, OR 97396

Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Please note: Emergency services staff may occasionally be away from the stations while responding to calls or emergencies.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Support Services
225 W. Olive Street, Room 203
Newport, OR 97365

Hours: Monday–Thursday
8 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m.
Closed noon–1 p.m. and Fridays.

Drop-off instructions: Enter through the courthouse public entrance and proceed through security. Once inside, go upstairs to the service window at Room 203 and provide the artwork to staff.

Willamette Valley

City of Eugene – The Atrium
99 W. 10th Avenue
Eugene, OR

Drop-off location: Reception desk
Hours: Noon–4 p.m.

Please route artwork to: Althea Sullivan

North Central Oregon

Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office
701 Adams Street
Fossil, OR 97830

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Mailing Option

Artwork may also be mailed directly to:

Oregon Department of Emergency Management
3930 Fairview Industrial Drive SE
Salem, OR 97302

Please ensure mailed entries arrive by the contest deadline: 5 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2026.

Important Dates

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2026. Winners will be notified by Friday, October 2, 2026. Get creative, get prepared and show us what a ready Oregon looks like to you!

Oregon Governor Proclaims September Preparedness Month

— Gov. Tina Kotek has proclaimed September as Preparedness Month in Oregon, underscoring the importance of readiness and resilience across the state. The proclamation serves as a rallying point for the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and its partners to amplify preparedness messaging and activities statewide. It also invites all Oregonians to take proactive steps to safeguard their families, homes, and communities against future disasters.

“OEM remains committed to ensuring every Oregonian has access to the tools and resources they need to prepare for emergencies,” OEM Director Erin McMahon, said. “Preparedness Month is a valuable reminder that we are stronger and more resilient when we plan ahead, practice safety, and stay connected within our communities.”

OEM continues to spotlight its “Be 2 Weeks Ready” campaign, a multilingual multimedia toolkit that helps individuals and communities prepare to be self‑sufficient for at least two weeks following a disaster. This year, the campaign will again be supported through community events, educational outreach, and digital engagement across Oregon.

Proclamation Highlights

The governor’s proclamation emphasizes:

• #OregonPreparednessMonthoffers a vital opportunity for every Oregonian to learn how to prepare for all types of emergencies.
• Federal, Tribal, state, local, and private sector partners are working together to prevent and respond to disasters.
• OEM prioritizes outreach and education to ensure all Oregonians understand the importance of emergency preparedness.
• Communities across Oregon are actively training, educating, and equipping residents for disaster events.
• Adequate preparation is essential to the health and well-being of every Oregonian.
• The “Be 2 Weeks Ready” program empowers individuals to take meaningful steps toward resilience.

2026 Preparedness Events to Help You Get Started

To cap off Preparedness Month, OEM invites the public to attend the Ready Fair on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in Salem. This free, family-friendly event is designed to help our communities build resilience and preparedness.

The Ready Fair will bring together subject-matter experts and community partners to share practical tips and resources aligned with OEM’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program.

What to Expect: 

• Expert-Led Boothson emergency alerts, food and water planning, sanitation, and more
• Interactive Activitiesincluding a fun, earthquake-themed escape room and shake simulator.
• Preparedness for All Ageswith kid-friendly stations and hands-on learning.
• Food Trucksand a chance to win a fully stocked emergency go-bag for your family.

Event Details: 

• Date:Saturday, October 10, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Location:3930 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem, Oregon 97302
• Cost:FREE and open to the public

In addition to the Ready Fair, OEM is encouraging people to participate in the Great Oregon ShakeOut: October 15, 2026, at 10:16 AM (local time). Join millions of people across Oregon to practice earthquake safety. The ShakeOut is a fast, simple drill to help you learn how to Drop, Cover and Hold On.

And the Great Oregon Camp-In: October 16–18, 2026. Held the weekend after the ShakeOut, the Camp-In is an at-home preparedness exercise where households practice living without utilities, refine emergency plans and test their supplies. Participate for a few hours or the entire weekend.

“Community preparedness is strongest when people feel informed, supported, and empowered,” OEM’s Community Preparedness Coordinator Kayla Thompson, said. “Our goal is to meet Oregonians where they are, provide accessible resources, and encourage everyday steps that build resilience long before an emergency happens.”

For more information on Preparedness Month and the Be 2 Weeks Ready campaign, visit www.oregon.gov/oem.

Oregon Division of Financial Regulation extends wildfire emergency order 30 days, keeping pause on cancellations in place

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) issued a wildfire emergency order and bulletin in late July for people affected by the state’s wildfire situation. That order was to expire this weekend. However, DFR extended it today for another 30 days to Sept. 29. The ZIP codes listed in the bulletin remain covered.

“Wildfire season is not over, and the last thing consumers should be worried about is receiving a cancellation or nonrenewal notice right now,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “Extending this order gives consumers breathing room to focus on their families and recovery while making sure coverage stays in place.”

As a reminder, this order requires all property and casualty insurance companies to take proactive measures to protect people in wildfire affected areas. The order:

• Suspends cancellations and nonrenewals
• Establishes a grace period for premium payments for all insurance policies issued, delivered, or covering a risk in the affected areas
• Extends deadlines for policyholders to report claims or submit other claims-related communications
• Requires all insurers to take all practicable steps to provide opportunities for policyholders to report claims

If your home or property was damaged by the wildfires, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss your situation and learn next steps. If you still have concerns, the division’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@oregon.gov.

Visit the DFR’s wildfire insurance resource page to view the order, bulletin, and more insurance information.

The Oregon Department of Forestry is reminding residents that fire season isn’t over, even as cooler, wetter weather moves through the state, because fuels remain dry and warm temperatures are expected to return next week.

Here is the full announcement from ODF:

Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) wants to remind Oregonians that even with the weather shifting, Oregon is still in fire season. Several ODF districts have updated their fire danger level and restrictions recently. However, even with the rain, fuels remain dry and warm weather is expected to return next week.

“Typically, Oregon’s fire season doesn’t end until mid-October, and as we know the weather can change very quickly,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief. “We are still seeing new fire starts throughout the state and fire regulations remain in place.”

Remember that if you are responsible for starting a wildfire in Oregon, you are liable for suppression costs. Remain aware and informed by checking your local fire restrictions and fire danger levels.

Wildfire prevention means:

• Debris burning remains the number one cause of human-caused fires in Oregon and is prohibited during fire season. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is declared over before burning. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn in the late fall and winter. Visit beforeyouburn.net for real-time updates on burning regulations and safe burning practices.
• Check local restrictions before lighting a camp or warming fire to see if it is allowed.
• Never leave your campfire or warming fire unattended.
• Make sure your campfire or warming fire is OUT COLD. That means drowning it with water, stirring the ashes, and repeating that process until it is cold to touch. If there is any heat coming off the embers, then it can reignite later.
• Don’t park your car over dried grass, and make sure your vehicle or ATV is regularly serviced.
• Make sure your tow chains are not dragging. The metal hitting asphalt while driving can throw sparks into dry grass on the side of the road.

Visit keeporegongreen.org for more wildfire prevention tips.

 PACIFIC NORTHWEST WILDFIRE UPDATE 

As of September 9, 2026, Oregon‘s record-breaking wildfire season has burned over 2.5 million acres statewide. While cooler weather has allowed fire officials to lower the National Preparedness Level to PL 3, hot and dry conditions are returning today, prompting public land agencies to warn that fire season is far from over.

Major Active Incidents:

• Rowe Creek Complex: Located 10 miles south of Fossil, Oregon, this massive lightning-caused fire has burned 373,927 acres and is 99% contained. Firefighters are currently using infrared tracking to mop up the remaining heat signatures.
• McCully Fire: Active in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest area, this fire spans 13,545 acres with 59% containment. Over 600 personnel remain assigned to the incident.
• Initial Attack & New Starts: Local agencies like the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) remain on high alert. Small initial-attack fires, such as the Pass Creek Fire near Curtin, were quickly contained yesterday.

Live Mapping and Public Safety – Because conditions shift rapidly, you can track real-time perimeters, containment updates, and Level 1/2/3 evacuation zones using the That Oregon Life Wildfire Map or the Wildfire Explorer Oregon Fires Map. If you are looking for specific regional updates, please consult local sheriff’s departments or emergency alert apps like Watch Duty and Genasys Protect.

Current Safety & Fire Restrictions — Despite the incoming rain, underlying forest conditions remain incredibly dry. Public land users are reminded that fire restrictions remain tightly in place ahead of the Labor Day weekend. Ensure you check the official Central Oregon Fire Restrictions and avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.

🗺️ Critical Resources for Evacuations & Travel — Because fire behavior, road closures, and air quality fluctuate rapidly, residents should utilize official tracking platforms before traveling:

• Evacuation Maps: Check real-time statuses using Oregon’s RAPTOR tracking map or local county sheriff’s pages.
• Road Closures: View live traffic adjustments and highway conditions on TripCheck.
• Smoke Updates: Track local pollution and breathing safety recommendations via the Oregon Smoke Information Blog.

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Statewide hotline available for Oregonians affected by wildfires and smoke

People anywhere in Oregon who have been affected by wildfires or wildfire-related air quality can call 1-833-699-0554 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The statewide hotline is available to people experiencing any wildfire-related impact, including those who:

• Lost a home or property
• Evacuated and have ongoing needs
• Are sheltering in place and have wildfire-related needs
• Are affected by wildfire smoke or poor air quality
• Have another need or concern caused by a wildfire

“During this difficult wildfire season, Oregonians impacted by fires deserve immediate and reliable access to the help they need,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “That’s why we’ve established a dedicated, 24/7 hotline – so that no Oregonian has to navigate this wildfire season alone or wonder where to turn to for help.”

The hotline is staffed by 211info. If a call is not answered, callers can leave a message and will receive a return call within one business day.

This hotline does not provide emergency evacuation assistance or help people locate immediate shelter. People who are in immediate danger, have a medical emergency, or need emergency help evacuating should call 911. People looking for information about shelters or other immediate resources can call 2-1-1. For current 211info operating hours, visit 211info.org.

People can also enter their contact information and describe their wildfire-related needs using the Oregon Wildfire Assistance web form. An ODHS staff member will review the information and follow up with them.

“This wildfire season is already affecting a growing number of Oregon Tribes and communities,” said Ed Flick, Director, ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. “Wildfires can affect people in many ways, even when their homes have not burned. We want people to know there is one place they can call to share what they are experiencing and learn what resources may be available.”

In previous years the hotline has been used to connect people who lost homes in disasters with recovery support. This year, the Oregon Department of Human Services is expanding it to people experiencing a broader range of wildfire impacts.

ODHS has informally coordinated individual assistance following Oregon disasters since 2020. This year, Governor Tina Kotek directed ODHS to be ready to formally activate individual assistance when needed as the state prepares to establish a formal program in 2027 under House Bill 4121.

211info and ODHS will work with local communities to connect people with existing programs and local resources. If those resources are not enough to meet the level of need, ODHS will work with state leaders to identify additional support and funding options.

The hotline does not guarantee financial assistance or eligibility for a particular program. Staff will listen to each caller’s experience, document their needs and help identify available resources and next steps.

Hotline information

• Call: 1-833-699-0554
• Available: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Missed calls: Leave a message and your call will be returned within one business day
• Shelter and other immediate resource questions: call 211
• Emergencies or emergency evacuation help: call 911

Survey asks Oregonians how they want transportation dollars spent

The group tasked with developing recommendations on how to maintain Oregon’s transportation system wants to hear from Oregonians about what they think the state’s transportation priorities should be in a new survey. Oregonians have until 6 p.m. Sept. 10 to complete the survey.  Oregonians can take the survey online at https://www.cognitoforms.com/ODOT2/ROTVSurvey.

The Oregon Department of Transportation is facing a $200 million budget shortfall in the 2027-29 budget cycle. The gap marks the fifth budget cycle in a row where the agency will have to cut services and staff unless the Oregon Legislature finds a way to provide additional revenue. The agency’s budget shortfall stems from the rising cost of materials and labor, as well as flattening gas tax revenue as more people drive fuel-efficient and electric vehicles.

After spearheading several unsuccessful attempts at finding new revenue for the state’s massive transportation agency, Gov. Tina Kotek convened 12 transportation and business experts to participate in a workgroup to help come up with solutions to the agency’s budget gap. The group has until the end of the year to deliver funding recommendations to Kotek, though lawmakers asked to receive recommendations earlier.

The survey asks Oregonians their top six transportation priorities, how they think the agency should spend its limited funding and what reductions would impact them the most.

Oregonians have until 6 p.m. Sept. 10 to complete the survey. Oregonians can also send their feedback to the workgroup’s email at rebuildingtransportation@odot.oregon.gov. — (SOURCE)

Oregon officials urge use of ballot boxes while defending mail voting

More Oregonians had their ballots rejected for late postmarks during the May primary than in any prior election.

Top Oregon elected officials on Tuesday urged Oregonians to use ballot drop boxes, not mailboxes, to return ballots in November as newly released data showed thousands of Oregonians missed having their May primary votes counted because of postal delays.

Secretary of State Tobias Read, Gov. Tina Kotek and U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, all Democrats, held a press conference at the state Capitol in Salem to reiterate their commitment to protecting Oregon’s decades-long history of mail voting.

Read, the state’s top election official, is seeking $1.25 million from the Legislature’s emergency board this week to add 20 drop boxes, expand a ballot tracking system used by five counties and cover other unanticipated election costs.

His funding request and the officials’ comments come as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs whether the U.S. Postal Service can implement a rule that would upturn how states run elections weeks before states begin mailing ballots. Oregon is among the states that sued to block the Postal Service rule and President Donald Trump’s executive order that preceded it.

Read and others said they’re confident the court will block the rule, and that even if it didn’t, it’s too close to the election for it to practically take effect.

“School’s back in session now,” Read said. “You could go to any playground and ask kids, ‘Does it make sense to change the rules in the middle of the game?’ The answer is ‘no.’ It’s not practical. It’s not right. And we believe it’s not legal.”

His funding request, which the Legislature’s emergency board will consider Thursday, includes roughly $150,000 to expand the BallotTrax ballot tracking system to all 36 counties.

Voters in Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, Yamhill and Washington counties have been able to sign up for text alerts to follow their ballot from when it’s first mailed to them to when election workers have verified the ballot envelope signature and sorted it for counting.

It also includes $120,000 for 20 new ballot boxes at $6,000 apiece and $344,000 for operational support for ballot boxes, as well as 5 cents per voter, or about $153,000, for county election support.

And Read is seeking $480,000 to reimburse counties that have to mail notices to inactive voters, mostly people who moved without updating their addresses and who had their ballots returned as undeliverable. Inactive voters don’t receive ballots but officials must notify voters they’re inactive before removing them from voter rolls.

An official May primary election turnout report the Secretary of State’s Office released earlier on Tuesday showed a steep increase in the number of uncounted ballots over prior years. Since 2022, Oregon has allowed the counting of ballots postmarked by Election Day that arrive within the next week.

But changes at the Postal Service that require all mail to be taken first to a Portland processing center mean that in most of the state, mail doesn’t receive postmarks until at least the day after an Oregonian mails it.

Of the more than 55,000 ballots that arrived at county election offices during the seven-day grace period after the May primary, more than 7,300 couldn’t be counted because they had a postmark after Election Day. That’s a rate of 13.1%, higher than any prior election.

Merkley, Oregon’s junior U.S. senator, said mail voting is safer and more trustworthy than other systems.

“On Election Day, it is easy to manipulate the outcome,” he said. “You simply move the locations where people vote, so they get confused. You put the locations where there’s no parking. You put out misinformation about the election day. You put out misinformation about the location. You put in machines that don’t work and slow things down, so people have eight-hour waits to vote, like they did in Georgia. None of that can be done with vote by mail.”

Kotek said Oregon has spent decades building a voting system that works — the state routinely boasts the highest or near-highest turnout rates in the country — and will defend it.

“Vote by mail means a parent doesn’t have to choose between getting somewhere to vote or taking care of their child,” she said. “Vote by mail means a worker who can’t afford to take time off work can sit down at their kitchen table after work and participate in our democracy, and it means an older Oregonian, or a person with a disability, or someone who would live far away from a polling place can make their voice heard in an easier fashion. These are not abstract benefits.”

And Wyden, the first U.S. senator elected in an all-mail election in 1996, said constituents he spoke to in rural Oregon have been especially worried about maintaining mail elections. Some voters would face driving an hour to a ballot box or their county election office if they can’t rely on their mail, he said.

“To borrow a phrase from our wonderful letter carriers, I’ve got a special delivery message for Donald Trump: Keep the hell away from Oregon’s vote by mail,” he said. (SOURCE)

Oregon to launch new Explore Health state health insurance marketplace in coming months

Oregonians who buy their health insurance on a federal website will soon be able to turn to a new state-backed platform to shop for coverage.

In less than 10 weeks, Oregonians who buy their health insurance on a federal website will be able to turn to a new state-backed platform to shop for coverage, determine if they qualify for financial assistance and enroll in a plan.

Starting Nov. 1, a new ExploreHealthOR.gov website will take the place of the federally-managed platform Healthcare.gov for the state’s private health insurance marketplace, where nearly 120,000 Oregonians currently go to buy health insurance.

The state Legislature in 2023 passed a law requiring the Oregon Health Authority to create its own online exchange by November 2026, and Explore Health earlier this month received federal approval.

Health Authority officials framed the transition in a recent news release as a move that gives the agency “greater flexibility to respond to the needs of Oregon consumers and communities.”

“Explore Health will give Oregon the flexibility to design a Marketplace experience around the needs of our diverse communities and respond to local data, feedback and changes in federal policy,” Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, said in a statement.

This isn’t the first time that Oregon has tried to launch a state-based marketplace. Shortly after opening in 2013, the state’s new Cover Oregon online marketplace began a long downward spiral, facing rising costs, software errors, an unusable interface for enrollees and massive backlogs. State officials in 2015 scrapped the effort, but Oregon earned a reputation at the time from some critics for having one of the worst online marketplaces in the nation.  (SOURCE)

Levi H. Green – Murder II Coos County Sheriff’s Office

On September 28, 2025, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a 9-year-old male who had been stabbed with a spear at a residence off of Cape Arago Highway. It was reported to Deputies on scene that the boy’s sister had accidentally stabbed him during play with a spear. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the boy had in fact been stabbed by his father, Levi Higgins-Green.

Also uncovered during the investigation were instances of domestic violence involving the other adults and children who lived in the home which occurred over years. It should be noted that names have been omitted at the specific request of the surviving family.

On August 31, 2026, Levi Higgins Green submitted a plea of Guilty to the following crimes: Strangulation – Constituting Domestic ViolenceAssault in the Third DegreeAssault in the Second Degree – Constituting Domestic ViolenceAssault in the Third Degree (Second Count)Criminal Mistreatment in the First DegreeCriminal Mistreatment in the First Degree (Second Count)Murder in the Second Degree

The Honorable Judge Martin Stone accepted the plea and sentenced Levi Higgins-Green to a combined sentence of 80 months (6.6 years) for the first six listed charges and an additional life sentence (minimum of 25 years or 300 months) for a total minimum prison sentence of 380 months or 31.6 years of prison. This case was investigated by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from Coos Bay Police Department, Oregon State Police, Kids Hope Center, Charleston Fire Department, Bay Cities Ambulance and Eugene Police Department. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jody Newby.

Radio stations throughout Oregon will broadcast messages aimed at motivating individuals to register for the upcoming November General Election.

The Oregon Secretary of State’s Office has collaborated with the Oregon Association of Broadcasters to produce these public service announcements.

To be eligible for registration, individuals must be U.S. citizens, residents of Oregon, and at least 16 years of age, although ballots will only be issued to those who are 18 or older. The registration deadline is set for October 13th.

A new initiative named Friends for Life has been launched to assist young individuals in preventing and responding to overdoses.

This program, supported by the Oregon Health Authority and the Washington State Department of Health, aims to provide essential resources as students return to high school and college. Although there has been a decline in overdose deaths, fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to account for 90 percent of these fatalities.

The initiative offers free toolkits that include posters, wallet cards, rack cards, and social media content to raise awareness. More information can be found at orfriendsforlife.com.

Public invited to comment on plan to possibly triple logging in eastern Oregon national forests

The public has until Sept. 30 to submit comments on the 350-page draft proposal.Submit comments on the revised Blue Mountain Forest Plan here.

The U.S. Forest Service’s proposed revisions to the Blue Mountain Forest Plan would allow more logging and taking older trees in the name of wildfire prevention

Officials at the U.S. Forest Service are proposing new management plans for eastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains that include potentially tripling the amount of logging across 5.5 million acres in the next decade.

The Forest Service published a draft of proposed changes to the 35-year-old Blue Mountain Forest Plan last week. It would allow more logging, mining and grazing across four national forests spread across eastern Oregon, as well as parts of southeast Washington: the Malheur, Ochoco, Wallowa-Whitman and Umatilla National Forests.

The draft plan describes increases in logging and animal grazing as important to local economies and to preventing wildfire.

It predicts everything from habitat conservation to forest carbon storage would improve over the long term if more logging is allowed because strategically logging and grazing parts of the forest would prevent wildfire, which officials characterize as the biggest threat to habitat and forest loss.

Environmental advocates disagree with the framing.

The Blue Mountains encompass Oregon’s largest protected wilderness areas. Conservation groups have expressed concern and outrage over the draft management plan, which they say could exacerbate area drought and water quality issues, wildfire risks and impact habitat for elk, wolverine, wolves, moose, owls and salmon.

“This plan seeks to open up and pillage one of the wildest places left in the U.S.,” Lauren Anderson, a climate forests manager at the nonprofit Oregon Wild, said in a statement. “The Trump administration is already taking a hatchet to protections for water, wildlife and the public’s voice. This plan is that philosophy in action, putting at risk the very values that make the Blue Mountains special.”

Bev Law, a forest scientist and professor emerita at Oregon State University who has studied extensively the potential forest carbon storage in Oregon forests, found that protected wilderness areas in the Blue Mountains contain the second highest proportion of above-ground carbon stocks in all of Oregon’s protected wilderness areas.

Nick Smith, a spokesperson for the American Forest Resource Council, a trade association representing the timber industry, said in a statement that the group is still reviewing the proposed updates but that change is overdue.

“These national forests face some of the highest wildfire, insect and disease risks in the West. At the same time, the region is steadily losing the sawmills, logging contractors and the skilled workforce needed to carry out active forest management and provide markets for the material that needs to come out of the woods,” he said.

The draft Blue Mountain Management Plan proposal also includes rescinding a 32-year-old rule called the Eastside Screens that prohibits logging trees that are 21 inches in diameter or larger on six eastern Oregon and Washington national forests. Forest Service officials attempted to rescind the rule during the first Trump administration, but conservation groups sued and it was blocked by a federal judge.

Forest Service officials have argued that some younger trees that grow fast should be able to be removed even if they are more than 21 inches in diameter, because they are crowding out other tree species that take longer to grow but are important to the forest ecosystems.

The proposal also assumes Congress will soon rescind the 25-year-old Roadless Rule, which prohibits road construction, logging and mining on roughly 60 million acres of public land, including about 2 million acres of forests in Oregon. That alone would increase the amount of land classified as open for logging in the Blue Mountains by 17%, according to the draft.

Most of the increased logging would take place in the Malheur National Forest, followed by the Wallowa-Whitman and then Umatilla national forests. (SOURCE)

Oregon Coast Astronomy Festival brings star parties, photography, hikes & more Sept. 10-12

COOS BAY, Oregon— The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 10-12.

Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 10 and 11 and a star party each night.

“The astronomy festival takes place around the Sunset Bay management unit, with most activities centered at Sunset Bay and Shore Acres, and the event has grown in popularity over the years. It’s a fun way to experience the park at night and enjoy stargazing along the coast. This year we have an incredible team of volunteers and some very impressive telescopes, so we’re excited to welcome visitors—and keeping our fingers crossed for clear skies!” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.
The astronomy festival gives visitors a chance to see and learn more about the night sky. NOTE: Outdoor events are weather dependent.

Thursday Activities:

• 2 p.m.: Our Star, The Sun solar viewing @ Sunset Bay Campground Interpretive Center
• 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email icci@oprd.oregon.gov“>Lee.Ricci@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
• 7:30 p.m.: How We Find Our Way in the Dark @ Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes @ Shore Acres Garden
• Webpage with complete Thursday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park at all parking lots in the Sunset Bay Management Unity, including Sunset Bay Day-use areas and Shore Acres Day-use areas.)

Friday Activities:

• 2 p.m.: Solar Viewing @ Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 4 p.m.: Earth: An Ocean Planet (guided hike) @ Shore Acres Observation Building
• 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email icci@oprd.oregon.gov“>Lee.Ricci@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
• 7:30: Imagining Other Worlds evening program @ Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes @ Shore Acres Garden
• Webpage with complete Friday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park at all parking lots in the Sunset Bay Management Unity, including Sunset Bay Day-use areas and Shore Acres Day-use areas.)

Saturday Activities:

• 2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope @ Shore Acres Observation Building
• 4 p.m.: How to Talk to Aliens – Even if You’re Shy @ Shore Acres Observation Building
• 7:30 p.m.: Exploring the Universe evening program at Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes @ Shore Acres Garden
• Webpage with complete Saturday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park at all parking lots in the Sunset Bay Management Unity, including Sunset Bay Day-use areas and Shore Acres Day-use areas.)

L. L. Stub Stewart and Rooster Rock State Parks will host OMSI Star Parties this summer

— L.L. Stub Stewart and Rooster Rock State Parks will celebrate the night sky with free stargazing parties in July, August and September.

The parks are partnering with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers to host an OMSI Star Party 2026, which includes a presentation at dusk and stargazing from 9 to 11 p.m. Telescopes will be provided by volunteers, and visitors are welcome to bring their own. Depending on the weather, stargazers will search out stars, the moon, and planets.

“We love helping people experience the park in a different way. After dark, everything feels calmer, quieter, and a little more magical,” shared Park Ranger Jeremy Williams at L. L. Stub Stewart State Park.

These events are free. Parking in the day-use areas requires a $10 parking permit per vehicle or you can use an annual parking pass if you have one.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, warm clothing, snacks and water. Bug repellent is always a good idea. Please use red flashlights to avoid interfering with the dark sky viewing. You can also cover your flashlight or smartphone with red electrical tape.

Star maps will be provided along with recommended astronomy apps that visitors can load on their phones if interested.

Visitors should arrive early to familiarize themselves with the area and park only in designated spaces. Overnight camping is not permitted in day-use areas, though campground reservations are available at stateparks.oregon.gov.

On the scheduled day for OMSI Star Parties, visitors should visit the OMSI website for possible weather-related cancellations. The long-range forecast looks promising for excellent viewing.

“Whether you come to Rooster Rock to count Perseids or simply to spend a peaceful evening under the stars, the meteor shower is a wonderful excuse to slow down, look up, and experience the Gorge in a whole new light”, said Park Ranger Elika Paki at Rooster Rock. “And if you lose track of how many shooting stars you’ve seen, don’t worry, that just means you’re doing it right.”

All events begin at dusk. We recommend arriving early to accommodate parking. Parks will close at 11:45 p.m.

Equinox Celebration | Saturday, September 12 at L. L. Stub Stewart State Park

You can find additional details about the event, parking logistics, whether pets are allowed, and how to request accessibility accommodations on the L.L. Stub Stewart State Park and Rooster Rock State Park event pages, and the OMSI event page.

Oregon State Parks often hosts stargazing events across the state. More opportunities can be found on Oregon State Parks’ event page.

High Desert Museum · Congratulations to Alexa Hagerty, winner of the 12th annual Waterston Desert Writing Prize!

Alexa, a writer and anthropologist, was recognized for “Salt, Cloud, Ghost: A Journey through Desert, Deep Time, and Digital Age,” a journey through Chile’s Atacama Desert where the extraction of minerals and data for AI meets the region’s long history of colonialism, dictatorship and disappearance.

She’s also the author of “Still Life with Bones: Genocide, Forensics, and What Remains,” a New York Times Editors’ Choice, one of the New Yorker Best Books of the Year, and winner of the 2024 Juan E. Méndez Book Award for Human Rights in Latin America.

Join us at the Museum on September 17 to celebrate Alexa and hear from keynote speaker Joy Harjo, the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate. Tickets are $10, with a 20% discount for members.Get your tickets: https://ow.ly/hG2S50ZB6Xn

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

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

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

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

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

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

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

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

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

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

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

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

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

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

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

 Be Your Own Info Network

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

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

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

Reconnect When Service Returns

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

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

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

 Final Tip:

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

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

 

Oregon’s Missing Persons

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

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

Find the mental health support you need

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

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

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