Friday, October 3, 2025

Klamath Basin Weather

Freeze Watch for the basin in effect from October 4, 02:00AM until October 4, 09:00AM.

Today
A 30% chance of rain today, afternoon sunshine with a high near 61 degrees. North northwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Overnight mostly clear with a low near 35.

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Around the State of Oregon

Federal shutdown shuts down Oregon’s federal workers, as furloughs happened quickly.

The federal government shut down Wednesday after Congress failed to reach a short-term funding agreement, leaving nearly 30,000 federal workers in Oregon bracing for furloughs, delayed paychecks, and an uncertain future. 

Roughly one-third of those workers will be sent home without pay, while another third — including airport screeners, border protection agents, VA medical staff, and others — must remain on the job but will not see paychecks until the shutdown ends.

The final third, such as employees of the U.S. Postal Service and Bonneville Power Administration, are not impacted by the shutdown, because their agencies operate with independent funding streams. 

For Oregon families, the shutdown could be disruptive in ways both obvious and subtle. Social Security and Medicare checks are expected to continue, but anyone needing a passport, a tax issue resolved, or help from agencies such as the IRS or Veterans Administration may encounter significant delays. Nutrition assistance programs like WIC will remain funded only through mid-October, according to the Oregon Health Authority, while SNAP benefits could stretch about a month into the closure before interruptions occur. 

What stays open, what closes in Oregon Stays open: Airports and air travel – TSA screeners, air traffic controllers, and FAA safety staff will continue working without pay. The military and VA hospitals – Active duty personnel (including the National Guard troops expected to be deployed to Portland) as well as in-hospital medical care, and veterans’ health services will remain operational.

U.S. Postal Service – Mail delivery and post office operations are funded separately.

Weather reports – The National Weather Service will continue to provide forecasts and warning information. Bonneville Power Administration – Maintains the Northwest’s electrical grid with its own funding. Social Security and Medicare benefits – Checks will continue to be issued.

Likely disrupted or closed: Passport processing – Expect major delays, especially for expedited applications. Federal agency customer service – IRS, Veterans Administration, and Social Security offices will scale back, leaving many inquiries unanswered.

WIC benefits – Will continue through mid-October, but could lapse if the shutdown drags on. SNAP (food stamps) – Benefits will continue for several weeks but may run out if the impasse lasts.

Federal science and regulatory agencies – Workers at EPA, NOAA, USGS, Fish and Wildlife, and the Forest Service face furloughs. Stay tuned.

 

The Oregon National Guard has announced that it has initiated the mobilization process for guard members possessing law enforcement experience in response to President Donald Trump’s order to deploy 200 troops in Portland.

However, it may take until next week before any personnel are actually present on the ground.

Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, who serves as the director of public affairs for the Oregon Military Department, indicated that Thursday represents the earliest possible arrival date for the guard in Portland, although he expressed skepticism about that timeline.

The guard members must undergo a vetting process to confirm their qualifications, which requires 96 hours, and some may require additional training prior to their deployment.

According to Bomar, there has been minimal coordination between the guard and state agencies, as well as the Portland Police Bureau and the Multnomah Sheriff’s office, which could extend the mobilization timeline. The troops being deployed to Portland are selected from a group of 300 guard members who are either trained as military police or have received certification from the state’s police standards agency.

Out of these 300 qualified members, 166, primarily from the I-5 corridor, have already volunteered to serve in Portland.

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s announcement of federal troop deployment to Portland:

“The ICE facility in Portland has endured months of dangerously chaotic protests that have endangered both residents and federal agents. The governor’s claim that there is no national security threat, along with the mayor’s assertion that all is well, is completely out of touch. It is disgraceful that state and local officials have permitted violent mobs and domestic terrorists to attack federal law enforcement, vandalize property, and obstruct individuals seeking immigration services from receiving the necessary assistance and case management. We require order, we must restore safety, and Oregon’s local leaders have failed in this responsibility.”

 

Oregon Employment Department ready to help employees and businesses impacted by the federal shutdown

Impacted employees may file for Unemployment Insurance as early as today

Salem, Ore. —  The Oregon Employment Department (OED) stands ready to help employees impacted by the federal shutdown apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and make sure they have the necessary documents and information to file a claim. 

With the federal government shutdown, many federal government employees have either been furloughed or deemed essential and required to work without pay. The federal government shutdown may also affect people or contractors who are not federal employees if they work in industries that receive federal funding from the affected agencies. These non-federal employees may have their hours reduced or could be laid off during the shutdown. 

“Our mission is to support any workers, employers, and contractors affected by this shutdown,” said OED Director Andrew R. Stolfi. “Unemployment Insurance is a complex program, and applying for benefits can create lots of questions. Different rules apply to some federal workers, so we have specific guidance available on our website and our customer service staff are specially trained for situations just like this.”

OED data shows there were roughly 30,000 jobs on federal government payrolls in Oregon around this time last year. OED estimates that there are about 10,000 federal government jobs that could be affected by a lapse in appropriations. While this is about a third of the federal employees who live and work in Oregon, it is a small percentage of the state’s overall workforce, so the increase in claims from federal employees will not cause a significant, long-term impact on the OED workload.

Guidance for Impacted Employees
Furloughed federal workers and federal contractors who are not working during the shutdown may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Specific guidance is available at unemployment.oregon.gov/federal-shutdown.

The fastest way to apply is to file a claim is through Frances Online. Unemployed workers who don’t already have an account, should start by creating a Frances Online account.

People can also apply for benefits over the phone by calling 877-File-4-UI (877-345-3484). Both options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

More information on how federal employees can apply for unemployment insurance benefits, including the documents needed, is available at unemployment.oregon.gov/federal-workers.

 

New Parking Fees at 21 Oregon State Parks

Beginning on October 1, visitors will be required to pay a parking fee at 21 Oregon State Parks where fees were previously exempted.

As stated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), this modification is part of a strategy to tackle a 14% budget deficit, with the extra revenue aimed at sustaining current service levels throughout the state. Some of the parks impacted include: Farewell Bend Beverly Beach Face Rock Sunset Bay Bullards Beach Harris Beach Valley of the Rogue

The daily parking fee is established at $10 per vehicle for residents of Oregon and $12 for visitors from out of state.

OPRD indicates that this change will assist in funding maintenance, staffing, and visitor services as expenses continue to increase. For further information, including a comprehensive list of affected parks and options for annual passes, please visit the Oregon State Parks website at stateparks.oregon.gov.

 

The United States Postal Service has announced its official mailing deadlines for the 2025 holiday season, assisting customers in planning ahead to ensure timely delivery of their cards and packages.

For those sending items within the contiguous 48 states, the following send-by dates are recommended:

December 17 for USPS Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail (which includes holiday cards and small packages)

December 18 for Priority Mail

December 20 for Priority Mail Express, the quickest domestic shipping option offered by USPS.

USPS advises customers to ship early, use trackable services, and consider acquiring insurance for valuable items. Flat-rate boxes and shipping supplies can be obtained at local post offices and online at usps.com, where a comprehensive list of holiday deadlines, including those for international and military shipping, is also available.

 

School districts and state agencies are anticipating a significant increase in their contributions to the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System during the two-year budget cycle beginning on July 1, 2027, as indicated by new projections released last week.

The exact financial obligation for individual public employers will not be determined until December, when the system’s actuary, Milliman Inc., publishes the projected pension contribution rates for each of the 900 participating employers for the upcoming biennium.

Furthermore, these rates will not be finalized until next year, when the actuary assesses the earnings from the system’s investments in 2025. However, preliminary estimates from Milliman, which were discussed at a PERS Board meeting on Friday, indicate an overall contribution increase of $1.6 billion, representing a staggering 20% ​​rise on top of the $7.8 billion that employers are expected to contribute during the current budget cycle

 

After several months of errors and delays, Oregon Democrats have successfully enacted a transportation funding plan aimed at increasing taxes to avert widespread failures in Oregon’s road infrastructure and to prevent significant reductions in public transit services.

On the last day of a month-long special session, the Senate approved the plan along party lines, achieving the narrowest of margins, with 18 Democrats voting in favor and all 11 Republicans present opposing it. The plan had previously passed through the House with similarly close margins earlier this month and is now set to be sent to Gov. Tina Kotek, who is anticipated to endorse it.

This funding package, which is considerably smaller than the proposals that were rejected during this year’s regular session, will raise the state’s gas tax from 40 cents per gallon to 46 cents starting in January, significantly increase title and registration fees, mandate that electric vehicle users pay a fee based on miles driven, and double the state’s 0.1% payroll tax for transit for a duration of two years.

The additional revenue generated by this legislation will primarily be allocated between local governments and the Oregon Department of Transportation, which was preparing to lay off nearly 500 employees to address a $300 million budget shortfall if legislative action was not taken. The majority of the funds will be directed towards essential maintenance of roads and bridges.

 

Average gasoline prices in Oregon have seen a reduction of 4.3 cents per gallon over the last week, now standing at an average of $4.15 per gallon in the state, as reported by GasBuddy’s survey of 1,307 stations within the state.

Despite this recent drop, prices are still 20.9 cents higher than they were a month ago and 53.4 cents higher than the same time last year. The national average price of gasoline sits at $3.08 per gallon.

In Oregon, the lowest price for gasoline was recorded at $3.45 per gallon while the highest price reached $5.29 per gallon.

 

Over 100 employees have lost their jobs following the permanent closure of one of Roseburg Forest Products’ facilities in Dillard on Thursday.

The company has laid off all 107 workers at its hardwood plywood plant situated at the Dillard location. Nevertheless, the operations at Roseburg’s lumber and composite plants, which are also on the same premises, remain unaffected. As stated by the company, the majority of the staff at the plywood facility had their final working day on Thursday, while members of the administrative team will continue their duties until October 10.

The company’s website highlights that the Dillard facility was the birthplace of Roseburg Forest Products, referring to it as the “heart and soul” of its operations for many years.

OSP FISH AND WILDLIFE ASKS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO IDENTIFY SALMON POACHERS

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help identifying the person or people responsible for dumping and wasting 16 salmon in Portland last month.

The salmon were dumped at Cathedral Park, located at the corner of North Crawford Street and North Pittsburgh Avenue. The fish had net marks and were likely dumped in the early morning hours of August 27, 2025.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers (TIP) line at 800-452-7888, *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone, or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number SP25-383919.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards

5 Points: Bighorn Sheep

5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points: Moose

5 Points: Wolf

4 Points: Elk

4 Points: Deer

4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope

4 Points: Bear

4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining a hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$400 Game Fish & Shellfish
$400 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

$300 Habitat destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining an Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

Rewards for Game Fish & Shellfish and Snagging/Attempting to Snag are sponsored, in part, by Northwest Steelheaders Association and Coastal Conservation Association.

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

$1,000 Species listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
$10,000 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and $11,500 for Wolves east of Highway 395 and north of Highway 20

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:

$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677)

TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

For more information, visit the Oregon State Police Turn-in-Poachers (TIP) web page.

JACKSON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WARNS RESIDENTS OF PHISHING EMAIL SCAM IMPERSONATING “JACKSON ALERTS”

JACKSON COUNTY, OREGON — Jackson County Emergency Management is alerting residents to a phishing email scam currently circulating in the community. The fraudulent emails appear to come from “Jackson Alerts,” Jackson County’s mass notification system for official emergency notifications. The email may claim that a recipient’s Jackson Alerts account will be deleted within 48 hours unless they click a link to confirm their information.

“These emails are not legitimate and were not sent by Jackson County Emergency Management,” said Delaney Richmond, Jackson County Emergency Manager. “We urge residents to remain vigilant and protect themselves by avoiding emails that come from suspicious sender email addresses and contain questionable links.”

Residents who receive one of these fraudulent messages should follow the phishing tips below:

• Do NOT click on any links or open attachments.
• Never share personal or financial information unless they can verify the request is legitimate.
• Verify the message by contacting Jackson County Emergency Management directly through official phone numbers or website, rather than using the contact details provided in the suspicious email.
• Report the email as a phishing attempt within their email inbox.

Jackson County Emergency Management is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating cybersecurity resources to protect residents. Updates will be shared as new information becomes available.

“We take the security of our residents seriously,” added Richmond. “Our priority is to ensure that our community can continue to trust the Jackson Alerts system for timely and accurate emergency notifications.”

For more information or to confirm the legitimacy of a Jackson Alerts email, contact jacksonem@jacksoncountyor.gov or 541-774-6790

HOWARD PRAIRIE RESORT MARINA ACHIEVES DISTINGUISHED MARINE BOARD CLEAN MARINA CERTIFICATION

After more than a decade of low water and other natural events, Jackson County Parks approached the Marine Board with a novel idea to relocate the Howard Prairie marina to a nearby area of the reservoir with historically deeper water levels. The goal was to keep recreational boating open longer and to appeal to a wide range of boat types on the reservoir. In its original location, Howard Prairie Resort Marina docks could be high-and-dry in low-water years, after only a few months of summer. Since 2019, Jackson County Parks applied for and received grants from the Marine Board using a multi-phase approach to relocate the marina. Jackson County received grants for technical assistance, design and engineering, and construction to replace and relocate the short-term tie-up docks, purchase a new gangway and marina docks.

The project was completed in 2023, and Jackson County continued its path to excellence by implementing marina moorage rules for customers, which included requiring current motorboat registration, insurance and boat seaworthiness.

Howard Prairie Resort Marina is now complete, with new aquatic invasive species and oil spill prevention signage, a dump station to dispose of onboard portable toilet waste, and a land-side fuel station adjacent to the parking lot.

“Staff at the marina worked hard on implementing the standards and were able to do it in just one year,” said Glenn Dolphin, Clean Marina Coordinator. “Given the fact that Jackson County Parks is short-staffed and had a big winter of snow to dig out from to be ready for a very busy summer season, what they accomplished is very impressive.” Dolphin adds, “The marina scored 95% of the certification checklist, which is phenomenal for a new Clean Marina.”

Howard Prairie follows Joseph Stewart Resort Marina on Lost Creek Lake, which is also a Certified Clean Marina. Joseph Stewart Resort Marina passed its recertification on the same day, with flying colors.

“Clean water and boating go hand in hand. We are proud to be good stewards of our waterbodies by keeping them in quality condition by minimizing impacts of our boating facilities,” says Steve Lambert, Jackson County Roads and Parks Director. 

“Our team worked hard to achieve this status, which shows our dedication to our guests and the environment,” adds Andy Austill, Jackson County Parks Manager.

This voluntary program educates facility managers on how to protect and improve local water quality by promoting the use of environmentally sensitive practices at marinas. The program provides the tools, supplies, and consultation. Facilities earn certification regulations and clean marina practices, complying with existing environmental regulations, and committing to a cleaner marine environment to help protect Oregon’s waterways.

Howard Prairie Resort Marina also adheres to all applicable state environmental laws, which include using a heavy-duty hard-shell black plastic for dock flotation and encapsulation. Marina staff also have an emergency response plan and a new oil spill containment kit in the event of any spill-related incident.

The Oregon State Marine Board recognizes the hard work by Howard Prairie Resort Marina staff of achieving a record-setting Clean Marina certification process. Boaters can feel confident about mooring in the marina and have comfort in knowing the facility owners are going above and beyond to protect water quality on the reservoir.

Learn about the other 63 Marine Board-Certified Clean Marinas in Oregon.

 

ANNUAL OREGON BEACH CLEAN-UP PROJECT

Portland, Ore., September 30, 2025 – From September 20 through September 28, families, community organizations, and individuals across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together for the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union. The statewide effort, and centerpiece of Fall with SOLVE, aligned with three significant environmental dates: International Coastal Cleanup Day (September 20), National Public Lands Day (September 27), and World Rivers Day (September 28).

This year, approximately 822 volunteers across 14 counties participated in 77 events, from the Oregon Coast to inland rivers and urban neighborhoods. Together, they collected an estimated 9,784pounds of litter and marine debris (equivalent to the weight of three school buses) while restoring habitats and preparing green spaces for the months ahead. Volunteers cleared approximately 743,420 square feet of invasive plants (covering an area the size of 13 basketball courts), mulched and maintained plants and trees, ensuring green spaces are prepared for the months ahead.

“This year’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup showed the strength of community partnerships: From expanding established programs like Pick It Up, Bend! to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with community groups like Loco por la Aventura,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “For nearly four decades, this cleanup has been at the heart of our work, uniting thousands of volunteers to protect the places we love. It remains one of the most important opportunities we have each year to care for our rivers, beaches, and neighborhoods, and to ensure they remain healthy for generations to come.”

A Season of Highlights
The Beach & Riverside Cleanup showcased the variety of projects and partnerships that fuel SOLVE’s mission across the region. Examples included:

Inaugural Pick It Up, Bend!, September 20, Downtown Bend

As part of this year’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup, SOLVE expanded its Pick It Up! series with the inaugural Pick It Up, Bend! The community-powered cleanup brought together residents, local businesses, and volunteers for a hands-on morning of removing litter and beautifying public spaces against the backdrop of the scenic Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater with the support of Old Mill District, Lithia Motors Green Cars, and Jackstraw (managed by Killian Pacific). SOLVE is already looking forward to bringing back this community-powered cleanup next September and expanding the Pick It Up! series further.

New partnership with Loco por la Aventura, Southeast Portland

On September 25, volunteers came together in Southeast Portland for Cleaner SE Together, a community cleanup hosted by SOLVE and Loco por la Aventura. Volunteers helped to tidy streets and shared spaces while strengthening community connections. The event honored Hispanic Heritage Month and highlighted the contributions of the Latino community in the Pacific Northwest. Loco por la Aventura is a nonprofit organization that promotes educational equity and outdoor engagement for the Latino community across the region. Through their new Basecamp Mountaineering Center, the organization provides gear sales and rentals, with all proceeds directly funding free outdoor programs, clinics, and adventures designed by and for the Latino community.

World Rivers Day Cleanup at Bonneville Lock and Dam, September 28, Cascade Locks
Volunteers joined U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers to celebrate World Rivers Day and National Public Lands Day with a shoreline cleanup at Bonneville Lock and Dam. Together, they removed litter and fishing line from the Columbia River shoreline and invasive weeds from nearby areas, helping protect wildlife and water quality. Afterward, participants got rewarded with a ranger-led tour and underwater fish viewing, underscoring the connection between hands-on volunteer work and the health of our shared waterways.

From Source to Sea, Part of a Global Movement
The Beach & Riverside Cleanup connects local efforts to global initiatives. September 20 marked the 40th anniversary of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup, uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect our oceans from harmful debris. Along the Oregon Coast, organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation, Friends of Netarts Bay, and watershed councils joined forces with local volunteers to advance these shared goals. At Siltcoos Beach, participants honored International Coastal Cleanup Day by removing marine debris near protected western snowy plover nesting sites, a critical habitat for these vulnerable birds.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Volunteers
SOLVE expresses gratitude to the thousands of volunteers, community leaders, and partner organizations who made this year’s event possible. The 2025 Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, was proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Knife River, KOIN, Malibu Rum, Metro, National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Oregon Parks and Recreation, Tillamook, and Wells Fargo.

About SOLVE

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visitsolveoregon.org for more information.

 

Oregon joins in the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces and recognize businesses that support employees with disabilities.

This year’s theme of “celebrating value and talent” is reflected in Oregon throughout the year in the countless ways people with disabilities bring value to their jobs and communities.

In 2023, 47% of Oregon residents with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed, compared with 79.7% of people without disabilities — about a 33% gap (source). Several state employment programs work to help people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce.

“Our communities and economy are stronger when people with disabilities are included,” said Allison Enriquez, Oregon’s Employment First Coordinator. “For too long, people with disabilities did not have equal access to good jobs with fair wages in their communities. Oregon is committed to building employment-related supports and connections so all have access to reach their potential and fully participate in their communities.”

NDEAM webinar series

Partners who deliver employment services invite everyone to join a series of webinars in October to celebrate workplace successes and educate the community about resources and services available for job seekers with disabilities.

Webinars are scheduled noon to 1:15 p.m. Oct. 7, 14 and 28 on Zoom. For details on each session and accessibility information, go to Oregon’s NDEAM event web page.

• 7 – Beyond the classroom: Celebrating work-based learning
• 14 – Building financial futures: work and save with Oregon ABLE and EPD
• 28 – Technology, artificial intelligence and employment

These events are hosted by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation program, Oregon Commission for the Blind and the Oregon Department of Education.

Employment resources for people with disabilities

Several state programs offer resources to support Oregon residents with disabilities in achieving, maintaining and advancing in employment.

• Office of Developmental Disabilities Serviceshas employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Vocational Rehabilitationhelps people with all kinds of disabilities find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
• Oregon Commission for the Blindhelps people with vision loss find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
• Ticket to Workis a free federal program for people who are blind or have a disability and receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. People who are 18 to 64 years old and want to work may access this program to prepare for work and find a job.
• Employed Persons with Disabilitiesis a Medicaid program that helps people with disabilities go to work while keeping their Medicaid coverage.
• Oregon ABLE Savings Planis a way people with disabilities can save for the future without the fear of losing needed government benefits.
• Free benefits counselingis available to answer job seekers’ questions about how working may affect their benefits.

Information on these programs is available on the ODHS web page “Get Help Finding a Job.”

 

Bend’s biggest little art show is returning to the High Desert Museum, and this year promises to be the most impressive yet. The 20-Dollar Art Show, presented by Bright Place Gallery, will feature more than 8,000 miniature masterpieces created by 350-plus artists.

Celebrating original artwork created by established and emerging artists, The 20-Dollar Art Show opens Saturday, October 4. For two weeks, visitors, art enthusiasts and fans can explore the exhibition, find their favorites and plan their shopping wish lists. Walls throughout the Museum will showcase rows of creative, colorful miniature art.

Then, an Extravaganza Kickoff event takes place on Friday, October 17 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm with music, food and drinks. For the low, low price of $20, each of the thousands of artworks will be available for sale. It will be the first time visitors can purchase their mini masterpieces, with all proceeds going to the artist. As in previous years, timed ticket entries will be available for 5:30 pm entry, 6:30 pm entry and 7:30 pm entry.

On Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, special Extravaganza events will keep rolling from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm! At least a thousand new works will go out each morning while artists create one-of-a-kind artwork on site. Tickets will be required for the morning sessions for non-Museum members. Those exclusively visiting The 20-Dollar Art Show to browse and buy Saturday and Sunday afternoons may do so without paying admission, as well as on Monday, October 20.

Tickets for the Friday evening, Saturday morning and Sunday morning events go on sale at 12:00 pm Wednesday, September 24athighdesertmuseum.org/20-art-show-info. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for ages 16 and younger. Timed entry tickets are first come, first served. Last year, all tickets sold within minutes.

“The 20-Dollar Art Show continues to grow every year with an awe-inspiring array of miniature art,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “This is a favorite exhibit, and it is an honor to host this beloved community event that supports local and emerging artists.”

The brainchild of Stuart Breidenstein and Abby Dubief of the former Bright Place Gallery, The 20-Dollar Art Show began in 2013 to help local artists sell their art while also making it affordable and accessible to the public. When the gallery closed in December 2019, the show had already grown beyond its walls. After a break during the pandemic, the show found a new home at the Museum. Since 2021, the Museum’s walls are packed with miniature artworks every fall.

“We are excited that so many artists are participating this year,” said Breidenstein. “We’re not only overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of work, but also by the quality. As the show grows, we’re continually inspired by the one-off gems these mostly unknown artists can create.”

Breidenstein and Dubief produce the show each year, helping to hang the art at the Museum, which can take days to complete. As artists themselves, both contribute pieces to the show. Other popular local artists featured in the 2025 exhibition include Sondra Holtzman, Janet Kilgore, Carrie Erickson, Jessie Zenor and Mike Wise. Participating artists range from age 8 to 80.

Each piece of art is a maximum of 36 square inches, making them truly miniature. The art ranges from watercolors and macrame to oil portraits and acrylic landscapes. Some include a touch of humor while others tell a story or carry a message. When all the art is on the Museum’s walls, the mini artworks do not seem so small anymore, said Dustin Cockerham, Senior Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at the Museum.

“We build temporary walls to help display all of these amazing miniatures,” said Cockerham. “This year, the exhibition will be on view for two weeks before the sale begins. It’s worth visiting and exploring all the art, not just so you can pick your favorites beforehand but to see the scale of the exhibition and the breadth of creativity.”

Window shopping in the days prior to the extravaganza is one of the best ways to view the exhibition and prepare for the sale. Browse the walls of art, experience all the inspiring styles, colors and themes, and find your favorite mini masterpieces. Viewing the exhibition before the October 17 Extravaganza is included with the price of admission.

The 20-Dollar Art Show is open through Monday, October 20 and is made possible by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and The Clabough Foundation.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

 

 

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