See Road Camera Views around the Klamath Basin:

Lake of the Woods
Doak Mtn.
Hiway 97 at Chemult
Hiway 140 at  Bly
Hiway 97 at GreenSprings Dr.
Hiway 97 at LaPine

Around the State of Oregon

⛽ Gas Prices Hit Highest Level of the Year

Gas prices have climbed to their highest point so far this year, driven by rising tensions in the Middle East and seasonal fuel changes.

According to the AAA, the national average price for gasoline jumped 43 cents over the past week to $3.54 per gallon. In Oregon, prices rose even more sharply, increasing 31 cents to an average of $4.26 per gallon.

Experts say the spike is linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which has raised concerns about global oil supplies. Prices in Oregon were also pushed higher after a recent three-day shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline, a key fuel supply route to the Pacific Northwest. Operations have since resumed.

Another factor is the annual switch to summer-blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce but required to reduce air pollution during warmer months.

Analysts say prices could remain elevated in the short term as geopolitical tensions and seasonal demand continue to influence the market.

Last week Grants Pass 911 Communications received an emergency call from an elderly female. The caller reported that a man had fired a gun in her home, striking his own leg.

Police officers responded to the residence in the 2400 block of Leonard Road.

Officers learned there was another elderly person in the home being held hostage by the man who shot himself in the leg.

Knowing a person was being threatened with potential deadly force, officers notified the Grants Pass Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) to put them on standby.

The officers helped the elderly female exit the home through the back door. They continued to gather more intelligence about the dynamic scene inside the residence. The officers wanted to see a safe outcome for both the hostage and the suspect, which required additional resources and information, along with a contingency plan.

During this planning stage, patrol officers then heard shots from within the residence and immediately feared for the safety of the hostage. Without consideration for their own safety, the officers courageously and immediately forced entry into the home to rescue the hostage. This is one of the most dangerous moments for all involved, and our officers, without specialized tools or additional protection, put someone else’s safety above their own.

Once inside the home, they discovered the suspect had shot himself in the chest. The police officers transitioned immediately to lifesaving mode and began to provide emergency medical care to the suspect. Other officers helped the elderly male hostage get out of the home safely.

AMR and Grants Pass Fire provided further advanced care and transported the suspect to Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. He had been in the hospital’s care until today, when he was released. With the assistance of the Medford Police, Lee Christopher Davis, a 51-year-old, was taken into custody by the Grants Pass Police Major Crimes Unit.

Davis was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges of Kidnapping in the First Degree (x2), Unlawful Use of a Weapon (x2), Menacing, Felon in Possession of a Weapon, and Interfering with Making a Report (x2).

We are grateful to the skilled patrol sergeant and the eleven brave officers who performed at the highest level. It is due to their incredible work that both the elderly residents were not injured, and the suspect’s life was saved.

 

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission is hosting its “March Chance to Purchase” event.

They provide an opportunity to acquire hard-to-find spirits through a lottery system. Prices vary from the Weller C.Y.P.B. Straight Bourbon priced at 65 dollars per bottle to a 900 dollar bottle of Cutty Sark Centenary Scotch.

Registration is available on the OLCC’s website.

 

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s priority housing legislation swiftly progressed through the Senate last week, paving the way for municipalities throughout the state to broaden their urban growth boundaries to facilitate the construction of additional manufactured homes or housing designated for seniors.

State Senator Dick Anderson, a Republican from Lincoln City, expressed his support for the bill, emphasizing that despite its origin from the Democratic governor, it aligned with his principles of increased local control, reduced regulatory burdens, and enhanced housing alternatives. Anderson pointed out that cities like Philomath, Newport, Florence, and Coos Bay lack sufficient land to establish manufactured home parks.

The proposal, known as House Bill 4082, received minimal debate on the Senate floor and achieved near-unanimous backing. It had previously passed through the lower chamber on February 17.

 

🏠 Oregon Senate Advances Housing Bill to Expand City Growth Boundaries

A major housing proposal backed by Governor Tina Kotek is moving quickly through the Legislature, aiming to increase housing options across Oregon — especially for seniors.

The state Senate approved House Bill 4082 on Wednesday with little opposition. The measure would allow cities to temporarily expand their urban growth boundaries to build manufactured home communities and senior housing.

State Senator Dick Anderson, a Republican from Lincoln City, supported the bill despite its Democratic sponsorship. He said it promotes local control, reduces regulations, and expands affordable housing choices.

Anderson noted that several coastal communities — including Philomath, Newport, Florence, and Coos Bay — currently lack available land for new manufactured home parks.

Under the proposal:

• Cities with populations over 25,000 could add up to 100 acres

• Smaller cities could expand by up to 50 acres

• New development must primarily serve residents age 55 and older

The expansion authority would be temporary and expire in 2033.

The bill previously passed the Oregon House in February and now heads toward final approval.

💰 Nike Co-Founder Donates $1 Million to Republican Governor Candidate

Billionaire businessman Phil Knight has donated $1 million to the gubernatorial campaign of former NBA player Chris Dudley, according to state campaign finance records.

The contribution — reported Tuesday on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website — is the largest single donation to a Republican candidate for governor this year.

Dudley, a Republican candidate, played 16 seasons in the NBA, including six with the Portland Trail Blazers. He later became a businessman and philanthropist.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 16, Dudley was the first NBA player known to compete while managing the condition. For three decades, he has hosted a basketball camp in Oregon for children living with diabetes.

Knight’s donation is expected to significantly boost Dudley’s campaign as the race for governor intensifies with many candidates hoping to remove liberal incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek, who Oregonians have increasingly become unhappy with bad policies and the current economic and job climate in the state.

🔌 Utilities Take Steps to Prevent Wildfires — Even If It Means More Outages

Electric utilities are stepping up efforts to prevent power lines from sparking wildfires, a move that could lead to more precautionary power shutoffs.

According to Pacific Power spokesperson Brandon Capps, the company is installing more sensitive equipment in high-risk areas. The upgraded technology can detect potential problems and automatically shut off electricity faster to reduce the chance of a fire.

However, the added sensitivity also increases the likelihood of outages occurring even when no danger is present.

Utilities may also implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs during extreme weather conditions such as high winds or dry heat.

Officials urge customers who rely on life-sustaining medical equipment to contact their utility provider in advance. Some customers may qualify for assistance or discounts on backup power supplies.

Power companies say the measures are necessary to reduce wildfire risk as climate conditions become more volatile.

More than 350 Oregonians — including incumbents and first-time candidates — filed to run for statewide, congressional and legislative offices by Tuesday’s 5 p.m. deadline.

Voters will elect a governor, labor commissioner, U.S. senator, six members of Congress, 60 state representatives and 15 state senators this year, along with dozens of city, county and local officials.

Although Tuesday marked the filing deadline for the May primary, races could still change before Friday’s withdrawal deadline. Below is a look at some of the more competitive contests. A full list of candidates is available on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website.

U.S. Senate and Congress

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat seeking a fourth term, filed for reelection along with all six members of Oregon’s congressional delegation.

Democratic U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Maxine Dexter represent reliably Democratic Portland-area districts, while Republican U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz represents a strongly Republican district covering most of eastern and southern Oregon.

U.S. Reps. Janelle Bynum, Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas represent more competitive districts across the Willamette Valley and Cascades, though none face notable primary challengers.

Republicans competing for their party’s U.S. Senate nomination include state Sen. David Brock Smith of Port Orford, perennial candidate Jo Rae Perkins and several others. Monique DeSpain, who lost to Hoyle in 2024, is again running in the 4th Congressional District. In the 5th District, Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair and former legislative aide Jonathan Lockwood are seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Bynum.

Governor

The Republican primary for governor is shaping up as the party’s highest-profile race.

Among the leading candidates are former Portland Trail Blazer Chris Dudley, who came closer to winning the governor’s office than any Republican in decades; 2022 GOP nominee and current state Sen. Christine Drazan of Canby; state Rep. Ed Diehl of Scio; Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell; and social media influencer David Medina, who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

More than a dozen Republicans have filed in total.

On the Democratic side, eight candidates — none with major statewide recognition — have filed to challenge incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek in the primary.

Bureau of Labor and Industries

One surprise on filing day was who did not run. Sen. Dick Anderson, R–Lincoln City, did not file for the position of labor commissioner as expected.

The nonpartisan race will instead feature incumbent Christina Stephenson, a Democrat closely aligned with labor unions, and former BOLI employee Chris Lynch, who argues the agency has become overly politicized.

State Senate

Half of Oregon’s 30 Senate seats are on the ballot this year. Democrats currently hold an 18–12 majority.

Five of the seats have no incumbent running. Three Republican senators — Cedric Hayden of Fall Creek, Kim Thatcher of Keizer and Suzanne Weber of Tillamook — cannot seek reelection after voters approved a constitutional amendment barring lawmakers who miss 10 or more floor sessions. The three participated in a six-week legislative walkout in 2023.

Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, is also retiring, and Christine Drazan is running for governor.

Golden’s 3rd Senate District has a crowded Democratic primary with five candidates, including Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine, attorney Tonia Moro and health care consultant Denise Krause.

In the Republican-leaning 6th District, Rep. Jami Cate of Lebanon faces small business owners Nicole de Graff and Jack Tibbetts in the GOP primary.

The 11th District race features former state Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon and former Salem City Councilor Virginia Stapleton competing for the Democratic nomination, while former Republican state Rep. Tracy Cramer is unopposed in the GOP primary.

Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, faces two Democratic challengers in the 15th District.

Meanwhile, the coastal 16th District has crowded primaries in both parties, with three Democrats and three Republicans seeking the seat currently held by Weber.

State House

All 60 seats in the Oregon House are up for election. Democrats hold a 37–23 majority after Rep. Cyrus Javadi of Tillamook switched from Republican to Democrat.

Several lawmakers are retiring, including Reps. Ken Helm, Rick Lewis, John Lively and Boomer Wright. Other seats opened after candidates launched bids for higher office.

Competitive primaries are emerging across the state. In Springfield’s 7th District, three Democrats are vying to replace Lively. In the coastal 9th District, two Republicans are competing for Wright’s seat.

The 18th District, currently represented by Lewis, features a five-candidate Republican primary, while the Beaverton-area 27th District has a two-way Democratic contest between school board member Tammy Carpenter and city councilor Ashley Hartmeier-Prigg.

One of the most competitive races may be in the 52nd District, where three Republicans and four Democrats are running to replace Rep. Jeff Helfrich.

Two veteran lawmakers also face primary challenges: Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend, and Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner, both from opponents who argue they are out of touch with their districts.

 

Supporters of a referendum to challenge Oregon’s gas tax increase have filed another lawsuit over the state’s transportation funding law.

The lawsuit comes after the Oregon House approved Senate Bill 1599 in a 31–20 vote. The bill moves the referendum on the transportation package from the November ballot to the May ballot.

The transportation law would raise Oregon’s gas tax and some DMV fees. Supporters of the law say the increases are needed to fund transportation projects and prevent layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

State Rep. Ed Diehl and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Starr spoke about the lawsuit during a press conference in Salem on Tuesday, saying they support the legal challenge.

The issue will now be decided in court.

Oregon Prevents Billions in Tax Refund Fraud

The Oregon Department of Revenue reports it has blocked nearly $2 billion in fraudulent tax refund attempts over the past five years.

In 2024 alone, the state’s record “kicker” refund prompted approximately $1.4 billion in attempted fraud. Officials say criminals often use sophisticated schemes, including stolen personal data, tax preparer breaches, identity theft, and deliberately false refund claims.

The department continues to strengthen safeguards to protect taxpayers and prevent fraudulent payments

Oregon Gas Prices Climb to Highest Levels This Year

Gas prices across Oregon have climbed to their highest levels since September 2025, following a sharp increase in global crude oil prices tied to tensions in the Middle East.

Oil prices surged after U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran and disruptions to tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for the world’s oil supply. The developments have pushed gasoline prices higher across the country.

The national average price for regular gasoline rose about 43 cents in the past week to $3.54 per gallon.

In Oregon, prices have increased even more sharply. The statewide average began 2026 at $3.42 per gallon, but has now risen to around $4.26 per gallon.

“When crude oil prices shoot up, pump prices follow suit because crude oil is the basic ingredient in gasoline and diesel,” said Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “It’s impossible to predict how high prices might go, but we can expect elevated oil and gas prices as long as the conflict in Iran continues and tanker traffic is disrupted.”

Experts note that roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz, meaning any disruption can quickly affect global energy markets.

Seasonal factors are also contributing to the increase. Gasoline prices typically rise during late winter and spring as refineries undergo maintenance and transition to producing summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to refine but performs better in warmer temperatures.

With less than five weeks to go before tax deadline state has issued 720,000 refunds

Salem, OR— Heading into the final month of the 2026 tax season, the Oregon Department of Revenue has received and processed 860,000 electronically-filed Oregon personal income tax returns and has issued 720,000 refunds.

Most taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds within two weeks of the date their return is e-filed. Some returns, however, require additional review and can take longer. Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

The Where’s My Refund? tool was enhanced last year and now provides:

• Additional detail about refund status. 
• Added functionality to see when the agency is requesting additional information to complete processing a return. 
• Website enhancements for improved customer experience.

To have the benefit of the enhancements, however, taxpayers need to be signed into theirRevenue Onlineaccount. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool without being signed into Revenue Online account, but won’t be able to see the updated features.

A videooutlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.

Among those refunds that will take longer in 2026 are refunds from paper-filed Oregon Personal Income Tax returns. On average taxpayers who e-file and request direct deposit get their refund two weeks faster than those who file a paper return. The extra wait will be even longer this year.

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax form information to the Department of Revenue creating a delay in the processing of paper-filed state returns. Processing of paper-filed returns is expected to start at the end of March with the first refunds for paper-filed returns expected to be issued in early April.

Oregon is returning a $1.41 billion revenue surplus “kicker” to taxpayers in 2026. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer’s refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculatoravailable on Revenue Online.

About 60 percent of the 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns expected to be filed in 2026 have yet to be filed with less than five weeks to go before the April 15 deadline.

Besides the high volume of returns filed at the end of tax season, there are other common things that can make it take longer for Oregonians to get their refunds.

Four common reasons refunds take longer and what to do about it.

• Filing electronically and requesting to receive a refund via a check takes longer. Request direct deposit instead.
• Filing more than once. Sending a duplicate paper return through the mail after e-filing will a delay a refund. Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to amend their return to make changes.
• Refunds for taxpayers that are new to filing returns may be delayed so we can verify your identity. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting identity verification are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.
• Refunds can also be delayed when errors are identified on returns. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting additional information are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.

The Department of Revenue recommends that taxpayers wait one week after they have electronically filed their return to use the Where’s My Refund tool.

Taxpayers can check the status of their federal tax refunds on the IRS website.

 

The Oregon Employment Department is rolling out several changes designed to improve customer service for Oregonians who rely on its programs.

Agency leaders recently completed a review of how customers interact with services across multiple programs, including unemployment benefits, paid leave, tax contributions, and job assistance.

The review looked at services provided through WorkSource Oregon centers as well as the agency’s online platform, Frances Online. Officials say the goal is to make it easier for people to access help and get answers to their questions.

Among the improvements planned are new artificial intelligence tools that will assist with customer support, clearer communication with claimants, and additional equipment at WorkSource Oregon locations to help people file unemployment insurance claims. Some of these upgrades have already started, and the department says more improvements will roll out over time as part of an ongoing effort to improve the customer experience.

Oregon currently limits interest rates on most consumer loans to 36 percent. However, a loophole in the law has allowed some lenders to charge much higher rates by structuring loans in a way that avoids the cap.

Lawmakers in the Oregon Legislature have now passed a bill designed to close that loophole. Supporters say the measure will protect consumers from extremely high interest rates and help prevent borrowers from falling into long-term debt.

Republican lawmakers raised concerns about the change, arguing that these types of loans can provide an important option for people who are unable to qualify for traditional bank loans. Similar laws aimed at limiting high-interest lending have already been adopted in states such as Colorado and Iowa, as well as in Puerto Rico. The bill now awaits the signature of the governor before it can become law.

Gov. Tina Kotek has signed a new law aimed at reducing some of the challenges faced by behavioral health care professionals in the state.

Supporters of the legislation say many counselors and therapists struggle with complicated licensing requirements and administrative work that can slow their ability to begin practicing. The new law is designed to simplify the credentialing process, reduce unnecessary paperwork, and expand access to clinical supervision for people who hold a master’s degree and are working toward full licensure.

State officials hope the changes will help address workforce shortages by making it easier for behavioral health professionals to enter and remain in the field while continuing their training and certification.

State Plan Could Provide Lifeline for Coos Bay Hospital

A major piece of legislation passed by the Oregon Legislature could provide significant financial relief for Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay, helping the facility avoid potential service cuts.

House Bill 4075 authorizes the state to guarantee a loan of up to $44 million as part of a long-term refinancing plan designed to stabilize the hospital’s finances.

Supporters say the plan will allow the hospital to restructure debt and avoid relying on higher-interest loans to stay operational.

Bay Area Hospital has been operating at a financial loss and had previously explored a possible merger with Quorum Health, though those talks ended last August.

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Boomer Wright, who represents the Coos Bay area. The 2026 legislative session concluded Friday, and the bill now heads to Governor Tina Kotek for final approval.

If signed into law, the funding could play a key role in maintaining healthcare services for thousands of residents along the southern Oregon coast.

Woman Arrested in Grants Pass Bank Robbery 

On Friday, Grants Pass Police Department received a call of a bank robbery at the People’s Bank on NE 7th Street. Patrol officers immediately responded to the bank.

Due to the seriousness of the crime, Grants Pass Police Major Crime Unit Detectives were requested to assist in the investigation.

Following the initial investigation by detectives and patrol, Renee Freitas, a 58-year old female, was identified as the suspect. Less than 45 minutes after the robbery, a Grants Pass Police School Resource Officer located her near the Grants Pass Shopping Center.

Freitas was lodged at the Josephine County Jail on charges of Robbery in the Second Degree, Menacing (x2), Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Theft in the First Degree.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was alerted to the arrest as well. Further questions will need to be directed to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.

 

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival Kicks Off This Weekend In Ashland

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) 2026 season officially kicks off the weekend of March 13-15 in Ashland, featuring a 10-show lineup of classics and new works, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Come From Away, and A Raisin in the Sun. Regular season performances run through Oct. 25, with tickets on sale now.

Key highlights and details for the 2026 season include:

• Opening Weekend: Previews for A Midsummer Night’s Dream begin March 13, Come From Away on March 14, and A Raisin in the Sun on March 15.
• Key Productions:The season features a mix of repertoire, including Yellow Face, August Wilson’s King Hedley II, Smote This, The Taming of the Shrew, Henry IV, Part One, Emma, and the new work You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World!.
• Venues & Access:Performances take place across three theaters—the Angus Bowmer Theatre, Thomas Theatre, and Allen Elizabethan Theatre. The season features enhanced accessibility, including services for deaf or hard-of-hearing guests.
• Season Structure:The season runs from March 13 through October 25.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

For more information and tickets, patrons can visit the officialOSF website.

 

Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center Terminating Contracts with Doctor Groups

Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center has notified a team of nine NICU doctors of contract termination. Also a decision to terminate pact with 28 hospitalists effective February 2027 comes weeks after reported contract termination for nine NICU doctors and Asante confirming changes planned in July 2026 for neonatology program.

In the second of two significant contract terminations in recent weeks, Asante officials have reportedly decided to part ways with a group of more than two dozen doctors providing in-patient care for adult patients at Rogue Regional Medical Center for nearly a quarter of a century. The effective date is early 2027,

Southern Oregon Hospitalists, which is housed in the lower level of the Medford hospital, was launched in 2003 for the sole purpose of providing in-patient care to hospitalized adults.  The specifics of the contract or offer a reaction to the loss of the long-term contract but confirmed contract termination and said members would cease to work inside the hospital effective 365 days from the written notice Feb. 5, or in early February 2027.  The group of more than two-dozen doctors offered the following statement: “Southern Oregon Hospitalists, the largest hospitalist group in Southern Oregon, is proud of the patient care they have provided to the community as the exclusive hospitalist group at RRMC for over 20 years.”

Termination of the hospitalists’ contract came just seven days after a Jan. 29 staff meeting in which dozens of employees were reportedly notified that Asante officials had terminated the contract with nine neonatology doctors for the Medford hospital NICU.

Other concerns were raised in recent weeks when nursing staff reported that Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford temporarily shut down its intermediate care unit twice in December after ONA officials claimed Asante created a staffing shortage.

Asante is the largest health care provider and employer in nine counties in Southern Oregon and Northern California, providing medical care to 600,000 people throughout the region.

 

Opening doors to dental care for Oregon veterans

For a long time, veterans who didn’t qualify for federal VA dental benefits or the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) had limited or no access to dental care, leaving many to delay appointments, live with pain and infection, or skip routine checkups.

Oral health plays a big role in overall health because problems like gum disease can affect the rest of the body, including the heart. Keeping teeth and gums healthy supports whole-body well-being and can help lower the risk of other health issues.

National Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7) gives us a chance to recognize the many ways veterans strengthen our communities. It also reminds us that supporting veterans means making sure they can access the care they need to stay healthy. One important way Oregon is doing that is by making it easier for veterans to get dental care.

Oregon Health Authority launched the Veteran Dental Program in 2023 to address this need. Veterans who earn a monthly income of up to $5,320 for an individual or up to $11,000 for a family of four may qualify. The program offers services like cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures and emergency care. Best of all, eligible veterans don’t pay for covered services. It’s making a real difference – more than 4,300 individuals are already enrolled in the program and 892 veterans received dental care in 2025.

Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, says this kind of access is long overdue. “Oral health is health care,” she explains, “and for many veterans—especially aging veterans—dental care has been one of the most significant gaps in access to services. We are helping ensure that veterans who may not qualify for federal VA dental benefits still have access to essential preventive and restorative care, such as dentures.”

If you’re a veteran—or if you know a veteran—now is a great time to learn more about the Oregon Veteran Dental Program. You can find details about eligibility, covered services, and how to get started by visiting OHA’s OHPDentalOnly Programs webpage.

 

Salem, Oregon – Emma Keen, a high school junior at Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, is Oregon’s 2026 Poetry Out Loud champion.

Keen received the top score at Saturday’s Poetry Out Loud State Contest, held at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. She will now represent Oregon at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, to be held April 27-29 in Washington, D.C.

Bena (Bee-nah) Rodecap, a senior who attends Grant High School in Portland, was named runner up. Rodecap would be invited to represent Oregon in the national competition should Keen be unable to attend.

Since 2005, over 4.5 million high school students across the nation have participated in Poetry Out Loud. The program in Oregon is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oregon Arts Commission and jurisdictional arts agencies.

Keen, who is student body president at Oregon School for the Deaf, decided to participate in Poetry Out Loud with the encouragement of her educator, Gayle Robertson. She chose to recite “Low-Tide,” by Edna St. Vincent Millay, “From One Who Stays” by Amy Lowell and “I am Like a Leaf” by Yone Noguchi.

“I am so grateful for this experience,” Keen said after being named champion. “I loved having my family here to support me. It’s been really amazing.”

As the 2026 election approaches, the Oregon Republican Party is set to conduct a gubernatorial debate next month.

The primary candidates vying for the party’s nomination for governor are slated to convene on April 16 in Hillsboro. They are in competition to challenge Democratic Governor Tina Kotek in the upcoming November election.

Among those who have declared their candidacy this year are House Minority Leader and 2022 nominee Christine Drazan, retired professional basketball player and 2010 Republican nominee Chris Dudley, Salem State Representative Ed Diehl, and Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, along with several others.

The Oregon GOP has stated that candidates must fulfill certain criteria to prove their viability and qualify for the debate. These requirements include raising a minimum of $100,000 from at least 250 individual donors, publishing their platform or priorities on an official campaign website, and committing to support the party’s eventual nominee.

 

Oregon Health Authority is urging riders to take safety precautions when using e-scooters and e-bicycles, as new data show a sharp increase in serious injuries associated with these “micromobility” or motorized devices.  

An analysis by OHA’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program (IVPP), using Oregon hospital and emergency department discharge data, shows that e-scooter-related injuries more than doubled in the past 4 years.

Last year alone saw e-scooter and e-bike tally 509 injuries sending riders to hospitals and emergency rooms.

 

Oregon lawmakers are considering a new bill aimed at regulating flavored nicotine pouches. The legislation seeks to close a loophole that currently allows these products to be sold without the same restrictions applied to other tobacco products.

Health experts warn that despite their different appearance, nicotine pouches carry similar risks of addiction as cigarettes and vaping products. Lisa Fischer, a Tobacco Prevention Outreach Coordinator, emphasized that nicotine is highly addictive and can alter brain chemistry by triggering dopamine release, reinforcing repeated use.

Under current Oregon law, individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase tobacco products, but that restriction does not currently apply to nicotine pouches.

These smokeless products, which are placed between the gum and lip, have grown increasingly popular in recent years, raising concerns among public health officials.

 

ATRIO Health Plans is currently facing financial challenges, with an outstanding debt of nearly $60 million owed to Asante for services that have already been provided.

This situation has resulted in a notable alteration in network status for ATRIO members. As stated by Asante, starting January 1, ATRIO’s Medicare Advantage coverage will be considered out of network with Asante.

Members are required to take action before March 31 to prevent any disruption in their care, as new routine appointments will not be accessible after this date, with certain exceptions.

Heather Rowenhorst, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Asante, highlighted their dedication to the community, noting that the non-payment from ATRIO has necessitated challenging decisions.

“This decision underscores our commitment to our communities to ensure the sustainability of Asante and health care in southern Oregon,” Rowenhorst remarked.

Members affected by this change have until March 31 to switch their Medicare Advantage plans. Asante provides resources to assist members in continuing care with their existing providers.

Here Comes Lakeview’s Annual Irish Days Celebration!

This cherished tradition will commence with dinner at the Lakeview Elks Lodge on the evening of Friday, March 13. Guests who present an O’Button will receive a $2 discount on their dinner.

O’Buttons are available for purchase at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce in Lakeview. The dinner on Friday will feature the crowning of both the grand and wee leprechauns, along with a performance by the Sagebrush Echoes. Dan Michaelson has been named this year’s grand leprechaun.

The Wee Leprechaun will be selected through a drawing this Friday. The festivities on Saturday will begin with breakfast at the Eagles Lodge prior to the Irish Days Parade.

The parade lineup is scheduled for 10 a.m., with the parade itself starting at 11 a.m. Additionally, the Eagles Lodge will offer a potato bar lunch; diners can enjoy a $2 discount on lunch with an O’Button.

 

Beginning on March 30, 2026, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will discontinue the waiver of parking fees at an additional 22 day-use parks.

Currently, a day-use parking permit costs $10 for residents of Oregon and $12 for out-of-state visitors, and it is valid for the entire day of purchase at any state park in Oregon. Access to the parks remains complimentary for those who walk, bike, or utilize public transportation.

Visitors arriving by car can present valid parking by displaying a current hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a valid 12 or 24-month parking permit. Additionally, visitors who acquire parking permits online or through parking QR codes can link their license plates to the valid payment.

At present, OPRD mandates a day-use parking permit at 46 parks and waives parking fees at over 150 parks throughout the state. The selection of the 22 additional parks was based on the amenities and features that necessitate maintenance and operation, including restrooms, trails, paving, irrigation, boat ramps, and more.

The revenue from parking fees contributes to the maintenance and operation costs, ensuring that these facilities remain available for all visitors.

 

Oregon State Parks to hire seasonal Park Rangers, Park Ranger Assistants

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon State Parks is hiring seasonal Park Rangers and Park Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2026 season.

Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through June with new positions listed on a rolling basison the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.

Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.

Salaries start at $20.28 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.79 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, who are enrolled in high school start at $20.27 or more per hour, depending on experience.

Several of Oregon State Parks’ top leaders started their careers as seasonal employees, including all three Region Directors.

“We are focused on developing an engaged workforce by partnering with staff on career development, investing in skill building and fostering a culture of belonging. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you make a difference in protecting and promoting Oregon’s special places,” said interim Director Stefanie Coons.

Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Park Rangers at parks around the state. Positions are available in Oregon’s coastal areas, scenic valleys, and mountain regions, offering opportunities to work in some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.

For more information about current openings, visithttps://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department RecruitingOPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.

Sky Hunters Takes Flight at the High Desert Museum During Spring Break

BEND, OR — Spring break kicks off this Saturday, March 21 at the High Desert Museum with special programs, new exhibitions and summer hours, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.  

The popular indoor flight demonstration, Sky Hunters returns to the E. L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. Visitors experience powerful predators close up as raptors fly just overhead, showcasing the birds’ agility and grace while learning about their lives in the wild. The program is daily from Saturday, March 21 – Saturday, March 28 at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm and is first come, first served. Tickets are $7 and available at Admissions on the day of. Museum members receive a 20% discount. Sky Hunters is made possible by Fly Redmond with support from the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon. 

Visitors will also be able to enjoy daily talks about High Desert flora and fauna, free with admission. These include the Nature Walk at 10:30 am, Otter Encounter at 12:30 pm and Mammal Encounter at 3:00 pm. 

Spring break visitors will also be able to experience the Museum’s temporary exhibitions. The new, original exhibition Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration in the Spirit of the West Gallery invites visitors to discover the science, spectacle, and significance behind the giants that live among us. For many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980.  

Blending history and geology with interactive storytelling and hands-on exploration, visitors will encounter lava rocks, a volcanic hazard map, and hear the rumble of a volcano. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/under-pressure. 

Another exhibition on view in the Brooks Gallery is Soil Alive!, a subterranean journey into the world beneath our feet. Presented in English and Spanish, the exhibition beckons visitors underground to discover how soil is not just a bed of crunched up rocks and other materials.

Visitors who enter the exhibition hear the muffled subterranean sounds of animals and microorganisms in the soil. The family-friendly exhibition includes interactive experiences and hands-on activities that share how a complex network of organisms turns ordinary dirt into living soil. From a giant magnifying glass that points at a wall-sized digital illustration and illuminates hidden animals to helping a ponderosa sapling grow in a motion-activated digital experience, Soil Alive! digs into a busy and active universe. The exhibition closes on Sunday, March 29. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/soil-alive.  

Other temporary exhibitions include Prophets – Paintings by Hilary Baker. The exhibit, located in the Desertarium Gallery, features 18 of Baker’s artworks depicting moths. Baker, who grew up in Los Angeles, lost her longtime home to the Palisades Fire in January 2025. It was then that she began painting moths, examining them as spiritual messengers, prompting visitors to pay more attention to moths large and small through bright, lavish renderings. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/prophets. 

Drawn West: A History of Promoting Place, an original exhibition, explores a century of salesmanship, when artists and cartographers alike crafted an image of the West that depicted both fact and fiction. Featuring 50-plus maps, artworks and advertisement from the Museum’s extensive collections, visitors can take a walk through time and learn about the decades of western expansion, from the growth of cities and towns along railways in the High Desert to the first Pendleton Round-Up in 1910. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/drawn-west. 

And Forest at Night reveals the sights and sounds of the forest when the moon is high and the stars are out. An immersive and interactive exhibition, Forest at Night takes visitors on a virtual tour, featuring insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Visitors may gaze up at twinkling stars and learn about the constellations that guide migrating birds on their way through the High Desert. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/forest-at-night. 

Throughout the week, the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill will be open from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm beginning Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 29 (excluding Monday, March 23). Experience history and jump in to lend a hand or ask about the many buildings and objects. 

More information on visiting the High Desert Museum is available at highdesertmuseum.org/visit-bend-oregon.

 

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: 

The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2025 recipient of the Autry Public History Prize from the Western History Association and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

 

To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.  

 

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