Around the State of Oregon

Task Force Busts Rural Black-Market Marijuana Grow outside Applegate Area

JACKSONVILLE, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant Thursday, July 9 at a black-market cannabis grow in the 100 block of Hogan Road near rural Applegate outside of Jacksonville. IMET detectives seized approximately 1,300 marijuana plants, 1/2 lb. of psilocybin mushrooms, and 3 ½ lbs. of THC extract.

There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Oregon State Police (OSP). Oregon Water Resources Department and Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene to conduct investigations.

While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, OSP, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

Biologists are raising concerns regarding a significant increase in whale fatalities along the West Coast.

According to the Center for Biological Diversity, 2026 is projected to be among the most lethal years for whales in this region, which extends from California to Alaska.

To date, at least 51 whale deaths have been reported this year, and if this trend persists, 2026 could potentially rank as the second deadliest year for West Coast whales, following 2019, which recorded 122 whale deaths.

Small Town Store Wins with Oregon Lottery Bonus

R & R Grocery and Sporting Goods at 940 SE Combs Road in Prineville sold the winning ticket in the June 6, 2026 drawing. The prize winner is from Prineville and wanted to remain anonymous. Store owners Debi and Dennis Morton took over the store four years ago and say it’s the biggest win they’ve experienced. “I’ve been telling regulars, it’s our turn,” said Debi Morton. “So now, I’m telling everyone we’re going to concentrate on Scratch-its because we’re due for a big win there. I really believe that I manifested this.” 

R & R Grocery, known by locals for its homemade fried chicken, has been an Oregon Lottery retailer since 2005. The Mortons say they shared some of the bonus money with the store’s nine employees, made a charity donation, and the rest is being saved for future business expenses.

“Our goal is to make sure when people come to our store, they are happy when they leave,” she said. “If that’s with $3.2 million, then so be it.”Oregon’s Game Megabucks has some of the most favorable big prize jackpot game odds in the world.

In April, two tickets matched the winning numbers and the $11.1 million Megabucks jackpot was split. The jackpot resets to $1 million after someone wins.  

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have one year from the date of a drawing to claim their prize. 

Cities and counties are expressing strong criticism towards the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, citing a perceived deficiency in “openness and good faith” in its operations, while the commission’s director is also facing an ethics complaint.

In a letter addressed to the commission chair on Monday, various statewide organizations representing cities, counties, community colleges, and special districts accused the commission of being excessively stringent or unreasonable in its enforcement of Oregon’s laws governing local officials, including public meeting regulations.

Additionally, in an unusual development, the commission has received a complaint against its own executive director, Susan Myers, on June 24.

Becky Maison, the commission’s senior operations manager, confirmed the existence of this complaint on Tuesday but refrained from providing further details.

OHA urges vaccination amid global rise in clade I mpox transmission

Public health officials are urging people at higher risk of exposure to mpox to get vaccinated—and for health care providers to watch for symptoms among patients—as transmission of a more serious type of the virus increases globally.

Community transmission of clade I mpox virus type is increasing in several countries around the world, including in western Europe, and central and eastern Africa. Symptoms of clade I mpox may be associated with more severe disease than clade II mpox, which caused the ongoing, global outbreak of the virus among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men that started in 2022.

Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority (OHA), said people at higher risk of mpox infection should get the vaccine, known as JYNNEOS, as soon as possible.

“A recent uptick in mpox cases in other states has primarily been among men who have sex with men,” Sidelinger said.

“While June is Pride Month, Pride events and festivals attracting gay men continue through the summer and into the fall. Some attendees at these events might engage in sexual behavior with other folks they meet at these events so should consider vaccination to protect against mpox, if they haven’t gotten the vaccine already.”

It’s also important for health care providers to know what symptoms to look for when seeing patients, Sidelinger said, and knowing who is most at risk.

Mpox spreads primarily through close, skin-to-skin contact. Most often, it has occurred through intimate or sexual contact, or during contact with the lesions of an individual with mpox through a caregiving relationship, such as a parent caring for a child or an adult caretaker of another person.

Infection rates are highest among people living in Multnomah County, those ages 30 to 39, and members of the Hispanic and Black/African American communities. Most cases were men who reported having sex with men, and most identified as gay or bisexual men.

In Oregon, one mpox case was reported in January 2026, and there have been no reported cases since then. There were five cases in 2022 when the global mpox outbreak began, and 10 cases—the state’s highest yearly count—in 2023. In 2024, there were nine cases, and eight cases in 2025.

People who suspect they have mpox should contact their health care provider to let them know before going in to be seen. The provider may recommend testing for mpox. Those who don’t have a health care provider can call 2-1-1 or their local public health authority for help finding a clinic or health care provider. 

About JYNNEOS

The JYNNEOS mpox vaccine is highly effective. According to a May 2023 study published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the vaccine was found to be 75% effective for those receiving one dose and 86% effective for those who had two doses. JYNNEOS is licensed as a series of two doses administered 28 days apart. If more than 28 days have passed, patients should receive the second dose as soon as possible and do not need to restart the series. JYNNEOS vaccine is expected to be effective against both clades of mpox.

For patients who have received two JYNNEOS doses, no additional or booster doses are currently recommended. Vaccination is not recommended for patients who have previously recovered from mpox.

JYNNEOS is available through health care providers and commercial pharmacies, and it remains free to Oregon Health Plan members. Oregon law requires vaccine’s cost to be covered for others with commercial insurance.For more information about mpox in Oregon, visit OHA’s mpox website.

Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities selects new executive director

In coordination with the Governor’s Office and the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities (OCDD), the Oregon Department of Human Service’s Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) is happy to announce that OCDD has selected Brent Watkins to be its new executive director.

Brent has 31 years of experience working with the I/DD community in Oregon and Utah. He spent the first 12 years of his career working for provider agencies in various roles. He worked as a direct support professional, house manager and director of residential services. For the last 19 years, Brent worked for ODDS. He was essential in developing ODDS’ statewide quality assurance process. He managed the ODDS Quality Assurance Unit for six years. For the last two years, Brent served as interim executive director of OCDD.

Brent did his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University. He has a Master of Business Administration from George Fox University.

The council selected Brent after an open recruitment process with multiple rounds of interview panels. As OCDD director, Brent will continue to work with the council to carry out their five-year state plan. He will lead their work to improve the state’s service system and promote changes that expand inclusion and opportunities for individuals with I/DD.

To learn more about the council, visit the OCDD website.

Approximately 300 lightning strikes have been documented in Southern Oregon, as reported by the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership. Consequently, multiple fires have ignited, prompting a response from officials who are actively managing the situation.

Some of these fires are situated in remote areas, which may lead to smoke production; thus, officials advise the public to remain vigilant and stay informed through local fire stations.

Nordic Veneer, a timber products manufacturer located in Roseburg, has announced the permanent closure of its facilities after 72 years of operation.

The company, which has been under the ownership of the Adams family since 1954, has encountered numerous challenges in recent years, including rising taxes, stringent environmental regulations, supply chain disruptions, and pricing pressures stemming from tariffs on Canadian lumber, alongside competition from foreign firms and private landowners.

Production at Nordic Veneer ceased on Thursday, leading to the layoffs of 26 mill workers and three office staff, many of whom had dedicated decades to the company. According to statements from Adams, most of these employees were affected by the closure on that day.

OHA Healthy Homes Grant Program helps Eastern Oregon families stay safe, cool and healthy

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has issued a warning regarding a newly identified fraud ring that enrolls individuals in life insurance policies without their awareness or consent.

This fraudulent activity primarily targets older adults and has been reported across several states, including Oregon. The scheme involves licensed insurance agents who initiate contact with victims through multiple telemarketing calls, during which personal information is solicited. This information is subsequently passed on to the participating insurance agents, who then reach out to the victims to gather any additional details necessary to finalize an application for a life insurance policy.

These applications are submitted without the victims’ knowledge, resulting in the issuance of one or more policies for which the agents receive commissions, despite the fact that the premiums have not yet been paid. The fraud typically comes to light when the insurance company seeks the initial premium payment.

The Division of Financial Regulation’s consumer advocates are available to assist with inquiries or to facilitate the filing of complaints. They can be contacted at 1-888-877-4894 or via email at DFR.InsuranceHelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for insurance-related assistance, and dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for help with financial services.

The Britt Music and Arts Festival in Jacksonville has established a permanent tribute to two of its founders by renaming the main stage the S. John and Elizabeth Trudeau Stage.

This change honors John and Betty Trudeau, who are recognized for their significant contributions to the festival, which has become a cherished cultural tradition in Southern Oregon over the past sixty years. The festival’s roots date back to 1963 when John Trudeau, a conductor from Portland, envisioned a summer music festival in Southern Oregon.

This vision materialized on the hillside above Jacksonville, where the festival has thrived for over six decades. Family members of the Trudeaus were present at the dedication ceremony, celebrating their enduring legacy.

Enjoy outdoors, avoid bites: OHA shares summer mosquito prevention reminder

 Simple steps can reduce risk of serious mosquito-borne illnesses

PORTLAND, Ore.—As mosquito activity increases during the summer months, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding residents and visitors to take precautions against mosquito bites and reduce exposure to West Nile virus, the most common mosquito-borne disease in the state.

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are detected in Oregon every year, primarily in eastern and southern parts of the state, though infected mosquitoes have been found throughout the Pacific Northwest. Public health works closely with local vector control districts to identify areas where the virus is circulating in the mosquito population.

West Nile virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can infect humans, birds, horses and other animals. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on infected birds and can then spread the virus through subsequent bites.

“Summer is a great time to enjoy Oregon’s outdoors, but it’s also the time of year when mosquito activity is at its highest,” said Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., public health veterinarian at OHA’s Public Health Division. “Most people infected with West Nile virus may not develop symptoms, but some can become seriously ill, especially those over 50. Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk.”

About one in five people infected with West Nile virus develop a fever and flu-like illness that can include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Adults 50 and older, people with weakened immune systems, and those with certain underlying health conditions are at greater risk for severe illness. In rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological disease affecting the brain or nervous system.

People experiencing a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, tremors or paralysis should contact a health care provider right away.

Here are tips to reduce breeding sites at home:

• Eliminate standing water around potted plants.
• Empty water from buckets, birdbaths, pet dishes and other containers at least once or twice each week.
• Clean clogged gutters and drainage areas.
• Remove old tires, unused containers and outdoor debris that can collect water.
• Regularly inspect areas under decks and shrubs, and around outbuildings where water may accumulate.

Tips to protect yourself outdoors:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent and follow label instructions.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when mosquito activity is high.
• Consider limiting outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use mosquito netting over infant carriers and strollers.
• Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes and buildings.

Additional information about West Nile virus, mosquito prevention and surveillance activities in Oregon is availableon OHA’s West Nile virus webpage.

OREGON INTRODUCES LIMITED NUTRITION BENEFITS FOR OHP MEMBERS WITH COMPLEX HEALTH NEEDS

New benefits will help improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs.

Salem, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is introducing two new nutrition benefits for eligible Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members: a fruit and vegetable benefit and a pantry stocking benefit. These supports will help people with serious health conditions—such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer—access the healthy foods they need to help manage their conditions and avoid unnecessary emergency care. More information on eligibility requirements and how to request services is available on OHA’s Nutrition Benefits web page.

“These nutrition benefits give providers another important tool to help people stay healthy,” said OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA. “When people have reliable access to nutritious food, they can better manage their health—which reduces emergency visits, lowers hospital readmissions, and helps bring down medical spending overall.”

What the nutrition benefits include

Starting July 1, 2026, eligible OHP members may receive up to six months of support through the fruit and vegetable benefit or the pantry stocking benefit. To qualify, members must meet all of the following:

• Have a qualifying health condition, such as a complex physical or behavioral health need
• Have a qualifying life situation, such as recently being discharged from incarceration or treatment, being pregnant, at-risk of homelessness, or being an OHP member with Young Adult with Special Health Care Needs benefits
• Have low or very low food security
• Any benefit-specific requirements

The fruit and vegetable benefit covers fresh, frozen, canned, or packaged options, including items like applesauce. The pantry stocking benefit includes foods such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cooking oils, and spices. Depending on their health plan, members may receive grocery box deliveries or a preloaded card they can use at participating stores.

A coordinated statewide launch

To help ensure the nutrition benefits reach eligible members who need them most, especially in rural areas of the state where provider availability and nutrition resources can be limited, OHA has been working closely with Oregon’s 15 coordinated care organizations (CCOs) and nutrition providers. Throughout this process, OHA used direct feedback from CCOs and providers to simplify key operational steps, including eligibility requirements and authorization processes. These steps will help reduce administrative burden and make it easier for eligible members to access services quickly.

As part of a statewide readiness review, each CCO identified nutrition providers in its region and worked to build network capacity to meet expected demand when the benefits launch. This included partnering with community-based organizations—such as Rogue Food Unites—that are already deeply connected to local food systems and community needs.

“Access to food is a fundamental human right. At Rogue Food Unites, our mission has always been to use food as a tool for healing and resilience, especially during times of crisis,” said Amber Ferguson, Executive Director of Rogue Food Unites. “We’re excited to serve as a HRSN nutrition provider and to expand access to food for community members who are economically insecure and living with underlying health conditions. By partnering with locally invested businesses, we’re able to provide fresh, nutritious food that supports individual and community health while also strengthening local economies.”

Reaching communities with the greatest needs

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Oregon’s ability to provide these benefits, along with nutrition education and Medically Tailored Meals, under Oregon’s 1115 OHP Demonstration Waiver, which remains in effect through September 30, 2027. Oregon’s 1115 waiver also includes housing benefits and access to devices to keep eligible OHP members healthy during extreme weather, such as air conditioners and air filters.

Recent HRSN data highlight both strong need for and broad reach of HRSN benefits across the state. Several rural counties—including Josephine, Wallowa, Linn, and Columbia—have some of the highest rates of members receiving HRSN benefits. Additionally, more than half of members who have received an HRSN benefit report having one or more disabilities, compared with 24 percent of the overall OHP population, underscoring the importance of these services in supporting members with higher and more complex needs. Additional data can be found on OHA’s Data about Medicaid Health-Related Social Needs Benefits web page.

How OHP members can request benefits

Members can learn more about eligibility and how to request services on OHA’sNutrition Benefits web page.

• Members enrolled in a CCO can access CCO request forms from OHA’sHRSN Nutrition web page or can contact their CCO
• Open Card members can contact Acentra at 1‑888‑834‑4304 or email ORHRSN@Acentra.com.

For general questions, members can call OHP Client Services at 1‑800‑273‑0557.

Additional food resources

The Oregon Department of Human Services’Food Resources in Oregon web page offers additional resources for people who may not qualify for the nutrition benefits or who need immediate support.

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

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

(SALEM, Ore.) – 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 websiteto 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.

Thanks for reading the the news on BasinLife.com from Wynne Broadcasting.