Around the State of Oregon

EUGENE, Ore. — A federal judge has given the government until 7 a.m. on July 2 to remove the security fence surrounding the federal building in downtown Eugene.

The General Services Administration had the fence installed in April, after a protest in January led to vandalism of the building, resulting in multiple broken windows and graffiti.

On Monday, the judge agreed that the GSA had the obligation to protect the building and its personnel, but the U.S. attorney was unable to solidify a date for reconfiguring the fence.

The fence was originally ordered removed within 48 hours after the court ruled it likely violated protesters’ First Amendment rights. The government requested more time, and the judge granted a one-week extension but denied a longer delay.

The fence was installed in April following vandalism during a January protest. The Civil Liberties Defense Center argues the barrier unlawfully blocks access to a public space that has been used for demonstrations for decades.

The federal government has appealed the ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, while attorneys for the protesters are seeking a permanent court order to keep the fence from being reinstalled.

 

 

Need to meet SNAP work rules? Free Oregon program helps people build skills and find jobs

More than half of participants who complete Oregon’s SNAP Employment and Training program are employed shortly afterward.

Salem, Ore. — More than half of SNAP participants who complete Oregon’s SNAP Employment and Training (STEP) program are employed shortly afterward, according to data reported to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Administration.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is highlighting the success of these services as more Oregonians seek support navigating federal changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work or activity rules.

“Employment and training services can help people achieve more than compliance with a requirement,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, Oregon SNAP Director. “They help people build skills, connect with employers and create opportunities that can support them long after they leave SNAP.”

Before connecting with WorkSource Oregon, Isla was facing uncertainty after becoming unemployed while caring for a family member. She had long dreamed of continuing her education but wasn’t sure how she would make it happen. Through the SNAP Employment and Training (STEP) program, she received support, guidance and resources that helped her move forward. Today, she is continuing her education and working toward her goal of starting her own business.

“It has always been a dream of mine to better myself and show my kids you can always go to school and educate yourself no matter the age,” said Isla. “My plans for the future are to have my own company and a great job of my choosing.”

Stories like Isla’s are common among participants in Oregon’s STEP program. According to USDA Food and Nutrition Administration data, 57% of Oregon STEP participants are employed shortly after completing the program, one of the highest rates in the nation.

The STEP program connects SNAP participants with free employment and training services through partnerships between ODHS, STEP providers, the Oregon Employment Department, local workforce development boards and other community organizations throughout Oregon.

Services may include:

• Career coaching and employment planning
• Resume development and interview preparation
• Education and training opportunities
• Job search assistance
• Connections to local employers
• Help addressing barriers that can make it hard to find work or complete training

Many participants use these services to gain new skills, complete training programs, increase earnings or enter a new field.

Federal changes to SNAP work rules have increased the number of Oregonians who may need to meet work or activity rules to maintain food benefits. Employment and training services can help participants meet those requirements while building skills that support long-term employment success.

ODHS is also encouraging people to contact the ODHS ABAWD team (1-833-947-1694 or SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov) if they have questions about SNAP work or activity rules. Some people may qualify for an exemption and not realize it. Others may benefit from employment and training services that can help them maintain benefits while working toward their career goals. ODHS provides the referral for people to access these supports.

Since January 2026, more than 25,600 people have lost benefits because they didn’t meet work or activity rules.

“If you think SNAP work or activity rules may apply to you, your best next step is to contact ODHS,” said Hoffman. “We can help you understand your options and connect you with services that support your goals.”

For more information about SNAP work rules and exemptions:

• English: Oregon.gov/snapworkrules
• Spanish: Oregon.gov/snapnormastrabajo

ODHS ABAWD Team:

• Call: 1-833-947-1694
• Email: ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov

For more information about SNAP benefits:

• Online: oregon.gov
• Call the ONE Customer Service Center: 1-800-699-9075
• In person or by phone: at any ODHS office

Renters who were displaced by the Almeda or Obenchain fires in 2020 may still have avenues for assistance, even if they have faced previous denials.

The ACCESS Center for Community Resilience has announced that the eligibility criteria for various programs have broadened, and some relief initiatives are approaching their deadlines.

The center provides complimentary screenings to assess individuals’ eligibility for current assistance programs. In cases where individuals do not meet the qualifications, the center can offer alternative resources or information. For further inquiries, renters can contact the ACCESS Center for Community Resilience at (541) 414-0318 or via email at ccr@accesshelps.org.

 

Drinking and Boating? Enhanced Boating Patrols July 3 – 5 

The Oregon State Marine Board, in partnership with marine law enforcement across the state, will be participating in Operation Dry Water, July 3^rd through July 5^th, as part of a nationally coordinated effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence of intoxicants (BUII).

BUII includes consumption of prescription drugs, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, or any combination impairing a person’s ability to operate a boat safely. The effects of drugs and alcohol are amplified on the water due to the combined impacts of environmental stressors like sun glare, wind, wave motion, and other factors. Alcohol also dehydrates the body, making sudden immersion into cold water increase the risk of drowning, particularly if the person is not wearing a life jacket.

Impaired boaters face serious penalties. The consequences of a BUII conviction include possible jail time, a $6,250 fine, and loss of boating privileges. Marine officers can legally obtain blood, breath, or urine if a boater fails field sobriety tests. If a boat driver retrieves a boat from the water onto a boat trailer, they could be charged with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII).

“Recreational boating is a relatively safe activity when boating sober, wearing life jackets, and staying aware of the surroundings,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. So far this year, the common denominators for boating fatalities are not wearing a life jacket, falling overboard, and alcohol consumption.

If you see an impaired operator or someone who is operating in a way that threatens others’ safety, boaters are encouraged to call 911 to file a report. Remember the boat type and characteristics, number of passengers, describe the observed behavior, nearest boat ramp, and, if possible, the boat’s registration number/letters at the bow.

For more information about Operation Dry Water, visit www.operationdrywater.org.

 

Dani Schofield, a former nurse at Asante Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon, who is facing 44 counts of assault, will not proceed to trial as scheduled in September. 

According to court documents, the trial has been canceled due to a motion filed by the defense on June 22, which indicated that they require access to essential evidence that will not be available in time for the upcoming trial date. 

This cancellation follows a dispute between the state and the defense that occurred last week, and a pretrial conference is set for August 3, where the judge and defense will convene.

All of Schofield’s previously scheduled court appearances, including her pretrial readiness, status hearing, and the eight-week jury trial involving twelve jurors, have been annulled.  It is reported that at least one patient from Klamath Falls may have been impacted by Schofield’s alleged actions, which involved substituting pain medication with tap water in IV bags while she was treating patients at Asante in Medford.

 

An investigation is currently underway in Medford following an incident in which a homeowner shot an intruder late last week.

Upon the arrival of law enforcement, the family was found to be outside the residence. To assess the situation inside the home, authorities deployed a drone, which ultimately located the suspect, who had sustained a gunshot wound.

The individual, identified as twenty-one-year-old Nathan Roberson, was subsequently hospitalized. Police have reported that Roberson is from another state and was residing in a nearby motel at the time of the incident.

 

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has revealed Medicaid fraud charges against three individuals.

This announcement coincided with the U.S. Justice Department’s disclosure of similar charges against 455 individuals.

The accused include a man from Beaverton facing allegations of housing assistance fraud, a woman from Corvallis charged with Medicaid billing fraud, and a Tigard woman accused of making personal purchases using a government credit card.

More individuals are expected to be charged very soon.

 

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior, has announced new measures aimed at minimizing hazardous exposure for federal wildland firefighters in the upcoming 2026 fire year.

These initiatives include increased availability of N95 respirators on the fireline, mandatory training, and standardized decontamination procedures. Wildland firefighters often operate under extreme conditions, facing prolonged exposure to smoke, ash, and airborne particles.

Although no respirator currently meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards specifically for wildland firefighting, the Forest Service is implementing practical measures to mitigate risks immediately. For the first time, federal wildland firefighters will be permitted to utilize N95 respirators on the fireline, provided they have undergone formal training on their safe application in wildland fire scenarios.

The expanded use of N95 respirators serves as a significant and immediate strategy to decrease the inhalation of harmful particulates that could lead to long-term health issues. Concurrently, both departments are working towards establishing a comprehensive respiratory protection program that aligns with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.

 

The emerald ash borer, a small beetle known for decimating ash trees throughout North America, has been identified in three new locations within the Willamette Valley, as reported by Oregon officials on Tuesday.

The Oregon Department of Forestry confirmed the presence of these invasive beetles in a parking lot east of I-5 in Tualatin, another lot near Newberg, and outside a residence in Silverton. These discoveries were made possible through reports from individuals who observed the beetle’s distinctive burrowing patterns on ash trees. Originally from eastern Asia, these highly destructive beetles were first detected in Oregon in 2022, with sightings in Portland occurring the following year. They specifically target North American ash trees, often leading to the trees’ demise within four years. The situation in Tualatin is particularly alarming, as the infested trees are located just a mile from the ash-tree-lined Tualatin River. In response, the city is actively conducting tests and monitoring the spread of the beetles, as indicated in the forestry department’s news release.

 

Kavulla sworn in as BPA’s 17th administrator

PORTLAND – Travis Kavulla was sworn in today as the new administrator and CEO of the Bonneville Power Administration by U.S. Under Secretary of Energy Kyle Haustveit, becoming the 17th administrator in BPA’s 89-year history. Kavulla will oversee BPA’s vital mission of delivering affordable, reliable and secure power to the Northwest. 

“The Northwest is blessed with abundant hydropower as you all know, and it has provided critical power for Americans for decades. And it will continue to do so for decades to come. You all, along with the work you do and the infrastructure you support, are deeply woven into the fabric of the Northwest,” said Hausveit during a ceremony in Portland. “Travis, I look forward to partnering with you and with all of you at BPA… It’s a unique time in history, and I believe Travis is the right person to answer the call and serve our country.”

BPA faces several unique challenges and opportunities, ranging from significantly expanding transmission infrastructure to best position the region for exponential load growth and exploring new energy markets to upholding statutory obligations such as mitigating the impacts of the federal power and transmission system on fish and wildlife.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, who announced Kavulla’s appointment on June 22, noted the pivotal timing of Kavulla’s leadership.

“This Administration is committed to restoring American energy dominance and your leadership is essential in delivering real, measurable results for the American people,” Wright wrote in a welcome letter to Kavulla. “I encourage you to bring your bold ideas forward and help us accelerate and expand energy production. This is a pivotal moment for America and for DOE.”

Kavulla brings more than 15 years of experience as an energy policy expert and state regulator to this role. He has dedicated his career to developing solutions for affordable, reliable energy in a highly complex industry, focusing on streamlining policies to meet growing power and transmission demands while protecting existing customers from the costs of system upgrades.

He most recently served as the Head of Policy for Base Power Company and as the vice president of Regulatory Affairs at NRG Energy. Previously, Kavulla served eight years as a commissioner at the Montana Public Service Commission, including as chairman, and is a former president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

“I have served nearly a decade previously in public service, on behalf of the people of Montana, and to join the senior executive service of the United States Government to serve the nation and this region feels like a continuation of that vocation, a calling I could not resist,” Kavulla said during the swearing-in ceremony. “In the coming months, I look forward to getting to know Bonneville’s customers, the region’s members of Congress, and our state and tribal partners. I trust you will not be circumspect about your opinions, and as anyone who knows me can attest, I value an open dialogue, a good debate, and even friendly disagreements as we together work to accomplish shared goals.”

“We have hurdles to overcome, and I am clear-eyed about the enormous task ahead of us. But I am also filled with optimism for BPA’s and the region’s future,” Kavulla added. “My confidence stems in large part from BPA’s workforce, which has a strong reputation for being highly skilled and deeply committed—driven intrinsically to succeed on behalf of the millions of people relying on you.”

Throughout his career, Kavulla has advocated for common-sense policies that deliver value for electricity consumers, including major ratemaking and cost-allocation proceedings impacting both small and large utility customers. In addition, he served on several committees and councils providing policy leadership related to transmission planning, governance and reliability.

Kavulla received a bachelor’s degree in history from Harvard University and has a master’s in history from the University of Cambridge. He is also a lecturer at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy.

 

Major Drug Bust in Jackson County

Authorities have charged an individual following a police raid on a suspected illegal marijuana cultivation site in Southern Oregon, where the plants were camouflaged among pear trees.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the farm had sought a permit for hemp cultivation but instead concealed approximately 25,000 marijuana plants within the orchard.

During the operation, deputies confiscated 16,000 pounds of cannabis and nearly 1,500 plants housed in hoop-style greenhouses, resulting in the arrest of one person.

 

 

OHA urges Oregonians to prepare for summer health, safety risks

With summer officially beginning June 21, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is encouraging people across the state to take simple steps to protect themselves from seasonal hazards that can lead to illness, injury and preventable deaths.

“Summer in Oregon offers countless opportunities to spend time outdoors with family and friends, but it’s important to recognize the health and safety risks that can come with warmer weather,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA’s Public Health Division. “Whether you’re swimming, hiking, camping, boating or attending outdoor events, a few preventive measures can help keep you safe and healthy all season long.”

OHA recommends the following steps to reduce summer health risks:

Water safety and drowning prevention 

• Learn to swim and teach children to swim. Swimming lessons reduce drowning risk.
• Fence home pools. Use a four-sided fence at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates and remove toys from the pool when not in use.
• Wear a life jacket. Use U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets in natural water and for weaker swimmers in pools.
• Avoid alcohol. Never drink before or during swimming, boating, or supervising children.
• Know CPR. Learn basic life-saving skills; many organizations offer free courses.
• Be aware of natural water hazards. Currents, waves, rocks, and poor visibility can be deadly.
• Check weather conditions. Avoid swimming during or after thunderstorms.
• Use the buddy system. In open water, have someone watch you and each other.
• If someone is drowning. Reach or throw, don’t go in; you could become a victim.

Extreme heat 

• Seek air-conditioned spaces, if available, when temperatures rise.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, especially when working or recreating outdoors.
• Use cool showers, misting and cold compresses to lower body temperature.
• Limit strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
• Never leave children, older adults or pets in parked vehicles.
• Check in on older neighbors or family members who don’t have air conditioning.
• Learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke at gov/heatsafety.

Sun protection 

• Limit direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and reapply every two hours.
• Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses.
• Take breaks in shaded areas whenever possible.

Wildfire smoke 

• Monitor local air quality conditions and limit outdoor activity when smoke levels are elevated.
• Create a cleaner air space at home using air filtration or a do-it-yourself box fan filter system.
• Install a MERV-13 or higher-rated filter in central air systems when possible.
• Keep windows and doors closed during smoky conditions.
• Follow medical advice if you have asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions.
• Visit org(OregonHumo.org in Spanish) to find the current air quality and health information.
• Review the Oregon Air Quality Activity Guide for Children and Youthfor advice when planning all outdoor activities, including recess, child care outdoor play, sports events, camps, and field trips.

Mosquitoes and ticks 

Mosquitoes and ticks can spread diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. To reduce risk:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes in areas where insects are common.
• Remove standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
• Check yourself, children, pets and gear for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms 

Avoid contact with reservoir, lake or river water that appears:

• Bright green, blue-green, brownish-red or paint-like.
• Foamy, scummy or unusually thick.
• Containing floating mats of algae material.
• Avoid contact with mats of cyanobacteria that are attached to rocks, sand, or aquatic plants.
• Keep children and pets away from affected water and shorelines.
• Enjoy activities that have low risk of swallowing water or inhaling spray in and around bodies of water.
• Check for advisories for specific water bodies.
• Sign up for email and text alerts and learn more at: http://healthoregon.org/hab.

Beach water advisories for harmful bacteria

• Check for advisoriesbefore you head to the beach.
• If a beach is under advisory:
  • Avoid swimming and swallowing ocean water.
  • Avoid swimming in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria can be higher in these water sources.
  • Shower after playing at the beach.
  • Wash your hands before eating or drinking.
  • Enjoy activities such as picnicking, beach walking and kite flying.
  • Even if no advisory is in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.
• Learn more and sign up for email and text updates about beach advisories at http://healthoregon.org/beach

Food safety

Warm temperatures can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Remember the four key food safety steps:

• Clean:Wash hands, surfaces and produce thoroughly.
• Separate:Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods.
• Cook:Use a food thermometer to ensure foods reach safe internal temperatures.
• Chill:Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours.

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