OEM Encourages Safe Travels this Holiday Season
As Oregonians prepare for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging residents and visitors to take extra precautions. A series of weather systems will bring rain, mountain snow, and increasingly strong winds through Wednesday, creating potentially hazardous travel conditions across the state and may bring additional power outages. According to the National Weather Service, waves of snow showers, gusty coastal winds, and a potential for strong inland winds may impact travel, particularly over mountain passes, on the coast and along the I-5 corridor. Be prepared for any potential flooding and hazardous water conditions. Recent heavy rainfall has also left soils saturated across western Oregon. Combined with strong winds, this increases the likelihood of downed trees and power lines. Travelers should be prepared for sudden road blockages, localized outages, and delays on major routes. Tree limbs can break without warning, especially in high winds or under the weight of snow and ice, so be extra cautious when walking outdoors. OEM reminds everyone to check conditions before you go. Give snowplows extra space on the road, and be sure to pack an emergency car kit. You can learn more at www.oregon.gov/oem. ...Read more

OSP Troopers Responded to Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 5

On Friday at 11:45 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 70 in Josephine County. The preliminary investigation indicated a red GMC Jimmy, operated by Jimmy Warren Stanley, 82, of Dunsmuir, California, was traveling northbound on I-5 when it veered off the roadway for an unknown reason onto the gravel shoulder. The vehicle rolled over, and Stanley was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation by the OSP Collision Reconstruction Unit. Rural Metro Fire, American Medical Response ambulance service, and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted OSP. ...Read more

Oregon Encourages Health Plan Enrollment for 2026

As people in Oregon prepare to welcome in the New Year, now is the time to make sure you and your family have the health coverage you need. Health insurance provides access to essential services helping you begin 2026 with confidence and peace of mind. All plans sold through OregonHealthCare.gov cover essential health benefits such as preventive services, mental and behavioral health care, pregnancy, maternity and newborn care, gender-affirming care, prescription drugs, and emergency and hospitalization services. During the open enrollment period for 2025, the vast majority of people in Oregon who enrolled through OregonHealthCare.gov qualified for financial help. In 2025, 80 percent of ...Read more