US TSA and OR DMV Officials Highlight May 7th REAL ID Enforcement Deadline
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) are reminding the public that starting Wednesday, May 7th, every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license, instruction permit or identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a US commercial aircraft. To determine if an Oregon driver's license or identification card is REAL ID-complaint, look for a star in the upper right corner. The presence of the star indicates the credential is REAL ID-compliant. Once enforcement begins, travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued credential or another acceptable form of ID can expect delays when they arrive at the TSA security checkpoint. The length of the delay will be determined by the number of other travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant credential or another form of identification accepted by TSA for identity verification. Passengers can avoid delays in their air travel by ensuring their identification credential is REAL ID-compliant or be prepared to present another acceptable form of ID. TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver's license or ID card that can be presented at the security checkpoint. ...Read more

Oregonians Reach $2 Million Milestone Saving for Higher Education through Recycling
In recognition of Earth Day, the Oregon College Savings Plan and BottleDrop are pleased to announce that Oregonians have now saved $2 million for future higher education expenses through the convenient redemption of bottles and cans. Since the program's launch in November 2019, nearly 7,000 Oregon families have used bottle collection funds to build college savings. This first-in-the nation program gives Oregonians the opportunity to leverage their commitment to environmental stewardship to support pathways to higher education. The program offers a convenient way for individuals and families across the state to transform their Oregon Bottle Bill container refunds into valuable savings for higher education. Participants can easily establish automatic transfers from their BottleDrop account into one or more Oregon College Savings Plan accounts. To date, this collaboration has facilitated the recycling of a remarkable 20 million beverage containers, directly contributing to the educational savings of thousands of Oregon families. BottleDrop account holders enjoy the flexibility to save for their own education, the education of their children or grandchildren, or even contribute as a gift to any Oregon College Savings Plan (OCSP) account. ...Read more

ODF Prescribed Fire Project Planned to Further Mitigation Efforts near Butte Falls
The Oregon Department of Forestry is planning a two-day prescribed fire project with the town of Butte Falls to further hazard fuel mitigation efforts in the area. The project is scheduled to take place today and Thursday, with the burns starting in the morning and lasting into the afternoon both days, pending smoke potential and weather condition approvals. ODF plans to conduct the burns off West Hukill Creek -- located west of Butte Falls -- completing approximately 70 acres of fuel mitigation with the assistance of Grayback Forestry. This project is part of Butte Falls' Community Forest Project. Following the devastating 2020 wildfires, the town purchased 430 acres of adjacent forestland with numerous goals in mind including wildfire mitigation. Since then, ODF has provided assistance including fuel reduction efforts and pile burning last spring. If conditions are favorable for the burns to take place, light smoke may be visible in the air in and around the Rogue Valley. Additional rain the forecast on Friday will naturally help to clear out any remaining smoke. ...Read more