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To contact me, please click here: Rep.CourtBoice@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
As we approach Veterans Day, I want to take a moment to honor the incredible sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. Their service ensures our freedoms, and we owe them a debt of gratitude every day.
Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of attending events across our district, meeting with community members, and discussing the issues that matter most to you. Whether it was celebrating our local agricultural achievements, addressing public safety concerns, or advocating for small businesses, I’ve been proud to represent the voices of Southwest Oregon.
Looking ahead, I want to remind you that Legislative Days are just around the corner, taking place December 10-13. During this time, we’ll review ongoing work and prepare for the upcoming session. In future newsletters, I’ll be sharing details about the legislation I plan to introduce in 2025—stay tuned!
Thank you for your continued engagement and support.
 Representative Court Boice
House District 1
I couldn't be happier or more proud for my home town - the City of Gold Beach, Mayor Kaufman and all our citizens. Senator Brock Smith and I both had several reasons to travel to Salem this week, so were anxious to attend. Gold Beach Fire Chief Tyson Krieger, Deputy Chief Sam Waller met us there for the ceremony and orientation." This 37' Freightliner has a 350 Horsepower Diesel Engine, a 2,000 gallon tank and is highly advanced with updated technology. This powerful Fire Tender will help our Fighters get to the fires and is an excellent tool for always improving the odds of getting fires out quicker.
Senator Brock Smith serves on the Senate Side and I am on the House side; we are both known at the Capitol as overall Oregon Legislative leaders in Fire Awareness, Prevention, Response, Suppression and Recovery. We extend our gratitude to Oregon State Fire Marshal Ruiz Temple and her entire OSFM Team - tremendous work and generosity in helping to make this a reality through both the SB 762 Staffing Grant and "Engine" Grant Programs!
 Last month I spent two days in Central Oregon learning more about CORE3 - Central Oregon Read Responsive Resilient Center including topics on Firefighting, Water Resources, Housing, Fish Enhancement, and Emergency Management.
2024 Post Fire Season Meeting
I had a great meeting with Gold Beach Ranger District Guerrant, Deputy Matt Timchak and Supervisor Jullierat. She is responsible for all (5) Ranger Districts in the Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest; Gold Beach, Powers, High Cascades in Prospect, Siskiyou Mountains in Jacksonville, and the Wild Rivers District in Cave Jct. The RR-SNF overall fared reasonably well in the 2024 Fire Season, however, our entire state of Oregon lost an all-time record of 1.9 million acres. We're already preparing for the 2025 season.
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 Under the new Leadership of U.S. Air Force Veteran Erin McMahon, Oregon Emergency preparedness is greatly improving. This is the second time I've had the pleasure of visiting our Salem Facility this fall. We are prepared more than ever for Cascadia Events - Earthquakes, Floods, Tsunamis, and of course Wildland Catastrophic Fires. The planning, technological advancements that OEM Staff extends is bringing good and needed confidence for all of our 4.3 million Oregonians.
 Oregon needs to construct 500,000 homes in the next 20 years. Our Builders, Developers, and Contractors are key to all of our Housing Goals. Needless to say, the OHB's and AGC programs are a critical influence in keeping our related companies strong while pushing back against unnecessary regulatory burdens and excessive taxation. I met with AGC at the Bandon Dunes on the 30th and OHB earlier that week at their Headquarters in Salem. Both Associations need and deserve our support!
I attended a meeting and tour in Northwest Salem, where I learned a lot about the challenges facing this important crop. Hazelnuts are a delicacy with a large national and international market, making them a crucial part of Oregon’s agriculture. In the 2025 legislative session, our Ag/Water/LandUse/Natural Resources Committee will be addressing this issue. The Legislature must take action to help stop the spread of this disease that could devastate many hazelnut trees, including some historic ones.
As an OSU Master Gardener grad, I had a little fun finding a half dozen organic apples to bring home to Britt. Only four made it back to the District, though!
 Agriculture is so important to Oregon and our Farmers are doing such a great job in helping to feed so many. As I serve on the Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Land Use House Committee, that work is very important for Coos, Curry and Douglas Counties and our entire state!
 BANDON –The history of Bandon’s hospitals is rich. Dr. Roland Leep founded the first Emergency Hospital in 1912, located on Alabama Street across from the Masonic Temple in Old Town.
R.L. Leep Memorial Hospital (1937-1955) was named in his honor and located on First Street in Old Town.
The Southern Coos Health District was formed in 1955 and a new hospital opened in 1960 on the bluff overlooking the Coquille River and Lighthouse.
By the late 1990s, the hospital on the bluff was in dire need of upgrades and expansion. On land donated by Bill Magness, along with loans, Southern Coos Hospital, as we know it today, was constructed in 1998-99 and dedicated in its current location on Sept. 9, 1999 (9-9-99).
 A photo of the Southern Coos Hospital dedication that ran in the Western World newspaper on Sept. 15, 1999. The photo was taken by Mary Schamehorn, who worked as a reporter and editor of the newspaper. Schamehorn is now Bandon’s mayor and serves on the Southern Coos Health District Board (and was a past member of the SCHD Board). The plaque is displayed by the front entrance of the hospital.
The campus has continued to expand. The Southern Coos Health Center and Southern Coos Health Foundation and Business offices opened in 2015.
In commemoration of the hospital’s Silver Anniversary (25 years) and the services provided to the city of Bandon, surrounding communities and the thousands of visitors and tourists that visit the area each year, SCHHC is planning a 25th anniversary celebration and cordially invites the public to participate.
“We are turning 25 years old this year and are proud of the important role that we play in this community, as one of the largest employers and the major provider of medical services, including emergency medical services, in Bandon,” said CEO Raymond T. Hino
A special logo was created to kick off the 25th Anniversary. Community events are also planned, including a monthly lecture series, an open house, a reception and ribbon cutting, and special commemorative gifts.
Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center will host a special celebration from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at the hospital. Everyone is welcome. There will be speakers, music, an art show, facility tours, and refreshments.
Our 25th Anniversary Lecture Series have been well-attended. Every second Tuesday, the Meet & Greet event, organized by Lori Osborne of Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, will feature a speaker sponsored by Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center. The talks are held at the Bandon Fisheries Warehouse, 250 First St. SW, Old Town Bandon.
So far, our Meet & Greets have included:
On June 11, SCHHC Chief Information Officer Scott McEachern presented “Unlocking the Future at Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center,” on the implementation of a new health records and accounting system. This is a major project for the hospital and McEachern will explain what it means for the public.
On July 16, local attorney Robin Miller presented “Estate Planning Tips,” including information on wills, trusts, real estate, taxes, probate, and estate administration.
On Aug. 13, Dr. Neil Nathan spoke on “Cronic Inflammation” including information on Lyme disease and mold toxicity. Visit his website for more information: https://neilnathanmd.com
Our September event will be the 25th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, Sept. 8, but this event will be on the hospital campus.
Check the Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center’s southerncoos.org website and social media pages and the Bandon Health Wave, as well as local media for the November and December Meet & Greet speakers, and more information about the 25th Anniversary Celebration.
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Lots of interest and very good turnouts in Port Orford! I had the privilege of speaking at multiple community gatherings in Port Orford. I couldn't be prouder of Coos-Curry Electric and B.B. for the excellent long term services they're providing and very affordable and competitive rates. CCEC has always been very well managed and Beacon is more than consistently keeping with that tradition |
Submit Water Investment Needs by December 15
The Water Caucus is asking Oregonians to submit their current and future water investment needs via a statewide survey to help inform budget requests and strategic planning. In the time since the Statewide Integrated Water Resources Strategy was initially adopted in 2012, the state has been incrementally increasing its attention to critical water priorities, but the Legislature does not have a comprehensive inventory of water investments needs. In an effort to fill that gap, the Water Caucus invites water managers, users, stewards, advocates and members of the public to submit water investment needs by December 15 via a statewide survey: https://bit.ly/2024waterinvestmentsurvey. By doing so, Oregonians can help the Water Caucus understand investment-ready water projects. In addition to physical projects, water investment needs can include data, planning, and other needs that benefit the environment, communities, and economy. The survey is for informational and planning purposes only and does not guarantee funding or replace other legislative processes.
Oregon Senate President Rob Wagner and I took a quick pause for a photo at the iconic Jason Lee Memorial, located at the east end of the Oregon Capitol Campus. Jason Lee was a dedicated missionary who spent significant time with Oregon’s Native American communities, who referred to the Bible as the "Book of Heaven."
I shared with President Wagner that my second cousin, Aaron Auer, founded Reviving Oregon’s Amazing Roots (ROAR), an organization dedicated to preserving the history of Oregon’s first missionaries and the founders of Lewis and Clark College. I’m proud of this monumental statue and grateful for the chance to reflect on our shared history—and to spend some time with Senator Wagner.
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I was honored to attend the 2024 National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Presidential Initiative Summit bringing together AGs, policy leaders, educators, health practitioners, and youth advocates.
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This year’s summit focuses on critical issues impacting the health and wellness of our youth, from tech safety and social media to substance use, AI, gaming, and financial literacy. Looking forward to advancing national conversations and policies that protect and support our young people. |
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Growing up in Gold Beach during the '60s and '70s, I saw firsthand how vital Mercy Flights was to our community. My dad, Allen, served as Curry County Sheriff, and my mom, Meryl, was a longtime registered nurse. They were often the first on the scene for logging accidents, drownings, car crashes, and other medical emergencies.
As original first responders, my parents made countless trips to our Curry airports, ensuring patients got on Mercy Flights quickly after initial care at Curry General. Mercy Flights wasn’t just a service—it was a lifeline. It gave people in our rural community hope and access to critical medical treatments. If you haven’t already, I highly encourage you to join Mercy Flights or Cal-Ore with a membership. It’s an incredible investment in your health and your peace of mind.
 I’m always advocating for Highway Maintenance and long-term projects in Southwest Oregon, particularly for my District 1. The Oregon Department of Transportation is currently facing a massive budget crisis, which means the Oregon Legislature needs to plan and find strategies to best service our roadways.
The public comments and round table discussions were very beneficial for our long-term transportation goals. Parts of my district are very isolated and constantly subjected to added pressures, especially from winter rainstorms. We're doing our very best to recognize these challenges and respond wisely.
The purpose for coming to the Southcoast was to hear from local officials and the public on how best to manage, plan, repair and improve Oregon's State Roadways. I learned a great deal and was able to support my District 1 short and long term Highway goals.
 About 1,600 hundred Farmers and Friends attended the tremendous Linn County FairGrounds Facility. What an honor it was to be around so many Hard-Working, Family Oriented, Christians and wonderful Food Producing people. Feeding Portland is a huge job and no one does it better than Oregon.
 Senator Brock Smith and I had the tremendous honor of speaking at a tribute for our good friend and Salmon and Trout Recovery Super Volunteer, Leonard Krug. About 120 people gathered at the Brookings-Harbor Calvary Church, including Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Deputy Director Shaun Clements, who made the trip from Salem.
It was difficult to say goodbye, but the ceremony was beautiful—a truly special two hours filled with friends and family who loved and admired this remarkable Oregonian. Senator Smith and I are planning to introduce a Krug Honoring Resolution in early 2025, both in the House and the Senate, to ensure his legacy is recognized and celebrated.
 This is a fascinating program the Heard Family has been running for many years. 20 different cities in Southern Oregon rely on their program in North Roseburg to properly and environmentally treat their wastewater. The Heard Company does an incredible job in keeping pace with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality requirements. As far away as Canby, but many Southern Oregon Municipalities are going to need more and more support over the years. It was a terrific learning experience and prepared me and my team to keep up with the demands of WWT.
It was an honor to speak to such a distinguished group of Employers at the Douglas Timber Operators event. After a tough year with the Oregon Department of Forestry, a record Fire Season, and Fire Funding as a top critical issue, I'm going to be working non-stop in the next 8 months to do everything I possibly can to prepare our State and my District to Keep Oregon Green and wisely prepare for the 2025 Fire Season! DTO also sponsors the annual Umpqua Salmon and Steelhead Enhancement Banquet in January. Senator David Brock Smith and I have attended the last two years. Substantial Funds were raised for Fish Recovery work and efforts.
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 Zonta's ninth annual Dignity Drive takes place until Nov. 22, where the club is collecting undergarments and sanitary products for victims of abuse.
There are four drop sites:
- YMCA of Douglas County, 1151 NW Stewart Parkway, Roseburg.
- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, 2200 NW Stewart Parkway, Roseburg.
- Sherm's Thunderbird Market, 2553 NW Stewart Parkway, Roseburg.
- Roseburg Public Library, 1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd., Roseburg.
The Dignity Drive is part of the Zonta Club of Roseburg's HandUp program, which works in cooperation with other agencies to help women in life changing transitions.
More information: zontaroseburg.org
 National Veterans and Military Families Month
Veterans Legislative Caucus learning more about Oregon’s Veterans from Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) Director Dr. Nakeia Daniels. Dr. Daniels presented testimony later in the day at a Senate subcommittee hearing sharing that there are 266,690 Veterans in Oregon and indicating 1 out of 15 Oregonians is a Veteran. Notably, 75% of Oregon’s Veterans served during wartime.
 The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will honor all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces during its Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in view of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
This event will feature remarks by dignitaries and special guests along with ceremonial elements including a color guard, singing of the national anthem, a wreath laying and the playing of "Taps."
The celebration will honor Oregon veterans of all eras and will be hosted at the Oregon State Capitol State Park located on Court Street Northeast in Salem — directly in front of the main entrance of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
The event is open to the public and uncovered seating will be provided for attendees. Accessible pathways and seating areas for those needing accommodations will also be provided. Attendees are reminded to plan accordingly for Oregon weather.
For those unable to attend, the event will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/odvavet. If you have any questions about this event, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.
 My cousin Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice was one of the main speakers and did a wonderful job in paying tribute to our Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Soldiers. We pray for them and their families that gave and suffered so much in their service to the USA! The display in the front Lawn of the beautiful Douglas County Court House is very special. It was an honor to be there, see and say hello to so many I admire greatly.
The United States Marine Corps was established on November 10, 1775, to augment naval forces in the Revolutionary War. The recruiting headquarters was set up by Capt. Samuel Nicholas in the Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Marines.
After success in many campaigns, the Corps was abolished at the close of the Revolutionary War for reasons of economy. On July 11, 1798, Congress ordered the creation of the Corps, named it the United States Marine Corps and directed that it be available for service under the Secretary of the Navy.
The Corps celebrated its birthday, or Marine Corps Day, on July 11 from 1799 until 1921 when the date was permanently changed to November 10 to commemorate the establishment of the Corps to aid in the Revolutionary War.
The day is still observed by U. S. Marines worldwide. Special exhibits, parades, drill team performances, and speeches typically mark the occasion. The Birthday Ball, which culminates in the cutting of the birthday cake, is held that evening in Washington, D.C. It is not possible to determine precisely when the first cake ceremony was held, but the first on record took place at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., in 1937. Major General Thomas Holcomb, the Commandant, presided at an open house for Marine Corps officers, including the cutting of a huge cake in the shape of Tun Tavern.
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Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon Capitol Grounds Dedication Event Announcement
100 attendees at Oregon Judicial Department’s 2024 Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) Summit!
Doug Gomez, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT), a center under the Department of Psychology at the University of Oregon and VTC Summit presenter (SMV Population and Traumatic Brain Injury)
David Indest, Chief Mental Health Officer, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) #20 at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans Integrated Services Network or VISNs: For the VA’s purposes, the U.S. is divided into 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks, or VISNs — regional systems of care working together to better meet local health care needs and provides greater access to care.
Some very significant summit networking outcomes occurred when Connie introduced CBIRT’s Dr. Gomez and VA VISN #20’s Mr. Indest.
Connections were made to the Chief of Mental Health and Chief of Social Work at Roseburg VA Medical Center to advocate that brain injury screening be implemented and included as a part of the educational materials for VA Roseburg’s efforts to better serve Veterans both as a provider and an educator of providers. VA Roseburg is working hard to fill the need for more Primary Care Providers. As such, its Provider Orientation Program (POP) has taken on the task of educating providers.
(Pictured: Left to right: Connie Hunter, Veteran and Tribal Liaison, House District One, The Office of State Representative Court Boice, House of Representatives, Oregon State Legislature)
A huge thank you to Super Volunteer and Veterans Advocate Curry County’s Connie Hunter is a critical part of the Rep. Boice team – thank you Connie for all the tremendous work, dedication and efforts on behalf of all of our Vets!
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Operation Homefront
To honor veterans and military families, Walmart will match 2:1 donations to Operation Homefront from rounding up purchases through the app and on Walmart.com now through November 15. Operation Homefront's mission is to support military families, helping them thrive in their communities.
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In November, Native American Heritage Month celebrates the long history of Indigenous people and communities.
During this month we acknowledge the rich culture, unique traditions, and ongoing contributions of Native Americans.
In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution to designate November as National American Indian Heritage Month.
November was chosen because it marked the end of the traditional harvest season, which was a time of celebration for Indigenous Americans.
The month was officially designated in 1990, but the roots of the celebration go back to the early 1900s:
• Early 1900s
Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca archaeologist and director of the Rochester Museum and Science Center, advocated for a federal day of recognition for Native Americans.
• 1916
Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, rode across the United States on horseback to seek approval from state governments to designate a day to honor American Indians. The first American Indian Day was celebrated in New York in May 1916.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1401
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-476, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.CourtBoice@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boice
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