  
Special Session Concludes with New Taxes
The Senate finally wrapped up the Special Session last week exactly one month after the House introduced HB 3391, the Governor’s $4.3 billion transportation tax package. Senator Chris Gorsek (D, Troutdale), recently released from the hospital, made a brief return to the Senate floor just before the vote, giving Democrats the exact two-thirds majority they needed to pass the bill without Republican support. Before the final vote, Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (R, Dundee) moved to suspend the rules and propose two amendments: one to give ODOT flexibility to reprioritize existing funds toward its core services, and another to refer the $4.3 billion tax package to voters. Both amendments were swiftly rejected by the majority.
In protest, Senate Republicans walked off the floor, standing with the overwhelming 93% of Oregonians who opposed the measure in written testimony. Thousands of Oregonians made clear that they cannot afford another round of tax increases to fund ongoing mismanagement at the state level. After reconvening for several hours of debate, Democrats pushed the bill through, sending it to the Governor’s desk. Still, this may not be the end of the story—there is already growing interest in referring the transportation package to the ballot, allowing Oregonians themselves to decide. As that effort moves into what could become a campaign issue, we won’t be addressing it further in this newsletter, only to note that this issue may well not yet be over.
Meanwhile, Oregon has once again made national headlines—this time after President Trump ordered the National Guard to Portland, citing the city’s ongoing struggles with lawlessness and unrest. While a federal judge temporarily blocked the deployment, claiming there was no formal “rebellion,” many Oregonians have long voiced frustration with Portland’s inability—or unwillingness—to restore order and support law enforcement. The Governor, Attorney General, and Portland’s mayor have all moved to stop the deployment, and the Trump administration has appealed the ruling, arguing that federal action is necessary when local leaders fail to maintain peace at federal buildings.
Help Find Lebanon's Don Carroll
The Lebanon community is rallying together this week in hopes of finding Donald Carroll, an 88-year-old man with dementia who has been missing since the morning of October 4th. Donald, a beloved former teacher and coach, left his home early Saturday morning and was last seen near Highway 20 by the Lebanon Walmart, with his GPS tracker later pinging at McKercher Park near Crawfordsville before going silent around 11:00 a.m.
Donald is described as 5’9” with gray hair and glasses, and was driving a gray 2016 Ford Edge with Oregon Smokey Bear plate #SB71662. His family are obviously deeply concerned for his safety and are asking anyone who may have seen Donald or his vehicle to call 911 immediately. Our thoughts are with his loved ones as the search continues for this cherished member of the community.
Help LHS Win $1 Million! Vote Daily Until October 24th!
The fight is still on for Lebanon High School's bid for $1 million dollars, courtesy of T-Mobile’s national Friday Night 5G Lights contest! Out of more than 2,100 schools nationwide, Lebanon High School is the only Oregon school to make it into the Top 25 in the nation.
The Warriors are still in a neck-and-neck race for the $1 million grand prize to rebuild their crumbling football stadium built in 1957, so please vote! It's fast and free!
Here's what you need to know:
This is a fantastic opportunity to rally Oregon pride and support a community that’s already worked so hard to get this far. Every vote counts, and sharing the link with a friend, family member, or on social media can make a real difference.
Please take a moment to vote and help spread the word. Let’s bring this win home for our Lebanon Warriors!
 
Linn County is mourning the loss of Sergeant Andy Borland, who passed away last week after a courageous battle with cancer. Sergeant Borland began his law enforcement career in 2006 with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, serving first as a Corrections Deputy before moving to Patrol. After a brief time with the Lebanon Police Department, he returned to LCSO—his true home—where he went on to serve with distinction on SWAT, as a Narcotics Detective, and as a Field Training Officer. In 2022, his leadership and dedication were recognized with a promotion to Patrol Sergeant.
Known for his compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to others, Sergeant Borland earned the love and respect of both colleagues and community members alike. Even through immense personal hardship, he faced his illness with courage and faith, driven by his passion for service and devotion to his family at LCSO. His example of humility, strength, and selflessness will continue to inspire all who knew him. We join the Sheriff’s Office in extending heartfelt condolences to Andy’s wife and two children, who remain a cherished part of the LCSO family.
Sargeant Borland pictured receiving his Shadow Box in March of this year
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Lebanon & Sweet Home Sue Over Dam Drawdowns
The cities of Lebanon and Sweet Home filed a joint lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last week, seeking accountability and long-term protection for their community water systems after the devastating deep drawdowns of Green Peter Dam since 2023. This area saw severe sediment buildup and water quality issues that led to millions in local infrastructure damage, and residents drinking heavily treated water. The cities are requesting $37 million in compensation—$26 million for Lebanon and $11 million for Sweet Home—to fund necessary upgrades ensuring safe, reliable drinking water for residents. To read more on this developing story, click here.
 Free Kids' Culinary Lessons at the Harrisburg Library
Have a little one interested in learning how to cook and bake? The Harrisburg Library invites them to sign up for a fun, hands-on learning experience each Friday from now until November 7th, between 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.. For questions or to register, call 541-995-6949 or email ecarter@ci.harrisburg.or.us
 Pumpkin Fest Returns to Jefferson October 18th
Get ready for a spooktacular day in Jefferson as Pumpkin Fest makes its festive return on October 18th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.! Witches, ghouls, and goblins of all ages are invited to enjoy a Halloween celebration packed with food carts, local vendors, a costume contest and party, and of course, a candy-filled Trunk or Treat. The bats might try to sneak a bite, but there’ll be no shortage of treats for everyone. Vendor and Trunk or Treat host applications are open through October 16th at cchavez@jeffersonvfa.org or (503) 602-2591.
Ugly Sweater Auction for a Good Cause October 25th
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 25th, when the 12th Annual Children’s Benefit Auction lights up the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Santiam in Sweet Home! Guests are invited to don their ugliest holiday sweaters and join an evening brimming with cheer, featuring a silent and live auction, dinner buffet, and plenty of festive fun—all in support of local kids and club programs. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with bidding, dining, and holiday magic to follow. Every bid helps make a difference, so grab your friends, embrace the season, and help “sleigh” the night for a wonderful cause! To sponsor or donate, contact Linzi George at linzi@bgcgreatersantiam.org or (541) 512-7356.
 Harvest Festival in Brownsville October 26th
Celebrate the season at the Connect Linn County Harvest Festival in Brownsville on Sunday, October 26th, for a full day of fall fun, food, and community spirit! The event promises something for everyone—from a chili cook-off and dessert bake-off to craft and food vendors, kids’ games, and a festive Trunk or Treat with a costume contest. Start your morning with a cozy pancake breakfast and enjoy pumpkins, prizes, and plenty of autumn cheer throughout the day. Don’t miss this hometown favorite—and be sure to check below the graphic for the full event schedule! We'll share more about the individual events in the next newsletter.
 Add to Halsey's Community Cookbook!
Are you a resident of Halsey? The Halsey Library Committee came up with the fun idea of creating a community cookbook, and they need your help adding recipes! To submit your recipe (along with it's backstory if you have one to share), come by the Library in-person or email them at library@halseyor.gov
The following write-up is by Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan
Linn County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Levy is on the Ballot
I want to share some upcoming information on Measure 22-212 that voters will see on their ballot this November 4th.
Measure 22-212 is a funding levy for local law enforcement operations in Linn County. This law enforcement levy, if passed, will replace the current voter-approved levy, which expires in June 2026. This is not an additional levy.
The law enforcement levy funds over 50% of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and a sizeable portion of funding for the District Attorney’s Office and Linn County Juvenile Department and enables us to provide:
- 24/7 Sheriff’s patrols throughout the county;
- Maintain Criminal investigation levels and prosecution to all person and property crimes;
- Victim’s Assistance for all crime victims;
- Juvenile programs reducing crime;
- Operation of a 252-bed jail facility;
- Recruitment and retention of highly-trained and professional first responders.
The proposed levy, Measure 22-212, if passed would cost $3.08 per $1000 of assessed property value (“AV”) - NOT real market value. This is a 10 cents per $1000 of AV increase over the current law enforcement levy that is about to expire. The typical household with an assessed value of $250,000 would see an increase of $25.00 per year from the expiring levy rate.
If passed, the levy would continue to provide current service levels for public safety along with:
- Increased resources to improve Search and Rescue capabilities to respond and provide critical medical care during rescue missions;
- Enhanced Emergency Response initiatives county-wide related to wildfires, flooding, severe weather and other catastrophic events through disaster planning, prevention and mitigation efforts
Michelle Duncan,
Linn County Sheriff
 
As State Lawmakers Ponder Federal Funding Cuts, Initiative Advances That Would End Estate Tax
Willamette Week
A ballot initiative to eliminate Oregon’s estate tax, Initiative Petition 51, is moving forward even as Gov. Tina Kotek and state lawmakers digest the coming budget hole created by President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Oregon’s estate tax generated $423 million in 2024–25, according to state figures. That was a big jump from $339 million the previous year.
Lebanon High School in the running for $1 million prize
Lebanon Local
Lebanon Warriors and fans beyond city borders are rallying together to help push Lebanon High School into the end zone for a trophy made up of $1 million in homefield upgrades and other prizes.
Lebanon celebrates more than just a football victory as hopes to win big prize continue
The Oregonian
There was plenty of fanfare at Lebanon High School on Friday night, and not just for the football team.
Sure, Lebanon beat Bend 54-35 to improve its season record to 4-1 (2-0 in conference play). But the fresh magenta paint on the back side of the main grandstands offered a hint that something more was afoot than just the football.
Oregon’s special legislative session cost taxpayers $270,000
OPB
The transportation bill Gov. Tina Kotek successfully pushed through the Legislature last week is expected to raise Oregonians’ costs by around $800 million in the current budget cycle. That price tag is a touch higher if you figure in the cost of passing the bill in the first place. A star-crossed special legislative session that officially concluded last Wednesday will cost taxpayers more than $270,000, according to administrators at the Capitol. The total could top $280,000 once lawmakers submit mileage reimbursement requests for traveling to and from Salem.
Oregon general’s testimony that National Guard troops ‘will be protecting any protesters’ gains traction online
The Oregonian
Oregon’s top military leader offered some reassuring — or infuriating, depending on one’s political perspective — comments about the role of National Guard soldiers during a proposed federal troop deployment to Portland.
Vote and Rally! Help Lebanon High School Win $1 Million for a New Football Stadium!
Delays, Delays, and Special Session Doubts
Special Session Drags on to Third Week
Special Session Kicks Off to Raise Taxes
Make Your Voice Heard: $5 BILLION in New Taxes & Fees!
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