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To contact me, please click here: Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov

Summer in the District: Staying Connected

Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones soaking up the joys of summer and enjoying all the beauty our corner of Oregon has to offer. Whether you're hiking our trails, gathering with family, or simply savoring a quiet evening on the porch, I hope you're finding moments of rest and renewal.

Even though the Legislature is not in session, my work on behalf of House District 31 continues every single day. Over these summer months, I'm spending time out in our communities—meeting with constituents, local businesses, organizations, and leaders—to listen closely to your priorities and ideas as we prepare for the 2027 legislative session. These conversations truly mean a lot to me and help shape the practical, common-sense solutions we need to strengthen our neighborhoods and improve life for every family in our district.

In this first newsletter of the month, you’ll find helpful updates on upcoming community events, useful state resources, and ways to get involved. As always, I’m deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me to serve you. If my office can ever assist you with anything at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov — I’m here for you.

Warm regards,

Darcey Edwards

State Representative

House District 31

Agency Rulemaking

Public Comment Open on Proposed Livestock ID Rule Updates

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is accepting public comment on proposed updates to Oregon’s Livestock ID Program (Brands) rules. These rules help maintain Oregon’s livestock brand registration and identification system, which supports livestock ownership records and animal traceability. Ranchers, livestock owners, and other interested community members are encouraged to review the proposed changes and provide feedback before the rules are finalized.

Virtual Public Hearing

• Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
• Time: 9:00–10:00 a.m.
• Meeting Link: Hearing link
• Meeting ID: 292 724 017 032 618
• Passcode: Yp7w7jq7
• Phone (audio only): 503-446-4951
• Conference ID: 666925593#

Submit Written Comments by July 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

• Online: https://oda.direct/rulemaking
• Email: rulemaking@oda.oregon.gov (Subject: Brands Rules)
• Mail: Oregon Department of Agriculture 635 Capitol Street NE Salem, OR 97301

Public Comment Open on Proposed Workplace Violence Prevention Rules for Health Care Employers

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is accepting public comment on proposed Workplace Violence Prevention rules for health care employers. The proposed rules are intended to strengthen workplace safety while seeking feedback on whether there are alternative approaches that could achieve the same goals with less economic impact on businesses.

Virtual Public Hearings

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

• Time: 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Remote ZoomGov Webinar
• Hearings Officer: Oregon OSHA Staff
• Register: https://dcbs-oregon.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_B4vsbQldQmmhsCRl0DNZPQ

Thursday, August 13, 2026

• Time: 10:00 a.m.
• Location: Remote ZoomGov Webinar
• Hearings Officer: Oregon OSHA Staff
• Register: https://dcbs-oregon.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_egv75dVCTX–c9sxev1O4g

For additional information, including the proposed rule language and opportunities to submit public comments, visit the Oregon OSHA rulemaking webpage.

Important In-district Events and Meetings

Columbia County Fair & Rodeo Tickets Now Available

The countdown is on! Tickets for the 2026 Columbia County Fair & Rodeo (July 15–18) are now on sale. Presale carnival wristbands are available online only for $35 and include two games, while reserved seating is now available for the Friday and Saturday NPRA Rodeo. Please note that rodeo tickets and fair admission must be purchased separately.

Purchase tickets here: https://aftontickets.com/event/group/o69n7qvx3v

Columbia County's 4th Annual Overdose Awareness & Recovery Event

Community members are invited to attend a morning of education, remembrance, and support focused on substance use recovery and overdose prevention. The event will feature guest speakers, a drumming circle, Narcan training with free kits, local resource organizations, raffle prizes, and free food for the first 100 attendees.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Location: McCormick Park, 475 S. 18th Street, St. Helens

Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations or new hygiene products to receive complimentary raffle tickets. This event offers an opportunity to honor those we’ve lost, support individuals and families on their recovery journey, and help build a healthier, more compassionate Columbia County.

Banks City Council Meeting – July 14

The Banks City Council will hold its regular monthly Work Session and City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Community members are welcome to attend in person or participate virtually.

Meeting Details

• Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
• Time: 6:00 p.m.
• Location: City Council Chambers, 13690 NW Main Street, Banks, OR 97106
• Virtual Attendance: Zoom Webinar
• Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89985575148
• Webinar ID: 899 8557 5148
• Passcode: 107069
• Phone (Audio Only): 1-253-215-8782

Community members can view the meeting agenda and supporting materials on the City of Banks Community Calendar at www.cityofbanks.org/calendar by selecting the meeting they wish to view.

Back to Our Roots Community Event – July 25

Community Connections of Oregon is hosting the Back to Our Roots Community Event on Saturday, July 25, at Heritage Park and the Watts House Pioneer Museum in Scappoose. This free, family-friendly celebration highlights local history, businesses, and community organizations while bringing neighbors together for a day of fun and connection.

The event features a classic car show, Scappoose Farmers Market, food and artisan vendors, live music by the Northwest Reign Band, kid-friendly activities, tours of the historic Watts House, raffles benefiting Columbia Health Services, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy a full day of community activities.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
• Time: Activities begin at 9:00 a.m.
• Location: Heritage Park & Watts House Pioneer Museum, Scappoose
• Admission: Free

For more information, call 971-757-0271.

Public Hearing on Proposed Illegal Burning Ordinance - Vernonia

The Vernonia City Council will hold a public hearing to consider a proposed ordinance regulating illegal burning within the city. Community members are encouraged to attend and share their input before the Council deliberates on the ordinance.

Meeting Details

• Date: Monday, July 20, 2026
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Vernonia City Hall, 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR 97064
• Virtual Attendance: GoTo Meeting

The proposed ordinance, which includes a declaration of emergency, is available for public review at Vernonia City Hall and online. Residents interested in the proposal are encouraged to review the ordinance and participate in the discussion.

View the proposed ordinance: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17gRKwOPqQ_gntuGGcYbNbry4EHmuA_4D/view

Contact Us

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1431
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-374, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/edwards