WLFEA Chief Installed
Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority has officially sworn in Robert Chance the Second as its new Fire Chief. The oath of office was administered at the WLFEA Board Meeting on June 25th during a badge-pinning and swearing-in ceremony attended by community leaders, department personnel, and members of the public. Chance brings more than 16 years of experience in fire and emergency services, having served as a firefighter paramedic, training officer, division chief, and deputy chief. He succeeds retiring Fire Chief Michael Schick. WLFEA says Chief Chance will focus on firefighter training, emergency medical services, wildfire preparedness, and securing funding to support the agency’s mission. WLFEA serves more than 18,500 residents throughout western Lane County.
Oregon Consumer Justice Survey
Oregon Consumer Justice is asking Black Oregonians to take part in a statewide survey about their experiences as consumers. The survey looks at topics including employment, income and spending habits to help shape future consumer protection policies. Organizers say Black communities are disproportionately targeted by scams and fraud and hope the findings will lead to stronger protections for everyone. The survey is open through July 6 and is available to Black residents in all 36 Oregon counties.
Summer 2026 Survey | Oregon Values and Beliefs Center
Hoyle’s DC Office Honored
Congresswoman Val Hoyle’s Washington, D.C. office has been honored with the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2026 Best DC Constituent Experience Award. The annual recognition highlights excellence in constituent service and public engagement. The Foundation cited the office’s commitment to continuous improvement, outreach to Oregon students about congressional internships, and efforts to assist visitors throughout the Capitol complex. It also praised Hoyle and her staff for offering guided nighttime Capitol tours and for maintaining extended office hours during the 2025 Presidential Inauguration to help Oregonians visiting Washington. The award follows Hoyle’s previous recognition as one of Congress’s most effective freshman lawmakers.
OPB Ice Cream Social
Oregon Pacific Bank is inviting the community to its annual Ice Cream Social on Friday, July 3. The free event runs from noon to 4 p.m. in the Florence branch lobby and will feature ice cream from BJ’s Ice Cream. Bank officials say the event is open to everyone with no RSVP required. Community members are invited to stop by, enjoy a cone, and visit with friends and neighbors ahead of the holiday weekend.