Oregon stories: Deschutes water, clothing waste and local food

A rare blue whale skeleton is coming to OSU's marine science center

The skeleton of a 70-foot-long blue whale is being installed at the Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/065ab90/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1203x900+0+0/resize/706x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdf%2F4e%2F71a825bf4290be0d8f829cd64d5d%2Fblue-whale-skeleton-osu-newport-or-hatfield-marine-science-center.png]The skeleton of a 70-foot-long blue whale is being installed at the Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. (https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/installation-rare-blue-whale-skeleton-gets-underway-osu%E2%80%99s-hatfield-marine-science-center ) A rare blue whale skeleton will soon be on display at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center after a decade-long preservation effort that began when the animal washed ashore near Gold Beach in 2015. Lisa Ballance, interim executive director of the Hatfield Marine Science Center and director of Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute, said the whale was an adult male measuring just under 70 feet long. Scientists who examined the carcass found evidence suggesting the whale had been in poor health before likely being struck by a ship. “The animal was underweight, which means it had not been eating well prior to death,” Ballance said. “The bruising indicates that it was struck, probably by blunt force trauma, at multiple locations on the body prior to death.” Blue whale strandings are rare on the Oregon coast. Ballance said researchers saw the opportunity not only to study one of the largest animals ever to live on Earth, but also to inspire the public. “I am convinced that no one will be able to see this without being deeply touched just because of the awesomeness of the size of the animal,” she said. Preserving the skeleton required years of work by researchers, students and volunteers. Crews spent nine days removing flesh from the bones before placing them in mesh bags in Yaquina Bay for three years, allowing marine scavengers to clean them naturally. The bones then underwent a lengthy degreasing process to remove hundreds of pounds of whale oil before reconstruction began. GUEST * Lisa Ballance, director, OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center [https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/installation-rare-blue-whale-skeleton-gets-underway-osu%E2%80%99s-hatfield-marine-science-center] This story originally aired on May 14, 2026.

Oregon stories: Deschutes water, clothing waste and local food

Wendy Chand works for St. Vinnie's in a clothing recycling warehouse on Seneca Road in West Eugene. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/59b1733/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1300x900+0+0/resize/763x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F97%2F18%2F98c793d94f9280379015c7be19cf%2Fst-vincent-de-paul-clothing-sustainability.png]Wendy Chand works for St. Vinnie's in a clothing recycling warehouse on Seneca Road in West Eugene. (Tiffany Eckert / https://www.klcc.org/environment/2026-06-22/st-vincent-de-paul-takes-on-fast-fashion-diverting-millions-of-pounds-of-clothing-from-landfills) An Oregon law lets one wealthy region turn the desert green. When drought hits, farmers pay the price [https://www.opb.org/article/2026/06/26/deschutes-river-oregon-water-rights/] A new investigation found crops use only about one-quarter of the water diverted from the Deschutes River by the Central Oregon Irrigation District. Much of the remaining water goes to irrigate hobby farms and large residential properties, while downstream commercial farmers face growing water shortages. St. Vincent de Paul takes on fast fashion, diverting millions of pounds of clothing from landfills [https://www.klcc.org/environment/2026-06-22/st-vincent-de-paul-takes-on-fast-fashion-diverting-millions-of-pounds-of-clothing-from-landfills] Millions of pounds of discarded clothing are staying out of Oregon landfills as Lane County grapples with the growing environmental impact of fast fashion. St. Vincent De Paul of Lane County sorts donated textiles for resale, recycling and upcycling, extending the life of millions of garments while creating jobs and generating revenue for its community programs. National foodie program to profile Eugene bagel shop [https://www.klcc.org/arts-culture/2026-07-01/eugene-lox-stocks-bagels-americas-best-restaurants] Eugene's Lox, Stocks & Bagels will be featured on the online series "America's Best Restaurants" after a film crew visited the restaurant. The episode will showcase the business and its menu to a national audience. Owners hope the exposure will help attract new customers when it airs in about 12 weeks.

SOU professor urges educators to rethink leadership from the inside out

Renee Lee Owen, EdD, is co-author of "Becoming a Transformative Leader From the Inside Out: A Guide for Educators." [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5fe6d13/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1200x675+0+0/resize/792x446!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F61%2Fdc%2Fb9b7865a49749ae14cc5c7b6a09e%2Frenee-owen-book.jpg]Renee Lee Owen, EdD, is co-author of "Becoming a Transformative Leader From the Inside Out: A Guide for Educators." (Southern Oregon University ) Educational leadership is facing mounting pressure as schools navigate rapid social change, political tension and shifting expectations about student success. Some educators argue that traditional, top-down management models no longer meet the moment. Renee Lee Owen [https://sou.edu/academics/education/faculty/], an associate professor at Southern Oregon University, addresses that challenge in her book, "Becoming a Transformative Leader from the Inside Ou [https://news.sou.edu/2026/01/new-book-suggests-transformation-of-education-and-educators/]t," co-authored with Christine Mason. The guide contends that meaningful school reform begins with the inner development of leaders, rather than directives imposed from above. Owen describes the current era as volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. In that environment, she said, the model of a single, all-knowing leader is no longer effective. “Knowledge and information and power have to be shared and networked,” Owen said, “rather than expecting the person at the top to be able to control everything.” Central to her philosophy is the idea that an educator’s identity matters as much as instructional content. Owen encourages leaders to practice authenticity, arguing that when leaders model openness and self-awareness, staff and students are more likely to do the same. “Your people want you to be you,” she said. “If you’re you, they get to be them.” Owen also emphasizes belonging as a prerequisite for learning. When people feel safe and connected, she said, their nervous systems relax, allowing deeper engagement. She advocates moving away from rigid, industrial-era structures toward what she calls “living systems” that prioritize relationships. Ultimately, Owen argues that education should shift its focus from global economic competition to helping students “live well and thrive.” GUEST * Renee Lee Owen, author, and Southern Oregon University professor This episode originally aired on March 2, 2026.

Why Crater Lake's new superintendent says now is a good time to visit

Crater Lake National Park Superintendent Curt Dimmick. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3f855bd/2147483647/strip/false/crop/981x731+0+0/resize/709x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff2%2Ff9456c6343c4bcd00032245750e1%2Fcurt-dimmick-crater-lake-national-park.png]Crater Lake National Park Superintendent Curt Dimmick. (Photo courtesy of Curt Dimmick ) Crater Lake National Park [https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm] has a new superintendent as the park navigates one of its busiest construction seasons in years. Curt Dimmick has returned to Crater Lake after a 30-year career with the National Park Service that included assignments at 12 national park units. He previously served as the park's chief ranger from 2012 to 2015 and called the appointment a career homecoming. "This is kind of a dream of mine to actually be in this position and working back at Crater Lake," Dimmick said. Dimmick takes over as the park continues several major infrastructure projects, including rebuilding the Cleetwood Cove Trail [https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/cleetwood-cove-trail-and-marina-rehabilitation.htm] and boat docks. The trail is the park's only route to the shore of Crater Lake and the only access point for boat tours. While construction has changed some visitor experiences, he said the park remains open and welcomes visitors. "Crater Lake National Park is open, and we're seeing a lot of folks come and visit," Dimmick said. "We encourage everybody to come up to the park." The Cleetwood Cove Trail is scheduled to remain closed through 2029 while crews rebuild the trail and boat docks to improve long-term safety and access. Although boat tours are suspended during construction, visitors can still explore nearly 100 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks and popular destinations such as the Watchman Trail. In addition to overseeing the park's construction projects, Dimmick is responsible for park operations, including staffing, budgeting and visitor services. He said one of his first priorities is spending time with employees and learning more about their work. "I'm a big believer in getting out and meeting my staff and spending time with them and talking and finding out what's happening in their work areas," he said. Looking ahead, Dimmick said planning is underway for a new south entrance station designed to better handle heavy visitation while protecting park resources for years to come. GUEST * Curt Dimmick, superintendent, Crater Lake National Park

Wind and dry weather raise fireworks concerns in Medford

Sign in Medford warns residents against using fireworks in prohibited regions. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07e376c/2147483647/strip/false/crop/480x321+0+0/resize/480x321!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbe%2F7e%2Fbce7b80f4818990564221d66fbf4%2Fmedford-fireworks-sign.jpg]Sign in Medford warns residents against using fireworks in prohibited regions. (https://www.medfordoregon.gov/News-Articles/Celebrate-Safely-This-Fourth-of-July ) Dry, windy weather expected over the Fourth of July weekend has Medford fire and medical officials warning that fireworks could spark both wildfires and serious injuries. Medford Fire Marshal Tanner Farrington said recent rain has given way to dry conditions, and forecast wind gusts of up to 20 mph could make it easier for fireworks to ignite vegetation and spread fire quickly. "With some potential gusts up to 20 miles an hour, that increases the risk of ignition happening from fireworks and more rapid fire progression and greater risk of damage," Farrington said. Fireworks are legal within Medford city limits only from July 1-6, Farrington said. They are prohibited in wildland hazard areas and public greenways [https://www.medfordoregon.gov/Government/Departments/Fire/Fire-Life-Safety-Division/Fireworks], where violations can result in fines of up to $2,500. Fire danger isn't the only concern. Dr. Cameron Phillips of Southern Oregon Orthopedics said the Fourth of July is the busiest holiday for orthopedic hand injuries. His practice typically treats about 50 fireworks-related hand injuries during the holiday week. He said sparklers, which many people consider safe for children, account for the highest number of injuries to kids. "A sparkler gets up to about 2,000 degrees and has a metal component to it that can really burn people," Phillips said. Both men urged residents to be considerate of neighbors, including veterans and pet owners, who may be affected by fireworks noise. Farrington also recommends soaking used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight before throwing them away to prevent them from reigniting in trash cans. GUESTS * Tanner Farrington, Fire Marshal, Medford Fire Department [https://www.medfordoregon.gov/Government/Departments/Fire/Fire-Life-Safety-Division/Fireworks] * Dr. Cameron Phillips [https://www.oregonortho.com/provider/cameron-j-phillips-md], Southern Oregon Orthopedics