SALEM, Oregon--The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting applications to fill two positions on the Local Government Grant Program Advisory Committee.

The 10-member committee allocates funding to public park and recreation projects throughout the state. OPRD is seeking two volunteers to fill the following roles:

• A member representing the Public at Large who represents a historically underrepresented community. Public at Large positions may be held by a recreation professional or a private citizen with an interest or background in outdoor recreation.
• A member representing cities with a population under 15,000. Candidates for the position representing cities must be employed by a city or be professionally associated with a city

The main function of the committee is to read, assess, and score approximately 30-40 grant applications submitted to the LGGP and attend a three-day grant application presentation meeting which will be held virtually via ZOOM. Committee members serve four-year terms and are eligible to serve a second term. If travel is involved, OPRD will reimburse all travel, meals and lodging expenses associated with committee meetings.

Interested applicants should submit a Committee Interest Form by April 3 if possible.

A list of existing LGGP Advisory Committee members and additional information about the LGGP program is included on the LGGP website: oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-lggp.aspx.

LGGP Advisory Committee members represent the following categories:

• Counties east and west of the Cascade Range
• Cities under 15,000 people
• Cities over 15,000 people
• Park and recreation districts, metropolitan service districts, or port districts
• People with disabilities
• Three members of the public including at least one person who represents a historically underrepresented community

The Local Government Grant Program is funded by the Oregon Lottery and currently awards about $15 million annually to outdoor park and recreation projects throughout the state. Eligible applicants to the program are cities, counties, parks and recreation districts, port districts and metropolitan service districts.

OPRD is committed to ensuring that all committees represent the growing age, ethnic and gender diversity of the state. New committee members will be appointed by the OPRD Director.

For more information about the LGGP Advisory Committee or application process, contact Jennifer Dimsho, LGGP coordinator, at .dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov">jennifer.dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-951-1317.

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SALEM, Oregon—The 2026 Local Government Grant Program (LGGP) grant cycle is now open and accepting applications.

This year, approximately $15 million in funds are available in this competitive grant process. The purpose of the Program is to help local government agencies fund projects to acquire, develop and rehabilitate parks and public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Eligible applicants are cities, counties, metropolitan service districts, park and recreation districts and port districts.

Learn more about applying for the grants at a live online webinar on March 19 at 10 a.m. The webinar will help new and returning applicants navigate the application process and learn about the program. Register at:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lowEQ51DRgWqSwufPy7J4w

A recording of the workshop and presentation slides will be available after March 19 on the LGGP website: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/gra/pages/gra-lggp.aspx

The LGGP website also includes additional information about the LGGP, including past grant award recipients, the grant manual, application instructions, grant forms, and program schedule.

Program grants are split into large, small and planning categories. Grant application deadlines and maximum awards vary by grant type:

• Large Grant Deadline ($1,000,000 maximum award):     June 5
• Small Grant Deadline ($100,000 maximum award):         June 18
• Planning Grant Deadline ($50,000 maximum award):     June 18

Local governments can apply online at oprdgrants.org. Applicants will need to set up an account when applying for the first time.

This Oregon Lottery-funded grant program is administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). The program has awarded more than $100 million in reimbursement grant funds since 2000. OPRD’s budget does not include any general tax funds.

Questions can be directed to Jennifer Dimsho, LGGP coordinator, at .Dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov">Jennifer.Dimsho@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-951-1317

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Girl Scouts in our area embark on the highly anticipated 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season, channeling their entrepreneurial skills through creativity and exploration.

BOISE, Idaho (Feb. 20, 2026) — Today, Girl Scouts of Silver Sage kicks off the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie™ Program as Girl Scouts explore more possibilities through the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world.

The new cookie, Exploremores™, is inspired by rocky road ice cream. It will join the legendary lineup for the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season. Filled with delicious flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored crème, Exploremores reflect the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout. In addition to the exciting new cookie, the 2026 cookie lineup will include fan favorites such as Thin Mints®, Caramel deLites®, Peanut Butter Patties® and more.

"Every cookie season reminds us that the Girl Scout Cookie Program is so much more than a beloved tradition — it’s the largest, most powerful entrepreneurship experience for girls in the world!” said Dr. Angela Hemingway, CEO of Girl Scouts of Silver Sage. “When girls set goals, build customer relationships, and make real business decisions, they're not just selling cookies; they're developing the confidence, courage, and leadership skills that will shape their futures. We’re incredibly proud to support them as they transform curiosity into courage, ambition into action, and their own ideas into true entrepreneurial success."

The Girl Scout Cookie Program® provides invaluable entrepreneurial skills for Girl Scouts and funds experiences such as service projects, troop travel, and summer camp. All proceeds from cookie sales stay with local councils and troops to power Girl Scouts’ amazing experiences year-round.  From a curious kindergartener, amazed by jellyfish at the local aquarium, to a middle schooler finding the courage to go on her first overnight trip with her troop, Girl Scouts know the road to discovery starts with exploration.

How to Purchase Girl Scout Cookies This Year

• If you know a Girl Scout, reach out to her.
• If you don’t know a Girl Scout, use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder at www.girlscoutcookies.com and enter your zip code. There you can find a troop selling at a nearby booth, or you can purchase cookies to be shipped directly to you. This link can also be used to donate cookies through our Operation Cookie Program, which provides donated cookies to organizations that serve veterans and active-duty personnel.

Girls in grades K–12 can start their journey to fun, friendship, and new experiences by joining Girl Scouts at any point in the year. Life’s more fun when you explore more! Unbox the future with Girl Scouts by joining the world’s largest girl-led organization or learn how to become a volunteer at www.girlscouts-ssc.org.

About Girl Scouts of Silver Sage: Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council is a girl-led youth development organization that serves over 2,500 K-12 girls throughout Southern Idaho and in parts of Northern Nevada and Eastern Oregon. The council, along with a team of 1,800 local volunteers, delivers a leadership curriculum focused on STEM, life skills, entrepreneurship, and the outdoors; building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.