Willamette Valley News, Monday, 11/9 – OHA Reports 874 New Covid-19 Cases in the State, Lane County with 57 Overnight

The latest news stories and stories of interest in Eugene-Springfield area and around the state of Oregon from the online digital home of the valley, WillametteValleyMagazine.com.

Monday, November 9, 2020

Willamette Valley Weather

Monday Increasing clouds, with a high near 46. Light and variable wind. Overnight a 40% chance of rain. Snow level 2200 feet rising to 5300 feet after midnight, low near 38.

Tuesday A chance of rain before 10am, then showers likely after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday, Veterans Day A 20 percent chance of showers before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Overnight, mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Thursday Rain, mainly after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 48.

Friday Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 49.

Today’s Headlines

COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 730, the Oregon Health Authority reported today for Sunday. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 874 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 50,448.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (5), Clackamas (127), Clatsop (5), Columbia (6), Coos (4), Crook (1), Curry (2), Deschutes (23), Douglas (15), Grant (5), Harney (1), Hood River (6), Jackson (67), Jefferson (1), Josephine (9), Klamath (6), Lane (57), Linn (5), Malheur (13), Marion (112), Morrow (8), Multnomah (216), Polk (17), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (25), Union (9), Wallowa (1), Wasco (1), Washington (104), Yamhill (22).

Oregon had protesters turn into rally enthusiasts with the announcement of Joe Biden as president-elect.   After days and days of waiting, many people in the state of Oregon and in Eugene said they felt a sense of relief.

Dozens of people rallied in Eugene outside the federal courthouse Saturday to celebrate what they call a “free and fair election.”

The event was put on by the Community Alliance of Lane County, and the group Rise! Dance! Resist! danced during the rally. 

Other Eugene residents said although Biden is president-elect, this is only the beginning of a long journey. Stay tuned.

Around the state of Oregon

A woman was arrested at the Eagle Point, Oregon, Walmart, after she was asked to leave because she was not wearing a mask. Her husband caught the incident on camera.

Michelle Easley said she went to the Eagle Point Walmart with her husband around 4 p.m. Wednesday, and she initially wore a mask entering the store. Due to a medical condition, Easley said she took the mask off when she started getting winded.

She claimed that after numerous employees passed her without saying a word, she said one employee spoke up telling Easley she had to leave.

One employee came out yelling to her that she must put on her mask.  Easley said she has a doctor’s note about the condition, and explained to the employee why she couldn’t wear a face mask.

But, according to the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration, medical conditions are not a valid reason for not wearing a mask.

Walmart did not offer her any alternative accommodations for her condition. Instead, she said, staff called Eagle Point Police Department and she was arrested for committing the crime of Criminal Trespass in the 2nd degree

Walmart does not carry face shields and the Oregon store’s policy does not require employees to offer a shield or curbside assistance when customers refuse to wear a mask.

OSHA has received two complaints about alleged non-enforcement of the mask mandate at this particular Walmart. She said the officer who arrested her told her “I’m not here to deal with that,” she said, “they trespassed me and that was that.”

However, Darin May, Police Chief at the Eagle Point Police Department had a different version of the story to tell. He said Easely was being combative and that was why she was arrested.

“Our officer arrived on scene, he asked her numerous times again to just leave or he would have to arrest her because there was a trespass issue, and she refused to do so,” May said.

Eagle Point Police Department has video of the entire incident, from when the officer arrived on scene. As of right now, it’s being used as evidence at the District Attorney’s office and is not yet available to the public.

Eagle Point Police Department posted on Facebook about the incident. The officer in the video was not wearing a mask while arresting the woman.

Suspect Joshua Robert Miller is currently at the Jackson County jail on several charges related to a double homicide that was reported last week.

The victims of the shootings have been identified as a father and son.

Joshua Robert Miller is facing the following charges:

  • TWO COUNTS OF MURDER 2ND DEGREE, no bail
  • TWO COUNTS ABUSE OF CORPSE 2ND DEGREE, bail: $7,500 per count
  • ATTEMPTED MURDER 2ND DEGREE, bail: $100,000

The case will be referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

The involved parties were all known to each other.

At a press conference with state health officials on Friday, Governor Kate Brown called for a two-week “pause” in social activities for five Oregon counties that have seen a sustained spike in coronavirus cases .

Brown said that the pause affects counties with more than 200 cases per 100,000 over a two-week period, or more than 60 cases in rural counties. To begin with, this describes Malheur, Umatilla, Marion, Jackson, and Multnomah counties — but another group of counties are on the cusp, Brown said.

The pause begins on Wednesday, November 11 and extends through Wednesday, November 25, the day before Thanksgiving. The pause is intended as “a first step” intended to reduce human contact and reduce spread of coronavirus, Brown said. She characterized it as a measure intended to avoid more drastic restrictions. Included within the pause are a variety of measures — halting indoor visits to long-term care facilities; instituting a 50-person maximum capacity in restaurants, including both patrons and staff, and reducing restaurant party sizes to a maximum of six.

Outdoor dining and takeout are strongly encouraged. There will also be a 50-person capacity for recreational venues like gyms, fitness centers, and museums — however, this does not extend to faith-based gatherings.

Oregon OSHA has adopted a temporary rule that combats the spread of coronavirus in all workplaces by requiring employers to carry out a comprehensive set of risk-reducing measures.

The rule will take effect Nov. 16, with certain parts phased in, and is expected to remain in effect until May 4, 2021. It is a continuation of the guidance produced by the Oregon Health Authority and enforced in the workplace by Oregon OSHA, including physical distancing, use of face coverings, and sanitation. The rule is intended to further improve the current structure for reducing risks in the workplace by requiring several measures many employers have voluntarily implemented. For example, it requires employers to notify employees of a workplace infection and provide training to workers on how to reduce risks. Likewise, employers must formally assess the risk of exposure, develop infection control plans, and address indoor air quality within their current capability. Those measures – along with more requirements for exceptionally high-risk jobs, such as direct patient care – are part of Oregon OSHA’s ongoing enforcement and educational efforts to help protect workers from the coronavirus disease.

Gov. Kate Brown Sunday said she has rescinded an executive order that called for Oregon State Police and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office to command any police response to potentially violent protests that were anticipated in Portland in the days after Tuesday’s presidential election.

Brown said her executive order had been set to expire at 5 p.m. Sunday, but she was announcing its end more than five hours early because response to the presidential election — Joe Biden’s victory — has been overwhelmingly celebratory in Portland.

On Sunday, November 8, 2020 at approximately 9:40 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 181.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota Tacoma, operated by Heriberto Pacheco Madrigal (35) of Sunnyside, WA. was northbound when it lost traction on the ice, slid into the southbound lane, and collided with a Toyota Tundra operated by Daniel Frank (63) of Redding, CA. 

Pacheco Madrigal and his passengers, Silvia Pacheco Madrigal (29) of Sunnyside, WA and two minor children, were transported to the hospital.

Frank and his passenger, Cheryl Frank (63) of Redding, CA. were transported to the hospital.  Cheryl Frank sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. 

There was a third vehicle, Ford Explorer, involved and the occupants were uninjured.

OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT and Crescent Rural Fire Department.  Weather and roadway conditions were a factor in this crash. 

On Saturday, November 7, 2020, at approximately 3:32 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Hwy 99E near milepost 35.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Honda Accord, operated by Pulciano Roque-Perez (26) of Salem, was northbound when it crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a Chevrolet Silverado operated by Antonio Mendoza-Gallardo (62) of Woodburn.

Roque-Perez sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

His passenger Bulmaro Cortes-Salinas (24) of Salem was transported to the hospital with injuries.

Mendoza-Gallardo was transported to the hospital with injuries.

On Thursday, November 6, 2020 at approximately 11:56 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 111.

Preliminary investigation determined that a Honda, operated by a juvenile, was southbound and a Chevy pickup, operated by Brandon Kern (29) of Redmond, was northbound.  The vehicles collided and cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Kern and his passenger, Shawna Henkemeyer (38) of Redmond, were transported with serious injuries. 

The Honda operator was transported with serious injuries. 

The passenger in the Honda, Alisa Miller (19) of Madras, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased 

On Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at approximately 9:59P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 232.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Honda motorcycle, operated by John Fairbanks (56) of unknown, was northbound when it crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a Pontiac G6 operated by Roberto Salinas (32) of Sanger, CA. 

Fairbanks sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Salinas sustained minor injuries.

On Friday, November 7, 2020 there were two separate demonstrations in the Salem Area.   One rally started at the Capitol at approximately 12:00 P.M. and a second rally started at Pringle Park in Salem at approximately 5:00 P.M. and later marched to the Capitol. 

Four people were arrested during these rallies:

2:00pm – Nathan Arnett (29) of Molalla – Assault IV and Unlawful use of OC

4:37pm – Jeffrey Mustin (37) of Eugene– Assault IV and Unlawful possession of firearm

5:00pm – Ryan Swanzey (32) of Portland– Disorderly Conduct and Offensive Littering

6:00pm – Jesse Baughman (22) of Salem – Disorderly Conduct and Interfering with Police

Oregon State Police is aware of other criminal behavior during the night and will continue to investigate those reports.

The Oregon State Police is seeking public assistance in identifying the person(s) who shot and killed three elk and left them to waste near Hwy 126 and Quail Tree Dr. in the Dry Canyon area east of Sisters.

Investigation has determined all three elk were most likely shot on opening day of the East Central Cascade elk season (Wednesday, October 28 through Sunday, November 1, 2020).  

All three elk were located in fairly close proximity. 

One mature bull elk had the head and antlers removed and only the two front shoulders salvaged.  

A spike bull elk and cow elk were shot and left to waste approximately 40 yards apart.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police TIP number at 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP and leave information for Senior Trooper Creed Cummings. 

Information can also be provided at the following website   https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx or the TIP information below.

Also, Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers are requesting any information regarding a 6×6 bull elk that was shot and left to waste in the 3000 block of Reuben Road, Glendale on November 5, 2020 between 9 P.M. to Midnight. 

Troopers responded and found the bull had been shot and killed by small caliber rifle. 

Residents reported seeing a full sized white Chevy crew cab pickup with a white canopy in the area.  It is estimated to be around the 2014 – 2015 model year. 

A cash reward amount is pending in addition to the preference point/cash option listed below.

If you have any information please contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068 or *OSP and leave information for Trooper Aaron Baimbridge. You can also contact the TIP Hotline or TIP email below.

** Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators** 

Oregon Hunters Association TIP reward fund also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, Furbearers, Game Fish and Shellfish.  Cash rewards can also be awarded for turning in people who destroy habitat, illegally obtain licenses/tags and for the unlawful lending/borrowing of big game tags.

CASH REWARDS:
* $1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat and Moose 
* $500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
* $300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
* $300 Habitat Destruction

* $200 Illegally Obtaining License/Tag(s)

* $200 Unlawful Lend/Borrow Big Game Tags(s) 
* $100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
* $100 Furbearers 

* $100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP(677)

OHA Releases Interactive Version of Oregon Health Insurance Survey Data

The Oregon Health Authority announced the data from the Oregon Health Insurance Survey is now available in interactive dashboards, allowing people to explore 2011-2019 survey data, complete with demographic and geographic breakdowns.

Every two years, the Oregon Health Insurance Survey asks people in 8,000 Oregon households about insurance coverage, access to care and health care use.

The most recent survey, released in September 2019, found that nearly 3.9 million or 94% of Oregonians had health coverage, a nearly 10% increase over 2013, before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect. Under the ACA, Oregon extended Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage to approximately 400,000 Oregonians who lacked health insurance. Meanwhile, 145,000 Oregonians had signed up for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace as of December 2019.

“With the ACA under continued threat and the pressure COVID-19 has put on individuals and our health care system, understanding Oregon’s health coverage gaps is critically important,” said Jeremy Vandehey, director of health policy and analytics at OHA. “As a state, we have a history of seeking out innovative ways to expand coverage and improve quality of care. Being able to identify groups who have been most impacted by a loss of coverage will be an important part of building strategies for recovery.”

The interactive data set released today allows users to examine trends within and among groups of Oregonians across time. The dashboards are part of OHA Health Policy and Analytics Division’s continued effort to make data about what is happening in the health system more accessible and transparent. OHA is also working on a special report to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health coverage in Oregon through publicly available data.

Among the conclusions in the new dashboards, OHA highlighted:

  • While 6% of Oregonians were uninsured at the time of the survey, 3.5% were uninsured for the entire year.
  • While increases in insurance rates were seen among each race or ethnicity group between 2011 and 2019, disparities for communities of color remain.
  • Since 2011 Hispanic or Latinx Oregonians have been considerably more likely to be uninsured than non-Hispanic or Latinx Oregonians; 11.5% of Hispanic or Latinx Oregonians reported being uninsured in 2019.
  • From 2011 through 2019 the age group with the highest uninsured rates was consistently 19-to-34-year-old Oregonians.
  • Most uninsured Oregonians were eligible for help getting health insurance through the Marketplace or through Medicaid (77.7% statewide).
  • Losing Oregon Health Plan coverage was the most common reason people were uninsured.

Access the OHIS dashboards.

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