The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Willamette Valley Weather
Today– Showers. Snow level 2200 feet. High near 43. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Friday– Showers likely, mainly before 10am. Snow level 2700 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday– Rain. High near 47. Windy, with a south southwest wind 17 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Sunday– Rain. Snow level 2400 feet. High near 46. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday– Rain. Snow level 2000 feet. Cloudy, with a high near 43.
Parents Outraged as More Details on Hand Sanitizer Incident At Howard Elementary Come Out
Some parents at Howard Elementary School are expressing outrage about how the district responded after six students drank water contaminated with hand sanitizer.
According to a district spokesperson, the school contacted poison control and informed parents that they were advised to seek medical evaluation. They added that parents of the students who may have consumed the water were notified Tuesday afternoon.
But one parent said she is not happy with how the school handled the situation. According to this parent, who asked to remain anonymous, she was not notified that her daughter had ingested hand sanitizer until much later in the day, and she said the school did not tell her that her daughter walked home from school later than usual.
“As soon as my child walks into the school or out of my car every morning, I assume that they are safe until the school releases them to me,” she said. “Anything could have happened in the 30 minutes and 0.9 miles that it takes to get home. For them to call me and say, ‘Hey, did she make it home OK?’ was wrong.”
The district spokesperson said the second group of four students was identified just before the end of the school day.
A student was allowed to walk home before their parents were reached. The parents were contacted.
But the parent still said she believes the school and district are negligent. She said moving forward, there are a couple of things she would like changed.
“The communication was completely dropped. I’d like to have the communication routes be opened and clear and fair moving forward,” she said.
The district said the school is taking follow-up actions and reported the incident to the police. They also said the school will be changing its protocols “to allow only school-provided hand sanitizer to be used, secure classroom doors when they are not in use, such as during lunch and recess, and provide additional drinking water options such as disposable cups.”
Eugene Woman Arrested in Springfield on Charges of Intentionally Setting an RV on Fire
The incident happened at 4 p.m. Wednesday near West D Street and River Hills Drive in Springfield.
Springfield Police Department officers responded to reports of a woman breaking the windows of an RV parked in the driveway of a house. When officers arrived, they found Lisa Welch, 55, inside the RV.
Officers tried to talk to her, but Welch didn’t respond to their requests that she come out of the RV. Officers saids they then observed Welch intentionally lighting the inside of the vehicle on fire. As the fire grew, officers pulled her out of the burning RV and took her a safe distance away from the fire.
As officials worked to extinguish the fire, Welch began claiming there were bombs inside the RV. The Eugene Police Department’s Explosive Disposal Unit was called in to investigate, but found no evidence of explosives.
No one else was found inside the vehicle and nearby residents were evacuated. Welch is facing multiple charges which include arson in the first degree and disorderly conduct.
Strike at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center Still Ongoing
The five-day strike that began Monday at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center still ongoing. Over 300 healthcare workers from the facility are currently participating in the strike, claiming unfair labor practices by the hospital.
This isn’t the first unfair labor strike for the workers. Previously, employees participated in a two-day strike in October alleging unfair labor practices by the hospital, saying that management is interfering with their rights as union members.
Workers allege despite several bargaining sessions with a federal mediator following the first strike, management still hasn’t addressed safety concerns for patients and workers. In addition, since the last strike, workers allege that management has engaged in more unfair labor practices, including failing to bargain over a COVID vaccine policy and “preventing workers from exercising their rights.
“It’s extremely disappointing that McKenzie-Willamette management continues to ignore our safety concerns and to stonewall bargaining when so much is at stake,” said certified nursing assistant Aaron Green. “We take great pride in providing quality care for our patients and serving our community. And when you’re not safe, you have to stand up and do something about it. You cannot ever bargain away your safety and the safety of your patients.”
Representatives from the union SEIU 49 said workers are also seeking “a new union contract with management that includes safe staffing, fair wages, COVID protections, contained healthcare increases, and keeps good jobs at the hospital.”
In response, Jana Waterman, Vice President of Business Development at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, said offers from the hospital have been fair and generous.
“Compared to the most recent union contract, the hospital offered multiple proposals that include generous wage increases and market adjustments for several positions,” said Waterman. “The SEIU denied the proposals to increase wages and is conducting a strike this week. This is an unfortunate outcome at any time, but especially during the holiday season and as we continue to manage a challenging public health crisis.”
McKenzie-Willamette remains focused on patient care and supporting our community. We will implement our contingency plan, including additional staffing, and hospital operations will continue uninterrupted. All inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services will be available throughout the strike period.
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center is one of only two Oregon for-profit hospitals and is owned by Tennessee-based corporation Quorum Health Corp.
Oregon reports 861 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 19 new deaths
There are 19 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,318 Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported 861 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 bringing the state total to 398,262.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (15), Clackamas (62), Clatsop (10), Columbia (11), Coos (24), Crook (13), Deschutes (75), Douglas (57), Gilliam (1), Harney (5), Hood River (4), Jackson (57), Jefferson (6), Josephine (25), Klamath (4), Lake (1), Lane (68), Lincoln (8), Linn (42), Malheur (6), Marion (76), Morrow (5), Multnomah (114), Polk (23), Tillamook (8), Umatilla (14), Union (10), Wasco (5), Washington (84), Wheeler (4), and Yamhill (21).
The weekly COVID report from the Oregon Health Authority showed daily cases, hospitalizations and deaths all dropped in the week ending December 5. And the lowest overall incidence of COVID is in the 5 counties where vaccination rates are above 70%.
The 7-day running average of vaccination doses administered each day rose to 22,436 in the Wednesday report.
Today, OHA reported that 27,101 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry Dec. 7. Of that total, 1,740 were initial doses, 1,972 were second doses and 8,110 were third doses and booster doses. The remaining 15,224 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry Dec. 7.
Those who died ranged in age from 47 to 96 and died between October and early December.
Hospital beds continue to be near capacity. Only 6% of adult non-ICU beds are available, while 9% of adult ICU beds are open.
More Than 80 Earthquakes Strike Off Oregon Coast in Last 2 Days- Still No Tsunamis Expected
Dozens of earthquakes above magnitude 5.0 struck about 200-250 miles west of Newport on Tuesday and are still happening into this morning 12/8. The quakes hit roughly 200 to 250 miles off the coast of Newport.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is reporting dozens of small-to-moderate earthquakes that started yesterday (December 7, 2021) and continued through this morning, off the coast of the U.S. state of Oregon. The largest reached magnitude 5.8, according to USGS. Earthquakes in the ocean sometimes cause tsunamis. But no tsunamis were ever expected from these earthquakes, and none are expected at this writing. At least nine tremors reached a magnitude 5.0 to 5.8.
The earthquakes occurred more than six miles below the surface of the water, none of them were felt on land and no tsunamis were expected, according to the National Weather Service and the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network.
Earthquakes often happen in a series, although it’s unusual to see so many earthquakes as in this series. They’re of special interest because they’re happening off the coast of a heavily populated region. We often see a dozen or so foreshocks and aftershocks around a primary earthquake. The small-to-moderate quakes off the Oregon coast on December 7-8, 2021, can be considered foreshocks and aftershocks of each other. The terms are relative. It’ll be easiest to sort out which are foreshocks and which are aftershocks (and which are both) once the earthquake series has stopped.
The United States Geological Service (USGS) latest earthquake map shows all earthquakes 2.5 magnitude and above over the last 24 hours.
Earthquakes are relatively common off the coast of Oregon, a reminder of the state’s close proximity to moving fault lines. The Juan de Fuca plate off the coast is building up pressure and subsiding under the North American plate and has not produced a major earthquake in more than 300 years. Scientists predict a 37% chance of a 7.1 magnitude earthquake or higher in the Cascadia Subduction Zone in the next 50 years, likely to trigger a major tsunami and potentially devastate many parts of the Northwest.
ShakeAlert, an early earthquake warning system, launched in Oregon earlier this year. The system is made up of a network of sensors that shares information about the magnitude, location and expected shaking from earthquakes on the West Coast.
The last earthquake as of this writing took place at 5:15 am this morning, December 9. It was a 3.5-magnitude quake. So it’s unknown yet how many more earthquakes might occur in the Pacific, off the Oregon coast, today.
Marketplace financial help makes health coverage more affordable for thousands of Oregonians: Dec. 15, 2021 deadline looming for health coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2022
Oregonians who are currently uninsured or are looking for better health insurance rates should visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to preview plans and savings available to them. Most people who visit the Marketplace are surprised to see how much they can save on their monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. But time is running out to get coverage starting Jan. 1, 2022: you must enroll by Dec. 15, 2021.
People who have checked out the Marketplace in the past should explore their options again. The Marketplace has seen a significant increase in financial help for Oregonians:
- 2021 brought a 46 percent reduction in average monthly premium for Marketplace-enrolled Oregonians after financial help.
- Extra savings brought the average monthly premium down to just $84 per month due to expansion of eligibility for financial help from the American Rescue Plan.
- Lower-income Oregonians who are just barely ineligible for the Oregon Health Plan may get coverage for as low as $1 per month with no-cost preventive health care included and significantly reduced out-of-pocket costs on Silver plans.
Wading through health coverage options can be difficult. Health coverage experts throughout the state are available to help with applying for financial assistance and choosing private plans. Oregonians can find a local expert to help enroll in health coverage at OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp.
Not sure if you qualify for Oregon Health Plan benefits or coverage through the Marketplace? Curious about the plans and savings available to you? Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to get a quick snapshot of your eligibility.
Though this year’s open enrollment deadline is Jan. 15, 2022, people who want their health coverage to start Jan. 1, 2022, must sign up by Dec. 15, 2021. Even if people are temporarily uninsured, they can sign up for help by the Jan. 15 deadline to get health insurance for next year. To apply, go to OregonHealthCare.gov before Jan. 15, 2022, and answer a few questions to get to the right application or search the directory of health coverage experts by selecting “Get Help” on the site. Health coverage experts are licensed insurance agents and community partners who provide local, one-on-one assistance at no charge to the client. This help is available virtually and over the phone, and in person following COVID-19 safety protocols.
The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov. For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov.
Dec. 8 Oregon Employment Department Media Statement
Economic update
On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the U.S. added 210,000 jobs in November. The unemployment rate dropped to 4.2%. Employment in transportation and warehousing rose by 50,000 in November, increasing by 210,000 jobs more than its February 2020 level. This number reflects more deliveries to doors during the pandemic and a seasonal bump of package deliveries during the holidays.
At the same time, brick-and-mortar stores lost jobs in November. Retail trade declined by 20,000 over the month. Much of those losses occurred in general merchandise and clothing stores.
U.S. health care saw little in the way of job growth again in November. Overall, the sector added 2,000 jobs. Recent differences in job growth continued in different parts of the industry. Doctors’ and specialists’ offices added 17,000 jobs in November, while nursing and residential care facilities lost 11,000.
The nation’s hotels, restaurants, and bars also had relatively small job gains in November (+23,000). The leisure and hospitality sector has seen large gains this year though, with more than 2.4 million jobs added so far in 2021.
Today the BLS also released new data on job openings and worker movements nationwide. On the last business day of October, there were 11.0 million job openings. That was up from 10.6 million in September, but just shy of the record 11.1 million in July.
Layoffs remained near record lows, meaning employers hung onto the workers they already had on the job. About 4.2 million workers, or 2.8% of the workforce, quit their jobs in October. Workers at hotels, restaurants, and bars quit at more than twice the overall rate (6.0%).
Pandemic rule for earnings cap ending
Starting the week ending Jan. 8, if a person claims a week of benefits, they may see a lower amount if they are working part-time and receiving benefits.
During the height of the pandemic, the Legislature passed HB3178 that currently allows people to earn up to $300 a week and still receive unemployment insurance benefits. This helped more people continue receiving unemployment while working part-time. However, this temporary legislation expires at the end of the year.
Starting in January, the income limit will be either:
- One-third of the claimant’s weekly benefit amount; or
- Ten times the current minimum wage—which is now $14 per hour, so this would be $140.
This means a person’s unemployment insurance benefit amount will be reduced if they report earnings over those income limits. If a person earns more than their weekly benefit amount for a claimed week, they would not be eligible for that week of benefits.
The Employment Department wants to remind people that they must report all work and earnings for the week claimed, whether they have been paid for the week yet or not.
Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program invites public comment on new rules
As a reminder, the first batch of PFMLI administrative rules is in the public hearing stage. These 35 proposed rules relate specifically to wages, contributions, employer size, assistance grants, self-employed people and the PFLMI program’s outreach plan.
The second hearing is scheduled for 4 – 6 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 9. The public can register to attend this public hearing or submit feedback to ules@employ.oregon.gov“>OED_Rules@employ.oregon.gov. The first batch of PFLMI’s administrative rules can be reviewed at the OED website.
The PFMLI Rulemaking Advisory Committee met twice this month to discuss the second batch of PFMLI’s draft administrative rules, which relate specifically to equivalent plans. Businesses have the option to develop their own equivalent plan instead of participating in the Oregon state PFMLI program.
PFMLI Rulemaking Advisory Committee meetings are one of many opportunities the public has to provide comments on draft rules before they enter into the formal rulemaking process. The drafts of the second batch of PFMLI’s administrative rules can be reviewed at the OED website.
Federal shut down
Turning to the federal government, it is projected that the federal debt limit will be reached by Wed., Dec. 15; however, federally the House and Senate are working on raising the debt limit.
The employment department continues to closely watch for any Congressional action before midnight on Dec. 15 that will help us continue operations with federal funds.
WorkSource Oregon
As Oregon continues experiencing record low unemployment, the Oregon Employment Department and its WorkSource Oregon partners remain committed to helping all workers find good jobs and employers find talented employees. Here are some of the upcoming job fairs and employer meet and greets through WorkSource Oregon centers.
- An Intel Virtual Hiring event is scheduled for 9 a.m. – noon on Thurs., Dec. 9.
- Meet the Employer events are scheduled in Salem on Wed., Dec. 8 and Thurs., Dec. 9.
- A job fair with interviews conducted on-site is scheduled from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sat., Dec. 11 at the Portland VA Medical Center.
Last Week’s Statistics
Last week, the Employment Department paid more than $17.5 million in benefits to more than 27,400 Oregonians.
From Monday, Nov. 29, to Friday, Dec. 3, the Employment Department answered more than 98% of calls in 15 minutes or less. Of all calls, 94% were answered within five minutes. More than 96% of Contact Us inquiries were resolved in seven days or less.
Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request at no cost to individuals with disabilities. Contact: 971-673-6400. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.
US Senator Ron Wyden on Tuesday called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the increasing consolidation of Oregon’s retail pharmacy market
In a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan, Wyden referenced the recent purchase of Bi-Mart’s chain of pharmacies by Walgreens, impacting 56 pharmacies across the Northwest, including 37 in Oregon.
While the sale allowed for pharmacies within Bi-Mart stores to continue under the Walgreens brand if there were no other nearby locations, the majority of Bi-Mart pharmacies were simply shuttered with their patients transferred to the nearest Walgreens location.
At the same time, staffing shortages at many Walgreens pharmacies have resulted in reduced hours and longer wait times. Wyden’s letter also took aim at a practice called “direct and indirect remuneration,” which he characterized
as a form of retrospective fees leveled against pharmacies by pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs), and which has been cited as a major challenge to the finances of pharmacies and asking the federal agency to find out whether national pharmacy chains and health plans have acted to make the market less competitive.
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