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
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Willamette Valley Weather
Today– Sunny, with a high near 79. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday– Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Light northwest wind becoming north northwest 6 to 11 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.
Friday– Partly sunny, with a high near 73. North northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
Saturday– Sunny, with a high near 78.
Sunday– Sunny, with a high near 81.
Oregon reports 660 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 16 new deaths
There are 16 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,549. The Oregon Health Authority reported 660 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 bringing the state total to 192,416.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (10), Clackamas (60), Clatsop (3), Columbia (2), Crook (10), Deschutes (64), Douglas (14), Grant (1), Harney (2), Hood River (1), Jackson (44), Jefferson (5), Josephine (12), Klamath (43), Lake (4), Lane (52), Linn (22), Malheur (4), Marion (57), Morrow (3), Multnomah (94), Polk (8), Tillamook (3), Umatilla (27), Union (3), Wallowa (1), Wasco (2), Washington (90), Wheeler (2) and Yamhill (17).
Vaccinations in Oregon
Today, OHA reported that 34,415 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 17,961 doses were administered on May 10 and 16,454 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on May 10.
The seven-day running average is now 34,869 doses per day.
Oregon has now administered a total of 1,850,101 first and second doses of Pfizer, 1,413,162 first and second doses of Moderna and 113,436 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. As of today, 1,490,512 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series. There are 1,994,968 people who have had at least one dose.
Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).
To date, 2,211,885 doses of Pfizer, 1,798,980 doses of Moderna and 253,800 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to sites across Oregon.
These data are preliminary and subject to change. OHA’s dashboards provide regularly updated vaccination data, and Oregon’s dashboard has been updated today.
COVID-19 hospitalizations
The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 345, which is 19 more than yesterday. There are 89 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is 11 more than yesterday.
The total number of COVID-19 positive patient bed-days in the most recent seven days is 2,300, which is a 3.0% decrease from the previous seven days. The peak daily number of beds occupied by COVID-19 positive patients in the most recent seven days is 345.
The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity. More information about hospital capacity can be found here.
Governor Brown Sets Vaccination Targets for Oregon to Begin to More Fully Reopen Economy
Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Brown and OHA Director Patrick Allen provided an update on the state’s new vaccination targets for reopening the economy, closing the vaccine equity gap at the county level and the criteria for lifting the County Risk Level framework.Most restrictions to be lifted statewide when 70% of Oregonians 16 and older receive first dose.
Beginning May 21, counties eligible for option to move to Lower Risk when 65% of county residents 16 and older receive first dose and submit plan to close vaccine equity gaps
County Risk level movements announced for Friday, May 14: Three counties move down to Moderate Risk
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Governor Kate Brown today announced vaccination targets to more fully reopen Oregon’s economy, setting a 70% statewide goal to reach Oregonians 16 and older with a first dose to lift most Risk Level restrictions. Additionally, beginning on May 21, counties will have the option of moving to the Lower Risk level once 65% of county residents 16 and older have received at least one vaccine dose, and counties have submitted a complete plan to close equity gaps in vaccination.
“Thanks to you, Oregon, it looks like we’ve crossed the tipping point of the fourth surge,” said Governor Brown. “Our hospitalization rates have stabilized. Our infection rates are on a downward trajectory. And in the race between vaccines and variants, our efforts to vaccinate Oregonians are taking the lead.
“We still have some work to do to reach our 70% goal, but I am confident we can get there in June and return Oregon to a sense of normalcy.
“So Oregon, this is our goal. We each play a part. If you have already been vaccinated, thank you. Now help a friend, family member or neighbor make an appointment. Spread the word that folks can call 2-1-1 or visit covidvaccine.oregon.gov for more information.”
Statewide lifting of Risk Level framework
Statewide, the Governor announced her goal that Oregon reach 70% of the population 16 and older with a first vaccine dose in order to more fully reopen Oregon’s economy by lifting most of the health and safety restrictions imposed by the Risk Level framework.
• After achieving 70%, Oregon may continue requiring some use of masks and physical distancing and will continue to evaluate the use of these tools as we learn more from the CDC and evaluate Oregon’s COVID-19 conditions and experience.
• All other health and safety requirements for counties under the Risk Level framework will be lifted, and counties will no longer be assigned risk levels. (Oregon public schools will still be required to follow Ready Schools, Safe Learners health and safety requirements, with the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Education updating that guidance for the 2021-22 school year to lift most restrictions based on CDC guidance.)
• Statewide, Oregon must continue to work towards closing equity gaps for communities of color.
Counties eligible for option to move to Lower Risk, beginning May 21
Beginning May 21, the Governor announced, counties will have the option to move weekly to the Lower Risk health and safety restrictions in Oregon’s Risk Level Framework. County movements will be announced on May 18. To move to Lower Risk, counties must:
• Reach 65% of the county population 16 or older with a first vaccine dose.
• Submit a complete plan to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) which details how the county will close the equity gaps in their vaccination efforts.
• Counties will be eligible for state resources to help achieve these goals, and will be eligible for additional funding as they demonstrate making progress towards closing their equity gaps.
County Risk Level movements, effective May 14
Governor Brown today also announced updates to county risk levels under the state’s public health framework to reduce transmission and protect Oregonians from COVID-19. This week, Grant, Lincoln, and Wasco counties will move to the Moderate Risk level, down from High Risk. Effective Friday, May 14, 21 counties will remain in High Risk, 7 counties will be in Moderate Risk, and 8 counties will be in Lower Risk.
A complete list of counties and their risk levels is available here.
With Oregon no longer meeting the statewide hospitalization metrics for Extreme Risk, following this week, Oregon will return to a two-week cycle for risk level changes for counties that have not vaccinated at least 65% of their population. Following the announcement of county movements to Lower Risk based on reaching vaccination goals on May 18, the next risk level changes will be announced on Tuesday, May 25, to take effect on Friday, May 28.
Additional Materials
• A copy of the Governor’s prepared remarks from today’s press conference is available here.
• More information on vaccines is available at covidvaccine.oregon.gov.
You can watch a recording of briefing here and find a copy of the talking points here. Today’s slides are also available here.
LOCAL HEADLINES:
Lane County’s Firewise Grant Program Currently Accepting Applications
The grants provide rural property owners with funding to help complete projects that reduce the risk of wildfire, including:
- Clearing vegetation
- Replacing wood shake roofing
- Low fire risk plants and landscaping materials
- Non-combustible exterior siding
- Chimney spark arrestors
The Firewise Grant Incentive Program is administered by the Lane County Land Management Division’s Long Range Planning and Building programs, with funding provided through Title III of the Federal Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Program – Section 601 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. The grant program offers homeowners in rural Lane County financial assistance to make their homes better able to survive wildfires. To qualify for the Firewise Grant you just need to own a home outside of an urban growth boundary in Lane County that’s at risk to wildfire – that’s it! (View eligibility map here.)
Each of our grant incentives is based on current wildfire research that helps your home greatly reduce the chance of burning during a wildfire. Up to $15,500 in grant funding is available for qualifying properties.
The 2021 Firewise Grant Incentive Program is accepting applications through Friday, May 28th, 2021 via a lottery-styled priority system. Applications will be accepted after the 28th, pending funding and availability. Learn how to make your property more firewise by signing up: https://www.lanecounty.org/cms/one.aspx?pageId=4278705
Paper applications are also available in the Lane County Public Works Customer Service Center vestibule at 3050 North Delta Highway, Eugene.
Eugene Police and UO Start Party Patrols Due to Spike In Large Gatherings
Due to a string of large parties in the campus area, University of Oregon Police will be partnering with Eugene Police department to ramp up party patrols.
Over the weekend, hundreds of people gathered at East 15th Avenue and Mill Street. Officers arrived to the scene at about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday after callers complained about noise.
Police said hundreds of people were grouped together outside and in the street. Up to 600 people exited the backyard after police ordered people to leave over a loud speaker. The crowd was reportedly hostile with officers.
Residents Lucas Ferrendelli, 20, and Robert Morehouse, 21, were cited for prohibited noise. Police said Ferrendelli threatened to fight officers and was handcuffed and later released.
Last weekend, fans were barred from coming to the University of Oregon’s spring game due to increased COVID-19 restrictions in the extreme risk category. However, police encountered multiple tailgates happening in the West University area. That weekend, they did not issue any citations or tickets.
Mozan said police issue citations on a case-by-case basis. He said the two citations were issued Saturday because of “the scope of the problem and the fact that ongoing, repeated efforts to mitigate the problem weren’t being met very efficiently.”
Several people who live in the West University neighborhood said large parties happen on a regular basis. Some residents said they think students are partying more now because many of them have been partially vaccinated, and the warmer weather allows for groups to gather outside.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the University of Oregon said UOPD will work with Eugene police to more closely monitor off-campus gatherings.
Full statement from the University of Oregon:
“The university is aware of and concerned about reports of unruly and potentially unsafe behavior at off-campus parties. We continue to remind the campus community that we must continue to remain steadfast in following public health guidelines established by the OHA and other public health authorities.
“Additionally, beginning this week, the University of Oregon Police Department and Eugene Police Department will partner on enhanced party patrols to monitor social gatherings in the neighborhoods near campus. Any student or member of the community can report an unruly gathering by calling EPD’s non-emergency number: 541-682-5111.
“The majority of UO students are following proper health protocols, engaging with us on with our Duck Pledge, with the Crush COVID-19 Challenge, and within our social media channels. They better represent a student body that understands the need to continue to follow guidance on social gatherings and physical distancing.
“The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is investigating any complaints it receives related to students who might not be complying with COVID-19 protocol, and it will take any necessary appropriate actions. The consequences of violating the UO’s Student Conduct Code may include educational sanctions, disciplinary probation or suspension depending on the egregiousness of the behavior.”
Construction to Begin On Willamette Street in Eugene
Construction will begin May 19 along a section of Willamette Street in Eugene. It’s an effort to make travel easier going both directions between South Eugene and Downtown.
The following areas will be repaved and converted to two-ways:
- Willamette Street from 18th to 20th
- Oak Street from 20th to 19th
- 20th Avenue from Willamette to Oak Street.
The project is expected to carry on throughout July and will bring an end to what’s known as the “Willamette Wiggle” said Senior Transportation Manager Reed Dunbar. The change will allow people, no matter their preferred mode of transport, easier access, he said. The city will add bike lanes in both directions on a segment of Willamette.
“It’s also going to improve the crossing of Willamette Street near the Civic Stadium area, which is going to make it easier for folks to walk to if they need to get to Kids Sports, for example, and to be able to walk to South Eugene High School,” Dunbar said.
In addition, the city will also work on replacing a traffic signal at Willamette Street and 18th Avenue, reconstruction of sidewalk access ramps will take place throughout the project as well as construction on the northbound bike lane on Willamette Street from 18th to 20th Avenues. Meanwhile the bike lane on Oak Street, from 20th to 17th will be removed, according to the city.
“There’s going to be some detours set up through the constuction zone, in other words, we would probably do one side of the street at a time so there might be one lane open in one direction,” Dunbar said. He suggests drivers use Amazon Parkway if they don’t need to access Willamette Street.
For More INFO: https://www.eugene-or.gov/2055/South-Willamette-Street-2014-21
AROUND the STATE of OREGON
Oregon approved to issue more than $550 million in food assistance to 572,000 children
The State of Oregon received approval from the federal government to issue Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) for the 2020 – 2021 school year. This will provide more than $550 million in food assistance for approximately 572,000 children in Oregon.
P-EBT provides food benefits to families whose children do not have access to the free or reduced-price meals usually provided at school. Oregon was approved to provide retroactive food benefits to eligible students for the 2020 – 2021 school year. The P-EBT benefits are expected to be issued beginning in July.
“P-EBT benefits will significantly support the food security, health and well-being of children and families across Oregon,” said Dan Haun, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Self-Sufficiency Programs. “Still, many Oregonians are struggling meeting their basic needs. We encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank.”
“All children deserve access to adequate nutrition to fuel their learning. The Oregon Department of Education is happy to be partnering with ODHS and local school districts to meet the nutrition needs of Oregon’s children and families who were most impacted by the pandemic.” said Cindy Hunt, Chief of Staff at Oregon Department of Education (ODE).
ODHS and ODE share responsibility in ensuring that children across Oregon receive P-EBT food benefits. ODE collaborates with school districts across Oregon to determine eligibility and ODHS issues the benefits on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
Households do not need to apply for P-EBT. Benefits will be automatically issued for students who normally have access to free and reduced-price meals and are enrolled at a school in Oregon.
If your children are not currently enrolled in free or reduced meals you can apply through your school or online at the Oregon Department of Education website. Qualifying for free or reduced meals for the 2020 – 2021 school year before June 30, 2021 will ensure you receive P-EBT when the benefits are issued. P-EBT benefit eligibility and amounts will vary. Visit pebt.oregon.gov for more information.
Each student will receive their own P-EBT card. Students and households new to P-EBT and households with more than one student will receive an Oregon P-EBT card in the mail with instructions. Cards will be mailed to the address on file with the school for those students who do not receive SNAP.
Students who are already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive the P-EBT benefits on the EBT card associated with their household’s SNAP case.
P-EBT does not replace any child nutrition program already offered, and families are encouraged to continue participating in grab-n-go-meals or emergency food programs at their local schools and community locations.
P-EBT is separate from SNAP benefits including emergency allotments that are also being issued due to the impact of COVID-19. P-EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test.
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898211 (TXT211), www.211info.org
- Oregon Department of Human Services Resources
About SNAP
Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.
About the Oregon Department of Education
The Oregon Department of Education fosters equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. ODE oversees the education of over 560,000 students in Oregon’s public K-12 education system. While ODE isn’t in the classroom directly providing services, the agency (along with the State Board) – focuses on helping districts achieve both local and statewide goals and priorities through strategies such as:
- Developing policies and standards
- Providing accurate and timely data to inform instruction
- Training teachers on how to use data effectively
- Effectively administering numerous state and federal grants
- Sharing and helping districts implement best practices
Oregon Department of Human Services — https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-guidance-coronavirus-pandemic-ebt-pebt
OED Launches Federal Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) Program – Program provides an additional $100 weekly benefit to ‘hybrid workers’
The Oregon Employment Department launched the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program, a temporary federal program for ‘hybrid workers,’ or people who have earned W-2 wages and self-employment income. MEUC is the sixth federal benefit program implemented by the Employment Department since March 2020.
“We are pleased to have another critical lifeline available for people who are struggling during this ongoing global health pandemic. MEUC was created in response to workers whose past income wasn’t fully being counted. Congress heard the outcry from these workers, and now that the program has launched, Oregonians who have side income will see that reflected in their weekly benefit amount,” said Acting Director David Gerstenfeld.
MEUC provides an extra $100 per week to eligible claimants. Claimants are eligible for MEUC if, in addition to W-2 wages, they earned a net income of at least $5,000 in self-employment work in the most recent taxable year before they applied for unemployment benefits. When claiming weeks of MEUC, they must have received at least one dollar in Regular UI or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) recipients are not eligible for MEUC.
MEUC benefits are available from Dec. 27, 2020, through the week ending Sept. 4, 2021. Eligible claimants will receive benefit payments going back to the week of Dec. 27, 2020, and then for all eligible weeks they claim moving forward.
People who think they may be eligible for MEUC benefits will need to submit proof of qualifying income to the Employment Department. The quickest way to apply for MEUC is online, by visiting the Online Claim System and clicking “MEUC”.
Those unable to apply online can submit their application and required documentation by mail. Claimants without internet access can call the Employment Department’s Tax Section at 503-947-1488 for instructions on what information to send and where to send it. Eligible claimants will receive MEUC payments approximately 3 weeks after approved documents have been received.
For more information about MEUC, visit the Employment Department’s Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation FAQ or the Applying for MEUC Step-by-Step Guide. The Employment Department is hosting a live webinar on MEUC at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 13, and a recording of the webinar will be available May 14. Webinar registration and webinar recordings can be found at unemployment.oregon.gov/webinars.
Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services Oregon Employment Department
2 Dogs Fatally Shot, 3 Wounded at Salem Gas Station, Suspected Shooters Still on the Run
Several vehicles with passengers in them at a Salem gas station parking lot were hit by bullets, police said. No humans were struck, however “five dogs in the back of one of the vehicles were hit by bullets.”
Five dogs who were in the back of a car parked near a reported shooting were struck by bullets, killing two of the pets, police say.
Just before midnight on Monday, May 10, 2021, Salem Police patrol officers responded to multiple calls of shots fired near the vicinity of Clay and Cypress Streets NE. Officers in the area also heard the shots and arrived to find a vehicle speeding away. A pursuit was initiated and ended near the 2800 block of Howell Prairie Road NE where the occupants drove into a field and fled on foot.
Salem Police received support from regional agencies, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Keizer Police Department and Oregon State Police, as they assisted with establishing a perimeter and the search. A thorough search of the area for several hours did not result in locating the occupants of the involved vehicle.
Patrol officers working the original scene of the shooting determined several vehicles in the nearby gas station parking lot had been struck. Although the vehicles were occupied, none of the persons inside were struck by the gunfire. Unfortunately, five dogs in the back of one of the vehicles were hit by bullets. With the owner’s permission, officers took the adult dog and puppies immediately to an emergency veterinary clinic close by, but two of the dogs died.
Detectives are currently working all available leads, and no further information is available at this time. If you have any information regarding this incident, please call the Salem Police Department tips line at 588-8477.
Oregon Health Coverage special enrollment period continues through Aug. 15, 2021
People in Oregon are enrolling in health coverage at a much higher rate than this time last year. As of April 30, 2021, more than 10,100 people in Oregon have newly enrolled in health coverage through the Marketplace, which is an increase of 31 percent over people who enrolled during this time last year and 80 percent more than enrolled during
the same period in 2019. Higher enrollment in the Marketplace from Feb. 15 through April 30 is likely due to the COVID-19 special enrollment period, which is open to anyone who needs health coverage and is eligible to shop through HealthCare.gov.
This special enrollment period continues through Aug. 15, 2021. In addition, people applying through the Marketplace are now eligible for substantially higher savings thanks to the American Rescue Plan. More than 4 in 5 people in Oregon now qualify for financial assistance in the form of premium tax credits, which reduce the cost of the monthly premium to have health coverage, and cost-sharing reductions to reduce the out-of-pocket costs associated with health care.
People already receiving premium tax credits are also receiving additional savings. Enrollees can choose to receive all of the increased tax credits with their 2021 tax return or they can update their HealthCare.gov application for 2021 coverage to reduce monthly premiums for the rest of the year. Enrollees who are already covered through the Marketplace receive savings of an average of $50 per person per month.
New Oregon residents won’t need to take driver’s knowledge test after June 5
Most states don’t require the written test for out-of-state drivers, as long as you have a valid license from another state. Oregon has had this rule, however, that requirement is ending on June 5 thanks to a new bill signed by the governor.
Under the bill, as long as out-of-state drivers have a valid license from another state, they won’t have to take what’s commonly known as the ‘written test.’
If you’ve attempted to get an appointment at the DMV in the last year, it’s been a struggle because of their backlog. If you try to schedule one now, it’ll likely be a couple months before you can get in the door.
“At the highest point, title turnaround, in worst case scenarios was up to 20 weeks, in the middle of winter. We’ve been getting that down, down, down. It’s down below 15 weeks now. In a typically busy summer, in normal times, 4 or 5 weeks would be the outside. We’re still way outside that. This is an unprecedented backlog,” David House, a DMV spokesman, said.
House Bill 2137, signed by Governor Brown makes changes the DMV said will help relieve that backlog.
One of them makes it easier for new Oregon residents to get their driver’s license. They will no longer need to take the written knowledge test as long as they have a valid driver’s license from another state that isn’t more than a year expired.
“Probably more than a thousand new residents come into Oregon every month. Of those, if you happen to fail this knowledge test, at this time when it’s really hard to get an appointment, you could have to make another appointment and come in again. This is one way we can reduce some repeat visits,” House said.
The new law also extends the moratorium for certain traffic offenses until December. This means you can’t get a ticket for an expired license or registrations as long as it hasn’t been expired longer than six months.
It also gives current residents more time to renew their license.
“Instead of just one year, you now have two years that your license has been expired and you do not need to take the tests again,” House said. “All these kinds of measures, all these little things here and there, adding additional staff, having voluntary overtime work at the DMV are among many measures we’re taking that all add up a little bit to catch up with the backlog.”
These changes go into effect June 5.