Willamette Valley News, Friday 12/24 – Winter Weather Warnings, Several Crashes Around the Area

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

Friday, December 24, 2021

Willamette Valley Weather

Winter Storm Watch in effect from December 25, 04:00 PM PST until December 27, 04:00 AM PST

Today – Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4pm. Snow level 1700 feet. High near 43. South southwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible

Christmas Day – Rain and snow showers, becoming all rain after 1pm. Snow level 1100 feet. High near 40. South wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Sunday – Snow showers before 1pm, then rain and snow showers. High near 36. Breezy, with a west southwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Monday – A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 33. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday – A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32.

Mass Casualty Crash on Hwy 58 Near Dexter

According to the Dexter Fire Department, five people were transported to the hospital following a crash on Highway 58, milepost 14 near Dexter Thursday night.

On Thursday, December 23, 2021 at about 5:34 PM, Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a report of a multi-car accident with significant injuries on Hwy 58 at milepost 14. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a gray Dodge 3500 pulling a 26′ gooseneck loaded with 168 bales of hay, operated by Steven Mori (76) of Fallon, Nevada, was westbound when the pickup-trailer combination tipped over onto its side and began sliding.

The pickup-trailer combination then struck a Black Nissan pickup, operated by Kayd Shelby (18) of Roseburg, a white Kia Forte, operated by Jennifer Hoffman(29) of Springfield, a gold Dodge Caravan, operated by Steven Noller (51) out of Eugene and a White Hyundai, operated by Debra Cooley (54) of Oakridge. 

Shelby was life-flighted while Hoffman, Noller, Cooley and three additional passengers were taken by ground ambulance to PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at River Bend. Mori was not transported and remained on scene and was cooperative with law enforcement. 

Hwy 58 was closed for approximately 2 hours. OSP was assisted by Lane County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.

Crash On I-105 In Eugene

 At least one person has been taken to the hospital after a crash involving a semi-truck and multiple vehicles on I-105 westbound near Coburg Road, Eugene police said. The crash happened at about 1 p.m Thursday.

Police dealt with drivers on I-105 between Coburg Road and 7th Avenue while crews worked to resolve the crash.

Eugene Warming Centers Will Open But Need Volunteers

Freezing temperatures often prove dangerous for the homeless, but this holiday season, they won’t be left out in the cold in the Eugene-Springfield area.

Several warming centers are scheduled to open – if they’re able to get enough volunteers.

For the Egan Warming Center, their mission is to make sure Lane County’s homeless population won’t have to sleep out in the cold this winter.

“Looking at the forecast, you know, we could be open for many nights in a row, and when that happens, we see more and more people who may try to survive all those other nights, but it just gets too cold and dangerous,” says Tim Black, Winter Strategies and Emergencies Response Coordinator.

Black says after Thomas Egan, the organization’s namesake, died in 2008 after a night in freezing temperatures, the Egan Center began to operate during winters from November 15 through March 31. This is when temperatures are projected to be below 30 degrees.

It hasn’t opened so far this season, but with the help of volunteers, they’re ready to activate when necessary at locations in Springfield and Eugene.

“Egan Warming Center was created by and to this day works because of volunteers. It’s amazing; it is almost 100% volunteer run.”

Volunteers help set up and operate centers at one of three locations – the Memorial Building, Lane Events Center in Eugene, or at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Eugene, which is open to youth 18 and younger.

Guests are served dinner and breakfast, and Black says a shuttle is provided for those with mobility issues.

“It could be a long, cold, wet winter all the way through the end of March/early April, and we’ll continue to need new volunteers.”

Whether the shelter will open Sunday night will be decided by 6 p.m. Friday.

New volunteers will not be able to help out until after the next volunteer orientation, which will be held in January.

The centers open at various times between 6 and 7 p.m. Black says all are welcome who need shelter from those icy temperatures.

Winter Storm Watch

Accumulations Ranging from a Dusting to 6 Inches of snow are possible. The Highest Amounts will Likely Fall Above 500 Feet and Well East of Interstate 5 near the Foothills of the Cascades Including Places Such As Mulino, Molalla, Silverton, Stayton, Scio, Sublimity and Lebanon and the Eastern Portions of the Eugene/springfield Metro.

The Lowest Amounts will Generally Fall at the Lowest Elevations West of Interstate 5, but We Cannot Rule Out Localized Higher Amounts Even in These Areas As Well. Amounts will Likely Vary over Small Distances Given the Showery Nature of the Precipitation.

Most people in the Willamette Valley and the coast won’t wake up to snow on Christmas morning. But snow could start falling in earnest soon afterward, perhaps by late Saturday night.

“You’re just going to see rain through Saturday morning, and probably a good part of the day Saturday will just be rain,” said Clinton Rocky, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Portland. “You might see some wet flakes mixed in, but I wouldn’t expect any accumulation.”

“The higher up in elevation you get, the better threat of having heavier snows,” said Rocky. “But still, along I-5, including the Eugene-Springfield area, Cottage Grove, (we’re) looking for a possibility of several inches of snow as we get into Sunday. And probably even more snow as you get into Monday for everyone.”

Rocky says even the central Oregon coast could get a few inches of snow. And whatever falls will likely stick around for a few days. Much of western Oregon is expected to have below-freezing temperatures well into next week.

The city of Eugene says it will have crews on standby to deal with the expected winter weather. The city’s Public Works Department is reminding people to avoid parking their vehicles on designated snow routes when snow is in the forecast.

Travel Could Be Very Difficult.

Anyone with Travel Plans Should Stay Aware of the Latest Weather Information and Have Alternative Travel Plans, or Delay Travel, if Possible. Monitor the Latest Forecasts for Updates on this Situation.

If you do need to travel for the holiday, particularly if you’re going over the passes, ODOT recommends doing the following before and during your trip:

  • Know before you go. Visit tripcheck.com and see road conditions along your route, start to finish.
  • Remember that many tripcheck.com cameras include temperature, elevation and other critical details about road conditions.
  • Drive for conditions. If encountering rain, mud, snow, ice or extra traffic be sure to slow down and give extra space for stopping.
  • Keep your vehicle in good operating shape, checking brakes, lights, tires and wipers regularly.
  • Watch out for bicyclists and pedestrians. In wintry conditions, visibility drops.
  • Pay attention to roadside message signs. They contain critical information about conditions on the road ahead.
  • Be patient, wear your seat belt, pay attention to conditions and keep a sober driver behind the wheel to help ensure a safe arrival for holiday activities.

Oregon reports 1,350 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 8 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are eight new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,598, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

OHA reported 1,350 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 410,565.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (24), Clackamas (114), Clatsop (9), Columbia (19), Coos (17), Crook (5), Curry (3), Deschutes (106), Douglas (27), Gilliam (1), Harney (1), Hood River (6), Jackson (104), Jefferson (5), Josephine (35), Klamath (10), Lake (1), Lane (76), Lincoln (2), Linn (43), Malheur (7), Marion (109), Morrow (7), Multnomah (345), Polk (28), Sherman (1), Tillamook (6), Umatilla (25), Union (7), Wallowa (3), Wasco (3), Washington (164) and Yamhill (34).

Oregon makes progress toward goal of 1 million people boosted before February

Last week, Governor Kate Brown announced a goal of getting 1 million more Oregonians a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of January as the state prepares to confront a projected surge in cases from the Omicron variant.

When the challenge started Dec. 17, 949,749 people had received a booster dose. Since Dec. 17, 118,397 Oregonians have received a booster. As of today, Oregon needs 881,603 people to get a booster to reach the goal and make our state safer from the Omicron variant. Find a booster here.

OHA announces four new high-volume vaccine centers

The Oregon Health Authority today announced several new high-volume vaccination sites to provide easy access to COVID-19 vaccines and boosters shots.

The new sites are:

  • Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St., Florence, starting Dec. 31. Open daily Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m.- 7 p.m. Sundays from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. This venue will be closed on Tuesday, Jan.18 due to a previous commitment.

    Learn more on the Lane County website.

  • Roseburg Public Library, 1409 NE Diamond Rd., Roseburg, starting Jan.4. Open daily (including weekends), 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

    Learn more on the Douglas County website

  • Pony Village Mall, 1611 Virginia Ave., North Bend, starting Jan 8. Open daily (including weekends) from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

    Learn more on the Coos County website

  • Spirit Mountain Casino, 27100 SW Salmon River Highway, Grand Ronde, starting Jan. 15. Open Monday through Saturday, 12 p.m.- 7 p.m. Sunday from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

    Learn more at the Polk County website or the Yamhill County website

These sites offer all three COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and pediatric doses. The vaccines are safe, effective and free. You do not need health insurance. No appointment is necessary.

People in Oregon age 18 and older are eligible for booster shots six months after a second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or two months after the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Boosters provide added protection from serious illness from COVID-19.

Several sites around the state can accommodate large numbers of people seeking vaccinations. Many have added availabilities over the holiday season.

You can find information about the current six high-volume sites in other counties here.

For more information about vaccination clinics and providers near you go to  GetVaccinated.Oregon.gov or visit OHA’s webpage on available clinics across the state.

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Winter storms projected to impact the state over the next 7-10 days: Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management urges risk reduction, offers safety best practices

Winter storms are projected to move into the Pacific Northwest over the next 7-10 days, bringing freezing temperatures, mountain and valley snow, and gusty winds. The Office of Emergency Management is urging Oregonians to reduce their risk by taking preparedness actions and following safety best practices — staying informed, being aware of surroundings, and being ready with a plan and emergency kit.

“Our state has already experienced a number of weather-related emergencies this year, emphasizing the importance of taking action now to be prepared for what’s next,” said OEM Deputy Director Matt Marheine. “Winter storms mean increased risk for those traveling as well as those staying home for the holiday. It’s critical all Oregonians are empowered to do their part for themselves, their family and their community to stay safe.”

Extremely cold temperatures are predicted for next week. OEM is highlighting the need to check in on family, friends, neighbors and vulnerable populations, especially if the power goes out or roads turn icy. Oregonians should know where to call for help and save 911 for life-threatening emergencies only. 

  • For non-emergency assistance, dial 677 from a mobile phone or call 800-442-0776 in the state’s northern counties and 800-442-2068 in southern counties. If you are unsure what Oregon State Police dispatch to dial, call either one and they will assist.
  • Dial or text 211 – or visit 211info.org for health and social service assistance and general information.
  • Dial 511 or visit tripcheck.com for travel updates.
  • Text-to-911 helps those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have limited speech capabilities, as well as anyone unable to talk due to an emergency, and should only be used for emergencies. 

“We need to look out for one another and share information to help raise awareness of ways to access resources and stay safe. Make sure you, your family and neighbors know where to go for warming shelters or how to safely stay warm if the power fails. Well-connected communities are more resilient,” said Marheine.

OEM is sharing additional safety tips and resources to help Oregonians reduce risk:

Be 2 Weeks Ready

Individuals should proactively prepare to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks during an emergency or disaster. Being 2 Weeks Ready means having a plan and enough supplies for you and your household to survive on your own for a full two weeks should an emergency — like a severe ice storm — occur. Visit oregon.gov to learn more.

Stay informed – the more information you have, the better you can prepare!

  • Monitor the weather forecast for watches, warnings or advisories at weather.gov.
  • Sign up for local emergency alerts at oralert.gov.

Limit exposure and know where to find warming centers

  • Many counties across the state are setting up warming shelters – locations vary depending on the jurisdiction. 
  • Dial 211 or visit 211info.org/em-shelters to find warming centers listed by county and updated as information is shared.
  • When necessary to be outdoors, limit exposure time and wear warm layers. Know the signs to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. 

Travel safely – know before you go

  • Check weather and road conditions in advance at tripcheck.com or call 511.
  • Share your travel route before you travel and be sure to pack water, food, warm clothes and an emergency kit.
  • Be patient and allow for extra travel time – review winter weather travel tips from ODOT.

Be aware of power hazards – heat the home safely

  • Carbon monoxide kills: Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate the unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. 
  • The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire. 

Communicating during outages

  • Snow, ice and wind can damage cell towers, makingfor challenging communications via mobile phones and the Internet; use a battery-operated radio to listen to public broadcast stations for updates.
  • Outages may be widespread and power may not be back up for some time; check in on family and neighbors to ask who needs assistance and get them the help they need.

Be aware of flood and landslide warnings

  • Snow and ice accumulation can trigger debris flows and landslides in steep terrain, and the risk is higher in wildfire burn areas. Be alert when driving; embankments along roadsides may fail, sending drought-stricken trees and debris onto the road.

Protect pets – as members of the family, emergency plans should include actions to keep pets safe

  • Keep pets inside when the temperature drops. If they are outdoors for any reason, make sure they’re protected by a dry, draft-free shelter and routinely check the water dish to make sure the water is fresh and unfrozen.
  • Remove common poisons like antifreeze and de-icing salt.

Additional winter weather safety tips and resources

“We want to help ensure folks have the resources and information needed to do what they can to keep themselves, their families and communities safe,” said Marheine. “We can all do our part to make sure the memories made throughout the holidays are memorable for the right reasons.”  Oregon Office of Emergency Management 

Increased Emergency SNAP Benefits Continue in January 

  • Most Oregonians who receive SNAP benefits will continue to receive increased emergency food benefits in January
  • Approximately 382,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $61 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits
  • Find resources to meet your basic needs: Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org 
  • Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center 

(Salem) – Most Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments in January. 

The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In January, approximately 382,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $61 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to provide emergency benefits to most SNAP households in Oregon,” said Dan Haun, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Self-Sufficiency Program. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”

Emergency allotments will be available on Jan. 11 for current SNAP households. New SNAP households will receive the emergency allotments Jan. 29 or Feb. 2.

SNAP recipients do not have to take any action to receive these supplemental benefits as they will be issued directly on their EBT cards. 

More information about emergency allotments is available at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Emergency-Allotments.aspx.

Questions about your SNAP benefits should be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075.

If you are a SNAP household and your income or the number of people in your household has changed, it could impact your benefits. It is important to make sure ODHS has the most up-to-date information. 

You can report any changes to your income or household in many ways: 

  • Online at: ONE.Oregon.gov
  • By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
  • By fax at: 503-378-5628
  • By phone at: 1-800-699-9075 or TTY 711

Resources to help meet basic needs

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. Oregon Department of Human Services

Sadly, Missing Grants Pass Woman Has Been Found Deceased

A post on Facebook Thursday night announced that Rachael has been found and is “no longer with us.” Out of respect for the Behnke family, Rachael’s brother announced in a video that further details would not be shared at this time. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out for the Family and Community.

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Grants Pass, OR. – Late on Thursday, December 23, 2021, the Grants Pass Police Department discovered Rachael Behnke deceased in her white Ford Explorer in a rural portion of Josephine County. She was the lone occupant of the vehicle that was parked off Highway 199 near Selma.

Rachael Behnke had originally been reported missing on Friday, December 10th after last being seen dropping off her child at school in Grants Pass. Report of the discovery was withheld until today at the request of the family. 

Our hearts go out to the grieving family during this holiday season. We also want to thank all those who assisted in looking for Rachael over the last two weeks. Grants Pass Police Department 

Teenage Girl Dies After Crashing Into Tree in Coos County

Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the single vehicle crash on Highway 242 shortly before 5 a.m.  A 15-year-old girl died in the traffic crash in Coos County early Thursday morning.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a southbound silver Mazda driven by a 16-year-old girl from Broadbent, left the roadway and struck a tree. The crash is under investigation.

The juvenile driver was transported to Coquille Valley Hospital and later life-flighted to Riverbend Hospital in Eugene by the U.S. Coastguard with serious injuries. Her 15-year-old female passenger died in the crash.

The crash happened on Highway 242 at milepost 1. The roadway is also known as Powers Highway.

OSP was assisted by Myrtle Point Police, Myrtle Point Fire and Rescue, Myrtle Point Ambulance, U.S. Coastguard, Southern Oregon Chaplains and ODOT.

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A 17-year-old was reported missing in Salem and detectives say the teen might be the victim of an online catfishing scheme.

Ezra Mayhugh, 17, was last seen on October 15, 2021 after being dropped off in downtown Salem by a friend, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said. He was reported as a runaway the following day when he did not return home.

Investigators say he might be in Washington or California. They hope to reunite Ezra safely with family members.

He’s described as about 5-foot 11-inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with blonde hair and brown eyes.

If you have had contact with Mayhugh since October 15 or have other helpful information on his whereabouts, the sheriff’s office asks you to contact Detective M.J. Sphoon at 503-588-6808 or to submit a tip by texting TIPMCSO and your tip to 847411.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/

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