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, March 2, 2022
Willamette Valley Weather
Today– Rain. High near 55. Light and variable wind becoming west northwest 5 to 8 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Thursday– A 50 percent chance of rain. Snow level 3500 feet lowering to 3000 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. North wind 6 to 8 mph.
Friday– A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after 10am. Patchy fog before 7am. Snow level 2000 feet. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 47. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible
Saturday– A 20 percent chance of showers before 10am. Snow level 2000 feet rising to 2500 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.
Sunday– Partly sunny, with a high near 52.
OHA Shares Results Of Soil Samples Around Baxter Plant
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) held a virtual community meeting to share the results of soil sampling taken from parks and residential yards surrounding the J.H. Baxter wood preserving facility.
The facility closed in January after being fined for hazardous waste violations.
Concerning levels of dioxins have been found in soil samples taken at the facility, in nearby residential yards and Trainsong Park.
DEQ will start cleaning up yards whose samples had a certain level of dioxins and are continuing clean up and sampling of soil in Trainsong Park.
Michael Kucinski, DEQ emergency response manager spoke about the park.
“We did complete that sampling in the last week. So, now we’re just waiting on the lab results to come back. We expect that to come back in April, which will really help us to determine what the next steps are. It could mean that we go out and sample more within the neighborhood or elsewhere. But it’s too soon to tell right now.”
For all of the areas with any level of dioxins, OHA recommends reducing exposure and risk by wiping your feet before going inside your house, removing visible dirt from pets and washing your hands after working outside.
OHA will now document the findings from the soil sample study in a report and will open up for public comment.
Eugene Starbucks Locations Ready to Join Union
Employees at eight Starbucks stores across Eugene have petitioned to join the labor union Workers United.
The move follows weeks of discussion, organizing, rallies, and hearings with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB.)
The Eugene stores that have petitioned to join Workers United are located at 29th & Willamette; Oakway Center; Delta Highway; ERB Memorial Union; 7th & Washington; West 11th & Acorn; Franklin & Villard; and Valley River.
Police Seek Help with Serial Dumpster Arson in Downtown Eugene
Police are investigating 10 fires in trash bins reported Sunday in downtown Eugene.
“Starting around 6:40 a.m. on February 27, there were 10 trash bin and dumpster fires reported in the downtown Eugene area,” Eugene Police said. “Those fires were set over a span of about four and half hours. Buildings or vehicles were damaged by three of the fires.”
Arson detectives are investigating. This is not the first time this has happened.
Police said the fires were reported at Charnelton and W. 8th; in the area of W. 10th Alley; West Broadway at Charnelton; W. 11th and Charnleton; and other locations along W. 8th Avenue. Investigators ask anyone who may have tips to call them. Businesses in the area that may have surveillance video of the suspect are also asked to call (541) 682-5111 so detectives can review and collect the video.
Oregon reports 741 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 26 new deaths
PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 26 new COVID-19-related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 6,648, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.
OHA reported 741 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 694,649.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19-related cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (4), Benton (12), Clackamas (54), Clatsop (5), Columbia (22), Coos (11), Crook (7), Curry (9), Deschutes (51), Douglas (35), Gilliam (1), Grant (6), Harney (8), Hood River (6), Jackson (50), Jefferson (10), Josephine (23), Klamath (13), Lake (10), Lane (62), Lincoln (10), Linn (27), Malheur (10), Marion (57), Morrow (2), Multnomah (108), Polk (13), Umatilla (16), Union (8), Wasco (10), Washington (73) and Yamhill (8).
Oregon Tenants Could Face Eviction As Oregon’s Extended Eviction Protections Just Expired
Many businesses were forced to shutter overnight when the COVID outbreak first hit the U.S. That led to a massive uptick in unemployment and widespread income loss on a national level.
Since many people didn’t have money in savings before the pandemic, they immediately began falling behind on essential bills, including housing. Recognizing a massive eviction crisis could be imminent, lawmakers intervened in the form of a federal eviction moratorium that barred landlords from removing tenants on the basis of not paying rent.
The federal eviction ban stayed in place until mid-2021. At that point, it was determined that economic conditions had improved enough to let the ban lapse. Plus, there were billions of dollars in rental assistance funds that had been made available under two separate stimulus packages. The logic was that tenants who owed money to their landlords wouldn’t necessarily risk losing their homes, because aid was available.
Meanwhile, some states extended their own eviction protections beyond mid-2021, and Oregon was one of them. But now, that lifeline has run out. Oregon tenants now risk eviction. Now, those unable to pay rent or catch up on past-due rent risk losing their homes.
Though Oregon’s eviction moratorium initially expired during summer 2021, tenants were given an extension until Feb. 28, 2022 to come up with past-due rent owed between April 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. But now, that extended protection has run out. Beginning March 1, landlords in Oregon can pursue evictions against tenants who are behind on housing payments, leaving many residents of the state in a very troubling position.
So far, more than $289 million in rent relief funds has gone out to over 40,000 Oregon households. But as of this writing, there are still more than 18,000 rent relief applications waiting to be processed. And unfortunately, a pending application won’t necessarily bar a landlord from pursuing an eviction. The Rental Housing Alliance of Oregon has confirmed that landlords do have the option to start the eviction process if tenants are still waiting on approval for their rent relief applications. However, in that case, they can’t be evicted until June 2022.
That buys some tenants a bit of added protection. But it also makes things complicated and stressful for tenants and landlords alike.The eviction process can be costly for landlords, and it can also be time-consuming. To some degree, it doesn’t make sense for landlords to start the eviction process if they have tenants who have applied for rent relief already.
On the other hand, applying for rent relief does not guarantee an applicant will get approved. And so landlords may not want to run that risk — especially those who may, at this point, be going on almost two years of not getting paid.
It’s not too late to apply— Although Oregon has already given out quite a bit of rental aid, struggling tenants can still apply for assistance to cover missed rent payments dating back to March 13, 2020. Applicants may be eligible for assistance to cover not just past-due rent, but also up to three months of future rent. That said, the state only has limited rent relief funds available. Those in need of aid should therefore apply sooner rather than later, especially now that landlords have the leeway to start moving forward with evictions.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month
For the 19th year in Oregon and across the country, March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month [PGAM]. This dedicated effort helps increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services. PGAM’s campaign theme, “Awareness + Action,” brings all those elements into focus.
National Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a grassroots effort that brings together a wide range of stakeholders – public health organizations, advocacy groups and gambling operators – who work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist.
“Over the last two years, the Oregon Lottery has brought special attention to problem gambling, given the stress, isolation, and financial uncertainty of so many Oregonians throughout the pandemic,” said Lottery Responsible and Problem Gambling Program Manager Krystal Smith. “Some can be tempted to seek hope through the many gambling options available online and with the widespread legalization of online sports wagering.
“Here in Oregon, outreach continues to be challenging because of the pandemic. We want people to know that they’re not alone, and that there is effective, free and confidential help available for them as well as their loved ones even if isolated at home.”
Visits to the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource website (www.opgr.org) historically also tend to increase during March as a result of our focused marketing and social media outreach efforts around problem gambling.
“Creating awareness of problem gambling and available resources is a statewide commitment that is reflected in the official proclamation that Oregon Lottery and the Oregon Health Authority worked with the Governor’s office to develop,” added Senior Manager Product Marketing Stacy Shaw, who also serves on the board of the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling.
“It’s great that people are seeking information,” Shaw said, “and we hope that the conversation and action continues to grow. We’re proud to be in a state that has robust system of prevention through treatment services that are free to anyone concerned about gambling problems, and we want people to know that they don’t have to worry about seeking help.
“This year we are focusing on letting people know that in Oregon treatment is really free, a message that’s important to people struggling with gambling issues.”
Problem Gambling Services Manager Greta Coe, with Oregon Health Authority’s Health Systems Division, notes the COVID pandemic has made this a very trying and isolating time for many people. “Because of this,” Coe said, “it was important for Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) and other local community sources to ramp up their outreach activities and media presence to address the increase in gambling activity and addiction.
“We’ve expanded our efforts to build awareness that gambling is an activity that comes with risks,” said Coe, “and it’s crucial we provide both free education and judgment-free treatment for those who develop gambling problems, as well as resources for those impacted by a loved one’s gambling.”
The Oregon Lottery’s commitment to problem gambling support is year-round. Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery profits have funded problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts throughout Oregon. Since that time, over $111 million in Lottery funds has supported those services.
To get help for a gambling issue, anyone can call 1-877-MYLIMIT. Treatment is free, confidential and it works. For more information about problem gambling treatment resources or to chat with a specialist, go to Oregon Problem Gambling Resource at opgr.org.
About the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling
The Oregon Council on Problem Gambling is the state affiliate to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Its purpose is to promote the health of Oregonians by supporting efforts to minimize gambling related harm. Board members include stakeholders from the gaming industry, the treatment and prevention field, the recovery community and state and county administrators. Oregon Lottery
Oregon’s Health Care Market Oversight Program Launches
Yesterday the Oregon Health Authority announced the launch of the new Health Care Market Oversight (HCMO) program, which was set up by HB 2362 in the 2021 Legislative Session.
This law directs OHA to review business deals that consolidate the health system in a way that could impacts, costs, quality, access and equity for Oregonians. As of the launch on March 1, large health care entities such as hospitals,
health insurance companies, and provider groups proposing to merge or acquire other entities must file notice with the HCMO program. The review process also allows for the community to understand the potential impacts of a transaction and weigh in. Consolidation is increasingly common across the U.S., resulting in health care markets with fewer small or independent providers and more large, national companies.
Between 2010 and 2017, there were 778 hospital mergers in the United States. In 2014, 24% of physician practices were owned by hospitals and health systems; by 2018, it had increased to 46%.
Like regions across the country, Oregon continues to see the impacts of health care consolidations. Here are some examples seen in Oregon:
Prices for health care in the Portland metro area are higher than the national
average and have continued to rise each year. [4]
Most physicians in the Portland metro area work for health systems. In 2016,
39% of Portland metro physicians worked for health systems. In 2018, 71%
worked for health systems. [5]
In 2003, 43% of Oregon’s hospitals were independent; by 2020, 25% were
independent.
For more information about the Health Care Market Oversight program.
Visit our website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP/Pages/health-care-market-oversight.aspx
Trucker Convoy Heads Through Eastern Oregon
Part of a nationwide protest made its way through Eastern Oregon yesterday. According to a flyer shared on social media, the American Freedom Convoy will headed from Troutdale to Washington, D.C., stopping last night for the night at the Arrowhead Travel Plaza on the Umatilla Indian Reservation near Pendleton before driving along Interstate 84 and Interstate 80 on its way to the nation’s capital.
The convoy will contain a mix of vehicles and is not limited to semitrailers. Paul Veluscek, a strong supporter of the convoy from Creswell said the spirit of the convoy will be about freedom, citing mask and vaccine mandates as the cause. The protest comes just after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Feb. 25 it was no longer recommending indoor mask mandates. The convoy will pass through La Grande and Baker City before briefly stopping in Boise and continuing on to Little America, Wyoming.
Oregon’s Latino Population Grows
Oregon’s Latino population has skyrocketed over the last three decades, and experts expect that number will only grow. Driven primarily by immigration in earlier decades, the growing Latino population is now fueled by that generation’s children and grandchildren, born in Oregon or moving here from other states, experts say.
The state’s Latino population grew by more than 30% over the last 10 years as Oregon added nearly 140,000 Latino residents, numbers from the 2020 census show. That growth came after Oregon’s Latino population jumped by 144% from 1990 to 2000 and grew by another 63% from 2000 to 2010, with the most recent decade producing the lowest net increase of the three.
Oregon’s Latino population now stands at 588,757 and has grown faster than the national rate in each of the last three decades. Latinos are now the largest minority group in the state, accounting for nearly 14% of the state’s population.
Among Oregonians under 18, Latinos make up 23% of the population, according to Census redistricting data, a sign that their numbers will continue to climb in the coming years. About 40% of Oregon Latinos were born in the state, while 28% were born elsewhere in the U.S. and roughly 30% were born in other countries.
Police Ask for Public’s Help in Search For Victim’s Roommate In Albany Homicide
A 42-year-old woman, the roommate of a 75-year-old man whose death was ruled a homicide, is wanted for questioning in the case, Albany police officials said.
Elvin “Al” Pierce was found dead by officers around 9:10 p.m. Friday after a 911 caller reported a man was unconscious and not breathing. Investigators at that time said the circumstances surrounding his death were suspicious.
APD said Pierce’s roommate, 42-year-old Elizabeth Nicole Tyler Jimenez, wasn’t there at the home when officers found Pierce dead and they don’t know where she is. Authorities did not specifically state whether Jimenez is a suspect or if there are any charges against her.
Pierce’s car, a tan 2004 Buick Park Avenue with Oregon license plate 081FAX, is also missing.
Jimenez, who investigators believe is currently without a job, is described as often visiting local soup kitchens. She also has skills as a masseuse and a seamstress, officials said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact APD at 541-917-7680 or APD Lt. Buck Pearce at 541-917-3209.
JCSO received a call Thursday regarding a vehicle that had been left in the parking lot north of the Gold Hill Sports Park, according to a JCSO press release. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that the vehicle was rented by Walzer. JCSO Search and Rescue responded and completed a search of this area along the Rogue River. Neither Walzer nor any additional clues were located.
This is a busy recreational area which leads authorities to believe Walzer was most likely seen or contacted by someone.
“Walzer was in a silver Nissan pickup truck and most likely had a full-size camera,” the press release reads. “Investigation indicates Walzer may have left his vehicle over a week ago on Friday February 18.”
Walzer is 6’2” 220 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen waring a blueish-gray button up shirt and blue jeans.
If you have any information or have seen Walzer, please contact Sgt. Shawn Richards at 541-774-6800.
Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Asks for Public’s Help in Search For Trucker Suspect
The first real clue to come in on all the missing person cases in the area. Help Klamath Falls Oregon Sheriff Office ID this trucker. He was the last to see this woman alive and could be the key to not only solving this woman’s disappearance but a number of the hundred other women missing in PNW. IF you have any information, please call (541) 883-5130
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/