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, June 1, 2022
Willamette Valley Weather
Lifeguard Shortage At Local Summer Venues
Organizations like Willamalane and the Eugene Family YMCA are struggling with summer hiring.
“Specifically, we need additional support in lifeguard positions, child care positions and our summer camp programs,” said Jase Newton, Recreation Services Division Director at Willamalane.
“You know, in spite of our extra efforts that we are making, job fairs and referral bonus for staff, we are having some trouble finding the staff we need,” said Crispin Shelley, VP of Human Resources at the Eugene Family YMCA.
Right now, the YMCA is looking to hire between 20 and 25 more lifeguards and over at Willamalane, they need about 30 to 35. Their struggle to hire is causing them to lower the age limit on applicants.
“We can include 15 years, which we didn’t previously. All of those staff still have to go through all of the same required trainings and certifications that anyone else would,” Newton said.
That training includes swimming a 300-yard freestyle, breast-stroke or a combination of both. Trainees must also be able to tread water without using their hands for two minutes and retrieve a brick from the bottom of the pool in under 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Willamalane recently moved to a new hiring process where someone can get hired in as quickly as two hours. The YMCA held a career fair last week. Both are rolling out some new incentives to try and attract potential employees.
“We’ve increased our benefits for our staff, so we now offer extra paid holidays for staff. We’re offering paid time off for our part time staff and we are offering referral bonuses,” Shelley said.
At Willamalane, they are offering a $200 hiring incentive for positions involving youth and aquatic facilities.
As of right now, the staff shortages will not impact the opening of summer activities, but if the trend continues, there is a chance that hours could be limited.
For job openings at the Eugene Family YMCA, click here.
For job openings at Willamalane, click here.
Car Crash Closes Down Hwy 126 Near Greenhill Road
Eugene Police and Eugene Springfield fire worked to clear a two-car crash that temporarily shut down parts of Highway 126 on Monday.
Around 1:44 p.m., two cars crashed, with one car against a pole and the driver stuck inside.
The fire department was able to get the person out and taken to the hospital.
The Eugene Major Collision Investigations team members processed the scene and got the roadway back open.
Significant Decrease in Citations by EPD Weekend Party Patrols in West University Area May 27-30
Following significant disorderly party events in April and earlier May, Eugene Police Department, with the assistance of UOPD, maintained a heavy patrol presence in the West University area over the Memorial Day weekend.
This was the third consecutive weekend were overtime patrols were staffed to address infractions related to unruly parties and alcohol violations. On Friday, May 27, officers responded to 1961 Hilyard, where three residents were cited for Prohibited Noise and Unruly Gathering, as well as other attendees for Open Container, related to a party at that residence. No other parties were issued Unruly Gathering citations during the weekend.
Total related citations issued decreased significantly from (94) during the week of May 14, to (21) over the holiday weekend. Partnerships with University of Oregon Student Conduct and Neighbor Relations, as well as the University PD played significant roles in the recent efforts. Those working relationships will continue to be instrumental in addressing issues going forward into following school years as well.
During the weekend enforcement efforts this weekend, activity included the following:
Officers issued (3) misdemeanor citations in lieu of custody for Prohibited Noise:
Officers issued (7) misdemeanor citations in lieu of custody for Open Container:
Officers issued (😎 violation citations for Minor in Possession of Alcohol; and (3) for Unruly Gathering.
The social host, or Ordinance on Unruly Gatherings, holds individuals criminally responsible for hosting, organizing and allowing an unruly event or social gathering. The Eugene Municipal Court has assigned a base fine of $375 for criminal violations of this ordinance. Additionally, property owners where the event is hosted may also be penalized if there are multiple violations of this ordinance. Both hosts and property owners may be civilly liable for police, fire and public works response costs that fall under this ordinance, at an estimated cost of $800 per incident.
Property owners where tenants were issued citations under this ordinance will receive letters in the coming days notifying them of activity at their property, as well as their potential obligation for subsequent events.
We want to keep you informed about COVID-19 in Oregon. Data are provisional and change frequently.This report covers the four-day period from May 27 to May 30, 2022. Visit our dashboard, linked below, and hover over the new cases graph to view new presumptive and confirmed case numbers reported to OHA by date.For more information, including COVID-19 data by county, visit our dashboard: http://ow.ly/m9TB50JmyhC
St. Charles Urgent Care clinics are now federally designated Test to Treat (T2T) sites where people at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness can get fast and easy access to therapeutics. At each T2T site, people can get tested for COVID-19. If they are positive and at high risk of severe illness, they can receive and fill a prescription for an oral
therapeutic or schedule monoclonal antibody treatment—all in one visit.
Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines are available at T2T sites for people wanting to start their series or get a booster. In early March, the federal government expanded access to COVID-19 therapeutics for those who are at high risk for severe illness. Until recently, Walgreens was the only pharmacy chain with T2T sites in Oregon.
State continues paying out Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program applications to renters and landlords across Oregon
More than 55,000 Oregon households facing pandemic hardship receive over $363 million in rental assistance relief
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is processing for payment applications submitted through the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) which stopped accepting applications on March 21, 2022. As of today, the agency has paid out $363.36 million in emergency rental assistance to 55,656 households.
OHCS is ahead of schedule to meet the deadlines established by U.S. Treasury for federal funds and is on track to obligate by June 30, 2022, the $100 million allocated by the Oregon Legislature during the December 2021 Special Session. Only one other state has provided a higher percentage of assistance according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, ranking Oregon second in the nation in the percentage of emergency rental assistance funds paid out and obligated.
As application processing and payout of applications received after Dec. 1, 2021, continues, tenants are being asked to verify documents to ensure the basic eligibility criteria are met. Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria are moved to the standard denial process before redirecting available funds to other eligible applicants. Program staff will contact eligible tenants who previously applied and have unpaid rent balances or need a few additional months of assistance to be made whole.
The OERAP portal remains closed to new applicants; however, local-level assistance is available for applicants who meet minimum eligibility criteria from Community Action Agencies. Tenants with questions about local-level resources and supports can call 2-1-1 to be connected with their regional Community Action Agency.
Landlords can be reimbursed for eligible non-payment costs such as rent and late fees incurred during the “safe harbor” period by applying to the Landlord Guarantee Program.
Oregon DMV Staffing Shortages Across the State
Staffing shortages have closed some Oregon DMV offices and many have limited days they are open.
The department said their offices in Ashland, Cave Junction, downtown Portland, Lebanon, Redmond, Sandy and Stayton are closed. The coast is also having staffing shortages and offices there have closed off and on too.
“We’re closing six of our smaller offices and redeploying those people to nearby offices that need them on a day-to-day basis,” said David House with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The Oregon DMV said that staff shortages at its offices are forcing the agency to temporarily reduce business hours at 10 of its 60 field offices and temporarily close six smaller offices, including Redmond, likely through the busy summer season.
“As we enter DMV’s busiest time of year with a severe staff shortage, we recommend going online to DMV2U more than ever,” DMV Administrator Amy Joyce said. “Every time you need a DMV service, see if you can get it done at DMV2U.Oregon.gov. We’ve added over two-dozen services in the past three years.”
DMV spokesman David House states the closures are likely to last “at least for the busy summer season, but it’s impossible to predict because it depends on hiring. So it’s likely we’ll restore offices/hours office by office, not all at once.”
Some services, like adding the Real ID option to your license, must be done in person. Before you go to DMV, make sure your local office is open by visiting the office’s page at OregonDMV.com.
Temporary office closures
Starting May 31, DMV will temporarily close these offices so that remaining staff can reinforce larger nearby offices:
- Ashland
- Cave Junction
- Lebanon
- Redmond
- Sandy
- Stayton
Reduced business hours
As of May 31, these will be the business hours for the following offices:
- Astoria: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except opening at 10 a.m. Wednesdays; closed 12:30-2 each day for lunch
- Canyonville: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays; closed 12:30-1:30 each day for lunch
- Downtown Portland: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays
- Heppner: Open 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays only; closed 11:30-12:30 each day for lunch
- Hermiston: Open at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays
- Junction City: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays
- Klamath Falls: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except opening at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays; closed 12:30-2 each day for lunch
- Lake Oswego: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays
- Lincoln City: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays; closed noon-1:30 each day for lunch
- Milton-Freewater: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; closed 12:30-2 each day for lunch
“We’re preparing for the busiest time of year for DMV by temporarily redeploying staff to fewer offices,” Joyce said. “Lately we’ve been closing offices – without notice – across the state when we don’t have enough staff that day. We need to stabilize the staffing so customers can know ahead of time which offices are open. As we recruit and train new employees, we will work to reopen offices and restore full business hours, and that will take several months at least.”
Drive tests in particular are in high demand in the summer as many teens get a license for the first time. Drive test appointments fill up fast at DMV, so please consider an approved Oregon testing company. It costs more than a drive test at DMV, but you likely will get an appointment sooner – and maybe on an evening or weekend.
DMV keeps a list of approved third-party test providers here.
DMV Job openings in your area
“DMV has been experiencing the same shortage of applicants for job openings as other employers statewide and nationwide,” Joyce said. “The people working at your local DMV live in your community – and could use your help.”
Apply for a job at ODOT today at www.odotjobs.com – select “Department of Transportation” under the Company menu.
“In the meantime, please be kind and patient to your local DMV staff – they are your neighbors, friends and maybe even family.”
Summer is the busiest time of year mainly because of teens getting licenses for the first time.
Services may be limited and you may have longer wait times or need to return another day. Not all business requires you to go to the DMV as many services are available online.
There’s no word when the offices will return to full operations. Staffing levels will be re-evaluated in the fall.
Hiker Dies In 300 Foot Fall Near Brookings
According to Curry County Sheriff John Ward, Nam Ing, 56, of Penngrove California, was hiking with friends at Natural Bridges Viewpoint when he slipped and fell to the rocks below, a distance of approximately 300 feet.
Personnel for Curry County Sheriff’s department, OSP, Cal Ore Life Flight Ambulance, Brookings Fire, and Cape Ferrelo Fire responded to the incident.
An EMT with the Brookings Fire reached the victim and confirmed he was deceased.
Curry County Sheriff’s Dispatch contacted the US Coast Guard and Reach Air though they were unable to assist, due to the location of the accident. The Coast Guard helicopter remained nearby until they were no longer needed.
A search and rescue team established a rope system to lower a member down to retrieve Ing. Next of kin has been notified.
The Curry County Sheriff’s Department shared their condolences and counseled others about the dangerous nature of the trail: “This is such a tragedy and from all of us here at the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, we send our condolences to the Ing family. We also want to remind everyone that even though the area of Natural Bridges is so beautiful to visit, it is also very dangerous. We seem to be called to that area often for rescues and recoveries.”
Suspicious Package Received at Department of Corrections Headquarters
On May 31, 2022, at approximately 8:36 a.m., the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) headquarters building in Salem received a suspicious package addressed the DOC Director. The mailroom area was secured and the building evacuated. Oregon State Police were on site to evaluate the package for any hazardous substances or materials – none were detected. Approximately 30 employees were working in the building at the time, and no one required outside medical attention. Employees have been allowed back into the building
DOC takes any potential risk or threat to the safety and security of employees and adults in custody very seriously. DOC Director Colette S. Peters would like to thank the headquarters mailroom staff and the Oregon State Police bomb squad for their quick action.
DOC employs 4,500 staff members at 12 institutions, two community corrections offices, and several centralized support facilities throughout the state. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of over 12,000 adults sentenced to more than 12 months of incarceration, and direct or indirect supervision of 31,000 offenders on felony supervision in the community. DOC is recognized nationally among correctional agencies for providing adults in custody with the cognitive, education, and job skills needed to become productive citizens when they transition back to their communities.
Oregon Receives $1.65 Million For Restoration Projects
Oregon will receive $1.65 million in federal funding this year for fish passage, prairie restoration, and other environmental projects.
The money is part of the $26 million the U.S.Bureau of Land Management will spend nationally this year to restore ecosystems and comes from last year’s bipartisan infrastructure law.
“Most Oregonians will tell you that our forests, coastline, rivers, mountains, high desert, and more are what make this state such a special place to live,” said Sen. Jeff Merkley, who chairs the Senate subcommittee that oversees the bureau.
Animals ranging from salmon to Western Monarch butterflies are at risk from climate change and human encroachment, Merkley said. The restoration projects aim to restore and protect pockets of nature to allow those animals and the plants that form their habitat to survive.
A little more than $500,000 will be spent surveying and designing fish passages in streams along the mid-coast. Another $350,000 will go toward fish passage and improving irrigation on Honey Creek in Lane County.
BLM will spend $275,000 to replace culverts and ensure safe passage for fish in Smith Creek in Tillamook County, and $40,000 to do the same in Michaels Creek in Lane County.
There’s $95,000 to repair the habitat for Coho salmon in Swartz Creek, also in Lane County. Woodward Creek, a stream in Coos County, will get $75,000 worth of fish habitat improvements.
In eastern Oregon, the bureau will spend $198,000 repairing riparian fences along the North Fork John Day River. Years of heavy grazing by cattle has damaged the natural plants that grow along riverbeds, and losing that shade causes stream temperatures to rise to unhealthy levels for fish.
Another $95,000 will go toward eradicating invasive plants in prairies and in wetlands west of Eugene.
The bureau manages 15.7 million acres in Oregon, about a quarter of the state’s land.
Oregon Free Fishing Weekend June 4th-5th
The first weekend in June is Oregon’s traditional Free Fishing Weekend. And each year ODFW and its partners sponsor several free fishing events throughout the state. June 4-5 (Saturday & Sunday)
On Free Fishing Weekends, you don’t need a license to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon. That’s no license, no tag, no endorsement needed.
To find an event near you, and to check out other family fishing events throughout the spring and fall, visit our Take the family fishing page. This page also features everything you need to know to plan your own Free Fishing day adventures.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/