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, June 9, 2022
Willamette Valley Weather
Eugene Police Department Issues Information To Help Solve One Of Eugene’s Oldest Open Murder Cases
One of Eugene’s oldest open murder cases, the 1969 strangulation of 22-year-old Janet Lynn Shanahan, has been a priority of the Eugene Police Cold Case Squad investigators or several years. The Eugene Police Department issued more information on Wednesday hoping for clues.
In April 1969, Janet had been married to 23-year-old Christopher John Shanahan for about 10 months. Janet was attending spring term at the University of Oregon with the goal of becoming a teacher. On April 21, 1969 Janet attended an evening birthday party for her 15-year-old brother held at her family’s house, located on Rutledge Street in west Eugene. According to her husband, Janet did not return to their campus area apartment after the birthday party. The next day Janet was reported missing.
It wasn’t until April 23, 1969, that her body was found. That morning, Christopher had contacted Janet’s sister asking her to drive around with him in hopes of finding Janet’s 1951 Plymouth sedan. After approximately 10 minutes of looking, Christopher noticed the car parked partially in the ditch on Cross Street, near Roosevelt Boulevard and Maple Street. This area, in 1969, was an industrial area. When Christopher approached the car, he opened the trunk and found Janet’s body. She had been strangled to death.
The 1969 crime scene of one of Eugene’s oldest open murder cases, the strangulation of 22-year-old Janet Lynn Shanahan. (Eugene PD photo)
From the initial investigation through follow-up investigations over the years, investigators have interviewed and re-interviewed many individuals, Eugene Police said.
“In reviewing the case, current cold case investigators believe Janet’s killer is someone known to her,” EPD said this week. “The case, unfortunately, is still an unsolved case.”
The victim’s 1951 Plymouth at the 1969 crime scene of one of Eugene’s oldest open murder cases, the strangulation of 22-year-old Janet Lynn Shanahan. (Eugene PD photo)
Recently, family and friends have approached investigators offering reward money. The family members and friends do not wish to be identified, police said.
“They do believe, like the current investigators, because of the passage of 53 years, time is short and now may be the last realistic effort to identify the suspect and solve the case,” EPD said. “Therefore, Janet’s family and friends are offering a $45,000 reward for the identification, arrest and conviction of Janet’s killer.”
Janet Lynn Shanahan on her wedding day, May 24, 1968. (submitted image via Eugene PD)
EPD cold case investigators believe that any and all tips are important. If you know something related to the case, call the Eugene Police Cold Case Squad at (541) 682-5588 or leave a message at coldcasesquad@eugene-or.gov.
Eugene Police Arrest Man With Knife After Car Theft
The Eugene Police Department said that at about 5:30 p.m. yesterday they received a call from a woman on High Street. Police said that the woman alleged that she was at her daughter’s home when a suspect, later identified as James Eugene Jones, 52, demanded she give him her car keys. Police said she refused and tried to shut the front door when Jones became agitated and blocked the door with his foot. According to police, a struggle ensued which ended when the victim managed to close and lock the door and called police.
Police say that shortly after this call, they received another report that a Subaru Outback was stolen at knifepoint from a man on East Fifteenth Avenue. According to police the thief was later identified as Jones. They add that a Eugene Police Property and Financial Crimes detective found the stolen vehicle near East Eleventh Avenue and Willamette Street. Police said that Jones had apparently left the vehicle and was leaving the scene on foot.
EPD said multiple officers arrived on the scene, and that Jones did not comply with officers’ commands. Police say he was eventually arrested with the assistance of members of EPD SWAT. Jones is charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, unlawful use of a vehicle, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing.
Police Seek Tips on Ashland Man Who Committed Suicide After Attempting To Kidnap Child In Springfield
An Ashland man took his own life after trying and failing to abduct a child yesterday, Springfield police say.
The Springfield Police Department reports that they received a call just after 4:15 p.m. on June 6 alleging that a man had attempted and failed to kidnap a child on 48th Street near Daisy Street in Springfield.
Police said the caller provided them with a description of the suspect’s vehicle and the direction they were headed. Police add that several officers from nearby agencies responded to locate the suspect and his vehicle, aided by the caller’s testimony.
Police say the child was located unharmed and is at home safe with their family.
According to police the suspect, later identified as Tanner Hoover, 28, from Ashland, tried to get away near Camp Creek Road and Highway 126. Police say that when they tried to pull his vehicle over, Hoover immediately stopped his vehicle and committed suicide.
Police say they are conducting an investigation to determine if any other individuals have been affected and to obtain a clearer understanding of the events. The Springfield Police Department has promised to release more information about the case when more facts are known.
Police said that their investigation revealed that Hoover had been away from his residence in Ashland for some time. If you have any information on his whereabouts in recent days, police ask you to call.
Police ask anyone who has seen the suspect – identified as 28-year-old Tanner Hoover – in the last 10 days or has any information to contact police at (541) 726-3721 or police@springfield-or.gov.
A quarantine in Lane County to help limit the spread of bird flu has been lifted
The quarantine was put into effect on May 17th after bird flu was detected in a backyard flock. The quarantine prevented birds in a six mile radius from being transported. The infected birds were euthanized. No new cases have been found in the area. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the state’s request to lift the quarantine. Agriculture officials urge people with backyards flocks to take steps that will keep them separated from wild birds.
“Ready for Fire in 2022” Online Forum June 13th
Representative Pam Marsh will be hosting an online forum with various state fire agencies to help people plan and prepare to protect themselves and their property on Monday, June 13th. Both Spanish and ASL interpretations will be available.
The “Ready for Fire in 2022” will begin at 6 PM, Monday, June 13th.
Panelists will discuss emergency notifications, evacuation preparations, firefighting personnel and equipment, and
coordination among fire departments, municipalities, and agencies that are working to reduce risk.
Fire management leaders presenting include:
Holly Powers, Jackson County Emergency Manager
Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple, Oregon State Fire Marshal
Chief Mike Shaw, ODF Fire Protection; Tyler McCarty, ODF
Southwest Oregon District Forester
Chief Bob Horton, Jackson County Fire Defense District
and
Merv George, Forest Supervisor, Rogue River-Siskiyou National
Forest
The virtual discussion will be held on Monday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. The link to attend online is bit.ly/3ag1Bjd. The meeting link may also be accessed at https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/marsh.
DMV in Dire Need to Fill Job Openings in Your Area
The DMV has been experiencing the same shortage of applicants for job openings as other employers statewide and nationwide and is looking for applicants looking for a good and rewarding job.
“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.
We want to keep you informed about COVID-19 in Oregon. Data are provisional and change frequently. For more information, including COVID-19 data by county, visit our dashboard: http://ow.ly/84AE50Jt1Cu
The pandemic has caused many of us to overlook other aspects of our health, such as skin cancer screenings.Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and some people may be surprised to learn that Oregon ranks in the top 10 for rates of melanoma cases and related deaths. The good news is there is plenty you can do about it.Check your skin monthly for any marks that look new or different from other marks. If you see something, especially if it looks like it’s changing, get it checked out by a medical professional.To learn more, including skin cancer myths, tips for prevention and understanding high-risk factors, visit http://ow.ly/WUkO50Jt3ok.You can also find educational resources on the Start Seeing Melanoma website, a statewide public health campaign recently launched by OHSU Department of Dermatology: http://ow.ly/mos650Jt3ol
Oregon Department of Human Services to distribute $7 million in grants and equipment to support community clean air, cooling and warming shelters ahead of the 2022 wildfire and extreme weather season
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Office of Resilience and Emergency Management is providing $7 million in grant funds, equipment and other assistance to local governments, public education providers and Tribal Nations to support cleaner air, warming and cooling shelters in communities throughout Oregon.
In 2021 and 2022 the Oregon Legislature passed legislation to support communities’ efforts to prepare for the 2022 extreme weather and wildfire seasons:
- Senate Bill 726 of the 2021 Legislative Session provides $5 million in grant funds and equipment to support cleaner air spaces for emergency purposes, such as when wildfire smoke makes breathing difficult.
- Senate Bill 1536 of the 2022 Legislative Session provides $2 million to support cooling, warming and cleaner air spaces for when extreme weather or wildfire creates unhealthy conditions for people.
The grant funds awarded may be used for initial program startup costs; the purchase, installation or improvement of air filtration system improvements; the set up or improvement of warming, cooling and cleaner air spaces.
“Many Oregon communities were blanketed with wildfire smoke over the last several years that caused unhealthy conditions for people with breathing problems,” said Ed Flick, director of the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. “People living in homes without adequate air filtration and the houseless were unable to escape this unhealthy air. This created unhealthy conditions for many Oregonians. This legislative funding will help provide safe spaces during wildfire smoke events, as well as better support for warming and cooling spaces. This is an important step forward in helping Oregonians during extreme weather events.”
Application for the support is simple, representatives of local governments, public education providers and Tribal Nations just need to notify ODHS of their interest online at https://arcg.is/v4y4v and ODHS will contact them as quickly as possible.
More information is available online at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/EmergencyManagement/Pages/emergency-shelter.aspx
About the Oregon Department of Human Service’s role in emergency management
Oregon’s emergency and recovery plans give the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) responsibility to support impacted Oregonians during emergencies and recovery, at the request of and in partnership with local and tribal governments. This is in keeping with the agency’s primary role to assist people in meeting their basic needs while moving toward independence. ODHS is responsible for supporting the sheltering, feeding, emergency assistance and human services needs of people impacted by disasters. In this role, the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management coordinates efforts among local and Tribal governments and nongovernmental organizations.
Oregon Employment Department sets new weekly benefit amounts for regular unemployment insurance claims
Employment Department announces new minimum and maximum weekly benefit amounts
June 8, 2022 (Salem, OR) — The Oregon Employment Department announced the new annual minimum and maximum weekly benefit amounts (WBAs) for regular unemployment insurance (UI). For new regular UI claims filed in Oregon on or after July 3, 2022, the minimum and maximum WBAs will increase by approximately 7%.
This increase will be a significant income boost for new claimants who receive the minimum or maximum WBA. During the most recent quarter, 15% of regular UI recipients received the minimum WBA, and 20% received the maximum WBA.
The 7% increase is the result of growth in Oregon’s average weekly wage during 2021. Starting July 3, 2022, the minimum WBA for new regular UI claims will increase by $12, from $171 to $183 per week. The maximum WBA for new regular UI claims will increase by $50, from $733 to $783 per week. Individuals who file new regular UI claims prior to July 3, 2022, will continue receiving the same WBA they had been receiving.
Under Oregon law (ORS 657.150(4)), the Oregon Employment Department recalculates the minimum and maximum WBAs for regular UI benefits annually. The department sets amounts as percentages of the average weekly wage earned by Oregonians. The minimum WBA is 15% of the average weekly wage, and the maximum WBA is 64%. Both dollar amounts are rounded down to the nearest dollar, as required by law.
For more information, visit OED’s regular UI benefits calculator.
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. Everyone has a right to use OED programs and services. OED provides free help. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, braille, large print, audio and other formats. If you need help, please call 971-673-6400. TTY users call 711. You can also ask for help at OED_Communications@employ.oregon.gov.
Recommendations for capacity challenges at the Oregon State Hospital
A court-ordered expert is issuing her recommendations for capacity challenges at the Oregon State Hospital.
Dr. Debra Pinals has issued her second report on the facility. It calls for evaluations of people when they’re in jail to determine whether they’ve become fit for trial and don’t need admission to the state hospital.
Counties should increase treatment beds for people who don’t need hospital-level care. And, she says there needs to be better sharing of data to determine how many patients are waiting for admission and discharge.
Portland Rose Festival Rocking Now
It’s the return of Rose Festival’s big outdoor events like the Grand Floral Parade, Starlight Parade, Junior Parade, CityFair and Fleet Week, and a continuation of the Rose Festival Court and Queen’s Coronation.
Portlanders and visitors alike celebrate our floral heritage and community spirit.
The Rose Festival Fleet arrives along Portland’s seawall this week. Three ships arrive Wednesday afternoon with the rest of the fleet arriving Thursday afternoon. Drivers should expect extended bridge lifts of the Broadway, Steel, and Morrison bridges while the ships move upriver. MORE INFO: https://www.rosefestival.org
Raptors of the Desert Sky Flight Program Returns to Daily Schedule
BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum’s signature outdoor flight program, Raptors of the Desert Sky, is back for the summer. The demonstration takes place daily at 11:30 am through Labor Day weekend.
Hawks, owls, falcons and even turkey vultures soar from perch to perch directly over the crowd seated in a natural amphitheater nestled in the Museum’s pine forest. A Museum expert narrates the action, sharing the hunting strategies and natural behaviors of these spectacular birds of prey.
“The outdoor flight program is a highlight of the High Desert Museum summer season,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “It’s a special experience to see these birds so close and witness their power and beauty while learning about their incredible adaptations that allow them to thrive in their habitats.”
The program takes place at 11:30 am, weather and air quality permitting. The Museum website will be updated to reflect any time changes, such as an earlier start time to accommodate for high temperatures that might stress the birds.
Tickets are separate from Museum entry ($5 for members, children 3-12 and seniors, $7 for non-members, free for children 2 or younger) and must be purchased at Admissions by 11:00 am. They are not available online.
Tickets often sell out before 10:00 am. The Museum strongly recommends that visitors arrive when the Museum opens at 9:00 am to secure tickets from Admissions.
Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/raptors-of-the-desert-sky.
Raptors of the Desert Sky is made possible by Fly Redmond and Avion Water Company with support from Bigfoot Beverages.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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