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, July 15, 2022
Willamette Valley Weather
Candlelight Vigil Last Night For Spencer Webb
A crowd of friends, family, teammates and other members of the Ducks community gathered at the south entrance of Autzen stadium to pay their respects to Spencer Webb. It was quiet for most of the event, as people reflected the tragedy among themselves.
About 45 minutes in, many in attendance came up one by one to place their candle at the memorial where Webb’s number 18 jersey hung. The event lasted for two hours and ended with a balloon release.
22-Year-Old UO Football Player, Spencer Webb, Dies After Hitting Head At Triangle Lake
“The Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the rock slides just a short distance west of Triangle Lake at approximately 2:30 pm Wednesday after receiving the report of an injured person,” officials wrote on Facebook.
“Upon arrival, deputies learned that a 22 year old male recreating in the area fell and struck his head. Bystanders and responding paramedics were unable to revive him.
Lane County Sheriff Search and Rescue personnel responded to assist with bringing him back to the roadway as he was approximately 100 yards down a steep trail. Deputies said his death appears to be an accident and there is no evidence of foul play.
Players, coaches, and fans are sharing memories and reacting to the tragic news. Spencer Webb played in 11 games for Oregon last season and was set to be the starting tight end under new head coach Lanning.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Death of An Adult Female Found In Cow Creek
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an adult female found in Cow Creek near Riddle. On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a deceased person found in Cow Creek in approximately the 9000-block of Cow Creek Road.
Investigators responded to the scene and confirmed the death of an adult female. The Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded. Identification and next of kin notification are pending. The investigation is ongoing and no further details will be released at this time.
Public Assistance Requested In Missing Person Cases
The search and investigation into the disappearance of a Winston woman is ongoing and the Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s assistance in the missing person investigation of Kendra Hanks.
Kendra was last seen walking past B&D Meats towards Winston on Highway 99 near Grange Road in the Green District at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2022. Investigators are now asking business owners and residents in the area of Highway 99, Pepsi Road, SE Main Street, NW Lookingglass Road and Brosi Orchard to check their security cameras which may have captured footage of Kendra on Thursday. The timeframe of interest is 3:45pm-7:00pm on Thursday, July 7, 2022.
“Any video footage is helpful, even if you don’t believe your system captured anything of significance,” Lt. Brad O’Dell said. “We ask that the community provide the footage and allow investigators the opportunity to review it.”
Residents are asked to upload any footage they have using this website address: www.dcso.com/publichelp. Those who are unable to upload the footage are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (541) 440-4458 for assistance.
Kendra was last known to be wearing a dark blue tie-dye sweatshirt, jeans, yellow checkered Vans shoes and carrying a black backpack style purse.
Investigators along with Search and Rescue crews have been searching for Kendra since she was last seen. She is described as 5’02” tall weighing approximately 140lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. It is believed she was walking to her residence in Winston after leaving her place of employment on Ingram Drive.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information as to her whereabouts or who may have seen Hanks to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 440-4471 referencing case #22-2871 or to email dcso.pio@co.douglas.or.us
There are 26 women missing in 2 1/2 months between Medford and the Eugene area. That averages out to 8 women missing per month in Southern Oregon. https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
Gates Open at World Athletics Championships – Jet Flyovers Start Tonight
Get ready for an extremely busy 10 days in Eugene. With a city population of about 170,000, organizers of the event expect 200,000 visitors to come to Oregon from over 200 different countries in the time span of the championships. Organizers of the championships are expecting 20,000 to 25,000 visitors per day at Hayward Field.
Three Flyovers Scheduled —– The World Athletics Championships organizers scheduling three flyovers for this weekend and Monday evening in Eugene.
- On opening night Friday, an F-15 jet flyover will happen at 5 p.m., ahead of the finals of the 4x400m mixed relay at Hayward Field.
- Then on Saturday will be another jet flyover at 7:45 p.m., right before introducing the athletes in the men’s 100m final.
- Lastly, on Monday, there will be a Black Hawk helicopter flyover, flown by a female pilot. Monday night’s events include the triple jump, the conclusion of the heptathlon, and the women’s 1,500m.
We highly encourage sustainable and active modes of transportation (walking, biking, and riding the public bus) when traveling to and from the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, and encourage you to arrive early for all sessions. For World Athletics Championship information, click here.
Coverage of the World Track and Field Championships will be available on NBC, Peacock , USA Network, CNBC and NBC Sports. Streaming also available on fuboTV
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/CG0l50JWk1n
OHA releases biweekly COVID-19 reports
The COVID-19 Biweekly Data Report, released today, shows an increase in COVID-19-related cases and hospitalizations and a slight decrease in deaths since the previous six-week period.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported 21,484 new cases of COVID-19 from June 26 to July 8, a 5.3% increase over the previous biweekly total of 20,410. Over the last six weeks, reported hospitalizations have increased slightly while deaths have decreased slightly.
During the two-week period of June 26 to July 8, test positivity was 15.1%, up from 13.6% in the previous two-week period.
Today’s COVID-19 Biweekly Outbreak Report shows 225 active outbreaks in care facilities, senior living communities and congregate care living settings with three or more confirmed COVID-19 cases or one or more COVID-19-related deaths.
OHA publishes new quarterly age adjusted rate report
OHA is publishing an updated quarterly report on age-adjusted rate ratios of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths by race and ethnicity over time. Age adjustment is a method used to quantify inequities among different racial and ethnic groups. When adjusted for age, people from Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian, Latinx, Black and American Indian/Alaska Native communities have experienced disproportionate rates of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and death. These inequities were acutely pronounced earlier in the pandemic and have decreased over the course of the pandemic. However, there continues to be inequities of COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations for communities of color and tribal communities.
OHA data quality review and improvements
OHA data analysts continuously review the quality of preliminary COVID-19 data and make improvements both at the record and system level. A recent review identified an error in how the general “any underlying conditions” category, the proportion of people with at least one underlying condition, was calculated. The corrected values are reflected in this week’s update to the Oregon COVID-19 Case Demographics and Disease Severity Statewide dashboard, published Wednesday. The 2020 Annual Data Report will also be corrected and updated this week.
Values for specific underlying conditions (e.g., cardiovascular, diabetes, chronic lung disease) remain correct and were not affected by this change. An error was also found in how age was calculated for a select group of reported cases. The values have been corrected, resulting in a decrease in the number of cases in the 0-4 age group. This change is reflected in the weekly update to the Oregon COVID-19 Pediatric Report, published Wednesday. OHA will continue to complete data quality reviews on COVID-19 data and provide updates if major changes to the data are anticipated.
OHA releases CCO 2021 financial reports
New financial information reported to Oregon Health Authority (OHA) from 16 contracted coordinated care organizations (CCOs) show that the state’s CCOs were financially stable and sound in 2021.
OHA financial analysts also noted high profit margins for some large contracted partners within CCOs. One CCO – Health Share of Oregon – pledged to reinvest $100 million in profits gained by its contracted partners into services for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members it serves.
CCOs are responsible for delivering coordinated medical, behavioral and dental benefits and other services to more than 1.1 million members enrolled in the OHP, most of whom are enrolled in Oregon’s Medicaid program. In total, OHP covers more than 1.4 million people in Oregon; as the largest provider of health coverage in the state, nearly 1 in 3 Oregon residents is covered under OHP.
Senate Bill 1041 (ORS 414.593) requires the Oregon Health Authority to make the expenditures of a CCO serving OHP members fully transparent and available to the public. CCO financial reports must be posted by Aug. 1, 2022. Financial statements for all 16 CCOs can be found here, along with additional CCO program financial summaries.
OHA Director Patrick Allen said, “Oregon’s coordinated care organizations remain financially strong, even as they have taken on more members. On average, coordinated care organizations spent 90 cents of every dollar on services for members. We want to see CCOs continue to expand their investments in care for members, especially in critical areas where they can make a bigger difference, such as giving more people access to behavioral health treatment and expanding access to supportive housing in communities across Oregon.”
OSP Investigating Homicide & Requesting Public Assistance- Polk County
On July 13, 2022, at approximately 9:00 P.M. OSP responded to Hwy 18 milepost 15 in Polk County to a report of a shooting.
Preliminary investigation revealed the shooting was the result of a suspected road rage incident, in which the victim pulled over and stopped to let the suspect vehicle pass. The suspect vehicle stopped next to the victim, the victim got out of his car, and multiple shots were fired from the suspect vehicle. The shots are reported to be fired by the passenger of the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle then left the scene.
The victim was declared dead at the scene. A passenger in the car was not injured. The passenger described the suspect vehicle and the passenger of the suspect vehicle. The description of the car is a black car with a round emblem on the hood. The description of the passenger in the suspect car was a younger male, less than 25 years old, medium complexion, and small in stature with short dark hair.
Officers from multiple agencies responded to the area but were unable to locate the suspect’s vehicle. One individual matching the description was detained, interviewed, and eventually released.
OSP Detectives are urging anyone with information about this case to call the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677). Reference case number SP22177525.
This is an ongoing investigation. OSP Detectives are being assisted by Detectives from the Polk County Major Crimes Team. Oregon State Police
Oregon to launch 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
New, easy-to-remember number that starts Saturday will connect people in need of behavioral health crisis support
Starting Saturday, July 16, people in Oregon and nationwide who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis will be able to call, text or chat 988 to get compassionate care and support from trained crisis counselors. The new three-digit 988 number will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs.
The 988 number is easy to remember, like 911. 988 will be available to help people who are experiencing a range of behavioral health crises, including: thoughts of suicide or self-harm, substance use, or any other kind of behavioral health crisis.
People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
“Too many people in Oregon don’t have easy, quick access to the support and care they need when facing a mental health crisis,” said Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen. “While fully implementing a transformative crisis care system will take time and further investments, the launch of 988 is a sound first step to connect more people in need with critical, life-saving care.”
The 988 dialing code connects callers to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; a network of local crisis call centers throughout the country. In Oregon, 988 call centers are operated by Lines for Life statewide, and Northwest Human Services in Marion and Polk counties.
“988 is going to transform the way we support people in crisis,” said Lines for Life CEO Dwight Holton. “It will take time to build, but 988 will deliver hope to people in crisis as well as their families, loved ones and communities.”
How 988 works to help people in crisis
988 call services will be available in English and Spanish, along with interpretation services in more than 150 languages. Texting 988 and online chat (available at http://988lifeline.org/) are currently available only in English.
According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, counselors resolve more than 95 percent of calls over the phone. The crisis counselors are trained to use the least invasive interventions and are linked to a network of services. Often, a supportive conversation is all that is needed to help someone in crisis. When in-person support or intervention is needed, counselors may dispatch a mobile crisis team or first responder.
Preparing for 988 calls
In 2020, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline received nearly 2.4 million calls, and call volume is anticipated to significantly increase with the launch of 988.
The Oregon Legislature, through House Bill 2417 (2021) and other transformative investments, is strengthening and expanding the state’s behavioral health crisis system. This includes approximately $7 million for staffing Oregon’s two 988 call centers and approximately $39 million allocated to Community Mental Health Programs to enhance and expand community-based mobile crisis intervention services.
In Oregon, Lines for Life has staff who can provide culturally and linguistically specific services around the clock and Northwest Human Services has expanded its staff to do the same. As the 988 crisis response system expands, additional funding will be required to sustain the call centers, response units and other services.
Community input is designing the future of 988
OHA is working with communities with lived experience in the behavioral health system to guide the design, implementation and policies of 988 and a broader crisis response system, especially through the Crisis System Advisory Workgroup (CSAW). OHA recognizes that many individuals and families with lived experience and from disproportionately affected communities have experienced adverse impacts of the crisis response system due to systemic and historical social injustice.
With community partnerships and insights, OHA hopes that 988 can provide an empowering, culturally responsive experience for individuals in crisis and that the system will meet the unique needs of groups disproportionately impacted by health inequities, including youth, rural populations, communities of color, veterans and people in the military, Tribal communities and people who identify as LGBTQIA2S+.
While 988 is the first step, OHA continues to work with partners to develop a crisis response system that will help divert people from emergency rooms and connect people to other community-based behavioral health treatment facilities, such as the Behavioral Health Resource Networks, funded by Measure 110 dollars.
What do people need to know about calling 988?
Important facts to know:
- 988 will be available through every landline, cell phone and voice-over internet device in the United States, as well as text and chat.
- The current technology for 988 will route callers by area code, not geolocation.
- 988 is not currently available when phones are locked or do not have prepaid minutes.
- The transition to 988 will not impact the availability of crisis services for veterans and military service members. They can call 988 and press 1 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line.
- For support in Spanish, callers can press 2 to connect with the Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has an infographic with more information on what happens when people call, text or chat.
Learn more about 988 in Oregon on OHA’s 988 webpage.
Note: Until Saturday, July 16, those in crisis should continue to use the current number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), which will continue to function after the transition.
OHSU Environmental Employees Walk Off The Job
Environmental services workers at OHSU in Portland walked off the job Wednesday to demand better working conditions. The union employees say they’ve experienced bullying by managers and staffing issues. They delivered a list of demands to management with more than 50 signatures.
OHSU released a response saying they recognize the issues raised by the staff and look forward to working collaboratively to reach an agreement on a new contract. OHSU says they’ve been bargaining with the union
since February and more mediation is planned.
This Could Be a Busy Year for Mosquitos
If you haven’t been bit by a mosquito yet this summer, count yourself lucky. Entomologist Gail Langellotto says it’s going to be a busy year for those little disease-carrying pests. “Mosquitoes breed in freshwater. With the abundant rains we had early in the summer, it probably created a lot of small pools of water that make perfect mosquito breeding sites.”
Langellotto is a professor with the OSU Extension Service and says there are things you can do to prevent mosquitoes from getting too cozy. Reduce the standing water in your yard. Yes, even the bird bath and pet dishes. “If they have any pots that aren’t draining that are holding water, old tires are oftentimes receptacles for standing water where mosquitoes can breed,”
Some aromatic oils are effective as a natural repellent, and Langelloto says the chemical Deet is the gold standard for mosquito protection. Or, you can get a little more creative, “You can even put a fan out there, because mosquitoes don’t fly in windy conditions, just to keep them away from you when you’re trying to enjoy the outdoors.” She says Bug zappers aren’t much help in combating mosquitoes.
‘American Pickers’ to Film in Oregon
The American Pickers are excited to return to Oregon! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in October 2022.
American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.
As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.
We at American Pickers continue to take the pandemic very seriously and will be following all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state and CDC. Nevertheless, we are excited to continue reaching the many collectors in the area to discuss their years of picking and are eager to hear their memorable stories!
The American Pickers TV show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to:
americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 646-493-2184 — Facebook: @GotAPick
Women Missing Since May between Medford, Grants Pass and Roseburg per Oregon State Police
| MAKENNA KENDALL 5/3/2022 |
| ERICA LEE HUTCHINSON 5/26/2022 |
| DANIELLE MARIAH SHARP 6/12/2022 |
| KAITLYN RAE NELSON 6/14/2022 |
| BROOKLYN JOHNS 6/14/2022 |
| DONNA LEPP 6/27/2022 |
| BARBARA DELEPINE 7/4/2022 |
| KENDRA MARIE HANKS 7/7/2022 |
| CORI BOSHANE MCCANN 7/8/2022 |
| RAVEN RILEY 7/13/2022 |
| TAHUANA RILEY 7/13/2022 |
Women Missing Since May in Lane County per Oregon State Police
| BREISA RAQUEAL SIKEL 5/3/2022 |
| HANNAH MARIE RHOTEN 5/17/2022 |
| MARISSA ALEESA DAMBROSIO 5/18/2022 |
| ISABELLA BROSOWSKEYOUNGBLOOD 6/7/2022 |
| LOUISA DAY AVA 5/28/2022 |
| AMY CHRISTINA SULLIVAN 6/1/2022 |
| NIKKI ELIZABETH ZEREBNY 6/6/2022 |
| SHADOW STAR SEVIGNY 6/17/2022 |
| SHAUNA LEAH HOGAN 6/17/2022 |
| AIRIONNA CHEALSEY RHODES 6/27/2022 |
| KARISSA RENEE ADAMS 7/6/2000 |
| VERONICA ESSYNCE DELERIO 7/6/2022 |
| AUBRIE HANNA STEPHENS 7/10/2022 |
| LARA IVEY STEINMETZ 7/11/2022 |
| SARA LINDSAY SCHAEFER 7/12/2022 |
That’s 26 women missing in 2 1/2 months between Medford and the Eugene area. Four more just over the last couple of days. That averages out to 8 women missing per month in Southern Oregon. https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/