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, April 19, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
New Cameras Installed in Downtown Eugene to Help Enhance Security
Tuesday, Eugene Police rolled out the three new cameras in several areas around town and will soon place a fourth. The primary purpose for the security cameras is to help deter crime through a visible, well-marked presence.
Eugene Police installed cameras today at W. 8th Avenue and Olive Street, Broadway and Olive Street, and Broadway and Willamette Street. EPD will soon add one at E. 8th Avenue and Oak Street.
The cams will not only serve as a visual deterrent but assist officers and detectives in investigating crimes that occur in the downtown core.
The project was sent out for bid on December 6, 2022, and the winning bid was awarded to Overwatch Solutions in January 2023. Each unit cost $9,495 and was paid for through a Justice Assistance Grant.
Officers will be able to access the cameras using a desktop computer or mobile device. Should a crime occur, EPD will have the ability to obtain footage for use in identifying and apprehending suspects.
Public Health Officials Warn Of A Syphilis Outbreak In Lane County
Over the past two years the rate of Syphilis in Lane County has spiked — After near historic lows in the early 2010s, the number of syphilis cases have risen. According to health officials, the trend really took off in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two years, Lane County saw 492 cases of syphilis; 163 in 2021 and 329 in 2022.
Between 2021 and 2022, there was a 102% increase in cases in Lane County. The rest of Oregon saw an increase of 14%. A spike has not been seen in other sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Dr. Lisandra Perez Guzman is one of Lane County’s leading experts when it comes to these types of infectious diseases. She said Lane County is very worried with these numbers. The exact cause of the increase in Syphilis is unknown at this time. An epidemiologist team with Lane County Public Health is looking through the data trying to find an answer.
Perez Guzman said, “Well we are going through an epidemic, a syphilis epidemic. The counts of syphilis cases have increased dramatically.”
There are specific groups at higher risk of catching the infection. Older Millennials, in their 30s, have some of the highest degree of infections. Historically, male members of society have been the primary victims of syphilis. Members of the LGBTQ community were also at-risk members. An important note with this rise, is that females are closing the infection gap.
Perez Guzman said, “As the years have gone by we have seen the gap between male and female have closed. And now we’re having more female, more and more and more. To the point it’s almost 50-50. Almost 50% men, 50% female.”
With more females now thrown in the mix, the consequences of being contaminated with syphilis can get passed on to the next generation.
Perez Guzman said, “Unfortunately, because of that, we are now seeing more cases of congenital syphilis. So moms… pregnant persons are delivering babies with syphilis.”
Health officials with the county are reaching out to community organizations to help fight this new trend. One of the best ways to do this is by increasing the supply of Bicillin.
Perez Guzman said, “Bicillin is a type of penicillin that is the main treatment for syphilis. And not many clinics and urgent cares have it. So we’re trying to make that more available so that patients, people can get treated when they need it.”
Dr. Perez Guzman said people who have a change in sexual partners or are in open relationships should get tested for infections. The visit to a center for a test will take about 30 minutes, and the results delivered in three to five business days. According to Perez Guzman, people have to specifically ask for a syphilis test because some providers only order Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HIV.
Frequent checkups are advised. All syphilis needs to contaminate a body is simple skin to skin contact. If left untreated syphilis can cause incredible damage internally. Such as memory loss, death, and heart problems.
Lane County Transportation Advisory Committee needs 2 new members
Lane County’s Transportation Advisory Committee (TrAC) has two vacant seats to fill.
“Serving on our Transportation Advisory Committee is a great way to get involved in the community and help make a lasting difference,” said Lane County Transportation Planning Supervisor Sasha Vartanian. “We all use our transportation system – although in different ways – and having a group of diverse voices at the table is how we work to make improvements that benefit everyone.”
The seats must be filled by at least one person from District 4 (North Eugene) and the remaining seat can be filled by a person from anywhere in Lane County.
“Rural representation is so important,” said Vartanian. “Most of the decisions we make at Lane County directly affect residents living in rural communities and we need their voices at the table.”
The TrAC acts as a forum for public input into the County’s transportation system and serves as a liaison group in representing transportation concerns of the community to the Board of County Commissioners.
The Committee meets in the evening of every fourth Wednesday of every other month. There are a total of seven members – one from each commissioner’s district and two at-large members.
To qualify, for the District 4 (North Eugene) position must live or own property within District 4. Applicants for the at-large position must live or own property within Lane County.
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on April 28, 2023. Applications are available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/TrAC.
Fatal Crash – Interstate 5 – Lane County
On Sunday, April 16, 2023, at approximately 9:18 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on a southbound Interstate 5 offramp, exit 176, in Lane County.
The preliminary investigation in indicated a silver Ford Mustang, operated by Colton Huddle (24) of Cottage Grove, was southbound on Interstate 5 and took exit 176 towards Saginaw when it struck a pedestrian, Jessica Ann Layton (46) of Haines City (FL), who was in the lane of travel. The pedestrian (Layton) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator was uninjured, remained on scene and cooperated with investigators.
Interstate 5 southbound had one lane affected for approximately 2.5 hours and the Saginaw exit was closed during the on-scene crash investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Cottage Grove Police Department and ODOT.
Lane County Drug Take Back Event – Creswell
Do you have unwanted or expired medications at your home? The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to help you safely dispose of prescription drugs while educating the community about the potential for abuse of medications.
This is a no-questions-asked prescription drug drop off in effort to prevent the unsafe disposal of prescription medications, and to prevent medications from being stolen or abused.
Help us in the fight against prescription drug addiction and check your medicine cabinet for prescription drugs that are expired or that you no longer use.
Bring your unwanted, outdated, or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to the following location for safe disposal:
Where: Creswell Middle School – 665 W. Oregon Ave., Creswell
When: Saturday 04/22/23 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Acceptable items: Prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, drug samples, pet medications, ointments, lotions, and liquid medicines in glass or leak proof containers.
We are unable to accept: Needles, thermometers, bloody or infectious waste, medications from businesses, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans, inhalers, and diabetic meters.
If you are unable to attend the Drug Take Back Event and you have medications you would like to dispose of, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office has a Drug Drop Box located in our Central Reception lobby in the Lane County Courthouse that is available to accept medications (no appointment necessary) Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding legal holidays.
Community invited to Kalapuya Open House and Corvallis School District art exhibit
Community members are welcome to join Benton County Commissioners and employees along with students, teachers, and families from the Corvallis School District (CSD) for a community open house and celebration featuring art from CSD, Apr. 20 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kalapuya Building in Corvallis.
The public is welcome to join the festivities and tour the County’s new Kalapuya Building, learn about the modern and sustainable facility, and talk with department experts and leaders from Benton County who are now located at the building. Departments include the Board of Commissioners Office, Finance, Information Technology, Environmental Health, Community Development, Human Resources, Records and Elections, and Assessment.
“This LEED Gold and FitWel certified building is the facility that Benton County desperately needed. Prior to the Kalapuya Building’s purchase and remodel more than 80% of County departments were at or over their carrying capacity,” said Benton County Facilities Manager Paul Walsinger. “The building provides a much-needed upgrade that will serve Benton County well into the future, and with many County departments in one place, it supports interaction with the public.”
Art from CSD, with a rainforest theme, will also be featured along with refreshments, activities for kids, and other happenings for community members.
“We encourage anyone from the community to gather at this open house to enjoy the activities, see the wonderful art from the Corvallis School District, and mingle with other members of the local community,” said Benton County Public Information Officer Cory Grogan. “The County is proud of the sustainable repurposed facility that will support County government for many years in the future. This is a great opportunity to engage with the community in a fun way and highlight some of the work we do at Benton County.”
- WHAT: Community Open House and Corvallis School District Art Exhibit
- WHEN: Apr. 20, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
- WHERE: Kalapuya Building, 4500 Research Way, Corvallis
- WHY: Learn more about the Kalapuya Building, Benton County departments and government, view art from the Corvallis school district, and other activities for community members.
For more information please contact pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
Sign up for the Benton County E-newsletter. ### Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
Memorial Service For Joseph Johnson, The Nyssa Police Reserve Corporal Murdered On Duty, Is Scheduled For Saturday, April 21
Press conference in Ontario with latest developments on the investigation and arrest of Rene Castro for Aggravated Murder of Nyssa Police Reserve Cpl. Joseph Johnson on April 15th, 2023 in Nyssa, Oregon.
UPDATE: Live stream available via the Ontario Police Department Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/OntarioORPolice/videos/766185828407819
A memorial service for Joseph Johnson, the Nyssa police reserve corporal murdered on duty, is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 21, at Nyssa High School.
An overflow crowd is expected and organizers are preparing additional venues to watch the ceremony.
A law enforcement procession will wind through Ontario and end at the high school but route details have yet to be announced. Organizers are urging people to line the route to show support for Johnson’s family, which will be in the procession.
As friends and colleagues share memories, a portrait is emerging of a man dedicated to his community, willing to help out on many fronts.
Johnson, 43, worked as a behavioral specialist at Snake River Correctional Institution, served as a reserve police in Nyssa for five years, worked as a therapist and served as a volunteer firefighter.
He died Saturday, April 15, while on patrol in Nyssa. He responded to a disturbance at a home well-known to police for domestic violence calls. Johnson was shot to death after pulling up behind a man reported to be on a rampage who had led the officer on a short pursuit.
The grief of law enforcement was evident during a news conference in Ontario on Tuesday, April 18. They did not use the defendant’s name, instead referring to Rene Castro, 36, only as “the suspect.” He is in jail, charged with aggravated murder and four other felonies.
Nyssa Police Chief Don Ballou said it would take a long time for his team to recover from Johnson’s death.
“I don’t think it’s ever going to be fully recovered,” said Ballou, who last December had presented Johnson his agency’s Outstanding Performance Award.
The chief thanked police agencies for their swift response to the murder and the subsequent tracking and arrest. He also said his team appreciated the community’s response.
“I’m overly humbled to see the support we have,” Ballou said.
Malheur County District Attorney Dave Goldthorpe shared that the suspect in Johnson’s killing, Rene Castro, 36, of Nyssa, was in custody and had been charged with aggravated murder and four other felonies and was in custody.
He said police worked “tirelessly” to find the suspect.
“It really has been a great team effort to enact swift justice,” said Malheur County Sheriff Travis Johnson.
Mike Iwai, Ontario police chief, said the murder and investigation had taken a toll on officers and asked for continued public support for police.
“They will definitely need it,” Iwai said. “Now is not a time for us to rest.”
Earlier in the day, a procession of about 50 police, fire and medic rigs formed on Stanton Boulevard, falling into line to escort Johnson’s body the final miles back to Ontario, to the Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel on Southwest Fourth Avenue.
There, law enforcement officials saluted as the flag-draped coffin was moved into the chapel.
David Peterson, a Bend police officer and board member of the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, said the nonprofit group is covering expenses for the memorial service.
“Nyssa police and the Johnson family will not pay for any of these services,” Peterson said.
He said the foundation is collecting donations to support Johnson’s family. Donations can be made online, by check or at any U.S. Bank branch. He said the foundation should be considered the “official” conduit for contributions for the family.
Oregon Health Authority licenses first psilocybin facilitators
PORTLAND, Ore. – This week, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) licensed the state’s first three facilitators for providing psilocybin services within the regulatory framework created by M109, the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act. OHA issued the licenses to David Naftalin, Alexander Polvi and Jeanette Small.
“We want to congratulate the first facilitators to be licensed in Oregon,” says Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) Section Manager Angie Allbee. “As your work in providing non-directive psilocybin services takes shape, we thank you for your dedication to client safety and access as we move closer to opening service centers.”
Psilocybin administration sessions can only take place in licensed service centers statewide. These centers can employ and/or contract with licensed facilitators, who are trained to support preparation, administration and integration sessions with clients.
Service centers will provide psilocybin products produced by licensed manufacturers and tested by licensed laboratories. Currently, two manufacturers have licenses for producing psilocybin in the state. OPS anticipates issuing licenses to service center and laboratory applicants in the coming months.
Anyone interested in accessing psilocybin services can learn more at OPS’s webpage Access Psilocybin Services, which also includes the following:
- The OPS Licensee Directory with contact information provided by OPS licensees who consented to have such details published.
- Links to required client intake documents. These must be completed with a licensed facilitator before participating in an administration session.
OPS’s role is to license psilocybin facilitators, manufacturers, service centers and laboratories, while ensuring that those licensees and their workers comply with state law.
OPS encourages the public to visit the OPS website for more information, and to sign up for the distribution list to get the latest updates.
Oregon License Plate Funds Safe Animal Crossing
The Watch for Wildlife license plate is available for purchase at all DMV locations in Oregon. For more information about Oregon specialty license plates and how to get your own Watch for Wildlife plate, please visit www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv.
Proceeds from a new license plate in Oregon will fund two projects meant to help wildlife make it safely across busy highways.
More than 13,000 of the plates have been sold since the new option was unveiled last May. The Oregon Wildlife Foundation says an initial disbursement from the fund will go toward a crossing for mule deer and elk across Highway 20 near Sisters. A second project will help coastal martens get across Highway 101 at a still-to-be-determined location.
Tim Greseth, the Executive Director of the OWF, said the projects were created with help from ODOT’s Wildlife Passage Program.
“We can create more opportunities for habitat connectivity in the state of Oregon,” Greseth said. “Wildlife passage structures are not inexpensive, and so this is an important source of revenue.”
The Oregon Wildlife Foundation said each year, almost 6,000 drivers in Oregon alone are involved in a collision with a deer, elk, bear, or other wildlife species.MORE INFO: https://www.myowf.org/watchforwildlife
Electric All-Terrain Trackchairs to be available in Manzanita and Seaside
– Providing a new way to get out into nature for people with mobility challenges, David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems and Oregon Parks Forever are collaborating to bring the Oregon Coast the first locations where mobility challenged visitors can pick up and use an electric all-terrain wheelchair.
Starting in early May, chairs will be located at the Manzanita Visitor’s Center (31 Laneda Ave, Manzanita, OR 97130) and at the Seaside Elks (324 Avenue A, Seaside, OR 97138) and can be reserved through davidschair.org.
These chairs will provide a new freedom for a mobility challenged park visitor – to get off the pavement and out into nature.
With increased accessibility to the beach, mobility-impaired visitors will be able to participate in activities never-before possible.
By being able to get on the beach, all the way down to water’s edge, these all-terrain chairs will invite many new people to share the wonders of fresh air, sunshine and sea breezes with family and friends instead of being limited to paved walkways and parking lots.
Anyone with mobility impairment, requiring the assistance of wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes or crutches, will be able to use these chairs.
See these chairs in action at: https://youtu.be/Yryz48ijMuc
Over the next couple of years, the partners are working to locate hosts at American Legion, VFW, Elks and Tourism related entities along the Oregon Coast and the I-5 corridor where a chair and trailer can be stored and made available for free use by visitors with mobility challenges. Our goal is to find locations for a total of ten chairs.
We are doing this to provide easier access to these chairs to a wider number of people. Under the current operating model for David’s Chair, anyone wishing to borrow one of their seven current chairs (for free) must bring a trailer hitch-enabled vehicle to Medford or Tigard and pick up a chair and trailer to take where they would like to use it. This severely limits access to other parts of the state. One of the most popular uses for these chairs is to get out on the beach, hence our desire for host locations along the Oregon Coast.
Reservations for free use can be made at: www.davidschair.org
The media is invited to visit either or both of these sites while David’s Chair CEO, Steve Furst, is there and available for interviews.
The first of the electric all-terrain Track chairs will be delivered on Friday (4/21) and Saturday (4/22).
The first chair will be delivered to the Manzanita Visitor’s Center (31 Laneda Ave, Manzanita, OR 97130) on Friday. Volunteer Training will begin at 10am. The team from David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems will be there from about 9:30am to 1pm. The chair will become available for FREE use starting May 5 by folks who make a reservation at davidschair.org. The CEO of David’s Chair, Steve Furst, will be available in Manzanita that morning for interviews.
The second chair will be delivered to the Seaside Elks (324 Avenue A, Seaside, OR 97138) on Saturday. The training of volunteers will take place between 11am and 3pm. The team from David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems will be there from about 10:30am to 4pm. This chair will also become available for FREE use starting May 1 by folks who make a reservation at davidschair.org. The CEO of David’s Chair, Steve Furst, will be available in Seaside that morning for interviews.
If you can’t get a film crew there over the weekend, you can grab clips from the Video Gallery on DavidsChair.org
Please contact us in advance to schedule a time to give you special attention.
