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, July 26, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
UPDATE: Bedrock Fire in the Fall Creek Area
Northwest Incident Management Team 13 assumed management responsibilities for the Bedrock Fire at 6:00 a.m. Additional firefighting resources are arriving to assist with fire suppression and support activities. The Bedrock Fire continues to burn actively in the Fall Creek drainage. Hot, dry weather combined with gusty winds have contributed to periods of rapid fire growth. Aerial mapping using infrared-sensing equipment showed the fire to be 4,488 acres as of early Tuesday morning. Fire spread has been mainly to the east and north.
There are no evacuation notices in effect at this time. If an evacuation notice becomes necessary, information will be released by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone in the immediate vicinity is asked to remain vigilant, as the Bedrock Fire continues to be an evolving incident.
For the safety of firefighting personnel, please avoid areas near the fire and stay out of all closed areas. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been issued for the Bedrock Fire area. Unmanned aerial systems (AES or drones) are not permitted within the TFR.WEATHER: On Tuesday, temperatures will be in the 80s, with forecasted minimum relative humidity around 30 percent. Wednesday’s temperatures are expected to be similar, with slightly lower relative humidity. SAFETY: Members of the public are encouraged to know the Ready, Set, Go levels and make appropriate preparations. READY your belongings; SET your things at the door or prepack them in your car; GO and leave immediately.
SMOKE: Smoke from the Bedrock Fire is spreading into central Oregon, causing some areas to experience “unhealthy” and possibly “hazardous” conditions. Individuals with respiratory issues may find themselves affected by the smoke. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather.
The fire’s rapid growth has been attributed to a combination of hot, dry weather and gusty wind conditions, according to fire management officials. Authorities said that the fire has primarily spread to the east and north. INCIWEB for MORE UPDATES
Lane County Sheriff’s Office Busts Illegal Butane Hash Oil Operation off of Prairie Road
Lane County Sheriff’s Office Detectives served a search warrant at an illegal butane hash oil operation (BHO) in the 29800blk of Kelso St. Monday morning. Authorities found extremely dangerous conditions that included the use of highly volatile chemicals within the immediate proximity of poorly constructed and unpermitted electrical work.
“It’s a miracle that this lab has not exploded yet”, stated an LCSO detective that wishes to remain anonymous at this time. This lab was located in very close proximity to residences and businesses including a large lumber mill.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of an explosion of a very similar lab in the Fall Creek area in January of this year. Clandestine labs such as these pose an extreme hazard to the communities in which they operate. Misuse of hazardous chemicals not only carry the risk of explosion but poison the environment when not properly maintained and disposed.
During the execution of the warrant, large quantities of BHO in various stages of processing were seized. The site also contained a large-scale psilocybin mushroom manufacturing operation.
Investigators took 47-year-old Brandon Dylan Whitmer into custody for a warrant out of Linn County for Arson in the First Degree. This warrant is related to a butane hash oil lab explosion that occurred in May of 2021 in Linn County. Whitmer had also been injured in a BHO lab explosion in Eugene in August of 2021.
A search warrant was also served on Whitmer’s residence in the Coburg area. Additional processed marijuana and evidence related to the manufacturing of marijuana products was discovered.
Whitmer received new charges today for the illegal manufacture of marijuana products and unlawful possession of marijuana related items. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail.
Lane County Land Management has been involved in the investigation and will be following up regarding the multiple code violations located at the site.
Haight Creek Fire Update
Oregon Department of Forestry’s Western Lane District, Bureau of Land Management and partner agencies continued mop-up operations on the Haight Creek Fire and achieved 40% containment by Sunday morning. Firefighters gained more access into the fire’s perimeter to expand their mop-up efforts after clearing overhead hazards near the line for crew safety.
Residents may notice some smoke as the interior of the fire burns remaining fuel within the fire’s footprint. This is in addition to haze in the air originating from bigger fires further away. ODF will conduct routine patrols around the fire perimeter to monitor conditions and ensure any fire activity remains within the fire footprint.
“Fighting an active fire always draws a lot of the public’s attention, but the mop-up phase is equally important, and it takes considerably more time,” said Ole Buch, ODF District Forester, “Folks are often surprised that trapped heat within the fire can smolder for months and even put off smoke. District staff will patrol the fire’s perimeter throughout the summer to keep a close eye.”
ODF’s Western Lane District is very thankful for the support of our suppression aircraft, heavy equipment and hand crews from our local ODF districts and Coos and Douglas Fire Protective Associations, Bureau of Land Management, private and public partners.
Oxbow Road remains closed near the fire for firefighter safety. The public is urged to avoid the area for their own safety. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Due to the status of this incident, this will be the final update on the Haight Creek Fire unless conditions significantly change.
Oregon Department of Forestry-Western Lane District is located at 87950 Territorial Highway Veneta, OR 97487.
Person Dies Monday Morning at a Gas Station In Springfield
Springfield Police said an individual found lying in the parking lot of a Chevron gas station at 3375 Gateway Street died despite officers rendering aid. The identity of the deceased is being withheld until next of kin are notified.
Springfield Police spokesperson Zak Gosa-Lewis said officers responding to a disturbance call at 2:54 a.m. found the body and made note of a large moving truck with a trailer leaving the gas station and merging onto northbound Interstate 5.
The truck is “believed to be the one responsible for hitting the deceased individual,” Gosa-Lewis said, noting an initial investigation indicates the death was accidental.
He said officers stopped the moving truck on the freeway, and the driver is cooperating.
“The only thing we can confirm is that the individual is deceased, but we cannot release additional information because the investigation is not finalized,” Gosa-Lewis said.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call the Springfield Police Department at 541-726-3714.
A sweet way to help young patients at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend
Miracle Treat Day®, a national fundraiser for 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the country, will be on Thursday, July 27.
As the summer heat continues, area residents can cool down with a Dairy Queen Blizzard® frozen treat and help raise money to save and improve the lives of children at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend.
Miracle Treat Day®, a national fundraiser for 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the country, will be on Thursday, July 27. On that day, participating Dairy Queen stores in Linn, Lane, Douglas and Coos counties will donate $1 or more from every Blizzard® sale to PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation’s Children’s Miracle Network program.
To whet everyone’s appetite for Miracle Treat Day®, a special celebration will be held a day earlier –Wednesday, July. 26 — for patients, families and caregivers in the Pediatrics Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend.
Local Dairy Queen franchise owners in Springfield, Junction City and the Coburg Road store in Eugene will donate made-to-order Blizzards® to families of babies in the NICU and to children and families in the Pediatrics Unit. They also are donating Blizzards® and Dilly® Bars to PeaceHealth caregivers who work in those units.
Last year, the Dairy Queen campaign raised over $12,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network, a program of PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation. The money helps pay for needed NICU and pediatric equipment, supplies and continuing education for staff. All community donations stay local — helping to make a difference locally.
Over its 21-year sponsorship, the DQ® brand has raised more than $77 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
“At PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend, our dedicated pediatric and neonatal caregivers offer invaluable support to families during some of their most vulnerable moments,” said Amy Quiring, associate development officer in the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Foundation. “They provide exceptional care and create a safe, nurturing environment where children can heal and thrive. We are so grateful for DQ® restaurants for being a wonderful Children’s Miracle Network program partner. They contribute joy through sweet treats in our communities and also leave a lasting impact on the lives of so many families in our region.”
To help celebrate Miracle Treat Day, fans are encouraged to use #MiracleTreatDay on social media and invite others to join them at a participating Dairy Queen on Thursday, July 27. Visit Miracle Treat Day for addresses of the participating Dairy Queen stores in Eugene, Springfield, Pleasant Hill, Cottage Grove, Creswell, Junction City and Veneta, and in Coos, Douglas and Linn counties.
About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 900 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals that support the health of 10 million kids each year across the U.S. and Canada. Donations go to local hospitals to fund critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, along with innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. When we improve the health of all children and allow them the opportunity to reach their full potential, we also improve our communities for years to come. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. says Amy Quiring, Associate Development Officer in the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Foundation. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.
About International Dairy Queen Inc.:International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,000 locations in the United States, Canada and more than 20 other countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.
Old Mill Site Fire in Sweet Home
On July 24th 2023 at 8:02 pm Sweet Home Fire District units were dispatched to a report of two fires in the northern area of the old mill site at 2210 Tamarack. First arriving crews found active fire in two separate areas, both with flame lengths upwards of 15 ft. The fires were also burning within approx. 200ft of homes on Willow St. and Vine St. Seeing these conditions the Chief Officer requested a first alarm for additional units to respond and for Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to respond to assist.
Both fires were knocked down and brought under control around 8:50 PM, crews then began checking for hots spots. By 9:40 PM Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire dozer arrived to put a fire line around the burned areas. Sweet Home Fire Crews cleared around 10:20pm, while ODF remained on scene to finish the dozer line.
During the time on scene a Lebanon Fire District medic unit came to assist in covering our district and ran one medical call while here. When another medical call was dispatched a medic crew from Sweet Home was released from the fire scene to respond. Sweet Home responded with 6 apparatus, 14 firefighters, the Fire Chief and 2 support personnel, in addition to four units from ODF. Sweet Home Police Department is handling the investigation into the cause of the fire.
Although we weren’t in a red flag warning, this fire proves how fast these incredibly dry fuels will burn regardless of heat, wind and humidity. Please use extreme caution this summer.
Golden Fire Update
Crews continued to make progress on the fire through the night, holding it within the original footprint by monitoring and extinguishing spot fires, expanding mop up areas, mitigating snags, and completing tactical patrols. Yesterday, preliminary structural assessments were completed.
Today, crews will focus on expanding mop up areas around structures and continuing damage assessments. Wildland resources will work to hold and improve lines, monitor, and extinguish spot fires, and mitigate snags. Crews will also be coordinating with utility resources as they work to repair damaged infrastructure.
The Golden Fire is managed under unified command between Oregon State Fire Marshal and Oregon Department of Forestry.
There will be a community meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Bonanza School, 31601 Mission Street Bonanza, OR 97623. Additional updates can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/goldenfire2023/.
Weather: Today’s weather will generate potential for active fire behavior, with moderate winds and high temperatures continuing. Wind and low relative humidity will produce critical fire weather over the fire area. Weather conditions will persist for the next several days.
Evacuations: A portion of the level 3 (GO) area was reduced to level 2 (READY). The downgraded area follows west of Bechdolt Flat Road, south of Racoon Lane and Jaguar Lane.
Officials aren’t sure yet what caused the wildfire, but suspect it originated from a private illegal marijuana farm – combined with the hot weather and gusty wind.
Bonanza, Oregon community lost several infrastructures, homes, and outbuildings from the fire with the optic line being severely damaged in the process. Residents were unable to access internet and phone services, preventing 911 calls as well.
American Red Cross and Klamath County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have established an evacuation shelter at: Bonanza School, 31601 Mission Street, Bonanza, OR 97623. For the latest evacuation information call the Klamath County hotline (541) 205-9730. To sign up for Kla-math County alerts, visit http://alerts.klamathcounty.org — INCIWEB UPDATES
Flat Fire Update
Flat Fire Evening Update 7/25/2023
Size: 22,697 Start Date: July 15, 2023 Containment: 3%
Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR Cause: Human caused, Under Investigation
Total personnel: 1,528 Resources: 46 engines l 36 crews l 9 bulldozers l 24 water tenders l 8 masticators l 8 helicopters
Current Situation: This afternoon, firefighters began burnout operations along Forest Road (FR) 3680 starting at its junction with FR 330 and working north towards FR 3318. Crews also continue to make great progress reducing fuels along Burnt Ridge Road (FR 2308) and FR 150 in preparation for future firing operations in the northeast portion of the fire. Helicopters are dropping water on the fire’s southern edge to moderate fire behavior; the goal is to slow fire spread as it approaches the established control line ahead of it.
Tonight’s activities: Firefighters will continue ignitions in the southwest portion of the fire if conditions are favorable this evening. Crews will also prioritize mopping up along the fire’s northern perimeter and in recently burned areas.
Evacuations: A Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notice remains in effect from Agness to Quosatana Creek and for the areas of Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road and Spud Road. Curry County is using Everbridge to send evacuation notices. You can sign up for notifications here: https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php.
Weather: A slight warming and drying weather pattern began over the fire area today.
Smoke: TheSmoke Outlooks are available at https://www.airnow.gov/ or oregonsmoke.org.
Closures: The Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest has issued a closure order for the fire area including trails, roads and a portion of the Illinois River. Oak Flat Campground, Game Lake Campground, Wild Horse Campground and Snow Camp Lookout Recreation Rentals are all part of the area closure. More information can be found here: bit.ly/RRSNFClosures.
Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place, to learn more visit:fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou.
Please slow down and be careful when driving near the fire area and incident camps due to increased fire traffic. The public is asked to be especially cautious when driving on Bear Camp Road (Forest Service Road 23). There is heavy public and fire-related traffic on this road. INCIWEB UPDATES
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency issued an air quality advisory Monday for parts of Central and Southern Oregon.
DEQ and LRAPA expect intermittent smoke in the following areas through at least Wednesday night:
- Deschutes County (worst overnight and early morning hours) due to the Bedrock Fire.
- Jackson County due to the Flat Fire.
- Josephine County (localized near the Cave Junction area by the Flat Fire).
- Klamath County due to the Bedrock Fire.
- Lake County due to the Bedrock Fire.
- Lane County (localized near the Oakridge area by the Bedrock Fire).
Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ’s Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.
Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people.
Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:
- Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed. If it’s too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or consider moving to a cooler location.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. Or create your own air purifying filter by following these instructions.
- Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
- When air quality improves to moderate or healthy (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index), open windows and doors to air out homes and businesses.
- If you have a breathing plan for a medical condition, be sure to follow it and keep any needed medications refilled.
Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke.N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH may offer protection, but they must be properly selected and worn. Select a NIOSH-approved respirator with a N, R or P alongside the number 95, 99 or 100. Learn how to put on and use a respirator. Respirators won’t work for children as they don’t come in children’s sizes. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their health care provider before wearing a respirator.
Additional resources:
- Find a cleaner air space in your area: Visit 211info.org and search for “Wildfire Related Clean Air Shelters.” Or call 211 any time or day.
- Learn more about protecting your health during wildfires
FOR MORE INFO: https://www.oregonsmoke.org/2023/07/air-quality-advisory-for-central-and.html
State, federal, and local partners collaborate to restore Oregon forests and lower fire risks
SALEM, Ore.— Many hands make light work. And the impact adds up. The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Federal Forest Restoration (FFR) Program is reducing fire risks and creating jobs for local communities. A recent monitoring report by the University of Oregon’s Ecosystem Workforce Program shows the program has supported 377 jobs and added $30.5 million to the regional economy.
State investment yields a suite of benefits – The report notes that the program invested $6.4 million of state funds and leveraged an additional $4.22 million in federal funds from federal land management agencies using the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA). GNA enables the state to do work on federal lands, including restoration treatments to improve resiliency and sell federal timber to pay for restoration projects. The program investments between 2021 and 2023:
- Supported 377 jobs and contributed $30.5 million to the regional economy when activities associated with GNA timber sales are included.
- Investments in Forest Service and BLM projects led to:
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) surveys covering 18,977 acres for heritage and botany assessments.
- 250 acres of surveys for fish passage and floodplain restoration work.
- 21,800 acres of commercial and non-commercial forest treatments to improve forest health and reduce risk of high-intensity wildfire.
- One contracted NEPA project covering 100 acres.
- 650 acres of restoration project monitoring.
Supporting collaborative groups bolsters work on federal forests – The program also provided grants to 12 collaborative groups which produced restoration plans for over 1.2 million acres of federal forestland across 25 NEPA planning areas. These plans led to:
- Over 75,000 acres of forest restoration activities, including timber sales, pre-commercial thinning, and fuels reduction.
- Pile burning conducted on 48,000 acres, along with broadcast burning on approximately 9,800 acres.
- Harvesting or processing of about 283 million board feet of timber, providing employment for 339 workers, and creating an additional 483 jobs in various sectors.
Looking to the future – Looking ahead, the Federal Forest Restoration Program aims to deepen its impact. Over the next two years, the program goals include:
- Support forest collaboratives through the fully funded Forest Collaborative Grants and Technical Assistance and Science Support (TASS) grants.
- Restore 8,900 acres through commercial timber treatments.
- Sell 78 million board feet of timber.
- Contract for six NEPA projects covering 81,000 acres.
- Improve 51 miles of forest roads.
- Implement 21,000 acres of non-commercial fuels reduction, habitat improvement, and resource surveys.
- Post-fire reforestation of 7,200 acres.
- Complete four cross-boundary projects, which involve treatments on federal and non-federal lands.
- Engage with 15 forest collaboratives and all-lands partnerships.
- Stand up an interagency forestry strike team to prepare restoration projects in high priority watersheds.
Former Oregon Corrections Nurse Found Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Nine Female Inmates
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury in Portland found a former Oregon Department of Corrections employee guilty today of sexually assaulting nine female inmates while serving as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, Oregon’s only women’s prison.
Tony Daniel Klein, 38, of Clackamas County, Oregon, was convicted of 17 counts of depriving his victims of their constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by sexual assault and four counts of perjury.
“Tony Klein used his position of authority to prey on women in custody who were in a uniquely vulnerable position. He further led his victims to believe they had no power to resist or report his abuse,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “This verdict would not have been possible without the courage and resolve of these women and the dedication of our partners at the FBI and Civil Rights Division.”
“This defendant is being held accountable for sexually assaulting female inmates under his care, custody and control,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Abuses of power and authority, like this, where the defendant took advantage of his position as a medical professional to satisfy his own sexual desires, will not be tolerated, and justice will be pursued. We thank the survivors of these sexual assaults for having the courage to come forward and tell their story. The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously hold accountable those who abuse their authority by committing sexual assault.”
“As a state prison nurse, Mr. Klein used his position to intimidate and sexually assault multiple women. His heinous actions were only brought to light by a small group of courageous women who came forward, even despite their precarious circumstances of being incarcerated. Their willingness to report their victimization undoubtedly saved others from Mr. Klein’s predatory actions,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “This verdict demonstrates the commitment by the FBI and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold accountable public officials, who not only violate the public trust, but even go so far as to commit monstrous actions such as those proven at trial in this case.”
According to court documents, from 2010 until January 2018, Klein served as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. In his position, Klein interacted with female inmates who either sought medical treatment or worked as orderlies in the prison’s medical unit. Aided by his access to the women and his position of power as a corrections employee, Klein sexually assaulted or engaged in nonconsensual sexual conduct with many female inmates entrusted to his care.
By virtue of his position as a medical provider, Klein was often alone with his victims and assaulted many before, during, or after medical treatment. For women who worked in the medical unit, Klein manufactured reasons to get them alone in secluded areas such as medical rooms, janitor’s closets, or behind privacy curtains. Klein made it clear to his victims that he was in a position of power over them, and they would not be believed if they tried reporting his abuse. Fearing punishment if they fought back against or reported his conduct, most of Klein’s victims submitted to his unwanted advances or endured his assaults.
On March 8, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Klein with depriving his victims of their constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by sexual assault and perjury.
Following announcement of the jury’s verdict, Klein was remanded into the custody of U.S. Marshals Service pending his sentencing on October 17, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon. Klein faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office. It was prosecuted by Cameron A. Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, and Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Horsley assisted the trial team.
Oregonians Can Start To Apply For Paid Work Leave Next Month
Oregon workers can apply for benefits through the state’s new paid leave program starting Aug. 14, with benefits starting in September. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Oregon workers can apply for benefits through the state’s new paid leave program starting Aug. 14.
The program, Paid Leave Oregon , covers family leave, medical leave and safe leave for Oregonians with jobs. Oregon is the 12th state in the nation with paid family and medical leave for workers, due to a bill the Legislature passed in 2019. Oregonians can qualify for leave for reasons that include:
- A child arriving in their family, whether through birth, adoption or a foster care placement.
- Caring for themselves due to a serious health condition.
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition.
- If they or their child experience sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking. This is called “safe leave.”
Oregon Employment Department officials determined the trust fund, which collects employee payroll deductions and employer contributions, will be solvent and ready to launch benefits the week of Sept. 3. As a result, this will be the first week workers can start their paid leave. Payments will go out within two weeks of when their leave starts, state officials said.
To apply for leave, employees will use the Oregon Employment Department’s new online system called Frances Online .
Employees can now go to the employee overview page and find many resources, including a guidebook.
Detailed information for employees, including eligibility requirements, tutorial videos, a benefits calculator, and much more, will be available on the Paid Leave website on Aug. 14.
“We’re opening up the application process a little early so we can handle that big influx of initial applications we expect,” said Karen Madden Humelbaugh, director of Paid Leave Oregon.
Humelbaugh said the state cannot retroactively pay people who took leave before Sept. 3.
State officials expect the demand to be high initially and level out. They project about 41,000 workers will file claims for leave during the initial launch and that figure will eventually level out to about 12,000 claims a month.
One reason why the initial period will see more claims is because workers can take leave due to the birth or arrival of a new child into the family within the first year.
“You do have all those folks who maybe their child is 10 months old, so they could take the last two months or something like that,” Humelbaugh said.
How it works
In January 2023, employers and employees started contributing to a trust fund that will pay for employee paid leave benefits. Workers will be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid leave annually, or 14 weeks for pregnancy-related medical leave.
In 2021, state lawmakers delayed the start of contributions for one year, from January 2022 to January 2023, as the Oregon Employment Department worked on a project to modernize its technology during the pandemic.
Employers and employees fund Paid Leave Oregon with a combined total contribution of 1% of gross payroll. Employees pay 60% and large employers with 25 or more employees will contribute the remaining 40%.
For an employee who makes $50,000 in annual gross wages, the worker’s share is $300 annually and the employer will contribute $200.
Employers with fewer than 25 employees are not required to contribute, but their workers still pay into the program and are eligible.
Part-time employees, or those with multiple jobs, are eligible.
The program will pay benefits on a sliding scale, based on how much employees make. Many low-income Oregonians will be eligible for all their paychecks while on paid leave. For example, Oregonians making minimum wage will receive 100% of their regular pay while on paid leave.
It’s a smaller share for high-income Oregonians. For example, someone earning $2,555.78 a week – about $133,000 annually – would get $1,469.78 a week in paid leave.
Most employees are covered, with the exception of tribal governments, independent contractors and self-employed business owners. However, they can choose to participate in the program.
Federal government employees are not eligible. Employers that offer equivalent paid leave benefits can opt out of the state’s program.
During the 2023 legislative session, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 31 , which requires the Oregon Employment Department to make sure the Paid Leave Oregon trust fund is solvent before starting any benefits.
“Just like any new statewide program of this size, we know we will have to adjust along the way,” Humelbaugh said. “SB 31 was good contingency planning, and we will continue to work with the Legislature and other key partners as we monitor the program’s progress after launch.” (SOURCE)
Red Cross needs help to avert a blood shortage
Chance at shark dive trip, $10 e-gift card for donors in August
PORTLAND, Ore, July 25, 2023 — After a summer of declining donations, the American Red Cross needs the public’s help to prevent a blood shortage. When a donor makes and keeps an appointment to give blood or platelets in the weeks ahead, they can help ensure trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment, and people with lifelong blood disorders can get the blood they count on.
Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood donors, as well as platelet donors. Donors of all blood types can schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. for the theatrical release of Meg 2: The Trench to celebrate a summer of sharks and help stave off a summer blood and platelet shortage. All who come to give through Aug. 12 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Those who come to give throughout the month of August will also get a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 1-15:
August 1, 2023
LDS – Lake Oswego Stake, 14903 Westlake Drive, Lake Oswego, OR, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Savier Street Flats, 2270 NW Savier Street, Portland, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
August 2, 2023
Russellville Park Gives Back, 20 SE 103rd Ave., Portland, OR, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Blood Donation Center, 1174 Progress Drive Suite 102, Medford, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110, Bend, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
August 4, 2023
Oregon City Public Library, 606 John Adams St., Oregon City, OR, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Embassy Suites Portland-Downtown,319 SW Pine St., Portland, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Blood Donation Center, 5109 NE 82nd Ave., Vancouver, WA, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
August 5, 2023
Pursue Fitness, 555 West Centennial Blvd, Springfield, OR, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
August 7, 2023
Riverside Seventh Day Adventist Church, 463 N. Shepherd Rd, Washougal, WA, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
American Pacific Mortgage, 1200 Executive Parkway, Suite 100, Eugene, OR, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
City of Bend Police Dept., 555 NE 15th St, Bend, OR, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Ascension Lutheran Church, 675 Black Oak Drive, Medford, OR, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
August 8, 2023
Fowler Student Center, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Portland Blood Donation Center,3131 N Vancouver Avenue, Portland, OR, 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
August 9, 2023
Islamic Community Center of Hillsboro,7270 NW Helvetia Rd, Portland, OR, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
August 10, 2023
Village Church,330 SW Murray Blvd., Beaverton, OR, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
To find a donation site near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org and put in your zip code.
How to donate blood — To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Amplify your impact − volunteer! — A stable blood and platelet supply is critical to national preparedness. Additionally, as we approach the beginning of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters.
Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. — American Red Cross – Cascades Region
