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, September 27, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
Eugene Police Department’s Drone Program Attends Law Enforcement Drone Association Training in Bend
To enhance EPD’s drone proficiency and learn the latest in drone technologies, case law, and best practices, Eugene Police Drone Team leadership, along with Springfield Police members of the Drone Metro Team, is participating in the prestigious National Law Enforcement Drone Association training, hosted by Bend Police Department.
More than 70 law enforcement agencies nationwide are attending the training. In 2022, the EPD Drone Team had 1,100 total flights, including training, and 246 field deployments. Thirty-seven of those deployments have been for crash/crime scene reconstruction work. The program currently runs on a small budget from patrol, with support from the Eugene Police Foundation. EPD also completed the merger with the Springfield Police Department, operating as The Eugene Springfield Metro Drone Team.
There are many instances where having an eye in the sky can help locate a missing and endangered person or an armed and dangerous suspect on the loose. Having an overhead view can also help a bomb team or SWAT team more safely enter an area to respond on the public’s behalf or document a crime scene. Eugene Police Drone Team debuted its program in April 2018.
About the National Law Enforcement Drone Training According to LEDA: “LEDA, a renowned non-profit organization, is facilitating a comprehensive training program focusing on the optimal use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, or drones) in law enforcement. The participants will engage in intense learning sessions, including case law updates, search and seizure training, counter UAS investigations, drone as the first responder (DFR) integration, and the latest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) updates. The week-long training will blend theoretical knowledge with practical experience, consisting of classroom seminars and hands-on, scenario-based flight exercises. It aims to equip law enforcement agencies with the knowledge and skills required to implement and operate drone technology effectively, adhering to the highest standards and best practices.”
Eugene Man Convicted Of Murder Sentenced To Life In Prison
The Eugene Police Department states the 20-year-old Eugene man who was arrested earlier this year, on multiple charges, was convicted of Murder on Monday, September 25.
Back on March 14, 2023 around 12:28 a.m. EPD says patrol units responded to a dispute at E. 13th Avenue and Patterson Street with report of gunshots fired.
EPD says arriving authorities found two subjects with minor gunshot wounds, and a third, later identified as 19-year-old Cottage Grove resident Fernando Allen Giffen-Vallejo, deceased inside a nearby crashed vehicle.
On March 17, EPD’s Violent Crimes Unite arrested 20-year-old Elijah Michael Pruitt on charges of Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
On September 25, 2023 Pruitt was convicted of f Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Officials say Pruitt was sentenced to life in prison plus two years.
Lane Community College Awarded $100K for Renewable Energy Planning to Host Open House on October 3rd
Oregon’s Department of Energy has awarded Lane Community College a $100,000 grant to fund renewable energy planning efforts for LCC’s Eugene campus.
LCC said that the grant was awarded through the ODOE’s Community Renewable Energy Grant Program as part of the first round of competitive grant awards distributed by ODOE. The grant will be utilized to reduce the college’s environmental impacts as well as for educational opportunities for its students, the college said.
“This grant will catalyze our initiatives for a greener future at LCC,” said Luis Maggiori, sustainability coordinator for the Institute for Sustainable Practices at LCC. “We are excited to conduct in-depth planning to integrate renewable energy solutions that not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create educational opportunities for our students.”
LCC said that the state’s community renewable energy grant program was established under House Bill 2021 and is focused on providing grants for planning and development of renewable energy and energy resilience projects. LCC has ensured community involvement in developing their renewable energy plans and will host an open house on October 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the main campus on East 30th Avenue in Building 04, room 106, college officials said.
“The Open House is an opportunity for our stakeholders to voice their opinions and offer their expertise on the renewable energy pathways we should explore,” says Maggiori. “Their feedback is invaluable to us and will help guide the direction we take as we plan for a more sustainable LCC.”
LCC said that they plan to apply for a renewable energy construction grant in the third round of the ODOE program that would issue a maximum award of $1 million. https://www.lanecc.edu/about-lane/newsroom/lane-community-college-awarded-100000-grant-renewable-energy-planning-announces-open-house-october-3
Save Eugene’s Hospital
Join us in asking the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Governor Tina Kotek to do everything in their power to prevent PeaceHealth’s from closing Eugene’s only hospital!
Use this easy tool to email OHA and ask them to save Eugene’s hospital and protect Lane County residents: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/save-eugenes-hospital?source=direct_link&
- Learn more at www.SaveEugenesHospital.com.
1st press conference was livestreamed on the Oregon Nurses Association’s (ONA’s) Facebook page here.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union which represents more than 16,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout Oregon. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.
Prowler Arrest on Circle Blvd in Corvallis
Overnight Corvallis Police Officers arrested a 65-year-old Corvallis resident after reports were received of the man peeping into windows with a flashlight.
On September 26, 2023 at about 5:20 a.m. Corvallis Police Officers responded to the area of 755 NE Circle Blvd for a report of a male at the female callers window with a flashlight. The caller noticed the male had a plastic bag with him and when asked what he was doing, he left without responding.
Officers located the male hiding behind a shed near where the caller last reported seeing him. As the lone officer was attempting to take the male into custody, he attempted to strike her with a metal flashlight several times. Several other officers arrived and safely detained the male into handcuffs. The male was identified as 65-year-old Ronald Gibson of Corvallis. The police officer was not significantly injured in this incident. Gibson was taken to jail and lodged on the following charges.
ORS 163.208 Attempted Assault on a Peace Officer – ORS 162.247 Interfering with a Peace Officer — ORS 164.245 Trespass II —- Offender: Ronald Dean Gibson D.O.B. 04-14-1968
Lookout, Bedrock, Horse Creek, Pothole Fire Updates
Newsweek Podcast Focusing on The Disappearance of Fauna Frey Who Went Missing Near Grants Pass After Leaving Her Home Here in Lane County
Here One Minute, Gone the Next
John Frey joins Newsweek to discuss exclusive details about the case of his missing daughter that until now have been unavailable to the general public.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Fauna Frey, call the anonymous tip line at 541-539-5638 or email FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com.
Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) will host its annual awareness walk and fundraiser, Sole Support for Parkinson’s at Alton Baker Park on October 1st
The annual event brings people whose lives are impacted by a Parkinson’s diagnosis together with a caring and supportive community for a walk along the riverfront spreading awareness about this neurodegenerative disease with no cure. Funds raised remain in the local community to help people living with the disease through Parkinson’s Resources (PRO) exercise, education, and wellness programs.
Sole Supporters, such as Eugene resident Larry Bradley, look forward to participating this year. Bradley, a client of PRO and member of the Board of Directors shares “Sole Support was one of the first events I participated in after my diagnosis. It was there that I learned about all the programs and services available in our community and where I was able to make new connections and find the support to face Parkinson’s disease head on. I encourage anyone who has PD or cares for someone with the disease to get involved! “
People living with Parkinson’s disease and their families and supporters from across SW Washington will participate in this year’s Eugene event to show their support and spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease. Registration is required but free.
- Saturday, October 1, 2023
- Alton Baker Park
- On-site registration and check in opens at noon – Walk begins at 1:30pm
- ~1k and ~5k routes are walker and wheelchair friendly
- Registration is free – fundraising is encouraged
To register, find out more, or donate, go to:www.solesupport.org or call 800.426.6806
About Parkinson’s Resources: Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) is a donor supported non-profit with the sole mission of advancing the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers. With three office locations (Bend, Eugene, Beaverton), PRO provides direct care and support of thousands of families in Oregon and SW Washington. Working to address issues faced by Parkinson’s patients and their families, we can significantly improve the quality of life for all touched by this disease.
Strike Averted as Nurses and Management at OHSU Reach Tentative Agreement
Agreement reached after almost 100 hours of bargaining over ten days
(Portland, Ore.) – Nurses at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) successfully reached a tentative agreement with hospital management the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 25 capping off almost 60 hours of negotiation meetings over five days, including work with a mediator. Nearly 3200 nurses at OHSU are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).
“Nurses at OHSU care for Oregon’s most critical patients—patients who require specialized nursing care that only we can provide. We deserve a contract that reflects the expertise, compassion and skill we bring to every patient in our care. This new contract will ensure we have the tools, the workplace safety and the staffing support necessary to deliver the high-quality care our patients deserve,” said Duncan Zevetski, RN, vice president of the ONA bargaining unit at OHSU. “I am proud of the nurses who organized, fought for and won this historic contract—a contract that our union colleagues across the country can look to as an example in their own fights for improved working conditions that will support them in caring for their patients.”
Members will vote to ratify the tentative agreement from Oct. 1-5 but detailed discussions of the proposed agreement will start Friday, Sept. 29. If approved, the agreement will include historic wage increases, which are key to retaining experienced nurses at OHSU, recruiting the next generation of nurses, and ensuring safe care for our community.
Key provisions of the tentative agreement include:
- Nurse staffing standards that align with the higher complexity patients OHSU nurses care for.
- Minimum safe staffing standards guaranteed by June 1, 2024, including a specific plan for the Emergency Department levels, and 1:3 Acute Care (mixed IMC) ratios written into the contract. A guarantee to follow professional standards that set ratios and levels for all other areas.
- Wage increases of 15%, 6%, and 6% each year as well as a new 30-step wage scale. The average base wage will increase 37% and will average to $20.67/hr increase over 3 years.
- Major expansion of the Code Green team that includes social workers trained in de-escalation for the Marquam Hill campus and newly provided to the Waterfront campus.
- Paid training for trauma-informed care, in-person de-escalation training/including advanced physical skills, crisis intervention and assault prevention.
- 24/7 coverage of metal detector screenings and DPS presence in the EDs.
- Major improvements to workplace safety at OHSU, including 50% of positions for nurses and AFSCME members on a task force to allocate $10 million in funds.
- A commitment to immediately institute urgent changes to lockdown procedures, securing entrances and other workplace violence reduction.
- The right to bargain the impacts of a merger with Legacy Health system.
- Full retro pay.
Nurses were also able to secure additional contract protections requiring break-relief assignments so that patient care isn’t compromised. Data from OHSU indicates that nurses missed at least 95,000 legally required rest in the last six months. Research has clearly shown that nurses who miss breaks are more likely to make mistakes, experience exhaustion and moral injury, and are ultimately more likely to leave the bedside—adding to a critical nursing shortage.
“AURN won strong contract language for nurse staffing across our entire institution, including care areas ranging from ambulatory to inpatient. Most importantly, the contract centers on the expertise of the nurses providing care as essential to designing and driving staffing levels. We are proud to be raising the staffing standards for high-acuity hospitals across the country,” said Erica Swartz, RN and ONA staffing committee co-chair at OHSU.
“Going into negotiations, our team was faced with the realities of what our workforce has been enduring,” said Corinn Joseph, RN and ONA bargaining team member. “Across the nation, and the world, nursing has become not only a risk to our mental health but our physical safety. We set out with the intention to build a better contract, one that would change standards. We did this not only for our nurses, but to help raise the bar for hospitals everywhere. With the help of our dedicated members, we have done just that. We can stand proud of what we have set into motion for the decades of nursing that follow! Together we create our future. Together we care for the people. Together we care for ourselves. Together we stand strong.”
Nurses began contract negotiations in December 2022 and their contract with OHSU expired on June 30, 2023. The new agreement will run through June 30, 2026.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union representing over 16,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.
Governor Kotek Announces Immediate Action on Fentanyl Enforcement
Governor Tina Kotek announced that the Oregon State Police are launching several new fentanyl strategic enforcement and disruption strategies statewide at her direction.
The Governor made the announcement at the second convening of the Portland Central City Task Force (PCCTF). Superintendent Casey Codding, who Governor Kotek appointed earlier this year, also serves on the PCCTF Community Safety committee.
“I want all Oregonians to know that the state is moving forward with several new fentanyl strategic enforcement and disruption strategies,” Governor Kotek said. “I’m grateful to Superintendent Codding and his team for bringing forward an urgent and thoughtful plan. As we work to cut the supply of fentanyl and hold dealers accountable for selling dangerous drugs, I also remain fully committed to expanding access to critical behavioral health services.”
“This announcement says something important about our Governor: she is impatient about the right things,” Dan McMillan said. “We have committed to deliver actionable recommendations from the task force in just three short months. The fact that the state is putting skin in the game this early bodes well for the work ahead.”
The Oregon State Police’s Fentanyl Strategic Enforcement and Disruption Initiative includes:
• Increasing and reallocating staff to strategic local drug enforcement teams, including local and regional teams.
• Designing and hosting interagency saturation patrols with an emphasis on fentanyl interdiction using teams of narcotic enforcement K-9’s, drug enforcement detectives, and patrol resources.
• Partnering with the DOJ to update and make interdiction training available to our public safety partners to avoid unlawful searches and address potential biases prior to the implementation of enhanced enforcement strategies.
• Extending their High Visibility Enforcement Unit (HVEU) pilot that kicked off this summer, which uses a data driven approach to identifying drug and alcohol impaired drivers who present a danger to public safety.
“The terrible impacts of fentanyl here in Oregon are plain to see,” Superintendent Codding said. “The Oregon State Police is steadfastly committed to stopping its distribution and increased use in our communities through proactive interdiction and enforcement, and through collaboration with community, public health, education, and public safety partners.”
In 2023, the Oregon State Police has seized 62 pounds of powder and 232,962 fentanyl pills before it could reach Oregon communities and put lives at risk.
The Governor has made her position clear that public consumption of controlled substances is a problem that needs to be urgently addressed in this upcoming legislative session. She commends Mayor Ted Wheeler and the Portland City Council for their partnership in this effort in passing an emergency ordinance in recent weeks. The task force will discuss a path forward work with legislators to fix the issue.
The PCCTF will have its next meeting in October. Each of the task force committees, including Central City Value Proposition, Livable Neighborhoods, Community Safety, Housing and Homelessness, Taxes for Services, have and will continue to meet regularly between task force meetings. The co-chairs have committed to presenting actionable recommendations at the Oregon Business Summit on December 11.
View the PCCTF website here.
Take the survey here. (SOURCE)
ODF’s Weekly Situation Report is to help create a snapshot of large fire information and statewide fire stats in one place.
Read the full report at https://odffire.com/…/weekly-situation-report…/
Fire information for the Smith River Complex North in Southern Oregon
Smith River Complex North 2023 #thankyoufirefighters — Northwest Incident Management Team 8 (NWIMT8) will be turning over management of the fire to a smaller incident management organization, referred to as a Type 3 Team, tomorrow morning, Wednesday, September 27th.
The Type 3 Team will continue to post to this Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/smithrivercomplexnorth) once a day and additional significant updates as needed. The public may also call 541-646-9177, or email: 2023.smithrivercomplex@firenet.gov NWIMT8 would like to thank all of the firefighters, partners, and support personnel who have worked tirelessly on this fire. And to the communities impacted by the #smithrivercomplexnorth, we are so grateful for your hospitality, Thank You!
Anvil Fire and Flat Fire Update
Please visit Inciweb bit.ly/AnvilFireOR and bit.ly/FlatFireOR for the latest closure information. Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.
A list of fire restrictions and closure orders for BLM Oregon-Washington public lands are available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BLMOregon.
Morgan Fire near Bly UPDATE
Marsh Fire in Klamath Marsh National Forest
Oregon Supreme Court Asked To Decide If GOP Senators Who Boycotted Legislature Can Be Reelected
The Oregon Court of Appeals on Monday asked the state’s highest court to decide whether Republican state senators who carried out a record-setting GOP walkout this year can run for reelection.
The senators are challenging a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2022 that bars them from being reelected after having 10 or more unexcused absences. Oregon voters last year overwhelmingly approved the ballot measure that created the amendment following GOP walkouts in the Legislature in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Statehouses around the nation have become ideological battlegrounds in recent years, including in Montana, Tennessee and Oregon, where the lawmakers’ walkout this year was the longest in state history and the second-longest in the United States.
Several Oregon state senators with at least 10 absences have already filed candidacy papers with election authorities, even though Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade announced on Aug. 8 that they are disqualified from running for legislative seats in the 2024 election.
“My decision honors the voters’ intent by enforcing the measure the way it was commonly understood when Oregonians added it to our state constitution,” Griffin-Valade said.
The senators from the minority party sued Griffin-Valade in the Oregon Court of Appeals, aimed at forcing state officials to allow them to seek reelection. They and Oregon Department of Justice attorneys on the opposite side of the case jointly last month asked the appeals court to send the matter straight to the state Supreme Court.
The appeals court on Monday formally asked the Oregon Supreme Court to take the case, said Todd Sprague, spokesman for the Oregon Judicial Department. The Supreme Court has 20 days to grant or deny and can add up to 10 days to make a decision on the request, Sprague said.
There were nine Oregon Republicans and an independent who clocked at least 10 absences during this year’s legislative session in order to block Democratic bills covering abortion, transgender health care and gun rights. The walkout prevented a quorum, holding up bills in the Democrat-led Senate for six weeks.
As part of the deal to end the walkout in June with barely one week left in the legislative session, Democrats agreed to change language concerning parental notifications for abortion. Democrats also agreed to drop several amendments on a gun bill that would have increased the purchasing age from 18 to 21 for semiautomatic rifles and placed more limits on concealed carry.
The terms of six of the senators who accumulated at least 10 unexcused absences end in January 2025, meaning they’d be up for reelection next year. One of them, Sen. Bill Hansell, has announced he will retire when his term ends.
Those who have filed for reelection include GOP Senate leader Tim Knopp, who led the walkout,.
The senators insist that the way the amendment to the state constitution is written means they can seek another term.
The constitutional amendment says a lawmaker is not allowed to run “for the term following the election after the member’s current term is completed.” Since a senator’s term ends in January while elections are held the previous November, they argue the penalty doesn’t take effect immediately, but instead, after they’ve served another term.
“The clear language of Measure 113 allows me to run one more time,” Knopp said in a statement when he filed as a candidate on Sept. 14.
Ben Morris, the secretary of state’s spokesman, said all parties want the court “to quickly rule on Measure 113 and settle this matter.”
The longest walkout by state lawmakers in the U.S. was a century ago. In 1924, Republican senators in Rhode Island fled to Rutland, Massachusetts, and stayed away for six months, ending Democratic efforts to have a popular referendum on the holding of a constitutional convention. (SOURCE)
Oregon State Hospital holds memorial ceremony for historical cremains
SALEM, Ore. – Fourteen families from across the country and Canada attended Oregon State Hospital’s (OSH) cremains memorial ceremony Tuesday to claim the ashes of relatives who died at the hospital or other state institutions between 1914 and 1973 and remained unclaimed – until now.
“For some of you, you may have never met or heard of the relative you are welcoming back into your family today. Thank you for opening your hearts to them,” said OSH Superintendent Dolly Matteucci at the ceremony.
David Gilliland and his cousin Rick Ewen traveled from Saskatchewan to attend the ceremony to claim the ashes of their great aunt, Mary Ann “Minnie” Gilliland Smart, who was an OSH patient from 1930 until her death in 1934.
“It’s about honoring Minnie’s memory. It seems like the right thing to do. We decided early on because there was a repatriation opportunity that we would want to bring her home,” Gilliland said.
In the past 10 years, OSH staff and volunteers have helped reunite families with the cremains of 1,052 of the 3,500 people whose ashes are in the custody of OSH. Meanwhile, efforts continue to identify the closest living relatives of those whose ashes have not been claimed.
This year, the number of remains claimed by families grew by 76. During the ceremony, the 76 names were read aloud one by one.
For some, the reasons why family in the past could not or would not claim the remains is unknown. The reasons could be loss of contact information, the inability to afford travel or burial expenses, or the stigma of mental illness at a time when sun stroke could lead to admission to OSH as easily as syphilis or morphine addiction, Matteucci said.
“What has not changed is the dedication of the staff across Oregon State Hospital to inspire hope to people at the most difficult time in their lives, promote safety and support their recovery,” she said. “What has also not changed is the resilience of those we serve and their ability to progress and recover, and our shared goal of an individual’s return to their community.”
David Baden, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) interim director, spoke of learning from the past as OHA looks towards the future. “We can and will do right by the people in our care across the behavioral health continuum. We must do everything in our power to ensure individuals with mental illness are no longer cast aside due to stigma, lack of services or support,” he said.
Until 1973, OSH operated a crematorium and became the custodian of the unclaimed cremains of nearly 3,500 people who died while living or working at OSH, Oregon State Tuberculosis Hospital, Mid-Columbia Hospital, Dammasch State Hospital, Deaconess Hospital, Oregon State Penitentiary and Fairview Training Center. In 2014, the hospital dedicated a memorial and began holding an annual ceremony to remember those whose remains are now housed in the memorial’s columbarium. During the pandemic, the event continued virtually. The service returned to an in-person ceremony on Tuesday.
A current OSH patient shared remarks about their positive experiences receiving care at OSH during the ceremony event which also featured music performed by OSH music therapists and a prayer by the hospital’s chaplain.
After the ceremony, family members in attendance claimed their relatives’ ashes. Those unable to attend will receive their cremains, along with a rubbing of their relative’s name from the columbarium wall and the original copper canister that interred their ashes.
People can visit OSH’s online cremains directory to research whether they have a family member among the unclaimed cremains.
Department of Administrative Services Publishes Annual Maximum Rent Increase for 2024
The Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) this week published the annual maximum rent increase allowed by statute for calendar year 2024. The DAS Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) has calculated the maximum percentage as 10.0%.
Following the passage of SB 608 in the 2019 legislative session and SB 611 in the 2023 legislative session, Oregon law requires DAS to calculate and post to its website, by September 30 of each year, the maximum annual rent increase percentage allowed by statute for the following calendar year. Per statute, OEA calculates this amount as 7% plus the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region (All Items), as most recently published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or 10%, whichever is lower.
The allowable rent increase percentage for the 2024 calendar year is 10.0%. The allowable rent increase percentage for the previous year, 2023, was 14.6% if the increase was issued before July 6, or 10.0% if issued after July 6.
DAS will calculate and post the percentage for the 2025 calendar year by Sept. 30, 2024.
Information about the maximum annual rent increase percentage, as well as the provisions of ORS 90.323 and 90.600 (statutes governing rent increases), can be found on the OEA website.
For information on the law, please see the full text of SB 608 and SB 611 at the link below. DAS does not provide legal advice regarding other provisions of SB 608 and SB 611.
Links:
- Full text of SB 608: http://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2019R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB608/Enrolled
- Full text of SB 611: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB611/Enrolled
- OEA website: https://www.oregon.gov/das/OEA/Pages/Rent-stabilization.aspx
Murder Suspect Arrested In Williams
A man was arrested in the 100 block of East Fork Road in Williams on Sunday after police responded to a call of shots fired.
“When the Deputies arrived on scene, they contacted a male subject at the property who was identified as Senji Sanuma Pintar,” a Tuesday news release from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office said. “After talking with Senji, an unresponsive subject was located at the scene.”
The unresponsive person was later declared dead, the release said. Pintar was lodged at Josephine County Jail on charges of aggravated murder and unlawful use of a weapon. The investigation is ongoing,” the release said. “Further inquiries are directed to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.
Oil and Gas Industry Watcher Predicts Gas Prices Could Skyrocket Even Higher This Week on the West Coast
A prominent oil and gas industry watcher in California is predicting gas prices on the U.S. West Coast will skyrocket in the coming days.
Patrick De Haan said prices at the pump – which are already north of $6 per gallon in some parts of California for a gallon of regular – could rise even higher.
He attributed outages at major refineries in California for the painful increase in gas prices.
“ALERT: WEST COAST! Your gas prices are about to jump,” he wrote. “If you’re in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, or Arizona be prepared for gas prices to jump 15-35 cents per gallon in the next five days. Some stations could go up by even more, potentially 50c/gal.”
De Haan called on the California Air Resources Board to “issue a waiver given the refinery situation and lack of capacity given the extenuating circumstances.”
The increases will also be seen at gas pumps in Oregon and Washington and are “likely impacted by refinery snags in Southern California and Northern California.”
“Oregon and Washington gas prices may soon spike, following SoCal’s surge,” he said. (SOURCE)
Wildlife Safari Hiring
Looking to join a unique work environment where you will see exotic animals everyday?
Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon is looking to fill multiple positions. Visit our website at https://wildlifesafari.net/pages/work-at-safari to explore current job openings and learn more about the diverse opportunities available behind the scenes at Wildlife Safari.
10,000 Additional blood products needed each week to help recover from shortage
$15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email for coming to give blood Oct. 1-20
Portland, OR (Sept. 26, 2023) — The American Red Cross continues to experience a national blood and platelet shortage and asks the public to book a time to give as soon as possible. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets. The Red Cross offers three ways to make a donation appointment that can help save lives:
- Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App
- Visit RedCrossBlood.org
- Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
The Red Cross experienced a significant blood and platelet donation shortfall in August, contributing to the current blood and platelet shortage. To ensure the blood supply recovers, the Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month to meet hospital and patient needs.
“When blood and platelet supplies drop to critical levels, it makes hospitals and the patients they are treating vulnerable – especially if there is a major accident or emergency medical procedure that requires large quantities of blood during a disaster,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the Red Cross. “A single car accident victim can use as much as 100 units of blood. By making and keeping donation appointments, donors can help keep hospital shelves stocked with blood products and ensure patients have access to the timely care they deserve.”
As a thank-you, those who come to give Oct. 1-20, 2023, will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.
Unique challenges to blood supply – In late summer, the Red Cross national blood supply dropped by about 25% on the heels of one of the busiest travel seasons and the beginning of back-to-school activities. As people settle back into fall school and work routines, a unique challenge to the blood supply remains – many employees continue to work from home or in a hybrid capacity, reducing the number of opportunities to give blood at business-sponsored blood drives. In fact, before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 800,000 blood donations were made at blood drives hosted by businesses. Last year, the Red Cross saw only about 500,000 blood donations at these locations – a nearly 40% drop from pre-pandemic levels.
This, coupled with an active disaster season, is creating a perfect “storm” and challenging the organization’s ability to collect a sufficient amount of blood products to meet the needs of hospitals across the country.
The Red Cross provides community blood drives and donation centers across Oregon and SW Washington. Those who may have previously given at a local business blood drive are encouraged to book a time to give at one of these locations by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
To find a donation site near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org and put in your zip code.
How to donate blood – 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.
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
Missing Yachats Man’s Vehicle Found in North Lane County
On 08/25/2023, Dustin Steyding was reported missing to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office after he left work on 07/22/2023 and hadn’t been located since. Dustin was living and working in the Yachats area.
Dustin was reported to be in good physical condition, having previously worked as a hot shot firefighter in New Mexico. Dustin is very experienced in the woods and commonly goes out for hikes to stay in shape. Without means to locate Dustin, Deputies entered Dustin as a missing person in a national database.
On 09/04/2023, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Dustin’s family after they located his vehicle on Keller Creek Rd, just outside of Lincoln County in Lane County. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies contacted the vehicle and determined it had been at the location for some time. Deputies were unable to determine Dustin’s direction of travel from the vehicle.
The vehicle having been located in Lane County, Lincoln County Deputies contacted the Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and arranged for their response the next day to started searching the area. After two days of searching, no clues to Dustin’s have been found.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dustin Steyding should contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777 and reference case number 23S-07321.
