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
Monday, October 16, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
Laying It All Down at Save Eugene’s Hospital Protest
Die-In at SAVE EUGENE’S HOSPITAL PROTEST Friday the 13th
About 75 protesters laid on the ground in front of PeaceHealth Medical Center University District Friday as part of a “die-in” demonstration. The effort was meant to symbolize potential impacts if plans to close Eugene’s only hospital proceed.
The protest included nurses in hospital scrubs and speakers from CAHOOTS and the Oregon Nurses Association. Sen. James Manning, D-Eugene, called upon his legislative colleagues to join him in demanding that the hospital remain open.
Manning, who is also running for Secretary of State, referred to a past marketing campaign fun by the hospital system. “The billboard said, ‘We see you,’” Manning boomed. “PeaceHealth! Do you see us now?”
Demonstrators chanted, “Save Eugene’s hospital! Save Eugene’s hospital!”
PeaceHealth announced closure plans on Aug. 22 but has not specified a date when services will be phased out at the facility.
“PeaceHealth remains committed to its caregivers and Lane County and will continue to strategically invest in our staff and the healthcare needs of those in Eugene, Springfield and the entire region,” read a statement emailed to media Friday by PeaceHealth spokesperson Joseph Waltasti.
“Seriously ill or injured patients in the area are already transported to PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend,” Waltasti wrote in response to “comments at the protest.”
“Since RiverBend’s opening 15 years ago, care for patients suffering heart attacks, strokes, traumas and other high-acuity conditions has occurred on that campus,” he continued. “Those services are not offered at University District.”
SAVE EUGENE’S HOSPITAL DIE-IN PROTEST
Friday, Oct. 13, 2023
Die-In demonstration at approx. 12:20 p.m.
Public sidewalks in front of PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center University District
1200 Hilyard Avenue, Eugene, Oregon
(Near the intersection of E. 13th Avenue and Hilyard Street)
Frontline nurses and health care workers, elected officials, union leaders, students, and community advocates are leading a community Die-In demonstration in front of PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center University District Friday, Oct. 13 starting at noon.
PeaceHealth’s dangerous and irresponsible decision to close University District would leave nearly 200,000 people in Oregon’s second largest city without a hospital–leading to longer waits, worse care, slower emergency response times and ultimately more deaths.
Since PeaceHealth announced its closure plans Aug. 22, frontline health care workers, elected leaders, unions, allies and activists have formed the “Save Eugene’s Hospital” coalition to demand PeaceHealth reconsider its disastrous decision and save lives by keeping University District open.
The campaign has received significant public support—including nearly 3,000 petition signatures—and has already won 3 key victories.
In response to our efforts, PeaceHealth has now committed to maintaining critical mental and behavioral health services at University District. It has also agreed to retain inpatient rehabilitation services in Lane County—despite electing to move the unit to PeaceHealth Riverbend in Springfield.
Finally, due to public pressure, PeaceHealth has announced it is considering creating an urgent care clinic on the University District campus.
Preserving these life-saving services is a monumental victory for advocates and local residents. Thanks to our work, people in Lane County will still be able to access essential mental and behavioral health care and sorely-needed rehabilitation services.
However, the promises we’ve won from PeaceHealth still fall short of fulfilling our community’s needs. Oregon’s second-largest city needs a full-service hospital to serve our citizens.
Friday’s Die-In demonstration will draw attention to the imminent danger Eugene’s residents will be faced with if PeaceHealth chooses to put profits ahead of patients and close University District.
Participants have chosen a 15-minute die-in to represent the amount of time it takes to travel by car from University District to the next closest hospital—PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend in Springfield, OR. Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis called out this same concern during a “Save Eugene’s Hospital” press conference at University District Sept. 11.
“Make no mistake. The costs of this decision are high. Eugene Springfield Emergency and Rescue make approximately 4,500 trips to the emergency room every year. Consider the impact to our response time and cost. Our estimates are that every round trip transport will increase by 27 minutes. Think about what that means to people in West Eugene who have a heart attack or a house fire or another life-threatening crisis. Lives will be lost,” said Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis.
The Die-In demonstration will also include speeches from local health care workers, experts, advocates and elected leaders including State Senator James Manning.
The Save Eugene’s Hospital coalition has also received local and state support from:
- The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA)
- Lane Professional Firefighters IAFF-851
- CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets)/Teamsters Local 206
- White Bird Clinic
- Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF) at the University of Oregon
- The local chapter of HealthCare for All Oregon (HCAO)
- Eugene-Springfield DSA
- Eugene Springfield Solidarity Network
- Operating Engineers Local 701
- SEIU 49
- The Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP)
- Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis
- Lane County Commissioner Laurie Trieger
- State Senator James Manning
- and many others.
Learn more at www.SaveEugenesHospital.com.
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.
Man With Machete Arrested After Robbing Eugene Convenience Store
Around 12:17 a.m. on October 13, a Eugene Police officer was flagged down near Broadway and Olive regarding a man who was acting suspiciously.
A call had just been aired regarding an armed man inside Buy2, 110 W. Broadway. The officer who was flagged down spotted a man holding a machete to his own throat, drinking a beer. The man also had what looked like a sawn-off shotgun slung across his chest. The officer requested additional police units to help with the incident.
Upon arrival of a second officer, the man, later identified as Royal Jay Gullickson, age 57, put the machete down and complied with officer commands. He was taken into custody safely and the item slung across his chest was found to be an air rifle.
During an investigation, officers found Gullickson had been reported to have entered Buy2 and was refused service to purchase a beer because he would not leave his backpack at the door. He is reported to have taken one, held a machete to his throat, and left without paying.
Two men in their 20s also reported an incident involving Gullickson and the air rifle that had occurred at 1000 Oak Street. Gullickson was transported to Lane County Jail for Menacing and Disorderly Conduct for this incident and for Robbery in the First Degree at Buy2. Case 23-15377
Eugene City Council Approves Construction of Taller Building Near The Willamette River
The Eugene City Council has approved a taller building with more units at one of the apartment complexes under construction along the Willamette River near downtown during its Council Meeting on Oct. 11th.
The developer Atkins Dame asked to increase the height of the apartment building to seven stories and to raise the maximum number of units in it. They also requested a “Multi-Unit-Property Tax Exemption,” otherwise known as a “MUPTE,” for multi-family housing.
The council approved all three requests after some discussion. Councilors okayed up to 275 units for the building. Atkins Dame plans for it to be a 237-unit complex. The project is called the Portal at Mill street between 4th and 5th Avenues.
Construction is already underway on the adjacent property as part of the Eugene Riverfront Development.
The Eugene Film Society is reviving the 72-Hour Horror Film Competition for an 8th season. Local and regional filmmakers will compete to produce the best 3-minute horror film within 72 hours incorporating a specific line of dialogue and prop.
- Venue: Art House
- Address: Art House 492 E 13th Ave, Eugene, OR
- Date: Thu, Oct 19 – Sat, Oct 21
- Click here to learn more.
The ‘Run for Your Life! 5k’ is a Zombie-themed race event organized by ShelterCare in partnership with Thrill the World Eugene, featuring 100+ hidden zombies on the course.
- Venue: Alton Baker Park
- Address: Alton Baker Park 200 Day Island Rd, Eugene, OR
- Date: Sun, Oct 22, 3 – 5 PM
- Click here to learn more.
PART 2 – Newsweek Podcast Focusing on The Disappearance of Fauna Frey From Lane County
Here One Minute, Gone the Next —-– PART 2 – Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel joins investigative journalist Alex Rogue to speak with Here One Minute, Gone the Next about the disappearance of Fauna Frey, the growing friction between citizen investigators and law enforcement, and the lack of resources in missing persons cases. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disappearance-of-fauna-frey-pt2-feat-sheriff/id1707094441?i=1000630100040
PART 1 – 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
Lane County – Let’s get ready to vote!
Election Day is quickly approaching, and the Lane County Elections office would like to encourage voters to get ready for the November 7, 2023 Special Election. Voters in Lane County must register to vote no later than October 17, 2023.
“It is so important for voters in Lane County to double-check their registration information and make any updates necessary,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “It’s also critical that people who are eligible to vote but not registered know how they can get ready to participate in the upcoming election.”
The voter registration deadline is October 17, 2023. If a voter registration form is hand delivered, it must be received no later than 5:00 pm at the Election Office (275 W 10th Ave., Eugene) on that day. If mailed, it must be postmarked no later than October 17, 2023. If registering via www.oregonvotes.gov, it must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 17, 2023.
Ballots will be mailed starting on October 20, 2023. To track the status of a ballot, visit www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.
Voters may return their ballot by regular mail, ballot drop box, or at the Elections Office. For ballot drop box locations, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.
Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.
About the Lane County Elections Office:
The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County. The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.
Oregon Delegation and Governor Announce Federal Disaster Declaration for Chinook Salmon Commercial Fisheries
Impacted fisheries will be notified of their eligibility for funding by NOAA in the coming weeks
Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has determined that a commercial fishery failure occurred during 2018, 2019 and 2020 due to a fishery resource disaster, affecting Oregon Chinook Salmon Fisheries. This determination is in response to a request from Governor Kate Brown in October 2021.
Approved fishery disaster determinations make these fisheries eligible for funding from current fishery disaster appropriations to aid in the recovery of affected communities, restore the fishery, and/or prevent future disasters.
“This determination is incredible news for commercial fishers who have been waiting for years to find out whether or not they can receive support from the federal government,” Governor Kotek said. “This is a result of the work of Governor Brown and our congressional delegation to recognize and advocate for Oregon’s commercial fisheries. I am also hopeful for a future determination for our recent fisheries disaster declaration request.”
NOAA Fisheries, the federal agency in charge of the stewardship of U.S. national marine resources, will notify award recipients of their eligibility for funding and provide guidance on the development of applications for federal financial assistance (also known as spend plans) in the coming weeks.
In April 2023, Governor Tina Kotek requested that the U.S. Department of Commerce make an expedited declaration of a federal fishery resource disaster for ocean commercial salmon fisheries for 2023. That request is still active and has not yet been determined. The press release with that announcement can be found here.
The 2021 request from Governor Brown for a federal determination of a fisheries disaster declaration can be found here.
Study Shows Oregon and Washington Lead Nation In Increased Fentanyl Deaths
The states of Oregon and Washington had the highest increase of fentanyl-related fatalities – 13 times the national average – and other drug overdose deaths over the past year, according to a recent study.
COURTESY OF CLARK COUNTY SHERIFF
The findings were among those summarized last month by the Families Against Fentanyl, a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote public awareness of dangers posed by illicit use of the potent synthetic opioid.
Citing data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s estimated that 111,000 Americans died from drug overdoses nationwide during a 12-month period ending in April. Of those fatalities, more than 77,000 involved fentanyl and synthetic opioids other than methadone.
“Both are record numbers and increases over the prior year,” the FAF said in its summary.
According to the organization, fentanyl poisoning is now the leading cause of death among 18- to 45-year-olds – persons considered to be in the prime of life – exceeding motor vehicle accidents, suicides, COVID-19, heart and liver disease, homicides and other drug-related deaths.
During the most recent 12-month study period, FAF said Oregon had the highest rate of increase in fentanyl deaths among U.S. states: jumping from 610 to 1,020, or more than 67% compared to the prior year and far higher than the national average of 5%. Oregon also ranked second-highest for increases in overdose deaths overall, going from 1,217 to 1,501, an increase of 23%.
Neighboring Washington state saw its overdose deaths increase by over 34%, going from 2,349 to 3,155, the highest one-year increase in the nation. And Washington narrowly trailed Oregon with the nation’s second-highest increase in fentanyl deaths at 65%, increasing from 1,403 to 2,313, according to the FAF analysis.
Although the two Northwest states experienced the biggest percentage spikes in overdose deaths, they were not among the states with the highest number of drug-related fatalities during the 12-month period.
California witnessed both the most fentanyl/synthetic opioid deaths (7,728) and overall overdose deaths (12,542), followed in both categories by Florida (respectively 5,349 and 7,830).
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the states with the lowest predicted deaths in a 12-month period through April were South Dakota (89), Montana (168) and Arkansas (549). The CDC noted that drug overdose deaths may involve multiple drugs and a single death might be included in more than one category.
The FAF briefing did not elaborate on factors which may have contributed to the dramatic increase in drug deaths in Oregon and Washington during the recent 12-month comparative period. The two were among 31 states which saw increases in deaths from fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for pain relief and as an anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
In recent years, steep increases in fentanyl deaths were first reported in the eastern United States and have since spread westward across the nation, said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MPH, chief science officer for the Washington State Department of Health.
“The rates of deaths from fentanyl overdose currently observed in Washington reflect its spread to every corner of the U.S.,” Kwan-Gett said in emailed comments Thursday. “To save lives from fentanyl and other opioids, we need to urgently increase access to treatment medications for opioid use disorder, get life-saving naloxone to anyone who uses substances as well as the people around them, and raise awareness of the dangers of opioids.”
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses the overdose effects of opioids including heroin, fentanyl, methadone, OxyContin and Vicodin. Naloxone, also called NARCAN, can be administered as an injection or nasal spray.
In Washington state, naloxone is covered by Medicaid and can be dispensed at pharmacies without a prescription or provided by community-based organizations under a statewide order. People who should carry naloxone include drug users, their friends and families, and those who interact with people who use drugs, including service providers and emergency personnel. More information is available from the Washington Department of Health.
Families against Fentanyl was founded by Jim Rauh, a chemical engineer from Ohio, following the death of his son, Thomas, who unknowingly ingested illicit fentanyl. The organization seeks to have illicitly manufactured fentanyl – which has been smuggled into the U.S. across both its northern and southern borders – declared a “weapon of mass destruction” and an issue of national security. The group wants foreign governments held accountable, and it promotes harm-reduction programs to support individuals and communities from fentanyl poisonings.
Authorities note that illicit fentanyl is increasingly being cut into other illegal drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, and users are often unaware of its presence and potential for lethal overdose. According to CDC data, an estimated 64,268 fatal fentanyl overdoses took place in the U.S. between April 2020 and April 2021, a 50% increase over the prior 12 months. (SOURCE)
Oregon State Police Intercept Illegal Drugs on I-5
K-9 officers seize 80,000 fentanyl pills, 14 pounds of fentanyl powder, and 92 pounds of cocaine
Recently, Oregon State Police (OSP) K-9 officers have seized significant quantities of illegal drugs bound for distribution. The effort is part of a targeted campaign to intercept these deadly substances before they reach the street.
Traffic stops on I-5, in Linn County, led to the seizure of 80,000 fentanyl pills, 14 pounds of fentanyl powder, and 92 pounds of cocaine within 30 days. During each investigation, as part of the enforcement action, the trooper became suspicious of the occupants’ behavior and obtained lawful authority to search the vehicle.
- On Aug. 29, 2023, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a trooper stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on I-5 north, in Linn County. A search of the vehicle was conducted and the trooper located approximately 70,000 suspected fentanyl pills hidden in a backpack in the vehicle’s trunk.
- On Aug. 31, 2023, at approximately 9:55 a.m., a trooper stopped a vehicle on I-5 north, in Linn County. During a search of the vehicle, the trooper located several packages that contained a total of 14.1 pounds of fentanyl powder.
- On Sept. 28, 2023, a trooper stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-5 north, in Linn County. A K-9 was deployed, alerted to the odor of narcotics and a search warrant for the vehicle was obtained. During the vehicle search more than 10,000 fentanyl pills and 92 pounds of cocaine were seized.
Criminal charges in each case have been referred to the appropriate jurisdiction for prosecution.
OSP reminds the public of the danger of illicit drug use, which is the leading cause of injury deaths in Oregon. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or is in crisis, help is available. Call or text “988” or visit 988lifeline.org to chat. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free and confidential support.
# # # About the Oregon State Police K-9 Program
The Oregon State Police K-9 program includes explosives, fish and wildlife, and drug detection K-9s. A variety of dog breeds are included in the program including Blood Hound, Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, and Belgian Malinois. K-9s are selected based on the dog’s personality, high drive, workability, and intense desire for tracking and detection. K-9 teams assist in detecting illegal drugs, recovering stolen property, and arresting wanted persons on Oregon’s highways and in local communities. These teams work closely with other troopers, drug enforcement detectives, as well as city, county, and federal law enforcement agencies.
New affordable housing development opens doors to wildfire survivors in Talent
TALENT, ORE. — NOWIA Unete and Commonwealth Development Corporation announced that residents this week began moving into Renaissance Flats, a new affordable housing development in Talent. Several of the families and individuals who are moving into a home in the 72-unit affordable housing community were impacted by the 2020 Labor Day fires.
“The Almeda fire had a devasting and disproportionate negative impact on immigrant families, so our work until this point was focused in doing outreach for people who were displaced by the fire to help them with the application process,” said Kathy Keesee, programs director at NOWIA Unete. “This week we saw the fruits of our labor as many families who were not likely to apply are moving in.”
Commonwealth Development Corporation, the developer of Renaissance Flats, is working with ACCESS and NOWIA Unete, a Medford-based nonprofit, to remove barriers for access to affordable housing for the Rogue Valley Latino community in a culturally responsive manner.
“One of our objectives from the beginning was to partner with a respected community organization to help provide quality homes to underserved people and families who were most impacted by the fires,” said Daniel DiFrancesco, vice president of development at Commonwealth Development Corporation. “The cities of Talent, Phoenix, Ashland, and Medford are still recovering from the damage and loss of over 2,500 housing units so it’s an honor for us to bring these 72-units back into the Talent community.”
Renaissance Flats is one of more than a dozen new affordable housing developments in wildfire-affected areas that received funding from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). The state housing finance agency has prioritized these impacted communities when selecting developments for funding from multiple pre-existing housing development programs, including the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Homeownership Program and Federal Disaster Housing Tax Credits.
“In total, 975 new homes both for rent and purchase will be built in fire-impacted counties and will prioritize fire survivors,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “This is a testament to the resiliency, commitment to resolve, and state and local partnership to rebuild after the fires. This is about centering community voice and community solutions. We are fortunate that we can come together and do the things that maybe a lot of folks think we can’t do.”
The majority of the OHCS-funded affordable housing developments will open their doors to tenants next year and provide much-needed housing in Jackson, Lane, Marion, and Lincoln counties.
Commonwealth Development Corporation is planning a grand opening celebration for Renaissance Flats on Nov. 29.
Pacific Northwest Selected for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub
The PNWH2 Hub will enter into negotiations with DOE for initial hydrogen hub federal funding
Salem, OR—Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association’s PNWH2 Hub has been selected as one of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs following a competitive nationwide process.
“Oregon has long been a leader in clean, renewable energy production,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “This transformational opportunity to accelerate development of the nation’s clean energy economy is tailor-made for the Pacific Northwest, where a proud tradition of technological innovation and collaboration in taking on bold challenges is in our nature. I am grateful for this exciting investment from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Biden Administration.”
“With this investment, the Pacific Northwest will be able to develop a new clean hydrogen economy that will create local jobs and build on the region’s long history of supporting clean energy resources,” said Oregon Department of Energy Director and PNWH2 Board Vice Chair Janine Benner. “We can seize this opportunity to ensure an equitable clean energy transition that invests in local communities across the region.”
The PNWH2 Hub will span across Washington, Oregon, and Montana, and will leverage the abundant clean power and innovative technology companies in the Pacific Northwest to accelerate the transition to clean hydrogen production and use. The hub will focus on decarbonizing the region’s hard-to-electrify heavy-duty transportation, long-duration energy storage, ports, agriculture and industrial operations.
Founded with unions, environmental groups, and tribal representatives, the PNWH2 Hub includes representation from these groups on its planned Community Benefits Plan governing board. The hub has also committed to negotiating Project Labor Agreements for all projects over $1 million and anticipates creating more than 10,000 direct jobs.
The PNWH2 Hub is eligible to receive up to $1 billion in federal funding over four DOE-defined development phases spanning nine years, with $20 million allocated for Phase 1. DOE will evaluate the hub’s activities and deliver go/no-go decisions at each phase.
For more information and updates on the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association, visit https://pnwh2.com.
4x Fatal Crash- HWY 97- Deschutes County
On Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 7:27 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 118, in Deschutes County.
All fatal traffic crashes are tragic. When an entire family is lost, the tragic becomes the horrific.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Jesse Carl Ross (43) of Corvallis (MT), was northbound when it crossed the center line, sideswiped a southbound Kenworth commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Thiara Onkar Singh (50) of Livingston (CA), and then struck a Toyota Rav4, operated by Gary J Rutledge (57) of Troutdale, head on. The Toyota subsequently caught fire and became fully engulfed.
The operator of the Toyota, Gary Rutledge, and passengers- Michelle Jean Windsor Rutledge (53), Kate Rutledge (15), and Ryan Rutledge (17)- were all declared deceased at the scene. All of the deceased were related as immediate family members.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Ross) was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The operator of the Kenworth (Singh) was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. The Oregon State Police is working with the district attorney’s office in continuance of the investigation.
OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Fire, Redmond PD, and ODOT. OSP is requesting any witnesses to this crash contact the Oregon State Police at OSP and reference case SP23326671.
State Agencies Present Webinar for People Filing Homeowner Insurance Claims
Salem – Filing a homeowners insurance claim and repairing your damaged home can be a complicated and overwhelming process. To help answer homeowner questions about managing an insurance claim and performing related home repairs, Oregon’s Construction Contractors Board (CCB) has teamed with insurance regulators at the Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) to put on a webinar discussing the steps to take during this process.
“We take a strong interest in educating the consumer,” said Chris Huntington, administrator of the CCB. “Most of the time that means teaching consumers how to work with their contractor through a home remodel or repair, but dealing with an insurance claim adds a whole new element to the process. We want consumers to be educated on this process so they can protect themselves from initial claim through project completion.”
About the webinar – The webinar will take place on Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. During the presentation state experts will cover the following topics:
- How to file a claim with your insurance company
- Common problems that people experience when filing a claim, and how they can be avoided
- Resources when filing a claim, recovering from a natural disaster
- How to hire a licensed contractor
- Signs of a construction scam
- Resolving disputes with your contractor
At the end of the presentation, attendees will be invited to ask questions.
How to register – Registration for the webinar is free and can be completed online at the registration page. A link to the registration can also be found on the main page of CCB’s website at www.oregon.gov/ccb.
About the presenters – The webinar will be divided into two presentations, one from the CCB and one from DFR.
DFR is a division of the Department of Business and Consumer Services. DFR’s mission is to protect consumers from businesses that do not operate within statutes and rules. DFR also empowers and protects consumers while encouraging a financially stable, innovative, and competitive insurance marketplace. Presenters from DFR will provide in-depth information about working with insurance companies and filing a claim following a covered event.
The CCB is the regulatory agency that licenses contractors in the state of Oregon. In this role, CCB offers a range of consumer protections to individuals and businesses that hire licensed contractors, and provides information to consumers to help them make smart decisions when hiring contractors. CCB will present information about how to hire a contractor to perform home repairs, why it’s important to check the license, how to avoid construction scams and more.
“Filing a claim is an important step in recovering from unfortunate events,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, Oregon’s insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “It is important to stay organized, work with licensed contractors, and get several estimates before beginning a repair.”
The presentation will go over all that information and more. Homeowners are encouraged to sign up online or call the CCB’s Education section with questions, at 503-934-2227.
Fifth graders across Oregon are campaigning to become the next Kid Governor
They need to submit their online application before October 26th. Outgoing 2023 Kid Governor Lea Andrus won on her anti-bullying platform. The program is intended to teach fifth graders about civics. The 2024 winner will be announced in mid-November, and sworn in during a special ceremony in January.
Oregon’s Kid Governor® (ORKG®) is led by the Oregon Secretary of State and is a state affiliate of Kid Governor®, an award-winning civics program created by the Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC). The free, in-class program teaches fifth graders about state government, elections, and the importance of civics engagement through a real-life election that’s timed to coincide with Election Day in November.
ORKG inspires students to be lifelong agents of change, active participants in our government, and registered voters when they turn 18. For more information on ORKG – both the program and the student – follow Oregon’s Kid Governor on Facebook or visit the program’s website at OR.KidGovernor.org
Suggest a Stop for Governor Kotek on Her “One Oregon Listening Tour”
Governor Tina Kotek visited Klamath and Lake counties last week as part of her One Oregon Listening Tour.
Governor Tina Kotek is committed to visiting every county in Oregon in her first year in office and building strong, working partnerships across our state.
These efforts will focus on housing, mental health and addiction care, and education. You can suggest a stop here: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/pages/one-oregon-listening-tour.aspx
SAIF returns with free ag safety seminars and new construction safety seminars
SAIF will be touring the state during the next few months to offer free agriculture and construction safety sessions.
SAIF has offered the agricultural safety seminars for nearly 30 years, helping Oregon’s farm owners, managers, and workers stay safe in one of the most hazardous industries. SAIF is adding construction safety seminars after a successful pilot last year.
The seminars are designed primarily for people working in the two industries but are open to anyone interested in safety and health—they don’t have to be insured by SAIF.
New construction seminars coming to four cities – SAIF is offering seven free construction seminars in four cities. The first will be on October 31, and they’ll continue through May. Three of the seminars will be presented entirely in Spanish. SAIF is also hosting English and Spanish webinars online.
Topics include how to prepare for an injury-free workday and how to respond to incidents and analysis. The seminars—which will be in Wilsonville, Eugene, Central Point, and Newport—will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Construction Contractors Board (CCB) and regular producer continuing education credits will be available pending approval from CCB and the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS).
More information, including registration details, can be found at saif.com/trainings under classroom trainings.
Ag seminars will be held in 17 cities – SAIF will conduct 30 free ag safety seminars in 17 cities across Oregon. The first will be on October 24. Seminars will continue through March and 10 of the seminars will be presented entirely in Spanish.
This year’s seminars will focus on four topics:
- Dealing with serious injuries and fatalities on the farm
- Anatomy of a “comprehensive consultation”
- Hot work/welding safety, including control measures, precautions, and PPE
- Driving safety—both on and off the farm
SAIF will also host online webinars in December and March in English and Spanish.
In-person seminars will be held in Bandon, Boring, Central Point, Corvallis, Eugene, Hermiston, Hillsboro, Hood River, Klamath Falls, Madras, Milton-Freewater, Mt. Angel, Ontario, Pendleton, Salem, The Dalles, and Wilsonville.
Spanish seminars will be held in Boring, Central Point, Hermiston, Hillsboro, Hood River, Madras, Mt. Angel, Salem, The Dalles, and Wilsonville.
All will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and lunch will be provided.
Employers with small ag businesses who attend the seminar, or watch the webinars, will meet OSHA’s instructional requirement—one of four requirements that exempt small agricultural operations from random OSHA inspections.
Three hours of technical and one hour of business continuing education credits are available from the Landscape Contractors Board. Four producer continuing education credit hours for licensed insurance agents are approved by DCBS.
More information—including registration details—can be found at saif.com/agseminars.
About SAIF – SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, we’ve been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.
Oregon Heritage offers fall workshop across the state on Organizational Planning Without Fear or Anxiety
This fall Oregon Heritage is offering a free workshop on organizational planning and prioritization in five locations around the state, plus one virtual opportunity. These workshops are designed to help heritage non-profits, historical societies, museums, archives, libraries, and other related organizations approach work and project planning in a supportive environment.
This workshop series aims at removing that stigma and fear by providing support and a pathway for organizations who’d like to embark on goal-setting journeys or establishing workplans for projects and organizational priorities. This workshop is an interactive opportunity to lay stepping stones for where to begin on this process, especially when and where resources are limited for creating or executing a full-strategic plan, or there is hesitation or fear around that process.
The workshops will be presented by Kyrie Kellet, a skilled facilitator and planner in the heritage arena.Kyrie is a National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Planner with over 20 years of experience in museums, parks, and gardens. She specializes in developing plans that allow organizations of all sizes to impact their communities in creative and meaningful ways. She has worked with a variety of small, volunteer-supported museums to leverage the strengths of their communities to do amazing things.
Workshop schedule:
- Baker City – October 27th, 1:00pm -4:00pm
- Woodburn – November 16th, 9:00am – 12:00pm
- McMinnville – November 21st, 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Grants Pass – November 30th, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Newport – December 4th, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- Virtual – December 8th, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Attendees can find registration links at:
For more information about these workshops or other Oregon Heritage technical assistance, please contact Cam Amabile, at ile@oprd.oregon.gov“>cam.amabile@oprd.oregon.gov.
These workshops are a service of the Oregon Heritage Commission. For more information about Oregon Heritage programs and the Oregon Heritage Commission visit www.oregonheritage.org.
Oregon’s Vietnam Veterans War Memorial Hosts Fundraiser at Brothers Car Collection
The Vietnam War Memorial Fund (VWMF) will hold a fundraiser on Tues. Oct 24, 2023, 6-8 p.m. at Salem’s Brothers Car Collection to raise money for the memorial’s construction. Only 150 tickets will be sold for $50 each, with the hope that guests will learn more about the project and make additional donations on-site.
Steve Bates, President and co-founder of the VWMF, expressed the urgency of the fundraising efforts for the $5.5 million project that slowed due to COVID. “We hope to have the pre-construction process completed this fall so we can adopt an actual construction calendar for 2024,” said Bates. “But we must raise more funds to meet the 2024 construction goals. We are seeking support from additional charitable foundations and the public,” he added.
The Vietnam War Memorial will be in the southwest corner of the Willson Park portion of the State Capitol State Park, west of the Capitol Building, and south of the World War II Memorial. Bates said, “It is significant that these two wars be memorialized on the Oregon Capitol grounds as they are the two wars that caused the most Oregon casualties. The two memorials together will honor about 75% of Oregon’s war dead.”
The Brothers Car Collection is a private collection of more than 600 cars. Over 335 vehicles, including muscle cars and exotic sports cars, are on display in a 117,000-square-foot warehouse turned museum that is not open to the public.
Tickets are $50 and available in advance only at ocvvm.com/GAtix or on their Facebook event page. More details will be provided after ticket purchase in a confirmation email. Food will be available for purchase. The group is seeking raffle items as well as sponsors.
ABOUT THE MEMORIAL: The VWMF is a group of Oregonians committed to establishing the memorial to honor the men and women who served in the Vietnam War. The project aims to help bring peace to the suffering endured by those rejected after returning home. The 2021 Oregon State Legislature gave its final permissions by unanimously passing Senate Bill 319, establishing the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol Grounds. On July 14, 2021, Governor Kate Brown signed that bill into law. Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for spring 2024.
ABOUT OREGON AND THE VIETNAM WAR: The Vietnam War was a tumultuous period in American history, spanning two decades and becoming the longest war in recorded history. It lasted from November 1955 to May 1975. By 1968, the United States had over 500,000 military personnel on the ground in Vietnam, with 2.7 million Americans serving during the conflict. Tragically, 58,318 Americans died, including 710 Oregonians killed in action. Four Oregon families lost two sons each.
ABOUT VWMF: Vietnam War Memorial Fund’s website at www.ocvvm.com. The VWMF Store is found here. The Vietnam War Memorial Fund is a recognized 501(c)3 organization. Donations are also accepted by check to the Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009 or by credit card at www.ocvvm.com.
Oregon is home to several fault lines that cause dozens of earthquakes every year. The most known earthquake threat is the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a 700-mile fault located off the Pacific coast that puts Oregon at risk for a 9.0+ magnitude earthquake.
A quake of that size could cause five to seven minutes of shaking, followed by a tsunami that would devastate coastal areas. October features several events reminding Oregonians to prepare and protect themselves before the ground starts shaking.
Wireless Emergency Alerts
“One of the most important steps people can take is to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEA, on their cell phones,” said Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon. “WEA are short emergency messages sent to your phone to warn of an impending natural or human-made disaster, like an earthquake. WEA messages can provide immediate, life-saving information.”
ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning Notifications
People in Oregon, Washington and California who’ve opted into WEA automatically receive ShakeAlert earthquake early warning notifications for earthquakes in their area with a magnitude of 4.5 or greater, which can offer critical seconds of warning to seek cover from falling objects and brace themselves. ShakeAlert uses science and technology to detect significant earthquakes quickly and sends an alert to people on their cell phones. The alert makes a distinctive sound and displays a text message reading, “Earthquake detected! Drop, cover, hold on. Protect yourself.” This message is also available in Spanish for phones set to receive alerts in that language. Some cell phones with text-to-voice capability may read out the message text.
Great Oregon ShakeOut
An effective and no-cost way for individuals and families to practice earthquake safety is to register for The Great Oregon ShakeOut, a self-led earthquake drill taking place at 10:19 a.m. on Oct. 19. Nearly half a million Oregonians have already registered, pledging to Drop, Cover and Hold On for at least 60 seconds as if a major earthquake was occurring at that moment.
“Knowing what to do when the earth starts shaking helps people reduce their risk and better protect themselves to prepare for earthquakes,” said Director McMahon. “Most emergency management experts and official preparedness organizations agree that Drop, Cover and Hold On is the appropriate action to reduce the chance of injury from falling objects and flying debris during earthquakes. When people practice these simple steps, it becomes a routine that allows instincts to kick in when shaking starts.”
When the ground starts to shake, or you receive an earthquake alert on a cell phone:
- Drop immediately onto hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to stay low and crawl to a nearby shelter. If you use a wheelchair or walker, lock your wheels.
- Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If there is no nearby shelter, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows. Remain on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.
- Hold On until the shaking stops. If under a shelter, hold onto it with one hand and be ready to move with the shelter if it shifts. If there is no shelter, hold onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.
If you’re near the ocean and feel a large earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold On until the shaking stops. Then walk inland and up to high ground. Do not wait for an official warning, as a tsunami could come ashore in a few minutes. Learn more about earthquake preparedness on OEM’s website.
ORAlert and Be 2 Weeks Ready
OEM also encourages people in Oregon to sign up for local emergency alerts from their county or tribe at ORAlert.gov; be informed and knowledgeable about the hazards where they live; and have an emergency plan and enough food, water and supplies to survive for at least two weeks following any disaster. The agency’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program offers several resources in multiple languages to help people prepare. Learn more at oregon.gov/oem.
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.
