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, December 20, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
LCSO Case # 23-6616 — Assault and Robbery Suspect Located with Use of LCSO K9
On 12/18/2023 at around 11:45pm, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an assault in the area of McKenzie View and Coburg Road. The female victim had been sprayed with mace before being knocked to the ground and kicked in the face and stomach. The suspect then took her keys and cellphone before fleeing on foot.
Deputies began searching the surrounding area for the suspect. Deputy Thomas and his K9 partner, Bruno, located him on a footpath nearby. The suspect was taken into custody and identified as 41-year-old Joshua Jones.
Jones was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges including Assault in the 4th Degree, Menacing, Robbery in the 3rd Degree and Unlawful Use of Mace in the 2nd Degree.
Just prior to this call, Deputy Thomas and Bruno had finished assisting the Eugene Police Department search for a shoplifting suspect near the West 11th Wal-Mart. Bruno located that suspect hiding under some brush in a nearby canal.
LCSO CASE #23-6596 — Burglary Suspects Identified and Arrested with Assistance of LCSO K9 Team
On 12/17/2023, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received the report of burglary in which two service trucks full of tools were taken from a property in the Fall Creek area. Surveillance video depicted two suspects entering a shop and loading numerous tools into the service trucks before departing in them. The value of the stolen tools was over $20,000.
While Deputies were on scene, one of the service trucks was reported to have been found abandoned off of Peninsula Road. The second service truck was also located abandoned a short time later on a BLM Road off of Eagles Rest Road in Dexter. The tools had been removed from the trucks prior to them being abandoned.
Deputies were able to identify the suspects as 23-year-old Johnathon Wesley Needham and 33-year-old Jesse William Keith Shaw.
Deputies located Needham and Shaw at a residence in the Dexter area a short time later. A vehicle full of stolen tools was also located. Shaw was detained without incident, however Needham fled into a nearby wooded area. LCSO Sgt. May and his K9 partner, Hektor, responded to assist along with an LCSO drone team.
Needham was located hiding partially submerged in a pond and was taken into custody. After evaluation from medics, he was transported to the Lane County Jail. Shaw was also transported to the Lane County Jail where they were both lodged on charges including Aggravated Theft in the 1st Degree, Burglary in the 2nd Degree, and the Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.
Sacred Heart at RiverBend to continue psychiatric, other services in Eugene
OHA grants PeaceHealth waiver after Sacred Heart University District closure
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has approved three satellite licenses and associated hospital licensing waivers that allow PeaceHealth to maintain psychiatric care and other services in Eugene, following the closure of the health system’s Sacred Heart Medical Center, University District.
OHA’s Health Care Regulation and Quality Improvement Section (HCRQI) granted PeaceHealth waiver requests last week. The new satellite licenses allow PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield to operate off-campus satellite sites at the University District facility and another location. These services were previously covered under the University District license.
The Eugene satellites will include an inpatient and outpatient behavioral health unit; physical, occupational and speech therapy services; and a senior health and wellness center.
“Granting these waiver requests was a critical step toward quickly ensuring continuity of important health care services in Eugene, including behavioral health, as PeaceHealth made a business decision to close services at Sacred Heart, University District hospital,” said OHA Interim Director Dave Baden.
A separate approval allows PeaceHealth to open an acute rehabilitation unit within its RiverBend hospital to replace the University District hospital’s inpatient rehabilitation facility. Separately, PeaceHealth and Lifepoint Rehabilitation have received a proposed approval for a Certificate of Need to build a freestanding inpatient rehabilitation facility by 2026.
Licensure for RiverBend’s behavioral health unit satellite was based on a waiver with strict conditions requiring PeaceHealth to:
- Apply for renewal of the waiver after one year. The waiver expires Dec. 14, 2024.
- Immediately report to HCRQI – within 24 hours of occurrence – any adverse events resulting in death or serious harm to satellite inpatients and patients presenting to the behavioral health unit.
- In its waiver renewal application, include previous year’s data on walk-in and EMS-transported patients, such as demographics; transport type; transfer type, location and reason; results of examinations; treatments; and final diagnosis.
- In its waiver renewal application, include an analysis of the population served by the hospital to determine whether the waiver justification and proposed alternatives continue to adequately address patient care needs.
In August, PeaceHealth announced plans to close its Sacred Heart, University District hospital (SHUD) facility and emergency department, and relocate its rehabilitation unit to Sacred Heart at RiverBend in Springfield. State officials were concerned that this closure would impact the availability of mental health treatment beds, and could lead to full closure of all behavioral health services in Eugene.
Gov. Tina Kotek directed OHA to take actions to preserve behavioral health capacity for the community and secure additional resources to support community care upon news of PeaceHealth’s decision to close Sacred Heart, University District’s services. In addition to preserving behavioral health capacity through these licenses, PeaceHealth has committed to operating an expanded-hours urgent care for no less than nine months, with patient navigator and mental health professional on-site.
Benton County awards $1.2 million to Unity Shelter to increase emergency shelter capacity
Benton County has awarded $1.2 million in emergency sheltering funds to Unity Shelter. The funds enable Unity Shelter to expand emergency shelter capacity by reactivating 50 shelter beds and adding 40 more.
The funding comes from House Bill (HB) 5019, which was approved by the Oregon Legislature and signed by Governor Kotek in response to her homelessness state of emergency.
The Corvallis Men’s Shelter, located at 211 SE Chapman Place, is run by Unity Shelter, a local non-profit organization serving community members who are unhoused. In June 2023, Unity Shelter was forced to close its men’s shelter due to budget uncertainty following Oregon Senate walkouts.
In September, Governor Kotek announced funding from HB 5019 to rehouse people experiencing unsheltered homelessness and expand shelter capacity in 26 rural counties. The state allocated $2.4 million from the bill to Benton County to support the addition of 50 shelter beds and the rehousing of 31 households. Unity Shelter worked closely with Benton County’s Coordinated Homeless Response Office to apply for the funding.
“Our mission is to provide safe shelter through collaborative care. Sustainable funding is vital to that mission,” said Shawn Collins, Director of Unity Shelter. “We’re thankful for our partners at the Coordinated Homeless Response Office for their help in securing this funding, which will not only add new beds but also support critical building improvements for year-round operations.”
Benton County continues to work with local housing and human services providers to meet or exceed the HB 5019 goal of rapidly rehousing 31 households and increasing shelter capacity by June 2025.
“While we celebrate this win, we have a lot more work to do as a community to ensure everyone in Benton County has the opportunity to live in decent, safe, and affordable housing,” said Rebecca Taylor, Project Manager for the Coordinated Homeless Response Office. “We are incredibly grateful to our community partners for their dedication to this mission.”
To learn more about HB 5019 funding for emergency shelter operations and the re-opening of the men’s shelter, Shawn Collins will present at the Benton County HOPE Advisory Board Meeting on December 20 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. The meeting is open to the public and details on how to join can be found on the Benton County calendar.
The Corvallis Men’s Shelter is open nightly from 6:00 pm to 9:00 am for overnight shelter for adult males over the age of 18 and also operates a hygiene center during the day. For more information about Unity Shelter and its programs, visit their website: https://www.unityshelter.org/home.html
### Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
Albany Homeowner Rescued During Early Morning Fire
At 4:52 a.m. Monday, fire crews responded to a residential fire on Green Acres Lane NW in Albany, Oregon. Firefighters observed heavy fire at the front of the residence with a significant amount of smoke coming from the front and east side of the home.
A homeowner and multiple neighbors were outside the residence. They directed crews to a trapped person on the east side of the home who was unable to escape. Due to the height and size of the window, neighbors were unable to remove the victim after significant effort and risk to themselves. Firefighters performed a vent-enter search, gaining access through the bathroom window to locate the victim. Extrication tools were used to create a “door from a window”, allowing firefighters to rescue the second homeowner and move them to safety. Advanced medical aid was provided to the patient, and they were transported to Good Samaritan Hospital.
The fire was declared out at 6:50 a.m. One firefighter was injured during fire suppression and was transported to Albany General Hospital for treatment and then released. One Albany Police Officer was also treated for smoke inhalation. Two pet dogs did not survive the fire.
Green Acres Lane is not a through street. Traffic was affected for over two hours. Crews were able to clear the roadway around 7 a.m. Fire Investigators will be on scene today in hopes of determining the cause and origin of the fire.
Eugene Public Library Cards To Be Delivered To All 4J Students
The initiative covers all K-12 students enrolled at 4J neighborhood and alternative schools
Starting soon, each of Eugene School District 4J’s nearly 15,000 students will receive a library card, free of charge and ready to use.
This initiative represents an expansion of the ongoing partnership between Eugene Public Library and 4J. The school district will distribute the library cards in each school beginning this month and January.
These new student cards will provide immediate access to Eugene Public Library’s online resources and the ability to borrow five physical items at a time. Online resources include e-books, audiobooks, research information, live homework help by professional tutors, streaming movies including documentaries and instructional videos, music and more. Physical items include books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, art and technology tools, games, puppets and more.
For more information about school distribution of student cards, contact the student’s school office. For more information about library card accounts and services, contact Eugene Public Library at eugene-or.gov/library or 541-682-5450. MORE INFO: https://www.eugene-or.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6341
Eugene Police to Conduct DUII High Visibility Enforcement Through New Year’s Day
• The Eugene Police Department has received the Oregon Impact DUII High Visibility Enforcement Overtime grant.
• A DUII saturation patrol will start on December 16 and continue through New Year’s Day to target impaired drivers.
• The grant allows for additional police staffing to ensure officers are available to conduct DUII investigations, which typically take about four hours.
• The Eugene Police Department advises the public to plan ahead by choosing designated drivers, using taxis or ride services, and ensuring guests have sober drivers after parties.
• The public is encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.
We have received recent reports of a scam in our community.
The scammers commonly identify themselves as employees of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, either verbally, by text, or by email. The scammers will then make claims that there are warrants, missed jury duty, or unsettled legal business that involve the victim or someone the victim knows and ask for personal or financial information.
In some instances the scammers appear to call from official phone numbers and/or provide fraudulent callback numbers with voicemail inboxes.
***Please be aware that the Lane County Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money, awards, or compensation of any type over the telephone, by text or email.*** If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a Lane County Sheriff’s Office employee and you think you are being scammed, please contact our dispatch center at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.
St. Vincent De Paul Waives Affordable Housing Application Fees Through End Of 2023
St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) announced on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, that they will be waiving application fees for their affordable housing properties through the remainder of 2023.
The customary application fee of $44 will be waived for low-income residents who are applying to live in SVdP’s affordable housing properties.
“Eliminating all application fees will help reduce a barrier for many of our neighbors who need affordable housing the most, during this season when it is needed most,” says SVdP Property Management Director Ben Abbe.
Housing through SVdP operates on a waitlist basis, with staff evaluating the lists quarterly on the first business days of March, June, September and December. SVdP recommends those who are searching for affordable housing to explore more information and current waitlist options here: https://www.svdp.us/svdp-waives-housing-application-fees-through-2023/ — https://www.svdp.us/homepage/affordable-housing/housing-waitlists-through-svdp-property-management/#waitlist
SVdP says applying for SVdp waitlists is always free, wait times vary.
[I]n some cases applicants will be on a waitlist for 6-18 months before they are contacted to schedule an appointment to apply for open housing. Only then, when an individual’s name comes up on the SVdP waitlist to apply for housing, are they typically charged an application fee to cover administrative costs.
“We hope that putting a pause on this fee will provide a small bit of relief for some of our neighbors during this time of year that is joyous for most, but creates an added financial strain for many,” Abbe says. “We know that every dollar needs to stretch even further than it normallydoes for families struggling to work their way out of poverty, as they do their best to build a special holiday season for their loved ones.”
SVdP’s next quarterly evaluation will happen and further waitlist openings will be made available, on Dec. 1, 2023.
Eugene Police Department Collecting Hoodies For High Schoolers
Embrace the season of giving by donating hoodies to high school-aged kids! As temperatures drop, let’s wrap our community in warmth and kindness. Clean out those closets and drop off your gently used or new hoodies at our designated collection points.
For those who prefer a convenient option, consider donating gift cards that will be used to purchase hoodies. Send your gift cards to the Eugene Police Department: Community Engagement Supervisor, Cherie Nelson300 Country Club Rd. Eugene, OR 97401Your contribution will ensure teenagers stay snug and stylish this winter. Let’s come together to make a difference—one hoodie at a time!
Waste Wise Lane County: Holiday leftover recipe contest gets cooking
As the holiday season kicks off, Waste Wise Lane County—a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—again encourages county residents to do the holidays differently this year with the launch of its second “Simplify the Holidays” campaign.
Last year marked the first iteration of the campaign, which is produced by the Center for Biological Diversity and has again been adopted by Waste Wise Lane County. “Simplify the Holidays” encourages residents and businesses to reimagine how they view and participate in the holiday season to inspire joy while curbing waste. The campaign includes earth-friendly gift ideas and will run through December 31.
However, this year’s campaign includes a twist: a holiday leftovers recipe contest.
“Maybe it’s Uncle John’s famous Christmas Ham Sliders or Aunt Lucia’s delectable Thanksgiving Turkey Tamales,” said Waste Wise Lane County Outreach Coordinator Daniel Hiestand. “How does your family use holiday leftovers? We want to collect your recipes and share them with our community to inspire folks to reduce food waste and save money.”
Recipes submitted during the campaign will be published on the Waste Wise Lane County food waste prevention website, eatsmartwasteless.tips. Those who share recipes will be automatically entered into a prize drawing, with contest winners announced on January 3.
Prizes include Lion & Owl and BRING gift certificates, free enrollment in Oregon State University Extension Master Food Preserver workshops, and a collection of sustainable products from Main Street Market.
“Waste Wise Lane County is laser-focused on helping empower residents and businesses with food waste reduction tools,” Hiestand said. “Between 30 to 40 percent of all food produced is never eaten, so preventing wasted food is one of the most powerful things we can do to address the climate crisis. Eating what you have is a critical part of that. We hope this contest shows leftovers can be quite delicious with a little creativity while saving money.”
Follow the campaign on Waste Wise Lane County’s social media pages @WasteWiseLaneCounty on Facebook and Instagram. To submit a recipe, use this online form (https://bit.ly/LeftoverForm).
About Waste Wise Lane County – Waste Wise Lane County— a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—empowers residents, schools, and businesses with education, tools, and resources that can be used to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. For more information, visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise.
About Simplify the Holidays – Simplify the Holidays is an award-winning program of the Center for Biological Diversity. Simplify the Holidays seeks to empower individuals and families to be more conscious of the impacts of holiday traditions and, in doing so, reconnect with meaningful and lasting celebrations. Learn more at simplifytheholidays.org.
Eugene Saturday Market’s Holiday Market
The Eugene Saturday Market’s Holiday Market returned to the Lane Events Center and will be open every weekend until December 24th.
Visit indoors from 10am until 6pm (10am until 4pm on Dec. 24th) and explore two halls filled with handmade treasures made by local artisans, delicious food, and live performances. As always, admission and parking are free!
MORE INFO: https://www.facebook.com/eugenesaturdaymarket/ — https://www.holidaymarket.org/
Operation Winter Survival Supply Stockpile Drive Need Ongoing
Lane County Health & Human Services, in partnership with the First Christian Church of Eugene’s Helping Hearts program and White Bird, today announced the launch of Operation Winter Survival Stockpile. The operation is an effort to create a stockpile through donations of clothing and other supplies that will help those in our community experiencing homelessness better brave the elements.
“Having access to the severe weather stockpile is an indispensable resource for service providers in our county,” said White Bird Clinic Nest Program Interim Coordinator, Theresa Bordreau. “Having both hot and cold weather supplies, fills a much-needed gap for survival gear that are often in short supply. For any community member looking for ways you can support the most vulnerable in our community, I would encourage you to look at donating to this very important resource. It has been of great value to our clients here at the White Bird Clinic.”
Items can be dropped off on weekdays between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. or by appointment. Items can also be purchased on Amazon and sent to First Christian Church at 166 Oak St. Eugene, OR, 97402.
The Operation’s Amazon Wish List can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XR33GS1ULV8Z?ref_=wl_share
Distribution of items will be prioritized to homeless outreach providers such as CAHOOTS that come into direct contact with individuals who are unhoused and unsheltered.
Preferred donation items include:
- Clothing such as rain ponchos, wool socks, thermal underwear, gloves, beanies and footwear
- Items like tents, blankets, hand warmers, tarps, gift cards, and laundry cards
- Tools such as flashlights, batteries, and other survival supplies
For more information on Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, please contact Maria Cortez at ia.Cortez@lanecountyor.gov“>Maria.Cortez@lanecountyor.gov
City of Eugene Winter Holiday Schedules and Closures
City of Eugene services and facilities have different schedules for the upcoming winter holiday. MORE INFO: https://www.eugene-or.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6344
Oregonians urged to respond to renewals for medical benefits; data shows 5 out of 6 people keeping benefits
SALEM, Ore. — With more than a million renewals complete, so far more than 5 out of 6 Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits. Oregon is nearly three quarters of the way through the process of renewing medical benefits after the COVID-19 emergency.
Oregon’s 85 percent renewal rate is the third highest in a national comparison of state renewal rates by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy organization. KFF analysis shows Oregon also has saved more people from unnecessary paperwork than any other state via the automated renewal process.
Oregonians encouraged to respond to renewals
More than 400,000 people — about 9 percent of Oregon’s population — still need to respond to a renewal or will receive a letter in coming months.
Members who have not received a renewal yet should:
- Keep their address and contact information up to date.
- Check their mail or Online ONE account for their renewal letter.
- Do what the renewal letter asks as soon as possible.
Anyone concerned they missed their letter should get help with their renewal via one of the ways to find help listed below.
People who are asked to submit information to finish the medical renewal process should consider uploading documents through a ONE online account at ONE.Oregon.gov or the free Oregon ONE Mobile app. They are the fastest ways to share required information.
- It’s best to set-up a ONE online account before downloading the mobile app.
- People who need help setting up a ONE online account can call 833-978-1073 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. All relay calls accepted.
Although most people are keeping coverage, 1 in 6 people are losing or reducing benefits. Over 150,000 people will need to consider their other coverage options after completing their renewal.
People who do not have coverage through a job or Medicare may be able to enroll through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace with financial help. People who have recently lost OHP benefits can enroll anytime until July 31, 2024 or within 60 days of their benefits ending. Open enrollment for 2024 also continues until Jan. 16, 2024. For more information and ways to get help signing up for Marketplace, Medicare, or employer coverage, see “what to do if OHP is ending” below.
December OHP renewal data
As of Dec. 13, 2023, 1,053,636 people have completed the renewal process. This represents 72.4 percent of all OHP and Medicaid members.
- 898,868 people (85.3 percent) were renewed and kept their benefits.
- 140,535 people (13 percent) were found ineligible.
16,227 people (1.5 percent) had a reduction in their benefits. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue Medicare Savings Programs that help pay their Medicare costs. In December, renewal letters were sent to an additional 143,808 people.
- 73.6 percent were renewed without any action needed.
- 21.4 percent were asked to provide some information to renew. The most common requests are for income-related proof such as paystubs, or forms of identification such as a government identification or birth certificate.
- 2.4 percent were asked to fill out a renewal form.
- 2.9 percent had previously reported that they no longer met income limits or other requirements and received a notice that their benefits will end in 60 days.
Find help renewing your benefits
- Learn more about how to renew your Oregon Health Plan medical coverage.
- Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages. Wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m.
- Visit or call a local Oregon Department of Human Services office. People can find their local office at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx.
- Visit a community partner for free in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda (Spanish).
The large number of OHP renewals, along with renewals of long-term services and supports, may cause greater wait times, delays, and possible interruptions to people’s OHP benefits. The fastest way members can provide an update is by going to benefits.oregon.gov and logging into their ONE online account.
What to do if your OHP is ending:
- First, review the case summary in your letter to make sure the information used to make the decision was correct. If that information has changed, notify the state. You can call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted) or find other options to connect at benefits.oregon.gov. If the information on file for you is correct and you disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing. Learn more about hearings.
- Explore options through an employer. If you, your spouse, or a parent are working, you may be eligible for health coverage through that employer. Talk to your manager or Human Resources department to see if you qualify. You will have a special enrollment period to enroll mid-year due to loss of OHP benefits.
- If you have or are eligible for Medicare: For help understanding and choosing the right Medicare options, go to OregonHealthcare.gov/GetHelp to find an insurance agent or a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA). You can also call SHIBA at 800-722-4134.
If you need to sign up for Medicare for the first time, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 to enroll by phone or find a local office. You can also enroll in Medicare online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.
- Nearly 80 percent of Oregonians qualify for financial help through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to answer a few quick questions, find out how much you can save and find out how much coverage may cost you. You can also call the Marketplace Transition Help Center at 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).
- Need free local help finding other coverage? Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to find professional help near you.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are committed to transparency and will continue to send monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians as the agencies continue to track the programs. Check our ONE Eligibility Operations Dashboards for more frequent updates on medical renewal data and wait times for callers to the ONE Customer Service Center.
Home replacement assistance for 2020 Labor Day disaster survivors coming in 2024
SALEM, Ore. — The Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP) will be the first assistance available directly to 2020 Labor Day disaster survivors administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). The program is part of ReOregon, which is funded by a $422 million Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
HARP assistance will help low- and moderate-income homeowners who still need to repair, rebuild, or replace their homes. Those who have already completed repairs or rebuilding may be reimbursed in a future phase of HARP, if funds are still available.
“OHCS remains committed to action towards recovering, rebuilding, and revitalizing our communities,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “As trusted voices in their communities, our partners have a pulse on the needs of our many neighbors and friends who are still working to recover. ”
OHCS will begin accepting applications for HARP by the end of March 2024. The agency has partnered with community-based organizationsto support the launch of HARP.
The following organizations will be conducting outreach and providing in-person support to help survivors work through the application process:
- Glide Revitalization, Douglas County
- ACCESS, NOWIA Unete Center for Farmworker Advocacy, and Firebrand Resilience Collective (Remake Talent), Jackson County
- McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group, Lane County
- Community Services Consortium, Lincoln County
- Santiam Service Integration Team (Santiam Hospital), Linn and Marion counties
In addition, Unite Oregon in Jackson County and the Lincoln County Long Term Recovery Group will be assisting with the outreach work.
“Every household who lost their home in the Labor Day disaster has struggled to recover—and, unfortunately, many continue to do so,” said Joe Vollmar, chief operations and housing officer at ACCESS community action agency. “ReOregon is probably the last, best chance that many survivors will have to receive significant assistance. Knowing how hard it has been for Oregonians to work with FEMA and other recovery programs, we appreciate that OHCS is taking the time build a user-friendly system and fund local organizations like ours to help survivors with the application process.”
While OHCS and its partners continue to prepare to launch an application portal, survivors can help make the process as smooth as possible by ensuring they have the right documentation before they apply. HARP applicants will need the following information:
- Proof they owned the damaged or destroyed home, and it was their primary residence.
- Records of damage from the 2020 Labor Day Disasters.
- Proof of current income.
- Record of any insurance or other recovery funds you received.
- Personal identification (ID) for all household members over the age of 18.
OHCS recognizes how challenging this disaster has been and wants to work with survivors to ensure they have the resources they need to apply to the appropriate ReOregon program. The federal rules governing CDBG-DR are extensive and include significant documentation requirements for any beneficiary households.
Survivors can stay up to date on ReOregon programs in various stages of development, by signing up for email updates and visiting the ReOregon website at re.oregon.gov.
OHCS Homeowner Assistance Fund Application Portal Closes December 20
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is closing the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program to most new applicants to avoid overcommitting funds. The application portal will close at noon PST Dec. 20. Homeowners who are in active foreclosure may still be able to apply through a housing counselor.
“We’re encouraging homeowners who are at imminent risk of housing displacement, socially disadvantaged individuals as defined by U.S. Treasury, or anyone who meets one of the additional eligibility criteria listed on the HAF website to apply for HAF assistance before noon Dec. 20,” said Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs. “Although we are accepting new applications, there may not be enough funds for everyone who applies as the program winds down.”
Existing applicants can continue to log on to the HAF portal to check the status of their application or scheduled payments.
OHCS planned its HAF program to operate as a safety net for the most at-risk homeowners who have no viable workout option, so those homeowners will receive priority processing. If funds still remain after the portal closes and applications are processed, HAF intake partners will be able to submit new applications on behalf of homeowners in a judicial foreclosure action or in nonjudicial foreclosure with a scheduled sale date. These applicants may need to complete intake paperwork and foreclosure prevention counseling before working with a counselor. Funding may not be available for all these new applications.
In addition to Oregon’s foreclosure moratorium and increased mortgage forbearance and default workout options, HAF has helped Oregon maintain a historically low foreclosure rate during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping many in their homes. According to August 2023 Corelogic data, there were 1,016 residential foreclosures in Oregon, which reflects a 0.16% foreclosure rate, compared to a 20-year average 1.03% foreclosure rate.
As of Dec. 4, OHCS has approved 1,745 applications, totaling about $46.9 million of the $72 million available to homeowners when the program launched. Over $35 million in approved funds have already been paid with an average award of about $27,000. OHCS is reviewing or monitoring another 859 applications that, if approved, are projected to total $23.2 million in assistance. The agency projects $1.9 million remains. OHCS is currently working with homeowners, housing counselors, and mortgage servicers to postpone and prevent hundreds of foreclosures for applicants. Visit the HAF Dashboard for more detailed information.
Free help is available – Homeowners who have fallen behind or are at risk of missing a payment on their mortgage can continue to get free help from certified housing counselors around the state to learn about options to keep their homes, such as modifications or adding deferred payments to the end of a mortgage. Housing counselors are knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professionals who can help homeowners communicate with their mortgage servicers.
Search the full list of free certified housing counselors by county. Homeowners should be aware that some housing counseling agencies take longer due to high volume and remote working policies.
In addition to connecting with a certified housing counselor, Oregon homeowners should directly contact their mortgage servicers and lenders to see what types of mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention programs are available. Homeowners who communicate with their lenders and servicers have some additional protections and usually have more time to figure out their options.
Avoiding fraud – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services recommends being extremely cautious with offers to help from unauthorized companies or people. Homeowners are urged not to provide financial or personal information unless they verify the company or person’s licensing status. It does not cost anything to apply for the HAF program or meet with an Oregon housing counselor.
There are several common warning signs homeowners should watch out for that may indicate a scam. If a homeowner suspects they’re being contacted by a scammer, they can report it to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Oregon Department of Justice, or the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Inspector General.
To verify a lender’s license, visit the Division of Financial Regulation’s license page and compare it with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) license number. This number must be included on all advertising materials and should be easy to find. To verify a housing counseling agency’s status with the state, make sure they are listed on the OHCS website.
Attorney General Rosenblum Announces $700 Million Settlement with Google over Play Store Misconduct
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and a bipartisan group of 52 other attorneys general today announced a $700 million agreement with Google in their lawsuit about Google’s anticompetitive conduct with the Google Play Store.
“Every company is required to play by the rules, from the smallest of mom-and-pop shops to the biggest brands on the planet, and this settlement demonstrates that principle as clear as day,” said AG Rosenblum. “Google has agreed to make right with the more than 100 million consumers it wronged and will be required to take many important steps to prevent anticompetitive conduct in the future.”
Google will pay $630 million in restitution, minus costs, and fees, to consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were harmed by Google’s anticompetitive practices. Google will pay the states an additional $70 million for their sovereign claims. People eligible for restitution do not have to submit a claim – they will receive automatic payments through PayPal or Venmo, or they can elect to receive a check or ACH transfer. More details about that process will be forthcoming. The agreement also requires Google to make their business practices more procompetitive in a number of important ways.
The attorneys general sued Google in 2021 alleging that Google unlawfully monopolized the market Android app distribution and in-app payment processing. Specifically, the States claimed that Google signed anticompetitive contracts to prevent other app stores from being preloaded on Android devices, bought off key app developers who might have launched rival app stores, and created technological barriers to deter consumers from directly downloading apps to their devices. The states announced a settlement in principle on September 5, 2023, and today released the finalized terms of that deal.
The settlement requires Google to reform its business practices in the following ways:
- Give all developers the ability to allow users to pay through in-app billing systems other than Google Play Billing for at least five years.
- Allow developers to offer cheaper prices for their apps and in-app products for consumers who use alternative, non-Google billing systems for at least five years.
- Permit developers to steer consumers toward alternative, non-Google billing systems by advertising cheaper prices within their apps themselves for at least five years.
- Not enter contracts that require the Play Store to the be the exclusive, pre-loaded app store on a device or home screen for at least five years.
- Allow the installation of third-party apps on Android phones from outside the Google Play Store for at least seven years.
- Revise and reduce the warnings that appear on an Android device if a user attempts to download a third-party app from outside the Google Play Store for at least 5 years.
- Maintain Android system support for third-party app stores, including allowing automatic updates, for four years.
- Not require developers to launch their app catalogs on the Play Store at the same time as they launch on other app stores for at least four years.
- Submit compliance reports to an independent monitor who will ensure that Google is not continuing its anticompetitive conduct for at least 5 years.
For much of this case, the attorneys general litigated alongside Epic Games and Match, two major app developers. Match announced a separate settlement earlier this year, while Epic Games took its case to trial. A jury unanimously found that Google’s anticompetitive conduct violated the federal antitrust laws early last week.
This lawsuit was led by the Attorneys General from North Carolina, Utah, Tennessee, New York, and California, and joined by the attorneys general of all remaining states, the District of Columbia and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
A copy of the settlement is available HERE.
“I appreciate the hard work of our team at Oregon DOJ as well as public-sector lawyers across 53 states and territories to reach such a significant settlement,” added AG Rosenblum. https://www.doj.state.or.us/media-home/news-media-releases/attorney-general-rosenblum-announces-700-million-settlement-with-google-over-play-store-misconduct/
Man Arrested After Recording In Coquille High School Girls Bathroom
Police arrested a man Friday night after they said he was caught recording underage girls in a bathroom at Coquille High School.
According to the Coquille Police Department, officers responded to the school around 9:30 p.m. on December 15 for a report of a fight. They learned a man had been found in the women’s bathroom using a phone to record girls using the bathroom and changing clothes after an athletic tournament involving schools from around the south coast region.
When some of the girls noticed they were being recorded, one told her father who went to the bathroom and “forcibly detained” the man, police said. Other parents then called 911 to report the incident. Officers noticed signs of injury, but he refused to talk about them.
CPD arrested 59-year-old Patrick Laird of Coquille and initially charged him with second-degree encouraging child sex abuse and first-degree invasion of personal privacy. He was taken to the Coos County Jail where he was still in custody as of Sunday morning.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing and additional charges are possible, the department said. They are working with the Coquille School District on the investigation.
Anyone with any information about the incident, or who believe they were possibly recorded, is asked to contact Coquille Police Officer Aaron Mayo via email at amayo@cityofcoquille.org or the department by phone at 541-396-2114.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Suspicious Death, Seeking Tips
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information related to a suspicious death on De Armond Road, near Airlie Road, in rural southwest Polk County.
The body of Francisco “Frankie” Javier Davidson (37 years old) of Aumsville, Oregon, was found on the morning of November 26, 2023. The last known area that Davidson was known to frequent was the Salem area.
The Sheriff’s Office is requesting that anyone with knowledge of Davidson or his whereabouts leading up to November 26, 2023, please contact Detective David Shorter at ter.david@co.polk.or.us“>shorter.david@co.polk.or.us or 503-831-1753. Callers can remain anonymous.
As the investigation is open and ongoing, no additional information will be released at this time.
Fatal Crash — Hwy. 97 — Deschutes County
On Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, shortly after midnight, Oregon State Police troopers responded to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Highway 97 at NW Maple Avenue near Redmond.
The preliminary investigation indicated that Deschutes County 9-1-1 received a call of a person sitting in the median of an unlighted portion of Highway 97 near the NE Maple Avenue overpass at approximately 12:19 a.m.
A short time later, Corey Lee Smith, 52, of Warm Springs was in the right northbound lane of Highway 97 when he was struck by a Ford F-150 operated by Brandon Wayne Boland, 48, of Redmond.
Smith was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Ford and a passenger were uninjured.
The northbound lanes of Highway 97 were closed for approximately three hours. OSP was assisted by the Redmond Police Department, Redmond Fire Department, and Oregon Department of Transportation.
Look Back at First Year of Oregon’s Legal Psilocybin Program
As Oregon closes out the inaugural year of its first-in-the-nation legal psilocybin program, hundreds of Oregonians and visitors are finally accessing services in Portland and throughout the state.
According to informal data gathered by Healing Advocacy Fund, a nonprofit that advocates for legal psilocybin programs in Oregon and Colorado, at least 715 people have accessed services in Oregon since the program officially launched this year.
The Oregon Health Authority, which runs the psilocybin program, does not currently collect data from people participating in the program. That will change in 2025 when the Oregon Psilocybin Services section of the health authority will start to collect some aggregated data from service centers as required by Senate Bill 303, which passed in June.
While Oregonians passed the legal psilocybin framework in 2020, the law allowed the state to spend two years developing the system. Oregon released the first draft rules for the psilocybin program in February of 2022. In late 2022, the state started licensing facilitator training programs, and in January of 2023 began accepting applications for licenses for workers, facilitators, manufacturers, laboratories and service centers, as required by the new law.
By May, the Oregon Psilocybin Services began issuing licenses for psilocybin treatment centers. Later that month, Oregonians and visitors started accessing services.
Advocates of psilocybin say it can help people dealing with a host of issues, from trauma to addiction. And many are hoping that Oregon’s program allows for more extensive research into the therapeutic properties of the substance, which remains illegal at the federal level. (More Info: https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3271049721661-over-700-people-used-psychedelic-mushrooms-under-oregon-s-program-in-2023 )
Quaker Granola Bars and Granola Cereals Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Nearly 80 varieties of Quaker Oats Company‘s granola bar and granola cereal products are being recalled due to a potential salmonella contamination.
News of the recall was announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday. The products were sold throughout all 50 states in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan, in stores like Target, Costco, Walmart, Kroger and more.
Among the products are various flavors and variety/value packs of Quaker Chewy Bars (including the “Less Sugar” option), Quaker Big Chewy Bars, Quaker Chewy Bars Minis, Quaker Chewy Dipps and Quaker Chewy Mini Dipps.
Quaker Puffed Granola, Quaker Simply Granola Oats and Quaker Protein Granola Oats products are also affected, in their respective offerings.
Another Death Has Been Linked To Cantaloupe Contaminated With Salmonella
Another death has been linked to cantaloupe contaminated with salmonella, bringing the total to four in the United States. Another 72 illnesses also have been reported, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
So far, the CDC said, 302 people have become sick in 42 states. Of those, 72 have been added as of Dec. 15. Almost half of those people had to be hospitalized and four have died – three in Minnesota and one in Oregon.
Consumers have been urged to not eat any pre-cut cantaloupe unless they know where the whole fruit came from.
“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak,” the CDC said.
The outbreak has been linked to cantaloupe from Mexico that may have a sticker with “Malichita” or “Rudy” and the number 4050.
Recalls of whole cantaloupe and pre-cut cantaloupe have been growing.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said its “traceback investigation” has identified Sofia Produce, LLC doing business as TruFresh of Nogales, Arizona; Crown Jewels Produce of Fresno, California; and Pacific Trellis Fruit doing business as Dulcinea of Fresno, California, as suppliers of the potentially contaminated “Malichita” or “Rudy” brand cantaloupes.
The three companies issued recalls.
Adults age 65 and older, children younger than 5 and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk from a salmonella infection.
Severe symptoms include diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving, a fever higher than 102 degrees, bloody diarrhea, vomiting that includes not being able to keep liquids down and dehydration.
Mexico’s Health Department on Dec. 15 ordered the temporary closure of a melon-packing plant implicated in salmonella infections that killed five people in Canada and four in the United States.
People in Oregon can now manage state benefits with the Oregon ONE Mobile app
People can now securely manage their medical, food, cash and child care benefits through the State of Oregon from the convenience of their mobile devices using the new Oregon ONE Mobile app. People first will need to apply for benefits online, in person at a local office or over the phone.
The app is available for free in the Apple and Android app stores. It is an official State of Oregon app created by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). The app’s development was partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“At ODHS we are committed to meeting people in Oregon where they are with as many ways as possible to manage their benefits, check application status and share needed documentation, like when they get a request for information during a renewal,” said Nathan Singer (he/him), director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership. “People can now manage their benefits in-person, by mail, by fax, by telephone, online and on their mobile phone using the Oregon ONE Mobile app, which is available in English and Spanish.”
Interview with OEP Director Singer available on YouTube
Oregon ONE Mobile app video on YouTube
New Oregon ONE Mobile app video link
- Create a ONE Online account.
- Access their existing ONE Online account.
- Report changes to household information including address, contact information and income.
- Upload requested documents using a smartphone camera.
- Get updates on application status and check if it is approved, denied, or pending, and what actions might need to be taken.
- See and download notices that were mailed.
- Find the next renewal date for their benefits.
- Get important, time-sensitive alerts and notifications about benefits on mobile devices.
- View benefit issuance history for food and cash payments.
People who serve as Authorized Representatives for people with benefits are also able to use the app.
How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits:
- By phone at: 1-800-699-9075. All relay calls accepted.
- Online at: benefits.oregon.gov
- Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores
- In person at an office near you: Find an office.
- In your language: Help in Your Language
- By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
- By fax at: 503-378-5628
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov.
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Oregon Department of Human Services help center
About the Oregon Department of Human Services – The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
About the Oregon Eligibility Partnership – The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash and child care benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).###
OHA launches winter campaign to encourage conversations about alcohol
Rethink the Drink urges communities to talk about alcohol, offers tips for supporting others during holiday season
At a time when many people in Oregon are celebrating the holiday season with friends, coworkers, and loved ones, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is launching Rethink the Drink’s new winter advertising campaign to change the conversation about alcohol.
The campaign emphasizes the need for people to come together and support one another to be healthy and care for communities. That includes creating healthy environments that support people in their efforts to drink less alcohol. The campaign reveals how common alcohol has become in community settings and asks people to consider ways they can best support their friends and loved ones – and their entire community – to be healthy.
Rethink the Drink, informed by significant community and partner engagement, aims to decrease alcohol consumption and related harms in Oregon. Elements of this winter campaign include a website; statewide TV, radio, digital and print advertisements; and Facebook and Instagram pages. Oregon is the only state in the country to initiate a public health campaign of this scale to reach adults 21 and older.
Note: If you or someone you care about is suffering from alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder, free confidential resources and support are available online or by calling or 1-800-923-435.
Demand for food aid spikes in past year as many Oregonians struggle with hunger
After the pandemic ended, the demand for food continued to increase in Oregon, with the need for millions more pounds of produce, pasta and other staples at meal sites and food pantries.
Before the pandemic, about 860,000 people annually visited the food bank’s partners in Oregon and southwest Washington, said Morgan Dewey, a spokesperson for the nonprofit food bank. This year, the food bank is on track to serve more than 1 million people, Dewey said.
“We’re just continuing to try to keep up with how much food folks are needing on the ground,” Dewey said.
Get help — The Oregon Food Bank, state agencies and other organizations, including pantries and churches, provide food for hungry Oregonians. For help:
- Go to needfood.oregon.gov
- Find a food pantry at foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- For seniors and those with disabilities, call 855-673-2372 or go to www.adrcoforegon.org
- Dial 211, or text your Zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- For local resources, go to www.caporegon.org/find-services/
The needs have increased as extra pandemic-related food benefits from the government have stopped. During the pandemic, most families received 70% more in their monthly allotment of federal food aid, called the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP. The extra aid ended in March, with the average household allotment falling from $450 a month to about $300. The state also paid out the last of the pandemic-related extra food benefits for low-income families with young children in October.
The food bank has five warehouses throughout the state that deliver to 21 regional food banks and more than 1,400 other points, including meal sites, delivery programs and pantries. Those sites are critical for rural and frontier areas in Oregon with food insecurity that are not near a large regional pantry, Dewey said.
The operation puts out fresh produce and dairy products, with an eye toward offering nutritional food that aligns with the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of Oregonians. For the long-term, it’s important to look for ways to address the economic circumstances driving hunger, Dewey said. Those can include unaffordable housing and a lack of access to health care.
“We can serve everyone who is standing in line for a meal or standing in line to get a grocery bag full of food,” Dewey said. “We can serve all those people today, but hunger still won’t go away tomorrow.” (SOURCE)
Winter Whale Watch Week returns to the Oregon Coast Dec. 27-31
OREGON COAST, Oregon—Oregon State Parks will once again host Winter Whale Watch Week at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast Wednesday, Dec. 27 to Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.
Every year thousands of gray whales migrate south through Oregon’s waters at the end of December, and state parks invites visitors to the coast to see their journey.
Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Volunteer opportunities are still available along the north and south coast if you register by Dec. 11 at https://orwhalewatch.org/volunteer/
The Whale Watch Week sites are some of the best places to spot whales on the Oregon Coast.
“We are excitedly waiting for the migration of the gray whales to come down from Alaska,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride. “We really enjoy sharing the experience with visitors,” he said, “It’s been a tradition at Oregon State Parks for more than 40 years.”
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching
An estimated 14,500 gray whales swam past Oregon’s shores last winter, according to the most recent population estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The journey is part of their annual migration south to the calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico, and the end of December is the peak time to see their migration south.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about whales.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch23.
Umpqua Bank Launches Warm Hearts Winter Drive, Mobilizes Associates across Oregon to Support Neighbors in Need
Local residents can help support nearly 30 Aide Organizations across Oregon this holiday season
― Umpqua Bank announced the launch of its Warm Hearts Winter Drive, an associate-driven campaign to support individuals and families who struggle with access to housing and other basic resources. As part of the drive, associates and local branches in Oregon will help mobilize their respective communities to raise money and collect winter clothing for 28 shelters and aide organizations serving Oregonians experiencing homelessness.
Umpqua’s Warm Hearts Winter drive continues a community-impact commitment of the former Columbia Bank, which merged with Umpqua earlier this year. The campaign was started in 2015 as a way for bank associates to partner with customers and members of their community to raise funds and other resources for local shelters and nonprofits providing support for families without a home. More than $2 million in contributions has been raised since its inception. This year’s drive expands to support more than 100 organizations in communities across the combined bank’s footprint in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah.
“As a newly combined bank, Umpqua is committed to mobilizing our greater resources and the collective power and passion of our associates to make a difference in our local communities,” said Umpqua Bank Chief Marketing Officer David Moore Devine. “Access to adequate shelter and clothing continues to be a major challenge for many of our neighbors, and our Warm Hearts campaign empowers associates, along with members of our communities, to support local families in need. Simply donating a few dollars, a new coat or other quality clothing items can help ensure that more of our neighbors are cared for in the months ahead.”
How to Support the Warm Hearts Winter Drive — The Warm Hearts Winter Drive accepts cash donations in addition to new winter clothes. Contributions can be made at www.WarmHeartsWinterDrive.com. Financial contributions and new clothing items can also be donated at local Umpqua Bank branches.
Associates and local branches across Umpqua’s footprint are actively engaged in securing financial contributions and warm clothing from customers and community members. One hundred percent of the clothing and funds collected will be donated directly to local shelters and aide organizations.
All designated contributions stay in the community where they were raised and directly support local organizations.
Participating Organizations in Oregon:
| Bethlehem Inn | Bend |
| The Shepherd’s House | Bend |
| Oregon Coast Community Action | Coos Bay |
| Community Outreach, Inc. | Corvallis |
| Eugene Mission | Eugene |
| St. Vincent De Paul Lane County | Eugene |
| My Father’s House: A Community Shelter | Gresham |
| Martha’s House of Hermiston | Hermiston |
| Community Action Hillsboro Family Shelter | Hillsboro |
| Gorge Ecumenical Ministries | Hood River |
| Klamath & Lake Community Action Services | Klamath Falls |
| Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc. | La Grande |
| Union County Shelter from the Storm | La Grande |
| Family Promise of Lincoln County | Lincoln City |
| Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Rogue Valley | Medford |
| Northwest Housing Alternatives | Milwaukie |
| LOVE, Inc. | Newberg/Yamhill County Gospel Mission | Newberg |
| Grace Wins Haven | Newport |
| Samaritan House, Inc. | Newport |
| Community in Action | Ontario |
| Neighbor to Neighbor Pendelton (N2N) | Pendleton |
| Portland Rescue Mission | Portland |
| United Community Action Network Douglas & Josephine Counties | Roseburg |
| Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley | Salem |
| Union Gospel Mission of Salem | Salem |
| Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Center | Seaside |
| St. Vincent De Paul: Warming Place | The Dalles |
| Tillamook County Community Action Resource Enterprises, Inc. | Tillamook |
For more information on the list of benefiting organizations in each county, or to make a cash or new clothing donation, please visit WarmHeartsWinterDrive.com. Those interested in supporting the Warm Hearts campaign may also email community@umpquabank.com for more information.
About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank is a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System Inc., (Nasdaq: COLB) and a premier regional bank in the western U.S., with offices in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Colorado. With over $50 billion of assets, Umpqua combines the resources, sophistication and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver personalized service at scale. The bank consistently ranks as one of America’s Best Banks (ranked by Forbes) and supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking; Small Business Administration lending; institutional and corporate banking; equipment leasing; and wealth management. The bank’s corporate headquarters are located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Learn more at umpquabank.com.
AAA expects 115 million Americans including 1.6 million Oregonians to head away from home for the holidays
AAA projects 115.2 million Americans (33.8% of the population) will travel 50 miles or more for the Christmas and New Year holidays. This is up 2.2% from 2022 and the second-highest holiday travel volume since 2000 when AAA began tracking holiday travel, only behind 2019. About 1.63 million Oregonians will pack their sleighs for a holiday trip.
The year-end holiday travel period is defined as 10 days from Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, through Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.
About 90% of travelers or 104 million will drive to their holiday destinations, up 1.8% compared to 2022. In Oregon, roughly 1.4 million will drive.
Air travel sets a new record this holiday season, with 7.5 million Americans including 156,000 Oregonians taking to the skies. This is up 4.7% over last year. In all, about 6.5% of all holiday travelers will fly to their destinations.
Travel by other modes, including cruises, trains and buses, is also reaching new highs this year with 4 million travelers including 50,000 Oregonians. This is up 10.7% from last year. In all, about 3.5% of all travelers will go by these modes.
“We’ve seen robust demand for travel throughout 2023, and now people are ready to wrap up the year with holiday trips. We expect to see about 2.5 million more travelers for Christmas and New Year’s this year compared to 2022,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Your AAA card can provide discounts and rewards, and we recommend travel insurance to protect your investment.”
“This holiday season will be the second-busiest in the last two decades, with air travel setting new records this year. Count on busy roads and crowded airports this holiday season. With some planning before your trip, and patience and flexibility along the way, you can have an enjoyable holiday trip,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Weather is always the wild card this time of year, so make sure you have a plan B, just in case.”
Most will travel by car
AAA projects nearly 104 million Americans (90.0% of travelers) will drive to their holiday destination. This is up 1.8% compared to 2022. Travel by car this year will be the second highest on record, up nearly 2 million from last year but lower than 2019 when 108 million Americans drove out of town for the holidays.
In Oregon, roughly 1.4 million will drive.
Air travel to set new record
Holiday air travel will jump to the highest volume ever for the holidays with 7.5 million air travelers. This is up 4.7% over last year and beats 2019’s previous high mark of 7.3 million passengers.
Approximately 156,000 Oregonians will travel by air. In all, 6.5% of holiday travelers will fly to their destinations.
Air travel to set new record
Holiday air travel will jump to the highest volume ever for the holidays with 7.5 million air travelers. This is up 4.7% over last year and beats 2019’s previous high mark of 7.3 million passengers.
Approximately 156,000 Oregonians will travel by air. In all, 6.5% of holiday travelers will fly to their destinations.
Gas prices similar to last year
Those who hit the road for the holidays will find gas prices that are similar to last year’s holiday season.
The current (as of Dec. 20) national average for regular unleaded is $3.10 and the Oregon average is $3.84. Find current prices at https://gasprices.aaa.com/
AAA members can fill up for less at Shell stations when they join the Fuel Rewards® program at AAA.com/Shell. Save 30¢/gal on your first fill-up at Shell when you join the Fuel Rewards® program by 12/31/23 and make your first transaction within 30 days of joining. After that, save 5¢/gal every day on each individual fill-up of up to 20 gallons from participating Shell stations.
Get $5 off annual Oregon State Park parking permit in December
Give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during the month of December.
The permit hangtag once again features whimsical designs from Portland artist El Tran. Holiday shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25, which is a $5 savings starting Dec. 1 and running through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase.
Purchasing permits is easy. Buy them online at the Oregon State Parks store (use the drop down menu to pick your favorite design). Parking permits are also sold at some state park friends’ group stores and select local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list of vendors, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.
Parking costs $5 a day at 25 Oregon state parks unless you have a 12- or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The 24-month pass is $50 and is also available at store.oregonstateparks.org. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.
Guided First Day Hikes set for January 1st in Oregon State Parks
Guided First Day Hikes led by rangers and volunteers are set for 31 Oregon State Parks on New Year’s Day—Monday, Jan. 1. Hikes are free and the $5 day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.
America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.
“I’m excited that we can offer 34 guided hikes in 31 state parks this year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of OPRD. “When more parks offer hikes, Oregonians have more options to hike near their homes or explore a new park and trail. Plus, this year we’re including more trail accessibility information in our online hike descriptions and are offering reasonable accommodations so visitors of all abilities can join us.”
Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration.
Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikesor tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
About America’s State Parks
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 9 million people annually, state parks are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more at stateparks.org.
Visitors can book same-day online reservations statewide starting in 2024
SALEM, Ore— Visitors hoping to camp last minute will soon have the chance to view and book same-day campsite openings online statewide starting Jan. 1, 2024.
Previously, most sites required booking 24 hours or more in advance of arrival when reserving online. Same-day online reservations started as a pilot project at two coastal parks and expanded last summer to all 17 coastal state park campgrounds.
“Same-day reservations at the coast gave those traveling the peace of mind that there was a place ready for them when they arrived,” said Coastal Region Director Dennis Comfort.
When the program expands statewide, it will include a total of 40 park campgrounds across Oregon. Some parks switch tent and RV campsites to first-come-first served during the winter and those sites will start offering same-day online reservations in the spring. Visitors can check park webpages for seasonal information on specific parks at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
Eleven campgrounds will remain first-come-first served year-round: Jackson F. Kimball, Goose Lake, Bates, Cascara, Catherine Creek, Hilgard Junction, Jasper Point (except for the cabin), Minam, Red Bridge, Smith Rock and Ukiah-Dale.
The goal of same-day online reservations is to offer campers the flexibility to travel last minute when sites are available while giving them the security of knowing they have a site when they arrive. Same-day online reservations also have the potential to give park staff more time to offer interpretive opportunities, improve park facilities and increase time interacting with visitors.
“The transition to same-day reservations at Nehalem Bay State Park was nearly seamless and has been generally well received by guests,” said Park Manager Ben Cox.
Starting Jan. 1, 2024:
- Tent and RV campers can make a same-day online reservation up until 11:59 p.m. on the day they arrive by visiting https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Yurt and cabin reservations must be made before 6 p.m. the day of arrival due to the staffing required to assist with keys or codes.
- All visitors can make reservations by calling (800) 452-5687 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Visitors can also make same-day online reservations at parks statewide using mobile devices where they have cell reception or where Oregon State Parks’ free, limited Wi-Fi is available. Wi-Fi is provided at most parks for reservations only and is not guaranteed to be available 24/7. Signs at the park have login information. Since internet connectivity varies by park, it’s best to reserve campsites before arrival.
- Visitors can still pay with cash or checks at the park by finding a ranger or following posted instructions, which could include using self-registration envelopes only if instructed to do so. Ranger availability is limited depending on time and location.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive the $8 reservation fee for all same-day reservations.
If you have any questions about the new option, please contact the information center at k.info@oregon.gov“>park.info@oregon.gov. For more information about the option, please visit our online FAQs.
LCSO Case #23-6360 — Missing Person from Eugene
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Eugene Police Department are looking for 63-year-old Joseph James Bucher. Bucher’s vehicle was located by an Oregon State Police Trooper on 12/04/23 in a wooded area near USFS Rd. 5824 off of Hwy. 58 between Westfir and Lowell. He had not been heard from by family since 11/30/23.
Bucher is described as a white male adult standing approximately 5’11” and weighing about 250lbs. He has gray hair and blue eyes. He is also believed to currently have a beard.
Anyone with information about Bucher’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1. or Eugene Police Department at 541-682-5111.
Missing child alert — Jerrica Landin is still missing and is believed to be in danger
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Jerrica Landin, age 17, a child in foster care who went missing from Portland, Oregon on Aug. 21. She is believed to be in danger.
ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Jerrica and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.
Jerrica may be in Portland or Eugene in Oregon. She may also be in Washington in Vancouver, Seattle or the Tri Cities.
Name: Jerrica Landin
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Oct. 24, 2006
Height: 5-foot-6
Weight: 130 pounds
Hair: Reddish brown
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: Jerrica has a tattoo of a heart on her neck below her right ear. She often dyes her hair red, pink and purple.
Portland Police Bureau Case #23-803125
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1489518
Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.
Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
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
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.
