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, January 8, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
• A series of winter storms is expected to hit the West coast, bringing heavy snowfall and dangerous road conditions, with 3-4 feet of snow predicted for mountainous areas over the next week.
• Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for the Pacific Coast mountains, including the Cascades, Siskiyous, and Sierra Nevada, with significant snowfall and gusty winds forecasted.
• Coastal regions are facing High Surf Advisories with the potential for high waves and minor coastal flooding due to the combination of powerful waves and higher than normal tides.
• The Interstate 5 corridor lowlands will experience rainfall, with varying amounts expected along the coast, and cold air will bring lower temperatures, possibly leading to snow even at lower elevations.
• The weather pattern includes a potential arctic blast from Canada that could bring record cold temperatures and snowfall to sea level locations later in the week.
A wave of precipitation moves onshore early this morning, with the coast seeing rain and snow for the foothills and higher elevations. Snow will continue to push inland with our first wave tonight before a cold front moves onshore late Monday and into Tuesday for the immediate west coast of Oregon and Washington. And then again on Wednesday another piece of energy with snow and rain moves onshore. Ultimately, the next three days will be wet, windy and messy for the Pacific Northwest. ROAD CONDITIONS: TripCheck
LCSO Case #24-0071 – Investigation Leads to Large Scale Drug Seizure
On 01/04/2024 an ongoing investigation involving Lane County Sheriff’s deputies led them to contact the occupants of a Chrysler 300 sedan in the parking lot of the West Lane Center near Hwy 126. and Territorial Hwy. in Veneta Wednesday afternoon.
All three of the vehicle’s occupants were detained under suspicion of drug trafficking. 24-year-old Ronald Antonio Aguilar-Espinoza and 19-year-old Edil Mario Zuniga-Navarro were both discovered to have warrants out of Multnomah County for Delivery of a Controlled Substance. The third occupant was identified as 55-year-old Josef Dylan Burns.
During the course of the investigation investigators located and seized nearly 1 pound of suspected fentanyl powder, several hundred suspected pressed fentanyl pills, and about 3 ounces of suspected heroin. A related search warrant also led to the seizure of two firearms.
All three involved were arrested and charged with various drug crimes. Anguilar-Espinoza and Zuniga-Navarro were also lodged at the Lane County Jail related to their warrants. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be considered.
Eugene Police Use K-9 and Drones To Arrest Suspect In Disturbance Near Delta Ponds
Police dispatched a K-9 unit and a drone to locate a man allegedly involved in a disturbance at an apartment complex Saturday night.
EPD said they were called to an apartment in the 1100 block of Darlene Lane at 9:41 p.m. on January 6. According to police, the suspect, later identified as 42-year-old Gilbert Gene Zimmerman, was reported to be aggressively kicking the front door of the residence. Upon arrival, EPD units discovered that Zimmerman had activated the fire alarm as he fled the scene.
Authorities said a K-9 unit was then dispatched for an area search. EPD K9 Kaz led the team to Delta Ponds, where Zimmerman was believed to be hiding. The EPD Drone Team then arrived to assist with the search and spotted Zimmerman hiding under some brush. He was encouraged to come out and was taken into custody without incident, authorities said.
Zimmerman was taken to the Lane County Jail and faces multiple charges, including two counts of identity theft, strangulation, fourth-degree assault, second-degree disorderly conduct and supplying contraband.
Trailer Fire in Lebanon Oregon
At approximately 1318 hours on Sunday January 7th, 2024 Lebanon Fire District responded to a structure fire in the 30000 block of Old Santiam Highway.
When initial units arrived, they found an unoccupied fully involved camping trailer. Crews spent about 20 minutes to get the fire under control and stayed on scene for another hour for overhaul and investigation of the fire.
The Lebanon Fire District responded with 23 personnel on 14 apparatus.
The Lebanon Fire District would like to remind residents to follow safe home-heating instructions. Space heaters should be used with care, plugged directly into an outlet, and not permitted to remain on when residents are sleeping or away.
LCSO Case #24-0080 — Wanted Subject Taken into Custody After Fleeing Traffic Stop
On 01/05/2024 shortly after 1:00am, a Lane County Sheriff’s deputy patrolling the area of River Rd. and Santa Clara Ave. observed a silver SUV being driven by 37-year-old Michael Jack Boggs. Boggs had warrants for his arrest for Failure to Appear on a Burglary charge and Driving While Suspended. He was also being sought for questioning by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office regarding a recent restraining order violation investigation.
The deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with Boggs in a parking lot in the 2500blk of River Rd. As the deputy was waiting for backup to arrive, Boggs ran from the vehicle and fled over a fence into a nearby neighborhood.
Deputies and officers from the Eugene Police Department flooded the area. Boggs was found moments later in the 200blk of Division Ave. and taken into custody without further incident.
Boggs was lodged at the Lane County Jail on his warrants and new charges of Elude by Foot and Driving While Suspended – Felony.
Firefighter Battle Car Fire in Shop in Lebanon
Lebanon Firefighters battled a car fire late Saturday evening in the 3200 block of Mount Pleasant Rd, just East of Lebanon. Initial reports from the 911 center of a vehicle on fire inside a shop. When the Battalion Chief arrived, he found a 30×60 shop with a vehicle well involved and the homeowner trying to keep the fire from spreading to his nearby tractor.
The first engine to arrive was from Lebanon Fire District’s Lacomb sub-station. The crew quickly pulled a handline and began suppression efforts while protecting the tractor, other firefighters from Lebanon quickly arrived and supported the crew. Firefighters were on the scene approximately two hours making sure that no fire had entered the roof members of the structure, cooled the vehicle and did an investigation. No firefighters were injured but the homeowner was checked on scene by paramedics for smoke inhalation.
Lebanon Fire District responded with 21 personnel on four engines, two ALS ambulances, two water-tenders, one heavy rescue, one rehab unit for firefighters and two chief officers.
Lebanon Firefighters would like to remind its residents to be cautious when charging batteries in vehicles and that batteries are maintained. Be safe Lebanon.
Two Suspects Arrested After Shooting In Downtown Eugene
The Eugene Police Department said they responded at shortly after 1:30 a.m. on January 5 to reports of two individuals allegedly exchanging gunfire in an alley near Olive Street and West 8th Alley. Two officers who were nearby spotted the two suspects running away in a nearby parking lot, police said.
EPD officials said the officers apprehending and arrested both suspects and recovered a gun. A short time later, police contacted an individual with a non-life-threatening gunshot injury who was admitted to a local hospital, authorities said. Police said they determined the incident originated in a dispute at the Horsehead Bar that spilled outside into the street.
The two suspects arrested for Friday morning’s shooting were lodged at the Lane County Jail, authorities said. EPD said one of the suspects faces multiple charges that include first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, while the second suspect faces a charge of disorderly conduct.
CAHOOTS Crisis Assistance Temporarily Suspending Medical Care
CAHOOTS has reported that on January 1, 2024 they are temporarily suspending medical care, including vitals monitoring and wound care. They anticipate this suspension to last several weeks.
CAHOOTS will still respond to crises related to mental health, behavioral health, substance use, family disputes, resource gaps and more, they tell us.
CAHOOTS states they are actively working to resolve the issue, and will provide more information as things proceed.
Nurses with Sacred Heart Home Care Services Vote to Authorize a Strike
Home Care Nurses, PeaceHealth to Continue Negotiations Jan. 12
After months of negotiations, nurses say they are fed up with unfair treatment by PeaceHealth executives
Local ONA home care nurse Jo Turner announced that a significant majority of registered nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services voted to authorize a strike during a press conference in Springfield, OR Dec. 29, 2023. Photo courtesy of the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).
Friday’s mediation session—the first meeting between ONA nurses and PeaceHealth executives since nurses’ successful strike vote—ends without a contract agreement.
(EUGENE, Ore.) – ONA nurses volunteered their time to meet with PeaceHealth’s high-paid corporate executives and a federal mediator for more than 4 hours Friday, January 5 to try to reach a fair contract agreement for home care nurses, our patients and our community. While frontline nurses had good discussions, PeaceHealth’s executives continued to deny home care nurses equal pay with their hospital colleagues and with nurses at similar home health agencies.
PeaceHealth’s inequitable treatment of nurses has already forced nearly a quarter of home care nurses to leave PeaceHealth and a staggering one-third of PeaceHealth’s current home care nurses plan to leave this year if PeaceHealth does not agree to a fair contract.
Fewer home care nurses means costly care delays for local patients and their families. In October, PeaceHealth failed to admit nearly half its home health patients in a timely fashion. The national average for timely admissions to home health is 95%.
Despite PeaceHealth’s refusal to offer home care nurses the same standard it agreed to with local hospital nurses in August, home care nurses agreed to meet with PeaceHealth executives and a federal mediation again Friday, January 12.
Nurses remain eager to reach a fair contract that addresses PeaceHealth’s staffing crisis, raises safety standards, increases recruitment and retention of skilled nurses, and ensures all Oregonians have access to safe, affordable, and accessible home health care. However, nurses refuse to rollover and accept a contract that would lead to additional losses and endanger our patients, our coworkers and our community.
On Dec. 28, ONA nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services announced we are prepared to strike to protect patients and our community. With nearly 100% participation, a strong majority of the more than 90 home care nurses voted to authorize a strike.
Local nurses are actively meeting with statewide leaders to determine if and when to call a strike and how long a potential strike would be.
If a strike is called, nurses will provide PeaceHealth with a 10-day notice to allow PeaceHealth executives adequate time to provide alternate care options for patients or to rejoin us at the table and reach a fair agreement.
ONA represents more than 90 registered nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services and more than 1,500 frontline nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend.
- Visit www.RespectOurNurses.com to learn more.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union that represents more than 17,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.
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
The National Transportation Safety Board announced the missing part of the Alaska Airlines aircraft that blew off mid-flight has been found in a backyard in Portland.
Federal investigators had been searching for the door plug since it blew off an Alaska Airlines aircraft after taking off from Portland on Friday, leading to the nationwide grounding of certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and a slew of flight cancellations.
A Portland school teacher named Bob reached out to the agency after he found the missing Boeing 737 MAX 9 fuselage door plug in his yard, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said at a news conference.
The agency had asked for the public’s help finding the part and had plans of possibly using a helicopter or drones to continue the search Sunday. Homendy had explained locating the missing part would provide key clues as to why it separated from the airplane.
Federal investigators earlier had released their first image from inside the aircraft that was left with a refrigerator-sized hole mid-flight, and it shows a headrest torn from a nearby seat and oxygen masks still hanging from the plane’s ceiling.
No passengers during the Friday flight were seated directly next to the section of the plane that blew off, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said Saturday.
“It’s fortunate that nobody died and there were not more serious injuries,” Homendy told CNN after touring the aircraft. Investigators were preparing to interview the flight crew, she said.
The refrigerator-sized hole that suddenly opened up on the aircraft carrying 177people from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, Friday sent panic throughout the planeas the cabin depressurized, oxygen masks descended and passengers screamed and texted their goodbyes. The plane landed safely with no serious injuries reported, authorities said.
The ordeal resulted in the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to temporarily ground certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft until they are carefully inspected. Boeing has faced a string of setbacks in recent years, most notably a 2019 grounding in dozens of countries following two tragic crashes.
Alaska Airlines said Saturday night that emergency inspections of its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes “will take more time,” warning flight disruptions will likely continue.
The number of Alaska Airlines cancellations has added up since the ordeal. The airline said Saturday afternoon that 160 flights — affecting roughly 23,000 travelers — had been canceled. In a Sunday update, the airline said 170 flights that day had been canceled and another 60 had been axed for Monday.
“Cancellations will continue through the first half of the week, and we encourage guests with travel plans to continue to check their email and alaskaair.com for updates,” the airline said.
United Airlines also saw triple-digit cancellations with 270 flights axed this weekend, according to the airline. United said it also suspended services on all its Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and was “working with the FAA to clarify the inspection process and the requirements for returning all MAX 9 aircraft to service.” United said it has 79 of the aircraft in its fleet.
In the meantime, investigators are beginning to dig into the Alaska plane’s maintenance records, among other components, as they look into the mishap.
On Tuesday, Boeing is scheduled to hold an all-employee meeting at its 737 Max factory in Renton, Washington, “focused on safety” and the company’s response to the accident, Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun said in a company-wide email.
“It is critical for us to work transparently with our customers and regulators to understand and address the causes of the event and to ensure they don’t happen again,” Calhoun said in the email. (SOURCE)
Investigations Into Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center Patient Deaths Continue
The investigation could take several weeks or months. MPD will release information as it becomes available.
Hospital Nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford Accused of Replacing Fentanyl with Tap Water Leading to at least 10 Patient Deaths and “Dozens of Patients” Had Been Harmed
The Federal Bureau of Investigation says it is involved with an investigation at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. The FBI said it’s aware of allegations there under investigation by local police.
This after some sources say as many as ten people have died. Multiple hospital sources, who declined to be identified, confirmed dozens of patients injured by medication diversion — the act of replacing a medication with
another substance. It is believed the fentanyl scheduled to be administered to the patients was then removed from the premises illegally.
Sources allege that a hospital nurse was removing fentanyl from IV bags and replacing it with tap water. The FBI said today it is supporting local police with their work.
Asante issued a statement during the weekend that, “We were distressed to learn of this issue. We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.”
Multiple sources also say that water supplies in the Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit — which are in an older part of the hospital — are unsafe for use on patients, even for face washing. The hospital made numerous public statements during 2023 pertaining to infections and water quality issues.
OHA state agency is part of an investigation now at a Medford hospital, where local and federal law enforcement agencies are investigating allegations of nursing behavior that could have been deadly.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) says today it’s “aware of reports of incidents at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford involving a nurse alleged to have tampered with pharmaceutical fentanyl used to treat severe pain and introduced tap water in patients’ intravenous lines. OHA also is investigating reports that the incidents led to health care-associated infections that severely injured, and may have caused the deaths of, several patients.”
OHA has a Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program that, “conducts HAI surveillance in Oregon health care facilities,” working with partners including health care facilities to respond to and contain potential HAI outbreaks.
• A nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Oregon is accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water, leading to the deaths of approximately ten patients.
• The tap water injections allegedly caused Pseudomonas infections, which can result in severe conditions like sepsis and pneumonia.
• The act of substituting medications, known as “drug diversion,” is a problem in the medical field, with fentanyl being one of the most commonly diverted drugs.
• No charges have been filed yet, but police are actively investigating the incident.
• The hospital has reported the issue to law enforcement, but details such as the exact number of affected patients have not been officially confirmed.
A nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford allegedly swapped medication with tap water, resulting in the death of approximately ten patients, NBC5 reported.
Sources say the nurse used tap water to cover up the hospital’s misuse of medication. Unnamed hospital sources said “dozens of patients” had been harmed by the replacement of their meds with another substance.
Citing several anonymous sources, NBC5 reported that at least ten patients at the Medford hospital were allegedly injected with tap water in an attempt to cover up a nurse’s misuse of fentanyl, a pain medication.
According to NBC5, sources within the hospital said that the tap water, which is not sterile, led to Pseudomonas infections.
The Medical Center’s intensive care unit reported that up to nine or ten people caught infections and later died. The tap water that was used in the injections was reportedly not sterile and led to multiple infections of pseudomonas, which can be very dangerous to those with weak immune systems.
“It could cause sepsis, pneumonia, it could infect all the organs, so it could be a very severe infection,” said Dr. Robin Miller. The Asante Rogue Medical Center released a statement saying, “We were distressed to learn of this issue. We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.”
As of press time, no one was arrested or charged, and Medford Police provided no more details. They only confirmed there’s an open investigation at the medical center.
Advanced Practice Providers of OHSU Move to Unionize
Nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurse midwives cite degrading working conditions, increased pressure to generate revenue as reasons for taking action
(Portland, Ore.) – Today, more than 600 advanced practice providers (APP) from across the OHSU system announced their intent to join a union and delivered their declaration to hospital administration demanding to be recognized. Members of the group work at OHSU locations across the state including Portland, Eugene, The Dalles and Klamath Falls and include nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and physician associates serving as faculty and caring for patients in areas such as family practice, cardiology and oncology. They intend to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) which already represents more than 3000 RNs in the OHSU system.
“My colleagues and I care for patients across the OHSU system, while our work may vary from one department to the next, we all feel a lack of respect from administration. There is no focus on retention. We are pushed to our limit and it’s not sustainable,” said Heather Reed, a nurse practitioner in family medicine. “For me, the time pressure is extreme and relentless. Rarely do I complete all my charts or do paperwork during the day. After a hard day’s work, I often go home with more to do than I did at the start. I love being a nurse practitioner. I love working with patients and part of that is assuring patients have the best care and best access. Right now, that’s compromised.”
The organizing effort at OHSU is the most recent, in a continuous wave of healthcare workers from across the state, representing multiple health systems seeking to unionize. APPs at OHSU are asking for a compensation system that reflects the complexity and diversity of their positions, the agency to discuss productivity goals and expectations with management, recognition for their roles in improving patient care and access to care, and the time and financial support to pursue educational and faculty advancement opportunities.
“I am very concerned about how healthcare systems are shifting priorities toward profits. It’s unethical and erodes trust from patients and frontline providers alike. PAs and NPs at OHSU are widely invisible to the institution despite being foundational for every aspect of healthcare and healthcare system functionality. We try very hard to maintain a high standard for ourselves to provide not only the best patient care we can, but the best access to care for the community. Regrettably, we are rewarded with increased workload and responsibility and lower pay which inevitably leads to APPs leaving. We owe it to ourselves and our community to do all we can to push for change,” said Carmen Henderson, a physician associate in cardiology. “We must unionize so we have a seat at the table. As frontline health professionals, we should have a say in how we operate and deliver care. By taking this step now, we can improve the work/life balance for all APPs at OHSU and in turn, stem the tide of providers leaving for less demanding and better-paying positions, or leaving healthcare altogether.”
As public employees, the union recognition process can happen voluntarily if OHSU agrees or through a card check (union authorization cards) that is handled by Oregon’s Employment Relations Board (ERB).
In October 2023, ONA-represented nurses at OHSU voted to approve a new contract after ten months of negotiations. Nurses secured significant wage increases, guaranteed minimum staffing standards, improved workplace safety protections, the right to bargain the impacts of a merger with Legacy Health system and full retro pay.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union that represents more than 17,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state, including more than 3000 frontline nurses at OHSU. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.
OHA Ombuds Releases 2023 Six-Month Report
Ombuds to formally present its recommendations to the Oregon Health Policy Board January 9
Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Ombuds Program, which serves as the advocate for Oregon Health Plan (OHP – Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program) members, released a report detailing top concerns from OHP members specific to child and youth mental health.
Established by legislation, the Ombuds Program provides recommendations and additional oversight internally to OHA Medicaid programs, and externally to Medicaid contractors. The program is independent of Medicaid implementation, operations or compliance.
The Ombuds Program also advocates for access to care and quality of care, as well as channeling member experience into recommendations for systems improvement. OHP members come to the Ombuds Program when they cannot get the support they need elsewhere after other avenues have not led to resolution. These issues often represent systemic concerns impacting other members.
The Ombuds 2023 Six-Month Report focuses on Child and Youth Community-Based Mental Health. The report highlights a central member story that illustrates the need experienced by many children and youth in Oregon for better access to local care, as well as data from the Ombuds Program and Oregon Health Authority. Based on these data and case stories, the report makes recommendations to improve mental health services and supports for children, youth and families across Oregon as follows:
- Require statewide networks. OHA should implement a statewide OHP network for both inpatient and outpatient mental health services by requiring coordinated care organizations (CCOs) and OHA fee-for-service (FFS) programs to contract with all willing outpatient and residential behavioral health providers for children and adults in the state;
- Prioritize funding of community-based children’s mental health services at amounts equal to or greater than investments in adult mental health funding and at least proportional to the number of young people in Oregon;
- Prioritize development and implementation of culturally specific services to eliminate the racial and linguistic disparities in accessing mental health services, follow-ups from emergency departments (EDs), and overrepresentation of youth of color in ED boarding;
- Strengthen peer workforce within children’s mental health;
- Speed up access to outpatient mental health services for youth accessing Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS);
- Fully implement Intensive In-Home Behavioral Treatment Services (IIBHT) within all CCOs and OHA’s FFS program;
- Fund and implement mental health respite care for each member’s entire lifespan;
- Create an independent Office of the Ombuds for Children and Youth in Oregon under the Governor’s Office to advocate for children, youth, young adults and families in need of services across multiple systems.
Each person who seeks Ombuds Program assistance deserves nurturing and support. The stories they share often illustrate challenges experienced by others. Each story teaches us how we can improve Oregon’s Medicaid delivery system and understand the impact of health inequities on Oregonians who receive or are eligible for the Oregon Health Plan.
The Ombuds Program will formally present its findings and recommendations from the Six-Month Report to the Oregon Health Policy Board Jan. 9, 2024.
Read the full report here. To refer a concern to the Ombuds Program, contact udsOffice@dhsoha.state.or.us“>OHA.OmbudsOffice@dhsoha.state.or.us, leave a message at 877-642-0450 or visit here.
Oregon Seeing Spikes In Influenza And COVID-19
Oregon was lagging a bit behind most of the country, but now it’s experiencing a spike in flu and COVID cases.
From Dec. 16 through Dec. 23, flu cases nearly doubled in Oregon. COVID-19 test positivity jumped by more than 50% from Dec. 16 through Dec. 30. And from last week to this week, adults in acute care hospital beds due to COVID jumped by 30%, according to the Oregon Health Authority.
RSV season has been underway since early November, but cases have stayed relatively flat at around 11% positivity. Meanwhile, the past year saw a big drop in vaccinations in the state. Less than 14% of Oregonians got the latest COVID vaccine.
Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division, said people may have gotten tired of hearing and thinking about respiratory viruses, but the viruses are not going away.
“They’re still very much with us and they’re putting people in the hospital every day here in Oregon,” Cieslak said.
COVID-19 cases are rising statewide, he added. As far as the flu, the biggest spikes right now are in southwestern Oregon. But that, too, has made its way to every part of the state.
Cieslak noted that nearly everyone qualifies for flu and COVID vaccines. He added that there are RSV medications for children, and RSV vaccines available for people who are over 60 years old or are pregnant.
And he said good respiratory hygiene — like staying home if you’re sick, covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands often — can also help stop the spread of respiratory viruses. (SOURCE)
Oregon Veteran Home Loan Maximum Loan Limit Increases to $766,550 in 2024
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) has increased the maximum home loan limit for the Oregon Veteran Home Loan for 2024, conforming to loan limits for mortgages set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). ODVA will now accept loans up to the new maximum loan amount of $766,550, an increase of $40,350 from $726,200 in 2023, for funding on or after January 1, 2024.
The Oregon Veteran Home Loan Program, which has been one of ODVA’s core veteran benefits since the agency’s inception in 1945, offers eligible veterans fixed-rate financing for owner-occupied, single-family residences.
The veteran home loan product is a non-expiring, lifetime benefit for any eligible Oregon veteran and may be used up to four times. The program provides financing for purchases only and cannot be used for refinancing.
This state veteran home loan benefit is separate and distinct from the federal VA Home Loan Guarantee and has lent nearly $9 billion in low-interest home loans to more than 336,000 veterans since 1945. To be eligible, a veteran must have served on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces, as documented on their DD-214, and must meet one of the service criteria outlined on ODVA’s website.
For more information about the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Home Loan Program, program eligibility, or to find a partner broker near you, please call (800) 633-6826 to speak with a loan specialist or visit www.orvethomeloans.com.
Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.
Oregon Record $5.6 Billion Tax Kicker
This year, the state of Oregon has a record $5.6 billion tax kicker refund for Oregonians that have filed their 2022 personal income tax return. The 2022 return must be filed because that is the amount the kicker is based off.
The tax kicker refund can be claimed while filing the 2023 return. Those 2023 forms will have special instructions on how to claim that money.
Tax kickers are the result of a budget surplus in the state during a given biennium. The $5.6 billion kicker is 44.28% of all personal income tax paid to Oregon in 2022.
In order to calculate a personal kicker, multiply the amount paid for 2022 by 44.28%. The kicker can also be calculated online here.
The Oregon surplus credit, known as the “kicker,” is a way for state government to return some of your taxes to you when revenues are more than predicted. Every two years, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) determines whether there is a surplus and the amount to be returned to taxpayers as a kicker. If there’s a surplus, the kicker may be claimed on the return as a refundable tax credit or donated to the State School Fund. The kicker credit is available only on the return for an odd-numbered year. If there’s no surplus, or if the tax year is even-numbered, no kicker is available.
For the 2021-23 biennium, OEA has confirmed a kicker of more than $5.61 billion. Taxpayers will claim the kicker as a refundable credit on their 2023 tax return filed in 2024. To calculate the amount of the credit, taxpayers multiply their 2022 tax liability before any credits – line 22 on the 2022 Form OR-40 – by 44.28 percent. Taxpayers who claimed a credit for tax paid to another state would need to subtract the credit amount from their liability before calculating the credit.
For a list of other types of tax credits, visit our Oregon credits page.
Governor Kotek Says Coordinated Care Organizations Will Pitch In $25 Million For Psychiatric Treatment Beds Saying That The Funds Will Focus On Services For Youth
After making record profits over the COVID-19 pandemic, the companies that administer Oregon’s Medicaid plan will commit $25 million to expand behavioral health services in the state. Gov. Tina Kotek’s office announced the plan on Thursday, saying that the funds will focus on services for youth.
“Oregon needs more treatment options to help young people in our state who are struggling with serious behavioral health issues,” Governor Kotek said. “The state and CCOs developed a plan to reinvest surplus Medicaid dollars into Oregon communities, and this partnership will support youth behavioral health projects that we desperately need.”
Oregon offers health insurance to low-income residents and people with disabilities through the Oregon Health Plan, an expansion of Medicaid. But the plan is offered through a number companies, called coordinated care organizations (CCOs), that operate regionally throughout the state.
CCOs made “record, unanticipated profits” during the pandemic, Kotek’s office said. While they demonstrated that funds are being reinvested into the community, Kotek’s office said she asked that they work together to specifically put another $25 million into behavioral health services.
The Oregon Health Authority, CCOs and health care providers signed a memorandum of understanding on the partnership Thursday.
“I commend CCOs for working as a system to be a part of the solution for our statewide challenges,” said Ebony Clarke, OHA’s behavioral health director. “These investments will help spur and close projects that will propel the state forward in closing key program gaps that have been exacerbated by fentanyl in recent years. I look forward to this partnership making a real difference in Oregon communities.”
In the Portland metro area, $13.2 million will go to Trillium Family Services in order to expand capacity for psychiatric residential treatment beds. Another $2.3 million will go to expand that capacity in Lane County through Looking Glass Community Services.
Funding will also go to more rural areas of the state. In Douglas County, $7.5 million goes to a project by Adapt Integrated Health Care, which is already working on a new campus to support more treatment beds. Out in Morrow County, $2 million will go to a Community Counseling Solutions project in order to close a funding gap for new residential treatment beds.
“This resource will result in access to life saving care for those who need it, when they need it,” said Dr. Greg Brigham, CEO of Adapt.
According to Brigham, the funding will enable them to replace antiquated facilities and more than triple residential treatment capacity from 40 beds to about 118 beds, located on a 40-acre campus just east of Roseburg.
“We are excited to see the positive impact that these investments will make in our state,” added Sean Jessup, CEO of Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization. (SOURCE)
*** UPDATE *** Detectives Investigating New Year’s Day Shooting in Mt. Angel
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect who shot and killed a man in Mt. Angel, on January 1, 2024.
The suspect in the shooting has been identified as Agustin Barocio (42) from Mt. Angel. Agustin Barocio is described as 5’2” and approximately 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. His Oregon DMV photo is attached.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information about the incident to contact Detective Jessica Van Horn at 503-584-6211. The case is featured on Crime Stoppers of Oregon. Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 for information reported to Crime Stoppers of Oregon that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime, and tipsters can remain anonymous. Secure and anonymous tips can be left at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com, or you can visit the app store and download P3 tips for smartphones or tablets.
Information about the location of the suspect can be submitted directly through Crime Stoppers or by calling Detective Jessica Van Horn and 503-584-6211. Anonymous tips can be sent by texting the words TIPMCSO and your tip to 847411.
Information learned from social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube should be shared as these tips may lead to the identification of a suspect or suspects. Links can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
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).###
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.
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.
