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
Thursday, January 12, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
WINTER STORM WATCH ISSUED: 3:30 AM JAN. 12, 2024 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM FRIDAY TO 4 AM PST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 6 inches and ice accumulations of up to o0.5 inches possible. * WHERE...Central Willamette Valley and South Willamette Valley. * WHEN...From 4 PM Friday to 4 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will likely begin Friday evening in the central Willamette Valley but will likely not accumulate on surfaces until later Friday night. Freezing rain may begin Friday night in the southern Willamette Valley continuing through Saturday. Currently, the main precipitation type appears to be snow for the central Willamette Valley and freezing rain for the southern Willamette Valley. However, uncertainty remains high regarding exact snow and ice amounts.
Arctic air continues to drop further to the south and is still set to impact our area in the next few days. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?
ROAD CONDITIONS: TripCheck
ALL IN Lane County Announces Positive Year End Results
Following Governor Tina Kotek’s address marking the conclusion of the first phase of Emergency Homeless Response effort, ALL IN Lane County today announced the year-end results for the multi-agency coordination initiative. ALL IN Lane County sought to prevent 741 households from becoming homeless, move 247 households from a state of being unsheltered into permanent housing, and create or improve 230 emergency shelter beds. Out of the 3 categories, 107% (or 795 of 741 households) of the prevention goal was met, 81% (or 200 of 247 households) of the rehousing goal was met, and 128% (or 294 of 230 beds) of the shelter goal was met.
“The results are impressive and were fueled by the willingness of our very capable local Lane County providers to work intentionally on reducing barriers to housing and housing stability,” said Multi Agency Coordination (MAC) group lead and Lane County Human Services manager, Kate Budd. “It took ingenuity and creativity to achieve the results they (providers) did in less than six months.
The Lane County MAC group has provided interagency management, planning, coordination, and operational leadership to provide strategic coordination, as well as identified resources and managed goals for the region’s ALL IN work. The group is led by Lane County with broad representation from community based organizations, Collaborative Care Organizations and local government.
“The Lane County ALL IN effort has also allowed for the funded providers to pilot new approaches to assisting households with their housing goals. This includes a new Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund, and block leasing permanent housing,” added Budd. “With continued partnership and commitment, our community can continue to make progress towards reducing the number of individuals experiencing homelessness.”
The rehousing goal came in under 100%, with 198 of the 241 households formally transitioning from the streets to permanent housing. It is important to note, 467 total households were enrolled in rehousing and the over 200 households remaining will continue to receive program supports. Identifying safe, decent, affordable housing remains one of the greatest regional challenges. If you are a landlord who would like to discuss offering a rental unit(s), reach out to the Lane County landlord liaison (iskmitigationfund@lanecountyor.gov?subject=riskmitigationfund@lanecountyor.gov“>riskmitigationfund@lanecountyor.gov).
The ALL IN Lane County effort was made possible by Governor Tina Kotek’s declaration of an emergency due to homelessness.and subsequent funding from the Oregon State Legislature to 6 Continuum of Care regions, Lane County being its own region. The declaration took effect on Jan. 10, 2023, and expires Jan. 10, 2024
Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a man who barricaded himself in a duplex in a Eugene neighborhood.
The LCSO sent out a warning at about 5:09 p.m. on January 11 saying they were responding to a report of a barricaded wanted subject in a duplex community area on Hatton Avenue near Park Avenue. Deputies said the situation was contained, but asked community members to avoid the area. North Park Avenue between Pennington Avenue and Nantucket Street was closed for the police action.
LCSO officials said the subject was believed to be armed, and that crisis negotiators were dispatched to the scene. LCSO officials said the subject was believed to be alone in the residence. At about 6:32 p.m., LCSO deputies said the suspect surrendered himself to their custody without further incident. Deputies did not release any information about the subject or what charges they may be facing.
Pedestrian/vehicle crash at Hwy. 99/Royal
At 8:14 a.m. on January 10, callers reported a vehicle/pedestrian crash at Hwy. 99 and Royal Avenue. The pedestrian was reported to be down in the middle of the road, with several people tending to him. Eugene Police and Eugene Springfield Fire responded.
The pedestrian, age 78, was conscious and breathing. ESF paramedics treated and then transported him to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The involved driver, a 55-year-old Eugene man, stayed on scene.
The driver was reported to have been exiting a driveway and waiting for a break in traffic to turn left onto Hwy. 99N. The pedestrian unexpectedly walked in front of the vehicle as it was pulling out and the vehicle hit him in the knees. Case 24-00416
Man Arrested For Stabbing and Robbery At Eugene 7/11 Store
A Eugene Police patrol officer located and detained a man wanted in a January 4 robbery and stabbing at a local 7-Eleven. At 10:16 a.m. on January 7, Robert Lee Childers, age 40, was arrested at W. 10th Avenue and Garfield Street without incident. Childers was wanted for a robbery and stabbing that occurred on January 4, at the 7-Eleven, 1963 W. 6th Avenue.
On that day, at 6:01 a.m., a man, later identified as Childers, entered the 7-Eleven, 1963 W. 6th, and selected some items. He argued with the clerk, cut the employee with a large knife, and fled without paying. Eugene Police Patrol responded and a K9 was called out to search, but they were unable to find the suspect. The victim was transported in emergency mode to a local hospital for treatment of a knife wound and is recovering. Childers was transported to Lane County Jail on charges of Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Case 24-00158
Original Release: Police Seeking Suspect In Stabbing Of 7/11 Store Employee
A 7-Eleven clerk in Eugene is hospitalized with internal bleeding after a confrontation with a suspected shoplifter turns violent. The early morning incident at the West 6th Avenue store escalates when the employee is stabbed. Authorities are on the hunt for the assailant, described as wearing a black shirt and cap.
Can you help Eugene Street Crimes Unit locate this suspect?
On January 5, Eugene Police’s Street Crimes Unit officer developed information that 33 year-old Joseph Allen Dexter was staying at an apartment in the 1600 block of Oakpatch Road. Dexter is a convicted felon with multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. Additionally, he was believed to be in possession of a handgun.
An SCU officer was granted a search warrant, and though an un-serialized “ghost gun” was recovered at the apartment, Dexter was not contacted and is still outstanding. SCU is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Dexter. Anyone with information related to Dexter’s whereabouts can contact SCU Officer Cook at (541) 914-7644 or mike.c.cook@ci.eugene.or.us .
Background: SCU and CSOs are funded by the City of Eugene’s Community Safety Payroll Tax and works in concert with communities to help solve issues. The Street Crimes Unit focuses on prolific offenders, who are identified through intelligence-based policing, public tips, and other sources. They proactively respond across the city to quality-of-life issues as they arise, using all available resources and partners such as community groups, neighborhood associations and city services. SCU is dedicated to targeting immediate and acute community safety system issues while working toward mission-critical enhancements that need to be addressed through a longer-term and broader community safety initiative.
Lane County Government – · 
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As we commemorate the inspiring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 15 (his birthday), we are reminded of the enduring power of unity, equality, and justice. This year, our community is privileged to host several remarkable events that reflect Dr. King’s vision and commitment to a more inclusive society.
**Keynote and Reception: “Making Space for Diverse History”** 
Thursday, January 11 
3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
Lane Community College (1st Floor of Building 10)The event features a keynote and reception with artist Titus Kaphar entitled “Making Space for Diverse History.” —
**NAACP MLK March and Keynote Reception** Monday, January 15 March – 9:30 a.m. (Autzen Stadium), Reception – 11:45 a.m. (The Shedd Institute)The day begins with the annual NAACP MLK March, where participants will gather at Autzen Stadium at 9:30 a.m. for a meaningful procession. Following the march, a reception will be held at The Shedd Institute at 11:45 a.m.–
**Annual MLK March for Justice and Equality** Monday, January 15 1:00 p.m. Springfield Justice Center Later in the day, join the Annual MLK March for Justice and Equality, commencing at 1:00 p.m. from the Springfield Justice Center. Participation in these events is not only a tribute to Dr. King but a commitment to the ongoing journey toward justice and equality.
Corvallis Indoor Winter Market delays season opener due to forecast severe weather
The Corvallis Indoor Winter market is delaying its season opener from Jan. 13 to Jan. 20 because of predicted severe weather. Difficult decisions like these are made with everyone’s safety in mind. The forecast could improve, but harvest and baking schedules require a decision two days in advance. Stay safe, and market vendors will be more than ready to see everyone at the Benton County Fairgrounds on Jan. 20, from 9 am to 1 pm.
CIWM is on Facebook and Instagram. Corvallis-Albany Farmers’ Markets
Conference in Eugene offers learning and networking opportunities to improve workplace safety and health
Salem – A two-day event in Eugene will offer employers and workers a variety of opportunities to gain knowledge, engage in professional networking, and refresh their skills about everything from hazard identification and safety committees to young worker safety and mental health in the workplace.
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (Oregon OSHA) – a division of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services – joins the Cascade Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals in encouraging employers and workers to attend the 20th biennial Cascade Occupational Safety and Health Conference, to be held March 4-5 at the Graduate Hotel, 66 E. Sixth Ave.
On Monday, March 4, the conference will feature a keynote address by Robin Rose, a speaker, trainer, coach, and consultant. Rose, who has a master’s degree in counseling psychology, oversees Robin Rose Training & Consulting Inc. in Salem. She uses neuroscience to help people understand what their brains need to maintain accurate discernment during both routine work and emergencies.
Her keynote address, “Safety on the Brain,” will show why stress, distractions, and a lack of sleep change judgment and accuracy. Attendees will learn the practices that improve their “safety brain” function and those that get in the way.
Additionally, Rose will conduct a breakout session focusing on change management strategies. Her session will show attendees why constant and varied change can make people feel defensive and how to address the challenges of change in ways that promote well-being and progress.
The Cascade Occupational Safety and Health Conference also features a special networking event at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 4, at the Graduate Hotel. The event invites attendees to meet safety and health professionals in the region and to learn about the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and Women in Safety Excellence (WISE). Light refreshments will be served. Those interested may RSVP to Leigh Manning, leiman@saif.com, by Feb. 29. Attendees will receive an email confirming the meeting room before the event.
The conference, which includes lunch, awards, and exhibits, offers many workplace safety and health topics. They include:
- Hazard Identification
- Root Cause Analysis
- I’m on the Safety Committee, Now What?
- Exoskeletons in the Workplace: How Are They Working Out?
- Mental Health in the Workplace
- Safety Voices: Promoting Young/New Worker Engagement in Safety and Health
- Climate Crisis and its Effects on Worker Health and Safety
- Preventing Serious Injuries and Fatalities in the Workplace
- Communicating Effectively to Engage the Growing Hispanic Workforce
- Confined Space: Elements of an Effective Program
Registration for the two-day event is $275. Monday-only attendance is $145. Tuesday-only attendance is $145. Register now: safetyseries.cventevents.com/cascade24. For more information about Oregon OSHA safety and health conferences, go online, send an email to egon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov“>oregon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov, or call 503-947-7411
### Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.
The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.
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).
- 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
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will be offering the ReOregon Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP) to help people whose homes were affected by the 2020 Labor Day Disasters. Learn more and sign up for updates at re.oregon.gov.
Get Ready For More Snow and Freezing Temperatures
The Pacific Northwest is expected to see freezing temperatures and maybe even lowland snow this week as part of the polar vortex blasts southward from the Arctic.
Watches, Warnings or Advisories for Oregon https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
A winter storm is arriving this week and many mountain passes are expecting substantial snow. The Oregon Department of Transportation said it will be fully staffed in preparation for the weather.
With nearly 4 feet of snow expected in the Cascades between now and Saturday and temperatures possibly 10 to 18 degrees below average, travel could be tricky. TRACK WEATHER HERE and HERE
Another tip for drivers is to make sure phones are charged before leaving. Drivers can also check the ODOT website, TripCheck , which has the most current road conditions and closures for Oregon.
Umpqua Bank’s Warm Hearts Winter Drive Raises $365,000 for Shelters and Nonprofits That Help Those in Need
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LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., (January 11, 2023) ― Umpqua Bank today announced that its Warm Hearts Winter Drive successfully raised $365,000 this holiday season and received winter clothing donations from customers, associates, and members of the community to benefit those individuals and families who struggle with housing and access to other basic resources.
“Our Warm Hearts Winter Drive is all about bringing people together to care for neighbors in need, and this year’s campaign has been a tremendous success,” said David Moore Devine, Umpqua’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Thanks to the passion of our associates and the generosity of individuals and businesses across our footprint, more of our neighbors will have access to shelter and other basic resources to stay safe and healthy during the winter months.”
Started by Columbia Bank before its merger with Umpqua last year, the Warm Hearts Winter Drive has raised a total of roughly $2.5 million for more than 100 shelters and aide organizations across Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. This year’s campaign received thousands of contributions across the bank’s footprint, including donations from key sponsors Beacon Plumbing & Mechanical and Samuel’s Store, surpassing Umpqua’s goal of raising $300,000 this year by more than 22 percent.
All designated contributions and donations to Umpqua’s Warm Hearts Winter Drive stay in the community where they were raised and directly support local organizations. Among the list of benefiting organizations are the Oregon-based Portland Rescue Mission and Eugene Mission, Tacoma Rescue Mission and Vine Maple Place in Washington, Boise Rescue Mission and Family Promise of Northern Idaho, Sacramento Loaves and Fishes and Tri Counties Community Action Partnership in Northern California, and The Road Home in Utah.
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.
Oregon Health Authority will Elevate the State’s Medicaid and Behavioral Health Programs as New Divisions
(Salem – January 11, 2024) Oregon’s Behavioral Health and Medicaid programs will become separate divisions in a new organizational structure at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), which Interim Director David Baden announced in a message to OHA staff today. Medicaid and Behavioral Health have been part of a larger Health Systems Division (HSD) since 2016.
A transition will begin this month. State health officials expect to conclude the process in April 2024. Once the change is completed, the Health Systems Division will be dissolved, and its current shared functions will be allocated to the two new divisions.
The changes will help ensure that OHA can fulfill its mission, eliminate health inequities and tackle the most important challenges facing Oregon communities. The new structure will enable the Medicaid and Behavioral Health divisions to allocate funding and regulate programs in more responsive and effective ways.
Interim Director Baden said, “OHA’s Medicaid and Behavioral Health teams are responsible for some of the highest priority programs and initiatives for our agency. To succeed, Medicaid and Behavioral Health need an organizational structure that enables their teams to be nimbler, and more efficient to meet the expectations of policymakers, partners and the public.”
State health officials said that there will be no reductions in staffing due to the changes.
Oregon’s Medicaid program provides medical, behavioral health and dental coverage to more than 1.4 million income-eligible children and adults in Oregon, through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). The Medicaid budget is $26.3 billion for the 2023-2025 biennium, which is funded through a combination of federal and state funds (currently, the federal government contributes approximately two-thirds of the funds for Oregon’s Medicaid program). The new Medicaid division will continue to be led by Vivian Levy, the state’s Interim Medicaid Director.
Oregon’s Behavioral Health program funds, regulates and administers mental health and substance use services programs for community members who do not qualify for Medicaid coverage. The 2023-2025 budget for behavioral health is $1.3 billion. Ebony Clarke, the state’s behavioral health director, will continue to lead the new Behavioral Health Division.
Once the transition is complete, current Health Systems Division Interim Director Shawna McDermott will take on a senior role in Medicaid.
Interim Director Baden emphasized that the Medicaid and Behavioral Health divisions will continue to work closely together.
“Medicaid and Behavioral Health programs will stand on their own as separate – but not siloed – OHA divisions,” said Baden. “As we navigate this change, we will sustain and enhance collaboration across Medicaid and Behavioral Health teams to improve equitable care coordination and health outcomes for people across the state. We cannot afford anything less. Nor can the people we serve.”
Oregon Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Conspiracy to Engage in Animal Crushing Resulting in the Torture, Mutilation and Murder of Monkeys
EUGENE, Ore.—An Oregon man pleaded guilty today in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to produce and distribute videos depicting the torture, mutilation and murder of monkeys in exchange for money raised by an online animal abuse group the man administered.
David Christopher Noble, 48, of Prineville, Oregon, pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos.
According to court documents, from an unknown date no later than January 19, 2022, and continuing until February 2, 2023, Noble conspired with others in the District of Oregon and elsewhere to send multiple online payments to co-conspirators overseas to fund the production of videos depicting the torture, mutilation and murder of monkeys. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Noble administered an online group wherein members would raise funds to produce, discuss ideas for, and share animal abuse videos.
In 2006, Noble, a former United States Air Force Officer, was dismissed from the Air Force and ordered to serve six months in military custody following a court martial for fraud and an unprofessional relationship. In early February 2023, following the investigation in this case, investigators executed a search warrant on Noble’s residence and found approximately 50 videos depicting animal abuse, along with several firearms and ammunition.
On May 18, 2023, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Noble with conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos, creating animal crush videos, and illegally possessing a firearm as a dishonorably discharged person.
After his home was searched, Noble relocated from Prineville to Henderson, Nevada, and, on June 13, 2023, was arrested in Henderson. The next day, he made his first appearance in federal court in Las Vegas and was ordered detained pending his transfer to Oregon. On July 21, 2023, after arriving in Oregon, Noble was again ordered detained based on the nature of his offenses, including the extreme violence associated, and his possession of firearms.
For his role in the conspiracy, Noble faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years’ supervised release. He will be sentenced on April 24, 2024.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren and Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
Asante settled Medicare fraud allegations at Medford hospital
The health system now at the center of a local police investigation recently resolved a lengthy federal probe into a whistleblower lawsuit claiming fraudulent billing
The Medford hospital now at the center of a local police investigation recently resolved a lengthy federal probe into a whistleblower lawsuit claiming fraudulent billing
Weeks before local police launched an investigation into reports of alleged drug diversion and potentially related patient deaths at Asante Rogue Medical Center, hospital management quietly settled litigation stemming from a federal Medicare fraud probe.
The probe, which has not been previously reported, was seemingly unrelated to the new investigation. It was based on a whistleblower lawsuit filed by one of the hospital’s own doctors that accused management at the Medford hospital of ignoring billing fraud. Instead, the suit claimed, management targeted the doctor who reported it.
According to the suit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the allegations contained in the lawsuit that was secretly filed under seal in 2021. Court records showed that after investigating, the federal government joined the whistleblower’s suit to recoup funds.
U.S. District Judge Michael McShane in October approved a settlement to which Asante and the doctor accused of overbilling, Dr. Charles Carmeci, collectively agreed. The judge’s order approving the settlement partially unsealed documents in the case.
Court records did not detail any dollar amounts in the settlement, and the Oregon U.S. Attorney’s office has not yet responded to requests for the information. A formal request from The Lund Report under the Freedom of Information Act is pending.
In the suit, Dr. Nicholas Engstrom, a cardiothoracic surgeon who worked at the Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, claimed his then coworker, Carmeci, billed government health programs for procedures he didn’t do and performed unnecessary procedures to boost his compensation.
No criminal charges have resulted from the claims and the federal investigation.
Carmeci did not respond to requests for comment. Engstrom’s attorney, Jennifer Middleton, declined to comment.
Contacted about the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Asante, Lauren Van Sickle, wrote in an email that health system leadership “will not be commenting.”
In 2022, the hospital received 57% of its revenue from government programs including Medicare and Medicaid, or $642 million in all, according to the most recent financial report submitted to state regulators. (READ MORE)
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.
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)
Juvenile Taken Into Custody After Klamath Union High School Threat
Klamath Falls City police responded to a major threat online made by a 16 year old at Klamath Union High School yesterday. The threat, posted on Snapchat, mentioned the use of a firearm and violence at the school dated January 11th.
KFPD uniformed officers and detectives spent the better part of the day at the facility. The proper computer forensic investigation was done and the person that allegedly posted it was taken into custody and is lodged at the Klamath
County Detention Center for juveniles.
The KFPD said in a press release that they do not take lightly any threats to any students in school and will be diligent in response to such cases.
Red Cross: Emergency blood shortage may delay medical procedures — American Red Cross – Cascades Region
Donors urged to give now as nation faces lowest number of blood donors in decades —- Donors have the chance to help save lives, win trip to Super Bowl LVIII
The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.
Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.
“Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”
Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl.
Who donations help
Sandy Thornton, of Dallas, Oregon, knows firsthand how important a readily available blood and platelet supply is. Sandy battled a rare form of cancer called Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Myleo Fibrosis. She received numerous blood and platelet transfusions until eventually needing a stem cell transplant.
“There are people who cannot get a stem cell transplant, which means they face a lifetime of platelet or blood transfusions. That’s their life. Blood is a lifesaver no matter how you look at it. It’s not just about when disasters happen, it’s when people get sick,” shares Sandy.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Bureau of Land Management fee-free day recognizes the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The new year is upon us! Welcome 2024 with a fee-free visit to your public lands. The Bureau of Land Management is waiving recreation standard amenity and day-use fees on Jan. 15, in honor of the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day takes place on the third Monday in January and recognizes Dr. King’s service and leadership in the civil rights movement.
“For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and every day, we are committed to make public lands access more equitable for all,” said Barry Bushue, BLM Oregon-Washington State Director.
Within Oregon and Washington, most access to recreate on BLM OR/WA public lands is free. The BLM’s standard amenity day-use fees will be waived at the following locations:
- Alsea Falls Recreation Site
- Hyatt Lake Recreation Area
- Gerber Recreation Area
- Sandy Ridge Trail System
- Shotgun Creek Recreation Site
- Spring Recreation Site
- Wildwood Recreation Site
- Yakima River Canyon
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
The standard amenity fee waiver does not apply to any expanded amenity fees for overnight camping, group day-use, cabin rentals, or individual Special Recreation Permit fees along permitted rivers. Please contact your local BLM office with questions about a recreation site you are interested in visiting.
Winter weather recreation requires more preparation to stay safe. Check with your local BLM office to learn about current conditions and road closures. Remember to always pack the 10 essentials: navigation tools (map, GPS, personal locator beacon), headlamp, sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen for snow glare), first aid kit, knife/gear repair kit, fire essentials (fire starter, matches, lighter), shelter (i.e., an emergency survival blanket), extra food, extra water (beyond the minimum expectation), and extra clothes (layers).
This is the first of five fee-free days to encourage recreation opportunities on public lands. Other 2024 fee-free days are June 19 (Juneteenth National Independence Day), July 16 (the BLM’s birthday), September 28 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).
For more information about the BLM’s recreation opportunities, visit https://www.blm.gov/visit. Remember to always Recreate Responsibly and leave your public lands cleaner than you found them by practicing Leave No Trace.
-BLM-
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
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.
