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 15, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
WINTER STORM WATCH ISSUED: 2:39 AM JAN. 15, 2024 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Significant icing possible. Total ice accumulations of two tenths to three tenths of an inch possible. * WHERE...Central Willamette Valley and South Willamette Valley. * WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.
The weather is expected to be cold and dry through early Tuesday when a low pressure system from the southwest is forecast to bring freezing rain into Wednesday.
High temperatures are anticipated to return to the upper 40s or low 50s Wednesday, with rain in the Willamette Valley and snow in Cascades, for the rest of the week.
A total of 0.2 to 0.3 inches of ice is forecast Tuesday in the central and southern Willamette Valley. The ice is expected begin in the morning and last into the evening. It’s less than Saturday’s ice totals that reached a half-inch in some places, but enough to have widespread impact.
“We’ll definitely have some possibility of power outages, tree damage and slippery roads,” said Jacob Hall with the National Weather Service in Portland. “The good news is that we’re not forecasting strong winds.”
Widespread power outages and road closures
Late Sunday, tens of thousands of Oregonians in the northwestern part of the state were without power and a multitude of highways and roads were closed, due to fallen trees and power lines.
Wind and snow and ice downed trees and power lines across northwestern Oregon over the weekend, knocking out power and prompting the closure of numerous roads.
Portland General Electric said tree limbs and debris brought down more than 816 of its distribution power lines and damaged multiple transmission lines.
“Given the extent of the damage and the high level of outage events, restoration efforts will continue into the week and customers are encouraged to plan accordingly,” PGE said in a statement.
The Oregon Department of Transportation said downed trees and power lines have made driving dangerous on some roads and highway.
Some road closures could last several days as crews work to clean up the downed trees and debris, ODOT said
ODOT continued to advise drivers to stay home and reschedule any travel, if possible, warning of the freezing rain, sleet and snow forecast for some areas this week.
“Severe weather is likely to hit again Tuesday and temperatures are not forecasted to get above freezing, forcing highway closures throughout northwest Oregon, including the Coast, Portland, and the Willamette Valley, as well as higher elevations,” ODOT officials said.
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
Even Delivery of Sunday Register-Guard Canceled Due to Severe Winter Storm and Flights Canceled at Eugene Airport
Everyone should be prepared for the possibility of long-term power outages and more extreme weather. Many businesses closed and important you check with your neighbors.
Individuals in need of resources during this winter storm should call 2-1-1 to get information on resources available in your community.
EWEB – At this time, the Eugene Water and Electric Board has received reports of 61 outages. 3,652 EWEB customers are currently without power. More information is available on their website.
Outages can be reported to EWEB by calling 1-844-484-2300.
SUB – On January 14, Springfield Utility Board said they still have about 6,000 customers without power, primarily in the east and southeast areas of Springfield. SUB said that customers should be prepared for the possibility of extended-duration outages.
Updated information can be found on their Facebook page. Outages can be reported to Springfield Electric Board by calling 541-726-2395.
EPUD – Emerald People’s Utility District said they are experiencing large and widespread outages throughout their district.
Updated information can be found on their Facebook page. Outages can be reported to EPUD by calling (541) 746-1583.
Pacific Power – At this time, Pacific Power said there are 240 outages in Oregon affecting 16658 customers.
Pacific Power said crews are working to restore power, but customers should be prepared for the possibility of extended duration outages.
Outages can be reported to Pacific Power by calling 1-877-508-5088. More information is available on their website.
Lane Electric Cooperative – On January 13, Lane Electric Cooperative said they were experiencing outages impacting members in Creswell, Eugene, Oakridge, Blue River, McKenzie Bridge, and Vida. Trees falling on powerlines due to the snow and ice conditions are causing the outages.
On January 14, Lane Electric Cooperative said that members should be prepared for power outages to last through Friday. More information is available on their website.
Outages can be reported to Lane Electric Cooperative by calling 541-484-1151.
Douglas Electric Cooperative -On January 14, Douglass Electric Cooperative said that there were outages in the Territorial, Smith River, and Steelhead Drive areas. More information is available on their website.
Outages can be reported to Douglass Electric Cooperative by calling 1-888-420-8826.
Lane County Health & Human Services Updates County-Wide Warming Spaces List
With temperatures forecasted to be in the low 20s at night and near freezing during the day over the weekend and into Monday, Lane County Health & Human Services reminds community members to be aware of where warming spaces are located across Lane County. These places are open to anyone who needs to warm up, with some overnight options available. It’s important to note that since Monday is a holiday, the public buildings listed as warming areas will be closed. This information could be the difference between life and death, so please visit, www.lanecountyor.gov/warming to learn more.
Eugene
Amazon Community Center
9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday
2700 Hilyard St. Eugene, OR 97405
Peterson Barn
9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday
870 Berntzen Rd. Eugene, OR 97402
Hilyard Community Center
9 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday
2580 Hilyard St. Eugene, OR 97405
Sheldon Community Center
8 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday
2445 Willakenzie Rd. Eugene, OR 97401
Campbell Community Center
8:30 am to 7 pm Mondays
8:30 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday through Friday
155 High St. Eugene, OR 97401
Downtown Eugene Library
10 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday
10 am to 6 pm Friday through Sunday
100 W. 10th Ave. Eugene, OR 97401
Bethel Branch Library
10 am to 6 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
12 pm to 8 pm Tuesday
Closed on Sunday
1990 Echo Hollow Road Eugene, OR 97402
Sheldon Branch Library
10 am to 6 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
12 pm to 8 pm Tuesday
Closed on Sunday
1566 Coburg Road Eugene, OR 97401
St. Vincent de Paul Service Station
Open 7 days a week, 8:30 am to 5 pm
456 Hwy 99 Eugene, OR 97402
St. Vincent de Paul’s 1st Place Family Center
Open 7 days a week, 9 am to 5 pm
4060 W. Amazon Dr. Eugene, OR 97405
Looking Glass New Roads Center (Youth and Young Adults up through age 24)
Open 7 days a week, 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
941 W. 7th Ave. Eugene, OR 97401
Egan Warming Centers (Eugene/Springfield)
Locations subject to change but posted on the website https://www.svdp.us/services/shelter-assistance/egan-warming-centers/
Activates at 29 and below
Eugene Mission
Additional space available during Inclement Weather Protocol. Activates at 30 and below. Ideal entry time between 4 and 5 pm, but people will not be turned away if there is space that night.
1542 W 1st Ave. Eugene, OR 97402
Springfield
Springfield City Hall at 225 5th Street
Mondays: 8 am to 7 pm (closed January 15 in observance of MLK Day)
Tuesdays: 8 am to 7 pm
Wednesdays: 8 am to 6 pm
Thursdays: 8 am to 7 pm
Fridays: 8 am to 5 pm
Saturdays: 10 am to 3 pm
Any changes will be posted on the City’s website at springfield-or.gov
Willamalane Park and Recreation District open hours by facility:
– Bob Keefer Center at 250 S 32nd Street
Monday through Friday: 7 am to 9 pm
Saturday: 8 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 5 pm
– Splash! at Lively Park at 6100 Thurston Road
January Hours
Monday: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm; waterpark swim will be open from 1 pm to 5 pm on January 15
Wednesday: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Friday: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm
– Willamalane Adult Activity Center at 215 W. C Street
Monday through Friday: 8 am to 4 pm (closed on January 15 in observance of MLK Day)
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
– Willamalane Park Swim Center at 1276 G Street
Monday through Friday: 6 am to 9 pm (closed on January 15 in observance of MLK Day)
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Any changes will be posted to Willamalane’s website at willamalane.org/alerts.
Catholic Community Services OASIS (Drop-In Day Center)
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 am to 4 pm
Wednesday: 8 am to 6 pm
1175 G Street, Springfield
Clients must enroll in OASIS first, 541-345-3628 ext. 390 or OASIS@ccslc.org (Pets not allowed)
Closed Holidays and Weekends
Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove Community Center
Open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday
700 E Gibbs Ave. Cottage Grove, OR 97424
Florence
Florence Warming Center
Transportation available between 5 pm and 6 pm
Location varies and announced during each activation
Information on activations can be found at Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/FECWS/
Pick up sites at Siuslaw Library, Safeway, Linda’s Laundry Mat: Look for white flags
Activates at 39 degrees when windy and rainy, or 33 degrees
Motels available on activation nights for families with minors and individuals with mobility issues
541-997-4444 (SOS after hours)
541-997-6600 (Shelter)
Siuslaw Public Library
10 am to 6 pm Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
10 am to 8 pm Tuesday and Wednesday
1 pm to 5 pm Saturday
1460 9th St. Florence, OR 97439
Oakridge
Oakridge Warming Shelter/ Greenwaters Park Community Center
6 am to 7 am (overnight)
48362 OR-58, Oakridge, OR 97463
Activates at 32 degrees and lower
Veneta
Veneta Warming Shelter/Fern Ridge Community Services
25133 East Broadway Ave. Veneta, OR 97487
Activates at 29 degrees and below
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is extended closures throughout much of the lower Willamette Valley. According to ODOT the closures are due to downed trees and powerlines.
Closures include:
- OR 126 milepost 14 to 41
- Mapleton to west of Noti; OR 36 milepost 11 to 36, east of Swisshome to Triangle Lake
- OR 229 milepost 0 to 31, south of Lincoln City to Toledo
- U.S. 20 milepost 32 to 72 Sweet Home to 2 miles east of Shea Viewpoint.
ODOT says the closures are extremeley challenging and are rapidly changing, warning drivers that closures could last several hours to several days.
Severe weather is likely to hit again Tuesday and temperatures are not forecasted to get above freezing forcing highway closures throughout northwest Oregon, including the Coast, Portland, and the Willamette Valley, as well as higher elevations.
ODOT asks drivers to stay home and reschedule travel plans if possible.
For the latest traffic updates head to TripCheck.com.
Man arrested for Sex Abuse after incidents with homeless persons
On January 12, the Eugene Police Department arrested Reginald Luke Black Elk III, age 29, for six counts of Sex Abuse in the First Degree, two counts of Attempted Sex Abuse in the First Degree and 19 counts of Public Indecency.
This arrest follows a lengthy investigation regarding allegations that Black Elk committed sexual crimes targeting unhoused individuals in our community. Black Elk wore a unique superhero costume while committing these crimes. His red and black costume included a cape and eye mask.
The Eugene Police Department is asking anyone who may have encountered someone matching this description and engaged in suspicious behavior to please reach out to Eugene Police Officer Jordan or Detective Cooper via email at ajordan@eugene-or.gov or tcooper@eugene-or.gov to provide information. Case 23-12870
Cottage Grove Woman Arrested For Racist Threats
The FBI has arrested a 56-year-old Cottage Grove woman accused of making threats online to harm Jews and Black people in posts displaying a Nazi flag and multiple guns.
Elizabeth Ballesteros West, who was found with a cache of guns and has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was arrested Friday and is being held in the Lane County Jail, according to federal agents and court records. She has not yet made her first appearance in federal court in Eugene.
Agents first were alerted in late September to aFacebook post that West put on a transgender women’s support group page, saying she was “at the end of my rope,” was being bullied by “trans phobic” co-workers and was left with no alternative, above a photo of two guns, according to a federal affidavit.
West’s post said she will “have to go out in a blaze of glory” and will “have to do what I have to do and pray for the gods to forgive me,” according to the affidavit.
Further investigation revealed violent rhetoric West subsequently posted on X, formerly Twitter, in December, sharing her hatred of Jews, Black people and immigrants, with photos of a Nazi flag and other guns, the affidavit said.
The posts reference white supremacist tropes and how she was proud of how Nazis “herded” Jewish people into gas chambers during the Holocaust.
FBI agents have met with West at least three times since October. She’s been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, dissociative disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the affidavit.
On Tuesday, the FBI obtained warrants and searched West’s home and car.
They found a pistol in her car and seized 11 handguns, 16 rifles, tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition, firearm accessories and a journal she called her “Black shadow journal,” plus dozens of drawings and notes.
On page one of her journal, she wrote, “Blood, death, self torture self hatred wicked thoughts of mass murder at the gloved hands of the veil mistress,” the affidavit said. The journal covered a period from 2008 through 2016, according to the FBI.
Two FBI agents met Thursday with West’s mental health providers after West had signed a release form allowing the federal agents to consult with them. The mental health workers told the agents that if West didn’t receive mental health treatment and had access to guns, they believed she would be a danger to herself and others, the affidavit said.
She told federal agents she would not voluntarily relinquish her guns to the local sheriff’s office, saying she needed them for protection in her rural area, according to the affidavit. (SOURCE)
Springfield Cafe 60 Reopening on 1/16/2024
Lane Council of Governments Senior and Disability Services officials said on Friday that the Springfield Café 60 site is reopening for in-person dining after three years of being temporarily closed.
The cafe will reopen on January 16 for dine-in lunch and operate Monday through Friday beginning at 11:45 a.m. at the Willamalane Adult Activity Center, which is located at 215 West C Street in Springfield.
LCOG Senior and Disability Services officials said Tuesday’s menu will include entrée options of breaded chicken with tomato and mushroom sauce or beef country friend steak with gravy and sides of whipped potatoes, green beans with red peppers, whole wheat bread and seasonal fruit.
Seniors 60 years or older and their spouses of any age are eligible to dine at Café 60 at no cost and the meal is $8 for those under 60 years, LCOG Senior and Disability Services officials said. LCOG officials said that donations in support of the program are welcomed but not required.
Reservations should be made at least a week in advance by calling 541-736-4424 or filling out a reservation menu at the Café 60 location, LCOG officials said.
More information on the senior meals program can be found online.
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.
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.
Ice and Snow and Freezing Temperatures — ODOT traffic alert. Road conditions remain challenging statewide
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. ODOT is alerting travelers during the extended holiday weekend for Martin Luther King Say that road conditions remain challenging statewide as freezing temperatures span across much of the northern part of Oregon.
Here is the full announcement from ODOT:
In the Portland Metro area, ice and strong winds are toppling trees and bringing down powerlines. Widespread power outages mean that many electronic road signs and traffic lights may be out. Treat traffic signals that aren’t working like a four-way stop. Never drive over downed power lines.
The Willamette Valley and central Coast areas are experiencing icy roads and freezing temperatures. Expect long highway closures as crews work to remove hundreds of downed trees, and repair powerlines and network cables.
Temperatures across these areas are not forecast to be above freezing for the next few days. There is a strong possibility we could see more freezing rain on Tuesday.
Warming temperatures in southwest Oregon could lead to flooding. Watch for high water and debris on the roadway, especially on valley and coastal routes. Delays and closures are likely on mountain highways as crews work to remove snow and downed trees.
The safest place to be during winter road conditions is at home. Our crews want to give a heartfelt thank you to every person who decided not to travel this weekend. Staying off the roads gives our crews and emergency responders the space to get where they need to go.
Road and weather conditions can change quickly and make travel difficult or impossible. For the latest state highway information and to see current closures, visit Tripcheck.com. For the latest weather, visit the National Weather Service website.
If you must travel, be prepared – Safety is our priority – for travelers and our road crews. If you decide to travel, plan extra time for your journey and carry emergency supplies. Delays and closures are happening statewide. Expect to encounter chain restrictions.
Give snowplows and emergency crews extra space to do their work, and never pass a snowplow on the right. Our crews are working hard to clear roads, but their job becomes more difficult when disabled cars and trucks block traffic.
For more winter weather driving tips, see our winter travel news packet.
To see images from this winter event from across Oregon, see our January 2024 Flickr album.
Watches, Warnings or Advisories for Oregon https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
Family of 5 hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning after running a generator indoors and cooking inside the apartment with a propane camp stove in Portland apartments
Five people, including children, were taken to a hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning from a southeast Portland apartment complex on Sunday, according to Portland Fire & Rescue.
At about 2:30 pm on Sunday, firefighters responded to the area of Southeast 148th Avenue and Powell for a medical call from apartment complex neighbor Isabela Royer.
Portland Fire & Rescue said the five people were all conscious and breathing by the time they were taken to the hospital.
Because the apartment building had lost power, crews determined the family had been running a generator indoors and cooking inside the apartment with a propane camp stove.
After the incident, the Oregon Poison Center posted a warning on social media about generators or gas cookers:
“If you lost power in this weekend’s #WinterStorm, it is critical that you DO NOT use outdoor cooking appliances indoors. Grills and BBQs produce carbon monoxide which can be deadly when it builds up in an enclosed space.”
And PF&R posted a warning reminding people that carbon monoxide is a “silent, colorless, odorless, tasteless killer.”
The largest dam removal in U.S. history entered a critical phase this week, with the lowering of dammed reservoirs on the Klamath River.
On Thursday, the gate on a 16-foot-wide bypass tunnel at the base of Iron Gate dam, the lowest of those slated to be removed, was opened from a crack to 36 inches.
Amy Cordalis stood in the dawn chill to witness the first big surge as the gate was widened. She’s an attorney and Yurok Tribe member who has played a critical role in advocating for dam removal. As water poured through the tunnel, she could hear boulders rolling and tumbling. The water turned to dark chocolate milk as decades of pent-up sediment surged through.
“This is historic and life-changing,” Cordalis said. “And it means that the Yurok people have a future. It means the river has a future; the salmon have a future.”
One hundred seventy-three feet high, with a 740-foot crest, Iron Gate is an earth embankment dam with a skinny, many-fingered reservoir behind it. The lowering — or drawdown — of Iron Gate and two other reservoirs on the Klamath River will make way for the removal of three remaining hydroelectric dams that are part of the Lower Klamath Project in Northern California and southern Oregon.
For decades, these barriers have blocked salmon, steelhead and Pacific lamprey from accessing habitat above them and contributed to poor water quality below. The Klamath River was once the third-largest salmon producer on the West Coast, but in the time since the dams were constructed, the Klamath’s coho and Chinook runs have dwindled to a fraction of their historic abundance.
When tribal activists first started calling for the removal of four Klamath River dams in the late 1990s, people thought they were “crazy,” said Leaf Hillman, an elder of the Karuk Tribe who helped launch the campaign. “We’ve never really considered any other alternative to removing dams. And so it was a fight that we were committed to, and that we knew that we had to win. And it’s been an intergenerational struggle.”
A massive die-off of Chinook salmon in 2002 catalyzed increased activism around getting the dams removed. An estimated 34,000 to 78,000 fish died. The loss of these fish didn’t just mean the loss of a fun summer fishing activity, said Brook Thompson, a Yurok Tribe member who was 7 years old at the time and is now in her late 20s. “Those salmon to me are the connections I have with my relatives,” she explained. “In a day, that was all gone.”
For the next week, water will flow through the bypass tunnel at an average rate of 2,200 cubic feet per second, draining down Iron Gate reservoir between two and four feet per day. Later this month, J.C. Boyle, the uppermost of the three dams, will be breached, followed by Copco 1. By June, the Klamath River should be flowing more or less within its historic channel, and the work of dismantling the structures can begin.
Advocates are quick to point out that dam removal alone will not save the Klamath River’s salmon runs. However, removing the barriers will open up 76 miles of coho habitat and over 400 miles of Chinook habitat, says Shari Witmore, a fish biologist at NOAA Fisheries.
If modeling is correct, as many as 80% more Chinook salmon could return to the basin within about 30 years after the dams are removed. Ocean harvest could increase by as much as 46%. But this will depend in part on restoring important tributaries, including the cold spring-fed rivers in the upper Klamath Basin, which have been compromised with diking and draining of wetlands.
“Once we restore that, we put this basin back together,” Witmore says. “That creates a lot of resilience over time with climate change, and it buffers against multi-year droughts.”
Cordalis, the Yurok Tribe member, agrees that more work lies ahead. But she’s also looking forward to fulfilling a simple personal goal. “Fishing,” she said. “I want to go fishing.” To see more, visit https://www.npr.org
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)
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.
