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 22, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?
Here’s to all the people who stepped up to help their neighbors and community!
All across our hard hit area of this extreme winter storm, businesses and people have been working to make sure people have food, firewood, and access to resources they need. Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to help!
Lane Co. Government – Residents asked to fill out ice storm damage assessment form online
Lane County residents whose homes were damaged in the recent ice storm are being asked to fill out an online damage assessment form.
English:https://www.cognitoforms.com/LaneCountyOR/LaneCountyIceStormHousingDamageSurvey
Spanish:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/LaneCountyOR/EncuestaSobreLosDa%C3%B1osMateriales
Both renters and property owners are encouraged to complete the form. The form will be used to help Lane County and its partners understand the long-term recovery needs of the community.
People should still work with their insurance companies to pursue reimbursement for eligible damages and repairs. There are currently no government resources available to repair private properties or businesses.
Sweet Home Battles Third Fire in Two Days Along Same Stretch of Highway 228
Crews were dispatched for a report of a shop fire near 40900 Highway 228 at 10:48 pm. The Incident Commander arrived at the scene within seven minutes and found a 2100 square foot, galvanized steel quonset hut style shop with flames throughout the entire structure and torching out the roll-up door.
Flames had spread to a nearby shrub and were impinging on a wood-framed lean-to on the West side of the structure. There were multiple vehicles, a manufactured home, and several large fir trees as exposures. The first-arriving engine attacked the fire and protected the exposures while two water tenders, a rescue unit, and an ambulance from Sweet Home Fire responded to the scene. The Incident Commander requested a second-alarm assignment for manpower and water supply. The structure was located in an un-hydranted area.
Crews utilized a tender shuttle operation for water supply with the two Sweet Home tenders, one from Lebanon Fire, and a fourth tender from Brownsville Fire. A second engine company was also provided by Lebanon Fire. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control until ODOT was able to shut down Highway 228 entirely so that apparatus could be staged there for water supply operations.
The fire was brought under control within approximately 1 hour. Crews remained on scene nearly two more hours, performing extensive overhaul and ventilation of the structure as well as preliminary investigation. At the time of this release, the investigation is still pending. No injuries were reported. A total of nine fire apparatus responded to the scene, carrying 18 firefighters.
01/21/24 – LCSO Case #24-0313 – Fatal Car Crash
On the morning of January 21st, Deputies with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle crash into a muddy field along Edenvale Road near Highway 58, Pleasant Hill. Deputies located the driver deceased underneath the vehicle, a 2014 Nissan Altima. The driver is believed to have been the only occupant, and was likely not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, resulting in her ejection from the vehicle. The crash reportedly occurred sometime the night before, but was not discovered by area residents until morning. The driver’s identity is being withheld at this time.
Severe weather has caused Spectrum service outages around the state. Get service updates, outage information and other helpful resources at Spectrum.net/stormcenter.
Oregon Power Outage MAP: https://poweroutage.us/area/state/oregon
Governor Kotek declares state of emergency in Lane County as the area continues to affected by winter weather.
This follows a unanimous request from the Lane County Board of Commissioners. The declaration will help support response and recovery to the county.
Lane County has suffered extensive damage as a result of the winter storm conditions that we’re seeing across Oregon,” Governor Kotek said. “This emergency declaration will support the county in accessing critical federal resources to aid in reconstruction and recovery efforts. My office is monitoring the ongoing weather conditions and will continue to support local communities in their response and recovery efforts.
The Lane County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday evening to declare an emergency due to the ice storm.
You can read the Board Order at https://bit.ly/3Hk1mkr
Lane County and other local agencies continue to work together to re-open roads, restore power, provide warming locations, and more in response to the storm. Residents are asked to continue to shelter in place if possible until road conditions improve.
ODF Incident Management Team Mobilized to Assist in Ice Storm Recovery in Lane County
Members from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team (IMT) 1 inbriefed in Lane County to assist in the recovery from the recent ice storm.
Though ODF is normally associated with wildfire response, the agency’s IMTs are trained in all-hazard response and are ready for any emergency year-round. The members will be sharing their knowledge and experience with local emergency management personnel so that they can continue to support their communities after the team leaves. In addition to the IMT personnel assisting in Lane County, ODF staff across the state are helping their communities in a variety of ways, such as clearing downed trees.
“I’m still regularly in awe of all the ways ODF serves Oregonians,” said State Forester Cal Mukumoto, who is also ODF’s director. “The forestry work we do every day is critically important to Oregonians and their natural resources, but we find ourselves involved with emergency response and management more and more. I’m just grateful we have people with the training and experience who can help others in times of great need.”
This is not the first time that ODF’s IMT members have been deployed for a non-fire incident. A similar deployment occurred in 2020 when IMTs spent several weeks assisting the Office of Emergency Management with the statewide COVID-19 response. More recently, in April 2023, a few members were deployed to assist Curry County after a cyber-attack compromised their system. ODF personnel have also deployed in support of emergency response to hurricanes and floods, along with many wildfires both nationally and internationally.
The team is expected to be deployed for a week but could be there longer depending on need. Please contact Lane County for any ice storm recovery inquiries.
Springfield Hit Particularly Hard With Storm and Damages Could Take Weeks to Repair
The situation in Springfield, however, remained serious Thursday. Much of the city was still without power, and parts of Springfield were under a boil order due to damage at the Springfield Utility Board water facilities.
The city declared a state of emergency on Tuesday evening, in conjunction with similar declarations by Lane County and Governor Tina Kotek who also declared for the state of Oregon.
“I want to assure you that all necessary measures are being taken to address this situation,” said Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon in a letter to Springfield residents Thursday. “Our top priority is to restore our City so our residents can go back to leading their normal lives.”
The Springfield School District is closed through at least Friday, and the city announced that the Bob Keefer Center is being used as staging location for utility crews called into the area to assist with power restoration efforts.
Lane County Public Health Sees Spike in Carbon Monoxide Poisonings; Warns Community of Danger During Power Outages
Lane County Public Health has seen a dramatic increase of hospitalizations due to Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning the month of January (12) and is encouraging community members to take preventive measures. This is especially important information during a power outage as some households may be relying on an alternative power source indoors.
CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. It is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars/trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, furnaces, or generators. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.
The symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. If you or someone you know are experiencing these symptoms, go outside immediately and call 911. If you are unable to go outside, open a window or door and stand there while calling 911.
To prevent CO poisoning, make sure anything that burns fuel (gas generators, etc), are at least 20 feet from doors, window, and vents. Additionally, make sure the CO detectors in your home have fresh batteries and are operational.
For more information on CO poisoning, please visit (English):
https://www.cdc.gov/co/copoisoningfactsheet.html
Or (Spanish):
https://www.cdc.gov/co/pdfs/campaign_flyer_ES.pdf
Lane Electric says that transmission lines supplying power to several of their substations have sustained damage leaving a larger number of members without power. They state that customers should be ready for power outages to last through Friday.
City of Eugene’s Public Works Department Working On Addressing Scores of Tree Hazards and Closed Roads
City of Eugene’s Public Works Department stated in a media release Tuesday afternoon that City Public Works crews are still making progress on priority road treatment while also addressing scores of tree hazards.
Public Works staff are in the field addressing hazard trees. Anyone who sees a tree or tree limb down on a road or in a median should call 541-682-4800.
“Please include details on how big the hazard is, where it is and how many lanes of traffic it is blocking,” the City said.
Urban Forestry teams are working closely with EWEB, as some downed powerlines are tangled with trees and vice versa. If you see a downed powerline, do not touch it. Call EWEB at 1-844-484-2300 to report its location.
Relatedly, all City parks remain closed until further notice for safety reasons. People who traditionally use bike paths to travel around the city are prohibited from entering park properties. The paths are not being maintained and are too icy to use safely.
The Snow/Ice Emergency protocol is still in place. This means all vehicles may not be parked on designated snow emergency routes so crews can sand and clear roads. The second round of leaf pickup has been suspended until equipment is released from storm response duty.
To learn more about how the City of Eugene responds to storms, visit Storm Response.
Lane County is keeping their Facebook page updated: https://www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment
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. This information could be the difference between life and death, so please visit, www.lanecountyor.gov/warming to learn more.
Cottage Grove Woman Indicted for Posting Violent Threat Online
EUGENE, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment Thursday charging a Cottage Grove, Oregon, woman with posting a violent threat online, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Elizabeth Ballesteros West, 56, has been charged with one count of transmitting an interstate threat.
According to court documents, in late September 2023, the FBI received an anonymous tip that West was threatening coworkers on Facebook. Later, in November 2023, the FBI learned West had established an account on X (formerly known as Twitter) that she was allegedly using to post and repost memes, videos and statements containing violent messages targeting Black and Jewish people and immigrants. Several of West’s posts included what appeared to be self-produced photos of firearms including several handguns, a shotgun, and an AR-style assault rifle.
On January 3, 2023, West admitted to posting and reposting messages on X that contained hateful and violent rhetoric. West also admitted to possessing multiple shotguns and AR-15 assault rifles at her Cottage Grove residence.
One week later, on January 9, 2023, the FBI executed federal search warrants on West’s person, vehicle, and residence. They located and seized 12 handguns, 16 rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition and firearm accessories, and a journal that appeared to contain writings and drawings that included additional hateful and violent statements. On January 12, 2023, FBI agents arrested West without incident at her workplace in Eugene.
West made her first appearance in federal court Thursday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Cottage Grove Police Department, Eugene Police Department, and Lane County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Nurses to Strike Feb. 1
Nurses File Strike Notice to Combat Care Delays, Turnover, and Pay Inequities at PeaceHealth’s Home Health and Hospice Agency in Lane County
(Eugene, OR) – Local home health and hospice nurses declared their intent to strike Feb. 1 to protect community health and safety and address the ongoing staffing crisis at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services. The two-week strike will begin Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7 a.m. and conclude Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 7 a.m. The more than 90 registered nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike in December following nearly a year of unsuccessful contract negotiations with PeaceHealth executives including 40 bargaining sessions. On Jan. 19, nurses delivered a strike notice to PeaceHealth executives informing them of the strike date. By providing advance notice, nurses are helping ensure current patients’ care can be addressed during the strike as PeaceHealth may need to transfer patients’ care to other home care agencies. It also gives PeaceHealth executives ample time to join nurses at the bargaining table and reach a fair agreement to prevent a strike.
Frontline nurses had planned to meet with PeaceHealth’s executives and a federal mediator Jan. 23 in a good-faith effort to try to reach a fair contract agreement and prevent a strike. Earlier this afternoon, PeaceHealth executives chose to cancel nurses’ final scheduled negotiation date.
Nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).
“Nurses are ready to do what it takes to reach a fair agreement with PeaceHealth,” said Jo Turner, an ONA member and hospice nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services. “All we’re asking for is dignity, respect, and equal pay for the essential care we provide to vulnerable, home-bound patients and their families every day. Our patients and our community suffer when their caregivers are ignored, exploited, and underpaid by PeaceHealth’s millionaire executives. We are ready to bargain and ready to strike to win justice for our coworkers, our patients and our community.”
Nearly a quarter of home care nurses have left the agency since PeaceHealth executives allowed nurses’ contract to expire in April 2023. Another third of home care nurses have said they plan to leave this year if PeaceHealth refuses to agree to a fair contract.
The loss of home care nurses is already leading to care delays for patients and their families. In October, PeaceHealth failed to admit almost half of its home health patients in a timely fashion. The national average for timely admissions to home care services is 95%.
ONA nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services play an essential, but often unseen, role in their community. They deliver hospital-quality care to patients’ homes—providing a critical lifeline to sick and dying individuals and their families. They care for everyone from newborns to centenarians, keeping them out of expensive hospital beds and helping them heal after traumatic injuries or illnesses. They also deliver expert care, support and guidance when patients and their families transition into the final stages of life.
Despite their essential work, PeaceHealth continues to low-ball local home care nurses with inequitable compensation offers during bargaining. The compensation PeaceHealth has offered nurses is less than other similar home health agencies and less than what PeaceHealth agreed to with Sacred Heart hospital nurses in Eugene/Springfield. PeaceHealth’s offers also fall below inflation and ignore the standard practice of compensating hospital and home care nurses equally; which is done at Providence, OHSU, PeaceHealth Peace Harbor, and was done at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services for many years including in its most recent contract agreement.
“We’re in a dire staffing crisis. We need equal pay for equal work in order to keep our experienced nurses and hire new ones. Nurses cannot afford to take a pay cut to work for PeaceHealth. We need pay equity in order to recruit and retain the nurses our most vulnerable community members count on,” said Heather Herbert, an ONA member and hospice nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services. “Great nurses are leaving! We’re not asking for special treatment. We just want the tools and support we need to do our jobs and care for our patients. We won’t let PeaceHealth continue to disband our community’s care and treat patients like a piggy bank. Our community deserves the same standards as every other PeaceHealth hospital and home care agency in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.”
ONA home care nurses first bargaining date with PeaceHealth was nearly a year ago on Feb. 14, 2023. Local nurses elected to the bargaining team have sacrificed their personal time to meet with paid PeaceHealth executives 40 times to try to reach a fair contract agreement–including several meetings with a federal mediator. Nurses have also led public rallies and informational pickets on April 10 and Nov. 29, held a community education event December 16 and held a bargaining unit wide strike vote December 27-28. All in an effort to reach a fair agreement.
PeaceHealth is a multibillion dollar health care system headquartered in Washington. It operates medical centers, hospitals and clinics in multiple states. It made national news for abruptly closing Eugene’s only hospital–PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center University District–leaving nearly 200,000 people in Oregon’s 2nd largest city without a hospital or emergency room. It also made headlines after being investigated by Washington’s Attorney General and eventually agreeing to refund up to $13.4 million to low-income patients after PeaceHealth failed to screen some patients and billed many even though it likely knew they were eligible for financial assistance. PeaceHealth’s corporate executives also led a series of job cuts at the company which left hundreds of health care workers without a job and severely impacted patients’ access to care in Oregon and Washington, including cutting local services like the sleep clinic and pediatric cardiology service in Springfield, a medical clinic, optometry clinic, and optical shop in Eugene, and local home infusion services.
Throughout negotiations, nurses’ have made it clear their priority is to reach a fair contract agreement that addresses PeaceHealth’s nurse staffing crisis, raises safety standards, increases recruitment and retention of skilled caregivers, protects pay equity and ensures all Oregonians have access to safe, affordable and accessible home health care.
- Community members can visit RespectOurNurses.com now to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition in support of the nurses and clinicians, donate to support striking nurses, and get information about the impacts of a potential strike.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union which represents more than 18,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state, including 1,500 frontline nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center and Sacred Heart Home Care Services. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.
Valley River Center (293 Valley River Center, Eugene, OR) — · Join us at the 44th Annual Model Train Show happening from Jan 25-28!
Marvel at the incredible displays by Willamette Cascade Model Railroad Club and Atlantic & Pacific N-gineers Model Railroading Club. Plus, show your support for FOOD For Lane County by donating a canned food item at Center Court. 
Proudly supported by the Fully Invested Home team at ICON Real Estate Group Estate Group. Event Details: https://bit.ly/3Q5yY8Z
Cascades Raptor Center – Storm Damages
· Thank you so much for your thoughts and concern as we’ve been assessing the damages to the Center caused by the winter storm. Unfortunately, the damage to the Center was severe. Thankfully, all birds and humans are safe. However, between the two destroyed aviaries, several burst pipes, downed power lines and poles, and many downed trees, branches, and debris covering the property, the Center is currently unsafe and must remain closed as we work to repair the estimated $30,000+ worth of damages.
We hope to open to the public by February, but until then the Nature Center is closed to the public. In the meantime, both Raptor Care staff and Hospital staff are working tirelessly to ensure all birds in our care remain safe. During this time, the Louise Shimmel Wildlife Hospital will remain open. If you find an injured bird, please call our raptor hotline at 541-485-1320 ext. 1 between 8 am-6 pm.
With the winter weather, rehabilitation staff have been taking many wildlife emergency calls and will continue to do so. We truly need the community’s help more than ever. If you are in a position to give, please do so at www.cascadesraptorcenter.org/donate to contribute to the reparation’s costs. One of the largest dangers to the center at the moment is the large number of widowmaker branches hanging over newly constructed aviaries. If you or anyone you know have connections to local arborists or branch removal, please contact us at 541-485-1320.
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.
Oregon Community Programs is looking for affirming Foster Parents in the area. If you are interested in providing a home for an LGBTQ+ foster child, please reach out at the website below.
Please note that this program is specifically for LGBTQ+ foster youth and potential Foster Parents will be evaluated on their level of acceptance and affirmation. This could be an incredible opportunity for someone who wants to make a difference in this community.
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.
Portland Teen Saves Baby Whose Parents Were Electrocuted By Downed Power Line In Ice Storm
The state of Oregon was hit by a dangerous winter storm this week, resulting in at least 10 deaths and leading the governor to issue a statewide emergency, according to The Associated Press.
Majiah Washington said she didn’t think of her own safety when she ran to help. In the Portland neighborhood where Washington lives, a large tree branch, weighed down by ice and snow from the storm, fell, knocking the power line on the top of the car belonging to relatives of Washington’s neighbor.
Washington said she watched from her window as the baby’s father then attempted to walk up an icy hill with the child, before slipping and falling backwards. The bottom of the man’s foot then touched the power line, according to Washington, who said she saw a small fire and smoke.
The baby’s mom then ran over to help her partner and child, but also slipped and touched the power line, according to Washington, who said she ran outside and called 911 when the man fell backwards.
Washington said she then watched as a third person, the woman’s 15-year-old brother, also ran over to help, only to slip and touch the power line as well.
All three people — the woman, her partner and her brother — died as a result of being electrocuted, according to Portland Fire & Rescue.
“I didn’t know what to think. It just all happened so fast,” Washington said Thursday, adding, “I was concerned about the baby. No one was moving.”
Washington said almost immediately after, she saw the baby’s head move and “knew he was still here.” Despite what she had just witnessed, she said she walked on the driveway to reach the baby.
“I slid down there, kind of crouched,” Washington said, noting that she briefly made contact with the baby’s father, but did not feel a shock herself. “I kind of touched him with my hands and then I just kind of grabbed the baby out of his hands and made my way back up the hill.”
Washington said the 911 operator she spoke to warned her about the risk of electrocution, but she said she could only think about the baby’s safety.
“The only thing I could think about was that he was still here,” she said. “He had moved his head and I didn’t want him to possibly fall somehow … and touch the wire.”
Portland Fire and Rescue spokesman Rick Graves described Washington’s efforts as “heroic.”
“We do have fortunately with us a [child] that is going to be able to thrive and do what they possibly can as they move forward,” Graves said Thursday. “And they are here, in part, because of the heroic acts of a member of our community.”
Portland Fire and Rescue spokesman Rick Graves described Washington’s efforts as “heroic.”
“We do have fortunately with us a [child] that is going to be able to thrive and do what they possibly can as they move forward,” Graves said Thursday. “And they are here, in part, because of the heroic acts of a member of our community.” (SOURCE)
Governor Declares Statewide Emergency Due To Severe Ice Storm
State of Emergency will support access to federal resources for response and recovery efforts after an ice storm caused widespread infrastructure damages and power outages across the state
Salem, OR—This evening, Governor Tina Kotek declared a statewide emergency due to the severe ice storm that impacted counties across the state. This declaration comes following an assessment of needs and subsequent requests from multiple counties as they enter the 6th day of severe impacts as a result of the storm. The declaration will support counties to respond and recover from damages as a result of the storm.
“Thousands of people across the state have been impacted by the storm, including power outages, lack of transportation, and an array of safety concerns that come with severe weather,” Governor Kotek said. “The state has been working with counties as they assess needs, including critical federal resources that can be unlocked by a statewide emergency. I declared a state of emergency in Lane County on Tuesday, and now we are heeding the call from additional counties to escalate.”
Emergency response starts at the local level. As resources are exhausted, cities and counties turn to the state for additional support. Not all resources, such as those the state has been providing since the start of the storm, require a state emergency declaration. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Governor’s Office have been in frequent communication with impacted counties as they continuously assess their needs, anticipate emerging issues, problem-solve, and seek to fill gaps.
State emergency declarations are a critical tool that support counties getting access to federal resources they may be entitled to through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as other resources. Assets include, but are not limited to, federal infrastructure support for highways, telecommunications, and power system recovery, which responders can access more easily with a statewide emergency declaration.
Currently, Multnomah County, Lincoln County, Washington County, Hood River County, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians have declared a local state of emergency and have been receiving support from the state, including from OEM, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
In addition, ODHS announced this week that individuals who may have had to throw away food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a power outage or other damage from winter storms may be eligible to replace their benefits. Customers may call 800-699-9075, email oregon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov or provide a written request by mail to ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309, within 10 days of the loss to inquire.
A full list of warming shelters across the state can be found here. OHA has published resources for winter storms here, and recognizing and avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning here. Oregonians with storm damage can contact the Department of Consumer and Business Services for insurance help and advocacy.
Anyone who wants to volunteer at a local warming shelter can use this link to sign up. Additionally, ODHS-OREM activated 211info to begin 24/7 operations to support warming center efforts statewide. (SOURCE)
Travel in Oregon Still Challenging
While Medford, Klamath Falls, and Roseburg seemed to skip the worst of this week’s ice storm activity, it wreaked havoc in cities like Bend, Eugene, Salem, Portland and all along the Columbia River Gorge and Oregon Coast.
Winter weather is far from done in Oregon as freezing rain, heavy snow and high winds continued in several corners of the state.
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
Did you have to throw away food due to Oregon’s winter storm?
You can request replacement SNAP benefits for up to 10 days.
Oregon households who receive SNAP and lost food due to storm and power outages may be eligible for replacement benefits.
If you had to throw away food purchased with SNAP due to storm or power outages, you can request replacement benefits to purchase new food. You must request replacement benefits within 10 calendar days of the food loss.
Replacement benefits may be requested by:
Calling (800) 699-9075
Emailing: oregon.benefits@odhs.oregon.gov
Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the household’s existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
FOLLOW Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/HungerFreeOregon
Consumer Advocates Offer Oregonians Insurance Advice After Damaging Ice Storm
In the aftermath of major ice storms that pummeled much of northwest Oregon, many homeowners are dealing with property damages. Here are some tips for folks considering filing an insurance claim.
When first assessing damage to home or property, safety is paramount.
“If you cannot safely remove something without causing more damage—don’t do it,” said Jason Horton with the Division of Financial Regulation. That’s a part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services that makes sure insurance companies follow the law.
Horton said losses from ice, wind, tree falls or flooding should first prompt a call to your insurance agent or company. Take pictures and make detailed lists of damaged property, including brand names and model numbers. Horton said homeowners should protect property from further damage but not make permanent repairs until an insurer inspects it.
And know your deductibles: Horton advises a cost/benefit analysis can help determine if a reported claim is worth it. “You know, (if) you file a claim and your insurance pays out—it could impact your rates. As in, they’ll go up,” he said.
DFR consumer advocates are available to help with problems or concerns with insurance claims. For assistance, consumers can call 1-888-877-4894 or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov
Here is additional information from Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation:
Homeowners insurance
A typical homeowners policy covers damage to the home caused by falling trees or limbs and weight of ice and snow.
For example, if your home sustained severe structural damage from a fallen tree or other storm debris, and it is deemed uninhabitable, you may qualify for additional living expenses, which helps cover the extra costs of lodging, meals, and even pet boarding while you are unable to live in the home.
If your home received minor damage, such as the wind blowing a few shingles off your house, your homeowners insurance will probably replace the damaged shingles, but not the entire roof.
Winter storms can also create sudden damage caused by an ice dam on the roof or pipes bursting due to freezing. This type of damage is typically covered and can be extensive if a pipe burst floods a home or minor, such as a leak from an ice dam causing a stain on a ceiling.
Coverage may be available for food spoilage due to the power outage. However, be sure to consider if the actual benefit from filing this type of claim is worth the potential effect it can have on your premium. Remember, if the loss is close to or less than your deductible you may not want to file a claim. If you need to file a claim for another type of damage to your home, food spoilage can typically be added to the claim you need to file for repairs.
Auto
There are three coverage options on an auto insurance policy that typically apply to winter storms.
- Comprehensive covers damage caused by falling trees or limbs. This includes while your car is parked inside a garage.
- Collision covers damage to your car that occurs while driving. This includes hitting storm debris or sliding on ice.
- Liability covers damage you accidentally caused to another person’s property or to a person who is injured in an accident. (SOURCE)
Be Alert for Landslides Across Southwest Oregon
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of southwest Oregon, including the Curry County coast. The watch is in effect from Saturday morning (1/20) through Monday morning (1/22).
An atmospheric river event is forecast to bring significant rainfall to the area between Friday evening and Monday morning. Heavy rain may result in landslides in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires.
Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.
If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area:
• Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
• Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
• Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.
For more landslide and debris flow information:
https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debr…
Oregon Struggles With Nursing Teacher Shortage at 21 Nursing Schools Statewide
Oregon lawmakers from both parties, including one democrat from Oregon, are working together on new laws to help increase the number of nursing teachers.
In the U.S. house, they’ve proposed the nurse faculty shortage reduction act. This act would give $28.5 million each year for five years to nursing schools. The money is to keep and bring in more teachers. Right now, there aren’t enough nursing teachers in Oregon and other places. A report by the American association of colleges of nursing showed that in 2021, almost 92,000 people who could have studied nursing were turned away because there weren’t enough teachers and other problems.
In Oregon, there are 21 schools where you can study nursing at the associate’s or bachelor’s level. A study by the Oregon longitudinal data collaborative, a group that researches education, found out that in 2020, only four of these schools could take more than half of the people who qualified.
“Current capacity is not meeting the needs of Oregon’s prospective qualified nursing students,” it said.
This lack of teaching capacity has led to not having enough nurses. The Oregon board of nursing says there are over 84,000 registered nurses and more than 6,000 licensed practical nurses in the state, but not all are working. They think Oregon could use about 21,600 more registered nurses to take care of patients. (READ MORE)
State, IRS to start processing tax returns January 29th
The Oregon Department of Revenue will begin processing e-filed 2023 state income tax returns on January 29, 2024, the same day the IRS will begin processing federal returns. Paper filed returns will be processed starting in mid-February.
E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received. However, as in years past, the department won’t be issuing personal income tax refunds until after February 15. A refund hold is part of the department’s tax fraud prevention efforts and allows for confirmation that the amounts claimed on tax returns match what employers report on Forms W-2 and 1099.
E-filing is the fastest way for a taxpayer to get their refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.
The department reminds taxpayers that taking a few easy steps in the next few weeks can make preparing their 2023 tax return easier in 2024.
Oregon Free File opens today
Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own returns in 2024 can file electronically at no cost using one of Oregon’s free file options. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Free fillable forms are available for all income levels. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.
Free and low-cost tax help
Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.
Use Revenue Online to verify payments
Taxpayers can verify their estimated payments through their Revenue Online account.
Through Revenue Online, individuals can also view letters sent to them by the department, initiate appeals, make payments, and submit questions. Visit Revenue Online on the Revenue website to learn more.
To check the status of your refund after February 15, or make payments, visit Revenue’s website . You can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. (SOURCE)
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.
No criminal charges have resulted from the claims and the federal investigation. 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 But No New News
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.
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.”
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.
Customers who want to stall the effects of a price increase on Forever Stamps have this week to act before the cost goes up to 68 cents each.
The cost of the stamps, as well as the cost of many other services offered by the U.S. Postal Service, will increase on Sunday, Jan. 21.
The price of Forever Stamps, now 66 cents each, will climb to 68 cents. That’s the stamp used for letters up to 1 ounce.
The postal service said it will not change the additional-ounce price. It will stay at 24 cents. But other charges — for certified mail, post office box rental fees, money order fees and the cost to purchase insurance when mailing an item — will climb.
- Letters, metered, 1 ounce: Increase from 63 cents to 64 cents
- Domestic postcards: Increase from 51 cents to 53 cents
- International postcards: Increase from $1.50 to $1.55
- International letter, 1 ounce: Increase from $1.50 to $1.55
The rate changes will be the second in six months.
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.
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.
