The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
Lane County Government Warns Residents to Prepare for Possible Heavy Rain and High Winds Next Week
The National Weather Service is predicting a possible atmospheric river and high winds along the West Coast January 30 to February 3. If this weather system occurs as predicted it could mean localized flooding, more downed trees, and more downed power lines for Lane County residents.
The Lane County Emergency Management Office is encouraging residents to prepare for the possibility of additional power outages by:
- Gathering food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, among other things, needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks. (Be 2 Weeks Ready)
- Keeping cell phones fully charged in anticipation of an outage. Consider a car-charger for cell phones and other electronics.
- Keeping vehicle gas tanks at least half full, as power outages may impact fuel pumps at gas stations.
- Making sure your utility service provider has current contact information for notifications by updating your account online.
- People with medical conditions that require power can contact their service providers in advance of an outage to register a Medical Certificate. Utilities work to contact vulnerable customers, including those with medical certificates, in the event of an outage. Also, consider a backup generator or alternative location for power needs.
“A possible heavy rain and high wind event so close on the heels of the ice storm will be challenging,” said Interim Lane County Emergency Manager Jeff Kincaid. “Residents should do what they can to prepare for potential power outages and localized flooding. Lane County, cities and utilities have all been working hard to clear debris and restore power, but the amount of debris remaining along roadways can cause more water to build up next to or on roads. We will all need to be cautious and aware of risks associated with the incoming weather.”
Possible effects of an atmospheric river and high winds next week:
- Localized flooding of rivers, streams and creeks.
- Roadway flooding – especially as many culverts and ditches remain blocked by debris from last week’s storm.
- Landslides – be especially cautious when driving on narrow, winding roads along steep hillsides.
- Falling branches and trees are likely and can cause significant safety issues and result in more power outages if they land on power lines or poles.
More information to help people prepare is available at www.ready.gov/severe-weather.
People are also encouraged to track the forecast at www.weather.gov/pqr/. — https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?
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.
1/23/24 – Recent Increase of Wire Theft in Lane County
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office has received increased reports of wire theft from utility companies in the area, as well as thefts of tools and equipment. As you can imagine, this hampers their efforts to restore our power and communication services throughout the county. It also raises the costs of these repairs, as they are forced to replace stolen materials and tools.
Please be vigilant for suspicious activity around repair sites. Legitimate workers will be wearing appropriate safety equipment, flagging if they are impeding the roadway, and driving vehicles marked with their contractor or power company numbers or logos. If you see suspicious activity, please immediately report to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150, option 1.
According to Oregon Revised Statute 164.055, any level of theft “committed during a…catastrophe or other emergency in an area affected by the…catastrophe or other emergency” becomes Theft in the First Degree, a Class C Felony. Due to high metal prices, wire theft can easily become Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, a Class B Felony. Additionally, anyone who accepts material “having good reason to know” that it was stolen, commits Theft by Receiving. This includes scrap metal businesses if they are out of compliance with ORS 165.118.
01/19/24 – LCSO Case #24-0292 – Domestic Assault by Armed Felon
Just before midnight on January 19th, Deputies with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a dispute in the 86000 block of Territorial Road. One of the involved, Josh Thomas Ash, was reportedly armed with a handgun and bat and looking for one of the two victims. As deputies approached the residence to make contact, they heard an active dispute inside. Simultaneously, one of the victims reported Josh Thomas Ash, 38, was attempting to break down the door of the room they were hiding in.
Deputies forced entry into the residence and quickly detained Ash without further incident. The Deputies’ investigation revealed Ash had hit one of the victims in the head with a baseball bat, menaced them with a handgun, and was a felon in possession of firearms. Ash was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges of Assault 2, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
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.
Banks finally return Albany woman’s $122,000 down payment 2 months after thwarted cybertheft
An Albany woman got her life savings back Friday, recovering $122,000 after two months of worry and angst triggered by a failed cybertheft — and by two national banks who wouldn’t return the Oregon woman’s money, even weeks after the attempted scam collapsed.
“I am so excited,” said Lorie McCartan, whose savings vanished just after Thanksgiving when online thieves tried to steal the down payment for a house she planned to buy in her hometown of Albany. Someone else bought the house after McCartan’s savings vanished. But with her money back in her bank account, she said she plans to find another place nearby to retire.
In November, McCartan found a three-bedroom home that seemed perfect. As she prepared to close the deal, an email that appeared to be from her real estate agent arrived as anticipated, telling her to look for wiring instructions from an escrow coordinator for the down payment.
But the Nov. 23 email wasn’t really from her real estate agent. Cyberthieves had somehow breached their correspondence and, as the McCartan’s purchase neared completion, stepped in to impersonate her agent and the escrow coordinator and send fraudulent wiring instructions.
It’s a devastating scam and an increasingly common one, according to the FBI, which says hackers steal hundreds of millions of dollars this way every year. Sometimes banks can stop the transfers when victims report attempted theft promptly.
Wells Fargo initially denied her claim, while Chase said it needed paperwork from Wells Fargo before it would discuss her issue.
“There was no customer care after the fact,” McCartan said. “All I got was: ‘No, we can’t do that. We can’t do that kind of thing.’”
For weeks, McCartan and her real estate agent sought to get the banks to act. She said they didn’t seem to take her seriously until an article appeared in The Oregonian/OregonLive last week detailing her predicament.
Suddenly the people McCartan had been corresponding with at each bank became more responsive to her, she said, though they still didn’t seem to be able to communicate with one another.
“I had to connect (Chase) and Wells Fargo to each other because they didn’t have their phone numbers,” McCartan said. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Two of the largest banks in the United States and they didn’t have each other’s phone numbers?”
After the article on McCartan’s case appeared in The Oregonian/OregonLive, the Oregon Justice Department issued a fraud alert warning about scams that target people buying or refinancing their homes. (READ MORE)
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
Individuals in need of resources should call 2-1-1 to get information on resources available in your community.
EWEB – More information is available on their website. Outages can be reported to EWEB by calling 1-844-484-2300.
SUB – Updated information can be found on their Facebook page. Outages can be reported to Springfield Electric Board by calling 541-726-2395.
EPUD – Updated information can be found on their Facebook page. Outages can be reported to EPUD by calling (541) 746-1583.
Pacific Power – Outages can be reported to Pacific Power by calling 1-877-508-5088. More information is available on their website.
Lane Electric Cooperative – More information is available on their website. Outages can be reported to Lane Electric Cooperative by calling 541-484-1151.
Douglas Electric Cooperative – More information is available on their website. Outages can be reported to Douglass Electric Cooperative by calling 1-888-420-8826.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Oregon Jury Awards $85 Million To 9 Victims Of Deadly 2020 Wildfires
An Oregon jury awarded $85 million Tuesday to nine victims of wildfires that ravaged the state in 2020, the latest verdict in a series of legal proceedings that are expected to put the utility PacifiCorp on the hook for billions of dollars over its liability for the deadly blazes.
“We are so proud of the strength and resilience of our clients, and thankful to the jury for holding PacifiCorp accountable for what happened on Labor Day 2020 — something it will never do itself,” Nick Rosinia, one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, said in a statement.
PacifiCorp expects post-verdict rulings and insurance payments to bring its share of the verdict to just under $80 million, the company said in a statement.
“The 2020 wildfires were undeniably tragic,” it said. “PacifiCorp has settled and will continue to settle all reasonable claims for actual damages under Oregon law. … The growing threat of wildfires to communities and businesses is bigger than any one company or industry.”
The fires were among the worst natural disasters in Oregon’s history, killing nine people, burning more than 1,875 square miles (4,856 square kilometers) and destroying upward of 5,000 homes and other structures.
Last June a jury found PacifiCorp liable for damages for negligently failing to cut power to its 600,000 customers despite warnings from top fire officials, saying its power lines were responsible for multiple blazes. PacifCorp has appealed.
That jury awarded around $90 million to 17 homeowners named as plaintiffs in the case, with damages to be determined later for a broader class that could include the owners of about 2,500 properties, as estimated by plaintiffs’ attorneys.
The damages awarded Tuesday were the first in cases brought by that broader class, with additional trials expected in February and April.
PacifiCorp also agreed last month to pay $299 million to settle a lawsuit brought by 463 plaintiffs who were harmed by separate devastating wildfires in southern Oregon over Labor Day 2020. (SOURCE)
New lawsuit filed against three utility companies for Holiday Farm Fire devastation
Four law firms out of Oregon and California are representing 238 victims of the Holiday Farm Fire and are asking for $232 million in damages.
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)
Oregon Health Authority Acknowledges Asante Infection Spike Coincides With Alleged Drug Diversion
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has revealed healthcare associated infections spiked at Asante’s RRMC during the same time a nurse allegedly replaced patient’s pain medication with tap water.
We reported late last week that the Oregon Health Authority is not investigating the alleged drug diversion case at Asante at this time, but it is reviewing the situation.
The OHA says that it needs to review complaints at a facility, before determining whether or not it has jurisdiction to investigate. But it has confirmed to us that RRMC saw dozens of infection cases from 2022 to 2023, that were acquired at Asante’s signature hospital.
The OHA records these central line infections over a span of years. Asante acknowledged these healthcare associated infections, or HAIs, but the OHA is now providing the numbers that illustrate a spike.
From 2016 to 2021, the hospital would see one to three infections a year, save for 2020, the beginning of the pandemic, which had seven. But in 2022, the OHA reports that Asante saw 15 infections and then in 2023, another 14.
These years coincide with a period of time when sources tell us a nurse was replacing ICU patient’s fentanyl pain medication, with non- sterile tap water, which may have caused multiple deaths from infections. The OHA said it is taking this case seriously.
The OHA said it has different programs, like the Healthcare Associated Infections Program and Health Care Regulation and Quality Improvement Program to help assure that hospitals comply with these standards.
If the OHA does investigate, they will be looking to see whether Asante’s systems and processes meet the minimum requirements in federal and state law to protect patient health and safety.
Failure to meet those requirements have varying ramifications on the state and federal level, including even losing its license. (SOURCE)
Oregon Lawmakers Poised to Make Drug Possession a Crime Again
Three years after Oregon became the first U.S. state to decriminalize low-level drug possession, the state is on track to reverse parts of its groundbreaking measure.
On Tuesday, Democratic lawmakers unveiled a proposal that would recriminalize possessing small amounts of drugs—a move that’s been criticized by harm reduction and criminal justice reform advocates.
The proposed amendments to Measure 110, released by the Oregon Legislature’s Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response, will make possessing small amounts of controlled substances a class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days of jail time or a $1,250 fine. But people will be able to negate those charges by completing a deflecting program, involving a behavioral health screening and contact with a case manager.
Under the state’s current decriminalization policy, those offenses are considered class E violations, which come with a fine of up to $100 that is waived if a person undergoes a health screening, which includes calling a hotline.
“With this proposal, we are braiding together the public health and public safety systems to create as many effective pathways to treatment and recovery as possible through proven, evidence-based solutions,” said Representative Jason Kropf, a Democrat, in a statement about the new plan.
The legislation, which will be introduced as an amendment when the legislative session begins on Feb 5, comes about two weeks after Oregon House Republicans announced their own bill to toughen up the state’s drug laws, including making low-level possession a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail or a $6,250 fine.
Recriminalizing low level possession will put an additional strain on public defenders, and mandating treatment when there’s already a severe shortage of treatment beds will be counterproductive, she added.
The joint committee proposal claimed it would make it easier for people to obtain medications to treat opioid use disorder and would set up a new grant program for drug treatment programs. (READ MORE)
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)
AARP grant ‘unique’ opportunity to fund community projects in Oregon
A program that funds ideas for improving communities is now open to applications. The AARP Community Challenge grant program is accepting applications until March 6th for projects that can be enacted quickly to make cities more livable for people of all ages.
Stacy Larsen, communications director for AARP Oregon, said the program has a track record for supporting communities of all sizes.
“They deliver really unique support to rural communities. Since the beginning of the program in 2017, 46% of the grants distributed in Oregon have been to rural communities,” Larsen said.
Since its start in 2017, the program has invested $16.4 million in more than 1,300 projects nationwide, including 28 in Oregon. The program is open to local nonprofits and governments. A webinar for interested applicants will be held on the AARP website on January 31st at 11 a.m.
Applicants can apply in three different grant areas. Those include capacity-building microgrants, demonstration grants and flagships grants, which allow for the most creativity and flexibility. Larsen has some tips for those applying.
“The applicants who can demonstrate that they are addressing a clear need, that brings positive change to make their communities more livable for residents of all ages, and that they’re addressing disparities for people of color or other historically marginalized groups will find themselves rising to the top,” she explained.
Selected projects must be completed by December 15th. (SOURCE)
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
Winter storms across Oregon and Washington forced more than 70 blood drives to be canceled, according to the Red Cross Cascades Region. The Red Cross stated in a press release that this “resulted in the loss of nearly 2,100 liters of blood.” In addition to these cancellations, road closures and icy conditions have made it difficult to transfer supplies to collection sites.
The Red Cross is also seeing an emergency blood shortage. January is usually a slow month for donations but with the emergency shortage and the winter weather, hospitals are in desperate need for donations.
The Red Cross is urging the public to donate blood if they can.
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.
LCSO Case #24-0198 — Missing Person from Culp Creek
LCSO Case #24-0198 – Missing Person from Culp Creek
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 80-year-old Donald Ray Stone. Stone was last seen on January 11th, and was believed to be driving from Cottage Grove to his home on Row River Road.
Stone is described as a white male adult, standing approximately 5’06” tall and weighing about 135 pounds. He has white hair and brown eyes. Stone suffers from Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Stone was last observed driving his maroon 2000 Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The vehicle has damage to the left rear bumper and quarter panel/fender. The bed of the pickup had a lumber rack, which may have been removed.
Anyone with information about Stone’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150, option 1.
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.
