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
Friday, January 26, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
The National Weather Service has issued a Hydrologic Outlook, forecasting soaking rains and warmer temperatures for the region.
A complex low pressure area offshore will maintain mild and moist southwest flow into the region today, lasting into early Sunday.
This will bring rain, heavy at times, to northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. Currently, rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected across the region, with 2 to 5 inches over the Coast Range. Snow levels will be rising Friday, and hover at 7000 to 8000 feet this afternoon through this weekend.
The NWS said all this rain, and snowmelt from the Coast Range and Cascades, rivers will be rising. As of early Friday morning, river flooding is not expected. However, many small streams and creeks will be running high into Sunday. Heavy rainfall will cause water to pond in low lying areas and other areas of poor drainage.
Rivers and streams in Lincoln County and in Tillamook County are already high following earlier snow and ice storms. Law enforcement agencies urge drivers to watch for high water and avoid traveling along flooded streets and roads, and for residents along streams and rivers to be aware of the high water conditions.
Landslide risk — In addition to hydrologic impacts, there may also be an elevated landslide risk. These particularly affect those areas that have seen significant tree damage due to then recent and strong east winds.
State and county officials are cautioning residents and visitors of the potential for landslides. According to the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, 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 visit 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.
Lane County Providing Free Storm Debris Collection Sites
Lane County is opening three locations where people can bring storm debris created by last week’s severe weather. Private property owners can bring storm debris free of charge. Upon arrival, residents will be asked to confirm their ZIP Code and County staff will estimate the volume of debris in cubic yards. Commercial contractors performing clean up for a fee may not use these locations.
“We are glad to be able to support our community by providing a place for people to bring storm debris. We will have staff on-site at each location to provide instructions and control traffic,” said Lane County Road Maintenance Manager Orin Schumacher. “We expect these sites to be busy and ask for patience and cooperation. We’ll be as efficient as possible so people can get in and out quickly.”
The debris collection locations will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following dates:
- Friday, January 26
- Saturday, January 27
- Sunday, January 28
- Friday, February 2
- Saturday, February 3
- Sunday, February 4
- Friday, February 9
- Saturday, February 10
- Sunday, February 11
The sites may be open past February 11 if a high level of need still exists in outlying areas.
Do bring:
- Tree limbs and branches
- Trees less than 24 inches in diameter (larger trees must be cut down to 24 inches in diameter or less)
- Heavy shrubbery
Don’t bring:
- Household garbage or recycling
- Building materials, plywood, damaged siding, etc.
- Regular yard debris (grass, mulch, etc.)
- Rocks or earth
- Tree root balls
- Materials greater than 24 inches in diameter
People who bring garbage or other items not accepted at these sites will be turned away. For regular household garbage or other special waste, information about transfer sites is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/waste.
Locations
A Google map of the locations is available at https://bit.ly/LCDebrisDropOff.
- Hendricks Bridge Park
- east of milepost 10 on Highway 126 East
- Cloverdale
- Bradford Road North, just past the intersection with Cloverdale Road east of Creswell
- Sears Road
- 78712 Sears Road, Cottage Grove
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?
LCOG Senior & Disability Services Assisting with SNAP Replacement
If you are a SNAP recipient in Lane County, Oregon who lost food due to the power outages caused by the January 2024 winter storm, you may apply for SNAP Replacement. The deadline to apply is February 16, 2024. The SNAP Replacement Form may be found at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/snap-replacement.aspx and is available in multiple languages.
- Your application must include a detailed list of food items lost and the estimated cost.
- Food must have been purchased with SNAP benefits.
- The maximum replacement benefit is equal to what you normally receive in one month of SNAP benefits.
LCOG Senior & Disability Services is here to help! There are several ways to return your SNAP Replacement Form:
- Download and complete the form, and email it to us at SDS@lcog.org or return the form in person at any ODHS office. Office addresses, phone numbers, and hours can be found with the SNAP Replacement Form link provided above.
- If you need an appointment to help complete the form, call 541-682-4038. If you can’t get through, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as possible.
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.
Lane County Assessor offers free tax workshop for business owners
The Lane County Assessor’s Office is offering a free business personal property tax workshop on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
What: Free business personal property tax workshop
When: Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Harris Hall (125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene)
Who: Business owners and those responsible for business bookkeeping
The workshop will cover the following topics:
- Who is responsible for filing
- How to file a Personal Property Return
- Personal Property Return timeline/late filing penalty
- Consequences of not filing a Personal Property Return
A coaching session with a personal property specialist will be available immediately following the workshop.
Please RSVP to Assessor@LaneCountyOR.gov or 541-682-6798.
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.
Albany man shot during domestic disturbance. Female arrested and in custody.
On Thursday, January 25, 2024, at about 0213am Albany Police Department received a 911 call from the 600 block of 34th Ave SE, Albany, Linn County, OR. The 911 caller reported his roommate had been shot by his girlfriend at the residence. Officers responded to the area and located the victim near the front door with a gunshot wound to his head. Albany Fire Department responded and performed life-saving measures and transported the victim to the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Corvallis. The victim has been identified as Albany resident, Lucas Allen Forbes, 30 years of age. The victim is in critical condition.
Albany Police Officers contacted Forbes’ girlfriend, Hami W Lee (24) DOB 02/23/1989. Hami Lee cooperated with investigators at the scene. Hami Lee was later taken into custody for crimes involving domestic violence to include, Assault in the second degree, Menacing, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
The Albany Police Department are thankful for the cooperation of the roommate for reporting domestic violence, and the Albany Fire Department and medical staff who provided care for the victim. The Albany Police Department encourages those who are involved in a domestic violence situation or know of a situation involving domestic violence to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or your local law enforcement agency. The Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDVA) has a 24-hour crisis and support line and are local to Linn and Benton Counties.
Additional news releases and information updates regarding this case can be found at Albany Police Department social media. If you have information regarding this incident please contact the detective unit at 541-917-7688. APD Case #24-00473.
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.
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 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.
Nurses Announce New Strike Dates at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services
Amid Concerns PeaceHealth Isn’t Prepared to Care for Patients, Nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services Reschedule Strike to Feb. 10 – 24.
(Eugene, OR) – Home care nurses in Lane County have adjusted their strike dates to Feb. 10 – 24 after PeaceHealth executives canceled contract negotiations and appeared unprepared to care for patients during a strike. On Jan. 19, frontline home health and hospice nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services notified PeaceHealth executives a strike would begin Feb. 1. This gave PeaceHealth two weeks to transfer patients to other home care agencies or join nurses at the bargaining table and reach a fair agreement to prevent a strike.
Unfortunately, PeaceHealth executives chose to cancel their previously scheduled contract mediation session with nurses and have been slow to provide alternate care arrangements for current and new home health and hospice patients.
The more than 90 registered nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).
“Our community’s health and safety is nurses’ no. 1 priority. Frankly, we have no confidence in PeaceHealth executives’ ability to provide safe care for patients by Feb. 1. To best support local patients and their families, we’ve made the difficult decision to change our strike dates to Feb. 10 – 24,” said Jo Turner, an ONA member and hospice nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services. “This also gives PeaceHealth’s multimillionaire executives another opportunity to meet with us and prevent a strike. Nurses remain ready and willing to meet them anywhere, anytime. But we’re not holding our breath.”
In advance of the strike, PeaceHealth management has been pushing nurses to pre-fill large supplies of patient medications including opioids and other prescription drugs, recertify patients for services far in advance, and mark patients as only needing one visit every two weeks–even when their current treatment schedule calls for additional visits.
In conversations with patients and families this week, home health and hospice nurses noted local patients had not been contacted by PeaceHealth about temporarily changing home care agencies. Patients and families also did not seem aware that PeaceHealth planned to hire strikebreakers through an out-of-state, for-profit staffing company and rely on “non-union staff to supplement our staffing needs” per a PeaceHealth blog post.
“PeaceHealth executives have had a week to start coordinating care for home-bound patients but they’re still stuck on square one. They’re behind on recruitment and it’s unclear to workers or patients what their staffing plan is or how it would work,” said Kevin Mealy, an ONA spokesperson. “This proves how lost PeaceHealth is without the work of our incredible home care nurses. We hope they start to recognize that and come back to the bargaining table with a fair agreement that improves patient care and treats nurses equally.”
ONA home care nurses in the Eugene/Springfield area overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike in December following nearly a year of unsuccessful contract negotiations with PeaceHealth executives. On Jan. 19, nurses delivered a strike notice to PeaceHealth informing them of the original Feb. 1 strike date. By delaying the strike to Feb. 10 and providing extensive advance notice, nurses are once again putting their community’s health first and giving PeaceHealth additional time to transfer patient 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.
Nurses current strike dates are Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7 a.m. through Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7 a.m. It is a two-week long, limited duration strike. Nurses are planning a kickoff rally outside PeaceHealth’s Sacred Heart Home Care Services Springfield office (123 International Way, Springfield, OR) Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m.
Community members are encouraged to participate in nurses’ kickoff rally Feb. 10 and join nurses on the picket line each weekday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 10 – 24.
Nurses also invite the community to visit RespectOurNurses.com to learn more about contract negotiations, sign a community petition to support nurses and clinicians, donate to a hardship fund to aid striking nurses, and get more information about the impacts of a 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.
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.
Latest Data Show Overdoses Continue To Skyrocket In Oregon
As lawmakers prepare to tackle the state’s addiction crisis, new data from the Oregon Health Authority shows how dire the addiction crisis has become.
In 2019, 280 people died of a drug overdose in Oregon. Fatalities rose every year after, more than tripling by 2022, when 956 died. And last year, even more people died, according to preliminary data. Each month the number has been higher than the previous year, reaching 628 in June. The state is still compiling data for 2023, but if the trends continue, the total would reach 1,250 needless deaths from an overdose.
The number of patients seeking help in emergency departments and urgent care centers also rose last year to more than 300.
The overdose trend is expected to continue this year.
“Oregon’s overdose fatality rate is expected (to) sharply rise over the coming year due to the saturation of fentanyl in Oregon’s illicit drug supply,” Jonathan Modie, a public health spokesman, said in an email.
Oregon is flooded with fentanyl in the form of fake blue pills that are designed to resemble oxycodone 30-milligram pills, or M30s. They’re cheap, often costing a dollar each, and they’re often mixed with other drugs to make them more potent, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. There’s no way of knowing how much is in each pill, but 2 milligrams – enough to fit on the tip of a pencil – can kill. Many pills tested by the DEA contain much more than that, up to 5 milligrams, more than twice the lethal dose.
“Fentanyl is far more potent and fast acting than other opioids, which significantly increases a person’s risk of a fatal overdose,” Modie said.
Mexican drug dealers smuggle fentanyl into the U.S., often in the form of powder, and it’s distributed across the country. But Oregon has been particularly hard hit. It has among the highest rates of illicit drug use nationwide and the lowest access to treatment, Modie said.
“On average, more than 90 Oregonians die every month from overdoses,” he said.
The fatalities include an increasing number of young people, prompting the health authority in December to expand a harm reduction initiative, Save Lives Oregon, to schools. The program is offering three free kits of naloxone, an opioid reversal medication, to schools, colleges and universities that serve children at least 7 years old.
Last year, the Legislature passed a law designed to make naloxone or Narcan, a nasal spray, more available. It allows law enforcement officials, firefighters and emergency providers to distribute and administer the drug and allows school administrators, teachers or other school employees to treat students without their parents’ permission.Save a life
In the event of an overdose, call 911. For more information about naloxone, click here.
Narcan is available over the counter in Oregon, and pharmacists can prescribe naloxone, enabling people to seek reimbursement from their insurance company.
Health authority officials said naloxone is more available today than two years ago, but they don’t know how widespread it is nor how many people’s lives have been saved. Save Lives Oregon partners reported more than 7,500 opioid reversals since 2020.
People can carry naloxone with them in Oregon and administer the drug to someone experiencing an overdose. Typical signs include unconsciousness, slow or no breaths or snoring or gurgling sounds. People’s lips and the inside of their mouths also can turn blue or gray, and they may be unable to talk. (SOURCE)
First Hospital Community Benefit Spending Floor Data Released
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released its first ever hospital community benefit spending floor data for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. The data shows how much individual hospitals and health systems spent on community benefit in comparison to their individually assigned spending floors. The data show 92% of hospitals and health systems in the state met or exceeded their spending floor.
Oregon House Bill 3076 created the hospital community benefit spending floor program in Oregon, the first of its kind in the nation. In lieu of paying income or property taxes, Oregon nonprofit hospitals are expected to provide support to their communities over and above direct medical care, which is called Community Benefit.
The new program was designed to set spending floors and the minimum amount of money that a hospital or health system is expected to spend on Community Benefit within a fiscal year, as well as collect and report on related data.
“The program is the first in the nation to set individual community benefit spending floors for individual hospitals or hospital systems within a state. OHA worked with Oregon hospitals, patient advocates and national experts to develop the spending floor formula and the data collection aspects of the program, which will help advance transparency and public awareness,” said Trilby de Jung, Deputy Director of Health Policy and Analytics at Oregon Health Authority. “We appreciate the energy our partners brought to the table to launch this important work, particularly since the legislative timeline called for collaboration on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The spending floor formula draws upon hospitals’ previous community benefit spending to predict the floor for future spending. The floor is made up of hospital unreimbursed care and direct spending on programs, community organizations and other activities in hospitals’ communities.
The total community benefit spending was more than1.5 times the total spending floor in its first year. The total statewide spending floor for FY 2022 was $1,386,260,083 and total hospital community benefit spending statewide was $2,198,600,815.
Statewide, hospitals met their spending floors largely through unreimbursed care, which accounted for 80% of all community benefit spending. Direct spending in communities made up the remaining 20% of total community benefit spending.
Here is the link to the report:
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/HospitalReporting/FY22%20Community%20Benefit%20Report.pdf
Here is a link to the dashboard:
OHA will publish a new report in February that takes a closer look at the notable programs, activities and investments hospitals made to benefit their local communities.
IRS, Oregon mark Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day
Salem, OR—As Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day approaches on Friday, January 26, the Oregon Department of Revenue is encouraging all workers with income in 2023 to check their Earned Income Tax Credit eligibility.
The Department of Revenue is working with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and other state agencies and community partners to encourage taxpayers to learn more about this credit and find out if they’re eligible. One in three Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so, adding up to an estimated $100 million in unclaimed credits.
While many are unaware of the EITC and other credits, another hurdle is the need for free help filing tax returns. Find information about free tax filing assistance here or call 2-1-1.
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for people for making up to $63,398 in 2023. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $7,430 on their federal tax return, and a maximum Oregon Earned Income Credit of $891 on their state tax return. Certain taxpayers without children may also be eligible for these credits.
Individuals may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Oregon EIC, and other credits, even if they are not required to file. To receive the refundable credits, however, they must file a federal and state tax return.
Basic qualifications for EITC include:
• All filing statuses are eligible, but some have specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify.
• You, your spouse, or any qualifying child must have a Social Security number to claim the federal credit.
• Your earned income in 2023 must be below certain limits based on your number of qualifying dependents.
• You may be eligible even if you do not have a qualifying child.
• Taxpayers can use the IRS EITC Assistant to check their eligibility further. The assistant is available in English and Spanish.
The qualifications for the Oregon EIC are the same as those listed above for the federal EITC, except that the Oregon credit is also available to taxpayers who use an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) to file their taxes or have a qualifying child with an ITIN. If you have an ITIN, claim the Oregon EIC using schedule OR-EIC-ITIN.
New for tax year 2023, the Oregon Kids Credit is a refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $25,000 or less, the full credit is $1,000 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $30,000.
To encourage Oregonians to save for college and job training, the Education Savings Credit for Oregon 529 Plan contributions allows single filers to receive a refundable credit of as much as $170 ($340 for joint filers) if they contribute to an Oregon College Savings Plan account before tax day. The refundable tax credit is also available for contributions to an Oregon ABLE Savings Plan account, which empowers people experiencing disabilities to invest and build financial security without jeopardizing their eligibility for vital state and federal benefits.
More information about the federal EITC, the Oregon EIC, the Oregon Kids Credit and other similar credits, go to the Tax Benefits for families page.
People can dial 2-1-1 or visit the Oregon Department of Revenue website to find free tax preparation sites by using our interactive map. For more information on the EITC, visit https://www.eitc.irs.gov/. For questions about Oregon taxes, call the Department of Revenue at 503-378-4988.
To make tax payments, visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. You also can 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.
ODHS encourages people in Oregon to protect their EBT food and cash benefits from electronic theft
Need to know
- Take steps today to keep your EBT card safe from electronic theft
- The ebtEDGE website and mobile app are the only safe places to manage your benefits
- People with EBT cards are encouraged to lock their cards when not in use and block out of state and online purchases
(Salem) –The Oregon Department of Human Services is encouraging people in Oregon to take steps protect their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards from electronic theft. Electronic theft includes card skimming, card cloning, phishing and other similar methods.
“We know that many individuals and families in Oregon rely on the food and cash assistance they receive through their EBT cards to meet their basic needs and to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” said Claire Seguin (she/her), director of the ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs. “We urge everyone with an EBT card to take these simple steps to protect their benefits.”
How to protect your EBT card information:
- The ebtEDGE website and mobile app are the only safe places to manage your benefits. Bookmark the ebtEDGE login page (cardholder.ebtedge.com) in your browser for quick access. Download the app on the Apple App Store or get it on Google Play. Do not use any other website or app to check benefits.
- Beware of social media scams. Only trust social media posts and messages from ODHS official accounts. We will never ask for your benefits card information on social media.
- Freeze your card right after each use and unfreeze it before you make purchases. Visit Cardholder.ebtEDGE.com or use the ebtEDGE mobile app. Look for “Freeze Card” under “Account Services.”
- Block purchases made outside of Oregon and online purchases. Visit Cardholder.EBTedge.com or use the ebtEDGE mobile app. Look for “Protect My Account” under “Account Services.” You can remove the blocks later if needed.
- Keep your PIN secret. Don’t share your PIN with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a machine.
- Check the activity on your EBT account regularly. If you see any purchases you didn’t make, cancel your card immediately.
- Check card reading machines for anything suspicious on top of or attached to the card swiper or keypad. They can be hard to spot, but are often bigger than the original machine and may hide parts of the machine.
- Do not provide your EBT card number or PIN by phone or text. Scammers use text messages to get EBT card numbers and PINs. These are called phishing scams. ODHS will never send a text message to ask for your EBT card number or PIN.
How to request replacement SNAP benefits
- Visit the ODHS website at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/food-benefits/pages/replacement%20-benefits.aspx for information on how to request benefits via email or mail.
- Visit a local office. Find an office near you at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/Offices/Pages/one-services.aspx
- Call the ONE customer service center at 1-800-699-9075
If your Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are stolen
You can request replacement benefits by contacting:
- Your family coach
- The ONE customer service center at 1-800-699-9075
- Local Self-Sufficiency Programs Office, find an office online at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/Offices/Pages/Self-Sufficiency.aspx.
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- www.211info.org
- Oregon Department of Human Services Resources
- Find food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center
About SNAP
Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.
Be alert for landslides across southwest Oregon
Medford, OR—The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for portions of southwest Oregon, including the Curry County coast and specifically Brookings, Gold Beach, and the U.S. Highway 101 corridor. The watch is in effect from Friday afternoon (1/26) through Saturday afternoon (1/27). Additionally, the NWS Hydrologic Outlook indicates a potential for flooding across Coos, Curry, Douglas, Josephine, and Lane Counties through Saturday.
A stalled front is expected to bring significant rainfall to the area over the weekend. 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/debrisflow.aspx
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.
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.
