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 29, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
A National Weather Service (NWS) forecast precipitation map showed that the first storm could unleash more than 4 inches of rain on some areas. Northwest Washington, southwest Oregon and northwest California will face the worst of the rain.
Lane County Human Services To Perform Annual Homeless Point In Time Count
Every January, Lane County Human Services Division (LCHSD), along with community partners, conducts the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count. The PIT count is a one-night count of persons experiencing homelessness in our community and is required bi-annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The annual PIT Count seeks to identify the number of people sleeping in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs, utilizing food pantries, day and night access centers, and those sleeping outdoors in cars, tents, parks, or other outdoor spaces not intended to be housing. This year’s count will take place between Thursday, February 1 at 7am and Friday, February 2 at 7pm. The count will reflect who is experiencing homelessness the night of Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
“The Point in Time Count is most valuable as a tool to identify trends year after year, versus an accounting of the exact number of people who are unhoused,” said Lane County Human Services Division Manager, Kate Budd. “The PIT count is another example of using the best available data to gain a stronger understanding of homelessness in Lane County.”
The PIT count is meant to serve as a snapshot of homelessness in Lane County in order to provide a sense of the general scope and state of homelessness. While the data collected are important for benchmarking and funding purposes, it’s important to recognize the number of individuals experiencing homelessness is likely greater than what is able to be captured in this snapshot.
This year, street outreach teams will conduct a physical count of individuals who are unsheltered across the County, including Eugene, Springfield, Veneta, Florence, Junction City, Cottage Grove, Oakridge and Coburg. That data will be cross-referenced with the Homeless by Name List (HBNL), a database of individuals who are experiencing homelessness and have interacted with service agencies, in order to provide a more complete picture.
Additionally, Lane County is a Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) Community, selected by HUD to test best and promising practices and implement a coordinated community plan to end youth homelessness. As part of this effort, LCHSD will be taking extra steps to ensure youth who are experiencing homelessness are captured in the 2024 PIT Count. A broader definition of homelessness will be used to count youth on the local level, which includes those who are unstably housed or couch surfing. These efforts include pop-up magnet events on the day of the count to engage with youth to complete a survey. Just as with the broader count, these surveys will be cross-referenced with our HBNL and, if the young person is not already identified, they will be included in the count. Youth surveyors will be available through the Eugene Library, Youth ERA, Lane Community College, and youth-specific outreach in the metro and rural areas on Thursday, February 1, 2024. This year’s youth PIT Count strategies have been vetted and approved through the YHDP Youth Executive committee.
The full report from the PIT Count will be made available in the Spring, following final submission to HUD. https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/health_and_human_services/human_services_division/point-in-time__pit__homeless_count
Search Continues for Missing Eugene Scuba Diver
WINCHESTER BAY, Ore. – A Eugene man who went scuba diving in the Umpqua River near the mouth of the Pacific Ocean is considered missing after he did not surface.
On Sunday, January 29, 2024, shortly before 3:00 p.m., 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call from a female reporting her friend, 47-year-old Jeffery Scott Harris of Eugene, missing. Harris had gone scuba diving in the Umpqua River near the mouth of the Pacific Ocean in Winchester Bay at approximately 12:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Harris, who had previous diving experience, had not returned prompting the call to emergency personnel.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, along with the United States Coast Guard (USCG), began a large-scale search for Harris. Two USCG Boats along with a helicopter searched the water. The Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue unit searched by land with K9 teams and ATVs until dark.
On Monday, searchers resumed their efforts by water and ground. Dive Rescue teams from Douglas County and Lane County attempted to dive in the morning during low tide but had to abort efforts due to dangerous diving conditions. The USCG helicopter assisted in searching throughout the morning.
“We have been in communication with Jeffrey’s family and have kept them updated as to the efforts that are being made. We are doing everything we can to assist them in locating Jeffrey,” Lt. Brad O’Dell said. “Deputies will return Tuesday to patrol the area by land. We are also coordinating with outside agencies to determine if specialized underwater searching equipment can be utilized in the conditions.”
The Sheriff’s Office has been assisted by the United States Coast Guard, Oregon State SAR Coordinator, CAHOOTS of Eugene, Lane County Search and Rescue, Douglas County Marine Patrol and Douglas County Search and Rescue.
Follow-up state forests listening session for Lane County residents
State Forester Cal Mukumoto will be hosting a virtual listening session on Feb. 6 for Lane County residents who were unable to make it to last week’s in-person event due to the recent winter weather emergency starting.
The virtual listening session will start at 4 p.m. on Feb. 6. Advance registration is required and speakers will be called upon in the order they register. The Oregon Department of Forestry is asking that people only register if they are a Lane County resident who was unable to participate previously due to the weather event. A Zoom link and other information on providing comment will be provided by email following registration. For those who don’t want to comment but want to hear what others had to say, a recording of this virtual session—along with the one held earlier this week—will be posted to ODF’s YouTube channel.
These listening sessions are an opportunity for the public to share their thoughts or concerns specific to recent new modeling information related to draft Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan (FMP) for 640,000 acres of state-managed forestlands in western Oregon. ODF recently shared the results of new modeling estimates of long-term timber harvest, revenue, habitat and carbon storage under the draft plans with the Board of Forestry. Mukumoto will consider the public’s input when he makes his recommendation to the Board of Forestry on the path forward for finalization of both plans. More information on the listening sessions is provided on ODF’s website.
In addition to last week’s in-person meeting in Eugene, the state forester also hosted a virtual session Monday afternoon. The final listening session for the general public will be held in Astoria on Wednesday. All members of the public can also share their thoughts or concerns about the new modeling information with the state forester in writing. All written comments must be received by Feb. 2 to give the state forester the opportunity to read and consider them. Email comments to estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov“>forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov or mail them to State Forester Cal Mukumoto, Building B, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310.
Management of state forests is guided by forest management plans that are adopted by the Board of Forestry (OAR 629-035-0030). Forest management plans are designed to provide a full range of social, economic, and environmental outcomes that provide the “greatest permanent value” to all Oregonians (OAR 629-035-0020). The draft HCP is how ODF will ensure compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act while implementing the forest management plan. The current approach of compliance through “take avoidance” is costly and complex. It also eventually results in limited habitat quality and durability, fewer acres available for harvest, greater legal risk, and less financial certainty. The HCP will support the overall goal of the updated FMP by improving certainty around both ESA compliance and timber harvests.
Fatal Crash — Hwy 99W — Lane County
LANE COUNTY, Ore. 31 Jan. 2023 – On Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at 3:49 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy 99W, near milepost 109, in Lane County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Mitsubishi Montero, operated by Kimberly Michelle Pratt (33) of Eugene, left the roadway on the west side of the highway for unknown reasons. The vehicle rolled onto its top and stopped off the roadway in a residential driveway.
The operator (Pratt) was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was declared deceased at the scene. Pratt was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the crash.
No other vehicles or individuals were involved in the crash. OSP was assisted by Junction City Police Department, Junction City Fire and Rescue, Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, San Bernadino County Sheriff’s Office (CA), and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Changes to Lane County’s storm debris drop-off locations and hours
Lane County is making adjustments to its free storm debris drop-off for residents after a successful first weekend. The busiest location was the Hendricks Bridge Park drop-off with nearly 400 visitors on both Saturday and Sunday. Friday had the lowest number of visits across all sites.
“I am incredibly proud of the employees who – after two weeks of non-stop work – agreed to help open these sites on the weekend to help the community,” said Lane County Road Maintenance Manager Orin Schumacher. “It isn’t a typical service that we offer and we’ve enjoyed the chance to help out.”
The new schedule is:
- Hendricks Bridge (east of milepost 10 on Highway 126 E)
- Saturday, February 3, and Sunday, February 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Cloverdale (Bradford Road North, just past Cloverdale Road intersection east of Creswell)
- Saturday, February 3, and Sunday, February 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
As a reminder, these free debris drop-off sites are for residents cleaning up their private property. They are not for the use of contractors receiving payment for debris cleanup.
The Sears Road site that was open this past weekend saw far fewer visitors across all three days. To be more efficient, staff there will be re-directed to the other two sites to better handle the higher traffic volume.
The sites will not be open past February 4. The Hendricks Bridge Park location is expected to reach maximum capacity for debris storage after the upcoming weekend.
“Last weekend was a great opportunity to see what worked and help us decide how to move forward,” said Schumacher. “We are so appreciative of people’s patience as they waited in line and their friendly approach to our staff out there. It just underscores what a great community we have here.”
For an overview of what the sites will accept:
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.
Lane County Government Warns Residents to Prepare for Possible Heavy Rain and High Winds This 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.
An Oregon weekly newspaper that had to lay off its entire staff after its funds were embezzled by a former employee will relaunch its print edition next month, its editor said, a move made possible in large part by fundraising campaigns and community contributions.
The Eugene Weekly will return to newsstands on Feb. 8 with roughly 25,000 copies, about six weeks after the embezzlement forced the decades-old publication to halt its print edition, editor Camilla Mortensen said Saturday. (READ MORE)
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.
1/27/24 – LCSO Case #24-0423 – Shooting in N. Park Avenue Area
On Saturday morning around 7 AM, two young males opened fire with handguns at a passerby in a vehicle who asked them to move out of the roadway in the area of Nantucket Avenue and N. Park Avenue. The vehicle was struck multiple times, and the driver was nearly struck as well. The incident was captured on video by an area resident, which was later shared to Facebook and widely circulated.
Deputies identified a suspect and set up surveillance at a nearby residence in the 1300 block of Keller Street while applying for a search warrant. Once the search warrant was granted, the Lane County Sheriff’s Special Response Team served the warrant. Evidence was located that quickly led to the arrest of one suspect, and identification of the second suspect. The arrested suspect, a juvenile, was transported to the Lane County Youth Services detention facility on charges of Attempted Assault 1 and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, both felonies. Detectives are actively working to locate and arrest the second suspect.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150, option 1. Additionally, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office is requesting citizens who live in the area to review home security video during the time frame of 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM, looking for two males matching the following descriptions: one white male wearing a dark hoodie, light pants, white shoes, and a light-colored backpack; and one white male wearing a dark hoodie, brown pants, and dark shoes.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
New Study Shows Over Half Of Oregon Renters Are Cost-Burdened
Oregon is among the top dozen states in the U.S. with the highest percentage of cost-burdened renters, according to a new Harvard University Study highlighted in a KION 6 News article by Michaela Bourgeois on Jan. 29.
The study considers renters cost-burdened when paying more than 30% on rent and utilities. In the U.S., a third of renters are cost-burdened, and in Oregon around 50-57% are cost-burdened, along with California, New York, Florida, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Louisiana, and Hawaii.
The study found a record-high 22.4 million renter households were cost-burdened in the U.S. and 12.1 million of those paid over half of their income for housing. The study also found the income bracket from $30k to $74,999/year had their cost-burden increase the most from 2019; both income brackets higher (2.2%) and lower (1.5%) also had their cost-burden increase from 2019. Overall, there was an increase of 3.2% from 2019, increasing cost-burdened renters to 50%.
The 56-page Harvard University study, “America’s Rental Housing 2024”, also includes Oregon as one of the states with the highest amount of rising homeless people. From 2015 until 2023, homelessness in Oregon has had an increase of 1,001-50,000 people, along with Washington, California, Colorado, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Ohio and South Carolina.
With some good news, the study found the construction of multifamily units is the highest since the late 80s. The number of units under construction is around one million in the U.S. The study explains,
Robust new supply and stabilizing demand have brought rent growth to a near standstill.
They go on to show that rents declined in 32 percent of markets in mid-2023 – not one market reported a decrease in mid-2022 by comparison.
The article shares how this new data correlates with the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, which found that
…54% of renters in the state do not have enough income left over from rent to cover basic living expenses.
Also, officials found that 40% of Portland renters are in this category. (SOURCE)
Hunger On The Rise In Oregon After Downward Trend Before The Pandemic
A quarter of a century ago, Oregon had one of the highest rates of food insecurity and hunger in the country. By 2019, the situation had greatly improved, and rates in the state dipped below the U.S. average.
Then the pandemic hit, and rates rose again. The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that about 11% of Oregon households are food insecure, struggle to have enough to eat and often have to choose between paying rent, prescription or groceries. That means that 186,000 households, or 463,000 people, in Oregon have a problem securing enough food.
“We were making great progress in reducing food insecurity until the pandemic hit and progress reversed somewhat and is likely continuing this sort of unhealthy upward trend,” Mark Edwards, a professor at Oregon State University who studies food insecurity, said at a news conference last week.
The 2023 data is still being compiled, but he said the situation appears to be getting worse.
“I am hearing from our colleagues who provide emergency food that there remains extremely high and growing demand for emergency food assistance throughout the state,” Edwards said during the news conference.
With hunger growing, food advocates and a group of lawmakers on the Oregon Hunger Task Force called last week for the Legislature to enact in the upcoming session a number of measures to address hunger and the plight of low-income residents. The task force, which was created by the Legislature, is especially keen to get lawmakers to approve bills that would help students financially and help stem hunger among children.
From “Food Insecurity in Oregon During the COVID Public Health Emergency,” December 2023, by Mark Edwards and Julian McElhaney
That focus partly reflects the latest hunger data published by Edwards and a colleague last month. Their report shows that people of color, especially Native people and Hispanics, struggle more with hunger than white people, and that Asian Americans have the lowest rates of all. Among households, single mothers have the highest rates of food insecurity.
Renters also face hunger at a higher rate of hunger than those who own their homes, with about 20% of renters struggling with food insecurity compared with 5% of homeowners. And those without a high school diploma suffer much more from food insecurity compared with those with a bachelor’s degree or even a high school diploma.
From “Food Insecurity in Oregon During the COVID Public Health Emergency,” December 2023, by Mark Edwards and Julian McElhaney
There has been a huge improvement in the share of single mothers facing food insecurity in the past decade, and fewer renters scramble for enough food these days. But one category has failed to budge much: the urban-rural divide. About 20% of rural Oregonians have struggled to feed their families in recent years, about double the percentage of residents in urban areas. That surprised the researchers.
“The reasons for this divergence remain unclear, and the magnitude of this change in rural but not urban Oregon is surprising,” the report said. “If indeed these data accurately capture a disproportionate impact of the pandemic on rural Oregonians, this observation aligns with qualitative reports of the distinct challenges faced by rural social services during COVID, where volunteer, often older, staff at emergency food pantries were home-bound, or where schools struggled to deliver free/reduced price meals to children who would normally receive them in school may have lagged behind.”
Members of the task force, which was created by the Legislature and includes lawmakers from both parties, advocates and officials, hope the Legislature will approve $12.7 million to launch a free meal program in the summer for children in poor families.
They also want the Legislature to expand school meals for all. Officials at a news conference said the state has enough money to allow hundreds more schools to serve free meals regardless of the student’s ability to pay starting next fall. But the rules need to change to align with federal requirements.
And they’re asking lawmakers to approve $6 million through House Bill 4162, a student emergency needs package. Nick Keough, legislative director for the Oregon Student Association, said students are struggling to pay for textbooks, housing, transportation, health care and their living expenses.
“Financial aid programs and scholarships designed for low-income students fail to cover the bulk of their needs and do not reach the costs associated with attendance, such as food, housing, textbooks, transportation, etc.,” Keough said. “We are seeing a pretty dire situation, especially coming out of the pandemic.”
Other requests – from Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, the Children’s Institute and the Oregon Food Bank – include a $600,000 allocation for providers participating in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program and $10 million for the Oregon Food Bank.
The Legislature regularly allocates money to the food bank, which serves 21 regional food banks that work with more than 1,400 free food markets, pantries, meal sites and delivery programs. And the federal government supports the Child and Adult Care Food Program by paying participating child care centers, day care homes and adult day care centers to provide nourishing meals. Regional nonprofits participate by conducting three site visits a year, but that’s become untenable for many, especially in rural areas, according to officials from Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. They said a one-time infusion of cash would stabilize the program.
That program and more just need a bit more help to keep going, said Angelita Morillo, policy advocate for Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon.
“There are a lot of great structures that already exist in Oregon to address hunger-related issues,” she said. “A lot of them just don’t have the appropriate funding.” (SOURCE)
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)
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.
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.
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)
Federal Charges Filed After International Parcel Leads to the Seizure of 16 Different Drugs and 42 Firearms from a Gresham Residence
PORTLAND, Ore.—A local man is facing federal charges today after authorities intercepted an international parcel he had ordered containing MDMA and quantities of at least 16 different drugs and 42 firearms were found in and seized from his Gresham, Oregon home.
Riley James Hinds, 38, has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on January 9, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Los Angeles International Airport seized an inbound package from the Netherlands containing approximately 2.5 pounds of MDMA. The package, addressed to “James Settler,” an alias used by Hinds to open a mailing box at a UPS Store in Gresham, was handed over to special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Portland for further investigation.
On January 26, 2024, investigators arrested Hinds and executed a federal search warrant on his residence. Investigators located and seized quantities of at least 16 different narcotics in Hinds’ residence including MDMA, Adderall, counterfeit Oxycodone, cocaine, ketamine, marijuana, psilocybin, ayahuasca, LSD, opium, morphine, DMT, mescaline, peyote, GHB, 5-MeO-DMT, and a mixture of unidentified pills. They also located and seized various drug processing tools and packaging materials, 42 firearms, four firearm suppressors, two unfinished ghost guns, and six sets of body armor.
Hinds made his first appearance in federal court Monday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
This case was investigated by HSI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Portland Police Bureau Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit (PPB-NOC), and the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Interdiction Task Force (HIT) with assistance from CBP. It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Governor Kotek Reestablishes Task Force on Oregon Tribal Cultural Items
Governor Tina Kotek announced today that she is reestablishing the Task Force on Oregon Tribal Cultural Items.
The task force was first created in 2017 to obtain information relating to cultural items currently held in storage or on display at Oregon state agencies, state universities, colleges, and public schools. In 2019, Oregon was the first in the nation to report its survey findings of tribal cultural items, but the task force’s work has been paused since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Tribes should have access to information about cultural items held in storage or on display at state agencies, state universities, colleges, and public schools,” Governor Kotek said. “It is time to renew this important work and continue to strengthen our essential government-to-government relationships with the nine sovereign tribal nations.”
The task force will consider a process for soliciting information from state public institutions and agencies about items they may have in storage or on display associated with Oregon Tribes. It will also develop next steps for determining the provenance, the appropriate custodian, and the appropriate storage or display of such items.
The task force will submit an annual report to the Governor beginning in 2025.
The Governor’s Tribal Affairs Director, in partnership with the Legislative Commission on Indian Services, will convene the Task Force. The Members of the Task Force will be appointed at a later date, but will include:
• The Governor’s Tribal Affairs Office Director or other designee;
• Any additional member of the Governor’s staff as directed by the Governor;
• A representative of the State Historic Preservation Office, appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the Director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department;
• A state agency director, appointed by the Governor;
• A representative of the Legislative Commission on Indian Services, as appointed by the Commission;
• A representative from each of the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon, as appointed by each Tribe’s respective Tribal Chairs, Councils, or Boards;
• One or more representatives of one or more public universities or colleges, appointed by the Governor;
• One or more representatives of primary or secondary Oregon public schools, appointed by the Governor.
• Additional members, as invited by the Governor.
The reestablished task force has been created through the signing of Executive Order 24-06, which replaces Executive Order 17-12.
Mailing Error in Sending Tax Form 1099-G
On January 26, 2024, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) announced that a mailing error occurred while sending the tax form 1099-G to those who received benefits from the Unemployment Insurance program in 2023. This error impacted 32,960 out of 122,245 mailings, meaning some individuals may have not received a tax form 1099-G at all, and others may have received an additional form not belonging to them.
A machine error caused a subset of those tax forms to go into envelopes already containing a tax form 1099-G. DAS was first notified of this error during the ongoing printing and mailing process for tax form 1099-G and called for an immediate halt, which prevented the majority of these forms from being impacted. For More Information: https://unemployment.oregon.gov/1099g-mailing-error#:~:text=This%20error%20impacted%2032%2C960%20out,a%20tax%20form%201099%2DG.
Oregon Truckers Group Suing the State for Overtaxing
The Oregon Trucking Association and three trucking companies are suing the State of Oregon. They claim trucks are paying disproportionately more highway taxes in the state.
Tuesday, the Oregon Trucking Association (OTA), Combined Transport, A&M Transport and Sherman Bros. Trucking filed a lawsuit against the state of Oregon. They claim the, “The lawsuit follows many years of trucks paying far more than their fair share of highway taxes” which they call an “unconstitutional overpayment.” (READ MORE)
Small Dairy Farmers Sue Oregon Government Over New Regulations
A group of four dairy farmers is suing the Oregon Department of Agriculture over a new policy that they say will threaten their small businesses.
Starting April 1, some small dairies will need to register as Confined Animal Feeding Operations, or they could face fines. That process includes creating a plan for wastewater management.
In a memo last year, the ODA said some raw milk producers were ignoring the registration requirement. The agency said this has created environmental concerns, and other dairies had complained about unfair competition.
Now, some farmers are pushing back. On Jan. 24, they filed a complaint in federal court, arguing that the requirements don’t reflect how small businesses operate. And they accused the state of protecting the corporate milk industry. The lawsuit was first reported by the Statesman Journal.
“These farms are not in competition,” Bobbi Taylor, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, told KLCC. “They sell a different product. Their customers seek them out, because they’re a small farm, they sell raw milk, their operation is sustainable, and their customers prefer to buy small.”
In an email, the ODA declined to comment or provide further information about its policies. (READ MORE)
Yes, Oregon passed a law requiring all eggs to be cage-free.
The law was passed several years ago, but didn’t take effect until Jan. 1 of this year in order to give farms and grocery stores time to update the supply chain.
Recent social media posts have resurfaced news about a 2019 law requiring that all eggs sold in Oregon be “cage-free,” set to take effect in 2024, and at least one Reddit user reported seeing staff removing egg cartons from a grocery store shelf shortly after New Years Day, apparently to comply with the new law.
Yes, a new Oregon law requires all eggs produced and sold in the state to be cage-free, meaning they come from hens that are not kept in specific types of small cages called “battery cages” or “colony cages” that are commonly used in the industry. The law was passed in 2019 and took effect Jan. 1 of this year. READ MORE: https://www.kgw.com/article/news/verify/yes-oregon-law-requires-eggs-cage-free/283-3e113301-9bd3-42be-999c-51e992f50e5c
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.
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.
