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, February 9, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
Three Arrested After Shooting Incident At Willagillespie Elementary Parking Lot
At 3:29 p.m. on February 7, callers reported shots fired from a blue Ford Explorer in the Willagillespie Elementary School parking lot. Two vehicles were involved in the incident and the suspect vehicle from which shots were fired fled northbound on Delta. Eugene Police patrol and detective units responded to the incident.
A short time later the Explorer was spotted by Eugene Police and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. A pursuit ensued until the vehicle attempted to drive across a field and into a creek near Greenhill north of Royal. The three Explorer occupants were compliant and subsequently arrested with charges as below.
There were faculty members and some children on the property during the incident, but no injuries were reported from the shots fired. Some vehicles in the lot were struck by bullets. EPD’s Major Collision Investigation team and Forensic Evidence Unit responded to aid Eugene Police Investigations with the case.
ARRESTED:• Driver – Alexander Thomas Mullins, age 19, of Portland: Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Unlawful Use Weapon, Reckless Endangering, Elude Vehicle, Tampering with Evidence• Front Passenger – Male, age 17, of Portland – Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Reckless Endangering, Tampering with Evidence, Unlawful Purchase Firearm,• Back passenger – Isyk Paul Bartlett, age 20, of Eugene – Parole Violation Case 24-01878
Lane County Human Services Launches New Technologies to Improve Access to Housing and Shelter Services
Lane County Human Services (LCHSD), a division of Lane County Health & Human Services, today announced the launch of several new technologies designed to improve access and reduce barriers to shelters and housing options in Lane County. The Lane County Coordinated Entry (LCCE) Web Portal, the Real Time Shelter Finder, and a new partnership with 211 will improve the experience of those seeking shelter or the next step in their housing journey by allowing more options to sign-up and locate services. These new developments were only made possible through the work and coordination of community partners, and funding through ALL IN Lane County .
“Coordinated Entry is an integral process that, through a standardized assessment, prioritization, and referrals, aims to streamline and simplify the ways people in need of housing supports access services. Our goal is to connect people with the resources as quickly and easily as possible and in a manner that best suits their needs,” Lane County Interim Encampment Focused Outreach Coordinator, James Ewell.
LCCE is a low-barrier first step to accessing services available to anyone in Lane County facing a housing crisis. LCCE insures anyone can gain equitable access to the appropriate resources and housing interventions that fulfill their needs. Previously, to access LCCE, community members needed to visit a service provider, often having to schedule an appointment. The new LCCE Web Portal allows initial access to Coordinated Entry to be done anywhere via a phone or computer, eliminating the the time associated with needing to travel to a physical location. If internet access is a barrier, community members can also sign-up for LCCE via phone by simply dialing 211, or continuing to utilize the in-person access points located across the county and found on the LCCE website. This new partnership with 211 will allow community members seeking to learn more about available housing services to speak with a care coordinator. The coordinator can also assist in signing-up for LCCE.
The Real Time Shelter Finder will also increase access by providing a “real-time” look at what shelters are available, which shelters a shelter seeker is eligible for and which have vacancies across Lane County in an easy-to-navigate map format. Previously, community members in need of shelter would either need to call each shelter to inquire about vacancy, or physically present themselves at the shelter location. The former process was cumbersome and led to some shelters being over capacity while others remained under.
“We see this development as a practical way to provide a better user experience for shelter seekers while also helping to make the process less redundant and more efficient for the shelters themselves,” added Ewell.
Once services are requested through Coordinated Entry’s access points, trained assessors conduct an assessment to determine what pathways to housing are available for the household. If a household is unable to be quickly connected to housing outside of Coordinated Entry referral, a Front Door Assessment will be completed with the household. Referrals from the Front Door Assessment will connect individuals to programs that combine housing stabilization and other community-based supportive services. Coordinated Entry provides referrals to Rapid Rehousing programs that assist households with short (1-3 months) or medium (4-24 months) term rental assistance to help them obtain and stabilize permanent housing, while Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs are designed to serve highly vulnerable households who are experiencing chronic homelessness and have a disability. When accessing housing services through Coordinated Entry, the information collected is limited to what is necessary to receive services, and assessors will only share that information with service providers.
To learn more about LCCE, the new web portal, and the Real Time Shelter Finder, please visit: www.lanecountyor.gov/housinghelp
Nurses File Unfair Labor Practice Against PeaceHealth for Threatening to Cut Workers’ Health Insurance – Strike to Start 2/10
PeaceHealth Continues Refusing to Meet with Nurses after Canceling Scheduled Mediation
(Eugene, OR) – The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has filed an unfair labor practice charge alleging PeaceHealth executives responded to a strike notice by threatening to terminate health insurance for home care nurses and their families throughout Lane County. While nurses from PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services remain willing to meet while preparing to picket PeaceHealth Feb. 10 – 24; PeaceHealth executives have refused to sit down with nurses and made plans to cut workers’ health insurance.
After receiving nurses’ original strike notice Jan. 19, PeaceHealth executives told workers it planned to terminate striking nurses’ health insurance along with any covered family members—including people with chronic health conditions or disabilities. Threatening to cut its own workers’ health insurance in retaliation for engaging in protected activities is a clear violation of federal law. The National Labor Relations Act prevents companies like PeaceHealth from threatening, punishing or retaliating against workers who engage in protected union activities including strikes.
“Even after everything PeaceHealth has put this community through over the last few years, threatening to cut its own nurses’ health care is a new low. This is a direct attack on local health care professionals and their families,” said ONA President Tamie Cline, RN. “Shame on the executives running PeaceHealth for putting profits before patients and the nurses who care for them. Why would anyone in this community trust PeaceHealth to provide health care for them when PeaceHealth refuses to provide health care for its own workers?”
The ULP states PeaceHealth broke federal law and its own internal policies by threatening to punish and retaliate against workers and their families for striking. The National Labor Relations Board adjudicates ULPs and can impose financial and legal penalties on companies like PeaceHealth which break federal law. The board is expected to open an investigation into PeaceHealth’s conduct.
“PeaceHealth has a bad reputation for threatening its own workers’ health care. While we are deeply disappointed PeaceHealth threatened to terminate health insurance for local nurses and their families at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services—we were not surprised,” said ONA spokesperson Kevin Mealy. “Nurses are willing to sacrifice to make sure everyone in this community receives the care and respect they deserve and we’re prepared to ensure nurses and their families continue to have access to health insurance throughout this strike regardless of the dates.”
While nurses have offered to continue negotiating with PeaceHealth to try to reach a fair agreement and prevent a strike, PeaceHealth executives canceled their Jan. 23 meeting with nurses and a federal mediator and have refused to meet with frontline nurses since. PeaceHealth’s refusal to meet with nurses and bargain in good faith also violates the National Labor Relations Act.
Local home care nurses are striking to protect community health and safety and address PeaceHealth’s staffing crisis. The strike runs Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7 a.m. to Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7 a.m. outside PeaceHealth’s Sacred Heart Home Care Services Springfield office (123 International Way, Springfield, OR) Nurses will hold a kickoff rally Sat. Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. and invite community members to participate in the kickoff rally and join nurses on the picket line each weekday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Visit RespectOurNurses.com to learn more.
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 more than 90 nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services and nearly 1,500 frontline nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.
Man arrested after fleeing stop in Eugene
At approximately 8:40 p.m. on February 8, two officers on routine patrol near the intersection of Lawrence Street and W. Broadway stopped Michael Quinn Lowell, age 31, as they knew had active warrants, including one felony warrant for his arrest. When one of the officers advised Lowell he was being detained, he took off on foot and ran toward W. 8th Avenue. Multiple Eugene Police units, an EPD drone operator, and a Springfield K9 responded to help. With the help of bystanders, officers learned Lowell had run into the nearby home of an acquaintance in the 600 block of Madison. Lowell made his way onto the roof of a garage and was spotted by officers. An officer was able to get some rapport with Lowell and he ultimately came down from the roof and was taken into custody without incident. Case 24-01943
4J School District Superintendent Being Investigated
Eugene School District 4J Superintendent Andy Dey is facing an investigation into allegations of discrimination and retaliation against a school employee, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
The investigation, which began in fall 2023, includes other allegations of misconduct involving Dey, sources familiar with the investigation say.
The investigation report by a Seattle law firm is now in the hands of the Eugene District 4J School Board. School board members must now decide whether the evidence would prompt disciplinary actions against Dey.
Eugene Weekly’s request for comment from Dey went unanswered. EW reached out to Dey’s chief of staff, Jenna McCulley, and to a district spokesperson but did not receive a response.
Dey narrowly won appointment by the school board as superintendent 18 months ago after a fraught debate. He has worked in education and in the 4J district for more than 20 years, as a teacher, principal and administrator.
As a finalist for the top job, Dey faced criticism and complaints that he used bullying tactics, especially toward female employees, while serving as a 4J administrator. Reporting by KEZI-TV at the time brought the allegations to light.
Despite the concerns about Dey, the board voted 4-3 to hire him in June 2022. 4J did not respond to a question about Dey’s salary but media reports show the previous superintendent had a base salary of $241,500 when he left in 2020.
Since Dey’s appointment, there’s been plenty of board turnover — five of the seven school board seats have changed hands, thanks to recent elections and a resignation.
Several current and former district employees reached by EW declined to comment on record about the investigation, citing fears of retaliation. It’s not clear what the board’s members will do with the investigation into Dey. (SOURCE)
Salem Barber Arrested in Sex Crimes Investigation
Detectives seek other potential victims
Salem, Ore. — Salem Police Special Victims Unit detectives arrested a local barber in connection with a sex crimes investigation.
Eron David Griffin, age 42 of Salem, became the focus of an investigation that began in October 2023 after teen victims reported being subjected to sexual contact during visits with him. Griffin was subsequently arrested on several charges, including three counts of third-degree sexual abuse and commercial sexual solicitation.
Based on the investigation, detectives suspect there may be other minors who were victimized by Griffin who ran the barbershop from his residence. Anyone who has had similar incidents involving Griffin, or who may have information relevant to the case, is asked to contact Detective Sabrina Hunter at 503-540-2443.
Police Searching For Gunman In Cottage Grove Shooting
Cottage Grove Police are searching for a gunman and driver that left the scene of a shooting at Harvey Road and Gateway Blvd. at 6:05 p.m. on Jan. 31.
According to Chief Cory Chase, police arrived to find 22-year-old Jacob N. Roberson of Cottage Grove had been shot at least once. He was transported to the local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
“The information we have is that the shooter and several accomplices fled the scene in what is described as a white or tan domestic sedan prior to police arriving,” Chase said.
The preliminary investigation revealed a group of people were involved in a physical fight related to an on-going dispute. During the fight, the suspect fired several shots at the victim, striking Roberson at least once.
“We don’t have any additional information about the dispute right now,” Chase said. “It’s still early in the investigation.”
Roberson is expected to recover from his injuries. According to the report, the Cottage Grove Police Department is operating on the idea this is an isolated incident between two individuals known to each other and there is no immediate threat to public safety at this time.
Cottage Grove Police Officers were assisted by Deputies with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with additional information about this incident should contact the Cottage Grove Police Department at (541) 942-9145.
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.
Salem Traffic Team Investigates Pedestrian Fatality
Salem, Ore. — At approximately 6:15 p.m. Thursday evening, emergency responders were called to the area of Mission ST and Hawthorne AV SE on the report of a pedestrian struck by a car east of the intersection. The caller also reported the driver had left the scene.
Responding firefighters pronounced the male pedestrian deceased. Although the call was initially reported as a hit-and-run, the involved driver stopped and called police a few blocks from site of the collision. The driver, identified as Daniel Carmona, age 69, is cooperating with the investigation.
The pedestrian, a 51-year-old man, is not being identified pending notification to his family. The Traffic Team investigation continues, and as such, no citations have been issued or arrest made. The intersection remained closed for approximately four hours for the investigation. This evening’s collision is the second traffic fatality of 2024.
Lane County Government
· 
2,931 loads of storm debris 
13,463 cubic yards of material 
Our Road Maintenance Division, with help from Waste Management, set up and staffed multiple debris drop-off sites for residents over two weekends after the ice storm. The sites were selected based on where the most severe damage happened.
After weeks of extended hours and overnight shifts responding to the ice storm, people offered to keep working through weekends so the sites could operate – many of them delaying their own storm clean up at home. We are so proud of the work they did and the support they were able to provide to our community!
We are also thankful to everyone who stopped by. People were patient, kind to one another, and pleasant to staff. There were even a few treats delivered! While we can’t continue to support these sites – we have to return to our regular work to clean up along roadways – we appreciated the opportunity to help.
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
Central Oregon Resident Diagnosed With Plague
A Central Oregon resident has been confirmed to have a case of the plague, Deschutes County announced Wednesday. It’s the first reported case in Oregon in nearly a decade.
It’s believed the person, identified only as a “local resident,” was infected by their cat.
“All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett said in a statement.
No other cases have been identified. The county said the case was diagnosed and treated early, posing little risk to the community.
The plague spreads to humans or animals through a bite from an infected flea or by contact with an animal sick with the disease, the County said. The most common animals to carry plague in Central Oregon are squirrels and chipmunks, but mice and other rodents can also carry the disease.
Symptoms of plague usually begin in humans two to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea, the county said. These symptoms may include a sudden onset of fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and/or visibly swollen lymph nodes called buboes.
If not diagnosed early, the plague can infect the bloodstream or lungs, making it more severe and difficult to treat, the county said.
Tips from the county to prevent the spread of plague:
- Avoid all contact with rodents and their fleas. Never touch sick, injured, or dead rodents.
- Keep pets on a leash when outdoors and protect them with flea control products. Do not allow pets to approach sick or dead rodents or explore rodent burrows.
- Pet cats are highly susceptible to plague, and infected cats can transmit the bacterium to humans. If possible, discourage their hunting of rodents. Consult a veterinarian immediately if your cat becomes sick after being in contact with rodents.
- Residents should keep wild rodents out of homes and remove food, woodpiles, and other attractants for rodents around homes and outbuildings.
- Do not camp, sleep, or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are observed.
- Refrain from feeding squirrels, chipmunks, or other wild rodents in campgrounds and picnic areas. Store food and refuse in rodent-proof containers.
- Wear long pants tucked into boot tops to reduce exposure to fleas. Apply insect repellent to socks and trouser cuffs to help reduce exposure to fleas.
The last known case in Oregon was in 2015, the county said, citing the Oregon Health Authority. (SOURCE)
Oregon joins 25 other states, SEC in $3 million settlement with TradeStation crypto program
Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), along with a taskforce of state securities regulators, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced a $3 million settlement in principle with TradeStation Crypto, Inc. over its unregistered crypto interest earning program. The settlement resolves allegations that TradeStation violated state and federal securities laws by offering and selling securities without proper registration or disclosure to investors.
The settlement stems from a comprehensive investigation led by state securities regulators in Alabama, California Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Washington, and Wisconsin and coordinated under the auspices of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) enforcement section committee.
“This settlement sends a clear message that crypto-related businesses must comply with state securities laws or face serious consequences,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “DFR is committed to protecting investors and the integrity of the financial markets from those who do not comply with our requirements.”
TradeStation, a Florida corporation formed in 2018, provides crypto-asset-related financial services to retail and institutional customers in the U.S., including investing and trading services. From around August 2020 to June 2022, TradeStation offered a crypto interest earning program to U.S. investors. Under this program, investors could passively earn interest on crypto assets by loaning them to TradeStation. TradeStation maintained total discretion over the revenue-generating activities utilized to earn returns for investors. The company offered and promoted its crypto interest earning program in the U.S. via its website and various platforms.
TradeStation is alleged to have failed to comply with state registration requirements and, as a result, investors were sold unregistered securities in violation of state laws and additionally were deprived of critical information and disclosures necessary to understand the potential risks of TradeStation’s crypto interest earning program.
For the states participating in the settlement, TradeStation will pay a fine of $29,411.76 each and cease offering, selling, or renewing its crypto interest earning program until such activities are compliant with applicable state and federal securities laws. TradeStation has repaid investors, including interest and earnings.
DFR urges investors to exercise caution when dealing with crypto-related businesses and to report any suspicious activities to one of our consumer advocates, who can be reached at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or .fiancialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.fiancialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.
### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and www.dcbs.oregon.gov.
UPDATE: Oregon households in 27 counties who receive SNAP and had food destroyed due to winter storms or power outages have until Feb. 16 to request replacement food benefits
Need to know:
- If you had to throw away food purchased with SNAP due to the recent winter storms or power outages, you can request to replace those SNAP benefits to purchase new food.
- The federal government has allowed Oregon to increase the number of counties eligible for the extended deadline.
- Residents of 27 counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Wasco, Washington and Yamhill) can now request replacement benefits until Feb. 16.
- Residents of the other 9 counties can request replacements within 10 days of the date food was destroyed.
(Salem) – Oregonians who lost food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the recent winter storms and power outages are encouraged to request replacement benefits from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
Households who receive SNAP and live in the following counties have until Feb. 16 to request replacement SNAP benefits for food that was spoiled or destroyed due to winter storms and power outages:
- Benton
- Clackamas
- Clatsop
- Columbia
- Coos
- Crook
- Deschutes
- Douglas
- Gilliam
- Hood River
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Josephine
- Klamath
- Lane
- Lincoln
- Linn
- Marion
- Morrow
- Multnomah
- Polk
- Sherman
- Tillamook
- Umatilla
- Wasco
- Washington
- Yamhill
Households who live outside of these counties must request replacement benefits within 10 days of the loss per the normal process.
Households who disposed of food bought with SNAP benefits that was destroyed due to these events can request that replacement benefits be issued for the cost of the lost food. The maximum amount of SNAP that can be replaced is the value of the food up to the normal monthly benefit for the household.
Households should be prepared to provide a list of the lost food, the cost to replace it, and may have to provide proof of the event that destroyed the food.
Replacement benefits must be requested by the deadline by:
- Calling (800) 699-9075
- Email: egon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov“>benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov
- Visiting a local office. Find an office near you at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx?serviceid=22
Detailed instructions and the request form can be found online at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/food/pages/snap-replacement.aspx#disaster
Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the households’ existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: 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 adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, 211info.org
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 benefits.oregon.gov. 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.
The 2024 Oregon Legislative Session
Oregon lawmakers headed to Salem early Monday morning for the start of a 35-day sprint to pass budget fixes and bills addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the state.
Along the way, they’ll want to hear from Oregonians about how they should vote and what issues they should prioritize. Here’s a guide on engaging with the Legislature:
The basics – Oregon’s Legislature has 90 members, 60 in the House and 30 in the Senate. State representatives are up for election every two years, while senators serve four-year terms.
Democrats control both the House and the Senate, with 35 Democrats in the House and 17 in the Senate. Gov. Tina Kotek is also a Democrat, and, in general, Democrats are able to pass most bills into law without needing Republican support though a three-fifths majority, or 60%, is needed to pass revenue-raising bills. Still, most proposals are supported by both parties. The state constitution requires 40 House members and 20 senators be present to do any business. That unusual law allows Republicans to shut down the Legislature by walking out, as Senate Republicans did for six weeks last year.
Some states have full-time legislatures, but Oregon’s is part-time. Most lawmakers have other jobs.
In odd years, lawmakers meet for up to 160 days. They pass hundreds of laws and approve the state’s budget for the next two years. In even years, they meet for 35 days to tackle any pressing issues or fixes to the budget.
How do bills become law? — Every representative and senator can introduce two bills this year. Committees introduce other bills. Most are now posted online.
Because of last year’s Senate walkout, bills now come with a short digest explaining in simple language what the bill would do.
Each bill is assigned to a committee, and the committee’s chair schedules public hearings for bills they think should be considered. The committee holds hearings on bills, usually followed by a work session to decide whether the bill needs amendments and whether it should move forward.
Bills that carry a fiscal note, meaning they’ll cost the state money, go to the Ways and Means Committee. Others can go to the full House or Senate, and the speaker or Senate president decides whether they should be scheduled for a vote. A bill that passes one chamber starts the process over again in the other.
If both the House and the Senate pass a bill, it goes to Kotek, who can sign it into law or veto it.
How can I weigh in? — You can always email or call your representative and senator. Contact information can be found here for the House and here for the Senate. If you don’t know who your representative or senator is, you can find out by searching with your address here.
You can also speak to a committee about a bill during a public hearing or provide written testimony up to 48 hours after a public hearing concludes. Find instructions for submitting testimony online here.
Visiting the Capitol — Most of the Capitol has been closed for nearly two years and will remain closed for another year because of an ongoing nearly $600 million construction project intended to prepare the historic building to weather seismic activity, upgrade dated electrical and plumbing systems and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The House and Senate chambers, one hallway with six hearing rooms and legislative offices remain open. Visitors can enter through an entrance on State Street across from Willamette University and will go through security. They’ll see elevators to the House chamber and offices down the hall on the left and to the Senate chamber and offices on the right.
There are metered parking spaces near the Capitol and parkades and three-hour on-street free parking a few blocks away in downtown Salem.
Visitors can watch lawmakers debate bills in the House and Senate from galleries on the third floor. They can also sit in the audience for committee hearings, and overflow rooms may be available for widely-attended hearings. Hearings can also be watched online. Links are posted under the committee name and appropriate date. To find a meeting for this session, go to the calendar for the 2024 regular session, find the appropriate day and click through to the appropriate hearing. (SOURCE)
El Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon aumento el contenido de su Sitio Web en Espanol el 23 de enero.
(Salem) – El Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon ha ampliado el contenido y los recursos disponibles en su sitio web en español. A partir del 23 de enero, las personas que visitan el sitio web de ODHS en español ahora pueden ver 65 páginas transcreadas adicionales para un total de 110 páginas. Transcreado significa que el contenido de estas páginas fue traducido por personal de habla hispana en lugar del traductor de Google, como ofrecen la mayoría de los sitios web para la traducción de idiomas.
A continuación se encuentran algunos aspectos a destacar del sitio web:
- Las personas pueden encontrar el sitio web en español haciendo clic en “Sitio en Español” en la parte superior derecha del sitio web principal o escribiendo servicioshumanos.oregon.gov en su navegador.
- El sitio web incluye una navegación y una barra de búsqueda más completas para que las personas encuentren lo que necesitan más rápido.
- Las personas pueden navegar fácilmente entre las versiones en Español y en Inglés de las páginas transcreadas haciendo clic en el botón “Español” o “English” debajo del encabezado de las páginas.
- Las personas que hablan otros idiomas pueden usar el botón “Languages” en la parte superior derecha del sitio web de ODHS para ver una versión traducida por Google del sitio web de ODHS en 10 diferentes idiomas.
Además, las personas ahora pueden utilizar la función del Buscador de Oficinas en español, lo que facilita no solo la búsqueda de oficinas locales, sino también información importante como servicios específicos y mensajes sobre cierres de oficinas.
Estas nuevas páginas brindan a comunidades de habla hispana que buscan servicios y recursos, así como al personal y socios que los apoyan, prácticamente el mismo nivel de información que está disponible actualmente en el sitio web principal de ODHS.
Newly expanded Oregon Department of Human Services Spanish website launched January 23
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human services has expanded the content and resources available on its Spanish website. As of Jan. 23, people visiting the Spanish website can now access an additional 65 transcreated pages for a total of 110 pages. Transcreated means the content on these pages was translated by a native Spanish speaker instead of Google translate, as most websites offer for language translation.
Here are some highlights on the Spanish website:
- People can access this Spanish website by selecting “Sitio en Español” on the top right side of the main website’s banner or by typing servicioshumanos.oregon.gov on their browser.
- This expansion includes a more robust navigation and search bar allowing people to find what they need faster.
- People can navigate easily from Spanish to English versions of the transcreated pages by clicking the “Español” or “English” button under the header of the pages.
- People that speak other languages can use the “Languages” button on the upper right of the ODHS website to get a google translated version of the ODHS website in 10 different languages.
Additionally, people are now able to use the Office Finder feature on the Spanish site, making it easier not only to find local offices, but also important information like specific services and messages on office closures.
These additional pages provide Spanish speaking communities seeking services and resources, as well as staff and partners that support them, with virtually the same level of information that is currently available on the ODHS main website.
Washington sexual assault suspect pleads guilty; Investigators seeking information on any additional victims
On January 30th, 2024, a Washington man pled guilty in Marion County Circuit Court in connection with a 2023 sexual assault. The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the case was prosecuted by Marion County Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple.
Ronald Junior Collins II, 34, pled guilty to multiple charges, including:
• Rape in the First Degree • Strangulation (2 counts) • Assault in the Fourth Degree (2 counts)
Collins was sentenced to 100 months in the Department of Corrections.
The investigation into this incident began in February 2023. Detectives learned Collins met his victim online. Collins was arrested in Washington state in June 2023 and extradited to Marion County.
Due to the nature of the crimes, investigators believe there may be additional victims in Oregon and Washington. Investigators are asking anyone who may have been a victim to report this activity to their local law enforcement. Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting TIPMCSO and your tip to 847411.
Oregon Receives $60 Million For Rental Support And Social Services
The Biden administration announced this week it’s awarding more than $3 billion to thousands of programs nationwide to fight homelessness.
That amount, for 2003 Continuum of Care grants, marks a new high, the administration said.
“We are doing all we can to get people off the street and into permanent homes with access to services,” said Marcia Fudge, the Housing and Urban Development secretary in a release. “That is why we are making sure the service providers on the frontlines of this crisis have the resources they need.”
The grants include more than $60 million for Oregon nonprofits and other entities to support programs that house young people and others from Portland, Medford and Ashland to Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. A total of 140 applicants won grants ranging from more than $8 million to $10,000. More than $50 million is allocated to current programs to keep them going, while more than $4 million is aimed at keeping young people housed. More than $2 million is for new initiatives in Clackamas, Lane, Marion, and Multnomah counties, along with about the same amount for planning initiatives.
Oregon’s six Democratic lawmakers in Congress – Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas – welcomed the money in a joint statement.
“These new and continuing awards are vital for communities and individuals in need of critical housing resources and support. I won’t stop working to ensure Oregonians in every corner of the state have access to safe, dependable, and affordable housing,” Merkley said.
A large share of the money is going to nonprofit and government programs in the Portland area.
Home Forward, the public housing authority for Multnomah County, won the biggest grant of nearly $8.4 million. The money will be used to fund several ongoing programs that currently serve nearly 500 households by helping them with rent and social services.
“We are very grateful to HUD for this vital funding support that allows us to keep up with rent increases while maintaining our current service levels for the nearly 500 households in our community who rely on this assistance,” Martha Calhoon, a spokesperson for Home Forward, said in a statement.
The programs help a range of low-income people, including those with chronic addictions or who’ve been chronically homeless, people with HIV who have a mental disability, veterans who’ve been homeless, households with at least one person with a disability and heads of households suffering from severe and persistent mental illness.
Most are on Medicaid, and they pay 30% of their adjusted gross income for rent. If they have no income, they pay nothing.
A total of 12 agencies involved with the grant provide housing, addiction treatment, mental health and other social services. Those agencies include Central City Concern, a large provider based in Portland; Multnomah County; Cascadia Health, one of the largest behavioral health care agencies in the state; and the Veterans Affairs.
Central City Concern won its own grant of $3.4 million, the second biggest. Spokesperson Juliana Lukasik said the money is dedicated to a program that provides long-term housing stability for people with high needs, including those with addictions, severe and persistent mental illness and the chronically homeless.
Those in the program pay 30% of their rent. Last year, the program served about 185 people, including nearly 160 who’ve been chronically homeless. Lukasik said about 60% had retained housing for more than five years while about 95% had stayed housed for more more than one year.186 client served
Like Home Forward, Central City Concern works with other agencies, including the Native American Rehabilitation Association, to provide health care and other services, and it uses people who’ve experienced homelessness themselves as peers to help those in the program.
The third biggest grant, nearly $3 million, went to the Washington County Department of Housing Services. A spokeswoman, Emily Roots, said in a statement that the money will be used to help house about 200 households. To qualify, participants must have a disability and be chronically homeless at the time of acceptance into the program.
They are required to pay 30% of the rent, and they’re housed in apartments, Roots said. A variety of services are offered such as behavioral health treatment, aging and disability services, HIV/AIDS services and general case management. (SOURCE)
Treasury Proactively Returning $10 Million in Unclaimed Funds to Oregonians
Individuals will receive funds through the ‘Checks Without Claims’ initiative in February
Salem, OR—Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read announced today Treasury will be proactively returning approximately $10 million in unclaimed property this month to individuals as part of the agency’s 2024 ‘Checks Without Claims’ initiative.
“We’re excited to reconnect thousands of individuals with their unclaimed funds without requiring any action on their part,” Treasurer Read said. “In addition to collecting and safeguarding Oregonians’ unclaimed property, Treasury is committed to returning these assets and helping to bolster our citizen’s financial well-being.”
Through ‘Checks Without Claims’, Treasury will proactively disburse payments to verified owners of unclaimed property reported to the state’s Unclaimed Property Program in 2021 and 2022. Payments, via check, will be mailed to individuals this month and accompanied by an additional confirmation letter from the Treasurer.
In 2023, Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program conducted ‘Checks Without Claims’ and reconnected more than 18,000 individuals – from Oregon and 47 other states – with their unclaimed funds.
With over $1 billion in unclaimed funds currently held by the state, ‘Checks Without Claims’ is one of many efforts to reconnect more Oregonians with their unclaimed money and property. Payments distributed through ‘Checks Without Claims’ represent unclaimed property reported to the state in 2021 and 2022 by various businesses and organizations that were unable to return funds to the rightful owner. Common examples of unclaimed property include uncashed checks, forgotten bank accounts, tax refunds, credit balances, investment accounts, payroll checks, refunds, and more.
Nearly one in seven people in the United States has unclaimed property. To help raise awareness around unclaimed funds, Treasury joined programs across the country this week to celebrate National Unclaimed Property Day, held annually on February 1. In fiscal year 2023, more than $5.4 billion dollars in unclaimed property was returned to its rightful owners according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.
Typically, individuals need to file a claim with Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program and complete the verification process to receive the funds they are owed. Treasury conducts ‘Checks Without Claims’ to proactively verify some owners of unclaimed assets and facilitate payments directly to them. Checks distributed will vary in amount between $50 and $10,000.
Searching for unclaimed funds is free and easy. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit Treasury’s unclaimed property website at unclaimed.oregon.gov.
More information about ‘Checks Without Claims’ is available online at https://unclaimed.oregon.gov/app/checks-without-cl… Questions about unclaimed funds or “Checks without Claims” can be directed to Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program via email claims@ost.state.or.us or phone at 503-378-4000.
About Oregon State Treasury
Oregon State Treasury improves the financial well-being of all Oregonians. We provide low-cost banking, debt management, and investment programs for governments and empower Oregonians to invest in themselves and their loved ones through the Oregon College Savings Plan, Oregon ABLE Savings Plan, and OregonSaves.
Media Advisory: Oregon Employment Department Prepares Customers for New Unemployment Insurance System Launch
Oregon Employment Department Prepares Customers for New Unemployment Insurance System Launch
Frances Online will replace existing systems for benefit claims, with five-day migration at the end of February; Other OED customers to be impacted by the migration
JAN. 31, 2024 (SALEM, ORE.) – The Oregon Employment Department (OED) will migrate to a new online claim system for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits on Monday, March 4. The new system, Frances Online, will provide better service for claimants and employers. It is also the final rollout for the UI modernization project that has been years in the making.
“This is a great leap forward for anyone who needs access to unemployment insurance,” said David Gerstenfeld, director of the Oregon Employment Department. “As we’ve learned in the earlier phases of this modernization effort, Frances Online offers an easier customer service experience and will streamline the process of filing a claim.”
The migration of UI benefits to Frances Online will begin on Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. and go through 8 a.m. on March 4. A migration period like this is normal for any big technology project. OED will not be able to provide customer service for several OED programs during the migration. This is because the old UI systems and Frances Online (employer and claimant portals) will go offline.
Key Information for Current UI Claimants
Current UI claimants will not be able to file a weekly claim, check the status of a claim, make changes to claim information, make payments, respond to requests for additional information, or complete ID verification during the migration. Below are key dates that current claimants must follow to avoid potential benefit payment delays:
- Feb. 28-March 1: All UI phone lines are closed (closed regularly on weekends).
- Feb. 28 at 5 p.m.: Due date to file a weekly UI claim for the week of Feb. 18-24 to avoid payment delays. If the due date is missed, claimants can’t file their weekly claim until March 4. Their benefits will be delayed.
- Feb. 28 at 5 p.m.: Old UI systems go offline; UI Telephone Weekly Claim Line (800-982-8920) closes.
- March 4 at 8 a.m.: Frances Online goes live with UI benefits (including Contact Us form, chatbot, and live agent chat); UI phone lines open; Claimants can file prior weekly claims, but benefits will be delayed; and claimants can file a timely claim for the week of Feb. 25-March 2.
More detailed information about the migration impact for UI claimants can be found at unemployment.oregon.gov/frances. Staff at all WorkSource Oregon centers and OED Central Office in Salem won’t be able to answer claim questions during the migration. However, WorkSource Oregon offices and WorkSourceOregon.org will be open for job search, training, and career support.
Impacts to Paid Leave Oregon and Other Programs
Below are other key dates and information for OED customers.
- February 27 before 5 p.m.: Last day to file a new initial UI claim or restart a current claim until March 4.
- February 28 before 5 p.m.: Last day to file a new Paid Leave Oregon claim (including intermittent claims) until March 4.
- February 28-March 1: Paid Leave Oregon and Contributions & Recovery phone lines and online support closed (closed regularly on weekends).
- February 28 at 5 p.m.: Frances Online website, including all features and functions, will be offline, including the portals for claimants and employers. Customers will not be able to file a new or intermittent Paid Leave Oregon claim, file or amend tax reports, make payments, complete ID verification, create a Frances Online account, apply for Paid Leave Oregon assistance grants, or respond to requests for additional information during the migration.
- March 4 at 8 a.m.: Frances Online, phone lines, and online support reopen.
“We’ve been working for years to ensure that this transition works for our customers,” said Lindsi Leahy, director of the Unemployment Insurance Division at OED. “We know Oregonians depend on the benefits we provide. And we’re bringing on additional staff to ensure that, once the new system is live, we can help people get their benefits quickly.”
This is the third and final rollout for launching OED’s modernized benefits and contributions system. Last year, OED launched the new Paid Leave Oregon benefits program in Frances Online. In 2022, UI and Paid Leave Oregon tax/contribution programs were launched in the new system. UI benefits is the last major program migration for the UI Modernization Project, which the agency has been preparing for since 2018. The project baseline budget for the Paid Leave and UI system is approximately $106 million.
“We want our customers to know that we will help them navigate the migration to the new system,” said Renee Royston, director of the Modernization Division at OED. “Once we’re done, we’ll have a much easier-to-use online claims system with stronger protections against fraud and identity theft.”
OED encourages current UI claimants to check their mail daily, review all letters and messages, check unemployment.oregon.gov/frances, and follow OED on social media for important updates about the migration. Paid Leave Oregon claimants can visit paidleave.oregon.gov in the coming weeks to learn more about these impacts.
### The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.
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)
Oregon Lottery Offers Bets “For the Swifties” During Super Bowl
Salem, Ore. – Whether you’re watching the Super Bowl for the plays on the field or to see Taylor Swift, fans have a variety of fun wagers available through the Oregon Lottery’s DraftKings Sportsbook.
For this year’s match up of the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, DraftKings Sportsbook has a series of themed bets “for the Swifties” that relate to Taylor Swift songs. For instance, “Shake It Off” allows you to bet on whether the 49ers or the Chiefs will score first. The “Wildest Dream” wager calls for Travis Kelce to score the first and last touchdown of the game.
Oregon Lottery debuted sports betting in October 2019 and since that time, a total of $1.75 billion has been wagered. Oregon Lottery’s Sports Betting Products Manager Kerry Hemphill said the Super Bowl is the most popular American sporting event for wagering.
“The fanfare and celebrities at this event generate the most interest in sports betting we see all year,” said Hemphill. “The ‘Taylor’ effect may also result in more casual sports betters taking a chance to have fun.”
“Prop bets” are another Super Bowl betting option that fall outside of traditional game plays. This year, prop bets range from who wins the coin toss to whether there’s a scorigami (a score that’s never happened before). A few other examples of prop bets offered this year include:
- What color will the Gatorade be that is dumped on the winning coach?
- Who will be the game’s MVP?
- Will defenses hold up for a scoreless quarter?
During last year’s Super Bowl, Oregon players placed nearly 307,000 bets through DraftKings Sportsbook, with wagers totaling $5.3 million. The player with the biggest win of the day in 2023 collected over $21,000 on a bet placed for $350 by correctly choosing three consecutive league winners, ending with the Super Bowl.
You must be 21 years or older to place a sports wager in Oregon. Oregon Lottery reminds players to utilize the Responsible Gaming features within the DraftKings app, such as setting wager limits or cool off periods. For more information on making changes to your gambling and other helpful resources visit Oregon Problem Gambling Resource at opgr.org or call 1-877-MYLIMIT to chat or text with a certified counselor. Help is free, confidential and it works.
To play Oregon Lottery’s DraftKings Sportsbook or for more detail about wagers offered during the game, go to https://www.oregonlottery.org/sports/.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
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.
