The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Monday, February 12, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
Nurse Strike Continues at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services
Nurses to speak at Eugene City Council Monday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 pm.
(Eugene/Springfield, Ore.) – Following a successful strike kickoff rally and picket Saturday, Feb. 10, home health and hospice nurses are back on the picket line Monday, Feb. 12 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services in Lane County.
In addition to picketing, home health and hospice nurses plan to testify at the Eugene City Council meeting Monday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m at the LCC Downtown Building (101 West 10th Avenue, Suite 114, Eugene, OR 97401). Nurses will share their experiences healing and helping vulnerable patients and families throughout Lane County; discuss PeaceHealth’s nursing crisis; and address PeaceHealth’s failure to come to a fair agreement with frontline caregivers and its impact on homebound patients and the local community.
Home health and hospice nurses at PeaceHealth are holding a limited duration strike Feb. 10 – 24 to protect their community’s health and safety, combat care delays, secure equitable pay and address PeaceHealth’s staffing crisis at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services. Picket lines will be maintained Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services offices (123 International Way, Springfield, OR 97477) for the duration of the strike. Nurses are available for media interviews Monday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the picket line by appointment. Please contact Kevin Mealy, 765-760-2203, Mealy@OregonRN.org, to arrange interviews or filming.
The more than 90 registered nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA).
On Saturday, Feb. 10, nearly 200 home care nurses and community allies participated in a strike kickoff rally and picket. Participants included Congresswoman Val Hoyle, a representative from Senator Jeff Merkley’s office, State Senator James Manning, House Majority Leader Julie Fahey, State Representative and registered nurse Travis Nelson, Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis, Springfield City Councilor Kori Rodly, ONA President Tamie Cline, along with union leaders, frontline health care workers from local hospitals and home health agencies, former patients and their families and nurses from PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services.
Local home health and hospice nurses deliver hospital-quality care to patients’ homes—helping heal patients with traumatic injuries and illnesses, keeping seniors independent, and giving dying individuals and their families dignity and freedom during the final stage of life. According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, “Home health care is usually less expensive, more convenient, and just as effective as care you get in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.”
Despite their essential work, PeaceHealth executives have repeatedly low-balled home care nurses in contract negotiations—telling them they’re worth less than PeaceHealth Sacred Heart hospital nurses and less than other home care nurses. PeaceHealth’s disrespect towards nurses and their patients has driven nearly a quarter of nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services to leave. Another one-third of nurses plan to leave if PeaceHealth continues shortchanging patients and providers. Fewer nurses means home-bound patients and their families suffer from care delays, receive fewer treatments and ring up costly hospital readmissions bills.
Nurses began negotiating with PeaceHealth executives in February 2023 and have been working on an expired contract since April 2023.
Nurses are not discouraging patients from seeking care during the strike, however PeaceHealth patients may experience delays, cancellations or substandard care as PeaceHealth refused to temporarily transfer patients to other home health agencies and is relying on scab workers from an out-of-state, for-profit company.
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.
Become a temporary election worker and help democracy thrive
The Lane County Elections Office is hiring temporary election workers to assist with the May 21, 2024 Primary Election.
“Temporary election workers are critical to the success of elections,” said County Clerk Dena Dawson. “We want to build a more diverse pool of people that is representative of our community. Retirees are always welcome, but so are students, stay-at-home parents, gig workers, and anyone who just wants to learn more about elections or earn a few bucks.”
Available positions include customer service, data entry, ballot processing, and ballot collection. Some positions require a few weeks of availability and others only require a few days, or even just one night. Lane County does not use volunteers to conduct elections; all temporary election worker positions are paid.
Temporary election workers are hired before each election cycle. Another round of hiring will begin in August for the November 5 Presidential Election.
Detailed job descriptions, instructions, and more details for applying can be found at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections under the “Election Temporary Jobs” section.
Lane County Elections holding student contest to create “I Voted” coloring page
Local students, kindergarten through college, are invited to create an “I Voted” coloring page for the Lane County Elections Office.
Four winning entries will be used to create a coloring page that will accompany ballots for the November 5, 2024 Presidential Election.
“I’m excited about this creative way for Lane County voters to celebrate voting,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “I can’t wait to see what students come up with and I hope we blow up social media in November with the colorful versions voters create.”
There are four categories for student submissions:
- Category 1: Kindergarten–5th Grade
- Category 2: 6th Grade–8th Grade
- Category 3: 9th Grade–12th Grade
- Category 4: College or vocational school students
Submissions are due by April 1, 2024 and may be provided by email, mail or in-person. All entries must be submitted on the official entry form and must be signed by a parent or guardian if the entrant is under 18 years old.
Submissions must be original artwork and on a plain white background with black outlines so voters can color the artwork in November and share on social media using #LaneCountyVotes.
The entry form and more detail about how to submit artwork can be found at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections under the “I Voted Coloring Contest” section.
02/10/2024 — LCSO Case #24-0699 — Assault Suspect Arrested after Shooting in Glenwood
02/10/2024 – LCSO Case #24-0699 – Assault Suspect Arrested after Shooting in Glenwood
On Saturday around 12 p.m., Deputies were at McKenzie Willamette Hospital on an unrelated case when a nurse advised there was a victim with a gunshot wound that was being transported to the ER. The victim had sustained life-threatening injuries from a high-powered air rifle. Several witnesses arrived with the victim and cooperated with the investigation.
The incident had occurred in a gravel area east of Henderson Avenue and E. 24th Avenue, Eugene. Deputies responded along with Oregon State Police, Springfield Police with a K9, and Eugene Police. They were able to locate the suspect and monitor his movements with a Sheriff’s Office drone. Deputies, troopers, and officers moved in and safely arrested the suspect without further incident. He was later identified as Robert Lyle Piper, 66, of Eugene. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail for Assault in the First Degree. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation is ongoing. The victim is in stable but critical condition. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150, option 1.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police, Springfield Police Department, and Eugene Police Department for their quick response to assist our deputies.
23-0678 — Train vs. Pedestrian Crash near Junction City
Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of a train vs. pedestrian crash just north of Junction City Saturday morning shortly after 11:30am. Upon arrival, deputies learned that a train had been traveling southbound along Union Pacific rail lines when it struck an adult female that had been walking along the tracks.
Initial investigation revealed that the female had been facing away from the train as it approached. Train operators saw the female and attempted to warn her by horn, however she did not respond. Train operators were not able to stop the train in time and the female was struck. She was pronounced deceased on scene. Railroad employees remained on scene and are cooperating with investigators.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.
Firefighters Extinguish West Eugene Mobile Home Fire
Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire (ESF) crews responded to a mobile home fire in West Eugene Saturday afternoon. At 2:20 PM, ESF responded to a reported house fire on Royal between N Terry and Green Hill Rd. Arriving fire crews encountered a mobile home on fire, with smoke and flames from one end of the home. Crews worked quickly to perform a primary search and extinguish the fire before it consumed the entire occupancy.
The fire posed an additional challenge as the area is non hydranted. Fire engines used their on board tank water and a water tender with nearly 3,000 responded from East Springfield to assist. The fire was placed under control and all occupants are accounted for. The fire is under investigation and no Firefighters or residents were injured.
Small Fire Extinguished at Eugene Laundromat
Eugene, OR. Fire crews from Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an appliance fire at Sparkles Laundromat, 241 E. 17th Ave near downtown Eugene on Sunday.
Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to the dryer or origin. Firefighters did need to evacuate smoke from this business and other attached businesses. The cause is under investigation.
Working smoke alarms saves Lebanon residents.
Saturday at approximately 11:26 Lebanon Fire District was dispatched to the report of a structure fire. Reports stated that the fire was located in the bathroom of the residents, and everyone was evacuating. The first arriving unit on scene reported light smoke coming from the structure. The next arriving unit quickly pulled a hose through the front door and extinguished the fire. Lebanon Fire District was on scene for about 45 minutes ensuring the fire did not spread to other parts of the structure. Minimal damage was done to the structure.
The occupants stated that their smoke detectors had alerted them of the fire. The Lebanon Fire District would like to remind residents of the importance of working smoke alarms. For assistance with smoke alarms in your home, contact our Fire & Life Safety Division at (541) 451-1901.
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 Co. Government – Residents asked to fill out ice storm damage assessment form online
Lane County residents whose homes were damaged in the recent ice storm are being asked to fill out an online damage assessment form.
English: https://www.cognitoforms.com/LaneCountyOR/LaneCountyIceStormHousingDamageSurvey
Spanish: https://www.cognitoforms.com/LaneCountyOR/EncuestaSobreLosDa%C3%B1osMateriales
Both renters and property owners are encouraged to complete the form. The form will be used to help Lane County and its partners understand the long-term recovery needs of the community.
People should still work with their insurance companies to pursue reimbursement for eligible damages and repairs. There are currently no government resources available to repair private properties or businesses.
Lane County 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
Oregon Lawmakers Consider New Protections for People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities
Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill that would prevent the government from forcefully committing people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Right now, a court can hold someone with one of these designations in a facility if it finds they pose a threat or can’t care for themselves. That includes 16 people currently, according to the most recent state data.
At a hearing in the Oregon Senate’s Human Services Committee Wednesday, officials testified that this statute likely violates Medicare guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Portland attorney Chris O’Connor told lawmakers he believes it also has questionable constitutionality.
“While normally your state and federal Constitution protects you from being arrested, seized and searched on the street—taken out of your life—unless there’s probable cause of a crime,” said O’Connor. “Oregon has created an elaborate bureaucratic framework over the decades to bypass those constitutional protections.”
Anna Lansky is the interim director of the state Office of Developmental Disability Services. She said the law is a relic of how the state used to segregate these groups for care.
“Since then, we have closed all of our institutions,” said Lansky. “And we have committed to providing fully home and community-based services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with the goal of fully integrating them into their communities.”
Lansky said if the statute was gone, the 16 individuals held under it currently would still have access to the same services on a voluntary basis.
However, Channa Newell with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office said it opposes a repeal until there’s an alternative in place, raising concerns that a premature repeal could result in tragedy.
“In our line of work, we encounter the rare situations where a person experiencing [Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities] demonstrates dangerous behavior that puts themselves or others in harm’s way,” said Newell. “And in those circumstances, a civil commitment…may be the only option for keeping that person and those around them safe.”
If approved by the legislature and signed into law, Senate Bill 1522 would go into effect July 2025.
Also included in the bill is language that would prevent government mental health services from turning away patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Gabrielle Guedon is the Executive Director of the Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition. On Wednesday, she testified that psychiatry and therapy can help people like herself thrive, but said they sometimes have to go to an emergency room just to find support.
“We get rejected from programs on a regular basis,” she said. “They say they don’t understand us or it’s not the right fit for them. If we can find that therapist, sometimes they’ll go behind our backs and talk to our caregivers, our family, our parents. We are adults.”
In Oregon, a standard intellectual disability designation includes an IQ of 70 or below, alongside impairment to independent function that emerges before adulthood. A developmental disability is when a condition such as autism or epilepsy leads to similar behaviors and needs for support.
The bill would prohibit public bodies from denying treatment for mental illness on these grounds.
“Because they read that diagnosis, they’re gonna they look at us differently,” said Guedon. “And we’re not any different. We’re just like everyone else. We have mental health, we get sick. We fall, we get up.”
Senate Bill 1522 is scheduled for a potential vote in the Oregon Senate’s Human Services Committee on Monday, Feb. 12. If the committee approves it, the measure would be sent to the legislative budget committee due to its potential fiscal impact. (SOURCE)
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)
Governor Kotek Launches Housing Production Bill with Broad Coalition of Supporters
Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced a broad coalition supporting her housing production bill, which is building momentum in the 2024 legislative session. Senate Bill 1537 received its first hearing this morning before the Senate Committee On Housing and Development. The coalition includes workers, business, community-specific organizations, housing providers, tenants, advocates and more, listed below.
“This coalition has spoken loud and clear: the status quo is not working for Oregon families, workers, employers, and households that are struggling with housing insecurity,” Governor Kotek said. “I commend Senate President Rob Wagner, Senator Kayse Jama, and all of the housing champions in the legislature for taking this issue head on, and I am resolved to see progress for Oregonians this session.”
The Governor testified in favor of Senate Bill 1537 on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need to increase housing supply, affordability and climate incentives. More than 150 stakeholders submitted testimony in support of the bill, citing specific benefits of the measure to housing providers, tenants, workers, underserved communities and more.
“Workforce housing is in short supply, and rent prices are untenable for our workers; many of whom can’t afford the basics like food and gas after paying rent,” said Melissa Unger, Executive Director of SEIU Local 503. “We are looking to state leaders to ensure that all Oregon families have access to a place they can call home without having to put in jeopardy their ability to pay for food, childcare, health care, etc. Senate Bill 1537 is a critical step to making that possible.”
“Our members have been telling us for years that one of their top workforce challenges is the lack of supply and exorbitant cost of workforce housing,” said Scott Bruun, VP of Government Affairs at Oregon Business and Industry. “Housing supplies are insufficient at every level, including middle-market workforce housing. This problem not only hurts employees or potential employees in Oregon, it also hurts the employers who cannot attract or retain the workers they need. Simply put, our workforce housing crisis hurts the competitiveness and severely hamstrings the potential growth and success of Oregon businesses. SB 1537 gets at the core of this problem.”
“We believe this bill takes important steps to address Oregon’s longstanding housing production shortfall,” said Cameron Herrington of the Oregon Housing Alliance. “High rates of homelessness, as suffered by some 18,000 Oregonians, result from high rents and low rental vacancies. Both of those factors are largely attributable to an under-supply of housing.”
“It is time to take the housing crisis seriously and act accordingly,” said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC. “This bill will generate opportunities for housing and prosperity for all Oregonians. We need all types of housing for every stage of life for every family. Senate Bill 1537 will pave the way.”
More details on the bill can be found here. (SOURCE)
AAA Study Finds Much Greater Deadly Roadside Danger Faced By Emergency Responders Than Reported
Emergency responders who help stranded drivers on the side of the road are struck and killed nearly four times more than reported. A new study by the AAA Foundation for Safety reveals a disturbing picture of the dangers of helping stranded drivers.
AAA Foundation researchers combed through the data and uncovered 123 roadside assistance providers killed in the U.S. by passing vehicles between 2015 and 2021, nearly four times the approximate 34 killed listed in national crash data. The discrepancy is due to inconsistent reporting in states and jurisdictions, including times when some roadside workers are identified as “pedestrians.”
The research also notes that while yearly total traffic fatalities increased significantly over the study period, the data suggest that roadside assistance provider fatalities increased even more.
Here are the report summary and full report.
AAA and other traffic safety advocates have helped get Slow Down Move Over laws passed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. However, driver awareness and compliance are inconsistent. With highway speeds often 65 mph or more, drivers may find it difficult to spot and react to incident response personnel, including tow truck drivers, police, and emergency responders.
In Oregon, drivers must move over to another lane or slow down at least five miles per hour below the posted speed limit when approaching first responders (police fire, and ambulance), tow trucks, municipal and road maintenance vehicles, utility vehicles, as well as any vehicle that is stopped and is displaying warning or hazard lights, or a person is indicating distress by using emergency flares or posting emergency signs. The fine for a violation is $265 or $525 if within a safety corridor, school zone or work zone. (ORS 811.147) https://www.oregon.gov/odot/safety/pages/enforcement.aspx (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.
Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest Underway
The front cover of the 2023-2024 Oregon Blue Book showcases a hillside covered in beautiful balsam root and lupine flowers at Rowena Crest, captured by Oregon photographer Micah Lundsted of Eugene. The book’s back cover shows an image of three rockfish made at the Oregon Coast Aquarium by Dale George of Grants Pass.
Which images will cover the 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book? The Oregon Blue Book cover photo contest kicks off today, giving amateur photographers the chance to submit their photos to answer that question. Photo contest winners will be selected in October 2024 by Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade.
“Choosing the cover photos for the Oregon Blue Book is an honor,” said Secretary Griffin-Valade. “The images are a chance to see our beautiful state through the lens of the many talented amateur photographers who live in Oregon.”
The contest is open to Oregon residents of any age who earn less than half their income from photography. Images must be Oregon related and should be submitted in the portrait, rather than landscape, orientation. Two images will be selected for the cover: one for the front and one for the back. Visit the Oregon Blue Book Photo Contest guidelines for more information: https://sos.oregon.gov/blue-book/Pages/about-conte…
Images can be submitted through the Oregon Blue Book website portal or via U.S. mail. The deadline to submit photos for consideration is October 27, 2024. Contact the Oregon Blue Book Managing Editor at Oregon.Bluebook@sos.oregon.gov with questions or for additional information.
DETAILS
What: 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest
Who: Amateur photographers who live in Oregon
When: February 7, 2024-October 27, 2024
Where: Submit online or through U.S. Mail
Why: Photo on the cover of the 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book
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)
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.
