The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
Suspect Sought in Robbery at Everyone’s Market on River Road
On March 3rd at about 9:40 p.m., deputies responded to an armed robbery at Everyone’s Market, 3901 River Road. The suspect entered the store, pointed a silver pistol at the clerk, and demanded cash from the register.
As deputies, troopers, and officers responded, an area resident reported a vehicle driving 90 miles per hour west on Lynnbrook Drive, just across the street from the market. The suspect is described as a white male, mid 30s with blonde hair.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150, option 1. Additionally, we are asking anyone who lives in the area to review home security video during the time frame of March 3rd from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., looking for a matching suspect or parked vehicle that leaves at a high rate of speed. LCSO Case #24-1114
Albany Man dies in House Fire
On Friday, March 1st at 5:12pm Albany Fire Department requested assistance from Albany Police Department on an active fire investigation in the 1400 block of Washington Street SW. We learned AFD transported the male to Albany Samaritan Hospital, but he had succumbed to his injuries and died.
The male was transported prior to officers arrival on the scene. Officers were able to confirm the identity of the decedent as Brian Lee Powell, 64 years of age. There were no other residents or animals in the home and the cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time. Officers were able to notify family and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
3 Search Warrants Served in One Week by Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team
During the week of February 26th through March 1st, the Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement team (LINE) served a series of three, unrelated search warrants. All three warrants were related to large scale, unlicensed, unlawful marijuana grows. Two of the grows were on commercial properties and the third was on a private residential property.
Three arrests were made, with more potential arrests pending. In total over ten thousand marijuana plants in all stages of life were either seized or destroyed.
On February 15th, related to one of the above-mentioned search warrants, an unreported burglary occurred in Linn County where over 100 pounds of marijuana was stolen. That burglary went unreported; however, a Linn County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant located and stopped a stolen U-Haul that was later learned to have been used in the burglary and it still contained some of the stolen marijuana. Deputies later recovered more stolen marijuana in the area. Three arrests were made in this case.
The Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement team (LINE) is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. LINE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) which is composed of members from the Albany Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Sweet Home Police Department, Lebanon Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Oregon National Guard Counter Drug Program.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including LINE.
Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center Expands Services with New Infusion Center at Riverbend
Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center (WVCI) proudly announces the opening of a new, permanent infusion space located on the second floor of the Northwest Specialties Clinic (NWSC) at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center’s Riverbend campus. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the 27 year history of the practice and underscores the importance of WVCI’s ongoing relationship with PeaceHealth, which began in 1997.
“This further solidifies our shared commitment with PeaceHealth to improving accessibility and quality of care for individuals battling cancer in our community.” – Casey Chiasson, Executive Director
The state-of-the-art infusion suite, clinic and lab features 12 exam rooms and over 20 infusion chairs in a relaxed, light-filled space designed to enhance patient comfort and convenience, while reducing wait times. Equipped with the latest technology and staffed with WVCI’s own providers, nurses, medical assistants, laboratory personnel, and support services, the space aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality, cancer treatment in the region.
“One of our priorities is to reduce wait time, so we’re very pleased to be able to expand our infusion capabilities and offer a more streamlined experience for our patients.” –Beth Dalisky, Dir., Research and Pharmacy & Admix Services
The modernized experience includes de-coupling appointments so patients won’t have to wait for lab results and intravenous infusions to be mixed, a complicated process that can take hours. Instead, patients will visit the lab and their provider one day, then return the next day for their individualized treatment regimen.
“De-coupling is more efficient and gives patients precious time back. – Lori McKay, Dir., Operations
The new infusion suite and ongoing patient care improvements are part of WVCI’s commitment to the community and will help to set the standard for excellence in oncology care and clinical research in Springfield, Eugene, Corvallis, Albany, Florence, Newport, and Lincoln City.
About Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center — Willamette Valley Cancer Institute is a leading provider of comprehensive cancer care services in the Willamette Valley and along Oregon’s Central Coast. With a multidisciplinary approach, cutting-edge treatments, and over 40 clinical trials, WVCI is dedicated to advancing health equity, improving outcomes, and enhancing quality of life for patients facing cancer.
For more information about Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center and its services, visit oregoncancer.com.
EPD Investigating Suspect Pursuit Ending in Fatal Vehicle-Train Crash
At approximately 7:50 a.m., Sunday, March 3, an Oregon State Trooper stopped to contact the driver of a potentially disabled/illegally parked vehicle near the north end of the Eugene Airport on Greenhill Road.
During the contact, the trooper discovered the driver had been out of compliance with sex offender registration since 2019.
When other troopers arrived to arrest the suspect, he didn’t comply, but fled in his vehicle. The OSP troopers lost sight of the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect was going eastbound and attempted to cross the railroad tracks at E. Meadow View Road, just west of Prairie Road, but collided with an oncoming, northbound Amtrack train.
The suspect is deceased, and Lane County Medical Examiner has responded. Eugene Police Major Collision Investigation team has also responded to the scene to investigate the crash. There were no injuries to the train’s passengers or crew. The train has been delayed due to the crash response and investigation. Case 24- 03200
Early Morning House Fire in Sweethome
At 4:13 AM Sunday morning Sweet Home Fire District responded to an early morning fire, finding a well involved structure with flames coming from the middle of the home and breaching the roof. Crews battled the blaze and was able to control it within the hour. All residents were outside safely prior to Fire Dept. arrival due to smoke detectors and a barking dog.
The fire damaged an outside service area, an enclosed garage and parts of the interior of the home. A second alarm was called for additional resources. Lebanon Fire District and Halsey Fire Dept. responded with crews. 6 pieces of apparatus responded to the scene with 17 personnel.
City Receives $2.7 Million for Amazon Creek Remediation
The City has been awarded $2.7 million in a Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant for a project that will return portions of Amazon Creek to a natural stream, providing resilience to the channel for decades to come.
The work will include removing the 65-year-old concrete channel of Amazon Creek that runs through Amazon Park from East 24th Avenue to East 20th Avenue. The bank of the creek will be sloped and replanted with native species, and a footbridge will be reconstructed south of 20th Avenue. The grant application was submitted in August 2020.
“Although we are excited to rebuild a section of Amazon Creek with a nature-based solution in the heart of Eugene, the project ultimately removes a potential hazard should the concrete channel eventually fail,” said project manager Sean Kovensky, a civil engineer with City of Eugene Public Works.
The section of the creek that will see remediation is within a major city park and adjacent to a high school, a middle school and a much-beloved trail system that often is used for educational purposes. The full cost of the project is estimated at $3.6 million. The FEMA grant will cover 75%; according to the grant, the remaining 25% must come from local sources, and in this case it’s coming from the stormwater utility fund, stormwater system development charges, and the 2018 Parks and Recreation Bond. —- Learn more about the vision for Amazon Creek and Amazon Park on the city web page.
City of Eugene Opens Applications for Exemptions to Support Building Local Affordable Housing
Qualified local affordable housing projects can now apply for exemptions from local system development charges (SDCs) during the building permit process. Applications are available online and must be submitted by April 26, 2024. The SDC exemptions can go toward smaller single-unit projects, like accessory dwelling units or homes built for ownership, or toward larger, multi-unit housing projects.
Funding will be prioritized based on several criteria including the percentage of units serving the lowest income households and the percentage of units that are accessible to people with disabilities.
Each year, the City of Eugene supports the creation of more local housing that is affordable to people with lower incomes through the SDC exemption program. SDC exemptions can be used for rental housing for households earning 60% of the area median income (AMI) or below (50,580 for a family of four); or for homeownership housing for households earning 80% AMI or below (67,450 for a family of four).
Exemptions are limited, and the amount applied for often exceeds the amount available. For fiscal year (FY) 2024, approximately $824,046 is available for SDC exemptions. Half of the funding will be awarded to rental housing developments and half will go to home ownership developments. If the proposals awarded in one category do not use all the exemptions available for that category, the remaining SDC exemptions will be awarded in the other category.
To help provide a clear framework and process for projects interested in getting SDC exemptions, the City will be using a request for proposal (RFP) process to allocate funds. The RFP will collect information to help prioritize funding for projects that:
- offer the highest percentage of units serving the lowest income households.
- provide more than 5% of units to be accessible for people with physical disabilities.
- commit to longer affordability periods than the minimum 5 years.
- provide the most units within their category (rental or home ownership).
- provide housing affordable to low-income households in higher-income census tracts to support diverse housing opportunities.
Projects must:
- Be located in Eugene city limits.
- Have control of the property and be ready to start construction within 12 months of approval.
- Meet affordability criteria outlined in the application.
- Apply prior to permits being issued (SDC exemptions cannot be applied after permits are issued).
- Submit a complete application by the deadline.
The Request for Proposals is an open, competitive process. Proposals are reviewed, scored, and ranked based on the information provided in the application. More information on the Request for Proposal process and application is available online.
The City of Eugene began offering System Development Charge (SDC) exemptions in 1998 to support the creation of housing that was affordable to lower-income households. Since that time, the program has supported the creation of more than 1,490 affordable homes in Eugene with $6.6 million in exemptions and fee assistance. https://www.eugene-or.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6447
Monday, a Lane County Sheriff’s detective was in the River Road area following up on a robbery. As he exited an area store, he noticed an elderly couple walking in with what appeared to be a large amount of cash – $25,000 dollars’ worth, it turned out.
They saddled up to the Bitcoin machine while speaking with someone on the phone. Curious, the detective listened in on their conversation just long enough to tell that the couple was obviously being scammed and about to flush their savings down a digital toilet. He stepped in, they hung up on the scammer, and were saved a lot of grief.
Remember – real businesses and governments will accept standard forms of payment. And the Sheriff’s Office will never demand payment by phone, text, or email. And we also don’t use bitcoin.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money or compensation of any kind by telephone, text, or email.
Our community continues to be targeted by scammers identifying themselves over the phone as employees of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. Scammers have in the past also used text and email. The scammers claim there are warrants, missed jury duty, or unsettled legal issues.
The scammers then ask for payment or personal information, often to avoid arrest. In some instances, the scammers appear to call from official phone numbers or provide fraudulent callback numbers with official-sounding voicemail inboxes.
If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a Lane County Sheriff’s Office employee and you think you are being scammed, please hang up and contact our dispatch center at 541-682-4150 opt. 1.
SCAM ALERT! Pet owners in Lane County, BEWARE!
Scammers posing as Lane County Animal Services are preying on pet owners who’ve shared info about lost pets online. 
“Jack Richardson” claims your pet needs urgent care, demands CashApp payment 
, and threatens to withhold treatment.
This is a SCAM! Lane County Animal Services would NEVER:
Demand payment via CashApp or gift cards.
Withhold emergency care pending payment.
Contact residents via text without prior arrangement.
Details of the scam: Name: Fake “Jack Richardson” from Lane County Animal Services. 
Scammer’s Caller ID number: 541-623-9114. CashApp account: $LCanimalserv, with reference numbers like LCAS-174752.
HOW TO REPORT: Contact the FBI at www.ic3.gov to report cybercrime. For local reports, contact your local law enforcement agency. Spread the word and help keep pet owners from falling for this scam!
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.
Oregon Lottery Highlights March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month
.jpg){kind=logo}
Oregon Lottery is putting a focus on increasing awareness of problem gambling during March – also known as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
Nationwide, Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a grassroots effort that brings together public health organizations, advocacy groups, and gambling operators, who work collaboratively to let people know options are available to quit or cut down on gambling. All Oregonians have access to free counseling and resources, which can be found on the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) website. In addition, people thinking about taking a break or moderating can find options for changing their relationship with gambling in way that works for them.
Historically, the number of people seeking assistance increases during March due to focused marketing and outreach efforts around gambling.
“Across Oregon, during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and throughout the year, the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling (OCPG) is committed to raising public awareness about safer gambling practices and providing resources to get help when someone has a problem,” said Executive Director of OCPG Gina Parziale.
Over the past few years, stress, isolation, and financial uncertainty may have caused some to turn to gambling. In 2023, 2,765 calls were made to the help line and 200 chats and texts came in for assistance.
“We want Oregonians to know there are a variety of tools and resources available for players who want to make any type of change to their gambling,” said Oregon Lottery’s Senior Manager of Product Marketing Stacy Shaw, who also serves on the OCPG board. “It’s important to support people at all points in their journey – whether they are seeking safer play strategies, looking to cut down, or seeking counselling to stop gambling.”
Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery profits have funded problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts throughout Oregon. Since that time, over $137 million in Lottery funds has supported those services.
To explore online tools and other resources or to chat with a counselor, go to Oregon Problem Gambling Resource at opgr.org or call 1-877-MYLIMIT. Professional help is free, confidential, and effective.
About the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling — The Oregon Council on Problem Gambling is the state affiliate to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Its purpose is to promote the health of Oregonians by supporting efforts to minimize gambling related harm. Board members include individuals from the gaming industry, the treatment and prevention field, the recovery community and state and county administrators.
PacifiCorp Ordered To Pay Oregon Wildfire Victims Another $42M
A jury in Oregon has ordered PacifiCorp to pay more than $42 million to 10 victims of devastating wildfires on Labor Day 2020 — the latest verdict in litigation that is expected to see the electric utility on the hook for billions in damages.
Last June, a jury found PacifiCorp liable for negligently failing to cut power to its 600,000 customers despite warnings from top fire officials. The jury determined it acted negligently and willfully and should have to pay punitive and other damages — a decision that applied to a class including the owners of up to 2,500 properties.
Tuesday’s decision was the third verdict applying last year’s ruling to a specific set of plaintiffs. Last month, a jury awarded $85 million to a different set of nine plaintiffs, and the jury that initially found PacifiCorp liable awarded about $90 million to 17 homeowners named as plaintiffs in that case.
Thousands of other class members are still awaiting trials, though the sides are also expected to engage in mediation that could lead to a settlement.
PacifiCorp, a unit of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, is appealing. The utility said in an email Tuesday it has settled hundreds of claims relating to the fires and “remains committed to settling all reasonable claims for actual damages under Oregon law.”
“For utilities, there is an ominous risk in making future investments in regions where they become the de facto insurers of last resort in a more frequent extreme weather environment,” the statement said.
The fires were among the worst natural disasters in Oregon’s history, killing nine people, burning more than 1,875 square miles (4,856 square kilometers) and destroying upward of 5,000 homes and other structures.
Among those covered by Tuesday’s award is the Upward Bound Camp for Persons with Special Needs in Gates, Oregon, plaintiffs attorneys said in a news release Tuesday. The camp’s executive director testified that a fire began on its property after a power line fell. It destroyed the only indoor spaces that can accommodate campers, leaving the nonprofit organization unable to hold camps during the winter, spring and fall.
The U.S. government is also threatening to sue PacifiCorp to recover nearly $1 billion in costs related to the 2020 wildfires in southern Oregon and northern California, though the company is trying to negotiate a settlement.
Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire Hathaway estimates that its utilities face at least $8 billion in claims across all the wildfire lawsuits already filed in Oregon and California, although the damages could be doubled or even tripled in some of those cases and some of the lawsuits don’t list a dollar amount. (SOURCE)
Near record-breaking levels of visitation at Oregon State Parks in 2023
SALEM, Oregon— Oregon State Parks continued to experience near record-breaking levels of both day use and camping in 2023.
It was the second busiest year for day-use visits with an estimated at 52.2 million visits, just behind the historic record of 53 million in 2021. It was the fourth busiest camping year with 2.9 million camper nights, which is slightly less than the record high of 3 million in 2021.
.JPG)
Parks with the largest increases in day-use visits include Beachside State Recreation Site, Ecola State Park, Harris Beach State Recreation Area (most visited in the state), Oswald West State Park, Maud Williamson State Recreation Site, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site, Clyde Holiday State Recreation Site and Farewell Bend State Recreation Site.
Camping was slightly down overall due in part to closures at two popular campgrounds, Beverly Beach State Park and Bullards Beach State Park, which were closed starting in the fall for construction projects. The valley and mountain region saw a slight increase in camping, however, with some of the largest increases at Detroit Lake State Park, Milo McIver State Park, Prineville Reservoir State Park and Lake Owyhee State Park.
Sustained higher visitation underscores the need for rangers and support staff statewide. Last month, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) started its 2024 seasonal recruitment to hire 250 seasonal rangers and ranger assistants with the goal of filling all those roles this year.
Rangers and support staff work hard to keep the parks clean and safe while providing educational and recreational opportunities. Visitors can also help at their favorite parks by following park rules, leaving no trace and thanking a ranger when they can. They might also consider visiting some of the hidden gems in the park system to find a new favorite place to explore.
Parks with some of the lowest visitation include Catherine Creek State Park, Bates State Park, Jackson F Kimball State Recreation Site, Unity Lake State Park, Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Clay Myers State Natural Area at Whalen Island and Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department continues with its GO Bonds projects totaling $50 million in improvements to aging infrastructure and to protect Oregon’s resources with projects at nine parks. The work will also add visitor facilities and expand camping at several parks including Silver Falls and Champoeg by 2026. The improvements were funded by general obligation bonds approved by the Oregon Legislature in 2021.
“We are incredibly grateful to our visitors, volunteers, partners and to all those who cherish and support Oregon State Parks. We could not steward these outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites without your support,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.
The overnight camping figure is derived by taking the total number occupied sites and applying a multiplier to estimate the number of camper nights. The day-use figure is derived by taking car counts and applying a multiplier to estimate the number of visits. Car counters sometimes require maintenance and replacement, which can impact individual numbers. The overall results are OPRD’s best estimate for tracking trends over time.
Crater Lake Concessions Contract Being Transferred to New Company
Hospitality company ExplorUS intends to take over the concessions contract at Crater Lake National Park, the National Park Service said in a news release today. This comes after controversy with the current concessionaire, Crater Lake Hospitality LLC — a subsidiary of Aramark.
“ExplorUS says they are optimistic they will be able to transition all current Crater Lake Hospitality employees to their company and provide a full suite of visitor services at Crater Lake National Park this summer,” NPS said in a news release. “ExplorUS says they intend to honor all reservations and deposits for future stays and services.”
The transfer is not official yet, the release said, since NPS has not officially approved it.
“NPS prior written approval is required before Crater Lake Hospitality may assign or otherwise transfer its concession contract to ExplorUS. This process will take a few weeks, so we do not have any details to share at this time,” the release said. “Director Chuck Sams has been committed to ensuring no lapse in visitor services, and appreciates the efforts of all involved in working toward this.”
—– Crater Lake Is One of The Most Instagram Tagged Lakes In The Country
Oregon’s Crater Lake is one of the most photogenic lakes in the United States. Crater Lake was ranked No. 9 in the country on the list on the most-Instragrammed U.S. lakes, put out by a website called FishinAquarium.com.
FishinAquarium.com is at least water-related, unlike the many unrelated rankings we’ve seen recently from lawn care companies and online casinos. Crater Lake has been tagged on Instagram more than 425k times, according to the ranking.
Here’s what the list had to say about Crater Lake:
“Crater Lake is formed from a collapsed volcano. It sits inside Crater Lake National Park and is known for its clear, blue water. No rivers flow into or out of the lake, which is the deepest in the U.S. and one of the most pristine in the world. Famous the world over for its beauty, a visit to the former peak of the volcano that now forms Wizard Island in the center of the lake is something on many people’s bucket lists.”
The No. 1 most Instagrammed lake? Lake Tahoe in California, which was tagged more than 3 million times.
Minnie B. Miller, the “professional aquarist” who runs the website than compiled the ranking said in a news release that “all twenty of these popular lakes are worth visiting.”
Crater Lake National Park, it should be noted, has been in the news recently for other — less light-hearted — reasons as well. The National Park Service is in a serious dispute with hospitality vendor Aramark. The federal government has threatened to end Aramark’s contract over “serious concerns” and systemic issues with that company’s oversight of park concessions and amenities.
Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Drops by 4,900 in January
In January, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment dropped by 4,900 jobs, following a revised gain of 1,900 jobs in December. January’s losses were largest in professional and business services (-1,700 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-1,600); other services (-1,400), transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-1,200); and construction (-600). Gains in January were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,100 jobs) and manufacturing (+500).
Over the most recent 12 months, jobs edged lower. Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment dropped by 4,900 jobs, or -0.2%, between January 2023 and January 2024. The private sector cut 15,200 jobs, or -0.9%, over the most recent 12-month period. Job losses in four major industries stood out, each down by between 3,700 and 9,500 jobs. These industries are information; professional and business services; manufacturing; and retail trade. Five other major industries had smaller losses, between 700 and 2,200 jobs. In contrast, health care and social assistance is up 13,400 jobs, or 4.8%, while government is up 10,300 jobs, or 3.4%, in the 12 months through January.
Annual revisions indicate less robust construction employment than originally estimated. Construction employed 116,700 in January, which was close to its headcount during each of the past 18 months. Professional and business services was also revised lower, showing that the industry contracted by 9,500 jobs, or -3.6%, in the most recent 12 months. Over-the-year job declines occurred in each of this major industry’s three components: administrative and waste services (-5,800 jobs); professional and technical services (-3,000); and management of companies and enterprises (-700).
While Oregon’s job growth has been close to flat in the 12 months ending in January, with a decline of 0.2%, at the national level U.S. jobs grew by 1.9% and rose in every month of that period.
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.1% in January and 4.0% in December. It has remained in a tight range between 3.4% and 4.2% for more than two years, back to October 2021. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.7% in both December and January.
Oregon introduces new climate-related resources for some OHP members experiencing life transitions, health needs
SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members with a medical need and who are facing certain life changes may now qualify for new climate-related benefits.
Eligible OHP members may qualify for a new benefit to receive devices that provide healthy temperatures and clean air such as air conditioners, heaters and air filters, as well as mini refrigeration units for storing medications. Portable power supplies to operate medical equipment (i.e., ventilators during power outages) may also be available as a new benefit.
The state is first extending eligibility for climate devices to people who are experiencing life transitions and often face social injustices. This includes people who are: currently or previously involved in the child welfare system; homeless or at risk of becoming homeless; transitioning to dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid; adults and youth recently discharged from Institutions for Mental Disease (IMDs) or released from incarceration within the last year. Members must not live in a group setting or shelter and need to have access to consistent and safe power to use these devices. Climate resources must also be part of a member’s health need or treatment.
The new climate-related benefits are part of Oregon’s federally funded expansion of OHP coverage to include health-related social needs (HRSN) services, which can help maintain health and well-being, but are not traditionally thought of as medical services.
“People with lower incomes and chronic conditions are among those most likely to experience heat exhaustion, heat stroke or complications of other health conditions related to extreme climate events,” said Dave Baden, deputy director of OHA. “By connecting wrap-around health benefits to traditional Medicaid coverage, Oregon is recognizing that non-medical factors influence health outcomes. Access to these services will reduce health disparities and offer life-saving resources to people in Oregon.”
OHP members interested in receiving climate devices should contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) to learn more. If an OHP member is not sure which CCO they are in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557. OHP members with Open Card coverage who want to learn more can call 1-888-834-4304 or email HRSN@kepro.com“>ORHRSN@kepro.com.
OHP members who don’t qualify for climate devices via HRSN services can still contact their CCO to see if climate supports are available through “flexible services” (also called health related services). Open Card OHP members who don’t qualify for climate devices can check with their city or county to learn about local programs providing climate devices. For non-OHP members in Oregon, some cities and counties have similar programs with limited supply of devices.
HRSN services are part of Oregon’s 2022 – 2027 1115 Medicaid waiver, which helps provide more federal funding and expanded coverage to OHP members. Medicaid waivers give states the flexibility to test new ways to deliver and pay for Medicaid benefits, with approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Oregon’s 1115 waiver includes several first-in-the-nation benefits tied to Medicaid coverage.
To learn more about OHA’s new climate-related resources, visit the web site.
Oregon Senators Announce $27 Million To Support Pacific Salmon Recovery
On Thursday, Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced an investment of $27 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to help support recovery efforts for Pacific salmon populations.
A joint release said the federal funds are available due to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.
This investment builds on several projects Senator Wyden has supported, including a $2.5 million grant in 2022 to replace larger culverts on five rivers in the Tillamook Bay basin to increase salmon and other fish habitat.
Wyden said, “This federal investment is going to go a long way in making sure the salmon, which is so central to our culture and economies here in Oregon, recover from the population decline we have seen year after year”. Wyden said, “We have much work to do, but these actions will help build on the past successful projects such as restoring spawning grounds, establishing a Salmon Superhighway, and easing stress on migration routes”.
Merkley said, “The health of communities across Oregon goes hand-in-hand with the health of our state’s waterways, fish habitats and infrastructure”. Merkley said, “These federal investments will support initiatives to help strengthen natural infrastructure and reconnect fish habitats and migration routes – initiatives critical to boosting salmon recovery efforts and investing in the long-term viability of Oregon’s coastal communities”.
The release said additional funding is allocated to research projects that will benefit salmon populations and recovery efforts. These investments by NOAA from the Inflation Reduction Act amount to a total investment of $42 million nationally to address issues with salmon populations and restoration programs. (SOURCE)
USDA Issues Secretarial Natural Disaster Designation for Impacted Oregon Counties
Farmers in eligible counties have until October to apply for emergency loansSalem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has determined that losses during the 2023 crop year due to multiple weather events in nine counties across the state warrant a Secretarial natural disaster designation.
This determination was made in response to a September 2023 request from Governor Kotek that outlined the impacts of the weather events, such as the Oregon cherry harvest. The available harvest data showed a 35% loss due to poor fruit set.
“Oregon farmers faced serious economic losses during last year’s crop season,” Governor Kotek said. “Our agriculture community is invaluable to Oregon, feeding families across the state. This designation is critical to ensure that farmers are able to receive support from the federal government in recuperating those losses.”
Under the first designation, defined as excessive rain that occurred starting on July 7, 2023, Hood River County is listed as a primary county. Clackamas, Multnomah and Wasco counties have been designated as contingent counties.
Under the second designation, defined as drought, excessive heat, and high winds that occurred from July 5-15, 2023, Wasco County is listed as a primary county. Clackamas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jefferson, Marion, Sherman and Wheeler counties have been designated as continent counties. Farmers may be able to apply for loans if they produce crops in any of the primary or contingent counties included in the designation.
A Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous to such primary counties eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met. This assistance includes FSA emergency loans.
The USDA issued this Secretarial disaster declaration on February 23, 2024. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. FSA considers each emergency loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of production losses on the farm and the security and repayment ability of the operator. Local FSA offices can provide affected farmers with further information.
Oregon State Parks recruiting about 250 seasonal park rangers and assistants for 2024
SALEM, Oregon— Oregon State Parks is not just a beautiful place to visit – it’s also a spectacular place to work.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is recruiting 250 seasonal park rangers and assistants for positions across the state that range anywhere from four to nine months. The peak season is from April to September, but some of the positions start as early as March and run as late as December.
Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.
Salaries start at $17.34 per hour for seasonal assistants and $20.06 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, start at $17.32 or more per hour depending on experience (no benefits).
OPRD promotes from within and several of our top leaders started as seasonal employees.
“We love what we do at Oregon Parks and Recreation Department,” said Director Lisa Sumption. “We get to preserve and share some of Oregon’s most treasured landscapes and resources. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you’re part of that OPRD family.”
For more information about current openings, visit stateparks.oregon.gov. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Recruiting D.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov“>OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.
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
ODFW Announces Stamp Art Competitions
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is making a call to area artists to compete in one, or all three, of ODFW’s 2025 stamp art competitions.
The winning artist in each contest receives a $2,000 award and their winning artwork is used to produce collector’s stamps and other promotional items, sales of which benefit Oregon’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats.
For more information on contest rules and to order stamps and art prints, visit: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/stamp_contest/index.asp.
Entries will be accepted beginning Aug. 30 through Sept. 27 by 5 p.m., at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife headquarters, 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr., SE, Salem, OR 97302.
Entries can be mailed or hand delivered. If you hand-deliver your entry, call ahead to make arrangements at 503-947-6314.
Here’s a look at the three categories:
Habitat Conservation Stamp
Art entries must feature a “Strategy Species” identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy in its appropriate habitat. Not all species in the strategy are eligible, so use the qualifying list of species.
See contest rules and entry form for more information and a list of eligible species at
https://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/habitat_conservation_stamp.asp.
Waterfowl Stamp Contest
Art entries must feature one of the following species in its natural habitat setting: Ring-necked Duck, White-winged Scoter, or Barrow’s Goldeneye.
See contest rules and entry form for more information at
https://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/waterfowl/contest/index.asp.
Upland Game Bird Stamp Contest
Art entries must feature California Quail in its natural habitat setting.
See contest rules and entry form for more information at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/upland_bird/contest/index.asp
Artists should not the highlighted new for 2025 information in the contest rules and the final page for packaging tips.
A panel will judge artwork based on artistic composition, anatomical accuracy of the species and general appeal.
Collector’s stamps, art prints and other promotional materials are produced from first-place artwork. Proceeds from product sales are used for habitat improvement, research surveys and conservation projects.
Interested artists are encouraged to visit ODFW’s stamp art competition website for more information on the contests and to view entries from previous years. https://www.dfw.state.or.us/stamp_contest/index.asp
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
