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 13, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
Teen and Dogs Die in Roseburg Fatal Multi-Family Structure Fire
At 7:46 p.m. on March 11, 2024, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a residential structure fire with a possible rescue at 2316 W. Harvard Avenue. Firefighters arrived on scene to find heavy fire coming from the second and third floors of a large residential structure that included multiple apartments. Upon arrival, residents informed fire crews there may be a thirteen-year-old resident still inside the structure.
Multiple crews entered the multi-family residence and searched all floors for the missing person. Crews were able to locate the young boy on the second floor and found him to be unconscious. Crews quickly removed the victim through a second-floor window. The patient was transported to a nearby hospital, where the victim was pronounced deceased. Two other patients were transported to a nearby hospital for smoke inhalation. Crews extinguished the fire and spent considerable time overhauling the structure. There were multiple dogs found deceased due to the fire. The American Red Cross responded and was on scene assisting multiple displaced residents.
The multi-family residence sustained structural, smoke, and water damage. The fire investigation is ongoing and multiple agencies are involved in the efforts. Thirty-one firefighters assisted with firefighting efforts. Other agencies assisting with the fire included Douglas County Fire District #2, Winston-Dillard Fire District, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Pacific Power, Avista Utilities, Roseburg Police Department, American Red Cross, and Adapt.
For the latest information regarding the City of Roseburg Fire Department, please visit our website at www.cityofroseburg.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roseburgfire.
Crews Extinguish Equipment Fire At Action Rent-All
Eugene, OR. At 12:54 AM on March 13th, several passing motorists reported an unknown fire at Action Rent-All located at 151 River Ave in Eugene. Eugene Springfield Fire responded with 2 engines, 1 truck, and 1 chief, finding a scissor lift fully engulfed. Several other pieces of equipment were threatened in the area of the fire, but were not damaged.
During extinguishment, crews also discovered a propane tank off gassing. Crews extinguished the lift fire and allowed the propane to cool to a point it was no longer a hazard. Firefighters worked to prevent toxic run secondary to the fire from entering the storm drain. The ESF fire marshals office is investigating the fire. There were no injuries reported.
Attempted Kidnapping in the Dexter/Lowell Area
Monday night, a juvenile was approached by a vehicle while walking in the area of Barbre Road and Rogers Lane. The driver told the juvenile he knew her parents and was there to give her a ride home, neither of which was true. The juvenile began walking back towards the Dexter Market, and the vehicle sped off.
Deputies became aware hours later when the information was found on Facebook. They patrolled the area, but did not find a matching vehicle and subject.
The vehicle is described as a red SUV similar to a Ford Escape. The driver is described as a scruffy, skinny white male, mid-40s, with reddish-blonde curly hair.
3/12/24 – LCSO Case #24-1246 — If you observe a matching vehicle and subject or have more information on this case, please contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 option 1.
03/03/24 – LCSO Cases #24-1003, 24-1021 – Deputies assigned to West Lane arrest two on multiple mail thefts, car break ins
Beginning on February 25th, two suspects began stealing mail from over a dozen mailboxes and broke into a car in the Mapleton area. Community members helped Lane County Sheriff’s deputies identify possible suspects and the involved vehicle through security video and photos. On February 27th, KEZI reported on the incidents, which led many victims to come forward that had not yet reported thefts to the Sheriff’s Office. On February 28th, both suspects, Matthew Curtis Berkner Sr. and Daniel Kenneth Frye, were located and arrested in Florence on unrelated cases.
Deputies contacted over a dozen victims and several witnesses over the following days and developed probable cause to arrest both suspects, who were still being held in the Lane County Jail. On March 3rd, deputies added charges of Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, Theft 1, Criminal Mischief 2, and Theft 3. Additional charges may be added, as mail theft can be charged federally by the US Postal Inspectors.
Mail theft and car break-ins are both crimes of opportunity we can all take steps to prevent. We recommend residents install locking mailboxes, check mail frequently (and have a trusted neighbor check your mail when you are gone), and don’t leave valuables in your car even when parked in your driveway. Motion lights and home security cameras are also very helpful in both preventing crime in your neighborhood, and assisting deputies with investigations. Thanks to the many residents who helped on this case.
3 families displaced after 2-alarm apartment fire
Marion County Fire District No. 1 responded to a 2-alarm Apartment fire around 9:40 this morning at the Amber Park Apartments located in the 200 block of Colt Lane NE. Initial reports stated heavy fire from the second story back exterior of a 2-story complex with the possibility of a child still inside and audible smoke detectors. The first responding engine arrived in under four minutes and immediately went into rescue mode allowing the engine company to enter the fire building without back-up. No occupants were found in any apartment and the fire was under control around 10:20. Unfortunately, a family cat was discovered deceased from the fire. No other injuries were reported.
Marion County Fire District No. 1 was assisted by Salem Fire Department, Keizer Fire District and Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The fire is currently under investigation by the District’s Fire Investigation team. Three families were displaced by the fire, and they are currently receiving assistance from Red Cross.
*** UPDATE 03/11/24 *** Corvallis Police Investigating Fatal Shooting
UPDATE 03/11/24 —Corvallis Police Investigating Fatal Shooting on NW Highland Dr.
On Saturday, March 9th, at approximately 7:21pm, the Corvallis Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at 1927 NW Highland Dr. Officers arrived and found 34-year-old Vonetta Johnson of Corvallis deceased on the kitchen floor, succumbing to an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Alongside her lay her sister, 24-year-old Ciara Page of Eugene, who sustained serious injuries to her shoulder and head from an apparent gunshot wound. Ciara Page was rushed to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center and continues to be in stable, albeit serious condition. Vonetta Johnson’s two minor children were in the residence at the time but unharmed.
During transit to the hospital, officers were able to gather crucial information from Ciara Page, identifying the suspect as Vonetta Johnson’s boyfriend, 53-year-old Jerry Bruce Mitchell Sr. of Long Beach, California. Leveraging several technologies, officers successfully tracked Jerry Mitchell Sr. traveling south near Medford at approximately 10:48 p.m. Subsequently, a temporary warrant was issued, leading to his location and arrest by the California Highway Patrol in a white Ford SUV following a 45-minute pursuit that at times exceeded 100 miles per hour. Mitchell Sr. was apprehended shortly after midnight and has been lodged at the Siskiyou County Jail pending extradition arrangements. An arrest warrant for Jerry Mitchell Sr. has been filed with the Benton County Circuit Court for the following charges.
Murder in the 1st Degree ORS 163.107, Two Counts
Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree ORS 164.405
Unlawful Use of a Weapon ORS 166.220, Two Counts
Possession of Weapons by Certain Felons ORS 166.270
This case remains open and under active investigation by the Corvallis Police Department in collaboration with partner agencies to include the Albany Police Department, Benton County Sherriff’s Office, the Benton County District Attorney’s Office, and several agencies in Northern California. Currently, no further information is available. Additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Marketing Class Partners with Cottage Grove Humane Society
EUGENE, Ore. – As part of its dedication to promoting social good, Bushnell University’s Marketing 432 class has strategically partnered with the Cottage Grove Humane Society to bring real-world experience to the students and support a local nonprofit organization.
The collaboration was initiated when the Humane Society, inspired by a news story on KEZI about Bushnell’s new Digital Marketing and Digital Media & Graphic Design programs, reached out to assistant professor Christy Silverthorne, M.A., the lead for the programs. Intrigued by the prospect of working with marketing students, they proposed a partnership that would see the students creating branding services, advertising, and promotional pieces for the organization.
Silverthorne expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This is such a great opportunity for the students to get some real-world experience creating the marketing campaign for such a worthy cause. It really is a win-win. It’s good for the students and a way to bless the community.”
Marketing 432 focuses on branding, advertising, and promotion, and aims to provide students with hands-on experience in understanding how to successfully brand an organization. The collaboration with the Humane Society offers students the opportunity to dive into creating effective promotional strategies tailored to meet the specific objectives of a client.
Recognizing the evolving landscape of online communication and social media, the class plans to explore new digital channels for the Humane Society. Despite the organization’s relative newness to digital marketing, students will be tasked with finding feasible solutions and ensuring recommendations align with the client’s capabilities.
The success of the branding and advertising campaign will be determined during Bushnell’s Spring Ace Day on May 1, when student teams will pitch their campaigns to the Humane Society. The winning campaign will be adopted for the organization’s future marketing endeavors. While the class won’t actively monitor the campaign post-semester, they aim to equip the Humane Society with tools for effective self-monitoring.
To foster creativity and innovation within budget constraints, students are challenged to create compelling stories that stand out in a crowded market. Jessica Woods, a student involved in the project, captures the essence of this collaborative project: “Being able to help a place like Cottage Grove Humane Society emphasizes the service aspect of Bushnell’s 3 main pillars [of Wisdom, Faith, and Service]. Learning not just about our degree, but also what we can do with it in the real world is a priceless experience.”
As the semester unfolds, the collaboration promises not only to enhance the students’ understanding of branding and advertising, but also to make a meaningful impact on the Cottage Grove Humane Society’s outreach efforts.
To learn more about the Cottage Grove Human Society visit their website at www.humanesocietycottagegrove.org.
To learn more about Bushnell Universities new marketing programs, see here: B.S. Digital Marketing – Bushnell University — B.S. Digital Media and Graphic Design – Bushnell University
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.
Nationwide Cyberattack Keeping Some Oregon Healthcare Workers From Being Paid
A national cyberattack targeting the healthcare industry is impacting medical staff in Oregon. For almost a month, providers haven’t been able to collect insurance payments through a third-party, Change Healthcare.
The company pays out claims to doctors’ offices and other service providers. Those claims make up a large portion of payments for many providers.
“Some businesses have to shut down temporarily in order to sort of save their business, basically,” said Athena Phillips, the founder of Integrative Trauma Treatment Center.
Change Healthcare works with some of the biggest healthcare companies in the Portland metro area, such as Providence and Kaiser Permanente, a medical worker said.
Since many clinics or treatment centers are not receiving insurance payments, some medical workers may not be getting paid. Workers at other centers told KGW that they are relying on savings in order to pay staff until the problem is fixed.
“It’s really scary,” Phillips said. “We basically cannot even submit our claims.” Since Feb. 21, Phillips, like many medical workers around the country, haven’t received payments from Change Healthcare. Instead, she’s been forced to pay her staff through company savings.
“This is not something I could have foreseen,” Phillips said. “And I suspect there’s going to be ripple effects that we can’t anticipate.”
Others are facing similar issues.
“About 60% of our clients that we see every week are Medicaid funded,” Megan Geary, the CEO of Cascade Counseling and Consulting, said.
Between 60% to 75% of patient payments are affected by the cyberattack. Geary is also turning to company savings to pay staff.
“We’ve also had to apply for a business line of credit so that we can make payroll,” Geary said.
Along with Providence and Kaiser Permanente, Change Healthcare provides service for Care Oregon and the Oregon Health Plan, Geary said.
“Those are some big names,” she added.
Pharmacies are also dealing with repercussions of the cyberattack. KGW spoke with a pharmacist who didn’t want to go on camera, but said they were temporarily unable to search for prescription insurance claims. The pharmacy also was unable to utilize copay cards, which drug manufacturers use to provide discounts on medication. Those problems have since been resolved.
In a press release, UnitedHealth Group, which owns Change Healthcare, said it is working to mitigate impact to consumers and care providers. They expect to re-establish connection to its insurance claims network by Monday.
Still, some aren’t convinced the problem will be fixed quickly. “I’m not holding my breath,” Geary said. “It’s not proper for one company to have that much power,” Phillips added. (SOURCE)
A 2.5 Million-Acre Area of South East Oregon has Been Named the Largest Dark Sky Sanctuary in the World.
The region, which on Monday was officially named the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary, comprises the southeastern half of Lake County, including Hart Mountain, Lake Abert and Summer Lake. Future plans include expanding the sanctuary to 11.4 million acres across Harney and Malheur counties.
The designation was given by DarkSky International, an organization dedicated to protecting the nighttime environment and preserving dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. The project is the work of the Oregon Dark Sky Network, an ad-hoc group of state, local and federal officials, private individuals, business owners and tourism agencies.
Travel Southern Oregon, which is a member of the network, celebrated the designation in a news release Monday.
“This four-year collaboration brings together so many of the elements we try to achieve in regenerative tourism,” Bob Hackett, executive director of Travel Southern Oregon, said. “It not only elevates the destination experience for visitors to Lake County and opens up opportunities for local businesses, but it also helps agencies and residents steward their lands in ways that celebrate a legacy of starry night skies for generations to come.”
Oregon already has two destinations with official DarkSky International designations: Prineville Reservoir State Park, which in 2021 became a Dark Sky Park, and Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, which was named a Dark Sky Place in 2020.
The Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary is now the largest of 19 Dark Sky Sanctuaries, which are spread out across five continents. At 2.5 million acres, the Oregon sanctuary is larger than Minnesota’s 1 million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which was designated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2020.
The expansion of the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary seems inevitable, with only a few local approvals and lighting changes needed to make it happen, DarkSky International said. Most land in the region is either privately property or public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The largest city in the area is Lakeview, home to fewer than 2,500 people.
Stargazers know southern and southeast Oregon as home to some of the best places to watch meteor showers and other astronomical events. Dark, clear skies are ideal for anyone hoping to peer into the cosmos, whether with a telescope or the naked eye.
Amber Harrison, program manager for DarkSky International, said in a news release Monday that the organization is already looking forward to the second phase of the Oregon Outback project, the big expansion, which would be the first landscape-scale sanctuary of its kind. (SOURCE)
OFSM launches incentive program for defensible space projects
SALEM, Ore. – To help those living in communities more likely to be impacted by a wildfire, the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is launching an incentive program to help Oregonians pay for defensible space projects. Defensible space is one of the most effective ways to better protect a home during a wildfire. The OSFM understands that money may be a barrier for some to do these projects.
As part of the program, those who meet eligibility requirements will receive a $250 one-time payment. Homeowners, renters, and property owners must live in select areas of the state and request and receive a free defensible space assessment.
The free assessments are given by a local fire service agency member or an OSFM representative. An expert will walk the participants’ property with them and provide valuable one-on-one time to discuss how to build and increase their fire resiliency.
After the assessment, those who qualify will receive the payment in the mail for their participation. This incentive is designed to encourage people to implement the recommendations received during their assessment.
For a list of eligible communities, please read the program guidelines here. These communities were chosen based on their vulnerability to wildfire to get money to those who need it the most.
The OSFM’s defensible space program is a crucial step toward building more resilient communities in the face of increasing wildfire risks. By empowering Oregonians to take proactive measures, we will reduce the impact of wildfires on lives, property, and the environment.
For more details about the OSFM’s defensible space program, visit their website.
Reeling From a Second Year of Losses, Hospitals Stress Need for Policy Changes
Lake Oswego, Ore. – A combination of factors including high inflation, workforce shortages and escalating expenses continue to squeeze the operating margins of Oregon hospitals, underscoring the urgency of implementing policy solutions to ensure they can continue to support their communities.
New data released this week by Apprise Health Insights shows the state’s hospitals posted an –1.3% median operating margin in 2023, the second consecutive year that hospitals as a group lost money. Without federal CARES Act funds propping up hospitals in 2020 and 2021, last year would have marked the fourth straight year hospitals experienced significant financial losses.
“Oregonians depend on their hospitals to be there when they need them most,” said Becky Hultberg, Hospital Association of Oregon president and CEO. “But year after year of tough financial conditions have made it increasingly difficult for hospitals to maintain all the services they provide to their communities.”
In 2023, 56% of Oregon’s hospitals reported they were unable to cover the cost of providing care with revenue from core patient activities. The state’s larger urban hospitals had a median operating margin of -0.3%, while rural hospitals fared worse with a median operating margin of -1.8%.
Along with rising salaries, benefits and the cost of supplies, hospitals’ cost of providing care has also increased as it has become more difficult to discharge patients to appropriate settings. The average hospital length of stay, while dropping from peak 2022 levels, has remained high at around five days.
“Our hospitals are not on a sustainable path,” Hultberg said. “We have systemic problems to address including how hospitals are paid for the care they provide, especially for the most vulnerable in our state. It’s one of the reasons we recently worked with the legislature to boost funding for hospitals that care for a higher proportion of Medicaid and uninsured Oregonians.”
The hospital association continues to work with Oregon policymakers and other groups to help build the health care workforce, explore ways to increase capacity outside of hospitals and stabilize the state’s health care system.
“The economists who predicted that 2023 would be another difficult year for hospitals turned out to be correct,” Hultberg said. “We must continue to make progress on these complex policy issues in the 2025 legislative session.”
About the Hospital Association of Oregon — Founded in 1934, the Hospital Association of Oregon (HAO) is a mission-driven, nonprofit trade association representing Oregon’s 61 hospitals. Together, hospitals are the sixth largest private employer statewide, employing more than 70,000 employees. Committed to fostering a stronger, safer, more equitable Oregon where all people have access to the high-quality care they need, the hospital association supports Oregon’s hospitals so they can support their communities; educates government officials and the public on the state’s health landscape and works collaboratively with policymakers, community based organizations and the health care community to build consensus on and advance health care policy benefiting the state’s four million residents.
Oregon to Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers May 7th, 2024
Every year, the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honors the state’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. This year’s ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 7 at 1 p.m. at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.
The annual event commemorates the more than 190 fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the state of Oregon since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.
The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is proud to host the ceremony in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and various statewide law enforcement associations.
Legislative Session 2024: Governor Kotek Issues Statement on Housing and Homelessness, Education, Campaign Finance Reform, and House Bill 4002
Last Thursday, after Oregon lawmakers concluded the 2024 legislative session, marking continued progress on critical issues facing Oregonians, including housing and homelessness, education, and more, Governor Tina Kotek issued the following statement:
“I commend lawmakers for a productive session with bipartisan successes and a strong focus on the top issues facing Oregonians.
“Oregon will now have more tools to meet the urgent demand for all types of housing, in all parts of the state. Senate Bill 1537 will help stabilize housing costs by increasing housing production through cutting red tape in permitting processes, establishing some of the strongest affordability standards for new construction in the country, and other critical reforms. Combined with investments in Senate Bill 1530, I look forward to ensuring that every dollar advances housing production.
“Our students will have more educational supports this summer to offset the learning loss between school years, and we are on track to make budget information that the State already collects from school districts more accessible and easier to understand.
“This session also marks the historical passage of campaign finance reform with strong bipartisan support. I applaud all those who came to the table to find compromise and deliver a policy that will strengthen transparency and confidence in Oregon’s elections. I want to thank legislative leadership for their commitment and urgency in getting it done this session.
“Finally, reforms to Measure 110 will start to take shape, as I intend to sign House Bill 4002 and the related prevention and treatment investments within the next 30 days. As Governor, my focus is on implementation. My office will work closely with each implementing authority to set expectations, specifically in response to the Criminal Justice Center’s Racial Equity Impact Statement, which projected disproportionate impacts to communities of color and the accompanying concerns raised by advocates. House Bill 4002 will require persistent action and commitment from state and local government to uphold the intent that the legislature put forward: to balance treatment for individuals struggling with addiction and accountability.”
Final piece of $376 million Oregon housing package clears Legislature
A bill that would help small cities build at least 585 homes is headed to Gov. Tina Kotek.
House Bill 4134, spearheaded by Rep. Lucetta Elmer, R-McMinnville, is the final component of a $376 million housing package the Legislature approved this year. It provides $7 million in grants to Burns, McMinnville, Amity and Toledo for infrastructure projects to help the small cities add homes. The bill passed the House on a 54-2 vote earlier this week and passed the Senate on a 28-0 vote on Thursday.
Elmer told the Capital Chronicle the proposal began with conversations with city officials in McMinnville last spring. McMinnville approved a subdivision with 290 lots in 2007, but the land has sat vacant for years because the homes can’t be built without water infrastructure that will cost an estimated $2 million.
“I’m fiscally conservative when it comes to our tax dollars, but I like the idea of taking one-time taxpayer money for infrastructure, but then tying it to private money,” Elmer said.
In McMinnville, a developer was ready to start building homes as soon as the infrastructure was in place. Elmer didn’t want to limit her request to just McMinnville, so she looked for other cities with a population of 50,000 or less that had housing projects that could move forward quickly with infrastructure investments.
She started with 11 cities, but the list was narrowed to four as the bill moved through the Legislature. Elmer said she plans to introduce a similar bill next year to help more cities. The proposal would require developers to commit to ensuring that at least 30% of homes are affordable to people making 130% or less of the area median income.
McMinnville would receive $2 million for water pipes and pumps through the proposal. Burns would get $3 million for water, sewer and stormwater site improvements for the planned 161-home Miller Springs subdivision. Amity would get $1.5 million for stormwater infrastructure and road improvements to allow for construction of 35 new affordable homes. And $640,000 for water, sewer, infrastructure and road improvements in Toledo would support a new apartment complex.
The overall housing package includes Senate Bill 1530 and Senate Bill 1537 and includes $376 million for infrastructure funding, homebuilding, homeless shelters and rent assistance, along with changes to state land use laws to make it easier for cities to build homes. (SOURCE)
Which of Oregon’s free tax filing options fits you best?
Salem, OR—Filing electronically is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.
With Oregon returning a $5.61 billion kicker to taxpayers in 2024 everyone wants to get their refund as soon as they can this year, but not everyone can afford commercially available software. Fortunately, all Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own returns in 2024 can file electronically at no cost using one of the free file options that can be found on the Department of Revenue website.
A variety of choices are available, and taxpayers can use the information below to help them pick the one that best fits their needs.
Free electronic filing options
Free guided tax preparation is available from four companies that participate in the Free File Alliance for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Using links from the department’s Get free help filing your taxes page ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.
These free services work much like the popular pay to file programs.
This option is best for taxpayers that have income less than $79,000 and need to file both their federal and Oregon returns. Each company has different requirements for who qualifies for free filing and offers must be accessed from the department’s Get free help filing your taxes page.
Direct File Oregon
New this year, the department is also offering Direct File Oregon, which allows taxpayers to file their Form OR-40 through Revenue Online. Direct File Oregon is not currently linked with the IRS Direct File. Taxpayers will need to file a separate federal return with the IRS before filing an Oregon return with Direct File Oregon through Revenue Online.
Direct File Oregon is suited for taxpayers who don’t meet the income requirements of other free file options and want a more guided experience for filing their Oregon tax return electronically. Creating a Revenue Online account and logging in to file provides the best experience.
A how to use Direct File Oregon video is available to help taxpayers understand the process.
Free fillable forms
Oregon Free Fillable Forms performs basic calculations and is ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. The IRS offers a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically.
Free Fillable forms is suited for taxpayers who don’t meet the income requirements of other free options, already have their forms filled out, are sure of their calculations, and just want to e-file for free!
The department offers special computer kiosks in three of its regional offices where taxpayers who don’t have access to computers can file their return using the free fillable forms and Direct File Oregon e-file options. The kiosks are available in the DOR regional offices in:
• Bend, 951 SW Simpson Ave, Suite 100.
• Eugene, 1600 Valley River Drive, Suite 310.
• Medford, 3613 Aviation Way, Suite 102.
Free help filing Oregon tax returns
Taxpayers that don’t have a computer or need one-on-one help also have options for electronic filing. AARP Tax-Aide, the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, MFS-CASH Oregon, and the United Way’s MyFreeTaxes offer in person and drop off services for tax preparation by trained volunteers.
Many of these programs require an appointment and slots fill up quickly. Information about these services and an interactive map to find a location near you are available on the agency’s website.
In 2024 Oregon is returning $5.61 billion in surplus revenue to taxpayers in the form of a “kicker” tax credit. Taxpayers will receive their kicker as part of their refund, or the kicker can reduce the tax they owe. Each taxpayer’s kicker credit is based on their tax liability for the 2022 tax year. To determine the amount of their kicker, taxpayers are encouraged to use the What’s my kicker? calculator on Revenue Online.
Most refunds are issued within two weeks, but returns that need more review may take up to 16 weeks before a refund is issued. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund by using the department’s Where’s My Refund? tool on Revenue Online. A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.
You can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls.
SOLVE invites volunteers to register for their annual Earth Day celebration: The Oregon Spring Cleanup
Portland, Ore., March 12, 2024 – From April 13 to April 22, families, community members, neighborhood associations, and environmental enthusiasts are invited to engage in a signature event in SOLVE’s annual calendar: The Oregon Spring Cleanup, presented by Portland General Electric. Registration for this environmentally conscious event series is now open.
Participants are invited to join SOLVE, event leaders, and partners from across the Pacific Northwest in a collective celebration of Earth Day. The SOLVE calendar showcases a variety of events throughout Oregon and SW Washington between April 13 and April 22, with the majority of events culminating on April 20. Diverse initiatives address specific environmental needs with opportunities ranging from beach cleanups to neighborhood and city litter pickups. Further activities include restoring natural habitats through native tree and shrub plantings, weed pulls, and mulching projects. Each project contributes to the enhancement of our shared surroundings.
With a variety of projects already online, the Oregon Spring Cleanup invites enthusiastic volunteers to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and brighter planet. Interested individuals can browse the map of projects to find events near them, learn about each opportunity, and sign up for a meaningful contribution to the environment. Participating in the Oregon Spring Cleanup provides an excellent opportunity to bond with family members, coworkers, and neighbors, while collectively contributing to preserving some of Oregon’s most stunning locations.
As SOLVE anticipates another successful event, valued partner Portland General Electric, shares their commitment to the cause: ” PGE proudly supports SOLVE’s efforts to make our communities cleaner and greener. In 2023, our employees and their families volunteered with SOLVE for more than 220 hours. We’re excited to join community members again this Earth Day to help improve our beautiful state.” said Kristen Sheeran, Senior Director of Policy Planning and Sustainability, Portland General Electric.
For those inspired to host an event, SOLVE is still accepting new volunteer-led projects. The sooner projects are submitted, the faster SOLVE can care for the rest. Event leaders receive full support, including free supplies, access to project funding, disposal assistance, and help with volunteer recruitment.
For more information, please visit solveoregon.org/oregon-spring and be part of the collective effort to create a cleaner, greener planet.
Along with Portland General Electric, other event sponsors include Clean Water Services, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, KOIN, The Standard, Swire Coca-Cola, Holman, Demarini-Wilson, Trimet, and PepsiCo.
About SOLVE
SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more 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
