The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Monday, September 23, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
Having an Indian Summer? Heatwaves like this are common even into October. Heatwave will peak on Tuesday. Possible high temperatures…Portland: 86°Salem: 87°Eugene: 86°Roseburg: 92°Medford: 93°
Wildfires continue to produce smoke in the Pacific Northwest. Breathe a little easier by keeping up to date on air quality conditions and concerns at Fire.AirNow.gov.
Seasonal Climate Forecast September – November 2024
https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/naturalresources/documents/weather/dlongrange.pdf
We’re not out of the woods just yet… DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN – Fire 
Season still in progress. Many people let their guard down because fall has arrived. Major fires can get started in October and November. Fire season will not end until we really hit full speed on the cooler weather, rain, and snow coming to stay. Until then, be vigilant and do everything you can to prevent the spark that could be the next serious fire.
Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.” — We’ve had an unprecedented fire season already. Don’t be that spark that could lead to a tragedy! Check Conditions
Warehouse Fire on Chad Drive in Eugene
A fire broke out in a warehouse Sunday night behind the KEZI News Station on Chad Drive in Eugene.
Thanks to a functioning sprinkler system and Eugene Springfield Fire crews, the fire was contained, and no injuries were reported.
The warehouse was filled with large stacks of palleted cardboard boxes and furniture being stored by St. Vincent de Paul which made the fire difficult to access.
Fire crews say the building’s sprinkler system played a crucial role in keeping the fire from spreading. St. Vincent de Paul says damage could be over a million dollars.
While inside, the partial collapse of stacked boxes forced the team to evacuate temporarily before regrouping to move hazards per fire crew. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
PRESS RELEASE This MORNING: Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a commercial fire at Chambers Communications in the 2900 block of Chad Drive in Eugene Sunday Night. At 7:53 PM on September 22nd, Ladder 6 from the Sheldon station was dispatched to a fire alarm at Sound Stage 4 on the property. Arriving 5 minutes later, L6’s crew began to investigate and found smoke from the building and alarm sounding. The crew called for a full first alarm assignment and began to work on building access. The large warehouse style sound stage was being utilized as storage for a local second hand retailer to store holiday inventory.
There was active fire in the building with the sprinkler system operating. Due to large volumes of smoke and some collapsing of the stored goods, the firefighting effort was long and methodical to prevent further damage and or injuries to responding firefighters. Large warehouse buildings can pose various risks for getting lost, collapsing inventory or cold smoke explosions. In all the fire was contained to the inventory in the building and there were no injuries reported. 6 engines, 2 trucks, 2 chiefs, 1 medic, 1 EMS supervisior, 1 support unit and 1 deputy fire marshal responded, the fire took 2.5 hours to bring under control and crews spent 3.5 hours on scene.
Four New Murals Done for UpStream Art Project in Springfield
A set of vibrant new murals adorns the sidewalks at the intersection of E Street and 67 th Street in Springfield.
The four murals are the latest installment in the city’s UpStream Art project, which has funded the installation of 46 murals across Springfield since 2016.
Situated near stormwater drains, the murals aim to educate community members about stormwater pollution and the flow of stormwater directly back into local waterways — in this case, the McKenzie River.
“This is designed to encourage people to do their part to reduce the amount of pollution that’s making its way into our waterways,” said Peter Jaeger, an environmental services technician with the city.
Springfield’s stormwater system was built to prevent flooding and does not filter water before it flows to the river, Jaeger said. He encouraged residents to keep paint, oil, litter and other debris and chemicals off of paved areas and away from storm drains to prevent them from washing into the river.
“What goes in our stormwater system goes directly out to our rivers without being treated,” Jaeger said.
Each year, the city puts out a call for artists in the spring, with the winning artists selected by a panel of judges. The murals are funded through the city’s stormwater user fees and each artist is paid $1,500 for their work.
This year’s murals were done by Holly Glaspey, Kyla Cooper-LeBlanc, Silas Thoms and Taylor Perris.
“It’s pretty special,” Perris said. “I think being able to, like, conceptualize and put so much thought into something that so many people are gonna see.”
Perris’ mural features a person floating down the McKenzie River with salmon and other wildlife visible below the water’s surface.
“I kind of wanted to just choose something that I felt like was pretty immediately relatable, especially for the locals here,” she said.
The murals last roughly five to seven years, depending on the location, and some have been replaced to make way for updated pieces. Each mural is coated with a heavy-duty clear coat after its completion to protect it from wear and tear.
A full archive and tour of all the city’s UpStream Art murals can be viewed at bit.ly/upstreamtour . — (SOURCE)
Car Fire Spreads at Spencer Butte
At just after 2PM Saturday, ESF crews responded to a car fire in the parking lot at Spencer Butte park. The fire damaged 3 cars and started a brush fire. Engine 15 from the South Hills station arrived and brought the fire under control quickly prioritizing the threat to the park from the brush fire. Additional units were ordered given the potential for a large fire on the butte.
– LCSO Case #s 24-4769, 24-4847 — Forest Patrol deputies arrest wanted subject for wire theft
In late August, a Lane County Sheriff’s Forest Patrol deputy discovered the lock on a private timber gate had been cut open in the area of Highway 126 W. and Austa Road. On further investigation, the deputy found that the suspect had made off with several thousand feet of telecommunication cable and other hardware that belonged to local telecommunication and power companies. The theft and damage amounted to around $65,000 dollars.
Deputies identified the suspect as Marshall Allen Stucky, 60, of Veneta. On September 7th, Forest Patrol deputies located his vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
Stucky was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail for Aggravated Theft in the 1st Degree, Theft in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, Trespass in the 2nd Degree, and a U.S. Marshal’s warrant.
Eugene May Start Charging Taxis, Uber and Lyft 50 Cents a Ride
The City of Eugene may start collecting a 50 cent per-ride fee on taxis and ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft.
Eugene started regulating rideshare companies in 2018, when it rolled out business licensing requirements. The City Council authorized an additional per-ride fee that year – but has never collected it. That might change soon.
Jeff Petry, the Curbside and Administrative Services Director, says Eugene could start collecting the fee now, but current code only allows them to spend the funds on their rideshare oversight program.
“The question really is should this trip fee be limited to what’s in the code right now, or could it be expanded for other uses,” he said.
According to the city, charging a 50 cent a ride fee would put Eugene in line with Springfield and Portland, which have similar fees.
He said the city council will decide whether to expand how the fee can be spent next month. It held a public hearing on the plan Sept. 16.
The fee would generate $350,000 a year, and is already accounted for in the Eugene’s most recent budget.
Petry said the fee will be used to cover the costs of administering its rideshare program and other transportation needs.
BRING Opens Donation Site at Glenwood Transfer Station to Recycle Usable Building Materials
A new BRING donation site at the Glenwood Transfer Station is expected to divert over 180,000 pounds of building material before it hits the landfill.
BRING recycling has set up a donation site at the Glenwood Transfer Station in a partnership with Lane County Waste Management. The goal is to keep reusable materials out of the landfill.
Pulling into the garbage transfer station, BRING has set up right next to St. Vincent DePaul’s donation site. A big truck stands ready to accept any building materials fit to reuse. Think: siding, tiles, bricks, electrical items. Even the kitchen sink!
BRING Director Sonya Carlson describes the new donation location as a one-stop shop. “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to reuse, to get materials to their highest and best use,” she said.
Carlson hopes building contractors will consider donating any reusable items with BRING– before dumping. “We see all the time that people put corrugated metal in the metal recycling at the Glenwood Transfer Station,” said Carlson, “and it’s perfectly good material that we could easily sell and keep that from having to go back through a processing center to be turned back into corrugated metal”
BRING expects to recover over 180,000 pounds of materials this year. Carlson reminds folks they can save money on their dumping fees by donating first.
There are BRING and St. Vincent DePaul attendants at the Glenwood Transfer Station donation sites to help confirm what materials can be accepted. They won’t ask for donations so people self-hauling garbage should check in first to see if anything they have to dump might be re-usable.
BRING will transfer donation materials back to their retail store, Planet Improvement Center, located in Glenwood. The recycling agency continues to accept donations at their main location.
You can find a comprehensive list of items for donation, or learn more about the waste management collaboration here: https://bringrecycling.org/ — (SOURCE)
Two Springfield Teenagers Accused Of Stealing $10,000 Through Scamming BottleDrop Users
Two teenagers are accused of carrying out an elaborate scheme, allegedly stealing $10,000 from BottleDrop over the past year then bragging about it to a police officer while unknowingly under investigation.
According to court documents, an investigation began in August 2024 when an employee of BottleDrop’s parent company, Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, alerted police about an in-house investigation that uncovered a fraud scheme that spanned at least eight months. Police and the co-op confirmed that apps like PayPal and Venmo were used to withdraw funds from the individual green bag BottleDrop accounts of several victims. The PayPal and Venmo accounts were traced to two teenagers. One teen is 17 years old, and the other is 18 years old but has not yet formally been charged with a crime.
Court documents show Springfield police tracked down the two teenagers at an apartment in Springfield, where officers told them they were investigating a noise complaint and spoke with them briefly. Neither were arrested or questioned at the time. However, court documents said that when one of the teens happened to run into one of the officers at a Fred Meyer store a month later, he allegedly recognized him from the contact at the apartment.
Court documents said the teen was making a bitcoin transaction and the officer asked him about it. The teen then allegedly bragged to the officer, telling him a story about how he found a group on TikTok that sells email addresses and passwords for cryptocurrency. He allegedly told the officer how he used this information to scam several parties, including BottleDrop.
Court documents show that police believe they have sufficient evidence to bring charges of aggravated identity theft, first-degree theft, and second-degree theft against one or both of the teenagers.
Lane County unveils new, easier to use public records request website
A new, online public records request system is available for people seeking records from Lane County.
“The ability for people to submit records requests online and then track those requests throughout the review process is a wonderful upgrade from our previous system and will make the process more transparent for everyone,” said Morgan Day, legal support supervisor with Lane County Counsel.
The new system, powered by NextRequest, allows anyone to request public records and provides a simple way to receive updates and messages regarding their request. To start a new request, people are asked to describe what they’re looking for in as much detail as possible and provide their contact information. The request can then be easily assigned to the county employees who can help determine if Lane County has the requested records and where they are kept. Updates and clarifying questions can be sent to the requestor and, ultimately, any responsive records can be made available for download.
Previously, Lane County’s system was almost entirely manual and required people to download and fill out a PDF form. Requestors also received fewer updates during the process and were not able to track their request online.
The new system will also provide better data about the number and type of requests made, how long it took to fulfill those requests, and where there are opportunities to continue making the process more efficient.
Lane County expects to further improve the system by allowing online payment in the future for records that take a significant amount of time to review and assemble. To learn more about public records and make a request, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/PublicRecords.
Oregon State University Receives $5.5 Million To Help Grow Market For Hemp Based Products
Oregon State University’s Global Hemp Innovation Center will receive $5.5 million during the next five years to research new food, beverage and biobased industrial product uses of industrial hemp.
With the funding, researchers from Oregon State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service will develop customized hemp genetics that meet the needs of biobased product manufacturers and are adapted to growing conditions in the western United States.
“Working together this way, we will be able to build a sound scientific and business foundation for producing industrial hemp varieties that are not only adapted to Pacific Northwest growing conditions but can be used by manufacturers to produce new food, beverage and biobased industrial products,” said Jeffrey Steiner, director of the Global Hemp Innovation Center.
The decriminalization of hemp with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill created a boom of interest in the potential of hemp. A commercial market quickly developed around therapeutic CBD oil from hemp flowers.
But there are also a range of natural materials in hemp that can be used to create other products, including construction materials, textiles, packaging materials, and food and beverage products.
Hemp is also adaptable to different growing environments and weather conditions, which is important for farmers looking to plant additional crops, particularly with the uncertainties in agriculture driven by climate change.
With the new funding, Oregon State and USDA researchers will take a “genes-to-field-to-factory” approach, in which they match hemp genetics with different environmental growing conditions and different manufactured products that can be produced from the plant. They will take advantage of emerging artificial intelligence approaches to accelerate this work.
The research team will use hemp biomass to create biodegradable and compostable packing products, including nursery pots, fresh produce boxes and takeout containers; building materials for use in housing construction; and plant-based food and beverage products made from hemp grain.
“The goal of this research is to develop multiple product streams from hemp with no remaining waste, just as has been successfully done by the cotton, corn, and timber industries,” Steiner said. “Having uses for all the byproducts of the plant will increase crop production marketing options for farmers and help support creation of new job opportunities in the domestic biobased economy.”
Funding for this new research partnership is part of more than $26 million the USDA has awarded to Oregon State in recent years for hemp research.
About the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences: Through its world-class research on agriculture and food systems, natural resource management, rural economic development and human health, the College provides solutions to Oregon’s most pressing challenges and contributes to a sustainable environment and a prosperous future for Oregonians. (SOURCE)
Four public agencies to auction surplus vehicles and equipment Thursday, September 26, to Saturday, September 28.
Each year Lane County auctions vehicles because of age or mileage. Lane County Fleet Services will conduct a public, open-bid (with proxy bidding) auction from Thursday, September 26, to Saturday, September 28.
Vehicles may be previewed before the sale by visiting http://fleetauction.lanecounty.org. In-person viewing is available during the auction from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Lane County Fleet Services is located at 3040 North Delta Highway in Eugene.
Highlights from this year’s auction:
- 35 vehicles, including trucks, vans, buses and a hybrid car
- Caterpillar equipment, excavators, backhoe and a bucket truck
- Large generator
Proceeds go to a replacement fund that helps offset the cost to buy replacement vehicles.
Bids must be submitted online and will be received until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 28. All bids start with a minimum set amount. No faxed, voice or paper bids will be accepted. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard or Discover) cashier’s checks, money order or certified check made payable to Lane County Public Works. Personal checks for $50 or less are also accepted. Full payment is due within 48 of notification.
This is the twenty-fifth year Lane County Fleet Services and other municipalities have combined their auctions to reduce the cost of disposing of surplus equipment. This auction is in partnership with Lane County, Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB), Lane Transit District, and others.
For more information, call 541-682-8587, 541-682-8580, or email lcfleet@lanecountyor.gov.
Lane County makes no warranties or guarantees and will not be held responsible for advertising errors or omissions. All equipment is offered to other municipalities before the public and therefore is subject to prior sale.
Benton County Sheriff’s Office Announces Community Emergency Response Team Training Course
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce an upcoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training course, designed to enhance local emergency preparedness and empower community members with critical skills.
The CERT Training program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing local hazards while providing participants with essential education and hands-on skills training.
The course includes 12 hours of online coursework, followed by 16 hours of in-person training.
Participants will benefit from the expertise of local professional responders, State-certified trainers, and knowledgeable volunteers who are subject matter experts. This robust training ensures that individuals of all abilities can gain valuable preparedness skills in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment.
The CERT Training course emphasizes hands-on practice, enabling participants to gain practical experience while fostering a collaborative spirit. By joining this program, individuals not only contribute to their own preparedness but also to the overall safety and well-being of their communities.
The course includes:
- Disaster Preparedness
- CERT Organization
- Disaster Medical Operations – Part 1
- Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2
- Disaster Psychology
- Fire Safety and Utility Controls
- Light Search and Rescue Operations
- Terrorism and CERT
- Course Review and Disaster Simulation
Benton County CERT Fall 2024 Schedule:
- October 10 (Thursday evening)
- October 25 (Friday evening)
- October 26 (Saturday, all day)
- October 27 (Sunday morning)
Interested individuals are encouraged to register early to secure their spot. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. If younger, participants may attend if accompanied by a parent/guardian.
The 12-hr online training must be completed to attend classroom training beginning October 10. To register, go online to Benton County Oregon CERT training.
For more details, please contact t@bentoncountyor.gov“>cert@bentoncountyor.gov or leave a message at 541-766-6050.
Many of the roads, trails and general forest areas within the Umpqua National Forest are closed to provide for public and firefighter safety. For more information and a map of the closed areas go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices/…Portions of the Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District, managed public lands, roads, sites, and trails are closed to all forms of public access.
For more information and a map showing the closure go to: https://www.blm.gov/…/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-nwo-072024.pdfPhoto: Road closure signs at the start of Sharp Creek Road
For further information visit the Inciweb links for each Cottage Grove-Lane 1 fires below: Lane 1: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/…/or77s-Cottage-Grove-lane-1Clark 900: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/or770s-clark-900Quartz: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-quartzJack Saddle: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-jack-saddleAdam Mountain: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-adam-mountainMineral: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-mineralPuddin: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-puddinHours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM E-mail: 2024.lane1@firenet.gov Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CottageGroveLane1Fires2024
Lane County Government — Part of being prepared for an emergency is knowing how you will receive emergency alerts and life safety information. Lane County uses several tools to alert residents.
Watch the video below to learn more about those tools and decide which ones you will rely on in the event of an emergency or disaster. 
https://vimeo.com/565852770Sign up to receive Lane Alerts emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org#NationalPreparednessMonth
Police Seek Witnesses in Recent Rapes in West Eugene
Around 7 p.m., on August 27, a woman in her 30s was on the Wild Iris Ridge trail when she encountered a man she did not know and who subsequently raped her. The woman was able to get to safety and report this after the attack. The suspect is a male on a bike, in his 30s, with brown hair, clean shaven face, wearing darker clothes, jogger pants, and a dark hoodie.
Wild Iris Ridge Trail is off Bailey Hill Road and Bertelsen. Detectives are seeking to have anyone who was in the area between 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. yesterday (August 27) and might have seen potential suspects to call Detective Anne McIntyre at 541. 953.9323. EPD’s Community Engagement Team will be out on the path to patrol and add to routine checks of the area.
Earlier this month a similar rape occurred on the Amazon bike trail also in West Eugene.
The previous reported rape was on the Amazon / Fern Ridge Bike Path at about 10:50 a.m. on Aug. 8. In that case, the female victim described the suspect as white, about age 40, with brown hair and last seen wearing a black/white sleeveless shirt with writing along the back, green shoes and a tattoo on one of his arms. The suspect was pushing a bicycle and later used it to flee.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Eugene Police non-emergency line: 541-682-5111
The following are the general personal safety tips provided by Eugene Police:
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Do not get into someone’s car even if they display a weapon. It is better to fight back in the street where help is closer at hand and other people may hear your calls for help.
- Walk confidently and don’t avoid eye contact.
- Don’t let strangers into your space. Keep plenty of distance between yourself and people you don’t wish to approach you.
- Don’t stop to talk with strangers asking for directions or other types of help as this can be a ploy to get close for an attack.
- If you feel you are in danger or being followed, call 9-1-1.
- If grabbed, fight back and make as much noise as possible.
- Use the buddy system when walking after dark. You should know the person you are walking with well enough to trust them.
- Walk in lighted areas as much as possible and don’t walk too close to bushes, alleyways or other places where attackers can conceal themselves.
Lt. Jeremy Williams with the Eugene Police investigations team told reporters Thursday they do not have reason to think the incidents are related, but they are not ruling it out. He said this type of violent crime is unusual for the community and he understands it’s frightening.
“We take these sorts of incidents seriously,” he said, “and appreciate the trauma that can come from these and the fear that it can generate in the public. And we’re confident that we’ll bring this offender to justice.”
Williams said until the perpetrator is arrested, people should be careful and avoid walking alone.
Lane County Sheriff’s Office Still Seeking Suspect in Homicide
In June, a deceased female was located in the Cottage Grove area who appeared to be the victim of homicide. Lane County Sheriff’s detectives identified the victim as a missing person, Rozaleena Faith Rasmussen, 29, from Cottage Grove.
Detectives identified the suspect as Anthony Wesley Tyrrell, 31, of Cottage Grove. A nationwide warrant has been issued for his arrest. Tyrrell is described as a white male adult with brown hair, brown eyes, weighing approximately 165 pounds and standing approximately 5’9” tall. He was last seen with his head shaved and wearing a white shirt, black trench coat, black pants, and black boots.
Tyrrell is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him.
Parkinson’s Walk funds resources for local community
– Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) will host its annual Sole Support for Parkinson’s Walk September 29th at Alton Baker Park, marking the 20th year of fundraising and awareness for the local Parkinson’s disease community.
The family friendly event brings people whose lives are impacted by a Parkinson’s diagnosis together with a caring and supportive community for a walk along the riverfront spreading awareness about this neurodegenerative disease with no cure. Funds raised remain in the local community to help people living with the disease through exercise, education, and wellness programs offered at no charge.
Among the 300 or so expected participants will be Eugene resident, Lynn Smith, who is back fundraising with her team for her 3rd year. Ms. Smith was diagnosed in 2020 during the pandemic when it was difficult to connect with others with Parkinson’s. Once she was able to safely get out and join the Eugene PD community she has never looked back.
“I’m grateful every day for the support from my friends, family, Parkinson’s Resources and the Eugene PD community.” said Smith. “It has been such a positive experience to participate with my supporters in a way that makes a difference for others.”
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Alton Baker Park, Picnic Shelters 1 & 2
Onsite registration and check in opens at noon – Walk begins at 1:30pm
~1k and ~5k routes are walker and wheelchair friendly
Registration is free – fundraising is encouraged.
To register, find out more, or donate, go to:www.solesupport.org or call 800.426.6806
About Parkinson’s Resources:
Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) is a donor supported non-profit with the sole mission of advancing the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers. With three office locations (Bend, Eugene, Beaverton), PRO provides direct care and support of thousands of families in Oregon and SW Washington. Working to address issues faced by Parkinson’s patients and their families, we can significantly improve the quality of life for all touched by this disease.
To find out more about PRO’s services or to support our programs, go to: www.parkinsonsresources.org or call 800.426.6806
“When It Hits The Fan”: Podcast by Lane County Emergency Management
This month on Lane County Emergency Management’s 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼𝑡 𝐻𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐹𝑎𝑛, Emergency Manager Tiffany Brown shares essential tips on what to do when staying home isn’t an option.
Tiffany dives into how to prepare your Go Bag, with everything you need to sustain yourself for 72 hours: water, medications, warm layers, and more. She also breaks down the 𝟲 𝗣𝘀 – the must-haves when you need to evacuate:
People & Pets 
Prescriptions 
Personal Computer 
Papers 
Pictures 
Plastic (credit cards, important IDs)Get ready, stay informed, and make sure you’re prepared for anything! 
Listen now: www.LaneCountyOR.gov/fan or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube
About Lane County Emergency Management – Lane County Emergency Management is committed to preparing the community for emergencies and disasters through education, planning, and response coordination. Listen at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/fan.
White Bird Clinic – · Crisis intervention is a 24/7 need in our community, and CAHOOTS, as part of White Bird Crisis Intervention programs, responds.
White Bird CAHOOTS Springfield Coverage: 11 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week (541-726-3714) — Eugene Coverage: 24/7 (541-682-5111)
Oregon Officials Concerned About Federal Proposal to Move Liquid Nuclear Waste Through State
Thousands of gallons of liquid nuclear waste are slated to be removed from the Hanford Nuclear site in Washington via train through Oregon
A federal proposal to move radioactive nuclear waste from Washington through Oregon and onward to Utah and Texas via truck and rail has raised major concerns among Oregon officials and environmentalists.
The radioactive waste comes from the Hanford Site, near the Columbia River north of Richland, Washington, where 56 million gallons of radioactive sludge – a byproduct of World War II-era plutonium production – still sits 80 years later in 177 underground tanks, some of which are leaking.
To clean up the site and to remove the sludge, federal agencies and the Washington Department of Ecology could decide by the end of the year to move ahead with a proposal , negotiated mostly in private, to cart at least 2,000 gallons of sludge via rail or truck through Oregon to facilities in Utah and Texas that can process it into a grout cement and dispose of it. The proposal doesn’t yet detail a route, but critics have said it would most likely end up on major interstate highways through Oregon, or on a rail line through central Oregon along the Deschutes River, passing near areas like Bend and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation.
The possibility of thousands of gallons of the waste moving through the state as a liquid, rather than in a solid form outlined in previous plans, are among the parts of the proposal that most alarm Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Janine Benner, director of the Oregon Department of Energy.
Both, in recent months, have written to officials at the U.S. Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, asking that they shelve the proposal until three critical issues are resolved. Namely, Kotek and Benner want an explanation for why the liquid won’t be solidified before transit, a federal environmental assessment that scrutinizes all the possible impacts a leak or spill could have in transit and greater involvement and outreach with potentially impacted communities.
“The ongoing process for receiving and accounting for input from the state of Oregon, tribal governments and the public on substantive issues relating to the solidification and transport of liquid tank waste is insufficient,” Kotek wrote, “and risks undercutting support for the accelerated reduction of radioactive waste at the Hanford site that is in everyone’s interest.” (READ MORE)
String of Fires Started in Southern Oregon Along I-5 This Morning and on Saturday
Bottom Creek Fire, 24 miles East of Coos Bay
Bottom Creek Fire Firefighting efforts continue on the Bottom Creek Fire, which remains approximately 300 acres in size. Fire crews, along with industry partners, have been working to establish containment lines and slow the fire’s progress.
Multiple air and ground resources were deployed throughout the day to slow the head of the fire. These coordinated efforts have resulted in good progress in key areas. Wind and terrain remain a challenge. Crews will remain on scene overnight, continuing their work to place and reinforce containment lines. Additional updates will be provided as the situation evolves__
Update 9/22/24 9am Bottom Creek Fire: The Bottom Creek Fire escaped established control lines, leading to a significant growth. The fire is now estimated to be 200 to 300 acres. Factors contributing to this rapid growth included unexpected weather conditions, including strong winds and steep terrain, which intensified the fire’s behavior and spread. Fire crews are actively reassessing strategies to safely and effectively place control lines. The situation continues to evolve, additional resources have been ordered.__
UPDATE 11am 9/21/24 Bottom Creek Fire: The fire remains around 8 acres at this time, The fire is 60% lined with hose lays in place. Firefighters and Industry workers are still working to place containment lines. The topography continues to be a challenge, however resources are still making good progress. Resources will remain on the fire for the next few days.__
UPDATE 5pm 9/20/24 Bottom Creek Fire: The fire is approximately 8 acres at this time and is 60% lined. Firefighters and Industry workers are still working on finishing containment lines. The topography and fuels remain a challenge, however resources are still making good progress. Resources will remain on the fire for the next few days. Night shift is set to start at 8pm. Resources assigned to night shift 3-Type 6 Engines1-CFPA Tender1-Type 2 Hand Crew No homes are currently threatened, but the situation is being constantly monitored. At this time the fire is still under investigation.
Oregon Department of Forestry is out of money, seeking more to pay for the costliest wildfire season in state history
The Oregon Department of Forestry needs emergency funding to pay for the most expensive wildfire season in state history, with record-high costs of $250 million and counting, KGW reports.
As of mid-September, more than 1.9 million acres of land had burned across Oregon — nearly double the acreage burned in the notorious 2020 wildfire season, and far above any other year in ODF’s recorded history.
“The scale -. people have to see it to understand just how many acres burned across the state this summer,” said Kyle Williams, ODF’s deputy director for fire operations. “Just because the smoke wasn’t present in our more populated areas doesn’t mean that (wildfires) weren’t deeply impactful.”
ODF has now exhausted its funds. In order to pay firefighters and contractors, the department is returning to its usual process of acquiring more money from the state — except this time, it may not be enough. Outside of the legislative session, agencies turn to Oregon’s Emergency Board. Staffed by the Legislative Fiscal Office, the E-Board allocates emergency funds to keep things afloat until lawmakers return. Dozens of state agencies submit requests every few months.
ODF is asking for $47.5 million from the E-Board this September, including a request for $40 million from the board’s general fund.
The E-Board currently has just $43 million in its general fund. If wildfire costs get priority, as they have historically, that strains the budget for any other emergency needs.
“In those E-Board requests there are a lot of really important priorities for other agencies, for other Oregonians, right, not impacted by fire,” Williams said, recognizing ODF’s outsized impact on the board.
The E-Board will decide its allocations on Thursday, September 26, and the LFO recommends that the board pay the $47.5 million to ODF, albeit with a slight workaround: using $20 million from the board’s general fund and $20 million from a separate special allocation reserved for natural disaster emergencies. (SOURCE)
Feds grant more than $9 million to Oregon for wildfire prevention
As wildfires continue to threaten homes, rangeland and communities in Oregon, the federal government has announced millions in new funding to prevent the blazes that have blackened a record amount of acreage.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday it has approved $100 million to reduce the threat of wildfires in 14 states, including Oregon. The money will be used for restoring forest health, prescribed burns and other wildfire prevention strategies in 18 national forests that border homes and communities. The USDA, which oversees the Forest Service, allocated $9.4 million to forests in eastern and southern Oregon and $345,000 for a project in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Washington, which is also expected to benefit Oregonians.
Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.
Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/state/oregon
Large Fires in Oregon Past 2 Weeks 9/23/24 9:00am per INCIWEB
| Incident | Type | State | Incident Size | UpdatedSort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fossil Complex – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 24446 Acres | 15 minutes 9 seconds ago |
| Sandstone Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 702 Acres | 21 minutes 48 seconds ago |
| Diamond Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 11141 Acres | 42 minutes 4 seconds ago |
| North Willamette Complex – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 6688 Acres | 1 hour 3 minutes ago |
| Buck Creek Fire – ORFWF | Wildfire | Oregon | 5703 Acres | 1 hour 57 minutes ago |
| Homestead Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 9784 Acres | 2 hours 59 minutes ago |
| Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 23410 Acres | 12 hours 4 minutes ago |
| Red Fire – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1822 Acres | 12 hours 35 minutes ago |
| Wiley Flat – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 30186 Acres | 12 hours 55 minutes ago |
| Rail Ridge – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 162630 Acres | 13 hours 23 minutes ago |
| Devils Knob Fire – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 4149 Acres | 14 hours 28 minutes ago |
| Bachelor Complex Fires – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 11741 Acres | 14 hours 56 minutes ago |
| Flat Top and Firestone Fires – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | Acres | 16 hours 42 minutes ago |
| Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 3169 Acres | 22 hours 55 minutes ago |
| Lane 1 Fire – OR77S | Wildfire | Oregon | 25952 Acres | 23 hours 8 minutes ago |
| Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP | Wildfire | Oregon | 5286 Acres | 4 days ago |
| Milepost 98 – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 250 Acres | 6 days 22 hours ago |
| Crazy Creek – OROCF | Burned Area Emergency Response | Oregon | 86968 Acres | 1 week ago |
| Shoe Fly Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 26817 Acres | 1 week ago |
| Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1313 Acres | 1 week 4 days ago |
| Copperfield Fire – OR98S | Wildfire | Oregon | 3822 Acres | 1 week 4 days ago |
| Two Cabin – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 251 Acres | 2 weeks 2 days ago |
Please Help Prevent Wildfires!
In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.
U.S. Forest Service Hiring in Oregon – Tuesday 9/24 Last Day to Apply
The U.S. Forest Service is looking to shore up its wildland firefighting force in the Pacific Northwest. Recruitment events will take place across Oregon next month, with stops in Bend, Sandy and La Grande on September 12th, in an effort to hire a couple hundred permanent seasonal positions.
“That’s our goal, is to hire up to 200, maybe even a little more if we can, into these what we call entry level, perm-fire-hire positions, which are typically your six to nine-month timeframe employment within the agency,” said Jason Heinz who works in regional workforce development for the Forest Service. He added those jobs are spread around Oregon, Washington and Alaska, and in most cases fill a currently vacant position. Heinz says several factors make it more difficult to recruit wildland crews.
“We are increasing the number of individuals that work for the agency, our fire seasons are getting longer, burnout is a real thing. And so, we’re trying to work on adding more capacity to our crews so that we can have a better work-life balance.” — Applications can be submitted now through September 24th. Visit USAJobs.gov to apply.
Oregon Names Potato as Official State Vegetable
Oregon has officially designated the potato as its state vegetable, with a dedication ceremony scheduled for Sept. 23 at the State Capitol.
Potatoes are the top vegetable produced in Oregon, with more than 43,000 acres dedicated to the crop. They play a vital role in the state’s agriculture, particularly in rural communities.
Leif Benson, chef and Oregon potato commissioner, discovered six years ago that Oregon lacked an official state vegetable. He collaborated with state senator Bill Hansell, who introduced a bill to give the potato this honor.
Benson credited the Oregon Potato Commission for advancing the initiative. “With their support, it happened,” Hansell said.
Hansell and senator Elizabeth Steiner, a candidate for treasurer, will attend the plaque dedication. The event will also feature a French fry cart from Lamb Weston for attendees to enjoy.
Gary Roth, executive director of the Oregon Potato Commission, said the designation celebrates the hard work of Oregon’s farmers.
“It’s a designation our farmers are very proud of, and the event is going to be a heck of a lot of fun,” Roth said.
The Oregon Potato Commission, founded in 1949, represents five growing regions and supports research, trade, and market development to boost Oregon’s potato industry. (SOURCE)
$9.3 Million Raised to Fight New Corporate Tax that Could Boost the Income of Every Oregonian by $1,600 a Year – Voters Will Decide on Measure 118
If voters decide to approve Measure 118, they will pave the way for the largest universal basic income program in the country, funded by corporations with total sales in Oregon exceeding $25 million. The money derived from this taxation will be distributed equally among residents of all incomes and ages and will become effective by 2025.
Oregon residents will vote this fall on the new corporate tax that proponents say will alleviate poverty and stimulate the local economy. The Legislative Revenue Office estimates that $1.3 billion will be generated by the end of the biennium next June, with significantly higher amounts in future years.
The windfall will be distributed among Oregonians in the form of direct cash payments or refundable tax credits.
If the new corporate tax is approved, Oregon will become the second state to offer residents a basic income. Alaska has been distributing a part of the income from all mining revenues to its residents annually. Each resident received $1,312 last year.
Opposition to Measure 118 is Vociferous
However, opposition to the new corporate tax proposal is vociferous.
Among those adding their voices to the opposition are Governor Tina Kotek, Democrat and Republican lawmakers, dozens of businesses, and many nonpartisan research groups. They argue that the tax could stop businesses from operating in Oregon, siphon funds away from needed state services, and ultimately lead to higher prices.
Dozens of business groups say the tax will harm consumers because it will force price increases. They are also opposed to the proposal that businesses will be taxed on gross sales and not on net profit, unfairly targeting companies with small profit margins such as construction companies and grocery stores.
Oregon building trade union leader Willy Myers says the tax could incentivize larger corporations to leave Oregon, taking jobs with them and creating an affordability downward spiral.
Although the tax measure only applies to gross sales exceeding $25 million, smaller businesses are concerned that they too could be impacted… ‘we cannot afford to lose high income earners that spend their money in small businesses,’ says Sarah Shaoul, the founder of a Portland advocacy group for independent retailers, Bricks Need Mortar.
The CEO of Oregon Business and Industry, the state business lobby spearheading the anti-tax measure campaign, Angela Wilhelms says the tax will stagnate wage increases and available jobs, both are unlikely components ‘of a recipe to lift people into prosperity.’
Families Could Become Ineligible for Federal Benefits
According to a state report, Measure 118 could make families receiving the tax windfall ineligible for federal benefits such as food stamps.
However, while Measure 118 antagonists refer to the state report saying the tax will hamper economic growth in Oregon over the next decade, proponents point to the fact that the state report says its estimates have been made with ‘considerable uncertainty.’
Proponents Say Tax Could Alleviate Poverty
Supporters of the next tax point out that the extra income to Oregonians will help alleviate poverty and stimulate the local economy. The tax measure will also ensure that larger corporations pay their fair share of the tax burden.
The measure will help families ‘to thrive and not just survive’ says Stacey Rutland, a resident of Portland who works as an adviser to the pro-Measure 118 campaign.
Funding the promotion of the next tax measure is Oregon Rebate PAC, which has only managed to obtain eight endorsements on its website, none of which are elected officials. Proponents have managed to raise $171,000 since the corporate tax measure qualified for the ballot. (SOURCE)
OSP asking for the public’s help to locate wanted man — Oregon State Police
Suspect wanted for sex crimes in Oregon and Alabama
– Oregon State Police and the Mobile (Alabama) Police Department are seeking the public’s help to locate Adam Renk (39) who is wanted in both states for sex crimes against child victims.
On June 21, 2024, OSP detectives responded to a sexual abuse disclosure made by a minor. The minor disclosed Renk as the perpetrator. Renk has since been indicted on multiple crimes against a child victim under the age of 12. He is charged with Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree, Sodomy in the First Degree, and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.
As part of their investigation, OSP detectives learned Renk had been charged in another case involving a minor victim in Mobile, Alabama. The Alabama charges include Child Sexual Abuse and Torture involving an 11-year-old victim. The victims in the two states are not related. Alabama law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Marshals Service are attempting to locate Renk who posted bond in Alabama and was released from pre-trial custody.
Renk was last seen leaving Alabama on August 7, 2024. He has ties to Oregon and Wasco County. He is believed to be traveling in a converted Ford Ambulance that is now painted two-toned white over gray. Renk is a white male, 6 ft. 1 in. tall, 175 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.
Anyone with information about Renk’s whereabouts or information about possible additional victims is asked to contact the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office at 541-506-2580 or OSP Detective Cassie Bantz through dispatch at 800-442-0776 or by dialing OSP (677) on a mobile phone.
Oregon election officials say data entry error added 306 noncitizens to voter rolls, two voted
State election officials and Gov. Tina Kotek stressed that the error was caught and won’t affect the 2024 election
The Oregon agency that issues driver’s licenses erroneously registered more than 300 non-citizens to vote, though state officials say only two people actually cast ballots.
State Elections Director Molly Woon told the Capital Chronicle that she received a call late Thursday afternoon from the administrator of the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services division of the Oregon Department of Transportation, telling her that DMV staff caught a data entry error that led to the division wrongly classifying some noncitizens as citizens. State election officials spent Friday reviewing that information and working with county clerks to ensure those people won’t receive ballots unless and until they prove they’re eligible to vote.
The error is not large enough to impact the outcome of the state’s elections – more than 3 million people are registered to vote in Oregon, and the 306 cases identified by state officials are 0.01% of the state’s voters.
Ben Morris, chief of staff to Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade, said the DMV is continuing to investigate whether there are any more issues, and there is time to rectify any additional mistakes. Ballots won’t be mailed to voters for another month.
“We can say that this error will not impact the 2024 election, and I want to emphasize that point as much as possible. This error will not impact the 2024 election,” he said.
The error, first reported by Willamette Week, resulted from DMV staff erroneously marking noncitizens who obtained driver’s licenses as citizens, such as by miscategorizing foreign birth certificates as U.S. birth certificates and foreign passports as U.S. passports.
Since January 2016, Oregon has automatically registered citizens to vote when they obtain or renew driver’s licenses, permits or nonoperating IDs. A 2019 state law, meanwhile, eliminated a requirement that applicants prove they’re citizens or legal residents when obtaining a driver’s license.
People applying for driver’s licenses need to bring proof of their identity – like a birth certificate, passport, naturalization documents or visa – as well as proof of an Oregon address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement. Only applicants who provide documents that prove citizenship, like a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport or certificate of naturalization, are supposed to be registered to vote.
DMV administrator Amy Joyce said in a statement that the DMV discovered the error while “proactively analyzing” its system ahead of the 2024 election. The erroneous registrations it identified were based on foreign passports being entered as U.S. passports. The department is continuing to go through registrations tied to birth certificates, and that may take another two weeks, she said.
The DMV added a new prompt on its data entry screen to ensure front desk staff accurately enter citizenship information and has begun daily auditing of all transactions to verify materials are accurate before sending them to the Elections Division, Joyce added.
Woon said the secretary of state’s office is continuing to look into the two people who were not citizens when they were automatically registered to vote and will forward the issue to the start Department of Justice if it appears they violated the law.
“I want to emphasize that these folks were registered by no fault of their own,” she said. “I think that will certainly be taken into consideration. The first order of business, however, will be to see if the citizenship status of these people has changed. Because these records date from 2021 to today, it’s possible that their status has changed, and perhaps they are citizens, and that’s why they have a voter record. We’ll need to do a little bit more digging to sort that out first.”
Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement that she has been fully briefed on the situation and will continue to closely monitor it. She noted that it would affect 0.01% of the state’s registered voters and will not impact the 2024 election in any way.
“Oregon’s electoral system is one of the most secure, effective and accessible in the nation,” Kotek said. “The error in data entry which may have affected the voter eligibility of some Oregonian’s voter registration was discovered because the Oregon DMV and the secretary of state were doing their due diligence ahead of the 2024 election.”
Griffin-Valade said safeguarding the integrity of elections is her top priority, while praising automatic voter registration.
“When my office was made aware of this error, we moved quickly to update the voter rolls,” she said. “I am also personally calling on the DMV to take immediate action to improve its processes to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Automatic voter registration has been hugely beneficial for thousands of eligible Oregon voters to ensure access to our democracy. I’m confident the DMV is rectifying this error and improving their process, so it doesn’t happen again.” (READ MORE)
To register to vote, visit here:
135 arts organizations receive FY2025 Small Operating Grants from the Oregon Arts Commission
Salem, Oregon – Small grants that make a big difference for ensuring access to arts programming, especially in rural areas, have been awarded to 135 arts organizations by the Oregon Arts Commission. Each organization will receive $2,355.
Small Operating Grants support arts organizations throughout the state with annual budgets of less than $150,000. Eligibility is limited to organizations that provide ongoing, sustained artistic and outreach programming and have current IRS 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status.
“Although the Drexel H. Foundation and our community is rural and small compared to other parts of Oregon, our impact is huge,” said Sandijean Fuson, president of the Drexel H. Foundation in Vale. “This grant helps us keep an unbroken existence of programs that we’ve had for over 25 years, reminding our community they are important.”
“The Small Operating Grant has always been instrumental to the Astoria Arts and Movement Center’s ability to provide programming and serve our community,” said Jessamyn Grace West, executive director of the Astoria Arts and Movement Center. “Oregon Arts Commission consistently manages to reach the far corners of the state and support organizations that have limited operating budgets, volunteer staff and minimal access to funding. I feel the work that small organizations do in their communities is just as vital, especially in rural areas, which is why we are so grateful for this ongoing support.”
“This grant program was developed to increase the Arts Commission’s support of Oregon’s small but mighty arts providers,” said Arts Commission Chair Subashini Ganesan-Forbes. “These organizations frequently represent the only arts presenter for remote and under-resourced regions of the state.”
For more information about the Small Operating Grant Program, contact Tiffany Harker at 971-719-6169 or tiffany.harker@biz.oregon.gov. —- FY2025 Small Operating Grants by region: https://www.oregon.gov/biz/aboutus/artscommission/news/Pages/135_arts_organizations_receive_FY2025_Small_Operating_Grants.aspx
The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development.
The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon Legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at artscommission.oregon.gov.
Two deputy directors at Oregon police certification agency are fired; third employee resigns
Officials decline to discuss the firings at the agency which recently largely cleared a training backlog that was hurting police offices statewide
Two deputy directors at the Oregon agency that trains and certifies police officers were fired last month and a third employee quit, public records obtained by the Capital Chronicle show.
The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training fired Brian Henson and Staci Yutzie, both deputy directors, on Aug. 30, agency records show. A defensive tactics coordinator, Richard Daniel, resigned on Aug. 15. Henson worked at the agency more than 20 years as did Daniel, Sam Tenney, the agency’s spokesperson said. Yutzie spent more than 11 years there.
“Due to the sensitivity of personnel matters, we are unable to comment or provide additional information,” Sam Tenney, a spokesperson for the agency, said in an email to the Capital Chronicle.
With a 237-acre campus in Salem, the agency plays a major role in law enforcement in Oregon. It trains new hires for about 200 agencies across the state so they can perform patrol and other work. And it has certified more than 41,000 public safety and security professionals in Oregon, including 911 dispatchers, private investigators and firefighters.
The agency has the equivalent of nearly 185 full-time budgeted staff, but its total headcount is 448 because many employees are part-time instructors.
In July, the Oregonian/Oregonlive.com reported the three officials were placed on administrative leave in May and under a personnel investigation, though the agency did not disclose the reason for that. In a LinkedIn post two weeks ago, Yutzie confirmed she had left the agency but did not disclose the circumstances.
“After 11 years of breaking the mold at DPSST and in police training in general, I am off to new adventures,” Yutzie wrote.
Yutzie declined to elaborate in a private message to the Capital Chronicle, but said: “I wholeheartedly stand behind the work I did for public safety and the citizens of Oregon.” She added that she was a “dedicated and decorated public servant who has successfully addressed some of Oregon’s most pressing police training challenges.”
“We built a contemporary training program that has empirically demonstrated its effectiveness and established us as national and international leaders in police training. The mission of DPSST will always hold a place in my heart, and I am confident that the training team will continue to serve Oregon well,” she said.
A deputy director for 13 months, Yutzie also worked at the agency as a class training coordinator, program development coordinator in charge of public safety training academy programming and training division director.
Yutzie said in her message to the Capital Chronicle that under her leadership her team had eliminated a training backlog that had developed over the last five years due to high turnover at police agencies.
New police officers are required to attend the 16-week basic police training course at the agency’s academy within 90 days of their hiring. The backlog made it difficult for police departments across Oregon to hire and train their officers in a timely manner.
In June, Castle and Kotek announced the state had eliminated the backlog. With additional legislative funding, the agency added three 60-student classes and three additional 40-student classes through a partnership with Oregon State Police.
On Wednesday, Tenney said the backlog is still eliminated, with the agency enrolling new officers within 90 days, as required by state law. (READ MORE)
Summer EBT application deadline extended to Sept. 30, 2024
(Salem) – The application deadline for the new Summer EBT program has been extended to midnight Sept. 30, 2024. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. Eligible families should act now.
Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) urge families to check their eligibility and apply before the extended deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, they must be used within 122 days.
Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024, if their households:
- Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level
Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT.
However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children enrolled in a school during the 2023-2024 school year who were eligible for the National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility.
Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “We are grateful to our federal partners for making this extension. The extra time is so important for us to reach families who may be eligible because we know access to nutritious food is critical.”
“Staying engaged in school and active in life requires proper nutrition,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “We know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit and this important extension boosts our opportunity to reach them.”
Since June 28, 2024, more than 336,198 eligible school-aged children have been issued $40.3 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July.
Act now and don’t let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your family receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before midnight Sept. 30, 2024.
To learn more:
- Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
- Visit sebt.oregon.gov.
Local Mt. Bachelor, Oregon Buyer Group Launches New Website
Mount Bachelor Community Inc.—the local group seeking to purchase Mount Bachelor after the resort was put up for sale by its current owners POWDR Corporation—has launched a website.
The site is divided into three main groups, each detailing aspects of Mount Bachelor Community Inc .
The ‘Contribute’ tab provides several channels for those interested in getting involved with the project, whether that’s volunteering or donating (“We’ll soon be launching a GoFundMe campaign to support our effort to purchase Mount Bachelor as a community,” the site reads). One field allows web visitors to share their personal Mount Bachelor story.
Another tab details investment opportunities with Mount Bachelor Community Inc. and covers two investor types: accredited investors and community contributions.
The final tab provides further details about Mount Bachelor Community Inc.’s mission, which, according to the website, is “to own and manage Mt. Bachelor with a focus on environmental care, supporting mountain enthusiasts, and reinvesting profits to boost the local economy.” Mount Bachelor Community Inc. aims to achieve B Corp status, a designation offered by B Lab, a non-profit that recognizes companies for their commitment to various social and environmental criteria. Notable outdoor industry B Corps include Patagonia and Taos Ski Valley.
The push for community ownership, helmed by Chris Porter and Dan Cochrane, is holding a kickoff event on October 12th. More details about the event are forthcoming.
“It’s been an overwhelming amount of support from people who want to donate their time, donate their money, invest, just pledge their support, or be involved,” Porter told POWDER last week, describing the community response to he and Cochrane’s effort. “So many people have reached out to us.”
Further information about the status of the Mt. Bachelor sale isn’t known. POWDR Corp. noted that they’ve received interest in the resort, but hasn’t named any specific parties. The sale doesn’t have a timeline and will “take as long as it takes,” according to Stacey Hutchinson, POWDR Corp.’s vice president of communications and government affairs.
POWDR Corp.’s latest planned sale—Killington, Vermont—will result in local passholder ownership, but that exchange may not have any bearing on what the company intends to do with Mt. Bachelor. In the meantime, Porter and Cochrane are committed to returning Mt. Bachelor to local skiers and snowboarders.
“We’ve really caught lightning in a bottle here,” said Porter.
To check out the website and learn more about the project, click here. — (SOURCE)
Press Release: Make Waves — Registration for the 2024 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is Now Open
– SOLVE invites volunteers to make a global impact this September by joining the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup. From September 20 through September 28, families, community members, student groups, and nature enthusiasts from all stages of life will gather across Oregon and Southwest Washington for a 10-day event series with a variety of projects to choose from. Registration is now open for this vital community effort to protect and restore our coastlines, rivers, and public lands.
Connecting Local Actions to Global Movements – September 21 is International Coastal Cleanup Day, uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect our coasts and waterways from harmful trash and debris. This global movement amplifies the impact of local efforts, uniting communities for cleaner environments. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup wraps up on September 28 with National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event, focusing on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting.
Join the Effort – “After a season of heavy use, our rivers and beaches need care,” says Kris Carico, SOLVE’s Chief Executive Officer. “This event is a cherished tradition and a powerful force for change. We encourage everyone to get involved and make a lasting impact on our environment.”
SOLVE will host over 50 project sites across Oregon and SW Washington, from the Oregon Coast to the Willamette Valley and beyond. Last year, more than 1,500 volunteers removed 20,000 pounds of trash. Since 1986, the event has cleared over 2.5 million pounds of litter from Oregon’s natural areas. Volunteer registration is open for posted events and SOLVE is still seeking additional projects. Interested event leaders should register their events as soon as possible to fully maximize SOLVE’s support, resources, and everything needed to host a successful event.
New Supply Hubs for Event Leaders – This year, SOLVE is making it easier for event leaders by launching five supply hubs at South Beach, Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Cape Blanco, and Sunset Bay. These hubs are equipped with reusable supplies like litter grabbers, vests, and buckets sponsored by Knife River. This partnership with Oregon Parks and Recreation strengthens SOLVE’s mission to provide even more volunteers with reusable supplies and host cleanup events with sustainability in mind.
Be Part of the Change – Join thousands of volunteers to protect our waterways, restore natural areas this September, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Oregon. As the event dates approach, more details on project sites and opportunities will be released. For more information and to register, visit https://www.solveoregon.org/beach-riverside.
2024 Sponsors – SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2024 is proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Daimler Truck North America, Fred Meyer, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Here is Oregon, Keen Footwear, Knife River, KOIN, Metro, NEEF, Oregon Parks and Recreation, and Owens Corning.
About SOLVE – SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. 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’s Missing Persons
Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.
In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.
Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced
Oregon State Police are reminding parents and students of the SafeOregon hotline.
It takes reports of potential threats against students and schools. The tips can be made anonymously. They can include safety threats, fights, drugs, weapons on campus, cyberbullying and students considering self-harm or suicide. A technician reviews the reports and assigns them either to police or school administrators. Tips can be made by phone, text, email or on the website https://www.safeoregon.com
