The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Friday, November 8, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
As Oregon heads into the back side of fall, what does the weather have in store?
The signs are still pointing towards a weak La Niña winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and snow is already falling in the mountains while rain soaks the valleys. La Niña was favored to emerge between September and November, said Marissa Anderson, a spokesperson for NOAA. Of course, it is already November, but Anderson said there was still a 60% chance of the pattern emerging and it was expected to persist from January to March.
For November, NOAA is predicting equal chances that the entire state of Oregon has above-normal, near-normal and below-normal temperatures. Basically, temperature-wise, that means anything could happen. And, with a weak La Niña, that “anything” could also change more frequently. As far as precipitation, most of the state is favored to have above-average levels of rain, snow and everything in between.
For 2025, we are likely to start off wet but not too wet in the first week, then maybe a small break, before returning to wet conditions, especially the northern half of the state.
https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/naturalresources/documents/weather/dlongrange.pdf
Administrator at UO Placed on Leave After Posting Offensive Reaction to Presidential Election
An administrator at the University of Oregon is on leave after posting an offensive reaction to the 2024 presidential election.
Leonard Serrato, the Ducks’ fraternity and sorority life assistant director, posted an expletive-filled rant mocking supporters of President-elect Donald Trump on his public Instagram page, the Daily Emerald reported on Wednesday.
Belted into the seat of his car, the unhinged Serrato ended the video by flashing a peace sign and suggesting Trump’s supporters: “go jump off a bridge,” with an added expletive. Serrato’s social media page is now private, but the video has been reposted and is making the rounds elsewhere.
Among those reacting with a comment was the president’s son, Donald Trump Jr. Sharing his expletive-filled comments on social media shows the Trump derailment syndrome hatred that continues in this country and could end up costing Serrato his position at UO.
Eugene Man Indicted for Posting Violent Threats Online
A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment Tuesday charging a Eugene, Oregon man with posting violent threats online, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Jeffrey Allen Voss, 31, has been charged with transmitting interstate threats and attempting to tamper with evidence.
According to court documents, between September 24 and 27, 2024, Voss is alleged to have posted several videos of himself online making violent threats, including two in which he was holding a firearm. In another video, Voss discussed becoming the next Kip Kinkel, referring to a school shooter who, in 1998, first murdered his parents then opened fire at a Springfield, Oregon school, killing two of his classmates and injuring twenty-five others.
Following those videos, on September 27, 2024, concerned citizens called 911 to report a Facebook Live video Voss posted wherein he allegedly claimed he was minutes from a high school and made violent threats. Acting quickly, the Eugene Police Department located and arrested Voss the same day.
On October 1, 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant on Voss’s residence. Agents located and seized two firearms, one replica firearm, ammunition, body armor, electronic storage media, and a handwritten note outlining his desires for vengeance and specifying individuals Voss wished to harm. The same day, upon learning his residence would be searched, Voss attempted to persuade an individual to conceal or remove evidence from his home.
Voss made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
If convicted, Voss faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $500,000.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Attached Media Files: Indictment_Voss
𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵
There are great exhibits at the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History, but this year we encourage you to look north to Salem and Willamette University’s Hallie Ford Museum of Art.
The HFMA’s permanent exhibition 𝘈𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴: 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘳𝘵 is certainly worth a visit in person, but is also available as a virtual tour 
https://bit.ly/48gwbmwAdditionally, check out a film series featuring three Native American artists from the Pacific Northwest whose work is exhibited at HFMA https://bit.ly/48m5Y63
11/5/24 – LCSO Case #24-5936 – Deputies investigating fatal crash on Row River Road
On Tuesday, November 5th at about 9 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies and fire personnel responded to a single vehicle crash in the 34500 block of Row River Road, Cottage Grove.
The vehicle, a 1992 Toyota pickup, had left the roadway, overturned, and came to rest on top of the driver in a field. The driver appeared to have been ejected and died at the scene of the crash.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, and the identity of the involved is being withheld until next of kin are notified.
Detectives ask for help finding violent offender with warrants
Salem, Ore. — Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit detectives ask for the public’s help in locating a suspect with multiple warrants.
Arrest warrants on charges of first- and second-degree kidnapping have been issued for Javier Banuelos Munoz, Jr., age 44, of Salem in relation to several incidents of domestic violence. He also has an outstanding parole violation warrant from the Oregon State Parole Board.
Detectives have exhausted all efforts to locate Banuelos Munoz and request the public’s help with this case.
Banuelos Munoz is a Hispanic male adult with black hair and brown eyes. He is 5-foot, 8-inches in height and has a medium build. He generally wears his hair shaved with a beard. Banuelos Munoz also has various tattoos; the most prominent marking is on the right side of his neck and reads Munoz in script lettering.
Anyone with information about Banuelos Munoz’s whereabouts is asked to call the Salem Police Tips Line at 503-588-8477.
If you see Banuelos Munoz, call local police authorities, and refer to this wanted poster. Do not approach him. He is considered a violent offender with potential access to firearms.
Graffiti on Lane County Jail Refers to Missing Man
In the early hours of November 3rd, 2024, graffiti appeared on the exterior wall of the Lane County Jail in Eugene, Oregon, reigniting public interest in the case of missing Oregon man Michael Bryson. This development follows a recent article we posted about K9 teams searching for Michael, which can be found here.
The message, scrawled boldly in yellow chalk, reads: “Blaize Powers Knows What Happened 2 Michae Bryson (Kassiah/Kaleah).” Notably, the “L” in Michael was oddly missing, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the message. The cryptic graffiti, presumably left the night before on November 2nd, is a poignant reminder of Bryson’s case, which has haunted the local community and his loved ones since his disappearance in 2020.
Bryson, who went missing at the age of 27, vanished on August 5, 2020, from a campsite near Hobo Campground in Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest. He was last seen at a gathering with friends, where reports indicate that he walked away from the site in an unexplained, seemingly random manner. Since then, his family and local authorities have conducted exhaustive searches, but no trace of Michael has been found. His parents, Tina and Parrish Bryson, have kept hope alive, continuing to search for answers and keep Michael’s story in the public eye.
The graffiti has raised questions in the community, with speculation on social media regarding who might be responsible and whether the message offers a genuine clue or is simply a tasteless stunt. It’s not the first time Bryson’s name has resurfaced in unexpected ways, as supporters have posted flyers, shared social media campaigns, and even conducted independent search efforts in hopes of finding him or gaining new information on his case.
If anyone has information regarding Michael Bryson’s whereabouts or details related to his disappearance, they are urged to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. Even the smallest lead could provide crucial information in solving this case. Please reach out to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 682-4150. READ MORE: https://thatoregonlife.com/2024/11/graffiti-on-county-jail-wall-in-oregon-raises-questions-in-unsolved-michael-bryson-case/
Diane Downs Files Petition Claiming Wrongful Conviction
Diane Downs, the notorious convicted murderer serving a life sentence for shooting her children in 1983 outside Springfield has filed a petition asking for relief from what she calls a wrongful conviction, court records show.
In 1983, Diane Downs shot her children in a car in Springfield. She would later claim that a stranger tried to carjack her, shooting her and her three children who were in the car. One of her children, seven-year-old Cheryl Downs, died. Her three-year-old son Danny survived but was paralyzed from the waist down, while her eight-year-old daughter Christy also survived, but suffered a disabling stroke. In 1984, a jury found her guilty of murder after an investigation found evidence that cast doubt on her narrative. Downs was sentenced to life plus 50 years in prison.
Downs is currently serving her sentence in California, and has maintained her innocence ever since her conviction. In February 2024, Downs filed a petition in Marion County asking for relief from what she calls a wrongful conviction. She claimed that the jury in her case was not unanimous of four of her charges, voting 10 to two on charges of attempted murder and assault. Downs claimed the Supreme Court has found this type of nonunanimous jury verdict violates the right to a fair trial in scores of cases. In late October 2024, a judge granted her an extension on her petition as her attorney works to gather evidence in that case.
Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Volunteers Rescue Stranded Motorists
Monday, November 4th, Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue volunteers responded with a deputy to assist stranded motorists in the Bohemia Mountain area. Their vehicle had become stuck in the soft snow, and they did not have chains or traction devices. SAR located the subjects and assisted them out of the area.
Please follow these tips to stay safe when you explore the outdoors in our county: – Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. – Know conditions before you leave – rain in the valley can mean ice up high! – Be prepared to stay out overnight – even if you don’t plan to get out of your car. – Bring maps for offline navigation – cell service can be spotty!
Nearly every week, Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue volunteers assist our residents and visitors in all types of environments. Learn more about our Search & Rescue program at http://www.lanecounty.org/…/volunteers/search_and_rescue
Pile Burning Taking Place This Week on the Willamette National Forest
Smoke will be visible for the next few days as the piles continue to burn down. McKenzie River Ranger District will be burning piles today. The location of the piles today will be off the 2838-356 road in the Horse Creek Drainage. 
Middle Fork will be burning piles today in the Lone Timber sale area (5840).
These units are West of Oakridge and are Hand piles. The plan is to start ignitions around 10am. Expect impact to visibility along roads. Please call your local ranger district with any questions.• McKenzie River Ranger Station (541) 822-3381• Middle Fork Ranger Station (541) 782-2283
2024–2025 Property Tax Statements Available Online and in The Mail
The 2024-2025 property tax statements were mailed beginning October 21, 2024. Statements are available online now, as well as information about the county value trends, levy changes, and individual property tax account information, at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/AT. The first payment is due on November 15, 2024.
Appeals – If taxpayers believe their properties’ market values are incorrect, taxpayers should first contact Lane County Assessment and Taxation. Taxpayers have the right to appeal to the Property Valuation Appeal Board (PVAB) through the Deeds and Records Division of the County Clerk’s Office.
PVAB has the authority to reduce market value when sufficient evidence is provided to demonstrate the RMV of a property was different on January 1, 2024 compared to the tax statement. A reduction to the value does not always result in a refund. PVAB cannot grant reductions to a tax amount; it can only review a property’s value. Taxpayers can appeal through Deeds and Records through December 31, 2024.
Waste Wise Lane County announces Springfield’s second Fix-It Fair
Waste Wise Lane County—part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—is coordinating with Connected Lane County to organize a Springfield Fix-It Fair on Saturday, November 9.
The free public event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Connected Lane County’s Spark at Booth Kelly facility (303 S 5th St. STE 150, Springfield).
Fix-It Fairs promote reuse and repair by offering attendees opportunities to have household items repaired by fixer coaches. Attendees can watch and learn repair skills, discover local repair resources, and extend the life of household items—keeping more stuff out of the trash and saving money.
The Springfield event will focus on repairing household items, electronics, power tools, textiles, bikes, and skateboards. Repairs take an average of 30 minutes, and attendees can only bring items that can be reasonably carried in.
Connected Lane County Associate Director Justin Thibedeau said the Spark facility will be an ideal location for the fair.
“Since opening the first Spark facility in 2021, Connected Lane County has been a place for youth ages 14-24 to explore creation and innovation using technology,” said Thibedeau. “We are happy to utilize Spark’s tools and equipment by opening the space to a community Fix-It-Fair, bringing people together to explore the space, have a good time, and repair household items to keep them out of landfills.”
Thibedeau said several young people enrolled in Connected Lane County programming will also be involved in the event.
“As a youth innovation center, Connected Lane County provides youth with opportunities to gain new technical and professional skills,” Thibedeau said. “Learning to fix, tinker, and troubleshoot are crucial skills for innovation, and Fix-It Fairs allow youth to learn from professional fixers in the community. This apprenticeship model provides insight not only into technical skills but also the entrepreneurship of running a business in a safe-to-fail environment. Youth apprentices are paid for their time, and some have landed jobs with the fixers.”
Springfield will host a Fix-It-Fair for the second time in two years. Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator Daniel Hiestand said this fair will have more of a “party” atmosphere.
“Attendees will be treated to music by Corwin Bolt & The Wingnuts, and food will be available for sale from Red Five Hot Dog Company,” said Hiestand. “With these additions, we hope to add more fun into an already entertaining event.”
About Waste Wise Lane County – WasteWise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about repair resources at fixitlanecounty.com
About Connected Lane County – Connected Lane County was established in 2014 as Lane County’s regional achievement collaborative by early childhood partners, local school districts, institutions of higher education, the local workforce board, and industry innovators. Today, it’s an independent nonprofit serving over 3,000 youth each year. Its Spark program aims to provide youth with a safe place to learn, innovate, collaborate, and create through out-of-school training opportunities. Spark helps youth grow skills, become confident problem-solvers, and gain hands-on experiences.
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
“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)
White Bird Cahoots
· We’re launching a community-wide survey and asking each of you to share what CAHOOTS means to you and help guide the program’s future direction. Scan the QR code in the image or use the link below: https://bit.ly/CAHOOTS_Survey
Governor Tina Kotek is calling for peaceful demonstrations, if people want to express their opinion about the election.
In a statement, Kotek said she’ll have zero tolerance for actions that threaten and terrorize others. She says Oregonians will stand together as a shield against any attempt to undermine fundamental freedoms.
Election Results: https://results.oregonvotes.gov
In election news, Oregonians will stick with winner-takes-all elections for federal and statewide offices, after the state’s voters rejected Measure 117 Tuesday. Incomplete returns as of 6:45 a.m. Wednesday showed 60% of voters opposing the measure and 40% supporting it.
The ballot measure would have required officials to put ranked-choice voting into place by 2028 for elections for president, Congress, governor, secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer and labor commissioner. It would have also allowed cities and counties to implement the voting system for local elections and required the Secretary of State’s Office to create a voter education program for the new system.
Under the ranked-choice system the measure would institute, voters rank candidates on their ballot in order of preference. If no candidate receives more than half of the first-place votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. The votes for that candidate are then redistributed to the remaining candidates based on the voters’ subsequent preferences. This process continues until one candidate receives a majority of the votes.
Voters on Tuesday rejected a ballot measure that would have raised corporate taxes to give all Oregon residents an estimated $1,600 per year.
Voters were against the measure 79% to 21% in partial returns as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Measure 118 would have implemented a 3% tax on most corporations’ total sales in Oregon above $25 million and distributed the revenue equally among all residents through direct cash payments or refundable tax credits starting in 2025. The measure would have established the nation’s largest universal basic income program.
Measure 119, which would ease the way for cannabis workers to form unions, passed on Tuesday, leading 55%-45%.
The measure will require cannabis businesses to enter “labor peace agreements,” promising to stay neutral when union organizers communicate with their workers. After lawmakers declined to pass a similar law last year, union representatives brought the measure to voters, arguing the agreements were needed because of uncertainty over how federal labor law applies to cannabis workers. While the measure faced no organized opposition, business interests and attorneys for the Legislature previously argued that the agreements could conflict with federal labor laws.
Oregon lawmakers will continue to set their own salaries and those of the governor, secretary of state and certain other elected officials after voters rejected a measure that would have assigned the responsibility to an independent commission.
The measure was failing 53% to 47% in partial returns as of Thursday morning, leaving no plausible path for the outcome to change. Measure 116’s defeat marks a blow for many lawmakers, unions and progressive groups, which have said for years that the low salaries for Oregon lawmakers and other elected officials discourage young and less affluent individuals from running for office.
Lawmakers currently earn about $35,000 per year, plus $157 daily stipends during legislative sessions. Other statewide elected officials earn some of the lowest salaries for their offices in the nation. Oregon’s governor makes $98,600, its attorney general earns $82,220 and its secretary of state, treasurer and labor commissioner receive $77,000.
Voters in more than a dozen Oregon cities, including in the Portland area, voted to ban the regulated sales and use of psilocybin mushrooms.
Anti-psilocybin measures were on the ballots in 16 cities and unincorporated Clackamas County, and are passing in coastal communities to urban Portland and central and southern Oregon by 55% to 70% of the vote.
Bans against psilocybin businesses are passing in Brookings, Rogue River, Sutherlin, Redmond, Lebanon, Jefferson, Sheridan, Amity, Hubbard, Mount Angel, Estacada, Oregon City, Lake Oswego, Seaside and Warrenton. Redmond’s measure would enact a two-year moratorium on psilocybin businesses. Comment was not immediately available from psilocybin opponents. Supporters of the drug expressed disappointment with the results Wednesday.
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs to Host Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at Oregon State Capitol Park
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will honor all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces during its Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in view of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
This event will feature remarks by dignitaries and special guests along with ceremonial elements including a color guard, singing of the national anthem, a wreath laying and the playing of “Taps.”
The celebration will honor Oregon veterans of all eras and will be hosted at the Oregon State Capitol State Park located on Court Street Northeast in Salem — directly in front of the main entrance of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
The event is open to the public and uncovered seating will be provided for attendees. Accessible pathways and seating areas for those needing accommodations will also be provided. Attendees are reminded to plan accordingly for Oregon weather.
For those unable to attend, the event will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/odvavet. If you have any questions about this event, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.
Oregon Housing and Community Services invests $165 million to build 550+ affordable homes across Oregon
— On Friday, the Oregon Housing Stability Council approved a significant $165 million investment to help address the affordable housing crisis. This funding will support the construction of eight new housing developments, delivering more than 550 affordable homes to communities statewide. These projects will include 465 new rental homes, 87 homes for low-income homebuyers, and offer rental assistance and support services for residents at The Commons on MLK in Eugene.
“We know there is more work to do, yet these gains show what’s possible when we work together,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “With each new home, we are building a brighter future for the state we love. A future where families won’t be forced to move multiple times in a school year to find an affordable place to live. A future where progress is driven by the community and supported by the state. A future where we bridge the gap between our current reality and our potential, making life better for all Oregonians.”
Development details:
Rental
| Development name | City | Number of homes | Awardee |
| Elmonica Station | Beaverton | 81 | REACH CDC and Mercy Housing Northwest |
| Gussie Belle Commons | Salem | 120 | Green Light LLC and Seed of Faith Ministries |
| Legin Commons | Portland | 124 | Our Just Future and Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon |
| Marine Drive | Astoria | 33 | Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare and Edlen & Co |
| Woodland Hearth | Tigard | 63 | Community Partner for Affordable Housing |
| Colonia Libertad II | Salem | 44 | Farmworker Housing Development Corporation |
| The Commons on MLK | Eugene | 51 | Homes for Good |
Homeownership
| Murphy Crossing 2 | Bend | 74 | Thistle & Nest |
| Thompson Springs | Tillamook | 13 | Sammy’s Place |
These developments address a critical need for affordable housing and community resources. Many of the rental developments will include spaces for resident services, such as community rooms, playgrounds, and on-site programs. For example, Colonia Libertad II in Salem will offer after-school programs and financial literacy workshops to support agricultural workers and their families.
Homeownership developments, such as Thompson Springs in Tillamook, are designed with affordability and inclusivity in mind. Thompson Springs will incorporate universal design features to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities.
About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)
OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.
After Decades of Growth, Oregon’s Population Is Shrinking. A Top Economist Examines Why.
Economist Mark McMullen produced a snapshot of Oregon last week that could make readers fear the state is in the kind of decline Rust Belt states such as Ohio and Michigan have endured. Seen from another angle, the same report could leave you feeling pleasantly surprised.
McMullen’s report drew on new U.S. census data and found big shifts. “Since 2020, the state has witnessed profound changes in its demographic dynamics,” the report says. “Although migrants continue to be drawn to the state, some residents are leaving and the birth rate has been very low, leading to small population losses.”
Source: After Decades of Growth, Oregon’s Population Is Shrinking. A Top Economist Examines Why.
Prosecutors in southern Oregon unveiled felony charges against two women accused of forging a will to steal a roughly $2 million estate
The charges against Renee Pereira and her daughter, Kristine Pereira, include attempted aggravated theft, identify theft, forgery, and computer crimes. Both pleaded not guilty in court appearances late last month.
A prior KATU investigation found how difficult it can be to stop an invalid will from taking effect in Oregon.
Kristy Gerlett – the daughter of the woman who died in this case – has been fighting for more than a year and pushing investigators to charge the women she believed forged her mom’s signature on a will. The will disinherited Kristy.
The indictments accuse the women of forging the notary’s signature and seal, the signatures of two witnesses, and the signature of Cathy Gerlett on the will. It says they did so to steal Cathy’s estate. The alleged forged will gave 80% of Cathy’s estate to Kristine Pereira.
“Out of the 8 billion people on this planet, only one benefited from it. One. And it just so happens that her mom was the one that turned it in,” Kristy said.
A prior KATU investigation found it was up to Renee Pereira to vet the will in question. Court records show she filed it in probate court in April 2023. The judge initially accepted it and allowed it to go into effect. The same judge threw it out in September 2023.
Klamath County District attorney David Schutt said the suspects preyed on the death of a loved on and did so to steal a $2 million estate.
“This involved a premeditated and coordinated effort of the defendant and her mother to steal a vast sum of money – an estate valued in excess of $2 million dollars, and in so doing disinherited a biological daughter which is Ms. Gerlett. They preyed on the circumstances surrounding the death of a loved one to get this done,” Schutt said at Kristine Pereira’s arraignment.
Now, Kristy wants more done – including additional criminal charges over the use of her mom’s credit card account after she died. The charges included two $1,000 purchases at Fred Meyer. Kristy said she got receipts from Fred Meyer showing the purchases included 4, $500 Visa gift cards.
There are also hotel stays and a trip to a casino. Kristine Pereira admitted to staying at the hotels and the casino in testimony for the probate case over Cathy’s estate but denied knowing who made the charges.
An attorney for the personal representative of the estate said her excuses are not believable.
“It’s just not credible that Ms. Pereira could be receiving such a great benefit after the death of Cathy Gerlett and not have any knowledge as to how those charges were actually made,” attorney Clark Rasche said in a court hearing on the case.– as first highlighted in a KATU news investigation.
Oregon Forestry second-in-command fired over ‘drama filled and volatile’ relationship with subordinate
The second highest-ranking official at the state Department of Forestry was fired last week after an investigation determined he had a sexual relationship with a subordinate for about two years, records released Monday by the the agency show.
Deputy Forester Mike Shaw had been on paid administrative leave since Aug. 6. His last day with the department was Thursday, according to his termination letter. Shaw was paid an annual salary of $192,288.
Oregon begins rollout of new housing benefits for eligible OHP members with health conditions
SALEM, Ore. – Starting today, Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members with specific health conditions may qualify for new, first-in-the-nation benefits to keep their current housing and access other housing services.
The housing benefits include rent assistance for up to six months, utility set-up and payments for up to six months, home modifications and upgrades for health or safety reasons (e.g., grab bars, ramp installation, pest control), and rental navigation services. Unlike other state and local prevention services, eligible members can request these benefits ahead of receiving an eviction notice.
Not all OHP members will qualify for these new benefits. To qualify, OHP members must meet specific requirements, including at least one of the following health conditions: a complex physical or behavioral health condition; a developmental or intellectual disability; difficulty with self-care and daily activities; experience of abuse or neglect; be 65 years of age or older; be under the age of six; currently pregnant or gave birth in the past 12 months; or repeated use of emergency room or crisis services.
OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA, said, “Oregon’s health inequities are inextricably linked to our state’s housing crisis. Individuals and families who become homeless face a significantly higher risk of mortality and higher rates of behavioral and physical health conditions – even as they report poorer access to care. These Medicaid benefits can help stop that cycle and, in a model for the rest of the country, make it possible for Oregonians to maintain their current housing, connect with providers and access additional resources that support their well-being.”
Oregon received permission from the federal government to test whether and how addressing health-related social needs improves health outcomes. While other states have launched similar benefits, Oregon is the first in the nation to roll out rent assistance as a statewide Medicaid benefit for eligible OHP members.
“Housing plays a pivotal role in our physical and mental wellbeing. And yet, so many of our neighbors are living paycheck to paycheck, where an unexpected issue can lead to a loss of income and loss of a home,” said Emma Sandoe, Medicaid Director at Oregon Health Authority. “These benefits are one more tool to keep Oregonians housed during short-term disruptions and prevent negative health outcomes of homelessness.”
Of renters across Oregon, 22% have extremely low income, with $30,560 being the average income limit for a four-person household. Adults living with housing insecurity, including threat of eviction, are 19% more likely to lack access to a primary care provider and 35% more likely to postpone preventative health care even if they have chronic health conditions. Evictions and loss of housing can lead to negative health outcomes including:
- Increasing an individual’s risk for physical and mental health conditions
- Making an individual’s existing health condition worse
- Creating barriers to accessing medical care, medications and food
“Housing is a critical driver of health outcomes, significantly impacting social mobility and economic opportunity,” said Oregon Housing and Community Services Executive Director, Andrea Bell. “Stable housing serves as a catalyst for expanding access to preventive care, while reducing the monumental costs associated with emergency care. This is what transformative, integrated care looks like.”
Starting this month, housing providers are contracted to begin connecting with eligible members and delivering these new benefits across the state. Housing benefit applications may take up to two weeks to be reviewed. If approved, additional time may be needed to provide the benefit. These turnaround timeframes will depend on the capacities of individual CCOs and housing service providers as well as the volume of housing applications received. OHA is working closely with CCOs to continue to expand the network over the next year.
Fostering healthy families and environments is one of the five pillars to achieving OHA’s strategic goal of eliminating health inequities in Oregon by 2030. The housing benefits are one of several new health-related social needs benefits Oregon is piloting to meet this goal. In March, the state launched climate benefits including air conditioners, air filters and other equipment to keep eligible members healthy amid extreme weather events. Nutrition benefits will be available for eligible OHP members starting in January 2025.
OHP members interested in receiving housing benefits can work with their health plan (coordinated care organization or Open Card), health care provider or a local OHP community partner to see if they qualify and apply.
OHP members should contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) to learn more. OHP Open Card members can call 1-888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com. If an OHP member is not sure which plan or CCO they are in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557 or email Ask.OHP@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
For OHP members who are currently unhoused, resources may be available through 211.
For more information about these benefits, visit the OHP housing benefits web page.
Child Sexual Predator Eluded Capture in Idaho, Has Ties to Southern Oregon, He May Be Dressed as a Woman
– A fugitive with ties to the southern Oregon region is on-the-run after eluding capture Tuesday, October 22 in Idaho. Christian Bert Fischer, 42, is wanted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child.
Fischer is a white male, 5’10”, 200 lbs., has blonde hair and blue-colored eyes. He is also known to dress like a woman. Before heading to Idaho, Fischer was in the Portland area. This June and July, he was in Ashland, Lake of the Woods, and Wolf Creek.
U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) task forces throughout the country have joined the search, including the local Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF). If you have any information on Fischer’s whereabouts, contact the local USMS office at (541) 776-4277, the USMS Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
PNVOTF includes personnel from the U.S. Marshals, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Central Point Police Department. The task force specializes in locating and arresting fugitives wanted for offenses including, but not limited to, murder, assault, sex crimes, failure to register as a sex offender, firearm violations, and probation violations.
For more information here is the USMS Release:
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – The Hernando County Crime Stoppers in Florida is offering up a $5,000 reward for information directly leading to the arrest of Christian Bert FISCHER, a fugitive convicted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child. Crime Stoppers must be contacted first in order to be eligible for the cash rewards of up to $5,000.00. For additional information and instructions for the reward, please visit the following Crime Stoppers link:
http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com/sitemenu.aspx?P=wanteds&ID=449&Sort=Name&F=&W=.
FISCHER is a white male, 5’10”, 200 lbs., has blonde hair and blue-colored eyes. FISCHER is also known to dress like a woman.
On the second day of FISCHER’s trial in Hernando County, Florida, he failed to appear in court and immediately fled the state the same day. Investigators learned he fled to California, Oregon and as of recently to North Idaho. FISCHER has been utilizing fictious name(s), likely utilizing cash and has had associates pay for certain expenses while he’s been on the run.
In North Idaho, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Greater Idaho Fugitive task force learned FISCHER has attempted to befriend multiple families in the area, to include those with children. Earlier this week, prior to the task force’s attempt to arrest FISCHER, he was seen carving pumpkins at his last known location off Kelso Rd in Athol with an unknown family. Investigators have not been able to identify the family yet and urge the family or anyone else who has had interactions with FISCHER to contact the local USMS office. All tips or information regarding this fugitive investigation case will remain anonymous.
The local task force is continuing to work closely with the USMS office in the Middle District of Florida, the Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in Brooksville, Florida, as well as other investigators from multiple other states.
The following is a link to a short announcement on Facebook from Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis regarding fugitive Christian FISCHER:
https://www.facebook.com/HernandoSheriff/videos/manhunt-monday-02-12-2024/356273974034934/.
The USMS Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is a state-wide cooperative to locate and arrest violent offenders wanted for local, state and federal crimes. Member agencies throughout the State of Idaho include: the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Idaho Department of Corrections, Idaho State Police, Nampa Police Department, Pocatello Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Anyone with information on FISCHER’s whereabouts is urged to contact the local USMS office at (208) 518-4024, the USMS Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.
Groundbreaking Dedication Event for Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Oregon State Capitol- Friday, November 22, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.
The Oregon State Capitol will be the site of the highly anticipated dedication ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Friday, November 22, at 2:00 p.m. This momentous event will be the formal dedication of Phase 1 of the memorial, which honors the service and sacrifice of Oregon’s Vietnam veterans. The public ceremony will occur at Salem’s Willson Park memorial site on the Capitol grounds, at the corner of State and Cottage Street, with a reception to follow at the nearby Withnell Family YMCA.
The memorial pays tribute to 710 Oregonians who lost their lives in the Vietnam War, along with the more than 180,000 Oregonians who served in Vietnam and around the world from 1955-1975. The design features 46 black granite columns engraved with the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It creates a reflective space for veterans, families, and the public to honor their memory.
The event will include comments from local veterans, state officials, and Vietnam War Memorial Fund members, who have been instrumental in making this project a reality. The event is hosted by the Oregon Vietnam War Memorial Fund and is supported by a grant of Transient Occupancy Tax from the City of Salem.
The Importance of the Memorial – The Vietnam War remains one of the most challenging and divisive periods in American history. Veterans returning from the conflict were often met with indifference or hostility, making this memorial an overdue recognition of their service. The memorial offers a space for healing and remembrance, honoring both the sacrifices of the fallen and the resilience of those who served. Steve Bates, President and co-founder of the Vietnam War Memorial Fund (VWMF), emphasized the emotional impact of this project. “This is about giving our veterans a place of rest and, for all of us, a place to heal,” Bates said. The memorial will not only commemorate the service of Vietnam veterans but also serve as a reminder of the war’s lasting impact on the state and its people.
Beyond its role as a place of remembrance, the memorial will also serve as an educational resource when Phase 2 is completed. Phase 2, the Exhibit Phase, aims to help future generations understand the human cost of war and the bravery of those who fought.
For more information, see a virtual tour or donate, visit ocvvm.com.
About the VWMF: Vietnam War Memorial Fund’s website at www.ocvvm.com. The Vietnam War Memorial Fund is a recognized 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent of applicable tax law. You can donate by sending a check to the Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009 or by credit card at www.ocvvm.com.
Oregon Aging and People with Disabilities offers free help for Medicare Open Enrollment
(Salem) — Medicare Open Enrollment for the 2025 plan year begins Oct. 15 and remains open through Dec. 7, 2024. Medicare beneficiaries seeking to compare or change their existing Medicare plan can receive free help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
During the Medicare Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can make changes to their health plan or prescription drug plan, pick a Medicare Advantage plan or choose Original Medicare. The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities’ (APD) Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is available to help Oregonians understand their Medicare options and benefits, provide enrollment guidance and help people detect and avoid Medicare scams. Additionally, there are some key changes coming to Medicare in 2025 that APD’s SHIBA program counselors can assist people in understanding including:
- The new Manufacturer Discount Program which addresses the coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole;”
- The lower maximum to pay for covered drugs. The maximum amount for 2025 will be $2,000;
- Coverage for weight loss drugs when doctors prescribe them for people who meet certain conditions;
- Expanded coverage for family caregiver services through the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model; and
- Increased access to mental health services by allowing more providers to bill Medicare for services.
“Our APD SHIBA team is devoted to helping people prepare for open enrollment and understand changes,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as APD Deputy Director of Policy.
Oregonians who need help navigating Medicare open enrollment are encouraged to call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free) or learn more by visiting the SHIBA website at SHIBA.Oregon.gov. The 2025 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans will be available on the SHIBA website in the coming days and will be translated to multiple languages.
SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. According to the Senior Medicare Patrol, common scams include promising free durable medical equipment, such as knee braces and catheters, or offers of free genetic testing. The ultimate goal for the scammer is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. “SHIBA counselors are committed to ensuring Oregonians have the information they need to avoid becoming victims of fraud and report scams or suspected Medicare fraud,” said APD Director Dr. Nakeshia Knight-Coyle.
Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments. Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website such as Medicare frequently asked questions, an agent locator tool, a list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations and videos to help people understand their Medicare options. People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.
About the Oregon Department of Human Services – The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program – The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.
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
