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 15, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
PeaceHealth Patients Report Long Waits, Less Time with Healthcare Providers a Year After Eugene Hospital Closure
A recent survey of PeaceHealth patients found a staggering 97% reported having a negative experience at a local PeaceHealth facility with an overwhelming majority reporting multiple issues ranging from long waits for emergency care to unexpected bills.
The findings come nearly a year after PeaceHealth chose to close its University District hospital—leaving nearly 200,000 Eugene residents without a hospital or emergency room in Oregon’s 3rd largest city.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) and the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association (PNWHMA) conducted the survey between Sept. 9 – 27, 2024. ONA and PNWHMA represent more than 1,500 frontline nurses, doctors, and advanced practice providers at local PeaceHealth hospitals, clinics, urgent cares and home care services.
“Our nurses, providers and staff clearly voiced concerns to PeaceHealth about the negative impacts closing University District would have on our community and on PeaceHealth Riverbend. Unfortunately, everything we anticipated—and more—has come to pass,” said Chris Rompala, ONA board member and nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend.
The Annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt Starts Friday November 15th
It’s time once again for one of the Willamette Valley’s most beloved traditions: the seventh annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt, taking place across the Willamette National Forest and Umpqua National Forest.
Between November 15 and Dec. 25, 2024, two hundred locally-crafted wooden ornaments will be hidden along two-dozen trails in both forests—where eagle-eyed hikers can seek them out and register to win this year’s grand prize, which includes a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley. Here’s more information: https://www.willamettevalley.org/ornament
LCSO Case 24-6035 – Sheriff’s Office rescues hunter, dog still missing
On November 11th at about 4 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue responded to the area above Hills Creek Dam for an overdue hunter with medical issues. After several hours of searching, SAR personnel located the hunter and provided initial medical care. He was hypothermic and transported by ambulance to an area hospital.
The hunter’s dog, an older Rhodesian Ridgeback named Sedona, has not been located despite several follow up searches by concerned SAR volunteers, family members, and friends. Please keep watch for Sedona in the area of Hills Creek Reservoir and contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141 if she is located.
Deputies make arrests after shot fired in Creswell
On November 14th at about 4:30 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 200 block of S. 10th St., Creswell, for a report of a physical dispute with a shot fired. No one was injured, however during the investigation deputies found evidence a firearm had been used.
Deputies arrested Douglas Glenn Vertrees, 63, of Creswell, for Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Disorderly Conduct in the 2nd Degree.
Another person involved in the dispute, Rebecca Leanne Huse, 38, was arrested on a warrants for: – Failure to Appear – Possession of Methamphetamine, out of Lane County Circuit Court – Failure to Appear – Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree and Giving false Information to a Police Officer, out of Eugene Municipal Court
Both were lodged at the Lane County Jail. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Oregon State Police for their assistance with this call. – LCSO Case 24-6091
Deputies arrest theft suspect in Veneta
On November 13th at about 7 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies assigned to the City of Veneta received information a stolen camper trailer was in the area of the 87700 block of Territorial Highway, Veneta.
When deputies arrived, they discovered the trailer was occupied by Travos James Bechtol, 30, and Melissa Renee Pederson, 33, both of Veneta.
Deputies arrested both suspects, and discovered additional stolen property inside the trailer. Both were lodged at the Lane County Jail for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Pederson was in possession of drugs, and was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine. The investigation into the stolen property is ongoing.
Benton County Property Tax Payment Collection Hours Limited to 10-4 Because of Strike
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Property taxes for Benton County residents are due by Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. In-person service hours are limited this week while many County workers are on strike, so those who plan to pay in person should go to the Kalapuya building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
In addition to making payments in person, there are five other ways to pay property taxes:
- Use the tax payment drop box in the parking lot of the Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way – open 24 hours a day.
- Pay online at finance.bentoncountyor.gov/pay-your-property-taxes.
- Call 1-866-898-2918 to pay by phone.
- Mail payment to the Benton County Tax Office, P.O. Box 964, Corvallis, Oregon, 97339. Payments must be postmarked by Nov. 15, 2024.
- Make payments at Oregon State Credit Union branches within Benton County or at the Umpqua Bank in Monroe. Please make sure to bring your payment coupons.
Property owners who pay their taxes in full by Nov. 15 will receive a 3% discount. Alternatively, taxpayers have the option to spread their payments over three equal installments. The first installment is payable on Nov. 15, with subsequent payments due Feb. 15 and May 15, 2025.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
Teachers and other educational staff in Greater Albany Public Schools on strike Update
With Albany teachers on the picket lines working on negotiating with the school district, and schools closed down for the week, families are starting to see the effects of the strike outside of school.
Greater Albany Public Schools has been providing meals for students to pick up during the day while the strike goes on. The district has added pick-up locations across the city.
In addition to meals, there are also childcare programs and activities at the Boys and Girls Club of Albany, but that is for members only. Parents have the option of bringing their kids to the Albany YMCA regardless of membership status for $40 a day. —- Both sides were negotiating on November 13, and it is still not clear when schools could reopen.
ORIGINAL POST: Hundreds of educators in Albany walked out of class Tuesday morning for the first time in nearly 40 years.
About 600 teachers within Greater Albany Public Schools went on strike Tuesday for the first time in nearly 40 years. Teachers and other educational staff in Greater Albany Public Schools went on strike after a mediation session between it and the district ended without an agreement.
“We just don’t feel like they hear us,” said Ken Beiser, a teacher who is also on the union bargaining team. Beiser said the union and the school district bargained until 2 a.m. on Tuesday and did not reach a deal. “There just wasn’t sufficient movement,” Beiser said.
The union and the district have been bargaining for the past nine months and progress has been slow. Beiser said 20 articles of the next 3-year contract are still not settled. In late October, teachers voted overwhelmingly — 92% — to authorize the strike.
Mediation between the district and the union has been ongoing since Sept. 10, with five full-day sessions. Most of those have run into the evenings.
Fatal Crash – Northwest Expressway – Lane County
Lane County, Ore 12 Nov 24- On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 4:43 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on the Northwest Expressway, near milepost .5, in Lane County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Acura MDX, operated by Jeffery Alan Milchak (40) of Eugene, left the roadway for unknown reasons, struck a tree, and became fully engulfed.
The operator of the Acura (Milchak) was declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Eugene/Springfield Fire Departments and the Eugene Police Department.
# # # About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU)
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.
11/10/24 – LCSO Case #24-6018 – Deputies arrest stalker after burglary
On November 10th at about 8 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a panic alarm in the 100 block of Oakleigh Lane, Eugene. A neighbor also called in to report a stalker, identified as David Ivan Piccioni, 55, had broken into the victim’s house. The victim confirmed Piccioni had broken in while they were sleeping.
Deputies converged on the area as Piccioni ran. They quickly arrested him nearby on River Road, and lodged him at the Lane County Jail on the following charges:
– Violating Court’s Stalking Protective Order
– Stalking
– Burglary in the 1st Degree
– Menacing
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the watchful neighbors who assisted the victim and deputies in this case.
Residents of Blue River who lost their homes in the Holiday Farm Fire are being given a chance at replacement housing.
Homes For Good is offering almost two dozen, two bedroom modular homes as replacement housing for fire survivors.
Residents of the Lazy Days Mobile Home and RV Park get priority, with other residents of Blue River who lost homes also eligible to apply.
Lane County and the McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group (MVLTRG) partnered to provide new manufactured homes for families displaced by the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire.
In total, 11 new manufactured homes will be placed on properties in the McKenzie River Valley to house families who lost their homes in the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire. The first home was placed on May 14, 2024. Three additional homes were placed during the week of September 16. Two more homes are permitted and will be placed in December. Placement of the five remaining homes is expected early in 2025.
The MVLTRG coordinated the process to match fire survivors with homes in this program. Fire survivors who are 62 or older or living with a disability and in temporary housing since their homes were destroyed in the fire were prioritized. The homes were also outfitted with appliances and other furnishings. Ownership of the manufactured homes will be transferred to the receiving families.
“It has been a struggle for many families to stay on the river after the Holiday Farm Fire,” said Mary Ellen Wheeler, MVLTRG project manager. “For four years since the fire, they have had to live in RVs due to a lack of any affordable housing alternative. The gulf between available insurance payments or financial assistance and what it truly costs to rebuild would be insurmountable for many without this program.”
Robert Campbell, 73, lost his home in the Holiday Farm Fire and recently moved into his new home this fall. Campbell, who will be joined by his grandson, has lived on his property in the McKenzie River Valley since 2003.
“I don’t know how to thank everyone who helped me,” said Campbell. “I have never been one to ask for help, but somehow I found myself standing in line and getting more help than I deserved.”
“Being able to partner with the Long Term Recovery Group on this effort was a game-changer,” said Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch. “Lane County received the state’s funding, but the Long Term Recovery Group had deep connections with fire survivors and a community network that allowed them to reach out to people who could most meaningfully benefit.”
Funding was provided to Lane County by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) as part of its Oregon State Wildfire Recovery Funding, which was allocated by the Legislature for housing-related wildfire recovery.
About the McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group – Established in 2021, the McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group is a non-profit organization serving people and organizations in the rural and unincorporated Holiday Farm Fire area. Its mission is to recognize needs, find resources, and help individuals and families recover from disaster. www.McKenzieValleyLTRG.org
About Lane County’s Recovery Program – Lane County’s efforts to support wildfire recovery include community and transportation planning in the Blue River area, coordinating recovery funding, and advocating for recovery resources and legislation. www.McKenzieRebuilds.org
A Springfield elementary school teacher is on administrative leave after showing a 1st-Grade class a sexual education video.
The video, titled “Help kids learn why it’s important to keep private parts private” was shown to first grade students at Mount Vernon Elementary. While the video is animated in a more child centric way, the video ends with discussing touching ones privates, and the act of which feeling good.
Springfield Public Schools confirmed that the teacher who showed the video is now on leave. According to the district teachers are expected to utilize District-approved, age-appropriate instructional materials/curriculum when providing instruction to students and that teachers may use special aids with the express approval of the principal. Springfield Public Schools has confirmed that they are investigating this incident.
Eugene Man Pleads Guilty to Three Federal Hate Crimes for Defacing Synagogue
—A Eugene man pleaded guilty to three federal hate crimes today for intentionally defacing a Eugene synagogue on multiple occasions.
Adam Edward Braun, 34, pleaded guilty to two counts of intentionally defacing a synagogue and one count of attempting to deface religious property because it was a place of religious worship for Jewish people.
According to court documents, between September 2023 and January 2024, Braun intentionally defaced Temple Beth Israel, a Jewish synagogue in Eugene, by repeatedly targeting the synagogue with graffiti, some of which used antisemitic symbols and phrases. Braun’s pattern of behavior culminated in the early morning hours of January 14, 2024, when he traveled to Temple Beth Israel with a hammer and prepared to swing at the glass doors of the synagogue. Braun stopped when he saw he was being recorded by a surveillance camera, and then moved to a different area of the property and used spray paint to write “White Power” in large letters on the building’s exterior.
On January 31, 2024, officers from the Eugene Police Department, with assistance from the FBI, executed a state search warrant on Braun’s Eugene residence. Investigators located multiple pieces of evidence connecting Braun to the attacks on Temple Beth Israel, along with several items and writings belonging to Braun that were consistent with antisemitic beliefs and biases.
Braun was initially charged by criminal complaint on March 4, 2024. Later, on May 9, 2024, Braun was charged by criminal information with five counts of defacing and attempting to deface religious property because it was a place of religious worship for Jewish people.
Braun faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for each count. He will be sentenced on February 18, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.
As part of the plea agreement, Braun has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victim.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Cameron A. Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division Criminal Section, are prosecuting the case.
Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested
At 11:28 a.m. on November 7, Central Lane 911 received an alert that Umpqua Bank at 7th and Olive was being robbed. The suspect is reported to have entered the bank and handed the teller a note threatening the use of a firearm. The suspect, later identified as 42-year-olld Thomas Wilson Bata fled the bank.
Eugene Police Patrol, Street Crimes Unit, and Investigations flooded the area. They located Bata in his car in the parking lot, and he eventually gave himself up to officers, who challenged him. Bata was lodged at Lane County Jail on charges of Robbery in the Second Degree. Case 24-16952
OSP seeking witnesses to early morning crash on I-5 near Albany
LINN COUNTY, Ore. 8 November 2024 – The Oregon State Police is seeking witnesses to an early morning fatal crash on Interstate 5 near Albany today.
At about 2:22 a.m., Oregon State Troopers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on I-5 southbound near milepost 223. The pedestrian was declared deceased at the scene. OSP had received additional reports of a vehicle that crashed into the cable barriers on I-5 northbound and a pedestrian in traffic on I-5 southbound in the same vicinity.
The vehicle that crashed into the cable barrier is believed to be associated with the pedestrian. The vehicle and driver that struck the pedestrian have not been located.
Investigators are asking any witnesses to the incident to contact OSP’s Northern Command Center at 800-442-0776 or call OSP (677) from a mobile device. Please reference case number #SP24363614.
Exhibits for 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
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.
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.
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
Reward of up to $25,000 Offered in Ballot Box Fire Case
The FBI’s Seattle Field Office is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible setting incendiary fires at two ballot boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and one in Portland, Oregon. The FBI’s Seeking Information poster can be found here: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/ballot-box-fires
On October 8, 2024, between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m., an unknown individual placed an improvised incendiary device on a ballot drop box in Vancouver, Washington. Subsequently, on October 28, 2024, between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m., improvised incendiary devices were placed on ballot drop boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon.
A surveillance camera captured images of an early 2003 to 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan, dark in color, with dark wheels and a light-colored interior, driven by the suspect believed to responsible for these crimes. The vehicle does not have a Volvo logo on the front grill. At the time of the October 28, 2024, incidents, the vehicle also displayed a fraudulent temporary Washington license plate on the rear and no front license plate. The plate, which is not associated with a Volvo, may no longer be on the vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle is described as a White male, approximately 30 to 40 years old with thinning hair. It is believed that he may have some experience with metal work and welding.
Anyone with information is asked to call your nearest FBI office, provide information online at tips.fbi.gov, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). FBI – Oregon
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.
Candlelight Vigil Planned Saturday 11/16 – Missing Boy Found Deceased
People in the community are organizing a candlelight vigil for Joshua McCoy, the 5-year-old boy who was found deceased Tuesday after being missing for several days. The vigil will take place at North Bay Elementary School in North Bend, at the field behind the playground on Saturday, at 6 p.m. Shauna Bogart, one of the people organizing the event. She said Saturday would have been Joshua’s 6th birthday.
While she never met Joshua, she said the community is so tight knit that when tragedy strikes, it’s important to come together. Bogart said, Saturday’s vigil is open to the public. Donations will be accepted for Joshua’s family, some of whom will be present at the vigil.
——- It is with immense sadness that we have to report that missing Joshua McCoy has been found deceased. Joshua had been missing since the late evening of Saturday, November 9th, 2024. Joshua was reported to North Coos dispatch via third party at 6:27 pm.
At approximately 6:45 PM, first responders arrived on scene. Soon after, it was discovered the child had a cellphone, and a phone-ping of that phone was conducted. The information related to the phone-ping did not provide any fruitful information.
Several Deputies began a search of the property, while investigating the allegations of Joshua being picked up by a known family member which was later found not be factual. An ‘Attempt To Locate’ (ATL) was sent out to all surrounding agencies.
On Sunday, November 10th, deputies continued to search the property and surrounding areas, along with several volunteers from Coos County Search and Rescue including K9 units, ground and Drone operators. A pond on the property was drained and nothing of interest was located.
During Sunday’s search, additional resources were requested from neighboring counties in southern Oregon and northern California. Law enforcement remained on scene until the following crews arrived in the morning to continue the investigation.
At approximately 6:00 AM, on Monday, November 11th, Deputies and SAR volunteers continued the search and rescue operation. Several members of local fire departments arrived to assist in the search. Additional CORSAR assistance was requested for the next day, which consists of search and rescue members from several Counties within Oregon and California.
On Tuesday, November 12th, the search continued with help from our federal partners, local Search and Rescue, along with CORSAR. CORSAR is providing additional Search and Rescue members from California, and from several Counties within Oregon.
Today, around 12:30 PM, Joshua was discovered deceased and found approximately 1.6 miles straight line distance North-West from the child’s residence, and almost 2 miles by road. The investigation is on-going and no additional information will be released at this time.
The areas that have been searched have been very thorough and methodical due to the circumstances behind the disappearance. We have had amazing support from the community in feeding all of these volunteers.
Thank you to the departments and agencies assisting Coos County Sheriff’s Office; Homeland Security, FBI, OSP, NCMEC, Bandon pd, MP pd, Coos Bay PD, Lincoln co. SO, all seven CORSAR counties, Charleston fire, NB fire, coquille fire, Mp fire and ambulance among others.
Pertussis case count, expected to beat record, alarms health officials
Vaccinations urged as whooping cough on track to pass 910 cases in 2024
PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon is expected to surpass its record of 910 pertussis cases by the end of 2024, prompting health officials to sharpen their warnings about the disease’s serious risks—especially for young babies—and their emphasis on the importance of vaccination.
As of Nov. 13, Oregon has seen a total of 827 cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in 23 counties during 2024, according to Oregon Health Authority (OHA) data. At least one person, an older adult, has died.
In 2012, 910 pertussis cases were reported, the highest annual count since 1953.
“I’m worried, given the time of year, because people are attending indoor holiday gatherings, and those gatherings often include newborns who are too young to be vaccinated,” said Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division.
Lane County has the highest number of pertussis cases this year with 249. The other counties with the highest case counts are Multnomah with 180, Clackamas with 109, Washington with 67 and Deschutes with 59. The median age of cases is 11, with the range between 5 weeks and 89 years.
Babies too young to be fully vaccinated suffer the most from pertussis, with the highest reported incidence rate and highest likelihood of hospitalization and death. This is because babies don’t start building protection against infection until they are vaccinated at 2 months old. With the exception of 2024, Oregon pertussis deaths have been limited to infants—five have occurred since 2003.
Public health experts urge pregnant people to get the Tdap vaccine – which protects a person against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis – at 27–36 weeks’ gestation. The mothers will make antibodies and pass them to their babies across the placenta, which lowers the risk of pertussis in babies younger than 2 months by 78%–91%.
Vaccination against pertussis is routinely recommended for infants, children, adolescents and adults. Children should receive the DTaP vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis at 2, 4, 6 and 15 to 18 months, and again at age 4 to kindergarten age. All persons 10 and older, including those 65 and older, who have not had the single-dose Tdap vaccine should get it now.
Data from January through Nov. 13 show 406 (49%) of this year’s cases had zero doses of documented pertussis vaccines, and only 361 (44%) were up to date on vaccines. Among the 75 infant cases, only 11 mothers were documented to have received the recommended dose of Tdap during pregnancy.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic—when restrictions that included masking requirements and school closures were in effect—annual case tallies routinely reached triple digits, but dropped to three in 2021. But this year’s to-date 827 cases, which represents a nearly 2,500% increase from the 32 cases reported by the same period in 2023, has surprised state and local public health officials.
“It’s concerning,” said Lisandra Guzman, M.D., Lane County’s deputy public health officer and a preventive medicine physician. “Pertussis is very contagious, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so hard to control.”
Another reason, Guzman explained, is that early in an infection, pertussis can be confused with respiratory viral infections. “What you think may be a simple cold can turn out to be pertussis, because that’s how it begins—with a mild upper respiratory infection. After a couple weeks, the whooping cough begins.”
Jennifer Gibbons, N.D., a naturopathic physician in Portland, says 80% of her family medicine practice is pediatrics, and she can cite many examples of a pertussis infection’s devastating effects on children. She recalls seeing a 5-month-old baby whose mother explained the child would have difficulty breathing and cough until she vomited, then seem fine minutes later.
“I’m talking to her, and she has this perfectly healthy-looking 5-month-old baby, who then all of a sudden starts coughing, and her face turns dark red, and she’s gasping for breath while she’s trying to cough up all the secretions,” Gibbons remembers. “With pertussis, they get into these spasms of coughing that they can’t stop, and they’re often bringing up large amounts of mucus. It’s very scary.”
Cieslak, Guzman and Gibbons agree that getting children vaccinated with all doses of DTaP, and adults—particularly pregnant people—vaccinated with Tdap is the best way to protect young children, older adults, and their families and friends during the holidays, and beyond.
“I’ve had multiple families say, ‘If I had known how bad this was going to be, I would have vaccinated.’ I use that to tell other families,” Gibbons says. She also reminds families that “kids tolerate this vaccine very well. I find it to be a really useful, safe and effective vaccine.”
When an infant or pregnant person is in the household of someone with pertussis, all household members should receive a course of antibiotics effective against Bordetella pertussis—typically, a five-day course of azithromycin.
Oregon School districts, employees face $670 million increase in payments to public pension system
The increased costs for schools to the Public Employee Retirement System in the next two years will more than wipe out the governor’s proposed increases in school funding
Oregon school districts are projected to pay $670 million more to the state’s public employee pension program over the next two years, potentially wiping out all increases to school funding proposed by Gov. Tina Kotek.
The increased tab, more than 10% for some districts, follows lagging returns in investments of the Public Employees Retirement system and could affect teaching and learning in some schools.
“Next year’s sharp jumps in PERS rates will take significant money away from classrooms without making life any better for current educators,” Emielle Nischik, executive director of the Oregon School Boards Association, said in an email. “School districts have done their best to mitigate PERS’ pain, but it is out of their control.”
The impact will vary, with most of Oregon’s 197 school districts and 17 community colleges facing an average 1.5% increase in their payroll going to PERS during the 2025-27 budget cycle, according to a PERS presentation last month.
But 22 districts are facing average increases of 10% or more in part because investment returns have been lower than expected but mainly because side investment accounts meant to help buffer PERS increases are expiring. For 72 school districts that don’t have one of these accounts, the average contribution rate for PERS will soon amount to about 27% of payroll.
Overall, school districts and colleges will pay $565 million more in the next two years compared with the 2023-25 biennium, while about 77,000 vested employees, who also pay into PERS, will pay $105 million more.
The increased costs to districts will more than erase the $515 million boost proposed by Kotek for school funding for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. She announced in July that she’d ask the state Legislature early next year to send more than half a billion dollars to the State School Fund for the next biennium to boost student outcomes, literacy rates and more. The fund is responsible for the bulk of district funding, and payroll makes up about 85% of school budgets.
The latest PERS increases are the consequence of an uptick in post-pandemic hiring, public sector wages growing faster than anticipated, a pre-2003 investment formula that made employers liable for massive contributions and several years of underperforming investments, according to Kevin Olineck, director of the system.
The latter is the largest reason for the latest increases, he said. PERS investments were 10% lower in 2022 and 2023, collectively, than the four-member, governor-appointed Oregon Investment Council had anticipated.
“The Oregon Investment Council is very highly invested in private equities, and they did less than what the public equity markets did,” Olineck explained. Being heavily invested in private equities has brought mostly beneficial returns for PERS in the last 10 or 15 years, he added, but not in the last few years. READ MORE: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/11/13/oregon-school-districts-employees-face-670-million-increase-in-payments-to-public-pension-system/
OHCS invests $5 million to help youth experiencing homelessness in rural Oregon
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is investing $5 million to combat rural homelessness through the Youth Emergency Housing Assistance Program (YEHA). The $5 million will be disbursed to five different organizations in Coos, Klamath, Lincoln, Douglas, and Josephine Counties that help youth and their families who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
“We are committed to ensuring every young person in Oregon has a safe place to call home,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “By investing in real solutions to address youth homelessness, we aim to bridge the funding and service gaps that rural communities often face. This investment will help create sustainable pathways to housing stability and increase opportunities for our youth to thrive.”
The YEHA project team analyzed data from both Oregon’s Emergency Homelessness Response and the Department of Education to identify which communities had the highest rate of youth experiencing homelessness to ensure these funds make the biggest possible impact. The YEHA project team chose the Coos County Office of Homelessness Response, Integral Youth Services in Klamath County, the Lincoln County Housing Authority, the Phoenix School of Roseburg in Douglas County, and the Maslow Project in Josephine County to receive funding.
“This funding will empower us to expand our outreach, enhance our support services, and build sustainable solutions for the unique challenges faced by our Josephine County community,” said Maslow Project Founder and Executive Director Mary Ferrell. “It’s a vital step toward ensuring that youth and families in our county can access safe and stable housing. We know that when stabilized, youth are far more likely to finish high school, improve their long-term outcomes, and end the cycle of homelessness.”
YEHA aims to provide housing-focused services to school-age children and their families to enhance family stability and school success. The organizations in these counties will establish and promote intentional collaboration between schools and housing providers to extend a reliable family support network and optimize the funding’s impact. These resources will help cover expenses such as rent, utilities, work and educational support, moving costs, transportation, furniture, household goods, and more.
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.
Crater Lake Gets Snow – North Entrance Road and Rim Drive are CLOSED for the season.
Crater Lake got its first big snowstorm of the year Wednesday. If you were planning a late fall trip to Oregon’s
Crater Lake National Park today, you’re out of luck. All roads at the park were closed Thursday morning after a winter
storm dumped snow on the park and “equipment challenges” meant employees couldn’t immediately clear them.
The North Entrance Road and East & West Rim Drives are now closed for the season a few The roads will not open again until mid to late June or July 2025. All other roads are open.
According to a post on the park’s website, all park roads were temporarily closed to travel “while the snowplow
operators work to repair equipment and clear the roads.” he park had gotten just under 15 inches of snow in about 24 hours, according to Tim Daldrup, a meterologist with the National Weather Service in Medford.
The snow was expected to continue, though substantially lighter, for the next several days. But, said Dalrup, another storm is predicted late Sunday into Monday that could bring a foot or more of new snow to the area. Crater Lake National Park did not respond to say when they anticipated re-opening park roads. In general, the park is open all year, and snow is common. https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Free Fishing Days in Oregon Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29-30
Make fishing part of your Thanksgiving weekend plans with friends and family. Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30.
No fishing/shellfish licenses or tags (including a Combined Angling Tag, Columbia River Basin Endorsement or Two-Rod Validation) are required those two days. Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free.
All other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. See the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for rules and remember to check for any in-season regulation updates too, especially for salmon and steelhead fishing. Click on the zone where you want to fish to see regulation updates.
The Recreation Report is updated weekly and features the best bests for fishing for the upcoming week. Depending on water levels and conditions, fishing could be good for Chinook or coho salmon; again be sure to check regulations first because not all rivers are open. Trout will also be stocked the week before Thanksgiving at several popular lakes in the Willamette Valley.
For beginners, Easy Angling Oregon is a great guide to getting started fishing in Oregon, https://myodfw.com/articles/easy-angling-oregon-introduction. And if you live near Portland, Bend, Medford, Roseburg or in Lane County, there are lots of nearby options.
Prefer to crab or clam instead? MyODFW.com has all the information you need to get started clamming or crabbing. Remember to check ocean conditions and take safety precautions—always clam with a friend and never turn your back on the ocean.
Call the ODA Shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or check their Shellfish Closures page before you go clamming or crabbing. The Oregon Department of Agriculture regularly tests shellfish and closes areas when naturally occurring biotoxins get to levels that make crabs and clams unsafe to eat.
Currently, crabbing is open in bays, beaches, estuaries, tide pools, piers and jetties along the entire Oregon coast. Crabbing is closed in the ocean due to the annual closure from Oct. 16-Nov. 30 each year.
As of mid-November, razor clamming is closed from Cascade Head to the California border due to high levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid, but closures may change by Thanksgiving Weekend so check before you go. (SOURCE)
Triple your impact: Pacific Power will match your contribution to Oregon Energy Fund 2-for-1
Pacific Power is making it simple to make a difference in communities by helping struggling neighbors stay warm this winter. For every dollar that you donate, Pacific Power will match your donation to the Oregon Energy Fund with $2 more.
Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail will find they include an Oregon Energy Fund contribution envelope in November. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program. To enroll in the fixed donation program, customers can call Pacific Power toll-free at 1-888-221-7070 or Donate to Energy Assistance (pacificpower.net).
This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power.
Donations may be tax-deductible and are forwarded directly to the Oregon Energy Fund, which verifies eligibility and allocates funds to those in need. All funds donated are used to assist families in need within the same county in which the donor resides.
“Pacific Power’s commitment to supporting household stability is bolstered by compassion, collaboration and innovation,” said Brian Allbritton, executive director of the Oregon Energy Fund.
“Studies have shown that more than a quarter of Oregonians struggle to pay their bills each year,” said Albritton. “From Oregon Energy Fund’s start in 1989, Pacific Power has been an important partner in bringing emergency bill payment assistance to thousands of vulnerable Oregonians, helping make them healthy and safe while keeping their lights on.”
Last year, donations from Pacific Power’s customers, employees and the company helped 2,995 individuals in need throughout Oregon, including 1,482 adults, 503 seniors, 464 people with disabilities and 1,010 children. This year, Pacific Power will match up to $144,000 in donations.
Customers who need bill assistance can speak with Pacific Power representatives at 1-888-221-7070 who can help with payment plans that work for their individual needs, while directing them to agencies that may be able to help. https://www.pacificpower.net/about/newsroom/news-releases/2024-Oregon-Energy-Fund.html#:~:text=PORTLAND%2C%20Ore.,Energy%20Fund%20with%20%242%20more.
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.
Bureau of Land Management recreation managers are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to fill host positions at six unique locations for the 2025 summer recreation season.
Volunteer hosts play a critical role at BLM recreation sites. They are the primary, daily connection between public land users and BLM staff. Hosts also assist BLM staff to open and close sites each day, manage campground and shelter reservations, answer visitor questions, encourage visitor rule adherence, and generally maintain the sites.
A paved RV pad is provided at each site for host volunteers. Sites have varying degrees of amenities from full electric, water, and sewer hook-ups to completely primitive sites with only public potable water access. The selected volunteer(s) must provide their own trailer, motorhome, RV, or tent set-up.
Each host will receive a modest daily stipend to off-set some living costs and incidental expenses. Hosts are expected to live on site during the region’s busiest recreation season, typically from April through September. (The start date for the selected host at Sharps Creek will likely be earlier in the year.)
For more information and to apply for these volunteer opportunities, please visit Volunteer.gov. If you have further questions, contact Kendra Barat at kbarat@blm.gov or (720) 591-68
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=.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.
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.
Media contest invites Oregon high school students to promote young worker safety; entries due Feb. 21, 2025
Salem – High school students across Oregon are encouraged to put their video or graphic design skills on display by competing for cash prizes as part of a larger cause: increasing awareness about workplace safety and health for young workers.
The 2025 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, calls on participants to create an ad – through a compelling graphic design or video – that grabs their peers’ attention and convinces them to take the Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.
Participants get to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believe will go furthest in capturing their audience and moving it to act. The target audience? Teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time. The contest is now open for submissions. To compete, participants may submit either a graphic design or a video that is no more than 90 seconds in length.
Participants are expected to choose their key message, theme, or tagline in a wise and positive manner, including constructive and effective messages and language.
The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school, club, or organization will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.
While they carry out their projects, participants must ensure the health and safety of their team. No one should be endangered while creating their video or graphic design project.
The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.
Participants are encouraged to submit entries online. Submissions may also be mailed on a USB thumb drive or delivered in person.
For more information about the entry form and rules, contest expectations, and resources – including previous contest winners – visit the O[yes] online contest page.
The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the Oregon Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Alliance.
### About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
About the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]): (O[yes]) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.
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
