Willamette Valley News, Monday 12/2 – Arrest Made in Thanksgiving Day Vandalism Fire at The Rink Exchange as Community Rallies to Help, Series of Six Suspicious Fires in West Eugene Under Investigation & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com

Monday, December 2, 2024

Willamette Valley Weather

Active Weather Alerts – National Weather Service

...AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST THURSDAY...
...DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PST THIS MORNING...

* WHAT...For the Dense Fog Advisory, visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog. For the Air Stagnation Advisory, Light winds and limited air movement will lead to a period of stagnant air conditions. This scenario could result in the build up of air pollutants over time.

* WHERE...South Willamette Valley.

* WHEN...For the Air Stagnation Advisory, until 4 AM PST Thursday. For the Dense Fog Advisory, until 11 AM PST this morning.

* IMPACTS...Deteriorating air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.

Be Prepared for Winter Weather

A blanket of thick fog has descended over the Northwest as December weather seizes the country. A “Dense Fog Advisory” has been issued by the National Weather Service for much of Oregon.

“Air Stagnation Advisories” have also been issued across Oregon, Idaho and parts of Washington. “Stagnant air conditions over parts of the Pacific Northwest, leading to areas of dense fog and poor air quality,” the NWS said in a short range public discussion.

These atmospheric conditions may lead to “hazardous” conditions on the roads, with the NWS advising drivers to take care.

The NWS explains that a Dense Fog Advisory is put into place “when widespread fog is expected to reduce visibilities to 1/4 mile or less over a large area for an extended period of time (2 or more hours),” while an Air Stagnation Advisory is given when “major buildups of air pollution, smoke, dust, or industrial gases are expected near the ground for a period of time.”

As winter storms and extreme weather events impact communities, Oregon residents are reminded to be prepared for potential power outages, the Oregon Public Utility Commission says.

Heavy snow, ice, and high winds can damage power lines and disrupt electricity, sometimes leading to extended outages. Weather conditions in specific geographies may also cause electric utilities to adjust system settings, which can result in more frequent or longer outages.

Prepare your home and business in case a winter storm leads to a power outage: Be two weeks ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, and other essentials needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks. 

Learn more about what supplies to consider. Charge your devices: Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation of an outage. Consider a car charger for phones and other electronic devices. And, Use generators safely – Never operate a generator inside your home or garage, or near windows or vents, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. https://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx

Snow in Mountain Passes

Travelers should bring chains when headed over the Cascade, Willamette and Santiam Passes.

ODOT urges drivers to follow several key tips to stay safe:

• Turn on your windshield wipers and headlights
• Slow down and avoid cruise control
•  Increase your stopping distance and steer clear of standing water
• Carry chains and check road conditions before traveling
  using TripCheck.com or by calling 511.
• Pack an emergency kit with a flashlight, phone charger, warm clothes, food, and water in case you get
  stuck.
• Be aware of the dangers of black ice, which can be even more hazardous than snow.
• Drivers should always be prepared for sudden weather changes—especially in higher elevations.

Multiple winter storm warnings have been issued across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, urging people to avoid travel due to heavy snow expected in these states. In Oregon, warnings cover various counties, including portions of highways 97, 58, 230, 138, 62, 140, and 66. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Medford and Portland emphasized the potential for very difficult driving conditions and advised extreme caution if travel is necessary.

U.S. Forest Service – Willamette National Forest  –  Traveling on Forest Service Roads this week

Some winter driving tips: Bring a map. Don’t rely on your phone for navigation or communication as coverage may be unavailable. Drivers should exercise caution as Forest Roads may not be maintained for winter travel. Winter weather can quickly alter driving conditions. Turn around if conditions warrant or your vehicle is not equipped to continue. Stay safe out there!

Arrest Made in Thanksgiving Day Vandalism Fire at The Rink Exchange as Community Rallies to Help

An early morning break in and fire at The Rink Exchange at 6am on Thanksgiving turned into an arson case. There was extensive damage and an outpouring of community support.

First responders were dispatched to the rink around 6 a.m. on November 28, Thanksgiving Day, after an individual shattered a double paned glass window to gain entry. The suspect vandalized the pro shop, stealing merchandise and causing thousands of dollars in damage.

The general manager said the situation escalated when the suspect set fire to materials that he stacked inside the facility. Fortunately, the sprinkler system contained the flames, but the rink sustained approximately $50,000 in smoke and water damage, in addition to the stolen and vandalized items.

In the aftermath of the vandalism, rink staff say the community has rallied behind them. Many skaters see the rink as a second home, and their support was immediate. Despite it being a holiday, several community members volunteered to help clean up. The rink managed to reopen on Friday, and dozens of skaters turned out to support the facility.

Eugene police have arrested 35-year-old Kevin Michael Hudson in connection with the incident. Hudson faces charges including burglary, arson, and criminal mischief.

A Series of Six Suspicious Fires in West Eugene Under Investigation By Fire Marshals and Police

A series of suspicous fires in West Eugene early Saturday morning are under investigation. Crews responded to six fires along W. 11th to Beltline and Commercial that included an ATM fire, a fence fire and several other suspicious fires which are still under investigation.

Tent Fires in Glenwood

Just after 6 PM Sunday night Engines 1, 13 and Tender 14 responded to several tents on fire under I-5 off Franklin Blvd in Glenwood. No injuries were reported.

Salem Apartment Fire Leads to Suspicious Death Investigation

Salem Police detectives are currently investigating the death of a Salem man in a fire at residential apartment building yesterday, November 30.

At approximately 2:45 a.m. Saturday morning, Salem police and firefighters responded to an apartment fire in the 1100 block of Chemeketa ST NE. Personnel located a deceased 38-year-old man in one of the units.

Due to the suspicious nature of the victim’s death and origin of the fire, the incident is being handled by the Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit as a suspicious death investigation. Separately, the cause of the fire is being investigated in conjunction with the Salem Fire Department. No further information is being released in either case.

Tentative deal between Albany schools and teachers union collapses in final hour as strike continues

A tentative deal to end a historic weeks-long strike in the Greater Albany Public Schools collapsed in the final hour early Monday morning. The strike is in its third week, with classroom sizes and adequate staffing appearing to be sticking points in the new contract agreement.

The district had said Sunday night that a deal was “being finalized.” The union bargaining team later confirmed that a tentative deal had been reached. That deal “imploded” around 3 a.m. on Monday after negotiations over return-to-work conditions broke down, the union said.

Striking teachers plan to resume picket lines at all 21 schools Monday morning. Classes remain canceled on Monday amid the ongoing strike.

The union said the breakdown came after 11 hours of negotiations when it and the district failed to come to an agreement on “standard return to work terms.” The union also claimed that not enough school board members remained awake to authorize an agreement to the teachers’ latest proposal or a counter.

“We are flabbergasted that after three weeks of strike, bargaining every day but two over Thanksgiving break, and nearly securing a full agreement today over the entirety of the contract except one appendix, this District’s bad faith power plays have now cost us an agreement,” said Dana Lovejoy, a math teacher at South Albany High School and president of the Greater Albany Education Association.

According to the union, the district inaccurately stated that a “return to work agreement” had been reached over the weekend. The union said the teachers waited until 3 a.m. on Monday for the district to “reappear and negotiate” the final details. 

Union members had planned to meet Monday and vote on whether to ratify the agreement. That vote has now been suspended until a new tentative agreement is reached. Over 50% of full union members must vote in favor for it to pass.

With the collapsed deal, the teachers strike now enters its third week. Hundreds of educators walked off the job on Nov. 12, marking the first strike by Albany teachers in nearly 40 years. Sticking points for teachers and educators have been increased safety measures, better pay and smaller class sizes, as well as more prep time and professional development opportunities. 

Lane County Government –  𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟔

Join a fun-filled evening of connection and celebration at the Communities of Color and Allies Network (CCAN) First Friday!

All are welcome at this all-ages event with free food, networking opportunities, puzzles and games. Hosted by the City of Springfield and Lane Council of Governments (LCOG). Bring your family and loved ones to connect with others in a relaxing, safe space where you can make new friends and build meaningful relationships. Friday, December 6, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Springfield Public Library (225 Fifth Street, Springfield)

Western Oregon University’s Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade Set for December 6

MONMOUTH, OR. –Western Oregon University, in collaboration with the Monmouth Business Association will host the 57th annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6, a beloved event that brings joy and unity to campus and the community.

This year’s ceremony promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend. The lighting of the magnificent 123-foot sequoia tree will mark the beginning of the holiday season, creating a magical atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of the season.

The holiday parade starts at the Monmouth Public Library at 6 p.m. and concludes on Western’s campus in front of the sequoia tree for the lighting. Following the tree lighting, activities will take place in the Werner University Center for all ages such as photos with Santa, cookie decorating, coloring, and the Monmouth Merry craft market (the market opens at 5 p.m.) with over 30 vendors. Abby’s House is also hosting its annual silent auction that evening, where proceeds will support the services they provide to students. These activities have become cherished traditions that create lasting memories for all. 

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and the public are all invited to participate in the celebration.

### About Western Oregon University – Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.

Bushnell University School of Music and Performing Arts Winter Performances and Events

EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University’s School of Music and Performing Arts is pleased to invite the community to Christmas Concerts and events by the students in University Choir, Bushnell Jazz Ensemble, and Bushnell Chorale. 

The performance events will take place at First Baptist Church of Eugene, and The Grotto in Portland, OR. Bushnell Chorale will be singing at The Grotto’s Festival of Lights at 9:00 PM on December 6, 2024.  This 11-voice treble choir presents classical and modern pieces that bring beauty, celebration, and joy to the Christmas season. More information about the Festival of Lights and admission can be found here: www.thegrotto.org/christmas-festival-of-lights/.   

Bushnell School of Music and Performing Arts will close the season with their festive annual Christmas Concert, Saturday, December 7 at 4PM, at First Baptist Church in Eugene, bringing all the music students together in a program including hope-filled holiday favorites, meaningful worship songs and classical and contemporary jazz repertoire. 

See more at Bushnell Chorale at Festival of Lights – Bushnell University and A Bushnell Christmas – Bushnell University. The Bushnell events are open to all ages. 

Program subject to change.
LOCATIONS: First Baptist Church of Eugene, and The Grotto 

Tickets: Free (entry fee required The Grotto performance on Friday, December 6.) 

Donations sought for annual community holiday meal

The 15^th annual MLK Holiday Meal will return on Wednesday, December 18. Organizers with Lane County’s MLK Education Center are seeking donations in order to serve as many people as possible during the event. 

The MLK Holiday Meal provides a free lunch of turkey, ham and side dishes open to all community members. The food is prepared and served by youth enrolled in the MLK Culinary Arts Program at the Serbu Youth Campus in Eugene. The program is part of the MLK Education Center – an alternative education program providing academic and vocational services for youth involved with Lane County Community Justice and Rehabilitation Services.

Event organizers welcome donations of food, services, and financial contributions. The event includes free raffles to give people products or gift certificates that provide extra support during the holiday season. Interested donors are encouraged to contact the MLK Education Center at 541-682-4715. Donations are tax deductible. 

Displays at the MLK Holiday Meal will recognize contributions made by businesses, organizations, and individual donors. 

More about the MLK Culinary Arts Program – MLK Culinary Arts is one of the school’s vocational programs where students are taught a wide variety of culinary, catering, and workplace skills. Youth work alongside professionals who mentor and supervise them to prepare meals and cater a variety of events. A crucial piece of this program is connecting students with the community. The MLK Holiday Meal is one opportunity for the youth to give back to their community and demonstrate the skills they are developing. Our youth served more than 400 community members during last year’s event.  Lane Co. Government 

The Annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt

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

Eugene Police Department –  Embrace the season of giving by donating hoodies to high school-aged kids!

As temperatures drop, let’s wrap our community in warmth and kindness. Clean out those closets and drop off your gently used or new hoodies at our designated collection points.For those who prefer a convenient option, consider donating gift cards that will be used to purchase hoodies.

Send your gift cards to the Eugene Police Department:Community Engagement Supervisor, Cherie Nelson300 Country Club Rd. Eugene, OR 97401 Your contribution will ensure teenagers stay snug and stylish this winter. Let’s come together to make a difference—one hoodie at a time!

Eugene Chooses Downtown as ‘Climate-Friendly Area’ Under State Mandate

In response to a state requirement, the City of Eugene has designated its downtown neighborhood as a “Climate-Friendly Area.”

State rules require the city to adopt regulations to make neighborhoods in which people can meet their daily needs without relying on a car.

At a recent work session, city staff proposed three different options for designation as Climate-Friendly. City Councilors were in agreement that they wanted to start slow.

Councilor Lyndsie Leech said there’s a lot on the city’s plate right now.

“I definitely want to make our city more walkable, bikeable,” she said. “And this is potentially a good tool to do that. But we don’t know that. And it feels like a lot all at once.”

The council unanimously approved option number one which includes the greater downtown as a climate-friendly area. That was the option that meets state minimum requirements. (SOURCE)

From the City of Eugene:

The CFEC rules require Eugene to adopt regulations facilitating walkable mixed-use development in designated Climate-Friendly Areas (CFAs). A Climate-Friendly Area is intended to be an area where most people can meet their daily needs without relying on a car. The CFEC rules envision Climate-Friendly Areas as a type of mixed-use center that includes jobs, services, and higher density housing, as well as great walking, biking, and transit infrastructure.

The key elements of the CFEC implementation include:

• Reform parking requirements

• Prepare for a future with more electric vehicles

• Designate Climate-Friendly Areas

• Plan for more climate-friendly transportation options

• Plan for compact, walkable design

• Center the voices of underserved communities

• Monitor housing and transportation outcomes and adjust over time

• Option 1: State Minimum Requirements (Greater Downtown and Lower Coburg Road). To meet the minimum state requirements for CFA designation, the City could designate the existing, contiguous properties with mixed-use and higher density zoning around greater downtown Eugene, as well as the commercial center on Lower Coburg Road as identified in Attachment D (Maps 1 and 2).

• Option 2: Additional Commercial Areas Most Promising for Redevelopment (Adds Santa Clara Station, Valley River Center, and South Willamette). In addition to the areas in Option 1, the City could designate as CFAs additional promising core commercial centers that have existing higher density, mixed-use development or the potential for redevelopment of this type. These additional core commercial centers include the Valley River Center area, along South Willamette, and the Santa Clara Station area, identified in Attachment D (Maps 3-5).

• Option 3: Requires Additional Investment and Incentives (Adds 6th/7th Corridor and West 11th Corridor). In addition to the areas identified in Options 1 and 2, the City could choose to designate as CFAs certain transit corridors that may have potential for higher density, mixed-use development. These areas, as identified in Attachment D (Maps 6-7), include the 6th/7th Avenue Corridor and West 11th Avenue Corridor and would require additional investment and financial incentives to support intended outcomes for CFAs

Community Call to Action as New Senior Leadership Closes Down White Bird Clinic’s Front Room

The announcement of the closure of White Bird Clinic’s Front Rooms department by the new Senior Leadership Team is leaving staff and community members in shock, particularly during ongoing union negotiations.

Front Rooms is a key entry point for low-barrier services at the clinic and has been a staple in the Eugene community, serving some of the most vulnerable people for 50 years.

Miles Shepard, a Front Rooms employee and bargaining team member, says, “The front rooms department and the workers that make it happen are an absolutely vital service in Eugene.”

Described as a lighthouse for those in need, White Bird’s Front Rooms serves as a lifeline for more than 100 people per day, offering resources like housing assistance, food, mail distribution, and case management referrals.

The announcement has added uncertainty for the clinic’s Front Rooms and NEST department employees, who have been bargaining with the white bird for 10 months.

Shepard says, “We’re certainly getting pushed further into financial insecurity, potentially not being able to get other jobs and this sort of thing. I know we’re all really worried about this. You know, we’ve certainly worked really hard on this contract, and we really want the opportunity to see it through.”

Budget problems are being blamed for the permanent closure on December 13.

White Bird is facing a 20% cut of their funding from Pacific Source — a loss of $3.6 million. Front Rooms operates at a nearly $1 million deficit every year.

According to the Executive Director of White Bird, Front Rooms, lacking federal or state-mandated funding requirements, needs to close to sustain White Bird’s overall operations.

“We have to be smart about how we offer services,” says Executive Director Jeremy Gates. “That building, we’re not having dark doors. We’re not disappearing from what we call our campus, our 341 main campus area. We will still have staff there. Clients will still come to us.”

The closure has sparked concerns about the direction of the White Bird Clinic.

Advocates argue that closing the Front Rooms could harm White Bird’s reputation and ability to serve the community effectively.

“There has seemingly been a push by other organizations around Eugene to go for a more institutionalized approach to social services,” explains Dante Morrison, a NEST employee and bargaining team member. “A lot of our clients report to us that they don’t necessarily feel welcome in other spaces where, pretty much no matter what, as long as somebody comes to us, they’re gonna get a sandwich, they’re gonna get seen.”

Adds Gates, “This strictly boils down to a combination of being efficient and reducing duplicate services or allowing an opportunity to provide the same service but in a different part of coupled with a very large and unexpected and sudden budget reduction, revenue reduction – a budget loss. Threading that needle is not easy, and there’s no intent to change our service models or how we provide care to folks.”

Some of the Front Rooms’ services will be absorbed by other White Bird departments, but the closure will leave gaps in accessibility for hundreds of vulnerable clients.

Nine employees are also facing layoffs. The organization says it’s committed to supporting those employees through severance packages, counseling services, and job placement assistance.

“We are trying to eliminate as much of the burden and ease the steps back into the workforce,” Gates says. “We are also trying to ensure all of the employees are eligible to apply and try to essentially land another job within White Bird that they qualify for.”

Gates and Front Rooms employees describe losing Front Rooms as heartbreaking, its closure leaving behind a legacy that has shaped Eugene’s social services landscape for decades.

White Bird released the following statement Thursday afternoon:

The decision to close our Front Rooms program was not made lightly. It reflects the difficult reality of a significant and unexpected reduction in funding. The PacificSource Per Member Per Month (PMPM) funding, which has been a cornerstone of our budget and accounts for over 20% of our revenue, will expire on December 31.

While this change is challenging, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the support and care our community relies on. No services are ending and will continue through our programs like CAHOOTS, NEST and our Harm Reduction Treatment Center.

Key Services:

• Mail service will continue at our main location (341 E. 12th).
• Eyeglass voucher program will continue at our main location (341 E. 12th) and will soon be available at all physical White Bird locations.
• Food distribution will continue at our NEST location (323 E. 12th).
• Gear distribution will move to our Harm Reduction Treatment Center, where clients can access not only supplies but also additional resources and support.

Our priority during this transition is twofold: to support the incredible team members impacted by this change and to ensure the community experiences as little disruption as possible.

This decision, though painful, is part of a larger effort to use our resources in the most effective way to meet the greatest needs of the people we serve. White Bird Clinic remains unwavering in its mission to care for our community with compassion and respect.

************ Passing along this message from folks organizing with the workers of White Bird! They are calling for community and other social service workers to email jgates@whitebirdclinic.org and other board members about the abrupt closing of the Front Rooms department! They are asking people to act in solidarity with the workers and the clients they serve. __________________________________________________________________________

White Bird’s Board of Directors met with the Senior Leadership Team to discuss the imminent closure of the Front Rooms Department. The shut down is purported to occur sometime in December—less than a month from now. That’s less than a month for an entire department of workers to find new sources of income. No definitive or clear plans were made at the Board meeting, and very little information has been shared with either the workers or the public.

There continues to be no communication from Senior Leadership regarding what their plans are for continuation of the crucial services that Front Rooms so uniquely provides to clients with unconditional positive regard. While they have “assured” workers that these services will not stop, they have also given no indication that their plans to shut down Front Rooms will stop either.

Even if these services are “transferred” to other departments or somehow taken on by other existing WB staff, the impact that this major change to services will have on clients and WB Front Rooms workers will be massive. Who is going to train the nonexistent staff to receive clients’ social security mail checks? Who is going to provide direct and in-person crisis intervention, and immediate walk-up info and referrals to over 100 people a day, giving a high volume of people an accessible route to many of Lane County’s other social service agencies?

We will not stand for a White Bird whose Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors play “accountability tag”, each one naming the other party as the decision-maker for this inexcusable department shut down. We will not stand for a White Bird without Front Rooms workers to carry out these life-saving services. And we will not stand for a White Bird without the Front Rooms department. Tell them you won’t either!

Follow @wbfrnestunion to stay up to date on the workers’ struggle. SOLIDARITY WITH WHITE BIRD WORKERS!SOLIDARITY WITH WHITE BIRD CLIENTS! https://www.instagram.com/p/DClWeGAxcWW/

You can find information on White Bird Clinic’s budget at Pro Publica Nonprofit Explorer. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/930585814

OSU Grad Workers Continue Strike

Oregon State graduate employees in Corvallis continue on the picket line as they push for increased pay and a new contract.

On Thursday, Nov. 21, grad workers gathered at the Memorial Union Quad on campus as part of a larger press conference.

The university states the next mediation session is Friday, Nov. 22, and they hope to make progress toward a tentative agreement.

Eugene/Springfield Seeks Public Input on 2025 Consolidated Housing and Community Plan

The City of Eugene is soliciting feedback from the public on its draft Eugene-Springfield 2025 Consolidated Plan, a roadmap for housing and community development in the upcoming year.

Residents have from November 1st until December 6, at precisely 5:00 pm to express their opinions and provide input on the proposed strategies and outcomes that will shape their community’s future.

A written public comment period on the draft Eugene-Springfield 2025 Consolidated Plan is open November 1st through 5:00 pm on December 6, 2024. Comments may be submitted online or to Genevieve Middleton, Affordable Housing Policy & Planning Manager, City of Eugene, 99 W 10th Ave. Suite 240, Eugene, OR  97401. The next Eugene-Springfield Consolidated Plan Advisory Committee meeting and Public Hearing regarding the draft strategic goals and outcomes will be held December 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Additional information about the meeting and the draft Consolidated Plan can be found on the website: http://eugene-or.gov/hudconplan2025.

According to the City of Eugene’s announcement, the Consolidated Plan is a critical tool that shapes how federal funding will be allocated toward housing, and community development projects.

Public contributions at this stage are crucial, as they can influence how the city targets its efforts to tackle issues such as affordable housing, homelessness, and community services that touch the lives of many citizens.

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

Operation Winter Survival Stockpile

Lane County Health & Human Services, in partnership with the First Christian Church today announced the launch of Operation Winter Survival Stockpile. The operation is an effort to create a stockpile through donations of clothing and other supplies that will help those in our community experiencing homelessness better brave the elements. 

“Every winter those in our community who are without shelter are faced with life-threatening temperatures and weather,” said Maria Cortez, Lane County Human Services Program Coordinator. “These donations will be absolutely crucial to helping these community members stay warm and stay alive.”

To help kick off Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, First Christian Church is hosting a one-day donation drive event where community members can drop-off donations and enjoy refreshments Monday, November 25^th from 1 pm to 5 pm. After the donation drive, items can continue to be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. Items can also be purchased on Amazon and sent to 1166 Oak St., Eugene OR 97401. 

The Operation’s Amazon Wish List can be found at:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2XR33GS1ULV8Z?ref_=wl_share

Distribution of items will be prioritized to homeless outreach providers such as CAHOOTS that come into direct contact with individuals who are unhoused and unsheltered.

Items needed for Operation Winter Survival Supply Stockpile include:

• Tents – preferably 2 person

• Blankets – preferably wool

• Rain ponchos

• Sleeping Bags

• Hand Warmers

• Socks – preferably wool

• Tarps

• Gift Cards

• Laundry Cards

• Footwear

• Thermal Underwear

• Flashlights/ Batteries

• Beanies/Warm Hats

• Gloves

• Other survival supplies

For more information on Operation Winter Survival Stockpile, please contact Maria Cortez at ia.Cortez@lanecountyor.gov“>Maria.Cortez@lanecountyor.gov

Missing Oregon Hiker Found Dead. Estranged Husband Arrested For Murder

UPDATE (December 1, 2024): Two dogs believed to be Susan Lane-Fournier’s found deceased

Date12/1/2024 CCSO Case #24-024698 — On Saturday, November 30, 2024, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office recovered two deceased dogs believed to be Susan Lane-Fournier’s. The dogs have been transferred to the custody of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, where investigators are working to confirm their identities.

This case remains an active homicide investigation. Detectives continue to request information from anyone who saw Michel Fournier in the days leading up to Susan’s disappearance or has knowledge of his activities and whereabouts since then.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online form at: www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip Please reference CCSO Case #24-024698

EARLIER (November 30, 2024): Suspect arrested; deceased person found in Welches area identified as Susan Lane-Fournier

CCSO Case #24-024698 Today, Saturday, November 30, 2024, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy of the deceased person found on November 29, 2024, near East Highway 26 and East Miller Road in unincorporated Clackamas County. The Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as missing person Susan Lane-Fournier and the manner of death as a homicide.

On Friday, November 29, 2024, shortly after the discovery of a deceased person in the Welches area, now identified as Susan Lane-Fournier, detectives contacted Michel Fournier, 71 of Brightwood. Detectives arrested Michel Fournier and he was booked into the Clackamas County Jail where he is currently being held without bail on a charge of second-degree murder.

Susan Lane-Fournier was first reported missing on Friday, November 22, 2024, after failing to arrive at her workplace. On Saturday, November 23, 2024, a community member reported seeing Lane-Fournier’s white 1992 Ford F-250 parked near East Salmon River Road and the Green Canyon Way Trail south of Welches. This led to a multi-day search and rescue operation by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team, while detectives continued their investigation.

Susan Lane-Fournier’s two dogs have not been located. Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen Michel Fournier in the days before her disappearance or who has information about his activity and whereabouts since then.

We are releasing Michel Fournier’s booking photo from this incident. The release of the booking photo is for law enforcement purposes and is in accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273 for the identification of additional criminal activity.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online form at: www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip

Please reference CCSO Case #24-024698

EARLIER (Friday, November 29, 2024): Investigation underway after person found deceased in Welches Area

Around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a deceased person found near East Highway 26 and East Miller Road in unincorporated Clackamas County.

When deputies arrived, they located a deceased individual. Investigators are now working to identify the person and determine the circumstances surrounding their death.

This is an active investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office will provide updates when more information becomes available.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online form at: www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip

The information in this story came from a Facebook post posted by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. 

Oregon State Parks Offering Discounted Parking Passes – Give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during December.

Shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25 (regularly $30) from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase at the 25 parks that currently charge for parking.

The annual permit is an even better option for frequent park visitors in 2025 when day-use parking fees will increase from $5 to $10 on Jan. 2, 2025.

Purchasing permits is easy. Visitors can buy them online at Oregon State Parks store. They’re also available at select park stores operated by friends’ groups, park visitor centers and local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.

The daily parking fee is required at the 25 parks that charge for day-use parking unless visitors have a 12-month or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The parking fee does not apply to those who hike, bike or use public transportation.

The 24-month permit is $50 and is also available at OregonStateParkStore. The cost for the 12-month and 24-month permits is not currently increasing. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.

Oregon Receives $750,000 to Fund Monarch Butterfly Conservation

Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., announced $750,000 in new funding for two projects. The Pollinator Partnership works with private landowners to conserve butterfly habitat. The other project is a habitat kit program for both public and private land. Here is the full announcement from the senators:

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today a total of $758,810 in funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)’s Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) for two projects that will increase and improve western monarch butterfly and pollinator habitats in Oregon.

“We’ve all experienced the moment of excitement when we spot a monarch butterfly fluttering through the air. If we allow the iconic western monarch butterfly to go extinct, we will not only lose this beautiful species, but a critical pollinator forever,” said Merkley, who secured the federal funding as Chair of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, where he continuously boosts conservation efforts for monarch and other pollinators. “Groups and communities across Oregon and across the West are stepping up to find sustainable solutions, from planting pollinator-friendly gardens in their yards to providing resources and habitats for them. This funding, which includes the federal funding I secured, will further fuel our collective efforts to save this species before time runs out.”

“Monarch butterflies are crucial pollinators on the West Coast, where much of America’s food is grown,” Wyden said. “This investment will support a vital component of our food ecosystem while also helping to preserve a species that symbolizes the rebirth and resiliency Oregonians are known for.”

Today’s investments are part of $5.2 million in grants recently awarded by the NFWF’s Pollinator Fund for projects to conserve monarch butterflies and other insect pollinators in 24 states. Details of the projects in Oregon are as follows:

• $458,810 for the Pollinator Partnership to support Partner Biologists in planning climate-smart voluntary conservation efforts for private working lands that benefit the monarch butterfly and other pollinators across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The project is expected to restore 100 acres, improve 500 acres, develop 80 conservation plans, reach 720 people, and host 30 events.
• $300,000 for The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to sustain their Monarch and Pollinator Habitat Kit Program that supports monarch butterfly and other pollinators on public and private lands in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregions, eastern Washington, and California. The project is expected to improve 500 acres, reach 200 people, and host 16 events.

These efforts are critically needed, as the western monarch population has declined over 95%, from as many as 10 million in the 1980s, to just over 233,000 counted last winter. These low populations are dangerous for humans, as 75 percent of the world’s flowering plants, and about 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce.

Ensuring pollinator survival means ensuring our own survival. That’s why Merkley has led a series of actions to revive the populations of western monarch and other pollinators, like honeybees. His efforts include hosting Monarch Butterfly Summits in partnership with the Department of the Interior, the first of which announced a $1 million investment in the NFWF Pollinator Fund and established a Pollinator Conservation Center at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Merkley also introduced and passed the bipartisan Monarch and Pollinator Highway Act and he introduced the Pollinator Power Act, which would incentivize pollinator habitats surrounding new solar projects carried out through the Rural Energy for America Program. Merkley is also behind the MONARCH Act and the Pollinator-Friendly Plant Labeling Act, both of which are cosponsored by Wyden.

OSFM expands defensible space incentive program to more Oregon communities

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is extending its incentive program to help Oregonians pay for defensible space projects in more communities in Oregon. The 2024 wildfire season comes as a reminder of the importance of defensible space and completing projects at home and at the community level to be better protected.

While supplies last, home and property owners in select wildfire-vulnerable communities may be eligible to receive a $250 payment following a defensible space assessment by the agency or a participating fire agency. The assessments are free and can be easily scheduled online at oregondefensiblespace.org.

“On the heels of a record-breaking wildfire season, we know that now is the time to prepare our homes for next season,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “We strongly encourage home and property owners to schedule an assessment. Taking this first step can make a significant difference in protecting your home and neighborhood from wildfire risks.”

Defensible space is the area around your home and buildings managed to keep embers from having a place to land and catch fire. Creating and maintaining defensible space is one of the most effective ways to protect a home during a wildfire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal understands that money may be a barrier to complete these projects and the incentive is designed to encourage people to implement the recommendations received during their assessment.

The OSFM’s defensible space program is a crucial step toward building more fire-adapted communities in the face of increasing wildfire risks. By empowering Oregonians to take proactive measures, we will reduce the impact of wildfires on lives, property, and the environment.

Eligible communities were chosen based on their vulnerability to wildfire to get money to those who need it the most. After the assessment is complete, those who qualify will receive the payment in the mail. For a full list of communities and eligibility requirements, click here.

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) releases inaugural State of the State’s Housing Report for Oregon 

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) unveiled the first State of the State’s Housing Report for Oregon, providing an in-depth analysis of housing availability and affordability across the state. Drawing from comprehensive data on housing markets, economic trends, and demographic shifts, the report highlights the challenges Oregon residents face in affording high-quality housing.

“Being attentive to the things that add meaning to people’s lives requires reliable data,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Data enables us to identify where our efforts are making an impact and where improvements are needed to make life better in ways that all people can feel and that we can measure. These data will aid in our collective efforts to deliver housing progress that communities deserve and demand.”

Oregon’s population grew by more than 753,000 residents, representing a 21% increase between 2004 and 2023. Housing construction was insufficient to keep pace with a rapidly increasing population. Oregon must add more than 500,000 housing units over the next two decades to begin addressing supply issues.

Home prices have far outpaced wage gains over the past decade in the for-sale market. For every dollar Oregonians earned in wage increases between 2013 and 2022, the median sales price of a home increased by $7.10. Communities of color continue to face significantly lower homeownership rates (49%) compared to their white counterparts (66%).

More than half of all renters in Oregon and a third of homeowners experience a housing cost burden, meaning that they spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. Approximately 242,000 households fall into the extremely low-income or very low-income categories. Oregon only offers approximately 113,000 housing units that are both affordable and available to them, resulting in a deficit of 128,000 units for these households.

“OHCS cannot solve the deeply entrenched issues facing the people of Oregon on its own,” said Megan Bolton, assistant director of research at OHCS. “There are factors beyond housing that impact the ability of individuals to thrive in today’s economy, and it will take coordination and collaboration with our federal partners, other state agencies, and cities, both large and small, to find ways to ensure housing stability for all Oregonians.” 

OHCS expects to release a State of the State’s Housing Report every two years, with additional localized analyses in the years between each release. Reliable data enables the agency to identify where efforts are making an impact and where improvements are needed.

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.

Hunger Rates in Oregon on the Upswing

Hunger rates plummeted in Oregon in the years leading up to the pandemic, but then COVID hit and during the following two years, the number of Oregonians struggling to put food on the table rose, a recently released Oregon State University study found.

People lost their jobs and their sources of income shrank, creating thousands more malnourished Oregonians.

In 2023, nearly 13% of state residents — about 530,000 individuals — suffered from “food insecurity” in Oregon, according to a just-released Oregon State University analysis that looks at people’s inability to get enough food on the table in a predictable manner. That rate is lower than in the years following the Great Recession, but about two points higher than 2020, marking an increase of about 65,000 more people facing food insecurity during 2021 to 2023.

Renters, people who live alone, those with a lower education, rural residents and minority communities along with adults up to age 64 are more likely to face food insecurity.

With persistent food insecurity issues in Oregon, dozens of organizations like the Oregon Food Bank have stepped up their efforts to tackle the problem, partly in Washington D.C. More than 40 groups recently sent a letter to Oregon’s U.S. senators and representatives, urging them to oppose any reduction in food aid.

The groups are worried about the farm bill, a five-year program that covers agricultural subsidies, crop insurance and food aid like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP helps 680,000 Oregonians a year buy food to feed their families. The five-year farm bill expired last September and Congress has still not passed a new bill.

“Many Oregonians need these resources now more than ever,” Sarah Weber-Ogden, co-executive director of Partners for a Hunger-free Oregon, told the Capital Chronicle. “We need Congress to understand that these programs can’t withstand any reduction in funding or reach — they’re too essential.”

The Agriculture Committee in the Republican-controlled House passed a farm bill that would cut $30 billion from nutritional programs while a version introduced in the U.S. Senate would protect food aid. Neither is likely to make it to the finish line before the next Republican-dominated Congress is in session.

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/XHC4J/1/

Historically high rates

Advocates say a cut in SNAP benefits, which are paid by the federal government, would particularly hurt Oregon.

Historically, Oregon has often had higher food insecurity rates than the rest of the country, something that has puzzled researchers, said Mark Edwards, an Oregon State University professor and lead researcher on the study. He pointed to the 1990s when the economy was booming, a time when presumably rates would be down.

But they weren’t, soaring above the U.S. average. 

Edwards said the state experienced a big influx of people at the time and that prices rose, creating wider disparities among various groups of people.

“The fraction of people who were struggling in terms of paying rent was high in Oregon compared to a lot of states,” Edwards said. “So from early on, we’ve been thinking a lot about the role of housing and housing costs.” 

Renters, who are subject to the whims of the marketplace, are the most at risk. Oregon law limits year-over-year rent increases to the lesser of 10% or 7% plus inflation, but that law doesn’t apply to buildings constructed in the past 15 years. 

During the 2021 to 2023 period covered by the analysis, researchers found that nearly 23% of renters experienced food insecurity compared with nearly 7% of homeowners. Renters generally face higher poverty rates than homeowners and have traditionally had higher rates of food insecurity, the analysis shows. Edwards said he wasn’t surprised by that high rate, saying it could have been even higher without pandemic-era eviction protections and expanded federal food benefits.

“The safety net during COVID really did keep the problem from getting as bad as it could have been,” Edwards said.

But those protections are now gone.

The analysis says it remains to be seen how the priority put on building more housing, especially affordable homes, by Gov. Tina Kotek and the Legislature, with its allocation this year of nearly $380 million for housing, will affect food insecurity rates. Edwards said there’s no magic bullet for reducing hunger in a significant way, especially in a short period of time.

“It’s a hard thing to do to address in one budget,” Edwards said. 

It will take months and maybe years for the money to make an impact, and the high cost of housing is not the only factor at play in food insecurity. The analysis shows that people without a high school education face the highest rates of food insecurity and that they’re going up, with nearly one-third of those without a diploma facing hunger from 2021 to 2023 compared to 17% for those with an associate’s degree and more than 6% for those with a bachelor’s.

Those who live alone — both men and women — experience higher rates of food insecurity than couples, but single mothers face the highest rates when looking at household composition: 28% in 2021 to 2023 compared with 15% for single women or 17% for single men.

High rates in rural Oregon

The analysis also found that rural residents experience higher rates of food insecurity than their urban counterparts — 21% compared with 12%. Although many people in the countryside have gardens and grow their own food, the vast majority of rural residents shop at grocery stores, Edwards said. 

He doesn’t know exactly why rural folks in Oregon have faced a higher risk of food insecurity, but said it could be a combination of factors. They might not have easy access to state and federal benefits or might not have wanted to use them out of fear of being seen to need SNAP benefits, for example, or experiencing a stigma of going to a church food pantry.

Also during the pandemic, people were told to stay at home, which might have kept them away from food pantries, Edwards said. 

But the curious thing is that Oregon is an outlier in having higher food insecurity rates in rural areas.

“It didn’t happen all over the country,” Edwards said. “We’re still trying to figure out if there was something really unique about Oregon’s rural places that made it especially vulnerable.”

With the next legislative session around the corner, Oregon’s Hunger Task Force, which includes lawmakers, agency staff, advocates and people who’ve struggled with hunger, is working on a “roadmap” to address the state’s high food insecurity rates. The document, which is still in the works, will be presented to lawmakers during their three days of meetings next month, said Jacki Ward Kehrwald, the communications lead for the nonprofit Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. 

The document maps out three main principles — ensuring that food is affordable, easily accessible and culturally appropriate — and details a path forward that would bring together all facets related to hunger that need to work together to bring down food insecurity rates, said Weber-Ogden of Partners for a Hunger-free Oregon. (SOURCE)

OHSU study sheds light on the role housing and other needs play in health care

A national survey of low-income households that receive Medicaid finds improved health outcomes when housing and food needs are met in clinic visits

Housing and food insecurity sharply increased in Oregon among Medicaid and Medicare recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic, even amid a moratorium on evictions and increased government support for nutrition. 

The basic needs of Oregonians remained in peril from the start of the pandemic in March 2020 until at least the end of 2021, according to the findings of a study led by Oregon Health & Science University researchers published Monday in the Annals of Family Medicine. 

The study sheds light on the role that social determinants of health like adequate housing and food can play in a person’s overall well-being. This month, the Oregon Health Authority launched a new program to help people on Medicaid with their rent costs when a medical crisis hurts their ability to pay. 

The Oregon study surveyed and followed about 21,000 people who received Medicare or Medicaid benefits for their health care coverage, starting in 2019 and continuing through the end of 2021.  Researchers found a 17.7-percentage point increase overall in health-related social challenges such as housing instability and adequate food in March 2020, which coincided with the nation’s shutdown during the pandemic. That increase did not significantly decline through the end of 2021.

In Oregon, more than 1.4 million residents rely upon the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program that provides health care, dental and behavioral health services to low-income people. More than 930,000 Oregonians are on Medicare, which is available for people who are at least 65 years old or receive Social Security disability benefits. 

The study was part of a broader national effort that surveyed 1.1 million people in the U.S. in a similar situation. The nationwide survey, overseen by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, found that people who had their basic needs like housing, food, transportation and utilities addressed during a health care visit enjoyed better overall health compared to people who did not receive assistance. 

“Together, these findings drive home the point that health care organizations need to think about the social care of their patients,” said senior author Anne King, an OHSU adjunct faculty member and Oregon state director of Comagine Health, a nonprofit health care quality improvement firm. “It actually improves their health and it reduces costs for taxpayers.”

Work started before the pandemic 

In 2019, researchers in OHSU’s Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network enlisted the help of 50 clinics across Oregon to connect them to people. The participants spanned a swath of Oregon from the Portland metro area to rural communities in 15 counties.

With that timing, the study started just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The rise in housing and food needs continued, even as government benefits like unemployment payments and eviction moratoriums increased. 

Oregon’s new rental assistance program comes through its Medicaid waiver, which is a five-year plan that the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved. States can receive waivers as a tool to try new Medicaid programs and spend money in ways it otherwise could not. 

During this period, Oregon has nearly $1 billion available for the rental assistance programs and other new programs within the Medicaid plan for air conditioners, air filters and food benefits. Most of the money — $904 million — is federal funding, with a state match of $71 million. 

“This study lends credence to the importance of having this activity happen in conjunction with health care,” King said in an interview. “In allowing a waiver, CMS is recognizing that meeting people’s social needs and addressing them in the clinical setting, is actually beneficial, both to the patient and also to just the healthcare system nationally, at large.”

Oregon’s current Medicaid waiver is in effect from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2027. 

The rise in needs also raises questions about how much bleaker the picture would have been without increased benefits. 

“What if we hadn’t done anything?” said lead author Jean Hiebert Larson, an OHSU finance analyst. “Would this have been much worse?”

The study recommends more research into what potential policies and changes can best address health-related social needs. 

But Oregon researchers also say the state’s new program to provide short-term rental assistance to people on Medicaid is a step in the right direction. The rental assistance program can cover rental and utility costs for up to six months, including past-due amounts. People also can receive medically necessary home improvements, including wheelchair ramps, pest control and heavy-duty cleaning. 

“Oregon is ahead of the nation,” King said. “We’re at the forefront of the nation in understanding the relationship between stable housing and effective delivery of health care.” (SOURCE)

New Oregon economic forecaster predicts higher revenue, higher kicker

Oregon’s new chief state economist estimates the state will have about $37.8 billion available to spend in the next two-year budget cycle after reworking how the state calculates its economic forecast.

The state’s also on track to pay out a $1.8 billion kicker to taxpayers in 2026. But new chief economist Carl Riccadonna, a former Wall Street analyst hired in September, is changing the way Oregon models its expected revenue with an eye toward more accurate forecasts that reduce the amount returned to taxpayers through Oregon’s unique kicker law. 

Riccadonna and senior economist Michael Kennedy presented their first quarterly forecast to lawmakers Wednesday and previewed some of their findings on a call with reporters Tuesday evening. Under the new forecast, lawmakers could have nearly $6 billion more to spend in the upcoming 2025-27 budget cycle compared to the last one.

Riccadonna’s hiring followed years of record kicker payouts. Oregon’s unique tax credit kicks in whenever income tax payments in a two-year budget cycle are at least 2% higher than budgeted, sending the excess back to taxpayers when they file state income taxes the following year. 

The state has sent kicker payments every two years since 2016, including a jaw-dropping $5.6 billion to taxpayers who filed in 2024. The latest forecast estimates a 2026 kicker of $1.79 billion, up from $1 billion in the September forecast. 

“My mandate joining DAS back in September was to really get to the bottom of what’s happening here, and so what my team has done is kind of deconstruct and reconstruct a lot of the forecast models to figure out what was happening,” Riccadonna said. 

Riccadonna and Kennedy attributed the high kickers — and corresponding decrease in funds available to lawmakers — to flaws in former state economist Mark McMullen’s economic model. It was too pessimistic and didn’t treat the kicker as a tax liability, they said.  

“If you look back, as the kicker gets bigger and that difference gets bigger, the errors get bigger,” Kennedy said.  “You get this recursive effect where the errors are just going to get bigger and bigger as the kicker gets bigger, unless you go back to a world where liability in the model is really the real liability, and you don’t have this difference.” 

Kennedy said the state’s prior revenue forecast model was also more pessimistic than necessary, including taking a national forecast provided by a vendor and adjusting it downward. That’s on top of what Riccadonna described as “pervasive pessimism” among economists that the post-pandemic economic boom would end in a recession, while he said it’s looking increasingly likely that Oregon and the country will instead have a soft landing — a gradual shift from high growth to a flatter economy. 

Legislative leaders, governor react – The forecast estimates lawmakers will be able to spend up to $37.8 billion in the 2025-27 budget, well above the $31.9 billion general fund budget they approved in 2023. Gov. Tina Kotek is working on her budget proposal for lawmakers, who will spend the first six months of 2025 negotiating in public and private to pass a spending plan.  

Democratic legislative leaders and Kotek welcomed the new forecast, saying it proved the state’s economy remains strong and resilient. But they also noted that the state still faces a difficult budget cycle, without the federal COVID relief money that provided a buffer in recent years and with a transportation funding deficit and uncertainty at the federal level. 

“While this positive economic forecast is welcome news and makes the start of the legislative budgeting process a little easier, we are still entering into a very tight budget cycle,” said Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego. “Current critical services must be maintained and legislators will need to make smart choices about how to sustain prior one-time investments to address the important needs facing every corner of Oregon.”

During a press conference with tribal leaders Wednesday, Kotek said changes to how the state models revenue will help with stability in future years. 

“I think the truing up of the calculation of the new chief economist is really going to be helpful to provide stability when we’re trying to do budgeting every two years, and I think his assumptions around the recalculations made a lot of sense to me,” she said.  

Republicans, meanwhile, expressed concerns about lower kicker payments if the state more accurately models revenue. 

“The kicker is the people’s money, and it should remain so,” said Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale and a member of the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee. “While this biennium’s kicker appears secure, changes to the revenue model could lead to smaller refunds in the future, and we need to ensure taxpayers are treated fairly.”

House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, said state economists have an obligation to accurately estimate revenue levels. 

“Although the current forecast is strong and our reserves are healthy, potential changes at the federal level create uncertainty,” she said. “Oregonians should know that even if there is instability at the federal level, here in Oregon there are responsible, focused leaders who will be steady hands at the wheel. We are prepared to use available resources to deliver on what Oregonians need most.”

And incoming House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, D-Canby, said while the state budget might be doing well, family budgets are still stretched thin from years of inflation. 

“Besides plenty of general fund revenues to pay for critical services, the state has deep reserves and an ending balance of over $2.7 billion,” she said. “This is a lot of money from Oregonians, for government to use wisely, to meet its duty to Oregonians themselves. It’s time for government to do its part by improving efficiency, strengthening transparency and providing excellent service. This is not the time for politicians to ignore agency failures, and then push new fees or increased taxes.” (SOURCE)

Oregon DMV now offers 8 language options for online driver’s license test

Oregon’s DMV has expanded its online driver’s license test to include six more languages, coinciding with the digital option’s one-year anniversary.

The online test, which is for non-commercial driver’s licenses, was created in October 2023. Initially available in English and Spanish, the test can now be taken in Arabic, Chinese (simplified Mandarin), Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Vietnamese.

In its first year, 22,642 customers successfully passed the knowledge test online, while 66,195 passed at DMV offices.

The DMV says the online option offers the convenience of taking the test at home, with no difference in fees compared to in-office testing.

“ODOT and DMV are committed to delivering great customer service to all Oregonians,” said DMV Administrator Amy Joyce in a press release. “We’ve continued to modernize our services by adding six languages to our online knowledge testing, allowing more Oregonians to take the test in the comfort of their own home and in their preferred language.”

To take the test online, a desktop or laptop computer with a mouse, keyboard, and functioning webcam is required. Touchscreen devices like phones or tablets are not supported. Additionally, teens under 18 must have an adult 21 years or older supervise their test. Passing the test online allows individuals to know their results before visiting a DMV office, potentially saving multiple trips if they do not pass initially.

After passing the online test, individuals must visit a DMV office with identity documents and pass a vision screening to receive a permit or schedule a drive test, depending on their age. More information on the online test can be found on the DMV’s WEBSITE.

Pacific Power warns customers about billing scams

– Heading into the holiday season, Pacific Power is reminding customers to be vigilant about fraudulent communications from scammers posing as utility representatives. This activity tends to increase during this time of year.

Customers can protect themselves from these types of schemes by being aware of the following facts:

• Scammers will often tell you that your service is scheduled to be interrupted in the next 30-60 minutes.

Fact: Pacific Power will not contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection of service the same day.

• Fraudsters may ask you to purchase a prepaid card and tell them the card information over the phone.

Fact: Pacific Power does not ask customers to make payments by purchasing a prepaid card. You and other customers can always choose how you would like to make your payments.

• Be suspicious of anyone who approaches you by phone, email, text or in person and demanding on-the-spot payment.

Fact: Pacific Power will not demand immediate payment for damaged or broken electrical equipment or any other service.

• If you receive one of these calls, ask the caller to state your account number and compare it with the number listed on your bill.

Fact: Pacific Power customer service employees will always have your correct account number.

• Scammers increasingly have used text messages as a means of targeting victims.

Fact: Pacific Power will not demand payment via text message. Pacific Power encourages customers to set up their online billing profile at Pay My Bill (pacificpower.net) where they can pay bills and review statements.

Scammers may use a sophisticated deceptive tactic that makes it appear to caller ID systems that the call is coming from Pacific Power when it is not. Hang up and call Customer Service directly.

Remember, if you still have concerns about the legitimacy of a call, you can always call our published customer service number, 1-888-221-7070. Pacific Power is asking customers to report information about any scam calls received, including the phone number the person is calling from and any information that may help to track down the fraudsters.  

About Pacific Power – Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.   

 

Looking for a place with skiing, windsurfing and small town charm? The Matador Network just released its list of 11 Best Small Mountain Towns in The US to visit in 2025, and only one Oregon town made the cut: Hood River.

Hood River is about an hour’s drive east of Portland along Interstate 84, situated along the Columbia River and with the towering Mount Hood visible (on clear days at least) on the horizon. TheSan Francisco-based digital media company covers travel, culture and the outdoors. Matador Network editors who compiled the list focused on towns with fewer than 10,000 residents and lots of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Hood River, with a population of about 8,300 people, was honored as the “epicenter of adventure in the Columbia River Gorge.” Mt. Shasta, California also made the list of mountain towns listed within our region.

Money is coming from the American Rescue Plan Act to expand broadband access in Oregon.  

Nick Batz, Director of the Oregon Broadband Office, said there are more proposals than the money will cover.

“We received 63 applications totaling $440 million.  So, highly competitive, over-subscribed grant program for the $157 million dollars that was available.”

Batz noted 16 projects in 17 counties will share $133 million.

“The feds allowed for other technologies, but all 16 of the awards are for fiber optic programs.  Which is great because fiber is the most future-proof technology that is readily available to us.”

The companies expanding their networks now have to decide if they want to accept the money, which in some cases, is less than they asked for.  The work needs to be completed and the systems in operation by the end of 2026.

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 

Holiday Express Steams Up – Rides run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.

The countdown is on! The first day of the highly anticipated Holiday Express is almost here, and it’s your chance to ride a train pulled by a historic steam locomotive—an unforgettable experience like no other.

Santa’s nearly ready—list checked, elves prepped, lights sparkling, and candy canes in hand. The only thing missing is YOU!

Get your tickets now for this beloved annual tradition. Create lasting memories with friends and family aboard the Holiday Express. Rides begin Nov. 29 and run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.

Special Offer: Get 10% off select rides from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8! But don’t wait, tickets are selling fast.

Be part of the magic this holiday season. Reserve your seat today! Oregon Rail Heritage Center 

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.

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

Oregon Aging and People with Disabilities offers free help for Medicare Open Enrollment

(Salem) — Medicare Open Enrollment for the 2025 plan year 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.

Lend Your Voice to Shape the Future of Emergency Management in Oregon!

SALEM, OR – November 19, 2024 – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites all Oregonians to participate in shaping the future of emergency management across the state. On February 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., OEM is hosting its second annual town hall where community members and partners from all backgrounds can provide input and feedback on the agency’s 2023–2025 Strategic Plan and the OEM Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) plan.

The Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for OEM’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service and building resilience within Oregon’s communities. The IDEA plan guides emergency management practices that address the needs of all communities, fostering equitable outcomes and inclusive resilience statewide.  Feedback from this town hall will help guide OEM’s efforts to improve emergency preparedness, response and recovery in ways that serve every community across the state—before, during and after a disaster.

The town hall is open to everyone, and no prior emergency management experience is required. Closed captioning will be available, and a video and audio transcript of the event will be accessible upon request after the event.

Event Details:

Event: Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s second annual strategic planning and IDEA town hall
Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meeting will be virtual; link will be sent as event nears.  

Your feedback is critical in helping OEM serve Oregon’s diverse communities better and to foster an inclusive approach to emergency preparedness and resilience. We look forward to hearing from you at this important event.

For more information or questions, please contact Bobbi McAllister at obbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov“>bobbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov. 

Tips To Purchase a Permit to Cut Your Christmas Tree From an Oregon National Forest

The holiday season is upon us, which means the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree is on. For those looking to bring home a real tree, permits are available now for all Oregon national forests.

Christmas tree permits are available for purchase online at recreation.gov (with an added $2.50 processing fee charged by the website) and at local U.S. Forest Service offices or from local vendors.

Permits are $5 each, and each permit allows the cutting of one Christmas tree. Households can purchase a maximum of five permits.

For downloadable maps of tree-cutting areas and a list of local vendors selling tree permits, go to bit.ly/WNFtree .

Fourth-grade students can receive a free tree permit by getting their Every Kid Outdoors pass and entering the voucher or pass number when prompted on Recreation.gov or by visiting a Forest Service office.

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