Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 12/4 – Albany Teachers and Students Go Back to Class After Strike Ends, Springfield Police Department Arrest 35 People During ‘Black Friday’ Retail Theft Operation & 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

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Willamette Valley Weather

Active Weather Alerts – National Weather Service

...AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST THURSDAY...
...FREEZING FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST TODAY...

* WHAT...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. For the Freezing Fog Advisory, areas of fog and freezing fog, with visibility one quarter mile or less at times.

* WHERE...Central and Southern Willamette Valley.

* WHEN...For the Air Stagnation Advisory, until 4 AM PST Thursday.
For the Freezing Fog Advisory, until noon PST today.

* IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.  Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. With freezing temperatures, moisture in the fog could freeze on bridges and overpasses, making slick and icy spots.

Changes should make their way into the forecast as we approach Wednesday evening. A shortwave of energy brings a small system close to us and allows for rain chances to develop while temps warm. Into the weekend, a large shift in the upper atmosphere pushes more storm chances in and raises snow chances over the Mountains.

Be Prepared for Winter Weather

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!

Albany Teachers and Students Go Back to Class After Strike Ends

After one of the longest Teacher Strikes in Oregon, the Albany teacher’s union overwhelmingly approved the contract, which included capped class sizes and guaranteed bathroom breaks.

A day after the longest teacher strike in the Greater Albany School District’s history ended, teachers celebrated walking back into their classrooms.

Teachers overwhelmingly approved the new contract after nine months of negotiations, followed by the school board’s approval during an emergency school board meeting Monday night.

“The district is pleased to announce that GAEA and the District have settled the contract, and it has been approved by both the GAEA members and the Board as of 8:26 p.m.,” an e-mail from the Greater Albany Public Schools said.

During the three-week strike, teachers had complained about class sizes reaching high levels and had pushed the district to put a cap on class sizes throughout schools. Kindergarten classes are now capped at 25 students.

It was the first teachers strike in Albany in nearly 40 years and the longest one in the district’s history.

Springfield Police Department Arrest 35 People and Recover Nearly $6,000 in Stolen Property During ‘Black Friday’ Retail Theft Operation

On November 29, 2024, Springfield Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit partnered with loss prevention personnel from more than 30 retailers across the city for a ‘Black Friday’ retail theft operation. This operation resulted in 35 arrests and the recovery of 181 stolen items valued at nearly $6,000.

None of the arrested individuals made any attempt to pay for the items they had taken from inside the store. During one of the arrests, officers also recovered multiple stolen firearms from the suspects.

SPD has engaged in multiple retail theft missions over the last year and will continue to partner with area retailers to address the issue. If you would like more information on ways to partner with SPD, please contact us at police@springfield-or.gov.

Southern Willamette Valley, South Coast Nonprofits Receive $1.2M Funding Boost

Oregon Community Foundation Distributes Record Investments in 2024, Announces New Grant Opportunities for 2025 

– Child care and parenting resources. Services to homeless youth. A stronger mobile health unit for rural communities. These are just a just some of the projects and programs in the Southern Willamette Valley and South Coast receiving a $1,171,200 boost from the 2024 Fall Cycle of Community Grants from Oregon Community Foundation. The statewide funder has distributed 50 new grants in the Southern Willamette Valley and South Coast to support capacity building, small capital and new or expanding projects by nonprofits.  

The announcement comes on #GivingTuesday, an international day of generosity that follows Thanksgiving. 

Statewide, the new round of funding includes 248 grants for nearly $5.8 million. That brings the total awarded in Community Grants by OCF to a record $11.1 million for the year, including funding previously announced in the spring.  

“As a statewide foundation, OCF supports community-driven solutions and opportunities in every part of Oregon,” says Julie Manning, who represents the Southern Willamette Valley on the OCF Board of Directors. She’s a retired communications professional in Corvallis.  

“In the Southern Willamette Valley and South Coast, our nonprofit partners are serving Oregonians through programs that provide child care, support for young people experiencing homelessness, and mobile health care to rural communities. That’s just to name a few. This is what responsive grantmaking looks like.”   

The grants are possible because of the generosity of Oregon Community Foundation donors. 

Just as the new funding reaches Oregon nonprofits, OCF has opened the next round of Community Grants to be distributed in spring 2025. The deadline is Jan. 14, 2025. Find details here. The goal is to provide equitable access to flexible funding for organizations serving communities’ most pressing needs throughout Oregon. 

Find the full list of fall 2024 grantees here. The list below of representative grants demonstrates the breadth of impact the funding has on nearly every aspect of life for Oregonians.  

Fire Crews Respond To Electrical Problem Near Downtown Eugene

Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of an electrical emergency near the old University District Hospital near Downtown Eugene. At 7:19 AM on December 3rd crews were called to 1255 Hilyard for arcing issue in a large vault of high voltage switches.  

Engine 1 arrived reporting a significant electrical issue and called EWEB who cut power to the area.  Crews are systematically reenergizing circuits to identify the problem and ensure safety.  There are emergency vehicles in the area with lane closures on Hilyard. Truck rescued an individual trapped in an elevator after power was cut, but there were no injuries from the incident. 

Declutter and donate to reduce holiday waste: BRING now collecting reusable materials at Lane County’s Glenwood Transfer Station to reduce holiday season waste

With the holiday season here, BRING encourages residents to clear out their old, reusable items to make room for the new. This year, Lane County residents can donate directly at the Glenwood Transfer Station, where BRING recently opened a donation site in partnership with Lane County Waste Management and St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County. This site offers residents a convenient one-stop solution for donating, recycling, and disposing of household and building materials, promoting reuse while reducing landfill waste.

With increased holiday activities, waste generation can increase by as much as 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. BRING and Waste Wise Lane County—a part of Lane County Waste Management—encourage the community to consider sustainable practices like reuse, especially during high-waste times of the year. BRING’s new collection site allows residents to easily donate gently used building materials, garden supplies, furniture, tools, and more, helping these items find new life and reducing their environmental impact.

“We are excited to expand our services to the Glenwood Transfer Station,” said Sonya Carlson, BRING’s executive director. “With this new location, we aim to make it convenient for people to donate reusable building materials that might otherwise end up in the landfill. Items like bricks, windows, doors, fencing, lumber, sinks, and tiles can all be repurposed into new projects, helping both our environment and community.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that construction and demolition (C&D) debris accounts for more than twice the amount of municipal solid waste, with 600 million tons of C&D debris generated annually in the United States. BRING’s efforts at the Glenwood site and its main location are part of a larger initiative to help Lane County achieve its goal of recovering 63 percent of its waste stream through reuse, recycling, and composting.

Since the Glenwood donation site opened in August, BRING has already diverted 32,579 pounds of reusable materials from the landfill. By donating at this auxiliary location, community members can contribute to BRING’s Planet Improvement Center, which provides affordable, environmentally-friendly options for local DIYers, contractors, and residents looking to repurpose quality materials.

Residents planning renovations or holiday declutter projects are encouraged to gather reusable materials for donation and save a trip by combining it with their visit to the transfer station. For a full list of accepted items or to learn more about the waste reduction initiative, visit www.bringrecycling.org.

About BRING: BRING is a Eugene-based home and garden thrift store committed to recovering construction waste and building materials from the waste stream, providing environmental education to Lane County communities, and highlighting the importance of reuse. Today, we focus on the urgent issues of consumption, climate change, and community resiliency. Through these initiatives we fulfill our mission to provide vision, leadership and tools for living well on the planet we share. BRING has consistently been voted one of the “100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon.”

About Waste Wise Lane County: Waste Wise Lane County— a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—empowers residents, schools, and businesses with education, tools, and resources that can be used to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. For more information, visit lanecountyor.gov/wastewise.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

Court Documents Show Police Investigating Coos County Boy Found Dead As a Murder

Court documents show police are investigating the case of a missing Coos County boy who was found dead in the woods as a potential murder.

Five year old Joshua James McCoy was found deceased on Tuesday, November 12th about two miles from his home on Stage Road in Hauser. He was found naked in the woods.

Joshua, who was autistic and non-verbal, had been reported missing three days earlier. Court documents indicate Joshua’s mother, Angela German called her friend who lives in Utah and told her that Joshua was missing. Documents also say German told her friend instead of police because of past “bad experience with law enforcement.”

A search warrant was served to search German’s home less than a week after Joshua was found dead and her car was seized for forensic testing. The search warrant affidavit says German took ketamine and barbiturates to help her sleep.

Court records show that during an interview with police, German said she and Joshua laid down for a nap around 1:30 p.m. and when she awoke around 3 p.m. she discovered he was not in the house. However later during that same interview, she said they fell asleep around 10 a.m. and she woke up at 1 p.m. Documents also say that during that interview she “also made comments about Joshua being naked and dead in the woods.”

The affidavit says Joshua was found less than two miles from his home, he was approximately 20 feet off the roadway. He was naked with no scratches or marks on his legs or feet. He was not muddy anywhere except for some dirt on his hands. Documents say the medical examiner examined Joshua where he was found and said his body had “no signs of trauma, no petechia, and no scratches or cuts that would be consistent with Joshua walking through the briars or blackberry bushes.”

Tire impressions were also found in the mud near where Joshua was located. German’s car was found to have muddy tires.

Deputy Lee with the Coos County Sheriff’s Office says a search warrant will always be requested when a death is involved. “It’s not necessarily because there’s crime afoot, but it’s just to ensure that if there is, everything is done the right way,” Lee said.

German’s friend told detectives German and Joshua used to live with her in Utah, but were asked to leave because of German’s treatment of her son. It was just two weeks after leaving Utah that Joshua went missing.

Court documents say the Department of Human Services in Oregon has been investigating German’s alleged alcohol use, along with alleged mistreatment and neglect of her son for several months. Oregon DHS had even recently issued a pick up order. Documentation also show the Utah Department of Human Services was investigating German.

Lee could not confirm or deny that German was being investigated for murder. However the search warrant affidavit says there is probable cause to believe that Angela German is involved in the crimes of Murder II. 

Oregon Gov. Kotek’s $39.3 billion proposed budget has more for housing, homelessness, schools

Lawmakers will use Kotek’s budget as a starting point for crafting the next two-year budget

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek wants the state to spend more than $2 billion on homelessness and housing and send a record $11.4 billion to public schools as part of a budget focused on maintaining existing programs with little cash to spare for new initiatives. 

Her total spending plan, including federal funding that the state doesn’t have much control over, is $137.7 billion for the two-year period from July 2025 to June 2027. Her proposed general fund and lottery funds budget, where Kotek and lawmakers have more discretion, is $39.3 billion. Infobox: Read Gov. Kotek’s budget highlights and full 476-page recommended budget. 

That’s a sharp increase from the $33.5 billion general fund and lottery funds budget lawmakers approved in 2023, but it doesn’t reflect much new spending. Instead, the state is grappling with the same budgetary pressures as many Oregonians: Revenue is higher, but so are costs.  

“People understand this from their own household budgets,” Kotek said at a press conference in Astoria last week. “While our economy is strong and wages are up, and people, if you just look at the numbers, are making more, their expenses are up. And in the case of the state, our expenses for health and human services have really grown, so the expenditure line is outpacing the money coming in the door.” 

Initial reactions to her recommended budget were mixed, with some advocacy groups saying it didn’t go far enough and Republicans criticizing it as squandering money.

Her recommended budget doesn’t include layoffs or cuts to services, but it also has few new programs. When state agencies crafted their budget requests, Kotek limited them to a 1% increase over 2025-27 levels. She also asked them to prepare lists of where they could cut by 10% by focusing on core services and making sure to maximize federal funding. 

“It was a hard exercise for some folks,” Kotek said. “But I believed, and do believe, that Oregonians, in this moment, would be better served by committing time and energy to practical considerations rather than well-meaning hypothetical wish lists. Developing my budget was an effort grounded in the reality of our state and our resources.” READ MORE: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/12/02/oregon-gov-koteks-39-3-billion-proposed-budget-has-more-for-housing-homelessness-schools/

Recall at Albertsons and Safeway

Some store-made deli and produce items at Albertsons and Safeway stores are being recalled due to potential salmonella contamination. The items included contain recalled bulk cucumber supplied by Baloian Farms of Arizona.

Following this recall initiated by Baloian Farms, Albertsons is voluntarily recalling select deli and produce items that contain bulk cucumber. The following is a list of recalled items at Albertsons and Safeway locations in Oregon and southern Washington. All items are store brand, most have sell-through dates between December 2 and December 5:

o Ecomm tray vegetable & dip

o Tray vegetable & hummus 16 inch

o Ecomm tray vegetable & hummus

o Tray vegetable & hummus 18 inch

o Vegetable & dip tray 16 inch

o Vegetable &; dip tray 18 inch

o Tray vegetable 16 inch

o Tray vegetable 18 inch

o Ecomm tray vegetable

o Cucumbers sliced 7 ounces

o Cucumbers sliced 14 ounces

o Premium vegetable tray (sell-through dates between December 4 and December 7).

Consumers who have purchased these items, should throw them out or return them to their local store for a refund. Questions can be directed to Albertsons Companies customer service at 1-877-723-3929. Salmonella can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Additional items have been recalled at Albertsons and Safeway stores in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

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.

Oregon State Police announces winning entry in the “Name Our K-9” Contest

YouTube Video Link: Name Our K-9: Violet and Millie 

Oregon State Sr. Trooper Scott Show needed an official name for his new drug-detection K-9. He had the idea to let Oregon elementary school students name the two-year-old female Belgian Malinois. On Oct. 17, 2024, OSP launched the “Name Our K-9” contest. At the time, no one knew we would end up with a very special name for one family.   

After almost 800 entries and a week of online voting, the winning entry of “Millie” was selected. Receiving almost half the votes cast, the winning entry was submitted by five-year-old Violet of Winston in honor of her twin sister Millie, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year. 

Kylee Stewart, Violet and Millie’s mother, said, “Millie and Violet were inseparable. Although they were complete opposites, they shared a love of animals. When we came across the “Name Our K-9” contest, Violet knew she wanted to enter her sister’s name.”

“Nobody planned for there to be this much meaning behind naming the K-9,” said Sr. Trooper Show. “To have our dog end up with a name that’s got some significance and is meaningful to this family is really wonderful.” 

K-9 Millie is certified through the Oregon Police Canine Association as a drug-detection dog. She and Sr. Trooper Show are assigned to the Albany Patrol Office for drug interdiction along Interstate 5 and throughout the state. As an ongoing tribute, OSP will recognize K-9 Millie’s drug seizures, when possible, with a special nod to the little girl who inspired her name.   

“On behalf of myself and the entire Oregon State Police family, it is an honor to be part of this special memorial to Millie Melton,” said Superintendent Casey Codding. In recognition for winning the naming contest, Violet received a letter and certificate from Superintendent Codding and an OSP uniform patch. She also received a Belgian Malinois plushie personalized with the OSP logo and the name “Millie” generously donated by Hero Industries. 

OSP is continuing to recognize the contest finalists with presentations to students across the state. We send a heartfelt thank you to the 778 students who submitted entries in the “Name Our K-9” contest. “K-9 teams play an important role in keeping our communities safe and it was exciting to have so many students participate in the contest in such an engaging and meaningful way,” said Superintendent Codding. 

Contest finalists: 

• “True” submitted by Michael B. from Creswell Christian Academy in Creswell. 
• “Showtime” submitted by KariAnn G. from Eastwood Elementary in Roseburg. 
• “Pearl” submitted by Bailey P. from Jefferson Elementary in Medford. 
• “Mable” submitted by Mrs. Moles’s second-grade class from Prairie City Elementary in Prairie City. 
• The school with the most entries: Hillcrest Elementary in North Bend. 

About the Oregon State Police
The Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon’s people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

Ways to get and give help this holiday season

‘Tis the season for connection and caring for one another. But we also know this time of year can be challenging for many families. So whether you need a little extra support, or are looking for ways to give back to your community, we’ve got some suggestions to make the holiday season special.

Ways to get holiday help:

1. Visit the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) holiday resources webpage

Our 2024 holiday resources webpage has a list of local organizations that can provide hot meals, toys, winter clothes and more for families and individuals this holiday season. The page is available in English and Spanish, and you can sort the list by county to find resources in your area.

2. Connect with 211info

Not seeing anything near you on our list? Dial 2-1-1 to connect with someone who can guide you to the support you need. You can also visit 211info.org, enter your zip code, and search for “Holiday Gifts/Toys,” “Christmas Baskets,” or “Christmas Meals.”

3. Reach out to your local ODHS office

We’re here to help! Our local office staff often know about upcoming events and resources in your community. We can also help you learn more about services that be accessed year-round, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and more.

Ways to give holiday help:

1. Donate to ODHS or a community organization

ODHS partners with many community organizations that collect donations, like food, clothes, and toys, that support children in foster care, older adults, families in need, and more. For 2024, we’ve compiled a list with some of the ways you can donate to help the families ODHS serves. Don’t see anything on the list in your area? Contact your local ODHS office for more suggestions. You can also make a financial contribution to ODHS and specify how you want it to be used by emailing dhs.volunteerservices@odhs.oregon.gov.

2. Volunteer

Your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. At ODHS, we have several temporary volunteer opportunities this holiday season for things like wrapping donations, delivering gifts, and helping at holiday parties for children in ODHS care. Email dhs.volunteerservices@odhs.oregon.gov to learn about holiday openings or to get involved longer-term. If that’s not for you, we also recommend reaching out to local nonprofits or community centers with missions you believe in to see how you can help.

3. Build community connections

Sometimes, the best way to give back is by simply showing up. Attend local events, check in on your neighbors, and spread the word about the ways to get help that we listed above. A little kindness and connection can go a long way!

Oregon Lottery Transfers $947 Million Back to State

– The Oregon Lottery will return more than $947 million to the state for the 2024 fiscal year – a $48 million increase from the previous year. Lottery generated $940 million in profit and reduced reserves nearly $8 million, enabling the higher return. 

Unclaimed prizes for the year totaled $8 million and will also go back to the state. The funding directly benefits state parks and natural habitats, public schools, veteran services, outdoor school, and economic development. Oregon Lottery is self-funded through the sale of games, not tax dollars, and voters and the Legislature designate where the money goes. 

“Oregonians help support the state programs they care about by playing our games,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We continue to celebrate the wins of our players, the retailers who sell our games, and the public programs lifted up by these funds in our communities.”       

Lucky lottery players earned payouts totaling nearly $16 billion for the year. Including a record-breaking $1.3 billion Powerball win in the spring, 13 players took home prizes worth $1 million or more. Prizes big and small account for about 92% of the Lottery dollars played. 

Sales commissions on Lottery games also support retailers, many of whom are small business owners. The 3,800 Lottery retailers across Oregon collectively earned close to $310 million in commissions this year.  

Since 2016, Oregon Lottery has maintained the highest level of accreditation for responsible gambling from both the National Association of State and Provincial Lotteries/National Council on Problem Gambling and the World Lottery Association’s (WLA) Responsible Gambling programs. Oregon is one of only eight lotteries in the U.S. to reach this level by the WLA. 

The Lottery’s financial year runs from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. A final audited report is posted to Oregon Lottery’s website under “Proceeds and Financials.”

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org. 

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.” (SOURCE)

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.

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 – Ends December 7th

(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