Willamette Valley News, Wednesday 1/15 – Help Create A New Strategic Plan For Lane County Online Survey & 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, January 15, 2025

Willamette Valley Weather

https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php

Help Create A New Strategic Plan For Lane County Online Survey

Lane County Government

Lane County is updating its three-year strategic plan for 2025–2027 and wants residents to give input through an online survey.

“Our Strategic Plan is the blueprint for where we focus our efforts to improve lives in Lane County,” said County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky. “We want feedback from our residents so we can be sure our priorities align with our communities’ needs and expectations.”

Community members are invited to take an online survey at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/StrategicPlan. It should take 10–15 minutes. Responses are anonymous.

This survey will help Lane County:

  • Understand its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities as a community.
  • Identify areas where Lane County can better serve residents.
  • Shape a shared vision for the next three years and beyond.

Your feedback will directly influence Lane County’s strategic priorities, ensuring they align with the needs and aspirations of our residents.

The Strategic Plan was last updated in 2022 and focuses on four priority areas:

  • Safe, Healthy County
  • Vibrant Communities
  • Robust Infrastructure
  • Our People & Organizational Health

Examples of successful initiatives under the most recent Strategic Plan include renewal of the 5-year public safety levy; investment in new Permanent Supportive Housing projects through partnership with Homes for Good; progress toward the Lane Stabilization Center to increase behavioral health resources in our local community; and passing the levy to support investment in Lane County’s parks.

Review the current Strategic Plan at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/StrategicPlan.

Lane County Sheriff’s Office arrests Eugene man during Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation

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On January 14th, Lane County Sheriff’s detectives served a search warrant at a residence south of Eugene. The search warrant stemmed from an investigation by the Lane County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, focusing on child exploitation.

The suspect, Andrew John Hruby, 20, was contacted and arrested. Hruby was lodged at the Lane County Jail on ten counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree.

Currently there is no indication of any local victims involved in the case, and the charges are for the possession, not production, of child pornography.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office received assistance during this investigation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Springfield Police Department, Oregon State Police, and the Oregon Department of Justice.

This arrest is part of an ongoing effort by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable members of our community. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are available at this time. 1/14/25 – LCSO Case #25-0070

Lane County Sheriff’s deputies attempt to locate prolific burglar in Veneta area

In October of 2024, a restaurant, residence, and market in the Veneta area were all burglarized within a two-week period. Deputies identified one of the suspects as Austin James Blaylock, 30, of Veneta.

Deputies served search warrants at two residences associated with Blaylock in the Veneta area and located evidence linking him to the crimes. Blaylock was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on two counts of Burglary in the 1st Degree, four counts of Burglary in the 2nd Degree, five counts of Theft in the 1st Degree, Theft in the 2nd Degree, and Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree. Blaylock is still in custody as of January 14th.

Deputies identified Charles Guy Younkin-Stec, 33, of Veneta, as an additional suspect in the burglaries. Deputies applied for and were granted a search warrant at his trailer, located in the 88300 block of Ridiculous Road. Before deputies served the search warrant, Crow High School was burglarized. More than $10,000 dollars worth of items were stolen.

Deputies served the warrant on Younkin-Stec’s trailer. Evidence was discovered linking him to each of the previous burglaries, including the burglary of the high school, as well as a recent burglary of an RV storage facility and an older burglary of Crow High School. Deputies learned Linn County discovered evidence linking Younkin-Stec to a residential burglary from earlier in the summer.

Deputies have been unable to locate and arrest Younkin-Stec for the seven listed burglaries, in part because of the lack of cooperation from area residents associated with him. Younkin-Stec has caused substantial hardships and financial loss to Veneta-area businesses, residents, and our students. Anyone with information on Younkin-Stec’s location is asked to call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141.

Sweet Home Police Department Arrest Man for Murder After Girlfriend’s Death Initially Ruled Suicide

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On January 13th, 2025, at about 3:24 p.m. Sweet Home Police Department Detective Potter arrested Jerod L. Norman (40) for Abuse of a Corpse in the 1st Degree, and Murder in the 2nd Degree. The arrest was made after a months-long investigation into the death of Jerod’s girlfriend, Mariah A. King (30) on July 18th, 2024, which occurred at their shared residence, 2241 Nandina Street, Sweet Home.

The death initially appeared to be a suicide, but SHPD investigators arranged for a postmortem examination and a foreign object was discovered inside the victim’s body.The victim’s family has been notified of the arrest in this case. Investigators are still seeking contact with Jerod’s father, David L. Norman (65), for a secondary interview. David is encouraged to contact Detective Potter by phone or in person at the Sweet Home Police Department. No further details will be made public at this time.

Two women stabbed near W. 2nd and Madison

At 7:49 p.m. on January 11, Eugene Police officers responded to W. 2nd Avenue and Madison Street after two women in their 20s were reported to have been stabbed. Eugene Springfield Fire also responded and transported both victims to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The two women reported they were walking north on the west side of Madison Street. A man standing next to a large tree began to follow them. During this, he attempted to rob them, making punching motions toward them, stabbing them. The victims ran and hid inside one of their vehicles.

The suspect is described as a white male adult approximately in his 40s, 5`06” tall, with a medium build and broad shoulders. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, beanie, and black jacket and tan cargo pants. He had curly blonde, shoulder-length hair, and a brownish blonde beard. None of the victims recognized the man. Eugene Police Violent Crimes Unit is investigating the case. Case 25-00592

Lane County Man Sentenced In Sex Abuse Case

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On October 31st, 2023, Lane County Sheriff’s detectives began investigating allegations of sex abuse against a minor. The suspect, Jeffery Allen Adams, 43, was reportedly the foster parent of the juvenile victim. Detectives quickly developed probable cause to arrest Adams for multiple sex crimes against the juvenile victim.

While attempting to locate Adams, detectives received information he was on his way to the location of the minor victim. Lane County Sheriff’s detectives and deputies moved quickly to intercept Adams before he could contact the victim. Adams was located and stopped less than a mile from the victim’s location.

He was arrested and lodged at the Lane County Jail on several counts of Sex Abuse and Sodomy. On January 13th, 2025, Adams plead guilty to one count of Rape in the Second Degree, four counts of Rape in the Third Degree, and two counts of Sodomy in the Third Degree. Adams was sentenced to 120 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections.

Federal Funding Of $30 Million Goes Towards Highway 126 Improvements Near Veneta and Elmira

Oregon U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (D-Ore.) said on Thursday that $30,259,024 in federal funding was allocated to construction work on a two-mile section of OR 126 between Huston Road and Lakeside Drive near Veneta and Elmira.

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Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) indicated that the decision was made to give rural Oregonians quality and dependable roads.

Officials indicated that the U.S. DOT’s Rural Surface Transportation Grant program, which is funding this project, was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support rural infrastructure projects nationwide, state officials said.

The federal funds will go towards roundabout construction, widening the road between the intersections from two to four lanes, construction of wider shoulders, a new left-turn lane at Lakeside Drive, and railroad crossing improvements at the Huston Road intersection. Rep.

Voyle confirmed that the funding is critical to improving the safety of the highway and ensuring the infrastructure remains dependable for Oregonians. She said, “The project is critical to ensuring safe driving conditions for motorists.”

Suspicious death ruled homicide, victim identified as missing woman, and suspect in custody — UPDATE

Update: The state medical examiner’s autopsy has ruled the manner of death to be homicide; the individual had a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was also identified as missing person Priscilla Joann Aldana, age 43 of Salem. Aldana was reported missing on December 23, 2024.

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On January 3, a body was located outside a burned structure on an abandoned lot and later identified as Aldana.

The investigation into Aldana’s disappearance led detectives to Erik Mauricio Meza as a suspect in the case. Meza, age 44 of Salem, and Aldana were in a domestic relationship.

Detectives and a contingent of tactical officers were following Meza and apprehended him without incident in the 500 block of 18 ST NE on Thursday night, January 9.

Meza was lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:

  • Murder, second degree
  • Abuse of a corpse, second degree
  • Arson, second degree

With Meza in custody, all further media inquiries in the case should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

Memorial Service for Priscilla Aldana will be held at Restlawn Memory Gardens & Funeral Home201 N Oak Grove Rd, Salem, OR 97304On February 8th at 2:00pm


City of Eugene Invites Proposals for New Affordable Housing

artist rendering of a housing development from aerial perspective

The City of Eugene is seeking proposals for the creation of new affordable housing to be funded by $709,879 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). The AHTF supports the development of housing affordable to low- and moderate-income residents in Eugene. Applications are open now, with a submission deadline of March 5, 2025.

About the Affordable Housing Trust Fund

The AHTF is funded by a 0.5% construction excise tax on new construction in Eugene and a contribution from the City’s General Fund. Since its inception, the fund has supported affordable housing developments that address local housing needs. In 2024, the City invested $1 million in three developments:

  • Rosa Village: 52 cooperative-ownership homes by SquareOne Villages.
  • The Lucy: 36 rental homes by Cornerstone Community Housing.
  • Williams Place: 10 transitional apartments for veterans, by St. Vincent de Paul.

Available Funding and Priorities

This year, $709,879 is available through the Request for Proposals (RFP). Proposed rental or home-ownership developments should:

  • Be located in Eugene city limits;
  • Include at least 4 dwellings;
  • Meet affordability and other criteria outlined in the application; and
  • Submit a letter of interest by February 5 and a complete application by March 5.

Preference will be given to developments that:

  • provide accessible housing for people with mobility and sensory challenges, 
  • demonstrate innovation through project design, financing, or management structure, 
  • are in areas underserved by Affordable Housing, and
  • serve populations disproportionately impacted by housing cost burden and historically excluded from housing opportunities. 

The full list of award criteria, priorities, and detailed application instructions can be found in the RFP available on the AHTF website.

Proposals will be reviewed, scored, and ranked by community representatives on Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee. Recommendations will be presented to the Eugene City Council for final funding decisions.

For more information on the RFP process, visit the AHTF website. (https://eugene-or.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6886)

ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Marcola Road

Road Name:Marcola Road 
Location:Hayden Bridge, McKenzie River 
Begin Construction:At intersection with Hayden Bridge Road (milepost 1.7) 
End Construction:At intersection with Camp Creek Road/Old Mohawk Road (milepost 1.9) 
Dates and times:Between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. from now through March 31 
Alternate routes: Two lanes of traffic will be maintained during construction. Flagging will be used when necessary. Concrete barriers will be in place to isolate the construction area while work is in progress. 
Reason for closure:  Seismic retrofit of bridge

Lane County Government  · 📢 State of the County Address 📆📍

Can be seen here: https://lanecounty.ompnetwork.org/embed/sessions/306080/state-of-the-county-address-january-6-2025?display_mode=year

🚨 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀: 𝗟𝗮𝘇𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻

The Lazy Days Mobile Home and RV Park, rebuilt by Homes for Good after the Holiday Farm Fire, has 20 2-bedroom modular homes that are available to rent for Holiday Farm Fire survivors.

You may be eligible if: ✅You were a renter who lost your primary residence in the Holiday Farm Fire. ✅You lost the home you owned in the Holiday Farm Fire and you either did not own the property it was on or you owned the property but it is now unbuildable.

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘀. Applicants should be at no more than 80% of the Area Median. For example, 80% AMI means:2 people = $57,050 annual income 4 people = $71,300 annual income Rent is $1000 per month and includes utilities (water, sewer, garbage). Two ADA-accessible units are available.

Funding to provide the modular homes to fire survivors is provided by Oregon Housing & Community Services. Homes for Good is property owner and has led construction on the site. Lane County is assisting with the application process. 🔍Learn more: http://www.homesforgood.org/…/lazy-days-rv-and-mobile…📝Apply starting December 11: www.cognitoforms.com/LaneCounty1/LazyDaysApplication

🌨️ Help Us Keep Lane County Warm! ❄️

We’re launching the Cold Weather Shelter Drive to support our unhoused neighbors this winter. Donate new or gently used tents, blankets, sleeping bags, and tarps to ensure no one faces the cold alone.

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📍 Donation Locations: Visit our website for a full list of drop-off locations. http://www.ccslc.org/cwsd

Or donate directly at our Springfield Service Center:
Catholic Community Services
1025 G Street, Springfield, OR.

Together, we can make a difference! 💙 Call 541-345-3628 ext 1317 for more information

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 | Eugene OR

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)

Starting in the new year, White Bird Dental Clinic will offer more walk-in clinic times. Currently, we offer walk-in clinics at 1415 Pearl St. every Monday and Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. In January, we will also add every other Friday at 7:30 a.m. Find more information at whitebirdclinic.org/dental

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.”

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

Youth Empowerment Programs, City of Eugene

Salt Creek Falls Trip teens wearing snowshoes

✨ Registration open for our FREE programs.
💡 Some programs are drop-in, so no registration is required—just show up and get involved!

For more information and links to register, visit our website: https://www.eugene-or.gov/4888/Youth-Empowerment-Program

Oregon Governor Kotek delivered the State of the State address on Monday

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek delivered her the State address on Monday. She says the new year carries a clear charge “to embrace opportunities for change together.” You can read it here: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/speeches/Pages/2025-1-13-state-of-the-state-remarks.aspx/

The Red Cross Cascades Region Is On The Ground In Los Angeles In The Wake Of Deadly And Destructive Wildfires

One week after wildfires ripped through the Los Angeles region, the Red Cross is still on the ground helping to provide shelter, feeding, reunification, health and mental health support, providing emergency supplies and more. We have over 400 volunteers supporting this relief operation.

The Red Cross Cascades Region (Oregon and SW Washington) has deployed 18 people.

Last night, we staffed 7 shelters with close to 800 people. That doesn’t include the people who are coming in during the day to get help and resources.

Shelters:

  • They serve as a place to come in and get food, get basic health needs met and emotional support too. 
  • They are a place where people can come in and charge cell phones and laptops if their power is cut off. 
  • They are also information hubs. We work with fire departments, emergency managers, forecasters and other partners to help those who’ve been evacuated get the most updated information

The wildfires are still burning, and we know the Santa Ana winds are forecast to flare up in the coming days.

As the wildfires in Southern California continue to burn and impact air quality, the number of Red Cross blood drive cancelations have grown impacting hundreds of lifesaving blood donations.

Where it is safe to do so, we encourage people to schedule a blood donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

The devastation from these wildfires is unbelievably sad. Our hearts go out to everyone who’ve lost their homes and communities.

We will continue to coordinate with local officials and community partners to make sure people have the help they need during this challenging time and we will remain there as long as needed.

People are still counting on us and the best way to support our work right now is by making a financial contribution.  Please go to RedCross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text “CAWILDFIRES” to 90999

If you want to donate items, you are asked to go to 211la.org

The Red Cross has a downloadable emergency app with information on how to prepare, respond to and recover from wildfires. In addition, the American Red Cross has activated the Northwest Response Fund to help impacted residents. 

The Red Cross also provides disaster mental health support to people impacted by the fires. For people struggling with the stress and uncertainty of a crisis situation like this, they can reach out to the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for support. In some cases, there will be mental health workers at shelters as well.

Reunification is another area where the Red Cross works to help people affected by the fires. By calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and providing as much detail as possible about a missing loved one, the Red Cross may be able to assist.

After the immediate disaster has abated, the Red Cross will also aid with recovery. That can include financial support for those who lost their homes and are having trouble finding a place to live, a bus or train ticket to the home of a relative, or assistance with other agencies involved in the recovery process. 

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

In the wake of a disaster like this, the Red Cross said its primary concern is to ensure that people are safe and have shelter, prioritizing getting a roof over everyone’s heads. By Wednesday night, the organization had staffed seven shelters in Southern California and served over 1,000 people for the night.

The Red Cross serves meals to both people who stay at a shelter and those who visit during the day, in some cases just to get information, charge their phones or relax. The organization has served over 10,000 meals since the fires erupted.

Those shelters are available to everyone, including pets — although some pets may need to be found a place at a different location with support from other local partners depending on the situation.

The Red Cross has a downloadable emergency app with information on how to prepare, respond to and recover from wildfires. (SOURCE)

Oregon State Fire Marshal Sending Additional Support To California

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing six additional strike teams of water tenders to Southern California. In total, 30water tenders and 70 firefighters are being sent from Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Morrow, Multnomah, and Umatilla counties.  

These tenders from the Oregon fire service will join the 15 strike teams that arrived Thursday and began work Friday morning. These latest teams will leave Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, take part in a routine safety check to ensure the safety of our first responders, and will receive their assignments from CAL Fire. 

“We understand the gravity of the disaster taking place in California and are using the power of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to give our neighbors additional tools to combat these wildfires and protect people and homes,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Please rest assured our system is designed to ensure adequate coverage for our communities at home while at the same time providing support to those impacted by a disaster.” 

A water tender is a standard response tool to wildfires and is a specialized truck designed to carry and deliver large amounts of water. Some of the water tenders mobilizing to California are Oregon’s new tactical tenders that were delivered to local fire agencies through the OSFM Engine Program in 2024

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has mobilized a total of: 

  • 21 strike teams 
  • 75 fire engines 
  • 30 water tenders 
  • 370 firefighters  

The Southern California area is expecting dangerous fire conditions into next week. For information about the wildfires, visit CAL Fire’s Current Emergency Incidents webpage.  

The Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System is made up of the 300+ local structural fire agencies across Oregon. During emergencies, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizes this force to protect people, property and critical infrastructure.  

This request came the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The compact provides help during governor-declared emergencies or disasters by allowing states to send personnel, equipment, and supplies to support response and recovery efforts in other states. The strike teams will be reimbursed directly by California.

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Strike Continues At All Providence Hospitals Across Oregon – Heading to The Bargaining Table

Statement From ONA On Providence Finally Returning To The Bargaining Table

– We are happy that Providence has finally decided to do the right thing and join the nearly 5,000 striking frontline caregivers at the bargaining table to move this process forward in order to reach a fair contract and end the strike.

Clearly, the pressure from the strike is working. As 5,000 frontline caregivers picket on sidewalks across Oregon, Providence has been spending an estimated $25.39 million per week on replacement nurses – approximately $1,400 per replacement nurse per day. This does not include the immeasurable cost of the replacement hospitalists and other caregivers from Providence St. Vincent and the Providence Women’s Clinics. 

After illegally refusing to bargain during the 10-day notice period, Providence has shifted its position on negotiations dramatically over the last few days. As we move back into negotiations, we call on Providence to take this process seriously, come to the table with substantive offers to address the systemic issues that impact hospitals and clinics across Oregon and reach a fair contract that prioritizes patients and frontline caregivers instead of profits. 

5,000 frontline caregivers from eight hospitals and six clinics across Oregon went on strike for reasons beyond fair compensation, but a systemic crisis affecting patient care, staffing safety, health insurance benefits, and healthcare delivery. At the core of negotiation will be key issues that include: 

  • Resolution of systemic unsafe staffing issues documented across facilities 
  • Addressing health insurance and benefits disparities 
  • Implementation of necessary patient safety measures 
  • Market-competitive wages that will attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals. 

Frontline caregivers are not asking for much and not asking for exorbitant wages; they are asking for market-competitive compensation that recognizes their experience, hard work, and value. Providence is notoriously behind other healthcare systems in Oregon when it comes to wages and benefits which directly impacts their ability to recruit and retain enough staff. 

As an example, despite the numbers that Providence likes to tell the press, based on their last proposal, by 2026 Providence nurses with 15 years of experience would earn approximately $8,000 less annually than the market-setting wages at OHSU.  

Similarly, the severity of the system-wide staffing crisis is clearly documented in the 305 unsafe staffing complaints filed against Providence facilities in 2024 alone. The completed investigations have revealed troubling patterns of violations across multiple facilities. In their most recent proposals on staffing, Providence is attempting to exclude the nurses delivering care from providing input into how their units are staffed, treating patients as simply numbers rather than unique individuals with specific care needs. Doing so puts patients at greater risk for harm and nurses at increased risk for burnout. And burnt-out nurses leave, further perpetuating the staffing crisis. 

In the coming days, ONA will release more information on the details of our proposals. 

Providence faces a choice: continue investing millions in temporary strike-breaking measures or work collaboratively with frontline caregivers to take bargaining seriously and develop comprehensive solutions that will strengthen healthcare delivery across all their facilities to better serve the people of Oregon. 

On the fifth day of a historic health care workers strike impacting Providence facilities in Oregon, the hospital system signaled that it is now prepared to resume negotiations at all eight of its hospitals.

Portland-area Providence strike begins ...

The strike, which includes physicians as well as nurses and other health care workers, impacts 14 different Providence hospitals and clinics throughout the state. Providence has said that the process of setting up replacement workers at its facilities delayed its ability to bargain at each of them.

Providence Health has filed an unfair labor practices complaint against the Oregon Nurses Association. It accused the union of refusing to meet at reasonable times and intervals. The union denies the accusations.

According to the hospital system, all eight of its hospitals in Oregon — finally including the two largest, Providence Portland and Providence St. Vincent — “are now ready to discuss resuming mediated negotiations” with bargaining teams from the Oregon Nurses Association.

“It’s our understanding the mediators have been in conversation with union leaders, and we eagerly await their response,” Providence said in a statement. “The preparations we made in advance, and the commitment of our hospital leadership teams to ensuring a smooth transition to our replacement work force, along with the unprecedented number of ONA-represented nurses who have chosen to work, has brought us to a position where we can resume bargaining at all tables.”

According to Providence, at least 600 nurses represented by ONA have chosen to work during the strike.

Since the very beginning of the strike, Providence has pushed for negotiations with hospitalist physicians at Providence St. Vincent. According to Providence, they’ve also negotiated with the nurses and physicians at Providence Women’s Clinic. But the hospital system has been slower to resume negotiations with other units across the state — namely the ones that Providence has effectively replaced with temporary workers.

In a statement, the ONA took shots at Providence for those delays, and called on the hospital system to take the bargaining process seriously as talks resume.

“We are happy that Providence has finally decided to do the right thing and join the nearly 5,000 striking frontline caregivers at the bargaining table to move this process forward in order to reach a fair contract and end the strike,” ONA said, in part. “Clearly, the pressure from the strike is working.

“As 5,000 frontline caregivers picket on sidewalks across Oregon, Providence has been spending an estimated $25.39 million per week on replacement nurses — approximately $1,400 per replacement nurse per day. This does not include the immeasurable cost of the replacement hospitalists and other caregivers from Providence St. Vincent and the Providence Women’s Clinics.”

The ONA has said that it is pushing to address unsafe staffing levels at Providence facilities, disparities in health insurance coverage and benefits, and market-competitive wages to attract and retain skilled health care workers.

The strike includes nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers, certified nurse midwives and other healthcare professionals at 8 Providence hospitals and 6 Providence Women’s Clinics across Oregon. Striking caregivers continued to welcome patients, labor allies, elected officials and community supporters who came out to join them on strike lines Jan. 12. 

  Strike lines will be maintained at the following locations every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

  • Providence Portland Medical Center (4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213)
  • Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225)
  • Providence Medford Medical Center (1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504)
  • Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (810 12th St, Hood River, OR 97031)
  • Providence Milwaukie Hospital (10150 SE 32nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222)
  • Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center (1500 Division St, Oregon City, OR 97045)
  • Providence Newberg Medical Center (1001 Providence Drive, Newberg, OR 97132) 
  • Providence Seaside Medical Center (725 S. Wahana Rd, Seaside, OR 97138)

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers: If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you’ve received the care you need. Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.   

Central Point School Bus Crashes due to Fog, Ice; Student Transported to Hospital with Minor Injuries

May be an image of train and text

JCSO Case 25-0259 CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and Fire District 3 firefighters responded to a school bus crash Tuesday morning at 7:50 AM on Richey Road near West Gregory Road in rural Central Point.

One student was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Preliminary investigations revealed fog and icy roads contributed to the crash.Please remember to drive carefully this winter. Fog has limited visibility and the roads are icy.

Prosecution Says Klamath Falls Kidnapper Should Get More Than Two Consecutive Life Sentences

Federal prosecutors in the infamous cinderblock cell kidnapper case filed the government’s sentencing memorandum last week, arguing for the maximum sentence for Klamath Falls man Negasi Zuberi.

“Negasi Zuberi should never be able to kidnap, beat or sexually assault another woman,” the memorandum reads. “He should be sentenced to life in prison.”

Zuberi, 30, was arrested in July 2023 after the second of two victims — a woman abducted in Seattle — managed to escape a homemade holding cell in his garage by punching the door with her bare hands.

“Mr. Zuberi’s plans depended on his victims staying captive or quiet,” the prosecutors wrote. “Neither complied.”

The first kidnapping took place two months prior when a Klamath Falls woman was taken from a local bar and held captive for 12 hours in Zuberi’s garage.

Prosecutors denoted Zuberi’s crimes as showing a “disturbing and remarkable degree of planning and preparation.”

“When he went to a bar on May 6, 2023, he had ready his taser, handcuffs, ammunition and the pistol he stole,” the memorandum says. “He tased (the victim), beat her, handcuffed her, kidnapped her and raped her.”

The Klamath Falls victim reported the crimes to officers with the Klamath Falls Police Department, but no charges were filed.

The local woman reported Zuberi saying to her “I don’t know where I’m going to keep you.”

“(Zuberi) then accelerated his plans, addressing a critical problem he faced with (the first victim) … and built what he intended to be an escape-and-sound-proof cell,” the memorandum said.

Despite his efforts, the victim from Seattle managed to escape the cell, run to the street and flag down a woman driving past the residence.

Zuberi also attempted to escape his jail cell — “twice,” according to court documents that show shattered glass broken out of the bottom of the cell wall. Neither attempt was successful.

The prosecution reminded the court that these were not Zuberi’s first violent crime convictions.

In 2020, Zuberi was convicted of beating an underaged sex worker who he then raped and left on the side of the road.

Prosecutors included a statement made by the judge in Zuberi’s previous assault case.

“I hope we don’t have to wait until something really, really bad happens, Mr. Hyche (Zuberi’s former name). I’ve been around this business long enough to feel confident to say that there’s a little something going on that’s not necessarily on the up-and-up and you might need to wake up before you find yourself in a heap of trouble.”

The presiding judge went on to say that he hoped Zuberi wouldn’t find himself in a “much more serious situation, to which Zuberi assured the court he would not.

“Time will tell,” the judge said.

The prosecution’s sentencing memorandum details some of the more disturbing evidence to support the proposed consecutive life sentences:

A text message to the mother of his children in which Zuberi said, “Women need to go back to being property,” and “History will repeat itself. Once upon a time, every race was a slave.”

Hand-written plans titled “Operation Take Over” and a list of “Targets.”

“Beyond the charged conduct, Mr. Zuberi also stalked women and girls,” the memorandum says. “He sat in high school parking lots and recorded girls walking towards a car, calling out license plate numbers.”

Similar recordings and photos were also found on Zuberi’s iCloud storage, including a video of a car in the Vancouver Mall parking lot, followed by another video of the same car parked outside of a residence with Zuberi stating the address of the home out loud and then taking a screenshot of the address on Google Maps.

“Mr. Zuberi also talked to a minor who worked at a Klamath Falls restaurant and took video of her car in the parking lot and of her vehicle at her residence,” the memorandum said.

The prosecution is seeking the court to sentence Zuberi to two consecutive life sentences plus another 55 years, also to be served consecutively.

“One thing alone will protect women and society from Negasi Zuberi, and that is removing him from society for the rest of his life.”

Oregon Housing And Community Services Boosts The Creation Or Preservation Of More Than 100 Affordable Homes In Curry, Lane, And Multnomah Counties

Agency awards more than $37 million for three affordable housing developments

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services is funding the creation, preservation, and rehabilitation of more than 100 affordable homes across Oregon, with the more than half designated for seniors. The Housing Stability Council (HSC) gave the green light to the three projects last Friday. They include M Carter Commons in Portland, Elm Park Apartments in Florence, and Shelly Cove Apartments in Port Orford. 

M Carter Commons in Portland is co-developed and co-owned between Urban League of Portland (UL) and Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA).

Up to $21.5 million in pass-through revenue bond financing will go to M Carter Commons. The 62-unit development in Portland will serve residents over the age of 55. It’s named after Margaret Louise Carter, Oregon’s first Black woman legislator, and is co-developed and co-owned between Urban League of Portland and Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA). Project amenities include an enclosed courtyard, bicycle parking, community and laundry rooms, a resident service provider space, and more. Urban League of Portland will provide culturally responsive services.  

“Dirt is flying as communities across Oregon break ground on new housing developments,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “We are not just building—we are creating opportunities, connecting communities, and strengthening our state. Making life better and more affordable for Oregonians is possible through real investments, real affordable housing options, and real efforts to strengthen our economy.” 

The council also awarded $12.2 million to Elm Park Apartments in Florence through the agency’s Oregon Centralized Application (ORCA) process. The new construction will create 32 units ranging in size from one to three bedrooms. The development, built by Our Coastal Village, Inc., will feature a greenhouse, raised garden beds, a community center, and a playground. The site is centrally located across the street from a park and close to an early childhood education facility that will open this year.  

Shelly Cove Apartments is an acquisition and preservation project with 14 units in Port Orford that will receive $4.1 million in funding through ORCA. Sponsored by Chrisman Development, Inc, the preservation and rehabilitation will prevent the loss of affordable units and restore the building’s condition. Renovation will include a new roof, siding, exterior doors, and windows, and each of the units will be renovated and will receive new hot water heaters and energy-efficient appliances. 

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.

The U.S. Department of Transportation will spend 36-million-dollars in Oregon on two railroad projects.

Bend will get 32-million-dollars to build a bridge over tracks on Reed Market Road. Rail traffic has caused major disruptions. The new overpass will be used by vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The Port of Coos Bay will receive nearly four-million-dollars to design and engineer an overpass over Highway 38, to
eventually eliminate the at-grade crossing.

Oregon’s second largest port is getting another exception to a water pollution permit it’s violated for much of the last two decades, according to Gov. Tina Kotek.

She issued an executive order Monday afternoon, allowing officials at the Port of Morrow in Boardman six weeks of relief — between Jan. 15 and Feb. 28 — from state penalties for violating their wastewater permit and over-applying nitrogen contaminated water on farmland that sits atop an already contaminated underground aquifer.

That aquifer supplies drinking water to thousands of residents in Morrow and Umatilla counties in northeast Oregon, many of whom cannot drink water safely from their taps because of the pollution. Nitrates, which come from nitrogen, is unhealthy to drink for long periods when it’s above 10 milligrams per liter, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Studies have shown high levels of nitrate consumption can lead to higher risk of certain cancers and birth defects.

IRS Direct File, Direct File Oregon Will Be Available When Income Tax Return Processing Begins January 27

Salem, OR— Free electronic filing through the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon will open January 27 when both the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue begin processing e-filed 2024 federal and state income tax returns. Paper-filed return processing will begin in mid-February.

The IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own tax returns in 2025 will have the option to electronically file both their federal and state income tax returns for free by filing directly with the IRS and the state.

Taxpayers are encouraged to use the IRS Eligibility Checker to see if they qualify to file directly with the IRS and the state.

E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received. However, as in years past, the department won’t be issuing personal income tax refunds until after February 15. A refund hold is part of the department’s tax fraud prevention efforts and allows for confirmation that the amounts claimed on tax returns match what employers and payers report on Forms W-2 and 1099.

E-filing is the fastest way for a taxpayer to get their refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.

The department reminds taxpayers that taking a few easy steps in the next few weeks can make preparing their 2024 tax return easier in 2025.

Free filing options open January 27 — In addition to IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon, other free filing options will also open January 27. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Free fillable forms are available for all income levels. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.

Free and low-cost tax help — Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.

Voluntary self-identification of race and ethnicity information — New for 2025, Oregon taxpayers and Oregonians can voluntarily provide information about their race and ethnicity on Form OR-VSI when they file their 2024 taxes. Providing this information may be done separately from a tax return through Revenue Online. The information will be confidential. It can only be used for research purposes to analyze potential inequities in tax policy. The new option is a result of Senate Bill 1 in 2023.

Use Revenue Online to verify payments — Taxpayers can verify their estimated payments through their Revenue Online account.

Through Revenue Online, individuals can also view letters sent to them by the department, initiate appeals, make payments, and submit questions. Visit Revenue Online on the Revenue website to learn more.

Those who don’t have a Revenue Online account can sign up on the agency’s website.

To check the status of their refund after February 15, or make payments, taxpayers can visit Revenue’s website. You can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls.

Final Wildfire Hazard Maps Now Available

SALEM, Ore.—The statewide maps of wildfire hazard zones and the wildland-urban interface are complete and final versions are now available on the Oregon Explorer website. Notifications are being mailed to impacted property owners and should be expected to arrive over the next several days.

The wildfire hazard map’s purposes are to:

  • Educate Oregon residents and property owners about the level of hazard where they live.
  • Assist in prioritizing fire adaptation and mitigation resources for the most vulnerable locations.
  • Identify where defensible space standards and home hardening codes will apply.

The statewide wildfire hazard map designates all of Oregon’s 1.9 million property tax lots into one of three wildfire hazard zones: low, moderate or high. It also identifies whether a tax lot is within boundaries of the wildland-urban interface. Properties that are in both a high hazard zone and within the wildland-urban interface will be prioritized for future wildfire risk mitigation resources and actions.

To help protect these communities, future defensible space and home-hardening building codes may apply to properties with both designations. All properties with both designations are receiving a certified mail packet informing them of the designations, outlining their appeal rights and explaining the appeal process, and explaining what the designation might mean for them and their property.

“It’s a hefty packet of information that property owners will receive by certified mail,” said Tim Holschbach, Wildfire Hazard Map Lay Representative. “However, we want to ensure Oregonians get all the relevant information they need on their wildfire hazard exposure.”

Anyone that does not receive a packet but is still interested in learning about the wildfire hazard where they live can visit the Oregon Explorer website. A Property Owner’s Report is available for every Oregon tax lot and includes information about hazards and resources.

The road to completed maps has been a long one. After the initial wildfire map was released and rescinded in summer of 2022, ODF and OSU spent more than two years receiving and analyzing feedback to improve the product available today, including a recent public comment period.

Draft versions of the statewide wildfire hazard and wildland-urban interface maps were available to the public for review and comment from July 18 to August 18. ODF received nearly 2,000 comments from the public during the 30-day comment period.

After reviewing the comments on the draft maps, ODF identified one key theme that had not been previously addressed in prior adjustments to the map: neighbor-to-neighbor variation in hazard zones.  In response, researchers took a closer look at those variations and their causes. OSU evaluated scientific methods to reduce neighbor-to-neighbor variations in hazard zone designations that were still in accordance with legislative rules directing development of the map.

This final adjustment is in addition to other revisions that have been made to the map over the last two years in response to feedback from elected officials, county governments and the public. Other updates to the map since 2022 include:

  • Adjustments for hay and pasturelands.
  • Adjustments for northwest Oregon forest fuels.
  • Adjustments for certain irrigated agricultural fields.
  • Corrections for verified anomalies identified by county planners.

“It’s important that the map is as objective and understandable as possible,” said Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of Fire Operations at ODF. “It took additional time to ensure community protection measures like home hardening and defensible space are prioritized in communities of highest wildfire hazard. It’s been time well spent, and we’re pleased with the diligence ODF staff and OSU researchers put into addressing input from all sources.”

In addition to feedback that resulted in changes to the map, there were two main themes of public input that will not be addressed by map adjustments: insurance and existing defensible space and fire hardening improvements.

Oregon Senate Bill 82 prohibits insurers in Oregon from using this map, or any statewide map, for making decisions on whether to extend coverage or determine rates. Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation has investigated concerns and confirmed that even prior to passage of Senate Bill 82, no insurance company in Oregon has or will use these maps for insurance purposes. Additionally, some property owners shared a belief that their hazard rating should be lower due to implementation of defensible space strategies. By law, the map’s hazard assessments are based on weather, climate, topography and vegetation on a broader environmental scale than just an individual property. If a property owner has implemented appropriate defensible space already, there is likely nothing that a designation of high hazard and being within the wildland-urban interface will require of them when future code requirements are adopted. — Find more information on ODF’s wildfire hazard web page.

More schools, community organizations sought for Summer Food Service Program

Grant funds of up to $20K are available to startup or expand summer meal programs serving children and teens

The Oregon Department of Education is seeking more schools, community organizations and tribes to participate in the Summer Food Service Program this summer to help ensure that children and teens receive the nutritious meals they need during the summer months. As an incentive, state grant funds are available up to $20,000 per sponsor to startup or expand summer meal programs.

Summer Food Service Program works to ensure children 18 and younger, who benefit from meal programs during the school year, continue to have that same access to nutritious meals when schools are closed, or students are unable to attend school in person.

“During the summer months, when school is not in session, children often lose vital access to school nutrition programs. Summer meal sites ensure that children continue to receive the nutrition they need to learn and grow,” ODE Summer Food Service Program Outreach Coordinator Cathy Brock said. “Expanding access to the program is an important step to close the hunger gap in all areas of the state. ODE’s Child Nutrition Program is reaching out to ensure that children continue to receive meals throughout the summer.”

Schools, non-profit community organizations, local government agencies, camps and faith- based organizations that have the ability to manage a food service program may be Summer Food Service Program sponsors.

Sponsoring organizations must enter into an agreement with ODE to operate the USDA Summer Food Service Program and are then reimbursed for serving healthy meals and snacks to children at approved sites. Sponsors may be approved to oversee and/or operate multiple sites.

Sites are places in the community where children receive meals in a safe and supervised environment. Sites may be located in a variety of settings, including schools, parks, community centers, health clinics, hospitals, libraries, migrant centers, apartment complexes and faith-based locations.

Apply — ODE has state grant funds available up to $20,000 to startup or expand summer meal programs. Eligible grant activities include the purchase of food service equipment, supplies for enrichment activities, and staff time to support and operate summer meal programs.

For questions about grant funds and more information about how your organization can become a Summer Food Service Program sponsor, please contact ODE’s Community Nutrition Team by email at ode.communitynutrition@ode.oregon.gov. The deadline to submit an eligibility assessment to become a Summer Food Service Sponsor is March 1, 2025.

Changes make it easier to claim tax benefits when saving for your first home

Salem, OR— Aspiring homeowners looking to take their first steps into the real estate market now have greater access to a key tool that can help make their dreams of home ownership more affordable.

Legislative changes to the state’s First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account program last year make it easier than ever to reap tax benefits while saving for a home. First-time home buyers can now open accounts at any financial institution, and friends or family will be able to open an account to help someone else.

Individual First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account holders will be able to subtract up to $6,125 of their 2025 deposits and earnings from their Oregon income when they file their tax year 2025 return in 2026. Joint filers will be able to subtract up to $12,245. To qualify, the account holder or beneficiary can’t have owned or purchased a residence in the three years prior to the date of their planned purchase.

Account holders qualify for a cumulative tax subtraction of as much as $50,000 over a decade, and deposited funds can be used for costs such as down payments, insurance, commissions and other closing costs.

Account holders can designate an account and a beneficiary, if applicable, using Form  OR-HOME, which can be found in the agency Forms and Publications Library.

To get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments, visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. You also can call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing- or speech-impaired), we accept all relay calls.

New funding is making it easier than ever for Oregon farmers to become certified organic.

To achieve certification, farmers must go three years without using synthetic additives such as fertilizers or pesticides. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Oregon has launched the Organic Transition Initiative to provide financial and technical support.

Ben Bowell, director of education and advocacy for the group Oregon Tilth, noted the funding is especially valuable because the transition can be costly.

“During that time they have to be farming as organic farmers but they are not able to access an organic crop premium,” Bowell pointed out.

Farmers can also get support through the initiative to develop organic systems for fertilization, building soil and controlling weeds.

Bowell explained the initiative is one of a three-part national USDA Organic Transition Initiative. This five-year program provides mentorship from experienced organic farmers, technical assistance and an organic market development program. He emphasized with the three programs, the combined $300 million investment in organic farming is historic.

“Right now is an amazing time to consider transitioning to organic in terms of all of the support that’s available,” Bowell stated.

Erica Thompson, farm operations manager for the U-pick blueberry farm Blueberry Meadows near Corvallis, which has been in her family since 1993, is a little over a year into the three-year process. She said figuring out a new fertility program and disease management has been a challenge, along with understanding the application and documentation process.

Thompson added working with the Organic Transition Initiative has been helpful. “Being part of it has really solved or like is in the process of solving all my questions and uncertainties,” Thompson observed.

Along with farmers, support is available for ranchers and forest landowners looking to go organic. Applications for the current round of funding are due Jan. 17. (SOURCE)

You’ll need a Real ID to fly domestically, starting in May of 2025, that’s unless you have a passport or enhanced driver’s license issued by several states.

The deadline is May 7, 2025, but you probably don’t want to wait until the last minute to get your Real ID. You can apply for your Real ID driver’s license or ID card through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Real IDs are marked with a star on the top of the card. Real IDs will also be needed to access certain federal facilities. Congress mandated the real IDs in 2005 on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

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 rulescontest 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.

https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx

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

SafeOregon 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

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