The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and around the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Friday, September 24, 2021
Rogue Valley Weather
Today– Sunny, with a high near 94. Light and variable wind.
Saturday– Sunny, with a high near 91. Light and variable wind.
Sunday– Sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
Monday– Rain likely, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tuesday– A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.
Southern Oregon Hemp Testing Reveals Large Amounts Of Illegal Marijuana
The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission presented initial results of a crackdown on illegal marijuana production posing as legal hemp in Jackson and Josephine counties on Thursday.
Fifty-four percent of the farms licensed to grow hemp that were inspected by state officials were found to be growing illegal marijuana, according to Richard Evans, senior director of licensing and compliance with OLCC, who presented information to the commission.
Under the moniker “Operation Table Rock,” named after a nearby volcanic plateau outside of Medford, OLCC and the Oregon Department of Agriculture tested plants at 212 registered hemp grows in the two counties. There are 335 total registered sites in the region. Those numbers don’t take into account additional farms growing hemp or marijuana without any registration.
There were another 76 farms that declined to allow inspectors on the property, and another 23 farms where inspectors were unable to make contact.
“I believe from my experience down there, there are more illegal grows than there are registered grows,” Evans says.
Jackson and Josephine counties lead the state in hemp and recreational marijuana production. In an effort to reign in an explosion of what many believe is illicit marijuana, posing as licensed hemp operations, state lawmakers passed HB 3000 in July. It allowed the agriculture department to partner with OLCC and local law enforcement to access and test crops on cannabis farms in Southern Oregon.
“The quality of life in Southern Oregon is the number one complaint from the citizens down there,” Evans says. “Whether they have armed guards out in front of the marijuana grow in front of their house, water rights, the [cannabis] smell, the human trafficking issues – the folks working in the field – this is a human atrocity in my mind.”
Law enforcement noted numerous water diversions from rivers and creeks, farms without bathrooms for workers, and poor living conditions, like people living in tents inside greenhouses, according to the presentation.
Representatives from cannabis groups including the Oregon Cannabis Association, Hemp Industries Association and Oregon Industrial Hemp Farmers Association did not respond to a request for comment about the impact of HB 3000.
Illicit marijuana farming also has major impacts on Oregon’s legal recreational marijuana market. Evans cited illicit growers paying exorbitant amounts of cash for property, labor, and water rights as ways that they’re outcompeting legal growers.
Nonprofit ‘Compassion Highway Project’ Closing Down
After nearly a decade of helping some of the most vulnerable people in Southern Oregon, a local nonprofit organization is closing its doors once and for all. Compassion Highway Project, a Medford-based nonprofit organization that provided meals and resources to people struggling with homelessness, closed on Thursday.
After seven years of serving residents in need, going through a string of personal hardships for the founder, on top of the effects of the pandemic, the organization had to close.
“This year has been hard, I have been having a lot of health issues, I was in a car accident and it caused fluid to go into my brain, it is starting to affect my memory,” Melissa Mayne, the founder of Compassion Highway Project explained. “I also have an autoimmune disorder, I start infusions next month, and that will be hard on me.”
Mayne said on top of her personal health issues, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic also took a toll on the organization. She said in the beginning, the organization saw a decrease in volunteers and never regained the amount of helping hands the nonprofit had before.
During the same time period, Mayne said she had to step away from her organization for several months after she contradicted the virus twice.
“I had to close for a month and a half each time, no one was there to help, we had the office completely closed for a big chunk of time, that hit us hard,” Mayne added. “Not having enough volunteers made it nearly impossible to do our feeds as well.”
Mayne said she began helping other people who are struggling with homelessness after she found herself homeless more than ten years ago.
“It was wintertime, I met this man named Kelly at the park, he was the sweetest man, he ended freezing to death because he gave this woman his coat and that is the night he froze,” she added. “I was devastated, and I promised his family I would not let that happen again.”
She said she made it her mission to help other people by providing them with food, basic hygiene necessities and connecting them to other resources they need.
Mayne said, going through the heartache every time she was notified that someone she helped died, has also taken its toll on her wellbeing.
“I think it was 27 I counted in last few months, there were 16 people that passed away to overdoses, but those 27 in the last few months, hit me to the core, it emotionally takes its toll,” she said. “I am going to need some time to heal.”
Mayne said, as for the future, she plans to continue helping people but on a much smaller scale.
“I am just so happy for all those who I have been able to help, who turned around and changed their ways, and lives for the better,” Mayne said. See Statement here: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1492846847751439&id=173761832993287
Woman Pleads Guilty in Medford Embezzlement Trial
According to the DA’s office, between April of 2018 and February of 2019, Marang used company credit cards for her own use, deposited non-authorized company funds into her personal accounts, used company accounts to pay for her personal credit cards, used a business account for cash withdrawals, made money transfers from business accounts to her own accounts, and used the fleet vehicle fuel card for her own use.
Medford Police arrested Marang in September of 2019 after Precision Electric performed an audit. She had previous convictions in Washington and California “for similar conduct,” the DA’s office said.
Marang was living in Allen, Texas, prior to her court date on Thursday. Appearing in Jackson County, Marang pleaded guilty to one count of Identity Theft, four counts of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, and one count of Falsifying Business Records. She was remanded into custody after her sentencing.
Judge Timothy Barnack sentenced Marang to 42 months (3.5 years) in prison with two years of post-prison supervision. She was also ordered to pay restitution for more than $310,150.
Precision Electric owner Jack Schmidt was present at the plea and sentencing hearing and spoke on behalf of the company, the DA’s office said.
Grants Pass Police Busy with Trio of Arrests in Four Hours
Grants Pass Police officers were busy Thursday with a trio of unrelated, major arrests. As we do every day, our dedicated officers are out in the public responding to calls, investigating crimes, and keeping our community safe.
At 0846 hours, a suspicious vehicle was reported in the 1900 block of Williams Highway. A police corporal discovered the vehicle had been stolen out of Douglas County. Officers began to check the area for the suspect who allegedly fled on foot. A quick investigation and officer intuition led to further investigation at the home where the car was parked. Jared Peterson, a 22-year old male, was arrested for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon, in addition to several warrants.
At 1159 hours, officers responded to a downtown bank for a suspicious male. The male, driving a vehicle, fled police by driving the wrong way on 7th Street before abandoning the car near the overpass for Redwood Highway. Despite attempts to further evade detection on foot, 41-year old Jose Osegera was located by police in the area. A lengthy investigation led to his arrest for Attempted Aggravated Theft 1, Elude, Reckless Driving, Identity Theft and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (x2).
At 1232 hours, a male was reported to have stolen a beer from a downtown store. Officers found the suspect, 31-year old Anthony Grebisz, at Riverside Park. He was uncooperative and resisted arrest for the theft. He was lodged for Theft 3, Resisting Arrest and a Probation Violation.
We appreciate the public’s assistance in reporting these matters as we know partnerships with our community strengthens our ability to solve crimes. Anyone with information on these calls is encouraged to call the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260. Grants Pass Police Department
Medford Police Dept. – School Zone Safety Operation
With students back in the classroom the Medford Police Department wants to remind drivers about School Zone Traffic Safety. On Monday September 27th the Medford Police Department will have increased patrols in school zones within the City of Medford.
We ask that drivers be aware of School Zones and use caution when driving through them. It is important to know that fines for speed violations increase significantly when they occur within a designated School Zone. To help with public awareness we have included descriptions of the two categories of reduced school speeds in school zones. We have also included a link to the ODOT website with information on School Zones.
Zones Adjacent to School Grounds: Will have signage displaying the speed limit at 20 MPH When Flashing or School Days 7AM – 5PM.
Zones at School Crosswalks away from Schools Grounds: Will have signage displaying the speed limit at 20 MPH When Flashing or When Children are Present.
ODOT School Zone Information Link: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Engineering/Pages/School-Zones.aspx
Update***OSP Requesting Assistance with Fatal Hit and Run Crash in Talent
Oregon State Police is requesting public assistance with this case. OSP is releasing a video of three vehicles that were in the area near the time of a fatal hit and run crash that killed bicyclist Geoffry Sterling (44) of Ashland.
The Oregon State Police would like to speak to the occupants of the first 3 vehicles seen in this video as they may have information related to the crash: https://bit.ly/3nYYC3e
• Silver/light-colored Truck seen at 9:45:35 P.M.
• White SUV seen at 9:45:40 P.M.
• White Sedan seen at 9:46:24 P.M.
OSP is requesting anyone with information regarding the crash or any information regarding the suspect vehicle to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP and refer to Case #: SP21-268789. — Oregon State Police
Southern Oregon Missing Persons
Oregon reports 1,836 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 12 new deaths
There are 12 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 3,661, the Oregon Health Authority reported 1,836 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 bringing the state total to 318,914.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (9), Benton (22), Clackamas (133), Clatsop (18), Columbia (18), Coos (66), Crook (20), Curry (2), Deschutes (185), Douglas (67), Gilliam (2), Grant (4), Harney (11), Hood River (10), Jackson (90), Jefferson (39), Josephine (34), Klamath (49), Lake (11), Lane (141), Lincoln (8), Linn (65), Malheur (26), Marion (166), Morrow (7), Multnomah (231), Polk (48), Sherman (4), Tillamook (4), Umatilla (105), Union (13), Wallowa (11), Wasco (15), Washington (148) and Yamhill (54).
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oregon is ready to make booster shots available to people who are eligible to receive one, if the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup approves a federal recommendation to make booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine available to seniors and people in high-risk categories.
While Oregon currently has an adequate supply of Pfizer vaccines, state health officials cautioned that provider capacity could mean that booster shots may not be available on-demand in some communities.
Health officials continued to emphasize that medical evidence shows that all three COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing severe COVID-19 illness and death. The recommended Pfizer booster maintains the Pfizer vaccine’s long-term effectiveness, especially for older adults.
Public health officials also urged all unvaccinated Oregonians to talk to their health provider about getting immunized against COVID-19. Dr. Tom Jeanne, Deputy State Epidemiologist said: “The Delta variant continues to spread, putting more people at risk, including younger people. A vaccination is the best way to keep yourself and the people you care about safe from COVID-19.”
Earlier today, a panel of medical and public health experts convened by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for people aged 65 and older, as well as residents of long-term care facilities and people 18 and older who have certain underlying conditions – all of whom had received their second dose of the vaccine at least 6 months ago.
The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup convenes later today to consider the federal recommendations.
People vaccinated with the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are not currently eligible to receive a booster, though federal health officials expect to consider a booster recommendation in coming weeks, based on more data. Dr. Melissa Sutton, Medical Director of Respiratory Viral Pathogens at OHA said, “Current evidence tells us that the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines continue to offer strong protection against the most serious COVID-19 outcomes.”
People who are immunocompromised, and were vaccinated at least one month ago, currently qualify for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, based on previous recommendations approved by federal and Western States medical experts.
According to the CDC’s panel, people who are recommended to receive a Pfizer booster are:
- People 65 or older who received their second dose of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months ago.
- Residents of long-term care facilities who received their second dose of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months ago.
- People 50-64 who have medical conditions that put them at-risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease and received their second dose of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months ago.
- People 18 to 49 years old who have underlying health conditions that make them vulnerable to COVID-19, and who received their second dose of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months ago, would also be eligible based on their individual benefits and risks. (State public health doctors emphasized that findings from current data show that vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization and death remains high in people under the age of 65.)
State health officials estimate the population of Oregonians who are potentially eligible for a Pfizer booster immediately could exceed 230,000 people, with more becoming eligible as they reach the 6-month threshold since they completed their vaccination series. Across Oregon, vaccination sites currently have approximately 460,000 Pfizer doses in stock.
Eligible Oregonians in these categories could seek booster shots through their health care provider or local pharmacy, once approved by the Western States Safety Review panel.
Eligible residents in long-term care facilities, including seniors, should receive their boosters through vaccination plans developed between their homes and pharmacies. State officials are also planning ways to reach home-bound seniors, people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations.
In some regions of the state, providers and local public health officials again may set up large mass vaccination sites. However, state officials urged eligible Oregonians to be patient as public health and health care providers administer vaccines and fight the most recent wave of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths, brought on by the highly transmissible Delta variant.
OHA Director Patrick Allen said, “Our ability to deliver Pfizer boosters isn’t limited by the availability of doses, but by capacity of health care providers to administer them at the same time they’re treating hundreds of new cases each day, driven by the Delta variant which is running rampant largely among unvaccinated Oregonians. I’m grateful for the dedication and resilience of Oregon’s health care community. I ask Oregonians to recognize that you may not have a booster appointment waiting for you the day you become eligible, but you will get one. In the meantime, your vaccine continues to protect you from COVID-19, no matter what vaccination you’ve received.” Oregon Health Authority
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on Wednesday revised its position on safe-dating practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and now says it is OK to get intimate with your date–as long as you’ve both been vaccinated.
Officials say by next week, fire danger will have fallen sufficiently to minimize threat of new significant fires.
Clear skies set up for most of the day across the geographic area with temperatures in the upper 70s. Winds became breezy and northerly on the west slopes of the Cascades while on the eastside basins, lighter westerly winds prevailed. Humidities hovered in the 20 to 30% range. Fire growth was light on existing large fires.
Upper level ridging will amplify over the region today before weakening late Saturday. Warming temperatures and
lowering humidity are expected. General winds will switch to east or northeast over the Cascades and sections of the west side Friday morning.
A cold front will move onto the Washington coast late Saturday then further inland on Sunday before crossing the Cascades by Monday. General winds will swing back to westerly as the front moves in.
New significant fire potential will remain below normal through Sunday for most areas except southern Oregon and
sections of central Washington. Easterly winds over the Cascades on Friday could trigger some activity for ongoing
incidents until winds decrease on Saturday. By next week, fire danger will have fallen sufficiently to minimize threat of new significant fires.
Cougar Peak. 15 mi NW of Lakeview, OR. Start 9/7. Cause: Unknown. 91,332 acres (-7). 52% containment. Minimal fire behavior. Timber. Structures threatened. Evacuations in effect. Road, trail and area closures.
Devils Knob Complex. 30 mi SE of Roseburg, OR. Start 8/3. Cause: Unknown. 69,942 acres (+4). 51% containment. Minimal fire behavior. Timber. Structures threatened. Evacuation notices. Road, trail and area closures.
Rough Patch Complex. 26 mi SE of Cottage Grove, OR. Start 7/29. Cause: Unknown. 50,376 acres (+0). 42% containment. Minimal fire behavior. Timber. Road, trail and area closures.
Jack Fire. 20 mi E of Glide, OR. Start 7/5. Full Suppression. Cause: Human. 24,165 acres (+0). 55% containment. Minimal fire behavior. Timber. Road, trail and area closures.
Bull Complex. 12 mi NE of Detroit, OR. Start 8/3. Cause: Unknown. 24,837 acres (+60). 20% containment. Minimal fire behavior. Timber. Road, trail and area closures.
Middle Fork Complex. 9 mi N of Oakridge, OR. Start 7/29. Cause: Unknown. 30,928 acres (+0). 55% containment. Minimal fire behavior. Timber. Road, trail and area closures.
44 Year Old Lane County Cold Case Solved in Murder of Two Teens
On a summer afternoon in 1977, Lliana Gay Adank, 16, and Eric Shawn Goldstrand, 17, ventured east away from their home in Eugene out to the Broken Bowl picnic grounds at Fall Creek. They never came home.
Lane County Sheriff’s deputies found Adank’s body in the picnic area. She had been sexually assaulted and then shot. They found Goldstrand’s body hours later in nearby brush.
On Thursday, 44 years later, Lane County Sheriff’s officials announced they had identified the teens’ killer using DNA found at the scene over decades ago. Detective Kurt Wuest, who was first assigned the case in 1983, was on the volunteer cold case team when Shroy was identified.
New genealogical technology helped investigators identify fingerprints they had submitted to a lab last summer as those of killer Ronald Albert Shroy. Police believe Shroy, who was 23 at the time, was a Lane County resident when he killed the two North Eugene High School Students.
However, he took his own life in February of this year during an unrelated domestic violence incident in Mesa, Arizona, where he had lived since 2008. Investigators never had the chance to charge him with a crime earlier.
Cold cases like this one are investigated by the Lane County Sheriff’s department volunteers funded through donations, which also funded the DNA tests that identified Shroy.
Since the killings, detectives have worked to solve the case. Initially the crime scene was searched and processed, area searches were completed and roadblocks were put in place. Over the years, numerous interviews were done, polygraphs were completed and numerous firearms were tested and bullets forensically analyzed. Latent DNA was obtained at the crime scene and analyzed utilizing technology available at the time. Latent fingerprints from the crime scene were also analyzed and compared with the national fingerprint data base. No matches were found.
These investigative efforts afforded few leads. However, after more than four decades, the suspect’s DNA was re-submitted in July of 2020 for analysis utilizing modernized genealogical technology. As a result of that analysis a former Lane County resident was identified and later confirmed to be the perpetrator. Ronald Albert Shroy’s DNA linked him to the crimes. Shroy was twenty three years old and a Lane County resident at the time of the crimes.
Shroy moved away from Oregon in the early 1980’s. He was discovered to have been living in Mesa, Arizona since 2008. As investigators were closing in and making final preparations to present the matter to a grand jury, arrest, and charge him, Shroy was involved in an unrelated domestic violence incident and took his own life. (Feb 24, 2021)
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Team remains dedicated to investigation and solving cases such as this. Detective Kurt Wuest was first assigned to this case in 1983. Now, 38 years later as a volunteer cold case investigator for the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, he hopes to bring closure to the families of Lliana Adank and Eric Goldstrand.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Team is comprised of volunteers and is funded by donations made by community members. The ability for investigators to actively work these cold case investigations is made possible by these donated funds. This funding allowed for the recent DNA work on this case to be completed.
We would like to thank all of the agencies that assisted with this investigation, including the Lane County District Attorney’s Office, San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A special thank you is also given to the Mesa Arizona Police Department, and all of the forensic scientists for their hard work in helping us solve this case. Anyone wishing to donate to the Cold Case Unit can do so by sending check or money order to: Lane County Sheriff’s OfficeCare of: Cold Case Unit125 E. 8th Ave. Eugene. OR 97401
OSP is seeking public assistance with a shooting investigation- Curry County
On September 19, 2021, at approximately 6:03 P.M, a motorcyclist was shot by an occupant of a passing vehicle.
The shooting occurred on Highway 101 near milepost 289 south of Langlois, Oregon. Both the motorcycle and suspect vehicle were traveling southbound.
The suspect vehicle is a black four-door hatchback, possibly a Volkswagen. The attached photos are of the actual suspect vehicle.
The suspect vehicle had at least two occupants, a male, and a female, both estimated to be in their 20’s or 30’s. The male suspect is described as tall and thin with short dark hair and a dark complexion. The female suspect is described as white with short hair with pink or purple highlights.
OSP is requesting anyone with information regarding this shooting or any information regarding the suspect vehicle to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP and refer to Case #: SP21-268655. — Oregon State Police
Mill Beach health advisory issued Sept. 23
OHA issues advisory due to high bacteria levels — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing a public health advisory today for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Mill Beach in Curry County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted.
Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.
Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.
Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including:
- Stormwater runoff.
- Sewer overflows.
- Failing septic systems.
- Animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.
Even if there is no advisory in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.
Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted.
While this advisory is in effect at Mill Beach, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.
For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).
Oregon Trying to Catch Up on Backlog of Rental Assistance Applications
Oregon will work with an outside vendor in processing rent assistance applications for the state’s next round of federal funding in an effort to avoid another alarming backlog. Social services organizations across the state have processed emergency rental assistance applications throughout the pandemic, but those agencies struggled over the summer to keep up with unprecedented demand, leaving thousands of renters waiting for aid.
Frontline employees at those organizations blamed a centralized application portal that Oregon introduced for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which they said was plagued with backend problems that slowed down their ability to process applications. Before the new software system was rolled out in May, renters had applied for funding directly through local agencies.
The state is now doubling down on its centralized approach by sticking with the software system that frustrated local agencies and hiring an outside company to take over the processing of all applications.
Margaret Salazar, executive director for Oregon Housing and Community Services, the state agency overseeing the rent assistance programs, said the centralized application portal allowed the state to reach more renters in need.
“We have the benefits of looking at best practices around the country to understand what’s working for states and localities that are quickly moving dollars out the door,” Salazar said. “One of the things we’ve found they all have in common is using a centralized approach for the processing function.”
Public Partnerships LLC is in talks with the state to serve as the sole application processor for a new $156 million round of rent assistance the state hopes to begin distributing this fall.
The company has mainly served as an intermediary for in-home healthcare services but recently expanded into administering COVID-19 relief programs for state and local governments.
Oregon first hired Public Partnerships in August to process about 8,500 Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program applications as the state tried to tackle its growing backlog. In about a month on the job, the company has paid out assistance to cover rent for 600 tenants, while about 29% of applications assigned to it are still pending initial review.
However, Salazar said its processing rate has been much faster than many local agencies.
According to state data, Multnomah County has distributed money to pay rent for 987 tenants, or 8.3% of those that have applied for assistance; Washington County has distributed money for 219 renters, or 4.5% of those that have applied for assistance; and Clackamas County has distributed money for 80 renters, or 4% of those that have applied for assistance. Those counties also have separate direct allocations from the federal government they are distributing.
Across the state, nearly 36,000 Oregon households have requested more than $251 million in rent and utility assistance through the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program since applications opened in May, according to a state tracking system. Only about 19%, or 6,908 renters, have received aid so far. Another 5.4% have been approved for funding, but their landlords have not yet received that money.
The months-long delays could be disastrous for Oregon renters, who are protected from eviction after applying for rent assistance and notifying their landlords — but only for a period of 60 days. (Multnomah County extended the window to 90 days for its residents.)
The backlog also could jeopardize Oregon’s access to federal rent assistance funds.
Beginning Sept. 30, the U.S. Department of Treasury will have the option to reclaim funds from states it determines are “unable or unwilling” to spend the money. It also indicated that it would withhold the next round of funding until states show they’ve substantially expended their current money.
Salazar said she doesn’t believe Oregon will ultimately lose any funding because it has shown the need for assistance is there.
Other states have similarly struggled to get rent assistance out the door, and Oregon has made significant headway in the last month. The National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates that only 15 states have allocated or paid out a larger percentage of their federal allocation than Oregon. Oregon has set a new target for community agencies to process at least 2,000 to 3,000 applications per week combined and for Public Partnerships to process 500 applications per week to try to clear the backlog within seven weeks, Salazar said.
For the next round of funding, though, Salazar said the state hopes those community agencies can focus on outreach to ensure renters are aware of money available to them while Public Partnerships takes over the entire processing role.
Jimmy Jones, executive director of the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, which distributes rent assistance to tenants in Marion and Polk counties, said he was cautiously optimistic that the new approach would enable renters in areas of the state where agencies have been slow to process applications to get assistance more quickly.
However, he said he would have preferred a layered approach where some applications are processed by Public Partnerships but agencies that have been effective at processing applications continue the work.
“Otherwise, this is high stakes poker,” Jones wrote in an email. “And the fate of every renter in need will hinge on this working well.”
It will also hinge on the reliability of the state’s software system.
Oregon Housing and Community Services paid $395,482 to software vendor Allita 360 to implement a centralized application system in May.
But local agencies complained that glitches in the system were preventing them from processing applications and leading to lost information. Several other states have reported similar issues.
Brain Greenwood, president of Allita 360, pushed back on those assertions. He said in an email that the local community agencies “don’t have the staff needed nor the expertise for a federal program of this complexity and size.” Salazar said the staff at Public Partnerships have been able to effectively process applications through the system.
Oregon still considered ditching the software program after hearing concerns from local agencies, and even took pitches from other vendors. But Salazar said they ultimately decided it was not worth switching vendors at this point.
“The reality is that switching software would have required us to take our time and attention away from processing applications and getting dollars out the door to people who need them,” Salazar said.
Oregon’s Nine Tribes Send Letter to Governor Calling For Their Voices To Be Heard In Water Planning
The following commentary summarizes a letter to Governor Kate Brown from the leaders of the nine federally recognized Indian tribes of Oregon. The letter was delivered on September 21.
“We, the Nine Sovereign Tribes of Oregon, thank you for your leadership in recognizing that our great state needs a vision of water with a vision of at least 100 years. We are all dedicated to improving this beautiful place we now call Oregon.
We have come together as the tribes of Oregon to share and discuss our beliefs, concerns and needs for an Oregon Water Vision. Each of us is a separate and unique ruler, but we have all come to agreement on these issues.
Water is sacred. Water is life. Water is the heart of our culture. Our understanding of these truths is based on a legacy of survival and dependence on our oceans, rivers, and lakes in Oregon. Whether we plan for one year or for 100 years, any vision of water must, at its core, restore and protect cold, clean water.
As modern Oregonians, we haven’t done this well. It is time to take a step forward.
Our tribes and their fisheries lived together before Oregon existed. Our ancestors understood that they had to live in a balanced relationship with the oceans, rivers, streams, lakes, springs, marshes and the flora and fauna that depend on them. There was and there is no other way to survive. However, many modern Oregonians act as if there are no natural consequences or limitations to our water consumption, including groundwater.
Our people have seen the changes in our waters and lands caused by mismanagement. There is a very real threat of extinction for rainbow trout, salmon, lamprey, suckers and other species in our oceans, streams, rivers and lakes. We have known about these problems for a long time.
The extinction of these vital fisheries would amount to the genocide of our people and the end of our irreplaceable ways of life, for these resources are an integral part of our identity. The extinction of native fisheries is totally unacceptable to our nations. Whether intentional or not, we know our state is taking a dangerous path in several watersheds.
We have seen many planning processes come and go. If a plan fails to address these issues, it will fail to create acceptable solutions. The truth is, the state and tribes of Oregon know the biggest barriers to healthy oceans, rivers, and water. We’ve all known this for some time. What is missing is the will to change the way we do business. Our water and those who depend on it have paid the price.
As the Oregon Water Vision initiative progresses, and to ensure that our voices are heard clearly in whatever this process may involve, the tribes are asking for the following:
1. By Order in Council, establish a “Tribe-Agency Water Vision Working Group” to include representatives from the nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon and the nine state agencies identified in the Oregon Strategy. Oregon water resources. The objective of this group would be to fully coordinate the vision and objectives of a holistic water vision.
2. Collaborate with each of our tribes to develop specific recommendations for the water body. Each of our sovereign tribes may have unique and specific interests relating to water resources and / or hydraulic infrastructure in their ancestral areas.
All of the tribes in Oregon are eager and eager to get involved. Inclusion of Oregon’s tribal voice in its vision for water will ensure its global commitment to our collective needs for human and ecosystem resilience. The tribes of Oregon are hopeful that your office can ask all relevant state agencies to reciprocate.”
The nine sovereign tribes of Oregon
Burns Paiute of Harney County
The Burns Paiute Reservation is located north of Burns, Oregon in Harney County. The current tribal members are primarily the descendants of the “Wadatika” band of Paiute Indians that roamed in central and southern Oregon. The Burns Paiute Tribe descended from the Wadatika band, named after the wada seeds they collected near the shores of Malheur Lake to use as food. Bands were usually named after an important food source in their area. The Wadatika’s territory included approximately 52,500 square miles between the Cascade Mountain Range in central Oregon and the Payette Valley north of Boise, Idaho, and from southern parts of the Blue Mountains near the headwaters of the Powder River north of John Day, to the desert south of Steens Mountain.
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are made up of three tribes (four Bands): two bands of Coos Tribes: Hanis Coos (Coos Proper), Miluk Coos; Lower Umpqua Tribe; and Siuslaw Tribe. We strive to perpetuate our unique identity as Indians and as members of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, and to promote and protect that identity. It is our goal to preserve and promote our cultural, religious and historical beliefs while continuing to learn and grow as a part of the community we live in. We also work to promote the social and economic welfare of our members both inside and outside of our five-county service area here in Oregon. Our five-county service area is made up of Coos, Curry, Lincoln, Douglas and Lane counties.
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
The mission of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde staff is to improve the quality of life for Tribal people by providing opportunities and services that will build and embrace a community rich in healthy families and capable people with strong cultural values. Through collective decision making, meaningful partnerships and responsible stewardship of natural and economic resources, we will plan and provide for a sustainable economic foundation for future generations.
Confederated Tribes of Siletz
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz is a federally recognized confederation of 27 bands, originating from Northern California to Southern Washington. Termination was imposed upon the Siletz by the United States government in 1955. In November of 1977, we were the first tribe in the state of Oregon and second in the United States to be fully restored to federal recognition. In 1992, our tribe achieved self governance, which allows us to compact directly with the US Government. This gives us control and accountability over our tribal programs and funding. We occupy and manage a 3,666 acre reservation located in Lincoln County, Oregon. We manage several resources, including water, timber and fish.
Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Reservation
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is a union of three tribes: Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla. The CTUIR has 2,965 tribal members. Nearly half of those tribal members live on or near the Umatilla Reservation. The Umatilla Reservation is also home to another 300 Indians who are members of other tribes. About 1,500 non-Indians also live on the Reservation. Thirty percent of our membership is composed of children under age 18. Fifteen percent are elders over age 55. CTUIR is governed by a constitution and by-laws adopted in 1949. The governing body is the nine-member board of trustees, elected every two years by the general council (tribal members age 18 and older).
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
It is the land of the Warm Springs, Wasco and Paiute Native American Tribes, stretching from the snowcapped summit of the Cascade Mountains to the palisaded cliffs of the Deschutes River in Central Oregon. Despite the great loss of traditional culture that occurred as a result of settlement on the reservation, the people of the Warm Springs Reservation have succeeded in holding on to many of our ancient traditions and values. Our longhouses still ring with prayer songs that have been handed down for generations.
Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians
The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians upholds tribal government, protects and preserves tribal sovereignty, history, culture and the general welfare of the tribal membership, and serves to provide for the long-term economic needs of the tribe and its members through economic development of tribal lands. The tribe encourages and promotes a strong work ethic and personal independence for tribal members, while strongly upholding the “government to government” relationship with local, state and federal governments. The tribe constantly strives to maintain and develop strong cooperative relationships that benefit the tribe and local community.
Coquille Indian Tribe
Comprising a people whose ancestors lived in the lands of the Coquille River watershed and lower Coos Bay, the Coquille Indian Tribe today has over 1000 members and a land base of 7,043 acres. After the United States reinstituted federal recognition to the Tribe and restored its full sovereignty rights in 1989, the Coquille Tribal government created an administrative program that now provides housing, health care, education, elder care, law enforcement and judicial services to its members. Approximately 538 Tribal members and their families live in the Tribe’s five county service area covering 15,603 square miles of Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, and Lane counties. Approximately 350 Tribal members live in Coos County.
Klamath Tribes
The mission of the Klamath Tribes is to protect, preserve and enhance the spiritual, cultural and physical values and resources of the Klamath, Modoc and Yahooskin Peoples by maintaining the customs and heritage of our ancestors. To establish comprehensive unity by fostering the enhancement of spiritual and cultural values through a government whose function is to protect the human and cultural resources, treaty rights, and to provide for the development and delivery of social and economic opportunities for our people through effective leadership.