The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Friday, January 19, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
Severe weather has caused Spectrum service outages again around the state. Get service updates, outage information and other helpful resources at Spectrum.net/stormcenter.
ODOT: SW Oregon Oregon Power Outage MAP: https://poweroutage.us/area/state/oregon
MADGE Traffic Stop Yields 105 Pounds of Meth and 12 Pounds of Fentanyl
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On the evening of Tuesday, January 16, members of the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement team (MADGE) intercepted a vehicle along I-5 outside of Ashland, Oregon. MADGE investigators had received information of the vehicle transporting large amounts of narcotics in our area. With the assistance of the Oregon State Police and the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET), investigators stopped the vehicle and Medford Police K9 “Bodie” alerted to the presence of narcotics. A search warrant was obtained, and a search of the vehicle yielded 105 pounds of methamphetamine and 12 pounds of fentanyl.
The MADGE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-support approach. MADGE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) which is composed of members from the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, Parole and Probation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including MADGE.
Suspect arrested:
Lopez-Ramos, Cruz Bernardo, 31 years old, who is not a local resident.
Unlawful Possession and Distribution of Methamphetamine – Commercial Drug Offense
Unlawful Possession and Distribution of Fentanyl – Commercial Drug Offense
Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office Apprehend California Wanted Subject
DETAILS: On January 12, 2024, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by an agency out of California regarding wanted subject, Chanc N. Lopez, who may have been living in the area of Wolf Creek. Deputies, with the assistance of the US Marshals, conducted research and surveillance to learn about Lopez’s regular routine.
Based on the information that Lopez could be armed, an operational plan was created to take Lopez into custody.
On January 17, 2024, Lopez was stopped in an industrial area on the outskirts of Grants Pass by multiple Deputies and US Marshals. He was arrested without incident.Chanc N. Lopez was lodged in the Josephine County Jail for warrants out of California for Armed Robbery, Attempted Carjacking and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime. At the time of this press release no further details are being released
Supreme Court Will Hear Grants Pass Homeless Camping Case
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case that originated in Grants Pass and could set a precedent for how cities around the nation are able to respond to homeless camps.
The case, Grants Pass v. Johnson, centers on a lawsuit by a group of homeless people against city restrictions on outdoor sleeping. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision in the case wouldn’t have a major impact in Oregon, according to Ed Johnson, lead counsel at Oregon Law Center, which is representing plaintiffs in the case. That’s because Oregon passed a state law in 2021 that blocks cities from punishing people sleeping outside on public property.
Under the state law, cities are allowed to enact “objectively reasonable” restrictions on the time, place and manner of outside camps. For instance, the city of Beaverton adopted a new law allowing camping on public rights-of-way between 9 p.m. and 7:30 a.m., and Bend passed a new law banning camping in residential areas and requiring people to move locations at least 600 feet every 24 hours.
The Oregon law, championed by now-Gov. Tina Kotek during her time as speaker, was a response to an earlier decision in the Grants Pass case and the 2019 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in Martin v. Boise, which prohibited governments in the nine Western states under the court’s purview from punishing homeless people for sleeping outside when cities didn’t have adequate shelter space available.
The Grants Pass case began as a challenge to a local law that prohibited homeless people from using blankets, pillows or cardboard boxes to protect themselves from the elements while sleeping outside. A three-judge panel on the Ninth Circuit concluded that punishing people who lack shelter amounts to cruel and unusual punishment and violates the Eighth Amendment.
“At its most basic level, the case is about whether cities can punish people for existing outside when they have nowhere else to go,” Johnson said.
The case coincides with rising homelessness throughout the country, particularly on the West Coast. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last month announced that more than 650,000 people nationwide were homeless in January 2023, a 12% increase since the year prior. More than a third of the nation’s homeless population was in Washington, California and Oregon, which had more than 20,000 homeless residents at the time of the count.
Western states have far higher rates of unsheltered homelessness than other areas, with more than two-thirds of California’s homeless population and nearly two-thirds of Oregon’s lacking shelter. The 2023 data predates last year’s investments in shelters and rehousing, which added more than 1,000 new shelter beds. (SOURCE)
Crater Lake National Park has been experiencing extreme weather conditions over the past week that have resulted in failures of the park communication system.
This has significantly impacted the ability to report emergency incidents so delays in response should be expected. Due to these conditions all facilities are closed, and backcountry travel is strongly discouraged. Highway 62 through the park remains open, but because of heavy and drifting snow and poor visibility, we are asking visitors to refrain from traveling in the park.
As is typical during winter and spring, the North Entrance Road and Rim Drive are closed for the season. The road from park headquarters to Rim Village is currently closed due to the weather conditions. It is sometimes necessary throughout the course of the winter to close that section of road so the plow operators can focus on roads critical for safety access in the park. When this section of road is closed, there is no way to access a lake view by vehicle.
Updates will be provided as conditions change. Please check for alerts on the park website at www.nps.gov/crla and on the Crater Lake National Park Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064393373885. Road status is also available on www.tripcheck.com.
Asante Settled Medicare Fraud Allegations at Medford Hospital
The health system now at the center of a local police investigation recently resolved a lengthy federal probe into a whistleblower lawsuit claiming fraudulent billing
The Medford hospital now at the center of a local police investigation recently resolved a lengthy federal probe into a whistleblower lawsuit claiming fraudulent billing
Weeks before local police launched an investigation into reports of alleged drug diversion and potentially related patient deaths at Asante Rogue Medical Center, hospital management quietly settled litigation stemming from a federal Medicare fraud probe.
In 2022, the hospital received 57% of its revenue from government programs including Medicare and Medicaid, or $642 million in all, according to the most recent financial report submitted to state regulators. (READ MORE)
No New News as Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center Patient Deaths Investigations Continue
Reports that a nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center may have sparked fatal infections of patients by replacing fentanyl with tap water in their IV bags have sparked national attention.
For patients, the victims’ relatives, and others in Oregon health care, the reports are sparking questions as well. It now appears that the deaths linked to the Medford hospital occurred over a span of at least 12 months.
Hospital administrators and local law enforcement have not named the suspected employee and released few other details. No indictments have been filed publicly in the case.
Hospital Nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford Accused of Replacing Fentanyl with Tap Water Leading to at least 10 Patient Deaths and “Dozens of Patients” Harmed
The Federal Bureau of Investigation says it is involved with an investigation at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. The FBI said it’s aware of allegations there under investigation by local police.
This after some sources say as many as ten people have died. Multiple hospital sources, who declined to be identified, confirmed dozens of patients injured by medication diversion — the act of replacing a medication with another substance. It is believed the fentanyl scheduled to be administered to the patients was then removed from the premises illegally.
Sources allege that a hospital nurse was removing fentanyl from IV bags and replacing it with tap water. The FBI said today it is supporting local police with their work.
Asante issued a statement during the weekend that, “We were distressed to learn of this issue. We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.”
Multiple sources also say that water supplies in the Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit — which are in an older part of the hospital — are unsafe for use on patients, even for face washing. The hospital made numerous public statements during 2023 pertaining to infections and water quality issues.
OHA state agency is part of an investigation now at a Medford hospital, where local and federal law enforcement agencies are investigating allegations of nursing behavior that could have been deadly.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) says today it’s “aware of reports of incidents at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford involving a nurse alleged to have tampered with pharmaceutical fentanyl used to treat severe pain and introduced tap water in patients’ intravenous lines. OHA also is investigating reports that the incidents led to health care-associated infections that severely injured, and may have caused the deaths of, several patients.”
OHA has a Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program that, “conducts HAI surveillance in Oregon health care facilities,” working with partners including health care facilities to respond to and contain potential HAI outbreaks.
Sources say the nurse used tap water to cover up the hospital’s misuse of medication. Unnamed hospital sources said “dozens of patients” had been harmed by the replacement of their meds with another substance.
Medford Police have provided no more details. They only confirmed there’s an open investigation at the medical center.
Be alert for landslides across southern and western Oregon
Medford, OR—The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of south-central Oregon, including the south-central Oregon coast. The watch is in effect from Saturday evening to late Monday evening.
Abundant moisture will arrive with the next storm system coming in Friday night through Saturday night. Heavy rain may result in landslides in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires.
Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.
If your home, work, or route is in a watch area:
- Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
- Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
- Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.
For more landslide and debris flow information:
https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx
PART 2 – Newsweek Podcast Focusing on The Disappearance of Fauna Frey From Lane County
Here One Minute, Gone the Next —– PART 2 – Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel joins investigative journalist Alex Rogue to speak with Here One Minute, Gone the Next about the disappearance of Fauna Frey, the growing friction between citizen investigators and law enforcement, and the lack of resources in missing persons cases. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disappearance-of-fauna-frey-pt2-feat-sheriff/id1707094441?i=1000630100040
PART 1 – John Frey joins Newsweek to discuss exclusive details about the case of his missing daughter that until now have been unavailable to the general public.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Fauna Frey, call the anonymous tip line at 541-539-5638 or email FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com.
Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
Governor Declares Statewide Emergency Due To Severe Ice Storm
State of Emergency will support access to federal resources for response and recovery efforts after an ice storm caused widespread infrastructure damages and power outages across the state
Salem, OR—This evening, Governor Tina Kotek declared a statewide emergency due to the severe ice storm that impacted counties across the state. This declaration comes following an assessment of needs and subsequent requests from multiple counties as they enter the 6th day of severe impacts as a result of the storm. The declaration will support counties to respond and recover from damages as a result of the storm.
“Thousands of people across the state have been impacted by the storm, including power outages, lack of transportation, and an array of safety concerns that come with severe weather,” Governor Kotek said. “The state has been working with counties as they assess needs, including critical federal resources that can be unlocked by a statewide emergency. I declared a state of emergency in Lane County on Tuesday, and now we are heeding the call from additional counties to escalate.”
Emergency response starts at the local level. As resources are exhausted, cities and counties turn to the state for additional support. Not all resources, such as those the state has been providing since the start of the storm, require a state emergency declaration. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Governor’s Office have been in frequent communication with impacted counties as they continuously assess their needs, anticipate emerging issues, problem-solve, and seek to fill gaps.
State emergency declarations are a critical tool that support counties getting access to federal resources they may be entitled to through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as other resources. Assets include, but are not limited to, federal infrastructure support for highways, telecommunications, and power system recovery, which responders can access more easily with a statewide emergency declaration.
Currently, Multnomah County, Lincoln County, Washington County, Hood River County, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians have declared a local state of emergency and have been receiving support from the state, including from OEM, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
In addition, ODHS announced this week that individuals who may have had to throw away food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a power outage or other damage from winter storms may be eligible to replace their benefits. Customers may call 800-699-9075, email oregon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov or provide a written request by mail to ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309, within 10 days of the loss to inquire.
A full list of warming shelters across the state can be found here. OHA has published resources for winter storms here, and recognizing and avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning here. Oregonians with storm damage can contact the Department of Consumer and Business Services for insurance help and advocacy.
Anyone who wants to volunteer at a local warming shelter can use this link to sign up. Additionally, ODHS-OREM activated 211info to begin 24/7 operations to support warming center efforts statewide. (SOURCE)
Travel in Oregon Still Challenging
While Medford, Klamath Falls, and Roseburg seemed to skip the worst of this week’s ice storm activity, it wreaked havoc in cities like Bend, Eugene, Salem, Portland and all along the Columbia River Gorge and Oregon Coast.
Winter weather is far from done in Oregon as freezing rain, heavy snow and high winds continued in several corners of the state.
The hoped-for Wednesday thaw never quite materialized as roads in western Oregon remained slick in many areas. Trees laden with ice brought down power lines, and highway crews continued their battle with the elements.
The National Weather Service forecast for Thursday and Friday called for continued freezing rain in the Coast Range, the Columbia River Gorge, Portland area and the Cascades.
ODOT maintenance crews crews continued to work 12-hour shifts as they have been for more than a week since the start of the storm. Approximately 400 snowplows have been clearing roads around the state. And as of Wednesday, in the ODOT region that encompasses most of the Willamette Valley and the North Coast, we’ve used 1.7 million pounds of salt since the storm began, the most we’ve ever used in the region.
Wise travelers should consider delaying their travels until their roads are safe. Those who must use the roads should consult Tripcheck.com and check conditions on their route. Tripcheck.com provides live cameras showing road conditions around the state along with other information that can help travel planning like altitude and temperature. Some Tripcheck.com cameras, however, are temporarily offline because of the storm.
We reopened Interstate 84 through the Columbia River Gorge late Wednesday after a closure of nearly 31 hours. But conditions remained precarious Thursday with ice, snow and chain restrictions. ODOT was monitoring the highway condition carefully and will close the highway if the road becomes unsafe.
Interstate 5 just south of Eugene will have rolling slowdowns Thursday to assist utility crews in restoring seven downed lines over both directions of the interstate.
Freezing rain was hitting central Oregon hard Thursday from Redmond north. U.S. 26 was closed west of Warm Springs at one point by semis that jackknifed in freezing rain.
OR 126W and OR 36 remain closed in the Coast Range due to down trees.
In eastern Oregon, OR 244 is closed, with local freight and passenger vehicles only allowed and no I-84 access for commercial vehicles. Most highways in the region remain covered with snow and ice or both with temperatures below or just above freezing. Slight warming may come by Thursday afternoon but temperatures may fall back below freezing by night. Mixed precipitation — snow and freezing rain — throughout eastern Oregon will continue Thursday into Friday, making travel difficult.
Warming temperatures in southwest Oregon could lead to flooding. Watch for high water and debris on the roadway, especially on valley and coastal routes. Delays and closures are likely on mountain highways as crews work to remove snow and downed trees.
The safest place to be during winter road conditions is at home. Our crews want to give a heartfelt thank you to every person who decided not to travel this weekend. Staying off the roads gives our crews and emergency responders the space to get where they need to go.
Road and weather conditions can change quickly and make travel difficult or impossible. For the latest state highway information and to see current closures, visit Tripcheck.com. For the latest weather, visit the National Weather Service website.
If you must travel, be prepared – Safety is our priority – for travelers and our road crews. If you decide to travel, plan extra time for your journey and carry emergency supplies. Delays and closures are happening statewide. Expect to encounter chain restrictions.
Give snowplows and emergency crews extra space to do their work, and never pass a snowplow on the right. Our crews are working hard to clear roads, but their job becomes more difficult when disabled cars and trucks block traffic.
For more winter weather driving tips, see our winter travel news packet.
To see images from this winter event from across Oregon, see our January 2024 Flickr album.
Watches, Warnings or Advisories for Oregon https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
Did you have to throw away food due to Oregon’s winter storm?
You can request replacement SNAP benefits for up to 10 days.
Oregon households who receive SNAP and lost food due to storm and power outages may be eligible for replacement benefits.
If you had to throw away food purchased with SNAP due to storm or power outages, you can request replacement benefits to purchase new food. You must request replacement benefits within 10 calendar days of the food loss.
Replacement benefits may be requested by:
Calling (800) 699-9075
Emailing: oregon.benefits@odhs.oregon.gov
Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the household’s existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
FOLLOW Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/HungerFreeOregon
Five Killed On Highway 97 Crash Near Crescent
Road conditions were a “significant” factor in a head on crash on Highway 97 near the town of Crescent in northern Klamath County yesterday that left five people dead.
OSP continues their investigation this week after five people, reportedly all members of a Bend family, were killed on Highway 97 in northern Klamath County Wednesday morning.
As of deadline yesterday, the names of the victims were still not being released. It is believed, though, that all are members of a family that resides in Bend. The vehicle they were in had Montana license plates.
OSP says road conditions played a significant factor in the crash. A toddler initially survived the original impact, but succumbed to its injuries despite first responders providing CPR.
The initial call came to Klamath County 911 around 9:45 Wednesday morning. Literally an hour after the highway reopened and the accident scene cleared, another crash took place a few miles south of the same stretch of highway near Chemult late Wednesday night. The highway was once again closed in both directions. No further information about the second accident has been released.
The accident was the second in less than a year that claimed multiple victims on the same stretch of highway. A family of four lost their lives late last year in another incident.
OSP will continue to update the story with victim names and more information as the investigation continues.
Consumer Advocates Offer Oregonians Insurance Advice After Damaging Ice Storm
In the aftermath of major ice storms that pummeled much of northwest Oregon, many homeowners are dealing with property damages. Here are some tips for folks considering filing an insurance claim.
When first assessing damage to home or property, safety is paramount.
“If you cannot safely remove something without causing more damage—don’t do it,” said Jason Horton with the Division of Financial Regulation. That’s a part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services that makes sure insurance companies follow the law.
Horton said losses from ice, wind, tree falls or flooding should first prompt a call to your insurance agent or company. Take pictures and make detailed lists of damaged property, including brand names and model numbers. Horton said homeowners should protect property from further damage but not make permanent repairs until an insurer inspects it.
And know your deductibles: Horton advises a cost/benefit analysis can help determine if a reported claim is worth it. “You know, (if) you file a claim and your insurance pays out—it could impact your rates. As in, they’ll go up,” he said.
DFR consumer advocates are available to help with problems or concerns with insurance claims. For assistance, consumers can call 1-888-877-4894 or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov
Here is additional information from Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation:
Homeowners insurance
A typical homeowners policy covers damage to the home caused by falling trees or limbs and weight of ice and snow.
For example, if your home sustained severe structural damage from a fallen tree or other storm debris, and it is deemed uninhabitable, you may qualify for additional living expenses, which helps cover the extra costs of lodging, meals, and even pet boarding while you are unable to live in the home.
If your home received minor damage, such as the wind blowing a few shingles off your house, your homeowners insurance will probably replace the damaged shingles, but not the entire roof.
Winter storms can also create sudden damage caused by an ice dam on the roof or pipes bursting due to freezing. This type of damage is typically covered and can be extensive if a pipe burst floods a home or minor, such as a leak from an ice dam causing a stain on a ceiling.
Coverage may be available for food spoilage due to the power outage. However, be sure to consider if the actual benefit from filing this type of claim is worth the potential effect it can have on your premium. Remember, if the loss is close to or less than your deductible you may not want to file a claim. If you need to file a claim for another type of damage to your home, food spoilage can typically be added to the claim you need to file for repairs.
Auto
There are three coverage options on an auto insurance policy that typically apply to winter storms.
- Comprehensive covers damage caused by falling trees or limbs. This includes while your car is parked inside a garage.
- Collision covers damage to your car that occurs while driving. This includes hitting storm debris or sliding on ice.
- Liability covers damage you accidentally caused to another person’s property or to a person who is injured in an accident. (SOURCE)
A power line fell on a parked car in northeast Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday, killing three people and injuring a baby during an ice storm that turned roads and mountain highways treacherous in the Pacific Northwest.
Shortly before noon, dispatchers started receiving frantic calls about a downed power line and people appearing to be electrocuted, according to a statement from the city’s fire department. A branch had fallen on a power line, causing it to fall onto an SUV, the statement said.
As the chaotic situation unfolded, a resident grabbed the baby from one of the people lying in the street in a bid to save its life, according to the statement. The three killed — two adults and one teenager — were found dead upon firefighters’ arrival, and the baby was taken to a hospital. It is believed the victims were electrocuted after they got out of the vehicle, the statement said.
The power company later de-energized the line, the statement added without specifying which company.
Around Portland, driving and even walking were virtually impossible as slick ice coated roads and sidewalks. Icicles dangled from roofs and cars, and ice encased branches, plants and leaves like thick glass.
A large swath of the region was under warnings Wednesday for as much as 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of ice, promising only to add to the damage wrought by a deadly, powerful storm that hit over the weekend. The warning area was reduced later in the morning to parts of southwest Washington and northwest Oregon, including Portland, and further limited to the western edge of the Columbia River Gorge in the afternoon.
Freezing rain could return to the region Thursday evening through Friday morning, the National Weather Service said. The areas most likely to be impacted include the eastern Portland metro area and the western Columbia River Gorge.
Portland transportation officials asked the public to stay off the roads through Thursday morning, and numerous school districts, including Oregon’s largest, canceled classes for a third straight day as roads remained slick.
The three deaths Wednesday added to at least seven deaths linked to fallen trees and suspected hypothermia during the previous weekend’s storm.
State, IRS to start processing tax returns January 29th
The Oregon Department of Revenue will begin processing e-filed 2023 state income tax returns on January 29, 2024, the same day the IRS will begin processing federal returns. Paper filed returns will be processed starting in mid-February.
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 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 2023 tax return easier in 2024.
Oregon Free File opens today
Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own returns in 2024 can file electronically at no cost using one of Oregon’s free file options. 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.
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.
To check the status of your refund after February 15, or make payments, 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. (SOURCE)
Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Rises by 3,900 in December
In December, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 3,900 jobs, following a revised loss of 5,900 jobs in November. December’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+2,300 jobs), construction (+1,500), and retail trade (+700). Losses were largest in financial activities (-700 jobs) and wholesale trade (-600).
Health care and social assistance continued to add many jobs in December. Each of its four components grew rapidly in the most recent month and throughout last year. Social assistance added 1,200 jobs in December, adding 5,600 during 2023. Ambulatory health care services added 900 for the month and 5,600 for the year. Similarly, hospitals (+500 jobs in December) and nursing and residential care facilities (+600) continued to grow.
At 123,100 jobs in December, construction was at a record high. Residential building construction was particularly strong, adding 500 jobs in December, and 2,300 jobs in the past year.
Retail trade performed close to its normal seasonal pattern during the holiday shopping season of November and December. But retail’s employment level was a little lower in December 2023 compared with the prior two years. It employed 207,900 in December 2023, which was about 2,300 jobs fewer than in both December 2022 and December 2021.
Although leisure and hospitality gained 4,800 jobs, or 2.4%, in the past 12 months, the industry showed recent weakness by cutting 2,600 jobs between August and December.
Employment in financial activities peaked in July at 107,100 jobs but has trended downward since then, losing 3,100 jobs over the past five months. The industry now employs about the same number as it did four years ago.
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.7% in December and 3.6% in November. December was the eighth consecutive month in which Oregon’s unemployment rate was between 3.4% and 3.7%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.7% in both November and December.
Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the December county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, Jan. 23, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for January on Tuesday, March 5.
