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, February 16, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
Management Issues at Crater Lake Prompt Feds To Consider Terminating Concession Contract
Years of management issues involving facility upkeep and staff at Oregon’s Crater Lake have prompted the federal government to consider terminating its contract with the national park’s concessionaire.
Crater Lake Hospitality, a subsidiary of Philadelphia-based Aramark, is contracted through 2030 to run concessions such as food and lodging. But the National Park Service’s Pacific West regional director, David Szymanski, told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the agency will terminate its contract with the company unless it “shows cause as to why NPS should not do so.”
Szymanski did not specify a timeline of when that might happen and declined to comment on communications between the federal agency and the company, the news outlet reported. National Park Service guidelines require it to provide written notice to a concessioner when a termination is under consideration.
“Termination would be an extremely rare action, and one we don’t take lightly. But consistent failures to meet contract requirements led to our notice of intent to terminate this contract to protect visitors and park resources,” Szymanski told the news outlet. “If NPS terminates the contract, NPS would organize an orderly discontinuation of Crater Lake Hospitality’s operations at the park and work to transition to a short-term contract with another operator to minimize impacts to visitors.”
The comments came two months after Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden wrote to the National Park Service to highlight his “serious concerns” about Crater Lake Hospitality. In a public letter, he asked the federal agency to “take immediate action to prevent concessionaire mismanagement from continuing to threaten Crater Lake National Park, its visitors, or the employees who live and work there.”
In recent annual reviews, the National Park Service has slammed the concessionaire over poor facility upkeep, failure to complete maintenance projects and a lack of staff training. The reviews have also noted staff reports of sexual assault and harassment, and subpar living and working conditions.
Aramark said it was taking steps to improve conditions. “The challenges at Crater Lake National Park are not indicative of our overall business operations,” the company said in an emailed statement.
Aramark signed a 10-year contract at Crater Lake in 2018, taking over from hospitality company Xanterra, which had operated there since 2002. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aramark’s contract was extended to 2030.
According to National Park Service guidelines, the agency can terminate a contract with a concessionaire to protect visitors from unsanitary or hazardous conditions or to address a default of contract, among other reasons.
As The Oregonian/OregonLive reported, a concessionaire can be found in default for receiving an overall rating of “unsatisfactory” in one annual review or ratings of “marginal” in two consecutive reviews, according to the guidelines. At Crater Lake, Aramark received an “unsatisfactory” rating for 2023 and “marginal” ratings in 2022, 2021 and 2019. (SOURCE)
Missing Person: Hailey Berger
Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office
Missing Person: Hailey Berger
Case: 24-3390
Date of Report: 02/15/2024
Age: 29
Sex: Female
Race: Caucasian
Hair: Brown
Height: 5’3″
Weight: 125lbs
Information: Hailey Berger left her residence in O’Brien on February 13th to go to a friends house. It is unknown who she was going to see, or where she was going. Family has not been able to get ahold of her since. Hailey is known to frequent the Illinois Valley and Williams areas.
Please contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office with any information.
Office: 541-474-5123
Attorneys Speak Out On Asante Related Cases and Possible Side Effects For Alleged Victims
Tuesday (2/13/2024), NBC5 News spoke to a local law firm representing alleged victims and their families in the possible drug diversion case being investigated by Medford police at Asante RRMC. In addition to the alleged deaths, NBC5 News is hearing that there could be dozens of victims who suffered other adverse effects potentially linked to the same alleged drug diversion case.
NBC5 News spoke to lawyers from Schlesinger and deVillenueve. While they can’t confirm how many of their clients were affected, they say that it’s possible the number will grow. There are two main ways they are determining whether or not their clients were potentially affected.
The first way is if Asante had directly called them or a family member, saying that Asante suspects that they may have been a victim. According to the attorneys, their clients say that when Asante called them, the Asante representative encouraged them to undergo testing for blood- borne pathogens, such as hepatitis and HIV. The attorneys said this leads them to question whether or not the nurse allegedly diverting drugs, was using a non-sterile needle or foreign object to extract and replace pain medication.
The second way is their clients consult with them and the attorneys examine medical records and chart notes to help determine how likely it was that they were affected. Schlesinger and deVillenueve attorneys, like Shayla Steyart, said it has been emotionally difficult for their clients.
“Just the timing of it all. It’s gone on for a long time and people are getting these phone calls sometimes over a year later and its reopening that wound so whoever they’ve lost, they’re reliving it just as if it happened yesterday.”
Attorneys also say they’re piecing together similarities and differences in the cases. NBC5 News reached out to Medford police today, they say they’re still investigating. (SOURCE)
Hearts with a Mission, a program to help local seniors who need assistance, is seeking volunteers.
The volunteer-based program — which started in January 2023 — has 90 volunteers ready to help, but more than 100 seniors who need assistance.
Stephanie Miller, the Hearts For Seniors Program Manager, said that it’s a heartwarming job and fulfilling volunteer work. Residents can apply here.
David Grubbs’ Murder Investigation Remains Active
The Ashland Police Department’s investigation into the murder of David Grubbs on November 19, 2011 remains open and active. Recently two new detectives have been assigned to look into new leads that have come in.
This case remains important to David’s family, the community, and the Ashland Police Department. As detectives continue to pursue these new leads, anyone with additional information is encouraged to reach out to the Ashland Police Department at 541-488-2211.
The reward for information leading to an arrest on this case remains at over $21,000.
Registration Open For Rogue Community College’s New Nursing Program Cohort
Jackson and Josephine counties (Jan. 17, 2024) – After receiving approval from the Oregon State Board of Nursing for a new Certified Nursing Assistant 2 (CNA2) program, Rogue Community College has opened registration for the first cohort that starts in February.
The program meets rigorous standards set by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) and enables students to advance from CNA1 to a CNA2 certification. It will provide students with thorough training that aligns with industry standards and helps them prepare for a successful and meaningful career in nursing.
Throughout the program, students will delve into essential topics such as how to collaborate with the healthcare team, nutrition methods, safety risks and emergency care, legal and ethical issues, physical and mental disease processes, observation and reporting, documentation, infection control and interpersonal skills. Students will also gain practical experience during 88 hours of training that will have online and in-person components.
Students will also have the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world scenarios during hands-on, supervised clinical training at a local healthcare facility located in Josephine or Jackson County.
The CNA2 program allows nursing students to gain specialized knowledge and skills that help them grow in their careers, discover new job opportunities and increase their earning potential.
The program positively impacts the local economy, as Southern Oregon has two large hospital systems—Providence Medford Medical Center and Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center—with a variety of employment opportunities available. For more information, email nursingassistant@roguecc.edu.
Fauna Frey, 45, disappeared in Oregon on a road trip, June 29, 2020, following her brother’s death —
https://original.newsbreak.com/@ada-e-1668135/3304227455096-fauna-frey-45-disappeared-in-oregon-on-a-road-trip-june-29-2020-following-her-brother-s-death
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
Oregon Senate Committee Votes To End Daylight Saving Time
A senate committee on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a plan that would do away with the state’s annual one-hour switch from standard to Daylight Saving Time.
Switching to standard time would mean earlier sunrises and sunsets in the summer. In Oregon, that would mean the sun would rise around 4:30 a.m. and set around 8 p.m. in June, instead of the current 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Oregonians living in the Pacific Time Zone would be able to continue using standard time for the entire year under SB 1548. Oregon would become the third state after Arizona and Hawaii to not observe Daylight Saving Time.
In 2019 a ruling that stated Oregon would only permanently adopt Daylight Saving Time if California and Washington also decided to do so by 2029. The Oregon House and Senate will now discuss the new bill on the floor before voting on it.
Oregon Senate Passes Bill to Cap Insulin Cost At $35
The Oregon Senate on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 1508, which caps the price of insulin at $35 and prevents Oregonians with chronic illnesses and disabilities, who are covered by Medicaid and the Oregon Health Plan, from facing higher costs.
In recent years, the cost of insulin skyrocketed 55%. SB 1508 provides certainty and protection from the rising cost of insulin for Oregonians living on tight budgets, especially seniors, Sen. Deb Patterson (D – Salem) said in a news release.
The bill also stops the Health Evidence Review Commission (HERC) and Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (P&T) from using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY)-based formulas to determine coverage for Oregonians on the Oregon Health Plan.
The QALY formula places a lower value on treatments that extend the lives of people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities, making it harder and more expensive for those individuals to get the care they need.
“No Oregonian should suffer because they can’t afford basic, life-saving medication,” said Patterson. “No Oregonian should have to ration their medication or choose between paying for prescriptions or basic necessities like food or housing. SB 1508 works to make sure that every Oregonian, regardless of their health or disability status, gets the care they need.”
SB 1508 is a key pillar of Senate Democrats’ Uniting Oregon Agenda, which aims to make all communities safer and healthier and lower rising costs for hard-working Oregonians. The bill now goes to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration. (SOURCE)
Ahead of New Unemployment Insurance System Rollout, Employment Department Shares What Claimants Can Expect
Unemployment Insurance Benefits go live in Frances Online on March 4
FEB. 14, 2024 (SALEM, ORE.) – The Oregon Employment Department (OED) announced more details of what Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants can expect when benefits go live through Frances Online on Mon., March 4. The new system, Frances Online, will provide better service for claimants and employers.
“With any new technology, there is going to be a learning curve,” said Lindsi Leahy, director of the Oregon Employment Department’s Unemployment Insurance Division. “We are communicating early and often about what claimants can expect come March 4th to ensure minimal disruption to benefits. We’re excited to highlight some of the specific features that will be new for claimants, and will offer a better user experience online.”
Frances Online offers features that will provide a better online customer service experience. It’s also mobile-friendly. UI customers will be able to do a lot more things online through self-serve features, instead of waiting for a letter in the mail or calling the UI Contact Center.
Video of OED’s media briefing on Feb. 14, 2024 is available at: https://youtu.be/NwRjkOHMYjE.
What’s Changing for UI Claimants
Here are some of the highlights about what is going to change for UI claimants on March 4:
- New system and URL for filing UI benefits online, called Frances Online. The URL for the new UI online system will be live on March 4 at unemployment.oregon.gov.
- New or improved self-serve features such as checking the status of a claim, uploading supporting documents directly into the system, responding to questions about eligibility, sending and receiving secure messages, live chat, filing an appeal or completing a payment plan application.
- Claimants will need to create a Frances Online account before an initial or weekly claim can be filed (but they shouldn’t do this until March 4).
- Customers will see enhanced fraud protections.
- Some information will still have to come by mail, even if a customer selects to receive electronic communication.
More details about these changes are available at unemployment.oregon.gov/frances.
What’s Staying the Same for UI Claimants
While there are several changes coming, many of the services and contact pathways will remain the same:
- The UI Contact Center number is the same: 1-877-FILE-4-UI.
- The automated Weekly Claim Line number is the same: 1-800-982-8920.
- Customer service information, including unemployment and Frances Online guides, videos, and frequently asked questions, will still be available at unemployment.oregon.gov.
- UI eligibility rules and program requirements (welcome process, job search, filing weekly claims, etc.) are the same.
- If a UI customer has a current claim, their preferred payment method (direct deposit or ReliaCard), will stay the same.
- Frances Online is available only in English and Spanish right now. Call the UI Contact Center at 1-877-FILE-4-UI for help in other languages.
Customer Service Tips
Below are several customer service tips leading up to the migration through the first few weeks of the UI system launch. Visit unemployment.oregon.gov/frances for a full list of what customer service options will be available before, during and after the migraiton of UI benefits:
- Check online before contacting us. Many questions will be resolved quickly through the new self-serve features in Frances Online when the system goes live. You can also find how-to guides, videos, and answers to frequently asked questions at unemployment.oregon.gov. We encourage UI claimants to try using those before calling the UI Contact Center or visiting a WorkSource Oregon center. Call wait times will likely be long in the first few weeks after Frances Online goes live.
- Make sure to check the mail daily. Important letters with due dates may arrive in the mail. If a UI claimant misses these due dates, their benefits will be delayed or denied.
- Know where to get help. Visit unemployment.oregon.gov/frances for more details to ensure the best possible customer service.
Important Dates to Avoid Benefit Delays
As a reminder, OED will migrate UI benefits to Frances Online beginning at 5 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 27, through 8 a.m. on Mon., March 4. This means that customer service options during this time will be very limited.
- The due date to file a weekly UI claim for Feb. 18-24 is 5 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 28.
- The due date to file a new initial UI claim is 5 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 27.
All UI phone lines will be temporarily offline on Wed., Feb. 28 through Fri., March 1. If UI customers do not file their weekly claim by this due date, their benefits for that week will be delayed. They will need to wait until the new system launches at 8 a.m. Mon., March 4.
OED encourages current UI claimants to check their mail daily, review all letters and messages, check unemployment.oregon.gov/frances, and follow OED on social media for important updates about the migration. Paid Leave Oregon claimants can visit paidleave.oregon.gov in the coming weeks to learn more about these impacts.
Oregon Kids Credit offers big boost for lowest-income families
Free filing assistance available to help taxpayers claim their credits
Salem, OR—A new state tax credit could provide up to $5,000 for Oregon’s lowest income families who file an Oregon state income tax return.
The Oregon Kids Credit, created by the Legislature last year, is a refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $25,000 or less, the full credit is $1,000 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year—a maximum benefit of $5,000. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $30,000.
When combined with the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Oregon Earned Income Credit, it could help boost the tax refund for the lowest income families to more than $13,000.
The EITC is for people with an adjusted gross income of up to $63,398 in 2023. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $7,430 on their federal tax return, and a maximum Oregon EIC of $891 on their state tax return.
All three credits are fully refundable, meaning the portion of the credit that is larger than what a taxpayer owes can be refunded. Taxpayers may even be able to claim the credits and receive a tax refund if they don’t normally file a tax return.
To claim the credits, taxpayers must file a return. To assist taxpayers, Oregon offers several free filing options, including free fillable forms and the new Direct File Oregon. Taxpayers who need help filing their taxes can also find free assistance options on the agency website.
Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the partially refundable Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC), which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they’re working, looking for work, or attending school.
To encourage Oregonians to save for college and job training, the Education Savings Credit for Oregon 529 Plan contributions allows single filers to receive a refundable credit of as much as $170 ($340 for joint filers) if they contribute to an Oregon College Savings Plan account before tax day. The refundable tax credit is also available for contributions to an Oregon ABLE Savings Plan account, which empowers people experiencing disabilities to invest and build financial security without jeopardizing their eligibility for vital state and federal benefits.
For more information about the federal EITC, the Oregon EIC, the Oregon Kids Credit and other similar credits, go to the Tax benefits for families page.
Taxpayers can dial 2-1-1 or visit the Oregon Department of Revenue website to find free tax preparation sites by using our interactive map. For more information on the EITC, visit https://www.eitc.irs.gov/. For questions about Oregon taxes, call the Department of Revenue at 503-378-4988.
Refunds distribution has begun
The annual refund hold that is part of the agency’s fraud prevention efforts has been completed and the department began issuing the first refunds of the 2024 tax season Monday.
In 2024 Oregon is returning $5.61 billion in surplus revenue to taxpayers in the form of a “kicker” tax credit. Taxpayers will receive their kicker as part of their refund, or the kicker can reduce the tax they owe.
Most refunds are issued within two weeks, but returns that need more review may take up to 16 weeks before a refund is issued. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund by using the department’s Where’s My Refund? tool on Revenue Online. A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.
Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest Underway
The front cover of the 2023-2024 Oregon Blue Book showcases a hillside covered in beautiful balsam root and lupine flowers at Rowena Crest, captured by Oregon photographer Micah Lundsted of Eugene. The book’s back cover shows an image of three rockfish made at the Oregon Coast Aquarium by Dale George of Grants Pass.
Which images will cover the 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book? The Oregon Blue Book cover photo contest kicks off today, giving amateur photographers the chance to submit their photos to answer that question. Photo contest winners will be selected in October 2024 by Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade.
“Choosing the cover photos for the Oregon Blue Book is an honor,” said Secretary Griffin-Valade. “The images are a chance to see our beautiful state through the lens of the many talented amateur photographers who live in Oregon.”
The contest is open to Oregon residents of any age who earn less than half their income from photography. Images must be Oregon related and should be submitted in the portrait, rather than landscape, orientation. Two images will be selected for the cover: one for the front and one for the back. Visit the Oregon Blue Book Photo Contest guidelines for more information: https://sos.oregon.gov/blue-book/Pages/about-conte…
Images can be submitted through the Oregon Blue Book website portal or via U.S. mail. The deadline to submit photos for consideration is October 27, 2024. Contact the Oregon Blue Book Managing Editor at Oregon.Bluebook@sos.oregon.gov with questions or for additional information.
DETAILS
What: 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest
Who: Amateur photographers who live in Oregon
When: February 7, 2024-October 27, 2024
Where: Submit online or through U.S. Mail
Why: Photo on the cover of the 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book
