Rogue Valley News, Wednesday 3/20 – Josephine County Voters Sue to Keep Rep. Christine Goodwin from Running for Oregon Senate & Other Local and Statewide News…

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

Wednesday,  March 20, 2024

Rogue Valley Weather

Josephine County Voters Sue to Keep Rep. Christine Goodwin from Running for Oregon Senate

The lawsuit, filed Friday in Josephine County Circuit Court, alleges that Goodwin’s listed address is actually a wine tasting room

A group of Josephine County voters are suing to keep Rep. Christine Goodwin from running for the state Senate, alleging that she doesn’t live in the district she wants to represent and that the address she lists on campaign paperwork is actually a vineyard’s tasting room.

Goodwin, R-Canyonville, has served in the state House since 2021, when she was appointed to replace state Rep. Gary Leif after his death. She’s running for the Senate district now represented by Art Robinson, one of 10 Republican senators barred from running for reelection because they participated in a six-week walkout in 2023, after Oregon voters passed a constitutional amendment barring lawmakers with 10 or more unexcused absences from serving another term.

Robinson’s son Noah is also running in the Republican primary. The 2nd Senate District has nearly twice as many registered Republicans as Democrats, so the winner of the Republican primary is all but certain to represent the district in Salem.

The lawsuit was filed Friday in Josephine County Circuit Court against Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade by Josephine County Commissioner John West and Grants Pass residents Edgar Pelfrey, Winnie Pelfrey, Victoria Marshall and Cathy Millard. They allege that Goodwin lives in Myrtle Creek, not in her current House District or the Senate District she hopes to represent. The lawsuit, first reported by the conservative southern Oregon publication the Oregon Eagle, further alleges that the home Goodwin lists on her candidate paperwork is actually the tasting room of Falk Estate Vineyards.

The complaint seeks to remove Goodwin from her current position in the House and keep her off the May 21 primary ballot.

“Irreparable injury will occur if Christine Goodwin’s name is placed on the ballot for the May 21 election because votes for other candidates will be diluted by votes for Christine Goodwin, who is not qualified to represent Senate District 2,” the plaintiffs’ attorney Stephen Joncus wrote in a motion for a preliminary injunction. “The primary campaign would also unnecessarily cost her competitor money that could be reserved for the general election, thus weakening the Republican nominee for Senate District 2. Christine Goodwin could conceivably win the nomination for Senate District 2, a seat that she is not qualified to hold, leaving Republicans without a candidate for the Senate District 2 seat.”

Goodwin, a retired teacher and former Douglas County commissioner, flatly denied the allegations, telling the Capital Chronicle that no vineyard or tasting room existed and that she lives in a house on the Falk ranch in Canyonville.

“This baseless attack from Noah Robinson’s minions, led by John West, does not faze me,” she added. “I trust the voters of southern Oregon to elect me to the Senate like they have to the House – with overwhelming support.”

Her November filing with the Secretary of State’s Office lists her home and mailing address in Canyonville.

West told the Capital Chronicle he drove by that address on Sunday and spoke to someone who told him Goodwin was in Salem and has a studio on the Falk property. He said he finds it hard to believe Goodwin lives there instead of in the Myrtle Creek home, which he described as a $1 million house with a swimming pool.

‘A phony address’

“For some reason, she don’t want to run in her own district,” West said. “She either didn’t think she could win or whatever the reason was, but she thought, ‘Well, they won’t know. They won’t know that I actually don’t live in my district. I’ll put down a phony address, and the Secretary of State won’t check it,’ and voila, we didn’t. Nobody thought anything for the first two years she was state rep.”

Documents attached to the lawsuit include Douglas County property tax records showing that Christine and Lynn Goodwin have owned a home in Myrtle Creek since 1991, as well as her voter history that shows she updated her residential address to the Canyonville home in December 2021. Candidates for legislative office typically have to prove they’ve lived in a district for at least one year prior to the general election, but candidates running in 2022 only had to prove residency by Jan. 1, 2022, because of redistricting in 2021.

The Myrtle Creek home is in the 1st Senate District and 2nd House District, represented by Sen. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, and Rep. Virgle Osborne, R-Roseburg. The Canyonville address is in the 2nd Senate District and 4th House District, represented by Art Robinson and Goodwin.

The lawsuit also includes a copy of a business registration in Goodwin’s name from July 6, 2022 that lists her address as the home in Myrtle Creek. Goodwin Properties Inc. dissolved in September 2023, according to state business records.

Goodwin’s first campaign finance account, which was active for just over one week in November 2021, listed the Myrtle Creek home as her address. Since then, she’s used the Canyonville address.

Laura Kerns, a spokeswoman for Griffin-Valade, said the Secretary of State’s Office had no comment on the lawsuit. Kerns added that the office received an anonymous letter about Goodwin’s residency in December, but is barred by state law from investigating anonymous complaints.

The office has a mixed record when it comes to investigating candidates’ residency. Days before the March 12 filing deadline, the Secretary of State’s Elections Division disqualified Republican Senate hopeful Shannon Monihan, who owns a condo in the 28th Senate District outside Bend and rents an apartment in the 27th Senate District, where she hoped to run to replace disqualified Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, R-Bend.

In instances in which candidates maintain two or more homes, the Secretary of State’s Office determines which one counts for residency purposes by looking at where a candidate votes, pays taxes, registers licenses and works, rather than statements about the area a candidate considers home, election officials told Monihan in a letter about her disqualification.

Last year, the office declined to investigate a complaint about state Rep. Hai Pham, D-Hillsboro, who insisted that he lived with his parents in a three-bedroom home in the 36th House District rather than the $1.3-million, five-bedroom home where his wife and young son resided in the 31st House District. Pham still owns the home in the 31st House District but has since bought a new home in the 36th District, county property tax records show.  (SOURCE)

Municipal Court to Host Medford Outreach Court on March 20

The City of Medford’s Municipal Court will be hosting its next Medford Outreach Court event on Wednesday, March 20 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at United Way (60 Hawthorne St.).

This new program helps individuals with open municipal court cases and provide information on resources and services available in the area.

Please note, the Medford Outreach Court will not be able to assist with domestic violence, felonies or juvenile cases.

For more information or questions about this program, call Medford Municipal Court at 541-774-2040 or click here

Child Killed in Tragic Accident in Grants Pass

On March 16, 2024, at about 1124 hours, the Grants Pass Police Dispatch received calls about a child who was struck in the parking lot of a business on Fruitdale Drive near Highway 238.  Grants Pass Police officers responded to the scene, along with first responders from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, American Medical Response, and Grants Pass Fire/Rescue.

A five-year old female was found seriously injured in the parking lot and emergency medical aid was immediately rendered.  The child was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center by AMR.  Despite medical efforts, the girl succumbed to her injuries.  Due to her age, the name of the girl will not be released by our Department.

Grants Pass Police Detectives, along with an UAS pilot and police crash reconstructionist, took over the investigation at the scene of the crash.  With the assistance of witnesses, it was determined the vehicle that struck her was unoccupied.  The owner of the car, a 74-year old man, had parked the car and exited it in the parking lot.  He quickly realized his truck was rolling backwards and attempted to open the door and stop it from continuing its path backward.  The man was unable to stop the truck.

The truck struck the girl before coming to a rest against a parked vehicle. The owner has been cooperating with the detectives.  Alcohol and other controlled substances are not believed to be a factor at this time.

The investigation is still on-going.  Anyone with information on this incident is requested to contact the Grants Pass Police at 541-450-6260.

Grants Pass Homeless Case Will Be Heard By Supreme Court April 22nd

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case out of Grants Pass regarding criminalizing sleeping in public spaces next month. The ruling ordered the City of Grants Pass to cease enforcing its ban on homeless people sleeping on public property. Now the Supreme Court will hear the case on April 22nd.

Grants Pass, like many cities, is also dealing with a housing shortage. Over the past two decades, as more people moved in, housing costs went up, forcing a growing number of people onto the streets. Grants Pass, like other cities, is dealing with a housing shortage. Over the past two decades, as more people moved in, housing costs went up, forcing a growing number of people onto the streets.

The Supreme Court agreed to take up City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson in January and is set to hold oral arguments. The case is being led by the local government of Grants Pass, which was barred by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals from enforcing its broad anti-camping ordinance when homeless people have no other place to go.

Martin v. Boise and Grants Pass v. Johnson have prevented cities from punishing people for sleeping in public spaces when they have nowhere else to go. The Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals denied a re-hearing of the case last year. This comes after the court ruled against the City of Grants Pass in 2022.

The Grants Pass case came to the Supreme Court after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the city’s homeless residents. The appeals court ruled 2-1 that the city, which is about 250 miles south of Portland, can’t “enforce its anti-camping ordinances against homeless persons for the mere act of sleeping outside with rudimentary protection from the elements, or for sleeping in their car at night, when there is no other place in the city for them to go.” The decision applies only in situations in which homeless people “are engaging in conduct necessary to protect themselves from the elements when there is no shelter space available,” the court added.

The City of Grants Pass hopes the supreme court will issue a ruling in the summer of 2024. The City of San Diego has joined Grants Pass in the lawsuit.

Ed Johnson, the lead counsel for the respondents in the case, said it hinges on whether cities should be able to prioritize criminalization over solutions. Johnson said, “criminalization of our neighbors that have been forced to live outside, is not a solution. It’s very expensive, it wastes limited resources.”

Johnson said every court that has heard the case has ruled against Grants Pass so far. “Grants Pass wants to make it illegal on every inch of property, 24 hours a day,” Johnson said. “The problem is if that’s allowed, many cities will simply try to run all of the homeless people out of their community, and they have to go somewhere, so they’re going to go somewhere else, and they’re still going to have to live outside because of the affordable housing shortage.”

Johnson said that people are being punished for “simply existing” and that if more cities enact strict anti-camping ordinances like Grants Pass’, it could make the homelessness crisis worse.  “If we go down this line of spending money on criminalization and banishing people from their hometowns, we’re going to wake up in a year or two years or five years and we’re going to have twice as many of our neighbors living outside,” he said.

Options for Education —  Education Expo

WHEN: April 13, 2024 (rescheduled because of weather from March 2)
WHERE: Oregon Futbol Academy building @ 144 SW G St, Grants Pass, OR

Options for Education promotes school choice options for southern Oregon families through a variety of free services: Education Expo, Educational Entrepreneur Events for networking and training, referrals and individual support.

Approximately half of vendors at in this year’s Education Expo offer full course loads while the remaining are supplemental program: individual classes and workshops, tutoring, internships, clubs, art, music, athletics, field trips, or curriculum.

Some organizations, like Options for Education and the newly established Rogue Valley Independent Educators, PTA, serve the education community at large. “Every child deserves to learn in an environment where their values are respected,” said Shannon, “The goal of this event is that every parent find the right fit for their child OR is inspired to start their own!”

Photo opportunities: 3:20pm before, during and 6:30 after the event.

Options for Education was founded in 2019 by Brettani Shannon and established as a
5013(C) non-profit in 2022. www.OptionsforEducations.com 541.660.4054

Klamath Falls Man Requests To Represent Himself Against Federal Criminal Kidnapping Charges

A Klamath Falls man facing federal kidnapping charges said he wants to represent himself in his criminal trial.  He also requested to be referred to as “Sukima Zuberi” in court.

30-year-old Negasi Zuberi had a late afternoon arraignment when federal prosecutors requested maximum sentences on all eight criminal counts against Zuberi. He has another hearing April 1, 2024, before Zuberi decides to represent himself in court fully.

Zuberi has two counts of kidnapping, one count of transportation for criminal sexual activity, two counts of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, two counts of a felon in possession of ammunition and one count of attempted escape from custody.

Zuberi received a new federal court indictment last month, charging him with kidnapping a second victim and with weapons charges from a prior conviction of assault with a deadly weapon.

Zuberi’s original kidnapping charge filed last summer accuses him of taking a woman from Seattle, WA to his Klamath Falls home and holding her captive in an in-home cinder-block cell that she escaped.

He’s accused of trying to escape from Jackson County Jail last August while held there for federal court. A review of jail records show Zuberi is at Jackson County Jail today, held since his return there Feb. 15, 2024.

Zuberi’s original two charges included kidnapping and transportation for criminal sexual activity. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Oregon (USAO) filed the charges, saying Zuberi kidnapped a woman by pretending he was a law enforcement officer.

USAO said a federal grand jury initially indicted Zuberi, also known as Sakima, Justin Hyche, and Justin Kouassi, for kidnapping the woman using handcuffs, and forced her into his vehicle to take her approximately 450 miles to his Klamath Falls home, “stopping along the way to sexually assault her and cover her face with a sweatshirt.”

Interstate kidnapping is punishable by up to life in federal prison and transporting an individual across state lines with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison.

USAO reminds that an indictment is an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

It said Zuberi has lived in 10 different states during the last 10 years including Oregon, California, Washington, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama and Nevada, and federal law enforcement has reason to believe he may have victimized additional women.

It insists, “If you or someone you know have information about possible crimes committed by Zuberi, please visit fbi.gov/sakimavictims or call 1-800-Call-FBI.”   (SOURCE)

.BODYCAM VIDEO: Sheriff’s Deputies Rescue Infant and Toddler Abandoned in Woods by Suspect On-the-Run; Grand Jury Indicts Today on All Charges

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.

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.

READ MORE HERE: https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-what-happened-fauna-frey-new-clues-uncovered-1827197?fbclid=IwAR3Z3Glru5lIgqiYXbs_nA1Fj8JuCIzM11OHSVHfwIucfq2f_G5y9y5bnmQ

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

With Most Medical Renewals Complete, Oregon Among Top States Keeping People Covered

More than one million people are keeping their Oregon Health Plan benefits due to Oregon’s efforts to expand coverage options

SALEM, Ore. — With more than 88 percent of the state’s 1.5 million renewals complete, more than 4 out of 5 Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits.

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), the federal government allowed states to keep people on Medicaid benefits. This ended when the pandemic emergency ended, and since April 2023, Oregon has been making sure everyone on OHP is still eligible.

At this point in the PHE unwinding process, most of the initially planned 10 waves of renewals are complete.

• Under 4,800 members, about 0.3 percent, still need to respond to renewals from those initial waves.
• About 2.9 percent of members have responded to their renewal but are awaiting state action on the response.
• The remaining renewals, about 8.6 percent of the total, will occur over the summer.

Oregon’s 82.6 percent renewal rate continues to one of the three highest in a national comparison of state renewal rates by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy organization. KFF analysis also shows Oregon also has saved more people from unnecessary renewal paperwork than any other state via the automated renewal process. Oregon’s high renewal rates are also due to proactive efforts by the state to keep people covered, including a structured renewal schedule, extended response timelines, and addingthe upcoming OHP Bridge program for adults with higher incomes.

Members who have not received a renewal yet should:

• Keep their address and contact information up to date.
• Check their mail or ONE Online account for their renewal letter.
• Do what the renewal letter asks as soon as possible.

Anyone concerned they missed their letter should get help with their renewal via one of the ways to find help listed below. Members who did not respond to renewals can still re-open their case three months after it closes if they are still eligible, and can reapply at any time.

Although most people are keeping coverage, approximately 224,000 people will lose or have reduced OHP benefits and need to consider other coverage options.

• People who do not have coverage through an employer or Medicare may be able to enroll through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace and get financial help. Most people who enroll through HealthCare.gov qualify for this help.
• The Marketplace is sending information to people who are no longer eligible for OHP benefits, advising of other potential coverage options.
• People who have recently lost OHP benefits can enroll anytime until July 31, 2024, or within 60 days of their benefits ending.
• For more information and ways to get help signing up for Marketplace, Medicare, or employer coverage, see “What to do if OHP is ending” below.

Extended unwinding schedule

On February 13, 2024, the federal government approved a revised plan for Oregon’s remaining 125,000 renewals.

Many of these renewals were affected by a federal request for more than 30 states to review automated renewal processes, or restorations of some Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical (OSIPM) benefits. A May 2024 update to Oregon’s automated renewal process will enable Oregon to use the new process for the remaining renewals.

Renewal letters will be sent to members in four waves between June and September. Members will still receive 90 days to respond, and 60 days’ advance notice before any termination or reduction in benefits. This means the final responses would be due in December 2024, and the final closures will happen in February 2025.

Data about these renewals now appear again in the Medical Redeterminations Dashboard.

March OHP renewal data

As of March 15, 2024, 1,283,356 people have completed the renewal process. This represents 88.2 percent of all OHP and Medicaid members.

• 1,059,425 people (82.6 percent) were renewed and kept their benefits.
• 208,629 people (16.3 percent) were found ineligible.
• 15,032 people (1.2 percent) had a reduction in their benefits. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue Medicare Savings Programs that help pay their Medicare costs.

Find help renewing your benefits

1. Learn more about how to renew your Oregon Health Plan medical coverage.
2. Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages. Wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m.
3. Visit or call a local Oregon Department of Human Services office. People can find their local office at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx.
4. Visit a community partner for free, in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp(English) or orhim.info/ayuda(Spanish).

The large number of OHP renewals, along with renewals of long-term services and supports, may cause greater wait times, delays, and possible interruptions to people’s OHP benefits. The fastest way members can provide an update is by going to benefits.oregon.gov and logging into their ONE Online account.

What to do if your OHP is ending:

• First, review the case summary in your letter to make sure the information used to make the decision was correct. If that information has changed, notify the state. You can call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted) or find other options to connect at benefits.oregon.gov. If the information on file for you is correct and you disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing. Learn more about hearings.
• Explore options through an employer. If you, your spouse, or a parent are working, you may be eligible for health coverage through that employer. Talk to your manager or Human Resources department to see if you qualify. You will have a special enrollment period to enroll mid-year due to loss of OHP benefits.
• If you have or are eligible for Medicare: For help understanding and choosing the right Medicare options, go to OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to find an insurance agent or a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA). You can also call SHIBA at 800-722-4134.

If you need to sign up for Medicare for the first time, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 to enroll by phone or find a local office. You can also enroll in Medicare online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.

• Nearly 80 percent of Oregonians qualify for financial help through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to answer a few quick questions, find out how much you can save and find out how much coverage may cost you. You can also call the Marketplace Transition Help Center at 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).
• Need free local help finding other coverage? Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to find professional help near you.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are committed to transparency and will continue to send monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians as the agencies continue to track the programs. Check our ONE Eligibility Operations Dashboards for more frequent updates on medical renewal data and wait times for callers to the ONE Customer Service Center.

DCSO and SAR Continue Efforts to Locate Glide Teacher Rachel Merchant-Ly

𝐈𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐘𝐋𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊, 𝐎𝐫𝐞. – Search and Rescue efforts continue in the search for Rachel Merchant-Ly, a Glide Elementary kindergarten teacher whose vehicle was found crashed in the North Umpqua River.

Merchant-Ly was reported missing on Thursday, February 29th when she didn’t arrive at school. A Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy located signs of a motor vehicle crash near milepost 41 on Highway 138E.

On Friday, March 1, 2024, Merchant-Ly’s vehicle was recovered from the North Umpqua River, but she was not found inside.

Since that time, nearly 300 hours volunteer hours of searching has taken place. Douglas County Search and Rescue has been using various methods of searching to include drone, ground and K9. The Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol has conducted water searches as well. Volunteers have searched along the riverbank from the crash site to Idleyld Park Trading Post; approximately 21 miles.

“We all want to find Mrs. Merchant-Ly and return her to her family,” Sheriff John Hanlin said. “Our deputies are in constant communication with her family and providing them with updates as to our efforts. We will continue searching and using all means necessary to accomplish our mission,” Hanlin added.

In addition to the efforts of DCSO and Search and Rescue volunteers, several community members have been actively looking for Merchant-Ly.

“We are aware of rafting guides and groups of rafters who have been launching all in an attempt to assist in finding her. We have also been contacting community members who are walking along the North Umpqua Trail and the highway,” Hanlin said. “As always this community steps forward to care for each other.”

As the weather turns more springlike, the Sheriff’s Office encourages those recreating around the area to be aware Merchant-Ly is still missing and to report anything which may assist in concluding this missing person case.

Biden administration awards Intel $8.5B to expand US chip manufacturing

Oregon’s premier chip manufacturer, Intel, has been awarded up to $8.5 billion by the Biden administration to expand its investments in chipmaking plants in the U.S.

Over the next five years, Intel estimates to create over 10,000 manufacturing jobs and nearly 20,000 construction jobs in Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico and Ohio.

The funding is part of the CHIPS and Science Act, $280 billion package signed into law in 2022, which is aimed at building up the U.S. semiconductor industry.

The agreement, a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT), includes approximately $50 million in dedicated funding to develop Intel’s semiconductor and construction workforce. Along with requirements for Intel to provide affordable, accessible childcare for its workers across its facilities.

In Oregon, the CHIPS funding would go to expanding and modernizing Intel’s innovation hub in Hillsboro. In 2022, Intel spent more than $4 billion with more than 500 suppliers across Oregon, according the news release. The added investment would support several thousand manufacturing and construction jobs. (SOURCE)

One-time adjustment of student loans could lead to forgiveness

Salem – The U.S. Department of Education has begun what it describes as a one-time payment count adjustment for certain federal student loans toward the income-driven repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programs. This could lead to borrowers potentially having their loans forgiven if they consolidate commercially owned Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) or Perkins Loans into a federal Direct Loan by April 30, 2024.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) issued a bulletin on this topic in February. The adjustment will apply to Direct Loans and government-owned FFEL borrowers who are working toward forgiveness via their payment plan, or PSLF. Covered loans that have been in repayment for at least 20 years (for undergraduate loans), or 25 years (for graduate loans) will be forgiven, and all covered loans will have their payment counts updated toward those goals. Although commercially owned FFELs and Perkins Loans are not themselves covered by the one-time adjustment, borrowers who consolidate such loans into federal Direct Loans by April 30, 2024, will receive the full benefits of the adjustment.

“We want to ensure that the current servicers are aware of the one-time account adjustment and pertinent deadlines,” said Lane Thompson, Oregon’s student loan ombuds. “Most borrowers will not need to take action in order to benefit from the one-time adjustment. However, some loan types are not owned by the Department of Education and need to be consolidated (FFEL, Perkins) in order to become eligible.”

Borrowers will need to visit the student loan consolidation webpage on studentaid.gov to consolidate into Direct Loans by April 30, 2024.

Anyone with questions or concerns can contact Thompson at .bankingproducthelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.bankingproducthelp@dcbs.oregon.gov or 971-374-3619.

### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and  www.dcbs.oregon.gov.​​

Record $74.2 million going to Oregon public schools from the Common School Fund in 2024

Fund that’s supported education since statehood sends highest-ever amount to schools

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon’s K-12 public schools will receive a record $74.2 million from the Common School Fund in 2024, state officials announced today.

Every one of Oregon’s 197 public school districts receives money from the Common School Fund every year. How much each district receives depends on the number of students served.

The average 2024 distribution is approximately $376,000. Astoria School District will receive about $230,000. Bend La-Pine Schools will receive $2.3 million. Klamath Falls City Schools will receive nearly $344,000. See how much every Oregon school district will receive from the Common School Fund in 2024.

Portland Public Schools, serving the most students in the state, will receive $6.4 million this year.

“The Common School Fund consistently contributes critical funding for Oregon classrooms,” said Michael Hisler, teacher at Roosevelt High School in North Portland. “Every district gets those dollars, which can be used to support specific needs of my students as well as students across the state.”

The Common School Fund has supported Oregon schools since statehood, when the federal government granted our new state nearly 3.4 million acres “for the use of schools.” The State Land Board was established to oversee these school lands, which generate revenue for the Fund.

Now valued at $2.3 billion, the Common School Fund is invested by the State Treasurer and the Oregon Investment Council. The Fund earned an average 5.4 percent rate of return over the three-year period ending in December 2023.

“We’re incredibly pleased with the Common School Fund’s performance in recent years under Treasury’s management. These sustained returns will allow us to send a record-setting amount to Oregon public schools,” said State Treasurer Tobias Read. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on students across the state, from increased resources in the classroom to facility improvements.”

Annually, 3.5 percent of the Fund is distributed to schools. The 2024 distribution of $74.2 million, the highest-ever distribution, is $2 million more than the 2023 distribution of $72.2 million and $10 million more than the 2022 distribution of $64.2 million.

Today, approximately 681,000 acres of school lands in all 36 Oregon counties are managed by the Department of State Lands on behalf of the State Land Board. Ranchers and farmers, local governments, Tribes, businesses, and more work with DSL to lease and buy lands, plan for future community needs, and keep lands healthy.

“Since 1859, Oregon students have counted on school lands and the Common School Fund as a reliable revenue source,” said DSL Director Vicki L. Walker. “DSL’s hardworking land management team is incredibly innovative and effective in protecting that legacy.”

DSL is currently seeking public input on the plan that will guide management of school lands for the next 10 years. The comment period is open through April 3, 2024.

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade and State Treasurer Tobias Read. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting waterways and wetlands for their many benefits. 

Hop Aboard the Easter Bunny Express!

Join us for a 45-minute train ride featuring the Easter bunny! Historic passenger cars pulled by a diesel locomotive offer comfortable seating and spectacular views of the city, river and wildlife.

Kids of all ages will enjoy an Easter scavenger hunt and other fun activities. And the Easter bunny will be onboard to greet everyone!

Snacks and adult & kid friendly beverages will be available for purchase.

Saturday, March 30 @ 1:00pm, 2:30 and 4:00pm. Adults $20, Kids 3-12 $15; 2 and Under Ride Free on Lap

For tickets and more info, visit www.orhf.org/saturday-train-rides/

Troutdale man found guilty of murder in 1980 cold case of college student after DNA link

A man living in Troutdale has been found guilty of first degree murder in the death of Barbara Tucker in 1980 near Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham.

A man living in Troutdale has been found guilty in the 1980 cold case murder of 19-year-old college student after DNA from a piece of chewing gum linked him to the crime.

Multnomah County Circuit Judge Amy Baggio on Friday found Robert Plympton, 60, guilty of first degree murder in the death of Barbara Tucker, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s (DA) Office said.

Tucker was sexually assaulted and beaten to death the night of Jan. 15, 1980, near a parking lot at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham. Witnesses reported seeing her run onto Northwest Kane Drive from the woods, reportedly waving at someone or trying to get someone’s attention, but nobody stopped.

A witness saw a man emerge from the woods and lead Tucker back to campus. Her body was found the next morning between Kane Drive and a school parking lot.

“The community was gripped in fear as to who was the suspect, what happened, why, a lot of unanswered questions,” said Detective Aaron Turnage of the Gresham Police Department when Plympton appeared in court after his arrest. “Gresham was a quiet town.”

In 2000, a DNA profile of the suspect was created from samples taken during Tucker’s autopsy. A genealogist with Parabon Nanolabs using DNA technology then identified Plympton as likely linked to the DNA in the case a year later.

Detectives with the Gresham Police Department began conducting surveillance and collected a piece of chewing gum he had spit onto the ground, the DA’s Office said.

Police arrested Plympton after the Oregon State Police Crime Lab determined the DNA profile developed from the gum matched the DNA profile developed from swabs taken from Tucker’s body.

Plympton remains in custody in Multnomah County. He is scheduled to be sentenced in June. (SOURCE)

Prineville Paid Out Separation Agreements for Top Police While Under Investigation

The Prineville police chief who was accused of making a woman officer wash patrol cars as punishment for seeking light duty due to an injury got more than $300,000 in severance to resign while under investigation and his captain got close to $200,000.

The city still faces a lawsuit over the accusation. The city fought to keep the separation agreements secret even after the Crook County district attorney ordered their release, but then capitulated Monday after The Oregonian hired a lawyer to press the news organization’s public records request.

The city paid Seymour a total of $331,212.15 to resign — $250,125 as severance pay plus $81,212.15 for accrued sick and vacation time, according to the agreement signed Jan. 12. The city also allowed Seymour, who started as chief on July 1, 2022, to weigh in on any statement the city released regarding his resignation.

Separately, the city paid $180,461.96 to Capt. Robert Gray — $150,937.55 in severance plus $29,524.41 for accrued sick and vacation time. As in Seymour’s agreement, Gray also was allowed to work out a “mutually agreed-upon media statement” regarding his resignation.

Spring Whale Watch Week returns to the Oregon coast for spring break 2024

OREGON COAST, Oregon— Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast Saturday, March 23 through Sunday, March 31.

Trained Oregon State Park volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot whales and their calves and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily March 23-31. The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast.

The spring event is three days longer than last year and might include better odds of seeing gray whales on their journey home from the calving lagoons in Mexico in light of today’s announcement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

NOAA announced the end of an Unusual Mortality Event, a significant die-off of the gray whale population, that had affected the marine mammals since 2019.

“The latest counts indicate that the gray whale population has likely turned the corner and is beginning to recover. It’s a perfect time for people to see them as they swim north with new calves to feed,” said Michael Milstein, public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries.

Researchers counted about 412 calves last year, which was almost double the number from the year before. That helped signal an end to the Unusual Mortality Event and a likely turnaround in numbers as the species begins to rebound.

An estimated 14,500 gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as part of their annual migration back to Alaska.

“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whales are usually closer to shore on their return trip, typically around a mile or so out, and the weather can be better for viewing. But don’t forget your rain gear just in case,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 23-31. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Spring Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch24.

Oregon to Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers May 7th, 2024

Every year, the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honors the state’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. This year’s ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 7 at 1 p.m. at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.

The annual event commemorates the more than 190 fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the state of Oregon since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is proud to host the ceremony in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and various statewide law enforcement associations.

SOLVE invites volunteers to register for their annual Earth Day celebration: The Oregon Spring Cleanup

Portland, Ore., March 12, 2024 – From April 13 to April 22, families, community members, neighborhood associations, and environmental enthusiasts are invited to engage in a signature event in SOLVE’s annual calendar: The Oregon Spring Cleanup, presented by Portland General Electric. Registration for this environmentally conscious event series is now open.

Participants are invited to join SOLVE, event leaders, and partners from across the Pacific Northwest in a collective celebration of Earth Day. The SOLVE calendar showcases a variety of events throughout Oregon and SW Washington between April 13 and April 22, with the majority of events culminating on April 20. Diverse initiatives address specific environmental needs with opportunities ranging from beach cleanups to neighborhood and city litter pickups. Further activities include restoring natural habitats through native tree and shrub plantings, weed pulls, and mulching projects. Each project contributes to the enhancement of our shared surroundings.

With a variety of projects already online, the Oregon Spring Cleanup invites enthusiastic volunteers to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and brighter planet. Interested individuals can browse the map of projects to find events near them, learn about each opportunity, and sign up for a meaningful contribution to the environment. Participating in the Oregon Spring Cleanup provides an excellent opportunity to bond with family members, coworkers, and neighbors, while collectively contributing to preserving some of Oregon’s most stunning locations.

As SOLVE anticipates another successful event, valued partner Portland General Electric, shares their commitment to the cause: ” PGE proudly supports SOLVE’s efforts to make our communities cleaner and greener. In 2023, our employees and their families volunteered with SOLVE for more than 220 hours. We’re excited to join community members again this Earth Day to help improve our beautiful state.” said Kristen Sheeran, Senior Director of Policy Planning and Sustainability, Portland General Electric.

For those inspired to host an event, SOLVE is still accepting new volunteer-led projects. The sooner projects are submitted, the faster SOLVE can care for the rest. Event leaders receive full support, including free supplies, access to project funding, disposal assistance, and help with volunteer recruitment.

For more information, please visit solveoregon.org/oregon-spring and be part of the collective effort to create a cleaner, greener planet.

Along with Portland General Electric, other event sponsors include Clean Water Services, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, KOIN, The Standard, Swire Coca-Cola, Holman, Demarini-Wilson, Trimet, and PepsiCo.

About SOLVE – SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.

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