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,  October 16, 2024

Rogue Valley Weather

10/16 – Smoke and Air Quality Update 6 AM 10/16/24With an increase in precipitation today and lower temperatures/higher humidity levels, smoke production should be more limited. The HRRR smoke modeling graphic shows where smoke is projected to move by later this afternoon/evening. Air quality will be impacted for locations directly downwind or nearby any active fires. Full model loop located here: https://www.weather.gov/mfr/wildfire

Seasonal Climate Forecast October – December 2024

https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/naturalresources/documents/weather/dlongrange.pdf

A La Niña winter is coming. Here’s what that could mean for the US

We’re not out of the woods just yet… DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN – While the fire season is slowing down, it is not yet over, and fire officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and cautious.

Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.” — We’ve had an unprecedented fire season already. Don’t be that spark that could lead to a tragedy! Check Conditions

Medford Police

Come see us at our Fall Resource Fair at Hawthorne Park’s south parking lot. Rain or shine, we’ll be here until 12:00 p.m.!

 St. Mary’s High School has canceled the remainder of its football season.

St. Mary’s football Head Coach, Jamie Young says the team’s roster is limited after multiple injuries throughout the season.

Young said his priorities lie on player safety and due to the lack of players, Young believes it is not safe to continue this season.

The decision to forfeit the remaining three games was made on Saturday.

Those final three games include the annual matchup between Cascade Christian and St. Mary’s that was set for this Friday. The Crusaders have not won a football game since Oct. 13, 2023.

The school states they will reevaluate the program and the roster size this offseason to confirm if the program will return next year.

Well Known Chef From Bend Killed On Bike in Hit and Run on Hwy 99

A bicyclist was struck and killed in a hit-and-run incident by a vehicle that drifted into the bike lane of the South Pacific Highway on Friday afternoon. The driver did not stop and fled the scene.

Despite resuscitation efforts by paramedics and police officers, the bicyclist was declared dead at the scene.

Family and friends are mourning the loss of a well-known, long-time Bend chef, Jason Thomas, who was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash by an apparent DUII driver Friday afternoon while riding his e-bike in a bike lane in Medford on Hwy 99.

Medford Police said Saturday that an initial investigation and witness statements indicate the bicyclist was heading south on the South Pacific Highway (Highway 99) around 3:20 p.m. Friday in a designated bike lane when a southbound vehicle drifted into the bike lane and struck him.

The driver did not stop and fled the scene, police said, but was quickly located in a nearby parking lot and detained.

Meanwhile, officers at the crash scene immediately attempted life-saving measures, but the bicyclist died at the scene. Medford’s Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team was activated to assist in the investigation.

Police said witnesses saw the vehicle swerving before the crash. Medford Police Special Services Sergeant Steve Furst said the agency is looking at this as a criminal case.

“Of course, we’ll have to gather all the evidence and do a complete investigation before we release all of our findings,” Furst said at the scene. “But right now, we do believe that there was impairment involved with the driver of the vehicle that struck the bicyclist.”

Shortly after the incident, police officers located the vehicle in a nearby parking lot and arrested the driver.

The Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) team was called to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Police cordoned off the scene for four hours shortly after the incident so that authorities to conduct extensive investigations. The bicyclist and the vehicle were traveling southbound when the incident occurred at 3.23 p.m.

Oregon ballots will be mailed out starting Wednesday, Oct. 16, the day after the registration deadline closed. The last of them must be sent out by Oct. 22, which is also the deadline to get county voters’ pamphlets sent out.

Checking your voter registration in Oregon is easy. Just go to OregonVotes.gov to find out if you are registered and make sure your information is correct.

Free food! Every Wednesday ACCESS food truck is at Unete 607 W Main Medford from 4-5:00 pm.

Trial Under Way in Medford for Klamath Falls Man Accused of Kidnapping Women

Jury selection began Tuesday morning in U.S. District Court in Medford, followed by opening statements on Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. Federal prosecutors have submitted more than 500 exhibits and a witness list of at least 70 people for the trial of an Oregon man who allegedly kidnapped a woman in Seattle, then locked her in a cinder block cell in his garage. Negasi Zuberi, 30, is also facing charges related to a second kidnapping involving a woman in Klamath Falls.

A Klamath Falls man is learning in federal court today how police found his recreational trailer, and how they discovered evidence inside it for his criminal kidnapping and weapons charges.

30-year-old Negasi Zuberi appears to be focused on his criminal case proceedings in federal court in Medford, where he faces two counts of kidnapping, four counts of felon-related weapons and ammunition charges, and sex and attempted escape charges.

He’s accused of kidnapping two different women at two different times from two different places, one of the from Seattle in July 2023.

The Seattle woman told her account to jurors yesterday about an overnight abduction July 14, 2023, that started in Zuberi’s car in Seattle where he impersonated a police officer and ended the next day in Klamath Falls. She also told about sexual assault during the trip as she was kept in handcuffs and leg irons under threat of a handgun and taser she said Zuberi used to subdue her. She also told about her escape from a cinder-block room she described as a captivity cell in Zuberi’s garage at a house he rented in Klamath Falls, using her bare hands to beat through the doors.

That woman told that same account to police, and some of them are giving testimony today in Zuberi’s federal court trial.

Zuberi watched police bodycam video intently yesterday when it presented the apparent kidnap and rape victim telling her account quickly to police, and then Zuberi appeared to start writing notes, sitting between his defense lawyers, flipping paper over.

That bodycam video also showed her giving a gun she’d said Zuberi used for his accused crime to police. Yesterday in court, police advanced her account with their own accounts of their investigation. (SOURCE)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed initial 90-day findings on petitions to list the Crater Lake newt, Tecopa bird’s beak and the San Francisco estuary population of white sturgeon under the Endangered Species Act.

The Crater Lake newt, also known as Mazama newt, is found only within Crater Lake National Park in Klamath County, Oregon. The Crater Lake newt is a distinct darker-colored subspecies of the rough-skinned newt, which is widely distributed throughout the Pacific Northwest. Based on the Service’s review of the information included in the petition, we found that the petition presented credible information that an in-depth review of the species is warranted. Threats in the petition include habitat and food web alteration by signal crayfish, climate change , reduced effective population size, and range restriction and will be fully evaluated in the 12-month finding.

The Fish and Wildlife Service will now add these species to the national listing workplan based on the immediacy of the potential threats. Subject matter experts will fully evaluate potential threats during the 12-month status review, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act requirements, and review the best scientific and commercial information available when making that finding. The status review will inform whether listing is warranted, not warranted, or warranted but precluded. If the agency determines listing a species as threatened or endangered species is warranted, the agency will publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register, providing the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed listing.While the reviews are conducted, the Fish and Wildlife intends to work with partners to monitor and conserve the species and its habitat while it conducts the review.

The 90-day finding will be in the Federal Register Reading Room on October 7 and publish in the Federal Register on Tuesday, October 8. The finding can be found at www.federalregister.gov by searching the following docket numbers: Crater Lake newt: FWS-R8-ES-2024-0025; Tecopa bird’s beak: FWS-R8-ES-2023-0256; San Francisco estuary population of white sturgeon: FWS-R8-ES-2024-0049. (SOURCE)

Southern Oregon hosting workplace safety and health conference Oct. 15-17

Farm Bus Bistro’s Fall Festival

• Saturday, October 19, 2024
• 11:00 AM6:00 PM

Come enjoy some Fall Festivities at Sunflower Farm and Arpeggio Vineyard! https://www.farmbusbistro.com/calendar/farm-bus-bistros-fall-festival-days

 

Medford Parks and Recreation  —   

Calling All Artists!

Medford City Council Allocates Funds To Local Initiatives

$570,000 from the Council Community Initiative Funds- sourced from local and state marijuana tax revenue, will be allocated to local projects and programs targeting cultural preservation, public spaces, community health, and educational opportunities. The initiatives that will benefit from the funds are:

• $125,000: The Downtown Medford Association intends enhancing its appeal for residents and visitors. The funding will support the revitalization of downtown Medford, creating a more vibrant, engaging space.
• $100,000: The Southern Oregon Alliance of Physician Partners strive to improve health services and achieve better outcomes in Medford. The funding is earmarked to support healthcare initiatives led by local physicians.
• $100,000: The Children’s Museum Scholarships plan to use the funding to foster creativity and learning by ensuring children from diverse backgrounds have access to educational exhibits and programs.
• $100,000: The Park Strip Restoration contributes to Medford’s greenery and sustainability efforts an will use their allocation to restore privately owned park and planter forest strips.
• $50,000: The Southern Oregon Historical Society works to celebrate and share the history of Southern Oregon for future generations. The funding will help preserve the region’s cultural heritage.
• $50,000: The Alba Park Fountain Restoration will put the funds towards their initiative to restore the historic Alba Park fountain, one of the city’s key public spaces.
• $35,000: The Consumer Credit Counseling Services gives residents tools and knowledge to achieve greater financial stability by managing their finances better. One of their financial literacy programs will benefit from the funds.
• $10,000: The Rogue Rapids Swim Scholarships promotes water safety and better access to recreational activities for Medford families. The funds will be allocated to swim scholarships for local youth.

The allocation of the funds by the Medford City Council is in the interests of furthering educational opportunities, supporting financial and health well-being, preserving cultural heritage, and improving public spaces. They are expected to have a broad and lasting impact.

You can schedule an appointment directly with our Intake Specialists through our website  https://firebrandcollective.org/harp/

Visita la página de HARP en nuestro sitio web para pedir cita hoy mismo.

 firebrandcollective.org/harp/

Rogue Valley Humane Society  · Donations Always Needed to Help Community

Our Community Food Bank exists to help folks who need an extra helping hand during a difficult month to feed their pets. Our program has a limited budget and so we rely on generous members of our community to donate some of these goods to continue to help assist our community.

In 2023 we fed an average of 700 pets a month! This equates to approximately 70 – 40lb bags of food each month!  Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.

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.

It has been more than Four Years since 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. 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

 

Celebrate Fire Safety this October

– As the leaves change and cooler weather sets in, the Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon fire service remind everyone of the importance of home fire safety. October is Fire Prevention Month, a time to focus on fire prevention and safety at home. This year’s theme, “Celebrate Fire Safety,” calls on Oregonians to take action to reduce fire risks and protect their loved ones.

In 2023, 2,518 home fires in our state resulted in $119.5 million in losses to homeowners. Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires, followed closely by home heating. Alarmingly, in 417 of those fires, no smoke alarm was present.

“Oregon’s first responders are unwavering in their commitment to protecting our communities by reducing home fires and preventing the devastating injuries they cause,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “This Fire Prevention Month, we’re calling on all Oregonians to take proactive, life-saving steps to protect their families, their homes, and their future.”

There are several simple things Oregonians can do to lessen the chance of a home fire and increase safety:

• Install and maintain smoke alarms. Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
• Practice cooking safely. Never leave cooking unattended and always have a lid or cookie sheet nearby to smother small flames.
• Use heating equipment safely. Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating devices and always plug space heaters directly into the wall—never use extension cords.
• Create and practice a home fire escape plan. Make sure every family member knows at least two ways out of every room.
• Consider candle alternatives. Battery-operated candles reduce fire risk, but if you use real candles, always blow them out before leaving the room.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Month. For more information about Fire Prevention Month, a link to the proclamation, and more tips to prevent the top causes of home fires in Oregon, visit our website.

Groundbreaking Dedication Event for Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Oregon State Capitol- Friday, November 22, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.

The Oregon State Capitol will be the site of the highly anticipated dedication ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Friday, November 22, at 2:00 p.m. This momentous event will be the formal dedication of Phase 1 of the memorial, which honors the service and sacrifice of Oregon’s Vietnam veterans. The public ceremony will occur at Salem’s Willson Park memorial site on the Capitol grounds, at the corner of State and Cottage Street, with a reception to follow at the nearby Withnell Family YMCA.

The memorial pays tribute to 710 Oregonians who lost their lives in the Vietnam War, along with the more than 180,000 Oregonians who served in Vietnam and around the world from 1955-1975. The design features 46 black granite columns engraved with the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It creates a reflective space for veterans, families, and the public to honor their memory.

The event will include comments from local veterans, state officials, and Vietnam War Memorial Fund members, who have been instrumental in making this project a reality. The event is hosted by the Oregon Vietnam War Memorial Fund and is supported by a grant of Transient Occupancy Tax from the City of Salem.

The Importance of the Memorial – The Vietnam War remains one of the most challenging and divisive periods in American history. Veterans returning from the conflict were often met with indifference or hostility, making this memorial an overdue recognition of their service. The memorial offers a space for healing and remembrance, honoring both the sacrifices of the fallen and the resilience of those who served. Steve Bates, President and co-founder of the Vietnam War Memorial Fund (VWMF), emphasized the emotional impact of this project. “This is about giving our veterans a place of rest and, for all of us, a place to heal,” Bates said. The memorial will not only commemorate the service of Vietnam veterans but also serve as a reminder of the war’s lasting impact on the state and its people.

Beyond its role as a place of remembrance, the memorial will also serve as an educational resource when Phase 2 is completed. Phase 2, the Exhibit Phase, aims to help future generations understand the human cost of war and the bravery of those who fought.

For more information, see a virtual tour or donate, visit ocvvm.com.

About the VWMF: Vietnam War Memorial Fund’s website at www.ocvvm.com. The Vietnam War Memorial Fund is a recognized 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent of applicable tax law. You can donate by sending a check to the Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009 or by credit card at www.ocvvm.com.

Measures On The Ballot For Oregon’s 2024 Election

Oregon voters will decide whether to receive a $1,600 annual rebate through an increase in the corporate sales tax via a ballot measure that has received fierce pushback from lawmakers, local businesses and labor unions alike.

Why it matters: If Measure 118 passes, every Oregonian would receive an annual check, regardless of age or income, starting next year.

• The rebate would be paid for by a 3% gross receipts tax for all companies doing business in Oregon that make more than $25 million annually in sales.
• If passed, the new tax would generate $1.3 billion in revenue for the 2023-25 biennium, according to the Legislative Revenue Office.

The intrigue: This would be separate from the “kicker.”

Catch up quick: The measure is one of five initiatives Oregonians will vote on this November that could alter how the state governs its elections, businesses and elected officials’ salaries.

Here’s a brief look at the other four measures.

Measure 115 would amend Oregon’s constitution to allow the Legislature to impeach statewide elected officials — if both the House and Senate reach an affirmative two-thirds vote.

• Right now, Oregon is the only state without an impeachment doctrine.

Measure 116 would establish a commission to study and set the salaries and compensation for statewide elected officials.

• The yearly base pay for Oregon lawmakers is around $35,000. The study would look at all elected offices, including governor, secretary of state, judges, district attorneys, as well as state senators and representatives.

Measure 117 would establish ranked choice voting for federal and statewide elected offices.

• Portland voters will participate in the city’s first-ever ranked choice election this fall, while Multnomah County voters will use the system in November 2026.

Measure 119 would essentially make it easier for cannabis workers to unionize by requiring cannabis retailers, processors and labs to submit a labor neutrality agreement with a union in order to request or renew their operating license.

The bottom line: The last day to register to vote in order to participate in the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 15. (SOURCE)

Oregon Report Reveals Domestic Violence Crisis

A 2023 report has shed light on the pressing issue of domestic violence in Oregon, revealing a grim death toll and significant challenges faced by victims, and calls for action after hundreds of deaths.

READ REPORT: https://sos.oregon.gov/audits/Documents/2023-31.pdf

According to the study, more than 500 people have died from domestic violence incidents in the state since 2009. Additionally, over a third of adults in Oregon experience domestic violence at some point in their lives.

Why this report is important
• Domestic violence has far-reaching health and societal effects. Over a third of adults in Oregon experience
domestic violence in their lifetimes, and intimate partners are responsible for approximately one in five homicides
nationwide. From 2009 through 2019, Oregon’s 393 fatal domestic violence incidents resulted in 532 deaths.
• In 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated that at least 32% of adults in families
with children in surveyed homeless shelters were survivors of domestic violence, and 15% were currently fleeing
unsafe situations.
• Ease of access is critical for timely and effective domestic violence interventions. However, victims face multiple
access barriers. Victims and survivors often face fear, isolation, shame, and stigma, as well as financial, mental
health, and cultural challenges. Regional organizations play critical roles in providing services.

1. Victims and survivors face multiple barriers to accessing community services and navigating the justice system.
   Systemic social welfare issues, such as the lack of available housing or access to services like childcare, mental
   health care, and legal assistance often translate to urgent unmet needs for domestic violence victims.
2. Oregon advocates report fragmented and under-resourced social services and complex criminal and civil justice
   systems contribute to access issues. Domestic violence service providers face high administrative burdens, staffing
   issues, and challenges expanding equitable outreach, prevention, and intervention services.
3. Oregon lacks a centralized, statewide response to domestic violence and does not strategically address risks
   through statewide data-informed prevention, mitigation, or intervention-related action. Oregon could do more to
   coordinate strategies, share data, and effect change across otherwise siloed agency and organizational responses.

The report has caught the attention of Oregon’s Secretary of State, emphasizing the barriers victims and survivors encounter when seeking help. The audit highlighted the difficulties many face in navigating the justice system.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.

Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily

Large Fires in Oregon Past 2 Weeks 10/16/24 9:00am per INCIWEB

https://app.watchduty.org/

Please Help Prevent Wildfires! In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.

Officials with the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge are asking for the community’s help identifying the person or persons responsible for vandalizing a rock face recently.

According to the refuge, the names ‘Luke’ and ‘Niko’ were carved deep into a sandstone headland, which is located on public land. The refuge says the rock that was vandalized is on a section of beach between the cities of Gold Beach and Brookings.

Vandalism on public lands is illegal, and penalties include fines and jail time. Anyone with information or
knows who is responsible, is asked to contact the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge by emailing  oregoncoast@fws.gov.

Oregon Housing and Community Services’ Homeowner Assistance Fund accepting final applications online

— Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is reopening the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) online application portal to accept final applications directly from homeowners. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 31, 2024. New applications will be put on a waitlist and prioritized for homeowners most at risk of foreclosure or loss.

Homeowners can now review application criteria and apply directly online using a link on the HAF website: oregonhomeownerassistance.org. If homeowners need or would like assistance with an application, they can contact a HAF intake partner. A list of intake partners can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/Pages/Homeownership-Assistance-Fund.aspx.

“OHCS is reopening the online application portal through Oct. 31, 2024, to ensure we help as many Oregon families as possible,” said Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs. “With our average award of $26,500, we can assist approximately 250 additional households. Any further applications will be placed on a waitlist pending the availability of funds.”

HAF offers federal temporary COVID-19 pandemic relief to help homeowners who experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic. HAF can help homeowners become current on their mortgages, county taxes, homeowners’ (HOA) or condo associations, land sale contracts, secured manufactured home or floating home loans, and lot rent or moorage fees associated with homeowners in manufactured home parks or marinas. Financial hardship includes a reduction in income or an increase in housing costs resulting from the pandemic.

Homeowners are eligible to apply if they meet the program’s general eligibility criteria and are facing foreclosure, involved in a court case that threatens their home, in property tax foreclosure, in collections with their HOA, or in other high-risk situations identified by a housing counselor. Homeowners in foreclosure may have already received outreach letters from OHCS or their county assessor.

OHCS will make its final HAF payments in February 2025, limiting total assistance available to new applicants.OHCS encourages homeowners to explore all other options with their servicer or a housing counselor before applying for HAF. Applying for HAF does not guarantee approval or that a foreclosure will be postponed. HAF is administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) – OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Oregon Aging and People with Disabilities offers free help for Medicare Open Enrollment

(Salem) — Medicare Open Enrollment for the 2025 plan year begins Oct. 15 and remains open through Dec. 7, 2024. Medicare beneficiaries seeking to compare or change their existing Medicare plan can receive free help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

During the Medicare Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can make changes to their health plan or prescription drug plan, pick a Medicare Advantage plan or choose Original Medicare. The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities’ (APD) Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is available to help Oregonians understand their Medicare options and benefits, provide enrollment guidance and help people detect and avoid Medicare scams. Additionally, there are some key changes coming to Medicare in 2025 that APD’s SHIBA program counselors can assist people in understanding including:

• The new Manufacturer Discount Program which addresses the coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole;”
• The lower maximum to pay for covered drugs. The maximum amount for 2025 will be $2,000;
• Coverage for weight loss drugs when doctors prescribe them for people who meet certain conditions;
• Expanded coverage for family caregiver services through the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model; and
• Increased access to mental health services by allowing more providers to bill Medicare for services.

“Our APD SHIBA team is devoted to helping people prepare for open enrollment and understand changes,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as APD Deputy Director of Policy.

Oregonians who need help navigating Medicare open enrollment are encouraged to call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free) or learn more by visiting the SHIBA website at SHIBA.Oregon.gov. The 2025 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans will be available on the SHIBA website in the coming days and will be translated to multiple languages.

SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. According to the Senior Medicare Patrol, common scams include promising free durable medical equipment, such as knee braces and catheters, or offers of free genetic testing. The ultimate goal for the scammer is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. “SHIBA counselors are committed to ensuring Oregonians have the information they need to avoid becoming victims of fraud and report scams or suspected Medicare fraud,” said APD Director Dr. Nakeshia Knight-Coyle.

Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments. Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website such as Medicare frequently asked questions, an agent locator tool, a list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations and videos to help people understand their Medicare options. People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.

About the Oregon Department of Human Services – The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program – The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is reminding campaigners and their supporters that political signs are not permitted on state highway right-of-ways.

Only official traffic control devices are allowed in these right-of-way areas, as ODOT says improperly placed signs can distract drivers and obstruct road safety messages.

ODOT stated that any signs found in violation will be removed and held at a nearby district maintenance office for 30 days. To reclaim them, individuals should contact the nearest ODOT maintenance office.

“Signs are prohibited on trees, utility poles, fence posts, and natural features within highway right-of-ways,” ODOT said. They are also banned within view of designated scenic areas.

The highway right of way is usually measured as all of the land between the property line on one side of the highway and the property line on the other side.

The width of the state highway right-of-way can vary significantly depending on the location. ODOT advises those uncertain about whether they are placing a sign on private property or highway right-of-way to consult with the local ODOT district maintenance office or use an interactive map available for identifying ODOT right-of-ways.

Political signs ARE allowed on private property within view of state highways, provided they adhere to certain restrictions.

Sign dimensions are limited to 12 square feet, but they can be up to 32 square feet with a variance from the Oregon Advertising Sign Program Resources guidelines. Signs must not have flashing or intermittent lights, animated or moving parts, or imitate official highway signs or devices. They are also not allowed in scenic corridors.

ODOT emphasized that no payment or compensation of any kind can be exchanged for the placement of or the message on temporary signs, including political signs, visible from a state highway. More information on sign regulations can be found on ODOT’s WEBSITE.

Health coverage comparison tool now provides more ways to compare options, potential savings in Oregon

OregonHealthCare.gov unveils enhanced Window Shopping tool ahead of 2025 open enrollment period

With open enrollment for 2025 fast approaching on Nov. 1, the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace is launching a revamped version of its widely-used Window Shopping tool. This timely upgrade offers Oregonians an even easier way to explore their health coverage options and maximize potential savings.

Open enrollment is the only time of year for individuals not covered through their job, the Oregon Health Plan, or Medicare to enroll in Marketplace health insurance.

New data from the Oregon Health Insurance Survey¹ reveals that 97% of Oregonians now have health coverage. For 2024², over 80% of applicants who sought financial help through the Marketplace were eligible for assistance—highlighting the increased accessibility of affordable health insurance for Oregon families.

The updated Window Shopping tool at OregonHealthCare.gov provides a streamlined, user-friendly experience in both Spanish and English. Based on location, age, and income, the tool estimates potential savings and directs users to the appropriate health coverage, whether that’s the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or a Marketplace plan. This year’s enhancements also include more detailed information on coverage for gender-affirming care, a benefit included in all Marketplace plans for 2025.

The tool continues to offer quick comparisons of health plans, detailed previews of out-of-pocket costs, and checks for provider, facility, and prescription drug coverage—giving users a full picture before enrolling.

All Marketplace health plans include a robust range of essential health benefits, from preventive care to naturopathy, chiropractic, and acupuncture, many of which are covered before meeting deductibles. The only way to be sure a doctor or prescription is covered is to check – the Window Shopping tool gives Oregonians an easy way to do that.

“Anyone looking for health coverage should visit OregonHealthCare.gov to preview 2025 plans,” says Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. “We’re committed to helping Oregonians feel confident about their health insurance choices, and this tool makes the process easy.”

For those seeking personalized help, licensed insurance agents and trained community groups are available to guide Oregonians through the enrollment process at no cost. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to connect with an expert and take the stress out of signing up for health coverage.

¹Oregon Health Insurance Survey Health Insurance Summary. Published Sept. 2024 by Oregon Health Authority Health Policy and Analytics. https://orhim.info/3TKbpWl

²Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace 2023 Annual Report. Published April 2024. https://orhim.info/2023ExecSummary

Intel to lay off 1,300 workers across multiple Oregon sites starting in November

Intel Corporation is looking to make some cutbacks at several Oregon facilities starting in November.

According to the company, they’re looking to lay off 1,300 employees. Intel says there is no union representing the affected employees and that all impacted parties are being notified at least 60 days before their employment ends.

Employees who are affected by the lay offs will also receive nine weeks of pay and benefits, according to the company. Layoffs are set to begin November 15, 2024.

A woman is facing charges for the shooting death of her brother in Coos County.

A Bandon woman is facing a charge of murder after her brother was found with a fatal gunshot wound in his home on Sunday night, the Coos County District Attorney said.

According to Paul Frasier, the Coos County D.A., Coos County authorities heard a 911 call at about 9:23 p.m. on October 13 that someone had been shot at a home on Spring Creek Road in the Bandon area. The D.A. said officers arrived to find Thomas John Thoeny, 53, with a gunshot wound. Although he was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, Thoeny died of his wound, the D.A. said.

Coos County authorities said an investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of Janice Jahnean Green, 45. Authorities said Green is believed to be the Thoeny’s sister, and Thoeny had been living in a fifth-wheel trailer on a property at which Green was also living on Spring Creek Road.

The Coos County D.A. said Green was charged with second-degree murder and is expected to be arraigned on that charge later on October 14. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Coos County Sheriff’s Office.

ODHS Seeks Public Insight on Provider Rate and Wage Study Affecting Oregon Service Providers

Feedback invited on key findings from a statewide provider rate and wage study

 ̶  The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) seeks feedback from the public on key findings from a statewide study of the rates that service providers are paid, and wages staff earn.

Providers included in the study serve people who get support through:
• ODHS Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS)
• ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD)
• Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Behavioral Health.
These providers, which include group homes, day services and larger residential long-term care settings, offer essential services that support people in living their daily lives.

A final report on the study findings, including feedback shared, will be available in December 2024. The report will support planning on how to ensure Oregonians have a selection of providers in the communities where they live. Oregon needs to keep and attract quality providers that are safe. To be safe, providers need to have the ability to pay wages that can attract and retain workers.

Background on the study

In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 5506 which required ODHS and OHA to conduct the study. Burns & Associates, part of Health Management Associates (HMA-Burns), was hired to run the study and produce a report on the results along with recommendations.

How to provide feedback
• Go to the study web page on the HMA-Burns website.
• The website is available in English and Spanish.
• Email feedback to HMA-Burns at egonRates@healthmanagement.com“>OregonRates@healthmanagement.com by Oct. 28, 2024.

About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille or a format you prefer. Contact ODHS at 503-945-5811 or odhs.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov. We accept calls from all forms of relay service for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, blind or have low vision. For more information about relay service providers visit https://www.oregonrelay.com or https://www.fcc.gov/general/internet-based-trs-providers.

A man who has been charged with sex crimes against children younger than 12 in Oregon is in jail in Alabama after turning himself in for similar crimes in that state.

According to Oregon State Police, on June 21, detectives heard from a minor that a man identified as Adam Renk, 39, had sexually abused them. OSP said Renk has since been indicted on multiple crimes against a child victim under the age of 12 including unlawful sexual penetration, sodomy, and sexual abuse.

OSP also said Renk has been charged in another case involving an unrelated 11-year-old child in Mobile, Alabama. Officials said Renk was believed to have been traveling in a modified ambulance that had been painted two-toned white over gray, and had ties to Oregon’s Wasco County.

According to officials with the Mobile Police Department in Alabama, Renk turned himself in to the Mobile County Metro Jail on October 8. Jail records show he is facing charges in Alabama including sodomy, sexual abuse, sexual torture, and producing pornography with minors. Renk is still in jail as of October 11. It is unclear if or when Renk could face charges in Oregon.

Oregon State Parks to increase camping, parking and reservation fees for 2025

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is increasing its camping, parking and reservation fees to keep pace with the rising cost of utilities, operations and maintenance.

Most of the increases range from $2 to $5 depending on the fee.

The park system has experienced record visitation as well as the impacts of rising costs and inflation. Utility costs for example have increased by 28% over the last 4 years, but most fees have remained the same. Depending on the fee, the last increase was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago for base fees.

“We know that raising fees by any amount can be challenging for visitors, and we don’t make this decision lightly. We try to keep costs and fees as low as possible to minimize the impact while still fulfilling our commitment to stewardship and recreation,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.

Oct. 15, 2024: OPRD will increase its base camping fees for the first time since 2017. The increase applies to all camping reservations for 2025. Starting on October 15, 2024, all reservations made for 2025 stays will include the fee increase.

Increases in base rate by site type:

• $2 increase for misc. sites (includes teepees, meeting halls and other facilities)
• $3 increase for tent sites (includes horse tent sites, horse group sites, group tent) and primitive sites (includes overflow, fly-in and walk-to-sites)
• $4 increase for RV sites (includes full hookup, electrical, horse RV and group RV sites)
• $5 increase for cabins and yurts (includes rustic, mini, totem, and deluxe sites)

(Seasonal rate increases were adopted in 2020. The seasonal adjustments will be added to the new base rates. As in previous years, summer rates are $2 more for tent sites, $3 more for RV sites and $5 more for cabins/yurts.)

Jan. 1, 2025: OPRD will increase its reservation fee from $8 to $10 per site starting Jan. 1, 2025. This fee has not been increased since 2010.

Daily parking permit fees will increase from $5 to $10 at the 25 parks that charge a fee for day-use parking. Parking permit fees were last increased in 2009. The annual parking permit and the two-year permit fees remain the same at $30 for the annual permit and $50 for the two-year permit.

July 1, 2025: OPRD will expand the 25% out-of-state surcharge for RV campsites (required by state law) to all site types for out-of-state campers.

New camping rate ranges replace the existing ones. These ranges set the lowest and highest fees that OPRD can charge over time. It gives OPRD’s director the ability to change fees in the future as needed. The last rate range update was adopted in 2018.

OPRD has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. OPRD is not funded by taxes.

OPRD does offer a few resources and programs to help increase access to Oregon State Parks.

• Most Oregon State Parks offer free day-use parking. Current exceptions include this list of 25 parks online.
• We also have special access passes for free camping and day-use parking permits for:
  • Oregon foster parents, guardians and parents who have adopted Oregon foster children.
  • U.S. veterans with a service-connected disability.
  • Active duty U.S. military on official leave.

Next month, OPRD will open public comment on a proposal designed to give OPRD’s director more flexibility to decide which parks charge for day-use parking. The proposal would require day-use parking permits at all parks unless otherwise noted. The director would have the authority to waive the permit requirement as needed. There are no plans to charge at all parks, and OPRD would consider any changes carefully.

OPRD will continue to explore options in the future that reduce cost as a barrier while earning needed revenue to maintain our parks and manage congestion.

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