The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Friday, November 1, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
Seasonal Climate Forecast November – December 2024
UPDATE: Ashland Bat takes home the BLM Bat Beauty Contest crown for third straight year
[UPDATE] Hoary Potter, the hoary bat from Oregon, has won his final duel!
On Halloween—the last day of International Bat Week—he defeated Lestat, the western small-footed bat from Idaho, in the final round of the 2024 Bat Beauty Contest.
This victory marks the third year in a row a bat from Oregon has taken first place in the Bureau of Land Management contest.
Emma Busk, BLM wildlife technician, says she hopes the event has inspired more love for these winged creatures of the night.
“I took the photo of Hoary Potter, but all bats are the real winners,” she told the Washington Post.
Ashland, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management’s annual Bat Beauty Contest returns! Your local Oregon bats are here to defend their crown and try to take home the top prize for the third year in a row.
Each October, the BLM hosts a beauty contest to find the most stunning bat photographed on BLM public lands across the county. The event begins on October 24 and ends on Halloween. It also coincides with International Bat Week, which raises awareness about bat conservation and the essential role bats play in the natural world.
This year, there are two Oregon bats participating in the contest! Hoary Potter, a male hoary bat with a feisty personality, will compete in the first round of the contest October 24. Honey Bunches of Myotis, a long-eared myotis bat, will compete in the second round of the contest October 25.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, located primarily in 11 western states and Alaska. Those other states are working hard to end the batty three-peat. You can help Oregon bring home the crown by voting on the BLM National Facebook page or the BLM National Instagram page.
Last year, William ShakespEAR, a female Townsend’s big-eared bat from Butte Falls, took home the crown on the afternoon of October 31. During the final round, she beat out Gizmo, an Allen’s Big-Eared Bat. William was photographed by Emma Busk, BLM wildlife technician.
The year before, the BLM crowned Barbara, a canyon bat from Lake County, the 2022 Bat Beauty Contest Winner. Barbara was photographed by Kate Yates, BLM wildlife biologist.
Both of this year’s bats were photographed by Busk.
“It’s important that we fact check what we think we know about bats,” said Busk. “There are a lot of myths around bats, but they’re amazing wildlife and they contribute so much to our ecosystem.”
Bats play an essential role in Oregon. All bats in the Pacific Northwest are insectivorous, meaning they rid our world of pests like mosquitos, beetles, and moths. Just one bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes in an hour!
Want to do your part? As we head into winter, avoid exploring mines and caves where bats may be hibernating.
“In your own backyard, you can have a bat house!” said Emma. “It’s a shelter that helps protect bats during the winter. You can also make your garden more bat friendly by planting native flowers to attract insects and turning off any unnecessary lights. Light pollution is not great for bats.”
Want to get involved? Follow the Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington on Facebook (@BLMOregonAndWashington) or Instagram (@BLMOregonWashington). We’ll be sharing how you can vote for Hoary Potter and Honey Bunches of Myotis and support your native Oregon species!
Fatal Pedestrian Crash – HWY 62 – Jackson County
– On Monday, October 28, 2024, at 7:53 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy 62, near milepost 13, in Jackson County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Yesica Valenzuela-Quezada (29) of Eagle Point, chased a puppy from a nearby residence into the highway and was struck by an eastbound Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by Melissa Ann Marie Love (45) of Eagle Point.
The pedestrian (Valenzuela-Quezada) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Love) was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. The operator of the Chevrolet remained on scene and cooperated with investigators.
OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Fire District 3 and 4, Eagle Point Police Department, and ODOT.
Local Election Security Patrols Increase Amidst String Of Ballot Box Attacks
Ballot boxes are filling up as Election Day inches closer – which means more are being targeted for arson and vandalism that would destroy votes. This includes two targeted in Portland, OR and neighboring Vancouver, WA.
Targeted attacks are bringing many local election offices, such as Jackson County, to increase and embrace their security. Jackson County Clerk Chris Walker alerted the Jackson County Sheriff of the Monday morning attack to increase patrols around the boxes and situational awareness.
“As election officials we’re resilient, we’re going to get the job done,” Walker said. “But this just adds one more layer to the things that we have to do to conduct elections.”
Walker showcased the different security protocols being used in the election, including patrols by local police and sheriffs officers, camera surveillance and fire suppressant devices.
Each ballot box has a county controlled camera, with the ability to zoom and record footage spanning weeks. With some boxes having multiple cameras, available to be seen through the computer and on Walkers phone at all times.
“We decided to be very proactive in making sure that we had eyes on everything.” Walker said.
Aside from camera surveillance, the elections office is partnered with the Sheriff’s Office as well as local police departments to ensure protection of the ballot boxes. The probation officers in the same administrative building as the elections office also partner to be a supporting role.
Despite the supporting role of local agencies and the role of cameras to ensure ballot security, the election office wants the community to know the importance of watching out for each others vote.
“If you see something, say something. [If there’s] something you see, somebody at a box [and] it doesn’t feel right or look right to you, please report it to the local law enforcement as well as here to the county clerk’s office.” Walker said.
Sutherlin Woman Rescued from Wilderness Near Reedsport
– A 43-year-old Sutherlin woman has been rescued from the wilderness area outside of Reedsport.
Mandy Greer was picking mushrooms in the vicinity of Camp Creek Road east of Loon Lake on Tuesday afternoon. She and her significant other had only planned to be out for a few hours.
Just before 5 pm Tuesday, October 29th, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call from her companion advising they had split up while picking mushrooms, and Greer hadn’t returned to their shared vehicle as planned.
Deputies and Search and Rescue responded and spent several hours searching for Greer in response to this report. Search efforts included ground, fixed wing aircraft and drone work. A drone operator identified potential heat signatures, but searchers did not locate Greer. Efforts were paused in the early morning hours but resumed Wednesday morning.
On Wednesday, Douglas County Search and Rescue received resources from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue unit to assist in search efforts which resumed at 7:00 am.
At approximately 9:15 am, a deputy was able to make voice contact with Greer who responded to the deputy’s siren sound sweep. Searchers learned Greer was injured and would need assistance in extracting from the forest. When rescuers located Greer, it was determined she had suffered a non-life-threatening injury, was cold and wet.
Rescuers provided first aid, food and hot tea before assisting Greer to the roadway where she was transferred to the care of EMS providers.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Douglas County Search and Rescue, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Oregon State Police Aircraft Unit, Sutherlin Police, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.
Fatal Crash – HWY 199 – Josephine County
– On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 12:23 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 199, at the intersection with Helms Road, in Josephine County.
The preliminary investigation indicated northbound Nissan Sentra, operated by Joshua Chaska Patrick (22) of Abbotsford (BC), failed to stop at a stop sign and entered the highway where it was struck by a northbound Kenworth dump truck, operated by Uwe Jens Stehnike (85) of Grants Pass, causing the Kenworth to roll onto it’s side.
The operator of the Kenworth (Stehnike) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Nissan (Patrick) fled the scene on foot and was later arrested nearby the scene. The operator suffered injuries and was provided medical treatment at an area hospital.
The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Rural Metro Fire Department, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.
Joint Operation by Grants Pass Police and DEA Arrest 16 and Seizes Money and Drugs
Auction in Medford of The Defective Modular Homes That Were Intended to Help Families That Lost Homes in Almeda Fire as An Effort To Recoup Almost $24 Million
Oregon Housing and Community Services, the state’s housing agency, will auction off 140 defective modular homes in a series of two-week-long auctions.
The state purchased the homes in 2021, with most of them intended to rebuild Royal Oaks Mobile Manor in Phoenix, which was destroyed in the 2020 Almeda Fire. Families who lost their homes in the fire were prioritized for housing.
But last summer, the homes were found to be unfit to live in, due to mold, water leaks and other issues. There are unresolved questions about why the homes had defects.
Now, OHCS has announced it will auction off the defective homes in an effort to recoup some of the approximately $24 million dollars it says it spent on them.
Caleb Yant, deputy director of OHCS, said buyers will be informed about their quality.
“We’re very intentionally disclosing everything that we know, so there’s notices going out to all potential buyers of the different inspections that we’ve had, the code violations, the reports that we’ve done, had experts do on water intrusion, those sorts of things. So potential buyers know exactly the status of the units,” he said.
He said buyers will also have access to hundreds of photos of the units, and there will be an opportunity for buyers to inspect the units themselves and “bring whatever professionals that they need in order to really understand the current status of the units.”
After the homes were found to be defective, OHCS said in August 2023 that it planned to rebuild them with a different manufacturer. But in March, it changed tactics and announced it would replace the homes instead. A new manufacturer is currently building long-awaited new homes for Royal Oaks.
Originally, move-in for fire survivors was slated for September 2023. The new batch of modular homes could now be ready for move-in in April 2025.
OHCS says these auctions will occur in coordination with the state’s Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Surplus and a third-party service called GovDeals, which DAS regularly uses to sell state-owned equipment.
“We know that there is a number of parties who are interested in purchasing the homes and repair them,” OHCS said in a statement.
But it’s unclear how much these defective modular homes will sell for.
“It’s challenging to predict what the price point will be,” Yant said. “I don’t think that we’re expecting to recoup the entire amount [we spent on them].”
Meanwhile, OHCS and Oregon’s Department of Justice are in ongoing legal proceedings related to why the original batch of modular homes had defects, according to OHCS. Yant declined to comment on that litigation but said the auctions are not the only way OHCS is working to recoup funds.
Some have wondered if the state was negligent in caring for the original modular homes in the period between construction and installation. It took time to find a suitable location for them, so they were left sitting for months. OHCS said the problems were not due to the homes being unoccupied for so long but because of problems with the manufacturing.
The first two-week auction will begin on Oct. 29 and will include 33 homes. The next auction will begin on Nov. 7 and will include 35 homes. Those 68 homes are all currently being stored in Medford. There are also 72 additional homes that the state purchased from the manufacturer, Nashua Builders in Boise, that are still in Idaho. Yant says they will be moved into Oregon and auctioned off in the spring of 2025.
Anyone who would like to register to participate in the auction can do so here. (SOURCE)
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1257353498922992
Another Woman Missing in Prospect Area
Sheriff’s Deputies, Search & Rescue Attempting to Locate Missing Woman Last Seen in Prospect Area
JCSO Case 24-5775 —
PROSPECT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies along with Search and Rescue (SAR) are attempting to locate a woman missing out of Prospect since early Sunday morning, October 20. April Larson is described as a 41-year-old white woman, 5’6” tall, weighing 120 lbs. She has purple and blue dyed hair with brown eyes.
April was last seen around 1:00 AM going for a walk in the 1st Street area of Prospect. She had a flashlight and is believed to be wearing dark clothing and blue shoes. April was with a friend visiting the area. It is believed that she does not know anyone in the area.
If you have any information on April’s whereabouts, call @Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon ECSO 911 dispatch at (541)776-7206 and reference case 24-5775.
Sheriff’s Office issues advisory about motorhome and possible link to missing Prospect woman
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is asking for help identifying the owner a motorhome. It could be associated with a missing person from the Prospect area.
JCSO says 68-year-old Deenah Padgett has been missing since August 30 from Prospect, described as a white woman, 4’ 8” tall, weighing approximately 95 pounds with brownish red/greying hair.
JCSO issued an advisory this weekend asking anyone with information about the owner of the pictured motor home or Padgett’s whereabouts to call Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) dispatch non-emergency phone number at 541-776-7206.
Child Sexual Predator Eluded Capture in Idaho, Has Ties to Southern Oregon, He May Be Dressed as a Woman
– A fugitive with ties to the southern Oregon region is on-the-run after eluding capture Tuesday, October 22 in Idaho. Christian Bert Fischer, 42, is wanted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child.
Fischer is a white male, 5’10”, 200 lbs., has blonde hair and blue-colored eyes. He is also known to dress like a woman. Before heading to Idaho, Fischer was in the Portland area. This June and July, he was in Ashland, Lake of the Woods, and Wolf Creek.
U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) task forces throughout the country have joined the search, including the local Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF). If you have any information on Fischer’s whereabouts, contact the local USMS office at (541) 776-4277, the USMS Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
PNVOTF includes personnel from the U.S. Marshals, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Central Point Police Department. The task force specializes in locating and arresting fugitives wanted for offenses including, but not limited to, murder, assault, sex crimes, failure to register as a sex offender, firearm violations, and probation violations.
*Update* Police asking for cell phone video from shooting incident at party – Josephine County
Oregon State Police – 10/29/24 10:22 AM
Update: Updated to add the Spencer Creek area of rural Josephine County.
JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. 28 Oct. 2024 – Oregon State Police detectives are asking for witnesses to a non-lethal shooting to come forward with any video of the incident.
On Oct. 26, 2024, at about 2:00 a.m., police responded to a report of shots fired at a large party in rural Josephine County in the Spencer Creek area. An adult male was taken to a local hospital by private vehicle from the party and was treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to the abdomen.
Many of the party attendees were juvenile and intoxicated. However, all the individuals involved in the altercation that led to the shooting have been identified and are over 18 years of age. Multiple party attendees fled from the scene, resulting in two rollover traffic crashes with minor injuries.
Investigators do not believe there are any public safety threats stemming from this incident.
Investigators believe multiple cell phone videos of the incident exist and are asking witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP’s Southern Command Center at 800-442-2068 or call OSP (677) from a mobile device. Please reference case number # SP24-350006.
The investigation is ongoing and OSP is not releasing the names of the parties involved at this time.
Medford Police Investigate Shooting on Bullock Rd.
Medford Police Dept.
On Sunday, October 27th, 2024 at approximately 2:53 a.m. Medford Police were dispatched to the report of a shooting in the 2600 block of Bullock Rd. Multiple agencies responded to assist. Upon arrival, it was determined the shooting occurred at a private event attended by approximately 80 people. 
The unidentified suspects fired rounds towards the security guard, striking the security guard and a juvenile in attendance. Both were transported to local hospitals with non life-threatening injuries. The juvenile has since been treated and released.
This case is currently under investigation and further details will be released as they become available. MPD is asking anyone with information to contact Detective Dennis at 541-774-2242. —
MPD case 24-17581
Forest Service officials are seeking information about the person or group that have been placing homemade spike strips and other dangerous traps across roads and trails in remote southwest Oregon.
The federal agency said that in addition to spike strips, meant to puncture tires, there have also been wires across roads and trails reported in the Taylor Creek and Shan Creek areas of Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
“Reports have stated that the boards that hold the spikes have been covered with leaves, so it may be difficult to see them,” a Facebook post from the national forest said on Monday.
Some on social media indicated the issue has been an ongoing problem.
The traps have been reported by “hunting and mining interests,” the post said. However, the Taylor Creek area, located west of Grants Pass, has other recreation including hiking, mountain biking and camping.
The post asked anyone that saw anything taking place to contact the Grants Pass Interagency Office at 541-471-6500 or the Wild Rivers Ranger District at 541-592-4000.
Ballots in the Mail and Voting Underway
- Regular mail. Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 5, 2024 and received no later than November 12, 2024 to be counted.
- A 24/7 ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.
Did you get help from FEMA, insurance, or others after the 2020 Almeda and South Obenchain Fires?
https://firebrandcollective.org/harp/
Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.
Hearts with a Mission, a program to help local seniors who need assistance, is seeking volunteers.
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
Make a Plan to Vote Before Election Day on November 5
The much-anticipated 2024 General Election is finally here. — County clerks began sending out ballots to all registered voters on October 16. All ballots must be postmarked or returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 5, 2024.
You can find all the information you need — including information about the electoral college, which offices are being voted on, and the digital version of the statewide voters’ pamphlet — by clicking on the “Current Election” page at OregonVotes.gov.
Ballots can be returned through the mail, at your county clerk’s office, or at any of the secure, official drop boxes available throughout the state. Your ballot will be routed to the county in which you are registered to vote.
“Oregonians of all political stripes came together to build our election system, which remains the among the most convenient and secure in the country,” said Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade. “Let’s come together and participate in our democracy by making a plan to vote today.”
In Oregon, any ballot postmarked on or before Election Day is counted, even if it arrives at the elections office up to seven days later. These ballots are not late — they were cast on time when the voter put them in the mail, and will be counted alongside every other vote cast before 8 p.m. on Election Day. Results of close elections may not be immediately available on Election Day because it will take a few days for all the votes to be counted.
Need help or have any questions regarding your ballot? Your county elections office can help with any problem you have, including getting a replacement ballot.
For more information, visit our website: OregonVotes.gov
What you need to know about the 2024 General Election
- Ballots were sent out starting October 16, 2024.
- Election Day is November 5, 2024. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. or postmarked on this day to be counted.
- Return your ballot in the mail, at a county clerk’s office, or at any of the secure, official drop boxes available throughout the state. Your ballot will be routed to the county in which you are registered to vote for processing.
- The postmark law, passed in 2021, allows ballots postmarked on or before Election Day to count as long as they’re received no later than seven days after the election. For this reason, election results may be delayed because it will take a few days for all the votes to be counted.
- Preliminary results will be available on the Secretary of State website starting at 8 p.m. on Election Day.
- The 2024 elections will be the most secure elections in history. Learn all the ways we protect your vote at OregonVotes.gov/Integrity
Community organizations awarded grants to help prepare to deliver first-in-the-nation Medicaid benefits
Funds will support statewide efforts by community and social service organizations to connect climate devices, housing assistance and nutrition services to eligible Oregon Health Plan members.
– OHA and coordinated care organizations (CCOs) this month awarded a combined $37 million to community organizations across the state to help support the delivery of health-related social needs (HRSN) benefits to eligible Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid) members. The grants – called Community Capacity Building Funds (CCBFs) – will support health providers and organizations to develop what they need to be able to participate in the Medicaid delivery system.
Health-related social needs benefits address basic needs, such as housing and nutrition, that affect Oregonians’ health. The state launched climate benefits in March including air conditioners, air filters and other equipment to keep eligible members healthy during extreme weather events. New housing benefits will begin rolling out November 1, 2024, and nutrition benefits will be available starting in January 2025. The CCBF grants will help prepare community-based organizations to deliver these new benefits and improve health outcomes by preventing homelessness, heat-related illnesses and costly urgent care visits.
In honoring the government-to-government relationship with the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, an additional $11.9 million of CCBF funding has been set aside for the Nine Tribes. Tribes have the opportunity to build their own HRSN programs to best serve their community members who will qualify.
HRSN services and CCBF grants are part of Oregon’s 1115 Medicaid waiver, which expands coverage and delivers over a billion dollars in new federal funding to the state. Medicaid waivers allow states the flexibility to test new ways to deliver and pay for Medicaid benefits, with approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Oregon’s 1115 Medicaid waiver includes several first-in-the-nation benefits for OHP members; community-based organizations (CBOs) and partners will be integral to delivering these new services.
“One of our primary goals in delivering health-related social needs benefits, is to partner and align with existing community groups to reduce siloes in services for OHP members,” said Emma Sandoe, Oregon’s Medicaid Director. “These funds will help lend support to existing systems and weave Medicaid benefits into the community-based fabric of service providers.”
To receive CCBFs, organizations needed to apply and plan to provide HRSN services in a way that is culturally and linguistically appropriate, responsive and trauma-informed. Funds can be used for technology, workforce development, development of business practices or outreach and education related to the provision of HRSN services. Organizations eligible for CCBF can be in the following categories: CBOs, social-services agencies, traditional health care workers, child welfare providers, HRSN network managers, government agencies or providers that focus on housing, nutrition, climate, case management, outreach and engagement.
2024 Community Capacity Building Funds overview:
- More than $37 million was awarded to 161 organizations across Oregon.
- 40% of the funds ($14.7 million) went to organizations that will provide housing benefits.
- Nearly 70% of the funding (almost $26 million) went to support workforce development.
- More than 25% of funds went to community-based organizations with no prior relationships with CCOs – helping to expand provider networks in local communities.
Additional information about CCBF is located on the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) CCBF web page, including details about each grantee. Information on the new climate and housing benefits, including eligibility requirements, can be found on the Health-Related Social Needs benefits web page.
State Signs Groundbreaking Carbon Project Agreement for Elliott State Research Forest
– The Oregon Department of State Lands today signed a first-of-its-kind agreement to develop a carbon project on the 83,000-acre Elliott State Research Forest.
Forests play an essential role in fighting climate change. Each year, forests worldwide remove about two billion metric tons of carbon dioxide – the yearly emissions of 476 million gas-powered cars – from the atmosphere. Forest carbon projects aim to increase the amount of carbon dioxide sequestered by forest ecosystems, creating credits that can be sold in a carbon market to offset emissions elsewhere.
The carbon project development agreement signed today with Anew Climate, LLC positions the Elliott State Research Forest to generate credits through multiple strategies for increasing carbon sequestration. It’s the first such agreement on state-owned lands in the western United States.
“We need bolder action to fight climate change,” said Oregon Governor Tina Kotek. “Enrolling the Elliott State Research Forest in the carbon market will help meet our state’s climate goals and respond to a future of increasing uncertainty.”
“This is an exciting, transformative new chapter for the Elliott. I’m particularly pleased to have been a part of something where Oregonians from different perspectives and experiences came together to chart this course,” said State Treasurer Tobias Read.
Today’s agreement sets development of a carbon project in motion. Next steps include on-the-ground work to inventory carbon, establish a project baseline relevant to measuring carbon sequestration credits, as well as independent verification of the project prior to any actual sale of credits.
A carbon project is one of multiple carbon sequestration commitments in the initial Elliott State Research Forest Management Plan approved by the State Land Board on Oct. 15. The plan guides DSL in managing the research forest to contribute multiple benefits, such as protecting and restoring habitat, enhancing opportunities for recreation and education, supporting local economies by resuming timber harvest, and promoting opportunities for Indigenous forest stewardship and research, as well as advancing climate change solutions and science.
“Designating the Elliott as Oregon’s first state research forest is a huge success. This has been a long and challenging road, but I believe the final forest management plan will be widely beneficial, from researchers to scientists to everyday Oregonians. Oregon has a proud legacy of preserving and enjoying our beautiful outdoors, and the Elliott will stand as a living example of that for years to come,” said Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade.
Learn more about the Elliott State Research Forest on DSL’s Elliott website.
Merkley, Wyden Announce $46 Million to Boost the Klamath Basin
Federal funding will help restore the Klamath River’s habitat following historic dam removal and further protect endangered C’waam, Koptu, and salmon
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is investing a total of$46,191,133in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to boost ecosystem restoration and enhance water quality and reliability through 24 projects throughout the Klamath Basin—12 of which are taking place in Oregon.
This latest federal funding wave from the landmark law will largely fuel the Klamath River’s recovery and habitat restoration efforts following the removal of the four lower Klamath Dams in 2024—the largest dam removal effort in U.S. history.
“A key to restoring the Klamath Basin is major federal investments that will support collaborative ecosystem restoration and water improvement efforts. This funding will continue ongoing efforts I helped energize alongside the Klamath Tribes and other stakeholders to save the C’waam and Koptu, and restore the aquatic habitat and ecosystems of the Klamath River following the historic removal of the four lower Klamath Dams,” said Merkley, who visited Northern California earlier in October to tour a former dam site and celebrate removal alongside Tribes and other key partners. “Since the dams came out, we’ve seen the salmon returning home for the first time in generations. This federal investment champions projects that help ensure the C’waam, Koptu, and salmon all have an ecosystem to thrive in, while also prioritizing efforts that help this unique region’s water go farther for the Tribes, farmers, fish, and vital ecosystems that rely on it.”
“Restoration of the Klamath Basin requires significant resources just like these to catalyze the work that’s needed locally to build a stronger ecosystem and improve water quality,” Wyden said. “This fresh federal investment in the region and the big gains it will generate for jobs, recreation, and habitat will work to ensure the area’s farmers, Tribes and communities can grow and thrive for generations to come.”
As Chairman of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, Merkley secured a historic $162 million over five years through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically dedicated to restoring ecosystems and enhancing drought resiliency work in the Klamath Basin. Today’s $46 million funding announcement from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s USFWS marks the third year of investments from this landmark law, as it follows $26 million provided in 2022 and $15 million in 2023. Merkley also convened the “Sucker Summit ” in 2018, which brought people from across the Basin together and helped lay the groundwork for these significant investments to protect the C’waam and the Koptu.
In February of this year, Merkley and Wyden announced $72 million in new federal funding for critical ecosystem restoration projects and agricultural infrastructure modernization in the Basin, as well as a historic agreement with the Klamath Tribes, Yurok Tribe, Karuk Tribe, and Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA). This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) cemented their commitment to working together to drive long-term solutions to the Basin’s water challenges. That includes collective efforts to restore the region’s ecosystem and improve water supply and reliability for the Klamath Project. READ MORE: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-wyden-announce-46-million-to-boost-the-klamath-basin
Man Wanted In Indiana Murder Cold Case Arrested In Eugene
A man wanted for a murder that has been a cold case since 1981 in a small Indiana town has been arrested here in Eugene.
Eugene police arrested Gregory Thurson, 64, on October 29 as part of a homicide investigation from Griffith, Indiana that dated back to 1981. Griffith is a town of about 16,000 people that is about 40 minutes from Chicago on the Indiana-Illinois state line.
Court documents say Thurson was questioned by detectives from Griffith at the Eugene Police Department and later booked into the Lane County Jail. Extradition paperwork was filed in court on October 30 to send him back to Indiana to face the murder charge. Details on the homicide itself have not yet been released, with detectives in Eugene and Indiana planning a press release for November 1.
Court documents said a Eugene Police Department detective received an arrest warrant for Thurson and recognized him walking near his residence on Highway 99 earlier in October. Police said he was carrying an Oregon driver’s license that identified him by name, as well as documents from the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.
Court records in Indiana show Thurson was wanted on three counts of battery back in 1994, and a warrant was issued for his arrest at that time. He was caught in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1997, but was not extradited due to the distance. Then in 2000, Thurson was caught again on that warrant in Vida, Oregon, but was again not extradited. He was caught on that same warrant in Alabama in 2006 and in Eugene in 2013, and still was not extradited. That warrant was eventually dismissed in 2016.
Tribes of Oregon and Oregon State University Work Together To Build Facility To Facilitate Repatriation and Return of Tribal Cultural Items and Ancestors
The nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon and Oregon State University have worked together to build a university facility to facilitate the repatriation and return of tribal Ancestors and cultural items currently under the university’s stewardship.
Tribal leaders and university officials marked the transfer of Ancestors in Oregon State’s stewardship to the facility earlier this month.
The facility will serve as a space to carry out consultations, repatriations and ceremonies to advance the university’s obligations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which safeguards and facilitates the return of Native American and Native Hawaiian ancestral remains and certain cultural items.
The act requires federally funded institutions in possession of such items to inventory the holdings, consult with lineal descendants and/or federally recognized Native American Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations for identification and confirmation of affiliation to ancestral remains and cultural items for the purposes of repatriation, where possible, to descendant communities today.
The facility at Oregon State is believed to be the first time an academic institution in the United States has built a dedicated facility in collaboration with Tribes to advance NAGPRA responsibilities and facilitate the repatriation of Ancestors and cultural items to their home communities.
“One of the ways in which institutions are building living relationships and creating repatriation policies that fit the needs of descendant communities is by putting Tribal nations and communities at the forefront of policy development,” said Briece Edwards of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. “Oregon State University provides a recent example of creating repatriation and NAGPRA policies through a truly consultative and respectful process.”
Doug Barrett, chief of The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, said this work should be applauded.
“This is a really big deal and it needs to be a model that is followed across the nation,” Barrett said.
Scott Vignos, Oregon State University’s vice president and chief diversity officer, said the university’s actions align with its institutional values and land grant mission.
“Like many types of legislation, there is a floor that is compliance,” he said. “And then we need to consider ‘how can we go beyond compliance’ and into a place that seeks to connect our past, present and future by building relationships, acknowledging harm and pursuing reconciliation. That’s what we are trying to do here.”
Chance White Eyes, Oregon State’s director of tribal relations, shared similar sentiments.
“We can do the bare minimum, and we can get by, but that doesn’t honor people,” White Eyes said. “They have dealt with trauma and I would argue continue to be disrespected and dishonored. That’s what this is about – being honorable and respectful.”
The facility represents a shift in how NAGPRA is viewed and conducted – by putting tribal voices and needs at the forefront, said Dawn Marie Alapisco, Oregon State’s NAGPRA director.
“We go through this legal repatriation process as required by NAGPRA legislation, but we can do so in a way that is much more congruent with the values and cultural ideals of the Tribes we are in partnership with,” Alapisco said. “It is about honoring the humanity of Ancestors and their significance within Tribal communities today.”
The work to repatriate ancestral remains and cultural items will take years. Where appropriate, the facility is also intended to be available for NAGPRA aligned activities by other institutions and agencies in Oregon.
“Repatriation through NAGPRA is purposely deliberate because Tribes need to be given an opportunity to think, to reflect, to build capacity through a really difficult process,” Vignos said. “It’s less about how quickly we can get this done and more about how respectfully can we get this done.”
About Oregon State University: As one of only three land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the nation, Oregon State serves Oregon and the world by working on today’s most pressing issues. Our nearly 38,000 students come from across the globe, and our programs operate in every Oregon county. Oregon State receives more research funding than all of the state’s comprehensive public universities combined. At our campuses in Corvallis and Bend, marine research center in Newport, OSU Portland Center and award-winning Ecampus, we excel at shaping today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders. (SOURCE)
PUC APPROVES AGREEMENT TO INCREASE RATES FOR NW NATURAL CUSTOMERS STARTING NOVEMBER 1
Impact of rate increase reduced by lower natural gas costs
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved all-party stipulations between PUC Staff, consumer groups, and NW Natural agreeing to a general rate increase at a lower level than NW Natural originally requested.
The amount general rates will increase on November 1, 2024, differs based on customer type and energy usage. As an overall average across all customer types, general rates will increase under the approved stipulation combined with the commission decisions by approximately9.98 percent, lower than the 16.7 percent NW Natural had originally requested. Mitigating the impact of the general rate increase, however, is the decrease the PUC approved in the annual cost of purchasing natural gas, also effective November 1. The combined impact of the general rate increase and the natural gas cost decrease means a residential customer’s average bill is expected to be about 4.5 percent higher than the previous years’ bill.
Drivers for the increase include capital investments, such as the construction of seismically resilient regional infrastructure, addressing capacity constraints to meet areas of demand growth, actions necessary to comply with federal pipeline and safety requirements, and investments to modernize metering and improve system communications. Reducing the overall impact is the PUC’s approval of an annual adjustment to reflect the changes in the actual cost of wholesale priced natural gas, which is a pass-through cost of purchasing gas to customers without a markup on the price. This adjustment represents a credit due to lower than anticipated costs to purchase fuel leading to an over-collection from customers last year, combined with a slight decrease in the forecasted cost of natural gas for next year.
“We appreciate the hard work of PUC staff and stakeholders as well as the flexibility of NW Natural to reach a compromise that significantly reduced the general rate case revenue requirement by nearly 40 percent from the original request,” said Megan Decker, Commission Chair. “We are fortunate that general rate increases are moderated this year by supply and demand conditions that lowered gas price projections.”
As part of this general rate case, Commissioners addressed other disputed issues, including:
- Line Extension Allowances – These are the costs existing customers pay to connect new customers to the natural gas system. Commissioners upheld their decision from NW Natural’s 2023 rate case filing to phase down line extension allowances until completely eliminated as of November 1, 2027, citing high levels of uncertainty about whether subsidies paid to new customers would end up benefitting existing customers over the long term.
- Community and Government Affairs Costs – Commissioners reduced but did not eliminate NW Natural’s rate request for government affairs-related costs, recognizing that community and government affairs activities often serve the core interests of customers, but citing a need for better record-keeping to demonstrate that the core interests of customers are being served. The PUC recommended that NW Natural establish a system to track appropriate expenses for future consideration.
- Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board (CUB) Rate Shock Proposal – The Commission did not adopt CUB’s proposed rate shock mechanism, which would cap all rate increases scheduled to go into effect on November 1 to less than 10 percent and delay any additional increase until April 1. The order reasons that parties had largely agreed on a specific revenue requirement that the Commission found just and reasonable, and combined with gas price reductions, would not have triggered the 10 percent threshold. The Commission found that this proposal would be better considered in a future case to develop these complex concepts.
Resources for Customers — To increase energy efficiency and save more on future bills, review Energy Trust of Oregon’s current incentives and opportunities, including income-qualified offers and learn more about low-cost and no-cost tips to reduce energy consumption. For information about bill payment assistance options, help with past due bills, available utility discount programs, weatherization, and the Budget Pay Program that equalizes bill payments across winter and summer months, NW Natural at 800-422-4012 or view information online. Customers may also contact their local Community Action agency to request information on what assistance programs they may be eligible for and how to enroll. — NW Natural serves nearly 700,000 customers in northwest Oregon.
Ballot boxes set on fire in Oregon, Washington with hundreds of ballots burned
The Portland Police Bureau said on Monday morning, officers responded to reports of a fire at a ballot box located on the 1000 block of Southeast Morrison Street.
Security guards had extinguished the fire by the time officers had arrived.
Authorities said an incendiary device was placed inside the ballot box before the fire ignited. The police’s Explosive Disposal Unit came onto the scene and cleared the device.
Also, according to FOX 12, police in Vancouver, Washington, are also investigating a ballot box that was set on fire Monday morning.
The fire was set at the C-TRAN Park & Ride at Fisher’s Landing Transit Center, according to the outlet.
Someone told police that someone stuck a device outside the ballot box which set the fire.
Officials told the outlet that hundreds of ballots were burned. FOX 12 also reported that last time ballots were picked up from the box was 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The fires came after a similar instance in Arizona last week.
According to FOX 10 Phoenix, an arrest was made after a United States Postal Service mailbox in Phoenix was lit on fire last Thursday, damaging over a dozen ballots.
RELATED: Ballots damaged after USPS mailbox lit on fire in Phoenix; suspect arrested
The fire happened just before 1:30 a.m. on October 24 outside a post office near 7th Avenue and Indian School Road.
Phoenix Fire crews responded to the scene and extinguished the flames. Twenty electoral ballots, and other pieces of mail, were damaged in the fire.
“The Postal Inspector took possession of the damaged ballots and mail,” Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade said. “The Phoenix Fire Investigations Task Force, which includes Phoenix Police detectives and Phoenix Fire investigators, are working with US Postal Inspectors.”
- The information in this story came from a news release provided by the Portland Police Bureau with additional reporting from FOX 12 in Portland, Oregon. FOX 10 Phoenix also contributed to this report. This story was reported from Los Angeles. https://www.fox5ny.com/news/ballot-boxes-fire-oregon-washington
FBI Statement on Ballot Box Fires
FBI – Oregon
The FBI is coordinating with federal, state and local partners to actively investigate the two incidents in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, in the early morning hours of Monday, October 28th to determine who is responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the nearest FBI office, provide information through tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324).
Oregon Department of Forestry launches Prescribed Fire Liability Program
Salem, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Forestry is happy to announce the launch of the Prescribed Fire Liability Program. This pilot program is intended to increase use of prescribed fire and cultural burning and support fire practitioners by providing liability coverage for enrolled burns.
Introducing periodic fire to fire-adapted landscapes and reducing forest fuels has been shown to lessen the potential for high-intensity wildfires and the large volume of smoke they produce.
While the rates of escape and loss are very low due to the careful planning and preparation required for prescribed fire and cultural burning, there is always some residual risk when working with fire. This risk, and the resulting liability for damages due to escape if uninsured, can deter some practitioners from using beneficial fire.
Governor Kotek signed House Bill 4016 in 2024 establishing the pilot Prescribed Fire Liability Program. It authorizes claims covering certain losses arising from escaped prescribed fires and cultural burns. Participation in the program is voluntary.
For your burn to have liability coverage under the program, all the following conditions must be met:
- The burn is enrolled in the program prior to burning.
- The burn is conducted or supervised by an appropriate party for the burn.
- Ensure the burn follows all applicable laws related to the burn (obtain and follow any required permits/burn plan, make required notifications for Certified Burn Manager-led burns, additional paperwork/ submissions for Power Driven Machinery, etc.).
- If the burn escapes, the fire must not be a result of willful, malicious, or negligent actions in the origin or subsequent spread.
Learn more about the program and apply at ODF’s Prescribed Fire Liability Program web page.
For more information on prescribed fire and correlating programs, visit ODF’s Prescribed Fire web page.
Oregon Health Authority to launch new rental assistance program in November
Oregon will be the first in the nation to offer a statewide rental assistance program through Medicaid
The Oregon Health Authority is launching a new rental assistance program through its Medicaid plan that serves low-income Oregonians when medical crises impact their ability to pay rent.
The health authority’s plans are intended to keep people housed who need a short-term bridge to make ends meet and pay rent. Its goal is to help people maintain their health and their housing, which can lead to better long-term outcomes. People who face homelessness or the threat of eviction are 35% more likely to delay preventative health care, according to one national study.
To find out more about the housing program and eligibility, go here.
The program, which starts in November, will make Oregon the first state in the nation to offer a statewide rental assistance program through Medicaid. The Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program, provides more than 1.4 million Oregonians with health care, dental care and behavioral health care services.
“It really is focusing on trying to keep those most at risk still housed, hopefully leading to them being able to have some short-term help,” said Dave Baden, the authority’s deputy director for policy and programs, in a recent press call with reporters.
The Oregon Health Authority is providing the program through its Medicaid waiver, which is a five-year plan that the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid approved. States can receive waivers as a tool to try new programs or approaches to Medicaid. Oregon’s current Medicaid waiver is in effect from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2027.
During this period, Oregon has nearly $1 billion available for the rental assistance programs and other new programs within the Medicaid plan for air conditioners, air filters and food benefits. Most of the money — $904 million — is federal funding, with a state match of $71 million.
The program can cover rental and utility costs for up to six months, including past-due amounts. People also can receive medically necessary home improvements, including wheelchair ramps, pest control and heavy-duty cleaning.
The program covers rental assistance, but not new housing placements for people who are homeless.
“The goal of the housing benefit is really around keeping people housed and preventing houselessness,” said Steph Jarem, the authority’s waiver policy director.
Not everyone on Medicaid is eligible. To qualify, an Oregonian enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan would need to have a qualifying risk factor, such as complex medical condition, behavioral health condition, pregnancy or repeated emergency department trips.
The program can cover people who fall behind on rent because of a chronic condition or an injury that prevents them from working.
They also would need an income that is 30% or less than the median income of their region. For a family of four in Portland or Hillsboro, the cutoff is $35,400.
State officials estimate 22% of Oregon’s 618,278 households that rent have incomes that fall below the threshold and are potentially eligible.
In one example, a person who lives alone in Hood River and makes $18,000 a year could get help for missing work with a broken leg while also living with chronic heart disease.
The authority reached the eligibility determinations after negotiations with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (SOURCE)
With the arrival of seasonal rains and cooler weather, all Oregon Department of Forestry districts terminated fire restrictions as of Oct. 28, bringing an end to the state’s historic fire season.
Dry weather combined with lightning-sparked blazes and human-caused fires to put immense strain on firefighters and resources in 2024.“This season proved that wildfire in Oregon is not just one agency’s issue but affects all Oregonians from government agencies to private landowners to Oregon residents,” said Kyle Williams, ODF deputy director of fire protection.
Razor Clam Harvest Closure Cascade Head to California Border
– Razor clam harvesting is now closed from Cascade Head to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced. Recent razor clam samples indicate levels of domoic acid (a marine biotoxin) are above the safety threshold.
People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before heading out to harvest any shellfish or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.
Current harvest closures and openings:
Razor clams:
OPEN from the WA border to Cascade Head.
CLOSED from Cascade Head to the CA border.
Mussels:
OPEN coastwide.
Bay clams:
OPEN coastwide.
Crabs:
OPEN coastwide.
NOTE: sport crabbing in the ocean off the Oregon coast is closed through Nov. 30.
ODA will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit.
For more information call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin hotline at (800) 448-2474, the ODA Food Safety Program at 503- 986-4720, or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.
Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules, and limits. https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2024/10_Oct/102524.asp
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs to Host Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at Oregon State Capitol Park
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will honor all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces during its Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in view of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
This event will feature remarks by dignitaries and special guests along with ceremonial elements including a color guard, singing of the national anthem, a wreath laying and the playing of “Taps.”
The celebration will honor Oregon veterans of all eras and will be hosted at the Oregon State Capitol State Park located on Court Street Northeast in Salem — directly in front of the main entrance of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
The event is open to the public and uncovered seating will be provided for attendees. Accessible pathways and seating areas for those needing accommodations will also be provided. Attendees are reminded to plan accordingly for Oregon weather.
For those unable to attend, the event will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/odvavet. If you have any questions about this event, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.
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.
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.
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