The Klamath Basin Oktoberfest is set to return on Saturday, Sept. 20th.

This event, organized by the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA), will occur on Saturday, September 20th from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Bill Collier Ice Arena located in the Running Y Resort in Klamath Falls.

The community is encouraged to attend and partake in craft beers, traditional German cuisine, live entertainment, and enjoyable activities for the entire family.

Tickets for individuals aged 21 and over are priced at $25 if purchased in advance and $30 at the entrance. General admission for non-drinkers is $10, applicable both in advance and at the door. Children aged 12 and under can enter free of charge!

Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Adds 6,900 Jobs in August

In August, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 6,900 jobs, following a revised gain of 100 jobs in July. August’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+2,500 jobs); leisure and hospitality (+1,500); government (+1,100); and other services (+1,000). Losses were largest in wholesale trade (-1,100 jobs).

Health care and social assistance continued its rapid expansion of the past several years, adding 11,600 jobs, or 3.8%, during the past 12 months. Nursing and residential care facilities added 400 jobs in August and 3,900 jobs, or 6.8%, since August 2024. Hospitals, which added no jobs in August, grew the second fastest of health care’s component industries in the past 12 months (+2,900 jobs, or 4.6%). Social assistance (+2,400 jobs, or 3.0%) and ambulatory health care services (+2,300 jobs, or 2.2%) had slower growth over the year.

Leisure and hospitality grew 2.0% in the past 12 months, gaining 4,100 jobs, following little change the prior two years. Since last August, most of its published component industries added between 2% and 4%. Amusement, gambling, and recreation grew the fastest, adding 1,500 jobs, or 6.7%. In contrast, full-service restaurants cut 1,200 jobs, or 1.8%.

Wholesale trade declined rapidly in the past 12 months (-4,300 jobs, or -5.5%). All three wholesale component industries shrank substantially in that time: merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods (-1,500 jobs, or -4.9%); merchant wholesalers, durable goods (-1,000 jobs, or -2.5%); and wholesale trade agents and brokers (-900 jobs, or -13.0%).

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.0% in August and 4.9%, as revised, in July, after rising gradually over the past year from 4.2% in August 2024. Oregon’s 5.0% unemployment rate was 1.4 percentage points higher than the recent low of 3.6% during spring 2023. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2% in July and 4.3% in August.

Oregonians who possess EBT cards must take measures to prevent the theft of their card number and PIN.

According to the Oregon Attorney General’s Office, there has been a 50 percent rise in the amount of money stolen from EBT accounts. They suspect that a traveling group is installing skimmers on card devices in retail locations.

These skimmers are frequently located in discount stores and small markets. EBT cardholders are advised to utilize the app to activate their card solely when making a purchase and to deactivate it afterward. It is also important to inspect card devices for any overlay skimmers.

Additionally, if the card device displays a yellow security sticker, ensure that it does not appear to be compromised. INFO: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/pages/protect.aspx

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

9/19 – 2 am – #OregonFires 30 #evacuations#fires 4 FIRES in EVALUATION MODE:30 Oregon Wildfires – many are silent fires between 1 to 3 acres. These silent fires can quickly turn into dangerous fires. Please stay alert and ready.FOLEY RIDGE FIRE  – #lanecounty 7 Miles East of McKenzie Bridge 468.2 ACRES – 0% containment LEVEL 2 EVACUATION ( Be Set) KELSEY PEAK FIRE #josephinecounty#currycounty 1039 ACRES – 97% containment. DOWNGRADED to Level 1 ( Be Ready) #currycounty – ROAD CLOSURES posted below  PINNACLE FIRE  2155 ACRES –#currycounty 13% containment LEVEL 2 (Be Set) and LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION- Rogue River Trail under emergency closure.BACKBONE FIRE – 1883 ACRES #currycounty 4% containment LEVEL 2 ( Be Set) LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION – Rogue River Trail under emergency closure Silent Fires and Evacuations can change very quickly, so please stay alert  and safe.

https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…—————————————————CLINK FOR FIRES 

https://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/ —————————————————-CLINK FOR FIRES  National Interagency Fire Center

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/—————————————————

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

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.

 Support Wildfire Relief by Recycling

There are 2 ways to donate:

 Online with funds from your Green Bag account: https://bottledrop.com/…/obrc-emergency-fund-online…/

 In-person by bringing your redeemable beverage containers to any full-service BottleDrop Redemption Center

All funds raised (and matched) will be split between the following nonprofits providing wildfire relief in Oregon: Oregon Chapter of the WFF , Red Cross Cascades Region, and United Way of the Columbia Gorge.Learn more: BottleDrop.com/Wildfire

West Coast Health Alliance recommendations show vaccines ‘safe, effective’

Updated health guidance aligns Oregon with California, Washington, Hawaii in supporting COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who wants it

PORTLAND, Ore.—Updated guidance released today by the new, four-state West Coast Health Alliance has cleared the way for federally approved 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines to be available, without a prescription, to anyone who wants them.

Alliance members—the states of Oregon, Washington, California and Hawaii—jointly announced Consensus 2025-26 Respiratory Virus Immunization Recommendations for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. The recommendations state that immunization is safe and effective, and it offers the best protection available against respiratory viruses. The recommendations also endorse broad access to the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who chooses protection.

“Following recent federal policy decisions on vaccines, it’s been difficult for all of us to make sense of the sudden shift from having ready, reliable access to COVID-19 vaccines to wondering whether these vaccines would be available at all,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority.

“My colleagues across all four states in the Alliance have been working across state governments and with partners to identify and implement strategies needed to put these recommendations into effect,” he added.

To view Gov. Tina Kotek’s announcement, visit https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/following-trumps-politicization-of-cdc-west-coast-states-issue-unified-vaccine-recommendations.

Sidelinger spoke during a Wednesday afternoon media briefing to answer questions about the West Coast Health Alliance announcement and share a forecast for the upcoming respiratory virus season (a recording of the media briefing is at https://youtube.com/live/2TydWPMLOVc).

Elizabeth Powers, M.D., family medicine physician and local public health officer at Winding Waters Clinic, a federally qualified health center in Wallowa County, also participated in the briefing. She shared that she treats hundreds of patients with respiratory viruses every year.

“For many, these viruses cause mild to moderate infection, but for some, they result in hospitalization and, tragically, death,” Powers explained.

The West Coast Health Alliance adopted current federal recommendations for influenza vaccines and RSV immunizations, which are similar to last season, with minor updates to RSV products. Sidelinger said the COVID-19 recommendations are based on data on those at highest risk for severe outcomes, including children younger than 2, adults 65 and older, people with underlying medical conditions, previously unvaccinated people, those living in congregate settings, and pregnant individuals. The Alliance also recommends COVID-19 vaccines be available to all who choose them, as they have been in previous respiratory virus seasons.

Traditionally, insurers have covered vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP. However, the ACIP has become “an unreliable source of vaccine recommendations,” Sidelinger said.

As a result, OHA has worked with the Oregon Governor’s Office, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, and Oregon Educators Benefit Board and Public Employees’ Benefit Board to maximize private insurer coverage for the COVID-19 vaccine. Medicaid and Medicare will continue to cover the cost of the updated COVID vaccine as they previously have.

And effective Wednesday, Sept. 17, pharmacists can continue administering COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription, after the Oregon Board of Pharmacy changed its rules and protocols in response to federal actions that restricted vaccine access across the country.

“Oregon and its partners in the West Coast Health Alliance are committed to safeguarding scientific expertise and vaccine access, and leading with clarity, science and care so that individuals and families know their options and can access the protection they deserve,” Sidelinger said.

The Alliance’s announcement today comes potentially just weeks before the start of fall respiratory virus season. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza and RSV during fall and winter in Oregon and the U.S. are forecasted to be similar in volume to last season, according to an Aug. 25 CDC report, and the state must stay vigilant.

“As we say in public health, every respiratory virus season is a bad respiratory virus season,” Sidelinger said. “Concurrent increases in influenza, RSV and COVID-19 activity can easily stretch hospital capacity thin.”

For Powers, the key to that vigilance is helping people in Oregon understand the importance of getting vaccinated, particularly those at highest risk.

“Vaccines are the most powerful tools we have in preventing severe respiratory infections. They are underutilized, and there is a lot of disinformation out there making it harder for people to understand whether vaccines are safe and which vaccines are recommended,” she said. “There are people in my community who should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine because they are more likely to get very sick with these viruses—these include young children, the elderly, and those with underlying medical conditions.”

But she also agrees with the West Coast Health Alliance recommendations that “everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine should have access to one.”

People can get the COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines by checking with their health plan, health care provider, local public health clinic or federally qualified health center. They can also call 211 or visit

After Nearly 50 Years, Identity of Unidentified Remains Confirmed

LINN COUNTY, Ore. (Sept. 16, 2025) – On July 24, 1976, skeletal remains of a young woman were found in the area of Wolf Creek near Swamp Mountain in Linn County. For 49 years, her identity was not known. Today, thanks to advances in forensic genetic genealogy, she has a name. In June of this year, the remains were positively identified as Marion Vinetta Nagle McWhorter. McWhorter had last been seen at a Tigard shopping mall in 1974. She was just 21 years old at the time and was never heard from again.

In 1976, a moss hunter initially found a skull with several teeth and notified local law enforcement immediately. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office accompanied the moss hunter back to the site and recovered additional skeletal remains. Along with the remains, investigators located a clog-style shoe, a fraying fringed leather coat, a leather belt with Native American-style beadwork, two metal rings, and a pair of degraded Levi’s jeans, which were retained as evidence.

The skeletal remains were transferred to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, where they were examined by a pathologist and odontologist. The findings of the examination were undetermined due to the limited number of elements recovered. The dental examination noted several restorations.

In 2010, the Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History completed an anthropology report. A biological profile provided a probable estimation of a white female under 35 years of age at the time of her death. However, she remained unidentified.

Later that year, a bone sample was submitted to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, and a NamUs profile was created. From 2011 through 2025, the case received consistent attention from the State Medical Examiner’s Office. DNA results were uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS); however, no genetic associations were discovered.

The NamUs system was regularly checked for new cases that might match the decedent. While the DNA results confirmed the remains were female, no ancestry or phenotype could be determined due to the limitations of the STR DNA (short segments of DNA) profile.

In 2011, a forensic artist with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office assisted in creating a potential forensic rendering of the decedent’s face based on cranial features. A clay model featuring several different hairstyles and colors was created to help establish a recognizable image.

By 2020, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office had been awarded a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) grant to perform advanced DNA techniques on unsolved unidentified skeletal remains cases. This case was recognized as one that could potentially be resolved through DNA phenotyping and investigative genetic genealogy, provided by OSP’s vendor lab, Parabon NanoLabs. An additional bone sample was submitted for DNA extraction, and in November 2020, a SNP DNA (a unique genetic marker) profile was successfully produced and analyzed.

A Parabon NanoLabs DNA Snapshot Report, which utilizes genetic material to determine eye color, hair color, skin tone, and ancestry, was completed. The report predicted the individual was of European and Indigenous North American descent, with unfreckled fair skin, brown eyes, and brown hair. A rendering of her facial characteristics was created and used as her NamUs profile picture. A subsequent genetic genealogy report was completed in 2023, but did not produce any promising leads.

A breakthrough in the case occurred in April 2025, when someone spontaneously uploaded their genetic profile to the Family Tree DNA database, providing genealogists with a much closer look into the unidentified woman’s family tree. Forensic scientists followed genetic and other leads and ultimately determined that McWhorter was likely the unidentified young woman.

Genealogists found that McWhorter had one surviving family member, a younger sister living in the Seattle area. A detective with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office contacted the sister, who provided an oral swab for DNA comparison and shared the story of her long-lost older sister.

Genetic evidence confirmed that the decedent was Marion Vinetta Nagle McWhorter, born on January 7, 1953, and who had been unaccounted for since 1974. Based on the totality of the evidence, Oregon Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Sean Hurst positively identified the remains and confirmed the findings with McWhorter’s remaining family.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the case and is working to determine, if possible, the circumstances of Marion McWhorter’s death.

Discovering Marion McWhorter’s identity was a remarkable collaboration among detectives, medical examiner staff, and forensic genetic genealogists at Parabon NanoLabs.

State Forensic Anthropologist Hailey Collord-Stalder said, “This case was cold for 49 years. That means that family members lived and died without ever knowing what happened to their missing loved one.” She continued, “Forensic genetic genealogy allowed us not only to assist Oregon law enforcement and medicolegal personnel in identifying a woman who likely did not go missing voluntarily, but it also helped provide her family with answers and help relieve the uncertainty of what happened to Marion McWhorter.”

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon’s people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

The primary pipeline supplying gasoline to Oregon was out of service for approximately 10 days, resulting in a significant increase in pump prices throughout the state, before it reportedly resumed operations on Friday.

Analysts who monitor fuel prices closely anticipate that gas prices will remain elevated at least until the following week — and possibly for an extended period — even as fuel begins to flow through the pipeline once more. The Olympic Pipeline, which is partially owned and operated by the oil and gas corporation BP, transports fuel from refineries located in Washington state to the Portland region. According to experts in the fuel industry, this pipeline was not scheduled for a routine maintenance outage this month. However, on September 2, users began to report disruptions in service. A spokesperson for BP informed OPB that the company does not provide comments regarding its operations.

The regulatory agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that oversees pipelines did not respond to a request for information on Friday. In the meantime, gasoline prices in Oregon surged more than in any other state this week. According to the nonprofit American Automobile Association, commonly referred to as AAA, prices increased by an average of 16 cents per gallon in Oregon.

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) commends a substantial investment aimed at assisting more low-income households in managing their utility expenses. In June, legislators approved House Bill 3792, which increased funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) from $20 million to $40 million.

Governor Tina Kotek enacted the bill, along with additional energy affordability legislation, into law yesterday. ”  OEAP offers energy assistance to eligible customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, determined by household size and annual income.

Since its inception in 1999, OEAP has aided over 85,000 customers, with 92% of participants successfully avoiding energy shutoffs. In light of the federal administration’s announcement regarding possible reductions and the elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Oregon lawmakers took action to protect residents from this uncertainty by broadening the state-funded OEAP.

LIHEAP, which delivers grants and energy efficiency services to millions across the nation, has become a crucial support system for families.

Astronomy Festival brings star parties, photography, hikes & more Sept. 25-27

COOS BAY, Oregon— The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 25-27.

Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including JR Ranger programs, a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 25 and a star party each night.

“Places like Sunset Bay and Shore Acres offer visitors a chance to see the natural world not only during the day but also at night. They’re special because they show us what the sky looked like everywhere before light pollution. Seeing the night sky in its full brilliance is powerful and, for many, even emotional,” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.

The astronomy festival gives visitors a chance to see and learn more about the night sky.

NOTE: Outdoor events are weather dependent.

Thursday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Our Star, The Sun JR Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email Kenneth.Page@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
• 7:30 p.m.: Navigating by The Stars program at Shore Acres Gardens
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Thursday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

Friday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Constellation Station Junior Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
• 6-7 p.m.: Jellyfish: The Alien Next Door guided hike (meet at Shore Acres Observation Building for 1-mile hike)
• 7:30: How to Talk to Aliens Even if You’re Shy evening program at Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Friday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

Saturday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Guided hike (Meet at Interpretive Center at Sunset Bay Campground for 1-mile hike)
• 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
• 7:30 p.m.: Imagining Other Worlds Night Program at Shore Acres
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Saturday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.