Storm Issues
The potential for more storm damage looms over the Oregon coast. The National Weather Service says by mid week next week an atmospheric river will arrive bringing high winds and heavy rains. But in the meantime there will still be issues. Today through Sunday conditions will be sketchy with the possibility of heavy rains and wind and the potential for rising river levels for most of the Oregon Coast. A stalled front has set in along the coast and southern Oregon. Hillsides close to roadways could have the possibility of slides and areas that were previously affected could once again cause the closure of some roads. If you are considering traveling keep an eye on tripcheck.com for current road conditions or dial 511. Travelers are being asked to use extreme caution.
Strike Timeline Moved
A strike planned by ONA home care and hospice nurses has been moved. Initially the strike against PeaceHealth in the Eugene/Springfield area was planned for February 1st, but the nurses union was concerned that patients would not be adequately covered by that date and have moved the strike to the 10th of February. ONA nurses overwhelmingly voted to strike on January 19th as efforts to secure a new contract with the hospital have not seen the results they were seeking after a year of negotiations. The ONA Nurses Strike does not affect Peace Harbor Medical Center nurses or staff
EBT Scams
If you or someone you know receives EBT benefits from the state you should be aware that attempts to clone cards, skim benefits, phishing and other methods are being used to take those benefits. The Oregon Department of Human Services released information that scams are constantly adapting to steal benefits from the system. ODHS says you can lock your cards when not in use and are encouraged to do so to avoid issues. According to state officials you should only be accessing one site to manage your benefits. The site is ebtEDGE and an app is available through apple app store and Google play. If you have already experienced a loss of benefits from theft you can apply for replacement benefits at Oregon.gov/dhs or by calling the One customer service center (800-699-9075).