Elder Abuse Awareness; Benefits to Increase; Property Auction; Rock and Gem Show

Elder Abuse Awareness

The Oregon Department of Financial Regulation is asking Oregonians to be on the lookout for the financial exploitation of seniors.  June 15th is world elder abuse awareness and officials from ODFR say one in ten Americans over the age of 60 have experienced some kind of elder abuse and some of it takes the form of financial scams.  They estimate that the annual loss due to financial abuse ranges from 2.6 Billion dollars to 36.5 billion dollars each year. According to information released the abuse not only comes from scammers, but also from caregivers who are entrusted to help.  Technology also plays a big role in financial abuse.  They offer some examples what to look for: a new and overly protective friend or caregiver, fear of someone or a sudden change in feelings about them, a lack of knowledge of financial status or reluctance to discuss financial matters, unexplained checks made out to cash, unexplained loans or unexplained disappearance of assests.  There is a hotline to call if you believe someone is experiencing elder abuse 855-503-SAFE (7233).

Benefits to Increase

Unemployment insurance benefits along with paid leave benefits are increasing in Oregon. minimum weekly benefits will begin at $196 up to a maximum of $836 dollars.  Paid leave benefits start at $65.36 up to a maximum of $1,568.60.  increases will begin on June 30th for the unemployed and on July 7th for paid leave benefits. The increases are based on Oregon’s State Average Weekly Wage and are generally effective from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. The State Average Weekly Wage increased from $1,269.69 to $1,307.17.

Property Auction

Lane County is conducting a sealed-bid auction of real property now through 11:00 a.m. PST on Monday, July 22, 2024. Bids will be opened at 11:00 a.m. on July 23, and winners will be notified by telephone and email. Included in the auction are lots located in here in Florence, Springfield,  Triangle Lake, Fall Creek and Pleasant Hill. One Florence property includes a manufactured home, and the remainder are vacant lots. The properties up for auction range from a $3,500 minimum bid to a $150,000 minimum bid. The properties will be sold on an as-is basis using a quitclaim deed, which passes any title, claim or interest in the property to the buyer without making any representations regarding other claims or liens. Payment must be made with cash, cashier’s checks or certified back checks payable to Lane County. A 20 percent deposit of the minimum bid amount is due within 24 hours of the bid opening. The remaining balance, plus a $100 recording fee, is due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Rock and Gem Show

This weekend at the Reedsport community center visitors can see rocks and gems from all over the world.  The show is today until 5pm, tomorrow 10-5 and Sunday 10-4.  The event is billed as great family fun and is put on by the Lower Umpqua Gem and Lapidary society. Gems and minerals will be on display and the first 300 people each day will receive a rock.  Admission is free with special games and prizes.