University District Hospital Up for Sale
Since closing PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at University District in December 2023, PeaceHealth has focused on expanding services in Lane County. In March, construction begins on a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital near RiverBend, nearly doubling capacity and introducing the region’s first traumatic brain injury unit. Plans also include Timber Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, tripling capacity and expanding adolescent and elderly care. With these expansions adding 196 inpatient beds—compared to the 117 previously licensed at University District—PeaceHealth has decided to list the campus for sale. Jones Lang LaSalle has been retained to broker the deal. Despite the sale, PeaceHealth will maintain all current clinics, the urgent care, and the inpatient behavioral health unit at University District, leasing back space during the transition. Long-term, alternate locations are being explored, but services will remain in place for now.
Free Tax Prep for Some
If you’re a senior or have a disability, you may be eligible for no-cost assistance to file your state and federal income taxes. Laura Cambell with C-cog’s Senior and Disability Services says the State of Oregon operates the Aging and Disability Resource Connection which can do as the name suggests:
“They can connect you with local resources in your community and that phone number is 541-682-3353, the toll free number is 1-800-441-4038.”
Or you can go direct to the agency’s website at ADRC Oregon dot ORG (adrcoregon.org). In addition to tax filing assistance the site can link you to help with housing, finances, health and wellness and much more.
Unemployment Rate Rises
Oregon Unemployment Rate Rises to 4.4% Oregon’s unemployment rate climbed to 4.4% in January, the highest since September 2021, up from 4.3% in December and 4.1% a year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate was slightly lower at 4.0% in January. Oregon added 2,400 jobs in January, with the biggest gains in professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, retail trade, and private education. However, manufacturing lost 2,200 jobs, and health care and social assistance declined by 1,300, partly due to a major strike.
Gail Krumenauer is the Oregon State Employment Economist.
“Despite the slight Drop in January, private health care and social assistance is still accounting for the majority of job gains over the past year. That one sector alone added 15,100 which was a gain of 5.2 %”
While health care and social assistance saw the strongest growth, manufacturing and retail trade continued to decline.
Lighthouse Prepares for Birthday Celebration
Heceta Head Lightstation marks 131 years on March 30, 2025, with a free community celebration from noon to 3 PM at the Keeper’s Home. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk from the beach to the lighthouse, explore the Gift Shop, and visit the lighthouse tower. The event at Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast features live bluegrass music, hotdogs from Taylor’s Sausages, and presentations by local agencies and volunteers. Parking is $10 per vehicle at the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, 13 miles north of Florence.
Representative Hoyle Internships
Representative Val Hoyle is now accepting applications for paid summer internships in her D.C. and Eugene offices. Interns will assist with legislative, administrative, and communications work, gaining hands-on experience in public service. The program runs mid-May through August, with flexible dates. Strong communication and organizational skills are key for applicants. The deadline to apply is April 4, 2025, at 5 PM PST.
