Klamath Basin News, Thursday, Aug 31 – Hazy Skies and Rain in Forecast; Oregon Institute of Technology Celebrates 75 Years

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Thursday, August 31, 2023

Klamath Basin Weather

AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PDT THURSDAY...

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air
Pollution Advisory...in effect until noon PDT Thursday. Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on the weather. People at
risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung
disease, older adults and pregnant people. For additional information...please visit the web site at https://oregonsmoke.org

Today’s Headlines

The Board of Klamath County Commissioners played host to the president and assistant vice president of Oregon Institute of Technology Tuesday, commemorating the university’s 75th anniversary this year.

Harkening back to shortly after the Second World War in 1947, Oregon Tech began first as a vocational rehabilitation school for returning veterans needing access to opportunity. In 1948, the Oregon State Board of Education voted for Oregon Tech to become an accredited institution under the name of Oregon Technical Institute that offered associate degree programs. In 1966 Oregon Tech was authorized to begin granting bachelor’s degrees, and in 1973, the name was again changed to its current one, Oregon Institute of Technology. Today, Oregon Tech offers nearly 50 industry-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the areas of engineering, technology, health, business, applied arts and sciences and related fields. Oregon Tech’s official anniversary date was on July 14, 2023. During the meeting, commissioners also approved funding of $50,000 to the South Central Oregon Economic Development District, which will be paid quarterly for 2023-24. SCOEDD was formed in 1999 to serve as the primary conduit for regional economic development resources for Klamath and Lake County. SCOEDD supports investments that facilitate the development and implementation of comprehensive economic development strategies that prioritize the region’s goals. SCOEDD also administers an Individual Development Account program that enables low-income community members to save for homes and cars, and offers small business support and dental work. SCOEDD also oversees various home repair and housing revitalization initiatives such as the Klamath Neighborhood Revitalization Pilot Program. While moving to approve the Community Corrections biennial plan and budget, commissioner, DeGroot voiced concerns about the state Department of Corrections directing the county program how to spend its funding. Community Corrections receives no general fund dollars from Klamath County and is funded by the state DOC. For the next biennium, from July 2023 through June 2025, Klamath County Community Corrections will be operating with a total budget of $9,866,278.  (Herald and News)  

A new report compares the percentage of household income local residents spend on bills for each of the 50 states including Oregon.  The report is produced by an organization called Doxoinsights.com.   

While the average U.S. household spends 35% of income on bills, the data found that:

• Oregon households spend 39% of their income on household bills.
• Klamath Falls households spend 42% of their income on household bills. 

Annually, Klamath Falls, Oregon, bills are $4,140 per year lower than the US average. The report says the average household in Klamath Falls, Oregon pays $1,701 per month, or $20,417 per year on bills. The report also says Klamath Falls is the #52 most expensive city in Oregon for household expenses.  Household expenses in Klamath Falls are 16.9% lower than the US average.  (submitted news release)   Sugarman’s Corner on Main and Sixth Streets downtown remains closed until further notice following multiple incidents of vandalism to the location. The City of Klamath Falls announced the closure Monday with a news release. “Due to recent vandalism, Sugarman’s Corner will be closed beginning August 29 so crews can start clean-up work,” the release said. “At this time, it is unknown when the park will reopen.” Public Works Director Mark Willrett said vandalism of the site began Thursday night when a waterline and connected irrigation system to the city planters on site were dug up and damaged. “They also dumped a can of black paint by the steps on the concrete,” Willrett said. “And then, on Saturday, they bent and broke one of the umbrelllas on one of the tables.” Willrett said there were other relatively minor instances of vandalism at the public property as well. Herald and News visited Sugarman’s Corner to view the damage and found the Klamath Piano Project on site was also targeted with writings painted in black along the left-hand side. Graffiti along the sides of the public tables was also visible. Until the public gathering space is repaired, fencing surrounds the area. Willrett said the city will not have an estimate for the total cost to repair damages until the work is completed. No other vandalism incidents of a similar nature are known by city officials so far. Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD) Captain Rob Reynolds said the investigation is ongoing with at least one potential suspect. The sprinkler system damage was not caught on the city’s camera recordings, Reynolds said, so it is unclear if the destruction of the waterline was performed by the same person or persons who performed the other acts of vandalism. (Herald and News)   A variety of antique engines and farm equipment will be on display and in use at the annual Hildebrand threshing bee at Bodnar’s Chimney Rock Ranch this weekend. The public is invited to the event that runs Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 2 and 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to John Bodnar Jr., the event is a working piece of history. When asked what people can expect, Bodnar said, “They get to see the evolution of early farm equipment and early combustion engines, and how the machinery worked before the electrical age.” Threshing is the act of separating the grain from the stalk, in crops like wheat. The event is free. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Event goers are also welcome to bring their own and make a picnic day of it. Attendees should also dress comfortably for a day in the country. The threshing bee is an annual event put on by the Hildebrand Threshers, a nonprofit group of volunteers devoted to discovering, preserving and communicating the history of farming in Klamath County.  (Herald and News)   Officials with the Klamath Tribes are concerned about the Upper Klamath Lake, in more ways than one. The Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational use advisory for the lake due to a toxic level of cyanobacteria in the water. OHA says these microscopic organisms are harmful to people if ingested, causing everything from nausea and vomiting to dizziness and shortness of breath. The lake has been a significant point for the tribe for many generations, providing an ecosystem for many culturally significant plants and animals. Now, the lake is becoming the center of conversation for a major public health concern. Water from the Upper Klamath Lake is used to irrigate over 200,000 acres of agriculture land overseen by the Klamath Project. The Klamath Project, operating since 1906, takes water from the A Canal and uses it to water nearby crops. The project does not have a major water storage reservoir, meaning water is pulled through the canal every year despite conditions in the lake. (oregon news)  

A Klamath Falls area woman was arrested Sunday on murder charges after the death of a toddler.

On Sunday, August 27th, 2023, at around 10:00 am, detectives with the Klamath Falls Police Department arrested 26-year-old Sydney Elizabeth Blosch on probable cause for Murder in the Second Degree. On December 29th, 2022, the Klamath Falls Police Department responded to the report of a three-year-old male victim who reportedly fell down the stairs and was currently unresponsive. Upon police and Klamath Falls Fire District 1 arrival, the victim was transported to Sky Lakes medical Center. The victim was later transported to Oregon Health Science university where he succumbed to his injuries approximately one week later. During the initial call, Klamath Falls Police Department Detectives were called to the scene for further investigation. After an in depth eight-month investigation into the death of the victim, it was determined the injuries were inconsistent with statements provided by Sydney Blosch during the initial report. Detectives later developed probable cause for the arrest of Sydney Blosch for the crime of Murder in the Second Degree. If anyone has any additional information regarding this case, they are encouraged to contact Detective Joel Loudermilk at 541-883-5336. If you want to remain anonymous, please call our anonymous tip line at 541-883-5334. (KFPD news release)  

Klamath Community College’s recent 100% graduation and state licensure trend for its Registered Nurse (RN) program has continued with its inaugural Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) cohort also passing the state board exam and graduating in full.

The highly competitive KCC Nursing Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program accepts 16 new nursing students annually, eight each for its respective LPN and RN programs, after state approval allowed for the addition of an LPN cohort last year alongside KCC’s long-established RN program. Students in the KCC nursing program complete a higher number of general education course credits than any other AAS nursing programs in the state of Oregon. The work requirements are high, but so too are expectations, with KCC continuing its 100% graduation rate and state board exam passage, a trend of success of the nursing program for several years in a row. The consistent overachievement of KCC nursing students is even more impressive this year considering that in 2023 the National Council of State Boards of Nursing drastically changed the format and difficulty of the state board exam, necessitating a retooling of curriculum to properly prepare students for testing. In addition to the LPN expansion, KCC earlier this year partnered with Sky Lakes Medical Center to develop a Surgical Technician Program for a planned 2024 launch. This program will provide surgical technologist curriculum accredited by a national organization approved by the Oregon Health Authority, intended for students who meet admission standards and pass a rigorous selection process.  (kcc press release)  

Klamath Falls City Schools’ after-school program, 21st Century Community Learning Center, got positive news that will help the program for the next five years.

KFCS 21st CCLC Supervisor, Bill Patterson, was notified by the Oregon Department of Education the after-school program was awarded a five-year grant. Klamath Falls City Schools has been identified as eligible for funding in the amount of $500,000 for the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC), Title IV-B, federal grant. The funds will include $2.35 million over the next five years. In all, more than 900 kindergarten through 12th grade KFCS students, each year, will participate in programs funded by the grant. Additionally, this will include funding for elementary after-school activities and sports, middle school sports, academic and enrichment activities, high school academic peer tutoring and enrichment activities, along with summer credit recovery programs. KFCS 21st CCLC runs its elementary school activities and sports through The YMCA of Klamath Falls.  (herald and news)  

Klamath Falls Fire Dept 1 (KCFD1) is hiring!

Visit our careers website: kcfd1.com/careers for more information and to apply.

     

Around the state of Oregon

OREGON TO ISSUE AN ADDITIONAL $39 MILLION IN PANDEMIC EBT FOOD ASSISTANCE TO 325,000 CHILDREN

What You Need To Know: 

• Oregon will provide approximately $39 million in food benefits to approximately 325,000 students beginning Aug. 31 and through September.
• Starting Aug. 31 and through the month of September, $120 in food benefits per eligible child will be issued to Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) cards.
• These additional food benefits are part of the P-EBT program, a temporary COVID-19 response program meant to provide additional food support for children whose access to food provided through school programs. 
• Since 2020, Oregon has issued $1 billion in P-EBT food benefits to help children in Oregon get enough quality and nutritious food.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will begin issuing approximately $39 million in Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) food benefits to approximately 325,000 students in Oregon on Aug. 31.  “We are grateful to be able to provide these food benefits to eligible students in Oregon,” said Claire Seguin, director of the ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs. “As communities continue to be affected by COVID-19 and the rising cost of food, we know that many families are experiencing hardship and are struggling to get enough healthy food for themselves and their children. We encourage anyone who is struggling to meet their basic needs to contact our partners at 211, the Oregon Food Bank and their local Community Action Agency for support during this difficult time.” How students will receive P-EBT food benefits The P-EBT food benefits will be issued onto the P-EBT cards mailed to students in Spring 2023. Families who lost or threw away their card can contact the P-EBT call center at (844) ORE-PEBT or (844) 673-7328 to request a new card. Newly eligible students will receive two pieces of mail addressed to them:

• A letter notifying them they will receive P-EBT
• A separate envelope with their P-EBT card that has $120 of food benefits on it

Who is eligible for P-EBT food benefits Students are eligible for this P-EBT issuance if they received free or reduced-price National School Lunch Program meals at school or attended a Community Eligibility Provision school in May 2023. More P-EBT food benefits to come for certain children Oregon has received federal approval to provide additional P-EBT food benefits to children under 6 years old who received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits between July 2022 and August 2023. Details about when and how these children will receive their P-EBT food benefits will be announced as soon as it is available. What is the P-EBT program? Since 2020, Oregon has issued approximately $1 billion in P-EBT food benefits to help children in Oregon get enough quality and nutritious food. These additional food benefits are part of the P-EBT program, a temporary COVID-19 response program meant to provide additional food support for children whose access to adequate and quality food received through school programs may have been impacted by COVID-19. Visit pebt.oregon.gov for more information about the P-EBT program. Families with specific questions about their child’s eligibility or P-EBT card can contact the P-EBT Call Center at (844) ORE-PEBT or (844) 673-7328. The P-EBT Call Center is available Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific in seven language options (English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Somalian, Mandarin and Cantonese). Callers may also request a translator for additional languages. P-EBT does not replace any child nutrition program already offered and families are encouraged to continue to participate in meal programs in their schools and communities. P-EBT food benefits are issued in addition to regular SNAP benefits. P-EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test. Resources to help meet basic needs

• Find food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov
• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
• Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/

About SNAP Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372. About P-EBT  Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) is part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. P-EBT is money for children whose access to adequate and quality food may have been impacted by COVID-19. P-EBT is a program in partnership with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE).  

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mobilizes Resources to the Smith River Complex after Conflagration Declared

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Smith River Complex to allow the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to mobilize structural firefighting resources to protect life and property. The OSFM is mobilizing additional firefighters, equipment, and an incident management team to provide structure protection for homes threatened by the Smith River Complex. The Smith River Complex began in California and has now burned across state lines into Oregon. Level 3 evacuation orders are in place. Last Thursday, OSFM mobilized two structural task forces through immediate response to protect communities near the Smith River Complex ahead of a conflagration declaration. In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined that the fire poses a threat to life, safety, and property, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The governor’s declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources in battling the fire and further support a coordinated response. The OSFM’s Blue Incident Management Team will be briefed and assume unified command of the Smith River Complex on August 29^th at 8 a.m. The additional task forces are coming from other counties around the state through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to protect life and property.

Red Cross Opens Shelter For Smith River Complex Fire

The Red Cross has a shelter at Rogue Community College, Redwood Campus in Grants Pass for people evacuated by the Smith River Complex Fire southwest of Obrien in Josephine County. Anyone who needs shelter from this wildfire should go to the college at 3345 Redwood Hwy, Grants Pass, OR 97527 or call 1-800-Red Cross. Preparedness info can be found here:  https://redcrossblog.org/disaster/  

HAPPY CAMP FIRE UPDATE

Cooler temperatures and a chance of precipitation are forecasted for today and Friday on the Happy Camp Complex. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for late Thursday night through Friday evening for the Mckinney (2022) and Head fire burn areas.  For additional information regarding the Happy Camp Complex, please go to the InciWeb page at: Inciweb.wildfire.gov 

Willamette Valley Area Fires Update

Public reminder: Willamette National Forest closure orders remain in place around all four fire areas. These closures help provide firefighters with safer driving conditions and decrease the potential for search and rescue operations that could interrupt firefighting activities. Please see links to this information below. Horse Creek, Lookout, Pothole Fires Total Personnel:  937  Resources: 54 engines l 15 crews l 13 bulldozers l 29 water tenders l 11 masticators l 8 helicopters Horse Creek: Size: 597 acres l Start Date: August 24, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 0% Fire behavior was limited yesterday morning but picked up in the late afternoon when the marine layer lifted over the fire. Fire crews, equipment, and air resources are actively engaged in full suppression efforts in the Horse Creek drainage. Firelines on the north and west edges are holding well. The fire has been moving eastward due to terrain and winds. Some dozers and hand lines have been installed to check eastern fire spread. Today, as conditions allow, firefighters will fly a drone above the fire to detect hotspots near the fire’s edge. Lookout: Size: 22,317 acres l Start Date: August 5, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 17% Cooler temperatures and higher humidity helped moderate fire behavior allowing firefighters to make good progress. Along the northern, western, and eastern flanks of the fire; fuel breaks are being prepared by tree fallers, fire crews, and heavy equipment along forest system roads that are being utilized as primary and alternate control lines to contain fire spread. On the southeast flank, near Belknap Springs, the fire has been slowly backing downhill toward completed containment lines near Highway 126. Where containment lines are confidently secured along the south edge, crews are beginning to remove unneeded fire equipment like fire hose and pumps, while continuing to hold and secure the fireline. Of particular concern for the safety of firefighters, are both live and dead trees falling near work areas. Pothole Fire: Size: 99 acres l Start Date: August 25, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 0%   This fire is adjacent to the Three Sisters Wilderness. Yesterday firefighters installed critical direct fireline to contain fire on the northwest corner. Today they will continue identifying options to build fireline around the remainder of the northern flank. Bedrock: Size: 31,592 acres l Start Date: July 22, 2023 l Cause: under investigation l Containment: 71%   Total Personnel: 696 Resources: 35 engines l 12 crews l 8 bulldozers l 27 water tenders l 8 masticators l 11 helicopters There was no measurable growth on the Bedrock Fire yesterday. Firefighters continue to secure portions of the containment line along the northwest area of the perimeter. Across most of the fire, the focus has shifted to hauling out equipment, firehose, and pumps and repairing damage to the land and forest roads (grading, installing water bars, and re-contouring dozer lines). All Fires  — Cooler temperatures and higher humidity yesterday resulted in minimal fire growth on all fires. Firefighters and law enforcement officers maintain a presence in evacuated areas. Trained firefighters are flying Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones through the smoke to provide infrared heat imaging to locate hotspots near control lines. Drones also support firing operations in areas that are hard to access, which reduces risk to firefighters. Weather  — Light rain is predicted over the fires today. Winds from the west may be gusty along ridgetops and where river and creek drainages align with winds. This condition often results in increased fire behavior where winds and drainages align. Cool, moist onshore flow is expected to continue through Labor Day. Evacuation Centers: An evacuation center is in place at Westridge Middle School in Oakridge for evacuees and small pets from the Bedrock and Lookout Fires. A large animal shelter is established at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene. An up-to-date and searchable evacuation map is available through Lane county’s website. Lane County Evacuations: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054     Linn County Evacuations:  https://www.linnsheriff.org/   Road Closures: Highway 242, McKenzie Highway, is closed between milepost 61-76, 14 miles west of Sisters, Oregon to just east of the junction with Highway 126. Highway 126 is currently open. Please monitor Trip Check for any updates at: https://tripcheck.com/ Forest Closures: Closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029   Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette. Temporary Flight Restrictions remain in place over the Bedrock and Lookout fire areas. Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/4c92bc1a The Fire and Smoke Map (fire.airnow.gov) is another source for air quality information.

Joint Task Force in Rogue Valley Arrests Phoenix Oregon Man For Sexually Exploiting Several Children Through Social Media

PHOENIX, Ore. – A Phoenix man is now lodged in the Jackson County Jail on child cyber-sex crime charges. The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force arrested the man yesterday morning and served a search warrant at his apartment in the 600 block of North Main Street in Phoenix. SOCET began an investigation after receiving a report from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office of a child being sexually exploited through the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.  The suspect, Joshua Ray Pool, 40, of Phoenix, is charged with using a child in display of sexually explicit content and first-degree encouraging child sex abuse. During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF) for further evidence of child exploitation.  Investigators believe Pool may have been communicating with other child victims from throughout the United States. If you have any information on the suspect, contact investigators through the Sheriff’s App “Submit a Tip” feature. Download the App here: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a72997501. You can also call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number 23-1667. JCSO deputies, Federal Bureau of Investigation, SOHTCTF, Medford Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, and Jackson County District Attorney’s Office assisted with the warrant service. Detectives are interviewing possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing.   

Salem –The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is reminding everyone with federal student loans that payments will resume for all borrowers in October, following a pause implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Interest accrual resumes Sept. 1, potentially affecting borrowers’ outstanding loan balances. Since March 2020, interest on most federal student loans had been temporarily paused. “An important aspect of this transition is that people’s student loan balances have remained unchanged, but with the resumption of interest accrual, they will begin to rise,” said Lane Thompson, Oregon student loan ombuds. “We encourage borrowers to be active in understanding the implications of this change on their financial obligations.” To facilitate a smooth transition and ensure accurate communication, all borrowers are urged to log in to studentaid.gov, the official U.S. Department of Education platform for federal student aid, and verify the accuracy of their contact and servicer information. Also, it is recommended that borrowers review their repayment options. Circumstances can evolve over time, making it essential to align repayment strategies with current financial status. “A lot can change in three years, so it is paramount for people to verify the accuracy of their information,” Thompson said. “Ensuring that contact details are up to date will help borrowers stay informed about their loan status.” In conjunction with the resumption of payments, the Biden administration has introduced an on-ramp program, which includes a fact sheet. This initiative aims to provide some relief to borrowers by prohibiting loan servicers from reporting missed payments to credit bureaus for one year. This measure offers a safety net for those facing difficulties in making payments after the extended payment pause. DFR advises all borrowers to remain vigilant against potential scams. Instances of fraud have been reported in which scammers attempt to deceive people into making payments to unauthorized entities instead of their legitimate loan servicer. “Scammers are out and trying to take advantage of the situation,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “Borrowers are encouraged to seek written communication, such as letters, from their servicers to verify authenticity.” The Oregon Attorney General’s office is also integral in safeguarding those with student loans. “My office plays a vital role in protecting student loan borrowers from misleading and deceptive practices. This fall will be no exception – we will be closely watching what happens when the pause on repayment ends in October,” said Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum. “If you have a concern about a practice of your loan servicer pertaining to your student loans, I urge you to file a complaint.” It is critically important for borrowers to find out their loan servicer’s name and contact information, and understand their repayment plan and options. This knowledge empowers people to effectively manage their loan obligations. For more information and guidance on student loan repayments, visit DFR’s help page or contact the student loan ombuds office at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or dfr.bankingproducthelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.  

State of Oregon Offers Help To The 552,000 Oregonians With Student Debt

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has released the state’s first analysis of residents’ student loan debt, and recommendations for how the governor and Legislature could help lighten the burden for current and former college students. The report was conducted following the passage of Senate Bill 485 in 2021. The law called for changes to loan service renewal, declared an emergency and required an annual report. The first of those annual reports states that the U.S. Department of Education owns $1.48 trillion in debt, which is 84% of the total student loan market, and guarantees an additional $143 billion of Federal Family Education Loan Program and Perkins loans. Since 2007, the federal student loan portfolio has grown more than 300%. About 44 million Americans currently have student loan balances, compared to 28 million in 2007. In Oregon, the report found, about 552,000 residents are student loan borrowers, with an average debt of $37,900. Ombuds offers help, answers – SB 485 required the Department of Consumer and Business Services to appoint a student loan ombuds who could help members of the public with complaints or inquiries about student loans. The department’s first ombuds began working in June 2022. As of June 1, 2023, the ombuds had received 34 complaints and 104 contacts from the public. Borrowers most commonly asked the ombuds about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives the remaining balance of student loans for full-time employees of governments or nonprofits who have been making qualifying payments for 10 years. In March 2020, as part of a COVID-19 response, the U.S. Department of Education paused federal student loan repayment and collections. Interest was not accrued. These paused payments also counted toward PSLF, earning credit as though monthly payments were made. This pause will end Sept. 1. In addition, there have recently been several announcements and changes to student loans that have caused some confusion.

• In April 2022, the U.S. Department of Education announced “Fresh Start,” an executive action to pull seven million student loan borrowers out of default.
• In August 2022, the Biden administration announced a plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student debt for eligible Pell Grant recipients. In November, the Sweet v. Cardona lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education led to a settlement, resulting in the promise that it must approve about $6 billion in debt forgiveness for 200,000 borrowers.
• The Federal Student Loan Literacy Act, which was introduced in 2022 but did not receive a vote, would have created a federal funding source for community groups to apply toward their work with student loan borrowers.

In 2022, the Oregon ombuds started a PSLF waiver awareness campaign. As of March 31, 8,770 Oregonians had been forgiven more than $557 million in student loan debt. This is up from $216 million for 3,480 Oregonians nine months earlier. The ombuds expects PSLF will continue to be a common topic for loan borrowers who reach out. For more information on PSLF, visit studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service. Other common inquiries over the past year to the ombuds were about misinformation from debt loan servicers, collection mistakes and referrals from the Oregon Department of Justice. Plans for next year – The ombuds’ first goal for the upcoming year is to continue building out the state’s borrower education program, which is intended to offer information and resources to those with student loans. “The lack of funding sources for coaching leaves many borrowers not knowing where to turn,” the report states. “To further borrower education, the student loan ombuds is hoping to expand the range of available presentations, record short videos, and gather more short-term and long-term policy recommendations.” The ombuds will also be recommending policy changes to the Legislature. Short-term policy change goals include:

• More specific regulations for loan servicing.
• More protections for borrowers.
• Requiring people to be notified when they are eligible for loan forgiveness.

Long-term policy change goals include:

• Increasing supports to reduce the cost of college.
• Holding student loan servicers accountable for misinformation.
• Push for more student loan advocates at the university level.

For more information about the Student Loan Servicing Program, visit: dfr.oregon.gov/help/student-loan-help. For more information on federal student aid, visit studentaid.gov/. — (SOURCE)

A California mother who faked her own kidnapping is now out of federal prison.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons reported Saturday that Sherri Papini was moved to community confinement, or “Halfway House” earlier this month. Papini was reported missing on November 2nd, 2016 from Redding, California. It prompted an extensive search across Northern California, before she was located three weeks later in Yolo county.  According to police at the time, Papini was found with multiple bruises, and told detectives she was taken by two armed Hispanic women. Papini admitted to the kidnapping hoax and pled guilty to mail fraud and making false statements. In 2022, she was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay almost $310 thousand in restitution. Papini has a projected release date of October 29. (press release)  

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