Scammers Targeting Lane County Residents Involved In Land Use Planning Process Demand Bogus Fees And Wire Transfers (Photo) - 08/05/26

Lane County Land Management has been made aware of a scam email targeting people involved in active land use applications. The email (attached) asks for additional fees to be paid via wire transfer to finalize approval of a special use permit.

“These scammers are particularly good at mimicking a lot of the language and terms we use when communicating with applicants and others involved in a land use process,” said Lane County Land Management Division Manager Keir Miller. “Please remember that we will never ask for a wire transfer of funds and that it is okay to call us first to confirm something is legitimate. Trust your gut.”

The email references specific permit numbers and attempts to impersonate a real Lane County employee, but there are portions that should cause a reader to question the email’s legitimacy, including:

• the originating email shows up as “UnileverServices@mail.com” rather than a real Lane County email.
• asking for payment via a non-refundable and unusual method (wire transfers).
• demanding all communication be conducted via email.

Lane County NEVER accepts payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Lane County NEVER asks you for financial information such as bank account numbers, PIN numbers, investment accounts, or access codes.

Although the current scam is targeting residents that have applied for land use permits, other jurisdictions have reported similar scams involving building and sanitation permits. Remember – when in doubt, reach out and confirm the request is legitimate.  

Other signs of a scam from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau include:

• Asking you to pay money or taxes upfront to receive a prize or a gift.
• Pressuring you to act right away by telling you the deal won’t last or doesn’t give you time to ask questions.
• Creating a sense of urgency or emergency to play on your emotions to get you to act quickly.

People can protect themselves by slowing down and verifying requests. Do not click on links, scan QR codes or download attachments in messages you don’t recognize, weren’t expecting or do not trust. Do not use the contact information provided by the possible scammer; call the organization using their official phone number or website.

If others have been targeted by this scam, please consider contacting Lane County Land Management at 541-682-4065 to help build an understanding of how active this scam is in our community.

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Community Health Centers Of Lane County Marks National Health Center Week With Public Events - 07/30/26

Lane County’s High Credit Rating Reaffirmed By Moody’s - 07/27/26

Citing “a strong financial position supported by prudent management”, Moody’s Investors Service has reaffirmed Lane County’s credit rating of Aa1, which is the second highest rating it provides, following an annual review.

“We have a duty to steward taxpayer resources, and we work hard to manage our expenses, structurally balance our budget and deliver critical services to our communities” said County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky. “A high credit rating for Lane County means lower costs to issue debt -- think of it like a lower interest rate -- and ultimately save our taxpayers millions of dollars over the coming years.”

Moody’s highlighted Lane County’s strong financial position, proactive management team and low debt as strengths. It also noted the overall stable outlook for Lane County is based on the “expectation that the county will maintain healthy reserve and liquidity levels, supported by a proactive management team.”

Lane County’s credit rating was improved from Aa3 to Aa2 in 2017 and again from Aa2 to Aa1 in 2019. Additionally, Lane County has been designated by its independent auditor, Baker Tilly, as a low-risk auditee for its excellent management of federal funds.

When evaluating an organization’s credit profile, Moody’s reviews many factors of financial health, including management strength, finances, debt and local economy. For more information about Moody’s rating methodology, visit www.moodys.com.

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Lane County Celebrates Deflection Week With Community Partners, Program Participants And Graduates - 07/27/26

Lane County’s Deflection Program celebrated National Deflection Week with a barbeque and celebration to thank local law enforcement agencies, service providers and other community partners for their support of the program since its launch in late 2024.

To date, 64 people have graduated from the Deflection Program, and another 110 are currently participating. Every law enforcement agency participates in deflecting eligible people with the most referrals coming from Eugene Police Department.

“It is incredible to check in with graduates after they leave the program and see the difference they have made in their lives,” said Clint Riley, Deflection Program coordinator. “Not only are they thriving, but it also means fewer people are reporting to emergency departments and straining our already limited law enforcement and hospital systems. We hope to see the Oregon Legislature continue to support and fund this program so that we can continue to see real change in communities across the state.”

In addition to graduates completing treatment for addiction, data indicates they also leave with the kind of connections and improvements that can lead to long-term stability. For example, 32 percent of graduates strengthened or re-established contact with their children during the program. At the time of graduation, the number of graduates who have gained stable income or employment has increased by 37 percent. And, the number of graduates who report having a supportive network of family and friends nearly doubles. These supports and achievements can play a significant role in graduates’ ability to maintain their progress.

National Deflection Week was created in 2023 by the Police, Treatment and Community Collaborative (PTACC) National Leadership Council in recognition of the advancement of the field of deflection.

About the Deflection Program

The Deflection Program provides a community-based alternative to jail and prosecution for drug possession and low-level quality of life crimes by deflecting individuals prior to arrest to treatment programs. In Lane County, if a person is eligible for deflection and has indicated interest, the responding law enforcement officer has the option to call on a peer navigator to connect with the person. The peer navigator will enroll them in the program, which includes case management and tracking. If the deflection program is successfully completed, the charges will not be filed. If the program is not completed, the charges may be filed, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.

Learn more at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/deflection.

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ROAD CLOSURE: Wendling Covered Bridge (Marcola) - 07/21/26

Road Name: Wendling Road (Wendling Covered Bridge)

Location: Wendling Covered Bridge at milepost 3.5 near Marcola

Dates and times: Complete closure now through Wednesday, July 29

Alternate routes: BLM Road 16-1-10 can be used to access beyond Wendling Covered Bridge

Reason for closure: Bridge approach repair

Lane County Parks To Begin Parking Lot Improvements At Howard Buford Recreation Area - 07/20/26

Lane County Parks will begin construction on parking lot improvements at Howard Buford Recreation Area's Arboretum/Main Summit Trail parking lot on Wednesday, July 22. Construction is anticipated to continue through October.

The project is funded by the voter-supported 2022 Parks Levy and was identified though community feedback gathered during the Parks levy outreach process.

Planned improvements include:

• Full parking lot reconstruction and paving
• New ADA-accessible parking spaces and curb ramps
• An expanded passenger/bus drop-off zone with new amenities
• New stairs to connect parking levels
• Bio-engineered stormwater facilities to improve drainage and protect water quality
• New wildlife-friendly parking lot lighting

"This project responds directly to community feedback gathered during Parks levy outreach," said Brett Henry, Lane County Parks division manager. "Howard Buford Recreation Area is one of our most visited parks, and these improvements will create a safer and more accessible experience for visitors."

Visitor Access During Construction

The Arboretum/Main Summit Trail parking lot is expected to remain open, although visitors should anticipate limited parking and periodic closures during construction. Lane County Parks is working closely with the Mount Pisgah Arboretum to help maintain access for scheduled programs and events.

Construction activities will occur Monday through Friday. Visitors should expect construction noise, heavy equipment, flaggers directing traffic, and temporary work area closures. Parking on weekends may be limited depending on the stage of construction.

All trails, including Summit Trail #1, will remain open throughout the project. However, access from the Main Summit Trailhead may be limited. Visitors planning to hike are encouraged to use the North Bottomlands Trailhead or the East Trailhead for easier access during construction.

Visitors can access the summit from the following trailheads:

• North Bottomlands Trailhead: Follow Trail 7 → 17 → 1 or 7 → 3 → 1.
• East Trailhead: Follow Trail 2 → 6 or 2 → 1

Staying Informed

Questions can be directed to Lane County Parks at 541-682-2000 or LaneParks@LaneCountyOR.gov.

To stay updated on the project, visit the:

• Lane County Parks website
• Projects Map
• Lane County Parks Facebook and Instagram pages
• Parks quarterly newsletter

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Free ‘Fix-It Booth’ Repair Services Return To Cottage Grove, Florence & Oakridge - 07/15/26

It’s summer, which means it’s repair season again.

Lane County residents with broken or damaged household items can once again take advantage of free repair services this summer and early fall through the Fix-It Booth program, sponsored by Waste Wise Lane County, a part of Lane County Waste Management.

Now in its second season, the Fix-It Booth program offers repair opportunities in Cottage Grove, Florence, and Oakridge. The program launched last year to expand access to repair services in rural communities.  

Unlike larger Fix-It Fairs, which bring together multiple repair experts for a single event, the Fix-It Booth model features one repair specialist at a time. The fixers, focusing on one specific genre of repair, rotate bi-monthly, allowing for more frequent repair opportunities throughout the season. This approach provides residents with ongoing access to repair services while helping reduce waste and save money.

“Folks can bring in a wide variety of household items for repair,” said Mitra Gruwell, Lane County Fix-It Fair coordinator. “Bring bikes with flat tires, leather accessories, power tools, ripped pants, jewelry, small appliances, phones, and much more.”

Because each fixer specializes in different types of repairs, residents are encouraged to check the repair calendar before attending. Current schedules, locations, and repair specifics are available at fixitlanecounty.org/calendar.

Last year, approximately 100 residents—across Cottage Grove, Florence, and Oakridge—received free repair services from 16 specialized fixers. Nearly 90 items were successfully repaired, meaning they were diverted from the trash, and put back into use.

“Every item we repair is one less item sent to the landfill and one more opportunity to conserve resources, reduce waste, and save residents money,” said Angie Marzano, Waste Reduction supervisor for Lane County Waste Management. “Repairing what we already own is one of the simplest and most effective ways to build a more sustainable community, and we're excited to continue expanding these opportunities throughout Lane County.”

The program is made possible through partnerships with community organizations, including Shift Community Cycles, Lane Council of Governments, Florence Habitat for Humanity, Florence Farmers Market, Westfir-Oakridge Community Farmers Market, Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation District, and the South Valley Farmers Market, which provide operational, venue, and financial support.

In addition to the Fix-It Booths, Waste Wise Lane County will host its annual Fix-It Fair on Saturday, September 20, at BRING in Springfield. The City of Eugene is also offering Fix-It Booths throughout the season at the Lane County Farmers Market.

For more information, visit FixItLaneCounty.org/calendar or follow Waste Wise Lane County on social media.

About Waste Wise Lane County

Waste Wise Lane County—a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—empowers residents, schools, and businesses with education, tools, and resources that can be used to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. For more information, visit LaneCountyOR.gov/wastewise.

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Bat Found In Lane County Tests Positive For Rabies - 07/13/26

  Lane County Public Health (LCPH) today announced laboratory confirmation from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University of a rabies-infected bat found in Lane County. This is the third bat found in Lane County which has tested positive for rabies in 2026.

"All pet owners should make certain their dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies.  When our pets are protected from rabies, it provides a buffer zone of immune animals between humans and rabid wild animals, such as bats," says Dr. Emilio DeBess, State Public Health Veterinarian.

While bats help control insect populations, including mosquitoes, they are the primary reservoir of rabies in our wild animal communities.  Thus far this year in Oregon 13 bats have tested positive for rabies. 

Lane County residents and veterinarians should be aware that other animals could be exposed to the rabies virus and should, therefore, be alert to potential signs of the disease.  Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and mammals.  It is almost 100 percent fatal once symptoms begin.  The virus is carried in the saliva of an infected animal; transmission can occur when that animal bites, or in rare instances, scratches another animal or person. If bitten by a bat the wound should be immediately and thoroughly cleaned with soap and water.  In addition, medical attention should be sought.  Finally, if easily accomplished, the bat should be captured and the event reported to the Lane County Public Health.

There are several strains of rabies found in the U.S. (e.g., bat, skunk, fox, raccoon) but only bat rabies is found in Oregon.  Other animals that have tested positive for rabies in Oregon have contracted it from bats. People should stay away from bats and not handle them. 

LCPH recommends the following:

·         Vaccinate your pets (dogs and cats) against rabies

·          Do not handle bats with bare hands

·         Watch wildlife from a distance. Do not approach or attempt to handle wild animals.

·         Do not feed wild animals

·         Keep garbage in secure containers and away from wildlife

·         Feed pets indoors

·         Seal openings in attics, basements, porches, sheds, barns and screen chimneys that might provide access to bats and other wildlife

·         If your pet has contact with a bat, contact your veterinarian

For a statewide map showing the distribution of rabies in bats for 2026, please visit:https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/RABIES/Documents/rabiesmap26.pdf

Lane County Public Health is a division of Lane County Health & Human Services is a department of Lane County. Their programs and services create a healthier and safer community through disease prevention, health promotion, and protection from environmental threats. Learn more about the work of Lane County Health and Human Services at: http://www.lanecountyor.gov/HHS