Source Warmup

$14 Animal Adoptions for Valentine’s Day

Starting on Feb. 12, the Humane Society of Central Oregon is reducing its adoption fee to $14, not including a dog license) on all animals six months and older through Saturday, Feb. 17. On Valentine’s Day, people can visit the HSCO for sweet treats and a photo opportunity in their kissing booth from 1:30 to 3pm.

Adoptions at HSCO include a complete care package of spay or neuter surgery, first vaccination, a health exam by local veterinarians, a microchip ID, a collar, an ID tag and a leash or carrying box and food. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am-5:20pm.

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Support staff agreement

On Feb. 8, Bend-La Pine Schools and Oregon School Employees Association reached a conceptual agreement on a new contract for nearly 900 classified employees. Classified employees include support staff, those who transport students, run school offices, prepare and service meals, clean and maintain facilities, support students in the classroom and serve in other support roles.

The agreement provides a cost of living increase of 6.3% with both sides agreeing to reopen discussions in spring 2025. “Wages and benefits are a priority for most people and classified employees are no different. The bargaining team started with those priorities in mind along with other feedback from our members to guide our priorities for a stronger contract that not only makes a noticeable difference in our pockets, but also aims to make the Bend-La Pine School District an employer of choice in the area,” said OSEA chapter 6 president Debbie Christian.

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“It’s hard to feel like you’re safe and stable when you know that any second, you could be getting a letter that tell you need to leave the property in X amount of time.”

-Central Oregon resident Jeff Hubley, who lives in a tiny home and was forced to move due to county restrictions on tiny homes and RVs. From this week’s News, “Deschutes County Grapples with RV Regulations.”

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55%

— The percentage of U.S. teachers in a 2022 National Education Association survey who said they were thinking of leaving the profession. From this week’s Feature story, “What Teachers Want You to Know.”

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Eugene Weekly is Back in Print

For the first time since December, when Oregon newspaper “Eugene Weekly” was unable to print its newspaper for the first time in over 20 years due to an embezzlement, the paper was finally able to release its print edition again on Feb. 8. After being a victim of an in-house embezzlement, the local business was in debt and was forced to lay off its entire staff.

According to a recent article, announcing to readers that it is once again available in print, the criminal investigation is ongoing. The newspaper shared that it received many contributions through “Eugene Weekly’s” GoFundMe page, which has raised over $90,000. Local businesses also jumped in to help, holding fundraisers and donating proceeds from their shops.

This article appears in Source Weekly February 15, 2024.