The Lane County Elections office has placed ballots in the USPS mail stream for the 2024 Primary Election. 

Lane County’s 21 ballot drop boxes will remain open until 8:00 pm on Election Day, May 21, 2024. Drop boxes are open 24/7. A list of drop box locations is included with every ballot.

“Most voters will receive their ballot within the next couple of days. Lane County Elections is committed to assisting voters so their voices can be heard and they can play a role in shaping their community,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson.

Voters can track the status of their mail ballot by visiting www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote. 

Voters may return their voted ballots in one of the following ways:

• Regular mail. Ballots must be postmarked no later than May 21, 2024 and received no later than May 28, 2024 to be counted.
• A 24/7 ballot drop box.
• Lane County Elections. Ballots can be turned in by May 21, 2024 directly to the Lane County Elections Office during business hours (open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day).

Ballot drop box locations can be found online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.  

As a reminder, Oregon is a closed primary state. All voters will have an opportunity to vote on issues and nonpartisan positions. Only voters who are registered members of political parties may vote for their respective party’s candidates in a primary election.

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

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Lane County Public Health (LCPH) has confirmed a new case of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) in a recent uptick in cases. This new case closely follows 12 recently reported cases and brings the total to 13 pertussis cases in April 2024. Several of the recent cases are not linked.

These recent cases indicate community spread of pertussis in Lane County. LCPH strongly recommends staying up to date with pertussis vaccinations. This is very important for infants, young children, those with underlying medical conditions and their close contacts. We want to protect these vulnerable groups who are more likely to develop severe whooping cough.

Pertussis vaccination can usually be obtained from a primary care provider such as a pediatrician, family physician, internal medicine physician, or nurse practitioner. Calling ahead to confirm pertussis vaccine availability is recommended. Those who do not have a primary care provider can contact a pharmacy or their health plan. For those without insurance, contacting a federally qualified health center may be a good option. 

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. It can cause severe coughing fits (up to 10 weeks or more), followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when breathing in. Vomiting and exhaustion may also follow. Pertussis can lead to serious complications, especially in infants, such as pneumonia, dehydration, seizures, and brain damage. Some infants may not cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) or struggle to breathe.

See a doctor as soon as possible if you or your child is experiencing symptoms, such as runny nose, fever and coughing violently and rapidly.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or your child is:

·        Struggling to breathe

·        Turning blue or purple

The best way to protect you and your loved ones is to stay up to date with recommended pertussis vaccines, DTaP and Tdap. It is recommended that infants and children complete a series of DTaP doses, while adolescents should receive one dose of Tdap, preferably at age 11 or 12 years old. Women should get a Tdap dose during the third trimester of each pregnancy to help protect their babies early in life. Those regularly around young infants such as family and household members should especially ensure they are up to date with recommended pertussis vaccines.

With Lane County’s vaccination coverage rate declining since the pandemic, there is increased risk for continued disease spread in our community. Parents who are hesitant about vaccination are encouraged to discuss their concerns with their child’s healthcare provider.

If you are diagnosed with pertussis, take antibiotics as prescribed and avoid contact with others until you are no longer contagious. People can spread the bacteria from the start of the very first symptoms and for up to three weeks after coughing fits begin. Taking antibiotics early in the illness may shorten the amount of time someone is contagious. If you are interested in learning more about symptoms and treatment access the CDC website.

LCPH recommends practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of the bacteria that cause pertussis and other respiratory illnesses:

·        Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

·        Throw away used tissues in a waste basket right away.

·        Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow if you don’t have a tissue. Never cough into your hands as germs can be spread this way.

·        Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

·        Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

For more information about pertussis (whooping cough), please visit the CDC website., at https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html

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Finding childcare is challenging for many parents in our area, and a lack of childcare can keep parents from being able to participate in the workplace. As part of its efforts to attract and keep a talented workforce, Lane County is partnering with local childcare provider Tip Tap Grow to help its employees access childcare. 

“We are one of many areas in Oregon considered a childcare desert,” said Lane County Chief Human Resources Officer Alana Holmes. “When we surveyed our employees last year, hundreds shared their concerns about being able to obtain childcare. This new partnership will not only support our employees and help Lane County remain an employer of choice, but also supports a growing local business.”

The partnership will allow County employees to be prioritized for up to 50 new spots at Tip Tap Grow for children between 6 weeks old and 6 years old. County employees will be responsible for paying the same tuition rates as other parents. Any of the 50 spots not used by a County employee will be available to the public.

In order to help Tip Tap Grow expand and offer these new placements, Lane County is providing an investment of $25,000 in the business. 

“This is a first for our agency,” said Holmes. “We hope to see other employers begin to invest in similar programs so that more parents have access to childcare.”

Tip Tap Grow celebrated with a ribbon cutting this past weekend and will open on May 1. 

About Tip Tap Grow

Tip Tap Grow is a childcare center with a unique performing arts model that supports the growth and development of children. It is also a recent recipient of a Seeding Justice Grant to help support its expansion. More information is available at www.tiptapgrow.com. 

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The free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup will collect up to 35 gallons of household hazardous waste per customer on Saturday, April 27, in Oakridge. Hazardous waste from businesses, schools, churches, government agencies or non-profits may be subject to disposal fees and those organizations must pre-register for the event.

When:  Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Where: Oakridge Fire Station, 47592 Highway 58, Oakridge

Who: All community members are welcome to participate in the roundup. 

What to bring:

Up to 35 gallons of paint, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, car care products, arts and crafts products, pool chemicals, fluorescent lamps and other household hazardous waste. Check labels for words like flammable, corrosive, poison, caution, and danger.

Please don't bring: 

Empty containers, drums, radioactive or infectious waste, asbestos, pressurized cylinders, or explosives. Any empty containers can be safely thrown in the trash. For information about disposal of radioactive waste, asbestos or explosives call 541-682-3828.

What about hazardous waste from businesses?

Businesses that generate small amounts of hazardous waste may pre-register to bring that waste to this event. Businesses must pay for disposal of the waste, but most can save money by using this program rather than hiring a contractor. 

Electronics Recycling

The Cottage Grove, Creswell, Florence, Marcola, Oakridge, Rattlesnake, Veneta and Vida transfer stations accept the following items for free during normal operating hours: televisions, computer monitors, CPUs, printers, phones and laptops.  Maximum seven items per day. No commercial or floor-standing copiers, parts or dismantled units. 

Please call 541 682-4120 for more information about hazardous waste disposal for households or businesses.

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Election Day is quickly approaching, and the Lane County Elections office would like to encourage voters to register to vote or update their voter registration now, to be election-ready for the May 21, 2024 Primary Election. Voters in Lane County must register to vote or make changes to their party affiliation no later than April 30, 2024.

Oregon is a closed primary state. All voters will have an opportunity to vote on issues and nonpartisan positions. Only voters who are registered members of political parties may vote for their respective party’s candidates in a primary election. It is important to confirm or update your party affiliation now, but no later than April 30 if you wish to vote in a party’s closed primary. 

“This is the time when every voter should be confirming their registration, including checking their address and party affiliation,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “And, if you aren’t registered to vote, you still have a chance to participate in this election if you get registered by April 30.”

The voter registration deadline is April 30, 2024. If a voter registration form is hand delivered, it must be received no later than 5:00 pm at the Election Office (275 W 10^th Ave., Eugene) on that day. If mailed, it must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2024. If registering via www.oregonvotes.gov, it must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2024.

Local ballots will be mailed starting on May 2, 2024.  To track the status of a ballot, visit www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

Voters may return their ballot by regular mail, ballot drop box, or at the Elections Office. For ballot drop box locations, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.   

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

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After launching last fall, Lane County’s Storm Water Management Program is back and accepting business applicants. 

This voluntary program allows businesses in Lane County to help maintain storm drains for a reduced flat fee of $65 per drain. Last fall, nearly 100 businesses from across Lane County signed up to participate in the program, which Lane County coordinates in partnership with Stormwater Protection Systems (SPS).

Lane County-based businesses can sign up each fall and spring in anticipation of heavy rainfall and more water entering the storm drain systems. To register a company for the fall program, visit LaneCountyOR.gov/SCAP and sign up by May 31.

Storm water often drains directly into rivers and streams without treatment, resulting in pollutants from parking lots and roadways contributing to water quality issues. Storm drain cleaning and maintenance are vital in ensuring clean waterways by removing contaminants like heavy metals, oil, pesticides, and fertilizers while reducing parking lot flooding.

“We all have a vested interest in keeping our community’s waterways clean,” said Lane County Waste Reduction Supervisor Angie Marzano. “This is a low-cost, high-impact way for businesses to make a real difference in those efforts while meeting their responsibilities.”

Businesses are responsible for cleaning and maintaining privately owned storm drains in their parking lots. The program aims to make this service more affordable and encourage biannual cleanings.

The $65 per drain fee covers debris removal from standard parking lot drains, power washing in and around the drain, and disposal of all contaminated sediment. The program does not cover additional fees for jetting, repair, or oversized storm drains. 

Interested businesses can register or get more information at LaneCountyOR.gov/SCAP or email SCAP@ LaneCountyOR.gov.

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Drivers on rural County-maintained roads will see mowers clearing the road rights-of-way of grass and brush beginning this month. 

“Mowing helps us reduce fire danger and make sure that drivers have clear lines of sight on County roads,” said Chad McBride, Lane County vegetation supervisor. “It’s really helpful when people keep things like fences and signs out of the right-of-way. They slow us down, damage our equipment, generate complaints about the cluttered landscape, and don’t belong there in the first place.”

In the coming weeks, County staff will remove any signs in the rights-of-way in preparation for mowing.

“During big election years, the number of signs placed illegally alongside roads explodes and it makes it more difficult to mow roadsides efficiently,” said McBride. “This year, we’ll do a sweep ahead of the mowers to remove signs.”

Property owners can help prepare by ensuring they have not placed anything in the mower’s path in the road right-of-way.

• Political and other signs. No political signs, business signs or other types of signs belong in the road right-of-way. Signs may be removed and stored for 30 days at Lane County Public Works before being destroyed. Signs placed near a rural road must be on private property and behind any utility facilities (poles, closures, etc.) or sidewalks.
• Rocks. Rocks over 3 inches in diameter and other fixed objects must be removed from the right-of-way.
• Fencing. Derelict fencing can be both a hazard and a high-cost obstacle for mowers. Fencing that has fallen into the road right-of-way can become entangled in the equipment, or can make it impossible to clear the affected area of grass and brush.
• Ornamental vegetation or other plantings. Plants in the right-of-way, especially those that grow large and aggressively, will be removed. Plants in the right-of-way will be mown to the lowest level practical in order to provide the longest-lasting effect.

By keeping items out of the right-of-way, residents can avoid unnecessary expense and hassle, save taxpayer money by saving Public Works personnel from having to remove signs and other items, and help protect neighbors and visitors from accidents.

In rural areas, the road right-of-way is typically from the pavement to the fence or private property line (anywhere the maintenance vehicles would drive). In the unincorporated parts of Eugene or Springfield, the right-of-way is the planting area between the sidewalk and curb.

Drivers are allowed to pass the mowers on the left when it is safe to do so but oncoming traffic takes precedence. 

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