Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 13, 2018)
INSIDE: HOME IMPROVEMENT & CAR CARE / 7B-10B WEEKEND EDITION DAWGS DEFEAT CADETS AUCTIONEER’S CHANT PRICE GOES UP FOR BRIDGE PROJECT SPORTS/1B LIFESTYLES/1C REGION/3A OCTOBER 13-14, 2018 143nd Year, No. 246 Economy is strong, but will it last? $1.50 WINNER OF THE 2018 ONPA GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARD “I knew I didn’t want to be another statistic of domestic violence. I wanted to be a survivor.” — Cassie Greene State economists see warning signs for 2020 By JADE MCDOWELL East Oregonian Times are good in Oregon. The unemployment rate has dipped below 4 per- cent, economic growth has been strong, wages have risen faster than the national average and young work- ers are moving in to fill the new jobs being created. Once again, residents are expected to receive a bonus “kicker” on their income tax returns because state reve- nues are coming in higher than forecast. But how long it will last? For now, the outlook is good. The state’s most recent economic forecast, released in September, predicts con- tinued economic growth in the short term. However, it also warns that “potential danger lurks around the cor- ner” with a confluence of events in 2020, and “econ- omists are becoming more comfortable talking about plausible recession scenar- ios given the expected path of federal policy.” Josh Lehner, senior econ- omist at the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, said while the economy is still growing, the pace of that growth is slowing down. “We expect that pattern to continue — that growth tomorrow will be slower than growth today,” he said. Lehner said not many economists are worried about the next 18 months. But federal policies, such as increased interest rates and changes to tax rates, usually take a year or two before their impact is seen, and they could turn into a “drag on growth” by 2020. The economic forecast, however, states that a reces- sion is not a foregone con- clusion, merely a reasonable See ECONOMY/12A Staff photo by E.J. Harris Cassie Greene of Hermiston would often spend nights on this couch in her parent’s home when her former high school boyfriend and do- mestic abuser was stalking her. Greene now works as a probation services specialist with Umatilla County Community Corrections, often working with clients that have a history of domestic violence. Back in control Domestic violence survivor finds healing in helping others By TAMMY MALGESINI East Oregonian EDITOR’S NOTE: Although the perpe- trator of violence in this story was arrested, charged and incarcerated, his full name is being withheld at the request of the survi- vor. The purpose in sharing her story as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to encourage victims of domestic violence to speak out. C assie Greene is a survivor. The physical marks are long gone. The swelling and bruising from being strangled, and scratches and welts from being assaulted are replaced by tattoos that repre- sent being a survivor of domestic violence. The emotional scars are healing. Like many teenagers, Cassie liked hang- ing out with friends, playing sports and par- ticipating in family activities. However, her life started to spiral out of control several months after her relationship with CL began in the spring of 2008. Now 26, Cassie was a sophomore at Hermiston High School and CL was a senior when they met as members of the cross coun- try team. Describing him as a “bad boy sort,” Cassie liked that CL was older and lived life a bit on the edge — smoking marijuana and drinking. Often “the life of the party,” he appeared happy, and was fun to be around. Also, CL seemed to care about his friends and would do anything for them, Cassie said. “He was extremely charming,” she said. “Our relationship progressed pretty quickly. It didn’t take very long for us to become a thing.” Cassie’s mom, Carol, said CL seemed like a typical, not to say shy, teenager. “He was very quiet, very soft-spoken and cute,” she said. “He seemed like a gentle, kind soul.” As quickly as the relationship bloomed, however, it began to wilt. Within a few months, CL was exerting control in Cassie’s life — who she hung out with, her commu- nications with others and, sometimes, even what she wore. What is domestic violence? Domestic violence, said Kathryn Chaney, executive director of Domestic Violence Ser- vices, includes a pattern of behaviors where a person tries to gain power and control in any way they can. It can include manipulation, intimidation and humiliation. “It isn’t just hurting someone. It’s gain- ing control over the other with their actions,” See CONTROL/12A Health officials talk opioid dangers with Walden Oregon to receive $17M in federal funds to fight abuse By PHIL WRIGHT East Oregonian Staff photo by E.J. Harris Dr. Dan Marier talks about the mentality of someone that is ad- dicted to opioids to Rep. Greg Walden during a roundtable dis- cussion Friday in Pendleton. Receive Care Whenever and Wherever You Need it! Oregon Rep. Greg Walden’s bill to help fight the opioid crisis could become law as soon as next week. The Republican from Hood River swung though Eastern Oregon to talk up the bill and hear from folks on the front lines of the drug addiction crisis. Friday morning at the Uma- tilla County Courthouse, Pendleton, he said the bill would provide about $17 million split between the Ore- gon Health Plan and local clinics to help treatment, recovery and preven- tion efforts and fight fentanyl and other illegal drugs. The Columbia River Community Health Services in Boardman is one of the clinics and received $295,000. H.R. 6, the Substance Use-Dis- order Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Com- See OPIOIDS/12A ONLY $35 PER VISIT! • COUGH • COLD • FLU • SORE THROAT • EAR ACHE • PINK EYE • RASH • URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS • AND SO MUCH MORE! Virtual Care 844.724.8632 FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.SAHPENDLETON.ORG
