Sexually transmitted diseases spike in Lane County
Reports of sexually transmitted diseases in Lane County have risen significantly in the past year, according to The Register-Guard. The county’s data show that there has been a 42 percent increase in reported cases of gonorrhea and a 16 percent increase in reported cases of chlamydia in the past 12 months.
County health officials believe that the increase has likely been caused by a few individuals who are very sexually active but are unaware they are carrying the infection.
Reports of other common sexually transmitted diseases, such as genital herpes and syphilis, have not shown notable spikes in the last year.
Homeless refuge to expand services
Egan Warming Centers, a local winter refuge for homeless in Lane County, is reopening for the winter with a plan to offer new services to the local homeless, reported KMTR. The warming centers, which have been operating since 2008, plan to open two new locations, including an incentive site with a fireplace and movie screening for the best behaved refuge users.
The centers are looking for more volunteers, as they expect to serve more than 4,500 overnight stays and 9,000 meals this winter.
City workers agree to higher health care costs
Under a new labor contract, more than 600 Eugene city employees agreed to higher health insurance costs, in return for eventual pay raises, according to The Register-Guard. Under the four year contract, most employees will not be eligible for a pay raise for another 14 months. Employees will receive additional cash payments to offset higher health care costs, as well as extra paid vacation days. Additionally, the city will begin contributing to voluntary employee retirement accounts.
Employees covered by the contract include librarians, custodians, administrative assistants, building inspectors and recreation workers.
Junction City opens new skate park
In spite of the rainy weather, new skaters came to celebrate the opening of a new Junction City skate park this Saturday, The Register-Guard reported. The park was dedicated in memory of Julius Schmidt, a young skateboarder who was killed in a train accident last month.
Schmidt’s family and friends attended the opening of the skate park.
River Road community members concerned about low income housing
Members of the River Road community are unenthusiastic about the subsidized housing that is planned to be built in the community next summer, according to The Register-Guard. Community members are voicing concern about the potential lack of space new apartment buildings could cause.
The 13 three-story apartment buildings are meant for low-income families, and are scheduled to begin construction next summer and be completed in 2014.