Stephanie Miller, new executive director of the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence introduced herself to Linn County commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker during the March 12 meeting and said her goal is to expand the organization’s outreach into rural communities in Linn and Benton counties.
The organization, which serves both Linn and Benton counties, was founded as a rape crisis center in 1981 and today is a domestic violence/sexual assault organization that provides emergency shelter for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, sex trafficking and stalking. CARDV provides a 24-hour crisis and support phone line, a 24/7 emergency shelter for survivors and their families; support groups, legal advocacy and financial aid.
Miller came to CARDV in October 2023 from the Women’s Resource Center in Oceanside, Calif. She brings 33 years of experience to her new position. She reported there were about 3,000 calls to the CARDV hotline last year, of which about 40% came from Linn County — primarily the Albany area. A CARDV advocate works out of the Linn County Courthouse Monday through Friday, but Miller said the plan is to place advocates in rural communities.
The director noted CARDV operates two shelters and is readying a third in Albany. Motels also work with CARDV to provide emergency housing confidentially.
“About 120 survivors used our shelters last year,” Miller said.
CARDV also provides airline tickets, bus passes and money to assist women actively fleeing domestic violence, Miller said.
The 24-hour crisis and support line number is 541-754-0110.
In other business, the commissioners:
- Approved intergovernmental agreements between the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and the following to provide 911 dispatch services: Albany Fire Department, Brownsville Rural Fire Protection District, Halsey-Shedd Rural Fire Protection District, Harrisburg Fire/Rescue District, Scio Rural Fire Protection District, Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District and Tangent Rural Fire Protection District.
- Approved an intergovernmental agreement between the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and the USDA Forest Service to provide space for the Cougar Rock radio communications shelter and equipment.
- Were informed by Planning & Building Director Steve Wills that there were 274 total building permits issued in February and there were 17 permits for new dwellings — six single-family homes and two manufactured homes, as well as eight for dwelling alterations and one for an accessory building.
- Approved beginning a 90-day due diligence process for the possible purchase of a building near Samaritan Albany General Hospital owned by Seventh Street Medical Properties LLC. According to information from the Linn County Assessor and Taxation Office, the 11,000 square foot building was constructed in 1961 and underwent an interior remodel in 1993. It has a real market value of about $2 million.
- Awarded the Cedar Creek Pedestrian Bridge Project in Mill City to Legacy Contracting of Stayton for $228,856. Four bids were opened at the March 5 board meeting and another company had the lowest bid, but had not completed pre-qualification, which is mandatory, according to Roadmaster Wayne Mink. Mill City is contracting with the Linn County Road Department for management of this project.