Willamette Valley News, Tuesday 8/23 – Bethel School District Actively Recruiting Bus Drivers, Virtual Community Meeting Hosted For The Cedar Creek Fire Tonight

The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Willamette Valley Weather

Bethel School District Actively Recruiting Bus Drivers Amidst School Bus Driver Shortage Effecting Districts All Across Oregon

There’s an urgent need for bus drivers in districts all across Oregon and throughout the country. Many districts are doing what they can to make the job more attractive to new hires. The Bethel School District is now actively recruiting to bring more bus drivers on board to get back to their normal routes.

Smoking bus causes Bethel School District students to evacuate | KVAL

Ashleigh Barley — a long-time school bus driver and trainer — said like many things, COVID-19 took a toll on the industry.

“Some people were concerned about exposure, but I think that’s changed a lot now, so right now, it’s just getting people to come back. Some people who didn’t work for a while, their license expired, so it’s a lot of training,” Barley said.

She said the special services transportation team is looking to hire at least three more drivers for the upcoming school year.

“You have to have a safe driving record. You also should like children, because you are going to be driving kids. Those are two of the biggest qualifications,” Barley said. “You also need to have good customer service, you will deal with the public a lot, with parents and with staff. Someone who is a people person.”

Barley said the starting pay is more than $17, and there’s quite a bit of training.

“You’ll have to take four tests at the DMV, you have to get a physical, and you will be doing training with one of our trainers, and that consists of pre-trip inspection training and 15 hours of behind-the-wheel and extra classroom training that you have to do,” Barley said.

After that, she said applicants take one last driving test, and if they pass, they’re the newest certified bus driver. That’s a position that can make a big difference for little passengers.

“Being a school bus driver can really make a difference in their day. If they’ve had a bad day at school, you also can help that transition and help to cheer them up,” Barley said.

Barley said sending your kids on the school bus is the safest form of transportation for kids to and from school, and they’re proud of that.

“Children who are transported on school buses account for less than 1% of fatalities to and from school,” Barley said. “Kids are safer riding with us than on a train, city buses, walking, or even in their parent’s car.”

We spoke real quick with James, a Bethel School Bus Driver, who said it is the most rewarding job he has ever had as he knows how important it is for kids to get to school safely so they can get a good education.

FOR MORE INFO:

Transportation Supervisor – Krista Larson
Email: krista.larson@bethel.k12.or.us

Special Services Transportation Router/Dispatch – Ashleigh Barley
Email: ashleigh.barley@bethel.k12.or.us

Virtual Community Meeting Hosted For The Cedar Creek Fire On Tuesday At 7 P.M.

The Cedar Creek Fire continues to burn 15 miles east of Oakridge, reaching 7,012 acres and 0% containment as of Monday. Firefighters continue to work on direct engagement and attack of the fire, with 788 personnel assigned across engines, hand crews, heavy equipment and helicopters.

Crews will begin initiating a closure near Waldo Lake, bringing the closure all the way to the shoreline on the west side of the lake. Heavy fire traffic and activity is expected in the area, starting Monday, according to an update from Cedar Creek Incident Commander Lonnie Click. Helicopters will spend most of the day dropping water on hot spots in the area.

There will be a virtual community meeting hosted for the Cedar Creek Fire on Tuesday at 7 p.m. via the incident Facebook page.

esidents in part of Sweet Home are advised to boil their tap water for most uses due to a potential bacterial infection in the water supply.

Sweet Home Residents Advised To Boil Water Due To Bacterial Infection

The Sweet Home Police Department says a water main broke inside the Pleasant Valley Bridge earlier on Monday, Aug. 22. The break caused a loss of water pressure, and may have allowed potentially harmful bacteria into the water supply, according to SHPD. Officials say these bacteria could make someone who drinks the water sick, and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems.

The SHPD advises that anyone living between Tenth Avenue, the Strawberry Heights subdivision, Highway 20/Main Street, and Gilbert Lane including Vista Lane and First Avenue should boil their water before drinking it. Officials say to bring water to a roiling boil for one full minute, let it cool, then store it in a clean, covered container. Do not drink the water without boiling it first.

Residents are advised to use water that has been boiled for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, preparing food and baby formula, cleaning food contact surfaces and washing fruits and vegetables. The SHPD says the water supply is being tested, and they will inform residents when tests verify the presence of harmful bacteria. They expect to have results by the end of day on August 23.

Sheriff Michelle Duncan Announces Fall 2022 Citizens Academy!

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan is pleased to announce applications are currently being accepted for citizens of Linn County to take part in our upcoming Fall Citizens Academy!

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy offers a unique and detailed look into the dynamic operations of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office! The Academy is open to any qualified and interested Linn County citizen.

Our Fall Citizens Academy will run from September 14th through November 30th. Classes will be every Wednesday morning from 9AM-12PM. There will also be one Sunday “field trip” to the firearms range and Animal Control Department, with that date to be determined later.

Citizens Academy students are introduced to each of the Sheriff’s Office divisions and specialty teams. Participants receive classroom instruction and hands-on training in areas such as patrol, detectives, corrections, firearms, defensive tactics, traffic enforcement, narcotics investigations, swift water rescue and dive recovery, prisoner transport, and search and rescue.

The atmosphere at the Citizens Academy is fun and informative. Classes are taught by our dedicated Sheriff’s Office team members. The minimum age for attendees is 18 years of age, however, applications will be considered for those as young as 16-years-old, provided they attend and take part in Citizens Academy with their parent or guardian.

For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.linnsheriff.org/volunteer-programs/citizens-academy/

For questions, please contact Community Services Specialist Michael Mattingly at mmattingly@linnsheriff.org.

We want to keep you informed about COVID-19 in Oregon. Data are provisional and change frequently. Note: This report covers the three-day period from August 19 to August 21, 2022.For more information, including COVID-19 data by county, visit our dashboard: http://ow.ly/epmL50KpNxR

Screen shot of linked dashboard shows a decrease trend in cases, test positivity and hospitalizations. Vaccinations have plateaued. Please visit healthoregon.org/coronavirus for more.

Four Klamath River Community McKinney Fire Victims Identified

After more than three weeks since the McKinney Fire first sparked in the Klamath National Forest, destroying more than 60,000 acres,  the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has positively identified the four confirmed fatalities.

They have been identified as Kathleen Shoopman, age 73, Charles Kays, age 79, Judith Kays, age 82 & John Cogan, age 76, all from Klamath River, California.

According to the Klamath National Forest, the McKinney Fire has burned 60,392 acres and is 95% contained. All lines continue to hold on the McKinney Fire as well according to officials.

Oregon Wildfire Updates

The Rum Creek Fire, burning northwest of Grants Pass in southwestern Oregon, reached 360 acres as of Monday morning as firefighters and air support work to slow the spread and continue creating safe access points to the perimeter of the fire, according to an update from officials.

The fire is burning on a ridgeline with steep drops with the potential for danger to crews as well as burning debris rolling downhill and spreading the fire. Officials said 266 personnel are assigned today, including a new additional hot shot crew and multiple hand crews for support.

The trailhead to Rainie Falls has been closed for safety by the Bureau of Land Management until further notice.

The nearby Hog Creek Fire is holding at 32 acres and 30% containment. Crews continue to mop up at Hog Creek, as well as monitor the perimeter to ensure the fire doesn’t expand, according to an update from officials.

Further northeast, the Cedar Creek Fire continues to burn 15 miles east of Oakridge, reaching 7,012 acres and 0% containment as of Monday. Firefighters continue to work on direct engagement and attack of the fire, with 788 personnel assigned across engines, hand crews, heavy equipment and helicopters.

Crews will begin initiating a closure near Waldo Lake, bringing the closure all the way to the shoreline on the west side of the lake. Heavy fire traffic and activity is expected in the area, starting Monday, according to an update from Cedar Creek Incident Commander Lonnie Click. Helicopters will spend most of the day dropping water on hot spots in the area.

There will be a virtual community meeting hosted for the Cedar Creek Fire on Tuesday at 7 p.m. via the incident Facebook page.

Smoke from the Slapjack Fire, estimated to be 5 acres, was visible from Oakridge on Monday, but does not signify additional fire growth and is being managed actively, Click said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.nwfirescience.org/current-fire-information

Fatal Traffic Crashes On The Rise In Oregon

Fatal traffic crashes in Oregon have increased significantly according to Oregon State Police (OSP).

“We have seen an alarming trend in fatal crashes across Oregon,” OSP Lt. Steve Mitchell says.

Three people died following a traffic crash Aug. 15 along Highway 101 at Gleneden Beach in Lincoln County. On the same day, another fatal crash occurred along Interstate Five near Woodburn in the Willamette Valley. That crash claimed one live.

Mitchell said his agency has seen an increase in fatal traffic crashes over the past two years.

OSP documents show the number of fatal crashes:

  • 2019 = 195
  • 2020 = 200
  • 2021 = 234

Over the years, law enforcement reports have listed the cause of many of the fatal crashes as one vehicle crossing over the center-line of the roadway.

The News Guard asked Mitchell what OSP reconstruction of the deadly crashes reveals as the cause of the crashes. Is it driver fatigue, medical issue, attention failure, texting, eating?

“There is no easy way to narrow down specific reasons for distracted driving,” Mitchell said. “All the things you mention in the question are causes of Lane Usage crashes”

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has a web site for crash reports and statistics. View the site at https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Pages/Crash.aspx.

Mitchell said there are specific areas of the state where OSP is seeing an uptick in fatal crashes. Below are the highways OSP has seen the most fatal crashes during the same time-frame (2019 – 2021):

  • I-5 and Hwy 99 in Jackson County
  • Hwy 199 in Josephine County
  • I-5 and Hwy 99 in Marion County
  • Hwy 211 and Hwy 224 in Clackamas County
  • Hwy 97 in Deschutes County
  • Hwy 97 in Klamath County
  • Hwy 58 in Lane County
  • 1-5 in Douglas County

“There are numerous variables that can cause crashes in particular geographical locations,” Micthell said. “It could be increased traffic volume, a long weather event and motorists committing traffic violations that lead to crashes in a particular area.”

Mitchell said the largest contributor to the fatal traffic crashes is speed and lane safety, driving on the wrong side of the road.

State troopers and partner public safety agencies focus on what is called the Fatal 5 driving behaviors, which Mitchell said contributes to most of all motor vehicle crashes.

The Fatal 5 are:

  • Speed
  • Occupant safety
  • Lane safety
  • Impaired driving
  • Distracted driving

“Our patrol division troopers focus on the Fatal 5 violations to reduce crash and fatal crash rates,” Mitchell said. “Though high visibility enforcement, OSP attempts to reduce the crashes related to Fatal 5 violations.”

The following is a link to an interactive that shows OSP{ patrol activities around the state: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/Pages/patrolmap.aspx

Mitchell said OSP makes the following recommendations

Speed – Drive the speed limit and on occasion drive the speed with due regard to the conditions at the time. Which could be road and weather conditions that would warrant slower speeds for safety.

Occupant Safety – Wear your seatbelts. Wear them correctly. Make sure children are in proper child safety seats.

Lane Safety – Drive within your lane. Keep distractions at a minimum that could cause a person to leave their lane. If you are fatigued pull over and rest at a safe location so that you do not fall asleep and leave the travel lane.

Impaired Driving – Do not drive buzzed, whether from alcohol or other drugs that could cause any impairment. Call for a designated driver, taxi, ride share or other options.

Distracted Driving – Put that phone down. Stop doing anything that can cause you to look away from the road.

Oregon State Police Actively Recruiting To Avoid Future Shortage of Troopers

Oregon State Police may soon have a shortage of troopers if the agency can’t recruit more people to join its ranks.

OSP Recruiting Sgt. Melody Richmond says the potential shortage is from attrition; mostly, anticipated retirements.

It’s a tough process and a difficult job, but OSP has a positive reputation among law enforcement.

For more information, stop by the OSP recruiting booth at the State Fair, which begins Friday, or the Pendleton Round Up. You can also visit OSPTrooper.com.

Merkley and Wyden Announce Over $72 Million Headed To Oregon For COVID-19 And Natural Disaster Recovery

The following is a release from the Press Office of Oregon U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley.

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden recently announced a total of $72,211,884.93 in U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awards.

FEMA Logo

These funds are intended to help various organizations and departments around Oregon to financially recover from disaster and emergency response efforts and to repair critical infrastructure from extreme weather events.

“Natural disasters and emergencies can strike at any time, requiring emergency responses during and in the immediate aftermath of the event,” said Merkley. “This FEMA funding, which is going to Oregon communities and agencies that have been impacted by wildfires, winter storms, and the COVID-19 pandemic, is crucial to ensuring our communities are able to recover quickly and will support future preventative measures to protect Oregonians in every corner of the state from natural disasters when they strike.”

“This is welcome news for Oregon communities working hard on the three R’s that follow natural disasters — response, recovery and rebound,” Wyden said. “These federal resources are a must to help our entire state in the wake of weather-related disasters and the fallout from COVID on emergency response statewide to the unprecedented public health crisis. I’ll always keep fighting to ensure Oregonians get similar federal assistance whenever disasters hit.”

Award amounts and recipients follows below:

$60,183,670 to Oregon Health Authority for emergency response and protective measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

$4,886,335.88 to the City of Umatilla for replacement of a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Umatilla River as a result of severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides.

$2,013,729.82 to the Oregon Department of Corrections for emergency protective measures as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

$2,008,180.97 Oregon Department of Forestry for emergency protective measures as a result of wildfires and straight-line winds.

$1,696,398.75 To Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) for permanent repairs as a result of wildfires and straight-line winds.

$1,423,569.51 to the City of West Linn for Public Assistance Alternate Procedures (PAAP) debris removal operations as a result of winter storms.

Drought conditions in the Pacific Northwest are not nearly as severe as they were last year, but some areas are still seeing severe, extreme and even exceptional drought.

U.S. Drought Monitor map from August, 2022

About 38.5% of the region was completely drought-free as of Aug. 16, said Larry O’Neill with the Oregon Climate office at a regional drought webinar Monday.

He said that’s good news, especially considering there were no drought-free areas recorded on last year’s map around this same time.

“At this time last year, the majority of the Pacific Northwest was either in extreme or exceptional drought, which are the two worst drought categories,” he said. “By many measures, it was one of the worst droughts in the recorded history (of) the Pacific Northwest.”

But the region hasn’t escaped drought altogether this year. About 22.3% of the region was abnormally dry, with 15.6% experiencing moderate drought, 11.7% experiencing severe drought and 11.4% experiencing extreme drought in the U.S. Drought Monitor’s Aug. 16 measurement. One area in central Oregon, which makes up about 0.5% of the region as a whole, was experiencing exceptional drought conditions.

Drought can affect fire danger, agriculture, water habitats and irrigation, according to the monitor.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is missing-in-oregon-tab.png
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is shane.png

Women Missing Since May 1st 2022 between Medford, Grants Pass and Roseburg per Oregon State Police (Jackson, Josephine and Douglas County)

MAKENNA KENDALL                                   5/3/2022
ERICA LEE  HUTCHINSON                          5/26/2022                          
MARIAH DANIELLE SHARP                          6/12/2022          
KAITLYN RAE NELSON                                  6/14/2022                 
BROOKLYN JOHNS                                     6/14/2022
DONNA LEPP                                               6/27/2022  
BARBARA  DELEPINE                                    7/4/2022                     
****KENDRA MARIE HANKS                              7/7/2022 FOUND MURDERED 7/21/2022
CORI BOSHANE MCCANN                             7/8/2022
SHYHAILA SMITH 7/12/2022
ALEZAE LILYANNE MARTINEZ 7/13/2022
RAVEN RILEY                                                7/13/2022
TAHUANA RILEY                                        7/13/2022
DANIELLE NEWVILLE 7/14/2022
CONNIE LORAINE BOND 7/19/2022
KARIN DAWN RUSSELL 7/19/2022
CHEYENNE SPRINGS 7/19/2022
KAREN ANNETTE SCIORTINO 7/22/2022
MARLENE HICKEY 7/23/2022
MAKAYLA MAY VAUGHT 7/23/2022
WENDY JEAN HAZEN 7/26/2022
SHAHE SOPHIA CATRANIDES 7/27/2022
NAVEAH LEIGH BILYEU 8/1/2022
DEBI ANN HARPER 8/3/2022
CHARLIZE D GIBSON 8/3/2022

Women Missing Since May 1st 2022 in Lane County per Oregon State Police

REISA RAQUEAL SIKEL                            5/3/2022
HANNAH MARIE RHOTEN                             5/17/2022
MARISSA ALEESA DAMBROSIO                  5/18/2022
ISABELLA BROSOWSKEYOUNGBLOOD    6/7/2022             
LOUISA DAY AVA                                           5/28/2022             
AMY CHRISTINA SULLIVAN                          6/1/2022
NIKKI ELIZABETH  ZEREBNY                              6/6/2022
SHADOW STAR SEVIGNY                               6/17/2022
SHAUNA LEAH HOGAN                             6/17/2022
AIRIONNA CHEALSEY RHODES                    6/27/2022           
KARISSA RENEE ADAMS                                7/6/2000
VERONICA ESSYNCE DELERIO                    7/6/2022
AUBRIE HANNA STEPHENS                           7/10/2022     
LARA IVEY STEINMETZ                                 7/11/2022
SARA LINDSAY SCHAEFER                            7/12/2022
ANGELINA MARIE NAZAR 7/16/2022
LUCIA MARTHA PANNIER 7/17/2022
MALINA LINN COATS 7/20/2022
KATHY A VERNACCHIO 7/23/2022
JANE MARIE HOLLIMAN 7/23/2022
ASHLEY MARIE SEELEY 7/27/2022
LILLY ANNE WARMUTH 7/28/2022
MALINA LINN COATS 7/29/2022
JORDYN CLARA GOHL 7/31/2022
QAVAH ALAH TILLILIE 7/31/2022
TALYNN RYLIE MERTZ 8/1/2022
YASINIA CALLISTA GUTIERREZ 8/3/2022

As of 8/9/2022, there are now 51women missing between Medford and Eugene. Sadly Kendra Hanks has been found murdered, though that takes her off the list. We send thoughts and prayers to her family as well as the families of all missing people in our area.

51 women missing in just less than 3 1/2 months. That averages out to 15 missing per month. Something needs to be done.

This is just a small compilation of missing women and their pictures in the area. There are of course women missing all over Oregon and men and children missing too. We don’t mean to dismiss that, however, there is an inordinate amount of women who go missing each week and there could possibly be a connection with an anomaly or two here and there. Sadly most of them never get any attention. Family and friends must keep any information going and lead investigations so that they aren’t just forgotten. 

https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-57.png

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/

Related posts

Willamette Valley News, Friday 5/6 – Spirit Of The Waters Totem Pole Journey Arrives for Events In Eugene, Businesses Permanently Closed To Make Way For Another High-Rise Complex In Eugene

Renee Shaw

Willamette Valley News, Friday 3/24 – Governor Tina Kotek Visits Benton County on ‘One Oregon Listening Tour’, Jackknifed Semi Truck Closes I-5 Southbound South Of Cottage Grove Early Friday

Renee Shaw

Willamette Valley News, Thursday 1/4/24 – Churchill High School Threat Being Investigated & Other Local and Statewide News…

Renee Shaw