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
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
Junction City Residents Worried About A Possible Subdivision Expansion Adding More Homes For People
The proposed site for this new development is in western side of the city where houses are already being built from a previous housing expansion. The Reserve home subdivision has already started adding and finishing homes in the areas of 15th Avenue and west 14th Place.
Now there are plans to use 81 acres of empty wetland to add an additional 271 homes to the city of Junction City. With an increased demand in living spaces, Junction City officials see this as the next step in helping future residents find a home. City Administrator Jason Knope said the city wishes to seek additional housing in the hope of providing living options in Junction City.
“If you look, there’s very few parcels that are still left open — you look at rental stuff, it doesn’t stay open for long,” Knope said. “We always have people looking for more. That’s probably one of the most things we hear is the need for additional housing.”
However many residents say they don’t agree with the city’s desire to put more homes into the area. They cited their already strict water regulations worsening with more housing. Residents are also concerned that the towns infrastructure, including the sewer, roads, and schools could not support the rise in population. Junction City resident Kristen believes many of her neighbors don’t like to see their small community grow.
“Everybody kind of lives here because of the small town feel, you know everybody you know your neighbors,” Kristen said. “Everybody is familiar with each other, and you start adding more people, it makes people nervous.
Kirsten adds that she believes growth is good, and having a good plan moving forward would make people feel better.
Knope says that the resident’s concerns are warranted, and Junction City officials have been made aware of current infrastructure issues.
“We have a number of projects to expand our capacity, its something we are already working on so i don’t think it’s going to be an issue for us,” Knope said. The sewer is already a couple years out past, so I would say this summer you’ll see us adding more water and within a year or two adding more sewer capacity.”
The expansion planning is still in its early stages and if approved construction would not be finished until late 2025. (SOURCE)
Corvallis Police Investigate Stabbing at the Skate Park This Morning
On March 22, 2023 at approximately 3:05 am, Officers of the Corvallis Police Department responded to the area of the Skate Park, 190 SW B Ave, for a report of a stabbing. Officers arriving on scene located a 41-year-old male, with no fixed address with stab wounds. The male victim was transported by ambulance to the emergency room where he is being treated for his injuries.
Detectives from the Corvallis Police Department were called in and the investigation is ongoing. Police vehicles, crime scene tape and personnel will be in the area of the Skate Park throughout the day as the investigation continues. Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident are encouraged to contact Corvallis Police Detective Josh Zessin. Detective Zessin can be contacted at 541-766-6924.
Corvallis Police Investigate Shooting on March 19, 2023
On March 19, 2023 at approximately 10:35 pm, Officers of the Corvallis Police Department responded to the area of NW 9th Street near NW Walnut Blvd for a report of two vehicles ramming each other while traveling westbound on NW Walnut Blvd. Additionally, the caller reported hearing a gunshot. Officers quickly located both vehicles and safely detained who they believe to be all involved persons in the area.
No persons were injured in the incident, although we do believe a firearm was fired at least one time by the involved subjects during the altercation. Detectives from the Corvallis Police Department were called in to investigate. Two persons were initially arrested on unrelated warrants during the investigation, which is ongoing. The incident spanned over many blocks in North Corvallis beginning at approximately 10:09 pm until 10:40 pm. The involved vehicles are described as a black mid-size SUV and a black minivan.
Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident are encouraged to contact Detective Smith at the Corvallis Police Department. Detective Smith can be reached at 541-766-6924.
Subjects Arrested in Connection to Recent Armed Robberies in Douglas County
ROSEBURG, Ore. – The Sheriff’s Office has arrested three individuals for their involvement in a series of armed robberies that occurred between February 9th and February 12th, 2023.
The Log Cabin Grocery was robbed on February 9th and then on February 12th, the Winchester Market and the Dillard Market were robbed. The Sheriff’s Office along with the Roseburg Police Department investigated the robberies. During the course of the investigation 33 year old Dillon Oden of Roseburg and 33 year old Aurelio Sandoval of Los Angeles were developed as suspects.
On March 12th, 2023, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a disturbance in the Green area that involved stolen property and a firearm. During the course of that investigation, deputies arrested Oden and Sandoval on charges related to the disturbance. Sheriff’s Detectives responded to the scene and subsequently served a search warrant. Detectives identified 29 year old Sabastian Tucker of Myrtle Creek as a third suspect in the robberies.
On March 15th, all three suspects were arrested and charged with multiple charges relating to the armed robberies including First Degree Robbery.
Lane County Sheriff’s Office Seeking Applicants for Cadet Program
Interested in serving your community and learning more about a career in law enforcement?
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program is for young adults between the ages of 18 and 21 who have an interest in law enforcement. The Cadet Program provides an opportunity to get first-hand experience working in the criminal justice field. Cadets are able to develop skills and knowledge in order to prepare for full-time employment in a very important and fulfilling career.
Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be between 18 and 21 years of age
- Must be enrolled in high school / GED program, or have a high school diploma / GED
Cadets Will:
- Participate in law enforcement ride-alongs
- Receive training in law enforcement procedures, legal issues, use of force, corrections operations and patrol operations
- Learn about the services provided by the Sheriff’s Office and work with special teams including Marine Patrol, Dunes Patrol, And Forest Patrol
This is a competitive process that will be closing soon! Apply today at:
Additional information may be found at: http://www.LaneCountyOr.gov/Sheriff_Cadet_Program or by contacting Sgt. Alex Speldrich at ich@lanecountyor.gov“>alex.speldrich@lanecountyor.gov
House Passes Bill To Allow Oregonians To Pump Their Own Gas
The bill, which now goes to the Senate, would end Oregon’s reputation as one of just two states that bans self-service pumps in most settings.
Oregon drivers who for decades have been banned from touching gas pumps could soon have the right to fuel their own cars, under a bill the state House overwhelmingly approved Monday.
Only Oregon and New Jersey ban self-service gas, though Oregon in recent years allowed people to pump their own gas in some rural counties and during heat- and COVID-related emergencies declared by the governor. The state now has a patchwork of regulations that bipartisan supporters of House Bill 2426 say their proposal would simplify.
The measure, which passed the House on a 47-10 vote and now heads to the Senate, would allow gas stations to designate up to half of their pumps for self service. In 16 of Oregon’s more heavily populated counties, at least one attendant would need to be present to pump gas for customers who don’t want the self-service option. Customers in 20 rural counties would be able to pump their own gas at any time regardless of whether an attendant is on site.
Gas stations would have to charge the same amount for self-service and full-service gas. A 2022 effort hit a roadblock when the state fire marshal said it would need more than $500,000 to regulate, but the fire marshal and other agencies now report that it would have a “minimal” impact.
Rep. Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, said the measure would give customers a choice, comparing it to self-checkout lanes at grocery stores. She usually opts to use checkout lanes with a cashier, but if she’s in a hurry and there are lines she’ll use a self-checkout lane.
“Our system regulating the dispensing of gasoline is complicated, and Oregonians are getting more and more familiar with pumping their own gas,” Fahey said.
Fahey and other supporters cited a 2021 survey from DHM Research and the Oregon Values and Belief Center that found that almost two-thirds of Oregonians supported changing the law to allow pumping their own gas.
But Rep. Jami Cate, R-Lebanon and one of the 10 lawmakers who voted against the measure, said she asked her constituents and was convinced to oppose it because many told her they feared a move toward self-service could prevent people from fueling up if they have a disability or don’t feel safe exiting their vehicle at night.
Reps. Janelle Bynum, D-Clackamas; Paul Evans, D-Monmouth; Pam Marsh, D-Ashland; Nancy Nathanson, D-Eugene; Rob Nosse, D-Portland; Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham; Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland; Kim Wallan, R-Medford and Boomer Wright, R-Coos Bay, joined Cate in voting against the measure.
Rep. Anna Scharf, R-Dallas, said it was a personal issue – her mother is so opposed to the idea of pumping her own gas that she threatened to stop giving her Christmas presents if she voted for the bill. But her constituents overwhelmingly want the option, she said.
“Mom, if you’re watching, please forgive me,” Scharf said as she voted for the bill. (The Oregon Capital Chronicle)
Oregon lawmakers are pursuing a package of firearm bills aimed at preventing gun violence and curbing the proliferation of untraceable guns.
They say the proposals are needed to stem gun violence and give law enforcement the necessary tools to address the issue.
The Democratic lawmakers have the support of House Speaker Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, who asked the group to work on the issue, and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, who is concerned about the rise of “ghost guns,” which are untraceable.
In 2020, 593 Oregonians died from homicide or suicide by firearms, state data shows. Of those, 110 cases involved homicide, up from 78 in 2019. The proposals follow the narrow passage by voters in November of Measure 114, which would require gun purchasers to go through safety training before obtaining a permit, ban the sale of magazines with more than 10 bullets and close a loophole that allows people to buy firearms without a background check. The law remains stalled in a Harney County court and is set for a trial in September.
The Oregon House is expected to vote today on a bill that would allow self-service gas statewide. Currently, self-serve gas is only allowed in counties with lower populations. Gas station owners say the low unemployment level makes it difficult for them to hire enough people to staff all of their pumps. This bill would require at least one attendant, and some of the pumps would continue to be served. The bill has bipartisan support.
Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Jobs Changed Little in February
In Oregon, nonfarm payroll employment declined by 100 jobs in February, following a gain of 9,600 jobs in January. Job losses in February were largest in manufacturing (-1,300 jobs) and financial activities (-1,000). Gains were largest in construction (+1,400 jobs), private educational services (+1,000), and government (+700).
Nondurable goods manufacturing experienced more job cuts than normal in both January and February. The industry employed 57,800 in February, which was close to its February totals of the prior two years. Food manufacturing comprises about half of nondurable goods manufacturing employment and, at 27,800 jobs in February, was close to its February totals of each of the past seven years. Meanwhile, durable goods manufacturing hasn’t gained much ground lately, as it has hovered close to 137,000 jobs during the past eight months. Recent gains in machinery manufacturing have been offset by declines in computer and electronic product manufacturing.
Construction employment rose sharply in February, reaching another record high of 122,700. The industry added 7,500 jobs, or 6.5%, over the past 12 months. Since February 2022, all published components of construction are up between 3.8% and 9.3%. The component that grew the fastest was building equipment contractors, which added 3,000 jobs, or 9.3%, in that time. Both components within construction of buildings grew close to 4%, with residential building construction up 800 jobs, or 3.8%, and nonresidential building construction up 500 jobs, or 4.3%.
Government employment rebounded above to its pre-pandemic high of early 2020, as it rose to 302,100 jobs in February. Local government education rose to 139,100 jobs in February, which was 6,500 jobs above its year-ago figure, and is now nearly back to its February 2020 total of 141,900. Local government, excluding education slowly expanded over the past eight months; it employed 97,700 in February.
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.7% in February, little changed from 4.8% in January. Oregon’s unemployment rate averaged 4.8% over the past six months. In February, the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 3.6%, from 3.4% in January.
Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the February county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, March 28, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for March on Wednesday, April 19.
Gresham company recalling frozen strawberry products linked to hepatitis A cases in Washington
Oregon health officials are working with federal partners to determine whether product has caused any illnesses in Oregon
PORTLAND, Ore.— Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham is recalling frozen “Organic Strawberries” sold at Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood and PCC Community Markets, and frozen “Organic Tropical Fruit Blend” sold at Trader Joe’s, due to an outbreak of hepatitis A illnesses.
Five outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Washington since March 13. The five cases occurred between November 11 and December 27, 2022, and two individuals required hospitalization. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone reported eating frozen organic strawberries.
Although no patients with hepatitis A in Oregon have been definitively linked to the consumption of these products, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) officials are monitoring the outbreak in Washington. In addition, OHA is interviewing persons diagnosed with hepatitis A to determine if any have consumed frozen berries.
“Since these products were available in Oregon stores, we want to let people know about them so they can take steps to protect themselves and their families,” said Ann Thomas, M.D., M.P.H., a public health physician in OHA’s Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section. “At this point, OHA is carefully investigating any new cases of hepatitis A virus to determine if they are associated with the outbreak, but we have not yet been able to link any Oregon cases to these products.”
The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the company continue their investigation into what caused the problem. In addition, the company is removing all inventories of the affected lot from sale.
“The company is voluntarily recalling the affected products and cooperating with the FDA,” said Karel Smit, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Program manager. “The purpose of the recall is to remove the products from commerce and prevent the public from consuming potentially affected products.”
Although no hepatitis A virus has been found in the products, consumers should stop eating the product, and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, or throw it away. Consumers with questions may contact the company at customer.service@scenicfruit.com.
Thomas said, “People who believe they’ve gotten sick from consuming frozen strawberries purchased at Costco or Trader Joe’s should contact a health care provider.”
Since 2014, Oregon has seen an average of 20 cases a year, with 2020 having the highest number at 29. Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), tiredness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (frequent watery bowel movements), dark urine, and light-colored bowel movements.
The disease varies in severity, with mild cases lasting two weeks or less and more severe cases lasting four to six weeks or longer. Hepatitis A infection can result in hospitalization. Some individuals, especially children, may not develop jaundice and may have a mild illness that can go unnoticed. However, even mildly ill people can be highly infectious. People with symptoms suggestive of hepatitis should consult a physician immediately, even if symptoms are mild.
For information about the national hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen strawberries, visit the CDC website. General information about hepatitis A is available on OHA’s and CDC’s websites.
Oregon Psilocybin Services issues state’s first licenses
PORTLAND, Ore. –Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued the state’s first psilocybin license as part of the nation’s first regulatory framework for psilocybin services. The manufacturer license was issued to a woman-owned business, Satori Farms PDX LLC, owned by Tori Armbrust. As the nation celebrates Women’s History Month, this woman-owned business will bring communities one step closer towards accessing psilocybin services in Oregon.
“We congratulate Tori Armbrust of Satori Farms PDX LLC for being issued the first psilocybin license in Oregon’s history and for representing women leading the way for the emerging psilocybin ecosystem,” says Oregon Psilocybin Services Section Manager Angie Allbee. “We are committed to fostering an inclusive partnership with our regulated community to ensure safe, effective and equitable psilocybin services throughout the state.”
The role of Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) is to license psilocybin facilitators, manufacturers, service centers and laboratories, while ensuring that those licensees and their workers comply with Oregon law. OPS began accepting applications for the four license types on January 2, 2023. OPS expects to issue additional licenses to laboratories, service centers and facilitators in the coming months.
Anyone interested in accessing psilocybin services can find service centers and facilitators once they are licensed on the OPS Licensee Directory website. The directory will contain licensee names and contact details for all licensees that have requested to have their information published. This may also provide opportunities for licensed psilocybin businesses to connect.
Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) has also begun publishing a Weekly Report on Applications for Licenses and Worker Permits. The new weekly report includes information about total number of applications received by type and status. OPS will update the report on a weekly basis.
OPS encourages the public to visit the OPS website for more information and to sign up for updates on the section’s work.
For the latest updates, subscribe to the Oregon Psilocybin Services distribution list at: oregon.gov/psilocybin
Spring Break Brings Popular Wildlife Program and Extended Hours to High Desert Museum
BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum celebrates spring break with special programs and extended hours beginning Saturday, March 25 through Sunday, April 2, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Visitors pay winter rates with summer hours through Friday, March 31. It’s made possible by Oregon College Savings Plan.
The popular indoor flight demonstration Sky Hunters returns to the E.L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. Visitors can experience powerful predators close up as raptors fly just overhead, showcasing the birds’ agility and grace. The program runs from Saturday, March 25 – Saturday, April 1 with demonstrations daily at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. Tickets are $7 and available at Admissions. Museum members receive a 20 percent discount.
The Museum is excited to welcome special guests from the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife from Thursday, March 30 – Saturday, April 1. Visitors can find them at the Autzen Otter Exhibit sharing information and biofacts about sea otters and Pacific lamprey.
Spring break visitors will also be able to experience the Museum’s temporary exhibitions. The newest original exhibition is Creations of Spirit. Native artists created artwork to be used in Native communities before arriving at the Museum, and the art will be available to Native communities for use once again after the exhibition. It features acclaimed artists Joe Feddersen (Colville), RYAN! Feddersen (Colville), Natalie Kirk (Warm Springs), H’Klumaiyat Roberta Joy Kirk (Wasco, Warm Springs, Diné), Phillip Cash Cash, Ph.D., (Cayuse, Nez Perce), Jefferson Greene (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs) and Kelli Palmer (Wasco, Warm Springs). Creations of Spirit is a one-of-a-kind, celebratory experience featuring the stories of living works of art. highdesertmuseum.org/creations-of-spirit
Other temporary exhibitions include the original effort, Under the Snow. The exhibit, offered in English and Spanish, reveals the hidden world beneath the snow, called the subnivium. In this environment, animals create a matrix of tunnels to survive the winter’s frigid temperatures and hide from the predators that lurk above. The exhibit is filled with animations of animals and immerses the visitor in the winter landscape. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/under-the-snow.
And In the Arena: Photographs from America’s Only Touring Black Rodeo, will be open through June 25. Through the lens of San Francisco Bay area photographer Gabriela Hasbun, the exhibit documents the exhilarating atmosphere of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo—the only touring Black rodeo in the country—and the showstopping style and skill of the Black cowboys and cowgirls who compete in it year after year. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/in-the-arena.
Living history characters in period dress will be present during spring break, as well, from Saturday, March 25 – Saturday, April 1 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. They will share how they lived and supported themselves in the High Desert in 1904 and offer visitors opportunities to help with chores and play games. The encounters will take place outdoors at the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill or indoors in the Spirit of the West exhibit. The location is weather-dependent, and visitors are encouraged to check with Admissions upon arrival.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy two daily talks during spring break, the Natural History Walk and Otter Encounter. Other daily programs that usually take place in the pavilion will resume on Sunday, April 2.
More information on visiting the High Desert Museum is available at highdesertmuseum.org/visit-bend-oregon.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
