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, March 15, 2022
Willamette Valley Weather
Today– A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. West southwest wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Wednesday– Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Light and variable wind.
Thursday– A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly before 5pm. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 55. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Friday– A slight chance of showers before 11am, then a chance of rain after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday– Rain, mainly before 2pm, then showers likely after 2pm. Snow level 3700 feet lowering to 2700 feet in the afternoon . Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.
Multiple Wrecks Around Lane County Monday Evening
The area saw rainy weather and wet roads Monday evening and the slick roads are likely responsible for several traffic accidents Monday night.
Multiple crashes were reported Monday evening starting around 7:30. At least five accidents were reported in Eugene, including a crash on the Beltline, and another on 7th Avenue and Washington.
A crash was also reported in Springfield and another near Walton on Highway 126 just west of Eugene. There was no word on injuries.
Eugene Man Indicted for Illegally Importing and Exporting Live Scorpions
A Eugene, Oregon man who formerly resided in Southern Oregon pleaded guilty today in federal court to violating the Lacey Act by illegally importing and exporting hundreds of live scorpions.
Darren Dennis Drake, 39, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to commit Lacey Act violations, a federal misdemeanor.
According to court documents, between September 4, 2017 and March 21, 2018, Drake imported and exported dozens of live scorpions from and to contacts in Germany without first obtaining an import-export license from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
On one parcel intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Drake falsely labeled the package contents as “chocolates.” Drake also mailed or received several hundred live scorpions from other U.S. states, including Michigan and Texas, in violation of federal mailing laws.
On February 23, 2022, Drake was charged by criminal information with conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act.
Drake faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine and three years’ supervised release. He will be sentenced on June 22, 2022 before U.S. District Court Judge Ann L. Aiken.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FWS Office of Law Enforcement with assistance from CBP and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for protecting America’s wildlife from poaching, illegal commercialization, and other kinds of wildlife crime. If you have information related to a wildlife crime, please call 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477) or email fws_tips@fws.gov.
Grant Money Available To Help Those Affected By 2020 Wildfires To Be More Fire-Resistant When Rebuilding
Oregon homes and businesses damaged or destroyed by the 2020 wildfires can get financial help through a state and multi-county partnership.
Eight counties and the Oregon Building Codes Division are coordinating a grant program for rebuilding costs. Examples include $2200 towards roofing, and $350 for ventilation.
Mark Peterson of the Oregon Department of Consumer Business Services says this is all part of what’s called fire hardening.
“Fire hardening can include actions that can be taken to make a home or business more resistant to the damage from a wildfire, such as using materials for siding and roofing that resist ignition during a wildfire,” said Peterson. “Installing fire-resistant windows to protect openings, or using attic ventilation devices to help reduce ember intrusion.”
Peterson adds if someone has already started or finished their rebuilding efforts, they can still apply for over 6-thousand dollars in grant money.
The eligible counties are Lane, Clackamas, Klamath, Douglas, Jackson, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion.
Information can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/Pages/firehardening.aspx
Oregon reports 775 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 16 new deaths
PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 16 new COVID-19-related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 6,885, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.
OHA reported 775 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 699,960.
The 16 new deaths and 775 new cases reported today include data recorded by counties for the three-day period between March 11 and March 13.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (4), Clackamas (104), Clatsop (5), Columbia (6), Coos (15), Crook (2), Curry (4), Deschutes (64), Douglas (15), Grant (17), Harney (1), Hood River (3), Jackson (45), Jefferson (1), Josephine (23), Klamath (10), Lane (82), Lincoln (3), Linn (20), Malheur (1), Marion (44), Multnomah (167), Polk (12), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (7), Wallowa (6), Wasco (4), Washington (90) and Yamhill (15).
Oregon reports 460 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on March 11, 177 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on March 12 and 138 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on March 13.
Last week, OHA launched Oregon RISE (Resilience in Support of Equity), Oregon’s post-pandemic resilience plan.A five-point plan, RISE outlines near-term priorities Oregon will pursue to monitor COVID-19, shield people at highest risk, reinvigorate communities and repair the state’s social fabric as public health interventions fall away over the coming months.To learn more, visit https://govstatus.egov.com/or-oha-rise.
Former Oregon Corrections Official Indicted for Sexually Assaulting a Dozen Female Inmates While Serving as a Nurse
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal indictment was unsealed today charging a former Oregon Department of Corrections employee with sexually assaulting a dozen female inmates while serving as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF), Oregon’s only women’s prison.
Tony Daniel Klein, 37, of Clackamas County, Oregon, is charged with 21 counts of depriving the victims of their constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by sexually assaulting them. The indictment alleges that from 2016 through 2017, Klein committed various forms of sexual assault, some of which included aggravated sexual abuse and some resulting in bodily injury. Klein is also charged with four counts of perjury for giving false testimony during a 2019 deposition related to a federal lawsuit alleging he committed sexual misconduct while serving as a corrections nurse.
If convicted, Klein faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office with assistance from the Oregon State Police and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Rykken and Hannah Horsley of the District of Oregon, and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Cameron A. Bell of the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Oregon
Portland Tax Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing False Tax Returns and Stealing Public Benefits
A Portland, Oregon tax return preparer was sentenced to federal prison today for preparing and filing false and fraudulent tax returns for clients and for herself.
Elizabeth Munoz, 38, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Munoz was also ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution to the IRS and $82,400 to the Oregon Department of Human Services.
According to court documents, from 2015 to 2018, Munoz operated a federal and state income tax return preparation business from her home in Southeast Portland. Munoz advertised on business cards that she would obtain for her clients the “Biggest Refund Guaranteed.” Munoz prepared more than 1,300 false and fraudulent individual income tax returns for more than 600 clients, resulting in an approximately $1.8 million tax loss through fraudulent refunds.
Munoz used fraudulent tax schedules, tax credits, and filing statuses to carry out her refund fraud. Though Munoz charged her clients up to $150 per tax return, she reported no business income on her own personal income tax returns from 2014 through 2017, causing a $22,764 tax loss. Munoz additionally submitted six years’ worth of false applications to obtain more than $82,000 in public benefits designed to support poor and indigent community members.
On August 5, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 25-count indictment charging Munoz with filing false income tax returns and aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns. On December 15, 2020, Munoz pleaded guilty to 13 counts of preparing and filing false income tax returns for clients and four counts of filing false income tax returns for herself.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement. This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI) and prosecuted by Seth D. Uram, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
IRS:CI reminds taxpayers to be careful when selecting a tax professional. Though most tax professionals provide honest, high-quality service, a minority of dishonest preparers operate each filing season perpetrating refund fraud, identity theft and other scams that hurt innocent taxpayers. Well-intentioned taxpayers can be misled by preparers who deceive people into taking credits or deductions they aren’t entitled to claim.
Resources to help taxpayers, including tips on choosing a preparer, the differences in credentials and qualifications, as well as how to submit a complaint regarding an unscrupulous tax return preparer, are available at www.irs.gov/chooseataxpro.
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Artist-in-Residence Program Seeking Applications
Officials with the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument are accepting applications for its summer Artist-in-Residence program. Selected artists receive a one to two-week residency at CSNM during early summer. Artists will create while immersed in a beautiful environment, and share their works with the public. All artists are encouraged to apply, and there is no preference given to any particular style or medium.
“Each year we celebrate new perspectives,” said Joel Brumm, Assistant Monument Manager. “Artists have a unique viewpoint on these special areas, and they provide a fascinating window into our relationship with public lands.”
The Artist-in-Residence program is in its sixth year and has translated the monument’s natural and cultural resources into images, objects and performances.
“These artists have brought enjoyment to others and forged a deeper understanding of our nation’s treasured places,” said Brumm.
During their stay, artists share their vision in one public presentation. Following their residency, artists donate at least one digital image of their completed artwork to CSNM. CSNM holds a publishing copyright to donated digital imagery for promotional use to advance the residency program. The artist retains a non-exclusive use copyright.
One artist and one alternate will be selected based on the following criteria: entry materials, residency proposal, professionalism, and creative vision.
Interested artists can learn more information and an application at the Artist-in-Residence website (https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/artist-in-residence/air-sites/cascade-siskiyou), by e-mailing jbrumm@blm.gov, or by calling CSNM at (541) 618-2256. Detailed instructions are on the entry form. Applications must be postmarked by April 4, 2022. Application materials and sample artwork can also be submitted in a single email no larger than 15 mb to jbrumm@blm.gov.
Those wishing to learn more about the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument information can do so on the CSNM’s website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/national-monuments/oregon-washington/cascade-siskiyou
Respect Nesting Areas March 15-Sept. 15 To Protect Threatened Shorebird
Beachgoers are urged to help recovery efforts of the threatened western snowy plover by staying on the wet sand at snowy plover beaches during nesting season, March 15 – Sept. 15. Beachgoers will see ropes that identify sensitive plover nesting areas, as well as signs that identify restrictions to protect the small shorebirds during this period.
Plover beaches remain open to foot and equestrian traffic on wet, packed sand throughout the nesting season. All other recreation on plover beaches is off limits on both wet and dry sand, including walking your dog (even on a leash), driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, camping, burning wood or other materials, and flying kites or drones.
“We appreciate everyone’s help, it’s making a difference,” said Cindy Burns, Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist. “Research shows us that humans play an important role in the long-term success of the western snowy plover; if we can minimize our impact, this species has a greater chance of thriving.”
These small birds nest on open sand along Oregon’s beaches. Nests, and especially chicks, are well-camouflaged. During the nesting season, human disturbances can flush adult plovers away from their nests as they attempt to defend their young. Left alone too long, or too often, eggs or chicks can die from exposure, predators, or people.
Recreation restrictions occur in designated plover management areas: small stretches of beach along the entire coastline where plovers are nesting or could potentially nest. These areas collectively comprise about 40 miles of Oregon’s 362 miles of shoreline.
“Visitors will have access to hundreds of miles of beaches that have no seasonal restrictions,” said Laurel Hillmann, Ocean Shore Specialist for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “By planning your trip, you can enjoy the coast and help keep these special birds safe.”
Detailed maps can be found on the Oregon State Parks website (oregon.gov/plovers) and on the Siuslaw National Forest website (go.usa.gov/xEh2h). Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area can review maps at go.usa.gov/xdwYQ to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand.
The increase in plover numbers in recent years has resulted in nesting occurring in new or historical nesting sites, including at Sand Lake Recreation Area. Like last year, visitors to Sand Lake may see roped off areas near the lake’s inlet to protect active nests, and may encounter plovers on the beach. Beachgoers are encouraged to protect these birds by limiting recreation activities to wet sand areas near the water’s edge, staying out of roped off nesting areas, packing all trash out, and keeping dogs on leash.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed western snowy plovers as a threatened species in 1993, when officials counted only 55 breeding adults. The numbers of breeding adults have steadily increased since then, from 107 in 2003 to 604 in 2021.
Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).
Habitat loss from invasive plants — as well as human disturbances, including litter and discarded food scraps that attract predators — have contributed to the birds’ decline. The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, saveoregondunes.org, is working with land managers to develop and implement a restoration strategy as well as to raise public awareness about the need to restore the dunes ecosystem for snowy plover, rare plants and animals, and the unique recreation opportunities offered here.
Police Ask for Public’s Help in Search For Victim’s Roommate In Albany Homicide – A 42-year-old woman, the roommate of a 75-year-old man whose death was ruled a homicide, is wanted for questioning in the case, Albany police officials said.
Elvin “Al” Pierce was found dead by officers around 9:10 p.m. Friday after a 911 caller reported a man was unconscious and not breathing. Investigators at that time said the circumstances surrounding his death were suspicious.
APD said Pierce’s roommate, 42-year-old Elizabeth Nicole Tyler Jimenez, wasn’t there at the home when officers found Pierce dead and they don’t know where she is. Authorities did not specifically state whether Jimenez is a suspect or if there are any charges against her.
Pierce’s car, a tan 2004 Buick Park Avenue with Oregon license plate 081FAX, is also missing.
Jimenez, who investigators believe is currently without a job, is described as often visiting local soup kitchens. She also has skills as a masseuse and a seamstress, officials said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact APD at 541-917-7680 or APD Lt. Buck Pearce at 541-917-3209.
Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Asks for Public’s Help in Search For Trucker Suspect
The first real clue to come in on all the missing person cases in the area. Help Klamath Falls Oregon Sheriff Office ID this trucker. He was the last to see this woman alive and could be the key to not only solving this woman’s disappearance but a number of the hundred other women missing in PNW. IF you have any information, please call (541) 883-5130
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/