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
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Willamette Valley Weather
Today– A slight chance of rain between 2pm and 4pm. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 56. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday– Cloudy, with a high near 59. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday– Rain before 11am, then a chance of showers after 11am. Snow level 4000 feet lowering to 2500 feet in the afternoon . High near 49. South southwest wind around 7 mph becoming west northwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Sunday– A 20 percent chance of showers. Snow level 1900 feet rising to 2700 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.
Monday– A chance of rain, mainly before 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 55.
Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Two Springfield Police Officers
A family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against two Springfield police officers claiming excessive force after their loved one was shot and killed two years ago.
Police were called to the parking lot of the Best Buy store in Springfield in March 2020. They said Chase Brooks, 32, was yelling at people and trashing a car with a tire iron.
When police arrived, Brooks reportedly ran at Officer Eric Pardee, who ordered him to stop. Police said when Brooks continued to charge, the officer fired his gun, hitting Brooks twice. Lane County District Attorney Patty Perlow said the use of force was lawful. But in the lawsuit filed on behalf of the Brooks family, it says the officer shot Brooks within seconds of getting out of his vehicle, even though Brooks was just walking to his vehicle and was not holding the tire iron in a threatening position.
Brian Michaels, who said police didn’t do enough to de-escalate the situation and said Pardee rushed to the use of deadly force.
“The fact that Pardee got out of his car and within two seconds, killed him with three shots to the heart, says a lot about the police use of force, rather than de-escalating,” Michaels said.
The suit also claims the officer should have used non-lethal force like bean bags or a Taser to stop a man who hadn’t hit or threatened anyone. According to the lawsuit, Brooks wasn’t trashing a vehicle with the tire iron. He was using it to break his windshield because it needed to be replaced, they said.
Also, Brooks could reportedly be seen on video going back and forth to his toolbox in the bed of his truck. The family is seeking up to $10 million in damages.
Eugene Police Seek Help in Tracking Down Person in Road Rage Incident
The Eugene Police Department is seeking help tracking down a person involved in a hit and run incident that may be a road rage incident.
On March 14 at approximately 10:10 p.m., a pedestrian-vehicle crash was reported at Beltline and W. 11th Avenue in Eugene. A 29-year-old Eugene man, was hurt after being hit by a vehicle.
Investigators believe the injured man was in a road rage incident, and had got out of his vehicle to approach an unknown, lifted, two-tone, single cab truck.
Based on video footage, the suspect vehicle struck the victim and then fled westbound on W. 11th Avenue. The involved truck may or may not have corresponding damage.
The injured man was taken to a local hospital where he remains with life-threatening injuries.
Eugene Police Major Collision Investigation team is asking for the public’s helping in identifying and locating the involved driver and truck.
They are looking for any additional video footage or witnesses.
Please contact Officer Allison Jordan with any relevant tips in this case: 541-682-5154 extension 1463, or AMJordan@eugene-or.gov
Oregon reports 355 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 35 new deaths
PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 35 new COVID-19-related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 6,933, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.
OHA reported 355 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 700,660.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (7), Clackamas (14), Clatsop (6), Columbia (8), Coos (5), Crook (1), Curry (3), Deschutes (24), Douglas (16), Grant (3), Hood River (6), Jackson (19), Jefferson (1), Josephine (11), Klamath (9), Lake (1), Lane (29), Lincoln (5), Linn (16), Malheur (3), Marion (33), Morrow (1), Multnomah (74), Polk (4), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (2), Wasco (3), Washington (43), and Yamhill (6).
Cases down 43% last week and hospitalizations drop 21%, but deaths up 16%
OHA reported 2,185 new cases of COVID-19 during the week of Monday, March 7, through Sunday, March 13 – a 43% decline from the previous week, and a 96% drop from the COVID-19 peak case level recorded during the week of Jan. 17-23.
There were 225 COVID-19-related hospitalizations, a 21% decrease over the previous week. There were 142 COVID-19-related deaths, a 16% increase over last week.
Reported COVID-19 test results dropped 17% compared to the previous week. There were 95,348 tests administered. Test positivity dropped to 3.3%.
Wednesday’s COVID-19 Weekly Outbreak Report shows 143 total active outbreaks in care facilities, senior living communities and congregate living settings, with three or more confirmed COVID-19 cases or one or more COVID-19-related deaths.
Three Sites in Oregon Selected for Cutting-Edge Energy Storage Program
Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., announced this week that Warm Springs, Talent and Pendleton have been selected by federal officials to participate in a cutting-edge energy storage program to increase energy resilience in the face of increasingly dangerous weather events and a changing climate.
“Building out energy storage capacity is key as families in Oregon and across the nation have suffered severe impacts in recent years from the climate emergency in their communities – some losing power for days because of winter storms, and others losing their homes because of wildfires sparked by downed power lines,” said Wyden, who has introduced crucial legislation to harden power grids nationwide. “I am gratified Warm Springs, Talent and Pendleton qualify for consideration to receive assistance to build energy storage capacity. The climate fight must include a significant investment in keeping the lights on through extreme weather events to come.”
“Climate chaos is here and the ramifications of extreme temperatures, megafires, and floods have not only been destructive but have left many communities without power over the years,” said Merkley. “Strengthening our energy storage capacity is an important step to keeping lights on in our businesses, schools, and homes. I’m grateful these three Oregonian communities are leading the way and will be considered to receive additional assistance to increase storage capacity. These weather events aren’t going to disappear overnight, and I will continue to do everything I can to secure the necessary resources to ensure our community’s energy sources are safe and dependable.”
The assistance for the three Oregon communities and 11 others comes from the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity (DOE) Energy Storage for Social Equity (ES4SE) Initiative. The ES4SE supports underserved communities’ use of energy storage as a means of increasing resilience and maximizing energy flexibility in the face of a changing climate.
Selected as part of the first phase, these communities will receive technical support to better assess their energy challenges, evaluate solutions, and find partners to support the community in meeting its energy goals.
The second phase will focus on energy storage project development and deployment, where up to five communities within this group will be selected to begin installing and commissioning their projects.
Nationally, more than 65 percent of low-income households face a high energy burden and more than 30 percent of all households have experienced some form of energy insecurity. The ES4SE program will help communities make an equitable energy transition that prioritizes economic prosperity and environmental justice.
Along with the Warm Springs Community Action Team from Warm Springs, Rogue Climate from Talent, and Coyote Steals Fire Energy Group from Pendleton, other selected participants are as follows:
- Native Renewable from Flagstaff, Ariz.
- Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community and Western Energy Development from Trinidad, Calif.
- Ayika Solutions Incorporated from Atlanta, Ga.
- Ho??hu Energy Cooperative Molokai from Kaunakakai, Hawaii
- Together New Orleans from New Orleans, La.
- Honor the Earth from Callaway, Minn.
- Coast Electric Power Association from Kiln, Miss.
- Joule Community Power and Open Door Mission from Rochester, N.Y.?
- Makah Tribe from Neah Bay, Wa.
- Klickitat Valley Health from Goldendale, Wa.?
- Oneida Nation from Oneida, Wis.
“These 14 organizations have shown admirable motivation to address the inequities plaguing their local energy systems and bring prosperity and quality of life to their communities,” said Dr. Imre Gyuk, director of OE’s Energy Storage Research in a DOE press release. “Community perspectives and voices should be widely acknowledged as we invest and plan our energy future.”
“Coyote Steals Fire Energy Group (CSF Energy) is supporting the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation with the installation of a solar PV powered microgrid with energy storage capabilities for the Tribal community. CSF Energy is a Umatilla Tribal Member owned energy project management and consulting firm based in Pendleton, Oregon that’s been bringing energy to the people since 2021. The project team extends its sincere gratitude to all those who have supported this endeavor, including the Energy Storage for Social Equity technical assistance program and Oregon Senators Wyden and Merkley,” said Patrick F. Mills, Vice President of Operations at Coyote Steals Fire Energy Group.
“Rogue Climate sees this as a great opportunity to begin work on the resiliency and storage aspects of the City of Talent’s Clean Energy Plan. In the aftermath of the Almeda fire, incorporating resilience is more urgent than ever. Talent aims to include clean energy infrastructure in the rebuilding process with an equity framework at the forefront, and the technical assistance with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will help us prioritize those who will benefit most from a more affordable and resilient energy system, while allowing our City Planning Department to prioritize their energy on rebuilding and bringing our community members back home. We are excited for this opportunity to work closely with the City of Talent, Solarize Rogue, and PNNL to create a shovel-ready project that the city can implement going forward,” said Maeve Hogan, Rogue Climate’s RARE AmeriCorps Resilience Organizer.
Governor Brown Signed $100 Million Dollar Childcare Bill
Governor Brown signed a $100 million dollar childcare bill Wednesday in Bend. During a visit to Bloom Children’s Center, the Governor signed the legislation, House Bill 40-05, to fund childcare services. During remarks before the signing, Governor Brown said access to childcare is the biggest barrier parents’ face when returning to the
workforce.
The bill provides $21 million for childcare workforce recruitment and retention; a $22 million dollar grant to expand provider capacity to serve more children; and $17.3 million to community-based organizations to launch new providers. The bill provides $27 million to increase childcare subsidy rates to 2020. market rates.
Brown later toured the Health Careers Center and paramedicine facilities at Central Oregon Community College, which will also receive funds through the Future Ready Oregon package. The initiative supports Oregon’s workers hit hardest by the pandemic by connecting them to good-paying careers in health care, manufacturing, and technology.
Oregon Audit Finds Mortgage Interest Deduction Benefits the Wealthy
An Oregon state audit says the mortgage interest deduction from taxes for homeowners “mostly benefits wealthy, white homeowners in the urban counties.” Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan’s office performed the audit, calling the tax benefit “Oregon’s largest housing subsidy — the $1.1 billion mortgage interest deduction.” The audit
released called the State’s 99-year-old home mortgage interest deduction “a deeply inequitable and regressive tax policy.”
The deduction allows some homeowners to reduce taxable income by the amount of interest paid on mortgages up to $750,000, including mortgages on vacation homes. The mortgage interest deduction has been law in Oregon since 1923 but had not been audited.
Fagan’s office says, “This biennium the deduction is expected to cost taxpayers over $1.1 billion. Auditors analyzed the benefits of the mortgage interest deduction by income, geography, and race and found a disproportionate share of the benefits flow to the wealthiest taxpayers,”
Oregon Office of Emergency Management encourages public to “Know Before You Go” for springtime outdoor recreation
SALEM, Ore. — March 16, 2022 — Springtime in Oregon offers beautiful scenery to explore, but the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) cautions it can also be dangerous. Camping, hiking, boating and other recreation adventures can result in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations to find and assist those who have become lost or injured. OEM encourages spring breakers and outdoor enthusiasts to “Know Before You Go” to keep themselves and their loved ones safe with advanced planning and preparation.
“On average, more than 1,000 SAR missions are conducted each year in Oregon, and over the last decade, 99% of people needing SAR assistance lived outside the county where they were rescued,” said State Search and Rescue Coordinator Scott Lucas. “Lack of preparedness is often the common denominator. People should know their physical limits and plan for activities that won’t exceed their experience to avoid becoming a search and rescue statistic.”
Whether traveling for a few hours or a week, having a plan will help explorers be prepared for any Oregon adventure. Before heading out, OEM recommends the following best practices:
- Look up the destination and get familiar with the area.
- Check weather conditions.
- Download maps to a cell phone or print them in case there is no cell service.
- Check Tripcheck.com or call 511 for road conditions.
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on cell phones.
- Check Oregon’s Recreation Site Status Map before traveling to confirm the destination is open.
- Bring clothing layers and footwear appropriate for the weather and terrain.
- Pack the proper equipment and extra food, water and supplies.
- Have an emergency kit and cell phone charger in the vehicle.
- Travel with a companion.
- Share travel plans with someone, including the destination and estimated return.
“We want everyone, including Oregonians and visitors, to get outside and discover all our state has to offer,” said Oregon Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Cailin O’Brien-Feeney. “We also want them to do so safely. Recent COVID-19 restrictions and wildfire damage have led people to explore unfamiliar terrain when recreating. We encourage people to be prepared for their next adventure so they can minimize their impact on the communities they visit.”
Spring sunshine sends many travelers to Oregon’s beaches, lakes and rivers where the water is still cold — usually around 50 degrees. Anyone near the water should always wear a life jacket; check the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB)’s map of life jacket loaner stations to borrow for the day if you don’t have your own. Life jackets greatly reduce the risk of drowning due to cold water shock.
“Boating on Oregon’s waterways is thrilling and fun, but it also takes skill and know-how because conditions can change quickly,” said OSMB Public Information Officer Ashley Massey. “Being prepared with the right equipment and checking for any reported obstructions will go a long way to making sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.”
Oregon’s SAR program supports the broad spectrum of search and rescue operations throughout the state, including coordinating activities of state and federal agencies involved in search and rescue and providing on-scene search and rescue efforts when requested. There is no charge for SAR calls. In case of emergencies, dial 9-1-1; most Oregon counties also accept texts to 9-1-1.
You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, call 971-719-1183 or email language@oem.or.us. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711. Oregon Office of Emergency Management
Former Tribal CEO Pleads Guilty to Theft and Fraud Charges
The former CEO of an Oregon tribal economic development group has pleaded guilty to theft and fraud charges for illegally sending contracts for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to a construction firm he created.
Roderick Ariwite, 66, pleaded guilty to theft of funds from a tribal organization and an interstate fraud charge, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Oregon. Ariwite was the former CEO of the Warm Springs Economic Development Corp. The group also operated under the name Warm Springs Ventures. Both entities operated business ventures on for the Oregon tribe.
The Warm Springs tribes’ reservation is located north of Bend. The confederation is made up three Pacific Northwest tribes. Its business ventures include a casino, hotel, cannabis growing, construction operation, and financial services group.
According to federal prosecutors, Ariwite and Thomas Valentino Adams, 49, a Nevada resident and the former manager of a construction firm operated by the tribe created their construction company called Warbonnet Construction Services LLC.
Fuel Costs Still Climbing
Fuel costs in Oregon are still climbing to historic highs, but the price increases were less steep this week as oil prices begin to tumble. According to a weekly report by AAA, the Oregon average rose 15 cents this week, reaching $4.74. That’s higher than the national average, which rose 14 cents this week to reach $4.32.
Last week, Oregon’s average price was $4.58, a 55-cent increase from the week before. Gas prices have been climbing steadily for the past month and is being blamed due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed heavy sanctions on Russia, one of the world’s largest producers of oil. Only 8% of U.S. imports of oil and refined products, or about 672,000 barrels a day, came from Russia last year.
The highest average gas price in Oregon was in Josephine County, at $4.95 per gallon. Portland’s average
was $4.79 this week. Meanwhile, in a published story from the Associated Press, Misleading graphics shared on Facebook are falsely claiming that gas prices in the United States are “skyrocketing” because President Joe Biden “shut down” U.S. oil production. This is flatly untrue, at least according to the AP. The AP story claims the U.S. remains the world’s biggest producer of crude oil, said Mark Finley, a fellow in energy and global oil at Rice University in Houston.
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/