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, September 15, 2022
Willamette Valley Weather
Report Of Armed Suspect Prompts Lockdown At Bushnell University And Peacehealth University Hospital
The Eugene Police Department reports that at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday “Eugene Police received a call from a person about a man in a mental health crisis who was reported to have a gun and in the area of Bushnell University and University District Hospital. Both were locked down. After investigating, the locations were advised they could lift their lockdowns. The man in crisis was being driven to a local hospital for treatment.”—
Update #1 (2:00 p.m.): UO ALERTS is giving the all clear on the potential armed suspect at PeaceHealth University District Hospital.
Original Release: The University of Oregon ALERTS page is reporting a lockdown of PeaceHealth University District Hospital and Bushnell University due to a potential armed suspect.
Law enforcement is responding and residents are asked to avoid the area. If you can provide information about the incident, call 911.
Eugene Police Respond To Fight At Winco On Barger
Two individuals from Portland were arrested Tuesday after a fight with loss prevention personnel at a local grocery store, according to the Eugene Police Department.
Eugene police said they responded to a report of two people fighting with loss prevention officers at the WinCo grocery store at 4275 Barger Drive in the evening of September 13. EPD officials said the suspects were identified as Julia Rosemaire Hungerford, 30, and Serif Douglas Norton Paradigm, 34, both of Portland.
Hungerford was reported to be struggling with a loss prevention member and Paradigm allegedly became involved. Police said Paradigm then knocked over a loss prevention officer, stabbed them with a pen, and then fled the scene in a sedan.
Officials say they then followed and detained Paradigm after he crashed his car and tried to flee on foot. Paradigm was taken to the Lane County Jail on charges of second-degree robbery, second-degree attempted assault, third-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, harassment, and second-degree criminal mischief. Hungerford was also jailed on a charge of second-degree robbery.
Man Arrested in Creswell Shooting Arrows at People
On 09/13/22 at approximately 11:28pm, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a disorderly person armed with a bow and arrows at a mobile home park in the 82000blk of Davisson Rd. south of Creswell. The caller further stated that the male had put on an army helmet at one point.
The Sheriff’s Office received additional calls from other residents stating that the male was on the roof of a residence, shooting arrows at people. One caller reported that the male yelled that he was going to shoot the property manager. The involved male was identified as 29 year old Jose Deleon.
Deputies arrived on scene and observed Deleon on the roof, now appearing to be unarmed. He refused to communicate with deputies. At one point, he jumped down onto the ground and ran from deputies. He ran for several hundred feet before jumping into a blackberry thicket and eventually giving up.
Deleon was taken into custody at which time deputies discovered that he had also been wearing ballistic body armor during the incident. Deputies located arrows scattered throughout the park consistent with having been recently shot from Deleon. At least one arrow was found stuck into the side of another residence.
Deleon was transported to the Lane County Jail where he was lodged on charges including: Menacing, Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Reckless Endangering, Interfering with a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Assault in the 4th Degree, Disorderly Conduct in the 1st Degree, Attempted Escape in the 3rd Degree, and Attempted Assault in the 1st Degree.
Fire Danger on the Decline
Expect cool moist weather to continue through the weekend as the region stays under an upper-level trough. Sunday
appears to be the coolest day across the region with high temperatures expected be as much as 20 degrees below
normal in Southcentral Oregon.
Periodic light showers and isolated wet thunderstorms will continue around the region for the next few days. General winds are expected to be light again today but will increase tomorrow as another trough slides down the coast, merging with the trough currently over the region. Wet thunderstorms are expected again this afternoon and evening over Eastern Oregon. The storms could generate some gusty outflow winds.
Saturday a cut-off low will form at the base of the upper-level trough and move down along the California coast. Most weather models move the trough east by early next week, with high pressure building behind it. If this materializes, a warming and drying trend could start by mid-week.
Fire danger is on the decline with the cool moist weather and no critical fire weather patterns are on the horizon. As such, the potential for new significant fires will be at or below normal risk into next week.
Cedar Creek Fire
As of 5:30 AM, there are currently 2152 firefighting personnel working to contain the #CedarCreekFire. The fire is now 92,596 acres and 0% contained. Resources assigned include: 92 Engines 36 Handcrews 24 Dozers 30 Masticators 19 Helicopters 3 Scoopers 2 Air Attack Platforms Photo of the Day
– Thursday, September 15, 2022: Up early and staying up late is the name of the game for lead operations personnel making the plans for continuing fire suppression efforts on the Cedar Creek Fire.
Branch and Division leads gather around the map table to discuss ongoing tactics and plans for the next day. This is part of the constant effort to improve performance, learn from mistakes, and ultimately fight fire aggressively having provided for safety first. Check out continuing coverage of the fire here on facebook as well as our youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/c/CedarCreekFire#cedarcreekfire2022#oregonwildfires
Double Creek Fire: 157,088 acres | 23% contained |759 personnel assigned
The lightning caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, and the protection of lives and property
remain the primary objectives of this incident. Firefighters working the north end of the fire were busy
yesterday responding to a new start.
They also worked on connecting the fire line between Horse Creek and Lightning Creek, down to Dunbar Road, to protect private structures in the area. Crews continued working on the north end of the fire that spotted over the Imnaha River on September 10. They continue to strengthen fireline and perform mop up operations.
Fire managers are anticipating that the spot fire will be in patrol status soon. Today, crews in the south will continue working on the Morgan Ridge trail system and work on creating a north-south fireline on Saddle Road. This will help build additional protection for Imnaha River Woods if the fire were to move further south.
Rum Creek Fire
92,596 acres 0% containment. Updated Road Closure Map for the #RumCreekFire, Thursday, September 15:
As evacuation levels are downgraded and residents return home, there are some tips on how to ensure the return home is a safe one for everyone.
Firefighters are still working throughout the area, so please be careful and drive with caution as fire personnel and apparatus are sharing the roads with you.
If your property was impacted by the fire keep these things in mind as you return home:
– Inspect your home prior to turning on electric or gas/propane service. Ensure there are no leaks before turning the electricity back on.
– Check your attic, crawl spaces, under decks, and inside gutters for smoldering embers. Wind can carry embers well outside the burn area where they collect and can hold heat for several days.
– Trees impacted by fire may be weakened or have their roots damaged, they can fall at any time with little to no wind- Stumps and roots can burn deep or underground for long periods of time, avoid the area around them as hollow areas can collapse and may hold residual heat
– Stay informed on expected weather as burned areas can experience flooding and mudslides due to the loss of vegetation. Have a plan to leave if the fire conditions change or the weather becomes threatening.
– Smoke will be visible from the interior of the fire even after it is contained. Pay attention to your surroundings and call 911 if you believe the smoke is outside the fire perimeter.
As the #RumCreekFire continues to move towards full containment, please remember that many of the conditions that enabled this fire to grow quickly are still present. Be cautious with fire and anything that may cause a spark to help prevent another fire from starting.
We’re tracking data to understand the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon. This dashboard is updated weekly.Data are provisional and subject to change.For more information, including COVID-19 data by county, visit http://ow.ly/oTmg50KJGtR.
Oregon State Police alerting the public of an armed and dangerous suspect last seen in SE Oregon
On September 14, 2022 at approximately 10:19 AM, the Oregon State Police were advised Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was in pursuit of an armed and dangerous suspect that had committed multiple violent felonies from Salt Lake City, Utah to Elko, Nevada. The vehicle entered Oregon on Hwy 140 and was last seen northbound from Plush, OR.
The vehicle and suspect have not been located. The vehicle is described as burnt orange/silver 2001 Dodge Dakota 4-door. The plate is Nevada-436 NTR. The suspect is described as a white male adult, approximately 6 feet tall with a thin build, and beard. His clothing has been described as black jacket, brown pants with a baseball cap. The pants were also described as tan camouflage.
The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous, having committed prior home invasions and car-jackings. He should not be approached and if seen call 911 or contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at 800-442-0776 or OSP (677) from your mobile phone.
Oregon households who receive SNAP and lost food due to wildfire evacuations or public safety power shutoffs may be eligible for replacement benefits
(Salem) – Oregonians who lost food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the recent public safety power shutoffs or wildfire evacuations are encouraged to request replacement benefits from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
Households who receive SNAP who lost or disposed of food that was unsafe to eat due to these events can request that replacement benefits be issued for the cost of the food lost. They may request to replace food benefits equal to one month of the normal benefit amount for the household.
Replacement benefits must be requested within 10 calendar days of the food loss by:
- Calling (800) 699-9075
- Email: kshare@dhsoha.state.or.us“>SSP.StatewideWorkshare@dhsoha.state.or.us
Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the households existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at benefits.oregon.gov. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.
SAIF declares $75 million dividend
Wednesday the SAIF board of directors declared a $75 million dividend for its policyholders.
SAIF determines whether a policyholder dividend is appropriate based on capital levels, claim trends, and the overall economic environment.
“Like all Oregon businesses, SAIF is cautious about current economic trends,” said Chip Terhune, president and CEO of SAIF. “However, after careful consideration, we felt declaring this dividend was the right thing to do to serve our policyholders.”
The dividend will be based on premium for policies whose term ended in 2021 and will be distributed in October. This is the 13th year in a row SAIF has been able to offer a dividend, and the 25th dividend since 1990.
As a not-for-profit with a public mission to make workers’ compensation coverage available, accessible, and affordable, SAIF is one of the only insurance carriers in Oregon that has regularly returned dividends to policyholders. For SAIF, it’s an important part of our value to customers.
SAIF is able to pay dividends because of its solid financial position and continued success in managing workplace safety and health and controlling losses.
50,960 policyholders will receive the dividend.
About SAIF – SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, we’ve been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.
Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.7% in August
Oregon’s unemployment rate rose to 3.7% in August from 3.5% in July. This was the first increase in Oregon’s unemployment rate since April 2020. The U.S. unemployment rate was the same as in Oregon, at 3.7% in August and 3.5% in July. Over the past six months, Oregon’s unemployment rate has remained low by historic standards, averaging 3.6% during that period.
In Oregon, nonfarm payroll employment grew by 9,300 in August, following an upwardly revised gain of 13,000 jobs in July. Monthly gains in August were largest in government (+3,800 jobs), leisure and hospitality (+1,900), construction (+1,400), professional and business services (+1,000), and manufacturing (+900). Other services (-800 jobs) and financial activities (-700) were the only major industries that shed more than 500 jobs.
With the rapid gains in total nonfarm payroll jobs in July and August, Oregon reached a record employment total of 1,974,700 jobs in August, which was 2,500 jobs above the pre-pandemic peak reached in February 2020. The private sector has also regained all of the jobs it lost during the pandemic recession.
Over the past 12 months, total nonfarm payroll employment grew by 74,800 jobs, or 3.9%. The following industries are powering the recovery, as each added more than 6,000 jobs while expanding at a faster rate than total nonfarm: leisure and hospitality (+18,500 jobs, or 9.9%), construction (+9,600 jobs, or 8.7%), manufacturing (+9,900 jobs, or 5.3%), and professional and business services (+11,700 jobs, or 4.7%).
Local government strayed from its usual seasonal pattern as local schools experienced fewer summer job reductions than normal, adding jobs in both July and August. This trend followed the first six months of the year, when local government employment averaged nearly 12,000 fewer jobs than in 2019, prior to the recession. But with fewer short-term job reductions in July and August of this year, local government education employed a total of 108,600 in August, which was 2,500 above its level in August 2019.
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. Everyone has
a right to use OED programs and services. OED provides free help. Some examples are: Sign
language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, braille,
large print, audio and other formats. If you need help, please call 971-673-6400. TTY users
call 711. You can also ask for help at OED_Communications@employ.oregon.gov.
Portland General Electric (PGE) contractors will knock down the 656-foot-tall stack and boiler at the Boardman coal plant today – Oregon’s last coal fired power plant, which ceased operations in 2020.
Careful placement of explosives, handled by engineers and explosive specialists, will allow the stack and boiler to complete a controlled fall within a specified location. Explosives placed at the base of the stack and around the supporting structure of the boiler will be triggered within seconds of each other, causing the stack and boiler to come down quickly; the demolition is expected to take less than a minute.
The demolition will take place at 10 a.m. this morning. The demolition will be livestreamed, available for viewing on PGE’s Facebook and YouTube channel.
From 1980 to 2020, the Boardman plant provided safe, affordable and reliable energy to Oregon. Boardman’s closure has been factored into PGE’s plans since 2010, and the utility has implemented resource plans to ensure an ongoing reliable supply of power for customers. These plans focus on renewables and other non-emitting, clean energy resources, including Wheatridge – a first-of-its kind wind, solar and battery storage plant less than 30 miles away.
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.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/
