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
Monday, June 26, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
Lane County Sheriff’s Office Busts Illegal Grow Site
On June 20th, 2023, The Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) with assistance from the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) executed a search warrant in the 7400 block of Maple Creek in Westlake, Oregon. During the service of the search warrant deputies located and detained Chanh Nguyen on the property. A search of the property was conducted and over 2300 growing marijuana plants were located inside building on the property. There were several other growing rooms that had been recently harvested.
Deputies believe that Nguyen typically grew approximately 5000 marijuana plants at a time. Deputies also located and seized more than $20,000 in US Currency and a 2023 Dodge TRX truck valued at more than $80,000 that were believed to be proceeds of Nguyens illegal drug trade. Evidence on the property indicates the operation has been in progress for at least two years. Nguyen had been previously arrested in the state of Washington for similar crimes.
This property was not licensed through OLCC or OMMP to grow marijuana. It is believed that all the marijuana was shipped out of state and the investigation is ongoing. This operation used approximately 70,000 KWH hours of electricity per month. To put that in perspective the average home only uses approximately 1500-3000KWH per month.
LCSO was assisted on scene by Lane County Code Enforcement who found numerous violations to include:
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work without permits or inspections.
- Interior structural changes to existing agricultural buildings and single family dwelling without permits or inspections.
- Replacement of agricultural building without permits.
- Use of agricultural buildings for an unlawful purpose.
- Unsafe storage of hazardous materials, including CO2 tanks.
- Commercial marijuana growing in the Impacted Forestlands Zone without land use approval.
The State Watermaster also responded and found illegal water use occurring on the property and issued a notice of violation.
Nguyen was cited and released on marijuana related charges, money laundering charges are also being considered.
LCSO would like to thank the Florence Police Department, Lane County Public Works and the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency for their assistance.
This operation was funded by a grant from the State of Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to mitigate large scale illegal marijuana operations.
Mapleton Woman Arrested After Reporting She Killed Her Mother
Today the Lane County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible homicide in the 9400 block of Hwy 126W. The caller, Marsha Quesnell advised she had killed her mother Mona Tittle. When deputies arrived Marsha cooperated and was taken into custody without incident. Mona was located by deputies deceased inside the residence.
Marsha was lodged at Lane County Adult Corrections this afternoon on the charge of murder.
This is an ongoing investigation at this time but there is no ongoing danger to the community.
Lebanon Fire District Responds to Vegetation Fire
Lebanon firefighters responded near Grant Street bridge for a vegetation fire early Sunday evening. The on-duty Battalion Chief responded to the area after receiving a phone call about smoke along the river. The BC found an approximately three quarters to one acre fire burning in the brush and trees just east of the Grant Street bridge, approximately one quarter of a mile off the Brewster Rd.
The BC quickly called for additional fire crews to aid in extinguishing the blaze; a bulldozer from the Oregon Department of Forestry was requested due to the terrain and the difficulty getting fire apparatus into the area. A fire pump was set at the Santiam River and LFD crews were able to lay 2300 feet of supply line down an older dozer trail made the previous year from a similar fire in the area. Crews then were able to begin extinguishing after the dozer built a fire line around the blaze. Firefighters where on scene for four hours extinguishing and mopping up the fire. One brush unit remained on scene for the night to watch for flareups and to secure equipment that will be used in the morning to rework the area. No injuries were reported, and the fire remains under investigation at this time.
The Lebanon Fire District responded with 23 personnel on 12 apparatus. We were assisted by Albany Fire to provide coverage to the district during the event and were also supported by the Oregon Department of Forestry at the scene. LCSO assisted with traffic control, as well as the Linn County Road Department.
Lebanon Fire would like to remind everyone all outdoor fires should be continuously monitored, and on-site water should be available to prevent the fire from spreading. The seasonal backyard burn ban is in effect currently.
Oregon State Fire Marshal asks Oregonians to Keep Firework use Legal and Safe
“Keep it legal, keep it safe” is the message from the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM). The 2023 fireworks retail sales season begins June 23 and runs through July 6 in Oregon. The OSFM would like everyone to know which fireworks are legal to use, where fireworks can be used, and how to use them safely.
“We ask Oregonians to be responsible if they plan to use fireworks as part of their celebrations,” OSFM Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston said. “Every year, we see fires and injuries because of improper use of fireworks or illegal fireworks. Our message is simple: keep it legal and keep it safe.”
To reduce the risk of starting a fire, some local governments in Oregon have firework sales or use restrictions in place. Check your local regulations and follow them where you live or where you may be traveling to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Consumer-legal fireworks can only be purchased from permitted fireworks retailers and stands. State regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. People who plan to visit public lands and parks are asked to leave all fireworks at home. The possession and use of fireworks are prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, on U.S. Fish and Wildlife properties, on state beaches, in state parks, and in state campgrounds. Fireworks are also prohibited on many private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
For those who purchase legal fireworks, fire officials encourage everyone to practice the four Bs of safe fireworks use:
- Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
- Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks. Never use fireworks near or on dry grass or vegetation.
- Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Please wait 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
- Be aware: Use only legal fireworks in legal places.
Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit issued by the OSFM. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon without a permit. Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor which could result in a fine of up to $2,500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damages. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.
The OSFM has published resources on its website regarding the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, retail sale permits, and state rules for firework use and enforcement activities. Safety messaging and activities for kids can also be found on the OSFM’s fireworks page.
Oregon Senate Passes First Bill of Historic Package That Supports Hospital Staff, Rebuilds Workforce
In a show of strong bipartisan support, the Oregon Senate late Thursday evening passed by a 19 to 5 vote House Bill 2697, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that will make significant advances in hospital staffing and patient care.
The bill is now headed to the desk of Gov. Tina Kotek.
The Senate is also expected to consider two other bills as part of this historic package, House Bill 3396 and House Bill 2045, which will help build a pipeline of much needed health care workers, begin to address hospitals’ capacity and discharge challenges, and remove barriers to investments in frontline health care workers.
“These bills will mean more sustainable careers for nurses and health workers, better care for our communities and a brighter future for Oregon,” said Tamie Cline, a registered nurse and president of the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). “Nurses in every corner of the state demanded change with one voice, and together we have made real progress. As we move forward to implement these bills, we will make sure that nurses and health professionals have a real voice and role in the process.”
The collective package represents months of negotiations between the ONA, the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (OFNHP), Service Employees International Union Local 49 (SEIU) and the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS). At the urging of Rep. Rob Nosse (D-Portland), chair of the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care, the groups worked together to solidify support for the package, forging a coalition of supporters that remains in place today and moving forward.
“We are excited to see that Oregon is taking steps towards addressing the biggest crisis facing health care professionals today: short staffing,” said Jonathon Baker, president of OFNHP – AFT 5017. “The success of this legislation shows that we can change our health care system for the better when we come together and act in solidarity.”
The package includes:
- House Bill 2697, which establishes first-in-the-nation nurse-to-patient and certified nursing assistant nurse-to-patient ratios in state statute for a wide range of hospital settings including emergency departments, intensive care units, labor and delivery units, operating rooms, and others. The bill also establishes committees for other hospital care providers like respiratory therapists, psychologists, pharmacists, environmental services workers, and many others to create clear standards to improve staffing for the entire hospital care team.
- House Bill 3396, a $25 million workforce package that leverages federal dollars to increase clinical education capacity at Oregon’s hospitals and health care facilities and supports the recruitment and retention of nurse faculty. This bill also creates a task force aimed at finding solutions for hospitals’ capacity and discharge challenges.
- House Bill 2045, which improves the health care cost growth target program to support investments in the health care workforce. HB 2045 makes changes to the state’s cost growth target program to report health care workforce costs for frontline caregivers, allowing hospitals and other health care providers to invest in their frontline staff without being penalized.
“We are proud of the collaborative efforts that led to this package of legislation, which will support our hospital staff who work so hard on behalf of patients,” said Becky Hultberg, OAHHS president and CEO. “The legislation also reduces many of the administrative burdens hospitals currently struggle with and builds partnerships that we hope will help ensure access to care for patients well into the future.”
The hospital staffing bill, House Bill 2697, becomes effective Sept. 1, but will be implemented in phases through July 1, 2026.
“We are proud to support this legislation and recognize how our collective efforts will make a difference for both patients and frontline caregivers throughout Oregon,” says Meg Niemi, president of Service Employees International Union Local 49. “By listening to the voices of frontline workers, this legislature has made historic investments in our workforce and for the first time ever included professional, technical, and service workers in staffing laws. We couldn’t be happier to be part of this agreement and celebrating a huge win for the health care industry.”
Oregon Self-Service Gas Bill Heads To Governor’s Desk
Oregonians may soon have the right to pump gas into their vehicles on their own throughout the state, under a bill that cleared the Legislature on Wednesday with approval in the Senate.
The measure, which passed the Senate with a 16-9 bipartisan vote, would allow Oregonians to pump their own gas or continue to get service from an attendant. The bill would allow gas stations to designate self-service pumps, but they still must offer attendant service for at least half of them. Lawmakers kept that requirement intact to help people who need or prefer full service.
“This bill strikes a balance between consumer preferences, business needs, and employment considerations,” the bill’s chief sponsor, Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, said in a statement. “It provides Oregonians choice at the pump, while still protecting access for the elderly and disabled community members.”
The bill heads to Gov. Tina Kotek, who is expected to sign it.
Only Oregon and New Jersey now ban self-service gas, although Oregon has gradually loosened restrictions in recent years. In 2015, lawmakers allowed self-serve gas during nighttime hours in rural and coastal counties to help fuel retailers and drivers. Two years later, lawmakers expanded that to all hours for rural counties. Oregon also has made other exceptions, such as during wildfires, severe heat waves and COVID-19.
The bill would simplify the patchwork of regulations, supporters say.
Under the bill, stations in 16 of Oregon’s most heavily populated counties would need at least one attendant present to pump gas for customers who don’t want self-service. Customers in 20 rural counties and motorcycle operators would be able to pump their own gas regardless of whether an attendant is at the station. Those counties are: Baker, Clatsop, Crook, Curry, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler.
Gas stations would have to charge the same amount regardless of what option a customer selects.
A similar proposal failed in 2022 after the state fire marshal estimated the state would need more than $500,000 to regulate the change, a figure that state officials now say is only “minimal.” (SOURCE)
Legislature Approves New Limit On Rent Hikes In Oregon
Oregon lawmakers approved a bill Saturday to cap the amount landlords can increase rent on existing tenants to no more than 10% a year, sending it to Gov. Tina Kotek for final approval.
Senate Bill 611 limits annual rent increases to either 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. It passed the Senate on a 17-8 vote Tuesday, then received 32-18 approval in the House Saturday following a heated discussion. Many of the lawmakers who spoke about the bill Saturday said they themselves are landlords.
Ten House members were excused and did not vote on the bill.
Andrea Valderrama, an east Portland Democrat, said the measure will help people stay in their homes, including children in low-income families who will be able to stay in the same elementary schools as they learn to read.
“If kids are continually priced out of their neighborhood schools, we may be the ones with a failing grade,” Valderrama said.
Landlords can raise rents as much as they wish between tenants, she noted.
But Kevin Mannix, a Salem Republican, said the state is undermining its aspirations to increase its anemic housing supply. Restricting landlords’ ability to charge market rate rents will dampen the number of people willing to create rental housing and prompt some landlords to exit the market, he said.
“We’re going to put the screws to” landlords, Mannix said. “That will make it harder for us to get more housing.”
Oregon’s existing rent control law, passed in 2019 as the nation’s first statewide rent control measure, is similarly tied to inflation but does not have an upper limit. It was billed as “rent stabilization,” a middle ground that prevented massive rent increases intended as de facto evictions.
With last year’s runaway inflation, though, the rent cap permitted landlords to raise rents by as much as 14.6%. Rents across the state on average have increased only about 3.6%, though some landlords opted to increase rent by the full amount permitted.
Like the existing rule, the updated rent cap policy wouldn’t apply to buildings built less than 15 years ago. (SOURCE)
Oregon Has A New State Vegetable
The Oregon State House on Thursday approved a resolution designating a new state vegetable — the potato.
While most may think of Idaho as the “potato state,” Oregon does, in fact, put the “Ore” in Ore-Ida, producing a large number of potatoes each year.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 passed Thursday and designated the potato as Oregon’s official vegetable.
Lawmakers had previously suggested the onion as the state’s official vegetable. The onion proposal had garnered so much attention that, until Thursday, Google searches returned official-looking results claiming that the onion was, in fact, Oregon’s vegetable mascot.
“More than 2.7 billion pounds of potatoes are grown annually” in Oregon, according to a statement submitted by Sen. Bill Hansell, R-Athena, and the state is responsible for “nearly 25% of all french fries exported from the U.S.”
Idaho, on the other hand, is the top potato producer in the country and produces around 13 billion pounds of potatoes each year, according to the Idaho Potato Commission.
Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Happy Valley, submitted a lighthearted “potential conflict of interest” statement, noting that as the owner of McDonald’s franchises, she has a vested interested in delicious potato products.
“At my several McDonald’s restaurants,” the statement read, “we sell many fries and breakfast hashbrowns every year, which are made from potatoes.”
After the resolution passed, lawmakers from both parties gathered to enjoy McDonald’s french fries, the Salem Statesman Journal reported.
No word yet on what Idaho thinks of the change. (SOURCE)
