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, August 16, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING ISSUED: 2:47 AM AUG. 16, 2023 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions. Afternoon high temperatures 95 to 103 for today, with the warmest temperatures in the Willamette Valley. It will be a bit cooler for Thursday, with highs 90 to 95. * WHERE...In Oregon, Greater Portland Metro Area, Central Willamette Valley, South Willamette Valley, Northern Oregon Cascade Foothills and Cascade Foothills in Lane County. In Washington, Greater Vancouver Area. * WHEN...Until 11 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. For sheltering information and other human services in your area, dial 2 1 1 during business hours or visit http://211info.org in Oregon
Missing Blue River Teacher Found Drowned In Blue River Reservoir
LCSO Case #23-4333: Death Investigation
‘”If you missed the Live STAND UP AND BE HEARD episode regarding #MEKENNAREILY#SHANESPRENGER#CHASEROBERTSON#ERICBRAZIL PLUS #MICHAELBRYSON Go to this linkhttps://archive.kepw.org/And choose the show ENTITLED/Stand Up And Be Heard August 5th, 2023
Please join all of our Missing pages and help STAND UP TO SOLVE THESE CASES AND PREVENT MORE! Mekenna Reiley Investigation: Missing from Blue River, OregonMissing in Blue River Oregon area: Find Shane Sprenger On the look out for Chase Robertson LETS FIND MICHAEL BRYSON! GOD BLESS YOU Veronica Seals and Buck Wyld of Bikers Against Bullies USA – LANE COUNTY, OREGON and KEPW – PeaceWorks Community Radio FOR allowing us a voice to ADDRESS THIS NIGHTMARE. Please help us, please join in this Heartbreaking battle…, it could be your loved one next, or even yourself! This is ALL OF LANE COUNTY OREGONS FIGHT AND CRISIS!!! PLEASE JOIN AND SHARE FOR #lanecountyoregonmissingpersonsawarenessproject
‘”RIP Michael Bryson 
August 5th, 2023 marks the THIRD ANNIVERSARY of your disappearance…., #michaelsarmy#THEREISNOFINISHLINE THERE ARE MANY WHOM KNOW SOMETHING! I KNOW YOU ARE SCARED… you can trust Michael’s Father Parrish Bryson .PLEASE USE THE ANONYMOUS TIP LINE OR contact Parrish or Tina …and the same goes for Mekenna ReileyShane Sprenger Chase Robertson And Eric Brazil.
These are the fires currently burning in our area of the state. UPDATES: Lookout Fire – Bedrock Fire – The Wiley Fire – The Salmon Fire – Priceboro Fire
Lookout Fire 2023 is near McKenzie Bridge and has level 1 & 2 evacuations. It’s around 200 acres and 0% contained. Expect this one to grow. https://lanecounty.org/news/lookout_fire
The small mountain communities along the McKenzie River are struggling with more of the Lookout Fire’s smoke covering the region. The fire now grows closer to 3,000 acres burned resulting in heavy dense smoke covering the burn site.
Because of the conditions, helicopters were grounded for August 15 until the smoke clears up. With the lack of aerial help from above, hotshot and fire crews on the ground doing most of the day’s work. Their work included protecting structures like houses and power lines, along with setting a line so the fire does not get over the McKenzie Highway.
The Bedrock Fire 2023 is near Lowell and Fall Creek. It also has level 1 & 2 evacuations issued.
August 16, 2023 Quick Facts: Bedrock Fire Acres: 25,780 Containment: 20%Total personnel: 1090Crews: 26 Helicopters: 9 Engines: 66 Heavy Equipment: 34 Water Tenders: 34
It is 19,000 acres and 20% contained. The southeast edge of the four pointed towards Oakridge looks to be very well under control. https://lanecounty.org/news/bedrock
Smoke shaded the Bedrock Fire yesterday, lowering temperatures slightly and moderating fire behavior. The smoke over the fire also prevented helicopters from safely flying. Yesterday wildland firefighters and structural fire engine crews from the Oregon State Fire Marshal began preparation work around residences in Big Fall Creek. This work continues today as fire crews build dozer line around structures, install networks of fire hoses, pumps, and sprinkler systems, and remove brush close to homes.
Firefighters have successfully held containment lines on the northern and eastern portions of the fire for several days and are working to secure and deepen these firelines. Fire crews are continuing to mop up and secure fire control lines on the southern fire edge. The Lakeview Hotshot crew used an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) yesterday for aerial firing operations, adding depth to containment lines with a precision burnout operation in the rugged terrain on the northeastern portion of the fire.
The Wiley Fire is near Sweet Home. Firefighters on the Wiley Creek Fire continued to hold lines overnight and move forward on mop up progress. Resources focused on mopping up the spot fire found on Monday, reaching 50 feet into the interior all the way around its perimeter. This morning, it’s continuing to hold at 245 acres and 25% contained.
Fire crews worked tirelessly yesterday, and overnight, to expand containment lines around the Wiley Creek Fire. Containment along the west and northwest of the fire, important for protecting area residences and properties, has been holding strong and crews continue to reinforce the containment line. An Excessive Heat Warning is in place until Wednesday at 11:00 p.m. In consultation with Wiley Creek Fire Incident Command, and out of an abundance of caution, all Wiley Creek Fire LEVEL 1 and LEVEL 2 Evacuation Preparedness Warnings remain unchanged. For more information on evacuations, visit https://www.linnsheriff.org/ and https://tinyurl.com/LinnWileyFire.
All road systems within the LEVEL 2 evacuation area are closed to everyone except residents living within the LEVEL 2 area, and emergency response vehicles. Smoke in the Sweet Home area, and throughout the valley, continues to be in the air. The large majority of the smoke is not from the Wiley Creek Fire. Rather, winds are pushing the smoke from the Lookout Fire into the valley. The Lookout Fire is burning in Lane County, near the unincorporated community of McKenzie Bridge. Wiley Creek Fire Maps: https://tinyurl.com/LinnWileyFire
Salmon Fire is near Oakridge and in mop up stages with 60% containment. There is currently a level 1 evacuation notice issued. https://lanecounty.org/news/salmon_fire
There is currently minimal fire behavior. Firefighters are continuing to mop up, patrol, and monitor around the fire perimeter.
Evacuations: The Lane County Sheriff’s Office currently has Level 2 and 3 “Go now!” evacuation notices in place for areas west of the fire near Fall Creek Lake. The level 1 evacuation around the Salmon Fire remains in place. A searchable evacuation map with fire perimeters is on the Lane County website.
Smoke: The daily West-Central Oregon Smoke Outlook provides a detailed air quality forecast for the Bedrock and Salmon Fires, as well as other nearby fires.
Weather: The Red Flag Warning was extended and now remains in effect through 11 PM tonight for dry and unstable air, critical fire weather conditions that can contribute to extreme fire behavior. The Heat Advisory continues this week through 10 PM Thursday. Temperatures today are forecasted to be 96-100 degrees at lower elevation and 83-89 degrees on the ridges. Winds will begin this morning 3-6 mph, increasing to 8-10 mph this afternoon with gusts to 20 mph on ridgetops.
Safety and Closures: The Willamette National Forest implemented the Bedrock Fire Emergency Area Closure on July 24 to ensure the safety of the public and personnel working on the fire. An emergency closure order for the Salmon Fire area is in place as of August 8. The closure maps for the Bedrock and Salmon Fires are available on InciWeb. There are Temporary Flight Restrictions over the Bedrock and Salmon Fire areas. Residential electrical outages can be reported to Lane Electric at 541-484-1151.
Priceboro Fire by Coburg. Mopped up and quiet for a few days. https://lanecounty.org/news/priceboro_fire
Lebanon firefighters Extinguish Vegetation Fire Along River
Lebanon OR. — Lebanon Firefighters responded to the area of 1400 E. Grant Street in the early afternoon Tuesday for a reported small vegetation fire near the S. Santiam River. Dispatch reports of fire burning in the trees along the river. When responding firefighters arrived, they found two small fires burning near a under sheltered camp along the river. Firefighters initially deployed a small fire pump in the river to extinguish the fire and then quickly switched to a brush truck, when the fire pump malfunctioned. Firefighters had the fire under control in about 15 minutes and used hand tools and chainsaws to mop-up and make a trail around the burned area. No injuries were reported, and cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Lebanon Fire responded with 14 firefighters on 3 brush trucks, 1 ladder truck, 1 water-tender and 3 staff vehicles. Lebanon Police Department assisted at the scene in locating the fire.
Lebanon Fire would like to remind everyone that the hot weather we are experiencing over the next few days promote extreme fire behavior. The Linn County Fire Defense Board and the Oregon Department of Forestry have announced restrictions on all open fires, including the prohibition of recreational and cooking fires. Stay up to date by visiting the Oregon Department of Forestry’s restrictions and closures. Be safe Lebanon.
Lane County Opening Clean Air and Cooling Respite Center
In response to the poor air quality and extreme heat, Lane County, in partnership with Greenhill Humane Society, will open an all day clean air cooling and respite location at the Lane Events Center (796 W 13th Ave), in Meeting Room 1. The location will open at 12 p.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Guests can check-in at the front desk. Air scrubbers will be on-site. Snacks and water will be provided at the facility, and restrooms are available.
Greenhill Humane Society is providing animal crates and supplies, allowing pets to be housed in the clean air facility.
Parking is available in adjacent lots, as well as street parking. Thanks to LTD, all transportation to the cooling and respite facility will be free of charge. Riders simply need to state they intend to travel to a cooling center and a ride to the nearest open center will be provided.
As a reminder, this clean air and cooling respite center is designed to provide respite during this period of poor air quality and extreme heat. Conditions should improve by the evening. This is not an overnight shelter and will close promptly at 8 p.m.
FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC — Take precautions when you are working or exercising outdoors by monitoring air quality in your area and by giving yourself frequent breaks from the heat and smoke. Go indoors whenever possible.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and monitor yourself and your family members for the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and smoke exposure. Check on neighbors and pets to ensure that they are safe.
Children, elders, and those with chronic conditions are especially at-risk of the combination of extreme heat and wildfire smoke.
ADDITIONALLY, the list of cooling centers available across Lane County has been updated, please visit LaneCountyOr.gov/cooling.
Detectives Investigating Homicide of Oakland Woman
OAKLAND, Ore. – The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is investigating the homicide of an Oakland woman.
On Saturday, August 12, 2023, around 1:30 p.m., 9-1-1 dispatchers were notified of a suspicious death at a residence in the 400-block of Coltrin Lane in Oakland. Deputies and officers from the Sutherlin Police Department responded to the scene and determined the death to be the result of an apparent homicide. The victim was identified as 78-year-old Terry Lea Deane of Oakland.
The Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated. The Sheriff’s Office assigned as the lead investigating agency. Investigators are urging anyone who may have information to call (541) 440-4458 referencing case #23-3096.
“Sometimes community members observe things in their neighborhoods and may not find them significant at the time, but to an investigator those details can make all the difference in solving cases and obtaining justice,” Lt. Kelley Bean said. “I would encourage anyone who has information to contact the detectives and allow them to vet the significance as it relates to the investigation.”
Tips can be made by calling 541-440-4458.
The Douglas County Major Crimes Team consists of investigators from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police Department and Oregon State Police working in consultation with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation is ongoing and, in an effort to protect the integrity of the investigation, additional details are not expected to be released at this time.
Life-Saving Donations Needed For Summer Stockpile
With temperatures forecasted to reach triple digits for multiple days next week, Lane County Human Services (LCHS), in partnership with the the First Christian Church of Eugene’s Helping Hearts Program and CAHOOTS, is urgently seeking donations for the stockpile of supplies to help the unhoused and unsheltered survive summer heatwaves.
The Helping Hearts program is seeking donations of:
• Water Bottles/Jugs (disposable and reusable)
• Electrolyte Packets
• Spray Bottles
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Aloe gel
• Personal size fans
• “Goo” filled bandanas
• Cooling towels
• Dried fruit/trail mix
• Life straws
• Water filtration systems
• Single serve Gatorade packets
• Sweat bands
• Clothing: light long sleeve shirts, breathable shirts, light shorts, visors and hats, ankle socks, flip flops, doo rags, head wraps
• Day shelters structures for shading
• Parasol/umbrella
• Fans
Donations can be dropped off at First Christian Church’s Helping Hearts Program, located at 1166 Oak St. in downtown Eugene, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
An additional, Saturday drop-off site has been added to try and collect as many items as possible Harlequin Beads and Jewelry, located at 2833 Willamette St.from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Items can also be purchased on Amazon and sent to First Christian Church at 1166 Oak St. Eugene OR 97402. Amazon Wishlist https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3QB2CSDNZ26HF?ref_=wl_share
For more information, please call the Helping Hearts Program at (541) 344-1425.
More Than Half Of Oregon In Drought
According to a state report released Monday, more than half of Oregon is experiencing moderate to severe drought.
Several streams along the coast and in western Oregon are measuring record low flows. Southwestern and central Oregon measured the lowest July precipitation it’s ever recorded, according to the Oregon Water Resources Department’s report for July.
About 52% of the state was in drought that month, up from 49% in June. The report shows a stark turn from this year’s spring, when snowmelt and heavier-than-usual rain helped alleviate drought in much of the state, particularly western Oregon.
Gov. Tina Kotek has declared drought emergencies for nine Oregon counties so far this year. Those declarations open up state resources to counties that need help. Dry conditions are making matters worse for regions battling wildfires. Rain in the spring helped plants grow fast, then an extremely dry summer dried them out. That’s left plenty of fuel to burn.
Conditions are particularly bad in Lane County. Much of the county is experiencing severe drought and some people have had to evacuate from the Bedrock and Lookout fires burning in the Willamette National Forest east of Eugene.
As of Monday afternoon, the Bedrock Fire had burned across about 19,300 acres. The Lookout Fire had burned across about 1,200 acres around three miles north of the McKenzie Bridge.
The National Weather Service has also issued excessive heat advisories for most of Oregon west of the Cascades. (SOURCE)
California sending five strike teams to boost firefighting capacity in Oregon
SALEM, Ore. – Five CalOES strike teams are headed to Oregon to provide additional capacity as our state deals with a continued forecast of triple-digit temperatures, extreme fire danger, and forecasted lightning. The strike teams are able to mobilize to Oregon after the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) made the request today through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. The strike teams will be pre-positioned in the Willamette Valley to be available to support existing wildfires or any new fire starts that break out.
“With several fires burning on the west slope of the Cascades and the fire danger increasing by the hour, our agency has decided to take the proactive step to bring in additional capacity to support the Oregon fire service,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We are thankful for our strong and storied partnership with CalOES and the California fire service. We work extremely well together and offer each other support when our communities are impacted by wildfire and other disasters.”
The OSFM currently has 11 task forces mobilized to two fires in Lane County, the Lookout Fire and the Bedrock Fire.
Over the next week, Oregonians and visitors should remain vigilant as the threat of wildfire is exceptionally high. The OSFM is urging everyone to be wildfire aware and practice wildfire prevention to avoid sparking additional wildfires.
ABOUT EMAC
EMAC is a national interstate mutual aid agreement that enables states to share resources during disasters. EMAC complements the federal disaster response system, providing timely and cost-effective relief to States requesting help from assisting member states that understand the needs of jurisdictions struggling to preserve life, the economy, and the environment.
Klamath Falls Man Accused Of Kidnapping Seattle Woman Pleads Not Guilty In Medford Court Hearing
Nigari Zuberi — the man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Seattle woman, then holding her captive in a cinderblock cell in his garage — pleaded not guilty at the James A. Redden U.S. Courthouse today for two federal charges: interstate kidnapping and transportation with intent to engage in sexual activity.
Judge Mark D. Clarke deemed Zuberi “a danger to the community” and did not authorize his release from Jackson County Jail.
Federal prosecutors called Zuberi dangerous, mentioning the way he selected his victim and the nature of handwritten notes in the garage discovered by investigators. Zuberi’s attorney said they would argue for his release at a later date, and his next federal court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 17.
Interstate kidnapping is punishable by life in federal prison and the second charge is punishable by up to 10 years.
It all started when Zuberi traveled from Klamath Falls to Seattle on July 15, where he solicited services from a sex worker and then posed as an undercover police officer, according to an Aug. 2 news release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Zuberi showed the victim a badge after their sexual encounter and then pointed a taser at her. The victim was placed in handcuffs and leg irons and then thrown into the backseat of his car. The victim also noticed a firearm in the vehicle, the documents said.
“He then traveled roughly 450 miles with the woman, sexually assaulting her during the trip,” the release said.
According to the complaint, the victim asked Zuberi why the trip was taking so long and he claimed to be taking her to a substation. The victim then saw an app on Zuberi’s phone say they were two hours away from his destination, which is what prompted her to realize he wasn’t a police officer.
“Once he arrived at his home in Klamath Falls, OR, Zuberi moved her into a makeshift cell that he had constructed in his garage. The cell was made of cinder blocks and a metal door installed in reverse so it could not be opened from the inside,” the release said. “Once Zuberi left, the victim says she repeatedly banged on the door and was able to break the door open and escape the room. She was able to flag down a passing motorist who called 9-1-1.”
Zuberi fled to Reno, Nevada, and was taken into federal custody after a standoff with police, the release said. Westfall was outside the car in the parking lot of a Reno Walmart, speaking to him while he held one of his children in the front seat of the car.
“When Zuberi was contacted by law enforcement, he refused to exit the vehicle and cut himself with a sharp object causing him to bleed profusely,” the complaint said. “He also attempted to destroy his phone. Zuberi eventually agreed to exit the vehicle and was taken into custody. The child was unharmed.”
Zuberi has lived in 10 states over the past decade and police are searching for information about additional victims, the release said. The investigation is covering potential crimes from August 2016 up to the present, and could include victims from California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama and Nevada.
“Victims may know Zuberi by the name ‘Sakima’ and it is believed he may have used several different methods to gain control of his victims; including by drugging their drinks and impersonating a police officer,” the FBI release said. “The victims are often threatened with retaliation if they notify the police.”
Anyone who believes they were a victim of Zuberi’s or has any information about his crimes are urged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI, the release said.
“You can also contact the FBI Portland Field Office at (503) 224-4181, your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov,” the release said.
August 16, 2023 Flat Fire Morning Update
Start Date: July 15, 2023 Total personnel : 536
Size: 33,895 acres Containment: 58%
Resources: 22 engines l 9 crews l 3 bulldozers l 20 water tenders l 9 masticators l 4 helicopters
Current Situation: With the increased temperatures and dry conditions, firefighters continue to utilize aviation resources to monitor the scattered hot spots. Fire activity is limited to small, isolated pockets inside the fire perimeter. Fire behavior for today is expected to remain the same with scattered areas of smoldering and creeping and occasional flare-ups with single tree torching. Crews continue to be vigilant with frequent localized weather observations and careful monitoring of ridge tops, drainages, unburned islands, and isolated heat sources. Warmer morning temperatures have created an increase of smoke in some areas. Some drift smoke may also appear from other wildfires across the region. Resources assigned to the Flat Fire continue to assist with initial attack in the area as well.
Today’s activities: All resources are in place, patrolling contained fire lines, monitoring for fire behavior changes, and utilizing both heavy equipment and hand crews for contingency work. Some resources will continue to be available for initial attack as well as assisting with the O’Brien Creek Fire and new starts to the south in Six Rivers National Forest. Air resources will continue to monitor the fire and will also remain available to support initial attack efforts if needed. The Southwest Team 3 will begin to arrive today and tomorrow, anticipating a transfer of command on Friday morning. The objectives for suppressing this fire remain the same and firefighters will continue working towards full containment of the Flat Fire.
Weather: Today’s forecast calls for temperatures a few degrees warmer than yesterday and slightly drier. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for portions of the Flat Fire through Thursday but a cooling trend is shaping up for the area starting on Friday and continuing through the weekend.
Smoke: The Smoke Outlook is available at: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b74901f7?
Closures: Closure orders for the fire area can be found at: https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts
Evacuations: Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status in place for areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire. Link to more
information: https://tinyurl.com/currycountyem
Restrictions: Fire danger is currently extreme; the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest will be moving into Stage 3 Public Use Restrictions (PURs) and IFPL Level 3 starting at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Stage 3 PURs do not allow campfires anywhere on the forest, including developed recreation sites. IFPL Level 3 is a partial shutdown allowing the use of mechanized equipment only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. The Bureau of Land Management Medford District, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District have also increased campfire restrictions on those lands located within the boundaries of the Wild section of the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River. The Wild section flows from Grave Creek to the mouth of Watson Creek. More information here: https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts
Please follow all fire restrictions to prevent wildfires. Know before you go. Check on whether there are any campfire restrictions at your recreation destination.
Governor Kotek Hosts Signing Ceremony For Health Care Bills
Governor Tina Kotek held a signing ceremony on Tuesday for two health care-related bills passed during the 2023 legislative session, according to state officials.
The state said that House Bill 2002, also known as the Reproductive Health and Access to Care Act, creates protections for patients seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care as well as for health care providers. The bill also closes gaps in insurance coverage for those seeking gender-affirming care, Gov. Kotek’s office said.
“With the leadership and collaboration that we saw across the health care landscape this session, I am confident that Oregon will continue to lead the way in building a more equitable health care system that centers patients and supports workers and providers,” Governor Kotek said.
State officials said that HB 2002 is in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that allowed many states to enact total bans on abortion, shut down abortion clinics, OBGYN clinics, and in some cases entire maternal care wings of hospitals.
“Abortion access is not an urban versus rural issue,” said Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber (D – Beaverton & SW Portland), chief sponsor of House Bill 2002. “Oregonians across the state agree that a person must have the right to make medical decisions about their body without the government getting in the way. That is precisely what House Bill 2002 does.”
State officials said that House Bill 2697 creates a minimum nurse-to-patient ratio and establishes committees for hospital care providers to improve staffing. This bill address staffing shortages in hospitals across the state and gives frontline health workers a voice in their workplaces, the state said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic made clear what many nurses and health care workers already knew: for Oregon to be the healthiest state it can be, its health care workers must be supported,” said Representative Travis Nelson (D – N & NE Portland), vice chair of the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee and a registered nurse. “I am particularly proud of the fact that this will be the best hospital staffing bill in the country, getting rid of the break buddy system in hospitals and putting nurse to patient ratios in statute. House Bill 2697 is a meaningful step toward retaining health care workers while ensuring that every hospital stay is a safe one.”
More record breaking heat is forecast for Oregon and SW Washington today.
This creates a health risk for vulnerable populations, and a high wildfire risk across the entire region. Follow tips for extreme heat, make an evacuation plan, know evacuations levels.
What Should You Do During Extreme Heat?
Stay Hydrated
o Drink plenty of fluids, 8-10 glasses of water per day is recommended.
o Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
o Replace salt and minerals with snacks or sports drinks.
Stay Cool
o Limit your outdoor activity to early morning or evening hours.
o Stay in airconditioned areas as much as possible.
o Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
Prevent Heat Illness
o Anyone can get heat illnesses, but pay close attention to vulnerable
populations:
o Older adults, infants, pregnant women, people with medical
conditions, and outdoor workers.
o Check on your neighbors, friends, and family.
The extreme heat means there’s a very high threat of wildfires, which can spread very quickly.
Assemble an emergency kit to take with you when you evacuate. For a
detailed list of items to include visit www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-
prepare-for-emergencies.html
Prepare an information kit with important documents like medical, banking
and insurance records.
Save a list of emergency numbers on every cellphone.
Plan for your pets and livestock. Ask local officials where you can bring
them.
Identify a place to meet in case you are separated.
Plan and practice several evacuation routes from your neighborhood.
If an evacuation is imminent:
Tune in to local radio and television stations for updated emergency
information.
Remove flammable items from decks and porches.
Open gates for animals that cannot be evacuated.
Connect a hose to an outside spigot, mark any water sources on your
property, and leave a ladder for firefighters.
Put your emergency kit in your car. Back your car into the garage or park it
in an open space facing the direction of escape, with windows closed and
keys in the ignition.
Put your best driver at the wheel. Turn on lights, drive slowly and watch out
for emergency vehicles.
Evacuation Levels – What Do They Mean?
Level 1 – “BE READY! “ for potential evacuation.
Level 2 – “BE SET!” to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s
notice.
Level 3 – “GO!” evacuate now. Leave immediately!
For up-to-date information and alerts about emergencies in your area and
shelter locations, download theRed Cross Emergency App from your app
store. It’s free and available to both iPhone and Android users.
Multiple cities and towns in Oregon are setting up cooling centers in their
respective communities. The heat wave is expected to last at least through Friday.
Federal Energy Agency Seeks Public Comment On Two Oregon Coast Sites Slated For Floating Offshore Wind Farms
Two sites off the southern Oregon coast could soon be home to the state’s first floating offshore wind farms. But first, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will meet with residents and stakeholders in coastal towns, some of whom are concerned about impact to the fishing industry and marine ecosystems.
Officials from the ocean energy bureau announced Tuesday that they had identified two ideal “wind energy areas” near Coos Bay and Brookings. The two areas are 20 or more miles from land, collectively encompass about 344 square miles of ocean and could host enough floating wind turbines to generate 2.6 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power about 195,000 homes.
That would get Oregon closer to a goal passed by the state Legislature in 2021 to generate at least 3 gigawatts of electricity from offshore wind by 2030, part of the state’s larger climate strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2050. But it’s also raised concerns from some in the fishing industry and some environmentalists who fear unintended consequences to coastal marine life and the effect on their livelihoods.
“Placing giant turbines and anchors in a current system that is largely free-flowing and structure-free could cause irreparable harm to seabirds, marine mammals, fisheries management regimes and more,” said Susan Chambers, chair of the marine industries and fisheries advocacy group Southern Oregon Ocean Resource Coalition, in a statement last year. Chambers was responding to the federal ocean bureau’s interest in an even larger swath of ocean off the Oregon coast that had been identified as having potential for wind energy development. Several environmental groups opposed to the projects did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday.
Federal officials dropped a third wind energy area near Bandon that they were considering after officials did further research on the impact to the commercial fishing industry and to sensitive marine habitats.Public comment on the two wind energy areas announced Tuesday will be accepted online and by mail for the next 60 days. The meetings with residents, which are not yet scheduled, will be open to the public, with one designed to reach people heavily involved in fishing, the bureau said.
“We continue to prioritize a robust and transparent process, including ongoing engagement with tribal governments, agency partners, the fishing community and other ocean users,” Elizabeth Klein, the bureau’s director, said in a news release.
Following public comment, officials could update the plans, and the bureau will prepare to host an auction to lease the sites to companies interested in developing them, potentially by the end of 2023. A similar auction in California in 2022 brought in $757 million in winning bids from three multinational companies and one domestic company developing floating wind farms. President Joe Biden has pledged to develop at least 15 gigawatts of floating offshore wind by 2035. (SOURCE)
Acclaimed Authors Featured in 2023 Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony: Anna Welch Announced as Winner of 2023 Award
BEND, OR — How can or can’t species adapt to the effects of climate change? For decades, Thor Hanson, Ph.D. (thorhanson.net) — respected biologist, author, Guggenheim Fellow and Switzer Environmental Fellow — has travelled the world, written several books and won the renowned John Burroughs Medal in pursuit of answers to this pressing question.
As the keynote speaker at this year’s Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony, Hanson will speak on this all-too-relevant topic, and later, participate in a book signing alongside decorated writer and this year’s guest judge Rena Priest (renapriest.com) and the 2023 award winner Anna Welch (annakwelch.com). The Prize ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 14 at the High Desert Museum.
The Waterston Desert Writing Prize honors a writer who uses the desert as both subject and setting and illustrates artistic excellence, sensitivity to place, and desert literacy. The winner — emerging, mid-career or established — must also be in the process of completing a book-length manuscript focused on any desert region.
The evening will open with the presentation of the 2023 Waterston Prize to Anna Welch by guest judge Rena Priest, which includes a $3,000 award and residency at PLAYA at Summer Lake, an arts and sciences campus located in South-Central Oregon.
“Thanks to Rena Priest’s thoughtful judging, we have the opportunity to recognize an intrepid and talented new desert writer in Anna Welch,” said Prize founder Ellen Waterston. “Now in its ninth year, the growing numbers of winners and finalists of the Waterston Desert Writing Prize distinguish the mission of the Prize and individually do creative justice to desert literature.”
Readings by Welch and Priest will be followed with Hanson closing out the evening.
“We are honored to have these incredible writers join us at this year’s Waterston Desert Writing Prize,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “Thor Hanson’s extensive research on climate and climate change make for deep storytelling about this iconic desert place — all of which fits into the Prize’s aim to elevate desert landscapes through literary nonfiction.
“Rena Priest’s most recent book Northwest Know-How: Beaches, which includes poems, retellings of legends and descriptions of 29 of the most beloved beaches in the Pacific Northwest, will undoubtedly inspire and spark discussion,” Whitelaw continued. “And every year brings a new desert writer to this distinguished group—Anna Welch’s work will be a wonderful addition to this year’s program. We’re so pleased to welcome them all.”
Welch will read from her winning submission, “Momentum: A Trans-Continental Bicycle Journey,” which details her 2019 adventure 3,700 miles across the continental United States. During that substantial bicycling trip, Welch encountered her first desert, an experience she eloquently expands upon within her winning text.
Welch holds a degree in English Literature from the University of Otago and currently plants trees and surveys wildlife. Her work has been published in Wilderness Magazine and was most recently featured in the anthology True Travel Tales by Fine Line Press. She is originally from New Zealand and currently resides in Scotland.
Priest, an enrolled member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation, served as the first Native American Poet Laureate in Washington state. Her debut collection, Patriarchy Blues, earned an American Book Award. Later in her career, Priest was named the 2022 Maxine Cushing Gray Distinguished Writing Fellow.
Hanson is the author of Buzz, The Triumph of Seeds, Feathers and The Impenetrable Forest, as well as the illustrated children’s favorite, Bartholomew Quill. Honors for his books have included the John Burroughs Medal, The Phi Beta Kappa Award in Science, The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize, and three Pacific Northwest Book Awards. His writing has been translated into more than 10 languages.
The award was initially inspired by author and poet Waterston’s love of the High Desert, a region that has been her muse for more than 30 years. The Prize recognizes the vital role deserts play worldwide in the ecosystem and human narrative.
In 2020, the High Desert Museum—which has long hosted events for the Prize—adopted the program. The mission and goals of the Prize complement those of the High Desert Museum, emphasizing the importance of protecting deserts and creating important conversations about the issues affecting them.
The event will start at 5:30 pm on Thursday, September 14 at the Museum with a reception. After, the program will span from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm and a book signing will take place from 8:00 pm-8:45 pm. For tickets to the event, visit: highdesertmuseum.org/waterston-prize-tickets.
The 2023 Waterston Desert Writing Prize is possible with support from Charles Redd Center for Western Studies and in partnership with Oregon State University-Cascades.
To learn more about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize, please visit: highdesertmusum.org/waterston-prize.
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 and Instagram.
