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, August 21, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
AIR QUALITY ALERT ISSUED: 11:32 AM AUG. 20, 2023 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...AIR QUALITY ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR EASTERN LANE COUNTY UNTIL 3 PDT TUESDAY... The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency have issued an Air Quality Advisory for eastern Lane County east of Eugene, which is in effect until 3 PDT Tuesday. An Air Quality Advisory remains in effect. Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels at times through Tuesday afternoon. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. More information about air quality can be found at: http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ http://www.oregonsmoke.org http://www.lrapa.org
UPDATES on these fires currently burning in our area of the state. UPDATES: Lookout Fire – Bedrock Fire – The Wiley Fire – The Salmon Fire
The Wiley Fire — The Wiley Creek Fire broke out on August 7, nine miles southeast of Sweet Home.
The Wiley Creek Fire still holds at 245 acres, according to the US Forest Service (USFS) and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF).
Officials say Friday night that fire behavior experienced minimal activity thanks to cooler temperatures.
On Friday the Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Mitch Ketron, assumed command of the fire. Resources assigned to the fire were able to build upon the progress from the previous operations.
For Saturdays focus the newly assigned team continued to build on prior suppression efforts. Fire crews will continue fire suppression repair activities, mop-up, and patrol of containment lines and will extinguish any flare ups and hot spots. The Wiley Creek Fire is now 50% contained.
Joint Hazard Training Strengthens Emergency Response in Eugene
EUGENE, Ore. — On Aug. 16, various local, state, and federal agencies came together for a joint hazard training exercise to enhance emergency preparedness in Eugene and surrounding communities.
The annual event called a Joint Hazard Assessment Team (J-HAT) training, involved members from the Oregon National Guard’s 102nd Civil Support Team, Eugene Police Department, Eugene Fire Department, Federal Protective Service and other partner organizations.
1st Sgt. Robert McCree of the 102nd explained that the training focused on simulated scenarios involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threats and other hazardous incidents requiring a coordinated, multi-agency response.
“Trying to get all those people together and working simultaneously on the same target is really difficult. As you can imagine, they all have jobs and responsibilities outside of the city,” said McCree. “So today, we’re just getting them reacquainted and working on targets.”
Police Sgt. Damian San Miguel, commander of the Eugene Police Department’s bomb squad, emphasized the importance of the annual J-HAT training in building relationships and capabilities between the agencies.
“It only reinforces our capabilities of working together, strengthening our partnership and developing our friendship with all these different agencies,” said San Miguel. “We want to make sure that we train them so when they’re making decisions, they’re making the right decisions.”
The training ensures that Oregon has “one of the best functioning Joint Hazard Assessment Teams in the nation,” according to McCree. It prepares the teams to provide critical support for major events that could be potential targets, like the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials held in Eugene.
“Our partnership that we have with the Oregon National Guard, specifically the 102nd Civil Support Team, they’ve been supporting us for the past five U.S. Olympic trials and World Games. And it is an excellent partnership,” San Miguel said.
By conducting joint exercises and bringing together specialized skills from across the agencies, the annual J-HAT training fosters collaboration and enhances emergency preparedness to keep Eugene and the surrounding community safe.
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UPDATE: Officers responding to CPR call, arrive to find one female deceased at Salem Shilo Inn
Update 8/21/2023 | 9:08 a.m. Victim identified, incident being investigated as homicide
Salem, Ore. — Investigators who responded to the Shilo Inn on 08/19/2023, were able to identify the victim in this case as 22-year-old Janet Ramos-Hernandez, from Gresham, Oregon. The case is being investigated as a homicide at this time, the investigation is ongoing, and additional updates will be provided when more information is available for release.
— On 08/19/23 at 6:35 am, officers responded to a call at 3304 Market Street NE. When officers arrived, they found a female in her 20’s deceased. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Section were called to continue the investigation. The name of the victim is not being released at this time. The investigation is ongoing, and additional updates will be provided when more information is available for release.
23-4416 — Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Arson Suspect
On 08/17/2023 just after 5:00pm a Lane County Sheriff’s Deputy noticed a column of smoke coming from the wooded area behind the Ray’s Food Place store on Territorial Hwy. in Veneta.
Additional deputies responded to the area and discovered that a fire had been started and was rapidly growing. Multiple firefighting resources responded, including a helicopter, to fight the fire. The fire was controlled and eventually extinguished.
Investigation revealed that 69-year-old Christopher James Barnstable intentionally set the fire. Barnstable was taken into custody on the charge of Arson in the First Degree.
Old Garden Valley Structure Fire in Douglas County
8/20/23, On Sunday morning at 03:15 am Douglas County Fire District No.2 responded to a reported House fire on Old Garden Valley road. Crews arrived on scene to find the living room, the front deck, and attic on fire. Two small grass fires were started when fireworks from the garage ignited and started the nearby grass on fire. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the grass fires and keep them from spreading to near by properties.
All the occupants were able to exit the home and were uninjured.
DCFD No.2 responded with 3 fire engines, 3 water tenders, 1 ambulance, and 1 Command vehicle. DCFD No.2 was assisted by DCSO, Avista gas, and PP&L.
Eugene Police Enforcing Click It or Ticket Campaign August 21 through September 3
Oregon Department of Transportation has funded a seat belt enforcement from August 21 through September 3 and Eugene Police will particularly be enforcing this during that period. The Eugene Police Department is reminding drivers about the lifesaving benefits of wearing a seat belt and proper child safety restraints as we all approach the end of summer and Labor Day.
Modern cars contain a lot of advanced occupant protection features, including air bags and crush zones. For those features to work effectively, correct seat belt and child safety seat usage is a must. And it’s not just about your personal safety – unrestrained vehicle occupants can injure others in the vehicle in the event of a crash. Proper use of occupant restraint systems is one of the best ways to maximize your chances of walking away from a crash.
Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night. In Eugene, the presumptive fine for a seat belt violation is $200. For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot. Online Resources:• Car Seat Types: Determine whether your child fits best in a rear-facing car seat, forward-facing car seat, booster seat, or seat belt.• Car Seat Recommendations: Review NHTSA’s recommendations for the best car seat for your child’s age and size. • Find and Compare: Find and compare car seats with NHTSA’s handy car seat finder, which also searches specific brands. Oregon Department of Transportation Seatbelts and Child Seats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFC2K2AfdJMMore ODOT information on safety belts and child seats at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TS/Pages/safetybelts.aspx
Lane County Property Value Appeals Board recruiting new members
The Lane County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from people interested in serving on the Lane County Property Value Appeals Board for the 2023–2025 term.
The Board hears petitions for reduction of real market, assessed, and specially assessed values of property, and considers applications to excuse liability for penalties. At a hearing, based on evidence presented by the taxpayer and the County, the Board makes a determination of a property’s value, and issues an order. Training is provided.
To qualify to serve on the Board you must be a resident of Lane County and have an interest or employment background in real property appraisal, finance, or real estate. Applicants cannot be an employee of the County or any taxing district within the County.
“The Property Value Appeals Board plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness and accuracy in our local tax assessment system,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “The Board provides a way for property owners to appeal their property’s values and engages citizens in the valuation process, promoting transparency and equity in property taxation.”
To learn more or download an application, visit www.lanecountyor.gov/appeals. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023. Applications can be sent to Lane County Deeds and Records, 125 East 8th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401.
Douglas County Residents Can Create a Free RapidSOS Ready Emergency Health Profile to Share Critical Health Data with 911 in an Emergency
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – Douglas County residents now have the ability to create a free Emergency Health Profile to share medical information with Douglas County 9-1-1 dispatchers in the event of an emergency. The opt-in program is available by creating the emergency health profile at emergencyprofile.org.
RapidSOS, the world’s first emergency response data platform, teamed up with The American Heart Association, The American Red Cross, and Direct Relief to launch this initiative in an effort to get first responders critical health information in an emergency.
9-1-1 telecommunicators are forced to rely on the limited information a phone call can provide, which can sometimes result in dispatching delays and first responders arriving on scene under-informed. In partnership with public safety, RapidSOS created an emergency response data platform that securely links life-saving data from over 350 million connected devices to over 4,800 Emergency Communication Centers nationwide – protecting more than 300 million people in the U.S. This data helps Douglas County 9-1-1 accelerate response times and provides first responders with incident-specific information prior to arriving on-scene.
Douglas County 9-1-1 became RapidSOS Ready in 2023. The dispatchers use the RapidSOS Portal, a browser-based tool, to access accurate caller location and additional life-saving information when responding to 911 calls.
“Being able to receive a caller’s opt-in health information will aid our dispatchers in an emergency which will result in proper pre-arrival instructions and informing emergency responders,” Lt. Brad O’Dell said. “We urge our community to create their free Emergency Health Profile and ensuring that they are able to share critical data with 9-1-1 to help save lives.”
How can you become RapidSOS Ready?
People can create their free Emergency Health Profile by visiting emergencyprofile.org and entering pertinent medical and profile information, such as:
• Name, DOB, and address
• Pre-existing conditions
• Allergies
• Medical Notes (ex. Mental health concerns, developmental disabilities, etc.)
• Emergency contacts
“Our 911 agencies and first responders do incredible work every day to keep our communities safe,” said RapidSOS Senior Director of Public Safety, Karin Marquez. “We hope that the Emergency Health Profile will provide Douglas County 9-1-1 telecommunicators and first responders with another tool to help them respond quickly and provide the appropriate care during a caller’s time of need.”
To ensure data privacy, information is associated with an individual’s phone number and is only made available to first responders when a 911 call is placed from the associated phone number. To learn more and create a free Emergency Health Profile, visit www.emergencyprofile.org.
About Douglas County Emergency Communications
Douglas County Emergency Communications (DCEC) 9-1-1 is a division of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. DCEC is staffed with an Operations Manager, four shift supervisors and seventeen telecommunicators.
DCEC is the 9-1-1 answering point for all of Douglas County. The communications center receives, and dispatches calls for police, fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). All telecommunicators are Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certified using state approved pre-arrival instructions.
The Douglas County 9-1-1 system is enhanced. The phone number and address where the call is originating is displayed on a computer screen in the communications center.
There are 8 incoming 9-1-1 lines and 16 business telephone lines. There are 13 radio channels, seven of which are monitored 24 hours a day. DCEC dispatches for 28 fire agencies and nine ambulance services.
Just south of the Oregon border along Hwy 199, the Diamond, Holiday, Kelly, and Prescott fires along with multiple other fires in the area have been grouped together in the “Smith River Complex.” This is along the route from Grants Pass to the coast.
Moderate to extreme fire behavior was observed on the Smith River Complex. The 2 fires that are impacting SW Oregon are the Holiday and Kelly Fires. Significant growth occurred on the Kelly fire extending its footprint North, South and West.
Heat signature mapping shows that the Kelly and Holiday fires could combine soon. The Holiday Fire has crossed into Oregon as of early this morning.
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) resources continue to be proactive by reopening old fire containment features and identifying areas of opportunity in protection of life and property.
All efforts continue to be a joint effort by RRSNF, Medford BLM and ODF. An additional order for resources was placed last night by RRSNF and Medford BLM for varying types of specialized heavy equipment and additional hand crews, as good work continues by all cooperating agencies across SW Oregon. The Flat Fire remains in the same footprint as previously reported
U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
· New Starts Caused by Thunderstorms Challenge Initial Attack Crews
8.20.23 These storms produced approximately 200 cloud to ground strikes with rain totals varying from 0 -.5 inches depending on location. Fire lookouts continue to identify new starts. There are currently 41 confirmed fires across the Wild Rivers, High Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains Ranger Districts of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) that range in size from a single tree to the Kanaka fire on the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District at 40 acres.
Air and ground resources have been brought in from all over Oregon to assist with these fires, including 4 rappel crews, 2 Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs), 4 Large Air Tankers (LATS), two Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (C 130 aircraft/MAFFS), two type 1 (heavy capacity) Helicopters, 1 air attack aircraft, 1 reconnaissance aircraft and 1 lead plane.
Smokejumpers and other aerial firefighting resources have been brought in to support these initial attack efforts with more arriving this evening. Smokejumpers are working the Kanaka Fire today and will send another load again tomorrow.
Lightning is predicted through Tuesday for portions of our geographical area. RRSNF has ordered more resources to support the ongoing efforts and in anticipation of additional starts and the forecasted lightning.“
Firefighters continue to do an amazing job in these tough conditions and the additional resources that we have ordered will reinforce and help keep new and existing fire footprints to a minimum,” states Deputy Fire Staff of Operations Mike McCann. “In cooperation and coordination with our partners, Medford BLM and ODF, initial attack will remain aggressive to protect the communities we serve.”
Governor Kotek Names Erin McMahon As New Head Of Oregon Department Of Emergency Management
Governor Kotek appointed a retired Army officer to lead the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and oversee the state’s response to disasters ranging from wildfires to pandemics to the homelessness crisis.
Erin McMahon, a retired Army brigadier general who most recently worked as a senior adviser at the Virginia-based McChrystal Group, needs to be confirmed by the state Senate when it meets in September.
“After over 15 years of supporting emergency management operations at the national level – including during the COVID-19 health emergency and dozens of climate-related catastrophes – I will capitalize on my prior work with FEMA and other federal partners to develop a strategic plan for emergency management that will help our communities before, during and after disaster,” McMahon said in a statement. “I am honored to serve Oregonians in times of crisis and beyond.”
McMahon previously served as principal deputy general counsel for the U.S. National Guard Bureau, where she supervised a team of 60 attorneys and advised top Department of Defense leaders on critical issues, including Oregon’s 2021 wildfires. While that season wasn’t as destructive as the 2020 fires that burned more than a million acres, the state had more than 1,000 fires that burned close to 520,000 acres in 2021.
“As our state responds to wildfires, extreme weather events, and other rapidly changing emergencies, the person leading the Oregon Department of Emergency Management must be able to anticipate and respond to a broad range of crises that Oregon will inevitably encounter,” Kotek said in a statement. “Erin McMahon brings over 20 years of experience leading teams in response to large-scale emergencies at the state and national level. I am confident in her ability to support Oregonians across the state and look forward to seeing her positive impact and leadership at ODEM.”
McMahon, the first woman to serve in her role with the National Guard, also led programs to combat military sexual assault.
A spokeswoman for the Oregon Department of Emergency Management deferred to the governor’s office on McMahon’s salary, and a Kotek spokeswoman did not immediately respond Friday afternoon.
Andrew Phelps, the department’s prior director, was one of several agency heads who stepped down after Kotek’s election last November. He began work in 2015 at what was then the Office of Emergency Management and led as the office became a standalone agency and navigated the COVID pandemic and 2020 Labor Day fires, the two most expensive and wide-reaching emergencies in Oregon history.
Matt Garrett, the former director of the Oregon Department of Transportation, has served as interim director for the past several months. He served as Brown’s principal adviser on 2020 wildfire recovery and coordinated the state’s support for last year’s World Athletic Championships in Eugene after retiring from the transportation department in 2019. (SOURCE)
Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Jackson County
Jackson County, Ore.—West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected in east Medford on July 18, 2023. This is the first WNV detection in Jackson County this year. In 2022, WNV was found in a total of eight mosquito samples; all 2022 detections occurred in August or September. The mosquitoes were collected by the Jackson County Vector Control District (JCVCD) as part of a routine surveillance program and tested using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Residents are advised to take basic precautions against mosquitoes since West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People should consult their health care providers if they experience any flu-like symptoms. Health care providers can contact the Jackson County Health Department for information on West Nile virus testing.
The Jackson County Vector Control District suggests the following steps to protect against mosquitoes:
- Eliminate or treat any sources of standing water around your home.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon/eucalyptus, or Picardin. Always follow the label directions.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
- Ensure that screen doors and windows are in good condition and fit tightly.
Jackson County Vector Control District: https://jcvcd.org/
Oregon Health Authority: http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/WestNileVirus/Pages/survey.aspx
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ index.htm
Sheriff’s Bust Two Illegal Marijuana Sites In Klamath County
Police shut down two illegal marijuana sites in Klamath County today, resulting in the arrests of two men and the destruction of 2,815 plants.
According to a news release from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, the first site was located off of Bliss Road south of Sprague River, with 1,907 plants spread across 10 acres of land. The value of the crop was estimated to be $11 million.
“The amount of water estimated to have been used was 1,029,000 gallons over the growing season,” the release said. “No persons were contacted at the location. Investigation into misuse of a residential well is underway.”
Police then discovered a second site on Meadow Lane, south east of Sprague River, the release said.
“Two subjects were located and taken into custody. 908 illegal marijuana plants were destroyed in two separate greenhouses. The value of the illegal marijuana crop was estimated to have been approximately $5.25 million,” the release said. “Approximately 490,000 gallons of water had been used to grow this illegal crop. Investigation into misuse of a residential well is underway.”
The men — 41-year-old Anthony Charles Stone and 50-year-old Christopher David Mizzel have been charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful manufacturing of marijuana.
Oregon Health & Science University and Legacy Health Plan To Merge
Oregon Health & Science University and Legacy Health say they have signed a letter of intent to merge, bringing together two large providers in the Portland region.
If regulators sign off on the deal, the two organizations will form a 10-hospital system. OHSU and Legacy formally announced the merger plans Thursday.
The new system would have more than 32,000 employees, more than 100 locations and more than 3 million patient visits annually, OHSU and Legacy said. The merged organization would have a combined revenue of more than $6 billion, according to reporting by The Oregonian.
Legacy, which has struggled financially, would become a part of OHSU. The organizations say they expect the deal to be completed in 2024.
As part of the agreement, OHSU intends to invest about $1 billion over 10 years to support “primary- and community-based services.” The organizations said it would lead to additional sites of care, services and clinical programs.
Danny Jacobs, president of OHSU, said he envisions “exciting potential” with the combination of the systems.
“OHSU has enjoyed a decades-long relationship with Legacy Health, united by a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of people in Oregon and beyond,” Jacobs said in a statement. “Now, we have an opportunity to join together and take a decisive next step that will help deliver on our promise to ensure the best access and care for all who need us, today and in the future.”
Kathryn Correia, president and CEO of Legacy Health, said the merger will expand their ability to serve patients.
“In addition to ensuring access to high-quality essential health care for patients, the combined system will continue to be the region’s most exceptional place to work and learn, while supporting research and education for the next generation of health care professionals,” Correia said in a statement.
This summer, Legacy acknowledged that it was struggling with its financial losses. Legacy lost $172 million in its 2023 fiscal year, The Oregonian reported.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Legacy said it’s faced higher costs that are outpacing revenues. Legacy has been challenged with patient staying for longer periods, since the organization hasn’t been able to discharge patients to post-acute facilities due to their own staffing issues.
OHSU generates $4 billion in revenue annually, while Legacy brings in $2.5 billion, according to The Oregonian.
While merger activity in the healthcare industry has declined this year, more hospital deals are happening, and analysts expect to see more deals.
There were 20 announced hospital mergers and acquisitions in the second quarter of 2023, the highest number since the first quarter of 2020, according to a report released last month by Kaufman Hall, the healthcare consulting firm.
Kaiser Permanente has announced plans to acquire Geisinger Health. Kaiser is forming a new organization called Risant Health, and Geisinger, based in Pennsylvania, will be its first member. Risant will look to acquire other hospitals in the next few years, officials say.
BJC HealthCare of St. Louis and Saint Luke’s Health System of Kansas City announced May 31 that they plan to merge and form an integrated academic health system. The two systems plan to form an organization with 28 hospitals and $10 billion in combined annual revenue.
University of Michigan Health completed its acquisition of Sparrow Health in April. Two Wisconsin hospital systems, Froedtert Health and ThedaCare, said in April that they plan to consolidate.
Analysts say they expect to see more deals as health systems and hospitals see strategic opportunities, or they realize they need to find partners to keep the doors open.
Biden administration proposes $106 million for Western salmon and steelhead recovery
The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board is set to receive $20 million, with millions more headed to tribal partners
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is recommending sending $106 million to 16 salmon and steelhead recovery efforts in five Western states, the federal agency said Thursday.
NOAA and the Department of Commerce recommended grants to state agencies with salmon protection missions, tribes and tribal partnerships in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and California.
The funding “provides an important opportunity to bolster salmon and steelhead recovery and invest in the communities that rely on them,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement.
NOAA is an agency within the Commerce Department. The recommendations must be approved by the NOAA Grants Management Division and Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Law Division before they are considered final.
The grant recommendations received a funding boost this year from the bipartisan infrastructure law enacted in 2021, which provided $34.4 million, and Democrats’ climate, social policy and tax law that President Joe Biden signed one year ago Wednesday, which provided an additional $7.5 million.
The remaining $64 million comes from annual congressional appropriations to the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, a NOAA Fisheries program, according to NOAA spokesman Matthew Burks.
The largest allocations are recommended for state-level agencies, offices and boards. They are:
- $25.5 million for Washington state’s Salmon Recovery Funding Board,
- $20.2 million for the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board,
- $18.6 million for California’s Fisheries Restoration Grant Program,
- $9 million for the Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation,
- And $6.8 million for the Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund.
Except for Idaho’s, all the state agencies listed are primarily grant-making bodies.
The remaining 11 grants are recommended for tribal programs and partnerships, including:
- $6.3 million for the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission to administer among its 20 Western Washington member tribes,
- $5.3 million for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission to administer among its four member tribes in Idaho, Oregon and Washington,
- $3.6 million for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe in Washington to address fish passage in Cabin and Johnson Creeks,
- $2.7 million for the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians to restore habitat for threatened Oregon Coast coho salmon and to improve habitat and fish passage in tribal waters,
- And $2 million for the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Consortia in Alaska to monitor and research salmon populations.
The grants are intended to help state and tribal experts continue work that has demonstrated success in helping strengthen salmon and steelhead populations and habitats, the NOAA release said.
The funding is meant to improve recovery efforts of 28 salmon and steelhead species listed under the Endangered Species Act, the NOAA statement said. It would also provide benefits to the Southern Resident killer whales and Cook Inlet beluga whales, according to the agency. (SOURCE)
If you’ve ever wanted to help the state now is your chance.
Governor Tina Kotek is urging Oregonians to apply for over 130 open positions on 12 new boards and commissions that were created by the Legislature.
They include hospital discharge challenges, juvenile justice, cybersecurity, universal health and more. Kotek says true progress requires each and every one to be engaged. Applicants should apply on the state’s website. https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site
Help your wildland firefighters. Most human-caused fires are avoidable. Help your wildland firefighters by actively practicing wildfire prevention. The fewer human-caused fires they have to respond to, the less our resources are strained and the more we can protect our firefighters from fatigue and burnout.
