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, September 25, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
Lane County Auctioning 10 Properties Tomorrow
Lane County is conducting a sealed-bid auction of real property now through 4:00 p.m. PST on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Bids will be opened at 2:00 p.m. on September 28, and winners will be notified by telephone and email.
Included in the auction are lots located in Eugene, Florence, Oakridge, Blachly and Creswell. The properties up for auction range from a $2,200 minimum bid to a $180,000 minimum bid.
The properties have minimum bid amounts and will not be sold for less than the minimum bid. The properties will be sold on an as-is basis using a quitclaim deed, which passes any title, claim or interest in the property to the buyer without making any representations regarding other claims or liens.
Payment must be made with cash, cashier’s checks or certified back checks payable to Lane County. No personal or business checks, debit and credit cards or financing will be accepted. A 20 percent deposit of the minimum bid amount is due within 24 hours of the bid opening. The remaining balance, plus a $100 recording fee, is due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2023.
For more information including a complete list of auction terms, property descriptions and registration information, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/PropertyManagement under the “Auction” section: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=4185255
Lane Community College Awarded $100K for Renewable Energy Planning to Host Open House on October 3rd
Oregon’s Department of Energy has awarded Lane Community College a $100,000 grant to fund renewable energy planning efforts for LCC’s Eugene campus.
LCC said that the grant was awarded through the ODOE’s Community Renewable Energy Grant Program as part of the first round of competitive grant awards distributed by ODOE. The grant will be utilized to reduce the college’s environmental impacts as well as for educational opportunities for its students, the college said.
“This grant will catalyze our initiatives for a greener future at LCC,” said Luis Maggiori, sustainability coordinator for the Institute for Sustainable Practices at LCC. “We are excited to conduct in-depth planning to integrate renewable energy solutions that not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create educational opportunities for our students.”
LCC said that the state’s community renewable energy grant program was established under House Bill 2021 and is focused on providing grants for planning and development of renewable energy and energy resilience projects. LCC has ensured community involvement in developing their renewable energy plans and will host an open house on October 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the main campus on East 30th Avenue in Building 04, room 106, college officials said.
“The Open House is an opportunity for our stakeholders to voice their opinions and offer their expertise on the renewable energy pathways we should explore,” says Maggiori. “Their feedback is invaluable to us and will help guide the direction we take as we plan for a more sustainable LCC.”
LCC said that they plan to apply for a renewable energy construction grant in the third round of the ODOE program that would issue a maximum award of $1 million. https://www.lanecc.edu/about-lane/newsroom/lane-community-college-awarded-100000-grant-renewable-energy-planning-announces-open-house-october-3
Save Eugene’s Hospital
Join us in asking the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Governor Tina Kotek to do everything in their power to prevent PeaceHealth’s from closing Eugene’s only hospital!
Use this easy tool to email OHA and ask them to save Eugene’s hospital and protect Lane County residents: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/save-eugenes-hospital?source=direct_link&
- Learn more at www.SaveEugenesHospital.com.
1st press conference was livestreamed on the Oregon Nurses Association’s (ONA’s) Facebook page here.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union which represents more than 16,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout Oregon. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.
Lebanon Firefighters Extinguish Shed Fire
Lebanon Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in the early hours of Saturday morning with dispatch reports of a carport burning in the area of Brewster and Berlin roads. The Battalion Chief arrived and found a 10×20 metal shed fully involved with the fire also extending to near-by brush. The IC instructed the first due engine to extend an attack line from the roadway to the area and begin suppression efforts. Firefighters quickly had both the structure and brush fire under control and remained on scene an additional 20 minutes mopping up the fires. The cause of the fire is under investigation but is known to have the under sheltered in the area and using the building. No significant injuries were reported, but some firefighters sustained multiple bee stings after finding a yellowjacket nest. The occupants of the nest were not happy with the disturbance or smoke.
Lebanon Fire District responded with 13 personnel on 1 engine, 1 ladder truck, 2 water-tenders, 1 heavy rescue and 1 rehab unit for firefighters. 2 chief officers responded as well. Firefighters were assisted at the scene by the Linn County Sheriff’s office and Lebanon Police Department helping with traffic control.
Lebanon Fire would like to remind its citizens that Linn County is still in fire season and all backyard burning is prohibited. Please contact the burn line at 541-451-1901 when doing any burning and make sure it is a burn day. Be safe Lebanon.
Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested in Corvallis
On September 19, 2023 Corvallis Police Detectives arrested 19-year-old Nathan Jefferson and 18-year-old Sophia Odell of Portland, Oregon with the assistance of the East Metro SWAT Team during an operation in Portland, OR. In April 2023, four male suspects and a female suspect arrived at a residence in Corvallis, OR, forced a male victim into a chair, pistol whipped the male while threatening him, held the male at gunpoint while the suspects moved throughout the house and stole items, and then smashed a vase over the males head. The suspects left the residence in the victim’s vehicle which was later recovered in Portland, OR.
Corvallis Police investigated the incident and were able to identify Mr. Jefferson and Ms. Odell as being two of the suspects involved. Corvallis Police and the East Metro SWAT Team executed a search warrant on their apartment and located evidence inside the apartment belonging to the victim. Mr. Jefferson and Ms. Odell were taken into custody and lodged at the Benton County Correctional Facility on charges of Robbery in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, and Coercion. The investigation is still ongoing to identify the other suspects involved.
Newsweek Podcast Focusing on The Disappearance of Fauna Frey Who Went Missing Near Grants Pass After Leaving Her Home Here in Lane County
Here One Minute, Gone the Next
John Frey joins Newsweek to discuss exclusive details about the case of his missing daughter that until now have been unavailable to the general public.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Fauna Frey, call the anonymous tip line at 541-539-5638 or email FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com.
Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
Lookout, Bedrock, Horse Creek, Pothole Fire Updates
Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) will host its annual awareness walk and fundraiser, Sole Support for Parkinson’s at Alton Baker Park on October 1st
The annual event brings people whose lives are impacted by a Parkinson’s diagnosis together with a caring and supportive community for a walk along the riverfront spreading awareness about this neurodegenerative disease with no cure. Funds raised remain in the local community to help people living with the disease through Parkinson’s Resources (PRO) exercise, education, and wellness programs.
Sole Supporters, such as Eugene resident Larry Bradley, look forward to participating this year. Bradley, a client of PRO and member of the Board of Directors shares “Sole Support was one of the first events I participated in after my diagnosis. It was there that I learned about all the programs and services available in our community and where I was able to make new connections and find the support to face Parkinson’s disease head on. I encourage anyone who has PD or cares for someone with the disease to get involved! “
People living with Parkinson’s disease and their families and supporters from across SW Washington will participate in this year’s Eugene event to show their support and spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease. Registration is required but free.
- Saturday, October 1, 2023
- Alton Baker Park
- On-site registration and check in opens at noon – Walk begins at 1:30pm
- ~1k and ~5k routes are walker and wheelchair friendly
- Registration is free – fundraising is encouraged
To register, find out more, or donate, go to:www.solesupport.org or call 800.426.6806
About Parkinson’s Resources: Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) is a donor supported non-profit with the sole mission of advancing the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers. With three office locations (Bend, Eugene, Beaverton), PRO provides direct care and support of thousands of families in Oregon and SW Washington. Working to address issues faced by Parkinson’s patients and their families, we can significantly improve the quality of life for all touched by this disease.
California Cold Case Murder Suspect Arrested in Gold Hill
JCSO Case 23-3999
GOLD HILL, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives assisted California investigators in arresting a man Monday for a cold case homicide that occurred in Vallejo, California in 1987. The suspect, Fred Cain III, 69, was arrested at 4:45 p.m. Monday at his residence in the 9500 block of Old Stage Road in Gold Hill. Cain was arrested in connection to a 1987 cold case involving the murder of a 6-year-old child who had been abducted near his home in the city of Vallejo. Cain waived extradition in Oregon and will be transferred to Solano County to face charges of murder, kidnap, and sodomy.
Recently, Solano County District Attorney’s Office Cold Case investigators were reviewing a 1987 case involving a 6-year-old child who had been abducted near his home in the city of Vallejo. Four days after the child went missing, his body was discovered on Sherman Island in Sacramento County. An autopsy revealed that the child victim had been sexually assaulted.
That year, Shawn Melton was named as a suspect in the case, as he appeared to have knowledge only the person responsible for the child’s death would know. He was subsequently charged with murder and kidnapping. The case was later dismissed after a jury could not reach a verdict. The advances in DNA technology have since exonerated Mr. Melton and has implicated another person responsible for the young child’s death.
Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams reinstated the Cold Case Unit in the office after being first elected in 2014. One of the many priorities was to solve homicide cases that had gone cold over the years to hold offenders accountable, seek long awaited justice, and bring closure for all the victims’ families that had been greatly impacted.
“I am so thankful to have such dedicated cold case investigators that no matter how much time goes by they remain steadfast in their commitment to solving these horrific cases,” said District Attorney Krishna Abrams.
No other details will be revealed at this time to preserve the integrity of the pending case.
Fire information for the Smith River Complex North in Southern Oregon
The Smith River Complex North is now in the fire suppression damage repair phase. A series of immediate post-fire actions are occuring to repair damages and minimize potential soil erosion and impacts resulting from fire suppression activities.
This usually begins before the fire is fully contained, and before the demobilization of an Incident Management Team. This work repairs the hand and dozer lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones, and drop points used during fire suppression efforts. Excavators are often used on fires during the rehabilitation phase of the fire.
This excavator is gathering brush, trees, rocks and dirt from the edge of constructed dozer line. The materials are placed into the dozer line to help prevent soil erosion, and a possible increase in water runoff that may lead to flooding, increased sediment, and debris flows.
Anvil Fire and Flat Fire Update
Please visit Inciweb bit.ly/AnvilFireOR and bit.ly/FlatFireOR for the latest closure information. Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.
A list of fire restrictions and closure orders for BLM Oregon-Washington public lands are available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BLMOregon.
Morgan Fire near Bly UPDATE
The Morgan Fire in Lake County has nearly doubled in size from earlier in the week to 2,036 acres as of Friday. Containment was listed at 20%.
Marsh Fire in Klamath Marsh National Forest Spreads Quickly
Be Alert for Landslides Across Southwest Oregon
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of southwest Oregon, including central Douglas County, the Curry County coast, eastern Curry County and Josephine County, and the south-central Oregon coast. The watches are in effect from Sunday evening (9/24/23) through Monday evening (9/25/23).
Moderate to heavy rain may result in landslides in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burn scars from recent wildfires including the Smith River Complex, the Flat Fire, the Anvil Fire, and the Tyee Complex.
Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.
If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area:
- Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio, or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
- Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
- Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.
For more landslide and debris flow information: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx
Serial arsonist gets 34 years in prison after family dog dies in an intentionally set house fire
On September 20, 2023, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Gardiner sentenced Carl Wesley Sandberg (Sandberg) to a total of 412 months (34 years) in the Oregon Department of Corrections.
In early 2019, Carl Wesley Sandberg went on crime spree in Marion County. His criminal activity included not only burning a church and stealing a firearm, but numerous homes and businesses throughout Marion County were burglarized, as well. In some instances, the victim’s identification, along with their credit cards, were used by Sandberg, causing multiple victims to suffer severe financial losses. In two instances, the homes Sandberg set fire to, in an attempt to cover up his crimes, had pets within the homes who ultimately perished in the fires. Several law enforcement agencies in Marion County worked together closely to identify Sandberg as the perpetrator, ultimately leading to his arrest.
The Marion County District Attorney’s Office brought charges against Sandberg in in September of 2019 in a 22-count indictment; however, Sandberg went through 6 lawyers, for various reasons, delaying his case each time a new attorney was appointed. Finally, in May and August of 2023, Sandberg was brought to justice.
Sandberg’s case was handled in two separate trials by Marion County Deputy District Attorneys David Wilson and Michael Thornicroft. For Deputy District Attorney David Wilson, “The effect these crimes had on the victims was significant. Families lost their mementos, their companion animals, and the sense of security that they once had in their homes. Also, an entire church congregation was displaced from their place of worship because of this one man’s selfish decisions.” Deputy District Attorney Michael Thornicroft, the last one to prosecute Sandberg said, “This is something the victims have not gotten over. It still haunts them. Property can be replaced, but a pet cannot. The jurors got to see pictures of the family pets in happier times. It was very emotional for the jury, as well as the victims.”
Many of Sandberg’s victims were able to share with Judge Gardiner just how devastating Sandberg’s actions were. For one family in particular, they lost their family pet in the house fire Sandberg started. In their words, “Joe was our beloved dog and had been with my husband since Joe was a puppy. When I met my husband, Joe became my best friend too. He slept in our room every night, cuddled as close as we would let him. He came on all our hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting adventures. He was our first ‘kid.’ The agony I still feel about how afraid he was; how he suffered. I feel so much guilt and regret that he was alone. I never got to say goodbye.” The loss for this particular family did not end there. Their credit was destroyed because of Sandberg’s use of their identity. They lived in hotels and rental homes while their home was rebuilt and their insurance premiums have increased dramatically because of all their losses. While years have passed since Sandberg’s actions, they are still feeling the effects of his crimes.
Sandberg, who had been arrested 29 times in Oregon prior to this case, had criminal convictions dating back to 2004. His criminal history includes multiple convictions for forgery, burglary, theft, resisting arrest, assault, DUII, tampering with a witness, attempting to elude a police officer, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, along with many others.
The Marion County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Salem Police Department, as well as the Marion County Sheriff’s Department for their dedication and professionalism. This investigation required a lot of resources and time.
Governor Kotek Has Nominated A New Chair Of The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board
Governor Tina Kotek has nominated a new chair of the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board, two months after putting the former chair on administrative leave after it came to light that the state had paid for an investigation into her conduct.
Constance Wold was placed on administrative leave in July, a day after The Oregonian/Oregon Live revealed that the state paid a lawyer more than $42,000 to conduct a mysterious investigation into workplace complaints against Wold.
Former Gov. Kate Brown had appointed Wold as board chair of the 79-employee agency in 2017. State officials have been tight-lipped about what the investigation by Stoel Rives attorney Brenda Baumgart found. They did not ask Baumgart to produce any written report on her findings from the investigation.
Even though the investigation wrapped up last September, Wold remained in her position until Kotek, working through her Department of Administrative Services, placed her on leave in July. Wold’s term as board chair was set to end this month.
Oregon Health Authority Issued Recreational Use Health Advisory Today For Lake Ewauna In Klamath County
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today issued a recreational use health advisory today for Lake Ewauna due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure. The lake is in Klamath County.
People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the lake where blooms are, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may develop a puffy, red rash.
OHA encourages people to visit Lake Ewauna and enjoy activities such as catch-and-release fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.
Drinking water – Drinking water directly from areas of the lake affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact local health department with questions about water available at nearby day use areas.
Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. OHA advises people to use an alternative water source if they do not use a well or public water system, and draw in-home water directly from an affected area.
Children and pets – Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.
Be aware that dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.
Symptoms – Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention. Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. Pet owners should seek veterinary treatment as quickly as possible if their dog exhibits any of those symptoms.
Fishing – Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those sites. Anyone who decides to eat the fish should remove its fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.
For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482.
Can Oregon Businesses Ditch Cash And Go Card-Only?
Recent trends show that businesses and individuals are moving towards cashless payments in the wake of the pandemic. However, Oregon businesses intending to discard cash could be infringing on state law.
There are some exceptions, but most businesses will be in violation of Oregon law if they refuse to accept cash as payment for goods or services.
The newly passed Oregon Senate bill SB 1565, from June, mandates most businesses to accept cash payments. The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) is actively against this law. They argue that the government should not interfere with how businesses choose to accept payment. Faster transactions and decreased labor expenses are among their reasons.
Yet, businesses must tread carefully. A switch to cashless could negatively impact low-income customers with limited access to bank cards, posing potential privacy and security risks as well.
More details: https://www.kgw.com/article/news/verify/oregon-businesses-required-accept-cash/283-d74df4b0-40a1-473f-9c03-cdd3c591c328
Missing Yachats Man’s Vehicle Found in North Lane County
On 08/25/2023, Dustin Steyding was reported missing to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office after he left work on 07/22/2023 and hadn’t been located since. Dustin was living and working in the Yachats area.
Dustin was reported to be in good physical condition, having previously worked as a hot shot firefighter in New Mexico. Dustin is very experienced in the woods and commonly goes out for hikes to stay in shape. Without means to locate Dustin, Deputies entered Dustin as a missing person in a national database.
On 09/04/2023, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Dustin’s family after they located his vehicle on Keller Creek Rd, just outside of Lincoln County in Lane County. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies contacted the vehicle and determined it had been at the location for some time. Deputies were unable to determine Dustin’s direction of travel from the vehicle.
The vehicle having been located in Lane County, Lincoln County Deputies contacted the Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and arranged for their response the next day to started searching the area. After two days of searching, no clues to Dustin’s have been found.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dustin Steyding should contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777 and reference case number 23S-07321.
