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, October 2, 2023
Willamette Valley Weather
Eugene Instituting Safety Improvements On 10 Downtown Railroad Crossings
Eugene is moving forward with safety improvements on 10 downtown railroad crossings after the Oregon Department of Transportation issued a crossing order earlier this year.
According to the City of Eugene, city engineers are incorporating the order into construction drawings for upgrades to current crossings.
The city has two years to get construction underway, which will address intersections where car, bike and pedestrian traffic crosses railroad tracks.
In 2015, the railroad Quiet Zone Project was initiated and has since been hindered due to an impasse with Union Pacific Railroad, the owner of the railway crossings identified for improvements.
“There is more work to be done with Union Pacific but the crossing order is an important milestone in the project,” Katie Marwitz, the principal engineer with Eugene Public Works, said.
The city expects to have the construction project out for bid in late 2024 and as long as the permit process goes smoothly, construction will start in early 2025.
Eight of the crossings designated for safety improvements will be changed to a “quad gate” style, which means there will be two gate arms on each side of the tracks instead of single arms as they are now, according to a spokesperson with the city.
Jefferson Street will be changed to one-way going south for the section that crosses the railroad tracks and the Lawrence Street intersection will get medians.
In addition to improvements to railway infrastructure, the upgrades will allow train operators to “forgo blowing the train horn” when approaching the crossings, potentially resulting in a 70% decrease in the train horn noise in Eugene.
Trains still will use short horn blasts around the switching yard and the Eugene Depot and can sound the horn in emergency situations. (SOURCE)
Home Improvement Star Released After Spending Weekend In Jail Again
Former Home Improvement co-star Zachery Ty Bryan is once again making headlines, only for less positive reasons. Bryan was reportedly arrested anew and spent the weekend in jail, though his lawyer is claiming the alarming details that initially surrounded his client’s arrest were related to an earlier incident, and that this latest situation is actually the result of an apparently less serious technical violation.
For the second time in 2023, the actor-turned-producer was arrested in Oregon, and was taken into custody in this instance on Thursday, September 28. He was released on Sunday afternoon, according to TMZ , after posting an undisclosed amount for bail.
The day after he was picked up, RadarOnline reported that he’d violated the terms of his release agreement stemming from his domestic violence case, and also claimed the arrest report said that an irate judge revoked bail over a reported incident in which the actor is said to have gone out binge-drinking while wearing his court-sanctioned ankle monitor. The ankle monitor’s records reportedly showed that Bryan was at multiple alcohol-selling establishments, despite being legally restricted from entering any businesses where alcohol is the main source of revenue.
However, Zachery Ty Bryan’s attorney John J. Kolego told TMZ that the details that were part of this particular booking report — which apparently also included 2 counts of 4th degree felony assault — were from his earlier domestic assault arrest in July , and were not related. Kolego says this latest situation is due to a technical violation stemming from the release agreement of the earlier arrest, and that it’s all because Bryan forgot to charge the ankle monitor.
What’s more, the actor’s lawyer says while he was brought into custody in the midst of a pre-trial court showing, there weren’t any judges involved with the arrest being made, and that it had nothing to do with any instances of binge-drinking. At this point, it’s unclear where those details came from.
While dismissing the idea that this latest arrest is a big deal, Kolego also more or less echoed his prior statement following Bryan’s July arrest , saying: “Zachery is looking forward to exonerating himself at trial.”
Whether or not Zachery Ty Bryan’s lastest legal problems are the result of a small mistake, he is still awaiting the upcoming trial over the felony charges that rang quite similar to his 2020 arrest that resulted in charges of felony strangulation and more. In a THR interview from earlier this year, in which Tim Allen offered up his thoughts , the actor claimed things were blown out of proportion when he was first arrested.
That same report also addressed allegations from various investors of what they thought was an agriculture tech startup that Bryan was involved in, but later believed it to be a scheme after seeing no results from the actor or the business itself. (SOURCE)
Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Recruiting for Volunteers
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.
Lookout, Bedrock, Horse Creek, Pothole Fire Updates
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
Southern Oregon Joint Task Force Sweep Arrests Five Local Suspects for 42 Felony Counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse, Investigators Discover Local Victims
JCSO Cases 23-1656, 22-7462, 22-0731, 22-1482, 22-4223
ROGUE VALLEY, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force arrested five separate suspects today on 42 encouraging child sexual abuse felony charges. Investigations led the task force throughout the Rogue Valley including addresses in Medford, Central Point, and Grants Pass. Although the cases are not connected, total felony charges included 32 counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, 10 counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, 16 counts of first-degree invasion of personal privacy, and a felon in possession of a firearm.
Six local and federal law enforcement agencies assisted SOCET with today’s arrests including Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF), Medford Police Department, Central Point Police Department, and the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF).
Each investigation began when SOCET received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led to subpoenas, followed by search warrants at the respective residences. Investigators seized digital devices during the searches and applied for additional warrants to examine the devices. Once the additional search warrants were signed, SOHTCTF forensically examined the devices for further evidence of child exploitation. At that point SOCET took each case through a Grand Jury hearing and the courts issued warrants for each suspect’s arrest.
The first arrest came when SOCET received a tip that a suspect was leaving his residence in the 60 block of Jeanette Avenue in Medford. The task force located and arrested Steven Wesley Rambo, 60, of Medford, on nine felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail. Investigators have reason to believe Rambo may have other child victims. If you have any information on the suspect, contact investigators through the Sheriff’s App “Submit a Tip” feature. Download the App here: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a72997501. You can also call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number 22-7462.
Next, the task force located a suspect’s vehicle near his residence in the 20 block of Washington Street in Medford. The task force arrested Michael David Robertson, 45, of Medford, for three felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and 16 counts of first-degree invasion of personal privacy. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to serve a search warrant at Robertson’s former residence in the 800 block of Forest Glen Drive in Central Point where numerous child exploitation images were uploaded. During the search warrant investigators discovered a hidden camera in the bathroom of the residence which led to the invasion of personal privacy charges. During the course of the investigation there are still two unidentified victims. If you have any information about the suspect or victims, submit a tip on the Sheriff’s App or call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number 23-1656.
The task force then located and arrested David Anthony Price, 40, at his residence in the 1000 block of Morgan Lane in Grants Pass, for 10 felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to his former residence in the 700 block of North River Road in Rogue River where numerous child exploitation images were uploaded. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail.
The next arrest came when Mark Joseph Harding, 37, of Central Point, turned himself in at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in Central Point. Harding is charged with 10 felony counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. Previously, a NCMEC cyber tip led investigators to his residence in the 800 block of South Haskell Street in Central Point where numerous child exploitation images were uploaded. He is now lodged at the Jackson County Jail.
The final arrest for the sweep came when investigators contacted David Michael Painter, 62, at his residence in the 2500 block of Rabun Way in Central Point. Painter is charged with 10 felony counts of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. He is now lodged in the Jackson County Jail.
SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO and HSI; as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County.
Klamath Falls Kidnapper Facing New Rape and Kidnapping Charges In Separate Local Case
A Klamath Falls man accused of kidnapping a Seattle woman and holding her in a homemade, cinderblock cell is facing new charges in a separate, local case.
Negasi Zuberi, 29, was arrested July 16 in Reno, Nev., after his victim escaped from the makeshift holding cell Zuberi locked her in inside of his garage.
The State of Oregon filed an indictment against Zuberi Sept. 21 on charges unrelated to the federal kidnapping case.
The indictment lists 11 charges against Zuberi, including first-degree rape, sodomy, sexual abuse and kidnapping, all of which involved the use or threat of use of a firearm or taser. He is also charged with unlawful use of a weapon, second-degree assault and menacing.
According to court documents, the new set of charges stem from an incident which took place in Klamath County on or around May 6.
Court documents show a Grand Jury approved the indictment Sept. 11. No hearings or court appearances have been scheduled as of Friday afternoon.
The state filed criminal mischief and attempted escape charges in second case after Zuberi allegedly attempted to break out of his cell in Jackson County Jail.
According to Oregon Circuit Court documents, at approximately 12:45 p.m. on Aug. 24, staff heard pounding coming from Zuberi’s cell and discovered the window, which was hidden by a pile of books, was cracked and damaged.
The case for this event was dismissed for the time being at the request of Zuberi’s team of court-appointed lawyers for additional time.
Zuberi’s jury trial for the federal kidnapping case is scheduled for 9 a.m., Dec. 12 in Medford.
Updates for the Smith River Complex North, Anvil and Flat Fires
10/1 Smith River Complex North final update: Another day of sunny weather means good working conditions for the Type 3 organization’s final operational shift on Smith River Complex North. Management of the incident will be turned over to local Type 4 incident commanders Gavin Mitchell (west) and Monty Edwards (east) tomorrow at 8 a.m. This will be the final update posted to Facebook. If you have any questions about the fire, please contact Smith River Complex South at 707-383-9727. For more general information, please call the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Fire Info line at (541) 646-9177.
The west side is anticipated to complete suppression repair work including biomass processing and debris removal will be completed by end of shift today. Two pieces of heavy equipment will be demobilized tomorrow morning. On the east side, similar repair work efforts have progressed north and northeast. Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment of road systems and severely burned areas to determine emergency stabilization are ongoing.
Closures remain in effect and will be regularly re-evaluated in order to reopen them as soon as safely possible for both firefighters and the public. However, until those closures are lifted, it’s important to respect restrictions. Don’t access closed roads or go onto lands or trails within the closure area. The Closure Order for Smith River Complex North: https://bit.ly/SRCNorthClosure. Closures on BLM land are in place as well. Visit https://www.blm.gov/orwafire for additional information.
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
In Lake County, approximately 21 miles northwest of Lakeview and 8 miles north of Quartz Mountain, firefighting efforts on the Morgan Fire are also showing promise with the removal of all evacuation warnings in place as of last Wednesday morning.
The 2,289-acre wildfire is now 75% contained according to a news release from Fremont-Winema National Forest.
Marsh Fire in Klamath Marsh National Forest UPDATE
HILOQUIN, Ore. Sep. 28, 2023 – Today the command of the Marsh fire was turned back to the local Type 4 organization at 0800. The fire is currently 2661 acres and is 50 % contained. The Marsh Fire is now 2,661 acres and 50% contained, according to a news release from Fremont Winema National Forest.
“With the increased containment firefighters will transition from fire suppression to suppression repair, working to restore the containment line and areas impacted by initial attack efforts,” the release said. “In addition, crews will continue patrolling and mopping up hot spots within the perimeter.”
More Than 75,000 Workers Prepare For Possibility Of Largest Health Care Strike In US History – Kaiser Permanente Workers Say They Are Unlikely To Reach Deal To Avert Strike
PORTLAND, Ore. — Kaiser Permanente pharmacy workers walked off the job Sunday morning. They’re represented by the union UFCW Local 555.
The coalition of unions representing health-care workers at Kaiser Permanente said late on Saturday it is unlikely there will be a new agreement with the health-care provider, as their current contract expires and the unions prepare for strike action.
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions said it and the company remained far apart on important issues.
Earlier in September, more than 75,000 Kaiser health-care workers called for a strike from Oct. 4 to Oct.7 across California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Virginia and Washington DC, in what would be the largest healthcare workers’ strike, according to the coalition.
Workers of the coalition are demanding resolution on a short staffing crisis, a pay increase and an improvement in medical plans.
A tight U.S. labor market, the expiry of union contracts and high living costs have led to tough negotiations for pay hikes and benefits from workers and triggered strikes and protests across industries.
Nearly 309,700 workers have been involved in work stoppages and strikes through August this year, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, putting 2023 on track to become the busiest year for strikes since 2019. (SOURCE)
OSP Investigating Officer Involved Shooting- Polk County
The Oregon State Police major crimes section is actively investigating an officer involved shooting at the request of the Polk County District Attorney’s Office- in accordance with SB111 protocols.
On Saturday, September 30, at approximately 1:30 A.M., an Independence Police Officer initiated a traffic stop and the suspect vehicle fled. The pursuit ended after officers deployed spike strips, disabling the vehicle, and the suspect fled on foot. Law enforcement officers responded to the area and located the suspect as he attempted to flee the area in another vehicle. The suspect opened fire on responding officers, striking a Polk County Deputy and law enforcement officers discharged their weapons in response.
As a result of the gunfire exchange, one suspect is deceased, another is injured, and the original suspect has been arrested.
There is no reason to believe there is any danger to the public at this time. Due to the on-going investigation, further details are currently unavailable. All future releases will come from the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.
Over 200 Airmen From Oregon And Washington Return Home After A Two-Week Training Mission In Thailand
The exercise, called “Enduring Partners”, included Portland-based F-15 fighters and KC-135 refueling tankers from Spokane operating with the Royal Thai Air Force.
According to the Air National Guard, the exercise aims to increase joint interoperability and improve overall readiness.Colonel Todd Hofford with the 142nd Wing here in Portland says the experience gained is invaluable.
“Our relationship with the Royal Thai Air Force is ironclad, to include our commitment to ensure peace and stability within the region. We don’t know what the future holds, and any allies and partners that we continue to train and work with and gain that familiarity and build those relationships, will only help us be successful moving forward.”
“Enduring partners” will be an ongoing annual exercise with members of the Royal Thai Air Force traveling to Washington next year.
U.S. Postal Service Hiring Across Oregon
The U.S. Postal Service welcomed job-seekers to job fairs at dozens of post office locations throughout the state Thursday. The USPS is trying to fill thousands of openings for full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs. Salaries range around $19.94 to $24.05 an hour, depending on the position.
Whether you are an early-riser or night owl, the Postal Service has positions to accommodate varying schedules.Here’s information from the USPS announcement:
Our goal is to fill thousands of positions all over the state. In most areas, the need is especially urgent for mail carriers, clerks and mail handlers. However, interested applicants should always check with their local Post Office for information on available positions.
The Postal Service continues to aggressively hire in many locations across the country. With a workforce of more than 635,000, USPS is one of the nation’s largest employers with ongoing attrition needs. And combined with the ongoing nationwide challenges faced by most employers, we are hiring for the holidays — and beyond.
A postal job offers employees the ability to work where they live, good pay, stability, lifelong benefits and career advancement opportunities throughout the entire agency.
Our employees are our greatest asset, and we are investing in our new personnel by providing robust training and on-the-job support. The Postal Service offers stability, competitive wages and benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
Starting pay varies depending on the job. But starting pay for carriers ranges between $19 and $20 per hour paid bi-weekly. Applications are accepted online at www.usps.com/careers.
Applicants must be 18 years of age and be able to pass drug screening and a criminal background investigation. Although in some instances, interested candidates can also be 16 with a high school diploma.
Applicants must be available to work weekends and holidays. Refer to the job announcement for full details, duties, responsibilities, job requirements, and benefits information. Job postings are updated frequently, so check back often for additional opportunities.
For additional information regarding available positions in all areas, applicants can go to our website at www.usps.com/careers. Jobs are uploaded every other Tuesday until filled. Potential applicants can also visit any Post Office location for more information.
Stabilizing our workforce to ensure we consistently service nearly 165 million addresses across the country is one part of the Postal Service’s 10-year Delivering for America plan to achieve financial stability and service excellence.
# # # Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to nearly 165 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
Oregon State Parks ready for Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse
Oregon State Parks offers prime viewing spots for the Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse. Visitors to parks within the path of annularity will watch the moon partially cover the sun, which creates a ‘ring of fire’ because the moon appears slightly smaller as it passes.
“Our park staff are ready to help visitors safely view this phenomenon,” said JR Collier, deputy of Statewide Operations.
He added that a limited number of free eclipse glasses will be available at Oregon State Parks on the day of the event.
He also emphasizes that safety is crucial while observing an eclipse.
Use ISO 12312-2 certified solar filters, avoid damaged filters, and consider projection methods. The eclipse glasses from the 2017 event are expired and shouldn’t be used.
Travelers coming to Oregon should prepare for potential traffic congestion, check local weather conditions, and pack essentials, including water, food, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Whether you’re an experienced eclipse enthusiast or a first-time observer, prioritize safety, and plan your trip to witness the ‘ring of fire’ against Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes and clear skies.
For more information and updates about viewing the eclipse from an Oregon state park, please visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=327.
Department of Forestry announces seasonal closures at State Forest campgrounds starting October 2, 2023
SALEM, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is closing some campground operations on the Clatsop, Tillamook, and Santiam state forests as it does each year as part of its transition to winter operations. On Oct. 2 all seasonal developed campgrounds will be closing, followed by the closure of all seasonal Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) campgrounds on Oct. 31. One exception to the closure plan will be Northrup Creek Horse Camp Campground in the Clatsop State Forest, which will remain open until Dec. 1.
The closures are primarily done for public safety and are impacted by seasonal staffing levels. “As we move into fall, keeping Oregonians safe in the forest is important. With snowfall, high winds, and heavy rainfall it’s essential that we close some campgrounds as conditions change and many become inaccessible,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation Operations Manager.
Even with the closures, some camping opportunities will remain open and available through the winter months.
Tillamook State Forest
- Closing Oct. 2
- Jones Creek Campground
- Nehalem Falls Campground
- Morrison Eddy Campground
- Gales Creek Campground
- Reehers Camp Campground
- Closing Oct. 31
- Browns Camp Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Campground
- Jordan Creek OHV Campground
- Open Year-Round
- Keenig Creek Campground
- Elk Creek Campground
- Diamond Mill OHV Campground
- Stagecoach Horse Campground
Clatsop State Forest
- Closing Oct. 2
- Spruce Run Campground – Loops B & C
- Beaver Eddy Campground
- Closing Dec. 1
- Northrup Creek Horse Campground
- Open Year-Round Season
- Spruce Run Campground – Loops A & D
- Gnat Creek Campground
- Viewpoint OHV Campground
Santiam State Forest
- Closing Oct. 2
- Santiam Horse Camp
- Rock Creek Campground
More information on recreation opportunities at State Forest campgrounds can be found on our website, ODF Campgrounds.
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.
