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
Friday, July 26, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
“This latest round of weather is extremely concerning,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said in a statement Sunday. “Our firefighters are doing everything thing they can to rise to this immense challenge, but they are taxed, and we need our fellow Oregonians’ help. Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.”
Fire Weather Tools from the National Weather Service
As we prepare for the peak of wildfire season in the U.S., the National Weather Service (NWS) reminds wildland fire managers that we have tools to help you monitor and fight wildfires. Whether it is a prescribed burn, ground fire or crown fire, fire managers can use this information to make decisions on how best to combat fires and keep the public safe.
Fire weather forecasters – The NWS issues Fire Weather Outlooks for the next eight days. These outlooks show areas where pre-existing fuel conditions, combined with forecast weather conditions, may result in a significant threat of wildfires.
Our Fire Weather Program supports land managers and firefighters who mitigate and respond to fires. Our weather forecasts are designed to highlight times and locations where a fire may be exceptionally hard to control. For example, we offer Red Flag Warnings, which mean warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are ongoing or expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger in 12 to 24 hours for specific locations.
Need a fire weather Spot Forecast? Land managers can request a site-specific, localized forecast for prescribed burns and wildfires to assess a potential threat. NWS recently updated this tool and will deliver additional enhancements to the application later this year. Learn more about the new Spot Forecast tool.
For federal and select state large wildfires, onsite weather forecasting support to firefighters is critical. An NWS Incident- Meteorologist (IMET) can be deployed to your incident command post. IMETs arrive on scene within 12 to 24 hours after activation and can serve up to 14 consecutive days before being relieved by another IMET. https://www.weather.gov/news/241507-fire-weather-tools
PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires
- Immediately call 911 to report fires.
- Drones and other unmanned aircrafts are illegal to fly near fires.
- Fireworks, incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets, are prohibited during fire season (May-October).
- Use caution when target shooting. Clear a 20-foot radius around the target by removing all vegetation and rocks.
- Ensure vehicles and trailers are properly maintained
- Make sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging.
- Keep exhaust systems clean and use spark arrestors.
- Do not park on dry grass.
- Carry extra water, shovel, and/or a fire extinguisher with you.
- Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before leaving your campsite by making sure it is cool to the touch.
- Please don’t smoke and if you do, don’t throw out cigarette butts.
- Please be mindful and think about your actions
To ensure all Oregonians remain safe during the 2024 wildfire season, we urge everyone to stay tuned into these communications channels and follow all official safety guidelines related to air quality and recreation:
Watch Duty app: Download this app on your smartphone to understand where wildfires are in real time as well as monitor air quality and other metrics. https://app.watchduty.org
Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: During fire season, this web-based interactive map is updated daily with current fire perimeters and locations. This website acts as the wildfire resource coordination center for the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Oregon Dept of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/index.aspx
InciWeb the Incident Information System: The federal interagency all-risk incident information management system provides an interactive map with real-time location information on wildfires. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire News: The official wildfire news blog for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Look here for all wildfire news related to state forest lands. https://odffire.com/
Keep Oregon Green: A partnership comprised of statewide and interagency groups working together to promote awareness of the risk and causes of wildfires and how to be prepared in case of a wildfire emergency. https://keeporegongreen.org/
OregonLive Wildfire Map: A project managed by OregonLive that incorporates data from InciWeb, National Interagency Fire Center, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, NOAA into an easy-to-use map tool. https://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring Data: A real-time map and cell phone application you can use to track air quality, including wildfire smoke impacts, across the state. Check your app store for OregonAir. https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map
Purple Air – Air Quality Map System: Real-time air quality information using crowdsourced data and data from EPA air sensors. https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0…
NOAA High Resolution Rapid Refresh Data Visualization: The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency(NOAA) is an experimental data visualization tool for wildfire smoke. Be sure to turn on the “Vertically Integrated Smoke” layer to see smoke paths. https://hwp-viz.gsd.esrl.noaa.gov/smoke/index.html
NEW Security protocol for 2024:
This year in order to provide an added level of safety for all Fair attendees we will be working with multiple law enforcement agencies and security personnel. In addition we have added metal detectors at the gates. This is part of our commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for all our fairgoers. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to ensure the well-being of everyone attending the Lane County Fair. Our goal is to have attendees enjoy an improve sense of safety without spending an extended period of time at the gate.
MORE INFO: https://www.atthefair.com and Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaneCountyFair
Eugene Police and Lane County Sheriff’s Office partner on strong fair security measures
The Lane County Fair is July 24 through to 28. To make the venue safer and a welcoming space for families, this year the Eugene Police Department and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office have partnered on strong security measures. Some changes to this year’s security include the addition of metal detectors at the entrances to the fair, increased and enhanced law enforcement presence throughout the fair and parking lots, and the addition of overlapping shifts of officers and deputies during the peak fair times. All these safety measures are in addition to private security hired for the fair.
According to EPD Chief Chris Skinner, “County fairs across America provide opportunities for friends and families to come together and enjoy the offerings of their unique area. It’s important to us as a police department to provide a safe and secure place for that enjoyment. If you plan on coming to the fair and engage in unsafe behavior, stay home.”
“For over a century, the Lane County Fair has been a cherished tradition in our community,” said Sheriff Cliff Harrold. “This year, we are proud to collaborate with the fair and other agencies to ensure a fun and safe environment where families can come together, create lasting memories, and celebrate our county. Let’s all work together to keep the fair enjoyable for everyone.”
The Lane County Fair, at 796 W. 13th Avenue, is a summer event everyone looks forward to. It is fun for all ages. The security measures are designed to make the venue safer so people can enjoy the many rides, games, exhibits, and entertainment.
Fire Updates
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires Update – Thursday July 25, 2024
The Cottage Grove – Lane 1 fires consist of the following fires for a total of 5394 acres: Lane 1 (1421 acres), Clark 900 (1072 acres), Quartz (759 acres), Jack Saddle (1001 acres), Puddin (210 acres), Adam Mountain (266 acres), and Mineral (665 acres). The Lane 1 Fire is considered 10% contained, while all other fires are 0% contained. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters. There are currently 449 personnel assigned to the incident.Today, fires experienced low to moderate intensity fire behavior.
A Division Supervisor and crews are conducting structure protection assessments north of the Lane 1 Fire. A Level 1 Evacuation Order remains in effect for portions of Brice Creek Road in Disston.
Closures: Due to the wildfires, the Umpqua National Forest has issued Forest Order No. 06-15-24-03 and Forest Order No. 06-15-02-24-01 that can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alertsnoticesThe Bureau of Land Management has issued the following emergency closure for Lane County:https://blm.gov/…/bureau-land-management-issues…The following County roads are closed except to owners of private lands accessed from these roads: Brice Creek Road east of Umpqua National Forest Boundary, all of Sharps Creek Road. Evacuations: A “Level 1” Evacuation notice has been issued by the Lane County Sheriff’s Department for areas east of Disston starting at Brice Creek Road milepost 0.7 and following Brice Creek Road south.
An evacuation map is available at: www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1FireTemporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 8500 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available athttps://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_4814.html . Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.
For further information visit the Inciweb links for each Cottage Grove-Lane 1 fire below: Lane 1: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/…/or77s-Cottage-Grove-lane-1Clark 900: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/or770s-clark-900Quartz: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-quartzJack Saddle: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-jack-saddleAdam Mountain: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-adam-mountainMineral: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-mineral
** 𝐌𝐭. 𝐏𝐢𝐬𝐠𝐚𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭 **Lane County Animal Services is using the arena located in the park to shelter livestock and other large animals that have been evacuated from the Oakridge area.
While the shelter is in place, it is important that regular park users give the livestock plenty of space – especially if they have dogs. Please leave a wide buffer between people with dogs and the shelter. We want all of the animals (and the people caring for them!) to be safe. Thank you for understanding as we put the park to a new, emergency use. Information about shelter and the High Prairie Fire can be found at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HighPrairieFire
Lane County Gets Grant for Nearly $20 Million To Create Community Centers Shelters For Emergencies
Lane County residents will soon have six more-consistently available spaces in which to take refuge during extreme heat, or smoke events.
The “community resilience hubs” will be located in existing community spaces such as school gyms and libraries.
The project will be paid for with a nearly $20 million grant that Lane County and Lane United Way won from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Regional EPA administrator Casey Sixkiller said the hubs will be part of the county’s emergency response during smoke or extreme heat events, such as the one that broke several temperature records in Eugene this month.
“What Lane County and United Way are doing is helping respond to that,” he said. “Creating community centers that will have clean air, cool air that people can go and be safe.”
The funds will also be used to train and equip volunteers to activate and manage the shelters during emergencies.
The facilities chosen to become hubs include the Senior and Activities Center in Florence, the Fern Ridge Service Center in Veneta, the Fairfield Elementary School Gym in Eugene, the Bob Keefer Center in Springfield, the Willamette Activity Center in Oakridge and the Community Center and Library in Cottage Grove.
According to Lane County, the county and United Way will collaborate with local groups before renovating those buildings.
The hubs will also be stocked with supplies for emergencies and the county and United Way will work with local community groups to make sure there are long-term volunteers who can operate the centers when they are needed most.
Sixkiller said any city, county or tribal government or community group impacted by smoke or extreme heat can apply for a grant to build their own hub.
“This is the first set of announcements, not the last, and there are still more opportunities to apply,” he said.
The EPA is taking applications until November and is offering technical assistance to any local government or community groups seeking funds.
Corvallis Man Convicted of 19 Counts of Sex Crimes
CORVALLIS, Ore. – On July 16, 2024, a Benton County Circuit Court Judge sentenced Lawrence Lemaster Sr, 67, to 525 months prison time for sex crimes going back to 1990.
On May 17, 2024, a 12-person jury found Lemaster guilty of 21 offenses, including:
| Sodomy in the First Degree (x2) |
| Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (x15) |
| Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the Second Degree (x2) |
In April of 2021, detectives from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the Corvallis Police Department investigated reports of sex abuse by a male victim, who alleged sex abuse by Lemaster when he was four years old. Another victim, a female, reported abuse when she was 10 to 12 years old. Both victims were known to him.
“We are relieved to announce the conviction of a sex offender, a critical step in an ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of our Benton County community. The verdict reflects the tireless efforts of law enforcement and advocates who work diligently to protect our citizens,” stated Sheriff Van Arsdall. “We encourage victims to come forward and seek justice and know that we stand with them in their pursuit of safety and healing.”
BCSO would like to thank the Corvallis Police Department, the ABC House, and the Benton County District Attorney’s Office, for their assistance and prosecution of this case.
New pickleball court at Deerhorn Landing east of Springfield thanks to support from voter-approved Lane County Parks levy
Pickleball has taken the community by storm – and Lane County Parks has taken note. A new pickleball court is now available at Deerhorn Landing, located east of Springfield.
The basketball court can now also serve as a pickleball court thanks to the addition of removable netting and new striping.
“It’s exciting to be able to enhance opportunities for people to get outside, get active and have fun in our parks,” said Lane County Parks Manager Brett Henry. “Investing in projects like this helps make our parks more welcoming and more functional for visitors. We’re very thankful voters approved the levy that is making this and so much more possible.”
In addition to the new court, the parking lot was refreshed with new gravel and graded. Park signs were also repaired and refinished to provide an improved welcome to park visitors. The work was performed by Lane County Parks maintenance staff.
Park hours are dusk to dawn and the court is first come, first served.
Voter-approved levy funding provided the financial support for the park upgrades.
Learn more about the Lane County Parks levy on our website.
To find Deerhorn Landing, take Highway 126 East and turn onto Holden Creek Road between mileposts 17 and 18. At Bridge Street take another right. Deerhorn Landing is on the left immediately after the bridge.
Eugene’s National Night Out is back at the ballgame on July 28!
Join us outside PK Park at 3 p.m. for a free, fun, family-centric community celebration. Meet your favorite K9s and special teams from Eugene, Springfield, UOPD, Eugene/Springfield Fire, and Oregon State Police. Enjoy displays from SWAT, Traffic Team, Bomb Team, K9, Drone Teams, Forensics, Animal Services, and more!Stay for the Monarcas vs. Spokane game at 5 p.m. and celebrate our community partnerships between innings.
Lane County Sheriff’s Office Still Seeking Suspect in Homicide
In June, a deceased female was located in the Cottage Grove area who appeared to be the victim of homicide. Lane County Sheriff’s detectives identified the victim as a missing person, Rozaleena Faith Rasmussen, 29, from Cottage Grove.
Detectives identified the suspect as Anthony Wesley Tyrrell, 31, of Cottage Grove. A nationwide warrant has been issued for his arrest. Tyrrell is described as a white male adult with brown hair, brown eyes, weighing approximately 165 pounds and standing approximately 5’9” tall. He was last seen with his head shaved and wearing a white shirt, black trench coat, black pants, and black boots.
Tyrrell is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him.
Applications are being sought until August 14 for this year’s mural project
with four artists selected who will be paid $1,500 each.
The selected artists will paint their murals on September 19 and 20 at four storm drains in the Thurston area of east Springfield.
“When It Hits The Fan”: A New Podcast by Lane County Emergency Management
Lane County Emergency Management is excited to announce the launch of a new podcast, “When It Hits The Fan,” now available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
“When It Hits The Fan” is designed to equip listeners with essential knowledge and resources to be prepared and stay safe during a disaster. Whether you’re new to emergency preparedness or a seasoned prepper, the podcast offers can help you face the future with confidence.
“Our goal with ‘When It Hits The Fan’ is to reach community members in a format that’s accessible and engaging,” said Lane County Emergency Manager Tiffany Brown. “We want to provide digestible and actionable information that people can easily incorporate into their daily lives to ensure they are prepared for any emergency. We hope to foster a culture of preparedness and resilience within our community.”
Episodes are share monthly and, so far, include:
- “Welcome! And, what the heck is emergency management?” – An introduction to the world of emergency management.
- “What do you mean we should be two-weeks ready?!” – Practical tips for ensuring your household is prepared for emergencies.
Listen at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/fan.
About Lane County Emergency Management – Lane County Emergency Management is committed to preparing the community for emergencies and disasters through education, planning, and response coordination.
If you are taking a young child to a big event, local Fairs, Six Flags, theme park, Fenway Park or any other busy location … Write your phone number on their wrist and cover it with liquid band aid in case you get separated. Also, take a photo of them using your cell phone the morning of the event so you have their clothing, hair style and up to date photo. Just in case they get lost. Stay safe this summer! #BePrepared#TipofTheDay
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management encourages people traveling by car to be fire safe
Salem, Ore.—July 25, 2024 — If you are travelling by car this summer, especially if you are headed to Eastern Oregon, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are encouraging you to be fire safe and prepared.
The 2024 wildfire season is shaping up to be one for the record books. With Govenor Tina Kotek invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act for Durkee and Battle Mountain Complex Fires, there are now three large complex fires burning through acres of land east of the Cascades. Fire officials and OEM are asking people to take every precaution possible to avoid adding to the problem.
While you are packing and preparing to take off and explore our state, it’s important to stay up to date on road closures with Tripcheck.com; connect with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) about campfire restrictions; and make sure you have emergency supplies in case you get stranded.
Here is a list of items to consider for a basic emergency car kit:
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflective triangle
- Car cell phone charger
- Blanket
- Map
- Cat litter or sand for tire traction in ice
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help if the air is smokey or dusty
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place if needed
- Wet wipes, garbage bags, toilet paper and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Printed maps of the local area in case you lose service
- Cell phone and a backup charger
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- A fire extinguisher you know how to use
Finally, pack extra water and snakes in case you get stuck for a while.
In addition to packing an emergency kit, ODOT wants to remind travelers to use U.S. 20 to move east or west across central and eastern Oregon, and if you must travel, consult Tripcheck.com and check conditions for your route. It is also important to make sure your car is tuned up, has plenty of gas and the tires are in good condition.
Here are more tips to be a fire safe traveler:
- When pulling off the road, stay on paved surfaces when possible.
- Avoid the side of the road where dry grass and other fuel can come in contact with your vehicle’s hot components and spark a fire.
- Don’t toss lit cigarettes, or any flammable materials, out your vehicle’s window.
- Extinguish all smoking materials completely and never in dry grass.
- Secure chains and make sure they aren’t dragging. That can cause sparks.
Maintain your car and carry the right equipment
- Maintain proper tire pressure as driving on rims will throw off sparks.
- Prevent vehicle fires by having your vehicle serviced regularly by a professionally trained mechanic.
- Heat and electrical sparks that come into contact with leaking flammable car fluids can easily start a car fire.
There are tips on how to prevent wildfires on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website.
You can find more tips on how to prepare your car for road trips at Ready,gov/car or check out Be 2 Weeks Ready to help build your self-reliance and community preparedness.
Oregon Department of Transportation – If you plan to travel across the state in the coming days, make sure you carefully plan your route.
I-84 and many other highways in #EasternOR may be closed or unreliable due to wildfires. Visit TripCheck.com for the latest closure points and details.
Due to current fire activity, we expect continued and/or more I-84 closures. Do not rely on this route in the upcoming days. Many other eastern Oregon highways are also closed or impacted as well.
Wildfires are unpredictable and we have no estimate on opening times for any fire-impacted highways. Previous plans for a nighttime only closure of I-84 to remove brush along the highway were upended when the wildfire quickly reached the interstate. Fire crews are actively fighting fire from I-84.Travelers should use U.S. 20 to move east or west across central and eastern Oregon during this current period of fire activity. If you must travel, consult TripCheck.com and check real-time conditions for your ENTIRE route.
Tips while traveling in #ORfire season:
1. Don’t blindly follow GPS directions or detour on local or forest roads. These roads are not suitable for interstate traffic. If a highway is closed on TripCheck, it is likely that nearby local roads are also closed due to wildfire in the area. TripCheck is updated 24/7 by dispatch staff.
2. Expect power outages near wildfires. Treat non-working traffic lights like a four-way stop. Roadside message boards and TripCheck cameras may also be out in these areas.
3. Carry extra supplies including food, water, necessary medications, etc. for all your passengers, including pets.
4. Driving in smoke is like driving in heavy fog. Slow down but keep a steady pace and stay alert. Slow driving gives you more time to respond to unexpected conditions. Turn on headlights when driving in smoky areas.
5. The best place to wait for a highway to reopen is at home. Do not travel to the closure points and wait, closures could last for days. Find fire information, including a fire overview and map, smoke forecast and sign up for local emergency alerts by visiting wildfire.oregon.gov
Oregon Department of Emergency ManagementOregon State PoliceOregon Department of ForestryOregon State Fire Marshal
ODF’s Situation Report is to help create a snapshot of large fire information, weather and prevention information. To read the full report, visit https://odffire.com/…/odf-wildland-situation-report…/.
Red Cross has opened 13 shelters so far this wildfire season as Oregon burns more than 945,000 acres. How you can prepare before disaster strikes.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Portland, ORE, July 25, 2024] — Residents of Oregon and SW Washington are in the middle of a busy wildfire season as the climate crisis threatens to upend more communities. The American Red Cross Cascades Region opened our first shelter in La Pine on June 25th due to the Darlene 3 Fire and we have not stopped since. We are currently operating in 4 different locations in our region plus we are helping support or neighboring Red Cross regions in Washington, Idaho and Montana.
“This is part of a nationwide trend where natural disasters are becoming more frequent and intense. In 2023, an estimated 2.5 million were forced from their homes by weather-related disasters— with more than a third displaced for longer than a month,” says Red Cross Cascades CEO Priscilla Fuentes.
The best defense in an emergency is to be prepared and the American Red Cross, Cascades Region advises everyone to get ready now.
- Build an emergency kit. Stock it with bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and battery-powered radio. Also include medications, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers and emergency contact information. If you have pets or kids, consider packing items for them.
- Make an evacuation plan. What will you do if you are separated from your family during an emergency? Where will you go and where will you meet? Know evacuation routes in your community and make sure you have gas in your car.
- Know how to stay informed. Watch the local news, follow first responders on social media, check the websites of emergency managers, transportation agencies, and law enforcement to learn how you can receive evacuation orders and evacuate safely.
- Plus, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and more safety tips. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
PAY ATTENTION TO EVACUATION ORDERS:
Level 1-Be Ready
Level 2-Get Set
Level 3-Go Now
- Follow evacuation guidelines set by emergency managers. Level 3 evacuations mean “GO NOW.” Don’t hesitate to leave when instructed.
- If you are elderly or have access and functional limitations, consider leaving during a level 2 “GET SET” evacuation.
- Be aware of road closures so you know how to leave the affected area safely.
- Make sure you have gas in your car in case you must leave.
- Bring masks or other devices to help protect you from wildfire smoke.
WHO ARE WE HELPING?
Everyone is welcome in our shelters, and we are hearing incredible stories like this one from Marc Berry. Read more HERE.
VOLUNTEER TODAY The Red Cross is seeking new volunteers who are team-oriented and want to make an immediate difference. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up. Free online training will be provided.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media. — American Red Cross – Cascades Region
Campfires temporarily banned at most Oregon State Parks due to dry conditions, nearby wildfires
— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) temporarily banned campfires at most Oregon State Parks due to dry conditions and the strain on firefighting resources from wildfires burning across the state.
Campfires and open flames are banned at all parks east of the Cascades due to the low humidity and risk of wildfires. They’re also restricted at parks in high-risk areas across the state until conditions improve. Most bans impact parks east of the Cascades and in the valley with some restrictions at select coastal parks.
“We understand that campfires are an important part of the experience at Oregon State Parks. We don’t make the decision lightly to restrict the use of fire, but unfortunately conditions require that response. The decision is made in consultation with our local fire agencies. Thank you for helping us do our part to reduce the risk of any new wildfires,” said JR Collier, OPRD’s deputy of statewide operations.
Campfire restrictions generally ban all “open flame,” but often make exceptions for propane cooking as the flame is contained. Check individual park webpages for details on any restrictions before visiting. Restrictions are listed in alphabetical order in a feature story at stateparks.oregon.gov/ or on the individual park pages.
OPRD also encourages visitors to know before they go when it comes to the impact of wildfires across the state:
- Several parks have been closed due to wildfires including Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor, Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, East and West Hatfield Trailheads on the Columbia River Highway State Trail and Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor. Check park webpages at stateparks.oregon.gov/ and search by park.
- Some parks have reduced air quality due to wildfire smoke. Check DEQ’s website for air quality information at www.oregonsmoke.org/
- Several roads and highways have been closed due to wildfires. Please use TripCheck to learn about closures and alternative routes. Relying on GPS might lead drivers into unsafe conditions
For more information about current wildfires around the state, go to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx.
For more information about wildfire prevention, please visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx.
Campfires prohibited across BLM’s Northwest Oregon District
– Starting July 23, campfires will be prohibited on all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout the Northwest Oregon District. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as hotter, drier weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest.
In addition to fires and campfires, the stronger restrictions also prohibit smoking in vegetated areas; using vehicles in unmanaged vegetated areas; operating a chainsaw; welding, cutting or grinding; or using an internal combustion engine without a spark arrestor. These prohibitions will stay in effect until rescinded.
These level II fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires. They build on the BLM’s statewide fire restrictions prohibiting fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns, which went effect May 24.
Those who violate the prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.
For the complete order and more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.
To learn more about fire careers with BLM Oregon-Washington, please see https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire/state-info/oregon-washington/careers.
| Incident | Type | State | Incident Size | UpdatedSort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD | Wildfire | Oregon | 136561 Acres | 33 seconds ago |
| Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 762 Acres | 3 minutes 20 seconds ago |
| Oakridge Lightning Fires 2024 – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | Acres | 7 minutes 1 second ago |
| Homestead Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1179 Acres | 13 minutes 17 seconds ago |
| Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 856 Acres | 14 minutes 5 seconds ago |
| Durkee Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 288690 Acres | 1 hour 5 minutes ago |
| Falls Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 141926 Acres | 2 hours 11 minutes ago |
| Telephone Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 12180 Acres | 2 hours 12 minutes ago |
| Jack Saddle – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1001 Acres | 8 hours 43 minutes ago |
| Mineral – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 665 Acres | 8 hours 55 minutes ago |
| Quartz – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 759 Acres | 9 hours 13 minutes ago |
| Puddin – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 210 Acres | 9 hours 32 minutes ago |
| Adam Mountain – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1421 Acres | 9 hours 57 minutes ago |
| Clark 900 – OR770S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1421 Acres | 9 hours 58 minutes ago |
| Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1421 Acres | 9 hours 59 minutes ago |
| Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 140879 Acres | 10 hours 10 minutes ago |
| Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 51196 Acres | 11 hours 1 minute ago |
| Ore Fire – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1050 Acres | 11 hours 40 minutes ago |
| Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 133490 Acres | 11 hours 55 minutes ago |
| Diamond Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 4156 Acres | 12 hours 23 minutes ago |
| Courtrock Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 5170 Acres | 14 hours 25 minutes ago |
| Pyramid & Slate Fires – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 18 hours 40 minutes ago | |
| Red Fire – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 389 Acres | 19 hours 10 minutes ago |
| Boneyard Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 49716 Acres | 23 hours 35 minutes ago |
| Salt Creek – OR710S | Wildfire | Oregon | 4102 Acres | 3 days 16 hours ago |
| Larch Creek Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 18286 Acres | 6 days 9 hours ago |
Large Fires in Oregon 7/24/24 7:30am per INCIWEB
Please Help Prevent Wildfires!
In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.
Oregon Division of Financial Regulation warns people to be careful before signing assignment of benefits agreement after natural disaster
– With wildfires raging across the state, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) wants to make sure people are taken care of in the event of a catastrophe and warned of those who may want to take advantage of a vulnerable situation.
One of those ways is through an assignment of benefits (AOB) agreement, which is a contract between a homeowner and a third party that transfers the insurance claim rights or benefits in an insurance policy to the third party. This allows the third party, which is typically a contractor, plumber, roofer, or other construction professional, to file the claim, make decisions about home repairs, and collect insurance payments without involving the homeowner.
DFR stresses that you are not required to enter an AOB with a third party to have repairs done – you can file a claim directly to your insurance company.
An AOB can be a useful tool for getting repairs done, as it allows the repair company to deal directly with an insurance company when negotiating repairs. It also allows the insurer to pay the repair company directly. However, an AOB is a legal contract, so policyholders need to understand the rights they are signing away and make sure the repair company is trustworthy. Here are some reminders:
- With an AOB, the third party, like a roofing company or plumber, may file your claim, make repair decisions, and collect insurance payments without your involvement. They can also sue your insurer, and you can lose your right to mediation.
- Once you have signed an AOB, your insurer only communicates with the third party.
- It is possible the third party may demand a higher claim payment than the insurer offers and then sue the insurer when it denies the claim.
“It is important for homeowners to know their rights and understand what they are agreeing to with an assignment of benefits,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, Oregon insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “Importantly, you are signing away your right to control many decisions related to the repair of your home. While this arrangement can be a good thing with the right contractor, it can result in a headache if it ends up in the wrong hands.”
DFR reminds homeowners to be diligent and alert for fraud. Home repair fraud is common after a natural disaster, and some contractors may prey on victims in hopes of making a quick buck. It is usually a good idea to do business with local businesses or trusted companies. Check references and talk to your friends and family. You should also always confirm that a contractor is licensed in the state of Oregon. Your insurance company may also have recommendations, and you should get more than one bid for your repairs.
Anyone who has questions or feels they may have been taken advantage of can always contact one of our consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or through email at .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.
For more information about AOB agreements, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers additional resources and information. DFR also has resources on understanding homeowners insurance and other insurance tips, including a brochure designed to help homeowners avoid disaster scams.
OHA marks 100th water treatment system installation milestone
OHA, partners continue efforts to protect families with high levels of nitrate in domestic well water
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and partner organizations have recorded more than 100 free water treatment systems installed in households in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area, or LUBGWMA. As of June 30, OHA’s vendors had installed 111 systems and are working to install additional systems to help address high levels of nitrate in some domestic wells.
The LUBGWMA spans northern Morrow County and northwestern Umatilla County and was designated by the state due to high nitrate in groundwater that supplies domestic wells.
Nitrate in well water is a potential health hazard, and nitrate levels above 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) are considered dangerous for human consumption. Pregnant people and babies face the greatest risk. The state has offered free laboratory tests of well water to LUBGWMA residents since 2023.
Residents are encouraged to continue testing their domestic wells’ nitrate levels. OHA recently announced a retesting effort to ensure that households near the 10 mg/L limit are monitored.
Households with a nitrate test result above 10 mg/L are eligible for free water delivery. For households whose well water tests higher than 10 mg/L but below 25 mg/L, the state will also provide free installation and maintenance of one in-home reverse-osmosis system. OHA requires that systems be certified to reduce nitrate levels to safe for drinking. There are no kitchen-tap treatment systems certified to remove nitrate at levels above 25 mg/L.
State rules require treatment systems be installed by licensed plumbers. OHA’s vendors go beyond installing treatment systems and provide ongoing maintenance and replacement of filters. Vendors also collect a water sample for laboratory analysis of the water from the tap after installation, to guarantee that the water is safe for consumption.
“We are grateful to the plumbers who have helped us reach this milestone and we continue to look for ways to install these systems at a faster pace,” said Gabriela Goldfarb, OHA Environmental Public Health section manager. “We appreciate the patience of residents who are waiting to get their treatment system and we know the wait is not easy.”
Questions? Contact the OHA Domestic Well Safety Program at Domestic.Wells@odhsoha.oregon.gov or call 541-952-9254 and visit testmywell.oregon.gov to learn about free safe water services for residents of northern Morrow County and northwestern Umatilla County.
Study shows Oregon Medicaid renewal rate highest in nation
SALEM, Ore. —Oregon has the highest rate in the nation for Medicaid renewals since the lifting of the COVID-related continuous enrollment requirement in March 2023, according to a Georgetown study.
With 92 percent of the state’s nearly 1.5 million renewals complete, more than four out of five Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits.
(Source: Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy study published July 14, 2024)
Six reasons Oregon is doing well with Medicaid renewals
OHP Bridge
OHP Bridge, a new category of OHP with higher income limits, launched July 1. Since the unwinding of the pandemic emergency began, people likely to be eligible for OHP Bridge kept their OHP. To date, 22,784 people have moved to OHP Bridge.
Sequencing
Oregon intentionally scheduled renewals for people who were more likely to keep benefits and needed minimal support to complete the process upfront. State employees put certain renewals such as likely OHP Bridge members later in the schedule and spread more complex renewals throughout the process to ensure support was consistently available.
Longer timelines
Oregon gave people longer to respond before closing benefits than any other state in the nation. In Oregon, people have up to 90 days to respond and 60 days’ advance notice of any closure. People who did not respond can also reopen their case up to 90 days after closing.
Outreach
Oregon has a robust network of community partners across the state, and tools like earned media and paid advertising were used to spread awareness of the renewal process.
Maximizing automated renewals
When members’ eligibility information can be verified using federal data matching sources without needing the member to respond, they can be automatically renewed. This minimizes the chances for closures due to nonresponse, reduces the paperwork burden on members and preserves staff capacity to help the remaining people. To date, Oregon’s monthly news release on renewals has used KFF data, which continues to show Oregon in third place. The Georgetown ranking shows Oregon among the top states reducing paperwork via the automated renewal process.
Rules protecting coverage between renewals
Oregon is unique in giving most adults a two-year continuous eligibility period where they will keep their medical benefits until their next renewal, even if something like income changes would no longer qualify them for benefits. Oregon also offers young children benefits until their sixth birthday. These rules do not directly affect renewal rate but prevent “churn” on and off benefits between renewals.
July OHP renewal data
As of July 19, 1,347,208 people have completed the renewal process. This represents around 92.7 percent of all OHP and Medicaid members.
- 1,114,627 people (82.7 percent) were renewed and kept their benefits.
- 221,260 people (16.4 percent) were found ineligible.
- 11,321 people (0.8 percent) had a reduction in their benefits. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue Medicare Savings Programs that help pay their Medicare costs.
Although most people are keeping coverage during the post-pandemic medical renewals, approximately 232,000 people have or will need to consider other coverage options due to lost or reduced benefits.
- People who do not have coverage through an employer or Medicare may be able to enroll through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace and get financial help. Most people who enroll through HealthCare.gov qualify for this help.
- The Marketplace is sending information to people who are no longer eligible for OHP benefits, advising of other potential coverage options.
- People who have recently lost OHP benefits can enroll anytime until Nov. 30, 2024, or within 60 days of their benefits ending.
- For more information and ways to get help signing up for Marketplace, Medicare or employer coverage, see “What to do if OHP is ending” below.
Need help renewing your benefits?
- Learn more about how to renew your OHP coverage. You can log into your ONE Online account and complete your renewal at benefits.oregon.gov.
- Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages. Wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m., Pacific Time.
- Visit or call a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office. People can find their local office at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx.
- Visit a community partner for free, in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda (Spanish).
- Download the Oregon ONE Mobile app via the app store to keep track of your renewal, find a local office, or upload a document.
What to do if your OHP is ending:
- First, review the case summary in your letter to make sure the information used to make the decision was correct. If that information has changed, notify the state via one of the options above. If the information on file for you is correct and you disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing. Learn more about hearings.
- Explore options through an employer. If you, your spouse or a parent are working, you may be eligible for health coverage through that employer. Talk to your manager or Human Resources department to see if you qualify. You will have a special enrollment period to enroll mid-year due to loss of OHP benefits.
- If you have or are eligible for Medicare: For help understanding and choosing the right Medicare options, go to https://OregonHealthcare.gov/GetHelp to find an insurance agent or a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA). You can also call SHIBA at 800-722-4134.
If you need to sign up for Medicare for the first time, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 to enroll by phone or find a local office. You can also enroll in Medicare online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.
- Nearly 80 percent of Oregonians qualify for financial help through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to answer a few quick questions, find out how much you can save and find out how much coverage may cost you. You can also call the Marketplace Transition Help Center at 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).
- Need free local help finding other coverage? Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to find professional help near you.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are committed to transparency and will continue to send monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians. Check our ONE Eligibility Operations Dashboards for more frequent updates on medical renewal data and wait times for callers to the ONE Customer Service Center.
Rogue Valley postal workers will hold a rally next week to raise awareness about the consolidation of some mail services up to Portland ahead of the November election.
The consolidation of some mail sorting processes was done earlier this year in Medford and Eugene as a way to save the U.S. Postal Service money. The Southern Oregon Local American Postal Workers Union, #342 is hoping those changes can be reversed before the November election.
Roman Battaglia / JPR
Part of the consolidation included removing Medford’s postmarking machine, according to Union President Jeremy Schilling. Now mail, including vote-by-mail ballots, is sent to Portland to be postmarked. That’s led to worries about ballots not being counted in time, although USPS has said the change will not affect mail services.
Schilling is optimistic that the consolidation process can be undone.
“There’s no reason that, if someone wants to send a letter from Talent to Medford, that it needs to go to Portland and then back. That doesn’t logically make sense. So I believe there is an easy path to keeping our local mail local,” he said.
The union’s goal is to return the postmark machine and outgoing mail sorting to Medford. Schilling said the machine has been disassembled and is in storage on site. The Medford plant is still operational, including sorting incoming mail. Schilling said residents frequently tell him about delays.
“They tell me, like, ‘I mailed this letter, it’s disappeared,’ ‘I mailed this letter, it took three weeks,’ ‘I mailed a letter from Grants Pass to Ashland, and it’s been gone, like nobody knows where it is.’ All kinds of things. The local mail has become a disaster,” he said.
“Local mail is, and continues to be, a two-to-three-day delivery product,” said Kim Frum, a strategic communications specialist with the USPS. “According to our data, from the start of the fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2023) through July 12, it takes less than two days to process and deliver mail sent within the 974 (Eugene) and 975 (Medford) ZIP Code areas. It is the same as this time last year.”
USPS has said this shift will improve efficiency and service. It’s among the first consolidation efforts undertaken in its 10-year nationwide plan called Delivering for America, published in 2021, which aims to increase financial stability and modernize the aging network with $40 billion in investments.
Further consolidations under the Delivering for America plan were supposed to take place across the country, but after pushback from senators earlier this year, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced they will be paused at least until January. But that pause won’t affect Oregon, where consolidation had already occurred.
The union will hold a rally on August 3 at 10 a.m. in downtown Medford at Vogel Plaza. (SOURCE)
Avangrid hires 5,000 sheep for grazing on two solar projects in the Pacific Northwest
Avangrid, member of the Iberdrola Group, has partnered with a fifth-generation Oregon rancher to graze sheep at two solar farms in Oregon and Washington, and launched likely the largest “solar grazing” operation in the region. Solar grazing is a vegetation management method used at solar energy facilities that uses grazing livestock, like sheep, instead of machinery. Sheep are effective at limiting the growth of weeds and vegetation, cutting down on wildfire risks while replacing the use of gas-powered machines.
Avangrid began this effort last year with a pilot project at Pachwáywit Fields, Oregon’s largest operating solar farm located in Gilliam County that serves Portland General Electric’s Green Future Impact participants. By the Spring, Avangrid expanded the pilot into a full solar grazing operation at Pachwáywit Fields. Avangrid also launched a similar operation at its Lund Hill solar farm in Klickitat County, Washington, the state’s largest operating solar facility. At the peak in the spring, there were more than 5,000 sheep spread across both facilities.
“Avangrid is one of the most sustainable companies in the world and this is yet another example of our hardworking teams taking an innovative approach to solving complex problems,” said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO. “These sheep are not only a more environmentally friendly solution to manage the vegetation, but help us support the local community and contribute to a circular economy in the Pacific Northwest.”
The sheep at these sites belong to Cameron Krebs, a fifth generation Oregon rancher, who sells wool and lamb. Krebs and his family have partnered with Oregon-based Pendleton Woolen Mills for more than a century, providing wool fiber to the mill and clothing manufacturer.
“There has been a significant learning curve, but it is fascinating to watch the sheep learn to expertly move under and around the solar panels to eat the vegetation,” said Krebs. “They are consuming four to five pounds of dry matter per day. Another way to think about that is they are consuming four to five pounds of carbon and turning it into food and fiber, or returning it to the soil naturally. By reducing the total vegetation on site, we’re significantly reducing the fuel load and fire danger as we move into the hot, dry summer.”
“They are constantly eating,” said Dustin Ervin, Avangrid’s senior solar manager for Oregon and Washington. “The sheep maneuver around our solar panels better than the large mowing equipment we used in the past, and they eat right up to the panel arrays. We are proud to have taken this from concept to reality and I look forward to seeing how renewable energy companies begin to forge sustainable partnerships like what we’ve built with Cameron.”
“Creating world class products starts with healthy sheep providing the best wool possible,” said Keith Stonelake, wool buyer for Pendleton Woolen Mills. “The Krebs family has been one of our trusted wool growers for nearly 100 years and we are thrilled by the partnership between the Krebs’ and Avangrid.”
Avangrid will continue to utilize sheep at both Pachwáywit Fields and Lund Hill for the foreseeable future, managing the vegetation during peak growing seasons in the spring and fall. The Company is considering opportunities to expand solar grazing at other solar facilities within its portfolio. (SOURCE)
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Representative Val Hoyle announced $16.6 million in federal funds for Oregon habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects have been made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
Wyden said, “Salmon, fishing and our beautiful outdoors are all central to Oregon’s economy and identity”. Wyden said, “This funding is exactly what I fought for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, and I will continue to advocate for more resources to preserve Oregon’s pristine waterways and coast”.
Merkley said, “Oregon’s native fish are the lifeblood of our state, supporting the health and vitality of our communities, local economies, and Tribes who have been here since time immemorial”. Merkley said, “…Crucially, the two projects receiving funding will strengthen coastal resiliency and go a long way to enhance habitat for fish populations, including our beloved coho salmon, spring Chinook salmon and other native fish species”.
Hoyle said, “It will support better habitats for salmon on the Willamette River and the Oregon Coast. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of these investments, and I’ll continue working to bring federal funding back to Oregon”.
The joint release said the $16.6 million comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries’ Office of Habitat Restoration and will be used for:
*McKenzie Watershed Alliance – Resilience through Floodplain Restoration: Creating Conditions for Native Species and Communities to Thrive in the Upper Willamette: $8.5 million.
*Wild Salmon Center – Oregon Coast Coho Recovery Plan Implementation in Oregon: $8.1 million.
Oregon Wildlife Agencies Want Your Help Tracking Roadkill
This summer, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Zoo started asking Oregonians to do their own tracking and upload pictures of roadkill.
“The state wants to get a better idea about where different animals, different species are getting struck and killed by cars,” said Rachel Wheat, the ODFW wildlife connectivity coordinator.
If Oregon’s naturalists can identify roadkill hotspots, then maybe the state can reduce the number of animals killed in interactions with people each year by removing vegetation that attracts wildlife to a specific area or by building a wildlife crossing.
Roadways and vehicular traffic are a significant contributor to fragmentation of habitat and impacts to wildlife, including injury and mortality. The purpose of this project is to improve our understanding of the impacts of roads on Oregon’s wildlife, and to identify roadkill hot spots and vulnerabilities among a diversity of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. This information can help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and make roadways safer.
To sign up and for more information visit: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/roadkills-of-oregon
Recently timeout.com listed the best parks in the United States and Oregon was the only state in the Northwest that made it to the top 10.
Even if you haven’t visited this park on the edge of the Oregon Coast, most likely, you’ve seen it on the big screen. This park, with an amazing outlook toward the Pacific Ocean, has been the backdrop in films including Twilight, The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop.
You’ll see information signs on them and other points of view extending to Haystack Rock, a sea slack in Canyon Beach, and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Wander amid Sitka spruce forests and along a network of hiking trails, including the Clatsop Loop Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile-long historical loop. It partly follows the Corps of Discovery route, which is the Lewis and Clark Expedition military unit that trekked through the present-day park. Or spend time on the sand at Indian Beach. https://www.timeout.com/usa/things-to-do/best-state-parks-in-us
Bags of rice recalled in seven US states as they may contain ‘rodent parts’
Wehah Farms has issued a recall of 4,600 cases of its Lundberg Family Farms Sustainable Wild Blend Gourmet Rice in seven states . This is due to the potential presence of a “foreign object that appears to be of rodent origin.”
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this as a Class II risk recall, indicating that the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
The affected products are sold in 1lb bags with the lot code 231004 and a best-before date of October 4, 2024. The recall affects products sold in Arizona, California , Florida , Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Wisconsin, according to Newsweek.
It remains unclear how the product became contaminated with rodent parts. FDA recalls are classified into three levels, with Class II being the second most serious type.
The FDA sets limits on the amount of “extraneous materials” that can be present in food, stating: “maximum levels for these defects in foods produced under current good manufacturing practice and uses these levels in deciding whether to recommend regulatory action.”
According to the FDA: “Extraneous materials include any foreign matter in a product associated with objectionable conditions or practices in production, storage, or distribution.”
They provide examples such as “Examples of filth may include any objectionable matter contributed by animal contamination such as rodent, insect, or bird matter; or any other objectionable matter contributed by unsanitary conditions.”
The FDA stated: “Some foods, even if they are produced in acceptable conditions, may contain natural or unavoidable defects that at low levels are not hazardous to health.”
One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.
The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the
aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins.
Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut
: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke
Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.
The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s
rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with
hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium
Oregon’s Missing Persons
Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.
In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.
Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced
