The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
Wildfires continue to produce smoke in the Pacific Northwest. Breathe a little easier by keeping up to date on air quality conditions and concerns at Fire.AirNow.gov.
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
Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Completes Busy Week of Training, Response, and Rescue
With the County Fair and several rescues in the rear-view mirror of July, the Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue team continued to serve our community at full speed. The community events, trainings, and missions not only highlight their dedication to serving our residents, but also the depth the team has built.
On Saturday, August 3rd, SAR personnel provided medical and communications support for the Waldo 100 Ultramarathon. This event provides volunteers with excellent experience and real-world application of their training. Often, their skills are needed for rescues or to locate lost runners.
In the afternoon, a call came in of an injured 72-year-old hiker on the Mt. Fuji Trail. SAR volunteers who were already stationed at Waldo for the race responded and were able to make contact with the patient and provide medical care. Youth SAR also responded from Waldo, and the patient was carried to the trailhead where a friend was able to drive her to further care.
On Saturday, August 10th, Eugene Mountain Rescue (EMR), a group within Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue that tackles high angle problems, held a training at Sahalie Falls along with Linn County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue. Volunteers constructed a highline rope system, a technique used to traverse between two cliffs. The area is ideal for this type of training, and not terrible for photos, either. EMR recently conducted a high angle rescue of a hiker at the same location, making the training very applicable.
In the afternoon, a call came in of a missing 63-year-old female ATV rider in the Cummins Ridge area near Florence. Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies responded along with area fire departments. The ATV rider was located approximately 200 feet below the road. Sheriff’s Search & Rescue personnel assisted the Lincoln County Technical Rescue Team (TRT), Western Lane Fire and Yachats Fire & Rescue with a rope rescue, which took about a 3 hours to complete. Due to the remote location, the patient was transported to Corvallis by Life Flight helicopter for treatment of her injuries. She had been operating a side-by-side and wearing a helmet, which likely saved her life.
Nearly every week, Sheriff’s Search & Rescue volunteers assist our residents in all types of environments. Learn more about our Search & Rescue program and other volunteer opportunities at www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/volunteers
Structure Fire in Springfield
8/13 – At approximately 4:12 pm, EugeneSpringfield Fire units were dispatched to the report of a residential fire in the South 4100 block of Bluebelle Way.
Multiple units responded to the house fire. Crews were faced with a collapsed ceiling inside and debris which caused crews to pull out and change strategies. The fire was still quickly put under control. There are no reports of victims at this time.
Found Meth – Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT)
The Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) is currently conducting an investigation into a large amount of suspected methamphetamine located early this week by a citizen in Fir Grove Park in Roseburg.
Law Enforcement was contacted after the citizen located what appeared to be two brand new bags of charcoal briquettes in the brush along a trail in the park. The bags appeared to have been abandoned, and it was suspected they’d been stolen. The bags were opened and were found to contain a large amount of suspected methamphetamine mixed in with the briquettes.
This area is highly populated during the day with kids and citizens utilizing the park and trails. DINT took possession of the bags of briquettes and suspected controlled substances. DINT is seeking information from the public on anyone who may have seen the briquettes being carried into or left at the park. The specific amount of methamphetamine is not being disclosed at this time. — DINT can be contacted at 541-440-4474 or through our web tip line that can be found at DCSO.COM
Salem Dispute leads to shots fired, one fatality, two wounded — UPDATE
Suspect identified, wanted by police — Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit detectives ask for the public’s help in a 2023 homicide case.
On the evening of February 13, gunfire rang out in a northeast Salem neighborhood after a verbal dispute between several men gathered in the street near Arbon DR and Vallejo ST NE. The incident left Alejandro Silva-Ramirez and two other victims with gunshot wounds. Silva-Ramirez, age 27 of Salem, died on‑the-scene. The adult and teen who were also struck by gunfire survived their injuries.
Evidence developed in the investigation led to Fermin Flores, age 33 of Salem, as the suspect in the incident. Flores, who also uses the name Alejandro Chavez Mando, has a warrant for his arrest on the charge of second-degree murder.
Detectives have exhausted all efforts to locate Flores and request the public’s help with this case.
Flores is a Hispanic male adult, with black hair and brown eyes, is 5 foot 3 inches in height, and has a slender build. He generally wears his hair shaved and may have facial hair.
Anyone with information about Flores’ whereabouts is asked to call the Salem Police Tips Line at 503‑588-8477. If you see Flores, call police authorities. Do not approach him. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Monmouth Police Investigate Deaths
— Monmouth Police are investigating two deaths at a home. Sunday afternoon, a woman called 911 to report finding her parents dead in their home. Officers found the bodies of 81-year-old Kenneth Kosko and 76-year-old Francis Kosko dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
Kenneth Kosko had a gun and written notes were found near the bodies. Oregon State Police also joined the investigation. Detectives continue to look into the case and say the investigation remains open at this time.
Popular Mt. Pisgah trailhead parking lot adds cameras to improve safety
Lane County Parks added security cameras in the Main Trailhead parking lot at Howard Buford Recreation Area, often known as Mt. Pisgah, to deter theft.
The cameras can be monitored by both Lane County Parks staff and partners with Mount Pisgah Arboretum. Lane County Parks used funds from the voter-approved parks levy to install the poles and bring electrical service to the cameras.
“Like many agencies, we have been struggling with an increase in vehicle break-ins at our most popular locations,” said Lane County Parks Manager Brett Henry. “These cameras are a first step in improving safety and security at our most-visited parks. Mt. Pisgah alone sees hundreds of thousands of visits each year and we want people to continue to visit without the worry of theft and vehicle damage.”
The cameras provide a detailed view of the parking area and allow live monitoring, as well as recordings that can be easily shared with law enforcement if something happens.
“Community safety is a top priority at Mount Pisgah Arboretum,” said Arboretum Executive Director Ilana Jakubowski. “The camera system installed by Lane County Parks has already provided useful footage to assist in theft investigations. We hope that the cameras will give visitors peace of mind as they enjoy this incredible natural area.”
Lane County Parks will also install cameras at the North Trailhead parking area once the necessary electrical connections are installed.
About Lane County Parks: Lane County Parks owns or manages 68 properties, including day use areas, boat ramps, campgrounds, dog parks, and event facilities from the Coast to the Cascades. In 2022, voters approved a five-year levy to help fund much needed maintenance of existing facilities and investments in improvements to accessibility, water access, habitat restoration, and education. Learn more at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/parks.
Rape Reported Near Fern Ridge Trail/Amazon Creek
On August 8 at 10:50 a.m., Eugene Police responded to report of a rape on Fern Ridge Trail/Amazon Creek by an unknown male.
The female victim described the suspect as white, about age 40, with brown hair and last seen wearing a black/white sleeveless shirt with writing along the back, green shoes and a tattoo on one of his arms. The suspect was pushing a bicycle and later used it to flee.
This case has been forwarded to VCU for investigation. If anyone has suspect information, they are asked to contact the non-emergency line at 541.682.5111. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=912590560913038&set=a.221914853313949
GENERAL PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times
• Do not get into someone’s car even if they display a weapon. It is better to fight back in the street where help is closer at hand and other people may hear your calls for help.
• Walk confidently and don’t avoid eye contact
• Don’t let strangers into your ‘space.’ Keep plenty of distance between yourself and people you don’t wish to approach you.
• Don’t stop to talk with strangers asking for directions or other types of help as this can be a ploy to get close for an attack.
• If you feel you are in danger or being followed, call 9-1-1
• If grabbed, fight back and make as much noise as possible.
• Use the buddy system when walking after dark. You should know the person you are walking with well enough to trust them.
• Walk in lighted areas as much as possible and don’t walk too close to bushes, alleyways or other places where attackers can conceal themselves
ALERT: MISSING PERSON: SPECIAL ATTENTION ALONG HWY 138 EAST
Myrtle Creek Police Department is working on a missing person case involving 69-year-old Kathleen Wilson, who left the Myrtle Creek area on the morning of August 5. Her vehicle, a red or maroon 2012 Chevy Cruz bearing Oregon license plate#747EDB, was last seen heading east on Highway 138E leaving Roseburg just before 7:00 AM.
Her intended destination is Chiloquin, Oregon in Klamath County, where she never arrived. Information so far is that she has medication she did not take with her and was getting confused while driving. She is currently listed as missing and endangered. If you see her or her vehicle, please call 541-440-4471 immediately.
Fire Updates
For further information visit the Inciweb links for each Cottage Grove-Lane 1 fires 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-mineralPuddin: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-puddinHours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM E-mail: 2024.lane1@firenet.gov Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CottageGroveLane1Fires2024
Willamette Complex Fires-South
Fire Update – Community Meeting, There will be a community meeting for the Willamette Complex Fires South held on Friday, August 16th at 6:30 pm at the Banner Bank Amphitheater in Greenwaters Park in Oakridge, OR. This in-person meeting will be recorded and posted to Facebook and YouTube.
Summary: Firefighting crews have made progress strengthening containment lines on the Willamette Complex South fires. Recent favorable weather conditions have aided their efforts. https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires
U.S. Forest Service – Willamette National Forest – · The Willamette National Forest has expanded an emergency closure order for the Pyramid Fire on the Sweet Home Ranger District to include the Slate Fire area. The closure order, which is for public and firefighter safety, is effective through Nov. 15, 2024, unless modified or rescinded sooner.
Fire – 23.5 acres – A member recognized that the location on the map is close to Blachly and Horton not NOTI. 
LANE COUNTY#watchduty#noti#lanecountyfirePLEASE CLICK link below / then click map tab, then put in address on upper right to check evacuation status to be safe.https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…
Expect Hwy 126 Closures For Repaving To Impact Belknap Springs Area
The Oregon Department of Transportation will close parts of Oregon Highway 126 to repave sections of the highway and resurface three bridges. While efforts are being made to minimize disruption, local businesses and residents may see an impact on tourism and daily commutes.
The Oregon Department of Transportation is working near Belknap Springs to re-pave parts of OR 126 and re-surface three bridges along the highway. From August 1 to August 8, parts of 126 will be closed overnight — from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. — and August 20 will be the first day of a 48-hour closure.
ODOT said they recommend checking Trip Check before traveling on Highway 126 and always plan ahead. They recommend using Highway 58 or Highway 20 as a detour route during the closures.
Eugene police are actively searching for two suspects involved in the July 13 shooting death of 16-year-old Fernando Aguirre. Arrest warrants for Athel Morgan, 19, and Jayson Blackwell, 18, were issued by the Lane County District Attorney’s Office on July 26.
Both Morgan and Blackwell are individually charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm. Both were present at the scene of Aguirre’s shooting.
Since the shooting, the Eugene Police Department claimed officers were working to minimize acts of retaliation between two groups of teenagers and young adults after responding to two shootings allegedly related to Aguirre’s death.
One shooting was in the 1500 block of Mill Street where property was struck. Another shooting occurred in the 3600 block of W. 13th Ave. where a 20-year-old victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, according to Eugene Police.
As part of the investigation, detectives identified a suspect involved in the shootings as Lekoff, who was arrested in Springfield and later arraigned in a Lane County Circuit Court for one count of attempted assault in the first degree with a firearm and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm.
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.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
- Who: Artists who paint and live in Oregon.
- What: Apply for the City of Springfield’s 9th annual UpStream Art storm drain mural painting project. Four artists will be selected and compensated $1,500 for completing custom-designed murals approximately 4-ft. x 6-ft.
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.
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.
Wildfires Expected To Burn Until Fall Rains Arrive
Although rain, cooler temperatures, and higher humidity are expected in some parts of the region, 
conditions are still dry enough for active fire behavior. Significant lightning with little precipitation is forecast for eastern Oregon today with Red Flag Warnings in effect. PLEASE: Do your part to prevent human-caused starts and follow all fire restrictions.
Multiple wildfires across the Northwest will likely burn until fall weather arrives. In the meantime, more lightning and new fires are expected.
“Our planners are taking a realistic look at current wildfires, expected new fires, and the resources we have to help us safeguard human lives and property while enhancing our ability to respond to wildfires in high-risk areas,” said Jacque Buchanan, Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service.
Fire managers are developing strategies to maximize success, while minimizing the risk of injury or death to emergency responders. Among other tactics, crews on long-duration wildfires will develop a network of primary and contingency containment lines to stop flames approaching communities, power lines, water systems and other resources. You can support firefighters by following fire restrictions and emergency closures.
Westbound I-84 remains closed between Cascade Locks and Hood River due to wildfire
CLICK the Wildfire Dashboard link below – click the map tab and then put in your address. #checkfirerisk#checkevacuation#oregonfires#LaneCountyFires#firesafety#evacuationzones#OregonFires2024WILDFIRE DASHBOARD https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…
Most fires are human-caused and accidental. The most common fire causes we respond to are everyday activities that ODF regulates in the summer in an effort to cut down on these types of fire starts. Help prevent wildfires and Keep Oregon Green by following the current regulations: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/
Crater Lake National Park closes north entrance due to Middle Fork Fire
The north entrance to Crater Lake National Park is closed beginning Tuesday to allow firefighters on the Middle Fork Fire to prepare control lines along the road.
The move will likely slow entrance into the park, officials said, and will add extra time to the drive from the Willamette Valley. Crater Lake National Park remains open and is accessible from Highway 62 on the western and southern routes.
Organizers of the 2024 Crater Lake Rim Runs say their concern for participants and heavy wildfire smoke caused cancellation of the event that was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.
Wyden, Hoyle pledge meals and pay for firefighters, tout arrival of New Zealand fire crews
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, both Oregon Democrats, said they were working to improve catering at fire camps and make permanent firefighter pay increases at a news conference Friday.
“It’s pretty hard to fight fires if you can’t feed your firefighters,” Wyden said. He said the issue had been fixed.
In addition, Wyden touted the arrival of a fire crew from New Zealand to help on wildfire burning in Lane County, he said.
Hoyle said once Congress reconvened, she would push for a raise for firefighters, approved after the pandemic, to be made permanent. Hoyle stressed that fires in Oregon are likely to get worse before they get better.
Large wildfires have burned tens of thousands of acres across the PNW, with human activity and lightning being a significant contributing factor. The uptick in human-caused fires, which include those started by campfires and debris burns strains firefighting resources significantly. Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.
Monitoring Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily
Large Fires in Oregon 8/14/24 9:00am per INCIWEB
| Incident | Type | State | Incident Size | UpdatedSort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Willamette Complex – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 4024 Acres | 3 minutes 49 seconds ago |
| Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 182870 Acres | 4 minutes 47 seconds ago |
| Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 12668 Acres | 10 minutes 27 seconds ago |
| Diamond Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 9963 Acres | 11 minutes 50 seconds ago |
| Telephone Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 53999 Acres | 25 minutes 16 seconds ago |
| Falls Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 151666 Acres | 25 minutes 54 seconds ago |
| Red Fire – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 659 Acres | 28 minutes 52 seconds ago |
| Homestead Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 4387 Acres | 52 minutes ago |
| Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR | Wildfire | Oregon | 61330 Acres | 1 hour 10 minutes ago |
| Crazy Creek – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 86603 Acres | 1 hour 26 minutes ago |
| Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S | Wildfire | Oregon | 23451 Acres | 1 hour 44 minutes ago |
| Dixon Fire – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1997 Acres | 2 hours 30 minutes ago |
| Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP | Wildfire | Oregon | 4929 Acres | 12 hours 9 minutes ago |
| Town Gulch – ORWWF | Wildfire | Oregon | 18188 Acres | 12 hours 29 minutes ago |
| Sandstone Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 625 Acres | 14 hours 22 minutes ago |
| Pyramid and Slate Fires – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | Acres | 14 hours 27 minutes ago |
| Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1903 Acres | 14 hours 35 minutes ago |
| Courtrock Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 20019 Acres | 17 hours 26 minutes ago |
| Porcupine Fire – ORBUD | Wildfire | Oregon | 6491 Acres | 1 day 21 hours ago |
| Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD | Wildfire | Oregon | 137222 Acres | 1 day 22 hours ago |
| Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 54563 Acres | 3 days 20 hours ago |
| Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1313 Acres | 4 days 11 hours ago |
| Winding Waters Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 752 Acres | 5 days 22 hours ago |
| Durkee Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 294265 Acres | 6 days 21 hours ago |
| Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 133490 Acres | 1 week 6 days ago |
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.
As new school year looms, health officials urge measles vaccination
Highly effective MMR vaccine the best way to prevent highly infectious virus
PORTLAND, Ore. — With the start of the new school year around the corner – and as a measles outbreak continues in three Oregon counties – health officials are urging parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated against the highly infectious virus before classes begin.
A total of 25 confirmed cases of measles have been reported in Clackamas, Marion and Multnomah counties, all among unvaccinated individuals. Two people have been hospitalized, and there have been no deaths. Ten of the cases are 9 and younger; 10 cases are ages 10 to 19; and five cases are 20 and older.
Marion County has the most cases with 16, followed by Clackamas County with eight and Multnomah County with one.
Paul Cieslak, M.D., OHA medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations, joined Clackamas County Health Officer Sarah Present, M.D., for a media briefing this morning to give an update on the outbreak. A recording of the media briefing is available on OHA’s YouTube channel at this link.
Cieslak said state and county epidemiologists have seen several waves of measles cases since mid-June, “so now about two months of sustained transmission of measles.” It’s the largest measles outbreak the state has seen since 2019, when Oregon experienced 28 cases that were linked to a much larger outbreak in Clark County, Wash.
“Before 2019, you have to go all the way back to the early 1990s to see case counts this high,” Cieslak said. “The reason is we maintained very high vaccination rates and very high population levels of immunity. Unfortunately, we’ve seen an erosion in the percentage of people who are getting vaccinated against measles.”
Since about 2000, an increasing number of parents have chosen nonmedical exemptions from state school vaccination requirements for their children. Before that year, only about 1% of kindergarteners had vaccination exemptions; since then, the number has risen steadily, and during the 2023-2024 school year, the exemption rate reached 8.8%.
“In Clackamas County, as in other Oregon counties, pockets of unvaccinated people raise risk of infection in communities where they live,” Present said. “That’s why the counties reach out to every case that’s been identified and try to determine exactly where they’ve been while infectious.”
Someone with measles can spread the virus up to four days before the tell-tale rash appears, and their symptoms may be mild during that time. As a result, the counties and OHA have been sharing information about specific locations that cases are known to have visited, so “we can let members of the public know they may have been exposed to measles,” Present said.
She noted that since measles is so contagious, an estimated 95% of a population needs to have received two doses of measles vaccine to be able to protect the most vulnerable members of the community via community or “herd” immunity.
Getting the MMR vaccine can also help families avoid the burden of having to isolate at home for several weeks if they are exposed to measles. According to state law, an unvaccinated person exposed to the virus must be excluded from school or child care during the period when they could become sick, which is usually for 21 days after exposure. And this exclusion can be extended if there are more measles cases.
“It’s really an important time to make sure students and their families are up to date on vaccinations as we go into the new school year,” Present explained.
Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.
Gold Hill Private Basketball Coach Arrested for Luring a Minor, Detectives Looking for Other Victims
JCSO Case 24-4186 — GOLD HILL, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives arrested a local private basketball coach yesterday, August 12, for inappropriate contact with an underage child.
The suspect, Geordan Victor Sanchez Edmond, 29, of Gold Hill, is charged with one count of luring a minor and is lodged in the Jackson County Jail.
Edmond has given private basketball lessons to children in the local area for the last few years.
Detectives suspect Edmond could have additional victims. If you have any information about the pictured suspect, call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case 24-4186.
OSP arrests Grants Pass man on child sex abuse charges
OSP Detectives ask anyone with information to come forward
GRANTS PASS, Ore. 14 August 2024 – Oregon State Police detectives recently arrested and charged a Grants Pass man with child sex abuse offenses and are asking additional victims to come forward.
On August 7, 2024, Justin Lee Concha (30) was arrested and charged with multiple sex offense crimes and detectives believe additional victims are likely. Concha is suspected of attempting to meet underage juveniles for the purpose of sex.
He has been charged with five counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse 1, five counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse 2, and Sexual Assault of an Animal. Concha additionally uses an aka of Jay Leslie Frost.
If anyone has information about Concha, please contact OSP’s Southern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068.
Klamath Falls Double Murder Suspect Gets Arraignment Date In Sister’s Deaths Case
Tuesday 8/13, a 20-year-old Klamath Falls man has a new arraignment date in Klamath County Circuit Court, accused of killing two Klamath Falls sisters and attempting to kill their father.
Elijah Albert Qinkade Croy has his arraignment next week for two murder charges and an attempted murder charge after his June 29 arrest for the sisters’ shooting deaths and attempted shooting of their father that day.
A Klamath County grand jury indicted Croy on six charges, also including criminal weapon charges, July 3, 2024, before a series of court proceedings leading to his Aug. 21, 2024, arraignment next week. They include a psychological evaluation report to the court within the past week and a motion by Croy to recuse Judge Stephen Hedlund from the case, which was granted this month.
Klamath Falls police say they arrested Croy within a few feet of the murder victims. A Klamath Falls Police Department officer wrote, “Croy admitted to me he had shot and killed both … using a Glock style handgun he had purchased in individual parts and then assembled into a working handgun himself. He stated he had done this after he had attempted to murder the girl’s father … who had discovered him inside of his daughter’s bedroom.”
The indictment charges Croy with the deaths of a 14-year-old girl and her 19-year-old sister at their east Klamath Falls home. NewsWatch 12 is not identifying the victims based on the minor involved in the case.
It also charges Croy with attempted murder of their father, with a police probable cause statement for Croy’s arrest saying he tried to shoot the father, “but his handgun failed to fire after he pulled the trigger.”
Klamath County District Attorney David Schutt filed a notice with Klamath County Circuit Court to apply “enhancement fact” to the case, referring to fact/s required to be found by a jury to increase the jail sentence that could be imposed upon conviction of a crime.
The Croy’s original arraignment date for his indictment was July 9, 2024. He is listed as a Klamath County Jail inmate.
Traffic stop leads to seizure of 60 pounds of fentanyl pills
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. 14 August 2024 – A traffic stop by an Oregon State Police K-9 Unit netted 60 pounds of fentanyl-laced pills destined for Portland.
On August 12, 2024, at 8:00 a.m., an Oregon State K-9 Trooper stopped a commercial motor vehicle tractor unit on Interstate 5 in Jackson County for a traffic violation. During a consent search of the vehicle’s cab, the trooper located two 5-gallon buckets filled with blue pills suspected of being laced with fentanyl.
Two suspects, Daniel Pena Gragoso (42) and Josue Itzel Gomez (28), both of Mexico, were arrested and charged with possession and delivery of fentanyl and lodged at the Jackson County Jail.
The seized pills weighed 60 pounds which is the equivalent of about 276,000 individual pills.
# # # OSP Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative
The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement (OSP-DHE) Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.
Winning Mega Millions Lottery Tickets Sold in Oregon
There were no tickets sold with all six numbers in the latest drawing of the multi-state Mega Millions lottery, pushing the estimated jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing to $435 million.
One ticket each with five numbers, but missing the Mega number, was sold in Oregon and Tennessee. They are each worth $1 million, lottery officials said.
The numbers drawn Friday were 12, 32, 38, 40, 57 and the Mega number was 21. The estimated jackpot was $405 million.
The Mega Millions game is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin Islands. https://www.oregonlottery.org//
Seeking proposals to run Smith Creek Village, other concessions at Silver Falls
SILVERTON, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking proposals to operate Smith Creek Village retreat center, South Falls Café and two historic ranches at Silver Falls State Park.
Smith Creek Village is a retreat center on the south side of Silver Falls that includes lodging (13 cabins and 4 lodges) and a restaurant with a commercial kitchen, dining room and seating area with lots of natural light
“Silver Falls is one of the crown jewels of the park system, and this is an incredible opportunity to be a part of this breath-taking destination,” said Willamette Valley District Manager Sarah Steele.
The park is one of the most popular in the state with an estimated 1.5 million day-use visits per year and features the nationally recognized Trail of Ten Falls.
In 2021, OPRD signed an agreement with Silver Falls Hospitality to run two services— Smith Creek Village and the historic ranches—and a separate agreement with Oregon Commission for the Blind to run South Falls Café. Both contracts will expire at the end of October, prompting a new request for proposals. The new 10-year contract will include all three business opportunities.
The opportunity includes:
- Smith Creek Village, a retreat at the south end of the park with a restaurant, dining area, and lodging including 13 individual cabins and four group overnight lodges as well as outdoor event space, historic buildings, meeting areas and a commercial kitchen.
- South Falls Café, a popular café near the trailhead for the Trail of Ten Falls with a full kitchen and indoor and patio space at the South Falls Lodge. Concession services at the South Falls Café currently include casual dining, food to go, and snacks for picnicking and hiking.
- The Davidson Ranch and the Foothills Ranch, two large overnight facilities with commercial kitchens for private retreats and group lodging for weddings and other gatherings.
OPRD is looking for a business or individual to run all three opportunities. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30. OPRD will host an open house 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 16, and 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 17 for prospective concessionaires. Registration is required. Email utler@oprd.oregon.gov“>Winona Butler by 2 p.m. Aug. 14 to register.
Silver Falls is expected to see continued growth with work now underway to develop the North Gateway: a new campground, visitor center and park improvements slated to open in 2026.
The park offers everything from camping, hiking and biking to picnicking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Several of the park’s structures date back to the Civilian Conservation Corps established in 1933. The architecture features the now-iconic look of stone facades and timber beams seen at Silver Falls Lodge.
Those who are interested in learning more can contact Contract Specialist Winona Butler at utler@oprd.oregon.gov“>winona.butler@oprd.oregon.gov or go OPRD’s website and click on the Silver Falls Concession Opportunity. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30, 2024.
Photos of the properties are available for download.
Act now to secure Summer EBT benefits
(Salem) – As summer begins to wind down, families have a limited window to secure essential food assistance through the new Summer EBT program. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. With the application deadline quickly approaching on Sept. 2, 2024, it’s crucial for eligible families to act now.
Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) are urging families to check their eligibility and apply before the deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, you have 122 days to use them.
Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024, if their households:
- Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level
Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT.
However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children in Head Start programs that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility.
Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328) to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “Making sure children have access to nutritious food throughout the summer is critical. This small action could provide significant support to families in Oregon.”
Interview with ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht
Since June 28, 2024, more than 329,000 eligible school-aged children have been issued $39.5 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July.
“The results of the Summer EBT launch so far have far exceeded our expectations, but we know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit,” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “We encourage our schools and Summer Meals providers to have flyers on site to raise awareness and get our families the benefits they qualify for.”
Interview with ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams
Act now and don’t let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your family receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before Sept. 2, 2024.
To learn more:
- Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
- Visit sebt.oregon.gov.
SNAP Double Up Food Bucks Benefits for Oregon Residents
You can use 
Double Up dollars when purchasing eligible items at participating farmers markets across the state. Just bring your SNAP EBT card with you to a participating farmers market and visit the information booth before you begin to shop.
Adapted from the Fair Food Network’s national model, Oregon Double Up Food Bucks makes it easy for low-income Oregonians to eat more fruits and vegetables while supporting family farmers and local economies. Double Up is Oregon’s first statewide incentive program, designed to be convenient for shoppers.
The program doubles the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (sometimes called “SNAP” or “food stamps”) benefits at participating farmers markets, grocery stores, and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms so shoppers can bring home more fresh produce.
Double Up is currently offered at over 85 farmers market locations, 35 grocery stores and more than 40 CSA farms across the state — with new locations joining the program each year.
For every $1 in SNAP you spend, you will get $1 of Double Up Food Bucks to spend on more fresh fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per transaction. For example: if you spend $20 in SNAP benefits, you’ll get an extra $20 free that you can use to buy more produce. Learn more at OregonFoodBank.org/DoubleUp.
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
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.
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
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
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
