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, August 16, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
The storm prediction center in Norman Oklahoma has are area under marginal risk of severe thunderstorms for Saturday just east of the interstate 5 corridor in central Douglas County
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
Officer Involved Shooting in Eugene Involving Murder Suspect From Portland
A man wanted out of the Portland area on multiple charges that included attempted murder was shot by police during an extended standoff in west Eugene on Wednesday, according to Eugene police.
Around 2 p.m. Wednesday, Eugene Police had located a man wanted out of a Portland-area agency for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree with a Firearm, Assault in the First Degree with a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Detectives had been surveilling him when he began to leave in a truck about 4:30 p.m. Two SWAT vehicles pinned him in to prevent him from escape.
Eugene Police’s Crisis Negotiation Team took over negotiating with the man for almost 2 1/2 hours before shots were fired around 6:26 p.m. Officers moved up with shields even though the suspect was thought to still have access to a firearm. They provided emergency first aid with a tourniquet until Eugene Springfield Fire medics were able to get into the scene. The suspect was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries.
As pursuant to Oregon Law, Lane County’s Interagency Deadly Force Investigation team has responded and assumed primary investigative role for the use of force. Lane County’s IDFIT’s work begins immediately after an incident. The Lane County Deadly Force Plan provides “a framework for a consistent response to an officer’s use of deadly physical force that treats the law enforcement officer fairly and promotes public confidence in the criminal justice system.” In Oregon, deadly use of force incidents are conducted by investigators who are independent of the involved agency. This is provided for under Senate Bill 111, which was passed by the 2007 Oregon Legislature. Lane County adopted guidelines under this law in 2008, as did the City of Eugene.
Since that time, every deadly use of force with Eugene Police Department involvement has been handled by representatives of other law enforcement agencies under IDFIT and referred to the Lane County District Attorney’s Office. This guarantees a separation from the involved agency and greater transparency. The Lane County District Attorney receives and reviews the IDFIT’s findings to determine if there were any crimes committed during the incident and response. Until the conclusion of the IDFIT investigation and review of findings by the LCDA, we will be honoring the process by referring media questions to the DA’s Office.
During the incident, Central Lane 911 sent out a CENS message to residents about one block out to stay inside and avoid the area. Please note: If you live in that area, and didn’t receive a message, this may be because you don’t have a landline and are using a cellphone. You must sign up in order to receive these messages for a cell phone, whereas a landline it is automatic. This is due to the laws around cell phones. People need to opt in to receive these messages on their cell phones. To sign up:https://member.everbridge.net/337829242601799/new
Linn County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Makes an Arrest for Theft of Collector Comic Books
Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that on August 14, 2024, Michael David DeChellis, 57, of Aumsville, was arrested after a six-month investigation. The investigation began on February 5, 2024, when a victim from Maryland, called the Linn County Sheriff’s Office to report he sent four comic books to “Hero Restoration”, located on Santiam Terrace Road, near Lebanon, in February 2019. The victim reported the comic books had a value of nearly $62,000 and he had also paid DeChellis, the owner of “Hero Restoration” just over $5,000 for the restoration services he requested to be performed. The victim reported that DeChellis had not returned his comic books, had not refunded his money, and stopped communicating with him.
Shortly after receiving this complaint, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office was able to identify nineteen other customers of DeChellis from out of state who reported similar circumstances as the first victim, where their valuable comic books were sent to DeChellis for restoration, large fees for the service were paid, and the comic books were never returned. The total value of the reported stolen comic books from the multiple victims, and loss of restoration fees totaled over $300,000. The customers reporting their comic books stolen were from the states of Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, Washington, Texas, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Colorado.
Investigators were able to determine that DeChellis filed articles of dissolution for his business, “Hero Restoration” in 2023 with the Secretary of State’s Office. Investigators were able to determine some of the reported stolen comic books had been sold online, as well as to a private comic book dealer in Washington, after the dissolution of Hero Restoration.
Investigators attempted to contact DeChellis regarding the complaint but found he had moved and were unable to locate him for several months. On August 14, 2024, investigators were able to track down DeChellis, who was now living in the 10000 block of Stayton Road SE in Aumsville, in Marion County, Oregon. Investigators arrested DeChellis and transported him to the Linn County Jail for ten counts of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, seven counts of Theft in the First Degree, and Racketeering. Investigators also served a search warrant on the property where he was located. Investigators seized numerous comic books and evidence related to the thefts.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (541) 967-3950.
LCSO Case #24-4316 – Detectives interrupt vehicle break-in…of their own police car
In the morning of August 13th, Lane County Sheriff’s detectives working in the River Road area were away from their undercover police vehicle. Another detective, sitting in his car next to the unoccupied vehicle, noticed two people who appeared to be casing cars in the parking lot.
One of the subjects, identified as Melissa Marie Jones, 42, produced a key and attempted to open a door of the unoccupied police vehicle while the second subject, Trinidad Robert Perez, Jr., 61, appeared to be acting as a lookout.
Jones and Perez were detained and identified. After further investigation, both were arrested for Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle. Jones was also arrested on a Fugitive from Justice charge for an out-of-state warrant, and Perez was also charged for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Both were lodged at the Lane County Jail.
Man arrested for Forgery, Theft, and ID Theft
A Fraud and Loss Prevention specialist at Oregon Community Credit Union, who is also a retired EPD financial crimes detective after a 25-year career, contacted an EPD detective with a report of a fraud he detected and investigated. The EPD Financial Crimes detective followed up and during his investigation developed probable cause that Carter Lee Grossman, age 28, had deposited fraudulent checks at the bank including two separate checks from a local church, and then withdrawn money from the bank before it was found to be fraudulent, and used identity thefts to accomplish this.
The detective issued a warrant for Grossman. Grossman was discovered by Springfield Police walking on Chapman around 12:23 a.m. on August 14. They contacted him at 52nd Avenue and B Street and took him into custody on an Oregon State Parole Violation. He was transported to Lane County Jail and lodged on two counts of Identity Theft, four counts of Forgery, and Theft in the First Degree for case 24-10116. He also has two counts of Identity Theft, Forgery, and Theft in the First Degree in case 24-05530.
Grossman was subject to a warrant for an incident at Walmart, 1040 Green Acres Road, on August 7. The store used the My PD Connect to report the theft and the EPD Financial Crimes detective spotted the likeness to Grossman. He was charged with Theft in the Second Degree – from Building. Case 24-11694
We are now hiring for 911 dispatchers. Learn more by visiting https://www.eugene-or.gov/917/Central-Lane-9-1-1 to find detailed information about how you can join our team in Eugene.
Lane County Sheriff’s Office recruiting cadets to gain law enforcement experience
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program trains young men and women between the ages of 18 and 21 for a career in law enforcement. Our Cadet Program provides an opportunity to get first-hand experience and develop skills and knowledge necessary for full-time employment. Although being a Cadet is not a pre-requisite to becoming a Deputy Sheriff, it is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience for a successful career.
LCSO has a limited number of spots available, however applicants who aren’t selected are encouraged to apply the next time we recruit.
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements:
– Must be a US Citizen
– Must be between 18 and 21 years of age
– Must possess a high-school diploma or be enrolled in a high school or GED program.
Cadets will:
– Receive training in law enforcement tactics, legal issues, use of force, corrections, and patrol operations
– Learn the differences between a Sheriff’s Office and municipal, state, or federal police counterparts
– Attend community events to assist deputies
– Participate in law enforcement ride-alongs
– Be prepared for a future career with the Sheriff’s Office
– Be mentored regarding the culture of service expected from Sheriff’s Office members
– Receive opportunities to work with many of the special teams and assignments offered by the Sheriff’s Office (Dunes Patrol, Marine Patrol, Special Response Team, Forest Patrol, etc.)
To apply, visit www.cognitoforms.com/LaneCountyOR/CadetApplication
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.
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
Willamette Complex Fires-South
Community Meeting at the Banner Bank Amphitheater Greenwaters Park in Oakridge. The meeting will be recorded for Facebook and Youtube. Please bring a chair.
For More Information Phone: (541) 208-1742, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/…/orwif-willamette-complex… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WillametteComplexFiresSouth
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
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
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.
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.
Oregon National Guard Soldiers prepare for deployment to the Balkans
SALEM, Ore. – A mobilization ceremony for the Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) will be held at the Salem Armory Auditorium, 2320 17th St NE, Salem, Oregon, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, as Citizen-Soldiers prepare for a year-long mobilization.
The unit will be mobilizing as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) and will be participating in the 34th rotation of this mission, known as KFOR 34.
KFOR was established in 1999 following the signing of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and the subsequent Military Technical Agreement between NATO and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia. This agreement, signed on June 9, 1999, ended the Kosovo War and authorized NATO to deploy an international peacekeeping force to Kosovo. Since then, KFOR has been responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment in the region, supporting civil authorities, and ensuring freedom of movement for all citizens. The mission is critical in fostering peace and stability in Kosovo, while political dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia continues.
Col. Peter Helzer, the Commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, looks forward to the upcoming mission. “The 41st IBCT brings a robust set of capabilities to support the people of Kosovo. From security forces to medical and logistical support, Oregonians will contribute to the stability and security of the region as part of the broader NATO effort.”
Before deploying overseas, the 41st IBCT will conduct pre-mobilization operations at Fort Cavazos, Texas, followed by additional training in Germany for to prepare them for the deployment.
“The Oregon National Guard continues its legacy of simultaneously serving Oregonians with domestic operations here at home while also answering the call for federal mobilizations supporting the United States,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon. “This is what makes the Oregon National Guard the military service of choice for Oregonians.”
The public can also watch the ceremony via live stream on the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1028184892013397/.
Oregon Residents Will Vote In November On A $1,600 Annual Universal Basic Income
A ballot measure to give Oregon residents a $1,600 tax rebate faces bipartisan opposition.
Oregon Rebate, or Measure 118, proposes taxing corporations more to redistribute money to residents.
Democrats and Republicans alike say it would hurt the state economy.
Democrats and Republicans alike are fighting a ballot measure in Oregon that would increase corporate taxes to give residents an annual rebate.
The proposal, known as Ballot Measure 118 or the Oregon Rebate, would add a 3% tax on corporations in the state once they make $25 million a year. The plan was originally known as Initiative 17 . The money would be distributed among state residents, including children, as a $1,600 annual rebate.
Despite the opposition from lawmakers, it’s not up to them. Ballot measures give residents a chance to vote directly on an issue. Oregonians themselves will be able to vote in favor or against the measure in November’s general election.
Antonio Gisbert, the chief organizer behind the effort, told Business Insider he remains optimistic that a majority of voters will support the measure in the general election.
“It kind of does seem a little bit like some of these elected [officials] are more beholden to corporations and corporate interests than they are to the interests of everyday Oregonians,” Gisbert said. “We are super committed in instituting some degree of corporate tax justice.”
Cash payments with no strings attached are gaining popularity in the United States as a way to support vulnerable populations. Guaranteed basic income programs piloted across the nation have found that recipients, who are typically low-income, spend the money on rent , groceries, and transportation.
While guaranteed basic income programs are aimed at specific groups, like low-income residents or new mothers , the Oregon Rebate would benefit all residents, making it more similar to a universal basic income.
While Democrats are typically the primary supporters of basic income programs in city and state governments, many Oregon Democrats joined Republicans in opposition to Measure 118. In a joint statement from state House and Senate Democrats, the legislators said they have concerns about the rebate coming from corporate taxes.
“In these tough times, we all want working families to get every break they can, but Measure 118 is not the answer. We have grave concerns it will slow job growth and cause cuts to critical services like road maintenance, fire fighting, and addiction recovery,” the Democrats wrote in a joint statement shared with Business Insider.
An analysis from the state’s legislative revenue office found that Measure 118, which would increase corporation taxes while reducing personal income taxes, would “significantly” alter how the state draws on tax money to pay for public services.
Citing the revenue report, the coalition of Democrats said the rebates would “increase prices for consumer goods and slow Oregon’s job growth.”
“Meanwhile, the ‘rebates’ would go to every Oregonian — including the ultra-wealthy. As a matter of public policy, we believe this is a bad deal for Oregonians,” they said in the statement.
In a statement on Thursday from the organizers behind Oregon Rebate, Gisbert said the initiative doesn’t need legislators’ support.
“Our opponents can keep paying lip service to their donors and we’ll keep working to turn out voters in November,” Gisbert said in the statement. Read the original article on Business Insider
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.
8/16 – FRI @ 6:00am #updateoregonfires202485 ACTIVE FIRES IN OREGON5 new Active firesFire Details: BE PREPAREDCLICK Links Below to get real time active fires, evacuation zonescontainment, and structural damage loss.
https://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/
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.
65 firefighters from Australia, New Zealand arrive in Northwest to help fight region’s wildfires — Wyden, Hoyle pledge meals and pay for firefighters
A contingent of 65 senior firefighters from Australia and New Zealand has arrived in the Pacific Northwest to assist in combating the region’s large wildfires.
Australian firefighters meet for morning briefing for the Coffee Pot Fire located on the Willamette National Forest.
After receiving briefings at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, the firefighters were assigned to various large wildfire incidents across the Northwest, including the Willamette Complex South on the Willamette National Forest and the Pioneer Fire on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Over the next several weeks, they will be filling key leadership and operational positions such as helibase managers, division supervisors, task force leaders, and safety officers.
“We are deeply grateful to our colleagues from Australia and New Zealand for their critical support,” said Jacque Buchanan, regional forester for the USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region. “Their expertise is essential as we continue to face a prolonged and extreme fire season.”
Mutual wildland fire assistance between the U.S. and these countries goes back more than 20 years. This marks the eighth time since 2000 that Australia has sent firefighters to the U.S.
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 last 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
| Incident | Type | State | Incident Size | UpdatedSort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Willamette Complex – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 4268 Acres | 31 seconds ago |
| Town Gulch – ORWWF | Wildfire | Oregon | 18215 Acres | 2 minutes 18 seconds ago |
| Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S | Wildfire | Oregon | 24934 Acres | 12 minutes 24 seconds ago |
| Diamond Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 10455 Acres | 16 minutes 46 seconds ago |
| Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 12783 Acres | 18 minutes 41 seconds ago |
| Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP | Wildfire | Oregon | 5119 Acres | 21 minutes 39 seconds ago |
| Red Fire – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 659 Acres | 30 minutes 48 seconds ago |
| Sandstone Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 696 Acres | 1 hour 3 minutes ago |
| Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1938 Acres | 1 hour 3 minutes ago |
| Telephone Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 54034 Acres | 1 hour 5 minutes ago |
| Falls Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 151680 Acres | 1 hour 6 minutes ago |
| Cliff Mountain – ORWWF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1108 Acres | 1 hour 7 minutes ago |
| Homestead Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 5597 Acres | 1 hour 46 minutes ago |
| Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR | Wildfire | Oregon | 65002 Acres | 1 hour 54 minutes ago |
| Dixon Fire – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1997 Acres | 11 hours 1 minute ago |
| Crazy Creek – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 86870 Acres | 12 hours 50 minutes ago |
| Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 183026 Acres | 13 hours 5 minutes ago |
| Pyramid and Slate Fires – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | Acres | 13 hours 14 minutes ago |
| Courtrock Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 20019 Acres | 16 hours 16 minutes ago |
| Porcupine Fire – ORBUD | Wildfire | Oregon | 6491 Acres | 3 days 21 hours ago |
| Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD | Wildfire | Oregon | 137222 Acres | 3 days 22 hours ago |
| Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 54563 Acres | 5 days 20 hours ago |
| Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1313 Acres | 6 days 11 hours ago |
| Winding Waters Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 752 Acres | 1 week ago |
| Durkee Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 294265 Acres | 1 week 1 day ago |
| Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 133490 Acres | 2 weeks 1 day ago |
Large Fires in Oregon 8/16/24 9:00am 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 Housing and Community Services to receive $8 million in federal funding for the creation of 153 affordable homes for people with disabilities
— Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is awarded $8 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create 153 affordable homes for people with low incomes living with disabilities.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is hard at work delivering results to make everyday life better for people. These investments are a continued testament to this,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Under the leadership of Governor Kotek, OHCS remains relentless, through the lens of humanity, to advance housing progress that creates a better future for the people and the communities we serve.”
OHCS is one of 18 state housing agencies awarded more than $138 million in HUD funding through the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) for Persons with Disabilities program. The Northwest Region received a total of $16 million, with neighboring Washington state awarded $8 million to create 158 units of housing.
About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) – OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low [KH1] [HH2] [HH3] and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.
New program awards $5M to small forestland owners for fish habitat improvement
Salem, Ore.–The Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) funded its first-ever round of projects, awarding more than $5 million in grants to 20 projects throughout Oregon.
The program, administered by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), collaborated with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and key stakeholders to prioritize forest road improvement projects that improve fish habitat on forestlands owned by small forestland owners.
“The projects will restore passage to more than 74 miles of habitat for native salmon and trout and improve water quality by replacing or removing 37 culverts across 19 watersheds,” said Josh Hanson, SFISH Coordinator for ODF’s Small Forestland Owner Office.
The SFISH Program was established by the Legislature in 2022 to provide grants to small forestland owners to implement road improvement projects that result in environmental benefits to fish species addressed in the Private Forest Accord Report. The fund can also be used to mitigate risks to natural resources arising from forest roads.
“Project planning is underway, and most projects will start next summer,” said Hanson. “Some projects may require extended planning, with implementation occurring in the summer of 2026.” Several fish species will benefit from the funded work, including steelhead trout, cutthroat trout, Chinook, Coho, and Chum salmon. Two projects funded east of the Cascades will benefit Columbia River Redband Trout.
To be eligible for the program, a landowner must own less than 5,000 acres of forestland in Oregon and harvest no more than an average yearly volume of 2 million board feet of merchantable forest products. A landowner can apply for an SFISH grant at any time, and length of time waiting for funding is considered when awarding grants.
“The program anticipates awarding more money for projects in July 2025,” said Hanson. “So be sure to check the SFISH webpage for program updates.”
For more information and an application for an SFISH grant contact your local ODF office or visit the SFISH webpage.
Video Available for Download: https://vimeo.com/999261716?share=copy
JCSO Cases 23-2846, 23-6706, 24-2757, 24-2777, 24-3323, 24-4331
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – After a year-long investigation, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives busted a burglary ring targeting local licensed marijuana businesses in Jackson and Josephine Counties. The suspects committed 16 known burglaries at marijuana farms and storage facilities from April 2023 to June 2024. The suspects arrested accumulated 65 total charges during their crime spree.
JCSO deputies, detectives, and the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) served two simultaneous search warrants the morning of Tuesday, August 13 on locations in Central Point. Investigators served the search warrants at properties in the 1000 block of Glengrove Avenue and in the 500 block of Mazama Street, both in Central Point. Detectives served a follow-on search warrant at two storage units in the 1400 block of 2nd Avenue in Gold Hill. These search warrants resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of burglary evidence, eight firearms, and 520 lbs. of marijuana. Oregon State Police (OSP) assisted with the warrant service.
The suspects arrested are Mitchell Jeffrey King, 35, of Central Point; Dylan Buck McNerney, 31, of Central Point; and Kenneth Alan Parker II, 48, of Gold Hill. The 65 charges included 32 for King, 23 for Parker, and 10 for McNerney. These charges included multiple counts of second-degree burglary, criminal conspiracy, first-degree aggravated theft, first-degree theft, attempted first-degree theft, first-degree criminal mischief, and unlawful possession of a marijuana item. Additionally, Parker is charged with felon in possession of a firearm.
This case is under further investigation with detectives following additional leads. The case has been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Additional charges from the Josephine County burglaries will likely be added at a later time. There is no more information available for release.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, Homeland Security Investigations, OSP, Medford Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.
Former Medford Nurse Wants Civil Case Against Her Put On Hold Pending Her Criminal Case For Drug Diversion
A court hearing next month could determine whether a former Medford nurse accused of criminal assault of 44 hospital patients through drug diversion can “stay,” or pause, a related civil case against her.
Jackson County Circuit Court set a Sept. 9, 2024, date to hear arguments about a motion filed this month for 36-year-old Dani Schofield. The motion comes from her lawyer Sheryl Odems at Portland law firm, Hart Wagner.
Schofield is one of two defendants in a Jackson County civil court case, “Patti L. Wilson for the Estate of Horace Earl Wilson, Plaintiff, v. Asante, an Oregon corporation; Dani Marie Schofield, R.N., Defendant,” filed in February by Justin Idiart with Central Point’s Idiart Law Group.
Schofield also has 44 felony counts of criminal assault in Jackson County Circuit Court, accusing her of causing illness to 44 Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (Asante) intensive care unit patients from diverting to herself fentanyl intended for them, replacing it with hospital tap water that could cause infection.
Medford Police Department (MPD) investigated the case. It says 14 of those 44 patients have since died, and its medical advisers could not prove conclusively they died because of suspected drug-diversion related illness.
With two cases filed against Schofield — one complaint in civil court for a personal claim and another case in criminal court accusing her of breaking State law — Odems made a court filing last week to support Schofield’s motion for stay of her civil court case, putting it on hold and leaving her out of jail on $4,000,000 bail pending the outcome of her case in criminal court.
Medford law firm Shlesinger & deVilleneuve President David deVilleneuve says today he also is preparing to file in civil court for his clients. He says a stay in Schofield’s original civil case, if granted in next month’s hearing, could pause that case for two-to-three years while the criminal case proceeds.
deVilleneuve says it might not affect his civil case clients because he plans to list only Asante as the defendant.
Schofield’s pending civil case motion invokes her U.S. Constitutional Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, writing that her need to defend herself in her criminal case makes her unable to respond to lawyers’ fact-finding discovery in the civil case when her comments could be used against her in the criminal matter.
The motion states:
“… defendant Dani Schofield, R.N., (“Nurse Schofield”) seeks a stay of this case pending resolution of the criminal proceedings commenced against her in Jackson County. Nurse Schofield was recently indicted on 44 counts of assault in the second degree, serious charges which carry significant Measure 11 mandatory minimum sentences. Each of these counts is based on allegations identical to those in this case. The case against Nurse Schofield should be stayed. To require Nurse Schofield to continue defending this case raises significant Fifth Amendment concerns. She has been indicted on serious criminal charges that carry significant penalties. The charges in the criminal case and the allegations in the civil case arise from the same pattern of conduct and thus she will be unable to respond to any discovery in this matter relating in any way to the criminal case. The criminal case also involves voluminous discovery, which will necessitate that Nurse Schofield concentrate her efforts on assisting her criminal defense. Finally, there is a significant public interest in protecting the integrity of criminal proceedings.”
Odems 29-page support declaration for her client is mostly a list of exhibits, including Schofield’s 44-count criminal indictment, Schofield’s jail release conditions on $4,000,000 bail, and “Attached as Exhibit C is a true and accurate copy of an article from ABC affiliate KDRV by Jerry Howard, entitled ‘Former Nurse bailed out of jail, facing 44 drug-diversion assault counts,’ which was posted to KDRV.com on June 21, 2024.”
NewsWatch 12 calls to Odems and Idiart had no response today. After Schofield’s June arraignment for her indictment, Idiart said, “I know there are a lot more people who want stronger charges, yet the prosecutor is limited to criminal charges that the evidence would prove. So we have people looking for justice on the civil side of the law if it’s not on the criminal side.”
Schofield also filed a reply in June to the intial civil case filing, refuting or deferring most its claims against her except the fact that she worked at Asante, Wilson was a patient, and she could have treated him there. She also confirmed her nursing license was not active.
Oregon State Board of Nursing lists Schofield’s Oregon registered nurse (RN) license in a state of, “Voluntary Agreement to Refrain from Practice or to Suspend License Pending Completion of an Investigation.” It also shows her Oregon nursing license expiration date was April 8, 2024.
Idiart and Shlesinger & deVillenueve’s David deVilleneuve said they believed there were more victims that the 44 listed in Schofield’s indictment, including their clients — such as Wilson — who are not listed among the criminal assault victims.
MPD forwarded the names of 44 possible drug-diversion illness victims based on its investigation which it gave to the Jackson County District Attorney’s office in June. MPD says its investigation started in December 2023 when Asante reported possible drug diversion at its Medford hospital. MPD says it’s investigation was narrowed to a time frame from July 2022-July 2023.
A new court filing today in Schofield’s criminal matter orders her to pay the State of Oregon her $20 application fee to request a public defender. The Court denied her request, citing approximately $380,000 in known assets for Schofield, who now lists a north Eagle Point residence for her address. (SOURCE)
Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Rises by 8,500 Jobs in July
In July, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 8,500 jobs, following a revised decline of 700 jobs in June. July’s gains were largest in professional and business services (+2,300 jobs); health care and social assistance (+2,000); government (+1,800); and construction (+1,400). Declines in July were largest in leisure and hospitality (-700 jobs) and retail trade (-500).
Professional and business services added 2,300 jobs in July, following a drop of 1,700 in June. The July gain was led by the addition of 2,000 jobs in the component industry administrative and waste services. Despite the one-month increase, professional and business services cut 2,900 jobs, or -1.1%, in the past 12 months, with each of its three component industries also declining by close to 1% since July 2023.
Health care and social assistance expanded rapidly, adding 2,000 jobs in July and 16,300 jobs over the past 12 months. Social assistance grew by 7,500 jobs, or 10.3%, in 12 months. Meanwhile, the health-care component industries each added more than 2,000 jobs since July 2023: nursing and residential care facilities (+3,500 jobs, or 6.6%); ambulatory health care services (+3,700 jobs, or 3.7%); and hospitals (+2,300 jobs, or 3.9%).
Despite gains in health care and a few other industries, several industries cut jobs over the past year. Four major industries declined by at least 1,000 jobs since July 2023: retail trade (-6,600 jobs, or -3.2%); financial activities (-1,300 jobs, or -1.3%); professional and business services (-2,900 jobs, or -1.1%); and manufacturing (-1,900 jobs, or -1.0%).
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.1% in both June and July and has been in a tight range between 4.0% and 4.2% since October 2023. The U.S. unemployment rate rose from 4.1% in June to 4.3% in July.
Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program Accepting Applications
State Opens First Competitive Grant Application for Infrastructure Investments in Child Care Facility Establishment, Expansion and Improvements.
SALEM, ORE. – Today the portal for the Child Care Infrastructure Program opened and began accepting applications. While Oregon has been a leader in investing in early learning, previous investments have been limited to services. These grants will finance the development of new and existing early learning and child care facilities. The competitive application and Fund is administered by Business Oregon and is the first statewide capital investment to provide financial assistance for a variety of child care infrastructure development opportunities. The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is providing technical assistance through First Children’s Finance and Northwest Native Chamber.
“We know that Oregon is a child care desert and many families struggle to find affordable, quality child care that meets their needs. At the same time, we also hear from early learning providers facing major barriers in locating or developing adequate physical spaces to set up child care facilities or to expand programs,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “We’re grateful to Oregon legislators and Governor Tina Kotek for having the foresight to launch the Child Care Infrastructure Fund which will help to expand access to child care and preschool facilities across the state.”
In 2023, Oregon legislators passed HB 3005 which allotted $50 million in lottery bonds to Business Oregon to administer the Child Care Infrastructure Fund. Investments in infrastructure are critical to expanding early learning and care opportunities and to providing the care Oregon workers need to grow the economy. Without access to care, parents and caregivers, particularly women, leave the workforce, which has implications for Oregon’s economy.
There are many longstanding challenges to finding suitable early learning facility space including complex zoning and permitting processes. It can be equally challenging to secure capital to make improvements or maintain facilities. Early learning providers are often small business owners, many of whom are eager to expand to meet the growing need for child care in communities across the state.
With this new funding opportunity, providers will be supported in the grant application process. DELC has contracted with Northwest Native Chamber and First Children’s Finance to assist with technical assistance including supports for culturally specific providers and Tribes. This first round of funding will award a total of $10 million in grants to selected applicants. Award decisions will be announced in November of 2024. There will be a second opportunity to apply for funding later in the winter and will award $15 million followed by an additional $25 million available in 2025.
The application portal for the Child Care Infrastructure Program opens on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. and closes on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 4:59 p.m. Access to the portal can be found on the Business Oregon Child Care Infrastructure webpage at www.oregon.gov/biz. To view the information webinar please visit the CCIF landing page of the DELC website. If you have questions when preparing the grant or completing the Child Care Infrastructure Program application, please contact one of the Technical Assistance providers below:
| First Children’s Finance Point of contact: Heidi Hagel-Braid Email: egon@firstchildrensfinance.org“>infoOregon@firstchildrensfinance.org Northwest Native Chamber Point of contact: Amber Faist Email: t@nwnc.org“>CCIFSupport@nwnc.org |
About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care – The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC.You can also connect with DELC on Facebookor sign up for news alerts and updates
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.
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.
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 – application deadline is Sept. 2, 2024
(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
