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 28, 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.
We’re not out of the woods yet – 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
Hewlett-Packard Campus In Corvallis Will Receive $50 Million From The Federal Government Under The CHIPS And Science Act
Governor Tina Kotek, U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley, U.S Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle, Oregon State University President Jayathi Murthy and White House CHIPS Implementation Coordinator Ryan Harper were among the officials joining HP executives in Corvallis Tuesday morning to celebrate the funding.
The money will go toward the expansion and modernization of HP’s facility in Corvallis and supporting HP’s manufacturing of different technologies and products.
“This proposed investment provides HP with an opportunity to modernize and expand our facility to further invest in our microfluidics technology, which is the study of the behavior and control of fluid on a microscopic scale,” said HP CEO Enrique Lores in a prepared statement.
The project will create an estimated 150 construction jobs and 100 manufacturing jobs. HP has granted the project agreement to Andersen Construction , based in Portland, according to the press release. HP is also working with Portland Community College for training and recruitment programs and has representatives on an advisory council for Linn-Benton Community College.
“HP invented its inkjet printer here in Corvallis, and the facility still remains one of the company’s leading research posts, contributing to our state’s leadership in technological innovation,” Kotek said in a statement. “Oregon is a leader in the semiconductor industry because of our world class talent and strong partnerships with higher education. We are uniquely positioned to enhance national security by helping to grow the country’s semiconductor industry.”
The Biden-Harris administration has announced more than $32 billion in proposed funding across 16 states for the construction of semiconductor factories and research. Business Oregon in March announced Intel had also been awarded $8.5 billion in federal funding through the federal CHIPS act. The company employs 23,000 people at its Hillsboro campus.
In Oregon, lawmakers passed the Oregon CHIPS Act during the 2023 legislative session. The bill directed $240 million toward a grant and loan program to support the expansion of semiconductor businesses in Oregon. HP will be receiving $9.5 million from the Oregon CHIPS Act. Intel was awarded $115 million in January. (SOURCE)
SPD K9 Narcotics Team Locates Over 4lbs of Methamphetamine & Fentanyl
With Tuesday being #nationaldogday, we here at SPD figured there’s no better time to highlight the outstanding work of one particularly good boy: K9 Cash! Recently, K9 Cash and his partner seized over 4 pounds of narcotics before they were able to reach Springfield’s streets.
The team located 4lbs of methamphetamine and over a quarter pound of fentanyl. As little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose, so their work prevented countless possible overdoses and deaths. In total, the narcotics seized have an estimated street value of nearly $20,000. K9 Cash, his partner, and the entire Springfield Police Department work tirelessly to prevent the distribution of these dangerous substances within our community.
Body Located Near I-105 Eastbound in Springfield
Around 1225hrs on Monday, August 26, 2024, Springfield Police Department Officers were dispatched to the area of I-105 eastbound in response to reports that a body had been found in the area. Officers were able to locate the deceased person near the slough south of I-105 eastbound. Officers secured the scene and notified the medical examiner. Detectives have begun an initial investigation, but no further details are available at this time.
Crews Fight Challenging House Fire in Springfield
Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a a house fire in east Springfield late Monday night. Firefighters were first alerted to the fire at 10:50 PM on August 26th in the 100 block of 51st St with callers reporting a fire in the back yard extending to the deck. Engine 14 arrived 3-1/2 minutes after dispatch to find a heavy fire from the back of the home which had extended to the attic.
Firefighting efforts were hampered by access to the seat of the fire in the attic due to the space being used for storage. Due to rapidly deteriorating conditions and a partial roof collapse, crews had to back out and utilize a 1,000 gallon per minute aerial master stream to bring the fire under control. In all it took a hour to control the fire. The resident and their pet made it out safely. The fire is under investigation.
Adult in Custody Walks away from Work Crew in Salem
T.J. Harvey Bennett, an adult in custody with the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), walked away from a work crew near the corner of SE 46th Place and Red Cherry Court SE in Salem, Oregon at approximately 3:00 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2024.
Bennett, 44, is a white male weighing 165 lbs., 5’ 08’’ tall, with hazel eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue shirt, and an orange vest.
Bennett entered DOC custody on October 9, 2023, for Burglary I out of Columbia County. His earliest release date is March 16, 2025. Bennett was housed at Santiam Correctional Institution and was working on a City of Salem Work Crew.
The DOC Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the Oregon State Police are investigating. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should contact the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888, the non-emergency number of their local police department, or the DOC Fugitive Apprehension Unit at 503-569-0734. Do not approach Fugitive Bennett.
Bennett was housed at Santiam Correctional Institution (SCI), a minimum-security prison in Salem that houses approximately 440 adults in custody who are within four years of release. The facility concentrates on work opportunities, most of which are in the form of work crews contracting with state agencies, local organizations, and private industries within a 60-mile radius of Salem. SCI provides a range of other correctional programs and services including education, transition programs, and religious services. The building that is now SCI was constructed in 1946 and was originally used as an annex to the Oregon State Hospital for mental health patients. Over the years it was used for a variety of correctional purposes until, in 1990, it opened as SCI.
Chicken Apprehended – Fowl Play Suspected in Springfield
On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, around 0900hrs Officers with the Springfield Police Department appre-hen-ded Penelope the Parking Lot Chicken of Springfield. After more than 48 hours on the run (largely in the patrol lot of the Springfield Justice Center), Ofc. Oros was able to negotiate a peaceful surrender by offering Penelope fresh watermelon. Penelope has been lodged on the charges below and held until her owner is located. CHARGES: Criminal Mischick 1 | Hit & Chicken Run | Attempt to Eggscape
Passing train strikes, kills man on tracks in Salem
Salem, Ore. — At approximately 4:50 p.m. this afternoon, Salem Police officers responded to 1200 block of D Street NE on the report of a man struck by a passing freight train.
The railroad crew traveling northbound on the Union Pacific line reported the collision occurred on the tracks just south of D Street. Witnesses stated the man was standing near the tracks and laid down across them just before the train passed.
The person struck by the train is identified as Alexander Boyd Schumpert, age 32 of Salem. He was declared deceased at the scene.
The rail line which runs north-south was closed between D Street NE and Mill Street SE for approximately three hours while officers conducted the death investigation, and a substitute train crew arrived. The train was released from the scene just before 8:00 p.m.
Deputies Investigate Unfounded Threat at Douglas County Courthouse
ROSEBURG, Ore. – On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, shortly before the end of the business day, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office investigated a reported threat at the Douglas County Courthouse and Justice Building Complex.
Out of an abundance of caution and in coordination with County Officials, the Courthouse and Justice Buildings were closed early, and all occupants were sent home for the day.
The incident has since been determined to not be credible and remains under further investigation.
The Courthouse and Justice Building complex will re-open tomorrow, Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at its normal time and all business will resume as normal.
No further information will be released at this time.
Lane County Jail partners with Emergence to connect people released from custody with resources
Last year, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office began partnering with Emergence, a local non-profit focused on addiction counseling. The partnership aims to provide resources to people released from custody before they even leave the Lane County Jail. The goals are to save lives, prevent overdoses, and provide a positive alternative to the behaviors that may lead to re-arrest.
Emergence peers are available in the jail lobby during peak release times, and a kiosk of resources is always available. Peers assist with the opportunity to take positive steps toward recovery by connecting with needed treatment and shelter services.
Emergence has a broad network of community partners who are involved in this work, including Restored Connections Peer Center, Eugene Mission, Ideal Option, and the Behavioral Health Resource Network of Lane County (BHRN-LC). This allows Emergence to efficiently provide individual strategies for people to create structure in their lives.
But you don’t have to end up in the jail lobby to get help. If you or a friend or family member wants to quit using substances and needs help, please call the BHRN-LC hotline at 1-800-422-2595.
Learn more about the assistance Emergence provides our community at 4emergence.com.
Lane County Sheriff’s Office — Have you heard about our new partner in service to Lane County?
Mobile Crisis Services starts today! Learn more at www.lanecountyor.gov/mobilecrisis
Eugene Police Department – Gear up! Click It or Ticket Campaign Through September 1
Oregon Department of Transportation has funded a high visibility seat belt enforcement event from August 19 through September 1 and Eugene Police will provide additional enforcement during that period. The Eugene Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit is reminding drivers about the lifesaving benefits of wearing a seat belt and proper child safety restraints as we all approach the end of summer and Labor Day.
“Modern passenger cars and trucks are equipped with various advanced safety features. However, if a driver or their passengers are not properly restrained – using safety belt systems, child safety seats, and or belt positioning boosters – no amount of technology will keep an occupant safe,” said Sergeant Nate Pieske of the Eugene Police Traffic Safety Unit. ”An overwhelming amount of the serious injury crashes and deaths related to traffic crashes in this community could have been mitigated or prevented entirely had occupants been properly restrained during traffic crashes.”
The Eugene Police Traffic Safety Unit, Eugene Police patrol officers, and participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night. In Eugene, the presumptive fine for a seat belt violation is $150. For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot. Online Resources:• Car Seat Types: Determine whether your child fits best in a rear-facing car seat, forward-facing car seat, booster seat, or seat belt.• Car Seat Recommendations: Review NHTSA’s recommendations for the best car seat for your child’s age and size. •
Find and Compare: Find and compare car seats with NHTSA’s handy car seat finder, which also searches specific brands. Oregon Department of Transportation Seatbelts and Child Seats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFC2K2AfdJMMore ODOT information on safety belts and child seats at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TS/Pages/safetybelts.aspx
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
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
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires
Lane 1 Fire. Today, the fire is reported at 25,265 acres and is 93% contained. Suppression repair is underway across the fire area. The Alaska Incident Management Team 1 has assumed command and will be responsible for patrol, mop up, and suppression repair of U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. An Oregon Department of Forestry Type 3 organization will be responsible for patrol, mop up, and suppression repair for state and private lands. Both organizations are working side-by-side to reach these objectives.
Portions of the U.S. Forest Service – Umpqua National Forest and BLM lands are closed to the public to provide safe working area for firefighters and heavy equipment. The forest has a closure map that can be enlarged or printed by following this link: https://tinyurl.com/9t7hh7j6
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
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 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
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.
Willamalane Park and Recreation District — Two exciting projects are starting next week in the district!
Construction of a wildlife viewing platform along the Mill Race Path (near the Jasper Road Trailhead) begins Wednesday, August 28. Construction will continue into October and may involve temporary detours of the Mill Race Path. This project was identified in the Georgia Pacific Natural Area Master Plan. This platform will allow people to connect with the incredible wildlife in the Jasper Slough while protecting those critters from human disturbance along the riverbank.
Construction of a new shelter at Douglas Gardens Park begins next week and work will continue into September. Douglas Gardens Park will remain open, but heavy equipment will be present in the park and some areas may be roped off. Please avoid work areas and pay attention to posted signs. For updates on district alerts and closures, visit willamalane.org/alerts
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.
“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.
White Bird Clinic – · Crisis intervention is a 24/7 need in our community, and CAHOOTS, as part of White Bird Crisis Intervention programs, responds.
White Bird CAHOOTS Springfield Coverage: 11 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week (541-726-3714) — Eugene Coverage: 24/7 (541-682-5111)
AAA says travel will be busy for Labor Day Weekend
Airports, highways, beaches and theme parks are expected to be packed for the long holiday weekend as Americans mark the unofficial end of summer the same way they celebrated the season’s unofficial start: by traveling.
The Transportation Security Administration anticipates screening more than 17 million people between Thursday and next Wednesday — a record for the Labor Day period.
AAA says bookings for domestic travel are running 9% higher than last year for the holiday weekend, while international trips are down 4%.
American Airlines plans to have its largest Labor Day weekend operation ever and expects a 14% increase in passengers compared to last year.
Motorists are getting a break on gasoline compared with last year. The nationwide average was recently $3.44 per gallon, compared to $3.86 a year ago, according to AAA.
Oregon Department of Transportation – As the 2024-25 college football season nears, expect heavy traffic on the weekends of home games for University of Oregon and Oregon State University.
If you’re traveling on these game days, plan ahead and explore your transportation options! Traffic is especially heavy on days when both teams have home games, or when they play each other: Aug. 31, Sept. 14 (UofO vs OSU) and Nov. 9.
Expect all-day traffic congestion in the #WillametteValley on these dates as thousands of fans travel to and from the games. Remember, there are many ways to get around in Oregon! You can walk or roll, take a bus or train, or share a ride. Learn more, plan a trip, or find a ride at GetThereOregon.org.
Fans should also consider their public transportation options, such as the Amtrak Cascades passenger train, which service to and from Eugene during University of Oregon football home game weekends. Train or POINT Intercity Bus Service riders can avoid traffic and parking hassles, and once in town, can ride the Lane Transit District Autzen Express bus.
Oregon State Fair Runs Through September 2nd
185 Acres of Amazing Things to Explore!!! https://oregonstatefair.org/
If you missed out on pre-fair deals , there are still ways to save on specific days. — Admission on opening day is $5 courtesy of sponsor Mattress Firm. The $5 tickets can only be purchased that day at the gates and is a half-price or better deal on regular admission for children 6-12 ($10) and adults 13-64 ($12). Fair admission is $3 for seniors (65 or better) and free for children 5 and under.
“Share at the Fair Day” is Wednesday, Aug. 28, with $2 off admission when you donate two cans of food. The deal cannont be combined with any other offer. The National Association of Women in Construction will build the state of Oregon and an Oregon Trail wagon out of nearly 10,000 cans of beans. After the fair, they’ll dismantle the sculpture and donate the cans to Marion Polk Food Share.
Free admission for children ages 6-12 is Thursday, Aug. 29, saving families $10 a kid. Ages 5 and younger are free every day during the fair.
“Heroes Day” is Monday, Sept. 2, with free admission for military, first responders, teachers, health care workers and their families.
Free parking passes are available with purchase at Oregon Wilco stores through Sept. 2, or while supplies last. The limit is one per purchase, with no minimum dollar amount required. Wilco locations include Salem, Silverton and Stayton. MORE INFO: https://oregonstatefair.org and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oregonstatefair
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.
Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily
Large Fires in Oregon 8/28/24 9:00am per INCIWEB
| Incident | Type | State | Incident Size | UpdatedSort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 5909 Acres | 9 minutes 37 seconds ago |
| Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 13076 Acres | 10 minutes 25 seconds ago |
| Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 2075 Acres | 11 minutes 9 seconds ago |
| Sandstone Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 702 Acres | 11 minutes 31 seconds ago |
| North Willamette Complex – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 4462 Acres | 24 minutes 9 seconds ago |
| Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP | Wildfire | Oregon | 5280 Acres | 2 hours 23 minutes ago |
| Diamond Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 11152 Acres | 2 hours 44 minutes ago |
| Red Fire – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 755 Acres | 12 hours 43 minutes ago |
| Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD | Wildfire | Oregon | 137222 Acres | 1 day 16 hours ago |
| Crazy Creek – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 86968 Acres | 1 day 19 hours ago |
| Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S | Wildfire | Oregon | 25265 Acres | 3 days 18 hours ago |
| Dixon Fire – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1970 Acres | 4 days 21 hours ago |
| Falls Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 151689 Acres | 5 days 12 hours ago |
| Telephone Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 54005 Acres | 5 days 12 hours ago |
| Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 183026 Acres | 1 week 1 day ago |
| Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR | Wildfire | Oregon | 65866 Acres | 1 week 2 days ago |
| Courtrock Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 20019 Acres | 1 week 3 days ago |
| Town Gulch – ORWWF | Wildfire | Oregon | 18220 Acres | 1 week 4 days ago |
| Cliff Mountain – ORWWF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1108 Acres | 1 week 5 days ago |
| Porcupine Fire – ORBUD | Wildfire | Oregon | 6491 Acres | 2 weeks 1 day ago |
| Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 54563 Acres | 2 weeks 3 days ago |
| Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1313 Acres | 2 weeks 4 days ago |
Please Help Prevent Wildfires!
8/28 -UPDATE: 
I-84 WB is now REOPENEDbetween Exit 302 at #BakerCity and Exit 216 at #Pendleton, due to a wildfire near Exit 216. The length of this closure is unknown. I-84 EB is reopened between MP 216-265 due to a crash.
8/27 – ELKTON, OR Fire – Five residences had to be evacuated, three people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation due to a fast-moving grass fire on South Market Road south of Wildhorse Resort & Casino Tuesday afternoon. The fire was contained this evening.
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.
U.S. Forest Service Hiring in Oregon
The U.S. Forest Service is looking to shore up its wildland firefighting force in the Pacific Northwest. Recruitment events will take place across Oregon next month, with stops in Bend, Sandy and La Grande on September 12th, in an effort to hire a couple hundred permanent seasonal positions.
“That’s our goal, is to hire up to 200, maybe even a little more if we can, into these what we call entry level, perm-fire-hire positions, which are typically your six to nine-month timeframe employment within the agency,” said Jason Heinz who works in regional workforce development for the Forest Service. He added those jobs are spread around Oregon, Washington and Alaska, and in most cases fill a currently vacant position. Heinz says several factors make it more difficult to recruit wildland crews.
“We are increasing the number of individuals that work for the agency, our fire seasons are getting longer, burnout is a real thing. And so, we’re trying to work on adding more capacity to our crews so that we can have a better work-life balance.”
Applications can be submitted now through September 24th. Visit USAJobs.gov to apply.
Oregon Farm Bureau — Thanks to the generous support of our agricultural community, we are now receiving both monetary and feed donations through our Wildfire Relief Fund. If you are a farmer or rancher affected by the wildfires, please take a moment to complete our short application for relief. https://www.oregonfb.org/
The next chapter in Oregon’s fight against fentanyl starts next week
The new programs to treat drug users will look different across Oregon counties as law enforcement officials and outreach providers map out local strategies with limited resources
Oregon is about to embark on a new experiment as it seeks to stem the tide of fentanyl overdoses across the state.
Starting Sunday, 14 counties in Oregon will start deflection programs that are intended to help people enter recovery and avoid criminal charges and jail. The timing of the programs coincides with the start of a new misdemeanor penalty for low-level drug possession.
Both are the product of House Bill 4002, which state lawmakers passed this year after fentanyl overdoses killed about 1,400 Oregonians in 2023, up from 280 in 2019. The bill recriminalizes possession of small amounts of drugs, while prioritizing recovery instead of jail time.
The bill allows – but does not require – counties to set up programs to help people avoid criminal charges and get help, whether through treatment or other recovery services. The programs require law enforcement, community mental health providers and prosecutors to work together for the best response. Under the law, people who don’t have access to the programs or decline them will be offered treatment and the expungement of their charges if the case goes to court.
So far, officials in 28 of Oregon’s 36 counties intend to start new programs. Of those, 14 will start by Sept. 1, while the others will launch later this year or early next year, grant applications filed with the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission show.
The new law unwinds part of Measure 110, which voters passed in 2020. That measure decriminalized low-level drug possession and put a system of $100 citations in place to encourage people to seek help. But law enforcement said the citation system lacked teeth and failed to motivate people to enter treatment.
The new law didn’t entirely undo Measure 110. It preserves the provision to put a share of cannabis revenue toward addiction programs and services, including peer mentors, harm reduction and housing services.
In the upcoming months, lawmakers, prosecutors and treatment providers will closely watch the impact of the approach each county takes. READ MORE: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/08/28/the-next-chapter-in-oregons-fight-against-fentanyl-starts-next-week/
More Providence workers vote to join a union; company continues to stall in other contract negotiations
Tualatin, Ore. – In what is becoming a regular occurrence, another group of healthcare workers employed by Providence Oregon have voted for union representation with Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). RNs, physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), speech language pathologists (SLPs), LPNs, and others who work for Providence Benedictine say they organized because of a lack of transparency by the administration, increased patient load and having to use paid time off for low census. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was responsible for overseeing the elections where an overwhelming majority of workers voted yes.
“I have been at Providence for 11 years, but I have been a physical therapist for 36 years, and I understand the importance of balancing the high but rewarding demands of quality patient care and the systems behind it,” said Julianna Harder, physical therapist at Providence Benedictine. “We are professionals who care greatly about our work, but we need to feel a sense of agency in what we do, for our own sustainability as much as for the benefit of our patients. Over the years, Providence has become a large corporation, and employees have felt the impact of that in our daily work. For instance, policies have been implemented with no say from the employees, and we feel that if any policies do impact our day-to-day lives as well as those of our patients, it’s paramount to have a voice on such matters. Our goal in forming a union is to work collaboratively and effectively to improve employees’ working conditions, viable expectations, and patient care ability.”
Providence Benedictine caregivers visit patients in Marion, Polk, Benton and Linn Counties. They will join the existing Providence Home Health and Hospice bargaining unit.
Since February 2023, just over 1,000 caregivers from Providence Oregon have voted to unionize. Employees have repeatedly said they are organizing to provide better patient care citing Providence’s emphasis on the bottom line at the expense of patients and staff. Caregivers are fed up with Providence’s laser focus on increasing profits at the expense of patient care and are demanding to spend more time with individual patients and families through improved scheduling, recruitment and retention.
While more Providence employees are taking the leap to organize with ONA, thousands of others are at the bargaining table trying to reach fair contracts. Nurses at Providence Newberg, Providence St. Vincent, Providence Hood River, Providence Willamette Falls, Providence Medford, and Providence Milwaukie have spent 10 months at the bargaining table trying to come to an agreement on safe staffing, healthcare benefits, and competitive wages to recruit and retain more nurses. In June the nurses from the six facilities held a three-day strike after Providence walked away from bargaining. Providence’s response was to prevent nurses from returning to work for an additional two days. Caregivers with Providence Portland, Providence Seaside, and Providence Home Health and Hospice return to the bargaining table in September. In 2023 the three bargaining units walked out for five days and later reached fair contracts. Meanwhile, providers (physicians, PAs, NPs, CNMs and RNs) with Providence Women’s Clinic (PWC), Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Providence Immediate Care Clinics, and Providence Medford are attempting to negotiate first contracts but have seen many of their proposals diminished or rejected outright.
“It should come as no surprise that more healthcare workers are organizing. Nurses, doctors, service workers, techs, therapists and other employees are saying ‘time’s up’ and standing up to the callous treatment by Providence executives,” said ONA Board Member and Providence Willamette Falls Bargaining Unit Chair Virginia Smith, RN. “This is about more than money, this is about respect and trusting caregivers to do the job that they studied and trained to do. The people that sit across from us at the bargaining table spend no time with patients, insist they know best and refuse to listen to our expertise. If Providence executives continue this pattern of behavior, you can expect many more workers to organize unions.”
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of 20,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.
Missing Texas Woman Found in Klamath Falls
Morgan Guidry Arrest / Missing Person: Brenna Swindell located —- At approximately 12:32 a.m., patrol officers from the Klamath Falls Police Department had received an automatic license plate reader (ALPR) alert regarding a vehicle flagged as stolen out of Texas in our area. The patrol officers searched the area and located the vehicle near South 6th St and Klamath Avenue. The officer continued to follow the vehicle and waited for an additional patrol unit before attempting to make a traffic stop.
While waiting for the additional unit, the officers were notified the vehicle was associated to Brenna K. Swindell, who is listed as a missing / endangered woman out of Travis County, Texas. They also learned she may be with her estranged boyfriend, 36 years old Morgan Guidry, who had a felony arrest warrant for family violence.
Once the additional patrol unit arrived to assist, a high-risk traffic stop was conducted and both Mr. Guidry and Ms. Swindell were located inside the vehicle. Mr. Guidry was taken into custody without further incident, transported to the Klamath County Jail, and lodged on the felony warrant out of Texas. Ms. Swindell was found unharmed and was able to call her parents in Texas to make travel arrangements to return to Texas.
Owners of Local Real Estate Investment Company Indicted in Federal Court for Fraud
PORTLAND, Ore.—An indictment was unsealed in federal court today charging the owners of a local real estate investment company with defrauding individual investors and commercial lenders out of more than $18 million.
Robert D. Christensen, 54, of Sherwood, Oregon, and Anthony M. Matic, 55, of Damascus, Oregon, have been charged in a 21-count indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.
According to the indictment, from approximately January 2019 through June 2023, Christensen and Matic are alleged to have devised and carried out a scheme wherein they convinced individual investors to fund the purchase and renovation of undervalued residential real estate properties. After renovating the properties, Christensen and Matic claimed they would rent the properties to generate income and then refinance them to extract their increased value from the renovations. The pair further misled investors into believing they would be repaid their full principal investment along with interest as high as eight to fifteen percent and a large lump sum payout, all within periods as short as 30 to 90 days.
Christensen and Matic’s scheme failed to generate the promised returns almost immediately and they began using new investments to repay earlier investors to keep their business afloat. When they were unable to raise enough money from new investors, Christensen and Matic are alleged to have devised a separate scheme to defraud commercial lenders. By December 2020, the pair began submitting loan applications with false financial information to different commercial lenders and, based on their misrepresentations, received millions of dollars in loans.
In total, Christensen and Matic’s two schemes defrauded individual investors out of more than $11 million and commercial lenders out of more than $7 million.
Christensen and Matic made their initial appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Both were arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and released on conditions pending a 7-day jury trial scheduled to begin on October 29, 2024.
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Money laundering in punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. All three charges may also result in fines of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gains or losses resulting from the offense.
This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Trisotto. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Oregon joins federal antitrust lawsuit over rental pricing software
The lawsuit, joined by eight states and Washington D.C., alleges that RealPage’s software helps landlords keep rental prices high, even in a down market
Oregon’s attorney general has joined other states, the District of Columbia and federal government in an antitrust lawsuit against a company selling property management software that recommends rental prices to landlords.
The lawsuit against Texas-based RealPage accused the company of gathering confidential rental data from more than 16 million units nationwide to create software that enables landlords to coordinate prices rather than compete. It said that RealPage has a monopoly in the rental management software, controlling at least 80% of that market.
“Its dominant position is protected by substantial data advantages due to its massive reservoir of ill-gotten competitively sensitive information from competing landlords,” the lawsuit said. “RealPage replaces competition with coordination. It substitutes unity for rivalry. It subverts competition and the competitive process. It does so openly and directly – and American renters are left paying the price.”
Filed Friday in U.S. District Court in North Carolina, the lawsuit comes at a time of soaring rents in Oregon, especially in the Portland area. Under normal market conditions, renters would benefit from competition among landlords, who would limit hikes when the economy is booming and reduce rents when the economy is tight to make housing more affordable, the lawsuit said. But it said RealPage’s software stymies competition, something that Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said was against the law.
“RealPage’s use of its AI pricing algorithm effectively acts as a hub for property managers and landlords to share confidential, competitively sensitive information and to engage in a pricing alignment scheme to avoid competition,” Rosenblum said in a statement. “It undermines a fair rental market and constitutes a violation of Oregon and federal antitrust laws (the Sherman Act).”
Jennifer Bowcock, a RealPage spokesperson, said in a statement that the company would “vigorously” defend itself against the allegations. She said its revenue management software was built to be “legally compliant” and that the company had worked “constructively” with the Department of Justice for years and that in 2017, the agency had reviewed its software and not found anything objectionable.
“We believe the claims brought by DOJ are devoid of merit and will do nothing to make housing more affordable,” Bowcock said.
The lawsuit names areas in 24 states – Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington – where at least 30% of property managers use RealPage’s software. In Oregon, they include 54,000 units in the Aloha-Beaverton area and in central Portland, where a one-bedroom, one-bath unit can cost more than $2,200 a month.
“Americans should not have to pay more in rent because a company has found a new way to scheme with landlords to break the law,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.
Rosenblum added that housing is a major concern in Oregon, where rents have soared in recent years.
“At a time when housing affordability is a top concern for Oregonians – and for countless Americans beyond our state’s borders – the issues of fairness and competition could not be more critical,” she said.
Besides Oregon, attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington joined the lawsuit.
The U.S. Department of Justice – joined by Oregon and other states – has also filed antitrust lawsuits against Amazon, and Meta, Facebook’s owner. In December, Google agreed to pay $700 million to resolve an antitrust suit involving its Play Store, and in March, the U.S. Department of Justice, Oregon and other states sued Apple, also claiming monopolistic behavior to stem competition. (SOURCE)
 UPCOMING EVENTS – Virtual presentationSept. 6 | noon to 1 p.m. AIA Oregon will present “Earth: Update on the Oregon Resilience Plan,” the first session in a five-part virtual program on resilience. The other four sessions will take place Sept. 13, Sept. 20, Sept. 27 and Oct. 4. The Oregon Resilience Plan was adopted in 2013 and proposed a 50-year plan to protect lives and keep commerce flowing following a sizable earthquake and tsunami. It looked at impacts on critical lifeline infrastructure and buildings, businesses and the workforce, and on coastal communities overall. In this program, architect Jay Raskin will review the plan, discuss its concepts and recommendations, review the state of its implementation, its impact and the challenges ahead. Cost: $10 per session or $45 for the series for AIA members, or $25 per session or $112.50 for the series for nonmembers, or free for students. REGISTER NOW » |
Kroger and Albertsons head to court to defend merger plan against US regulators’ objections
Kroger and Albertsons will defend their plan to merge – and try to overcome the U.S. government’s objections – in a federal court hearing scheduled to begin Monday in Oregon.
The two companies proposed what would be the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history in October 2022. They say joining together would help them rein in costs and better compete with big rivals like Walmart and Costco.
But the Federal Trade Commission sued to try to block the deal, saying it would eliminate competition and raise grocery prices in a time of already high food price inflation. The commission also alleged that quality would suffer and workers’ wages and benefits would decline if Kroger and Albertsons no longer competed with each other.
The FTC is seeking a preliminary injunction that would block the merger while its complaint goes before an in-house administrative law judge. In a three-week hearing set to begin Monday, U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson is expected to hear from around 40 witnesses, including the CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons, before deciding whether to issue the injunction.
The attorneys general of Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming all joined the case on the FTC’s side.
Kroger, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Ralphs, Smith’s and Harris Teeter. Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people. (SOURCE)
Oregon Consumer Nonprofit Rolls Out New Legal Services To Help Scam Victims
The nonprofit Oregon Consumer Justice is rolling out new legal services to help people who have fallen victim to illegal scams.
OCJ was established in 2015. Until now, it has been focused on changing public policy in the Oregon Legislature. Now it’s hiring attorneys and opening to the public.
“We’re focused on autos, which is a big thing – purchasing a car, a used car, a new car, or warranties,” OCJ Executive Director Jagjit Nagra explained.
“We’re also looking at debt,” he said. “Whether you’re talking about credit card debt, medical debt, or student loan debt – or you owe money to the government. And finally, we’re looking at insurance.”
Unlike most legal aid organizations, OCJ does not have income requirements. “Our doors are open to anyone and everyone,” Nagra said.
The nonprofit has two lawyers: a paralegal and a researcher. “So we have four people on our legal team,” said Nagra. “That legal team will be growing over the next year or two. I would venture to say maybe doubling in size.”
While that’s good news for struggling consumers, it is not expected to be enough to help everyone who contacts OCJ. “The need in the consumer space is so large that, quite frankly, even if I had 100 lawyers it would be nearly impossible,” Nagra said.
The nonprofit is funded by money that remains unclaimed in class action lawsuits, as well as donations. It recently published a free comic book to help consumers avoid some of the pitfalls involved in buying a used car. (SOURCE)
One person was killed and multiple people were injured in a head-on crash that closed U.S. Highway 20 east of Santiam Pass for several hours Tuesday, authorities said.
Oregon State Police confirmed a fatality resulted from the two-vehicle head-on crash. ODOT posted a TripCheck traffic advisory shortly after 11 a.m. of the crash near milepost 83, about two miles east of the Santiam Pass summit. Motorists were advised to use an alternate route.
The location is about eight miles east of Santiam Junction and 17 miles west of Sisters.
A 38-year-old Portland Public Schools math teacher thought he was chatting with a 13-year-old girl when he launched into a sexual roleplay and discussed driving to California to meet her, court records show.
Portland police and federal agents arrested Craig Douglas-Meyers at his Montavilla neighborhood home Friday following a tip from a Yorba City, California, police detective who had posed as an underage girl on an online chat forum last month, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
Douglas-Meyers, who is expected to be arraigned Monday afternoon on a single felony charge of luring a minor, is now on paid leave from his $96,500-a-year position at Hosford Middle School, according to a district spokesperson.
Following his arrest, the longtime teacher told investigators he had hidden his illicit cybersex habit from his wife, claiming the conversations were “just pretend” and a form of stress relief.
The future of grasshopper and cricket control in Oregon is in the air after a district judge ruled against the overuse of pesticides by a federal agency.
Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Marco Hernandez in U.S. District Court in Portland ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture had failed to consider controlling the pests with methods other than pesticides as required by law.
The USDA sprays pesticides on millions of acres in the West every year — including wide swaths of Oregon — to constrict the spread of insects, which can decimate crops and rangeland used by cattle. Farmers have long struggled with the pests, with infestations rising in recent years.
Southern and eastern Oregon have dealt with some of the worst plagues of grasshoppers in decades that have destroyed millions of acres of farmland and killed crops that fuels their livelihoods. But the two environmental groups that in May 2022 brought the suit — Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and the Center for Biological Diversity — say pesticides do harm in the long run.
Oregon is poised to undergo a significant policy shift on September 1, as House Bill 4002 comes into effect, reinstating criminal penalties for the possession of hard drugs.
This new legislation marks a substantial reversal from Measure 110, which was passed in 2020 and decriminalized the possession of small amounts of various drugs while emphasizing treatment over criminalization. House Bill 4002 seeks to undo many of the changes enacted by Measure 110, particularly regarding hard drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Under the new law, possession of these substances will again be subject to criminal charges, a move supporters believe will address concerns about public safety and drug misuse. Proponents of House Bill 4002 argue that reinstating criminal penalties is crucial for creating a clear deterrent against public drug use. They assert that this approach will ensure that individuals are aware of the serious consequences associated with drug possession, potentially leading to reduced drug use and improved public safety.
Local police officials have also voiced their support for the bill, stating that it will provide them with necessary tools to address drug-related issues more effectively.
Previously, under Measure 110, law enforcement had limited options beyond referring individuals to treatment programs, a situation they believe left gaps in their ability to intervene. However, the shift back to criminalization has faced significant criticism.
Opponents argue that reinstating criminal penalties could undermine the progress made in treating drug addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. They worry that this approach may lead to increased incarceration rates among individuals struggling with substance abuse, potentially worsen social and economic challenges.
Mt. Bachelor Ski Area Up For Sale
Bachelor ski area has decided to put it and two other properties up for sale, the company confirmed Thursday. Officials at Powdr Corp., the Utah-based corporation that has owned Mt. Bachelor since 2001, said it could take six months or longer for a sale to go through.
“The upcoming ski season and Bachelor’s employees will not be impacted,” said Stacey Hutchinson, Powdr Corp. vice president of communications and government affairs.
In the next few weeks Mt. Bachelor, Eldora ski resort in Colorado and SilverStar in British Columbia will be listed with JP Morgan Chase. The company has already sold Killington Resort and Pico Mountain in Vermont. It is retaining its ownership in Copper Mountain in Colorado and Snowbird resort in Utah, as well as the Woodward brand, which includes camps and ski mountain centers and two national park concession contracts.
When Powdr Corp. merged with Mount Bachelor ski area in 2001 it outbid the Pape Co. of Eugene, according to The Bulletin’s reporting in 2001. It wasn’t until years later, in 2016, that Powdr purchased Sun Country Tours, also based in Bend and for sale. With that acquisition, the ski area was able to expand summer activities that were approved by the U.S. Forest Service.
Mt. Bachelor ski area has 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain, making it the seventh largest ski area in North America, according to the company website. It’s popular because of its light, dry snow and long season. Generally the season begins right after Thanksgiving and runs through spring. Each year it gets about 400 inches of snow.
Share your experiences and thoughts on e-bikes in Oregon State Park survey
SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is inviting the community to share their experiences and opinions on electric assisted bicycle (e-bike) and other electric micromobility (e-micromobility) devices in an online survey through Aug. 31.
OPRD is seeing an increase in the use of e-bikes and e-micromobility devices in Oregon State Parks, which can present both opportunities and challenges.
Earlier this year, the Oregon Legislature adopted a 3-class classification system for e-bikes based on the type of motor, level of electric assistance and speed capabilities. OPRD plans to update its e-bike rules later this year in line with these changes.
Currently, electric assisted bicycles that fit the definition under Oregon law (ORS 801.258) may ride on bicycle trails 8 feet and wider unless otherwise marked at Oregon State Parks or on beaches where motor vehicles are allowed. However, e-bikes, when used by a person with a mobility-related disability, are considered other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMD) by the ADA, which means they’re allowed for accessibility.
By participating in this survey now, the public can inform OPRD about their current e-bike and e-micromobility use, concerns and opinions. Additional opportunities for public involvement will be available through the rulemaking process.
This online survey only takes a few minutes to complete. Respondents can also choose to enter a drawing for an annual state parks parking permit upon completing the survey. Responses will be accepted until midnight August 31, 2024.
Taking part in this survey will help the agency gain a better understanding of the role of electric devices in outdoor recreation.
OPRD encourages everyone to follow the rules and guidelines for riding safely in Oregon State Parks. Learn more about riding safely at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=350.
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
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
