Willamette Valley News, Friday 8/30 - Tips for Labor Day Weekend, Police Seek Witnesses to Recent Rapes in West Eugene, Weather and Wildfire Updates & Other Local and Statewide News...

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 30, 2024

Willamette Valley Weather

https://www.lrapa.org/air-quality-protection/current-aqi/

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.

With hot, dry conditions in the forecast & increased crowds for Labor Day weekend, 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.” — We’ve had an unprecedented fire season already. Don’t be that spark that could lead to a tragedy! Check Conditions

Labor Day Weekend

Don’t Forget Why We Celebrate Labor Day

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States.

Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters.

But the history behind the Labor Day holiday is far more complex and dramatic than most might realize, starting with a heated campaign by workers in the late 19th century to win support and recognition for their contributions. In July 1894, President Grover Cleveland finally signed into law legislation creating a national Labor Day holiday in early September.

In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.

People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.

As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.

In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.

Labor Day is still celebrated in cities and towns across the United States with parades, picnics, barbecues, and other public gatherings. For many Americans, particularly children and young adults, it represents the end of the summer and the start of the back-to-school season.

AAA says travel will be busy for Labor Day Weekend – Gas Prices Lowest in Three Years

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.

GasBuddy predicts that national average for gas on Labor Day will be $3.27 a gallon, the cheapest for the holiday since 2021. Over the weekend, Americans could spend $750 million less on gas than they did last year.

Some AAA members said they are waiting until Friday or even Saturday morning before hitting the road. For Oregonians, the Oregon coast is the top destination, followed by Central Oregon, Las Vegas, Washington, and California. 85% of people are expected to head by car to their destination.

The Oregon Coast will probably be one of the most popular destinations. If you haven’t booked a room yet, Travel Oregon communications manager Allison Keeney said you’re probably too late.

“I would suggest calling hotels directly might be the best way to snag a last-minute hotel but preferably we’ve been telling people to plan ahead, plan ahead. So hopefully most people have done that already,” said Keeney.

Some people will head to central Oregon for the long weekend break, while others are heading south to see the sites like Crater Lake.

In either direction, be aware of the traffic impact from wildfires and recovery efforts.

ODOT is advising travelers to keep hot cars off dry grass and keep trailer chains from dragging to prevent any new, disastrous fires from sparking.

Labor Day is also an especially deadly time because of drunk or impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies have announced extra patrols for DUIIs.

For more information on Oregon roads, check tripcheck.com

Tips for Having a Safe and Happy Independence Day Weekend! - Basin Life

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.

If you aren’t traveling this weekend, there is plenty to do around the area:

Eugene Police Department – Gear up! Click It or Ticket Campaign Through September 1

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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

Police Seek Witnesses in Recent Rapes in West Eugene

Around 7 p.m., on August 27, a woman in her 30s was on the Wild Iris Ridge trail when she encountered a man she did not know and who subsequently raped her. The woman was able to get to safety and report this after the attack. The suspect is a male on a bike, in his 30s, with brown hair, clean shaven face, wearing darker clothes, jogger pants, and a dark hoodie.

Wild Iris Ridge Trail is off Bailey Hill Road and Bertelsen. Detectives are seeking to have anyone who was in the area between 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. yesterday (August 27) and might have seen potential suspects to call Detective Anne McIntyre at 541. 953.9323. EPD’s Community Engagement Team will be out on the path to patrol and add to routine checks of the area.

Earlier this month a similar rape occurred on the Amazon bike trail also in West Eugene.

The previous reported rape was on the Amazon / Fern Ridge Bike Path at about 10:50 a.m. on Aug. 8. In that case, 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.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Eugene Police non-emergency line: 541-682-5111

The following are the general personal safety tips provided by Eugene Police:

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.

Lt. Jeremy Williams with the Eugene Police investigations team told reporters Thursday they do not have reason to think the incidents are related, but they are not ruling it out. He said this type of violent crime is unusual for the community and he understands it’s frightening.

“We take these sorts of incidents seriously,” he said, “and appreciate the trauma that can come from these and the fear that it can generate in the public. And we’re confident that we’ll bring this offender to justice.”

Williams said until the perpetrator is arrested, people should be careful and avoid walking alone.

Lane County Government – On Tuesday, The Lane County Clerk and Elections Office staff participated in the seventh annual Tabletop the Vote election security exercise alongside partners from across the state.

Tabletop the Vote brings together federal, state, and local officials, as well as private sector partners, to enhance efforts to protect our elections. The exercise provided participants with the opportunity to share best practices around cyber and physical incident planning, preparedness, identification, response, and recovery.

The exercise is just one example of the ongoing efforts of state and local election officials and the federal government to ensure the security and resilience of America’s most critical democratic process. For questions about elections in Lane County, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections or call Lane County Elections at 541-682-4234 during business hours.

Albany Fire Medic Unit Hit In Motor Vehicle Collision

Albany Fire Department Medic 13 ambulance was hit by a single vehicle at the intersection of Geary and Pacific while responding to an emergency medical call, August 29, 2024, at 9:16 a.m. Three AFD firefighter/medics were on board the ambulance. All crew members are safe, and no treatment was needed. The single occupant of the second vehicle refused treatment on scene.

From 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Albany Fire responded to seven separate emergency medical calls. The motor vehicle collision impacted our ability to respond to additional emergencies. Turner Fire District, Jefferson Fire District, Corvallis Fire and Lebanon Fire District were each dispatched to Albany emergencies using the mutual aid system in Linn and Benton Counties.

The impacted AFD ambulance was not drivable and needed to be towed from the scene. AFD has two reserve medic units in the fleet to backfill apparatus needs. Linn County Sheriff is investigating the collision.

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)

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 46^th 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.

Mobile Crisis Services starts today! Learn more at www.lanecountyor.gov/mobilecrisis

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.

Willamette National Forest – Forest Service News Release

Hunting season opens Aug. 31 on Willamette NF. Visitors encouraged to stay safe, avoid wildfire areas and campfires

– Grab your bow and get ready for the big game as archery season for deer and elk starts Saturday, Aug. 31, on the Willamette National Forest.

Some popular hunting areas are near wildfires with closure areas that will affect the hunting season. There are fire-related closures in place that primarily impact the Santiam Unit (16), the McKenzie Unit (19), and the Indigo Unit (21). Some roads and sites also remain closed from past wildfires due to serious safety risks and ongoing rehabilitation work.

Visitors are encouraged to stay alert of conditions and seek out hunting opportunities in areas that are not impacted by current fires to give firefighters and first responders the room they need to move heavy equipment and work.

Open hunting areas include Coffin Mountain Lookout area, Lava Lake area, and Browder Ridge.

If you plan on hunting in the Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington or Three Sisters Wilderness areas, please visit the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit information page to familiarize yourself with special rules for some hunters.

For more information on hunting seasons and regulations, please check Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at https://myodfw.com/big-game-hunting/seasons.

Hunting season start dates include: Archery – Deer and Bull Elk Saturday, Aug. 31 California and Mountain Quail Sunday, Sept. 1 Ruffled and Blue Grouse Sunday, Sept. 1

Remember that open fires, such as grills and campfires, are currently not allowed on the Forest. Use only pressurized liquid or gas appliances that can be switched on and off.

Before you go hunting this season, be sure to check out our alerts webpage for current closure information. Keep in mind, closures can change quickly depending on fire activity: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices.

Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires

Good morning from the Lane 1 Fire. If traveling to the area this holiday weekend, please be aware of the closures still in place. Sharps Creek Road remains closed. Brice Creek Road is open to the public, but it is also a main access route for fire traffic and heavy equipment. Please use caution and watch for trucks entering the road.

Many of the roads, trails and general forest areas within the Umpqua National Forest are closed to provide for public and firefighter safety. For more information and a map of the closed areas go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices/…Portions of the Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District, managed public lands, roads, sites, and trails are closed to all forms of public access.

For more information and a map showing the closure go to: https://www.blm.gov/…/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-nwo-072024.pdfPhoto: Road closure signs at the start of Sharp Creek Road

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)

Crater Lake to Temporarily Reopen North Entrance for Labor Day Travel

The North Entrance will briefly reopen from 7 a.m. on Saturday through Monday, Sept. 2. — and close again starting 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3.

“The date for reopening is not known at this time,” the National Park Service said. “All other park roads will remain open, except for construction closures on East Rim Drive.”

Afterwards, the only way to get into the park will be from the South and West Entrances on Highway 62, which are typically open year-round. Visitors can easily reach those entrances from Medford and Klamath Falls.

Though, travelers coming from the north in Portland will have to take the longer scenic route through either Eugene to Highway 58 or through Bend to Highway 97.

The National Park Service closed the entrance to allow firefighters to prepare control lines for the Middle Fork Fire burning in the northwest corner of the park. As of Thursday morning, the fire is estimated to be around 5,280 acres and is 37% contained.

Firefighters from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States are joining forces in a collaborative effort to combat the Middle Fork Fire in Crater Lake National Park. This international teamwork brings together a diverse range of expertise and resources to address the complex challenges of the fire.

The combined experience and skills of these dedicated professionals are crucial in managing the incident, while safeguarding the park’s unique environment, and ensuring the safety of the visitors, park staff, and residents. Their coordinated efforts exemplify a strong commitment to effective fire management and global cooperation in the face of environmental incidents. Crater Lake National Park – South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership – SCOFMP

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.

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

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

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/state/oregon

Large Fires in Oregon Past 2 Weeks 8/30/24 9:00am per INCIWEB

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Sandstone Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	702 Acres	10 minutes 38 seconds ago
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	2085 Acres	11 minutes 38 seconds ago
North Willamette Complex – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	4487 Acres	29 minutes 56 seconds ago
Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP	Wildfire	Oregon	5281 Acres	43 minutes 38 seconds ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	11152 Acres	1 hour 17 minutes ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	25267 Acres	10 hours 58 minutes ago
Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	13091 Acres	11 hours 36 minutes ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	86968 Acres	14 hours 35 minutes ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	5910 Acres	15 hours 36 minutes ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	755 Acres	21 hours 7 minutes ago
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	137222 Acres	3 days 15 hours ago
Dixon Fire – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1970 Acres	6 days 20 hours ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	151689 Acres	1 week ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	54005 Acres	1 week ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	183026 Acres	1 week 2 days ago
Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR	Wildfire	Oregon	65866 Acres	1 week 3 days ago
Courtrock Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	20019 Acres	1 week 5 days ago
Town Gulch – ORWWF	Wildfire	Oregon	18220 Acres	1 week 6 days ago

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page.

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.

May be an image of text that says 'OREGON FARM BUREAL APPLY FOR WILDFIRE RELIEF August 13 Open to all farmers and ranchers affected by wildfires. Apply today at oregonfb.org/donate oregonfb.or donate'

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 US Department of the Interior (DOI) has released the scheduled date for the first-ever offshore wind energy lease auction off southern Oregon.

The US Department of the Interior (DOI) | Floating Wind energy lease auction off southern Oregon.

The two areas have the potential to provide up to 3.1 GW of generation capacity and, if fully developed, could power approximately one million homes with clean energy, according to DOI. Areas in the federal waters off Oregon are deemed most suitable for floating wind technology.

The two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) in Oregon, the Coos Bay WEA and the Brookings WEA, will be auctioned on 15 October 2024 by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

The Coos Bay (Lease Area P-OCS 0566) Wind Energy Area offshore Oregon is located approximately 32 miles (approximately 55 kilometres) from shore and covers 61,203 acres (approx. 248 square kilometres).

The bigger Brookings (Lease Area P-OCS 0567) Wind Energy Area spans 133,792 acres (approx. 541 square kilometres) and is located approximately 18 miles (approx. 29 kilometres) from shore. (READ MORE)

Oregon’s Ban on ‘Ghost Guns’ Takes Effect This Weekend

“Ghost guns,” which are 3D-printed firearms without serial numbers, will be prohibited across Oregon starting Sunday September 1st.

FILE - An unserialized hand gun, called a "ghost gun," confiscated by U.S. Marshals during an arrest on June 7, 2022 in Portland, Ore. — An unserialized hand gun, called a “ghost gun,” confiscated by U.S. Marshals during an arrest on June 7, 2022 in Portland
*Jonathan Levinson / OPB*

The unserialized guns are assembled at home and can be easily purchased online, but can’t be picked up in a metal detector. The ban comes after a federal judge denied a legal challenge that tried to block the prohibition.

In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2005 banning ghost guns. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, a Democrat, pushed for years to get legislation banning ghost guns.

“Unserialized guns are bad for everyone except criminals who don’t want to get caught,” she said at the time.

Starting on Sept. 1, 2024, all firearms built after Oct. 22, 1968, must have a serial number. Violating the law could result in a fine of $1,000 for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders could face higher fines and potentially incarceration.

Starting in July of 2023, Oregon law also prohibited the sale, transfer and import of unserialized firearms and the possession, sale and manufacturing of firearms that could not be detected by metal detectors or X-ray machines.

“Responsible gun ownership means respecting the gun laws of our state, and that now includes a ban on unserialized and undetectable ‘ghost guns.’” Rosenblum, who is not running for reelection, said in a statement. “For the safety of your families and communities, please make sure you understand our new law and that you are in compliance.”

The Oregon Department of Justice has issued a fact sheet to explain key parts of the new law and a list of federally licensed gun dealers in the state that can serialize firearms. (SOURCE)

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.

The new deflection programs aim to get people using drugs into treatment. (Getty Images)

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/

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes found in Jackson County

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Jackson County Vector Control and Jackson County Public Health Division have confirmed the identification of Aedes aegypti (Ae. Aegypti) mosquitoes in the county – the first time the mosquito species has been found in Oregon.

Jackson County Vector Control identified the Ae. aegypti mosquito as part of its routine mosquito surveillance, which monitors different mosquito populations in the county and tests for diseases such as West Nile virus and Western equine encephalitis that are common to the Culex mosquito genus. Mosquito surveillance provides Jackson County Vector Control the ability to determine human risk and implement strategies to control these insects and prevent disease spread.

Adult Ae. aegypti mosquitoes are relatively small and have a black-and-white pattern due to the presence of white/silver scale patches against a black background on the legs and other parts of the body. Ae. aegypti mosquitoes most likely originated in Africa. Since then, the species has been transported globally throughout tropical and subtropical regions, and parts of the temperate world, through global trade and shipping activities. Ae. aegypti cannot fly far, only about 500 feet. These mosquitoes prefer warm and wet weather, and to live in or near homes or in neighboring woods. Changes in climate are allowing Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to expand their range to the western United States.

“Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are a concern in the United States because they can carry and transmit various diseases that can have serious health consequences such as Zika virus, chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever,” said Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., state public health veterinarian based at OHA’s Public Health Division.

These viruses spread to humans through the bite of an infected Ae. aegypti mosquito. The mosquitoes become infected when they bite and feed on someone who is infected with the virus. These mosquitos primarily feed in the daytime and prefer to feed on humans.

“The risk of these infections to local residents is low and depends on the presence or arrival of someone who is currently infected with one of these diseases after infection outside the U.S.,” DeBess said. He added there have been no reports of anyone having acquired viruses from Ae. aegypti mosquitoes within Oregon.

John Mahan, M.D., chief medical officer of Jackson County Health & Human Services, said, “Jackson County Vector Control and Jackson County Public Health are working closely with OHA and vector-borne disease specialists regarding control of these mosquitoes and risk-reduction approaches.”

Invasive Ae. aegypti mosquitoes need only a quarter inch of water to complete their life cycle. The key to preventing these mosquitoes from becoming an established vector in Jackson County will be to eliminate standing water, even small amounts, and moisture from yards and gardens. Common mosquito breeding sources include flowerpot saucers, tires, kiddie pools, rooted plants in water, containers/buckets, and pet water bowls.

“Many prevention methods that work for other types of mosquitoes apply to Aedes aegypti,” said Geoff Taylor, manager of Jackson County Vector Control.

Those methods include:

Dumping or draining any standing water around the home.
Removing containers or objects that can hold water from your yard, such as water saucers from under plants, old tires, tarps, buckets, containers, toys, and other equipment.
Repairing leaky outdoor faucets.
Keeping rain gutters cleared.
Covering, screening, or removing rain barrels, trashcans, bins, buckets, or tubs.
Wearing mosquito repellent outside. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, some lemon eucalyptus, and para-menthane-diol products are most effective at preventing mosquito bites.
Sleeping under a mosquito net when outside or in a room without screens.

“Discovery of Aedes aegypti underscores the importance of our mosquito trapping system,” DeBess said. “Tracking and monitoring the types of mosquitoes that exist in Oregon communities is critical. This, in turn, helps us identify potential public health implications and implement measures to reduce risk.”

For more information:

Aedes aegypti, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/life-cycle-of-aedes-mosquitoes.html
Potential range of Aedes mosquitoes, CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/php/toolkit/potential-range-of-aedes.html
Aedes aegypti in California: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/pages/Aedes-aegypti-and-Aedes-albopictus-mosquitoes.aspx
Jackson County Vector Control District: https://jcvcd.org/
JCVCD’s Aedes aegypti page: https://jcvcd.org/mosquito/aedes-aegypti/

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.

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)

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)

ODVA Veterans Advisory Committee Meeting to Be Held in Person and Virtually on September 11

The next meeting of the Veterans Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be held in person and virtually on Wednesday, September 11, at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles, located at 700 Veterans Drive. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by a town hall meeting at 11 a.m., which is open to the public.

Established in 1945, the Veteran Advisory Committee holds a distinct and fundamental role in advising the director and staff of ODVA. The nine members of the Veteran Advisory Committee are military veterans from all corners of the state, appointed by the governor to serve and act as advocates for veteran issues and veteran concerns across Oregon. The Advisory Committee meets quarterly across the state and virtually.

Following every quarterly business meeting, the committee holds a town hall inviting the public to raise questions or concerns about broad veteran issues or to share information with the committee and agency director.

Members of the community are also invited to inquire about scheduling up to 10 minutes of time to present veteran-related information to the committee during the town hall. Written public comment is also accepted and will be shared with the committee. To engage in this process, please email odva_vaac@odva.oregon.gov.

REGISTER TO ATTEND VIRTUALLY
Those who wish to attend the meeting virtually should register at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/bc091967-420e-4e05-a938-b62133d5d474@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf.

Attendees will be able to view the business portion of the meeting and may participate during the town hall portion if they wish. Participants will be invited to turn on their camera and unmute mics during a recorded meeting that will be posted online later.

Information about the Veteran Advisory Committee and meeting materials can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

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)

Labor Day Boating Fun and Friendly Reminders

Youth learning how to stand up paddleboard in Hood River

Labor Day Weekend traditions are rooted in the outdoors, and to keep things safe, the Oregon State Marine Board suggests taking the time to plan your on-water get away with the following tips:

Wear your life jacket. Each boat (including canoes and kayaks, inflatable boats, and stand up paddleboards) must have a properly fitted life jacket for each person on board and at least one sound-producing device. Life jackets need to be in good shape and readily accessible – not under a hatch or in their packaging. All youth younger than 13 must wear a life jacket when in a boat that’s underway. Since storage space is limited on paddlecraft, it makes the best sense to just wear a life jacket. So far this season, most of the victims of recreational boating fatalities were paddlers not wearing life jackets.

Know your waterway. “Take the time to get familiar with the waterway and know the inherent dangers,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board. “Look out for wood, other debris, and shallow gravel bars with low water levels.” Find out more about low water impacts on boat ramps by subscribing to the Marine Board’s Opportunities and Access Report.

Know what rules apply. There are all types of watercraft on the market; some are considered boats and others are pool toys. Boats are designed differently, and by state law, have specific equipment requirements. “If you plan to float in a river, keep in mind that pool toys are designed for use in a swimming pool, have no directional control, and can puncture easily. Float in a watercraft designed for a river; one which won’t easily puncture and comes equipped with a paddle so you can maneuver away from obstructions.” Paulsen adds. It’s state law that any boat with a motor, even temporarily mounted, must be titled and registered. Paddlecraft (including stand up paddleboards) 10 feet and longer are required to carry a Waterway Access Permit.

Boat Sober. Boating is a great social activity, and the Marine Board encourages boaters and persons floating on the waterways, to leave the alcohol on shore. It’s safer for everyone. If arrested for Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants (BUII), violators can be fined up to $6,250; can lose boating privileges for up to three years and even serve jail time. Intoxicants include marijuana, illicit drugs, and even some prescriptions.

Sit on the seat inside the boat. Many boaters are tempted to ride on the swim platform, stern, sides, and bow of open motorboats. The stern can be a dangerous place for exposure to carbon monoxide and a prop-strike safety hazard. It is illegal to ride on the bow, decks, gunwales or transoms of a motorboat when the boat is underway. Sitting on designated seats is the safest option – especially when the boat is towing someone. Just because new boats have seats on the transom or swim step doesn’t make them legal for use when the boat is underway.

Slow down, keep scanning, and be courteous. Know the boating regulations for your area of operation. Boaters, including personal watercraft, are responsible for damage caused by their wake. Remember to slow down within 200 feet of a dock, launch ramp, marina, moorage, floating home or boathouse, pier or swim float, even if they don’t have a “Slow No-Wake” buoy or sign. Paddlers should stay closer to shore, crossing busy channels at right angles only when it is safe and allow motorboats to pass in deeper water. Be courteous, share the waterway, and recreate responsibly.

The top boating violations this summer include not having enough wearable life jackets on board, not carrying a waterway access permit, not carrying a sound signaling device, and not having a valid registration. So far this year, there have been 15 recreational boating fatalities in which not wearing a life jacket was the most common contributing factor.

For more information about equipment requirements, boating regulations, and ideas on where to go boating, visit the Marine Board’s website.

Press Release: Make Waves — Registration for the 2024 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is Now Open

Portland, Ore., August 29, 2024 – SOLVE invites volunteers to make a global impact this September by joining the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup. From September 20 through September 28, families, community members, student groups, and nature enthusiasts from all stages of life will gather across Oregon and Southwest Washington for a 10-day event series with a variety of projects to choose from. Registration is now open for this vital community effort to protect and restore our coastlines, rivers, and public lands.

Connecting Local Actions to Global Movements – September 21 is International Coastal Cleanup Day, uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect our coasts and waterways from harmful trash and debris. This global movement amplifies the impact of local efforts, uniting communities for cleaner environments. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup wraps up on September 28 with National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event, focusing on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting.

Join the Effort – “After a season of heavy use, our rivers and beaches need care,” says Kris Carico, SOLVE’s Chief Executive Officer. “This event is a cherished tradition and a powerful force for change. We encourage everyone to get involved and make a lasting impact on our environment.”

SOLVE will host over 50 project sites across Oregon and SW Washington, from the Oregon Coast to the Willamette Valley and beyond. Last year, more than 1,500 volunteers removed 20,000 pounds of trash. Since 1986, the event has cleared over 2.5 million pounds of litter from Oregon’s natural areas. Volunteer registration is open for posted events and SOLVE is still seeking additional projects. Interested event leaders should register their events as soon as possible to fully maximize SOLVE’s support, resources, and everything needed to host a successful event.

New Supply Hubs for Event Leaders – This year, SOLVE is making it easier for event leaders by launching five supply hubs at South Beach, Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Cape Blanco, and Sunset Bay. These hubs are equipped with reusable supplies like litter grabbers, vests, and buckets sponsored by Knife River. This partnership with Oregon Parks and Recreation strengthens SOLVE’s mission to provide even more volunteers with reusable supplies and host cleanup events with sustainability in mind.

Be Part of the Change – Join thousands of volunteers to protect our waterways, restore natural areas this September, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Oregon. As the event dates approach, more details on project sites and opportunities will be released. For more information and to register, visit https://www.solveoregon.org/beach-riverside.

2024 Sponsors – SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2024 is proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Daimler Truck North America, Fred Meyer, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Here is Oregon, Keen Footwear, Knife River, KOIN, Metro, NEEF, Oregon Parks and Recreation, and Owens Corning.

About SOLVE – SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.

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.

Live Weather Webcam | Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort | Mountain Cams | Pine Marten Lift | Outback Lift | Live Feed

“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.

You Have Until August 31 to 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.

Cyclists on the Banks-Vernonia State Trail

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.

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

https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx

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