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, July 15, 2024
Willamette Valley Weather
Bodenhamer Road Fire
The fast moving wildfire at Bodenhamer Road & Green Hill Road in Eugene Monday afternoon started fast and grew quickly. Thanks to all the fire departments and engines who jumped right on fighting the fire or it could have been much worse.
Level 3 Evacuation orders went out as the fire spread south and west. The Greenhill Humane Society evacuated all the animals and staff safely. The neighborhoods to the west of Greenhill prayed. Pics above from my front yard when the fire first started.
The fire was contained at 115 acres and has been monitored overnight into Tuesday just to make sure no embers remain. Cause of the fire is still under investigation.
New fire – Blue 190 Fire – National Forest Development Road 502, Blue River
https://app.watchduty.org/#/i/26237
Fire crews responded Tuesday afternoon to a vegetation fire on Forest Service land off Highway 126 just north of Blue River Reservoir. Multiple agencies engaged in an aggressive initial attack that included active fire suppression by aviation crews, engines, and ground crews. Helicopter water drops provided an assist to firefighters on the ground. Northwest Oregon Interagency Fire Management (NWOIFM) said the initial attack response includes Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Forest Service crews, as well as contractor resources.
Temperatures reached 97 in Blue River on Tuesday, and a red flag warning was issued for the Willamette Valley due to the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning igniting new wildfires. The recent heat wave has accelerated the drying of vegetation after rain and cooler temperatures in mid-June. Fire managers encourage the public to stay safe and take precautions as the hot temperatures, dry conditions, and high winds can cause an ignition to spread quickly. Fire updates will be shared as soon as more information becomes available.
Link to update: https://www.facebook.com/willamettenf/posts/793758372940777
Fire Off High Prairie Road, Oakridge/Westfir
Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice for High Prairie area north of Oakridge due to wildfire
The following area north of Oakridge are on a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notification:
- High Prairie area east of North Fork Road and north of Westfir-Oakridge Road and north to High Prairie Loop
An evacuation map is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HighPraireFire.
Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area, monitor local media outlets and telephone devices to receive further information.
This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets and livestock.
If conditions worsen, public safety personnel will make contact again using the emergency notification system.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org. — More information is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/HighPrairieFire.
There is an active fire visible on camera here: https://alertoregon.live/cam-console/11119. Agencies are aware of the incident, which is one of many new starts due to lightning activity.
New fire reported by NIFC at 5:41 AM Wed Jul 17th — Acres: 5.0 Tally 230 Fire Linn County
Thunder and Lightning rumbling through last night 7/16/2024 9pm
https://www.weatherbug.com/alerts/spark/eugene-or-97402
7/15/24 – LCSO Case #24-3762 – Deputies arrest two for disrupting services while attempting to steal wire
On July 15th at about 10 a.m., employees with Blachly-Lane Electric Co-Op responded to the area of Siuslaw River Road and Richardson Upriver Road for a power outage. When they arrived, they found two males with a vehicle stuck in the mud near two power poles that had been cut down. A Lane County Sheriff’s deputy and an Oregon State Police trooper responded. The suspects were identified as Nathan Shawn Reynolds and Cody Ray Reynolds, both 32.
Blachly-Lane estimated the damage to be more than $30,000. Century Link property was also damaged in the incident, estimated to be around $1,500. More importantly, these actions disrupted the vital services these lines provide to this rural area.
After investigating, Nathan and Cody Reynolds were both arrested for Theft in the 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief in the 1st Degree, and Trespass in the 2nd Degree. Cody Reynolds was also arrested for Violation of a Restraining Order. Both were lodged at the Lane County Jail without incident. Thanks to the Oregon State Police for their assistance on this case, and to the utility companies who have worked diligently since the ice storms to maintain services to our rural areas.
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.
Former ‘Top Chef Masters’ Contestant Naomi Pomeroy Drowns – Benton County Sheriff’s Office Continues Search
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) continues search efforts for their first drowning victim of the year, 49-year-old Naomi Pomeroy, of Portland, OR
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, at about 8:25 pm, Naomi drowned in the Willamette River near river mile 132 in Corvallis, about 100 yards upstream from the Mary’s River.
An investigation by BCSO determined three floaters on tubes and a paddle board, secured together, were caught on an exposed snag in the water. One of the floaters, Naomi, was pulled under the water and held by the paddle board leash.
Corvallis Fire Department was first on scene with a boat and was unable to recover Naomi. BCSO responded shortly after and quickly began searching downriver from the incident site, both by land and water.
Corvallis Fire Department personnel recovered the two other floaters on the shore and safely transported them to a boat launch.
BCSO deputies searched the area using all available tools, including sonar, underwater cameras, and drones, but were unable to locate any signs of Naomi in the area due to heavy debris.
After all usable daylight diminished, search efforts were suspended due to boat safety and dive teams not being able to respond or deploy due to conditions.
A BCSO boat has been on the water every day since Saturday to recover Naomi and plans to continue search. BCSO will continue to re-assess the recovery mission daily.
The public can assist by keeping an eye out for Naomi’s body and are encouraged to wear a life jacket and follow other boating laws and safety precautions. If located, immediately call 9-1-1 dispatch; do not attempt recovery efforts.
“I am dedicated to locating Naomi to bring her home to her family and loved ones”, said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “I want to thank all involved in the search and recovery mission and support during this difficult time.”
Rivers are inherently dangerous with current and hazards. Know and/or scout rivers before you go at https://willamettewatertrail.org/plan-your-trip/.
If you float rivers, do not tie yourself to a paddle board unless you have a quick release leash. Also, do not tie two or more inner tubes together; this requires you to have a life jacket for each person. Kids 12 and younger must wear life jacket. BCSO continues to remind paddlers of all laws at https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/pages/propulsion-landing-pages/go-paddling.aspx.
BCSO would like to thank the Corvallis Fire Department, Corvallis Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and Albany Fire Department for their assistance.
Deputies Respond to Drowning at Dunlap Lake Recreational Area Near Detroit
Yesterday morning, July 15, 2024, at just before 8:00 a.m. deputies were called to Dunlap Lake in rural Marion County for a possible drowning. A 3-year-old boy was reported to have fallen into the water and was found in the lake by their father.
Emergency responders from the Idanha-Detroit Fire District, Lyons Ambulance Service, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the rural lake. Life-saving efforts were attempted at the scene, tragically the child did not survive and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office was called to the scene to assist deputies with the investigation.
We offer our condolences to the child’s family during this difficult time.
Deputies want to remind visitors to recreational areas in Marion County to remain vigilant around water ways and encourage the use of life jackets.
Cottage Grove Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Threatening Coworkers on Facebook
—A Cottage Grove, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison today for threatening violence against her coworkers on Facebook.
Elizabeth Ballestros West, 56, was sentenced to six months and three weeks in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.
According to court documents, in late September 2023, the FBI received an anonymous tip that West was threatening coworkers on Facebook. Later, in November 2023, the FBI learned West had established an account on X (formerly known as Twitter) that she used to post and repost memes, videos and statements containing violent messages targeting particular ethnic groups. Several of West’s posts included what appeared to be self-produced photos of firearms including several handguns, a shotgun, and an AR-style assault rifle.
On January 3, 2024, West admitted to posting and reposting messages on X that contained hateful and violent rhetoric. West also admitted to possessing multiple shotguns and AR-15 assault rifles at her Cottage Grove residence.
One week later, on January 9, 2024, the FBI executed federal search warrants on West’s person, vehicle, and residence. They located and seized 12 handguns, 16 rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition and firearm accessories, and a journal that appeared to contain writings and drawings that included additional hateful and violent statements. On January 12, 2024, West was charged by criminal complaint with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce and arrested by the FBI the same day at her workplace in Eugene.
Approximately one week later, on January 18, 2024, a federal grand jury in Eugene indicted West on the same charge. On May 29, 2024, West pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Cottage Grove Police Department, Eugene Police Department, and Lane County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
UPDATE: Eugene Homicide Under Investigation
Updated: Homicide under investigation July 15 – The victim’s name is Fernando Ismael Aguirre, age 16. Eugene Police Violent Crimes Unit is continuing to actively investigate this case.
Previously Released Information on July 14:
Eugene Police Violent Crimes Unit is investigating a homicide that occurred shortly before 10:49 p.m., July 13, in the 300 block of E. 14th Avenue. There was a heavy EPD Patrol response, and EPD Violent Crimes Unit and Forensic Evidence Unit responded for an investigation, which is still in the early stages.
A vehicle left the area without lights on and when police went to stop it, there was a pursuit. A juvenile was detained in the Kinsrow area. Police are still investigating if there is any relation to the case on E. 14th Avenue.
If anyone is a witness or has information relevant to this incident, please contact Detective Trevor Hart at Thart@eugene-or.gov
City of Springfield officials are currently seeking artists of all ages and from anywhere in Oregon to apply for their ninth annual storm drain mural-painting project known as Upstream Art.
Applications are being sought until August 14 for this year’s mural project with four artists selected who will be paid $1,500 each.
The selected artists will paint their murals on September 19 and 20 at four storm drains in the Thurston area of east Springfield.
“When It Hits The Fan”: A New Podcast by Lane County Emergency Management
Lane County Emergency Management is excited to announce the launch of a new podcast, “When It Hits The Fan,” now available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
“When It Hits The Fan” is designed to equip listeners with essential knowledge and resources to be prepared and stay safe during a disaster. Whether you’re new to emergency preparedness or a seasoned prepper, the podcast offers can help you face the future with confidence.
“Our goal with ‘When It Hits The Fan’ is to reach community members in a format that’s accessible and engaging,” said Lane County Emergency Manager Tiffany Brown. “We want to provide digestible and actionable information that people can easily incorporate into their daily lives to ensure they are prepared for any emergency. We hope to foster a culture of preparedness and resilience within our community.”
Episodes are share monthly and, so far, include:
- “Welcome! And, what the heck is emergency management?” – An introduction to the world of emergency management.
- “What do you mean we should be two-weeks ready?!” – Practical tips for ensuring your household is prepared for emergencies.
Listen at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/fan.
About Lane County Emergency Management – Lane County Emergency Management is committed to preparing the community for emergencies and disasters through education, planning, and response coordination.
CAHOOTS and HOOTS Workers Rally for Wage Increase and Other Contract Issues
It has been more than a year since White Bird Clinic and its unionized crisis workers began negotiations and they still haven’t reached an agreement on a new contract.
Support CAHOOTS and HOOTS Workers Win a Fair First Contract NOW — PETITION
Did you know the $18/hr starting wage for CAHOOTS and HOOTS workers hasn’t changed since 2018? Sign this letter of support to help CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On the Streets) and HOOTS (Helping Out Our Teens in Schools) unionized workers win their first fair union contract with White Bird Clinic.
CAHOOTS medics and crisis workers have been proudly supporting their fellow community members on the streets and in the houses, schools, businesses, shelters, hospitals and healthcare offices of every neighborhood in Eugene since 1989. CAHOOTS later expanded service into Springfield in 2015 and soon founded its sister program HOOTS in 2017. These programs provide free crisis intervention, mental health and medical aid to whoever is in need (for CAHOOTS that’s an average of 20,000+ calls a year; HOOTS provides 28 clinics in 12 high schools).
Today, their workers need your support. Show your commitment to sustaining workers and protecting the integrity of the CAHOOTS model that has been called “the gold standard”* for alternative response models nationally. Sign here to ensure crisis workers and medics who are dedicating their lives towards helping others win a living wage. Learn more about our campaign
https://www.change.org/p/support-cahoots-and-hoots-workers-win-a-fair-first-contract-now
ODF’s Weekly Situation Report is to help create a snapshot of large fire information, weather and prevention information.
To read the full report, visit https://ow.ly/VjfX50SCLwS
Fires Around the State
Please Help Prevent Wildfires!
The Forest Service says since June, more than 100 wildfires in Oregon and Washington were caused by people, Though most of the time crews were “largely successful” in putting them out, officials are urging the public to help reduce the amount of preventable fires firefighters have to deal with.
The U.S. Forest Service says a surge of human-caused wildfires is stretching resources thin as extreme heat, dry conditions and lightning in the forecast increases the chances of 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.
OSFM sending firefighters, incident management team to Falls Fire in Harney County
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal is sending its Blue Incident Management Team and four task forces to the Falls Fire burning 20 miles northeast of Riley in Harney County.
7/17 – The fire was mapped at 91,269 acres during an infrared mapping flight overnight & that perimeter is visible on the Watch Duty map via the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
For fire information, please follow the Falls Fire Facebook Page or the Falls Fire InciWeb page.
OSFM sends task force to Lone Rock Fire through Immediate Response
The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing resources to assist locals battling the Lone Rock Fire in Gilliam County. A task force from Linn County and a division supervisor were mobilized early this morning. The fire sparked Saturday afternoon and burned about 4,200 acres by evening. The Gilliam County Sheriff has Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notices in place for the community of Lone Rock.
7/17 – The fire is now estimated at 71,000 acres and 10% contained per the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
For evacuation information, follow the Gilliam County Sheriff.
Larch Creek Fire – Wasco County
7/16– Evening update from the Larch Creek Fire Facebook page:
18,690 acres, 27% contained.
Firefighters made excellent progress today and the Larch Creek Fire perimeter is now fully lined. There is potential for thunderstorms in the area overnight through tomorrow morning. Storms may bring gusty outflow winds and test firelines overnight into tomorrow morning.
Precautions should be taken to prevent the start of additional fires. Fire restrictions are in effect for ODF and USFS jurisdictions. Evacuations remain in effect and levels did not change today. Evacuation information is available at: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.
ODF Southwest Oregon District — 𝙅𝙊𝙎𝙀𝙋𝙃𝙄𝙉𝙀 𝘾𝙊𝙐𝙉𝙏𝙔 𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀𝙎:
Firefighters are continuing to make access to a reported eight fires on both sides of the Lower Rogue River, northwest of Galice. Overnight, firefighters were able to reach two fires and begin an aggressive initial attack. The remaining six fires range from difficult to impossible to access by road or on foot, and aircraft will be the most beneficial tool we can use on these fires today and throughout the attack. Overall, none of the fires saw substantial growth overnight, however hot weather today is expected to increase fire activity.
Our district Type 3 helicopter that hosts our helitack crew is en route to the area, and additional helicopters from the Salt Creek Fire in Jackson County and air tankers will be used throughout the day. Four additional 20-person crews from the Salt Creek Fire are also being reassigned to these incidents this morning.
The area these fires are burning is in and around numerous fire scars, including the Rum Creek Fire from 2022 and the Big Windy Fire from more than a decade ago. In some areas, this may help firefighters get an upper hand, and in others, it may provide additional challenges. All of the ground is steep with hazardous falling trees and rocks with little to no road access points. A Rapid Extrication Module (REM) unit and additional medical staff is also being relocated from the Salt Creek Fire to this general area, as firefighter safety is a concern on all of these incidents.
At this time, there are no road or campground closures, however, please be aware of firefighters working in the area. Fire engines and equipment may have a heavier presence on roads out in these areas. This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
Salt Creek Fire – Salt Creek Road, Eagle Point
Salt Creek Fire Turns the Corner to Full Mop-up Operations
EAGLE POINT, Ore. – With the entire perimeter lined, work on the Salt Creek Fire is now focused on mop up for the remainder of the incident. Updates to mapping put the fire at 4,081 acres, and an infrared (IR) flight across the whole area is scheduled for this evening to confirm a final acreage.
Overnight, firefighters used multiple types of IR devices to search for hot spots, or smoldering patches of vegetation, roots and coals that could later reignite in hot conditions. With these specific locations identified and marked on maps, today’s day shift resources will be better able to find and extinguish these areas holding leftover heat.
“We’ve worked incredibly hard in a short amount of time to get to this point where the fire is lined and holding,” Joe Hessel said, IMT 1 Incident Commander. “The work that’s left will require us to be methodical and thorough.”
Today, resources will pick up where night shift left off and build on the progress that has already been made around the perimeter. Mop up totals range from 50 to 200 feet deep into the interior of the fire, which illustrates how wide and secure the line itself is in each area.
Today, more than 750 personnel are assigned to the fire for Saturday’s day shift, including 27 20-person crews, 22 engines, 12 water tenders, 13 tree fallers, seven dozers and various types of logging equipment.
BLM Medford District has temporarily closed BLM-managed lands in the area for safety. For more info go to: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire
U.S. Forest Service Wildland Firefighter Dies after Activity
Wildland Firefighter Daniel Foley, 27, was working in the Fremont-Winema National Forest in Oregon.
A wildland firefighter is dead after completing a routine preparedness activity. U.S. Forest Service Wildland Firefighter Daniel Foley, 27, was assigned to Fremont-Winema National Forest, according to The Herald and News.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family, friends and wildland fire community,” said Benjamin Wilson, public information officer.
Foley’s father shared his son’s journey in a Facebook post: “He started as a volunteer with Twin District in Lancaster went on to become a EMT and then a professional firefighter in Fauquier County VA. He moved back home a few years later and worked at the Buffalo VA hospital which he loved. He followed his best friend/brother Dan Sutch to Oregon to work as a wildland firefighter with the US Forestry Service.
He passed away in the line of duty July 9th doing what he loved and always dreamed about with his best friends.” (SOURCE)
Governor Kotek Declares Extended State Of Emergency Due To Imminent Threat Of Wildfires
Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency because of the imminent threat of wildfire beginning on July 12, 2024, and continuing through October 1, 2024.
“Wildfires are active across Oregon and are growing at a concerning pace. Hot and windy conditions this weekend, including forecasted lightning in some areas, are threatening even larger wildfires,” Governor Kotek said. “I am declaring a State of Emergency to access state resources for communities across Oregon as we respond to this year’s escalating wildfire season.
“Throughout the summer, it will inevitably get hotter and drier, presenting an even greater risk of catastrophic wildfires. The best way to limit wildfire impacts on our communities, natural areas, and first responders is to be aware of the conditions and prevent wildfires from starting.
“I urge all Oregonians to follow the instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov, have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit, and stay aware of changing conditions.”
A link to Executive Order 24-13 can be found here.
Following ORS 401.165 et seq., Governor Kotek determined that the State of Oregon is in a critical fire danger situation, threatening life, safety, and property because of extreme high temperatures. The state has experienced wildfires this season resulting in three state conflagration declarations and two federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declarations, several community evacuations, threatened and damaged structures, and critical infrastructure.
Oregon’s neighboring states of California, Idaho, and Washington continue to experience similar fires and weather. The extended weather forecast for Oregon predicts ongoing warm and dry conditions, creating an imminent fire threat across a large portion of the state.
This declaration directs the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to support access to and use of personnel and equipment of all state agencies necessary to assess, alleviate, respond to, lessen, or recover from conditions caused by this emergency and to meet requests by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), and/or county and tribal emergency management to support response needs to respond to or lessen the effects of, the wildfire emergency as described in the state’s Emergency Operations Plan.
The Oregon National Guard will deploy, and redeploy, firefighting resources as needed and following Operations Plan Smokey 2024 throughout the remainder of the fire season based on need.
Those who believe they have been charged excessively high prices for essential consumer goods during this emergency are encouraged to report violations to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Services, which has the authority to investigate unlawful trade practices.
Lightning Moved through Oregon Quickly Tuesday Night
Several fire starts were reported in Douglas County following a string of lightning storms that swept through the district Tuesday night, July 16, 2024, said the Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA).
According to the DFPA, strikes were recorded from Glendale to Elkton on the west side of the district and from Tiller to north of Glide on the east side of the district.
Officials say the DFPA immediately responded to the fires by initiating aerial and ground lightning reconnaissance. Fire officials confirm that there are several fire starts in the West Fork area, mostly northwest of Glendale. The DFPA says that resources are actively engaged, including the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) area severity aircraft.
30,000 Children In Low-Income Oregon Families Missing Out On Extra Food Benefits
Thousands of low-income Oregon families are leaving food money on the table this summer. The Department of Human Services said Monday that families with 320,000 children have received extra food assistance for the summer but families with another 30,000 children who qualify need to apply.
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children, or Summer EBT, pays a one-time payment of $120 per child to help low-income families cover food costs over the three-month summer period when children are not in school and don’t have access to those free meals. The payment adds to other assistance, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. The summer program totals about $35 million in aid a year and is funded entirely by the federal government.
A pilot run of the program in Oregon showed it reduced child hunger by one-third, said Iván Hernández, a spokesman for the Oregon Food Bank.Apply for benefits
Families can apply online in English and Spanish.
For other languages, use the paper application.
Call 833-673-7328 to find out if your child qualifies or for more information.
Allow up to 30 days for applications to be processed.
Families can also obtain other free food this summer by texting “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304, visit summerfoodoregon.org or go to food resources.
“Part of why this is so effective is because it provides households with extra funds to purchase foods of their choice from retailers like grocery stores or farmers’ markets, which means kids won’t have to travel to summer meal sites that might not meet their dietary needs/preferences or be culturally appropriate,” Hernández said.
This spring, the Oregon Food Bank estimated that one in five children in the state face hunger, but Feeding America says it’s one in six.
In January, Oregon officials applied for the program, and this spring the Legislature agreed to the federal requirement to pay for half of the administrative costs, about $13 million over two years.
Families who are already on SNAP, the Oregon Health Plan or Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, have received automatic $120 payments earlier this month. But these other children qualify as well:
- Children in foster care.
- Children who attend a school in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and:
- Have a monthly income of $3,152 for a family of two, $3,981 for a family of three, $4,810 for a family of four or $5,640 for a family of five.
- Are enrolled in migrant programs.
- Are homeless.
- Attend Head Start.
- Participate in food distribution programs on Native American reservations.
Department of Human Services officials are sending letters to families that qualify by the end of this month. Officials are adding the payments to SNAP cards or, for others, mailing debit cards with the money on them to families.
Officials do not ask for a child’s or family’s immigration status on the application or to determine eligibility, and enrollment in the program also does not affect a child’s immigration status, DHS said, nor does the so-called public charge rule apply. The rule can be used to deny visas or legal residency to families that lack economic resources.
Families can check to see whether they received the benefits by checking their EBT card. The deadline to apply is Sept. 2. (SOURCE)
People living, dumping on Oregon’s public lands ‘overwhelming’ Bureau of Land Management
BLM spokesperson Samantha Ducker told KOIN 6 News that the federal agency, which owns about 25% of Oregon, knows that people are living and dumping on public lands. While the public is encouraged to camp on BLM land, BLM regulations prohibit people from camping in an area for more than 14 days. Once the two-week limit is reached, campers are required to move 25 miles away from their previous campsite.
If people remain in the area past the deadline, BLM Law Enforcement officers can issue a $250 fine. But with 25 law enforcement officers and five special agents employed across the entire state, BLM officers are overwhelmed by the number of illegal long-term campsites in Oregon.
“The BLM is experiencing many problems with unauthorized, illegal long-term occupancy of public lands,” Ducker said. “This is distinctly different from camping for recreational purposes. These long-term occupancies are overwhelming the agency’s resources to deal with them, and in many cases result in hazardous wastes that require specialized contractors for removal and remediation.” READ MORE: https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/people-living-dumping-on-oregons-public-lands-overwhelming-bureau-of-land-management/amp/
Oregon seeks public comment on large-scale farming regulations
Oregonians have until July 22 to submit comments on the implementation of new environmental restrictions for the state’s largest farms.
When the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 85 last year, regulations were signed into law for Confined Animal Feeding Operations. Now, the Oregon Department of Agriculture is working to implement them.
Brian Posewitz, staff attorney for the group WaterWatch of Oregon, said the new rules will help protect one of Oregon’s most important natural resources.
“All Oregonians should care about that, because all Oregonians should care about our water supplies, both in the streams and rivers as well as in the groundwater,” Posewitz emphasized. “Because those water supplies are precious to everybody.”
The regulations mean more closely monitoring the amount of water used by the large farms and considering the placement of the operations to reduce nitrate contamination in groundwater caused by manure. The move to protect Oregon’s water supply coincides with an increase in demand for water as the state reenters its wildfire season.
As important as Oregon’s water is, regulations often come with a price tag. Large ag operations could be more limited in their site selection, disposal of waste and use of water. The Oregon Farm Bureau predicted tougher rules will affect people’s trips to the grocery store.
Lauren Poor, vice president of government and legal affairs for the bureau, thinks the new rules will make it harder to buy local, and wonders if the changes are justified.
“There wasn’t a clear indication that there needed to be changes to this program to protect Oregon’s waterways or Oregon’s water supply,” Poor contended.
According to Poor, the previous regulations were working, and continuously changing them can be difficult for producers. The deadline is July 22 to submit public comments to the Oregon Department of Agriculture before the regulations are finalized the end of this summer.
Coast, Columbia River at risk of flooding from climate change, sea level rise, scientists find
In Oregon, up to 142 critical infrastructure sites could be impacted along the coast by the end of the century, mostly in the state’s northwest corner
Hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure and services along the Oregon Coast and in parts of the Columbia River Gorge are at risk of repeat flooding if nothing is done to rapidly curb greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change, scientists find.
An analysis of flood risks around the U.S. under various climate change scenarios was published June 25 by the Massachusetts-based Union of Concerned Scientists, a national nonprofit that includes about 250 scientists, analysts and policy experts. The researchers looked at the possibility that essential facilities – including medical facilities, government buildings, fire stations and public housing – would be flooded at least twice a year.
In Oregon alone, up to 142 critical infrastructure sites could be impacted along the coast by the end of the century, primarily in the state’s northwest corner. More than 130,000 people live in the three counties – Clatsop, Coos and Tillamook – that would be most impacted, the analysis said.
The scientists analyzed the flood risk of critical coastal infrastructure through the end of the century under three scenarios. The first considered a lowering of greenhouse gas emissions, creating relatively low sea level rise by 2100 of about 1.6 feet. The second scenario projected a medium sea level rise to 3.2 feet by the end of the century. The third – a worse-case scenario – envisioned a rise in greenhouse gas emissions during the second half of the century causing a 6.5 foot increase in sea levels by 2100.
Across the U.S., more than 15,000 critical infrastructure sites could be impacted if sea levels rise more than 6 feet by 2100, the study said. The researchers found that twice as many critical infrastructure sites were in areas with predominantly Black, Hispanic or Latino and Native American populations.
In Warrenton, a key wastewater treatment plant could face flooding once every two weeks by 2100 in the low sea level rise scenario. The Knappa Fire District Station in Astoria and the Cannon Beach Post Office on North Hemlock Street could be flooded as often as every two weeks in the highest risk scenario. The same would apply to two apartment buildings offering affordable housing in Seaside.
“In truth, our collective willingness to stop polluting now will determine the scale of the problem late this century,” the scientists wrote.
The EN-ROADS simulator developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology also shows flooding from rising sea levels and climate change moving deeper into the Columbia River Gorge by 2100 if climate change continues to worsen and oceans rise. According to the simulator, the single most effective policy decision to slow climate change would be to tax carbon dioxide emissions by the ton and charge heavily polluting industries, such as those in the oil and gas sector, forcing them to decarbonize.
In the report, the Union of Concerned Scientists recommended that policymakers, planners and technical experts collaborate and invest to safeguard critical infrastructure in high-risk areas and to start working now on moving people and services as needed to areas with more protection. More broadly, they called for a rapid phasing out of fossil fuels, holding heavy greenhouse gas emitters accountable for their pollution and costs and ramping up clean energy investments. (SOURCE)
Public comment sought on program serving older adults and people with disabilities
Salem, OR – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), along with the Oregon Health Authority, will hold a forum to receive feedback from the public on implementation of Oregon Project Independence – Medicaid (OPI-M).
OPI-M is being launched by the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities this year as a result of an 1115 Demonstration Waiver. This forum for public input is referred to as a Post-Award Public Forum by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and is required by federal regulations. It will provide information on the implementation of OPI-M since the waiver was approved by CMS on Feb. 13, 2024, in addition to providing an opportunity for the public to provide feedback. OPI-M operates under the authority of section 1115(a) of the Social Security Act. The waiver is in effect from Feb. 13, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2029.
The forum will be held as a video conference on Zoom on Aug. 5, 2024, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Real-Time Captioning (CART) will also be provided. To request other accommodations, please contact Max Brown by email at rown@odhs.oregon.gov“>Max.Brown@odhs.oregon.gov or by phone at 971-707-1019 no later than 48 hours prior to the forum.
Meeting: OPI-M Post-Award Public Forum
When: Aug. 5, 2024, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time
Where: Video conference meeting on Zoom
- To join by video conference: Join Zoom Meeting
- To join by phone: dial 669-254-5252; meeting ID: 161 701 1754; passcode: 664575
Additional resources and information about OPI-M:
- Draft Quarterly Monitoring Report (currently under CMS review)
- Read the ODHS news release: CMS approves expansion of program providing older adults and people with disabilities more options for support at home
Dog injures paw on hiking trail in Oregon, needs to be carried down Saddle Mountain by rescuers
On July 14, a 160-pound dog was safely carried down Saddle Mountain in Oregon. Firefighters rescued the canine after he injured his paw while on a hike with his pet parents. Following the incident, officials have advised owners to ensure their pups have booties to avoid similar accidents involving sharp wiring laid down for stability and traction.
On Sunday, Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District rescued an injured pup from Saddle Mountain in Oregon. They had the assistance of the Gearhart Volunteer Fire Department, Hamlet Volunteer Fire Department, and Seaside Fire & Rescue. The dog weighed about 160 pounds and needed to be carried down the mountain by the rescuers.
The Great Pyrenees needed a stretcher after he injured his paw while hiking with his parents. Welded wire fencing has been cited as the cause of the injury. While it helps with traction and stability for hikers, it can prove harmful to animals. Unfortunately, the sharp wires often stick up from the ground and have led to injury in the past as well.
The pup was happily hiking with his owners when he suddenly refused to budge. Upon further inspection, the dog’s parents realized his paw was cut and called for assistance to carry him down the mountain. In a Facebook post , Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District noted that although the hiking trail was listed as dog-friendly, it wasn’t so due to the presence of sharp wires and rocks.
The authorities stated that if one wants to hike up Saddle Mountain with their furry companion, it would be best to invest in some dog booties. They will keep their precious paws safe and avoid incidents like this. It is also important to note that owners must have their canines on a leash on the hiking trail.
The post 160-Pound Dog Carried Down Oregon Mountain by Firefighters appeared first on DogTime .
Ashland’s Winchester Inn has been nominated by USA Today as a 2024 Best Wine Country Hotel
Decades before Wine Enthusiast magazine included southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley as one of the 2022 top five wine regions in the world, the Winchester Inn in Ashland had been celebrating regional vintners and catering to people who travel here to savor award-winning red, white and sparkling wines.
Now, the Winchester Inn has been nominated by USA Today as a 2024 Best Wine Country Hotel. Nominees are selected by a panel of experts and voting by the public continues until 9 a.m. July 22.
Vote for The Winchester Inn
Best Wine Country Hotel — The Winchester Inn in Ashland, Oregon, offers a boutique hotel experience that combines comfort and charm, including a gourmet breakfast served each morning as part of the stay. Situated in downtown Ashland, the inn offers convenient access to nearby wineries, outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/
One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.
The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the
aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins.
Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut
: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke
Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.
The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s
rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with
hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium
Oregon’s Missing Persons
Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.
In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.
Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced
