Rogue Valley News, Tuesday 9/28 – Multiple Crashes Across The Rogue Valley Due to Wet Roads, The City of Medford Seeking Board and Commission Applicants

The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and around the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Rogue Valley Weather

Tuesday– Isolated showers before 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday– Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Light and variable wind.
Thursday– Sunny, with a high near 80.
Friday– Partly sunny, with a high near 76.
Saturday– Sunny, with a high near 83.

Multiple Crashes Across The Rogue Valley Due to Wet Roads

Wet pavement was a factor in several crashes across RMF’s response area, including two rollovers according to Rural Metro Fire. First responders say all of the crashes so far have been minor or non-injury.

One of those crashes was reported on Redwood Hwy at Hayes Hill brought in a large response from Rural Metro, AMR, Illinois Valley Fire, and ODF, after the vehicle rolled over, caught fire, and spread into nearby brush.

Fire crews on the scene say that the driver was able to self-extricate and denied any injury. The road was blocked for a while and caused traffic to back up.

Soon after, RMF reported that another crash occurred in the 7900 block of Williams Hwy. Rural Metro Fire, AMR and Applegate Fire arrived to find a car that had rolled off the road and into a power pole. The driver self-extricated and denied injury but the damages caused a power outage throughout the Murphy area.

Because of the multitude of crashes across the entire Rogue Valley on Monday with the recent rain, first responders want to remind motorists that driving habits must change with the weather.

Heavy rain can create dangerous driving conditions including reduced visibility, reduced traction between tires and the road, and less predictable car handling. Before heading out, visit TripCheck.com to check your route, and give yourself more time to get where you are going. Also remember to:

  • Slow down, especially through high water. Driving through several inches of water at high speed can cause you to lose control of the car.
  • Be aware of the potential for hydroplaning, when your tires encounter more water than they can scatter. Your tire loses traction with the road and if this occurs, ease off the gas, gently apply the brakes and steer straight ahead.
  • Keep your distance; you may need more time to slow down.
  • Turn on your headlights to improve visibility.
  • Disengage your cruise control.
  • Check your brakes. After driving through a puddle, check that brakes are working properly by tapping them gently a few times.

For more tips on driving safely in Oregon’s challenging weather, visit ODOT’s website

The City of Medford Seeking Board and Commission Applicants

The Mayor and City Council are looking for people to serve on various Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2021.

If you want to apply, you must either maintain a physical residence within the Medford Urban Growth Boundry or own a business or real property within the boundary.

ARTS COMMISSION (3-year term): Three full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2025). Meets monthly on matters pertaining to the selection, acquisition, restoration and preventive maintenance of public art. Also advises the City Council regarding arts promotion, encouragement of the arts and artistic performances to help foster broad participation in and an understanding of the arts and their value to the Medford community.

AUDIT COMMITTEE (4-year term): One full-term position (term expires 01/31/2026). Meets once per year. The committee ensures the auditor of City’s financial statements is truly independent from City management; provides perspective on matters related to internal controls and the audit of the financial statements; and provides a communications link between management, the independent auditor and the City Council.

The position is at large. Member must have experience in reviewing audits, banking and/or financial reports.

BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (3-year term): Two full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2025). Meets monthly. The Committee advises the Transportation Commission on plans and issues related to non-motorized transportation in the City of Medford. Applicants are sought to represent pedestrian interests, cycling interests and other non-motorized transportation modes.

BUDGET COMMITTEE (4-year term): Three full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2026). Meets primarily in the spring to review the City’s budget document prior to forwarding its recommendation to the City Council. The appointed member will also serve on Medford Urban Renewal Agency Budget Committee.

CEMETERY COMMISSION (3-year term): Two full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2025) and one partial-term position (term expires 01/31/2023). Meets monthly. The Commission makes recommendations to the Parks & Recreation Commission regarding the funding and operation of the Eastwood Cemetery. The Commission also works to secure donations and bequests for the Cemetery Trust Fund.

COMMISSION ON ACCESS, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (3-year term): Two full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2025). Meets monthly. The Commission advises the City Council access, diversity, equity and inclusion strategies that strengthen connections and improve success in diverse community groups and with City government.

COMMUNITY SERVICES & DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (3-year term): Four full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2025). Meets monthly. The Commission administers the City’s General Fund Grant program and acts as an advisor to the City Council on the appropriate implementation of the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, related programs and statutory responsibilities.

One opening for each category: affordable housing representative, lived homelessness experience, educational institution representative and at-large member.

HOSPITAL FACILITIES AUTHORITY BOARD (5-year term): One full-term position (term expires 01/31/2027). Meets only when called, generally once per year. The Board acts as a conduit which allows non-profit hospital facilities to float tax-free bonds.

HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION (3-year term): Three full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2025). Meets monthly. The Commission acts as an advisor to the City Council on matters affecting housing development, pertaining to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program in the City of Medford.

One opening for each category: realtor or multi-family housing operator, construction & development representative and at-large member.

LANDMARKS & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION (4-year term): Two full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2026). Meets monthly. The Commission is the approving authority for Historic Plan reviews and exceptions or changes; investigates any building, structure or other physical object in the City, which is of historic significance; institutes and supports programs and projects that further the historic policy of the City of Medford.

PARKING COMMITTEE (3-year term): Two full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2025). Meets monthly. The Committee advises the Transportation Commission on matters related to parking in the Central Business District.

One position must be filled by a property/business owner, employee of a business or a resident in the Central Business District and one position is at large.

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION (3-year term): Three full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2025) and one partial-term position (term expires 01/31/2024). Meets monthly. The Commission advises the Council on matters pertaining to the acquisition and development of public parks, recreation facilities, greenways and spaces.

PLANNING COMMISSION (4-year term): Two full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2026). Meets twice monthly. The Commission is the approving authority for zone changes, planned unit developments, conditional use permits, exceptions and land divisions, etc.; makes recommendations and suggestions to the City Council and other public authorities on matters relating to zoning, growth and development in the City of Medford.

POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (3-year term): Four full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2025). Meets quarterly. The Police Advisory Committee assists the Police Department in exploring solutions to community issues and to serve as a forum for community members to seek redress for unresolved Police complaints.

One opening for each category: resident citizen of Ward 2, resident citizen of Ward 4, a member representing the minority community and a member representing the business community.

SITE PLAN & ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION (4-year term): Two full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2026). Meets twice monthly. The Commission is the approving authority for Site Plan and Architectural Review, looking at architecture, landscaping, signage and any other improvements of new development projects and existing structures.

One position must be filled by a licensed contractor; one position is at large. When selecting the at-large position, preference is given to applicants with experience in engineering, architecture, landscaping and/or construction.

TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (3-year term): Two full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2025). Meets monthly. The Commission works with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the Parking Committee and the Traffic Coordinating Committee to advise the City Council and the Planning Commission on all matters affecting transportation policy in the City of Medford and surrounding area.

TREE COMMITTEE (3-year term): Three full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2025). Meets monthly. The Committee is a Sub-Committee of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Committee advises the Parks & Recreation Commission on matters regarding trees in the right-of-ways and in parklands.

UNIFIED APPEAL BOARD (2-year term): Five full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2024). Meets only when called. The Board performs the function of those boards created by the Uniform Building Codes, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code and Mechanical Code. Members must have knowledge in the building field.

One position for each category: member of the business community, licensed contractor, licensed engineer, licensed architect and at-large member.

URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY BUDGET COMMITTEE (4-year term): Three full-term positions (terms expire 01/31/2026). Generally meets one time in odd years to review Medford Urban Renewal Agency’s budget document prior to forwarding its recommendation to the Board of Directors. Appointed member will also serve on Budget Committee.

WATER COMMISSION (5-year term): One full-term position (term expires 01/31/2027). Meets twice monthly. The Water Commission maintains, manages and operates the water system for the needs of the City of Medford.

YOUTH APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR MEDFORD BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

To qualify for these positions, applicants must reside within City limits and be enrolled in one of the following schools: South Medford High, North Medford High, Cascade Christian High, St. Mary’s High, Central Medford High, Public Charter High Schools or may be home schooled. All youth positions begin July 1 and end June 30. Additional information can be obtained by calling (541) 774-2000.

YOUTH MEMBER OF THE ARTS COMMISSION (1-year term): One partial-term position (term expires 06/30/2022). Meets monthly on matters pertaining to the selection, acquisition, restoration and preventive maintenance of public art. Also advises the City Council regarding arts promotion, encouragement of the arts and artistic performances to help foster broad participation in and an understanding of the arts and their value to the Medford community.

MORE INFO: https://www.medfordoregon.gov/Government/Boards-and-Commissions

Southern Oregon Missing Persons

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/

Oregon reports 3,606 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 27 new deaths

There are 27 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 3,606. The Oregon Health Authority reported 3,606 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 bringing the state total to 324,571.

The 27 new deaths and 3,606 new cases reported today include data recorded by counties for the 3-day period between Friday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 26.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (26), Benton (54), Clackamas (320), Clatsop (85), Columbia (55), Coos (39), Crook (42), Curry (6), Deschutes (309), Douglas (77), Grant (23), Harney (22), Hood River (14), Jackson (149), Jefferson (42), Josephine (70), Klamath (32), Lake (10), Lane (381), Lincoln (35), Linn (227), Malheur (41), Marion (387), Morrow (5), Multnomah (463), Polk (23), Tillamook (11), Umatilla (101), Union (69), Wallowa (18), Wasco (20), Washington (373) and Yamhill (77).

Oregon reports 1,844 confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Sept. 24, 1,052 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Sept. 25, and 710 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Sept. 26.

Josephine County reports the deaths of three people due to COVID-19, raising the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 190. Of those 190 deaths, 86% had not been vaccinated.

The following three people all had underlying conditions and had not been vaccinated. On August 16, 2020, a 32-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19. She died on September 16 at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. On September 13, a 67-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19. She died on September 18 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon. On September 10, a 69-year-old woman tested positive for COVID-19. She died on September 23 at her home.

Yesterday, Asante’s hospital report for Southern Oregon lists 72 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Of those, 90% are unvaccinated. Of those 72 patients, 38 are in either the Intensive Care Unit or Intermediate Care Unit;
37 of them are unvaccinated. All of the 13 people on ventilators have not been vaccinated.

The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup is recommending older and at-risk individuals receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shot six months after getting fully vaccinated.

The workgroup released the recommendation late last week, allowing the booster to be given in Oregon, Washington, California, and Nevada. It’s recommended that people older than 65, people in long-term care facilities, and people 50 to 64 years old with underlying medical conditions get a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

A booster shot will also be available to people between 18 and 64 if they have underlying medical conditions or work in a job where they’re at higher risk of getting COVID-19.

More areas re-open in Santiam State Forest after 2020 Labor Day fires

Most of the Santiam State Forest south of Highway 22 will re-open October 1, along with non-motorized access to the Stout Creek block north of the highway.

This includes re-opening the Rock Creek area, which was not damaged by fire. 

The Rock Creek Campground remains closed for the season. Additionally, the Santiam Horse Camp and associated trails are still closed as recovery efforts continue after 2020’s fires.

The Stout Creek area north of Highway 22 was affected by fire and is open to non-motorized access only. 

Maps, closure areas, and anticipated re-opening timelines for popular areas are posted to the Santiam State Forest recovery site at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/recreation/Pages/santiam-state-forest.aspx. Re-openings will also be announced on ODF’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Note that the ODF North Cascade District is still in fire season, and some restrictions on public use are still in place. Visit Oregon.gov/odf and click “Fire Restrictions & Closures” for more information.

Many of the Santiam’s popular recreation areas, like Shellburg Falls, Rocky Top and Natural Arch, and the High Lakes area remain closed due to damage from 2020’s wildfires.

In closed areas, some of the recovery and restoration activities include re-establishing and repairing trails, replacing infrastructure like signs and bridges, removing hazard trees, and post-fire timber harvesting in some areas. Oregon Dept. of Forestry

Fire danger, IFPL lowering, some fire restrictions lifting Friday in South Central Oregon

LAKEVIEW, OR — Shorter days, cooler temperatures and increasing humidity recovery are making it possible for the agencies of the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) to lift Public Use Restrictions in many areas, reduce the fire danger and lower the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) this Friday. 

Public Use Restrictions will be lifted on the Fremont-Winema National Forest and the Sheldon-Hart Mountain and Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complexes.  Restrictions will also be lifted on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lakeview District with the exception of the Klamath River Canyon.  Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Regulated Use Closures remain in effect.

The public is responsible for ensuring that they have reviewed and are aware of the restrictions in place for the landscape they plan to recreate or work on.  The latest restrictions and regulations, including for ODF and the federal agencies, are available at https://scofmp.org/restrictions.shtml.

The Fire Danger is being lowered from “Extreme” to “High”.  While days are getting shorter and humidity levels are increasing, fuels are still dry and caution should still be used to prevent wildfires.

The IFPL is being reduced from Level III to Level II (Partial Hootowl) on federal lands.  Under IFPL II, the following may operate only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.:

  • Power saws except at loading sites
  • Cable yarding
  • Blasting
  • Welding or cutting of metals

Personal and commercial woodcutters are reminded of their responsibility to stay informed of current IFPLs and all restrictions that apply to activities conducted on public lands.  Failure to comply with precautionary fire requirements may result in the issuance of a Violation Notice.

“We know the public is eager to get back to normal fall activities, like woodcutting and hunting camps,” said Interagency Deputy Fire Management Officer Coley Neider.  “Conditions are improving enough to allow chainsaw use and campfires, but the forest and desert are still dry.  We are asking everyone to be careful to not start a wildfire.”

If you have a campfire or are using a portable stove:

  • Use metal fire rings or grills where available. Wood placed on a fire should never exceed the size of the grill or fire ring.
  • If building a fire on the ground (in areas where permitted), select a location away from adjoining or overhanging flammable material, and ensure the ground beneath and around the fire is clear of all flammable materials.
  • On windy days avoid building fires if possible.
  • If you have a campfire, make sure it is fully extinguished before leaving the area. Douse fires with water and dirt, then stir with a shovel until it is completely cold to the touch.
  • If you are using a portable stove, make sure the area is clear of grasses and other fine fuels. Prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire.

For those working, recreating or traveling through area wildlands:

  • Never throw cigarettes out the window of a vehicle. Instead, use ashtrays to prevent wildfires.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out cigarette butts and burned materials.
  • Ensure chainsaws and other equipment, including generators, are maintained and have an approved spark arrester in good condition.
  • Make sure off-road vehicles have a properly functioning catalytic converter or approved spark arrester.
  • Never park a vehicle over dead grass and avoid driving through tall grass – your vehicle can ignite the fuels and start a fire.
  • Ensure tires are properly inflated – tire rims on roads can throw sparks and start fires.
  • If towing a boat or trailer, ensure safety chains are properly secured and not dragging.
  • Discharging fireworks or use of incendiary ammunition or exploding targets is illegal.

“Fire season is continuing in Klamath and Lake counties and while the risk is reduced, current conditions can still carry wildfire quickly,” said Randall Baley, ODF Protection Unit Forester in Klamath Falls.  “There is a need to remain vigilant over the coming weeks while conditions continue to gradually improve on public and private wildlands.”

Suspected wildfires should be reported to 911 as soon as possible. 

South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership provides comprehensive wildland fire services to more than eight million acres of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management Lakeview District; Fremont-Winema National Forest; Oregon Department of Forestry Klamath-Lake District; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Klamath Basin and Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complexes; and Crater Lake National Park. The area encompasses federal, state, and private lands within south central Oregon and northwest Nevada.

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Oregon Department of Human Services urges Oregonians to help one another be prepared before the next disaster

Honor those impacted by the 2020 wildfires by proactively preparing for future disasters.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) joins the national observation of Preparedness Month during September by encouraging Oregonians to help one another in their readiness efforts.

“This past year’s extreme heat, wildfires and ice storms remind us of the importance of preparing ourselves for any kind of disaster, as well as our responsibility to help our neighbors, friends and family,” ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said. “We urge Oregonians to use this heightened awareness and take action today to ensure their community is prepared before the next emergency strikes.”

“If you already have an emergency plan and kit, that’s great! Now’s the time to help others be prepared,” Ed Flick, director of ODHS’ emergency management unit said. “If you haven’t started, or haven’t finished your emergency planning, why not use this time to work with others to get it done? The experience of working together with another person can make this essential task easier.”

ODHS suggests Oregonians act now by taking these steps: · Be aware of potential hazards in the area and sign up for emergency alerts.

· Be “2 Weeks Ready” with at least two weeks’ worth of food, water and critical supplies. Learn how to assemble an emergency supply kit at Ready.gov or American Red Cross.

· Talk with your friends and family about being prepared. Ask if they have a plan yet and what concerns them about disasters. That can help you know where to prioritize planning efforts. · If your family or friends includes people with disabilities or older adults, learn about specific steps they might need to take to be prepared. Many of the tips for people with disabilities also apply to older adults. Understanding and preparing for needs like medications, mobility devices, equipment that needs electricity and specialized transportation can make the difference in a person being able to remain safely in place or evacuate.

· Do your friends, family or neighbors have language, cultural or religious considerations that need to be addressed? Have an early conversation about how to address those needs before disaster strikes.

· Talk with your neighbors. Are they prepared? Do any neighbors have specialized equipment, like a generator that could help another neighbor use their life-saving equipment? Or expertise like medical training? Develop a plan on who will check on neighbors in need during an emergency.

“Let’s all use the valuable lessons of the disasters we’ve experienced in 2021 to plan together so we can be more resilient and prepared for the future,” Flick said.

About ODHS and disasters: Oregon’s emergency and recovery plans give ODHS responsibility to support impacted Oregonians during emergencies and recovery, at the request of and in partnership with local and tribal governments. This is in keeping with the agency’s primary role to assist people in meeting their basic needs while moving toward independence. ODHS is responsible for supporting the sheltering, feeding, emergency assistance and human services needs of people impacted by disasters. In this role, ODHS coordinates efforts among local and Tribal governments and nongovernmental organizations. Oregon Department of Human Services 

Oregon State Police is seeking public assistance with information regarding an injured person from Veneta found injured in Sherman County

On September 25, 2021, at approximately 11:58 A.M., OSP  received a 911 call for a welfare check of a subject lying face down in the gravel in front of his silver 2015 Ford F350 crew cab pulling his 2019 Keystone Cougar travel trailer.  OSP Troopers found a truck and trailer matching that description on I-84 exit 109 westbound parked at the bottom of the off-ramp.  

OSP Troopers made contact with the driver, who was now behind the wheel of the truck and unresponsive. The driver was identified as Derek Martell (38). Derek Martell had severe head trauma and was life-flighted to an area hospital for treatment.   Derek Martell was returning home to Veneta, Oregon from an Elk hunting trip in Eastern Oregon with friends. Photos are of Derek Martell, his truck, and his camper. 

OSP Troopers found out that Derek spoke to his wife at 11:30 A.M. and there were no reported issues. The 911 call was received 28 minutes later. Troopers located Derek at 12:26 P.M. and requested EMS at 12:27 P.M.

OSP is requesting anyone who might have been traveling from Arlington to Rufus during that time of day or anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP from your mobile reference case #: SP21274660. Oregon State Police

Hillsboro Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Mail and Identity Theft Scheme

A Hillsboro, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for stealing hundreds of pieces of residential mail throughout the Portland Metropolitan Area and using the personal identity of one local resident to purchase a luxury car.

Dwayne Leroy Daan, 42, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, between February and May 2020, Daan stole more than 800 pieces of mail from residences in Portland, Beaverton, West Linn, Milwaukee, and Hillsboro, Oregon. Some of the mail was stolen using a counterfeit U.S. Postal Service arrow key. On April 20, 2020, Daan used the stolen identity of a local resident to obtain a line of credit and purchase a 2018 Audi for $51,031 from a car dealership in Milwaukee.

On July 16, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Daan with possessing stolen mail and a counterfeit U.S. Postal Service arrow key. Later, on June 29, 2021, a superseding criminal information added felony charges for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

On July 1, 2021, Daan pleaded guilty to possessing stolen mail and a counterfeit U.S. Postal Service arrow key, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

A restitution hearing has been scheduled for December 20, 2021.

As part of a global resolution, Daan’s federal prison sentence will run concurrently with a sentence previously imposed in Washington County Circuit Court and a sentence to be imposed in Multnomah County Circuit Court for similar conduct. The Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office will dismiss charges pending against Daan as part of this resolution. Daan will serve his entire sentence in federal prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Portland Police Bureau, West Linn Police Department, and Hillsboro Police Department. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon with assistance from the Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington County District Attorney’s Offices. — U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Oregon

DEA Warns of Fentanyl Laced Pills

The Drug Enforcement Administration issued a Public Safety Alert warning Americans of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

DEA’s Public Safety Alert, the first in six years, seeks to raise public awareness of a significant nationwide surge in counterfeit pills that are mass-produced by criminal drug networks in labs, deceptively marketed as legitimate prescription pills, and are killing unsuspecting Americans at an unprecedented rate.

The DEA Seattle Field Division which includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska have seen a 275% increase in seizures involving counterfeit pills containing fentanyl from 2020 to 2021. 

Drug trafficking is also inextricably linked to violence.  Twenty percent of DEA investigations in the Pacific Northwest result in the seizure of firearms and this year alone, DEA seized more than 2700 firearms in connection with drug trafficking investigations nationwide.

The vast majority of counterfeit pills brought into the United States are produced in Mexico, and China is supplying chemicals for the manufacturing of fentanyl in Mexico. These counterfeit pills have been seized by DEA in every U.S. state in unprecedented quantities. DEA laboratory testing reveals a dramatic rise in the number of counterfeit pills containing at least two milligrams of fentanyl, which is considered a lethal dose. A deadly dose of fentanyl is small enough to fit on the tip of a pencil.   

Counterfeit pills are illegally manufactured by criminal drug networks and are made to look like real prescription
opioid medications such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and alprazolam (Xanax®); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®). Fake prescription pills are widely accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms – making them available to anyone with a smartphone, including minors.

Skeletal Remains Reported at Wallowa Lake Turn Out to Be Plastic Skeleton

A group that was fishing reported seeing skeletal remains 45 feet down on the bottom of Wallowa Lake last week.

“Assisted by the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office further investigation showed that the item was not consistent with an actual human skeleton,” Oregon State Police said. “The next day OSP and members of the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of a diver were able to recover the plastic skeleton.”

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