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
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Rogue Valley Weather
Today– Patchy fog between 8am and 11am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 65. Light and variable wind.
Thursday– Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Light and variable wind.
Friday– A 30 percent chance of showers. Areas of fog before 2pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Light and variable wind.
Saturday– A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 63
Sunday– Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 64.
Threat Locks Down Grant Pass High School
On October 26, 2021, at approximately 09:27 am, the Grants Pass Police Department received a report from school personnel about a written threat left in a bathroom at Grants Pass High School. The post indicated violence at the school at a specific time, which is now in the past.
Grants Pass Police officers and detectives immediately responded to the school and took precautions to counter any threats and investigate the criminal act. Officers worked with the school staff and Administration from District 7 to ensure the safety of students at GPHS. All GPPD Police personnel were made aware of the threat and additional resources monitored other schools within the District.
Contact was also made with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office to advise them of the threat and to ensure they were aware to monitor schools within the Three Rivers District. GPHS was put on “Lock Out” while the investigation was conducted.
Grants Pass Police officers and detectives, along with the GPPD School Resource Officer, subsequently identified the juvenile suspect student and contacted him at his residence. After the investigation was complete, the juvenile was taken into custody for Disorderly Conduct in the First Degree. The juvenile will be lodged at the Josephine County Juvenile Detention Center. School Administration is also aware and will follow up with future safety plans for the individual.
The Grants Pass Police Department would like to make certain that the public is aware that all threats of harm to students and staff at our schools are taken seriously and will be fully investigated. Along with our partners at Grants Pass School District 7, we take the safety of our students, school staff and others on campus as a high priority. Our partnership with the schools involves school resource officers and school marshals, who are armed, sworn officers, on campuses across the city schools.
We would like to thank those who have had the courage to say something when they felt something they heard or saw was suspicious. If anyone has questions or further information, please call GPPD at (541) 450-6260. Grants Pass Police Department
6 Teens Injured After Car Crashes Into Tree In Central Point
Six high school-aged teenagers were injured and one is in critical condition after their car crashed into a tree in Central Point this afternoon.
The accident took place around 1:10pm at the intersection of Hazel and North 6th Streets.
The teens were treated on scene by Fire District #3 and Mercy Flights paramedics before being transported to area hospitals for further medical evaluation and treatment.
“The incident is currently under investigation to determine contributing factors to the crash,” the Central Point Police Department said in a press release. “The crash scene investigation is being conducted by The Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) team. The STAR team is a joint agency investigative unit consisting of representatives from the Medford Police Department, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Ashland Police Department and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.”
Update: Missing Illegal Marijuana Home Invasion Robbery Suspect Arrested Attempting to Board Eagle Point School Bus
EAGLE POINT, OR – The missing suspect from Thursday night’s home invasion robbery assault at an Eagle Point illegal marijuana processing facility has been arrested a half mile from the crime scene.
The suspect, Funan Wu, 58, of Sacramento, Calif. was spotted at a bus stop on HWY 140 near Salt Creek Rd. attempting to board a school bus. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers responded and detained the suspect without incident. The suspect hid out for four days and may have found shelter in the local area. If your property in the Lake Creek area has been disturbed call dispatch at (541) 776-7206.
Wu has been charged with four counts of first-degree robbery, four counts of second-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, four counts of second-degree assault, and first-degree theft. There are no more outstanding suspects from Thursday’s robbery.
Grand jury for the three suspects is scheduled for today. Further information will come from the Jackson County District Attorney’s office. JCSO Case #21-5610 Jackson Co. Sheriff’s Office
Vehicle Accident in downtown Cave Junction
Illinois Valley Fire District, American Medical Response, Sheriff’s Deputies, Oregon State Police, and ODOT responded to a two vehicle accident on Hwy 199 in front of Shop Smart this afternoon.
Two people were transported for their injuries by AMR to Three Rivers Hospital for further evaluation. Jerry’s Towing removed the vehicles from scene. Southbound lanes are blocked until the investigation is completed by OSP. ODOT has the lanes blocked off.
IVFD units cleared and scene turned over to OSP for further investigation. Illinois Valley Fire District
Oregon reports 1,557 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 23 new deaths
There are 23 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 4,318. The Oregon Health Authority reported 1,557 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 bringing the state total to 361,240.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (4), Benton (44), Clackamas (113), Clatsop (3), Columbia (22), Coos (24), Crook (24), Curry (14), Deschutes (129), Douglas (41), Gilliam (3), Harney (3), Hood River (11), Jackson (86), Jefferson (15), Josephine (23), Klamath (65), Lake (15), Lane (145), Lincoln (6), Linn (66), Malheur (34), Marion (155), Morrow (9), Multnomah (191), Polk (57), Sherman (5), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (49), Union (4), Wasco (11), Washington (113), and Yamhill (71).
Due to an unexpected technical glitch, Opera, the COVID-19 case database, was down from 6 p.m. on Oct. 22 through 9 p.m. Oct. 23. As a result, daily case counts for those days were lower than expected.
That disruption accounts for today’s higher case tally, which arises as local public health authorities work through that backlog of cases.
Gov. Brown receives COVID-19 booster
Gov. Brown received a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot Tuesday and encouraged other eligible Oregonians to discuss booster shots with their physicians.
“Vaccinations are our way out of this pandemic,” Brown said from Salem Health’s Edgewater Clinic. “If you still have questions about getting vaccinated, call your doctor or health care provider today to get your questions answered.”
Brown had the Johnson & Johnson shot earlier this year, and received the Moderna vaccine for her booster shot.
The Federal Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control have approved “mixing” coronavirus vaccinations for boosters.
Booster shots are recommended for people who received a two-shot vaccination more than six months ago and are:
- 65 years old and older,
- 18 years old and older residing in a long-term care facility, or
- 50-64 years old with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk of social inequities.
Those who may receive a booster after six months include:
- People 18-49 with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk of social inequities, or
- People 18-49 who are at higher risk of exposure and transmission of the coronavirus due to their occupations
Brown was eligible for the booster shot because she received the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine; recipients of that vaccine are eligible to receive a booster two months after having the shot.
Brown said Tuesday she does not expect the state to mandate booster shots, but instead to focus on informing people who are eligible.
Mass vaccination sites are also not expected for booster shots. Coronavirus vaccines are available at pharmacies and doctor’s offices across the state.
Brown also received a flu shot at the same time as getting her COVID-19 vaccine booster.
“I am extremely grateful for the protection the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has given me,” Brown said. “And now, I am grateful to have received extra protection against both COVID-19 and the flu with the Moderna booster shot and the flu shot.”
Oregonians urged to plan ahead as much of the state faces increased risk of flooding, landslides and debris flows following wildfire season
Oregon is entering its rainy season while recovering from the recent devastation caused by wildfires. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management is warning people living and traveling in and around areas impacted by wildfires about the risk of flooding, landslides and debris flows and urging Oregonians to sign up for emergency alerts, exercise caution and plan ahead.
Wildfires dramatically change the landscape and ground conditions, which can lead to a higher risk of flooding. Natural, unburned vegetation and soil normally act as a sponge during a rainfall event. But after an intense wildfire, burned vegetation and charred soil form a water repellent layer, blocking water absorption.
As a result, properties located below or downstream of the burn areas are at an increased risk for flooding and debris flows. Even areas not traditionally flood-prone are at risk of flooding for up to several years after a wildfire.
“The impacts of wildfires are often felt for years after the flames are out. For those in or near these areas, threats like flash floods and debris flows can happen quickly and with little to no warning,” said Oregon Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps. “Leave if you are told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. Have an evacuation route planned that is least likely to be impacted by flash flooding and debris flow and stay informed: Sign up for OR-Alert to receive emergency alerts and pay attention to weather forecasts in your area.”
OEM also recommends developing an emergency plan – for floods and other hazards – that includes building and maintaining emergency kits for home, work and vehicles. When a disaster occurs, it’s unrealistic to expect first responders will be able to reach everyone within hours or even days. Oregonians should plan on being self-sufficient for at least two weeks following any type of disaster. OEM’s 2 Weeks Ready program offers several resources.
The U.S. Geological Survey provides maps showing the likelihood of debris flow in different areas around specific wildfires. The recent atmospheric rivers affecting the Pacific Northwest have proven the rainy season is already underway, and recent data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows a high possibility of more La Niña-related events continuing throughout this fall and winter.
Floods are the most common and expensive natural disaster in the U.S. Just an inch of water in an average-sized home can cause more than $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy that protects homes and belongings from floodwater damage so residents can recover after a storm. Policies typically take 30 days to go into effect, so it is important for residents to plan in advance.
For more information about flood risk and mitigation, visit Ready.gov/floods. For information on landslides and debris flow, visit Ready.gov/landslides-debris-flow. For information on flood insurance, visit Fema.gov/flood-insurance. — Oregon Office of Emergency Management
Controlled burns to reduce forest fuels and lower risk of high-intensity wildfires are now underway
Oregonians in forested areas may see smoke from a number of controlled burns – known as prescribed burns – this fall and winter. Forest landowners use prescribed fire to eliminate woody fuels that build up on their land from forest thinning and after timber harvests.
More than a million acres burned in the Labor Day wildfires of 2020 in Oregon, with more than 800,000 more acres this year. Much of that was in prime forestlands. Landowners have been trying to salvage their investments by harvesting whatever dead or dying trees are large enough and not badly burned enough to still be marketable. In some cases, the harvest volume exceeds the average annual harvest by a wide margin. This results in a larger amount of slash or unmarketable felled snags needing to be burned to clear land for replanting and to reduce wildfire risk.
This year’s fall burning season continues to coincide with ongoing concerns related to COVID-19. Smoke may worsen symptoms for people coping with compromised health or lung function due to COVID-19. However, thanks to the wide availability of vaccines that are highly effective in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19 infections, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) believes it is appropriate at this point in the pandemic to move forward with controlled burns as regulated by ODF smoke management rules. The updated smoke management rules minimize smoke from entering certain populated cities and areas known as Smoke Sensitive Receptor Areas (SSRAs) and encourage proactive communication.
To protect Oregonians, trained professionals, monitor controlled burns to ensure that fires are lit when fire danger is low and weather conditions are favorable for protecting SSRAs communities from smoke. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and partner agencies monitor smoke levels and air quality across the state. DEQ’s Air Quality Index provides current air quality conditions categorized as good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy and hazardous. Sign up for text of email alerts about air pollution. View current air quality conditions online or by searching for OregonAir on your smart phone.
ODF has developed a Statewide Communication Framework for helping Oregonians: (1) understand why we burn, (2) health risks of smoke, (3) ways to avoid smoke, (4) where burning is taking place each day, and (5) where smoke is impacting communities. This communication plan is updated annually, distributed to partners and is posted to the ODF website here: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/Documents/smac/20211026-statewide-smoke-communications-framework.pdf
In addition to the Statewide Communication Framework, ODF and DEQ recommend communities that are SSRAs and have experienced repeated smoke incidents and/or intrusions in the past collaboratively develop a community response plan and program. DEQ received special legislative funding to assist with the development and implementation of community response plans.
DEQ, with support from our partners, is seeking proposals from local governments to develop comprehensive community response plans for smoke. DEQ will award approximately $300,000 for community response plan development and the identification of potential mitigation strategies that could be deployed to protect the public and most vulnerable from prescribed fire smoke. Projects must be conducted within the timeframe of Jan. 1, 2022 through March 30, 2023. DEQ expects to award multiple contracts and will consider grant requests up to $40,000. For grant requirements and additional information, please review the Smoke Management – Community Response Plan Development Projects Request for Proposals.
For more information, visit:
ODF – https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Fire/pages/Burn.aspx
DEQ – https://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/Pages/Burning.aspx
OHA COVID-19 website – https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19
Oregon Delivery Contractors Sue Amazon
Two delivery businesses that delivered packages for Amazon in the Portland area sued the tech giant Monday, alleging it imposed “unsafe” and “unreasonable” conditions on the contractors and their drivers, throttling the businesses and injuring personnel.
The two companies, Beaverton-based Triton Transportation and Vancouver-based Last Mile Delivery, stopped delivering Amazon packages in the Portland area last June.
Last Mile told drivers at the time that “Amazon has been nickel and diming us so bad” that they couldn’t manage the business profitably or deliver packages safely.
The companies are seeking $15 million, plus damages and attorney fees in the lawsuit, filed Monday in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Amazon said it did not have any immediate comment on the litigation.
Amazon has been facing growing scrutiny from its workers and contractors who allege that the company’s packaging and delivery demands are extreme and unrealistic. The company outsources much of its delivery work to delivery firms, which operate vans painted with Amazon’s logos and whose drivers wear Amazon uniforms.
Triton and Last Mile helped bring national attention to the conditions facing Amazon drivers when the companies stopped delivering packages in the Portland area in June.
In this week’s litigation, Triton and Last Mile allege that Amazon dictated every element of its business, from which drivers they hire to how much it could pay them and the hours they worked.
They accuse Amazon of refusing basic accommodations, such as using smaller vans in the narrow streets of Portland’s West Hills. Amazon “refused to allow Plaintiffs any ability to modify or optimize those routes to account for terrain, density, traffic congestion, construction, or any other important considerations,” according to the complaint.
Drivers frequently worked 12-hour days to meet Amazon’s demands, the contractors say, but Amazon would only reimburse the companies for 10-hour shifts. So the delivery companies had to pay the difference, including overtime, from their own budgets.
And they say Amazon made no accommodations to allow drivers to slow down to avoid creating hazardous situations. Amazon’s “unreasonable requirements resulted in numerous injuries to Plaintiffs’ drivers, including back injuries resulting from (Amazon’s) fast-paced load-out requirements at the warehouse and falls and strains from rushed deliveries,” the plaintiffs allege. “The rushed deliveries also put the public at risk.”
The litigation describes damage to contractors’ vehicles but does not say whether the incidents resulted in damage or injuries to others who didn’t work for the contracting firms or for Amazon.
Triton and Last Mile say Amazon also interfered with their business relationship with vehicle suppliers and others and provided rival contractors with confidential information about the two companies’ operations and personal information about their drivers.
Oregon Special Election – Tuesday, Nov. 2nd Last Day To Mail In Ballots
Election Day is in one week, and ballots are due back to county election offices or in an official drop box by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Issues on the special election ballot will vary depending on where you live.
Postmarks do not count in Oregon’s vote-by-mail system, and after Tuesday (Oct. 26) it will be too late to mail in your ballot to guarantee it arrives in time for the election.
Completed ballots should be returned to an official ballot drop box. | FIND BALLOT DROP NEAR ME
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