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
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Rogue Valley Weather
- Winter Storm Watch in effect from December 24, 10:00 AM PST until December 27, 12:00 PM PST
- Winter Weather Advisory in effect from December 23, 10:00 AM PST until December 23, 10:00 PM PST
Today– Showers. Snow level 4100 feet. High near 44. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Friday– Rain and snow showers, becoming all rain after 1pm. Some thunder is also possible. Snow level rising to 2200 feet in the afternoon. High near 42. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Christmas Day– Snow showers before 10am, then rain and snow showers between 10am and 1pm, then rain showers after 1pm. Snow level rising to 2000 feet in the afternoon. High near 38. South southwest wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Sunday– Rain and snow before 7am, then snow between 7am and 10am, then rain and snow after 10am. High near 36. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Monday– Snow likely before 1pm, then rain likely, possibly mixed with snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35.
Road Crews Prepared Despite Staffing Shortage For Winter Storms In Southern Oregon This Week
Snow is definitely in the forecast heading into the Christmas holiday weekend and through the New Year. Transportation officials say that they are ready as they can be for the impact on local roadways. Regardless, drivers should be well-prepared before heading out or stay home as much as possible.
Oregon Department of Transportation plows will be out on I-5 and major highways, but the agency acknowledges that their staffing shortages may delay response times.
“ODOT’s staffing shortages mean we may need a little more time to clear roads, whether it be snow or slides,” the agency said in a statement. “This is a continuation of a staffing trend we saw last year. We’re working hard to fill vacant positions and will shift resources as needed when we see significant snow or other issues on our roads. Our crews are on duty around the clock to keep the roads safe and clear problems as quickly as possible.”
While the mountain passes will be the first to see snow this week, snow levels are expected to drop down into the Rogue Valley by Saturday. John Vial, now director of Medford Public Works, says that the City doesn’t have any plows of its own, so most roads in the area will not be cleared.
“Drivers should anticipate driving on snow-packed roads and slick conditions, so they need to take precautions themselves, know their ability, and be prepared,” Vial said, “because even if we have a fleet of snowplows, chances are you would still be driving on slick roads if we have a big storm.”
Vial said that Medford is working on getting some snowplows for next year, but that’s not going to make any difference for this storm system.
Jackson County does have plows, but those crews also have a great deal of ground to cover. County Roads director Steve Lambert said that their main focus will be along major roadways, including Butte Falls Highway and Highway 62, where most of the traffic will be. People in areas that aren’t on a primary thoroughfare should be prepared to wait until a plow can come through.
Vial said that Jackson County may be able to spare plows occasionally to hit major roads in the City of Medford that lead to hospitals.
If you do need to travel for the holiday, particularly if you’re going over the passes, ODOT recommends doing the following before and during your trip:
- Know before you go. Visit tripcheck.com and see road conditions along your route, start to finish.
- Remember that many tripcheck.com cameras include temperature, elevation and other critical details about road conditions.
- Drive for conditions. If encountering rain, mud, snow, ice or extra traffic be sure to slow down and give extra space for stopping.
- Keep your vehicle in good operating shape, checking brakes, lights, tires and wipers regularly.
- Watch out for bicyclists and pedestrians. In wintry conditions, visibility drops.
- Pay attention to roadside message signs. They contain critical information about conditions on the road ahead.
- Be patient, wear your seat belt, pay attention to conditions and keep a sober driver behind the wheel to help ensure a safe arrival for holiday activities.
Caltrans is actively discouraging travel through higher elevations due to the predictions for a series of storms bringing rain, wind, and heavy mountain snow. Chain controls are likely to be in place for mountain passes and high-elevation areas, and Caltrans has said that travelers must carry chains, be prepared for winter driving conditions, expect delays and possible closures, and follow instructions from Caltrans crews and law enforcement.
“Motorists who do not comply with chain control endanger their own safety and the safety of other motorists around them,” Caltrans said. “They also jeopardize our vital maintenance operations.”
Truck and possibly vehicle screening is likely to happen for northbound I-5 traffic at Fawndale Road, about ten miles north of Redding, once the weather hits.
A winter storm system last week resulted in transportation officials shutting down I-5 from Ashland to Redding overnight due to heavy snow and disabled vehicles. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that this could happen again. At the very least, the south end of Ashland will likely become a chain-up area for traffic heading over the Siskiyou Summit.
Man Leaves Cell Phone in Store After Shoplifting at JC Penny
The Medford Police Department is asking for Giovanni Solis to come forward after he allegedly shoplifted from a local JC Penny store.
MPD shared a satirical Facebook post earlier today regarding the incident. According to the post, Solis grabbed eight pairs of Juicy Couture sweatpants before running out of the store.
Authorities were able to identify Solis because he reportedly dropped his phone “in all the commotion.”
The full Facebook post reads as follows:
“Dear Mr. Giovanni Solis,
We realize holiday shopping is stressful, and it appears you have several to shop for when you grabbed 8 pairs of Juicy Couture sweatpants from JC Penny. But here is the problem, you forgot to pay for them! Employees tried to tell you but you must of got confused and took off running.
In all the commotion you dropped your phone, you big goof. So we have that if you’d like to swing on by the department, and get this cleared up! It looks like your phone has a lot of information you probably need as you seem to be very active in selling property online.
Oh and be sure not to sell those sweatpants, or that could land you in more trouble (selling stolen property and all).
Case 21-20610. Hope to hear from you soon! Merry Christmas.”
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=273748784788510&set=a.217338513762871
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
This holiday season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is partnering with the Medford Police Department to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving. NHTSA and the Medford Police want all drivers to remember this lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. In support of the law enforcement community’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, you’ll see officers working together December 22, 2021, through January 1, 2022, to take drunk drivers off the roads.
According to NHTSA, 10,142 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2019, accounting for nearly one-third of traffic crash fatalities. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2015 to 2019 — one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 52 minutes in 2019. This is why the Medford Police Department is working with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to the holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Oregon reports 1,197 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 31 new deaths
PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 31 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,590, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.
OHA reported 1,197 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 409,232.
Note: The review of the approximately 550 death records is now complete. Every record was reviewed to determine whether they met the COVID-19 case definition and OHA reported out the information as the individual reviews were completed. Due to lags that occur in death reporting and the death certification processes, there will always be deaths reported with a lag, but the catch-up work is complete.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (11), Benton (19), Clackamas (120), Clatsop (9), Columbia (17), Coos (25), Crook (11), Curry (5), Deschutes (98), Douglas (27), Grant (9), Harney (3), Hood River (6), Jackson (73), Jefferson (6), Josephine (38), Klamath (18), Lake (2), Lane (106), Lincoln (4), Linn (52), Malheur (2), Marion (86), Morrow (8), Multnomah (253), Polk (22), Tillamook (6), Umatilla (13), Union (2), Wasco (4), Washington (122), Yamhill (20).
OHA updates hours for high-volume vaccine sites in Oregon for more public convenience
You can protect yourself against all COVID-19 variants by getting vaccinated and getting a booster, if you are eligible. Several sites around the state can accommodate large numbers of people seeking vaccinations. These high-volume sites offer all three COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and pediatric doses. They have added availabilities over the holiday season.
Here are the details:
Deschutes County Fairgrounds, 3800 SE Airport Way, Redmond operates a drive-through clinic.
- Open every day, 12 to 7 p.m.
- Closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 3
Learn more on the Deschutes County Public Health website.
Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Peninger St., Central Point
- Open every Monday through Thursday, 12 to 7 p.m.
- Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sundays in December, family fun clinic, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Closed every Friday and Saturday
- Closed Dec. 23 through Dec. 26 and Dec. 31 through Jan. 1
Learn more on the Jackson County Public Health website.
Lane County, PeaceHealth Riverbend Annex, 123 International Way, Springfield
- Open every Tuesday through Saturday, 12 to 7 p.m.
- Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Closed every Monday (including Jan. 3)
- Closed Dec. 23 through Dec. 27
Learn more on the Lane County Public Health website.
Marion County, Oregon Health Authority Warehouse, 3455 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem
- Open every Monday through Saturday, 12 to 7 p.m.
- Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25
Learn more on the Marion County Public Health website.
Governor Kate Brown announced on Tuesday that she has extended her state of emergency declaration for the coronavirus, saying that it provides needed flexibility for facing an anticipated surge of the Omicron variant. In a press conference with Governor Brown and state officials last week, OHSU lead data scientist Dr. Peter Graven
predicted that the Omicron variant could surpass Delta in hospitalizations due to its apparent extreme transmissibility.
Brown’s office said that the emergency declaration provides the necessary framework to mobilize resources in the state’s COVID-19 response, allowing the deployment of medical providers to hospitals, providing flexibility
around professional health licensing, and ensuring that Oregon can continue to access federal disaster relief funds. The extended emergency declaration, Executive Order 21-36, will remain in effect until June 30 of 2022 unless extended or rescinded.
Brown rescinded a number of executive orders governing COVID-19 restrictions at the end of June this year, but left the emergency declaration in place. This was before the Delta variant surged over the summer.
Oregon Health Authority — We’ve heard some questions about getting tested for a specific COVID-19 variant and how variants are tracked.
All COVID-19 tests can detect all variants, but they will not tell you which variant you have. There is no specific test for the Omicron variant, or for other variants.
Laboratories in Oregon perform sequencing on a subset of positive PCR tests. Sequencing is a process in which scientists map the entire genetic makeup of a virus. This allows them to determine which variants are circulating in a certain area and how prevalent they are.
To learn about the COVID-19 variants that have been detected in Oregon, visit our Variant Dashboard: http://ow.ly/z78d50Gdq8G
Oregon Slated To Receive More Than $92 Million In 2022 For Clean Drinking Water Projects
Oregon is expected in 2022 to receive a total of $92,079,000 in federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law last month.
The bipartisan effort earmarks more than $50 billion toward strengthening crucial water infrastructure projects. That includes:
• $20+ billion for safe drinking water.
• $15 billion in dedicated funding to replace lead pipes.
• $12 billion to ensure clean water for communities.
• $1.8 billion to protect regional waters.
• $135 million for additional water improvements.
The $92 million state revolving fund Oregon is slated to receive will be the first of five yearly installments.
“Access to safe and reliable drinking water is critical for our communities to stay healthy and thrive,” U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said in a written statement Wednesday, Dec. 22.
“Lead and contaminants pose serious health threats to Oregonians,” Bonamici added. “As a mom and a policymaker, I’m especially concerned about making sure our kids can drink clean water at home and at school. This federal investment of $92 million will provide clean safe drinking water to hundreds of thousands of Oregonians. That’s what it means to build back better.”
The funds, while much welcome, will only put a small dent in what is required, with Oregon cities needing at least $23 billion over the next two decades to to fund the cost of repairing, replacing and upgrading water infrastructure, according to a recent survey conducted by the League of Oregon Cities and Portland State University’s Center for Public Service.
While details on how the money will be broken down in Oregon are yet to be released, the bill is intended to achieve a number of key initiatives laid out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which include targeting disadvantaged communities, making progress toward lead-free water for all, and tackling “forever chemicals” like perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other emerging contaminants.
Tribal communities across the nation are slated to receive a total of $154,080,000 in funding in 2022. This could be critical for communities like Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, where most residents don’t have access to clean drinking water.
The reservation’s decades-old pipes and pumps have failed multiple times in recent years, forcing community members to rely on donated water and supplies from donations and their Emergency Management team.
“Soon, the Congress has a chance to make a real down payment on building a new system that fulfills America’s treaty obligations to Native American tribes,” U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden told OPB during a press conference at Warm Springs in October.
142,783 Oregonians have enrolled in health coverage, still time to sign up; Deadline to enroll for 2022 health coverage through OregonHealthCare.gov is Jan. 15
The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace is working to reach the state’s goal of getting 100 percent of Oregonians enrolled in health coverage, and this year it is closer to that goal. 142,783 people in Oregon have enrolled in health coverage for 2022, up from 141,089 during open enrollment for 2021 coverage.
“The American Rescue Plan has made health coverage more affordable for people in Oregon and we are seeing people are taking advantage of the extra savings,” said Chiqui Flowers, administrator of the Marketplace. “People shouldn’t wait – you must sign up by Jan. 15 for coverage.”
Health insurance purchased through OregonHealthCare.gov is more affordable than ever before. Individuals and families will only pay a certain percentage of their income on health insurance thanks to financial help available through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Every Oregonian, whether uninsured, enrolled in COBRA, or directly through an insurance company, should look into Marketplace coverage, even if they were not previously eligible. More than 75 percent of people who signed up in 2021 received financial help for plans that include essential benefits such as doctor visits, prescriptions, emergency care, and mental health services.
- A 40-something couple in the Portland area making $70,000 can get health coverage for as low as $300 per month.
- A 26-year-old living in Eugene making $28,000 per year can get health coverage for as low as $1 per month.
- Parents who are 30-something and have two children in La Grande earning $80,000 can get health coverage for as low as $145 per month.
Oregnians can preview plans and savings available to them by answering a few short questions at OregonHealthCare.gov. The website is also the best place to find a health insurance experts who can help with the application and enrollment process one-on-one by phone, email, or in person. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov today to get started.
The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov. For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov.
Residential Structure Fire in Roseburg
At 2:51 p.m. on December 22, 2021, Roseburg Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 889 SE Chadwick Street. Douglas County Dispatch received multiple calls of smoke and flames showing from the residence. Dispatch received notification of a possible resident still inside the home.
Firefighters arrived on scene to find a single family, two-story residence with heavy fire and smoke showing from the north side of the structure. Firefighters conducted a primary search of the residence and found one unconscious female inside the residential structure. The female was removed from the home and transported by ambulance to the hospital.
Firefighters then conducted a secondary search and made an interior attack to extinguish the fire, secured utilities, and completed overhaul. Three adult residents were displaced due to the fire. The American Red Cross was notified and is assisting the displaced residents.
A total of 15 firefighters assisted with firefighting operations. Other agencies assisting with the fire included Douglas County Fire District #2, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Roseburg Police Department, Pacific Power, and Avista Utilities.
The residence sustained extensive structural and water damage. The home is no longer habitable. Fire investigators were on scene and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Roseburg Fire Dept
Oregon State Police seeking public assistance in vehicular assault-Lincoln County
On December 13, 2021 at approximately 3:52PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a road rage incident on Hwy 101 in Depoe Bay near milepost 128.
Preliminary investigation revealed a road rage incident was occurring between a white Chevy S10 pickup and a silver Honda. The incident culminated with the 64-year-old male operator of the Chevy pickup being struck by the Honda while standing outside of his pickup. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City.
The suspect vehicle is believed to be a 2008-2015 silver Honda, possibly Accord. During the incident, it is believed to have sustained damage to the passenger sideview mirror and potentially has damage to the hood.
OSP is seeking witnesses to identify the vehicle and suspect involved. If you have information or witnessed the incident, please contact the Oregon State Police at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP (677). Reference Case #SP21-346105. Oregon State Police
Fatal Crash On Highway 97
On Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at approximately 5:34 PM, Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near milepost 233.
Preliminary investigation revealed northbound silver Honda Odyssey, operated by Yuriel Lucatero Campos (33) of San Ysidro, California, lost control due to icy conditions. The Honda Odyssey crossed into oncoming lanes and was struck head-on by a southbound International CMV, operated by Christopher Lucio (46) of Tulare, California.
Lucatero Campos and four passengers were transported by ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center. A fifth male passenger (7) of San Ysidro, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Lucio was not injured.
Hwy 97 was restricted to one lane for 6 hours. OSP was assisted by Chiloquin Fire and Rescue and ODOT.
There have been multiple roll-over crashes recently in this section of Highway 97 from drivers losing control of their vehicles.
A former narcotics detective and current reserve officer for the Malin Police Department was arrested Tuesday after a drug task force found roughly 1,200 illegal marijuana plants growing on his property outside Dairy.
Peter Michael Shepherd, 63, who goes by the name Mike Shepherd, faces felony charges of unlawful manufacture of marijuana and “engaging in a financial transaction in property derived from unlawful activity,” according to Klamath County District Attorney Eve Costello.
Eric Smith, 41, who allegedly leased Shepherd’s property to grow the drug without permits, was also arrested Tuesday afternoon at the Malin City Hall by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office. Smith faces the same charges as Shepherd.
Shepherd has a long career in local law enforcement. He ran for Klamath County Sheriff in 2012 and worked as a
civilian at Kingsley Field until 2016 in the information protection and human resource divisions. He also worked for the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office from 1990 to 2004 as a marine deputy, patrol officer, civil deputy and narcotics detective, among other positions. Since 2007, he has worked part-time for the Malin Police Department. A conviction on both of the Class C felonies could result in a total of ten years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, or both.
A 17-year-old was reported missing in Salem and detectives say the teen might be the victim of an online catfishing scheme.
Ezra Mayhugh, 17, was last seen on October 15, 2021 after being dropped off in downtown Salem by a friend, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said. He was reported as a runaway the following day when he did not return home.
Investigators say he might be in Washington or California. They hope to reunite Ezra safely with family members.
He’s described as about 5-foot 11-inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with blonde hair and brown eyes.
If you have had contact with Mayhugh since October 15 or have other helpful information on his whereabouts, the sheriff’s office asks you to contact Detective M.J. Sphoon at 503-588-6808 or to submit a tip by texting TIPMCSO and your tip to 847411.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/