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
Friday, February 18, 2022
Rogue Valley Weather
Friday– Patchy fog before 10am. Areas of freezing fog before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 63. Light and variable wind.
Saturday– Patchy fog before 11am. Areas of freezing fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Light and variable wind.
Sunday– A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 10am. Areas of fog before 10am. Snow level 3000 feet. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 48.
Monday: Washington’s Birthday– A chance of snow showers before 10am, then a chance of rain and snow showers between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of rain showers after 1pm. Snow level rising to 2000 feet in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45.
Tuesday– A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 45.
FEMA Trailers for Survivors of Wildfires Will Now Have to Pay $1697 per Month Rent in Order to Stay
The survivors of the 2020 Almeda and South Obenchain fires still living in FEMA trailers throughout the Rogue Valley recently received letters from the federal agency informing them that they’ll need to start paying rent if they want to stay past March 15.
The FEMA temporary housing unit (THU) program was extended through September 15 of this year at the request of Oregon officials, as it was originally set to expire 18 months after the Presidential disaster declaration. Now, instead of being forced to move out on March 15, survivors will need to start paying monthly rent based on “fair market” prices.
“If you remain in the THU after March 15, 2022, you will be charged $1,697.00 starting on April 1, 2022 and on the first day of every month for as long as you remain in and maintain eligibility to occupy the THU,” one FEMA letter reads. “The rent will not be prorated; however, FEMA may reduce the amount of your rent based on your ability to pay.”
Residents of the FEMA trailers have been given the option of buying their trailers. While some have taken that offer, many survivors state that it was not something they’d seriously consider — the price was too high, and does not come with a guarantee that they’ll have somewhere to park the trailer when the FEMA program comes to an end.
Temporary housing residents who don’t plan to buy their trailer or pay rent must vacate the units by March 15.
Wildlife Images Bear ‘Kodi’ Passes Away
Wildlife Images Issued Statement: KODI 1991-2022
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of one of Wildlife Images’ longest residents: Kodi the Alaskan Brown Bear. Kodi was over 30 years old, outliving his wild counterparts by 5-10 years. Kodi passed peacefully under the care of a team of Veterinarians due to congestive heart failure on his right side as well as liver cancer.
We are so grateful for all the extra time we got to spend with him. A wonderful ambassador for his species, he entertained and educated the public whether we were watching him smash a giant pumpkin or delicately picking up a berry while drooling all over the place. Kodi was greatly loved by all and will never be forgotten by the people his adoring fans or by those who cared for him for his whole life.
We will announce formal plans in the coming days.”Kodi and I had a very trusting relationship, and every time I saw him I would think of my father and that special spark Kodi brought to my father’s eyes. I realize now that I, too, have a special place in my heart for grizzly bears thanks to the nearly 30 years I was lucky enough to spend with a very special bear.” Dave Siddon, Executive Director” Kodi was an amazing ambassador for his species who was well-loved by the staff and volunteers that cared for him and the guests that came to visit him.
“Kodi was beloved by many, and I was blessed to have known him for 5-plus years. He was an incredible creature that touched the hearts of many. I would like to think he inspired multiple generations towards wildlife conservation. ” — Kaylie, Wildlife Images Keeper http://www.wildlifeimages.org/in-memoriam-kodi-the…
Oregon Racing Commission Denies The Flying Lark’s Application For Gaming Machines
The Oregon Racing Commission voted to deny The Flying Lark’s applications for gaming machines on Thursday afternoon, despite commissioners unanimously noting that they disagreed with a recent Department of Justice opinion that the gambling venture violated Oregon’s constitution.
Meeting in executive session, the ORC said that they felt bound to abide by the DOJ opinion despite their individual disagreements.
The DOJ’s opinion was backed by a letter from Governor Kate Brown on Wednesday — addressed to each of the commissioners and letting them know, in no uncertain terms, that they should follow state’s legal counsel or get out of the way. SEE LETTER HERE: https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/kdrv.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/b0/2b001630-9047-11ec-8a0c-1b83aa9c421f/620ed70043715.pdf.pdf
Sheriff’s Office Shares Mail Theft Prevention Tips
Tax time is here and as such, many residents are awaiting tax return checks. This also provides prime opportunities for thieves to attempt to intercept your refund checks from unsecure mailboxes. Recently, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous reports of mail theft occurring throughout the county.
“In addition to looking for refund checks, mail theft compromises your identity and can make you vulnerable to becoming a victim of fraud,” Lt. Brad O’Dell said.
The Sheriff’s Office recommends that residents consider taking the following actions to decrease their likelihood of mail theft:
- Consider renting a post office box or getting a locking mailbox at your driveway. Unsecure traditional mailboxes allow anyone to open your mailbox and take your mail.
- Sign up for FREE Informed Delivery at https://www.usps.com/ – Informed Delivery through the United States Postal Service, allows you to digitally preview what is expected to arrive in your mailbox.
- Attempt to pick up your mail promptly after delivery or ask a trusted person to retrieve it for you. If you are going to be away, consider asking the post office to hold your mail until you return.
- Never send cash through the mail.
- Place outgoing mail in the mailbox close to pick-up time; avoid leaving it in the mailbox for long periods of time. Consider using the post office or a secure drop-off for drop-off.
- Inquire about overdue mail.
- Report mail theft to law enforcement immediately.
“When it comes to solving mail theft cases, it is a community effort”, Lt. O’Dell said. “Reporting suspicious vehicles or persons near mailboxes can help law enforcement solve these crimes. Video surveillance and trail cameras placed strategically near mailboxes is also highly beneficial”.
Oregon reports 1,844 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 28 new deaths
PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 28 new COVID-19-related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 6,444, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.
OHA reported 1,844 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 684,441.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (24), Clackamas (131), Clatsop (11), Columbia (18), Coos (18), Crook (21), Curry (13), Deschutes (108), Douglas (48), Gilliam (3), Grant (10), Harney (3), Hood River (11), Jackson (114), Jefferson (33), Josephine (79), Klamath (35), Lake (2), Lane (194), Lincoln (33), Linn (72), Malheur (19), Marion (156), Morrow (4), Multnomah (300), Polk (34), Sherman (2), Tillamook (12), Umatilla (28), Union (12), Wallowa (13), Wasco (20), Washington (216) and Yamhill (44).
OHA vaccination, testing sites continue as FEMA sites demobilize
Federal agency’s mobile vaccination units to close by Feb. 28
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) continues to sponsor high-volume COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites around the state as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) begins demobilizing its mobile vaccine units over the next two weeks.
FEMA will cease operations at its three remaining mobile vaccine units in Oregon by the end of February. They include sites at the Hood River County Fairgrounds in Hood River and the Douglas County Courthouse in Reedsport, which will close Feb. 19, and a site at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany that will close Feb. 28.
Closure of the FEMA sites caps a year-long deployment in Oregon for the federal agency that involved providing staff, planning, logistics and supply support at numerous mass vaccination sites around the state. Among them were sites at the Oregon Convention Center and Portland International Airport, which was in partnership with a collaborative of four Portland-based health systems known as All4Oregon, and at the Jackson County Expo Center in partnership with Jackson County and the state.
“Oregon is so incredibly appreciative of the FEMA partnership and these invaluable resources that we have received to support vaccination efforts in Oregon,” said Akiko Saito, deputy director of Oregon’s COVID-19 Recovery and Response Unit. “As FEMA completes its mission in Oregon, OHA will continue promoting its high-volume vaccination and testing sites as demand dictates, as well as the Get Vaccinated Oregon vaccine and testing finder tool.”
Saito also recognized the work of Peace Corps volunteers who helped promote the FEMA mobile vaccine units between mid-May and mid-August last year.
During its time in Oregon, FEMA provided an estimated 60,000 COVID-19 vaccinations through its mobile vaccination units, with chartered buses and large, drive-through tents serving as centerpieces of the events. With a focus on providing vaccines to communities lacking adequate vaccine access, including rural communities, the mobile vaccine units served 27 counties in Oregon. The FEMA- and White House-initiated site in Medford administered an additional 35,000 vaccine doses. OHA’s high-volume vaccination sites, which launched in November 2021, have so far provided more than 110,000 COVID-19 vaccinations and more than 10,000 tests.
Locations and operating hours for OHA high-volume sites, which provide the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines and PCR molecular tests at no cost, are as follows (note that all sites will be closed Monday, Feb. 21, for the President’s Day holiday; dates, times and locations subject to change):
- Coos County – Pony Village Mall, 1611 Virginia Ave., North Bend Outdoor drive-thru clinic, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Information about additional clinics can be found on the Coos County Public Health website.
- Deschutes County – Deschutes County Fairgrounds, 3800 S.E. Airport Way, Redmond Indoor drive-thru clinic, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Information about additional clinics can be found on the Deschutes County Public Health website.
- Douglas County – 1530 N.E. Diamond Lake Blvd., Roseburg Outdoor drive-thru clinic, located in the parking lot on the corner of Northeast Fowler Street and Diamond Lake Blvd (Highway 138), across the street from the Roseburg Public Library in downtown Roseburg. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Jackson County – The Merrick, 200 N. Riverside Ave., Medford Indoor walk-up clinic, open noon to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Information about additional clinics can be found on the Jackson County Public Health website.
- Lane County – Autzen Stadium, University of Oregon, 2700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Eugene (follow vaccination signs) Outdoor drive-thru clinic, open noon to 7 p.m. daily.
- Lane County – PeaceHealth Riverbend Annex, 123 International Way, Springfield Indoor walk-up clinic, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Information about additional clinics can be found on the Lane County Public Health website.
- Marion County – Oregon State Fair & Expo Center Pavilion, 1935 Silverton Road N.E., Salem (on the opposite side of the street at the white tents.) Indoor drive-thru clinic, open noon to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Information about additional clinics can be found on the Marion County Public Health website.
- Multnomah County – Site of former Multnomah Greyhound Park, 944 N.E. 223rd Ave., Wood Village. Outdoor drive-thru clinic, open noon to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
- Multnomah County – Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Dr., Portland Outdoor drive-thru clinic, open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Closed temporarily; reopening Feb. 22. Information about additional clinics can be found on the Multnomah County Public Health website.
- Washington County – Tektronix, 2540 S.W. Alan Blumlein Way, Building 58, Beaverton Indoor walk-up clinic, open noon to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Those unable to access a high-volume site can:
- Contact their health care provider.
- Text ORCOVID to 898211 (English and Spanish) or email COVID@211info.org“>ORCOVID@211info.org (language help available).
- Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155 toll-free, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, including holidays.
- Search for a nearby site or provider on the Get Vaccinated Oregon locator map.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, third doses and boosters, visit OHA’s website.
Oregon Supreme Court Says Kristof Can’t Run For Governor
The Oregon Supreme Court on Thursday said that former New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof can’t run for governor.
The decision scuttles Kristof’s campaign after months of planning and buildup. He left the NY Times last year as he explored the political bid.
Kristof had challenged Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan’s determination that he was ineligible to run for governor because the state’s constitution requires candidates to be a resident for at least three years before the election in which they are running.
- Fagan pointed to what she described as “objective evidence” including that Kristof voted in New York as recently as 2020, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.
- The Kristof campaign did not immediately respond to Axios’ request for comment.
“While we are disappointed in the decision, we respect its ruling and thank the justices for their thoughtful consideration on this matter,” Kristof said in a statement.
House Bill 4061 Would Cut Off Water For Oregon’s Illegal Cannabis Grows
A new bill passed by the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, and Water aims to cut off Oregon’s illegal cannabis operations right at the source by regulating growing water.
If enacted, House Bill 4061 would grant Oregon regulators authority over water hauling practices and would require growers and water-haul companies to keep and prepare records for a minimum of 12 months for the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD), as needed.
Additionally, the bill would criminalize the use of pumped groundwater to irrigate illegal cannabis grow operations.
The legislature’s summary of the bill outlined the urgent need to address the growing elicit Cannabis Market along with its many impacts on Oregon residents, stating, “Illegal cannabis operations are using surface and groundwater without water rights, depleting limited water resources for legitimate agricultural, recreational, residential, municipal, and other uses.”
Committee chair, Representative Ken Helm said, though the proposed legislation is focused on water, HB 4061 is a component “of a broader conversation the legislature is having on illegal cannabis issues.”
The bill passed the committee on Feb. 14, with an adopted -4 amendment , which outlined a list of information Water Haulers would need to record, along with penalties should the supplier fail.
The amendment, including a list of proposed regulations and penalties, can be viewed here .
Included in the recent amendment is a clause forbidding water suppliers from hauling water to grow sites “for plants in the plant Cannabis family Cannabaceae,” if the operation is not registered with the state or the amount of crop exceeds state limits.
Prison Inmate Still On The Run After Escaping Oregon State Penitentiary
A prison inmate walked away from a laundry sorting building on the grounds of the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem Wednesday morning and remains at large.
The Department of Corrections says 40-year-old Bohanna McQuiston was last seen around 6 a.m. at the laundry sorting building.
McQuiston is 160 pounds, 5-foot-11 with hazel eyes and red hair.
He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue shirt and a blue denim jacket.
McQuiston entered prison custody on January 11, 2021, on two counts of burglary out of Clackamas County and one count of burglary out of Washington County. His earliest release date on those charges is February 6, 2024.
McQuiston was housed at Santiam Correctional Institution and was working as a laundry worker for Oregon Corrections Enterprises.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888, the non-emergency number of their local police department, or the DOC Fugitive Apprehension Unit at 503-569-0734.
Nearly 40,000 Oregon households facing pandemic hardship receive over $282 million in rental assistance relief
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announced that as of Feb. 14, the emergency response program has paid out $282.4 million in federal emergency rental assistance (ERA) to 39,797 households, up from $278.3 million and 39,303 applicants last week, through the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP).
OERAP continues to be one of the nation’s top-performing programs and is ranked fourth in the nation, in the percentage of federal ERA funds paid out and obligated, as tracked by the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
Tenants inquiring about a specific application submitted prior to Dec. 1, 2021, may contact the call center during regular business hours at 844-378-2931. Please have the application number ready for the customer support staff who have access to interpreters speaking 241 languages.
Tenants can also check the status of their application online at oregonrentalassistance.org/. OERAP also launched a call center specifically for landlords. Please call 844-378-2931 (option 2). This service is available for landlords
who have been notified that their tenant successfully completed an OERAP application.
Oregon House Passes Bill To Expand Online Voter Registration
The Oregon House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday that will expand which residents of the state can register to vote online. Oregonians with DMV-issued identification can currently register to vote online, but House Bill 4133 A would allow those without such ID to still register without having to submit a paper form.
Voters without a DMV-issued ID or driver license are currently required to register using a paper form by providing the last four digits of their Social Security Number and a signature. Democrats argue that the paper forms need manual data entry, which can introduce errors into voter rolls and cost about $4.72 per registration.
Under the new bill, voters without ID could do the same process online by entering the last four of their SSN and uploading an image of their signature via a secure online portal. In 2015, Oregon became the first state in the US to adopt automatic voter registration through the DMV. Online voter registration has been around since 2010. HB 4133 A passed the House in a vote of 33-23, moving to the Senate for consideration.
Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Asks for Public’s Help in Search For Trucker Suspect
The first real clue to come in on all the missing person cases in the area. Help Klamath Falls Oregon Sheriff Office ID this trucker. He was the last to see this woman alive and could be the key to not only solving this woman’s disappearance but a number of the hundred other women missing in PNW. IF you have any information, please call (541) 883-5130
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/