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, June 9, 2022
Rogue Valley Weather
Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office Serves Another Marijuana Search Warrant 06/08/22
INCIDENT DATE AND TIME: June 8, 2022 at 6:00 AM
REPORTING DEPUTY: Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET)
ARRESTED: 1- Juan Valdovinos Tafolla, 32 years-old
CHARGES: 1- Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana
2- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
3- Unlawful Use or Appropriation of Water
On June 8, 2022, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET), with the assistance of Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE), executed a search warrant in the 900 and 2300 block of Thompson Creek Road, Selma, regarding illegal marijuana grow sites.
During the execution of the warrants approximately 22,000 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. The marijuana plants were located inside 34 greenhouses and inside one of the residences. Seven individuals were detained for officer safety. Approximately $11,000 cash was discovered hidden within one of the residences. Additionally, while searching one the properties a pump was located taking water out of a nearby creek for the illegal grow operation.
32 year-old Juan Valdovinos Tafolla was taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Use or Appropriation of Water.
At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released. Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office
Local School Bus Monitor Indicted for Sex Abuse of Preteen Child
SHADY COVE, Ore. – A Jackson County grand jury indicted a local school bus monitor yesterday on charges of sexual abuse of a preteen child. The suspect, Jimmy Dean Gairson, 46, of Shady Cove, is charged with first-degree sexual abuse and second-degree sexual penetration, and is lodged at the Jackson County Jail. The charges are unrelated to his position as a school bus monitor. The abuse occurred while the victim lived in Gairson’s home in Shady Cove.
At the time of his arrest, Gairson was employed by the bus contracting company First Student as a school bus monitor for the Central Point School District. Gairson was not employed directly by the school district, and at this time there is no information to suggest he victimized children as a result of his employment with First Student.
Based on information gathered in the investigations, detectives believe Gairson had access to numerous other unidentified children in his home. If anyone has additional information on the suspect, please call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number 22-2263. Jackson Co. Sheriff’s Office
Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Suspect in Arson
On Saturday, members of the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Bluebill Lane and Wigeon Drive for the report of a possible Arson. Upon their arrival in the area, a female was contacted who advised her camper trailer and pickup had been set on fire while she and her two dogs were sleeping inside.
Initial arriving Fire crews from Klamath County Fire District #5 and the Oregon Department of Forestry contained the fire to the pickup and travel trailer, stopping it from spreading to the Wildland.
Through further investigation, deputies learned 32-year-old Porsha Weaver had intentionally set the trailer on fire, stole a nearby vehicle, and fled the scene. The stolen vehicle has been recovered, however, Porsha Weaver
has not yet been located.
If you know who she is and wish to report Porsha Weaver’s whereabouts anonymously, call us at 541-850-5380.
Water Levels In Rogue River Basin Back To Normal
According to the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, water levels in the Rogue River Basin are back to normal after an abnormally dry winter and spring.
The recent streak of rain, plus the build-up of snowpack has helped restore the water systems back to normal, just in time for summer. Prior to the rain, the consistently low levels had water managers planning out how much water was going to have to be conserved and who would be impacted. But now, levels are officially back to normal.
“Earlier this year, we were looking at not having enough stored water in the reservoirs to balance and meet all of the downstream needs,” said Erik Petersen, the Rogue River Basin operations project manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “That situation has changed really dramatically and we are really thankful for that.”
At Lost Creek Lake, Petersen says the water system is at 99%, which means the lake is practically full again. He says Applegate Lake is 90% full and is expected to improve as the Rogue Valley receives more rain.
The Rogue River Basin is used for fishing, irrigation, municipal water supply and more. Petersen says an atmospheric river is expected to help the Rogue River Basin fill up even more this weekend, which is good news amid an ongoing drought.
“We have the water we need to support fish downstream,” he said. “It means people are going to have access to recreate on both Applegate and Lost Creek reservoirs and the outlook for the recreation season in the reservoirs looks much better than it did earlier this year. It means a better situation for everybody and everything that’s dependent upon water in the system.”
“Ready for Fire in 2022” Online Forum June 13th
Representative Pam Marsh will be hosting an online forum with various state fire agencies to help people plan and prepare to protect themselves and their property on Monday, June 13th. Both Spanish and ASL interpretations will be available.
The “Ready for Fire in 2022” will begin at 6 PM, Monday, June 13th.
Panelists will discuss emergency notifications, evacuation preparations, firefighting personnel and equipment, and
coordination among fire departments, municipalities, and agencies that are working to reduce risk.
Fire management leaders presenting include:
Holly Powers, Jackson County Emergency Manager
Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple, Oregon State Fire Marshal
Chief Mike Shaw, ODF Fire Protection; Tyler McCarty, ODF
Southwest Oregon District Forester
Chief Bob Horton, Jackson County Fire Defense District
and
Merv George, Forest Supervisor, Rogue River-Siskiyou National
Forest
The virtual discussion will be held on Monday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m. The link to attend online is bit.ly/3ag1Bjd. The meeting link may also be accessed at https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/marsh.
DMV in Dire Need to Fill Job Openings in Your Area
The DMV has been experiencing the same shortage of applicants for job openings as other employers statewide and nationwide and is looking for applicants looking for a good and rewarding job.
“The people working at your local DMV live in your community – and could use your help.”
Apply for a job at ODOT today at www.odotjobs.com – select “Department of Transportation” under the Company menu.
We want to keep you informed about COVID-19 in Oregon. Data are provisional and change frequently. For more information, including COVID-19 data by county, visit our dashboard: http://ow.ly/84AE50Jt1Cu
The pandemic has caused many of us to overlook other aspects of our health, such as skin cancer screenings.Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and some people may be surprised to learn that Oregon ranks in the top 10 for rates of melanoma cases and related deaths. The good news is there is plenty you can do about it.Check your skin monthly for any marks that look new or different from other marks. If you see something, especially if it looks like it’s changing, get it checked out by a medical professional.To learn more, including skin cancer myths, tips for prevention and understanding high-risk factors, visit http://ow.ly/WUkO50Jt3ok.You can also find educational resources on the Start Seeing Melanoma website, a statewide public health campaign recently launched by OHSU Department of Dermatology: http://ow.ly/mos650Jt3ol
Oregon Department of Human Services to distribute $7 million in grants and equipment to support community clean air, cooling and warming shelters ahead of the 2022 wildfire and extreme weather season
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Office of Resilience and Emergency Management is providing $7 million in grant funds, equipment and other assistance to local governments, public education providers and Tribal Nations to support cleaner air, warming and cooling shelters in communities throughout Oregon.
In 2021 and 2022 the Oregon Legislature passed legislation to support communities’ efforts to prepare for the 2022 extreme weather and wildfire seasons:
- Senate Bill 726 of the 2021 Legislative Session provides $5 million in grant funds and equipment to support cleaner air spaces for emergency purposes, such as when wildfire smoke makes breathing difficult.
- Senate Bill 1536 of the 2022 Legislative Session provides $2 million to support cooling, warming and cleaner air spaces for when extreme weather or wildfire creates unhealthy conditions for people.
The grant funds awarded may be used for initial program startup costs; the purchase, installation or improvement of air filtration system improvements; the set up or improvement of warming, cooling and cleaner air spaces.
“Many Oregon communities were blanketed with wildfire smoke over the last several years that caused unhealthy conditions for people with breathing problems,” said Ed Flick, director of the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. “People living in homes without adequate air filtration and the houseless were unable to escape this unhealthy air. This created unhealthy conditions for many Oregonians. This legislative funding will help provide safe spaces during wildfire smoke events, as well as better support for warming and cooling spaces. This is an important step forward in helping Oregonians during extreme weather events.”
Application for the support is simple, representatives of local governments, public education providers and Tribal Nations just need to notify ODHS of their interest online at https://arcg.is/v4y4v and ODHS will contact them as quickly as possible.
More information is available online at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/EmergencyManagement/Pages/emergency-shelter.aspx
About the Oregon Department of Human Service’s role in emergency management
Oregon’s emergency and recovery plans give the Oregon Department of Human Services (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, the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management coordinates efforts among local and Tribal governments and nongovernmental organizations.
Oregon Employment Department sets new weekly benefit amounts for regular unemployment insurance claims
Employment Department announces new minimum and maximum weekly benefit amounts
June 8, 2022 (Salem, OR) — The Oregon Employment Department announced the new annual minimum and maximum weekly benefit amounts (WBAs) for regular unemployment insurance (UI). For new regular UI claims filed in Oregon on or after July 3, 2022, the minimum and maximum WBAs will increase by approximately 7%.
This increase will be a significant income boost for new claimants who receive the minimum or maximum WBA. During the most recent quarter, 15% of regular UI recipients received the minimum WBA, and 20% received the maximum WBA.
The 7% increase is the result of growth in Oregon’s average weekly wage during 2021. Starting July 3, 2022, the minimum WBA for new regular UI claims will increase by $12, from $171 to $183 per week. The maximum WBA for new regular UI claims will increase by $50, from $733 to $783 per week. Individuals who file new regular UI claims prior to July 3, 2022, will continue receiving the same WBA they had been receiving.
Under Oregon law (ORS 657.150(4)), the Oregon Employment Department recalculates the minimum and maximum WBAs for regular UI benefits annually. The department sets amounts as percentages of the average weekly wage earned by Oregonians. The minimum WBA is 15% of the average weekly wage, and the maximum WBA is 64%. Both dollar amounts are rounded down to the nearest dollar, as required by law.
For more information, visit OED’s regular UI benefits calculator.
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. Everyone has a right to use OED programs and services. OED provides free help. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, braille, large print, audio and other formats. If you need help, please call 971-673-6400. TTY users call 711. You can also ask for help at OED_Communications@employ.oregon.gov.
Recommendations for capacity challenges at the Oregon State Hospital
A court-ordered expert is issuing her recommendations for capacity challenges at the Oregon State Hospital.
Dr. Debra Pinals has issued her second report on the facility. It calls for evaluations of people when they’re in jail to determine whether they’ve become fit for trial and don’t need admission to the state hospital.
Counties should increase treatment beds for people who don’t need hospital-level care. And, she says there needs to be better sharing of data to determine how many patients are waiting for admission and discharge.
A quarantine in Lane County to help limit the spread of bird flu has been lifted
The quarantine was put into effect on May 17th after bird flu was detected in a backyard flock. The quarantine prevented birds in a six mile radius from being transported. The infected birds were euthanized. No new cases have been found in the area. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the state’s request to lift the quarantine. Agriculture officials urge people with backyards flocks to take steps that will keep them separated from wild birds.
Portland Rose Festival Rocking Now
It’s the return of Rose Festival’s big outdoor events like the Grand Floral Parade, Starlight Parade, Junior Parade, CityFair and Fleet Week, and a continuation of the Rose Festival Court and Queen’s Coronation.
Portlanders and visitors alike celebrate our floral heritage and community spirit.
The Rose Festival Fleet arrives along Portland’s seawall this week. Three ships arrive Wednesday afternoon with the rest of the fleet arriving Thursday afternoon. Drivers should expect extended bridge lifts of the Broadway, Steel, and Morrison bridges while the ships move upriver. MORE INFO: https://www.rosefestival.org
Raptors of the Desert Sky Flight Program Returns to Daily Schedule
BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum’s signature outdoor flight program, Raptors of the Desert Sky, is back for the summer. The demonstration takes place daily at 11:30 am through Labor Day weekend.
Hawks, owls, falcons and even turkey vultures soar from perch to perch directly over the crowd seated in a natural amphitheater nestled in the Museum’s pine forest. A Museum expert narrates the action, sharing the hunting strategies and natural behaviors of these spectacular birds of prey.
“The outdoor flight program is a highlight of the High Desert Museum summer season,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “It’s a special experience to see these birds so close and witness their power and beauty while learning about their incredible adaptations that allow them to thrive in their habitats.”
The program takes place at 11:30 am, weather and air quality permitting. The Museum website will be updated to reflect any time changes, such as an earlier start time to accommodate for high temperatures that might stress the birds.
Tickets are separate from Museum entry ($5 for members, children 3-12 and seniors, $7 for non-members, free for children 2 or younger) and must be purchased at Admissions by 11:00 am. They are not available online.
Tickets often sell out before 10:00 am. The Museum strongly recommends that visitors arrive when the Museum opens at 9:00 am to secure tickets from Admissions.
Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/raptors-of-the-desert-sky.
Raptors of the Desert Sky is made possible by Fly Redmond and Avion Water Company with support from Bigfoot Beverages.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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