Rogue Valley News, Monday 6/27 – Motorcycle Crash and Fire on Hwy 199, Grants Pass Man Dies from Gunshot Wound During Domestic Disturbance

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

Monday, June 27, 2022

Rogue Valley Weather

Motorcycle Crash and Fire on Hwy 199

At approximately 10:53 on Sunday morning, several agencies responded to a motorcycle crash and fire on 199, according to Illinois Valley Fire District.

Units respond to motorcycle crash photo 2

The fire was quickly mitigated and the driver was assessed by American Medical Response before leaving the scene.

Illinois Valley Fire District, AMR, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and Jerry’s Tow Company were all on scene.

Traffic was stopped in both directions while the scene was active. The scene was turned over to law enforcement and all units cleared so traffic was flowing again.

Grants Pass Man Dies from Gunshot Wound During Apparent Domestic Disturbance

Saturday morning at approximately 6:00 AM Grans Pass Police units responded to the rear parking lot of a church on NE Savage Street regarding a call from a female stating she had shot someone. Arriving officers found Scott Allen Harris, a 46-year-old male, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

Further investigation by Grants Pass Police Detectives discovered the gunshot may have been the result of domestic violence. The involved female was questioned and released. The case has been referred to the Josephine County District Attorney for review. 

Anyone having further information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260. Further media inquiries should be directed to the Josephine County District Attorney. Grants Pass Police Department

Douglas County Rescue Team Saves Man Who Fell 30 Feet Into a Well

Douglas County Fire District No.2 responded to a report of a man that fell approximately 30 feet into a well when attempting to fix the pump in the Green district.

The first arriving crew confirmed the dispatch information and requested the Fire District’s Technical Rescue Team to assist with removing the man from the well.

“Fire personnel set up a rope system to safely remove the male from the bottom of well,” the District said.

The man sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene, the report said.

Douglas County Fire District No.2 responded with two fire engines, one technical rescue truck, two ambulances, and one command vehicle.

Man Shot With Stun Gun While In Creek Sues Eagle Point Police

A federal civil rights lawsuit alleges two southern Oregon police officers used excessive force against a man who fled from a vehicle stop and was shot with a Taser while standing in a creek.

The lawsuit says two Eagle Point officers fired their stun guns at Jonathon J. Wolf on June 21, 2021.
The suit says that caused him to fall into the water and hit his head on a rock, knocking him unconscious.

Police initially had stopped a car in which Wolf was riding. Wolf ran as police tried to arrest him on a parole violation warrant. The suit alleges the officers should have known that Wolf’s position standing in a creek with a rocky bottom would lead to injury when a Taser was used.

Aaron Prunty, Eagle Point’s city administrator, said he hadn’t read the suit and couldn’t comment. Attorney David J. Linthorst said that Wolf floated face down in the water for at least a minute before officers could get to him.
Wolf, 33, was hospitalized for a concussion and lung damage, Linthorst said.

The suit, filed this week in federal court in Medford, seeks unspecified damages for Wolf’s injuries, medical costs, and his pain and suffering.

ODOT Begins Repaving Projects This Week – Expect I-5 Night Detours Between Medford Viaduct and Bear Creek Bridges Near South Medford Interchange

Oregon Department of Transportation alerts that Interstate 5 will be detoured through Medford late next week to allow Knife River Materials crews to safely pave the roadway between the Medford Viaduct and the Bear Creek Bridges near the south Medford interchange.

Oregon Department of Transportation alerts that Interstate 5 will be detoured through Medford late next week.
Photo courtesy of ODOT

Southbound traffic will detour Wednesday night, June 29 from 9 pm to 6 am for paving. Traffic will divert at north Medford interchange Exit 30 and be directed to Court and Central Avenues before returning to the interstate at south Medford interchange, Exit 27.

Thursday night, the crews will pave the northbound lanes, so traffic will be detoured using Riverside Avenue.

OTHER ODOT PROJECTS:

The following report includes ODOT highways in Josephine and Jackson Counties.

Projects are listed in the following order: highway, location, project name. Project construction costs are added in parenthesis as appropriate.

Pedestrian routes: Where traffic is routed through or around a work zone, pedestrians, including those with disabilities, will also be provided routes through or around the work zone.

Visit www.TripCheck.com for road conditions and traffic cameras or dial 5-1-1. Visit the ODOT website at www.oregon.gov/ODOT/ for more information.

JACKSON COUNTY

INTERSTATE 5 (Pacific Highway), MP 0.0-11.4, California border to Ashland paving ($30.7 million)

Through mid-July watch for single-lane traffic in each direction between MP 6.5 and 9.5. Crews are improving the southbound slow lane by demolishing and reconstructing it. The construction zone speed limit is lowered to 40 mph. Expect slow-moving traffic and minor delays.

This multi-year project wraps up this summer with asphalt paving of shoulders, drain adjustments, recessed pavement markers and rumble strips and final striping.

INTERSTATE 5 (Pacific Highway), MP 24-18, Right-of-way fence repair ($1.2 million)

Monday through Thursday, watch for work off the southbound edge of right-of-way as the contractor removes and reinstalls right-of-way fence destroyed in the Almeda Fire.

INTERSTATE 5 (Pacific Highway), MP 27.2 to 28.3, Interstate paving in Medford, ($581,000)

Interstate traffic will be detoured through Medford for two nights this week, Wednesday and Thursday nights. Southbound traffic will divert Wednesday night, June 29, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. I-5 traffic will detour at Exit 30 onto Court and Central Ave. and back on I-5 at Exit 27.

On Thursday night, June 30, at the same times, northbound I-5 traffic will detour from Exit 27 to Riverside Avenue to Exit 30.

Knife-River Materials crews will repave the interstate from the south end of the Medford Viaduct to the Bear Creek Bridge near South Medford Interchange.

OREGON 62 (Crater Lake Highway) and Rogue Valley Expressway, various locations, Variable Message Signs/Tripcheck Cameras ($1.5 million)

Watch for shoulder work at various locations in the Crater Lake Highway/Rogue Valley Expressway corridor.

OREGON 99 (Rogue Valley Highway), MP 11 (Phoenix), Coleman Creek bridge construction ($5.7 million)

Watch for single-lane traffic in each direction and possible delays as the contractor is mobilizing equipment in for the second part of bridge construction. Crews will be driving pile and begin stream restoration.

Project completion is this October.

OREGON 99 and I-5 area (Ashland), Americans with Disabilities Act curb ramp upgrades ($4.8 million)

Crews will continue in the north downtown area near the plaza at selected ramps. Crews will work near the following intersections: North Main at Oak, Water and Church, and on Siskiyou Blvd. at Park and Tolman Creek.

Crews will pave the seam between the ramps and asphalt and have items wrapped up for the July 4 holiday.

Temporary pedestrian access will be maintained. Construction hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expect possible short delays of up to 20 minutes.

This project builds ADA compliant curb ramps in Ashland on North Main, downtown area and Siskiyou Boulevard. There are a few other intersections for repair in south Medford and Talent.

OREGON 140 (Lake of the Woods Highway), MP -8.1 to -9.9, Exit 35 to Blackwell Road ($10 million)

Watch for construction crews working days this week. The work zone speed limit is reduced to 35 mph.

The project realigns and widens the highway, constructs a center turn lane from Exit 35 to Blackwell Road, provides for wider shoulders and on the east side a multi-use path (an extension of the Bear Creek Greenway).

OREGON 140 (Lake of the Woods Highway), MP 8.46, Seismic bridge repair ($3.3 million)

Watch for flaggers or temporary signals at the bridges over both Little Butte Creek (MP 7.8) and Lick Creek (MP 9.2).

This project will also seismically strengthen the bridge at N. Fork Little Butte Creek (MP 15.4), tentatively scheduled to begin in July.

This project seismically strengthens the following bridges: Little Butte Creek (MP 7.8), Lick Creek MP 9.2), N. Fork Little Butte Creek (15.4).

JOSEPHINE COUNTY

INTERSTATE 5 (Pacific Highway), MP 48-77, Concrete rail repair

From Sunday to Thursday, June 26-30, watch for fast lane closures at night, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., from Valley of the Rogue State Park (MP 45) to Wolf Creek (MP 77) for concrete barrier repairs.

INTERSTATE 5 (Pacific Highway), Exit 58, North Grants Pass seismic bridge improvements and retrofitting ($12.7 million)

Watch for single-lane traffic under the Exit 58 I-5 bridges. The contractor is strengthening these bridges to better withstand earthquakes.

This is part of a larger seismic reinforcement project in southern Oregon. The other bridge slated for repair in this bundle is the I-5 Hillcrest Drive Bridge, beginning fall 2022.

OREGON 99, 238, 62, 140 and U.S. 199, Americans with Disabilities Act curb ramp upgrades ($3.7 million)

Watch for flaggers and lane restrictions at night throughout the project area for asphalt patching at the new curb ramps. Contractor plans to work on 4 to 5 corners a night for the next several weeks.

U.S. 199 (Redwood Highway), MP 27, Holton Creek (Kerby) pedestrian bridge ($700,000)

Watch for crews working on the side of the highway with occasional short traffic delays as needed. The work zone speed limit is posted as 30 mph.

This project builds a pedestrian-bike bridge over Holton Creek for safer passage between Kerby and Cave Junction.

Oregon's Reproductive Health Equity Act guarantees an individual's right to an abortion, as well as a health care provider's right to provide an abortion. This includes a legal right for anyone in who comes to Oregon for an abortion, not just Oregon residents. Individuals can access free or low-cost reproductive health services at local health departments and clinics across Oregon. To find a clinic, visit healthoregon.org/rhclinics. You can also call 211 or text HEALTH to 898211.

The CDC‘s COVID-19 Community Levels tool, updated every week, uses multiple factors to rate the level of COVID-19 spread in your county. It can help you make decisions about how to approach activities such as grocery shopping, masking, travel and more. Nine Oregon counties are at “high” community level, as of June 23. To learn more how to use regional CDC and OHA data to help make decisions about masking and taking other precautions, visit http://ow.ly/aRwo30smNHE.

Oregon map shows Coos, Douglas, Hood River, Jackson, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Sherman and Wasco Counties  at "high" community level. Low level: Stay current on vaccines & boosters. If symptoms, get tested. Medium: If you're at high risk, consider mask and other precautions. Stay current on vaccines & boosters. If symptoms, get tested. High: Masking indoors in public recommended. Stay current on vaccines & boosters. If symptoms, get tested. If high risk, more precautions

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is AROUND-OR.png

Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund expands mortgage support to include more traditionally underserved homeowners

Phase 3 now open to eligible applicants

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services announced that the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program is open to applicants eligible for Phase 3. The program is a federal temporary COVID-19 emergency mortgage relief program intended to support homeowners who have experienced severe financial hardships due to the pandemic. It provides funding for past-due mortgages and other housing expenses to a limited number of homeowners with low incomes. 

OHCS is working to assist homeowners at risk of losing their home in a phased approach. During Phases 1 and 2, it focused on homeowners who were most at-risk of foreclosure or who had the fewest options. Program staff will continue to process applications already submitted in Phases 1 and 2. Eligibility information for the different phases is available on the HAF website

While continuing to serve homeowners eligible for Phases 1 and 2, Phase 3 expands HAF support to homeowners traditionally underserved or less able to recover, including those who are: 

  • Over the age of 62 years
  • Living with a disability (with proof of benefits) 
  • Rural, as determined by ZIP Code
  • Socially disadvantaged individuals (defined by the U.S. Department of the Treasury), including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as members of federally recognized Tribes 
  • Limited English proficiency (English is not the applicant’s primary language)
  • Recovering property damage or destruction caused by a natural disaster (with proof of benefits)
  • Homeowners with mortgages where the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the named beneficiary. This is a very rare situation, where HUD has taken over a loan that is in default. Homeowners should speak with a housing counselor to determine if this is their loan. 

Homeowners who have not applied and are eligible may now find a new application link on the oregonhomeownerassistance.org website. Homeowners eligible for Phases 1 or 2 may now apply using the same link if they have not previously submitted an application. If homeowners need assistance with their application, the HAF website lists the program’s application intake assistance partners who can help homeowners with online, paper, in-person, or limited English proficiency applications. Homeowners with additional questions about HAF can visit the website or call 833-604-0879.

Phase 4, which will apply to all other eligible applicants if funding is still available, will open at a date to be determined. 

HAF funding is limited. The state is prioritizing Oregon households that are at the highest risk of foreclosure. Once the $90 million of funding granted by the U.S. Treasury is gone, the program will close. Even if homeowners are eligible, there is no guarantee their application will be funded.

Other mortgage relief programs are available if homeowners do not meet the HAF eligibility criteria. Homeowners should contact a housing counselor, mortgage servicer or 211 for more options. 

Pacific Power is preparing for summer’s heat 

PORTLAND (June 24, 2022) – As temperatures approach triple digits across parts of the Pacific Northwest this upcoming weekend, Pacific Power is preparing to face higher demands on the grid from both record temperatures and increased customer need.  

“We’ve taken steps for grid hardening, in particular since last summer, to prevent overloading at the substation level,” said Erik Brookhouse, vice president of operations for Pacific Power. “We are confident about our network’s readiness for this summer.” 

Pacific Power takes steps each day to keep electric service reliable for its customers by monitoring which substations and circuits have the highest use, identifying any potential trouble spots and implementing solutions within a day.  

“Understanding the climate and customer needs help us provide reliable electricity during this season,” Brookhouse said. 

At the end of each summer, Pacific Power reviews how the electrical system performed, and last year identified 49 projects that were completed prior to the 2022 summer season. Examples of projects include: 

  • Increasing system and distribution capacity; 
  • Installing new equipment such as switches, voltage regulators and transformers; 
  • Balancing and reconfiguring the electrical pathways serving customers in specific areas. 

Engineers and power system operators keep a close eye on area weather forecasts as well. Electric systems are sensitive to temperature, so the conditions that impact the electric system the most come during consecutive days when 100-degree highs are coupled with nighttime temperatures that do not cool below 70 degrees. “Customers can also take steps to manage their energy use during the summer peak season,” said Brookhouse. “We have simple tips, programs and incentives for customers to increase their energy efficiency at home and in the workplace, particularly during the summer months.” 

Customers can also take steps to manage their energy use during the summer. To see a full list of energy-saving tips, visit the company’s website. Among the top energy-saving recommendations for summer are: 
 

  • Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day. 
  • Open windows during cooler evening hours. 
  • Operate the clothes dryer and dishwasher at night. 
  • If you have air conditioning, set it to maintain an interior temperature of 78 degrees, higher when you are away from home. 

More electric energy information is available on Pacific Power’s website at: www.pacificpower.net.  

About Pacific Power  

Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 770,000 customers in Oregon, Washington, and California. It is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, providing 2 million customers with value for their energy dollar through safe, reliable electricity. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net

Head-On Crash Kills Two People Just North of Klamath Falls on Hwy 97

Investigators are still searching for clues and information about a head on crash that killed two people Friday morning just north of Klamath Falls on Highway 97. Oregon State Police said troopers responded to the Highway 97
accident near milepost 267 on June 24 at approximately 12:35 a.m. The Oregon highway was closed for five hours, according to police.

Investigators said a southbound GMC truck driven by Erika Delrio, 36 of Yuba City, California, collided head-on with a northbound Nissan Xterra driven by 35-year-old Cybil Nelson. Nelson, who is from Bend, died in the crash, according to OSP. Martha Carriedo, 60 of Yuba City, (a passenger) also died in the crash.

Police said “both vehicles were destroyed by fire due to the crash” and investigators trying to reconstruct the incident. Erika Delrio was transported to St. Charles Medical Center with critical injuries. OSP said Magdalena Delrio, 21 of Yuba City, CA and two young boys, ages 1 and 2, were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County Fire District 1, and Oregon Department of Transportation. 

Climber Falls on Mt. Hood Suffers Serious Injuries

A 31-year-old woman was seriously hurt Friday when she fell several hundred feet while climbing Mt. Hood, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said.

Other climbers on the mountain were able to call 911 after the fall, which happened just before 6 a.m. Friday in the Old Chute area of Mt. Hood.

They said a doctor, who was also climbing the mountain at the time, got to the woman and was starting first aid.

Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Coordinators activated a mission and set up the command center at Timberline Lodge.

Teams from Portland Mountain Rescue, Hood River Crag Rats, and American Medical Response’s Reach & Treat Team also responded.

Shortly after 10 a.m., rescue crews were able to reach the injured climber. About 45 minutes later, an Oregon Army National Guard helicopter also arrived.

The climber was hoisted into the helicopter and flown to a Portland-area hospital, where she is receiving care.

This weekend’s hot weather is a welcomed shift for us humans, but our pets may not be as excited for summer.  
There are many hazards to consider, pavement can burn paws, especially later in the day, and a hot car can be deadly.
A car can heat up really quickly.
Even if it feels comfortable outside, even low to mid-70s, the inside of a car can quickly get over 100 degrees.
That’s even with the window cracked a little bit.
When in doubt, just leave your pet at home with a nice comfy bed and a chewy toy.
The safest bet is to always just leave them home in the cool inside temperatures.
Signs your pet is struggling with the heat include excessive panting and lethargy.

Life-Changing Electric All-Terrain Trackchairs available for free trial in Seaside July 4th weekend

Providing a new way to get out on the beach and into nature for people with mobility challenges, on July 4th weekend David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems is bringing seven electric all-terrain wheelchairs to Seaside’s promenade (between Broadway and Avenue A) for mobility challenged guests to try for free.

From 9am to 5pm on Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3, people who register at https://davidschair.org can have a chance to buckle in and experience the freedom to travel along the beach without having to be concerned about the sand or water.

Anyone with mobility impairment, requiring the assistance of wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes or crutches, will be able to use these chairs at no charge.

David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems and Oregon Parks Forever are collaborating to add 10 additional locations where mobility challenged visitors can pick up and use an electric all-terrain wheelchair at no charge.

These chairs will provide a new freedom for a mobility challenged park visitor – to get off the pavement and out into nature.

With increased accessibility to trails, lakes, rivers and beaches, through demanding conditions like sand, snow and mud, mobility-impaired visitors will be able to participate in activities never-before possible.

From birdwatching and fishing, to riding along the beach, to simply enjoying the fresh air and solitude of nature, these all-terrain chairs will invite many new people to share the wonders of the great outdoors in our parks.

See these chairs in action at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4KIrqu47WY

Over the next couple of years, the partners are working to locate hosts at American Legion, VFW and Tourism related entities along the Oregon Coast and the I-5 corridor where a chair and trailer can be stored and made available for free use by visitors with mobility challenges. 

We are doing this to provide easier access to these chairs to a wider number of people.  Under the current operating model for David’s Chair, anyone wishing to borrow one of their seven current chairs (for free) must bring a trailer hitch-enabled vehicle to Medford and pick up a chair and trailer to take where they would like to use it.  This severely limits access to other parts of the state.  One of the most popular uses for these chairs is to get out on the beach, hence our desire for host locations along the Oregon Coast.  Also, there are many parks in areas such as Springfield, Eugene, Salem and Portland along the I-5 corridor that visitors would like to access.

Reservations for free use can be made at: https://davidschair.org

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is missing-in-oregon-tab.png
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-57.png
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is shane.png

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

Must Read

Rogue Valley News, Thursday 6/17 – Raid On Illegal Marijuana Grow Near Eagle Point Seized 52,804 Plants, Arrests Made in Grants Pass Robbery

Renee Shaw

Rogue Valley News, Thursday, Nov. 7 – City of Medford Receives $15.5 Mil from Dept of Transportation For Road Repairs

Brian Casey

Rogue Valley News, Thursday 12/23 – Road Crews Prepared Despite Staffing Shortage For Winter Storms In Southern Oregon This Week, Man Leaves Cell Phone in Store After Shoplifting at JC Penny

Renee Shaw