Rogue Valley News, Thursday 6/30 – Firefighters Make Progress On Fire Near Applegate Lake, Fire Danger Increases, Lake Of The Woods Hosting July 4th Celebration Marking 100 Years In Business

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 30, 2022

Rogue Valley Weather

Firefighters Make Progress On Fire Near Applegate Lake

π—¨π—£π——π—”π—§π—˜, 6/29 𝟡:𝟯𝟱 𝗣𝗠: Firefighters are continuing to make progress on the #CollingsMountainFire

Collings Mountain Trail - Oregon | AllTrails

Additional resources are on scene for a night shift, and we have more ordered for the morning, including a Type 2 helicopter. The fire is holding in that 8-10 estimated acre range, however steep, rocky terrain continues to be a challenge.

There are no structures threatened. Our next update will be following our morning briefing after 8 a.m.

π—¨π—£π——π—”π—§π—˜, 𝟱:𝟰𝟱 𝗣𝗠: The fire is estimated to be 8-10 acres, and is now 30% lined. Firefighters are continuing to engage in an aggressive initial attack.

Steep slopes and limited access are contributing to the challenges on this incident, however, firefighters are continuing to make good progress.

π—¨π—£π——π—”π—§π—˜, 𝟱:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠: The fire is now estimated to be five acres. Firefighters and crews are actively engaged and making good progress.

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

π™ƒπ˜Όπ™‹π™‹π™€π™‰π™„π™‰π™‚ π™‰π™Šπ™’: ODF and U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest firefighters are on scene of a fire near Collins Mountain, approximately 1.5 miles west of Applegate Lake. It’s currently burning on private land in heavy brush and timber, and is estimated to be 1-2 acres in size.

Additional resources are en route, and due to the steep terrain, a Type 2 helicopter has been ordered. There is no threat to structures at this time. The cause will be under investigation.

More information will be posted as it becomes available. #swofire2022 #fireseason2022

𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 π˜Ώπ˜Όπ™‰π™‚π™€π™ 𝙇𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙇 π™„π™‰π˜Ύπ™π™€π˜Όπ™Žπ™€: The fire danger level on Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties will increase to β€œmoderate” (blue) on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. Please be aware that this level change means that additional fire restrictions for the public will be in effect. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level will remain at Level I (one).

May be an image of text that says 'OREGON MODERATE WAIMEN OF FORESS FIRE DANGER takes effect on the ODF Southwest Oregon District FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. This applies to ODF-protected lands in Jackson and Josephine Counties swofire.com @ODFSouthwest @swofire'

These regulations impact 1.8 million acres of state, private, county, city and Bureau of Land Management lands protected by ODF’s Southwest Oregon District.

Beginning Friday at 12:01 a.m., the following public fire restrictions will take effect:

β€’ Open fires are prohibited, which includes campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at locations deemed a designated campground. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are still allowed in areas clear of vegetation;

β€’ Chainsaws may not be used between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. During hours outside of this time frame, chainsaws may be used but require that the operator have one shovel and one 8-oz or larger fire extinguisher at the work site. A fire watch is also required for one hour after each chainsaw use;

β€’ Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. These activities will be allowed during hours outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials, and a water supply is at the job site;

β€’ The mowing of dead or dried grass with power-driven equipment is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. This restriction does not include mowing of green lawns, or equipment used for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops;

β€’ Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, will be allowed only on improved roads free of flammable vegetation. One shovel and one gallon of water, or one 2.5 pound or larger fire extinguisher, is required while traveling;

β€’ Possession of the following firefighting equipment is required while traveling, except on state highways, county roads and driveways: one shovel and one gallon of water or one 2Β½ pound or larger fire extinguisher. As noted above, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one 2Β½ pound or larger fire extinguisher;

β€’ Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine use not specifically mentioned is not allowed between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during moderate fire danger. Use of any spark-emitting internal combustion engine is allowed outside of this time frame only if the work site is cleared of potentially flammable vegetation and other materials and a water supply is at the job site.

Public fire restrictions currently in effect, which will remain in effect, include:

β€’ No debris burning, including piles and debris burned in burn barrels;

β€’ No fireworks on or within 1/8 of a mile of forestland;

β€’ Exploding targets and tracer ammunition, or any bullet with a pyrotechnic charge in its base, are prohibited;

β€’ Smoking while traveling will only be allowed in enclosed vehicles on improved roads, in boats on the water and other specifically designated locations;

β€’ Any electric fence controllers must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., or be certified by the Department of Consumer and Business Services and be installed and used in compliance with the fence controller’s instructions for fire safe operation.

For more information about the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District’s fire season public restrictions, please call or visit the Southwest Oregon District unit office nearest to you:

β€’ Medford Unit, 5286 Table Rock Rd., Central Point. (541) 664-3328

β€’ Grants Pass Unit, 5375 Monument Dr., Grants Pass. (541) 474-3152

Fire season information is also available on our website, www.swofire.com.

Grants Pass Raises Fire Danger To “Moderate” This Friday and Issues New Rules

Oregon Department of Forestry’s Southwest Oregon District has issued a fire danger warning, designating the area’s fire danger as “moderate” beginning this Friday, June 1.

In response, Grants Pass Fire & Rescue has issued new rules within the city of Grants Pass for fire prevention.

The following fire season regulations will go into effect at 12:01 am Friday, July 1st. within the city limits of Grants Pass:

  • Smoking in areas of flammable vegetation is prohibited.
  • Open wood-fueled fires are prohibited, including campfires, cooking fires, and warming fires, except at locations designated by the Fire Marshal. Wood smokers, charcoal barbecues, propane, and natural gas-fueled ornamental fires are allowed.
  • Power saws must be shut down between the hours of 1:00 pm and 8:00 pm Each power saw is required to have one shovel and one fire extinguisher of at least 8-ounce capacity. A firewatch of at least one hour is required following the use of the saw.
  • Cutting, grinding, and welding of metal in areas of flammable vegetation is not allowed between the hours of 1:00 pm and 8:00 pm
  • The mowing of dried, cured grass will not be allowed between the hours of 1:00 pm and 8:00 pm
  • Motor vehicles, including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, are only allowed on improved roads free of flammable vegetation, except for the culture and harvest of agricultural crops.
  • Any other spark-emitting internal combustion engine in areas of flammable vegetation not specifically mentioned will not be allowed between the hours of 1:00 pm and 8:00 pm. This equipment must be used in a cleared area during other hours, and a charged garden hose or one 2 1/2 pound or larger fire extinguisher is immediately available.

The city fire marshal or an authorized representative may, in writing, approve a modification or waiver of these requirements.

For more information about Grant’s Pass city fire regulations, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 541-450-6200.

Lake Of The Woods Hosting 4th Of July Celebration Marking 100 Years In BusinessAsks People to Plan Before they Arrive

Management at Lake of the Woods Resort is encouraging visitors to plan before they arrive and before heading out to the water this holiday weekend. The business continues to see an influx of large crowds eager to enjoy the lake already and anticipate crowds for 4th of July.

The celebration begins this Friday and goes on till Monday, July 4th. The fireworks show is scheduled for Monday at 10 pm.

George Gregory, the general manager at Lake of the Woods Resort said in order for people to get the most out of their trip to the lake, he encourages visitors to get to the resort early, make reservations ahead of time, and practice water safety precautions at all times.

“We want everyone to be safe, plan ahead, bring your life jacket, and if you are not going to eat in the restaurant, which will be busy, plan on bringing your food,” Gregory said.

One of the biggest concerns is parking safely. Gregory encourages visitors to get to the resort early in the morning, as once a lot of full, it is full, and visitors cannot park on the roads leading to the resort.

He said before you hit the water, each person should bring a life vest with them, as the resort only provides them for customers who rent its boats.

Children 12 years old and under must wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.

β€œIf your kids are on a boat or on a paddle board or out on a small boat, it is a $287 ticket if they don’t have a life jacket,” he said.

Gregory said this year, the resort has added a new fleet of paddle boards that can be rented, along with fishing boats, pontoons, canoes, and kayaks. FOR MORE INFO: https://lakeofthewoodsresort.com/

We want to keep you informed about COVID-19 in Oregon. Data are provisional and change frequently. This week’s Omicron BA.2 and Omicron BA.4 estimates of 50% for each are higher than expected due to a small number of specimens (n=2) available in GISAID during the most recent week. We do not believe this estimate to be accurate. CDC’s COVID Data Tracker Nowcast model (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/…) estimates that approximately 5.7% of SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in the US during the last week were the Omicron BA.2 lineage, and 15.7% were the Omicron BA.4 lineage. We believe our true Omicron BA.2 and Omicron BA.4 estimates to be similar to the national figure.For more information, including COVID-19 data by county, visit our dashboard: http://ow.ly/ZyMy50JL4yP

Screen shot of linked dashboard shows an increase trend in cases and hospitalizations. Test positivity decreased. Vaccinations have plateaued. Please visit healthoregon.org/coronavirus for more.

OHA releases biweekly COVID-19 reports

The COVID-19 Biweekly Data Report, released today, shows a decrease in COVID-19-related cases, hospitalizations and deaths since the previous biweekly period.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported 20,451 new cases of COVID-19 from June 12 to June 25, a 2.8% decrease over the previous biweekly total of 21,038. Over the last six weeks, reported hospitalizations and deaths have increased slightly.

During the two-week period of June 12 to June 25, test positivity was 13.6%, up from 12.3% in the previous two-week period.

Today’s COVID-19 Biweekly Outbreak Report shows 193 active outbreaks in care facilities, senior living communities and congregate care living settings with three or more confirmed COVID-19 cases or one or more COVID-19-related deaths.

Reporting of hospital capacity data moves to weekly schedule

The cadence of OHA’s COVID-19 hospitalization and hospital capacity reporting will change starting July 1. Data on the COVID-19 hospital capacity dashboards, as well as counts of current COVID-19-positive hospitalized patients published on the COVID-19 Update dashboard and on social media, will be updated weekly on Wednesdays. The first weekly update to the COVID-19 hospital capacity dashboards, scheduled for July 6, will also feature enhancements to make the dashboards accessible to more users.

Updates made to Long-Term Care Facility COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard

Starting today, OHA’s Long-Term Care Facility COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard will show the proportion of staff and residents who are up to date with COVID-19 vaccination and residents who have received a second booster dose. The dashboard already provides existing information about primary series vaccination. The updates allow OHA to continue to track vaccination efforts at nursing, assisted living and residential care facilities licensed by the Oregon Department of Human Services’ (ODHS) Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. The dashboard will continue to be updated on a weekly basis.

Long-term care facilities are required to report COVID-19 vaccination data to the state, effective June 1, 2021.

During the week of June 6 – June 12, 50% of staff and 73% of residents were reported as up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. For residents, 26% were reported as receiving a second booster dose. For this reporting, persons are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines when they have received all doses in the primary series and one booster dose, when eligible, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network. This definition is expected to incorporate recommended second boosters to be considered up to date, in the next quarter.

Progress has been made by Oregon long-term care facilities in surpassing the state 80% benchmark for COVID-19 primary series vaccination, especially among staff, with 87% of staff completing their primary vaccine series compared to 62% last year. However, given residents and staff are ever-changing, OHA and ODHS continue to collaborate with facilities, labor, trade associations and pharmacies to promote receipt of initial series and booster doses for long-term care staff and residents who are eligible.

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

π™π™€π™ˆπ™€π™ˆπ˜½π™€π™ π˜Όπ™‰π˜Ώ π™ƒπ™Šπ™‰π™Šπ™:

This week is #WildlandFirefighterWeekofRemembrance, honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on the fire line. They will always be in our hearts.

Pic: Wildland Firefighters Monument, Prineville

Audit Finds Oregon Still Needs To Implement Fixes To Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

Oregon’s prescription drug monitoring program has only fully implemented 4 of the 12 recommendations made after it was audited back in 2018, the Secretary of State’s office said.

Auditors say there must be legislative changes to fully implement most of the remaining eight recommendations. They say three of those have only been partially implemented.

The program is meant to help healthcare providers and pharmacists manage prescriptions and track data.

As of now though, the state doesn’t require prescribers or pharmacists to use the database before they prescribe.

Secretary of State Shemia Fagan is now directing the Oregon Health Authority to work on the initial recommendations.

β€œThe opioid crisis is a grave threat both in Oregon and the around [sic] the county,” Secretary Fagan said. β€œThis report includes specific actions we can take to improve outcomes in our communities. State legislators and the Oregon Health Authority should implement them as soon as possible.”

More from the Sectretary of State’s office:

The misuse and abuse of opioids and risk of overdose remain a health threat nationally and in Oregon. This involves both prescription opioid pain medications and illicit opioids. Oregon has the highest rate of misuse of prescription opioids in the nation. Oregon’s PDMP is an important tool to help address prescription drug abuse and misuse, including opioids, and improve health outcomes. Oregon is still one of the few states not requiring prescribers or pharmacists to use the PDMP database before certain prescriptions are written or dispensed.

Missing child alert — Phoenyx Cannon is missing and is believed to be in danger

Phoenyx Cannon

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Phoenyx Cannon, she/her, age 15, a child in foster care who went missing from Troutdale, Oregon on May 9, 2022. She is believed to be in danger. 

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Phoenyx and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her. 

Phoenyx is suspected to be in the Portland, Oregon region, specifically Troutdale, downtown Portland, or Gresham. She is known to spend time at parks, Portland downtown area and homeless encampments.  

Name: Phoenyx Cannon 
Pronouns: she/her 
Date of birth: May 1, 2007  
Height: 5-foot-9 
Weight: 240 pounds  
Hair: Brown 
Eye color: Brown  
Other identifying information: Phoenyx was last seen in a white T-shirt, basketball shorts and Nike slides.  
Portland Police Bureau report number #2022-118456 
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1451077 

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety. Media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child. 

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.  

Klamath County Residents Depend On A State Program That Trucks In Water as Wells Run Dry

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1kYMwQ_0gQmMDty00
Gov. Kate Brown visited Rhonda Nyseth’s home on a tour of Klamath County to learn about drought issues. (Gov. Kate Brown’s office)

Rhonda Nyseth’s well dried up on Sept. 15, 2021, nine months after she bought her house in Klamath Falls.

β€œWhen it happened, I won’t lie, I started crying immediately,” Nyseth said.

She was familiar with the situation. She’s a social services emergency liaison for the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Resilience and Emergency Management.

Last summer, she helped oversee the distribution of more than 100 water tanks, each holding 500-gallons, to residents in Klamath County with empty wells.

Neighbors saw their wells dry up, but she thought if hers still had water by Sept. 1, after the heavy agricultural irrigation season, she wouldn’t be personally affected by the ongoing drought. Just a few weeks later, she was on the free water delivery list.

She is among hundreds of people relying on weekly water deliveries through a state and county water program established to deal with the county’s third year of drought. It has affected millions of people across the West, from residents to ranchers and farmers, with limited irrigation supplies and the dry land fueling immense wildfires.

Nyseth and her husband spent about a week and $2,000 rigging piping and pumps to get the water from their new tank into the house.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=06LONz_0gQmMDty00

Ryan Nyseth wires the water tank to a pressure switch to move water from the tank outside through the house. (Rhonda Nyseth)

β€œIt took me four days to stop turning on the faucet,”, she said. β€œYou’re used to water being there.”

In early June, in light of Klamath County’s ongoing drought and declarations of drought in 14 other counties, the legislative Emergency Board approved $5 million from the state’s general fund to help municipalities deliver water to residents in Klamath and other counties with dry wells. Some of the money will pay costs from last year, and the rest will go to future needs.

About 70,000 people live in Klamath County, and many rural residents depend on wells for water. Klamath is the first county to tap into the  program.

The Oregon Department of Human Services administers the water program in partnership with the counties. The money can be used through February next year.

Since 2021, the department has purchased 350 water tanks for Klamath County, each able to hold 500 gallons. Of those, 193 have been delivered to residents. The water comes from a fire hydrant in the yard of the Klamath County Public Works building.

Since 2001 β€œ200 residential wells have already run dry, with estimates indicating that number could double within one year,” according to a letter by Fariborz Pakseresht, Human Services director, to the state legislative leaders.

β€œThis year’s drought indicates that water scarcity trends will continue in 2022 and beyond, creating even more challenging conditions than last year.”

Officials verify that wells are dry

In Klamath County, the department contracts with water tanker truck companies to refill tanks once a week.

β€œMost of the expenses incurred by (the Human Services Department) are for water refilling costs, rather than the purchase of water tanks,” said  Gregory Jolivette, an analyst with the Legislative Fiscal Office. β€œIf the money ($5 million) were split between individual counties currently in a declared drought, each would receive about $450,000,” he wrote. β€œHowever, the needs of each county are not yet known and the actual amount distributed to each county could be different.”

The department estimates its free water program in Klamath County has cost about $500,000.

For residents to get a free tank and water delivery, the county’s water office must verify that the well is dry.

Households up to two people can receive a single 500-gallon tank. Households of three to five people can receive two tanks. Households with six or more people may qualify for a third tank. Residents are responsible for getting the water from the tanks into their homes.

Each tank is filled weekly, and recipients are barred from using it for certain activities, including car washing, lawn watering or controlling dust.

The most expensive quote for a well in Klamath County so far has been $90,000. Even with the reimbursement it’s going to cost them an additional $50,000.

For the last nine months, Nyseth and her family have received 1,000 gallons of water each week.

The average person in the U.S. uses 82 gallons of water a day at home, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. For a family of four that’s 328 gallons a day. The 1,000 gallons a family of four in Klamath Falls receives would last a little more than 3 days for most.

During the winter, Nyseth’s house relied on a water-based heat pump. β€œI also lost the ability to heat my own home,” she said. She had to buy space heaters and a $5,000 fireplace insert to generate more heat.

Considering the water delivery a temporary solution, Nyseth and her husband invested in a new well, 220 feet deep. It took nine months to complete and was finished last week at a cost of about $22,000, with a pump system that was an additional $10,000. Deeper than their old well, the new one is not likely to go dry, Nyseth hopes.

In December 2021, the state Legislature approved $4 million in well assistance to people in Klamath County. Homeowners are reimbursed for 75% of the cost of drilling a new well, not exceeding $40,000.

β€œThe most expensive quote for a well in Klamath County so far has been $90,000,” she said. β€œEven with the reimbursement it’s going to cost them an additional $50,000.”

She said Pacific Crest Credit Union in Klamath Falls has agreed to help homeowners get a line of credit or personal loan at a special interest rate to help pay for new wells.

Still, she worries about how feasible it is for many people she knows to put in new wells.

β€œJust three neighbors have wells that are working now,” she said. β€œSeveral of my neighbors are retirees and are on a fixed income.”

Sherryll Hoar is lead emergency communications and outreach strategist at the Department of Human Services. She said it’s too early to know whether  water deliveries will become the norm in southern Oregon. Hoar said the department’s role was to make sure the water gets delivered.

β€œIt’s a solution for now,” she said, β€œbut persistent drought seems to be in our future for a long time.”

The post As wells run dry, Oregon residents depend on a state program that trucks in water appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle .

Tip of The Week For July 4, 2022- Fireworks Safety

                                                               FIREWORKS SAFETY

The Fourth of July is just a few days away which means fireworks and celebration. While this year Oregon and our local communities haven’t been encountering very dry conditions, it is still possible that the weather during these months will be a bit dryer in some areas. This increases the potential for fire hazard. Fireworks are recognized as a celebratory activity by many, however, there are some very important safety measures to consider while using and displaying them. Here are some important tips to remember to ensure a safe holiday celebration. 

It is extremely important to know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device. Illegal items in Oregon include any firework that flies into the air, explodes or behaves in an uncontrolled or unpredicted manner. Some examples include: Firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, bottle rockets, or any other article of similar construction or any article containing any explosive or inflammable compound. 

Any tablets or other device containing any explosive substances or inflammable compound are also not legal in Oregon without a permit. Items such as M-80s, M-100s and blockbusters are not fireworks, they are federally banned explosives. They can cause serious injury or even death. Stay away from anything that isn’t clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer’s name and instructions for proper use.

Pets are more sensitive to loud noises and flashing lights and strong smells. It is best to leave your pest safely indoors, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to soften jarring noises. If you cannot leave your pet indoors, keep them leashed and under your direct control at all times. Safeguard your pet with a collar and ID tag and possibly a microchip update with your current contact information. 

All fireworks are prohibited in all state parks and on ocean beaches.

Possession of illegal fireworks in Oregon is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or six months in jail. If you are aware of anyone selling such devices, contact your local law enforcement agency.

Fireworks are not toys. NEVER give fireworks to young children. Close adult supervision of all fireworks activities is mandatory. Even sparklers can be unsafe if used improperly. 

Read and follow all warnings and instructions on fireworks. Be sure that people maintain a safe distance from where fireworks are ignited. Never light and throw any fireworks. Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials. Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction and fire dangers due to current drought conditions. Please be mindful. 

Please have a safe Fourth of July.

For more information and tips, visit our web site at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is missing-in-oregon-tab.png
May be an image of 3 people, beard and text
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, Friday; Authorities and Fans Prepare for Macklemore Concert

Brian Casey

Time to Change Clocks Back Again

Renee Shaw

Rogue Valley News, Wednesday 5/12 – Medford Launches Interactive Evacuation Zone Map, Fire Season Officially Begins Today

Renee Shaw