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, July 18, 2022
Rogue Valley Weather
Task Force Busts Black-Market Marijuana Grow; Arrests Armed Suspect Attempting to Flee; Seizes Nearly 3k Plants, Ghost Gun, Stolen Pistol, 1k Lbs. Processed Cannabis; Code Enforcement Fines Total $18k
JCSO Case 22-4007 – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives including Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and Medford Police Department (MPD) officers served a search warrant on a marijuana grow site on the 4100 block of Corey Road in Central Point early Thursday morning.
An armed suspect attempted to flee the scene but was quickly detained hiding at a nearby property on the 3400 block of Randall Avenue. The suspect was armed with a pistol and has been charged with interfering with a peace officer, resisting arrest, second-degree criminal trespass, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful carrying or concealing of a firearm, and unlawful manufacture of marijuana. The suspect was lodged in the Jackson County Jail.
The property contained approximately 2,748 illegal cannabis plants in seven greenhouses, as well as approximately 1000 lbs. of processed black-market marijuana, and seven firearms. One of the seized rifles was a “ghost gun” which means it has no serial number. These guns are often made at home with parts purchased separately and then assembled, making it difficult to trace. One of the handguns was reported stolen out of Florida. On the property eight subjects were detained, interviewed, and released. The illegal cannabis was seized and destroyed on site. Detectives identified additional suspects and investigations are ongoing.
This case was the result of a months-long investigation of an illegal/black market marijuana growing operation. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene to conduct an independent investigation. Code Enforcement issued citations totaling $18,000 for unapproved marijuana production, unapproved greenhouses, solid waste, and riparian corridor destruction.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, MPD, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.
Missing Man Found Deceased Near Mill Creek Falls
It is with great sadness that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) confirms that Cecile “Kim” Smith was located deceased today in the area of Mill Creek Falls.
Smith was located along with his dog by family friends that had came out to search for him. JCSO Deputies and Search and Rescue were on scene searching as well and responded to investigate. Preliminary investigations determine that Smith had fallen in the rugged terrain.
Smith was recovered via helicopter and turned over to a JCSO Deputy Medical Examiner detective. Smith’s dog was ok and assisted out by the same family friends. Thanks to everyone that responded to help.
Alarming Number of Missing Women in Southern Oregon
Another woman has been reported missing in Southern Oregon. Mariah Sharp has been missing from the Central Point location since June 12th, 2022. Mariah Sharp is 5’7″ – thin build – long light brown/blonde hair – light blue eyes. She has a tattoo on her upper chest.
The last time she had contact with her family was when she dropped off her daughter at their home on June 11th, 2022 and then was seen on her friends Ring Camera in Central Point right after midnight on June 13th, 2022. That was the last time she was seen. Her daughters birthday party was planned for the next day and Mariah never showed, called or messaged anyone.
Mariah then traveled in her red Kia car to Cave Junction, OR where she had parked behind Perfect Pizza for weeks. She was living out of her car in the parking lot behind the pizza place where the pizza employees had witnessed her staying there until June 21st, 2022 when they had seen her walk off from her car to never return and has vanished.
Her car was disabled in the pizza parking lot and eventually left abandoned. Mariah’s family filed a Missing Person Report with the Central Point Police Department in the beginning of July and posted her details on Facebook. It was then that the pizza employee saw the post and contacted Mariah’s mom to let her know he’s seen her and the details about her car being abandoned. Central Point Police reached out to the employee and has the information for the police report. The Detective is investigating Mariah’s phone and bank activity.
Mariah has never left her two minor children without contact and it’s not in her character to leave without a trace. Her two children, family, and friends need her back home, and is desperate for the community’s help to bring Mariah back home.
Please share this to spread the word. You can call the family at: 541-630-0355 or Central Point Department at: 541-664-5578 Case #24-22-4366 – or leave a PM on this Facebook Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/439056298111359
Women Missing Since May 1st 2022 between Medford, Grants Pass and Roseburg per Oregon State Police
| MAKENNA KENDALL 5/3/2022 |
| ERICA LEE HUTCHINSON 5/26/2022 |
| MARIAH DANIELLE SHARP 6/12/2022 |
| KAITLYN RAE NELSON 6/14/2022 |
| BROOKLYN JOHNS 6/14/2022 |
| DONNA LEPP 6/27/2022 |
| BARBARA DELEPINE 7/4/2022 |
| KENDRA MARIE HANKS 7/7/2022 |
| CORI BOSHANE MCCANN 7/8/2022 |
| RAVEN RILEY 7/13/2022 |
| TAHUANA RILEY 7/13/2022 |
Women Missing Since May 1st 2022 in Lane County per Oregon State Police
| BREISA RAQUEAL SIKEL 5/3/2022 |
| HANNAH MARIE RHOTEN 5/17/2022 |
| MARISSA ALEESA DAMBROSIO 5/18/2022 |
| ISABELLA BROSOWSKEYOUNGBLOOD 6/7/2022 |
| LOUISA DAY AVA 5/28/2022 |
| AMY CHRISTINA SULLIVAN 6/1/2022 |
| NIKKI ELIZABETH ZEREBNY 6/6/2022 |
| SHADOW STAR SEVIGNY 6/17/2022 |
| SHAUNA LEAH HOGAN 6/17/2022 |
| AIRIONNA CHEALSEY RHODES 6/27/2022 |
| KARISSA RENEE ADAMS 7/6/2000 |
| VERONICA ESSYNCE DELERIO 7/6/2022 |
| AUBRIE HANNA STEPHENS 7/10/2022 |
| LARA IVEY STEINMETZ 7/11/2022 |
| SARA LINDSAY SCHAEFER 7/12/2022 |
That’s 26 women missing in 2 1/2 months between Medford and the Eugene area. Four more just over the last couple of days. That averages out to 8 women missing per month in Southern Oregon.
There are 85 women still reported as missing in this area since July 1st of 2019 – That’s an average of 28 per year and it seems it is only accelerating. Something needs to be done to make this a priority. https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
Man Sets up Roadblock on Thompson Creek, Shoots Theft Suspect on Public Roadway; Charged with Attempted Murder
JCSO Case 22-4098 — A suspect is in the Jackson County Jail Sunday morning after shooting an alleged theft suspect last night on Thompson Creek Road near Jacksonville. The shooting victim was shot three times while driving past the suspect on a public roadway.
The suspect, Douglas Brinton Walker, 64, of Williams, Ore., has been charged with first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and second-degree attempted murder. The victim is in a local hospital and currently out of surgery and in recovery.
Just before 10 p.m. last night Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies received a report of shots fired and a car speeding off northbound on the 6000 block of Thompson Creek Road. Around 45 minutes later, the victim knocked on a resident’s door on the 17000 block of Highway 238 and reported being shot. Oregon State Police, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, and JCSO responded. A Mercy Flights ambulance transported the victim to a local hospital. Around that time the shooting suspect called in and reported he set up a roadblock on Thompson Creek Rd. and shot at a person that allegedly stole items from his property. The shooting incident was not near the reported theft.
JCSO Criminal Investigations Division detectives are currently investigating the case. More information to follow.
Fatality accident in Cave Junction. Illinois Valley Fire District
7/16/2022, call time 1257 hours, IVFD, AMR, Sheriffs Office, OSP, ODF, Jerry’s Tow and PPL responded to the 2000 block of Rockydale for a single vehicle fatality crash.
There will be no pictures posted and the scene has been turned over to the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Death of An Adult Female Found In Cow Creek
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an adult female found in Cow Creek near Riddle. On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a deceased person found in Cow Creek in approximately the 9000-block of Cow Creek Road.
Investigators responded to the scene and confirmed the death of an adult female. The Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded. Identification and next of kin notification are pending. The investigation is ongoing and no further details will be released at this time.
Josephine County Approved For Behavioral Health Resource Networks – Jackson & Klamath Counties Waiting Approval
Oregon’s drug decriminalization oversight council is adding Josephine County to the State’s list of counties with approved Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRN) for support of Oregon Measure 110 — and support from its funding.
A BHRN is a drug addiction treatment and recovery program approved for viable implementation and State funding from Oregon’s Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act of 2020, also known as Measure 110.
Its Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC) now is including Josephine County among approved BHRNs in 27 county regions for drug treatment and recovery services.
Measure 110 OAC approved four BHRNs this month, in Josephine, Coos, Tillamook and Clackamas Counties, with Josephine County’s approval coming Wednesday.
The OAC now has approved BHRNs in 27 of Oregon’s 36 counties. In May its subcommittees were expected to review a BHRN application from Jackson County, the same time frame given for Josephine County’s BHRN consideration.
Oregon Health Authority says the new approvals are an investment of more than $32.1 million, raising Oregon’s total BHRN funding to more than $124.8 million as, “To date, nearly $166 million has been allocated in support of Measure 110, including Access to Care (ATC) grant funding.”
OHA has a statewide map showing BHRNs approved for funding (in orange), and other BHRNs selected by the OAC (in blue) in negotiations for funding approval, such as Jackson and Klamath Counties.
A three-month extension was offered to ATC grantees through September 30, 2022. The original 66 recipients so far have received more than $10 million. OHA says those additional funds are in the process of being disbursed, making total ATC funds to be disbursed approximately $41.6 million to prevent a lapse of funding or interruption of service for grantees while OAC continues to review and approve applications.
It says, “ATC grantees comprise 70 substance use treatment programs that provide treatment, housing, vocational training and other life-changing support services.”
Measure 110 passed a November 2020 vote by Oregon voters as the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act of 2020, which became effective December 4, 2020. The measure intends to serve people using substances or diagnosed with a substance use disorder with drug treatment and recovery services. OHA says it was written to advocate for criminal justice reform “in response to the high rate of drug addiction and overdoses in Oregon, and the disproportionate impact of those outcomes on Oregon’s communities of color.”
Drug Overdoses Again at Josephine County Jail
Late last week, an adult in custody at the Josephine County Jail began experiencing a medical emergency. While they were being treated, two other inmates began suffering symptoms consistent with fentanyl overdose.
Two of the inmates were revived with Narcan and transported to Asante Three River Medical Center for observation, according to Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel.
Friday, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Department released the findings that an Adult In Custody (AIC) experienced a medical emergency while in their cell. The AIC received immediate treatment and was placed on medical observation.
During this same period two AIC’s located in another cell block ingested drugs that were smuggled into the facility. The two AIC’s experienced overdose symptoms consistent with fentanyl and were treated by jail staff until medical personnel arrived on scene to further assess their condition.
All AIC’s involved were transported to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment. All three of the AIC’s have or are expected to make a full recovery. The Sheriff’s Office will not identify who the involved AIC’s are as this relates to their private medical matters. The investigation into just how the drugs got into the facility continues this week.
COVID-19 remains widespread across Oregon. Consider spending more time outside with friends and family as much as possible over indoor activities. If you are indoors, wearing a well-fitting mask – such as a KF94, KN95, N95 or a cloth mask over a surgical mask – offers additional protection. The current COVID-19 vaccines remain effective at preventing severe illness and death. COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone 6 months and up; COVID-19 boosters to everyone 5 years and up. To learn more and find a COVID-19 vaccine near you, visit http://ow.ly/nnSn50JXhWb.
The new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is easy to remember – just like 911 – and offers compassionate care and support for anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, substance use, or any other kind of behavioral health crisis.You can also dial 988 if you’re worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7. Available on every landline, cell phone and voice-over-internet device in the United States, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Fire Officials Warn Wildfire Fuels Are Dangerously Dry
Even though this spring made history by being one of the wettest on record in Oregon, now that summer has arrived in full force, fire crews say that an extra dose of precipitation is already drying out.
Local fire crews, along with the Oregon State Climatologist, are calling it a false sense of security. All that rain the Pacific Northwest has been boasting about during spring is now running low.
Now, the fuels firefighters watch so closely during the summer are dangerously dry. When you’re in the forest, you’re walking on what’s called the duff layer. This is where you’ll find pine needles, small sticks, and other build-ups. About two inches below that is the surface soil layer. Even further down is the root layer. It’s about three feet deep.
This is where the concern lies for fire crews. According to the most recent wildland fire potential outlook, parts of eastern Washington and Oregon are at a higher-than-normal risk for a wildfire.
Looking at the U.S. Drought Monitor, about a third of Oregon is still under extreme drought.
The Oregon Department of Forestry reminds the community as temperatures heat up this week, it takes all Oregonians to prevent wildfires.
Officials say to not park your car over tall or dry grass, know the burn bans before you spend time outdoors, and safely dispose of cigarette butts.
Road Rage Victim Killed Near Grand Ronde
(Grand Ronde, OR) — Oregon State Police need the public’s help to find a suspect in a road rage incident that left a man dead on Highway 18 in the Coast Range west of Grand Ronde. It happened Wednesday night around 9 p.m.
The victim stopped to let the suspect vehicle pass when a passenger in the vehicle fired multiple shots, killing the driver. A passenger in the victim’s vehicle escaped injury. Investigators are looking for a black car with a round emblem on its hood. The shooting suspect is described as a young man in his early 20s, small in stature with short, dark hair.
Juvenile Killed In Officer Involved Shooting in Salem
(Salem, OR) — Police say a wanted juvenile was killed in an officer-involved shooting Wednesday afternoon in Salem. The suspect was wanted for a shooting at Salem Center Mall in March and a shooting in a parking lot at Columbia Bank last month.
Police found the suspect in a car on Oak Park Drive Northeast and claim the suspect pulled a gun, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The suspect died at the scene. An officer was also injured, but he’s expected to survive. The officers are identified as Brian Frazzini, Eric Hernandez, Ryan Morris and Adam Waite. They’re on administrative leave during the investigation.
Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Busts Illegal Marijuana Grow Near Sprague River
Another illegal marijuana grow has been busted in Southern Oregon, this time in Klamath County near Sprague River.
According to the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, on Wednesday Klamath County Sheriff’s detectives, deputies, and members of the Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET) served a search warrant on a marijuana grow operation near Sprague.
According to police, the property, located on Curry Street, contained multiple illegal cannabis plants in temporarily placed “hoop-style” greenhouses.
During the search several illegal cannabis plants were seized and destroyed on site.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office has informed us that Kenneth Wilson, a suspect, who was on scene at the time the search warrant was served was interviewed and later arrested and lodged at the Klamath County Jail for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana, and Unlawful Use of Ground Water.
According to police this case was the result of an extensive investigation of illegal/black market marijuana growing operations. For this site, police say there was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing. Klamath County Code Enforcement responded to the scene as did the Oregon State Water Master and Klamath County Solid Waste.
In addition to the criminal charges, Oregon State Water Master and Code Enforcement found the grow operation in violation of their enforcement code.
If you have information on illegal marijuana grow operations please contact us at mjtipline@klamathcounty.org
Fatal Crash Hwy 97- Klamath County
On July 16, 2022, at approximately 4:12 p.m., Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 230.
A Suburban was traveling south on Hwy 97 when the vehicle in front of them rapidly decelerated. The driver of the Suburban, Andrew Castricone (58) from San Carlos, CA, swerved into the northbound lanes striking an FJ Cruiser head-on. The FJ Cruiser, driven by Ramsey Mohammed Mahmoud Shanbaky (43) from San Mateo, Ca. hit the vehicle behind it, a Subaru, driven by Kevin Richard Smith (34) from Medford. Another vehicle, a Lexus, driven by Robert Brian Anderson (63) from Chico, Ca., sustained damage from the crash debris.
The driver, Andrew Castricone, and one of the passengers, Nicole Lindeman (20) from San Carlos, Ca, of the Suburban were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the FJ Cruiser, Ramsey Mohammed Mahmoud Shanbaky, was also pronounced deceased at the scene.
All other occupants of the Suburban and FJ Cruiser were transported to an area hospital with serious injuries as well as the driver of the Subaru.
The crash blocked Hwy 97 for approximately 3 hours. OSP was assisted by Chiloquin Fire and Rescue, Chemult Rural Fire, and the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Cattlemen Disburse Wildfire Grant Funds to Affected Ranchers
2021 was another disastrous year of large and dangerous wildfires that swept through rangelands in many areas of Oregon. The loss of grazing ground and timberland were devastating but farm structures were also destroyed. We deeply thank the many dedicated folks that risk their lives fighting these fires and protecting people, livestock and property.
OCA Wildfire Assistance fund has been a gathering place for receiving and disbursing donations for Wildfire Assistance to affected cattle producers. In 2019 and 2020 over $45,000 was distributed for wildfire losses to affected producers. OCA received over $37,000 in donations to assist cattle producers and other entities covering losses and expenses caused by 2021 Wildfires.
Cattle producers were eligible for funds to reimburse losses incurred from 2021 wildfires. Applications were taken through May 31, 2022 to allow producers time to assess losses and costs. The majority of the funds will go to replacing fencing, burned working/loading facilities, costs of relocating cattle and horses to other grazing areas and purchasing additional feed to replace burned range land. The majority of the losses were as a result of the Bootleg and Cougar Peak fires in Lake and Klamath Counties and wildfire in Douglas County.
The applications were reviewed by the OCA Private Lands – Wildfire Assistance Committee and approved for disbursement. Total loss applications received were $128,886. 100% of the funds totaling $37,790 will be distributed to 7 applicants approved for funding.
Major donors were Grange Co-op, Northwest Farm Credit Services, BL & RA Hjort, Aaron Borror and Malott Livestock, LLC. A total of 34 individual and business donors contributed to the fund and many more donated at the OCA fund raiser. OCA appreciates every donation to help producers recover some of their losses. Oregon Cattlemen’s Association
AAA Survey Shows Car Shoppers Still Hesitant to Buy Electric Vehicles
Despite improved technology and a reduction in purchase prices, Americans aren’t rushing out to buy electric vehicles. “Gas and diesel prices soared to record highs this spring, and that has made electric vehicles more attractive to about a quarter of all consumers, especially younger generations,” AAA’s Marie Dodds states, “But other factors, including the higher purchase cost of an EV, concerns about access to charging, and range anxiety, are still holding consumers back from going electric.”
In the survey, about 25% of respondents say they’re next vehicle is likely to be electric, “The number one reason is to save money on fuel – 77% say that’s why they’d want an EV,” says Dodds. But, 24% weren’t sure about buying an EV, while 51% thought it was unlikely or very unlikely they’d buy one.
The numbers haven’t changed much since a 2019 survey. Dodds says consumers are worried about the higher price tag for EVs, access to charging and, there’s what she calls range anxiety, “60% of Americans think electric vehicles can travel between 100 to 350 miles before running out of charge, which is true. These findings suggest the increase in range over the last several years isn’t enough to completely address consumer concerns.”
No surprise, younger drivers are more likely to buy EV: 30% of Millennials compared to 16% of Baby Boomers.
Women Missing Since May between Medford, Grants Pass and Roseburg per Oregon State Police
| MAKENNA KENDALL 5/3/2022 |
| ERICA LEE HUTCHINSON 5/26/2022 |
| DANIELLE MARIAH SHARP 6/12/2022 |
| KAITLYN RAE NELSON 6/14/2022 |
| BROOKLYN JOHNS 6/14/2022 |
| DONNA LEPP 6/27/2022 |
| BARBARA DELEPINE 7/4/2022 |
| KENDRA MARIE HANKS 7/7/2022 |
| CORI BOSHANE MCCANN 7/8/2022 |
| RAVEN RILEY 7/13/2022 |
| TAHUANA RILEY 7/13/2022 |
Women Missing Since May in Lane County per Oregon State Police
| BREISA RAQUEAL SIKEL 5/3/2022 |
| HANNAH MARIE RHOTEN 5/17/2022 |
| MARISSA ALEESA DAMBROSIO 5/18/2022 |
| ISABELLA BROSOWSKEYOUNGBLOOD 6/7/2022 |
| LOUISA DAY AVA 5/28/2022 |
| AMY CHRISTINA SULLIVAN 6/1/2022 |
| NIKKI ELIZABETH ZEREBNY 6/6/2022 |
| SHADOW STAR SEVIGNY 6/17/2022 |
| SHAUNA LEAH HOGAN 6/17/2022 |
| AIRIONNA CHEALSEY RHODES 6/27/2022 |
| KARISSA RENEE ADAMS 7/6/2000 |
| VERONICA ESSYNCE DELERIO 7/6/2022 |
| AUBRIE HANNA STEPHENS 7/10/2022 |
| LARA IVEY STEINMETZ 7/11/2022 |
| SARA LINDSAY SCHAEFER 7/12/2022 |
That’s 26 women missing in 2 1/2 months between Medford and the Eugene area. Four more just over the last couple of days. That averages out to 8 women missing per month in Southern Oregon. https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/