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
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Rogue Valley Weather
HEAT ADVISORY ISSUED: AUG. 17, 2022 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 PM PDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...High temperatures of 100 to 110 degrees expected. * WHERE...In California, the valleys of western and central Siskiyou County. In Oregon, far eastern Curry County and portions of Josephine and Jackson Counties. This includes the Illinois, Applegate, Rogue, Shasta and Klamath River Valley and the communities of Medford, Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Ruch, Yreka, Happy Camp, Shady Cove and Ashland. * WHEN...From 11 AM today to 11 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Overnight temperatures will be warm aswell during this time period, and may limit relief from the daytime heat. Cloud cover from anticipated showers/thunderstorms may limit how warm temperatures get during the day and how cool they get during the overnight hours. Temperatures will lower by a few degrees Thursday, but will still be hot. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr
Thieves Steal Early Fire Detection Cameras From Lookout Tower Near Prospect
JCSO Case 22-4725 Early Fire Detection Camera Power Equipment Stolen near Prospect
PROSPECT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is investigating the theft of Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) equipment stolen from a lookout tower in the Prospect area. Two men broke into the tower on Sunday afternoon around 12:45. The thieves stole batteries and solar panels used to power the lookout tower’s fire detection camera. With these items stolen, the camera is no longer operational, leaving a hole in the camera network and taking away the opportunity for early fire detection.
The ODF Southwest Oregon Detection Center is a system of cameras across Jackson and Josephine counties used to monitor rural areas in an effort to catch fires at a small size, provide critical fire information to firefighters responding to active incidents, and allow the department to use resources more strategically. This particular tower enables early fire detection for the northeastern portion of Jackson County near Prospect. ODF is currently working as quickly as possible to get the camera system back up and running. The list of items stolen includes batteries and solar panels to power the cameras.
If you can identify the subjects in the video and photos or have any information about the theft please call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case # 22-4725.
High-Tech Crimes Task Force Discovers Local Child Victim After Digital Devices Seized During Search Warrant, Butte Falls Suspect Arrested for Child Sex Abuse
JCSO Case 22-2677
BUTTE FALLS, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force arrested a suspect today on multiple child sexual abuse charges. Joshua Remington Pettry, 28, is lodged in the Jackson County Jail on charges of using a child in the display of sexually explicit content, first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, and incest.
The case began when SOCET received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that numerous images of child exploitation were uploaded from Pettry’s residence on the 300 block of Broad Street in Butte Falls. SOCET and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Patrol deputies served a search warrant July 26 and seized several digital devices.
Based on evidence uncovered at the scene, SOCET arrested Pettry on two counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse. Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force forensically examined the devices and uncovered further evidence of child exploitation with a local victim, leading to the additional charges. This case will be prosecuted by the Jackson County District Attorney’s office. Further information will come from the DA’s office.
SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation and human trafficking. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO, Grants Pass Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations; as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County.
As temperatures in the region are expected to reach triple digits, health officials are reminding residents to take any necessary precautions they may need to stay safe in the heat and how to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Dr. Leona O’Keefe, the medical director for Jackson County Public Health, and Valeree Lane, the public information officer for Klamath County Public Health urge residents to have a plan for days when temperatures are predicted to be higher than usual, especially during the hottest part of the day.
“We know we have some days which are going to be over a hundred degrees, if your home doesn’t have an air conditioner, know of a place where you can go to stay cool, whether that be at a family member’s house or a friend’s house or the public library,” Dr. O’Keefe said.
- For residents in Josephine County, the Unitarian Universalists of Grants Pass and the Josephine County Food Bank are partnering to host a cooling shelter every day this week from 4 pm to 8 pm and is located at 129 NW E St in Grants Pass.
- For residents in Jackson County, the City of Medford is opening a cooling shelter Wednesday at the Medford Library from noon to 8 pm. On Thursday, the shelter will open at the former Inn at the Commons at 200 North Riverside Ave. from noon to 8 pm.
Both health officials said staying hydrated by consuming water is key for everyone to stay safe in the heat and if you must be outdoors during the hottest portions of the day, there are extra steps you can take to stay safe.
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/tzKu50Klp3a
Monkeypox (hMPXV) may start with flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, achiness, or sore throat, but may also start with a rash or sores.If you’re feeling sick and notice any new rashes — especially on the genitals or around the anus — avoid close skin-to-skin contact and talk to a health care provider (or call 211 if you don’t have one).
Before the appointment, let your provider know that you think you might have monkeypox and cover any lesions you have. Ask your provider about monkeypox testing. You may be eligible for testing, even if you’re not in a high-risk category. Most cases of monkeypox have been detected among gay or bisexual men or men who report having sex with other men.
While monkeypox cases are rising in Oregon, it’s important to remember that monkeypox is not another COVID-19. To learn more about monkeypox, including how it is spread and who is most at risk, visit http://ow.ly/mwPI50Klsqi.
OHA and ODE hold media briefing Wednesday on COVID-19 and the 2022-2023 school year
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Education (ODE) are co-hosting a COVID-19 media availability on Wednesday, Aug. 17, from 1-2 p.m., via Zoom.
Dean Sidelinger, M.D. MSEd, health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA, will provide an update on the state’s pandemic response and the importance of COVID-19 vaccines and routine childhood immunizations. Colt Gill, director of ODE, will highlight what families and students can expect with COVID-19 planning and in-person instruction for the academic year. Both will be available to answer reporters’ questions. A livestream will be available for the public on YouTube.
Wildfire Updates
The thousand-acre Windigo Fire crews have 78% containment today. The wildfire is burning north of Crater Lake National Park along the Klamath-Douglas County line.
Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 10 (NWT10) assumed command of the Windigo, Big Swamp and Potter Fires 6am today, saying incident objectives remain the same as, “fire managers will work to minimize further fire spread, the impacts of wildfire and suppression activities on commercial timberland, forest campgrounds and recreational facilities while maintaining relationships within the community served. NWT10 will remain vigilant in accomplishing the established mission in the safest way possible as we experience changes in assigned resources, critical weather and fire behavior.”
Windigo Fire crews are working across the 1,007-acres fire area today to protect public safety and prevent further degradation of the landscape and to mitigate post-fire damages to cultural resource.
The nearby Potter Fire is 473 acres in size, getting attention today on its east and south sides where fire crews will work on line preparation and attempt tactical burnout operations as conditions permit.
Also nearby, the Big Swamp Fire has burned 121 acres where hotshot crews are advancing hand line construction around the perimeter of the fire and mop-up operations have started on the south and western portions of the fire.
871 total fire personnel include 27 hand crews, 22 engines, nine dozers, 11 water tenders and eight Type 1 helicopters.
For closure information check updated Big Swamp, Windigo, and Potter Fires information online.
For more information on ODF’s firefighting efforts, visit ODF’s Wildfire Blog or follow them on ODF’s Facebook account.
Johnson Delivers Signatures to Get Her Name on November Ballots
After months of speculation and campaigning, former StateSenator Betsy Johnson is another step closer to being an official candidate for Oregon Governor.
Her campaign says supporters delivered 48,214 signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office on Tuesday.
Because she’s not affiliated with a political party, she needs 23,744 valid signatures to qualify for the November ballot.
She says “by delivering more than twice the number of signatures needed, we’ve made it very difficult for the political establishment to imagine ways to keep me off the ballot.”
The Secretary of State has until August 30th to verify those signatures. Johnson faces Democrat Tina Kotek and Republican Christine Drazan in the gubernatorial race.
Authorities Warn Potent ‘Rainbow Fentanyl’ Is Spreading On The West Coast
Authorities are warning that a more potent form of fentanyl is making its way along the West Coast after a bag of the drug was seized during the execution of a warrant in Portland recently.
Deputies found body armor, $5,000 in cash, nine guns, some of which were modified and stolen, and drugs including meth, heroin, 800 pills of fentanyl and four grams of multi-colored, powdered fentanyl, often referred to as ‘rainbow fentanyl.’ in the suspect’s home in Northeast Portland, according to a statement on Tuesday.
“We are partnering with Multnomah County health departments to sound the alarm,” SIU Sergeant Matt Ferguson said. “The public needs to be aware of the rising use of powdered fentanyl. We believe this is going to be the new trend seen on the streets of Portland.”
Deputies are particularly concerned about rainbow fentanyl getting into the hands of young adults or children, who mistake the drug for something else, such as candy or a toy, or those who may be willing to try the drug due to its playful coloring. The powdered fentanyl found during this investigation resembles the color and consistency of sidewalk chalk. The rising use of powdered fentanyl and the brightly colored variations is cause for concern. Fentanyl in powder form generally has a higher potency than other forms of fentanyl. The colorful fentanyl powders are new to most law enforcement agencies. Providers in recovery treatment also report being unfamiliar with the new form of fentanyl.
People who choose to use drugs outside of a care plan developed with a healthcare provider should take steps to reduce the risk of overdose. Don’t use alone, in case you or someone you’re with starts to overdose. Signs of overdose include:
- Pale or clammy skin
- Bluish or pale lips and fingernails
- Limp body
- Slow or no breathing
- Vomiting or foaming at the mouth
- Difficult to or not able to awaken
Naloxone, a medication that counteracts the effects of opioids, can reverse an overdose. Oregon’s Good Samaritan Law will protect both the person who administers naloxone and the person who is overdosing from prosecution.
The University of Oregon’s Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to appoint Patrick Phillips as the University’s interim president.
Phillips started as a faculty member at the University in 2000. He is currently the provost and senior vice president at the University. He’s served as the director of the Institute of Ecology and Evolution, and led the University’s Biology department.
Phillips will officially start as interm president on August 20. The Board of Trustees will start the search for a new permanent president during its meetings on September 15-16.
Last week, Michael Schill announced he would be leaving the University of Oregon to become the new president at
Northwestern University.
Oregon Firefighter and His Twin Brother Perish In A Plane Crash
A 38-year-old firefighter from Oregon died in a small plane crash Monday, according to Bend Fire & Rescue.
Daniel Harro was flying with his twin brother Mark near Yellow Pine, Idaho, when their plane crashed, fire officials said in a written statement.
The brothers were returning to Bend from a backcountry plane camping trip near McCall, Idaho. Daniel Harro was flying the plane and was an avid flight
enthusiast, officials said.
The cause of the crash is unknown and under investigation by local authorities, fire officials said.
Harro had been with Bend Fire since 2014 as a firefighter and paramedic after previously working for the Scappoose Fire Department in Oregon, officials said. Bend Fire Chief Todd Riley said Harro was well-loved and well-respected by everyone who worked with him.
Woman Pleads Not Guilty In Chiloquin Murder As Sister Gets Released
Hailie Harkins entered a plea of not guilty to a list of charges at her arraignment Monday, which included second-degree murder for the killing of Tyler Bates, 33, of Chiloquin on Aug. 7th.
Harkins faces a total of 12 charges related to the incident, all felonies. In addition to the second-degree murder charge, these include first- and second-degree manslaughter; first- and second-degree assault and three counts of unlawful use of a weapon. Her court appointed lawyer is Phil Studenberg, who also represents Ward 1 on the Klamath City Council. Judge Andrea Janney set Harkin’s next court date for Sept. 15 and continued to deny her bail.
Raylin Harkins, Hailie’s sister, who after the incident was originally charged with conspiracy to commit murder, was not indicted and will instead be released.
The Harkins sisters appeared remotely before the court on a screen that was projected at the front of the room. Neither expressed noticeable emotion during their appearance before the court. They both moved through the process quickly and without incident.
Crews Quickly Contain Grass Fire At Florence Airport
A grass fire at Florence Airport on Tuesday afternoon threw a lot of smoke, but didn’t injure anyone or harm any buildings or equipment, officials say.
The fire reportedly broke out at about 2:30 p.m. on August 16. Wind pushed the fire south, but fire crews were eventually able to slow its spread. Officials said the fire started when crews were doing some crack sealing on the runway and somehow sparked the fire.
Officials say no planes were involved or damaged, and no one was hurt in the fire. “Upon arrival, with a quick response with Oregon department of Forestry and the city of Florence were able to contain the fire to the grass island between the airport’s runway and taxiway.”
Officials say 1.63 acres were burned. The airport is closed all week due to runway repairs.
Women Missing Since May 1st 2022 between Medford, Grants Pass and Roseburg per Oregon State Police (Jackson, Josephine and Douglas County)
| 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 FOUND MURDERED 7/21/2022 |
| CORI BOSHANE MCCANN 7/8/2022 |
| SHYHAILA SMITH 7/12/2022 |
| ALEZAE LILYANNE MARTINEZ 7/13/2022 |
| RAVEN RILEY 7/13/2022 |
| TAHUANA RILEY 7/13/2022 |
| DANIELLE NEWVILLE 7/14/2022 |
| CONNIE LORAINE BOND 7/19/2022 |
| KARIN DAWN RUSSELL 7/19/2022 |
| CHEYENNE SPRINGS 7/19/2022 |
| KAREN ANNETTE SCIORTINO 7/22/2022 |
| MARLENE HICKEY 7/23/2022 |
| MAKAYLA MAY VAUGHT 7/23/2022 |
| WENDY JEAN HAZEN 7/26/2022 |
| SHAHE SOPHIA CATRANIDES 7/27/2022 |
| NAVEAH LEIGH BILYEU 8/1/2022 |
| DEBI ANN HARPER 8/3/2022 |
| CHARLIZE D GIBSON 8/3/2022 |
Women Missing Since May 1st 2022 in Lane County per Oregon State Police
| REISA 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 |
| ANGELINA MARIE NAZAR 7/16/2022 |
| LUCIA MARTHA PANNIER 7/17/2022 |
| MALINA LINN COATS 7/20/2022 |
| KATHY A VERNACCHIO 7/23/2022 |
| JANE MARIE HOLLIMAN 7/23/2022 |
| ASHLEY MARIE SEELEY 7/27/2022 |
| LILLY ANNE WARMUTH 7/28/2022 |
| MALINA LINN COATS 7/29/2022 |
| JORDYN CLARA GOHL 7/31/2022 |
| QAVAH ALAH TILLILIE 7/31/2022 |
| TALYNN RYLIE MERTZ 8/1/2022 |
| YASINIA CALLISTA GUTIERREZ 8/3/2022 |
As of 8/9/2022, there are now 51women missing between Medford and Eugene. Sadly Kendra Hanks has been found murdered, though that takes her off the list. We send thoughts and prayers to her family as well as the families of all missing people in our area.
51 women missing in just less than 3 1/2 months. That averages out to 15 missing per month. Something needs to be done.
This is just a small compilation of missing women and their pictures in the area. There are of course women missing all over Oregon and men and children missing too. We don’t mean to dismiss that, however, there is an inordinate amount of women who go missing each week and there could possibly be a connection with an anomaly or two here and there. Sadly most of them never get any attention. Family and friends must keep any information going and lead investigations so that they aren’t just forgotten.
https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/
