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, September 1, 2022
Rogue Valley Weather
AIR QUALITY ALERT ISSUED – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM PDT THURSDAY... Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory for Curry, Jackson, and Josephine counties...in effect until at least 5 PM PDT Thursday. The Rum Creek Wildfire burning in the region combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQs Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone. For additional information...please visit the web site at http://www.oregon.gov/deq or download the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.
Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Search Warrant Illegal Grow Bust
On August 30, 2022, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed four search warrants between the 5300 block and the 5700 block of Rockydale Road in Josephine County regarding illegal marijuana grow sites. The search warrants were executed with the assistance of Josephine County Code Enforcement, Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE), Oregon State Police Southwest Region Drug Enforcement Section Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
During the execution of the warrants approximately 2,700 growing marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. In addition to the growing marijuana plants, approximately 90,000 pounds of processed marijuana was located in multiple outbuildings. Two firearms and $3,500 were also seized.
The properties also had multiple electrical, water and solid waste code violations. These violations could result in the civil forfeiture of the property.
Four individuals were detained for officer safety and later released. Ayala Cristobel was taken into custody and lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.
At the time of this press release the investigation is ongoing and no further details are being released.
West Nile Virus Detected In Jackson County Mosquitoes
Jackson County Public Health office says the West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the county.
Jackson County Public Health (JCPH) says mosquitoes caught in two areas around Central Point and White City last week make the first time West Nile virus has been found in Jackson County this year after the virus surfaced three times in August 2021.
JCPH says the mosquitoes were collected by the Jackson County Vector Control District as part of a routine monitoring program and tested at Oregon State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
It advises people to take basic precautions against mosquitoes because West Nile virus spreads to people through bites of infected mosquitoes. JCPH also advises people to contact their health care providers if they experience any flu-like symptoms, and health care providers can contact the Jackson County Health Department for information about West Nile virus testing.
The Jackson County Vector Control District suggests the following steps to protect against mosquitoes:
- Eliminate or treat any sources of standing water around your home.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon/eucalyptus, or Picardin. Always follow the label directions.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
- Ensure that screen doors and windows are in good condition and fit tightly.
Additional information about West Nile virus is available from the Oregon Health Authority and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Rum Creek Fire Update
The Rum Creek Fire in remote southwest Oregon has burned over 14,000 acres, or nearly 19 square miles. It is threatening thousands of homes, and is only about 1% contained. More than 1,300 firefighters are on scene, including a Central Oregon task force of 15 from six agencies.
The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center said 5,035 homes and more than 2,600 other structures were at risk. Officials have said the fire has destroyed one home and two structures.
High temperatures and shifting winds in the next several days are expected to increase fire danger and cause the blaze to become more active, officials said.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for dozens of homes near the towns of Rand and Galice. Lower-level evacuations are in effect for some surrounding areas.
Firefighting resources are surging to new areas to address locations where the fire crossed lines on the eastern edge of the fire. Fire will remain active overnight due to warm temperatures, low humidity and very dry fuels.
“This is rough country,” said Joe Hessel, incident commander for Oregon Department of Forestry Team 1. “Every foot, every chain, every mile of line we complete is a big deal.”
Structural protection continues in residential areas threatened by fire, with firefighters assessing homes, wrapping structures and installing sprinklers, clearing flammable material from roofs and gutters, on and around decks and areas against homes.
The fire has not crossed the Rogue River north of Grave Creek. On the east side of the fire, fire is established in McKnabe Creek.
Crews spent the day reconfiguring containment lines where fire crossed lines near McKnabe Creek, using a combination of direct and indirect attack. Heavy smoke prevented aviation support on the east side of the fire. Skies were clearer on the west side, where multiple retardant drops were made to reinforce containment lines.
To the south and east, residents may see crews building contingency line around Brimstone Road, Quartz Creek and Hog Creek. “If the fire’s going to go that way, we want to be prepared,” said John Flannigan, ODF operations chief.
Heavy smoke kept temperatures down and helped increase humidity levels, so fire activity slowed on Monday. The smoke also curtailed air operations and the fire grew by nearly 3.1 square miles (8 square kilometers).
More than 1,300 firefighters are working the blaze, with additional personnel arriving.
Central Oregon sent a task force to the Rum Creek fire Monday afternoon. Bend, Redmond, Cloverdale, Jefferson County, Alfalfa and Sisters sent resources, according to John Hendricks, public affairs specialist with the Office of State Fire Marshal. The task force is made up of 15 firefighters, four engines, one water tender and a command vehicle.
Crews from California are working with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office on structure protection, including areas east of the fire, where it is most active, officials said.
Evacuations: At noon Wednesday, Aug 31, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 1 – Be Ready notification the area North of Copper Queen Road and 2000 Block of Dog Creek Road. South of Rattlesnake Road, and Tunnel Creek. East of Brimstone Road, Lower Grave Creek Road, and Joe Count West of I-5. All other evacuation orders and notifications remain in place. An interactive map showing evacuation levels according to address can be found at //JosephineCounty.gov/FireMap. For the most current evacuation information and resources, go to Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org).
River status: The Wild section of the Rogue River below Grave Creek will remain open unless fire conditions warrant closure. River status is determined on a day-to-day basis. River status will be updated daily on the Rum Creek Fire Facebook page and at https://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/rogue/rogue_river.php. Please call 541-474-6535 for more information regarding Rogue River permits. No new boating permits will be issued until fire closures are lifted.
Road control: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has established traffic access points around the fire zone. Only residents (must show proof of residency) and river permit holders will be allowed through. Road blocks will be located at Galice Road near Crow Road; Galice Store; Bear Camp Road at Peavine (top intersection); Lower Grave Creek Road at Angora Creek (Grays Ranch); Quartz Creek Road about 3 miles up (end of County maintenance); Dutch Henry Road near Kelsey Creek (42 44’56.2/123 40’35.4); and Hog Creek at Galice Road. National Guard will be staffing the roadblocks.
An air quality advisory has been issued for the area, with the worst rating possible — hazardous — in Grants Pass, according to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
We want to keep you informed about COVID-19 in Oregon. Data are provisional and change frequently. Note: This week’s Omicron BA.5 estimates of 100% is higher than expected due to a small number of specimens (n=2) available in GISAID during the most recent week. OHA does not believe this estimate to be accurate.
CDC’s COVID Data Tracker (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/…) Nowcast model estimates that approximately 88.7% of SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in the US during the last week were the Omicron BA.5 lineage. OHA believes our true Omicron BA.5 estimates to be similar to the national figure. For more information, including COVID-19 data by county, visit our dashboard: http://ow.ly/UpGw50KxhuW
Bend Shooting Investigation Update
The Safeway employee who was one of two people killed in a Bend, Oregon, supermarket shooting had time to flee but instead hid behind a produce cart and attacked the assailant with a produce knife, an action that likely saved lives, authorities said Tuesday.
Surveillance video shows that 66-year-old Donald Ray Surrett Jr., a two-decade U.S. Army veteran, waited in his hiding spot until the gunman looked the other way. Surrett then emerged with the knife that he drew from his hip, police spokeswoman Sheila Miller said.
The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Ethan Blair Miller, on Sunday evening fatally shot Surrett and then killed himself as police closed in. Officers found an AR-15-style rifle and a shotgun near his body and police said he had four 30-round magazines for the rifle on his body when he died.
Surveillance video also shows two people going back into the Safeway as the shooting unfolded to pull out the other victim, 84-year-old Glenn Edward Bennett, who had been shot just inside the store’s entrance.
Authorities continued to collect evidence from the crime scene. More than 100 bullet casings have been recovered so far, police said.
Authorities also confirmed Tuesday that the gunman had worked at the Safeway for a short time in recent years; one high school acquaintance told The Associated Press he saw him gathering up carts in the parking lot in 2020.
The shooter lived in an apartment complex behind The Forum Shopping Center.
He fired shots into his own car on Sunday evening as soon as he left the complex and continued firing as he entered the shopping complex’s parking lot and then went into the Safeway. Bennett was killed at the store’s entrance, police said, and the shooter then moved through the aisles “spraying shots” from the assault rifle until Surrett confronted him.
Police entered the supermarket from the front and rear as shots were still being fired. The entire incident, from the first 911 calls to the gunman’s suicide, lasted just four minutes, police have said. In addition to the guns in the store, the shooter had a sawed-off shotgun and three Molotov cocktails in his car, police said. Fifty shotgun shells total were found between his car and apartment and 150 additional rounds of ammunition were in his apartment.
All the guns were purchased legally, authorities said. Police have previously said the gunman had no criminal history and police had not been contacted about him prior to the shooting. After the shooting, acquaintances recalled the gunman as a loner who was passionate about mixed martial arts and was known for getting into fights at the high school where he graduated in 2020. Police have previously said they are also investigating the “shooter’s writings” but have declined to comment further on postings on several online platforms that appear to have been written by him in recent months.
In posts on several sites, someone who appears to be the gunman says he’s struggled to recover from the isolation and loneliness of the pandemic, expresses hatred for himself and indicates he planned to attack his alma mater next week, but couldn’t wait until then because “the Rage has become uncontrollable.”
Authorities sought a search warrant for digital devices found at the gunman’s apartment and it will take several days to go through those materials and develop a clearer picture, said Police Chief Mike Krantz.
Student DIes at Lewis & Clark College
Authorities say a brick column collapsed at Lewis & Clark College in Portland killing one student who was in a hammock hanging from the column.
Portland Fire & Rescue said two other people were injured Monday, Aug. 29. Fire and rescue crews
responded to the scene about 8:15 p.m. Six people were in three hammocks hanging from the column, authorities said. A 19-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. Two 18-year-old women were hospitalized.
Monday was the first day of class at the campus of the private liberal arts college. About 2,000 students attend the school. In a statement, the college said it was working to contact families of the victims and was “deeply saddened by the shocking loss of a member of our community.”
Fatal hit and run crash on Interstate 5-Seeking public assistance-Marion County
On Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at approximately 12:42 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers responded to a report of a deceased individual located on southbound Interstate 5 near milepost 253.
Preliminary investigation revealed a pedestrian, identified as Cassandra Sullivan (35) of Salem, was struck by a vehicle. Sullivan sustained fatal injuries and was discovered by a litter crew on the shoulder of the road. It is believed that she was struck sometime during the evening of August 29 or the morning of August 30.
OSP investigators are seeking public assistance in locating the vehicle that struck her. The suspect vehicle is believed to be a:
- Subaru: 2012-16 Impreza, 2013-2017 Cross Trek or a 2014-2018 Forrester
- crystal white pearl in color
- damage to the right front
- was traveling southbound on Interstate 5 on evening of August 29 to morning of August 30, 2022.
Witnesses or anyone with information are encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at 800-442-0776 or OSP (677) from your mobile phone. Reference case number SP22-229957.
Klamath County Major Crime Team-Death investigation-Klamath County
On Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at 5:55 PM, Klamath County 911 received a report a female had just been shot at 12009 Clovis Drive.
Klamath County Sheriff’s Deputies and Oregon State Police Troopers responded and located Shannon Renee Cobillas-Graham (41) and Robert Lee Cudo (63) deceased in the yard at 12009 Clovis Drive. The Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated to investigate the incident.
Preliminary investigation indicates that Shannon Renee Cobillas-Graham was shot and killed by Robert Lee Cudo, then Mr. Cudo died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This investigation is ongoing.
The Klamath County Major Crime Team consists of the Oregon State Police, the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, the Klamath Falls City Police Department, Klamath County Community Corrections, and the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office
Oregon Drivers Will Pay Record Gas Prices Over Labor Day Despite Recent Price Drops
Gas prices are continuing to fall in Oregon, but that doesn’t mean drivers will see many bargains at the pump this Labor Day weekend.
The average price has fallen 11 weeks in a row, according to the latest figures from AAA Oregon/Idaho. But that’s not the entire story.
“We will be paying the most for gas for Labor Day ever,” said AAA spokesperson Marie Dodds.
The statewide average in Oregon is $4.78 a gallon, down nearly 80 cents from the all-time state record set in mid-June. Still, Dodds said that’s far more than the previous Labor Day record of $4.02, set in 2012.
“That’s the only other time that we will have paid above four dollars a gallon on Labor Day,” she said.
Oregon’s prices remain well above the national average of $3.84 per gallon. The highest gas prices can be found in Portland and Medford, according to AAA, while the cheapest average prices are in Salem. Eugene is near the middle of the pack at around $4.66 per gallon.
Dodds said she doesn’t expect the price to significantly impact Labor Day travel plans, which tend to be more muted than the other summer holiday weekends.
“We tend to see much bigger travel volumes for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July than we do for Labor Day,” she said. “Labor Day is still a very busy travel season, but the volume is always smaller than the other two holidays.”
https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
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.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/
