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, October 27, 2022
Rogue Valley Weather
Two Commercial Vehicles Collide at the Intersection of Biddle and Hamrick
Two commercial drivers were involved in a major-vehicle collision Wednesday morning at the intersection of Hamrick Road and Biddle Road in Central Point
According to Jackson County Sergeant John Richmond, both the driver of a UPS and semi-truck only sustained minor injuries during the crash.
Richmond states that the collision took place around 9:30 a.m. Police say that as the UPS vehicle was heading westbound on East Pine St/Biddle Road. and began turning left on Hamrick Road, the on-coming semi-truck heading eastbound t-boned the UPS vehicle.
According to police, the UPS truck was then flipped onto its side, while the semi narrowly managed to squeak between two poles and made its way onto a grass field. Police are investigating the cause of the crash, but it is not believed at this time to be criminal.
Medford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Thousands of Images of Child Pornography
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Medford man previously convicted for raping a child was sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison today for possessing 4,500 photos and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including infants and toddlers.
Jacob Lee Holt, 46, was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison and a life term of supervised release.
According to court documents, Kik Messenger, an instant messaging mobile application, reported that one of its users had shared child sexual abuse material. Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) traced the Kik account to Holt and determined that some of the images he shared depicted child victims previously identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
In March 2020, investigators served a federal search warrant on Holt’s Medford residence. They located and seized six digital devices, three of which were later found to contain thousands of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. Holt’s illicit collection included graphic violent images involving infants, toddlers, sadomasochistic conduct, and bestiality.
On March 30, 2020, Holt was charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography. Later, on August 20, 2020, a federal grand jury in Medford indicted him on the same charges. On November 24, 2020, Holt pleaded guilty.
In 2001, when he was 24, Holt raped a 13-year-old girl at a party. He was convicted in 2007 in Klamath County Circuit Court for second degree sexual abuse and sentenced to 30 days in prison and three years’ probation.
This case was investigated by HSI and the Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force with assistance from the Medford Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Judi Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical abuse or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit NCMEC’s website at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Created in January 2007, the Southern Oregon High-Tech Crimes Task Force provides cybercrime investigations and digital evidence forensic analysis for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in Southern Oregon. Member agencies include the Medford Police Department, Oregon State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices, and HSI.
Beginning downhill skiers and snowboarders will have an easier time learning and honing their skills when the Mt. Ashland Ski Area opens this winter.
The area will open a new learning center featuring a “Magic Carpet,” a conveyor belt that will allow users to slide onto the belt and move up a portion of the hill while standing still.
“We welcome this new addition and must give a big thanks to the hard work of our amazing outdoor operations team and all of our gracious donors,” the ski area’s board of directors said in a news release. “We would especially like to thank the Sid and Karen Deboer Foundation for their matching grant that helped us bring this improvement to fruition. We look forward to giving our guests an easy and comfortable ride to the top of a new and improved learning center and creating skiers and riders for life.”
The $250,000 fundraising drive was accomplished earlier this year in only three weeks. The “carpet” is expected to attract more beginners who might otherwise be intimidated by a rope tow.
The ski-snowboard area is located on 7,532-foot Mount Ashland and features 23 trails on 200 acres and, along with the “carpet,” is served by four chairlifts. On average, the mountain receives more than 300 inches of snow annually, with its season typically running from November or early December until mid-April. Half of the terrain is rated as advanced, 35% as intermediate, and 15% as beginner.
The area has been without a general manager since Hiram Towle resigned earlier this year to accept a similar position at the Bridger Bowl Ski Area in Bozeman, Mont. “We’re not in any hurry,” a spokesperson for Mt. Ashland’s board of directors said of replacing Towle.
The opening date for the 2022-23 season remains weather dependent, but skiers and riders are reminded the date for purchasing discounted season tickets is Monday, Oct. 31. The tickets offer savings of up to $100 with prices of $499 for adults age 20-69 ($599 after Oct.31); $449 for teens 13-19 ($549); and $249 for youth 7 to 12 ($299). No discounts are being offered for $50 season passes for children up to 6 years old and seniors 70 and older.
In addition, season passholders are eligible for free tickets and discounts from other West Coast resorts, including Mt. Shasta Ski Park, Mt. Anthony, Eaglecrest, Bogus, Diamond Peak, Homewood, Hoodoo, Lee Canyon, Cooper, Snow King, and Snow Valley.
People who have purchased season passes can pick them up at Mt. Ashland’s business office at 693 Washington St., in Ashland until the area opens.
Mt. Ashland, which was founded in 1963 as the Mt. Ashland Corporation, became a nonprofit in 1992. The area features 240 skiable acres and offers a ski school, rentals, two restaurant locations It is 81 miles from Klamath Falls, 22 miles from Ashland and 36 miles from Medford. It employs 130 to 150 people and has an annual budget of “just under” $3 million.
For more information, go to www.mtashland.com or call 541-482-2897.
One Pill Can Kill
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), “Rainbow Fentanyl” has become an alarming trend across the United States and in Oregon. It is believed Rainbow Fentanyl (pictured below) is intentionally made to look like candy by drug cartels in order to attract children and young people.
Fentanyl can be lethal and it only takes a small dose to KILL a person. Please be mindful of this threat and educate those around you of the dangers. For more information, please visit the DEA One Pill Can Kill Public Awareness Page https://www.dea.gov/onepill
Rainfall brings an increased risk of hazards to wildfire-impacted areas throughout Oregon
Take action to prepare for flash floods, landslides and debris flows
Salem, Ore. – Oct. 27, 2022 – Oregon has entered the rainy season while recovering from consecutive years of intense wildfires. Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) is warning people living and traveling in and around wildfire-impacted areas of the increased risk of flooding, landslides and debris flows associated with burn scars and encouraging Oregonians to sign up for emergency alerts, exercise caution and plan ahead.
Wildfires dramatically change the landscape and ground conditions, which can lead to a higher risk of flooding. Natural, unburned vegetation and soil normally act as a sponge during a rainfall event, but after an intense wildfire, burned vegetation and charred soil form a water-repellent layer that blocks water absorption. As a result, properties located below or downstream of the burn areas are at an increased risk for flooding, debris flows and landslides. Even areas not traditionally flood-prone are at risk of flooding for several years after a wildfire.
“We’ve experienced incredibly destructive wildfires in Oregon over the past three years, and their effects linger even after the flames are out,” said OEM Director Andrew Phelps. “Oregonians in or near these impacted areas need to be aware that threats like flash floods and debris flows can happen quickly with little to no warning. People need to pay attention to emergency alerts and local weather forecasts and leave if they are told to evacuate or if they feel unsafe.”
OEM recommends people take basic preparedness actions for all types of disasters, including staying informed, being aware of surroundings, having a plan for emergencies and being prepared with an emergency kit.
Stay informed
- Monitor the weather forecast for watches, warnings or advisories at Weather.gov.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts at ORalert.gov.
- If told to evacuate, do so immediately using a planned evacuation route least likely to be impacted by flash flooding and debris flow.
Drive with caution
- Be aware of the latest road conditions before driving by checking Tripcheck.com.
- Be alert when driving; embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.
- Turn on lights, increase the following distance and slow down.
- Don’t drive through flood water; just 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult, and a foot of rushing water can carry away most cars.
Understand flood advisories, watches and warnings
- A Flood Advisory is issued when a forecasted specific weather event may become a nuisance: Be aware.
- A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding to occur: Be prepared.
- A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or already occurring: Take action.
Look for signs of landslides
- Look for changes in the landscape like leaning trees, land movement, or a trickle of falling mud or debris.
- Pay attention if the water in streams or creeks suddenly turns muddy or the water flow suddenly decreases or increases.
- Listen for unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, that might indicate moving debris.
Develop an emergency plan that includes emergency kits for your home, work and vehicles. When any disaster occurs, it could take days to weeks for first responders to reach everyone impacted. Oregonians need to be as prepared as possible in an emergency. OEM recommends every household be 2 Weeks Ready, meaning they have a plan and enough food, water and supplies to survive for at least two weeks following a disaster. Recognizing disasters disproportionately impact marginalized communities, OEM offers several equitable and accessible readiness resources to help inform all Oregonians of their risks and ways to prepare.
Oregonians should also recognize the importance of flood insurance and be aware that home and rental insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy that typically takes 30 days to go into effect. For more information about flood risk and mitigation, visit Ready.gov/floods. For details on landslides and debris flow, visit Ready.gov/landslides-debris-flow. For flood facts including flood zones and maps, risk and costs, and insurance coverage, visit the National Flood Insurance Program at Floodsmart.gov.
Oregon Health Authority
· We’re tracking data to understand the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon. This dashboard is updated weekly.Data are provisional and subject to change.For more information, including COVID-19 data by county, visit http://ow.ly/UtOx50Lm9lO.
Governor Kate Brown wrapped up a nearly two-week trade mission to Asia Tuesday. She says shoring up international relationships is critical to Oregon’s economic development as it recovers from the pandemic.
Brown says South Korea is Oregon’s third-largest export market for food and agricultural products. In Japan, Brown says she talked with tech companies about investing in Oregon’s semiconductor sector. Despite having just two months left in office, Brown says the trip was important for a state that ranks among the most trade-dependent in the nation. Her office says she also promoted tourism, wine and beer with representatives from Travel Oregon and others.
Parents Of Infants Should Watch Out For Signs Of RSV Despite Low Case Count In Oregon
While dozens of states across the U.S. have reported dramatic increases in the number of children with a respiratory virus known as R-S-V, the latest data from the Oregon Health Authority shows the number of cases in Oregon remains low.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, typically presents like a seasonal cold. However, toddlers and particularly infants can experience severe symptoms. In the worst cases, an RSV infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract causing pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Lane County Public Health has been alerted to “a few” pediatric cases from area hospitals. Health officials said parents of infants should watch out for signs like short, shallow breaths, wheezing sounds and when the muscles around the chest cavity contract in an abnormal way.
RSV virus usually peaks between December and February but in 2022 it’s appeared early. The best form of prevention is good respiratory hygiene.
Symposium in Bend Explores the History of Human Beings in Oregon’s Great Basin
The Oregon Historical Society, in partnership with the Deschutes County Historical Society and members of the Burns Paiute Tribe and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Indians, is hosting a two-day, public symposium on the history of humans in the Great Basin region in Oregon, featuring talks by tribal knowledge-holders, anthropologists, and archaeologists.
The symposium will take place on Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6, from 8:45am to 4:30pm, at the OSU Cascades campus in Bend, Oregon, and is free and open to everyone. Attendees can register for one or both days of the symposium here; PDUs are available for teachers who attend.
Human beings have lived in, passed through, and had relationships with the Great Basin region for at least 14,000 years — a time of significant transitions in climate, species, and ecosystems, all of which resulted in changing lifeways for the people. The “Human Experience in the Oregon Great Basin: Past and Present Ways of Knowing” symposium will feature presentations by experts who have researched and learned about the land, plants, animals, people, and climate of the region. Discussions led by Wilson Wewa (Northern Paiute) and Diane Teeman (Burns Paiute) will frame each day of the symposium, which will be filled with presentations about the recent archaeological research and analyses, partnership projects, and online databases that are helping build knowledge about the historical and ongoing human experiences in the Great Basin.
“Evidence of a deep history of humans in the Great Basin is present in the stories and tribal knowledge shared by Paiute and Klamath peoples as well as is visible in physical reminders, such as caches of tools made for hunting, gathering, and other utilitarian activities,” said OHS Chief Program Officer Eliza Canty-Jones. “The work that tribal members have done to preserve this history for millennia, as well as the work archaeologists and anthropologists have conducted in more recent times, offer the public complex understandings of some of the oldest known human history on the continent of North America.”
Featured presentations are listed below; for presentation synopses and presenter bios, visit ohs.org/greatbasin.
Presentation Schedule
Each day of the symposium will include an introduction by Wilson Wewa (Northern Paiute) and a conclusion by Diane Teeman (Burns Paiute)
Saturday, November 5
Paisley Caves Textiles: Fiber Arts and the Native Plant Selection in the Northern Great Basin
Presented by Elizabeth Kallenbach
The Antiquity of Smoking Pipes and Tobacco Use in the Northern Great Basin
Presented by Thomas J. Connolly
Seeds, Fruits, and Tubers: A Regional Perspective on Archaeological Plant Data in the Northern Great Basin
Presented by Jaime L. Kennedy
Exploring Cultural Landscapes of Oregon’s Great Basin Region
Presented by Justin Rohde
Tradition, Technology, and Teaching: Collaborative Workshops between the Burns Paiute Tribe and University of Nevada, Reno’s Great Basin Paleoindian Research Unit
Presented by Geoffrey M. Smith, Diane Teeman, and Daniel O. Stueber
Sunday, November 6
Archaeology and the Human Experience at the Paisley Caves in the Northern Great Basin
Presented by Dennis Jenkins
Evidence of Ice Age Cold Adaptation in Oregon’s Great Basin and How it Can Inform Challenges of Future Climate Change
Presented by Richie Rosencrance
Modeling Indigenous Land Use Patterns in the Northwestern Great Basin at the End of the Last Ice Age
Presented by Erica J. Bradley and Geoffrey M. Smith
The Roles and Research of the Museum of Natural and Cultural History Archaeology Field School
Presented by Katelyn McDonough, Dennis Jenkins, Richie Rosencrance, and Geoffrey Smith
About the Oregon Historical Society
For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms & website (www.ohs.org), educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all.We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.
Voting in Oregon feels GOOD
It’s time to get #VoteReady: Just grab your ballot and a blue or black pen!
You don’t even need a stamp It’s not a test: you can vote on every candidate and measure, or leave some blank How you vote is private. Make a plan to vote! http://OregonVotes.gov#TrustedInfo2022
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