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
Friday, January 6, 2023
Rogue Valley Weather
WIND ADVISORY ISSUED: 2:44 AM JAN. 6, 2023 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM PST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. * WHERE... The southern part of the Rogue Valley, from Ashland to south Medford. This includes portions of Interstate 5 and the communities of Ashland, Phoenix and Talent. This also includes portions of Highway 140 in the Cascade Foothills. * WHEN...From 6 AM to 7 PM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr
Joint Task Force Serves Search Warrant After Child Porn Uploaded from Local Central Point Residence
The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force served a search warrant Thursday morning at a residence in the 800 block of South Haskell Street in Central Point.
SOCET served the warrant after discovering numerous images of child exploitation were uploaded from the residence. Detectives are interviewing possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF), Central Point Police Department officers, and Jackson County District Attorney’s office assisted with the warrant service.
During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by SOHTCTF for further evidence of child exploitation. A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) started the investigation, which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence. — JCSO Case 22-1482
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 HSI; as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County.
Rogue Valley Cleaning Up After Storms
Strong winds caused havoc in some parts of the valley, making a whirlwind of a day for emergency crews and airport workers.
Strong winds that were part of a weather system crossing Oregon and Northern California caused power outages, with more than 2,000 Pacific Power electricity utility Rogue Valley customers without power. Forecast wind and rain over saturated ground in the area caused power line poles and trees, or limbs, to blow down onto power lines, disrupting electricity and causing power outages.
If you were traveling at the Medford Airport, you may have been stuck in line for a while Wednesday — Strong winds forced a partial power outage that lasted just over an hour, even delaying at least four flights. Boarding passes had to be hand-written, because computers weren’t working during the outage. TSA was only partially operational as well.
Further north, Rural Metro said power lines came down in the Colonial Valley area, north of Grants Pass, in several places. One line even hit a FedEx truck, with the driver stuck in the vehicle for at least an hour. Jackson County’s road department has also responded to over a dozen down trees. Over in Ashland, at least 25 trees have fallen in the city, in some cases shutting down streets.
With storm cleanup underway, Pacific Power is warning additional storms could be here sooner rather than later.
“We’re kind of in an active weather pattern, and so I don’t think we’re looking at the intensity of these storms that are coming in in the next couple weeks, but there is the potential for some isolated outages with some storms that are going to be coming in in the next few weeks,” Hanson said.
That means you should be prepared for more temporary outages in the very near future. “Make sure that your outage kit is refreshed, that you have fresh batteries, water for the individuals in the home, blankets, and other items to help you through any duration outage,” Hanson said.
For more information on how to build or what to include in an outage kit, visit Pacific Power’s website.
UPDATE: Vandalism at Vogel Plaza’s Menorah
Update (January 5, 2023): Through the investigation, officers developed probable cause to arrest Isaiah Cleveland for the vandalism incident reported on 12/27/22. Upon review of available video footage, officers were able to determine it was the same male from the previous vandalism.
On December 30, 2022, Cleveland was located and once again arrested, this time being charged with Criminal Mischief 1. He was lodged at the Jackson County Jail.
Original Release:
On December 23, 2022, at about 8:00 p.m. Medford Police Officers were dispatched to Vogel Plaza (200 E. Main St.) for a vandalism report. It was described that a male subject pushed over a light display in the plaza. Medford Officers arrived on scene and confirmed the suspect had pushed over a Hanukkah menorah light fixture, shattering the bulbs.
Officers located 24-year-old Isaiah Cleveland on scene, who admitted to the vandalism. Cleveland was arrested without incident and lodged at the Jackson County Jail for Disorderly Conduct II and Criminal Mischief II. At the time of arrest, the suspect gave no indication that his actions were antisemitic. This case is now in the hands of the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
On December 27th, 2022, it was reported the same light fixture was vandalized for a second time, this time requiring it to be fully replaced. The Medford Police Department is actively investigating the second case. If anyone has information regarding this case, it is requested they contact the Medford Police Department at 541-770-4783 (MPD case 22-21404).
Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites to Host Brine, Brew & Barrel
Oregon fermentation festival to celebrate everything from pickles and krauts to cider, cheese and beer on January 13-15, 2023
Neuman Hotel Group has announced it will host the Brine, Brew & Barrel fermentation festival at the Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites from January 13-15, 2023.
The festival celebrates the multi-cultural culinary tradition of fermented products including pickles, krauts, kombucha, beer, wine, cider, mead, chocolate, cheese, coffee, sourdough, and everything in between. The event marks the return of this popular festival, which hasn’t taken place in-person since January 2020, due to the global pandemic.
Brine, Brew & Barrel offers an epic culinary journey around different fermentation styles and techniques, with plenty of opportunity to explore new and familiar flavors. Visitors will enjoy an all-day vendors exposition, workshops and demonstrations, activities for the whole family, and other fermentation focused events.
“We are thrilled to be hosting Brine, Brew & Barrel in-person in 2023, which will bring festival goers, foodies and families together to explore all of the culinary delights that fermentation has to offer,” said Karolina Lavagnino, spokesperson for Neuman Hotel Group and festival coordinator. “We’re looking forward to hosting the beer and kombucha breweries, cideries, cheesemakers, hot sauce producers, bakers, chefs and other artisans to Ashland for a fun weekend of demos, workshops, tastings and other festivities.”
Brine, Brew & Barrel festivities will kick off Friday night, January 13, at the historic Ashland Springs Hotel with BrewBash, a 3-course dinner showcasing Rogue Ales beautifully paired with a special menu crafted by Larks Home Kitchen Executive Chef, Franco Console.
On Saturday, the main festival held at Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites will offer a vendor tasting event as well as hands-on workshops, demos and talks with fermentation experts including Alex Lewin and Kirsten Shockey. Fermentation festivities will end with a Hot Sauce and Bloody Mary Brunch on Sunday, January 15.
Expo passes are available for $20 for Saturday, January 14. Children 12 and under attend for free. For tickets and more information, visit http://www.oregonfermentationfest.com/tickets/
Visitors have the option of booking two different accommodation packages available at Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites (festival venue): the Overnight Festival Package or the Ultimate Brine, Brew & Barrel Package. Starting rate for hotel packages varies on the reservation date and room type availability. Additional details can be found online at: http://www.oregonfermentationfest.com/package/
More Oregon Families Now Qualify for Affordable Child Care Program
Non-working students among the newly eligible for the Employment Related Day Care program, efforts to increase provider capacity continue
Need to know
- The Employment Related Day Care program is expanding effective Jan. 1
- Students can now qualify to receive child care support regardless of their employment status
- Many families will qualify for more child care assistance, including students for study time and caretakers who work night shifts
(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Early Learning Division (ELD) of the Department of Education are excited to announce expanded eligibility for affordable child care through the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program. The expansion took effect on Jan. 1 and is among the provisions of House Bill 3073 of the 2021 Legislative Session, which also creates the new Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).
“For many families the cost of child care can be a barrier to meeting their educational goals and entering and staying in the workforce,” said ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “By expanding access to the ERDC program, Oregon is significantly enhancing the support it provides to families to strengthen their well-being.”
The primary changes to the program mean that students—in high school, a GED program, or college—no longer need to work to qualify for the child care assistance. Plus, all students will receive additional child care hours each week for study time. Additionally, many families will qualify for more child care hours due to a change in the way part-time and full-time coverage is calculated.
The ERDC program, currently administered by ODHS, will move to DELC on July 1, 2023, when the agency is officially established. Early Learning System Director Alyssa Chatterjee shared her excitement about the expanded eligibility and the program’s transition.
“Continuing one’s education is a full-time job, and I am excited that individuals pursuing their education in Oregon will have access to affordable child care,” said ELD Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “This, along with the change to part-time and full-time hours, are critical steps toward making ERDC more accessible and more advantageous for families. I look forward to the program officially joining DELC alongside our other early learning and child care resources.”
Other provisions in the expansion include:
- All ERDC families are now eligible for sleep hours when a caretaker works a night shift
- Caretakers on medical leave for their own condition or their child’s can receive ERDC benefits
- ERDC participants can continue to use their child care benefits when on leave to care for someone outside of their household
ELD created an infographic describing how the Jan. 1 changes to ERDC expands opportunities for families. It is available in five languages and is linked below.
To help meet the increased demand for child care slots, ODHS and ELD are partnering to expand provider capacity by recruiting licensed child care providers who do not accept ERDC into the program.
About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
About the Early Learning Division
The ELD is a division within the Department of Education that is responsible for oversight of a statewide early care and education service delivery system. It is responsible for the administration of state and federal early care and education programs as well as the design and implementation of Oregon’s child care work. ELD values equity, dedication, integrity, and collective wisdom in making a positive impact to benefit Oregon’s children and families.
Testing homes for radon gas is now more important than ever
State program urges home testing during Radon Action Month
PORTLAND, Ore.— The best time to test for radon is during the heating season – the winter months – when windows and doors are closed tight. It’s why Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recognizes National Radon Action Month during January by encouraging people to test their homes for the odorless, tasteless, invisible gas.
Many parts of Oregon remain at risk of high radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes up from the ground and is drawn into buildings, where it can build up to dangerous levels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates radon is responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and it’s the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
But people can take steps to reduce their exposure to radon by testing their homes for the gas and, if necessary, hiring a professional to reduce radon to a safe level.
“Now, more than ever, we are spending more time in our homes. That means more exposure to potentially high radon levels,” said Jara Popinga, OHA’s Radon Awareness Program coordinator. “The only way to know if you have a high radon level is to test. The best time to test for radon is during the heating season or colder months when the windows and doors are closed for long periods of time.”
Many test kits are priced between $20 and $30 and can be found in most hardware stores or available for purchase from online retailers. High radon levels can be fixed by a certified radon professional for a cost similar to that of common home repairs ranging between $2,000 and $3,000, such as painting or having a new water heater installed.
The Radon Awareness Program collects radon test data from test kit manufacturers to understand which areas of the state have the potential for high radon levels and to identify regions where educational outreach efforts need to be focused. The program is offering a free radon test kit to residents whose homes are in ZIP codes with fewer than 20 radon test results. Residents can learn more about the free radon test kit program and how to apply at www.healthoregon.org/radon. Free test kits are available while supplies last.
For more information on which areas of the state are at moderate to high risk of elevated radon levels, radon testing and mitigation or to order a test kit online, contact the Radon Awareness Program at adon.program@state.or.us“>radon.program@state.or.us or visit www.healthoregon.org/radon.
Oregon To Return Over $10 Million In Unclaimed Funds To Oregonians
The state of Oregon is set to return around $10 million in unclaimed funds to individuals in 2023 as part of its “Checks Without Claims” initiative.
The program, which will be the largest disbursement of funds by the state’s Unclaimed Property Program to date, will take place in three phases beginning in February.
The initiative will see payments disbursed to verified owners of unclaimed funds reported to the state in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
People identified as the owner of unclaimed funds will be notified by mail from Treasurer Tobias Read a month prior to receiving payment, which will be sent in the form of a check and accompanied by a confirmation letter.
The program aims to reconnect more Oregonians with their unclaimed money and property and will exclude payments to owners of more complex claims, such as safety deposit boxes, securities, or co-owned property.
Recreational Ocean And Bay Crabbing Reopened Coastwide
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and ODFW reopens all recreational crabbing (ocean, bays, and estuaries) along the entire Oregon coast. Two consecutive tests show domoic acid levels are under the closure threshold.
Recreational bay clam and mussel harvesting also remain open along the entire Oregon coast. However, razor clamming is still closed coastwide .
ODA tests for shellfish toxins twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit.
It is recommended that recreational crab harvesters always eviscerate crab before cooking. This includes removing and discarding the viscera, internal organs, and gills.
For more information, call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin safety hotline at (800)448-2474, the Food Safety Division at (503) 986-4720, or visit the ODA shellfish biotoxin closures webpage.
Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules and limits.
High Desert Museum Now Accepting Submissions for the 2023 Waterston Desert Writing Prize
BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Waterston Desert Writing Prize.
The Prize honors outstanding literary nonfiction that illustrates artistic excellence, sensitivity to place, and desert literacy with the desert as both subject and setting. Emerging, mid-career and established nonfiction writers are invited to apply.
The Museum will award one writer with a $3,000 cash award as part of the Waterston Desert Writing Prize. The Prize also includes a reading and reception at the Museum in Bend on September 14, 2023 and a residency at PLAYA at Summer Lake, an arts and sciences residency campus located in Summer Lake, Oregon that sits on the edge of the Great Basin in Southern Oregon. The tranquil natural setting is a hidden gem for artists to focus on their work.
To learn more about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize and how to submit an entry, visit highdesertmuseum.org/waterston-prize. Submissions will be accepted through May 1, 2023.
The guest judge for this year’s Waterston Desert Writing Prize is Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest (Lummi). Her literary debut, Patriarchy Blues, was published in 2017. The poetry collection received the American Book Award. Priest holds a Master of Fine Arts from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York and is the Maxine Cushing Gray Distinguished Writers Fellow at the University of Washington. Priest’s most recent book, Northwest Know-How: Beaches, is a love letter to 29 of the most beloved beaches in Washington and Oregon. Priest is the first Indigenous poet laureate of the state of Washington.
Inspired by author and poet Ellen Waterston’s love of the High Desert, a region that has been her muse for more than 40 years, the Prize launched in 2014 and annually recognizes the vital role deserts play worldwide in the ecosystem and human narrative.
“The many gifted writers who submit their work expand how we think about deserts,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “We look forward to how our perspectives will grow this year.”
The mission of the High Desert Museum’s Waterston Desert Writing Prize is to strengthen and support the literary arts and humanities in the High Desert region through recognition of literary excellence in nonfiction writing about desert landscapes, community interaction with the winning authors of the Prize, and presentations and programs that take place in association with the Prize.
In August 2020, the High Desert Museum’s official adoption of the Waterston Desert Writing Prize was announced. Since its inception, the awards ceremony has been hosted by the Museum. The mission and goals of the Prize complement those of the High Desert Museum, emphasizing the importance of protecting deserts and creating important conversations about the issues affecting them.
“The Waterston Desert Writing Prize continues to grow in its fourth year as a High Desert Museum program,” said Ellen Waterston. “The Museum support of the literary arts has helped us reach new audiences.”
The winner of the 2022 Waterston Desert Writing Prize was Caroline Tracey. Her submission, “SALT LAKES,” is a collection of 18 essays providing a queer perspective on climate change in arid environments. Salt lakes make up approximately one third of inland waters globally and provide crucial wildlife habitat. These important bodies of water are shrinking and becoming more saline due to increased evaporation from a warming climate, secondary salinization from irrigation of desert soils and other factors.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
