Rogue Valley News, Monday 1/9 – New Veterinary Urgent Care Center Opens In Central Point, Jacksonville Inn Closes Down Dining Services

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, January 9, 2023 

Rogue Valley Weather

WIND ADVISORY ISSUED: 2:14 AM JAN. 9, 2023 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING… * WHAT…Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. * WHERE…Jackson County, especially the southern end of the Rogue Valley as well as the Cascade Foothills. This includes Interstate 5 from Siskiyou Summit to Medford and portions of Highway 140. This also includes the cities of Medford, Central Point, Talent, Phoenix and Ashland. * WHEN…Until 10 AM PST this morning. * 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

New Veterinary Urgent Care Center Opens In Central Point

A Central Point animal hospital has opened a new state-of-the-art veterinary urgent care clinic with the goal of treating thousands more pets per year in the Rogue Valley than they could before.

Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center’s new Veterinary Urgent Care clinic is now open, offering pet owners and the local veterinary community a host of new resources from advanced digital imaging equipment to an in-house laboratory to a host of training facilities.

The new clinic aims to treat an extra 10,000 to 15,000 animals in the area, according to Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center Director of Operations Craig Lassen. It celebrated its grand opening on Saturday at 4801 Biddle Road in Central Point.

During the pandemic, nearly one in five households acquired a cat or dog. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), about 90% of dogs and 87% of cats were acquired during the pandemic. 

The Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialist Center officially opens the urgent care center for pets who need immediate service without scheduling an appointment. 

Hospital Director, Craig Lassen said this can help the national shortage of veterinarians and scheduling restrictions. 

“Our hope was that the urgent care facility will be able to alleviate some of those schedule restrictions,” says Lassen. “For cases that need more urgent care and can’t wait for a scheduled appointment.”

People around the area received a tour of the center with a staff member. The tour included a look at ultrasound care, a four-house laboratory system, a surgical suite, and X-ray technology. 

“We wanted people to understand a little bit about how a patient moves through the facility,” says Lassen. “And some of the technology that we use to try and support that technology and move those patients through efficiently.”

 A local animal rescuer, Toby Brown attended the tour to get a feel for what is available for her pets. Brown said it made her feel comfortable to bring her pets to the facility if need be. 

“I like the room where it’s all adjustable,” says Brown. “They put the tables up and down so they don’t have to lift dogs and they wouldn’t get scared, you know. And the fact that they’re immediately set up to go to the next door if there was a real emergency.”

 The urgent care center works with the main specialty building to decide whether a patient needs immediate service or a check-up. 

The center is open from 8 am until 8 pm each day. It will be closed on Wednesdays. For more information on what the facility offers, people can visit the Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center website.  

Jacksonville Inn Closes Down Dining Services

The famous Jacksonville Inn is no longer offering its dining services after decades of serving quality food to the Rogue Valley and the unique experience of dining there.

The historic brown bricked building was built back in the Jacksonville community more than 100 years ago. 

For years the hotel offered a wide variety of high-quality food to its diners, but as of January 7, 2023 officials say the inn is no longer offering those dining services. 

The owners of the business put out a statement stating: “As owners, we have made the difficult decision to close this portion of our business management while beginning to search for a tenant that complements this exceptional restaurant space.”

Emma Root, the store owner of Willow Creek right across the street from the Jacksonville Inn, said she had no idea the business was ending it dining services.

“I think there will be a lot of people disappointed to see it go,” says Root. “You know, cause there are a lot of regulars. I even hear about people who come here every summer or you now, every holiday to go there. So I think it will impact local people and also people who travel here.”

The hotel is still offering its wine bar and room services. 

Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office Happy Camp Road Snow Rescue

On Wednesday January 4, 2023 at approximately 4:45 pm, Josephine County 911 received a call from two stranded motorists who were stuck in the snow on Happy Camp Rd, south of the Oregon/California border. The subjects were believed to be located in Siskiyou County and the call was transferred to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office. 

At approximately 02:58 am on January 5, 2023, Josephine County Search & Rescue was advised the subjects were actually located in Del Norte County. Due to Del Norte County having limited access resulting in a prolonged response, it was determined Josephine County Search & Rescue would handle the call. 

During daylight hours, Josephine County Search & Rescue deployed a team with a SnoCat and tracked UTV as back-up. The team located the subjects who were in good health and good spirits albeit a little cold. They were transported down the mountain road without incident. The pair stated they were traveling through this area on Hwy 101 south to see the Redwoods. They stated Google Maps advised them of a Hwy 101 road closure ahead due to down trees. Google Maps redirected them to the Happy Camp Rd route. 

At this time we would like to remind everyone to use caution when using road mapping apps for traveling. While these apps can be very useful and convenient, they may lead you into dangerous situations if followed blindly. Often the alternate routes provided do not account for hazards and seasonal road closures. It is recommended to stay on the major roads/highways especially when unfamiliar with the area and/or traveling in winter. 

Josephine County Search & Rescue members are all volunteers.  They are prepared to be called out at any time.  The members are available to serve Josephine County at no cost to the citizens.  

Wildlife Safari In Winston Oregon Welcomes New Cheetah Cubs

Wildlife Safari in Winston welcomed some new furry faces last Monday with the birth of new cheetah cubs.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0Jo3ZS_0k67yb1J00

Starting at 4 a.m., the first cub was born with several more coming shortly after. Their mother, Paca, has had two previous litters.

According to the Wildlife Safari website , their cheetah facility is the number-two breeding facility in the world, and number one outside of Africa. The new cubs are the first cheetahs to be born in the U.S. in 2023.

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/ 

Tina Kotek to be Sworn in as Oregon’s New Governor Today

Tina Kotek will be sworn in as Oregon’s 39th governor on Monday. After taking the oath of office, Kotek, a Democrat, will give her inaugural address before a joint session of the Oregon Legislature. She’ll give her first media interview as governor on Tuesday.

On Friday, Kotek announced Colt Gill, the director of the Oregon Department of Education will retire at the end of this year’s legislative session, and she also announced new people joining her administration in education and health.

Kotek’s transition team said in a news release the new governor will conduct a national search for a new education director.

“Colt Gill earned a reputation as a strong advocate for education equity, helping to make our schools more inclusive for all Oregon students,” Kotek said. “I appreciate his many years of public service — both as an advocate and as a leader in our state government.”

The Oregon Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, thanked Gill for his service in a news release.

“For more than 30 years Colt Gill has served Oregonians during his career in education, providing mentorship and leadership to both students and educators alike,” said OEA President Reed Scott-Schwalbach. “As Director of the Oregon Department of Education Colt led Oregon’s public schools through unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic with grace, poise, and tenacity, all rooted in a student-centered approach that is critical the work of education.”

Other staff additions Kotek announced Friday:

Pooja Bhatt will serve as Kotek’s education initiative director. She served as outgoing Gov. Kate Brown’s education policy adviser.

Melissa Goff will be Kotek’s education adviser. She was the deputy executive director of the Oregon School Boards Association.

Ebony Clark will serve as behavioral health director at the Oregon Health Authority. She served as the director of Multnomah County’s Health Department.

“These talented individuals are ready to dig into the details and form solutions that will deliver results for Oregonians. I’m grateful to have strong leaders joining my team who are ready to take on three of our state’s biggest challenges: housing and homelessness, mental health and addiction care, and successful schools,” Kotek said in her news release.

—- When Kotek takes office, she said she will focus on three things. 

“I will declare a homelessness state of emergency, and work with urgency to help Oregonians get off the streets. I will expand access to mental health and addiction treatment services. And I will work to bridge the divisions in our state,” Kotek said. 

She also stated she will work to make sure Oregon has successful schools for kids. 

I’ll spend time [with] communities all over Oregon, working to fix problems and partner with Oregonians who want to find solutions.

Live streaming of the events will be available remotely on the Oregon Legislative website. There will also be designated hearing rooms to watch the events. In the morning, the Senate session will stream in hearing rooms A, B and C and the House session will stream in D, E and F. In the afternoon, the Joint Session will be streamed in hearing rooms A – E. Capacity is limited to 90 people per room.

For the inauguration, the House and Senate will meet at 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. for organizational sessions. There will then be a joint session with Tina Kotek at 1:00 P.M. This joint session will include her inaugural address.

House Organizational Session

  • When: 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9.
  • Where: Oregon State Capitol, House Chamber

Senate Organizational Session

  • When: Monday, Jan. 9, 9:30 a.m.
  • Where: Oregon State Capitol, Senate Chamber

Joint Session, including the inaugural address of Governor-Elect Tina Kotek

  • When: 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9.
  • Where: Oregon State Capitol, House Chamber

OSU Archaeologists Uncover Oldest Known Projectile Points

Oregon State University archaeologists have uncovered some tools that add to a new understanding of the timeline of human life in the Americas — projectile points. 

OSU archaeology teams have carried out expeditions in west central Idaho for more than a decade, unearthing clues about life at Cooper’s Ferry, along the Salmon River canyon.

The projectile points, or spear tips; razor sharp and ranging from half an inch to two inches long, that are so telling about the people who came here to hunt, to fish and to gather. They are about 3000 years older than what had been found before. 

“This record is notable because now we realize it extends back to 16,000 years ago or probably a little earlier,” said OSU Anthropology Professor Loren Davis who has led expeditions of students to Cooper’s Ferry for the duration of the project.

In 2019 they found bones and other items that gave them evidence of human life arriving here roughly 3000 years sooner than was previously believed.

Now carbon dating of these sharp hunting tools confirms it — and shows how advanced those native peoples were early on.

“Something in your hand that’s that old, and to think about somebody actually took a block of rock through a series of steps, turned it into a spear point that I have in my hand is really pretty amazing,” said Davis.

In collaboration with the Nez Perce Tribe and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Davis and more than 200 students have spent thousands of hours carefully clearing the dirt, discovering signs of the first human life in the Americas, right here in the Pacific Northwest.

“Looking back, we didn’t realize exactly how old this was going to be, but I hope students or ex-students now are looking back and thinking they’re part of something pretty magical and rather special.”

Davis has been studying the Cooper’s Ferry site since the 1990’s when he was an archaeologist with BLM. Now he brings OSU graduate and undergraduate students to the site to work during the summer.  

The team also works closely with the Nez Perce Tribe to provide field opportunities for tribal youth and to communicate findings.

Increased rain brings possible flooding to parts of Oregon

SALEM – Winter in Oregon brings rain – and lots of it. This year is no different and the Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) reminds people to be prepared. The forecast for this weekend and into next week is for continued rain and with flooding already happening in the Northwest, there are ways you can be ready.

Most Oregonians with flood coverage have it through the National Flood Insurance Program. You can also purchase private flood insurance through your insurance company. Typical homeowners or renters policies do not cover flood damage. If your insurance company does not offer flood insurance, you can shop different companies that do. 

DFR has resources available on its website about flood insurance. It is important to be prepared before flooding takes place. One way to do that is to build a financial first-aid kit and inventory. You can do this by:

  • Saving account numbers – Have a safe place where those are stored and accessible.
  • Having an inventory of your belongings – Take pictures or videos of your items and write down a record of what you have.
  • Backing up computer files – Consider backing up your information to a secure cloud storage service or keeping an external device with important information backed up somewhere other than your home.
  • Securing important documents – It is critical to keep important papers in a water-tight fire safe or a bank deposit box.

More information on this checklist can be found here

The division also has additional storm damage resources available.

“Water damage from flooding can be devastating to your home,” said Andrew Stolfi, insurance commissioner and Department of Consumer and Business Services director. “Much like a fire, flooding and storm damage can destroy your home and the items you care most about inside it. Being prepared will make dealing with the aftermath much easier.”

If you do have coverage and need to file a claim, immediately contact your insurer or agent. Also, save any receipts from repairs, housing, food, mitigation (sand bags, pumps, etc.) because reimbursements may be part of your coverage.

Before going back into your home, make sure it is safe to do so. Flood damage can make buildings insecure and unsteady. Also, you want to be careful of gas leaks and electrical wires in flooded areas. 

If you don’t have flood insurance, consider purchasing it. Even those who don’t live in flood zones are susceptible under certain conditions. Contact your agent or the National Flood Insurance Program.

### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov  and www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

Wyden, Merkley: Nearly $20 Million to Oregon School Districts to Hire More Mental Health Providers

Douglas, Jackson and Multnomah county districts to benefit

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that four Oregon school districts will receive a combined nearly $20 million in competitive grants from the U.S. Department of Education to hire additional licensed mental health providers over the next five years.

“Students, teachers and counselors across Oregon tell me just how crucial school-based mental health services are to young people facing challenges at home and in the classroom—but these services are stretched to the breaking point,” said Wyden, who is leading bipartisan legislation to transform youth mental health services in Oregon and across the nation. “While I am gratified to see this investment in Douglas, Jackson and Multnomah county school districts, more providers are needed state- and nationwide. I’m all in to remove barriers so that all students can benefit from school-based mental health care.”

“Mental health care is essential health care, especially for school-aged kids, which is why I introduced the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act to put more providers in schools,” said Merkley. “I’m grateful that, in the spirit of that legislation, Douglas, Jackson, and Multnomah counties are receiving this critical federal investment to help support students. Our children’s success in the classroom is more than just test scores, and with the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and other unprecedented global and weather events greatly impacting the growth and experience of our school-aged kids, we must invest in programs that provide social and emotional support to all students.”

The School-Based Mental Health grant program through the U.S. Dept. of Education provides funds intended to recruit and retain school-based mental health services providers, as well as increase the diversity and cultural/linguistic competency among providers. These grant funds will be allocated as follows:

  • $6,808,215 to Douglas Education Services District
  • $2,649,732 to Jackson County School District #4 DBA Phoenix-Talent Schools
  • $5,538,155 to School District 1J Multnomah County   
  • $4,918,177 to Corbett School District 39

“This grant will play a critical role to expand mental health support throughout thirteen component school districts in Douglas County. The increased services will positively impact our students, families, staff and community,” said Analicia Nicholson, Douglas Education Service District superintendent.

“The Corbett School District is very excited about the ability to expand the school-based mental health opportunities for our Cardinal families within our schools and community using the funds from the US Department of Education grant,” said Derek Fialkiewicz, Corbett School District superintendent.

“This grant puts Phoenix-Talent Schools in a position to greatly expand our students’ mental health support system, and the collaborative partnership PTS has with La Clinica makes it a perfect fit. Following the devastating 2020 Almeda fire and the impact of the Covid pandemic, the need here is tremendous and likely will be for some time. We are very excited to get to work and eternally grateful for this opportunity to help our kids and families,” said Brent Barry, Superintendent Jackson County School District #4 DBA Phoenix-Talent Schools.

“These dollars will augment the supports already in place across PPS schools to better serve our students, especially those experiencing isolation, depression and other adverse symptoms, resulting from the challenges of the last few years.” He added, “With this 5-year, $5.5 million dollar investment, Portland Public Schools will hire more than a dozen school psychologists to provide culturally affirming mental health supports,” said Guadalupe Guerrero Portland Public Schools’ Superintendent.

Oregon Workforce Declining As Population Ages

Finding work isn’t as hard as was in the past in Oregon, yet finding workers has proven to be more challenging for employers. The combination of an aging population and the younger adult demographics being reticent to join the workforce has created a declining labor force participation rate, especially in rural areas.

We learn from an Oregon Live article written by Mike Rogoway on Jan. 8, 2023, called “Workforce participation remains depressed, especially in rural Oregon,” that 19 percent of Oregon is over the age of 65 and the workforce participation rate is 62 percent, down from its peak of 70 percent in the 1990s.

Labor force participation rates have been declining across the country since around 2009 and Oregon has been slightly below this average, dropping around 4 percent during the 2011-2012 time frame.

The article explains the rural areas of Coos, Curry and Lincoln counties have the lowest labor force participation rates at under 50 percent and more than a quarter of the residents in those counties are older than 65.

Labor force participation is highest in Multnomah, Washington and Hood River counties at around 70 percent and these urban counties have a younger demographic.

State economists have explained the declining workforce participation will only continue in the future as the Baby Boomer generation ages and moves into retirement. This is especially going to affect rural counties where the demographics are older.

Finding future population growth by attracting workers from outside of the state and retaining workers through any future recessions are key solutions to combat the trend, as the article explains.

Oregon Commercial Dungeness Crabbing Season to Open January 15

Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab season opens Jan. 15 for much of the coast after a weekslong delay.

Oregon Fish and Wildlife initially had a targeted opening date of Dec. 1, but that was delayed after pre-season tests showed crabs had too little meat yield as well as elevated levels of domoic acid.

The state agency says commercial crabbers can begin fishing between Cape Arago near Coos Bay up to Cape Falcon near Cannon Beach, since all crabs tested within that region have passed meat and biotoxin tests. The season will open from Cape Falcon up to Washington state on Feb. 1. More info.

Crab testing for domoic acid will continue from Cape Arago south to the California border, because recent results showed elevated levels of the biotoxin in that area. There’s also a closure of the south coast to recreational crabbing.

Domoic acid is produced by “blooms” of certain types of marine algae. It can be harmful or even fatal to eat shellfish with high levels of domoic acid.

In a press release, the agency said commercial crabbers generally supported delaying the season, because it ensured customers would get the best Oregon crabs. It also prevented wasting crabs that yielded too little meat.

“Look, everyone wants to start Dec. 1,” said Tim Novotny of the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission. “But the fishermen know that this process sets a high bar on purpose, so consumers know they’re getting the highest quality and safest product possible,” he said.

The earliest the commercial crab season can open by state regulation is Dec. 1, depending on the outcome of crab meat and biotoxin test results. The season has rarely opened on that date in recent years: 2021 was the first time since 2014 the fishery opened Dec. 1.

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