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
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Rogue Valley Weather
Brace For More Winter Weather in the Region
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY ISSUED: 12:44 AM FEB. 21, 2023 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 AM PST WEDNESDAY ABOVE 1500 FEET... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THISAFTERNOON TO 10 AM PST WEDNESDAY BELOW 1500 FEET... * WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning above 1500 feet, moderate to heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, with up to 12 inches expected above 3000 ft. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph over the higher terrain. For the Winter Weather Advisory below 1500 feet, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...All areas will experience some degree of winter weather impacts. For the Winter Storm Warning, this includes I-5 passes north of Grants Pass and from Ashland south, Highways 227, 199 at Hayes Hill, Jacksonville Hill and the foothills within Jackson, Josephine and Eastern Curry Counties,including Butte Falls and Prospect. For the Winter Weather Advisory, this includes Medford, Grants Pass, Eagle Point, Shady Cove, Rogue River and Cave Junction. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, from 10 AM Tuesday to 10 AM PST Wednesday. For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 4 PM Tuesday to 10 AM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible above 1500 ft. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels lower to around 2000 ft by Tuesday morning and continue to lower to around 1500 ft by Tuesday afternoon, then likely reach western valley floors Tuesday night. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr
Expect Winter Driving Conditions in Southern Oregon
Travelers in southwest Oregon should expect snowy roads and winter conditions this week as winter weather moves through the region. Plan ahead, take extra time, and expect delays throughout the week.
In the valleys, expect light snow and wet roads. Low overnight temperatures may cause ice to form on roads.
On high cascades routes prepare for heavy, blowing snow. Also expect snow at elevation along Interstate 5 north of Grants Pass, and the Siskiyou summit on the Oregon-California border.
Chains may be required through several high elevation areas. Chain requirements can change throughout the day, depending on conditions. Be safe and chain up in designated areas on road shoulders only.
ODOT road crews are prepared for snow and work continuously to keep roads clear, but they can’t be everywhere at once. Some roads may have snow or ice longer than in years past.
Check Tripcheck.com for the latest on road conditions, chain requirements, and other winter travel information.
Schools Locally and Across The Nation Responding to False Reports Of An Active Shooter
Tuesday morning, Ashland Police Department received a false call of a person shot at Ashland High School. Officers responded and AHS went into lock down. APD searched the building and found nothing wrong.
While this was occurring. a similar call was received for a Medford High School. After AHS was determined to be all clear, the investigation revealed that this same phone number has called in similar events nationally over the last few weeks. APD will continue to investigate.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also stated in a Facebook post that reports of an active shooter at various Douglas County schools are false and ask parents not to pick up their child at school.
FROM DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIIFF —-Law enforcement is receiving FALSE reports of an active shooter at various Douglas County Schools. At this time, all reports are false. However, law enforcement is responding to each report and taking each report seriously. Law enforcement is working in partnership with all schools to ensure safety of students and staff.
Parents may have a reaction to want to pick up their child from school and we urge parents to please not do that. Doing so can result in additional chaos and panic as well as detract law enforcement from focusing on their assigned tasks. “We believe these to be swatting incidents to instigate police response and generate panic among responders and community members,” Lt. Brad O’Dell said. “There have been similar incidents occurring nationwide for at least the past 24 hours. Law Enforcement will respond to and assess each incident appropriately.”
Lt O’Dell also recommends that the community avoid calling 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number to check on the status of these incidents or to inquire about picking up students. “The 9-1-1 center is being overrun with these calls making managing an already stressful incident even more so,” he said. “This also prevents delays in answering other life or death emergency calls and dispatching the appropriate resources.” The community is urged to look to credible news sources, government and local emergency response organizations for updates to avoid misinformation.
Oregon State Fire Marshal invests $2.7 million in wildfire risk reduction projects across Oregon
The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is excited to announce a $2.7 million investment in wildfire risk reduction projects across Oregon. This strategic one-time investment is being made at the local and county levels through community wildfire protection plans (CWPP).
Projects will happen in 25 CWPP planning areas located in Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Wallowa, Wheeler, and Yamhill counties.
Projects include promoting wildfire-specific community risk reduction efforts, community education, defensible space projects, home assessments, media campaigns, signage, fuel mitigation programs, and grant funds.
One of the projects is in Morrow County, which will receive money to help landowners with defensible space projects and educate community members about best practices. Project managers plan to host yard debris pick-up events and help with defensible space work.
“We are happy to have the money to implement our planned work,” Heppner Fire and Rescue Chief Steve Rhea said. “Projects all over the state are worthy of this funding, and we appreciate the investment and the attention from the OSFM in rural communities.”
The OSFM’s fire risk reduction specialists worked with local CWPP planning groups to determine where funding was needed. This selection process was based on actionable projects, underserved communities, and the risk of fire in or near communities.
The funds are part of the OSFM’s Fire Adapted Oregon initiative, available because of Senate Bill 762.
To learn more about wildfire risk reduction and response investments, visit the agency’s grants and Investments in Action pages.
ABOUT FIRE ADAPTED OREGON – The OSFM’s Fire Adapted Oregon initiative was created to help prepare communities for wildfire and reduce its impacts. Fire Adapted Oregon offers education and training to empower communities to protect themselves and their property from wildfire. Learn more here.
ABOUT COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLANS (CWPP) – A CWPP is a plan developed by a community in an area at risk from wildfire. The community wildfire protection planning process is the collaboration between communities and agencies interested in reducing wildfire risk.
Oregon Legislature Considering Bill Proposed To Help Local Ukrainian Refugees
Oregon state Sen. James Manning Jr., D-Eugene, just introduced a bill to make the transition easier for Ukrainian refugees living across the state. Senate Bill 935 would allow those refugees to receive rental housing without a co-signer if it passes.
It would also waive the written and driving test for those looking to get a driver’s license if they already had a valid license in Ukraine.
Manning said this session he wants to make it easier for the more than 4,500 Ukrainian refugees living in Oregon during this time. “Cutting the red tape is very critical right now because they desperately need help, and we should be standing beside them, especially now, to help make life a little easier,” he said.
The group Giving Hope has worked directly with those refugees over the last year. The director there said the first hurdle is getting a sponsor to come to the United States, and often that sponsor can’t help with housing.
Manning said he worked with immigrant and refugee community organizations to create this bill, with the goal of addressing the biggest issues for this group head on.
2023-2024 Oregon Blue Book Cover Showcases Scenic Wonders
Oregon photographers’ cover images highlight our Columbia River Gorge and Oregon Coast Aquarium
The Oregon Secretary of State’s Office today revealed the cover images for the 2023-2024 Oregon Blue Book. The cover selections were made by Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan as part of judging the Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest. Almost 1000 images were submitted as part of the contest.
The Oregon Blue Book is our state’s official almanac and fact book, published by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office. The book is published in odd-numbered years and has been in continuous publication since 1911. Most recently, the books’ covers have included photography of some of Oregon’s most exceptional places.
“When you live in a state as beautiful as Oregon, it can be tough to choose just two images,” said Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan. “I was so impressed by the images submitted by Oregon’s vibrant amateur photography community. I hope this cover inspires every Oregonian to pick up the book or visit the Oregon Blue Book website and discover how this fact book can open our state up to them in a whole new way.”
The book’s front cover is a beautiful image of the Rowena Crest area of the Columbia River Gorge by photographer Micah Lundstedt of Eugene. Lundstedt captured the glowing morning sky and the landscape blanketed in colorful Balsam Root and Lupine flowers.
“Micah’s image reminded me of my time growing up in Dufur and The Dalles,” said Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan. “Those flowers each spring felt optimistic and hopeful. We’re really lucky to call this beautiful state home.”
“This photo was taken at sunrise on the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge near Rowena Crest,” said Micah Lundstedt. “My intention was to shoot east toward the rising sun, but I saw these amazing clouds catching the light to my left. I love how the colors of the flowers and sky complement each other.”
Lundstedt is a hobby photographer based in Eugene, Oregon.
The back cover for the 2023-24 Oregon Blue Book is a colorful capture of Oregon rockfish, made by Dale George of Grants Pass. George says he made this image while exploring the Oregon Coast on a solo trip. “I was at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport enjoying the displays,” said George. “These three rockfish in the underwater walkthrough tunnel area began exhibiting this interesting behavior. Luckily, they were near the glass, and I could get them in focus!” he said.
“I was inspired to choose this image by Dale George because the fish are so brightly colored and interesting,” said Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan. “Fish are also an important part of who we are as Oregonians. They’re part of our cultural heritage, economy and even our family stories.”
Dale George is a retired mechanic and hobby photographer who lives in Grants Pass with his wife of 39 years.
The Oregon Blue Book is our state’s official almanac and fact book, published every two years by the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. The book has been in publication since 1911. It contains listings and descriptions of government agencies and educational institutions. It also features an almanac, maps, facts about Oregon history and elections, as well as information on cities, counties, the arts, media, and other cultural institutions in Oregon.
A copy of the cover can be downloaded here. — The Oregon Blue Book can be purchased online and the digital Oregon Blue Book can be accessed at bluebook.oregon.gov.
U-Haul Driver Kills Pedestrian In Gresham; Truck Blocks MAX Line
A driver of a U-Haul truck struck and killed a pedestrian Monday afternoon, according to the Gresham Police Department. This happened near East Burnside Street and Southeast 167th Avenue at around 2:45 p.m.
The U-Haul truck ended up on the MAX tracks and kept trains from traveling in both directions until at least 5:30 p.m. The pedestrian, a woman, was taken to a hospital but died of her injuries. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the police.
Newport Seafood & Wine Festival Starts Thursday
The Newport Seafood & Wine Festival is returning this week, after having to cancel the past two years.
The Newport Seafood & Wine Festival is Newport’s largest annual event. It started in 1977 with the intention to boost the local economy during the slowest time of the year.
Today, the four-day event draws thousands of visitors to Newport during the last full weekend February, boasting over 125 vendors: seafood vendors, craftspeople, and Northwest wineries all under a tented venue adjacent to the Rogue brewery in South Beach.
More than 300 volunteers, a dedicated volunteer committee, and local support from city and county agencies make this annual event possible. Presenting Sponsor Chinook Winds Casino Resort has generously supported the event for the past thirteen years. MORE INFO: Newport Seafood & Wine Festival
Film Submissions Open For Klamath Independent Film Festival
Klamath Film, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes filmmaking in the Klamath Basin, is now accepting film submissions for the annual Klamath Independent Film Festival (KIFF) through June 1 via FilmFreeway.
The festival, scheduled to take place Sept. 22-24 at the Ross Ragland Theater in Klamath Falls and simultaneously presented via livestream and on-demand, is entering its 11th year. Dubbed “the premiere Oregon-centric film festival,” KIFF is the only film festival that exclusively showcases independent films made-in-Oregon or by Oregon resident filmmakers, along with submissions from bordering California counties Siskiyou and Modoc.
Festival submissions are split into six categories based on geographic location as northern or southern Oregon, designated as either feature films (40 minutes or longer), shorts (under 40 minutes), and Kindergarten-College student films. Student films should be no longer than 15 minutes. As with 2022’s festival, prize money totaling $5,000 will be divided among the six categories.
Any film completed by Jan. 1, 2022 or later and is made predominantly in Oregon or by an Oregon resident filmmaker is eligible to submit for consideration. Film selections for KIFF will be announced in mid-July. Continuing a popular tradition, award-winning films from the six categories will receive a one-of-a-kind art piece trophy custom carved by the Southern Cascade Woodcrafters Guild along with a cash prize.
The festival is a popular draw for filmmakers and film fans from across the Pacific Northwest to Klamath Falls for several days of films and social activities. Since 2020 due to the then COVID-19-related crowd restrictions, the festival has also been at the forefront of virtual festival structure, presenting KIFF in a hybrid format by live-streaming all on-stage activities and presenting every film along with an exclusive director Q&A on-demand for a limited time.
From major feature film productions to videos shot on cell phones by amateurs, films of all variety are accepted for festival consideration. KIFF is an all-genre film festival, themed solely around the celebration of filmmaking in Oregon. The festival combines film screenings – many of them world premieres – along with director interviews, panel discussions, and social activities.
The festival has grown by leaps and bounds since its early days, established initially in 2013 one year after Klamath Film’s founding as little more than a means for members to showcase their own projects locally. The festival has grown in popularity and volume, now a three-day nationally recognized celebration of Oregon filmmaking.
“We are ecstatic about our 11th annual film festival this year,” said Cassidy Quistorff, Klamath Film director. “We have some big plans and couldn’t get any of this accomplished without our fabulous filmmakers, generous sponsors and grants, and hardworking board members and volunteers. The talent that Oregon filmmakers have is totally unmatched, and our goal is always for everyone and anyone to feel welcome and appreciated at KIFF.”
In recent years an opening night gala and street fair have been added to the schedule, along with a variety of social gatherings. In 2020 after the pandemic began KIFF gained further notoriety as the only film festival nationwide able to welcome an in-theater audience for over a year.
Last year’s festival celebrated over 30 made-in-Oregon films, including a special anniversary screening of the iconic 1970’s comedy National Lampoon’s Animal House, complete with on-stage toga dance-off, cast reunion, and special appearance by Otis Day.
The festival is not only a tourism draw but has also proven to be a networking opportunity for filmmakers and creatives across Oregon. In recent years several films have even been created as a result of filmmakers meeting at KIFF, and several film productions from KIFF alumnus are in pre-productions stages – some even slated to possibly be filmed in Klamath County.
Filmmakers may submit up to two films for KIFF at https://filmfreeway.com/klamathfilm. There is a $20 submission cost, but some waivers are available. Youth K-College film category submissions are free thanks to a scholarship partnership with Oregon Film. Filmmakers may submit their films from Feb. 1 through June 1.
Sponsors, volunteers, and film screeners are being sought to help present the film festival. If interested, contact info@klamathfilm.org. For more information about the Klamath Independent Film Festival visit www.klamathfilm.org.
