The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Rogue Valley Weather
TODAY WED 06/14 HIGH 78 °F
TONIGHT WED 06/14 LOW 47 °F
TOMORROW THU 06/15 HIGH 82 | 52 °F
Grants Pass Detectives Arrest Two for Kidnapping, Torture, and Involuntary Servitude
Grants Pass, Ore. – On Sunday at 5:12 PM, the Grants Pass Police Department received a 911 call from a 22-year-old male claiming to have fled from a residence in the 1500 block of Ben Aire Circle. He had allegedly been forced into involuntary servitude for months by his cousin Eastwood Mohammed Mannan, a 35-year-old male, and Cassie Jo Gudino, a 27-year-old female. Officers located the fleeing victim and assisted with ensuring his safety.
Grants Pass Police detectives responded and initiated a full investigation. Detectives determined the male victim had been lured from New York, along with his 19-year-old sister, with promises of freedom and a job. The female victim was reportedly still being held at the residence. Over several months, the suspects allegedly forced the victims to work by using fear of serious physical injury and use of torture, such as burning them with a torch, ice baths, beatings, and starvation. The victims were required to give all money earned from online remote employment to the suspects.
On Monday morning, Grants Pass Police detectives, with the assistance of the Grants Pass SWAT and detectives from the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement team, executed a search warrant at the residence located on Ben Aire Circle. The suspects were arrested at the scene, and the female victim was rescued. Both victims received medical attention at the hospital and will be reunited with family in New York.
Eastwood Mohammed Mannan and Cassie Jo Gudino were lodged at the Josephine County Jail for two counts of 1st Degree Kidnapping and two counts of 1st Degree Subjecting Another Person to Involuntary Servitude. Mannan was additionally charged with two counts of 2nd Degree Assault.
Anyone having information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Grants Pass Police Department at 541-450-6260 and reference case #23-24725.
All media inquiries should be directed to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.
Luring a Minor/Online Sexual Corruption Arrest in Grants Pass
INCIDENT DATE: June 12, 2023
REPORTING DEPUTY: Detective Sergeant Henrich
ARRESTED: John F. Morgan, 73 years old
CHARGES: Luring a Minor
Online Sexual Corruption I
Online Sexual Corruption II
DETAILS:
On June 07, 2023, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding an adult male attempting to communicate with a minor female via an online source. Based on the content of the messages that included explicit sexual descriptions of the male subject’s intent, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the male who was identified as John Morgan.
On June 12, 2023, after Morgan described what his intentions were, he agreed to meet the female at Walmart.
When Morgan arrived at Walmart in his vehicle, members of the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office were in place and ultimately arrested him for the crimes involved.
John Morgan, 73, was arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail for Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption.
At the time of this press release, no further details are being released.
Grants Pass Retiree “Wins For Life” with Oregon Lottery
A Grants Pass woman decided to play Oregon’s Win for Life draw game for the first time – only to end up a jackpot winner. Ruth Salvatore, 73, purchased five tickets for the June 4 drawing and learned of her $52,000 annual prize when she scanned the last ticket on the Oregon Lottery app.
At first, Salvatore saw she had won $2 on a ticket and was thrilled she won something.When her last ticket scanned as the jackpot winner, she ran into the living room to share the news with her sister and husband Ed.
“Look at that,” she said. “Look at that,” pointing with excitement to her phone.
Salvatore and her husband are planning to use the money to remodel their home and take a trip to Cancun. Coincidentally, the couple will be celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary this month – making “52” a special number for them.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Grants Pass Fred Meyer store.
The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have a year to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.
Southern Oregon Based David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems is bringing a fleet of track Chairs to Florence and Newport Oregon for people with Mobility Challenges to use for FREE.
Southern Oregon-based nonprofit David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems (David’s Chair) is mobilizing their team with a fleet of track chairs to the Oregon Coast this weekend. On Friday June 16 they will be in Florence Oregon at Heceta Beach County Park and on Saturday June 17 they will be at Nye Beach in Newport Oregon. Both excursions are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The time slots to use a track chair in Florence are full while there are a couple still open for Newport. You should come meet the David’s Chair Team at both locations and the community members supporting these events to learn how you can help make Oregon Beaches more accessible. . CEO and Founder Steve Furst said, “We are excited to bring our track chairs to Florence and Newport for the first time. Hosting Beach Day Excursions like these are important so people with mobility challenges can access the beaches with their family and friends. Both of these communities have been great to work with as we planned and prepared for these excursions.”
David’s Chair owns a fleet of track chairs that they allow people to use for FREE. CEO and Founder Steve Furst said, “We are working with many different entities in each city to bring a Track Chair permanently to both communities. David’s Chair is in the process of placing several track chairs at locations along the Oregon Coast and they are close to having them in Newport and Florence. “We want to make the Oregon Coast more accessible and with our track chairs people will have the independence and freedom to go where they choose. Nobody has to push them.” Said, Steve Furst. David’s Chair has received some grants to purchase track chairs and they are looking for more locations to partner with to provide their free services. “We are doing everything we can as a non-profit to make this as easy as possible and still having some trouble in certain areas. We are handling all reservations to use the track chairs through our online portal and providing forms and waivers. We provide insurance, maintenance, and parts. We are basically doing it all. We are even purchasing places to store them. We just ask our partners to check the track chairs in and out to the people using them and provide power and light cleaning to the track chairs. We are on a mission and looking for partners to help us provide the Oregon Coast with mobility freedom for all”, said CEO and Founder Steve Furst. You can learn more about the upcoming excursions and how you can help by going to www.davidschair.org and selecting the events page. You can also ask any questions through the Contact Us link on the website.
About David’s Chair
David’s Chair got its start in 2017, after Medford resident David Hartrick was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). An avid hunter and fisherman, David immediately began searching for a way to enjoy the outdoors in the confines of a wheelchair. With the help of CEO and Founder Steve Furst, the pair discovered the company Action Trackchair and raised enough money to buy one. David recognized he wouldn’t be able to use it for long and dreamed of others benefiting from the chair as well; shortly after, the non-profit David’s Chair was born.
David passed away on January 11, 2018, just 11 months after his ALS diagnosis. However, David’s Chair continues to give the gift of independence and freedom to people with ALS and other mobility challenges. Both David’s original Action Trackchair, along with several newer chairs have been used by people with mobility challenges to go places and experience freedom they haven’t been able to, free of charge.
To learn more about David’s Chair, visit www.davidschair.org and like David’s Chair on Facebook.
Wildfires Near Hermiston and Pendleton
What started as a response to douse a grass fire Tuesday morning, June 13, near Hat Rock State Park in northern Umatilla County would progress to a massive wildfire requiring help from virtually all local fire departments and more.
The hot, dry weather and high winds fed the Hat Rock Fire, which Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 estimated at one point in the evening to have grown to approximately 10,000 acres. The National Weather Service in Pendleton on June 12 issued a fire weather watch for June 13 for Gilliam, Morrow and Umatilla counties. The NWS changed that June 13 to a Red Flag Warning that was in effect until 9 p.m.
“Firefighters are being challenged by gusty winds and low relative humidity,” according to a report from the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, which also asked everyone to pay attention to these conditions and take the necessary precautions to avoid sparking a fire.
The Hat Rock Fire prompted the closure of Highway 730 near the state park, and the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office would issue an evacuation notice for areas in Juniper Canyon along Hartle, Wallula and Hatchgrade roads due to the Hat Rock Fire.
The sheriff’s office reported deputies and search and rescue members went door to door advising occupants to evacuate the area. This was not a mandatory evacuation but a notice of immediate evacuation, the sheriff’s office explained, which meant occupants were requested and instructed to leave the area for their own safety.
The city of Hermiston opened the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center for anyone evacuated who may need shelter.
Red Cross has opened a shelter in response to the Hat Rock Fire in Umatilla County. Our volunteers are ready to help those affected by this wildfire. Shelter location: 1705 E Airport Rd., Hermiston, OR
The State Fire Marshal mobilized six task forces and the OSFM Green Incident Management Team to the Hat Rock Fire as well as the Mount Hebron Fire, according to Umatilla County Fire District No. 1.
The high winds and low visibility grounded the K-MAX helicopter from La Grande and two aircraft the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sent to fight the blaze.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared a conflagration for the Hat Rock Fire and the fire burning at the same time on the Mount Hebron area in Pendleton. That fire, however, would spread to approximately 500 acres.
Fire District No. 1 reported it received a callout at 10:59 a.m. for a brush fire on Highway 730 near Highway 37. The fire district reported its crews battled the fire in multiple divisions along Highway 730, and numerous local agencies assisted.
Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District, Echo Fire Department, Irrigon Fire Department, Boardman Fire Rescue District, Pendleton Fire and Ambulance, Pilot Rock Rural Fire Protection District, East Umatilla County Rural Fire Protection District and Umatilla Tribal Fire Department each sent crews and equipment to the Hat Rock Fire.
The Walla Walla Fire Department, Oregon Department of Forestry, Gilliam County Fire Services, Oregon and Oregon National Guard also have provided resources.
The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office reported it activated the county’s Emergency Operation Center at noon to assist in monitoring the ongoing fires in the region and coordinate response efforts.
Wind and low relative humidity, as well as a strong cold front moving across the Pacific Northwest were contributing factors to the Red Flag Warning, according to the NWS.
The forecast called for temperatures up to 88 degrees with relative humidity as low as 27%, according to NWS. Winds were projected to blow westward at 25-35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
“A cold front will sweep across the forecast area on this afternoon resulting in increasing westerly winds combined with low relative humidities,” the Weather Service reported. (SOURCE)
Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizes resources to the Hat Rock and Mount Hebron Fires
The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is mobilizing six task forces and an incident management team to Umatilla County as firefighters battle two fast-moving wildfires. Tuesday evening, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Hat Rock fire and Mount Hebron fire to provide these additional resources.
Level 2 evacuation orders are in place through the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office for the Hat Rock fire, and some residents self-evacuated due to the fire activity on the Mount Hebron fire. Local fire officials have confirmed some outbuildings were lost in the Mount Hebron fire.
“The Hat Rock and Mount Hebron fires have been growing rapidly due to the dry, windy conditions in Umatilla County. The local firefighting resources from three counties have been battling both fires since they began mid-day June 13,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “With the red flag warning in place, the OSFM is mobilizing additional resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System (OFMAS) to help the local fire service agencies on scene.”
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined the fire poses a threat to life, safety, and property, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The governor’s declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources in battling the fire and further support a coordinated response.
The OSFM’s Green Incident Management Team will be briefed and assume command. The six task forces are coming from other counties around the state through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System.
PacifiCorp says it plans to appeal a jury verdict that found it liable in four wildfires over the 2020 Labor Day weekend. Twenty-five-hundred homes were damaged or destroyed by the fires.
Jury Reaches Verdict in James v. PacifiCorp
PacifiCorp to pursue appeals
As a result of the historic and tragic wind event of Labor Day 2020, many of our fellow Oregonians suffered losses to their homes, businesses and communities. Regardless of the outcome, a trial will never fully restore what was lost. We are proud to have told the story of our incredible employees, who meet the call to service every day in support of our communities and customers and did so in the face of the preexisting, lightning caused Beachie Creek fire that roared into the Santiam Canyon causing widespread damage that weekend.
The company plans to pursue appeals, and we are confident we will prevail.
Pacific Power, a division of PacifiCorp serving customers in Oregon, was the first utility to develop a Wildfire Mitigation Plan in the state starting in 2018. We continue to lead in wildfire mitigation, and our plan continues to grow and evolve– which includes in-house emergency management, meteorology and data science teams and features the installation of over 300 weather stations, grid hardening, fire-risk modeling software and an enhanced vegetation management program. How utilities serve communities and customers in Oregon, and expectations for continuous and reliable electric service, will be reshaped. We are committed to working with impacted communities to ensure everyone can thrive in our collective new reality.
Wildfire remains a complex issue and the threat of wildfire continues to grow dramatically in Oregon and the West. Escalating climate change, challenging state and federal forest management, and population growth in the wildland-urban interface are substantial factors contributing to growing wildfire risk. These systemic issues affect all Oregonians and are larger than any single utility, such as Pacific Power. A holistic perspective and public-private leadership will be essential to adapt society to natural disaster risks. As we look to recent events in California that have impacted the availability of routine property insurance for residents and businesses and wildfire smoke from Canada affecting the Northeast U.S., it is critical that we all work together to protect Oregonians through constructive, enduring solutions.
Oregon Food Bank Sees Increased Demand
Local food banks are struggling to meet increased demand due to soaring inflation, ongoing economic struggles and post-pandemic reductions in federal food assistance programs.
Why it matters: More than 720,000 Oregonians who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) saw a decrease in monthly benefits since COVID-era federal emergency allotments ended in March, and many are turning to their local pantry to fill the gap.
Catch up quick: Emergency allotments added to SNAP in March 2020 put extra food money in the pockets of people getting aid. Additionally, hundreds of millions of dollars in extra federal assistance was added to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) during the pandemic.
- Those dollars are now gone. Morgan Dewey, a spokesperson for Oregon Food Bank, tells Axios while many families are still struggling from the economic impacts of the pandemic, rising food costs are making it harder for food banks to meet the growing need.
What they’re saying: “The minute these emergency allotments ended, families had to choose if their dollars were going to rent or choose if their dollars were going to food,” Dewey said.
- Many of Oregon Food Bank’s partners have seen anywhere from a 25% to 50% increase in demand since pandemic assistance ended, she added.
Context: Oregon Food Bank is the state’s largest food assistance network. With four warehouses, the nonprofit provides resources to 21 regional food banks, which in turn service 1,400 partners — from pantries and meal sites to free food markets and delivery programs across Oregon and southwest Washington.
The numbers: In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, a truckload of peanut butter (a common pantry staple) cost Oregon Food Bank $34,000. Today, it costs $65,000, according to Dewey.
- In April, 87,499 Multnomah County households that qualify for aid received an average of $293 in food benefits per month, a decrease of about 31% from February, which was the last month that included the federal emergency allotments, per Oregon Department of Human Services data.
- While the bulk of the food bank’s aid comes from federal and state programs, it also relies heavily on grassroots volunteer work, local business partnerships and corporate donations.
The bottom line: “Simply giving people food does not end hunger,” Dewey said, adding that Oregon Food Bank has a large advocacy arm within its organization dedicated to supporting bills and ballot measures that propose “key solutions to ending the root causes of hunger.” (SOURCE)
Oregon Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS
PORTLAND, Ore.—An Oregon man pleaded guilty in federal court today for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) by producing and distributing propaganda and recruiting materials online in coordination with ISIS members overseas.
Hawazen Sameer Mothafar, 33, an Iraqi national residing in Troutdale, Oregon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
According to court documents, Mothafar immigrated to the U.S. from Iraq in 2014 and, since his arrival, has resided in Troutdale. An ISIS supporter since 2014, Mothafar was the co-founder of the Sunni Shield Foundation, a pro-ISIS media organization that created and published violent propaganda promoting ISIS ideology and objectives. In this role, Mothafar created the Sunni Shield’s first media product, a video of ISIS battle footage obtained from an official ISIS online platform intended to promote ISIS. In subsequent videos produced by Mothafar, he encouraged viewers to travel to Iraq and Syria to fight for ISIS and conduct attacks on behalf of the organization.
Mothafar and other members of the Sunni Shield obtained ISIS Central Media’s permission to begin publishing Al Anfal, an online newspaper promoting the Islamic State’s goals and advocating violent jihad. Mothafar oversaw planning and production of the publication while also serving as one of its graphic designers. Graphics designed by Mothafar for the publication incited readers to attack and kill Westerners and conduct knife attacks against ISIS enemies.
Mothafar communicated directly with ISIS Central Media officials in Iraq, from whom he regularly took instructions about media production. He represented the Sunni Shield in a private online group comprised of ISIS Central Media officials and representatives of other ISIS supporter groups. In this group, ISIS media officials would pass instructions to the supporter groups about official ISIS media campaigns. The supporter groups, including the Sunni Shield, would then prepare media materials to publish in support of the campaigns.
In addition to his work with the Sunni Shield, Mothafar aided other pro-ISIS media organizations and conspired with numerous ISIS associates in furtherance of his support to the terrorist organization. Mothafar provided graphic designs to the Khattab Media Foundation, assisted in the production of the Youth of the Caliphate magazine, published ISIS news on Nashr News Agency channels, worked with Fursan al-Rafa’ (Knights of Uploading) to publish pro-ISIS material on various websites, and assisted the Saqri Foundation with designs. Mothafar also communicated with Abu Qaswara al-Shanqiti, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist imprisoned in West Africa, and connected Qaswara al-Shanqiti with two ISIS officials in hopes of aiding his release.
On November 3, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a five-count indictment charging Mothafar with conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, providing and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, and making false statements in an immigration application and to a government agency.
Mothafar faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a life term of supervised release. He will be sentenced on January 11, 2024, before U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernández.
This case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invites the public to community open houses on potential sea otter recovery efforts in Northern California and Oregon
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will host 16 public open houses with communities in Northern California and Oregon this June to gather input on the potential reintroduction of sea otters to their historical range. The open houses will provide communities and stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives and speak with Service staff about sea otters and next steps in recovery efforts including the potential reintroduction process – should a proposal move forward.
The southern sea otter, one of three subspecies of sea otter, is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. As directed by Congress, the Service assessed reintroduction feasibility in 2022. The assessment concluded that reintroduction was biologically feasible and may have significant benefits for a variety of species in the marine ecosystem and expedite the recovery of the threatened southern sea otter.
The assessment also concluded that additional information about how reintroduction would affect stakeholders and local communities was needed before considering the next steps. There is no active proposal to reintroduce sea otters at this time.
The open houses will help the Service gather further information to inform next steps. As the Service considers the possibility of reintroduction, we recognize that community values and issues are critical in this process. Input from the public and key stakeholders, including ocean users, will be a foundational component in establishing next steps including whether or not a potential reintroduction is proposed, as well as ensuring that proposals are crafted in a way that benefits stakeholders and local communities.
The Service aims to be inclusive, thoughtful, and scientifically sound as we consider actions to support sea otters, local communities and ecosystem recovery, now and in the future.
Open houses will be held in the following communities in Oregon and Northern California:
Oregon
Astoria – June 20, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Astoria Elks Lodge #180 453 11th St., Astoria, OR 97103
Garibaldi – June 21, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM Old Mill RV Resort 210 South 3rd St. Garibaldi, OR 97118
Newport – June 21, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Newport Recreation Center, Multipurpose Room 225 SE Avery St., Newport, OR 97365
Florence – June 22, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Lane Community College, Florence Center, Room 103 3149 Oak St., Florence, OR 97439
Coos Bay – June 22 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Southern Oregon Community College, Empire Hall, Lakeview Rooms E, F, & G 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, OR 97420
Port Orford – June 23, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, Port Orford Library, Large Conference Room 1421 Oregon St., Port Orford, OR 97465
Gold Beach – June 23, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Curry County Library, Meeting Hall 94341 3rd St., Gold Beach, OR 97444
Brookings – June 24, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Coastal Community Center (located inside Coastal Home, Health, and Hospice) 585 5th St., Brookings, OR 97415
California
Crescent City – June 24, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Del Norte Recreation Department, Gymnasium 1005 H St., Crescent City, CA 95531
Arcata – June 25, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Cal Poly Humboldt, College Creek Complex, Great Hall Community Center Building, Room 260, 1 Rossow St., Arcata, CA 95521
Fort Bragg – June 26, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Noyo Center for Marine Science, Discovery Center 338 N Main St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Bodega Bay – June 27, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, Bodega Bay Community Center 2255 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA, 94923
Point Reyes Station – June 27, 5:00 PM– 7:30 PM, Point Reyes National Seashore, Bear Valley Visitor Center, Red Barn Classroom 75 Bear Valley Rd., Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Sausalito – June 28, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Bay Model Visitor Center, Gallery 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965
San Francisco – June 28, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, San Francisco County Fair Building, Auditorium 1199 9th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122
Emeryville – June 29, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Emeryville Senior Center, Main Hall 4321 Salem St., Emeryville, CA 94608
The Service encourages interested stakeholders and publics to drop in any time during the open houses. Full details and open house information are also available online at www.fws.gov/project/exploring-potential-sea-otter-reintroduction.
### The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
