Rogue Valley News, Monday 7/24 – Another Illegal Grow Bust in Josephine County, USPS Local 342 Union Holds Rally Against Closure Of The Medford Post Office

Bend Police Dept. 

UPDATE #3: Bend Police continue to investigate the homicide on NW Hill Street.

The victim’s vehicle was located on July 20 at the corner of Shasta Way and Division Street in Klamath Falls. Surveillance video shows the vehicle stopping at that location in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 15. We have attached still images from the surveillance video that show the vehicle where it was found, and a person who exited the vehicle.

Bend Police are asking the public for further assistance and to contact nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 with any information.

Bend residents are asked to look through any surveillance video you may have between July 8 and July 14 for a person whose description and clothing may match the attached image.

In addition, businesses and residents along U.S. Highway 97 between Bend and Klamath Falls are asked to review any surveillance video they may have between the hours of 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 14 and 3:30 a.m. Saturday, July 15 to look for the 2004 silver Honda CR-V or the person in the attached image.

Anyone who traveled between Bend and Klamath Falls between the hours of 3:30 p.m. on Friday, July 14 and 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 15 who may have encountered this vehicle or its occupant is also asked to contact nonemergency dispatch.

This remains an active investigation.

UPDATE #2: This morning, Bend Police learned that a member of the public had located Evelyn Weaver’s silver Honda CR-V in Southern Oregon. The vehicle was unoccupied.

Bend Police detectives are en route to collect the vehicle and investigate the area where it was found.

Forensics and evidence collection continues at Weaver’s home in the 200 block of NW Hill Street.

We appreciate the public’s attention and assistance as this investigation continues.

UPDATE: The 28-year-old woman found dead on July 18 at a home in the 200 block of NW Hill Street has been identified as Evelyn Jeanette Weaver.

Weaver’s death is now being investigated as a homicide.

The Major Incident Team has been activated and is working with Bend Police detectives to investigate this case. Oregon State Police Forensics Lab is also assisting in the case.

Police will remain on scene at the home through at least Friday as they collect evidence and complete a forensic investigation.

Bend Police are looking for Weaver’s 2004 silver Honda CR-V, Oregon license plate 085BMP. Two pictures of Weaver’s vehicle are attached. If you see this vehicle, do not approach it – call 911.

If you have any information on Weaver’s death or had any interaction with Weaver between July 13 and July 18 and have not yet been in contact with Bend Police, please contact the nonemergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911.

Date: July 18, 2023

Case #: 2023-00043395

Incident: Death investigation underway in NW Bend

Date / Time of Incident: July 18, 2023 / 11:18 a.m.

Location: 200 block of NW Hill Street, Bend

Victim: 28-year-old Bend woman

Bend Police are currently investigating a suspicious death in the 200 block of NW Hill Street in Bend.

Officers responded to a call at approximately 11:18 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18 from a Bend man who went to the NW Hill Street home to check on the resident and found the woman unresponsive. Upon arrival, officers determined the 28-year-old Bend woman was dead in the home. The death is being treated as suspicious.

Officers will be on scene at the home for an extended period of time as the investigation continues.

7/21/2023 Illinois Valley Fire District – 2nd Alarm Vegetation on Holland Loop 

Jackson County Public Health has issued a warning to residents about the potential impact of surrounding wildfires on air quality levels this summer.

The Flat Fire in Curry County could particularly affect air quality in Jackson County. Smoke levels can quickly rise and fall due to various weather factors, such as wind direction and the amount of smoke produced by the wildfire. Therefore, it’s important for people to monitor the air quality during wildfire season.

Wildfire smoke is a complex combination of air pollutants that can be detrimental to human health. Exposure can result in lung irritation, inflammation, altered immune function, exacerbation of chronic heart and lung diseases, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. The particulate matter (PM) present in wildfire smoke is the most significant risk, especially fine particles (PM2.5) which can be inhaled deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Vulnerable populations include children under 18, adults over 65, pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, and people of low socioeconomic status.

Public Health Officials recommend several steps to prepare for wildfire smoke. These include gathering supplies such as respirators, air cleaners, and filters, as well as planning to keep smoke out of the home. This can be achieved by choosing a room that can be closed off from outside air and setting up a portable air cleaner or filter. Monitoring nearby fires is also crucial.

During a wildfire smoke event, it is advised to be aware of smoke concentrations in the area, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and stay indoors with doors and windows closed to reduce exposure to particulate matter. Using air conditioning to keep the home cool, reducing or eliminating other sources of particles such as smoking, using gas, wood-burning stoves, aerosol sprays, frying or broiling meat, burning candles or incense, and vacuuming can also help. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and Electro-static precipitator (ESP) filters can provide protection, or a DIY option of attaching a furnace filter to a box fan can be considered.

If outdoor exposure is unavoidable, wearing a particulate respirator mask labeled with “NIOSH” and either “N95” or “P100” can protect the lungs. However, it’s vital to ensure the mask fits properly to avoid leakage and provide adequate protection. The use of these masks can make breathing more difficult and may require a doctor’s supervision for those with heart and respiratory diseases. Checking the DEQ’s Air Quality Index and the Oregon Smoke Information Blog regularly can provide real-time air monitoring data and updated air quality advisories.

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Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizes additional resources to the Golden Fire after conflagration is declared

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the  Golden Fire to allow the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to mobilize more resources to protect life and property.

The OSFM is mobilizing additional task forces and an incident management team to Klamath County as firefighters continue to battle the fire Saturday evening. Earlier Saturday, OSFM mobilized two task forces through immediate response to help bolster the response to the Golden Fire. Level 3 evacuation orders are in place through the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office for the Golden Fire.

“The Golden Fire has been growing rapidly due to the dry, windy conditions in Klamath County,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “With the continued hot, dry conditions on the way for Klamath County, 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 Blue Incident Management Team will be briefed and assume command of the Golden Fire. The additional task forces are coming from Yamhill and Clatsop Counties through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System.

OSFM mobilizes two task forces to help fight a wildfire in Klamath County

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has mobilized two task forces to Klamath County to provide added capacity to protect structures near the Golden Fire. The task forces from the Rogue Valley and Central Oregon are being sent through Immediate Response, a tool the OSFM uses to send additional firefighters and equipment outside of a conflagration.

According to the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership, the Golden Fire began the afternoon of July 22 at approximately 1 pm on Bly Mountain, 18 miles east of Klamath Falls, Oregon. The fire is estimated at 200 acres, with structures threatened.

Highway 140E is currently closed at this time. Those in the area should be aware of the wildfire and check highway information before traveling at www.tripcheck.com.

Questions about the fire can be directed to the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership at scofmp.org.

ABOUT IMMEDIATE RESPONSE – This is the third immediate response mobilization in a week OSFM has activated. Immediate response is made possible through the OSFM’s Response Ready Oregon initiative, created through Oregon’s wildfire omnibus bill, Senate Bill 762, which was signed into law in 2021.  LEARN MORE: Response Ready Oregon

Red Cross Opens Evacuation Shelter for Golden Fire NE of Klamath Falls
American Red Cross – Cascades Region

Red Cross Cascades has opened an evacuation shelter in response to the Golden Fire burning northeast of Klamath Falls. Shelter location is: Bonanza Schools, 31610 Mission St, Bonanza, OR, 97623

Flat Fire Update

Start Date:  July 15, 2023 Size: 20,232  Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Cause: Human caused, Under Investigation

Current Situation: Firefightershave beenbuilding line, burning out, and mopping up (extinguishing hot spots) in completed burnout areas. Fire personnel are also scouting and strategically planning for primary, alternate, and contingency control lines around the perimeter of the fire. Tomorrow, smoke may be visible in nearby communities.

Tonight’s activities: Night shift crews will be patrolling the fire perimeter and working to ep the fire within the control lines. Swing shift in combination with night shift crews will continue burnout operations in the northeast section of the fire to further secure control lines.

Evacuations: Curry County is sending evacuation notices utilizing Everbridge. Sign up below https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php The areas of Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road and Spud Road that were previously in a Level 3 Evacuation were downgraded to a Level 2 “Get Set”.  A Level 2 evacuation notice also remains in effect from Agness to Quosatana Creek.

Weather: Tomorrow’s forecast is for cooler weather which will help with firefighters working to suppress the fire.

Smoke: The Smoke Outlooks are available at oregonsmoke.org and airnow.gov

Closures: The Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest has issued a closure order for the fire area including trails, roads, and a portion of the Illinois River. bit.ly/RRSNFClosures

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in placefs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou

Statewide Emergency Alert System Evacuation Notice sent in error

Late Saturday afternoon, Klamath County requested state assistance to send out a level three evacuation alert due to the Golden Fire impacting county residents.

Unfortunately, an Emergency Alert System (EAS) was broadcast statewide due to operator error. The error in the system has been fixed and the alert will not repeat.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management regrets this error and apologizes for any inconvenience.

Recent report ranks Oregon among top in the nation for affordable housing standards around healthy building practices, energy efficiency, and racial equity

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon received top marks in a recently released report entitled “Building a Better Affordable Housing Future” released by the Bluegreen Alliance Foundation. The report examined Qualified Action Plans (QAPs) in all 50 states.

“This recognition is a testament to the phenomenal work happening in communities across Oregon,” said Oregon Housing and Community Services Director Andrea Bell. “I’m especially excited to see that Oregon tied with Illinois in receiving the highest score in the racial equity section as we know Black and Indigenous people and other communities of color bear the brunt of inequities at many levels. Housing inequities are one of the most glaring. We also know progress is possible. The QAP is an effective tool used to encourage affordable housing development in our state.”

Each state produces a Qualified Action Plan that serves as a blueprint in where tax credits from the Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC) will be allocated to fund affordable housing development. This critical planning tool helps states outline how they plan to distribute credits to meet their state’s unique housing challenges and opportunities, as well as their priorities for what types of development are preferred in a competitive process.

This document also provides guidance and transparency to developers in putting forth housing proposals for LIHTC awards, including information around key prioritization factors such as set-asides (for example in Oregon credits are reserved for specific types of developments or target populations such as a set aside for tribal lands) and scoring of competitive points to address unique needs (for example Oregon gives priority to projects in areas with less health risks from environmental factors, as well as more points for projects in areas with high risk of displacement). An example of this innovation is after the 2020 wildfires, Oregon added a criterion to the QAP that awarded five points to proposals in federally declared disaster areas to encourage development and preservation of affordable housing in wildfire impacted counties.

Overall, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Ohio, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan had the highest cumulative scores. Oregon received the highest marks in healthy building practices along with strong scores in energy efficiency. Oregon was elevated as a case study example for racial equity. In addition to the prioritization of key factors around efficiency, health, and equity, the report outlined ways Oregon is ensuring all LIHTC applicants are required to meet elevated minimum standards through such requirements as identifying how applicants will contract with Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned, or Emerging Small Business (MWESB) contractors/subcontractors in the construction and operation of the proposed project, as well as mandating the integration of a “Sustainable Building Path” to enhance energy efficiency in the design and operation of the development.

Oregon’s 2022 Qualified Action Plan can be found on the OHCS website.  El comunicado de prensa en español

Pursuit and Officer Involved Shooting in Douglas County

On July 21, 2023 at approximately 7:38 am, Oregon State Police (OSP) initiated a pursuit with a Ford F250 that had been stolen during a violent robbery and burglary in Everett, Washington.  The F250 entered the Roseburg area where it went the wrong way on Interstate 5 and then into the City of Roseburg. The male and female occupants of the F250 stopped in the area of Fulton St. in Roseburg, where they forcefully stole a Toyota Rav4 from an elderly female who was driving by.

OSP located the stolen Rav4 fleeing south through Roseburg. The vehicle fled out of the City, and eventually to the area of the Melrose Store.  The Rav4 struck an OSP vehicle at this location, and then fled southbound.

The male occupant forcefully carjacked a Subaru car just south of the Melrose Store. During this carjacking, the male suspect ran over the owner of the Subaru, who sustained non-life threatening injuries.  After running over the Subaru owner, the male suspect rammed a Douglas County Sheriff (DCSO) Deputy’s patrol vehicle.  The male suspect sustained two gunshot wounds from DCSO Deputies at this time.  The male suspect was taken into custody, provided with immediate first aid, and transported to Mercy Medical Center.

The female suspect continued fleeing southbound in the stolen Rav4; she was apprehended in the 8400 block of Lookingglass Road without incident after attempting to enter an occupied residence, and was transported to Mercy as a precaution for a report of Fentanyl use.

It was later learned that both male and female suspects had active warrants for Escape out of Washington. No Law Enforcement were injured during this incident. The Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated, and Roseburg Police will lead the investigation of the Officer Involved Shooting.

No further information will be released at this time, as this is an active investigation.

Marion County Judge Hands Down a Prison Sentence of 205 Months for a 2021 Crime Spree

On Thursday, July 21, 2023,  Marion County Circuit Court Judge Channing Bennett sentenced Sean K. Beck (9/29/1973) to 205 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections for series of crimes committed on July 28, 2021.  Those crimes include Manslaughter in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon with a Firearm x 5, Felon in Possession Firearm x 3, and Driving Under the Influence.  Judge Bennett also found substantial and compelling reasons to deny Sean Beck earned time or any programming that could shorten his sentence.

A summary of the facts of the case are as follows:

On the morning of July 28, 2021, Keizer Police received a report from Crystal Billings, that Sean Beck, had stolen her 2014 silver Nissan X-terra as well as 3 guns – a Glock pistol, an A-R 15 and a Savage (.338 Lapua Magnum) rifle.  Later that same day, a citizen reported that the stolen X-terra was parked behind a business off River Road in Keizer.  It was further reported that a man with a pistol on his hip, later identified as Sean Beck, was standing near the vehicle.  Keizer Police responded to that location and made contact with the Beck, who had by then gotten back into the X-terra.  Beck was given repeated orders to surrender but refused to comply and eventually opened fire in the general direction of the police, who then returned fire.[1]  Despite being shot several times, Beck then drove away from the scene and eluded police officers who were following him with lights and sirens.  As the chase progressed down River Road, Beck ran a red light at a high rate of speed, struck, and then ran over a woman named Becky Dietzel, killing her.  Despite this, Beck did not stop and instead continued to elude until police[2] were able to execute a pit maneuver and stop the X-terra by force.[3]  After an approximately twenty-minute stand-off, Beck was taken into custody and transported to Salem Hospital to be treated for his wounds.  A medical blood draw at the hospital showed that the defendant had a .35 BAC.  A subsequent search of the stolen X-terra recovered the 3 stolen guns.

Sean Beck has an extensive criminal history that includes criminal convictions in four states as well as federal convictions for Robbery of a Banking Institution and Bank Robbery.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Matthew Kemmy and Katharine Semple.

District Attorney Paige Clarkson thanks Keizer Police Officers Jeremy Darst, Scott Kenniston, Chad Fahey, Michael Kowash and Sergeant Kevin DeMarco as well as the rest of the Keizer Police Department for their bravery and service.

Video from the incident can be located here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16dZvcGJpmOiPMR9aM89IAuBceMiBLy3k?usp=sharing

[1] Dash cam videos of the shooting scene and the chase can be viewed here (warning – graphic) https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16dZvcGJpmOiPMR9aM89IAuBceMiBLy3k?usp=sharing

[1] Keizer Police Officers Jeremy Darst, Scott Kenniston, Chad Fahey, Michael Kowash and Sergeant Kevin DeMarco were all cleared by a Marion County Grand Jury for their justified use of deadly force during the incident.

[2] Corporal Matthew Groat of the Salem Police Department joined the pursuit and executed the pit maneuver that brought Beck to a stop.

[3] Dash cam videos of the shooting scene and the chase can be viewed here (warning – graphic) https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16dZvcGJpmOiPMR9aM89IAuBceMiBLy3k?usp=sharing

Parade Planned to Celebrate Bend Pearl Harbor Veteran’s 102 Birthday Today!

Dick Higgins, Central Oregon’s oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor, turns 102 years old on Monday, and the community is invited to participate in a parade in his honor Sunday in Bend.

The last time there was a birthday parade for Higgins was on his 100th birthday, when at least 200 vehicles participated, said Larry Moyer, one of the parade organizers and the president of the High Desert Eagles chapter of the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association.

“We encourage anybody to come in any vehicle of any kind,” Moyer said of Sunday’s parade which will begin at High Desert Middle School at 61111 SE 27th St. in Bend. Participants are asked to arrive at 3:45 p.m. to prepare before setting off at 4 p.m.

Moyer said the parade will begin at the middle school and move north on SE 27th Street before turning left on Ferguson Road. On Mount Vista Drive, the parade will turn right, passing Higgins’ house on the left. The parade will then turn left on Victory Loop which circles around the neighborhood and back to Higgins’ house.

Higgins will be sitting outside his home in the shade to greet the parade, Moyer said.

Angela Norton, Higgins’ granddaughter, said she isn’t involved in the parade but is moved that the community continues to honor her grandfather. (SOURCE)

Be Emergency Ready: Financial and Insurance Considerations During Wildfire Season

As most of us in the Pacific Northwest are well aware, wildfire season can have a devastating effect on families, businesses and communities. That’s why there’s so much emphasis on preparation well in advance for a potential emergency—from packing disaster kits to keeping emergency “go” bags close by. This wildfire season, Umpqua Bank is sharing tips for financial preparedness in the event of an emergency, in addition to what you’ve already packed in your disaster kits.

Keep Important Documents Close By

Effective disaster preparedness includes the safe storage of—and easy access to—critical financial and insurance documents you may need in an emergency. Consider keeping these important items in a lockbox you can easily grab and go in a disaster. Or, better yet, check with your bank about their safe deposit box offerings for proper safekeeping. Safe deposit boxes are specifically designed to withstand natural disasters such as floods, fires and tornados.

Documents to consider storing securely in one place include:

• Copy of your passport (or the original if you travel very infrequently)
• Birth certificate
• Marriage license
• Death certificates
• Social Security card
• Copy of your driver’s license
• Titles to your home and vehicles
• Copies of wills, trusts, powers of attorney and medical directives
• Insurance policies
• List of bank accounts, investments and credit cards
• Storage device with photos of belongings and/or an inventory list
• Some cash

If you choose to go the safe deposit box route, “Keep your safe deposit box key on your car ring,” says Heather Seppa, Umpqua Bank Region Manager for Northern Oregon and SW Washington. “A key in a desk drawer can be lost in a natural disaster. Also, consider adding a trusted co-lessor to your box. This person will be able to access the box when and if you can’t.”

Make Sure You’re Insurance Ready

Now is also a good time to check with your insurance agent to ask about the documentation they recommend to have on hand should you need to file a claim. This will likely include things like:

• Detailed photos of expensive items and their serial numbers
• Photos and a list of jewelry, furniture and anything else of greater value or importance
• A video of your home or business and its contents

Remember to back up your photos and videos in the cloud and on a storage device you keep in your safe deposit box.

You may also want to ask your insurer whether your homeowner’s insurance covers your safe deposit items. While bank accounts are covered by FDIC-insurance, the contents in a safe deposit box are not.

Check with Your Trusted Financial Partners 

It’s also smart to know ahead of time what types of assistance your financial institution may offer in the event of an emergency. Assistance could include things like the ability to pause payments in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, mortgage assistance if your ability to pay has been impacted or even rebuilding assistance for damaged homes.

If you live in a higher risk area, check with your bank now to see what they offer and what steps you would need to take to access this assistance. Don’t wait until a fire, earthquake or other natural disaster strikes to understand what options may be available to you.

Making sure you’ve considered all of the financial and insurance possibilities can help you move quickly in the event of a disaster, when time is critical for recovery.