Rogue Valley News, Wednesday 7/26 – Josephine County Sheriff’s Bust Another Illegal Grow Site, DEQ Issues Air Quality Advisories

Golden Fire Update

Crews continued to make progress on the fire through the night, holding it within the original footprint by monitoring and extinguishing spot fires, expanding mop up areas, mitigating snags, and completing tactical patrols. Yesterday, preliminary structural assessments were completed.

Today, crews will focus on expanding mop up areas around structures and continuing damage assessments. Wildland resources will work to hold and improve lines, monitor, and extinguish spot fires, and mitigate snags. Crews will also be coordinating with utility resources as they work to repair damaged infrastructure.

The Golden Fire is managed under unified command between Oregon State Fire Marshal and Oregon Department of Forestry.

There will be a community meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Bonanza School, 31601 Mission Street Bonanza, OR 97623. Additional updates can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/goldenfire2023/.

Weather: Today’s weather will generate potential for active fire behavior, with moderate winds and high temperatures continuing. Wind and low relative humidity will produce critical fire weather over the fire area. Weather conditions will persist for the next several days.

Evacuations: A portion of the level 3 (GO) area was reduced to level 2 (READY). The downgraded area follows west of Bechdolt Flat Road, south of Racoon Lane and Jaguar Lane.

Officials aren’t sure yet what caused the wildfire, but suspect it originated from a private illegal marijuana farm – combined with the hot weather and gusty wind.

Bonanza, Oregon community lost several infrastructures, homes, and outbuildings from the fire with the optic line being severely damaged in the process. Residents were unable to access internet and phone services, preventing 911 calls as well.

American Red Cross and Klamath County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have established an evacuation shelter at: Bonanza School, 31601 Mission Street, Bonanza, OR 97623. For the latest evacuation information call the Klamath County hotline (541) 205-9730. To sign up for Kla-math County alerts, visit http://alerts.klamathcounty.org — INCIWEB UPDATES

Flat Fire Evening Update 7/25/2023

Size: 22,697  Start Date:  July 15, 2023 Containment: 3%

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR Cause: Human caused, Under Investigation

Total personnel: 1,528 Resources: 46 engines l 36 crews l 9 bulldozers l 24 water tenders l 8 masticators l 8 helicopters

Current Situation: This afternoon, firefighters began burnout operations along Forest Road (FR) 3680 starting at its junction with FR 330 and working north towards FR 3318. Crews also continue to make great progress reducing fuels along Burnt Ridge Road (FR 2308) and FR 150 in preparation for future firing operations in the northeast portion of the fire. Helicopters are dropping water on the fire’s southern edge to moderate fire behavior; the goal is to slow fire spread as it approaches the established control line ahead of it.

Tonight’s activities: Firefighters will continue ignitions in the southwest portion of the fire if conditions are favorable this evening. Crews will also prioritize mopping up along the fire’s northern perimeter and in recently burned areas.

Evacuations: A Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notice remains in effect from Agness to Quosatana Creek and for the areas of Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road and Spud Road. Curry County is using Everbridge to send evacuation notices. You can sign up for notifications here: https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php.

Weather: A slight warming and drying weather pattern began over the fire area today.

Smoke: TheSmoke Outlooks are available at https://www.airnow.gov/ or oregonsmoke.org.

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. Oak Flat Campground, Game Lake Campground, Wild Horse Campground and Snow Camp Lookout Recreation Rentals are all part of the area closure. More information can be found here: bit.ly/RRSNFClosures.

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place, to learn more visit:fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou.

Please slow down and be careful when driving near the fire area and incident camps due to increased fire traffic. The public is asked to be especially cautious when driving on Bear Camp Road (Forest Service Road 23). There is heavy public and fire-related traffic on this road. INCIWEB UPDATES

Lane County Sheriff’s Office Busts Illegal Butane Hash Oil Operation off of Prairie Road

Lane County Sheriff’s Office Detectives served a search warrant at an illegal butane hash oil operation (BHO) in the 29800blk of Kelso St. Monday morning.  Authorities found extremely dangerous conditions that included the use of highly volatile chemicals within the immediate proximity of poorly constructed and unpermitted electrical work.

“It’s a miracle that this lab has not exploded yet”, stated an LCSO detective that wishes to remain anonymous at this time.  This lab was located in very close proximity to residences and businesses including a large lumber mill.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of an explosion of a very similar lab in the Fall Creek area in January of this year.  Clandestine labs such as these pose an extreme hazard to the communities in which they operate.  Misuse of hazardous chemicals not only carry the risk of explosion but poison the environment when not properly maintained and disposed.

During the execution of the warrant, large quantities of BHO in various stages of processing were seized.  The site also contained a large-scale psilocybin mushroom manufacturing operation.

Investigators took 47-year-old Brandon Dylan Whitmer into custody for a warrant out of Linn County for Arson in the First Degree.  This warrant is related to a butane hash oil lab explosion that occurred in May of 2021 in Linn County.  Whitmer had also been injured in a BHO lab explosion in Eugene in August of 2021.

A search warrant was also served on Whitmer’s residence in the Coburg area.  Additional processed marijuana and evidence related to the manufacturing of marijuana products was discovered.

Whitmer received new charges today for the illegal manufacture of marijuana products and unlawful possession of marijuana related items.  He was lodged at the Lane County Jail.

Lane County Land Management has been involved in the investigation and will be following up regarding the multiple code violations located at the site.

State, federal, and local partners collaborate to restore Oregon forests and lower fire risks

SALEM, Ore.— Many hands make light work. And the impact adds up.  The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Federal Forest Restoration (FFR) Program is reducing fire risks and creating jobs for local communities. A recent monitoring report by the University of Oregon’s Ecosystem Workforce Program shows the program has supported 377 jobs and added $30.5 million to the regional economy.

State investment yields a suite of benefits – The report notes that the program invested $6.4 million of state funds and leveraged an additional $4.22 million in federal funds from federal land management agencies using the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA). GNA enables the state to do work on federal lands, including restoration treatments to improve resiliency and sell federal timber to pay for restoration projects. The program investments between 2021 and 2023:

• Supported 377 jobs and contributed $30.5 million to the regional economy when activities associated with GNA timber sales are included.
• Investments in Forest Service and BLM projects led to:
  • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) surveys covering 18,977 acres for heritage and botany assessments.
  • 250 acres of surveys for fish passage and floodplain restoration work.
  • 21,800 acres of commercial and non-commercial forest treatments to improve forest health and reduce risk of high-intensity wildfire.
  • One contracted NEPA project covering 100 acres.
  • 650 acres of restoration project monitoring.

Supporting collaborative groups bolsters work on federal forests – The program also provided grants to 12 collaborative groups which produced restoration plans for over 1.2 million acres of federal forestland across 25 NEPA planning areas. These plans led to:

• Over 75,000 acres of forest restoration activities, including timber sales, pre-commercial thinning, and fuels reduction.
• Pile burning conducted on 48,000 acres, along with broadcast burning on approximately 9,800 acres.
• Harvesting or processing of about 283 million board feet of timber, providing employment for 339 workers, and creating an additional 483 jobs in various sectors.

Looking to the future – Looking ahead, the Federal Forest Restoration Program aims to deepen its impact. Over the next two years, the program goals include:

• Support forest collaboratives through the fully funded Forest Collaborative Grants and Technical Assistance and Science Support (TASS) grants.
• Restore 8,900 acres through commercial timber treatments.
• Sell 78 million board feet of timber.
• Contract for six NEPA projects covering 81,000 acres.
• Improve 51 miles of forest roads.
• Implement 21,000 acres of non-commercial fuels reduction, habitat improvement, and resource surveys.
• Post-fire reforestation of 7,200 acres.
• Complete four cross-boundary projects, which involve treatments on federal and non-federal lands.
• Engage with 15 forest collaboratives and all-lands partnerships.
• Stand up an interagency forestry strike team to prepare restoration projects in high priority watersheds.

Former Oregon Corrections Nurse Found Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Nine Female Inmates

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury in Portland found a former Oregon Department of Corrections employee guilty today of sexually assaulting nine female inmates while serving as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, Oregon’s only women’s prison.

Tony Daniel Klein, 38, of Clackamas County, Oregon, was convicted of 17 counts of depriving his victims of their constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by sexual assault and four counts of perjury.

“Tony Klein used his position of authority to prey on women in custody who were in a uniquely vulnerable position. He further led his victims to believe they had no power to resist or report his abuse,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “This verdict would not have been possible without the courage and resolve of these women and the dedication of our partners at the FBI and Civil Rights Division.”

“This defendant is being held accountable for sexually assaulting female inmates under his care, custody and control,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Abuses of power and authority, like this, where the defendant took advantage of his position as a medical professional to satisfy his own sexual desires, will not be tolerated, and justice will be pursued.   We thank the survivors of these sexual assaults for having the courage to come forward and tell their story. The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously hold accountable those who abuse their authority by committing sexual assault.”

“As a state prison nurse, Mr. Klein used his position to intimidate and sexually assault multiple women. His heinous actions were only brought to light by a small group of courageous women who came forward, even despite their precarious circumstances of being incarcerated. Their willingness to report their victimization undoubtedly saved others from Mr. Klein’s predatory actions,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office.  “This verdict demonstrates the commitment by the FBI and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold accountable public officials, who not only violate the public trust, but even go so far as to commit monstrous actions such as those proven at trial in this case.”

According to court documents, from 2010 until January 2018, Klein served as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. In his position, Klein interacted with female inmates who either sought medical treatment or worked as orderlies in the prison’s medical unit. Aided by his access to the women and his position of power as a corrections employee, Klein sexually assaulted or engaged in nonconsensual sexual conduct with many female inmates entrusted to his care.

By virtue of his position as a medical provider, Klein was often alone with his victims and assaulted many before, during, or after medical treatment. For women who worked in the medical unit, Klein manufactured reasons to get them alone in secluded areas such as medical rooms, janitor’s closets, or behind privacy curtains. Klein made it clear to his victims that he was in a position of power over them, and they would not be believed if they tried reporting his abuse. Fearing punishment if they fought back against or reported his conduct, most of Klein’s victims submitted to his unwanted advances or endured his assaults.

On March 8, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Klein with depriving his victims of their constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by sexual assault and perjury.

Following announcement of the jury’s verdict, Klein was remanded into the custody of U.S. Marshals Service pending his sentencing on October 17, 2023, before U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon. Klein faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office. It was prosecuted by Cameron A. Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, and Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Horsley assisted the trial team.

Oregonians Can Start To Apply For Paid Work Leave Next Month

Oregon workers can apply for benefits through the state’s new paid leave program starting Aug. 14, with benefits starting in September. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Oregon workers can apply for benefits through the state’s new paid leave program starting Aug. 14.

The program, Paid Leave Oregon , covers family leave, medical leave and safe leave for Oregonians with jobs. Oregon is the 12th state in the nation with paid family and medical leave for workers, due to a bill the Legislature passed in 2019. Oregonians can qualify for leave for reasons that include:

• A child arriving in their family, whether through birth, adoption or a foster care placement.
• Caring for themselves due to a serious health condition.
• Caring for a family member with a serious health condition.
• If they or their child experience sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking. This is called “safe leave.”

Oregon Employment Department officials determined the trust fund, which collects employee payroll deductions and employer contributions, will be solvent and ready to launch benefits the week of Sept. 3. As a result, this will be the first week workers can start their paid leave. Payments will go out within two weeks of when their leave starts, state officials said.

To apply for leave, employees will use the Oregon Employment Department’s new online system called Frances Online .

Employees can now go to the employee overview page and find many resources, including a guidebook.

Detailed information for employees, including eligibility requirements, tutorial videos, a benefits calculator, and much more, will be available on the Paid Leave website on Aug. 14.

“We’re opening up the application process a little early so we can handle that big influx of initial applications we expect,” said Karen Madden Humelbaugh, director of Paid Leave Oregon.

Humelbaugh said the state cannot retroactively pay people who took leave before Sept. 3.

State officials expect the demand to be high initially and level out. They project about 41,000 workers will file claims for leave during the initial launch and that figure will eventually level out to about 12,000 claims a month.

One reason why the initial period will see more claims is because workers can take leave due to the birth or arrival of a new child into the family within the first year.

“You do have all those folks who maybe their child is 10 months old, so they could take the last two months or something like that,” Humelbaugh said.

How it works

In January 2023, employers and employees started contributing to a trust fund that will pay for employee paid leave benefits. Workers will be eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid leave annually, or 14 weeks for pregnancy-related medical leave.

In 2021, state lawmakers delayed the start of contributions for one year, from January 2022 to January 2023, as the Oregon Employment Department worked on a project to modernize its technology during the pandemic.

Employers and employees fund Paid Leave Oregon with a combined total contribution of 1% of gross payroll. Employees pay 60% and large employers with 25 or more employees will contribute the remaining 40%.

For an employee who makes $50,000 in annual gross wages, the worker’s share is $300 annually and the employer will contribute $200.

Employers with fewer than 25 employees are not required to contribute, but their workers still pay into the program and are eligible.

Part-time employees, or those with multiple jobs, are eligible.

The program will pay benefits on a sliding scale, based on how much employees make. Many low-income Oregonians will be eligible for all their paychecks while on paid leave. For example, Oregonians making minimum wage will receive 100% of their regular pay while on paid leave.

It’s a smaller share for high-income Oregonians. For example, someone earning $2,555.78 a week – about $133,000 annually – would get $1,469.78 a week in paid leave.

Most employees are covered, with the exception of tribal governments, independent contractors and self-employed business owners. However, they can choose to participate in the program.

Federal government employees are not eligible. Employers that offer equivalent paid leave benefits can opt out of the state’s program.

During the 2023 legislative session, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 31 , which requires the Oregon Employment Department to make sure the Paid Leave Oregon trust fund is solvent before starting any benefits.

“Just like any new statewide program of this size, we know we will have to adjust along the way,” Humelbaugh said. “SB 31 was good contingency planning, and we will continue to work with the Legislature and other key partners as we monitor the program’s progress after launch.” (SOURCE)

Red Cross needs help to avert a blood shortage

Chance at shark dive trip, $10 e-gift card for donors in August

PORTLAND, Ore, July 25, 2023 — After a summer of declining donations, the American Red Cross needs the public’s help to prevent a blood shortage. When a donor makes and keeps an appointment to give blood or platelets in the weeks ahead, they can help ensure trauma patients, those undergoing cancer treatment, and people with lifelong blood disorders can get the blood they count on.

Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood donors, as well as platelet donors. Donors of all blood types can schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross is teaming up with Warner Bros. for the theatrical release of Meg 2: The Trench to celebrate a summer of sharks and help stave off a summer blood and platelet shortage. All who come to give through Aug. 12 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night New York getaway for two with a private shark dive adventure at Long Island Aquarium. Those who come to give throughout the month of August will also get a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 1-15:

August 1, 2023

LDS – Lake Oswego Stake, 14903 Westlake Drive, Lake Oswego, OR, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Savier Street Flats, 2270 NW Savier Street, Portland, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

August 2, 2023

Russellville Park Gives Back, 20 SE 103rd Ave., Portland, OR, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Blood Donation Center, 1174 Progress Drive Suite 102, Medford, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110, Bend, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

August 4, 2023

Oregon City Public Library, 606 John Adams St., Oregon City, OR, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Embassy Suites Portland-Downtown,319 SW Pine St., Portland, OR, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Blood Donation Center, 5109 NE 82^nd Ave., Vancouver, WA, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

August 5, 2023

Pursue Fitness, 555 West Centennial Blvd, Springfield, OR, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

August 7, 2023

Riverside Seventh Day Adventist Church, 463 N. Shepherd Rd, Washougal, WA, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

American Pacific Mortgage, 1200 Executive Parkway, Suite 100, Eugene, OR, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

City of Bend Police Dept., 555 NE 15th St, Bend, OR, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Ascension Lutheran Church, 675 Black Oak Drive, Medford, OR, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

August 8, 2023

Fowler Student Center, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Road, Portland, OR, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Portland Blood Donation Center,3131 N Vancouver Avenue, Portland, OR, 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

August 9, 2023

Islamic Community Center of Hillsboro,7270 NW Helvetia Rd, Portland, OR, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

August 10, 2023

Village Church,330 SW Murray Blvd., Beaverton, OR, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

To find a donation site near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org and put in your zip code.

How to donate blood  — To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Amplify your impact − volunteer!   — A stable blood and platelet supply is critical to national preparedness. Additionally, as we approach the beginning of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters.

Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. — American Red Cross – Cascades Region