Rogue Valley News, Friday 8/11 – SWAT Responds to Domestic Violence Hostage Situation Standoff in White City, Excessive Heat Watch Begins Sunday, Another Illegal Grow Site Bust in Josephine County

Gold Beach Celebrates Fallen Firefighter’s Life

Firetrucks and emergency vehicles from local, state and federal agencies lined up on Highway 101 and Ellensburg Avenue in Gold Beach to celebrate the service of 21-year-old Benjamin Charles Sapper, who died in a car accident while on duty.

Following the “Cordon of Honor,” there was a flag-raising ceremony and a barbecue for his family to meet those he worked with. The Forest Service organized the event in less than 48 hours and a large amount of agencies and people showed up to pay their respects.

Governor Kotek announced all flags at Oregon public institutions be flown at half staff until sunset tomorrow to pay respect for Sapper’s work and life.

An official memorial will take place in Colorado, where Sapper lived for much of his life. The Forest Service say they will be there in whatever capacity the family will allow them to.

More information is coming out about a high-profile, widespread data breach that also targeted the personal information of Oregon Health Plan members.

The same breach that impacted millions through the Oregon DMV also compromised Performance Health Technology , a private company that manages OHP member data.

While the Oregon Health Authority says they, nor any state systems, were compromised, this did impact 1.7 million OHP members’ sensitive information like insurance ID numbers, diagnosis codes, claims data and social security numbers. OHA says because this breach compromised health and insurance information, it required additional steps before going public, though affected members were notified shortly after the attack.

“There’s a regulatory compliance issue with here too, with HIPAA possibly, which might be why it took them a little bit longer to announce this particular compromise,” Ken Westin, a local cyber security expert, told KOIN 6.

Westin, who works as a senior information security officer for Panther Labs, says the original hack was of Progress MOVE-IT data software used by agencies around the world.

“I think every organization that actually has a software has to sort of now assume that they were compromised, and then work backwards to verify if it is, in fact, a compromise or not,” Westin said.

Since the initial DMV breach was announced, they’ve also learned more about the group behind the widespread attack, identified as CL0P.

“They’ve been pretty prolific over the years as a ransomware gang. They primarily work out of Russia and Eastern Europe. They really easily were targeting businesses, they’re going after ransomware, and they’re able to make quite a bit of money doing it. It’s a very lucrative business. And they’re able to operate in these countries where they can basically operate with impunity. There are no extradition laws,” Westin said. “So even though we may know who they are, who the actual individuals are, there’s no way for our law enforcement to catch them and stop them, and right now, in particular, they sort of feel a little more emboldened, particularly with sort of the state of geopolitics in the war.”

Westin says it’s also not out of the realm of possibility to see more high-profile data breaches down the line, adding that when you see a ransomware group making money, copycats are likely to follow.

The Oregon Health Authority says that potential victims should keep an eye out for more information sent in the mail from PH Tech — which is offering free identity theft protection.

House Bill 2274 gives State of Oregon new tools to fight securities fraud

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) continues to fight for consumers and investors with the passage of House Bill 2274, which bolsters the division’s enforcement tools in dealing with securities fraud.

Oregon securities law currently employs three core mechanisms to shield investors from potential harm:

1. Mandatory registration: A security must be registered with the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), which includes DFR, before the offer or sale in Oregon, subject to specified conditions.
2. Licensing requirements: Individuals engaged in selling securities or providing investment advice must be licensed by the state as a broker-dealer, salesperson, investment advisor, or investment advisor representative, unless exemptions or exclusions apply.
3. Prohibition of misleading statements: The law prohibits making false or misleading statements in connection with the sale or purchase of securities in Oregon.

HB 2274, which the Oregon Legislature passed in the 2023 session and Gov. Tina Kotek recently signed into law, has two key provisions to enable DFR to better protect consumers and investors:

• Restitution: The bill grants the division authority to order restitution to investors harmed by violations of the securities law. This enhancement enables DFR to better protect investors by ensuring that wrongdoers compensate those adversely affected.
• Enhanced civil penalties: The bill authorizes civil penalties for securities law violations, with a maximum penalty of $60,000 for each violation. The higher penalties apply when the victim is considered a vulnerable person, including elderly individuals and those with financial incapability, incapacitation, or specific disabilities. Given the increasing vulnerability of the elderly population to securities fraud, this bill aims to deter violations and provide stronger protection for Oregon’s most susceptible investors.

HB 2274 also includes provisions to enhance DFR’s oversight and enforcement authority over the securities industry, including requiring prompt and truthful responses from subjects under investigation for securities violations.

“House Bill 2274 will lead to more effective enforcement of the Oregon securities laws and contribute to a safer investment environment for consumers and investors across the state,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “This bill is a big win in giving us the tools needed to protect vulnerable people and take on fraud.”

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

Adult In Custody walks away from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Transition Center

Deputies are asking for the public’s help in locating an Adult in Custody (AIC) who walked away from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Transition Center. John West, 25, walked away from the facility around 1100-1200PM on August 10, 2023. West was in custody on charges of a probation violation, original charge was felon in possession of a weapon.

West is a white male adult, 5’08” and weighs 170 lbs.  He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black sweatshirt, grey pants and black shoes.

The Marion County Transition Center prepares AICs for re-entry into the community prior to release from custody. AICs are allowed to leave the facility for pre-approved treatment or medical appointments.

Deputies are asking anyone with information about West to call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 503-588-5032.

Ice Cream Linked to Listeria Recalled in California & Oregon

After a vast recall affecting fruit in California, Oregon, and Washington, and another one dealing with cookie dough from Papa Murphy’s Pizza, the FDA is now warning about our soft-serve Ice Cream!

Real Kosher Ice Cream has voluntarily recalled all flavors of their 80oz ice cream cups, including Vanilla Chocolate, Razzle, Caramel, Parve Vanilla Chocolate, Sorbet Strawberry mango, and Lite Peanut Butter. The Soft Serve On The Go ice cream was sold in multiple retailers in 20 states, including Oregon and California.

In an update on FDA.gov, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has an ongoing investigation into an outbreak of Listeria infections that they believe is linked to “Soft Serve On The Go” ice cream cups produced by Brooklyn, New York company Real Kosher Ice Cream.

Even though the investigation is ongoing, it is recommended that if you possess this brand of ice cream, you throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any restaurants that believe to have any of the recalled products should follow the FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice to prevent any further spread of Listeria.

Listeria Monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in the elderly, young children, or individuals with a weakened immune system. Most symptoms are high fever, headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. If you feel you maybe suffering from this ailment, contact your health provider. Click Here for more information on Listeria Monocytogenes.

Oregonians To See New 40-Cent Tax On Monthly Phone Bills In 2024 To Fund Crisis Line

The fee will be charged each month for every mobile cellphone and landline and will go toward creating a sustainable trust fund for suicide prevention and crisis support services statewide. The tax sunsets in 2030.

Supporters of House Bill 2757, which institutes the tax, say the roughly $5 a year per phone line is well worth the lifeline the fund will provide to Oregonians in crisis.

“We all pay too much money on taxes. I get it, we are all taxed out, and the reality is it really is an investment,” said Roberta Lincoln a Salem mother and mental health advocate. “I have two special needs children one of whom has very high behavioral mental health and developmental disabilities, and we have had a lot of crisis in our family.”

She said in the past when she’s been unable to deescalate a volatile situation with her son, she’s had no choice but to call 911.

“When we call 911, they may or may not have mental health services available. In our experience it was only one time that they had it available,” she said. “The police come and they are like, ‘what do you want us to do?’”

Federally, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, signed into law in 2020, authorized 988 as a new three-digit number to replace the 10-digit Lines for Life hotline. The act also allowed states to impose a telecommunications tax that would support regional Lines for Life call centers.

Oregonians already pay a $1.25 per month per phone line tax to support 911 dispatch centers.

The federal act provided grants to upstaff suicide prevention hotlines nationally. In 2021, the Oregon Legislature also made a $15 million investment into its two regional suicide prevention call centers as well as its in-person mobile crisis support teams that are intended to replace law enforcement in situations that call for in person de-escalation but that do not rise to the level of a 911 call.

Dean Carson, a spokesperson for the Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health division, noted that $5 million that House Bill 2417 carved out from the state’s general fund in 2021, went toward funding an extra 212 employees to staff Oregon’s two 988 call centers. The bill also set aside $10 million to help staff Mobile Crisis Support teams.

The in-person crisis support teams were originally instituted through legislation in 2018 but new administrative rules set about through the 2021 bill specify that the team of two — which must be available 24/7 in every Oregon county — now must be staffed by mental health professionals.

“Oregon Administrative Rules for these funds outline that the teams shall include qualified behavioral health professionals and may include peer support specialists and other health care providers such as nurses or social workers,” according to delineations on the Secretary of State’s website.

Carson said OHA has told counties that 2023 is a “transition” year, meaning teams that follow the new administrative rule will need to be available starting in 2024.

The trust fund created by HB 2757 and funded through the telecommunications tax will go toward stabilizing that 2021 investment. The money will generate interest, thus creating a sustainable source of permanent revenue. It’s expected to generate $32.9 million in 2023-25 and $54.1 million in 2025-27.

Carson says while the money will initially go toward stabilizing the hotline call centers, as the fund grows, it will also extend toward supporting the mobile crisis support teams.

According to OHA data, 988 phone staff resolve or de-escalates nearly 97% of calls over the phone, meaning the other 3% would require either a mobile support team or a 911 call.

The bill passed mostly on party lines with only two Republican yes votes in the Senate (Sen. Tim Knopp. R-Bend. and Sen. Suzanne Weber, R-Tillamook) and one in the House (Rep. Kevin Mannix, R-Salem). Because it institutes a new tax, it required at least one Republican vote in each chamber to obtain three-fifths majority.

Passage of the measure was part of a deal reached between Democrat and Republican leaders that ended the state’s longest walkout just one week short of the 2023 legislative session adjournment.

Senate Republican leader Knopp, who led the walkout, said he would have voted for the tax regardless of the deal but noted that had it not been for the compromise he would have fought for a smaller tax.

“We have two competing issues, the sanctity of life and a tax –a fee increase — and in that particular situation I sided with the right to life and helping people who are having suicidal thoughts and mental health crises,” he said.

Knopp’s “right to life” reference alluded to another big portion of the deal: House Bill 2002 on gender affirming care and abortion rights. His party initiated the quorum-denying walkout just as final votes were scheduled on the controversial measure that only needed a simple majority, carried by Democrats in both chambers, to pass.

Note: If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, help is available 24/7 by calling 988.

Safe Digging Day Reminds Oregonians About Importance of Free 811 Service

This Friday, August 11, is National Safe Digging Day – also known as National 811 Day. The annual observance exists to raise awareness about contacting 811 before beginning a digging or excavation project. The Oregon Utility Notification Center, which oversees the statewide call or click before you dig program, and the Oregon Public Utility Commission are reminding Oregonians that using the free service can save money and lives.

“Everyone knows to call 911 in case of emergency, but not everyone knows to contact 811 before digging so they won’t have to call 911 later,” said Josh Thomas, Executive Director of the Oregon Utility Notification Center. “By planning ahead and requesting a utility locate, you can prevent service interruptions, costly repairs, environmental damage, injuries, and worse.” For more information about the Oregon Utility Notification Center or the statewide Oregon 811 system, go to Oregon811.com.

Klamath Sunrise Rotary’s annual Brats, Brews and Blues Festival is back to celebrate more than two decades of family-fun and fundraising on behalf of Klamath Hospice Camp Evergreen.

Starting at 2 p.m. this Saturday, Aug 12, the “BB&B” fest will kick off at Klamath Yacht Club, located at 2700 Front St. Admission is $20 per person.

The festival will feature performances by Stockton band Blues Cartel from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and local group Broadway Phil and the Shouters from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Camp Evergreen, a four-day summer camp, serves as a safe-space for bereaved youth in a supportive, healthy, accepting environment, according to a listing for the event from Discover Klamath.

American Idol Auditions At Oregon State Fair – Performers need to pre-register and submit their audition videos by August 15th

If you have what it takes to be an American Idol you can showcase your talent at the Oregon State Fair. American Idol is bringing auditions to the Fair on Saturday, August 26th.

Performers need to pre-register and submit their audition videos by August 15th. The top 40 performers will showcase their talents at the Oregon State Fair Idol competition.

Fairgoers will choose the People’s Choice Audition Award winner who will be submitted to American Idol for a virtual VIP Executive Producer Audition. MORE INFO: https://oregonstatefair.org/attractions/american-idol-auditions/

U.S. Forest Service Wins Civil Case Supporting Forest Restoration Projects in the Fremont-Winema National Forest

—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that an order granting summary judgment in favor of the U.S. Forest Service was entered in a civil case challenging the agency’s commercial thinning of timber conducted as part of forest restoration efforts in the Fremont-Winema National Forest.

In December 2021 and May 2022, after an environmental effects review and public outreach, the Forest Service approved three restoration projects covering more than 91,000 acres in the Fremont-Winema National Forest designed to reduce the risk of severe wildfire in dry forestlands and improve degraded forest health and habitats. To achieve the agency’s restoration goals, it proposed various activities in the three projects including, but not limited to, small tree thinning, prescribed burning, juniper cutting, meadow enhancement, stream restoration, and the commercial sale of select forest products.

As part of each of the three restoration projects, the Forest Service approved between 3,000 and 16,000 acres of commercial thinning. Commercial and non-commercial thinning are longstanding timber management tools the Forest Service uses to improve timber stand growth and reduce fire hazard through the removal of select trees in overly dense and deteriorated stands. The Fremont-Winema National Forest has recently suffered from major wildfires including the 400,000-acre Bootleg Fire in 2021.

On July 12, 2022, Oregon Wild and WildEarth Guardians, two non-profit corporations, brought suit challenging the Forest Service’s use of commercial thinning as part of the restoration projects, alleging violations of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

On August 4, 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane issued a summary judgment order concluding that the Forest Service had not in fact violated APA or NEPA. The court found the Forest Service’s use of NEPA procedures to approve the projects was lawful and reasonably determined.

The U.S. Forest Service was represented in this matter by Sean E. Martin, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Paid Leave Oregon Signups Can Begin Next Week

The Oregon Employment Department announced Wednesday that Paid Leave Oregon is on track to begin next month, and people can start signing up for benefits Monday.

Oregon’s state-run paid leave program starts taking applications on Monday. The first leave can start September 3rd with payments going out through direct deposit or prepaid cards two weeks later. Paid Leave Oregon will cover time off for family members, illness, and safe leave. Around 41-thousand claims are expected at the start and then 12-thousand a month as the program moves forward. Grants are available for small businesses to help cover for employees while they’re on leave. Eleven states have similar programs. FOR MORE INFO: https://paidleave.oregon.gov/

Red Cross: Donation shortfall may impact blood supply

$10 e-gift card for donors in August

— The American Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations in the first two months of the summer, which makes it hard to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products. By making an appointment to give blood or platelets in August, donors can keep the national blood supply from falling to shortage levels. 

Right now, the Red Cross especially needs type O negative, type O positive, type B negative and type A negative blood donors, as well as platelet donors. For those who don’t know their blood type, making a donation is an easy way to find out this important personal health information. The Red Cross will notify new donors of their blood type soon after they give.

The Red Cross needs donors now. 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).

All who come to give throughout the month of August will get a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie. Visit www.redcrossblood.org and put in your zip code to find a donation site near you.