Rogue Valley News, Wednesday 8/16 – Klamath Falls Man Accused Of Kidnapping Seattle Woman Pleads Not Guilty In Medford Court Hearing, Another Josephine County Sheriff Illegal Grow Bust

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, August 16, 2023

Rogue Valley Weather

Klamath Falls Man Accused Of Kidnapping Seattle Woman Pleads Not Guilty In Medford Court Hearing

Nigari Zuberi — the man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a Seattle woman, then holding her captive in a cinderblock cell in his garage — pleaded not guilty at the James A. Redden U.S. Courthouse today for two federal charges: interstate kidnapping and transportation with intent to engage in sexual activity.

Judge Mark D. Clarke deemed Zuberi “a danger to the community” and did not authorize his release from Jackson County Jail.

Federal prosecutors called Zuberi dangerous, mentioning the way he selected his victim and the nature of handwritten notes in the garage discovered by investigators. Zuberi’s attorney said they would argue for his release at a later date, and his next federal court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 17.

Interstate kidnapping is punishable by life in federal prison and the second charge is punishable by up to 10 years.

It all started when Zuberi traveled from Klamath Falls to Seattle on July 15, where he solicited services from a sex worker and then posed as an undercover police officer, according to an Aug. 2 news release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Zuberi showed the victim a badge after their sexual encounter and then pointed a taser at her. The victim was placed in handcuffs and leg irons and then thrown into the backseat of his car. The victim also noticed a firearm in the vehicle, the documents said.

“He then traveled roughly 450 miles with the woman, sexually assaulting her during the trip,” the release said.

According to the complaint, the victim asked Zuberi why the trip was taking so long and he claimed to be taking her to a substation. The victim then saw an app on Zuberi’s phone say they were two hours away from his destination, which is what prompted her to realize he wasn’t a police officer.

“Once he arrived at his home in Klamath Falls, OR, Zuberi moved her into a makeshift cell that he had constructed in his garage. The cell was made of cinder blocks and a metal door installed in reverse so it could not be opened from the inside,” the release said. “Once Zuberi left, the victim says she repeatedly banged on the door and was able to break the door open and escape the room. She was able to flag down a passing motorist who called 9-1-1.”

Zuberi fled to Reno, Nevada, and was taken into federal custody after a standoff with police, the release said. Westfall was outside the car in the parking lot of a Reno Walmart, speaking to him while he held one of his children in the front seat of the car.

“When Zuberi was contacted by law enforcement, he refused to exit the vehicle and cut himself with a sharp object causing him to bleed profusely,” the complaint said. “He also attempted to destroy his phone. Zuberi eventually agreed to exit the vehicle and was taken into custody. The child was unharmed.”

Zuberi has lived in 10 states over the past decade and police are searching for information about additional victims, the release said. The investigation is covering potential crimes from August 2016 up to the present, and could include victims from California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Alabama and Nevada.

“Victims may know Zuberi by the name ‘Sakima’ and it is believed he may have used several different methods to gain control of his victims; including by drugging their drinks and impersonating a police officer,” the FBI release said. “The victims are often threatened with retaliation if they notify the police.”

Anyone who believes they were a victim of Zuberi’s or has any information about his crimes are urged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI, the release said.

“You can also contact the FBI Portland Field Office at (503) 224-4181, your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov,” the release said.

Marijuana Investigation 08/14/23 Josephine Co. Sheriff’s Office 

The brush fires near Wimer were small but the firefighting response was quick by local agencies and included three helicopters and a fixed-wing air tanker used at the scene  according to the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The first fire was reported about 1 p.m. near a hemp farm.  Quick response from the Evans Valley and Rogue River fire districts, plus the Oregon Department of Forestry helped firefighters extinguish flames then mop up.  After they left, they were called back at about 5 p.m. for a second fire only 100 feet from the first one.

The second fire drew a heavy response that included aircraft, ground crews from Grants Pass and Rural/Metro in Josephine County, and crews again from Evans Valley, Rogue River and Oregon Department of Forestry.

“That one went second alarm due to the threat to structures,” said Tom Davidson, chief of Evans Valley Fire District No. 6.

The fire prompted the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to issue an alert for area homeowners to “be ready” to evacuate.

Once flames were extinguished, firefighters stayed on scene into the night, and they were there again Tuesday, with plans to check the site in coming days.

Detectives Investigating Homicide of Oakland Woman

 

More Than Half Of Oregon In Drought

According to a state report released Monday, more than half of Oregon is experiencing moderate to severe drought.

Several streams along the coast and in western Oregon are measuring record low flows. Southwestern and central Oregon measured the lowest July precipitation it’s ever recorded, according to the Oregon Water Resources Department’s report for July.

About 52% of the state was in drought that month, up from 49% in June. The report shows a stark turn from this year’s spring, when snowmelt and heavier-than-usual rain helped alleviate drought in much of the state, particularly western Oregon.

Gov. Tina Kotek has declared drought emergencies for nine Oregon counties so far this year. Those declarations open up state resources to counties that need help. Dry conditions are making matters worse for regions battling wildfires. Rain in the spring helped plants grow fast, then an extremely dry summer dried them out. That’s left plenty of fuel to burn.

Conditions are particularly bad in Lane County. Much of the county is experiencing severe drought and some people have had to evacuate from the Bedrock and Lookout fires burning in the Willamette National Forest east of Eugene.

As of Monday afternoon, the Bedrock Fire had burned across about 19,300 acres. The Lookout Fire had burned across about 1,200 acres around three miles north of the McKenzie Bridge.

The National Weather Service has also issued excessive heat advisories for most of Oregon west of the Cascades. (SOURCE)

California sending five strike teams to boost firefighting capacity in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. – Five CalOES strike teams are headed to Oregon to provide additional capacity as our state deals with a continued forecast of triple-digit temperatures, extreme fire danger, and forecasted lightning. The strike teams are able to mobilize to Oregon after the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) made the request today through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. The strike teams will be pre-positioned in the Willamette Valley to be available to support existing wildfires or any new fire starts that break out.

“With several fires burning on the west slope of the Cascades and the fire danger increasing by the hour, our agency has decided to take the proactive step to bring in additional capacity to support the Oregon fire service,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We are thankful for our strong and storied partnership with CalOES and the California fire service. We work extremely well together and offer each other support when our communities are impacted by wildfire and other disasters.”

The OSFM currently has 11 task forces mobilized to two fires in Lane County, the Lookout Fire and the Bedrock Fire.

Over the next week, Oregonians and visitors should remain vigilant as the threat of wildfire is exceptionally high. The OSFM is urging everyone to be wildfire aware and practice wildfire prevention to avoid sparking additional wildfires.

ABOUT EMAC

EMAC is a national interstate mutual aid agreement that enables states to share resources during disasters. EMAC complements the federal disaster response system, providing timely and cost-effective relief to States requesting help from assisting member states that understand the needs of jurisdictions struggling to preserve life, the economy, and the environment.

Missing Blue River Teacher Found Drowned In Blue River Reservoir

LCSO Case #23-4333: Death Investigation

‘”If you missed the Live STAND UP AND BE HEARD episode regarding #MEKENNAREILY#SHANESPRENGER#CHASEROBERTSON#ERICBRAZIL PLUS #MICHAELBRYSON Go to this linkhttps://archive.kepw.org/And choose the show ENTITLED/Stand Up And Be Heard August 5th, 2023

Please join all of our Missing pages and help STAND UP TO SOLVE THESE CASES AND PREVENT MORE! Mekenna Reiley Investigation: Missing from Blue River, OregonMissing in Blue River Oregon area: Find Shane Sprenger On the look out for Chase Robertson LETS FIND MICHAEL BRYSON! GOD BLESS YOU Veronica Seals and Buck Wyld of Bikers Against Bullies USA – LANE COUNTY, OREGON and KEPW – PeaceWorks Community Radio FOR allowing us a voice to ADDRESS THIS NIGHTMARE. Please help us, please join in this Heartbreaking battle…, it could be your loved one next, or even yourself! This is ALL OF LANE COUNTY OREGONS FIGHT AND CRISIS!!! PLEASE JOIN AND SHARE FOR #lanecountyoregonmissingpersonsawarenessproject

‘”RIP Michael Bryson  August 5th, 2023 marks the THIRD ANNIVERSARY of your disappearance…., #michaelsarmy#THEREISNOFINISHLINE THERE ARE MANY WHOM KNOW SOMETHING! I KNOW YOU ARE SCARED… you can trust Michael’s Father Parrish Bryson .PLEASE USE THE ANONYMOUS TIP LINE OR contact Parrish or Tina …and the same goes for Mekenna ReileyShane Sprenger Chase Robertson And Eric Brazil.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/991331045333028/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=1006324260500373

August 16, 2023 Flat Fire Morning Update

Start Date: July 15, 2023 Total personnel : 536
Size: 33,895 acres Containment: 58%

Resources: 22 engines l 9 crews l 3 bulldozers l 20 water tenders l 9 masticators l 4 helicopters

Current Situation: With the increased temperatures and dry conditions, firefighters continue to utilize aviation resources to monitor the scattered hot spots. Fire activity is limited to small, isolated pockets inside the fire perimeter. Fire behavior for today is expected to remain the same with scattered areas of smoldering and creeping and occasional flare-ups with single tree torching. Crews continue to be vigilant with frequent localized weather observations and careful monitoring of ridge tops, drainages, unburned islands, and isolated heat sources. Warmer morning temperatures have created an increase of smoke in some areas. Some drift smoke may also appear from other wildfires across the region. Resources assigned to the Flat Fire continue to assist with initial attack in the area as well.

Today’s activities: All resources are in place, patrolling contained fire lines, monitoring for fire behavior changes, and utilizing both heavy equipment and hand crews for contingency work. Some resources will continue to be available for initial attack as well as assisting with the O’Brien Creek Fire and new starts to the south in Six Rivers National Forest. Air resources will continue to monitor the fire and will also remain available to support initial attack efforts if needed. The Southwest Team 3 will begin to arrive today and tomorrow, anticipating a transfer of command on Friday morning. The objectives for suppressing this fire remain the same and firefighters will continue working towards full containment of the Flat Fire.

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for temperatures a few degrees warmer than yesterday and slightly drier. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for portions of the Flat Fire through Thursday but a cooling trend is shaping up for the area starting on Friday and continuing through the weekend.
Smoke: The Smoke Outlook is available at: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b74901f7?
Closures: Closure orders for the fire area can be found at: https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts

Evacuations: Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status in place for areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire. Link to more
information: https://tinyurl.com/currycountyem

Restrictions: Fire danger is currently extreme; the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest will be moving into Stage 3 Public Use Restrictions (PURs) and IFPL Level 3 starting at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Stage 3 PURs do not allow campfires anywhere on the forest, including developed recreation sites. IFPL Level 3 is a partial shutdown allowing the use of mechanized equipment only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. The Bureau of Land Management Medford District, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District have also increased campfire restrictions on those lands located within the boundaries of the Wild section of the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River. The Wild section flows from Grave Creek to the mouth of Watson Creek. More information here: https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts

Please follow all fire restrictions to prevent wildfires. Know before you go. Check on whether there are any campfire restrictions at your recreation destination.

Governor Kotek Hosts Signing Ceremony For Health Care Bills

Governor Tina Kotek held a signing ceremony on Tuesday for two health care-related bills passed during the 2023 legislative session, according to state officials.

The state said that House Bill 2002, also known as the Reproductive Health and Access to Care Act, creates protections for patients seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care as well as for health care providers. The bill also closes gaps in insurance coverage for those seeking gender-affirming care, Gov. Kotek’s office said.

“With the leadership and collaboration that we saw across the health care landscape this session, I am confident that Oregon will continue to lead the way in building a more equitable health care system that centers patients and supports workers and providers,” Governor Kotek said.

State officials said that HB 2002 is in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that allowed many states to enact total bans on abortion, shut down abortion clinics, OBGYN clinics, and in some cases entire maternal care wings of hospitals.

“Abortion access is not an urban versus rural issue,” said Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber (D – Beaverton & SW Portland), chief sponsor of House Bill 2002. “Oregonians across the state agree that a person must have the right to make medical decisions about their body without the government getting in the way. That is precisely what House Bill 2002 does.”

State officials said that House Bill 2697 creates a minimum nurse-to-patient ratio and establishes committees for hospital care providers to improve staffing. This bill address staffing shortages in hospitals across the state and gives frontline health workers a voice in their workplaces, the state said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic made clear what many nurses and health care workers already knew: for Oregon to be the healthiest state it can be, its health care workers must be supported,” said Representative Travis Nelson (D – N & NE Portland), vice chair of the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee and a registered nurse. “I am particularly proud of the fact that this will be the best hospital staffing bill in the country, getting rid of the break buddy system in hospitals and putting nurse to patient ratios in statute. House Bill 2697 is a meaningful step toward retaining health care workers while ensuring that every hospital stay is a safe one.”

More record breaking heat is forecast for Oregon and SW Washington today. 

This creates a health risk for vulnerable populations, and a high wildfire risk across the entire region. Follow tips for extreme heat, make an evacuation plan, know evacuations levels.

What Should You Do During Extreme Heat?

 Stay Hydrated
o Drink plenty of fluids, 8-10 glasses of water per day is recommended.
o Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
o Replace salt and minerals with snacks or sports drinks.
 Stay Cool
o Limit your outdoor activity to early morning or evening hours.
o Stay in airconditioned areas as much as possible.
o Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
 Prevent Heat Illness
o Anyone can get heat illnesses, but pay close attention to vulnerable
populations:
o Older adults, infants, pregnant women, people with medical
conditions, and outdoor workers.
o Check on your neighbors, friends, and family.

The extreme heat means there’s a very high threat of wildfires, which can spread very quickly.

 Assemble an emergency kit to take with you when you evacuate. For a
detailed list of items to include visit www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-
prepare-for-emergencies.html
 Prepare an information kit with important documents like medical, banking
and insurance records.
 Save a list of emergency numbers on every cellphone.
 Plan for your pets and livestock. Ask local officials where you can bring
them.
 Identify a place to meet in case you are separated.
 Plan and practice several evacuation routes from your neighborhood.
If an evacuation is imminent:
 Tune in to local radio and television stations for updated emergency
information.
 Remove flammable items from decks and porches.
 Open gates for animals that cannot be evacuated.
 Connect a hose to an outside spigot, mark any water sources on your
property, and leave a ladder for firefighters.
 Put your emergency kit in your car. Back your car into the garage or park it
in an open space facing the direction of escape, with windows closed and
keys in the ignition.
 Put your best driver at the wheel. Turn on lights, drive slowly and watch out
for emergency vehicles.

Evacuation Levels – What Do They Mean?
 Level 1 – “BE READY! “ for potential evacuation.
 Level 2 – “BE SET!” to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s
notice.
 Level 3 – “GO!” evacuate now. Leave immediately!
For up-to-date information and alerts about emergencies in your area and
shelter locations, download theRed Cross Emergency App from your app
store. It’s free and available to both iPhone and Android users.
Multiple cities and towns in Oregon are setting up cooling centers in their
respective communities. The heat wave is expected to last at least through Friday.

Federal Energy Agency Seeks Public Comment On Two Oregon Coast Sites Slated For Floating Offshore Wind Farms

Two sites off the southern Oregon coast could soon be home to the state’s first floating offshore wind farms. But first, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will meet with residents and stakeholders in coastal towns, some of whom are concerned about impact to the fishing industry and marine ecosystems.

Officials from the ocean energy bureau announced Tuesday that they had identified two ideal “wind energy areas” near Coos Bay and Brookings. The two areas are 20 or more miles from land, collectively encompass about 344 square miles of ocean and could host enough floating wind turbines to generate 2.6 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power about 195,000 homes.

That would get Oregon closer to a goal passed by the state Legislature in 2021 to generate at least 3 gigawatts of electricity from offshore wind by 2030, part of the state’s larger climate strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2050. But it’s also raised concerns from some in the fishing industry and some environmentalists who fear unintended consequences to coastal marine life and the effect on their livelihoods.

“Placing giant turbines and anchors in a current system that is largely free-flowing and structure-free could cause irreparable harm to seabirds, marine mammals, fisheries management regimes and more,” said Susan Chambers, chair of the marine industries and fisheries advocacy group Southern Oregon Ocean Resource Coalition, in a statement last year. Chambers was responding to the federal ocean bureau’s interest in an even larger swath of ocean off the Oregon coast that had been identified as having potential for wind energy development. Several environmental groups opposed to the projects did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday.

Federal officials dropped a third wind energy area near Bandon that they were considering after officials did further research on the impact to the commercial fishing industry and to sensitive marine habitats.Public comment on the two wind energy areas announced Tuesday will be accepted online and by mail for the next 60 days. The meetings with residents, which are not yet scheduled, will be open to the public, with one designed to reach people heavily involved in fishing, the bureau said.

“We continue to prioritize a robust and transparent process, including ongoing engagement with tribal governments, agency partners, the fishing community and other ocean users,” Elizabeth Klein, the bureau’s director, said in a news release.

Following public comment, officials could update the plans, and the bureau will prepare to host an auction to lease the sites to companies interested in developing them, potentially by the end of 2023. A similar auction in California in 2022 brought in $757 million in winning bids from three multinational companies and one domestic company developing floating wind farms. President Joe Biden has pledged to develop at least 15 gigawatts of floating offshore wind by 2035. (SOURCE)

Acclaimed Authors Featured in 2023 Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony: Anna Welch Announced as Winner of 2023 Award

BEND, OR — How can or can’t species adapt to the effects of climate change? For decades, Thor Hanson, Ph.D. (thorhanson.net) — respected biologist, author, Guggenheim Fellow and Switzer Environmental Fellow — has travelled the world, written several books and won the renowned John Burroughs Medal in pursuit of answers to this pressing question.

As the keynote speaker at this year’s Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony, Hanson will speak on this all-too-relevant topic, and later, participate in a book signing alongside decorated writer and this year’s guest judge Rena Priest (renapriest.com) and the 2023 award winner Anna Welch (annakwelch.com). The Prize ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 14 at the High Desert Museum.

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize honors a writer who uses the desert as both subject and setting and illustrates artistic excellence, sensitivity to place, and desert literacy. The winner — emerging, mid-career or established — must also be in the process of completing a book-length manuscript focused on any desert region.

The evening will open with the presentation of the 2023 Waterston Prize to Anna Welch by guest judge Rena Priest, which includes a $3,000 award and residency at PLAYA at Summer Lake, an arts and sciences campus located in South-Central Oregon.

“Thanks to Rena Priest’s thoughtful judging, we have the opportunity to recognize an intrepid and talented new desert writer in Anna Welch,” said Prize founder Ellen Waterston. “Now in its ninth year, the growing numbers of winners and finalists of the Waterston Desert Writing Prize distinguish the mission of the Prize and individually do creative justice to desert literature.”

Readings by Welch and Priest will be followed with Hanson closing out the evening.

“We are honored to have these incredible writers join us at this year’s Waterston Desert Writing Prize,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “Thor Hanson’s extensive research on climate and climate change make for deep storytelling about this iconic desert place — all of which fits into the Prize’s aim to elevate desert landscapes through literary nonfiction.

“Rena Priest’s most recent book Northwest Know-How: Beaches, which includes poems, retellings of legends and descriptions of 29 of the most beloved beaches in the Pacific Northwest, will undoubtedly inspire and spark discussion,” Whitelaw continued. “And every year brings a new desert writer to this distinguished group—Anna Welch’s work will be a wonderful addition to this year’s program. We’re so pleased to welcome them all.”

Welch will read from her winning submission, “Momentum: A Trans-Continental Bicycle Journey,” which details her 2019 adventure 3,700 miles across the continental United States. During that substantial bicycling trip, Welch encountered her first desert, an experience she eloquently expands upon within her winning text.

Welch holds a degree in English Literature from the University of Otago and currently plants trees and surveys wildlife. Her work has been published in Wilderness Magazine and was most recently featured in the anthology True Travel Tales by Fine Line Press. She is originally from New Zealand and currently resides in Scotland.

Priest, an enrolled member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation, served as the first Native American Poet Laureate in Washington state. Her debut collection, Patriarchy Blues, earned an American Book Award. Later in her career, Priest was named the 2022 Maxine Cushing Gray Distinguished Writing Fellow.

Hanson is the author of Buzz, The Triumph of Seeds, Feathers and The Impenetrable Forest, as well as the illustrated children’s favorite, Bartholomew Quill. Honors for his books have included the John Burroughs Medal, The Phi Beta Kappa Award in Science, The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize, and three Pacific Northwest Book Awards. His writing has been translated into more than 10 languages.

The award was initially inspired by author and poet Waterston’s love of the High Desert, a region that has been her muse for more than 30 years. The Prize recognizes the vital role deserts play worldwide in the ecosystem and human narrative.

In 2020, the High Desert Museum—which has long hosted events for the Prize—adopted the program. The mission and goals of the Prize complement those of the High Desert Museum, emphasizing the importance of protecting deserts and creating important conversations about the issues affecting them.

The event will start at 5:30 pm on Thursday, September 14 at the Museum with a reception. After, the program will span from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm and a book signing will take place from 8:00 pm-8:45 pm. For tickets to the event, visit: highdesertmuseum.org/waterston-prize-tickets.

The 2023 Waterston Desert Writing Prize is possible with support from Charles Redd Center for Western Studies and in partnership with Oregon State University-Cascades.

To learn more about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize, please visit: highdesertmusum.org/waterston-prize.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.